bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Empirical Models to Predict Viscosity of Secondary Vacuum Gas Oils
Authors: Stratiev Dicho S. , Nenov Svetoslav , Shishkova Ivelina K. , Dinkov Rosen K. , Zlatanov Kamen , Yordanov Dobromir , Sotirov Sotir , Sotirova Evdokia , Atanassova Vassia , Atanassov Krassimir , Stratiev Danail D. , Todorova-Yankova Liliana
Published: August 2021

This work presents characterization data and viscosity of 34 secondary vacuum gas oils (H-Oil gas oils, visbreaker gas oils, and fluid catalytic cracking slurry oils) with aromatic content reaching up to 100 wt.%. Inter-criteria analysis was employed to define the secondary VGO characteristic parameters which have an effect on viscosity. Seven published empirical models to predict viscosity of the secondary vacuum gas oils were examined for their prediction ability. The empirical model of Aboul-Seud and Moharam was found to have the lowest error of prediction. A modification of Aboul-Seoud and Moharam model by separating the power terms accounting for the effects of specific gravity and average boiling point improves the accuracy of viscosity prediction. It was discovered that the relation of slope of viscosity decrease with temperature enhancement for the secondary vacuum gas oil is not a constant. This slope increases with the average boiling point and the specific gravity augmentation, a fact that has not been discussed before.
Multivariate Analysis of Energy Commodities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a Mixed-Frequency Approach
Authors: Andreani Mila , Candila Vincenzo , Morelli Giacomo , Petrella Lea
Published: August 2021

This paper shows the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy markets. We estimate daily volatilities and correlations among energy commodities relying on a mixed-frequency approach that exploits information from the number of weekly deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States. The mixed-frequency approach takes advantage of the MIxing-Data Sampling (MIDAS) methods. We compare our results to those obtained by employing two well-known models that do not account for the COVID-19 low-frequency variable, namely the Dynamic EquiCorrelation (DECO) and corrected Dynamic Conditional Correlation (cDCC). Moreover, we consider four possible specifications of the volatility: GARCH, GJR, GARCH-MIDAS, and Double-Asymmetric GARCH-MIDAS. The empirical results show that our approach is statistically superior to other models and represents a valuable methodology that can be used for risk managers, investors, and policy makers to assess the effects of the pandemic on spillovers effects in energy markets.
Estimating the Fractional Cycle Biases for GPS Triple-Frequency Precise Point Positioning with Ambiguity Resolution Based on IGS Ultra-Rapid Predicted Orbits
Authors: Qu Lizhong , Zhang Pu , Jing Changfeng , Du Mingyi , Wang Jian , Zhao Qile , Li Juanjuan
Published: August 2021

We investigate the estimation of the fractional cycle biases (FCBs) for GPS triple-frequency uncombined precise point positioning (PPP) with ambiguity resolution (AR) based on the IGS ultra-rapid predicted (IGU) orbits. The impact of the IGU orbit errors on the performance of GPS triple-frequency PPP AR is also assessed. The extra-wide-lane (EWL), wide-lane (WL) and narrow-lane (NL) FCBs are generated with the single difference (SD) between satellites model using the global reference stations based on the IGU orbits. For comparison purposes, the EWL, WL and NL FCBs based on the IGS final precise (IGF) orbits are estimated. Each of the EWL, WL and NL FCBs based on IGF and IGU orbits are converted to the uncombined FCBs to implement the static and kinematic triple-frequency PPP AR. Due to the short wavelengths of NL ambiguities, the IGU orbit errors significantly impact the precision and stability of NL FCBs. An average STD of 0.033 cycles is achieved for the NL FCBs based on IGF orbits, while the value of the NL FCBs based on IGU orbits is 0.133 cycles. In contrast, the EWL and WL FCBs generated based on IGU orbits have comparable precision and stability to those generated based on IGF orbits. The use of IGU orbits results in an increased time-to-first-fix (TTFF) and lower fixing rates compared to the use of IGF orbits. Average TTFFs of 23.3 min (static) and 31.1 min (kinematic) and fixing rates of 98.1% (static) and 97.4% (kinematic) are achieved for the triple-frequency PPP AR based on IGF orbits. The average TTFFs increase to 27.0 min (static) and 37.9 min (kinematic) with fixing rates of 97.0% (static) and 96.3% (kinematic) based on the IGU orbits. The convergence times and positioning accuracy of PPP and PPP AR based on IGU orbits are slightly worse than those based on IGF orbits. Additionally, limited by the number of satellites transmitting three frequency signals, the introduction of the third frequency, L5, has a marginal impact on the performance of PPP and PPP AR. The GPS triple-frequency PPP AR performance is expected to improve with the deployment of new-generation satellites capable of transmitting the L5 signal.
Machine Learning for the Fast and Accurate Assessment of Fitness in Coral Early Life History
Authors: Macadam Alex , Nowell Cameron J. , Quigley Kate
Published: August 2021

As coral reefs continue to degrade globally due to climate change, considerable effort and investment is being put into coral restoration. The production of coral offspring via asexual and sexual reproduction are some of the proposed tools for restoring coral populations and will need to be delivered at scale. Simple, inexpensive, and high-throughput methods are therefore needed for rapid analysis of thousands of coral offspring. Here we develop a machine learning pipeline to rapidly and accurately measure three key indicators of coral juvenile fitness: survival, size, and color. Using machine learning, we classify pixels through an open-source, user-friendly interface to quickly identify and measure coral juveniles on two substrates (field deployed terracotta tiles and experimental, laboratory PVC plastic slides). The method’s ease of use and ability to be trained quickly and accurately using small training sets make it suitable for application with images of species of sexually produced corals without existing datasets. Our results show higher accuracy of survival for slides (94.6% accuracy with five training images) compared to field tiles measured over multiple months (March: 77.5%, June: 91.3%, October: 97.9% accuracy with 100 training images). When using fewer training images, accuracy of area measurements was also higher on slides (7.7% average size difference) compared to tiles (24.2% average size difference for October images). The pipeline was 36× faster than manual measurements. The slide images required fewer training images compared to tiles and we provided cut-off guidelines for training for both substrates. These results highlight the importance and power of incorporating high-throughput methods, substrate choice, image quality, and number of training images for measurement accuracy. This study demonstrates the utility of machine learning tools for scalable ecological studies and conservation practices to facilitate rapid management decisions for reef protection.
Characterization of Urban Heat Islands Using City Lights: Insights from MODIS and VIIRS DNB Observations
Authors: Song Jingjing , Wang Jun , Xia Xiangao , Lin Runsheng , Wang Yi , Zhou Meng , Fu Disong
Published: August 2021

An urban heat island (UHI) is a phenomenon whereby the temperature in an urban area is significantly warmer than it a rural area. To further advance the characterization and understanding of UHIs within urban areas, nighttime light measured by the Day/Night Band (DNB) onboard the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the land surface temperature (LST) data derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) are used here. Beijing (highly developed) and Pyongyang (less developed) are selected as the two case studies. Linear correlation analysis is first used, with higher correlations being found between DNB and LST data at nighttime than between population and LST data for both cities, although none of the correlation coefficients are particularly high because of noise. Principal component analysis (PCA), a method that can remove random noise, is used to extract more useful information. Two types of PCA are conducted, focusing on spatial (S) and temporal (T) patterns. The results of the S-mode PCA reveal that the typical temporal variation is a seasonal cycle for both LST and DNB data in Beijing and Pyongyang. Furthermore, there are monthly cycles for DNB data related to the moon phase in two cities. The T-mode PCA results show important spatial information, while the spatial pattern of the first mode explains over 50% of the variation. This study is among the first to demonstrate the advantages of using urban light to study the spatial variation of urban heat, especially for nighttime urban temperatures measured from space, at the street and neighborhood scales.
Simultaneous Determination of C18 Fatty Acids in Milk by GC-MS
Authors: Chen Meiqing , Zhang Yangdong , Wang Fengen , Zheng Nan , Wang Jiaqi
Published: August 2021

The determination of C18 fatty acids (FAs) is a key and difficult aspect in FA profiling, and a qualified method with good chromatographic separation and high sensitivity, as well as easy methylation, is required. A GC-MS method was established to simultaneously determine C18 FAs in milk. To simplify the methylation protocol for milk samples, besides a base-catalyzation methylation (50 °C for 20 min), the necessity of an additional acid-catalyzation was also studied using different temperatures (60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C) and durations (90 min and 150 min). The results showed that the chromatographic resolution was improved, although three co-eluted peaks existed. The base-catalyzation was sufficient, and an additional acid-catalyzation was not necessary. The proposed method was validated with good sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision, and then applied in determining C18 FAs in 20 raw milk and 30 commercial milk samples. UHT milk presented a different profile of C18 FAs from raw milk and PAS milk samples, which indicated that excessive heating could change the profile. Overall, the proposed method is a high-throughput and competent approach for the determination of C18 FAs in milk, and which presents an improvement in chromatographic resolution and sensitivity, as well as a simplification of methylation.
Social Support and Attachment to Pets Moderate the Association between Sexual and Gender Minority Status and the Likelihood of Delaying or Avoiding COVID-19 Testing
Authors: Matijczak Angela , Applebaum Jennifer W. , Kattari Shanna K. , McDonald Shelby E.
Published: August 2021

Sexual and gender minority individuals (SGM) face barriers to accessing COVID-19 testing and treatment services. Living with pets may pose an additional barrier due to concerns about pet welfare. This study investigates whether the relation between SGM status and the likelihood of delaying or avoiding testing and treatment for COVID-19 varies as a function of attachment to pets and social support. Our sample consisted of 1453 adults (Mage = 39.4 years, 12.6% racial/ethnic minority; 21.8% SGM). We conducted simple and additive multiple moderation analyses to investigate the moderating effect of attachment to pets and social support on the relation between SGM status and the likelihood of delaying or avoiding COVID-19 testing or treatment. Attachment to pets moderated the association between SGM status and the likelihood of delaying or avoiding COVID-19 testing in the simple (β = 0.82, Z = 2.09, p = 0.04) and additive multiple moderation analyses (β = 0.82, Z = 2.05, p = 0.04). SGM participants were more likely than non-SGM participants to report that they would delay or avoid testing when they reported high attachment to their pet (β = 0.75, OR = 2.11, Z = 2.51, p = 0.01) and low (β = 0.75, OR = 2.12, Z = 2.48, p = 0.01) or moderate (β = 0.73, OR = 2.08, Z = 2.14, p = 0.03) levels of social support.
Comparable Discrimination of Soil Constituents Using Spectral Reflectance Data (400–1000 nm) Acquired with Hyperspectral Radiometry
Authors: Starks Patrick J. , Fortuna Ann-Marie
Published: August 2021

Currently, a gap exists in inventorying and monitoring the impact of land use and management on soil resources. Reducing the number of samples required to determine the impact of land management on soil carbon (C) and mineral constituents via proximal sensing techniques such as hyper-spectral radiometry can reduce the cost and personnel required to monitor changes in our natural resource base. Previously, we used an expensive, high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) field spectrometer to correlate soil constituents to hyperspectral diffuse reflectance (HDR), over the 350–2500 nm (VIS-SWIR) wavelength range. This research is an extension of preceding research but focuses solely on the 400–1000 nm (VIS-NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This region can be measured using less expensive (albeit with lower SNR), miniaturized, field spectrometers that allow minimal sample preparation. Our objectives are to: (1) further evaluate the use of soil HDR in the visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) region acquired using an expensive field hyperspectral spectroradiometer for prediction of soil C and selected fractions and nitrogen (N) constituents, (2) repeat the above measurements using HDR data from samples examined in objective (1) using lower SNR hyperspectral radiometers, and (3) add to the limited literature that addresses determinations of selected soil properties using proximal sensing in the VIS-NIR region. Data analyzed in this study confirms that good to satisfactory prediction equations for soil constituents can be developed from spectral reflectance data within the 400–1000 nm wavelength region obtained using relatively inexpensive field radiometers. This application could reduce the time and resources required to monitor gains or losses in carbon constituents, information that can be used in programing such as Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Climate-smart agriculture (CSA).
Signs of the United Nations SDGs in University Curriculum: The Case of the University of Iceland
Authors: Pálsdóttir Auður , Jóhannsdóttir Lára
Published: August 2021

Sustainability is a pressing topic in all universities. Institutions are determining what the implications of such a development are, e.g., on how courses that students are provided with should develop, what to change, what to add, and how these changes could be brought about. The purpose of this research was to provide an overview of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the curriculum of five schools at the University of Iceland and an overview of individual SDGs for the university, to identify the main challenges and opportunities for improvement. Data collection included analysis of every single university’s course description and learning outcomes using a curriculum analysis key designed for the SDGs. Results indicated strong signs of SDG 4 (quality education) at the School of Education and the School of Social Sciences and SDG 3 (good health and well-being) at the School of Health Sciences. For the university, the results revealed a very limited emphasis on four SDGs, i.e., SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), and SDG 13 (climate actions). The results can serve as a benchmark for other universities, e.g., for comparison of results and their situation when creating policy and practices that include implementing the SDGs. Additionally, they can be used for comparison within the University of Iceland as a whole or within each school to monitor change.
Selection of Recycling Channels and Product Eco-Design with Take-Back Regulation
Authors: Xu Shiqi , Liu Hui , Xu Guangye
Published: August 2021

The influence of government policies on the selection of recycling channels has been widely discussed, but there are few studies from the perspective of product Eco-design. This paper examines the recycling channel options for a manufacturer applying Eco-design under government environmental regulation. We consider a system that includes a retailer, a manufacturer, and a government, and develop a three-stage Stackelberg game model. The government firstly decides whether to impose environmental regulations. Next, the manufacturer decides whether to recycle by himself or delegate the recycling task to the retailer, deciding both the wholesale price of the product and the collected price (recycled by the manufacturer) or the recycling compensation to the retailer (recycled by the retailer), and the retailer decides the retail price of new products and the collection price (recycled by the retailer). Our study finds that for the regulator, the optimal policy is not to implement environmental regulation because the manufacturer has implemented the product Eco-design. For the manufacturer, the choice of recycling channel depends on the recycling cost of the manufacturer and the retailer. When the manufacturer’s recycling cost is below a certain threshold, he will prefer to recycle the waste products by himself, and when the cost increases beyond this threshold, the manufacturer will transfer the recycling task to the retailer.
Exploring the Impact of International Trade on Carbon Emissions: New Evidence from China’s 282 Cities
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Jie
Published: August 2021

Carbon emissions (CE) reduction has been an important measure to control global warming. With the deepening of internationalization, the import and export trade can have a significant influence on CE. In this study, the panel data of 282 cities in China from 2003 to 2016 were employed, and linear regression analysis with fixed effects, feasible generalized least squares and Driscoll–Kraay estimators were performed to assess the separate impacts of import and export trade on CE. The results show that there is a positive correlation between imports and CE, while the relationship is contrary for exports. The panel threshold regression method was further used for regression, and it found that there was one threshold value for gross domestic product (GDP) and two threshold values for gross industrial output (GIO) in the model. According to the division of threshold value, the impact of import trade on CE will turn from positive to negative, while the impact of export trade on reducing CE will be further enhanced. The structure of China’s import and export trade are used to illustrate the underlying mechanism of the different effects. For controlling CE in international trade, China should import more high-tech products to upgrade high-emission industries, and reduce the proportion of labor-intensive products exported.
Managing the Volatility Risk of Renewable Energy: Index Insurance for Offshore Wind Farms in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Shih-Chieh , Chang Shih-Chieh , Cheng Tsung-Chi
Published: August 2021

Renewable energy is produced using renewable natural resources, including wind power. The Taiwan government aims to have renewable energy account for 20% of its total power supply by 2025, in which offshore wind power plays an important role. This paper explores the application of index insurance to renewable energy for offshore wind power in Taiwan. We employ autoregressive integrated moving average models to forecast power generation on a monthly and annual basis for the Changhua Demonstration Offshore Wind Farm. These predictions are based on an analysis of 39 years of hourly wind speed data (1980–2018) from the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2, of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The data analysis and forecasting models describe the methodology used to design the insurance contract and its index for predicting offshore wind power generation. We apply our forecasting results to insurance contract pricing.
Feminization of African Agriculture and the Meaning of Decision-Making for Empowerment and Sustainability
Authors: Haug Ruth , Mwaseba Dismas L. , Njarui Donald , Moeletsi Mokhele , Magalasi Mufunanji , Mutimura Mupenzi , Hundessa Feyisa , Aamodt Julie T.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess women’s decision-making power in small-scale agriculture in six African countries in view of the feminization of agriculture and to discuss the meaning of decision-making in relation to women’s empowerment and sustainability. The data are drawn from a multisite and mixed-method agricultural research and development project in six sub-Saharan countries including two sites in each country. The five domains of empowerment outlined in the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index are used to structure the analysis. The results indicate that in the selected sites in Malawi, Rwanda and South Africa, women farmers tend to dominate agricultural decision-making, while the result is more mixed in the Kenyan sites, and decision-making tends to be dominated by men in the sites in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Despite women participating in agricultural decision-making, the qualitative results show that women small-scale farmers were not perceived to be empowered in any of the country sites. It appears that the feminization of agriculture leads to women playing a more important role in decision-making but also to more responsibilities and heavier workloads without necessarily resulting in improvements in well-being outcomes that would enhance sustainability.
A Multiple Comprehensive Analysis of scATAC-seq Based on Auto-Encoder and Matrix Decomposition
Authors: Huang Yuyao , Li Yizhou , Liu Yuan , Jing Runyu , Li Menglong
Published: August 2021

Single-cell ATAC-seq (scATAC-seq), as the updating of ATAC-seq, provides a novel method for probing open chromatin sites. Currently, research of scATAC-seq is faced with the problem of high dimensionality and the inherent sparsity of the generated data. Recently, several works proposed the use of an autoencoder–decoder, a symmetry neural network architecture, and non-negative matrix factorization methods to characterize the high-dimensional data. To evaluate the performance of multiple methods, in this work, we performed a multiple comparison for characterizing scATAC-seq based on four kinds of auto-encoders known as a symmetry neural network, and two kinds of matrix factorization methods. Different sizes of latent features were used to generate the UMAP plots and for further K-means clustering. Using a gold-standard data set, we practically explored the performance among the methods and the number of latent features in a comprehensive way. Finally, we briefly discuss the underlying difficulties and future directions for scATAC-seq characterizing. As a result, the method designed for handling the sparsity outperforms other tools in the generated dataset.
The Symmetry and Predictive Factors in Two-Stage Bilateral Hip Replacement Procedures
Authors: Kazubski Krystian , Tomczyk Łukasz , Ciszewski Mariusz , Witkowski Jarosław , Reichert Paweł , Morasiewicz Piotr
Published: August 2021

Background: Approximately 10–25% of total hip replacement patients undergo a bilateral procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare selected parameters associated with the first and second hip arthroplasty in patients undergoing two-stage treatment due to bilateral hip osteoarthritis and establish the predictive factors for the second procedure. Methods: This study compared the data on bilateral total hip replacement surgeries conducted in the period between 2017 and 2021 (42 patients). The following parameters from the first and second procedure were compared: the prosthetic stem, head, and insert cup size; type of cup insert; duration of anesthesia; duration of hospitalization; and the number of complications. Results: The mean duration of hospital stay at the time of the first total hip arthroplasty was 5.83 days and 5.4 days during the second stay. The mean stem sizes used during the first and second total hip replacement procedures were 7.11 and 7.09, respectively. The mean sizes of endoprosthetic cups used at the first and second total hip replacement procedures were 52.64 and 53.04, respectively. There were no significant differences between the mean prosthetic head size at the first and second surgery. The cup type used during the first and second surgery showed no difference. The mean duration of anesthesia used during the first and second total hip replacement surgery was 108.09 min and 104.52 min, respectively. We recorded a mean of 0.07 complications per patient at the first surgery and 0.02 at the second surgery. Conclusions: Our study results showed symmetry duration of anesthesia, length of hospital stay, number of complications per patient, stem size, prosthetic head size, cup insert size, and cup insert type at the first and second surgery in patients with two-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty. We observed a strong correlation between the stem sizes of the first and second hip endoprostheses. There was also a strong correlation between the cup sizes used during the first and second surgery.
Elucidating the Venom Diversity in Sri Lankan Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja) through De Novo Venom Gland Transcriptomics, Venom Proteomics and Toxicity Neutralization
Authors: Wong Kin Ying , Tan Kae Yi , Tan Nget Hong , Gnanathasan Christeine Ariaranee , Tan Choo Hock
Published: August 2021

Inadequate effectiveness of Indian antivenoms in treating envenomation caused by the Spectacled Cobra/Indian Cobra (Naja naja) in Sri Lanka has been attributed to geographical variations in the venom composition. This study investigated the de novo venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics of the Sri Lankan N. naja (NN-SL) to elucidate its toxin gene diversity and venom variability. The neutralization efficacy of a commonly used Indian antivenom product in Sri Lanka was examined against the lethality induced by NN-SL venom in mice. The transcriptomic study revealed high expression of 22 toxin genes families in NN-SL, constituting 46.55% of total transcript abundance. Three-finger toxins (3FTX) were the most diversely and abundantly expressed (87.54% of toxin gene expression), consistent with the dominance of 3FTX in the venom proteome (72.19% of total venom proteins). The 3FTX were predominantly S-type cytotoxins/cardiotoxins (CTX) and α-neurotoxins of long-chain or short-chain subtypes (α-NTX). CTX and α-NTX are implicated in local tissue necrosis and fatal neuromuscular paralysis, respectively, in envenomation caused by NN-SL. Intra-species variations in the toxin gene sequences and expression levels were apparent between NN-SL and other geographical specimens of N. naja, suggesting potential antigenic diversity that impacts antivenom effectiveness. This was demonstrated by limited potency (0.74 mg venom/ml antivenom) of the Indian polyvalent antivenom (VPAV) in neutralizing the NN-SL venom. A pan-regional antivenom with improved efficacy to treat N. naja envenomation is needed.
Characterization of New Allergens from the Venom of the European Paper Wasp Polistes dominula
Authors: Grosch Johannes , Eberlein Bernadette , Waldherr Sebastian , Pascal Mariona , San Bartolomé Clara , De La Roca Pinzón Federico , Dittmar Michael , Hilger Christiane , Ollert Markus , Biedermann Tilo , Darsow Ulf , Bilò Maria Beatrice , Schmidt-Weber Carsten B. , Blank Simon
Published: August 2021

Discriminating Polistes dominula and Vespula spp. venom allergy is of growing importance worldwide, as systemic reactions to either species’ sting can lead to severe outcomes. Administering the correct allergen-specific immunotherapy is therefore a prerequisite to ensure the safety and health of venom-allergic patients. Component-resolved diagnostics of Hymenoptera venom allergy might be improved by adding additional allergens to the diagnostic allergen panel. Therefore, three potential new allergens from P. dominula venom—immune responsive protein 30 (IRP30), vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF C) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2)—were cloned, recombinantly produced and biochemically characterized. Sera sIgE titers of Hymenoptera venom-allergic patients were measured in vitro to assess the allergenicity and potential cross-reactivity of the venom proteins. IRP30 and VEGF C were classified as minor allergens, as sensitization rates lay around 20–40%. About 50% of P. dominula venom-allergic patients had measurable sIgE titers directed against PLA2 from P. dominula venom. Interestingly, PLA2 was unable to activate basophils of allergic patients, questioning its role in the context of clinically relevant sensitization. Although the obtained results hint to a questionable benefit of the characterized P. dominula venom proteins for improved diagnosis of venom-allergic patients, they can contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Hymenoptera venoms and to the identification of factors that determine the allergenic potential of proteins.
A Comparative Analysis of Methods (LC-MS/MS, LC-MS and Rapid Test Kits) for the Determination of Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins in Oysters, Mussels and Pipis
Authors: Ajani Penelope A. , Sarowar Chowdhury , Turnbull Alison , Farrell Hazel , Zammit Anthony , Helleren Stuart , Hallegraeff Gustaaf , Murray Shauna A.
Published: August 2021

Rapid methods for the detection of biotoxins in shellfish can assist the seafood industry and safeguard public health. Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins (DSTs) are produced by species of the dinoflagellate genus Dinophysis, yet the comparative efficacy of their detection methods has not been systematically determined. Here, we examined DSTs in spiked and naturally contaminated shellfish–Sydney Rock Oysters (Saccostrea glomerata), Pacific Oysters (Magallana gigas/Crassostrea gigas), Blue Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and Pipis (Plebidonax deltoides/Donax deltoides), using LC-MS/MS and LC-MS in 4 laboratories, and 5 rapid test kits (quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Protein Phosphatase Inhibition Assay (PP2A), and qualitative Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)). We found all toxins in all species could be recovered by all laboratories using LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography—tandem Mass Spectrometry) and LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry); however, DST recovery at low and mid-level concentrations (<0.1 mg/kg) was variable (0–150%), while recovery at high-level concentrations (>0.86 mg/kg) was higher (60–262%). While no clear differences were observed between shellfish, all kits delivered an unacceptably high level (25–100%) of falsely compliant results for spiked samples. The LFA and the PP2A kits performed satisfactorily for naturally contaminated pipis (0%, 5% falsely compliant, respectively). There were correlations between spiked DSTs and quantitative methods was highest for LC-MS (r2 = 0.86) and the PP2A kit (r2 = 0.72). Overall, our results do not support the use of any DST rapid test kit as a stand-alone quality assurance measure at this time.
Substitution Arg140Gly in Hemagglutinin Reduced the Virulence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H7N1
Authors: Treshchalina Anastasia , Postnikova Yulia , Boravleva Elizaveta , Gambaryan Alexandra , Belyakova Alla , Ishmukhametov Aydar , Sadykova Galina , Prilipov Alexey , Lomakina Natalia
Published: August 2021

The H7 subtype of avian influenza viruses (AIV) stands out among other AIV. The H7 viruses circulate in ducks, poultry and equines and have repeatedly caused outbreaks of disease in humans. The laboratory strain A/chicken/Rostock/R0p/1934 (H7N1) (R0p), which was previously derived from the highly pathogenic strain A/FPV/Rostock/1934 (H7N1), was studied in this work to ascertain its biological property, genome stability and virulent changing mechanism. Several virus variants were obtained by serial passages in the chicken lungs. After 10 passages of this virus through the chicken lungs we obtained a much more pathogenic variant than the starting R0p. The study of intermediate passages showed a sharp increase in pathogenicity between the fifth and sixth passage. By cloning these variants, a pair of strains (R5p and R6p) was obtained, and the complete genomes of these strains were sequenced. Single amino acid substitution was revealed, namely reversion Gly140Arg in HA1. This amino acid is located at the head part of the hemagglutinin, adjacent to the receptor-binding site. In addition to the increased pathogenicity in chicken and mice, R6p differs from R5p in the shape of foci in cell culture and an increased affinity for a negatively charged receptor analogue, while maintaining a pattern of receptor-binding specificity and the pH of conformational change of HA.
Chronic Wasting Disease Transmission Risk Assessment for Farmed Cervids in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Authors: Kincheloe James M. , Horn-Delzer Amy R. , Makau Dennis N. , Wells Scott J.
Published: August 2021

CWD (chronic wasting disease) has emerged as one of the most important diseases of cervids and continues to adversely affect farmed and wild cervid populations, despite control and preventive measures. This study aims to use the current scientific understanding of CWD transmission and knowledge of farmed cervid operations to conduct a qualitative risk assessment for CWD transmission to cervid farms and, applying this risk assessment, systematically describe the CWD transmission risks experienced by CWD-positive farmed cervid operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. A systematic review of literature related to CWD transmission informed our criteria to stratify CWD transmission risks to cervid operations into high-risk low uncertainty, moderate-risk high uncertainty, and negligible-risk low uncertainty categories. Case data from 34 CWD-positive farmed cervid operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin from 2002 to January 2019 were categorized by transmission risks exposure and evaluated for trends. The majority of case farms recorded high transmission risks (56%), which were likely sources of CWD, but many (44%) had only moderate or negligible transmission risks, including most of the herds (62%) detected since 2012. The presence of CWD-positive cervid farms with only moderate or low CWD transmission risks necessitates further investigation of these risks to inform effective control measures.
COVID-19 Research: Lessons from Non-Human Primate Models
Authors: Albrecht Laure , Bishop Elodie , Jay Basile , Lafoux Blaise , Minoves Marie , Passaes Caroline
Published: August 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It emerged from China in December 2019 and rapidly spread across the globe, causing a pandemic with unprecedented impacts on public health and economy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of curative treatments and vaccines. In humans, COVID-19 pathogenesis shows a wide range of symptoms, from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. Identifying animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection that reflect the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 is of critical importance. Nonhuman primates (NHPss) correspond to relevant models to assess vaccine and antiviral effectiveness. This review discusses the use of NHPs as models for COVID-19 research, with focus on the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, drug discovery and pre-clinical evaluation of vaccine candidates.
Emerging Biomarkers and Targeted Therapies in Feline Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: Gameiro Andreia , Urbano Ana , Ferreira Fernando
Published: August 2021

Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is a common aggressive malignancy with a low survival rate that lacks viable therapeutic options beyond mastectomy. Recently, increasing efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying FMC development, using the knowledge gained from studies on human breast cancer to discover new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, thus reinforcing the utility of the cat as a cancer model. In this article, we review the current knowledge on FMC pathogenesis, biomarkers, and prognosis factors and offer new insights into novel therapeutic options for HER2-positive and triple-negative FMC subtypes.
Recent Advances of Nanoremediation Technologies for Soil and Groundwater Remediation: A Review
Authors: Alazaiza Motasem Y. D. , Albahnasawi Ahmed , Ali Gomaa A. M. , Bashir Mohammed J. K. , Copty Nadim K. , Amr Salem S. Abu , Abushammala Mohammed F. M. , Al Maskari Tahra
Published: August 2021

Nanotechnology has been widely used in many fields including in soil and groundwater remediation. Nanoremediation has emerged as an effective, rapid, and efficient technology for soil and groundwater contaminated with petroleum pollutants and heavy metals. This review provides an overview of the application of nanomaterials for environmental cleanup, such as soil and groundwater remediation. Four types of nanomaterials, namely nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and metallic and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), are presented and discussed. In addition, the potential environmental risks of the nanomaterial application in soil remediation are highlighted. Moreover, this review provides insight into the combination of nanoremediation with other remediation technologies. The study demonstrates that nZVI had been widely studied for high-efficiency environmental remediation due to its high reactivity and excellent contaminant immobilization capability. CNTs have received more attention for remediation of organic and inorganic contaminants because of their unique adsorption characteristics. Environmental remediations using metal and MNPs are also favorable due to their facile magnetic separation and unique metal-ion adsorption. The modified nZVI showed less toxicity towards soil bacteria than bare nZVI; thus, modifying or coating nZVI could reduce its ecotoxicity. The combination of nanoremediation with other remediation technology is shown to be a valuable soil remediation technique as the synergetic effects may increase the sustainability of the applied process towards green technology for soil remediation.
Advanced Drinking Groundwater As Phytofiltration by the Hyperaccumulating Fern Pteris vittata
Authors: Marzi Davide , Antenozio Maria Luisa , Vernazzaro Sara , Sette Clara , Veschetti Enrico , Lucentini Luca , Daniele Giancarlo , Brunetti Patrizia , Cardarelli Maura
Published: August 2021

The reuse of Pteris vittata plants for multiple phytofiltration cycles is a main issue to allow an efficient phytoremediation of arsenic (As)-contaminated groundwater. Here, we assessed the capacity of phytofiltration of P. vittata plants grown for two cycles on naturally As-contaminated drinking water (collected in Central Italy), spaced by a growth cycle on non-contaminated water (N cycle). P. vittata young plants, with extensive frond and root development, were suspended individually in 15 L of water with initial As of 59 µg/L, without any additional treatment or water refilling. During cycle 1, in 45 days P. vittata plants reduced As concentration below 10 µg/L, the allowed EU limits for drinking water. During the subsequent 30 day-N cycle on non-contaminated water, no leaching of As from the roots was observed, while the water pH increased 0.9 Units, but is within the allowed limits. During cycle 2, under the same conditions as cycle 1, As concentration decreased below 10 µg/L in less than seven days. These results show that P. vittata young plants, previously used for the phytofiltration of As, do not extrude As and, when reused, remove As much more rapidly. No additional treatments were required during phytofiltration and thus this represents a sustainable, efficient, and scalable strategy.
Performance analysis of PAO Zio-Podolsk
Authors: Bolshakova V.I. , Repnikova V.M.
Published: August 2021

Modern companies strive to strengthen their competitiveness in the market. One of the ways to achieve this goal is to increase the efficiency of the organization, including by boosting labor productivity.
Principles and methods of effective labor and production organization at machine-building enterprises
Authors: Bukhalkov M.I. , Kuzmin M.A.
Published: August 2021

The scientific principles and methods of effective organization of personnel labor and lean production at the enterprises of the machine-building complex are described.

English version of the article is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/principles-and-methods-of-high-performance-work-and-production-organization-at-machine/65704.html
Spotlight on laparoscopy in the surgical resection of locally advanced rectal cancer: multicenter propensity score match study
Authors: Nasir Irfan Ul Islam , Shah Muhammad Fahd , Panteleimonitis Sofoklis , Figueiredo Nuno , Parvaiz Amjad
Published: August 2021

Purpose: This study was aimed to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic rectal surgery, comparing quality of surgical specimen, morbidity, and mortality.Methods: Prospectively acquired data from consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer, at 2 minimally invasive colorectal units, operated by the same team was included. Locally advanced rectal tumors were identified as T3B or T4 with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. All the patients were operated on by the same team. The 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to create a perfect match in terms of tumor height.Results: Total of 418 laparoscopic resections were performed, out of which 109 patients had locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and were propensity score matched with non-LARC (NLARC) patients. Median operation time was higher for the LARC group (270 minutes vs. 250 minutes, P=0.011). However, conversion to open surgery was done in 5 vs. 2 patients (P=0.445), reoperation in 8 vs. 7 (P=0.789), clinical anastomotic leak was found in 3 vs. 2 (P=0.670), and 30-day mortality rates was 2 vs. 1 (P>0.999) between LARC and NLARC, respectively. Readmission rate was higher in the NLARC group (33 patients vs. 19 patients, P=0.026), due to stoma-related issues. There was no statistically significant difference in the R0 resection between the 2 groups (99 patients in LARC vs. 104 patients in NLARC, P=0.284).Conclusion: This study demonstrates that standardized approach to laparoscopy is safe and feasible in LARC. Comparable postoperative short-term clinical and pathological outcomes were seen between LARC and NLARC groups.
TAXES TO DIGITAL BUSINESS IN MEXICO
Authors: Martínez-Prats Germán
Published: August 2021

Tax collection is the pillar of public spending, which affects the execution of programs for the development of the country without the creation of new taxes, in accordance with this, in September 2019, was presented within the Package Fiscal 2020 the proposal to regularize the collection of value-added tax on products and services marketed online.In recent years, this type of trade has grown exponentially, representing 4.6% of Mexico’s gross domestic product, the tax referred to was already provided under our legislation, however, it was not Effectively regularized, the tax package proposal includes taxing services and goods, that is, platforms such as UBER, NETFLIX, UBER EATS, as well as those that offer lodging services in Mexico, are subject to the tax indicated. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the benefits and cons with respect to the aforementioned proposal, through the review of similar taxes in other countries, in order to analyze the behavior and contrast with the reform of said tax
ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ПЛАЗМОГЕЛЯ И ГИАЛУРОНВОЙ КИСЛОТЫ ДЛЯ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ГЕНЕРАЛИЗОВАННОГО ПАРОДОНТИТА
Authors: Вишневская А. А.
Published: August 2021

Проблема заболеваний пародонта на сегодня занимает одно из ведущих мест среди стоматологической заболеваемости.Целью исследования было изучение влияния на эффективность лечения генерализованного пародонтита комплекса включающего плазмогель из тромбоцитарной аутоплазмы и препарат с гиалуроновой кислотой Hyadent BG на основании биохимических показателей активности каталазы и содержания малонового диаль-дегида в сыворотке крови у крыс.Комбинированное применение препаратов плазмогеля и гиалуроновой кислоты приводит к достоверному снижению содержания МДА и уменьшению каскада оксидативного стресса, а также значительно увеличива-ет активность каталазы в сыворотке крови, что свидетельствует о защитном действии на ткани пародон-та.
КОРРЕКЦИЯ БИОХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ В СЫВОРОТКЕ КРОВИ И ТКАНЯХ ПОЛОСТИ РТА КРЫС ПРИ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОМ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИИ АНТРОПОГЕННОГО ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ
Authors: Скульская С. В. , Макаренко О. А. , Деньга О. В.
Published: August 2021

Актуальность. Антропогенное загрязнение окружающей среды оказывает увеличение стома-тологической заболеваемости. При этом установлена высокая распространенность кариеса и нека-риозных поражений твердых тканей зубов, заболеваний пародонта и слизистой оболочки полости рта у детского населения.Целью данного исследования была экспериментальная оценка изменений биохимических показа-телей сыворотки крови и тканей полости рта крыс под действием лечебно-профилактических ме-роприятий, разработанных для детей, проживающих в зоне антропогенного загрязнения нефтехи-мическим производством.Материалы и методы. В сыворотке крови, гомогенатах кости альвеолярного отростка, слизи-стой оболочки полости рта и печени крыс определяли содержание малонового диальдегида, актив-ность каталазы, активность глутатионпероксидазы и глутатион-редуктазы и уровень дисульфид-ных и сульфгидрильных водорастворимых соединений.Выводы. Проведение лечебно-профилактических мероприятий оказало выраженный лечебно-профилактический эффект – стимуляцию антиоксидантной защиты в организме и тканях полости рта.