Let q be a prime power and m > 1 be any integer. Let F-q(m) be the finite field of order q(m) and theta is an element of F-q(m) be such that F-q(m) = F-q(theta). We obtain a nontrivial bound for the mixed character sum Sigma(x is an element of Fq)chi(theta + x) psi(x), where chi and psi are multiplicative and additive characters of F-q(m) and F-q, respectively, using function field methods. As an application of our main result, we prove that for fixed m and sufficiently large prime powers q, that satisfy certain conditions, F-q(m) /F-q possesses the weak line property for primitive normal elements. In particular, our result is a strengthening of existing results. (c) 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Background COVID-19 pandemic responses in European countries relied on both vaccination campaigns and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). While vaccination reduced severe disease, NPIs remained necessary to limit transmission, particularly during periods of variant emergence. However, the effectiveness of these strategies depended on social trust, communication clarity, and behavioural adaptation. Objective To synthesize empirical evidence on shared determinants of vaccination and NPI-related behaviours, behavioural relationships between these strategies, and evidence concerning their joint epidemiological effects. Methods PubMed and Scopus were searched on 11 February 2025 using free-text terms for COVID-19, vaccination, and social or non-pharmaceutical measures. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, empirical (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods), conducted by authors affiliated with selected European institutions, and examined relationships between vaccination and NPIs. Studies based solely on modelling or secondary data were excluded. Data were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes. Results Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Trust in scientific and governmental authorities consistently predicted adherence to NPIs and willingness to vaccinate. Sweden's reliance on voluntary measures was effective where institutional trust was high. In contrast, inconsistent communication in the United Kingdom contributed to reduced adherence and public frustration. Vaccinated individuals tended to increase social contacts, an association compatible with behavioural adaptation. A conjoint experiment examined stated vaccination preferences in relation to NPI attributes. Younger populations experienced notable psychological strain during prolonged restrictions. Conclusions The synthesis primarily informs social and behavioural relationships involving vaccination and NPIs. Shared determinants and behavioural associations should not be interpreted as evidence of synergistic effects on infection, hospitalisation, or mortality. Future pandemic preparedness should prioritize trust-building, consistent messaging, and targeted psychosocial support for vulnerable groups.
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) is found in peri-urban environments and transmits pathogenetic arboviruses such as Zika, chikungunya and dengue. It is anthropophilic and feeds during the day. The blood is necessary for egg production. The purpose of the present paper was to study the effect of mating on the lifespan of adults (males and females) of Ae. albopictus as well as the effect of blood meal frequency (zero, one and two meals) on the biodemographic characteristics: lifespan, egg production, number of pupae, pupation percentage, number of male offsprings, number of female offsprings, ratio of male/female offsprings. The population was collected at the vicinity of Volos and Larissa, Thessaly, Greece and the experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. Lifespan did not differ between unmated and mated males and females. The number of blood meals (one and two) significantly reduced adult lifespan compared with those with no blood meal. The second blood meal doubled egg production. The knowledge of the biology of mosquitoes and especially the effect of blood meal provides valuable information for the development of mosquito population models and effective mosquito control programmes.
Brackish aquaponics is expected to be a promising approach to sustainable food production, integrating saline water resources with simultaneous co-cultivation of fish and halophytes. The present study investigated the effects of three feeding ratios (FR1.5: 1.5%, FR3: 3%, and FR6: 6% b.w/d) on the growth performance of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and glasswort (Salicornia europaea) co-cultured in three autonomous one-loop recirculation aquaponic systems (180 L each) at 20 ppt salinity over 78 days. Each system comprised three fish-rearing tanks connected to a two-stage sump filter and a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic subsystem. Sea bass fed at FR3 achieved significantly higher weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion efficiency than FR1.5. At FR6, feed consumption nearly doubled compared to FR3 (3.79 vs. 1.91 g), yet the feed conversion ratio increased from 0.79 to 1.65, and protein efficiency ratio declined from 3.80 to 1.91, indicating overfeeding effects. Regarding glasswort, FR6 produced significantly higher chlorophyll a content and plant biomass, whereas FR1.5 showed superior ammonia removal efficiency. Overall, FR3 provided the best balance between fish growth, plant yield, and water quality maintenance. These findings highlight the critical role of feeding management in brackish aquaponics in order to optimize nutrient coupling between fish and halophyte production.
