bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach to Modelling Mangrove Phenology from Satellite Images: A Case Study from Northern Australia
Authors: Younes Nicolas , Northfield Tobin D. , Joyce Karen E. , Maier Stefan W. , Duke Norman C. , Lymburner Leo
Published: December 2020

Around the world, the effects of changing plant phenology are evident in many ways: from earlier and longer growing seasons to altering the relationships between plants and their natural pollinators. Plant phenology is often monitored using satellite images and parametric methods. Parametric methods assume that ecosystems have unimodal phenologies and that the phenology model is invariant through space and time. In evergreen ecosystems such as mangrove forests, these assumptions may not hold true. Here we present a novel, data-driven approach to extract plant phenology from Landsat imagery using Generalized Additive Models (GAMs). Using GAMs, we created models for six different mangrove forests across Australia. In contrast to parametric methods, GAMs let the data define the shape of the phenological curve, hence showing the unique characteristics of each study site. We found that the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) model is related to leaf production rate (from in situ data), leaf gain and net leaf production (from the published literature). We also found that EVI does not respond immediately to leaf gain in most cases, but has a two- to three-month lag. We also identified the start of season and peak growing season dates at our field site. The former occurs between September and October and the latter May and July. The GAMs allowed us to identify dual phenology events in our study sites, indicated by two instances of high EVI and two instances of low EVI values throughout the year. We contribute to a better understanding of mangrove phenology by presenting a data-driven method that allows us to link physical changes of mangrove forests with satellite imagery. In the future, we will use GAMs to (1) relate phenology to environmental variables (e.g., temperature and rainfall) and (2) predict phenological changes.
Defect Classification of Green Plums Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhou Haiyan , Zhuang Zilong , Liu Ying , Liu Yang , Zhang Xiao
Published: December 2020

The green plum is rich in amino acids, lipids, inorganic salts, vitamins, and trace elements. It has high nutritional value and medicinal value and is very popular among Chinese people. However, green plums are susceptible to collisions and pests during growth, picking, storage, and transportation, causing surface defects, affecting the quality of green plums and their products and reducing their economic value. In China, defect detection and grading of green plum products are still performed manually. Traditional manual classification has low accuracy and high cost, which is far from meeting the production needs of green plum products. In order to improve the economic value of green plums and their products and improve the automation and intelligence level of the product production process, this study adopted deep learning methods based on a convolutional neural network and cost-effective computer vision technology to achieve efficient classification of green plum defects. First, a camera and LEDs were used to collect 1240 green plum images of RGB, and the green plum experimental classification standard was formulated and divided into five categories, namely, rot, spot, scar, crack, and normal. Images were randomly divided into a training set and test set, and the number of images of the training set was expanded. Then, the stochastic weight averaging (SWA) optimizer and w-softmax loss function were used to improve the VGG network, which was trained and tested to generate a green plum defect detection network model. The average recognition accuracy of green plum defects was 93.8%, the test time for each picture was 84.69 ms, the recognition rate of decay defect was 99.25%, and the recognition rate of normal green plum was 95.65%. The results were compared with the source VGG network, resnet18 network, and green lemon network. The results show that for the classification of green plum defects, the recognition accuracy of the green plum defect detection network increased by 9.8% and 16.6%, and the test speed is increased by 1.87 and 6.21 ms, respectively, which has certain advantages.
Family Income and Student Educational and Cognitive Outcomes in China: Exploring the Material and Psychosocial Mechanisms
Authors: Wen Ming , Wang Weidong , Wan Neng , Su Dejun
Published: December 2020

Leveraging data from a nationally representative school-based adolescent survey, the current study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of how family income is associated with multiple cognitive and educational outcomes in China and examine the underlying material and psychosocial mechanisms. We found robust associations of family income with school grades, cognitive ability, and study attitude, but not with homework engagement. Moreover, we found that home amenities, i.e., measuring home-based material resources, played the largest mediating role in explaining family income effects on cognitive ability and study attitude. Among the non-monetary or intangible intervening factors, children’s own and peers’ educational aspirations along with mother-child communication were the most important mechanisms. To a lesser extent, family income effects were also attributable to harmonious parent-child and between-parent relationships. The key take-home message is that home environments constitute a prominent setting outside of school exerting powerful influences shaping school outcomes for Chinese adolescents. Our study contributes to a better understanding of how family economic resources are transmitted to children’s cognitive and educational advantages via home material resources, family non-monetary features, children’s agency, and peer influence. Policy implications and future research are discussed.
Improving the Strategic Benchmarking of Intellectual Capital Management in Logistics Service Providers
Authors: Wudhikarn Ratapol , Chakpitak Nopasit , Neubert Gilles
Published: December 2020

This research developed a new integrated method for addressing the deficiencies and gaps generally found in past studies on benchmarking and for benchmarking intellectual capital (IC) in the underdeveloped domain of logistics. To resolve the lack of consideration of relationships among past benchmarking concepts and the impacts of their managerial factors, as well as to examine the wide range of elements and indicators of IC influencing the sustainable development of organizations, the proposed approach integrated the analytic network process and the concept of thinking and non-thinking assets with the generic benchmarking procedure. This new hybrid method was implemented in four commercial companies in courier service. The proposed method prioritized and identified the magnitudes of the factors focused upon, including the IC elements, and their performance measures by considering the fundamental characteristics of intangible assets. The obtained results highlight that management focuses on the IC of the best performer and other companies. This benchmarked outcome showed gaps and improvement as well as sustainable development opportunities for inferior logistics companies. The improved framework provides more systematic and specific benchmarking processes to consider, obtain, and compare the in-depth details of IC management. Moreover, ours is the first research on benchmarking that specifically focused on IC management in logistics service providers.
A Progressive Model for Quality Benchmarks of Trainees’ Satisfaction in Medical Education: Towards Strategic Enhancement of Residency Training Programs at Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)
Authors: Housawi Abdulrahman , Al Amoudi Amal , Alsaywid Basim , Lytras Miltiadis , H. bin Μoreba Yara , Abuznadah Wesam , Munshi Fadi , Al Haider Sami , W. Tolah Abrar
Published: December 2020

The latest developments in Sustainable Health focus on the provision of high quality medical training to health specialists, with a special focus on human factors. The need to promote effective Training Programs also reflects the job satisfaction needs of trainees. The objective of this study is to evaluate the trainees’ satisfaction with the quality of Training Programs and assess the degree of achievement based on the defined parameters to provide baseline data based on which strategies for improvement can be formulated. Our study was conducted in Saudi Arabia and our targeted population was residents in medical programs supervised by the Saudi Commission for the Health Specialties (SCFHS). The trainees’ response rate to the online survey was 27% (3696/13,688) and the key aspects of job satisfaction investigated include: Satisfaction with Academic Activities in the Center; Satisfaction with the Residents and Colleagues in the Center; Satisfaction with the Administrative Components in the Center; Satisfaction with the Training Programs; Satisfaction with the Specialty; Satisfaction with the Training Center; Satisfaction with the SCFHS. The main contribution of our work is a benchmark model for job satisfaction that can be used as a managerial tool for the enhancement of medical education with reference to the satisfaction of trainees. We analyze the key aspects and components of training satisfaction and we introduce our progressive model for Trainees’ Satisfaction in Medical Training. In future work, we intend to enhance the proposed framework with a set of key performance indicators as well as with a focused cause and effect focused survey on factors related to the key benchmark of this study.
Users’ Acceptance of Connected and Automated Shuttles for Tourism Purposes: A Survey Study
Authors: Battistini Roberto , Mantecchini Luca , Postorino Maria Nadia
Published: December 2020

In recent years, autonomous vehicles have received increasing attention and many studies in the literature have discussed the potentialities and the opportunities they could offer. Despite the potential benefits, mainly related to the expected reduction in accidents and congestion phenomena as well as the potentially improved social inclusion of people with driving difficulties (e.g., people with physical disabilities or elderly people), many aspects remain to be addressed, mainly for understanding users’ acceptance in the case of collective transport vehicles. This study proposes an analysis based on a survey aimed at exploring user’s preferences with respect to the use of autonomous shuttles (ASs) for tourism purposes. The main correlations between the variables considered and the preferences of potential users have been discussed. Interviewees expressed high confidence in AS technology, although the analyses performed about willingness to pay show that users give more relevance to the provided transport services than the AS technology.
Green New Deal Policy of South Korea: Policy Innovation for a Sustainability Transition
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyup , Woo Jisuk
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the recently announced “Green New Deal” policy of South Korea as a sustainability transition strategy. Originally proposed as a post-COVID-19 stimulus plan, the Green New Deal is a sustainability-centered strategy for building a low-carbon and climate-neutral economy. The Green New Deal sets out eight targets to be accomplished under three strategic areas: green urban development, low-carbon decentralized energy, and innovative green industry. The Deal also takes measures to protect the people and sectors at a higher risk of being left behind in the process of the economic transition. It is an upgraded version of the “Green Growth” national policy, with more emphasis on sustainability in addition to the growth aspect. This paper will examine the accomplishments and challenges during the Green Growth policy era and argue why the transition to the new Green New Deal is necessary for a sustainability transition.
Adding the Mureş River Basin (Transylvania, Romania) to the List of Hotspots with High Contamination with Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Burcea Alexandru , Boeraş Ioana , Mihuţ Claudia-Maria , Bănăduc Doru , Matei Claudiu , Curtean-Bănăduc Angela
Published: December 2020

Background: The Mureș River Basin is a long-term heavily polluted watershed, in a situation of climate changes with decreasing water flow and related decreasing dilution capacity. Here, a mixture of emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals were targeted to reveal potential risks regarding the natural lotic ecosystems. Due to the continuous discharge into the environment, pharmaceuticals are gaining persistent organic pollutant characteristics and are considered emerging pollutants. Based on the hazard quotient, this research highlights the dangerous concentrations of carbamazepine, ibuprofen, furosemide, and enalapril in river water. Results: High levels of four pharmaceutical compounds (carbamazepine, ibuprofen, furosemide, and enalapril) and some of their derived metabolites (enalaprilat, carboxyibuprofen, 1-hydroxyibuprofen, and 2-hydroxyibuprofen) were reported in our study in the Mureș River Basin. Overall, pharmaceutical concentrations were found to be highest in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, median downstream of the WWTP, and lowest upstream of the WWTP, as was expected. For all pharmaceutical compounds tested, we recorded concentrations above the limit of quantification (LOQ) in at least one of the sites tested. Carbamazepine exhibited the highest mean values upstream, downstream, and at the WWTP. As expected, the highest concentrations for all the studied pharmaceutical compounds were detected in the WWTP effluent. All Hazard Quotient (HQ) values were below one (on a logarithmic scale in base 10), with the highest values in the WWTP and the lowest in the river upstream of the WWTP. The HQ intervals were in the same range for furosemide, carbamazepine, and ibuprofen at each of the three different sites: upstream WWTP effluent, and downstream. The interval for enalapril stands out as having the lowest HQ at all three sites. Conclusions: Based on these results, the large and complex hydrographical system Mureș River Basin was transformed from a grey area, with little information about pharmaceutical contamination, to a hotspot in terms of contamination with emerging pollutants. Pharmaceutical compound concentrations were found to be the highest in WWTP effluents. The WWTP effluent concentrations were among the highest in Europe, indicating that treatment plants are the primary source of water pollution with pharmaceuticals compounds. The detected levels were higher than the safety limit for carbamazepine and ibuprofen. The determined HQ values imply that the measured levels do pose a threat to the environment for the studied pharmaceuticals. Based on the obtained results, human communities can assess, monitor, predict, and adapt in time to these already-present regional challenges and risks for sustainable use of natural resources, including water and associated products and services.
Modeling Flash Floods and Induced Recharge into Alluvial Aquifers Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing and Electrical Resistivity Imaging
Authors: El-Saadawy Omnia , Gaber Ahmed , Othman Abdullah , Abotalib Abotalib Z. , El Bastawesy Mohammed , Attwa Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Flash flood hazard assessments, mitigation measures, and water harvesting efforts in desert environments are often challenged by data scarcity on the basin scale. The present study, using the Wadi Atfeh catchment as a test site, integrates remote sensing datasets with field and geoelectrical measurements to assess flash flood hazards, suggest mitigation measures, and to examine the recharge to the alluvium aquifer. The estimated peak discharge of the 13 March 2020 flood event was 97 m3/h, which exceeded the capacity of the culverts beneath the Eastern Military Highway (64 m3/h), and a new dam was suggested, where 75% of the catchment could be controlled. The monitoring of water infiltration into the alluvium aquifer using time-lapse electrical resistivity measurements along a fixed profile showed a limited connection between the wetted surficial sediments and the water table. Throughflow is probably the main source of recharge to the aquifer rather than vertical infiltration at the basin outlet. The findings suggest further measures to avoid the negative impacts of flash floods at the Wadi Atfeh catchment and similar basins in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Furthermore, future hydrological studies in desert environments should take into consideration the major role of the throughflow in alluvium aquifer recharge.
A Knowledge-Based System as a Sustainable Software Application for the Supervision and Intelligent Control of an Alcoholic Fermentation Process
Authors: Sipos Anca
Published: December 2020

One goal of specialists in food processing is to increase production efficiency in accordance with sustainability by optimising the consumption of raw food materials, water, and energy. One way to achieve this purpose is to develop new methods for process monitoring and control. In the winemaking industry, there is a lack of procedures regarding the common work based on knowledge acquisition and intelligent control. In the present article, we developed and tested a knowledge-based system for the alcoholic fermentation process of white winemaking while considering the main phases: the latent phase, exponential growth phase, and decay phase. The automatic control of the white wine’s alcoholic fermentation process was designed as a system on three levels. Level zero represents the measurement and adjustment loops of the bioreactor. At the first level of control, the three phases of the process are detected functions of the characteristics of the fermentation medium (the initial substrate concentration, the nitrogen assimilable content, and the initial concentration of biomass) and, thus, functions on the phase’s duration. The second level achieves the sequence supervision of the process (the operation sequence of a fermentation batch) and transforms the process into a continuous one. This control level ensures the quality of the process as well as its diagnosis. This software application can be extended to the industrial scale and can be improved by using further artificial intelligence techniques.
Robust Optimization Model for R&D Project Selection under Uncertainty in the Automobile Industry
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Cho Yongju , Ko Minjae
Published: December 2020

In a company, project management is responsible for project selection from candidates under some limited constraints to achieve the company’s goal before the project begins as well as the project operations in progress. The development of new technologies and products can broaden a company’s market share, and to do so, research and development (R&D) projects are significant. However, limited funds force a company to select projects that can best represent the company’s interests. As projects may take a long time to develop, a number of uncertainties may occur, and the most concerning uncertainty is cost uncertainty. In this study, a robust optimization decision model for project selection considering cost uncertainty is proposed to assist the decision-making process for companies that need to select projects from a number of candidates due to limited funds. The model considers project selection in view of the total cost of ownership, which is a key factor for customers and companies in the automobile industry. The proposed model is tested in the automobile industry environment with different conservatism levels about cost uncertainty, and an analysis of expected market changes and a company’s income is performed with the solutions obtained from the proposed model. The result shows that the presented model reacts to cost uncertainty robustly for assisting the decision-makers in the company.
Relation between Pupils’ Mathematical Self-Efficacy and Mathematical Problem Solving in the Context of the Teachers’ Preferred Pedagogies
Authors: Chytrý Vlastimil , Medová Janka , Říčan Jaroslav , Škoda Jiří
Published: December 2020

In research focused on self-efficacy it is usually teacher-related phenomena that are studied, while the main aspects related to pupils are rather neglected, although self-efficacy itself is perceived as a belief in one’s own abilities. Evidently, this strongly influences the behavior of individuals in terms of the goal and success in mathematical problem-solving. Considering that alternative teaching methods are based on the principle of belief in one’s own ability (mainly in the case of group work), higher self-efficacy can be expected in the pupils of teachers who use predominantly the well-working pupil-centered pedagogies. A total of 1133 pupils in grade 5 from 36 schools in the Czech Republic were involved in the testing of their ability to solve mathematical problems and their mathematical self-efficacy as well. Participants were divided according to the above criteria as follows: (i) 73 from Montessori primary schools, (ii) 332 pupils educated in mathematics according to the Hejný method, (iii) 510 pupils from an ordinary primary school, and (iv) 218 pupils completing the Dalton teaching plan. In the field of mathematical problem-solving the pupils from the Montessori primary schools clearly outperformed pupils from the Dalton Plan schools (p = 0.027) as well as pupils attending ordinary primary schools (p = 0.009), whereas the difference between the Montessori schools and Hejný classes was not significant (p = 0.764). There is no statistically significant difference in the level of self-efficacy of pupils with respect to the preferred strategies for managing learning activities (p = 0.781). On the other hand, correlation between mathematical problem-solving and self-efficacy was confirmed in all the examined types of schools. However, the correlation coefficient was lower in the case of the pupils from the classes applying the Hejný method in comparison with the pupils attending the Montessori schools (p = 0.073), Dalton Plan schools (p = 0.043), and ordinary primary schools (p = 0.002). Even though the results in mathematical problem-solving are not consistent across the studies, the presented results confirm better performance of pupils in some constructivist settings, particularly in the case of individual constructivism in the Montessori primary schools. The factors influencing lower correlation of self-efficacy and performance in mathematical problem-solving ought to be subject to further investigation.
“Everything Will Be Fine”: A Study on the Relationship between Employees’ Perception of Sustainable HRM Practices and Positive Organizational Behavior during COVID19
Authors: Manuti Amelia , Giancaspro Maria Luisa , Molino Monica , Ingusci Emanuela , Russo Vincenzo , Signore Fulvio , Zito Margherita , Cortese Claudio Giovanni
Published: December 2020

Sustainable human resource management practices represent one of the main organizational strategy to survive and to prosper within the fast-moving current scenario. According to this view, sustainability is strictly linked to the consideration of the unique and distinctive value that each human resource means for organizations. The recent COVID19 pandemic is having a serious impact on organizations and on their employees, it is profoundly changing the working modalities, mainly introducing smart working practices that were showed to have significant consequences on workers’ wellbeing. This study aims to investigate employees’ perception of sustainable HRM in the frame of the COVID19 emergency, exploring if and to what extent perceptions of involvement and organizational support together with individual coping strategies associated with organizational change could influence positive organizational behaviors, namely organizational engagement and extra-role behavior. The research involved 549 participants who completed a self-report online questionnaire encompassing psycho-social measures of the abovementioned variables. Results confirmed the important role played by sustainable HRM practices both for the capitalization of human resources and of organizational performance in a time of great uncertainty and global crisis. Implications for theory and HRM practice development were also discussed.
The Transition from Traditional Infrastructure to Living SOC and Its Effectiveness for Community Sustainability: The Case of South Korea
Authors: Kim Yeonsoo , Oh Jooseok , Kim Seiyong
Published: December 2020

In 2018, the South Korean government began promoting a “livelihood-improving” social overhead capital policy based on the concepts of an inclusive city, smart shrinkage, and the balanced development of metropolitan and provincial cities. Based on a review of the extant literature and relevant policies from South Korea, this study explores this policy’s implementation and makes some suggestions for its sustainability. This study compares the current state of South Korea’s urban facilities’ and the balance of their supply between metropolitan and provincial cities. To discern which type of facility central and local governments should prioritize, this study conducts a stepwise regression analysis and identifies which preexisting facilities influence the facility type proposed by the current policy. Results show that South Korea’s living infrastructure is well distributed among metropolitan and provincial cities. However, urban planning shows little consideration for minimizing the distance between facilities and residential zones. In terms of facility types, the supply of education and local community facilities was adequate throughout the country, while culture and art facilities were inadequate. In metropolitan cities, the supply of sports and leisure facilities was insufficient.
Making Room for Volunteer Participation in Managing Public Affairs: A Russian Experience
Authors: Pevnaya Maria V. , Drozdova Anna A. , Cernicova-Buca Mariana
Published: December 2020

In 2018, the United Nations Volunteers organization recognized that the governmental support for volunteering is a superior public management practice, offering the much-needed fuel for the integration of volunteering in politics, law-making, and social planning at the government level. The present article analyzes the current situation of governmental support for volunteering at federal, regional, and local levels of public administration in the Russian Federation as a precondition for making coproduction of public services possible. The analysis is based on the scrutiny of documents, a questionnaire survey of Russian volunteers, and an expert poll of public servants and nonprofit organizations (NPO) leaders. The analysis of the state policy of support for volunteering is carried out with respect to the following parameters: the awareness and evaluation of national measures of the governmental support for volunteering, as well as the evaluation of informational, financial, consulting, and organizational measures to support volunteer organizations by regional and municipal civil servants. In a country such as the Russian Federation, where volunteering is a relatively young social phenomenon, public administration needs not only to provide support, but also to administer transformation processes toward sustainable development, relying on the partnership and resources volunteers bring for effectively managing public life.
A Platform for AI-Enabled Real-Time Feedback to Promote Digital Collaboration
Authors: Porter Beth , Grippa Francesca
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the effect of AI-enabled real-time feedback on group dynamics and individual behavior. While feedback interventions have been employed for several years to trigger behavioral change, the lack of instantaneous feedback and the required infrastructure are limiting the widespread use of these interventions. The methodology we describe offers immediate pointers to participants through the use of the Meeting Mediator (MM), an online intervention tool that shows the conversational balance of participants and offers immediate feedback to team members, with limited intermediation of the researchers. Both the experimental group—exposed to the MM—and the control group completed two tasks, which involved making a series of complex decisions as a group in the form of two moral reasoning tasks. Results confirmed that participants exposed to the MM experienced approximately twice as large of an increase in self-assessed dominance over the control group as those who were exposed only once. This effect is also present on repeated exposures, and becomes more pronounced with each subsequent exposure. When participants were exposed to the MM either in the first task or in the second task, their performance increased, though we found no positive impact when groups were exposed several times to it. Overall, this experiment demonstrates the benefits of using AI-enabled tools to promote effective collaboration and sustainable growth in corporate settings and online education environments, which requires the development of critical thinking and self-reflection skills.
Online Shopping Motives during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Lessons from the Crisis
Authors: Koch Julia , Frommeyer Britta , Schewe Gerhard
Published: December 2020

The investigation of established drivers of online purchase behavior is of great relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic, as companies must anticipate consumer behavior during this global crisis to maintain a competitive edge. This study investigates online shopping motives of generation Y and Z during the COVID-19 shutdown in April 2020. We use survey data from 451 German consumers to examine the relations between normative, utilitarian and hedonic motives, and purchase intentions employing structural equation modeling. The results show that normative determinants such as media reports on the economic situation are related to consumers’ purchase intentions, whereas the normative influence of close social networks is not. Furthermore, we find that hedonic motivation is a better predictor of purchase intentions than utilitarian motives and that individuals practicing social distancing, generation Z, and women show higher levels of hedonic motivation. We provide recommendations for e-commerce companies on ways to address consumers’ purchase motives and strategically harness normative influences.
Mapping Influenza-Induced Posttranslational Modifications on Histones from CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Rezinciuc Svetlana , Tian Zhixin , Wu Si , Hengel Shawna , Pasa-Tolic Ljiljana , Smallwood Heather S.
Published: December 2020

T cell function is determined by transcriptional networks that are regulated by epigenetic programming via posttranslational modifications (PTMs) to histone proteins and DNA. Bottom-up mass spectrometry (MS) can identify histone PTMs, whereas intact protein analysis by MS can detect species missed by bottom-up approaches. We used a novel approach of online two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem MS with high-resolution reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), alternating electron transfer dissociation (ETD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) on precursor ions to maximize fragmentation of uniquely modified species. The first online RPLC separation sorted histone families, then RPLC or weak cation exchange hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (WCX-HILIC) separated species heavily clad in PTMs. Tentative identifications were assigned by matching proteoform masses to predicted theoretical masses that were verified with tandem MS. We used this innovative approach for histone-intact protein PTM mapping (HiPTMap) to identify and quantify proteoforms purified from CD8 T cells after in vivo influenza infection. Activation significantly altered PTMs following influenza infection, histone maps changed as T cells migrated to the site of infection, and T cells responding to secondary infections had significantly more transcription enhancing modifications. Thus, HiPTMap identified and quantified proteoforms and determined changes in CD8 T cell histone PTMs over the course of infection.
Navigating the Quagmire: Comparison and Interpretation of COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1/2 Clinical Trials
Authors: Giurgea Luca Tudor , Memoli Matthew James
Published: December 2020

Vaccines against Coronavirus Disease 2019 Originated-19) have been developed with unprecedented rapidity, many utilizing novel strategies. As of November 2020, a series of publications have outlined the results of phase 1/2 studies of nine different vaccines planned to move forward to phase 3 trials. The results are encouraging, demonstrating a paucity of severe or serious adverse events and robust induction of antibody titers. Determination of the vaccine candidates with the highest protective efficacy and best adverse event profiles will be essential in refining public health strategies. However, differences in study design and reporting of data make comparisons of existing phase 1/2 studies difficult. With respect to safety, studies have variable follow-up times and may use different definitions for adverse events. Immunogenicity outcomes are even more inconsistent, with variations in timepoints and critical differences in the types of antibodies studied as well as methodological differences in assays. Furthermore, the correlates of protection in COVID-19 are not known. Harmonization of phase 3 trial designs and use of objective and meaningful clinical outcomes will be crucial in streamlining future global responses to the pandemic.
Immunization of Chickens with the Enterobactin Conjugate Vaccine Reduced Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in the Intestine
Authors: Cui Yifang , Guo Fangfang , Guo Jie , Cao Xiaoya , Wang Huiwen , Yang Bing , Zhou Hongzhuan , Su Xia , Zeng Ximin , Lin Jun , Xu Fuzhou
Published: December 2020

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading bacterial cause of human enteritis in developed countries. Chicken is the major animal reservoir of C. jejuni and a powerful infection model for human campylobacteriosis. No commercial vaccine against C. jejuni is available to date. The high affinity iron acquisition mediated through enterobactin (Ent), a small siderophore, plays a critical role in the colonization of C. jejuni in the intestine. Recently, an innovative Ent conjugate vaccine has been demonstrated to induce high-level of Ent-specific antibodies in rabbits; the Ent-specific antibodies displayed potent binding ability to Ent and inhibited Ent-dependent growth of C. jejuni. In this study, using specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, we performed three trials to evaluate the immunogenicity of the Ent conjugate vaccine and its efficacy to control C. jejuni colonization in the intestine. The purified Ent was conjugated to the carrier keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Intramuscular immunization of chickens with the Ent–KLH conjugate for up to three times did not affect the body weight gain, the development of major immune organs and the gut microbiota. In the first two trials, immunizations of chickens with different regimens (two or three times of vaccination) consistently induced strong Ent-specific immune response when compared to control group. Consistent with the high-level of systemic anti-Ent IgG, C. jejuni colonization was significantly reduced by 3–4 log10 units in the cecum in two independent vaccination trials. The third trial demonstrated that single Ent–KLH vaccination is sufficient to elicit high level of systemic Ent-specific antibodies, which could persist for up to eight weeks in chickens. Taken together, the Ent–KLH conjugate vaccine could induce high-level of Ent-specific antibodies in chickens and confer host protection against C. jejuni colonization, which provides a novel strategy for Campylobacter control in poultry and humans.
Investigating the Influence of Fluid-Structure Interactions on Nonlinear System Identification
Authors: Syuhri Skriptyan N. H. , Zare-Behtash Hossein , Cammarano Andrea
Published: December 2020

A complex fluid-structure interaction can often create nonlinear dynamic behaviour in the structure. This can be better estimated using nonlinear modal analysis, capable of identifying and quantifying the nonlinearity in the structure. In this study, the case of a vibrating beam submerged in liquid using a nonlinear parameter identification method is presented. This system is considered as an alternative propulsion mechanism, hence understanding the interaction between the fluid and the structure is necessary for its control. Here, impulse signals are used to characterise the numerical and experimental dynamics response of the system. Since the transient responses contain of a multi-component vibratory signals, a vibration decomposition method is used to separate the time response signals based on the dominant amplitude in the frequency response function. The separated time-series signals are then fitted to the nonlinear identification method to construct the backbone and damping curves. The modal parameters obtained from experimental data are then used as a base for the development of the analytical models. The analytical approaches are based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory with additional mass and quadratic damping functions to account for the presence of the fluid. Validations are carried out by comparing the dynamic responses of the analytical and experimental measurements demonstrating the accuracy of the model and hence, its suitability for control purposes.
Where do GPs find patients with possible palliative care needs? A cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Leysen Bert , Van den Eynden Bart , Wens Johan
Published: December 2020

Background

For GPs to implement early palliative care, the first step is to identify patients with palliative care needs. The surprise question (SQ) is a screening tool that aims to aid this identification; for example, a response of 'no' to the SQ — 'Would you be surprised if this patient would die within a year?' — would suggest palliative care may be needed.

Aim

To describe setting-specific screening results of patients eligible for early palliative care in family practices, which is defined as patients aged ≥45 years with GPs' responses of 'no' to the SQ.

Design & setting

A secondary analysis was undertaken using a cross-sectional descriptive study in family practices in five areas in Belgium.

Method

GPs were recruited by targeted sampling. As a first part of an implementation research project, participating GPs provided demographic information about themselves and also provided a response to the SQ for all patients who came to the practice in 10 consecutive office days. A summary table describing the sex, age, location of contact (GP surgeries, patients' homes, or nursing homes) of the patients was provided by each GP.

Results

Fifty-six GPs provided complete data for the practice summary tables. In total, 9150 patients were described (all ages, all settings), of which 506 patients (6%) had a GP response of 'no' to the SQ. The distribution of SQ-no-as-answer patients per setting was: 152/7659 (2%) patients seen in family practice surgeries; 139/998 (14%) patients seen in their homes; and 215/493 (44%) patients seen in nursing homes.

Conclusion

There was a large number of patients with SQ-no-as-answer, with possible palliative care needs. To enhance implementation of early palliative care, future research should compare results of SQ and other screening tools with palliative care symptoms assessments.
Alternative approaches to managing respiratory tract infections: a survey of public perceptions
Authors: Moore Alex , Cannings-John Rebecca , Butler Christopher C , McNulty Cliodna AM , Francis Nick A
Published: December 2020

Background

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common reason for people to consult in primary care, and contribute to antibiotic overuse and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Alternative approaches to supporting patients with RTIs may help, but it is important to understand public perceptions about these approaches before they are widely implemented.

Aim

To describe public perceptions regarding finger-prick testing, back-up antibiotic prescriptions (BUPs), and alternatives to traditional consultations for RTIs, and identify factors associated with favouring these approaches.

Design & setting

Online national survey (HealthWise Wales) with linked primary care health record data.

Method

Survey item response distributions were described. Associations between responses about consultation alternatives, BUP, and finger-prick point-of-care testing (POCT), and potential explanatory variables, were explored using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 8752 participants completed the survey between 2016 and 2018. The survey found 76.7% (n = 3807/4,966) and 71.2% (n = 3529/4,953) of responders with valid responses were in favour of being able to consult with a pharmacist or nurse in their GP surgery, or with a community pharmacist, respectively. It also showed 92.8% (n = 8034/8659) of responders indicated they would be happy to have a finger-prick test to guide antibiotic prescribing, and 31.8% (n = 2746/8646) indicated they would like to be given a BUP if their clinician thought immediate antibiotics were not required. In addition, 47.4% (n = 2342/4944) and 42.3% (n = 2095/4949) were in favour of having video and email consultations, respectively. Characteristics associated with different response options were identified.

Conclusion

Consulting with pharmacists, using electronic communication tools, and finger-prick testing are widely acceptable approaches. BUP was described as acceptable less often, and is likely to require greater information and support when used.
Institutional Quality and Shadow Economy: An Investment Potential Evaluation Model
Authors: Lyulyov Oleksii , Moskalenko Bogdan
Published: December 2020

The article summarizes some arguments as regards the scientific challenge on improving approaches to evaluating the country’s investment potential. The main objective of the research is to identify the features and perspectives of applying the variables such as the shadow economy and the integrated institutional quality index into a model evaluating the country’s investment potential. To solve this task, systematization of the related theoretical and methodological materials has been done. The methodological tools of the research are carried out in the following logical sequence: systematization of existing statistical methods for estimating the shadow economy; time data series analysis; and regression analysis. The scope of the shadow economy could be estimated as a dependent variable, with both its determinants and indicators detected and measured. The macro methods, such as Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) are suitable approaches from an econometric standpoint to evaluate the shadow economy. Institutional quality is crucially an important variable for empirical studies related to evaluating the country’s investment potential. The proposed approach considers significance and direction of the six Worldwide Government Indicators’ (WGI) impact on foreign direct investment net inflow, eliminating the issue of their multicollinearity. However, political instability and high frequency of foreign and domestic policy changes during the last decades distort statistical significance of the results obtained. FDI inflow, as well as the quality of governance, and the shadow economy, is influenced by many other factors, both internal and external, so to build a qualitative model for evaluating the country’s investment potential of the national economy it is necessary to expand the set of factors for analysis. The results of the research can be useful for a more accurate investment potential evaluation on the macroeconomic level, and forecasting foreign direct investment inflows for the following time periods.
Novel Use of Premixed Dialysate Bags during Water Supply Interruption in Acute Hospital Setting
Authors: Kohn Orly F. , Plascencia Miguel , Taylor Yolanda , Koyner Jay L.
Published: December 2020

Patients on dialysis are exposed to large amounts of water during conventional intermittent hemodialysis; hence, there are strict regulations regarding the quality of water used to prepare dialysate. Occasionally, water systems fail due to natural disasters or structural supply issues, such as water-main breaks or unplanned changes in municipal or facility water quality. It is critical to regularly monitor and immediately recognize such a failure and take steps to avoid exposing the patients to contaminants. In addition to the recognition of the problem, the ability to pivot and continue to provide safe treatment to inpatients who are dependent on dialysis is essential, both from an ultrafiltration and a clearance standpoint. At our hospital, an unforeseen water disruption occurred and we were able to continue to provide KRT with premade, bagged dialysate to mitigate the effect on our patients on dialysis. This is a novel method using available machines and dialysate, which we normally stock for continuous KRT, for short dialysis sessions. The methodology is similar to that which has been widely used for short daily home hemodialysis with low dialysate flow rate. Because this situation occurred in the midst of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we had to be mindful of dialysate volumes and staffing time. Here, we present our investigation into the cause of the water-system failure and how we quickly implemented the alternative dialysis method. Short dialysis with low-flow dialysate will not deliver the same Kt/V per session as standard dialysis; however, this method was successfully implemented and tailored with adjustments for patients requiring higher clearance for specific indications, such as severe hyperkalemia.
La función de la biblioteca penitenciaria en la reinserción social de los internos del Complejo Penitenciario Puente Grande, Jalisco, México
Authors: Ochoa-García Julián , Martínez Camacho Humberto
Published: December 2020

En el presente trabajo se analiza la influencia que tienen las bibliotecas dentro de los centros penitenciarios, en relación con la readaptación social de sus internos. El artículo aborda la perspectiva de los propios responsables de las bibliotecas o espacios de lectura dentro de los centros carcelarios que componen el Complejo Penitenciario de “Puente Grande”, en el Estado de Jalisco, México, por medio de un cuestionario que fue aplicado a los encargados de las bibliotecas de los cuatro centros que componen dicho complejo, en el cual se abordan, desde la perspectiva cualitativa, el concepto de biblioteca y su influencia en la readaptación social, el análisis de los servicios prestados y por último la atención y formación de usuarios. Entre los principales resultados se rescatan: 1) la importancia de la actividad lectora y formativa como instrumento para la reinserción social, 2) la falta de formación profesional para que los encargados, así como 3) la deficiencia en cuanto a los recursos físicos y tecnológicos.
CONSTITUIÇÃO DE SI E ESCRITURA: O GESTO OTOBIOGRÁFICO
Authors: Olini Polyana
Published: December 2020

CONSTITUIÇÃO DE SI E ESCRITURA: O GESTO OTOBIOGRÁFICO
SOMOS TODOS CRÁPULAS ROMANESCOS
Authors: Costa Luciano Bedin da , Bandeira Larisa Da Veiga Vieira
Published: December 2020

SOMOS TODOS CRÁPULAS ROMANESCOS