Showing papers by "Fernando Ferreira published in 2022"

Towards Quality Digital Learning: Lessons Learned during COVID-19 and Recommended Actions—The Teachers’ Perspective

Abstract: The research focuses on identifying challenges and lessons from distance learning experiences in Italy during COVID-19, on opportunities emerging from a more digitalized school in the post-COVID-19 crisis, and on preparedness for potential future emergencies. The study aims to analyze different teachers’ experiences, perceptions, and perspectives on distance learning and provide suggestions for addressing crises and emergencies. An online survey based on a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted targeting primary and secondary school teachers and including schools whose students are only from urban contexts and schools where students are also from rural areas. The main results indicated that teachers were resilient and proactive and found strategies and good practices to deal with distance learning, although several open technological and pedagogical challenges remain unsolved. Finally, some recommended priority actions for stakeholders and policymakers have been provided to face these challenges and ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.

Emotion Classification from Speech and Text in Videos Using a Multimodal Approach

Abstract: Emotion classification is a research area in which there has been very intensive literature production concerning natural language processing, multimedia data, semantic knowledge discovery, social network mining, and text and multimedia data mining. This paper addresses the issue of emotion classification and proposes a method for classifying the emotions expressed in multimodal data extracted from videos. The proposed method models multimodal data as a sequence of features extracted from facial expressions, speech, gestures, and text, using a linguistic approach. Each sequence of multimodal data is correctly associated with the emotion by a method that models each emotion using a hidden Markov model. The trained model is evaluated on samples of multimodal sentences associated with seven basic emotions. The experimental results demonstrate a good classification rate for emotions.

Network analysis of pig movements in Ecuador: Strengthening surveillance of classical swine fever.

Abstract: The analysis of domestic pig movements has become useful to understand the disease spread patterns and epidemiology, which facilitates the development of more effective animal diseases control strategies. The aim of this work was to analyse the static and spatial characteristics of the pig network, to identify its trading communities and to study the contribution of the network to the transmission of classical swine fever. In this regard, we used the pig movement records from the National veterinary service of Ecuador (2017-2019), using social network analysis and spatial analysis to construct a network with registered premises as nodes and their movements as edges. Furthermore, we also created a network of parishes as its nodes by aggregating their premises movements as edges. The annual network metrics showed an average diameter of 20.33, a number of neighbours of 2.61, a shortest path length of 4.39 and a clustering coefficient of 0.38 (small-world structure). The most frequent movements were to or from markets (55%). Backyard producers made up 89% of the network premises, and the top 2% of parishes (highest degree) contributed to 50% of the movements. The highest frequencies of movements between parishes were in the centre of the country, while the highest frequency of movements to abattoirs was in the south-west. Finally, the pattern of CSF disease outbreaks within the Ecuador network was likely the result of network transmission processes. In conclusion, our results represented the first exploratory analysis of domestic pig movements at premise and parish levels. The surveillance system could consider these results to improve its procedures and update the disease control and management policy, and allow the implementation of targeted or risk-based surveillance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Discussing the Role of ICT in Sustainable Disaster Management

Abstract: This paper analyses the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in supporting the implementation of the actions to be undertaken by the various actors of the Quadruple Helix (science, policy, industry, and society) in case of a disaster through the lens of sustainable development. A two-step methodology consisting of an online forum discussion with experts from SSH and ICT fields and a desk analysis of sustainable development goals and ICT tools for disaster management has been adopted. A set of actions that Quadruple Helix actors should implement under the ten sustainable development goals related to disaster risk reduction is provided in the paper. The role of ICT in favouring the implementation of the actions for achieving the sustainable development goals is underlined.

What Factors Make Online Travel Reviews Credible? The Consumers’ Credibility Perception-CONCEPT Model

Abstract: Online reviews have become a fundamental element in searching for and buying a tourism service. In particular, in the phase of post-pandemic caused by the COVID-19, social media are important channels of inspiration of dreams and encouragement to begin envisioning future trips. However, the growing trend of fake reviews is becoming a big issue for consumers. This study proposes and empirically validates a new model that enables predicting consumers’ Credibility Perception of Online Reviews (CPOR) related to tourism, considering all integrated factors of the communication process. A survey was carried out via a structured questionnaire. In particular, 615 answers from Italian travel groups were collected, and correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Results show that the website brand, advisor’s expertise, reviews’ sidedness and consistency, and consumer experience are significant predictors of CPOR. Website usability and reputation are instead weak predictors. This study provides the design and test of a credibility model, contributing to the theoretical and empirical advancement of the literature and enhancing the knowledge on consumer behavior.

Economic assessment of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Brazil

Abstract: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in cloven-hoofed animals cause substantial economic impacts because of animal depopulation, increased government spending on control, eradication and surveillance measures, and bans on international trade. This study employs a computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling framework in tandem with results from an epidemiological model to evaluate the economic consequences of a hypothetical FMD outbreak in Brazil. FMD-induced productivity losses and restrictions on international trade of livestock and meat products are applied as exogenous shocks in the economic model. Results show increased bilateral trade of beef and pork, mainly in South America, North Africa, and Russia. Simulated welfare losses in Brazil range from ${\$}$132 million to ${\$}$271 million depending on the severity of trade restrictions imposed. This study expands the rich literature on animal health economics. Results highlight the importance of maintaining the health of Brazilian herds, especially when considering Brazil's position as one of the main meat suppliers in the international market.

Apparent prevalence and risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in the state of Paraná, Brazil: an assessment after 18 years since the beginning of the Brazilian program

Abstract: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) impacts considerably animal production and one health worldwide. To describe the prevalence, risk factors, and spatial pattern of the disease in the state of Paraná, Brazil, a cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to February 2019. The area was divided into seven regions. Within each region, farms were randomly selected, and a predetermined number of cows was selected and tested by a comparative cervical tuberculin test. 17,210 animals were tested across 1757 farms. Herd prevalence of bTB-infected herds in Paraná was 2.5% [1.87-3.00%]. It has varied from 0.8 to 3.98% among seven regions, with clustering being detected in the west, central, and northeast areas. Animal prevalence was 0.35% [0.21-0.59%] and has varied from 0.08 to 0.6% among the pre-set regions. No major shifts in the prevalence of bTB were detected since 2007. Large-sized herds, dairy production, and feeding with whey were detected to be correlated with the presence of bTB. Exclusively among dairy herds, veterinary assistance from cooperatives, possession of self-owned equipment to cool milk, and feeding with whey were correlated with the disease. Considering these results, it is recommended that the state of Paraná seek to implement a surveillance system for the detection of bTB-infected herds transforming them into free ones, if possible, incorporating elements of risk-based surveillance. Health education is also recommended to inform farmers about the risks of introducing animals without testing and of feeding raw whey to calves.

Risk Factors and Spatiotemporal Analysis of Classical Swine Fever in Ecuador

Abstract: Classical swine fever (CSF) is one of the most important re-emergent swine diseases worldwide. Despite concerted control efforts in the Andean countries, the disease remains endemic in several areas, limiting production and trade opportunities. In this study, we aim to determine herd-level risk factors and spatiotemporal implications associated with CSF. We analysed passive surveillance datasets and vaccination programmes from 2014 to 2020; Then, structured a herd-level case-control study using a multivariable logistic model containing 339 cases, and a spatiotemporal Bayesian model, considering 115 thousand premises, 2.3 million annual vaccine doses and a population of 1.6 million pigs distributed in 1,006 parishes. Our results showed that the risk factors that increased the odds of CSF occurrence were swill feeding (OR 9.28), time of notification (OR 2.18), animal entry in the last 30 days (OR 2.08), lack of CSF vaccination (OR 1.88), age of animals between 3-6 months (OR 1.58) and being in the coastal region (OR 1.87). Spatiotemporal models showed that the vaccination campaign reduced the risk by 33% while temperature increased the risk by 17%. The calculated priority index aims to facilitate the intervention process that should be focused on a couple of provinces, mainly in Morona Santiago and Los Rios as well as in specific parishes around the country. Our findings provide insight and understanding of the risk factors associated with CSF in Ecuador, which stands for the Andean region; even though the results are specific for the implementation of risk-based surveillance for CSF, data and methods could be valuable for the prevention and control of diseases such as African swine fever, or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. In conclusion, the results highlight the complexity of the CSF control programme, the need to inform decision-makers, involve stakeholders and implement better strategies to update continental health policies to eradicate swine diseases.

Prevalência da tuberculose bovina no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha e sua importância para o direcionamento das ações de Defesa Sanitária Animal

Abstract: Recentes estudos epidemiológicos sobre tuberculose bovina foram conduzidos no Brasil, mas não em seus territórios insulares. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a prevalência da tuberculose bovina no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil, a fim de colaborar na adoção das estratégias de sua prevenção, controle e/ou erradicação. Em cada uma das dez propriedades existentes no arquipélago, todos os 74 bovinos acima de 24 meses de idade foram submetidos ao teste tuberculínico cervical comparativo. As informações epidemiológicas sobre a ocorrência da doença foram obtidas do banco de dados da Agência de Defesa e Fiscalização Agropecuária de Pernambuco - ADAGRO. As prevalências encontradas para rebanhos e animais foram 10% e 1,35%, respectivamente. A análise dos fatores de risco foi inviabilizada pelos resultados obtidos, já que o número de casos não permitiu fazer este tipo de análise. Este é o primeiro relato sobre prevalência da tuberculose bovina no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha. Várias características favorecem a implantação de estratégias que visem à erradicação da tuberculose bovina em Fernando de Noronha tais como: área territorial e característica insular; restrição da importação de animais de produção; reduzido número de bovinos e de propriedades; bem como pela baixa prevalência de animais positivos. Desta forma, o Serviço Veterinário Estadual (SVE) poderá otimizar as ações de vigilância nas espécies domésticas, estimulando a colaboração interdisciplinar entre os órgãos competentes para erradicar a tuberculose animal e alcançar melhoria da saúde humana por meio da saúde animal.

Prevalence of bat viruses associated with land-use change in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Abstract: Introduction Bats are critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems and many species are threatened primarily due to global habitat loss. Bats are also important hosts of a range of viruses, several of which have had significant impacts on global public health. The emergence of these viruses has been associated with land-use change and decreased host species richness. Yet, few studies have assessed how bat communities and the viruses they host alter with land-use change, particularly in highly biodiverse sites. Methods In this study, we investigate the effects of deforestation on bat host species richness and diversity, and viral prevalence and richness across five forested sites and three nearby deforested sites in the interior Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. Nested-PCR and qPCR were used to amplify and detect viral genetic sequence from six viral families (corona-, adeno-, herpes-, hanta-, paramyxo-, and astro-viridae) in 944 blood, saliva and rectal samples collected from 335 bats. Results We found that deforested sites had a less diverse bat community than forested sites, but higher viral prevalence and richness after controlling for confounding factors. Viral detection was more likely in juvenile males located in deforested sites. Interestingly, we also found a significant effect of host bat species on viral prevalence indicating that viral taxa were detected more frequently in some species than others. In particular, viruses from the Coronaviridae family were detected more frequently in generalist species compared to specialist species. Discussion Our findings suggest that deforestation may drive changes in the ecosystem which reduce bat host diversity while increasing the abundance of generalist species which host a wider range of viruses.

Survey of bovine brucellosis on the island of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract: Considering the lack of information about livestock diseases on Brazilian oceanic islands, the occurrence of bovine brucellosis was investigated on the island of Fernando de Noronha, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Serum samples were collected in October 2009, from all the 105 cows raised on the island at that time. These were examined concurrently using the Rose Bengal test and the Complement Fixation Test. All the samples were negative in both tests, indicating that the cows on the island were likely free from infection by smooth forms of Brucella. These results can partly be explained by the prohibition of introduction and importation of both small and large-sized animals that had been implemented through District Decree 19 of February 28, 2004.