bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition in Congested Service Networks with Application to Air Traffic Control Provision in Europe
Authors: Adler Nicole , Hanany Eran , Proost Stef
Published: February 2022

We analyze congested network-based markets and their impact on competition, equilibrium charges and efficiency. Several strategies are explored including price caps, mergers and investments in new technologies. We find that congested networks served by collaborating (serial) and competing (parallel) firms may lead to excessive prices. Additionally, oligopolists may only serve captive demand, leading to inefficiently low flows. Perhaps surprisingly, permitting a firm with market power to horizontally integrate with a competitor may improve efficiency. We also show that price caps in congested networks are ineffective due to their failure to signal the existence of scarce resources. Instead, partial vertical integration may prove beneficial by creating incentives to expand capacity through technology adoption, provided the price cap regime is dropped. The model is subsequently illustrated with a case study of air traffic control provision in Western Europe, in which it is shown that substantial changes in the regulation are required in order to create a more cost efficient sector with increased capacity.

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Proportional Volume Sampling and Approximation Algorithms for A-Optimal Design
Authors: Nikolov Aleksandar , Singh Mohit , Tantipongpipat Uthaipon (Tao)
Published: February 2022

We study optimal design problems in which the goal is to choose a set of linear measurements to obtain the most accurate estimate of an unknown vector. We study the [Formula: see text]-optimal design variant where the objective is to minimize the average variance of the error in the maximum likelihood estimate of the vector being measured. We introduce the proportional volume sampling algorithm to obtain nearly optimal bounds in the asymptotic regime when the number [Formula: see text] of measurements made is significantly larger than the dimension [Formula: see text] and obtain the first approximation algorithms whose approximation factor does not degrade with the number of possible measurements when [Formula: see text] is small. The algorithm also gives approximation guarantees for other optimal design objectives such as [Formula: see text]-optimality and the generalized ratio objective, matching or improving the previously best-known results. We further show that bounds similar to ours cannot be obtained for [Formula: see text]-optimal design and that [Formula: see text]-optimal design is NP-hard to approximate within a fixed constant when [Formula: see text].
Tuberculosis Presenting as Acute Sepsis and Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Campos Patrícia , Mano Diana , Antunes Rui
Published: February 2022

We report the case of a 61-year-old man admitted to our emergency department with fever. At admission, he was hypotensive and tachycardic. In the initial investigation, elevation of inflammatory parameters, acute kidney injury (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 3), hyperbilirubinemia, and hepatic cytocholestasis were evident. Empirical antibiotic therapy was started, after sepsis was assumed without an identifiable cause. His condition took an unfavorable clinical course, with respiratory failure, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, hyperferritinemia and hypofibrinogenemia. Microbial culture studies and a general immunological study were negative and lymphoproliferative disease was therefore excluded. Bone marrow aspirate revealed hemophagocytosis without granulomas. A diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was assumed and pulse methylprednisolone therapy initiated. As this resulted in only a transient improvement, immunoglobulin and rituximab were initiated as a second-line therapy. The patient sadly had an unfavorable outcome despite all measures undertaken. In the postmortem study, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was isolated in the bone marrow aspirate, which led to the postmortem diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis and angioinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The clinical presentation of disseminated tuberculosis is non-specific and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is one of its rare presentations. The mortality rate of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is high and increases with delayed diagnosis of the underlying condition and respective treatment.
Identification and treatment of chronic oedema and lymphoedema
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: February 2022

Linda Nazarko looks at how nurses can manage these increasingly prevalent conditions
Kronecker products of Perron similarities
Authors: Dockter Janelle M. , Paparella Pietro , Perry Robert L. , Ta Jonathan D.
Published: February 2022

An invertible matrix is called a Perron similarity if one of its columns and the corresponding row of its inverse are both nonnegative or both nonpositive. Such matrices are of relevance and import in the study of the nonnegative inverse eigenvalue problem. In this work, Kronecker products of Perron similarities are examined and used to construct ideal Perron similarities all of whose rows are extremal.
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a New Apple Harvest Assist and In-Field Sorting Machine
Authors: Lu Yuzhen , Lu Renfu , Zhang Zhao
Published: February 2022

Highlights

A new, improved apple harvest assist and in-field sorting (HAIS) machine was developed.

The HAIS machine has several major innovations for enhanced harvesting and infield sorting efficiencies.

Laboratory tests showed superior performance in fruit grading and sorting and bin filling and handling.

Field tests showed only 0.4% of harvested fruit downgraded due to harvest-induced bruising.

Abstract. Apples are still manually harvested in the U.S. and other countries, which contributes to high labor and production costs. Currently, no presorting is performed at harvest or in the field, which could incur significant postharvest costs or even economic loss to growers, when a high percentage of culls are present in harvested apples. Hence, technologies that integrate harvest assist and in-field sorting (HAIS) functionalities would be greatly beneficial to the apple industry by enhancing both harvest efficiency and postharvest cost savings. A new apple HAIS prototype machine was recently developed, which includes adjustable picking platforms with fruit receiving conveyors covering the entire height of trees, a computer vision-based grading and sorting system that is capable of sorting apples for color and size at a speed of up to 12 apples s-1, an automatic bin filling system for discharging graded fruit to bins, and a computer-controlled hydraulic system for automatic handling of empty and full bins. Inhouse developed operating software is fully integrated with the HAIS machine for automatic control of fruit grading and sorting and bin filling and handling. Laboratory tests showed superior performance of the machine in fruit grading and sorting and bin filling and handling. Field tests and demonstration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21SB9FJjf2M) conducted in a commercial apple orchard in 2019 harvest season, showed that only 0.4% of harvested fruit were downgraded due to bruising, which exceeded the industry’s requirement for harvest-induced apple bruising. With further improvements, the HAIS machine can be commercially used for harvesting and infield presorting of apples. Keywords: Apple, Bin filling, Bruise evaluation, Bin handling, Computer vision, Harvest, In-field sorting.
Saw Thickness Impact on Cotton Gin Energy Consumption
Authors: Funk Paul A , Thomas Joseph W , Yeater Kathleen M , Armijo Carlos B , Whitelock Derek P , Wanjura John D , Delhom Christopher D
Published: February 2022

Highlights

Cotton gin saws 0.91 and 1.14 mm thick were compared.

Thicker saws had approximately 10% lower processing rate at full motor load.

Thicker saws used about 35% more energy to gin the same amount of lint.

Abstract. Most cotton fiber (lint) is separated from the seed by gin saw teeth that pull the lint between metal bars (ribs). These ribs are spaced close enough to each other that the seeds cannot pass with the lint. Cotton gin saws are available in three thicknesses, 0.9144, 0.9398, and 1.143 mm (0.036, 0.037, and 0.045 in.). No data from controlled experiments has been published which compares the effect of saw thickness on the economically important performance measures gin processing rate and energy consumption. Two shafts were prepared by installing, at the proper spacing, 406 mm (16 in.) diameter saws of 0.9144 and 1.143 mm thickness for testing on a reduced-width (46-saw) Continental Double Eagle gin stand with constant rib spacing at the USDA-ARS Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Energy consumption was recorded for target processing rates 4.88 and 6.08 g saw-1 s-1 using pre-cleaned seed cotton grown in New Mexico, Texas, and Mississippi in a randomized complete block experiment with five replicates. On this equipment we found that the thicker saws averaged 90% (4.69 g saw-1 s-1) the processing rate of the thinner saws (5.21 g saw-1 s-1). Net ginning energy of the 1.143 mm gin saws was 26.5 W-h kg-1 compared to 19.7 W-h kg-1 for the 0.914 mm saws, or about 35% more energy. Results were consistent for cottons from all three regions. Thicker saws are less likely to break under harsh conditions at the ends of the gin stand and are still recommend for use there, but there appears to be no advantage with regard to processing rate or energy use to installing thicker saws across the full width of the gin stand if rib spacing remains unchanged. Keywords: Cotton gin, Energy use, Gin saw thickness, Processing rate.
Precise Segmentation and Measurement of Inclined Fish’s Features Based on U-Net and Fish Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Hu Zhuhua , Xia Xin
Published: February 2022

Highlights

The proposed scheme solves the problem of accurate measurement of the area, length, and width of the inclined fish body.

Performing data enhancement operations such as contrast transformation and rotation transformation on the data set solves the problem of fewer training samples.

The U-Net network is introduced to achieve precise segmentation of the data set.

Achieving accurate measurement of the inclined fish body’s length and width by rotation correction and circumscribed rectangular method.

Abstract. Accurate measurement of fish’s features is of great significance for breeding management and decision-making. Fish body area, body length, and body width are important features for judging the growth status of fish in smart aquaculture. These features can be used as an important reference for bait feeding, fishing, and classification. In view of the fact that fish body is usually inclined on actual production line, this research proposes a scheme based on U-Net and fish morphological characteristics to segment and precisely measure the features of inclined fish. Firstly, the data set is processed and expanded through data enhancement such as contrast transformation and rotation transformation. This operation can simulate the real shooting environment and enhance robustness of the training model. Secondly, U-Net is introduced. Using the expanded training set to generate a segmentation model. Trained model is used to segment the test samples to generate accurate segmented images and output fish body area. Finally, by combining fish morphological characteristics, the inclined angle of the fish body is determined. After rotation correction, circumscribed rectangle method is adopted to obtain the body length and width of fish in the image. The experimental results show that using the proposed scheme, the mIoU of test set is as high as 0.974, the relative error of average fish body area is only 1.25%, the relative error of average fish body length is only 0.65%, and the relative error of average fish body width is only 0.84%. Compared with traditional circumscribed rectangle method, the relative error of body length is reduced by 5.25%, and the relative error of body width is reduced by 39.87%. Keywords: Circumscribed rectangle, Fish features, Inclined fish, Rotation correction, U-Net.
Transmission Of Tuberculosis Among illicit drug use Linkages (TOTAL): A cross-sectional observational study protocol using respondent driven sampling
Authors: Carney Tara , Rooney Jennifer A. , Niemand Nandi , Myers Bronwyn , Theron Danie , Wood Robin , White Laura F. , Meade Christina S. , Chegou Novel N. , Ragan Elizabeth , Walzl Gerhard , Horsburgh Robert , Warren Robin M. , Jacobson Karen R.
Published: February 2022

People who use illicit drugs (PWUDs) have been identified as a key at-risk group for tuberculosis (TB). Examination of illicit drug use networks has potential to assess the risk of TB exposure and disease progression. Research also is needed to assess mechanisms for accelerated TB transmission in this population. This study aims to 1) assess the rate of TB exposure, risk of disease progression, and disease burden among PWUD; 2) estimate the proportion of active TB cases resulting from recent transmission within this network; and 3) evaluate whether PWUD with TB disease have physiologic characteristics associated with more efficient TB transmission. Our cross-sectional, observational study aims to assess TB transmission through illicit drug use networks, focusing on methamphetamine and Mandrax (methaqualone) use, in a high TB burden setting and identify mechanisms underlying accelerated transmission. We will recruit and enroll 750 PWUD (living with and without HIV) through respondent driven sampling in Worcester, South Africa. Drug use will be measured through self-report and biological measures, with sputum specimens collected to identify TB disease by Xpert Ultra (Cepheid) and mycobacterial culture. We will co-enroll those with microbiologic evidence of TB disease in Aim 2 for molecular and social network study. Whole genome sequencing of Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) specimens and social contact surveys will be done for those diagnosed with TB. For Aim 3, aerosolized Mtb will be compared in individuals with newly diagnosed TB who do and do not smoke illicit drug. Knowledge from this study will provide the basis for a strategy to interrupt TB transmission in PWUD and provide insight into how this fuels overall community transmission. Results have potential for informing interventions to reduce TB spread applicable to high TB and HIV burden settings.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Registration Number: NCT041515602. Date of Registration: 5 November 2019.
Sample size determination with a pilot study
Authors: O’Neill Ben
Published: February 2022

We analyse standard confidence intervals for the mean of a finite population, with a view to sample size determination. We first consider a standard method for sample size determination based on the assumption of knowledge of the population variance parameter. We then consider the more realistic case where the population variance is treated as an unknown, and we derive a new method of sample size determination that accounts for the uncertainty in this parameter. We develop a sample size calculation method based on a preliminary sample of data which allows us to increase the accuracy of our inference by some specified amount with a specified level of confidence. We compare this method to the standard method.
A systematic review and meta-analyses of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 3 (IRAK3) action on inflammation in in vivo models for the study of sepsis
Authors: Nguyen Trang H. , Turek Ilona , Meehan-Andrews Terri , Zacharias Anita , Irving Helen R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 3 (IRAK3) is a critical modulator of inflammation and is associated with endotoxin tolerance and sepsis. Although IRAK3 is known as a negative regulator of inflammation, several studies have reported opposing functions, and the temporal actions of IRAK3 on inflammation remain unclear. A systematic review and meta-analyses were performed to investigate IRAK3 expression and its effects on inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6) after one- or two-challenge interventions, which mimic the hyperinflammatory and immunosuppression phases of sepsis, respectively, using human or animal in vivo models.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analyses has been registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) (Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/V39UR). A systematic search was performed to identify in vivo studies reporting outcome measures of expression of IRAK3 and inflammatory markers. Meta-analyses were performed where sufficient data was available.

Results

The search identified 7778 studies for screening. After screening titles, abstracts and full texts, a total of 49 studies were included in the systematic review. The review identified significant increase of IRAK3 mRNA and protein expression at different times in humans compared to rodents following one-challenge, whereas the increases of IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression in humans were similar to rodent in vivo models. Meta-analyses confirmed the inhibitory effect of IRAK3 on TNF-α mRNA and protein expression after two challenges.

Conclusions

A negative correlation between IRAK3 and TNF-α expression in rodents following two challenges demonstrates the association of IRAK3 in the immunosuppression phase of sepsis. Species differences in underlying biology affect the translatability of immune responses of animal models to human, as shown by the dissimilarity in patterns of IRAK3 mRNA and protein expression between humans and rodents following one challenge that are further influenced by variations in experimental procedures.
Predictors of life-threatening complications in relatively lower-risk patients hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Gonzalez Christopher J. , Hogan Cameron J. , Rajan Mangala , Wells Martin T. , Safford Monika M. , Pinheiro Laura C. , Ghosh Arnab K. , Choi Justin J. , Burchenal Clare A. , Shah Pooja D. , Shapiro Martin F.
Published: February 2022

Older individuals with chronic health conditions are at highest risk of adverse clinical outcomes from COVID-19, but there is widespread belief that risk to younger, relatively lower-risk individuals is negligible. We assessed the rate and predictors of life-threatening complications among relatively lower-risk adults hospitalized with COVID-19. Of 3766 adults hospitalized with COVID-19 to three hospitals in New York City from March to May 2020, 963 were relatively lower-risk based on absence of preexisting health conditions. Multivariable logistic regression models examined in-hospital development of life-threatening complications (major medical events, intubation, or death). Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, hypertension, weight, insurance type, and area-level sociodemographic factors (poverty, crowdedness, and limited English proficiency). In individuals ≥55 years old (n = 522), 33.3% experienced a life-threatening complication, 17.4% were intubated, and 22.6% died. Among those <55 years (n = 441), 15.0% experienced a life-threatening complication, 11.1% were intubated, and 5.9% died. In multivariable analyses among those ≥55 years, age (OR 1.03 [95%CI 1.01–1.06]), male sex (OR 1.72 [95%CI 1.14–2.64]), being publicly insured (versus commercial insurance: Medicare, OR 2.02 [95%CI 1.22–3.38], Medicaid, OR 1.87 [95%CI 1.10–3.20]) and living in areas with relatively high limited English proficiency (highest versus lowest quartile: OR 3.50 [95%CI 1.74–7.13]) predicted life-threatening complications. In those <55 years, no sociodemographic factors significantly predicted life-threatening complications. A substantial proportion of relatively lower-risk patients hospitalized with COVID-19 experienced life-threatening complications and more than 1 in 20 died. Public messaging needs to effectively convey that relatively lower-risk individuals are still at risk of serious complications.
Therapeutic decisions under uncertainty for spinal muscular atrophy: The DECISIONS-SMA study protocol
Authors: Saposnik Gustavo , Díaz-Abós Paola , Sánchez-Menéndez Victoria , Álvarez Carmen , Terzaghi María , Maurino Jorge , Brañas-Pampillón María , Málaga Ignacio
Published: February 2022

Background

The therapeutic landscape for spinal muscular atrophy has changed in the last few years, encompassing respiratory/motor function and life expectancy benefits. However, physicians still have the challenge of tailoring individuals’ treatment to therapeutic goals, disease progression, patient/caregiver’s preferences, and personal experience to achieve an optimal risk/benefit balance. This study aims to provide insight into the preferred treatment choices of pediatric neurologists managing spinal muscular atrophy in their daily practice and to recognize behavioral factors that may influence decision-making.

Methods

This is a noninterventional, cross-sectional pilot study involving 50 pediatric neurologists managing spinal muscular atrophy in Spain. We designed an online platform that contains 13 simulated case scenarios of common presentations of patients with spinal muscular atrophy. The primary study outcome will be treatment preferences according to the percentages of participants who select treatment initiation when recommended, switch therapies when there is evidence of disease progression, and select treatment discontinuation when disease progression puts patients outside treatment recommendation (11 case scenarios). Secondary outcomes include therapeutic inertia prevalence (11 case scenarios), herding phenomenon prevalence (2 case scenarios), care-related regret prevalence (specific questions) and intensity (10-item Regret Intensity Scale), occupational burnout prevalence (nonproprietary single-item measure), and risk preferences (uncertainty test and risk aversion assessment).

Conclusions

The study findings will contribute to better understand relevant factors associated with therapeutic decisions of pediatric neurologists in spinal muscular atrophy, identifying treatment preferences and evaluating the role of behavioral aspects such as therapeutic inertia, herding, regret, and workplace burnout.
Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in Abu Dhabi Emirati population
Authors: Al Zarooni Amal Abdul Rahim , Nagelkerke Nico , Al Marzouqi Fatima Ibrahim , Al Darmaki Salma Hamad
Published: February 2022

Objective

There have been concerns regarding the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the United Arab Emirates and the association between this prevalence and cardiovascular risk. Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem, with a high prevalence in the Abu Dhabi national population. This cross-sectional retrospective observational study aimed to elucidate vitamin D deficiency symptoms and contributing factors in this context.

Method and sampling

Among 12346 participants presenting for their Weqaya population comprehensive cardiovascular risk factor screening, 700 were randomly selected and telephoned, among whom 400 completed a questionnaire that elicited information on dietary intake, sun exposure, clothing, physical activity, and symptoms related to vitamin D deficiency.

Results

Higher vitamin D levels were noted in participants who consumed extra servings of cod liver oil, tuna, salmon, and eggs; who wore clothes with their arms and legs exposed; and who performed daily physical activity. Symptoms of hypovitaminosis D (bone pain) were more frequently found in females. Fatigue is significantly associated with low vitamin D and younger participants. Strategies focusing on health promotion and lifestyle interventions should be implemented to address vitamin D deficiency.
Chromosome-level genome of Schistosoma haematobium underpins genome-wide explorations of molecular variation
Authors: Stroehlein Andreas J. , Korhonen Pasi K. , Lee V. Vern , Ralph Stuart A. , Mentink-Kane Margaret , You Hong , McManus Donald P. , Tchuenté Louis-Albert Tchuem , Stothard J. Russell , Kaur Parwinder , Dudchenko Olga , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Yang Bicheng , Yang Huanming , Emery Aidan M. , Webster Bonnie L. , Brindley Paul J. , Rollinson David , Chang Bill C. H. , Gasser Robin B. , Young Neil D.
Published: February 2022

Urogenital schistosomiasis is caused by the blood flukeSchistosoma haematobiumand is one of the most neglected tropical diseases worldwide, afflicting > 100 million people. It is characterised by granulomata, fibrosis and calcification in urogenital tissues, and can lead to increased susceptibility to HIV/AIDS and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. To complement available treatment programs and break the transmission of disease, sound knowledge and understanding of the biology and ecology ofS.haematobiumis required. Hybridisation/introgression events and molecular variation among members of theS.haematobium-group might effect important biological and/or disease traits as well as the morbidity of disease and the effectiveness of control programs including mass drug administration. Here we report the first chromosome-contiguous genome for a well-defined laboratory line of this blood fluke. An exploration of this genome using transcriptomic data for all key developmental stages allowed us to refine gene models (including non-coding elements) and annotations, discover ‘new’ genes and transcription profiles for these stages, likely linked to development and/or pathogenesis. Molecular variation withinS.haematobiumamong some geographical locations in Africa revealed unique genomic ‘signatures’ that matched species other thanS.haematobium, indicating the occurrence of introgression events. The present reference genome (designated Shae.V3) and the findings from this study solidly underpin future functional genomic and molecular investigations ofS.haematobiumand accelerate systematic, large-scale population genomics investigations, with a focus on improved and sustained control of urogenital schistosomiasis.
Institutional influences on local government support for professionalized maintenance of water supply infrastructure in rural Uganda: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Cord Caleb , Javernick-Will Amy , Buhungiro Elizabeth , Harvey Adam , Linden Karl
Published: February 2022

Professionalized maintenance arrangements are emerging and growing to improve rural water service sustainability across sub-Saharan Africa, where local governments often act as rural service authorities. Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment released a novel policy in 2019 to promote professionalization, outlining requirements of local governments to support professionalized maintenance under a new framework for rural water service delivery. We identify how responsibilities of local government actors shifted under this policy and then use Organizational Institutional Theory to explore how the institutional environment—composed of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive pillars—influences these actors’ fulfillment of assigned functions under the new policy and support of professionalized maintenance arrangements. To do this, we collected, transcribed, and qualitatively coded data from semi-structured interviews with 93 Ugandan local government actors at all hierarchical levels across 22 sub-counties in three Ugandan districts. Due to infrequent references by interviewees to regulative influences on action such as formal rules and policies, we propose that the new policy alone is unlikely to motivate essential local government support. Allocated responsibilities must align with widely-cited normative and cultural-cognitive influences, including relationship expectations, typical processes and routines, political dynamics, notions of identity, perceived self-efficacy, and cultural beliefs. We recommend leveraging existing institutional influences where possible to motivate actions aligned with the policy. For example, local government actors can fulfill community expectations of them to solve prolonged nonfunctionality by connecting communities to professionalized maintenance service providers instead of performing individual out-of-pocket repairs. Improving understanding of local service authority perspectives is essential as professionalized maintenance arrangements emerge and grow and as new policies expand and shift essential support functions.
EVALUATION OF A CITY BRAND AND ITS INFLUENCE ON TOURIST SATISFACTION
Authors: Cardoso Paulo Ribeiro , Diniz Alberto Ortiz
Published: February 2022

The evaluation of a city, as a brand, is essential for professionals who manage the marketing and communication strategies aimed at attracting potential visitors to the location. This study investigates the applicability of an instrument for evaluating a tourist destination as a brand. The study was applied in the city of Porto, Portugal, elected best European destination in 2012, 2014 and 2017 by the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC, 2020). In particular, the level of awareness, image and quality perceived by visitors to the city was assessed. The relationship between these dimensions and tourist satisfaction was also verified. Using a quantitative approach, the instrument, initially created by Konecnik and Ruzzier (2006), was adapted and applied to a convenience sample made up of young Portuguese adults who were visiting or had visited the city of Porto. The results showed that the four dimensions of the original scale had an acceptable reliability coefficient and provided relevant results about the city under study. In general, visitors expressed positive levels of "awareness", "image", "quality" and "satisfaction" in relation to the city of Porto. Variables from all three dimensions (awareness, image and quality) were detected that influenced the variables of satisfaction.Â
Food Services in hotels of the city of João Pessoa/PB from the perspective of the managers of A&B
Authors: Silva Robson do Vale , Brambilla Adriana , Pederneiras Marcleide Maria Macêdo , Vanzella Elídio
Published: February 2022

This study analyzes the importance of food services in hotels in the city of João Pessoa – Paraíba, from the perspective of A&B managers. For this purpose, five hotel developments located in the city of João Pessoa were analyzed. This was characterized as a qualitative study with an exploratory stage. Field data were collected through interviews based on a semi-structured script, conducted between December 11, 2019 and March 6, 2020 with five hotels listed in the Register of Tourist Service Providers of the Ministry of Tourism (CADASTUR). It was found that all the hotels have their own management, and that the managers of the hotels surveyed consider food services to be market differentials for attracting different types of publics through the promotion of regional culture in the dishes served, and that this was important to attract customers, local residents and guests from other hotels.
KNOWLEDGE AND COPING DURING COVID-19: A report of an extension experience report at the Sateré-Mawé Association of Indigenous Women (AMISM), Manaus, AM
Authors: Carvalho Joelma Monteiro de , Ferreira Rejane Gomes , Vilácio Rucian da Silva , Damasceno Vanessa do Nascimento
Published: February 2022

This report describes the daily routine of the Sateré-Mawé Indigenous Women’s Association (AMISM) in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The predominant activity of the Association is producing indigenous handicrafts, but with the pandemic, its members had to find strategies for maintenance and survival, faced with the humanitarian health crisis and the consequent economic impacts on the group's activities. This is a case study with an ethnographic approach that also dialogues with university extension guidelines (2018). The experience was attended by members of the association and a student from the Production Engineering course at the Universidade do Estado de Amazonas (UEA), who was a resident of the community and a participant in the extension project. Interviews were used to gather data, through communication technologies such as WhatsApp. Secondary data were collected through the City of Manaus newspaper. Through this experience, it was observed that the AMISM has reinvented itself in relation to its planning and productive organization, producing face coverings and protective products from the forest, turning to the sustainable axis in the preparation of alcohol-based hand sanitizers mixed with aromatic herbs, with the knowledge and aromas of the forest, based on knowledge passed down from the ancestors. To this end, the Association appropriated the social networks Facebook and Instagram, to promote and sell its products to tourists and residents. In the field of egalitarian work, the UEA contributed by giving social returns to the community, through its extension activities, and by reaffirming the role of the student in training, in an integral and responsible way, faced with the emerging problems of the 21st century.
ELABORATION OF WINE-BASED GOURMET SAUCES: physicochemical, nutritional and sensory analysis
Authors: Valladão Jéssica Collares , Branco Camila da Silva Vaz , Silva Elga Batista da , Oliveira Lenice Freiman de
Published: February 2022

The use of wine in the preparation of sauces adds value to this type of culinary preparation, catering for a diverse audience and preferences. The aim of this work to produce wine sauces and determine their acceptability (acceptance test and purchase intention) and physicochemical characteristics. It was fond that the sauces were satisfactory, making the manufacture of the products viable. For the sensory analysis, a hedonic scale was used to assess the color, appearance, aroma, texture and flavor. In the general evaluation, the sensory analysis of the wine-based sauces showed satisfactory acceptance, particularly the dry white wine sauce. The production of wine sauces proved to be viable, and may represent an option for those in search of foods with possible health benefits.
Volunteering Among Higher Education Students as Part of Individual Career Management
Authors: Fényes Hajnalka , Markos Valéria , Mohácsi Márta
Published: February 2022

In this study, we examine the motives behind higher education students’ volunteering and its determinants based on a survey (N=2,199) conducted in five Central and Eastern European countries. Based on the literature, we hypothesize that, besides traditional volunteering, which has the objective of helping others, it is also common to pursue career-focused volunteering, which is aimed at networking and the acquisition of work experience and professional knowledge. Cluster analysis results reveal the presence of traditional as well as career-focused volunteers, who also find it important to help others. Logistic regression results suggest that career-building motivations are more frequent among students who are in an unfavorable financial situation, display intensive individual religiosity and have close social relationships. Further regression results show that the country, the field of study and the relationship with faculty all influence whether volunteer work is related to the field of study.
Caring for Older People in the Post-Soviet Space: The Case of Russia
Authors: Parfenova Oksana
Published: February 2022

In this article, we analyze eldercare in the post-Soviet space on the example of Russia. Our research questions are: How transforming the care arrangements of older adults in the post-soviet state? How do the transforming care arrangements affect the agency of the elderly? The materials for the analysis were qualitative interviews with older people, social workers, and experts from Russia (N= 31), as well as statistics and legal acts. The care arrangements of older adults are undergoing significant transformations, which we can express in two distinct trends. The first is the drift away from a state and family monopoly of caring for the older people to a mixed model. New forms of care and providers are emerging: NGOs; business organizations; foster families for older people; specially equipped apartments; private nursing homes The informal care sector is developing thanks to paid caregivers from among neighbors, migrants (both external and internal). The second trend is that in practice, care can often be “layered” in nature. Relatives, public services, non-profit organizations, paid staff can take care of the same person at the same time. These trends expand the repertoire of care scenarios and make the choice more flexible for the older person and increase their agency.
A Review on Data Falsification-Based attacks In Vehicular Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Almalki Sultan
Published: February 2022

Cooperative Intelligent Transportation System (cITS) is one of IoT applications whose purpose is to enhance drive safety and efficiency. Several components constitute cITS including vehicles, roadside units, and backend systems. Like many IoT applications and systems, cITSs are susceptible to a wide-range of intruding or misbehaving attacks that could be launched by attackers from inside or outside of the network. Once a vehicle is compromised, it can be used to launch several types of attacks against other vehicles and/or components of cITS. They can also be used to send false information and messages to the neighboring vehicles, causing severe complications such as traffic congestions and accidents. Such attacks impede the momentum of the integration of cITS technology with existing infrastructure. In this paper, a comprehensive and deep analysis of the state-of-the-art solutions in intrusion and misbehavior detection for cITS have been conducted. This paper mainly focuses on the data falsification-based attacks that manipulate the mobility data and messages shared with the neighboring vehicles as it is more challenging and difficult to identify and mitigate. The paper can be of great use for research community to explore more opportunities and new avenues and propose more robust and effective security solutions that protect the potential applications in cITSs
A Cholangioblastic Variant of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Verhoeff Kevin , Bacani Julinor , Fung Christopher , Canterbury Laura A.
Published: February 2022

Cholangioblastic variant of cholangiocarcinoma is rare and may be encountered in young adults with a liver mass. On biopsy, the pathologic features may mimic neuroendocrine or other tumors. Increased awareness of this unusual variant and the typical strong expression of the immunohistochemical marker inhibin may help prevent diagnostic errors. Because only a few cases have been reported, we also discuss treatment options in a 26-year-old man.
PENYULUHAN PENCEGAHAN “KLITIH” MELALUI PENGUATAN KETAHANAN KELUARGA DI YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Casmini Casmini
Published: February 2022

Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan proses dan materi penyuluhan pencegahan klithih melalui penguatan ketahanan keluarga. Metode kegiatan yang dilakukan dengan mengadakan talkshaw yang dihadiri oleh Pimpinan Cabang‘Aisyiyah, pimpinan Muhammadiyah, anggota Muhammadiyah dan ‘Aisyiyah serta simpatisan ‘Aisyiyah dan Muhammadiyah di Moyodan yang berjumlah 400 orang. Kegiatan berjalan sangat interaktif dan materi yang disampaikan menggugah dan menyadarkan warga ‘Aisyiyah dan Muhammadiyah untuk bahu membahu membangun keluarga yang memiliki ketahanan, baik ketahanan materi, fisik, emosional dan spiritual. Bentuk tindak lanjut kegiatan adalah pendampingan terhadap keluarga yang ditengarahi rentan klithih.
The Maturational Naturalness of Original Sin
Authors: Green Adam
Published: February 2022

A doctrine of original sin or of the human condition generally requires an account of how that sin or condition is transmitted. One would think there are two options for thinking about this. Either original sin is innate or it is acquired. Both would seem to be problematic, the former because all the available options involve untoward metaphysical commitments or implicate God in unacceptable ways; the latter because of the uniformity of the human condition the doctrine requires. In this article, I use conceptual advances within the cognitive science of religion and empirical research to advance a plausible model of what the human condition consists in and how it is passed down.
Digital Transformation Challenges in the Sales of Pharmaceutical Companies in Japan
Authors:   School of Business Administration, Hitotsubashi University, Japan, Liu Qinxian , Zhao Yaxin ,   School of Business Administration, Hitotsubashi University, Japan, Kamioka Taro ,   School of Business Administration, Hitotsubashi University, Japan, Nakamur Michihiko ,   Real-World & Analytics Solutions, Strategy Office, IQVIA Solutions Japan K.K., Japan
Published: February 2022

While the pharmaceutical industry is rated as having less digital maturity than other industries, the changing environment, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been giving momentum to the rise of digital transformation (DT). This study explored the current status and background of DT on sales and how DT has been promoted in Japan based on 20 interviews with leaders and consultants in the pharmaceutical industry. The results showed that while their DT was still at an early stage, DT had been driven by external factors, including the pandemic, with commitment from top management. We identified four changing external factors and nine initiatives in relation to the new activities: three in the practical stage and six in the developing stage. An interesting aspect was that regulations might both promote and hinder DT in this industry combined with COVID-19. As there has been limited domain-specific research in DT of the pharmaceutical industry in Asia, the study is considered to contribute to both academic research and practice in Asian business.
Improving Forest Fire Mitigation in Indonesia: A Lesson from Canada
Authors: Prayoga M. Bayu Rizky , Koestoer Raldi Hendro
Published: February 2022

Forest fire is a hydrometeorological disaster that routinely occurs in Indonesia every dry season and often hits areas with extensive peatland cover. The lack of scientific references explaining peatlands' physical parameters and their relationship to hotspots' occurrence also contributes to the government intervention's ineffectiveness in forest fires suppression because they are mainly executed in severe drought conditions. Strengthening mitigation, especially at the preparedness stage, is needed to detect forest fires earlier, prevent not from spreading widely, and not cause many environmental, social, and economic losses. This study aims to explain the gaps in forest fire disaster management in Indonesia, which have not maximized the results of observations from physical land and weather conditions as a basis for making decisions for more preventive forest fire mitigation. This study’s analysis is conducted using literature studies method from several reports, scientific articles, and regulations related to forest fires. This study’s analysis results explain how physical land monitoring and observation can provide a scientific basis that can be used as input in formulating policies, especially regarding the determination of disaster status on forest fire phenomena. Furthermore, this study explains how a paradigm shift in forest fire disaster management is needed in Indonesia through a more preventive approach to implement forest fire disaster mitigation can be more effective and efficient.
Editorial: Special Section on Infrastructure and Bituminous Materials
Authors: Di Benedetto Hervé , Mangiafico Salvatore , Tebaldi Gabriele
Published: February 2022

This special section on infrastructure and bituminous materials of ASTM International’s Journal of Testing and Evaluation includes 20 peer-reviewed papers. These papers are extended versions of selected best papers presented during the RILEM International Symposium on Bituminous Materials (ISBM Lyon 2020), which took place on December 14–16, 2020. This event was organized by ENTPE at the University of Lyon (France), in collaboration with the University of Parma (Italy), Université Gustave Eiffel (France), and University of Waterloo (Canada). RILEM ISBM Lyon 2020 was the first joint event of three RILEM Technical Committees of Cluster F (“Bituminous Materials and Polymers”): 264-RAP (“Asphalt Pavement Recycling”)272-PIM (“Phase and Interphase Behaviour of Bituminous Materials”)278-CHA (“Crack-Healing of Asphalt Pavement Materials”)The articles included in this special section cover a wide range of topics, offering an interesting overview of the latest advancements in the domain of sustainable infrastructures: crumb rubber, aging of materials, hot and cold recycling, low-energy materials, damage, fatigue, cracking and self-healing, fume emissions, rheology of materials, low-temperature properties, non-destructive testing, polymer-modified materials, and in situ testing. Such a variety of topics is a small but significant sample of the richness of the scientific and technical activities within the domain of infrastructures and pavement engineering, from fundamental to applied research works, contributing to the development of innovative materials and technologies. RILEM plays an important role, fostering international collaborations between academia and industry, nourishing the essential network between scientific and technical activities. Last but not least, we would like to extend our warm thanks to all the reviewers that kindly agreed to evaluate all the articles and contributed to the scientific quality of this special issue.
Moral Evaluations of Humor Apply Beyond Just Those Telling the Joke
Authors: Ong Wei Jee , Yam Kai Chi , Barnes Christopher M.
Published: February 2022

Humor involves both joke-tellers and listeners, both of whom are subject to observers' evaluations. Past research has suggested a tension between humor and morality such that moral individuals may be less humorous, and humor may promote tolerance of moral violations. Building on this work, we highlight that individuals engaging in humor are themselves subject to inferences of moral character. Joke-tellers are evaluated as less moral people when their jokes are offensive. Individuals who laugh at jokes are similarly evaluated as less moral, but only when the jokes are offensive, not clean. Across two experiments (Studies 1 and 2) using different manipulations, we found support for these effects and the mediating role of perceived norm violations. In Study 3, we further found preliminary evidence depicting nuanced similarities and differences between the effects on moral evaluations and other-person perceptions such as warmth and competence. These findings contribute to understanding of moral judgment in humor.
Unwilling to Un-Blame: Whites Who Dismiss Historical Causes of Societal Disparities Also Dismiss Personal Mitigating Information for Black Offenders
Authors: Gill Michael J. , Pizzuto Alexandra
Published: February 2022

When will racial bias in blame and punishment emerge? Here, we focus on White people's willingness to “un-blame” Black and White offenders upon learning of their unfortunate life histories or biological impairments. We predicted that personal mitigating narratives of Black (but not White) offenders would be ignored by Whites who are societal-level anti-historicists. Societal-level anti-historicists deny that a history of oppression by Whites has shaped current societal-level intergroup disparities. Thus, our prediction centers on how societal-level beliefs relate to bias against individuals. Our predictions were confirmed in three studies. In one of those studies, we also showed how racial bias in willingness to un-blame can be removed: Societal-level anti-historicists became open to mitigation for Black offenders if they were reminded that the offender began as an innocent baby. Results are discussed in terms of how the rich literature on blame and moral psychology could enrich the study of racial bias.