bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a mmWave Antenna Printed on a Thick Vehicle-Glass Substrate Using a Linearly Arrayed Patch Director and a Grid-Slotted Patch Reflector for High-Gain Characteristics
Authors: Im Changhyeon , Lim Tae Heung , Choo Hosung
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a 5G glass antenna that can be printed on the thick window glass of a vehicle. The proposed antenna consists of a coplanar waveguide (CPW), a printed monopole radiator, parasitic elements, a linearly arrayed patch director, and a grid-slotted patch reflector. The linearly arrayed patch director and grid-slotted patch reflector are applied to improve the bore-sight gain of the antenna. To verify the performance improvement and feasibility, the proposed antenna is fabricated, and a reflection coefficient and a radiation pattern are measured and compared with the simulation results. The measured reflection coefficient shows broadband characteristics of less than −10 dB from 24.1 GHz to 31.0 GHz (fractional bandwidth of 24.6%), which agrees well with the simulation results. The reflection coefficients are −33.1 dB by measurement and −25.7 dB by simulation, and the maximum gains are 6.2 dBi and 5.5 dBi at 28 GHz, respectively. These results demonstrate that the proposed antenna has high-gain characteristics being suitable for 5G wireless communications.
Humidity Sensitivity of Chemically Synthesized ZnAl2O4/Al
Authors: Nakane Takayuki , Naka Takashi , Nakayama Minako , Uchikoshi Tetsuo
Published: August 2022

Humidity sensitivity is evaluated for chemically synthesized ZnAl2O4/Al devices. We succeeded in synthesizing the ZnAl2O4/Al device by applying chemical techniques only. Hydrothermal treatment for the anodized aluminum (AlOx/Al) gives us the device of the ZnAl2O4/Al structure. All fabrication processes were conducted under 400 °C. The key was focusing on ZnAl2O4 as the sensing material instead of MgAl2O4, which is generally investigated as the humidity sensor. The evaluation of this ZnAl2O4/Al device clarified its effectiveness as a sensor. Both electrical capacitance, Cp, and the resistivity, Rp, measured by an LCR meter, obviously responded to the humidity with good sensitivity and appreciable repeatability. Our synthesis technique is possible in principle to improve on the process for the device with a complex structure providing a large surface area. These characteristics are believed to expand the application study of spinel aluminate devices as the sensor.
A Model between Near-Surface Air Temperature Change and Dynamic Influencing Factors in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Xu Wentao , Wang Qinjun , Chang Dingkun , Xie Jingjing , Yang Jingyi
Published: August 2022

Climate change, characterized by global warming, is profoundly affecting the global environment, politics, economy, and social security. Finding the main causes of climate change and determining their quantitative contributions are key points to making climate decisions on responses to climate change. The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is sensitive to global climate change. Taking the 100 km buffer zones of 45 meteorological stations in the eastern TP as research objects, we conducted an experimental study on temperature change and its influencing factors. Using the least squares multivariate statistical analysis method, a model between the annual and seasonal standardized temperature change and its dynamic influencing factors in the past 20 years was established. The results showed that, in the eastern TP, temperature change was affected by different factors in different periods. Vegetation cover and snow cover were the most correlated factors to temperature change. The influence of carbon dioxide, vegetation cover, and water cover was subject to seasonal changes. Urban cover and bare land cover did not pass the t-test. This research not only provides a theoretical basis for the analysis of temperature change over the TP, but also points out the direction for the analysis of temperature change causes in three polar regions.
SWIPT-Pairing Mechanism for Channel-Aware Cooperative H-NOMA in 6G Terahertz Communications
Authors: Oleiwi Haider W. , Al-Raweshidy Hamed
Published: August 2022

The constraints of 5G communication systems compel further improvements to be compatible with 6G candidate technologies, especially to cope with the limited wavelengths of blockage-sensitive terahertz (THz) frequencies. In this paper integrating cooperative simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) and hybrid-non-orthogonal multiple access (H-NOMA) using THz frequency bands are suggested. We investigated and developed an optimal SWIPT-pairing mechanism for the multilateral proposed system that represents a considerable enhancement in energy/spectral efficiencies while improving the significant system specifications. Given the system performance investigation and the gains achieved, in this paper, wireless communication systems were optimized and upgraded, making use of promising technologies including H-NOMA and THz communications. This process aimed to alleviate the THz transmission challenges and improve wireless connectivity, resource availability, processing, robustness, capacity, user-fairness, and overall performance of communication networks. It thoroughly optimized the best H-NOMA pairing scheme for cell users. The conducted results showed how the proposed technique managed to improve energy and spectral efficiencies compared to the related work by more than 75%, in addition to the dynamism of the introduced mechanism. This system reduces the transceivers’ hardware and computational complexity while improving reliability and transmission rates, without the need for complex technologies, e.g., multi-input multi-output or reflecting services.
Machine Learning and 3D Reconstruction of Materials Surface for Nondestructive Inspection
Authors: Kartashov Oleg O. , Chernov Andrey V. , Alexandrov Alexander A. , Polyanichenko Dmitry S. , Ierusalimov Vladislav S. , Petrov Semyon A. , Butakova Maria A.
Published: August 2022

During the steel pipeline installation, special attention is paid to the butt weld control performed by fusion welding. The operation of the currently popular automated X-ray and ultrasonic testing complexes is associated with high resource and monetary costs. In this regard, this work is devoted to the development of alternative and cost-effective means of preliminary quality control of the work performed based on the visual testing method. To achieve this goal, a hardware platform based on a single board Raspberry Pi4 minicomputer and a set of available modules and expansion cards is proposed, and software whose main functionality is implemented based on the systemic application of computer vision algorithms and machine learning methods. The YOLOv5 object detection algorithm and the random forest machine learning model were used as a defect detection and classification system. The mean average precision (mAP) of the trained YOLOv5 algorithm based on extracted weld contours is 86.9%. A copy of YOLOv5 trained on the images of control objects showed a mAP result of 96.8%. Random forest identifying of the defect precursor based on the point clouds of the weld surface achieved a mAP of 87.5%.
Comprehensive Engineering Frequency Domain Analysis and Vibration Suppression of Flexible Aircraft Based on Active Disturbance Rejection Controller
Authors: Liu Litao , Tian Bingwei
Published: August 2022

The crash of an aircraft with an almost vertical attitude in Wuzhou, Guangxi, China, on 21 March 2022, has caused a robust discussion in the civil aviation community. We propose an active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) for suppressing aeroelastic vibrations of a flexible aircraft at the simulation level. The ADRC has a relatively simple structure and it has been proved in several fields to provide better control than the classical proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control theory and is easier to translate from theory to practice compared with other modern control theories. In this paper, the vibration model of the flexible aircraft was built, based on the first elastic vibration mode of the aircraft. In addition, the principle of ADRC is explained in detail, a second-order ADRC was designed to control the vibration model, and the system’s closed-loop frequency domain characteristics, tracking effect and sensitivity were comprehensively analyzed. The estimation error of the extended state observer (ESO) and the anti-disturbance effect were analyzed, while the robustness of the closed-loop system was verified using the Monte Carlo method, which was used for the first time in this field. Simulation results showed that the ADRC suppressed aircraft elastic vibration better than PID controllers and that the closed-loop system was robust in the face of dynamic parameters.
Adaptive Fault-Tolerant Formation Control of Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Systems under Directed Communication Topology
Authors: Liu Shangkun , Jiang Bin , Mao Zehui , Ma Yajie
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the adaptive fault-tolerant formation control scheme for heterogeneous multi-agent systems consisting of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with actuator faults, parameter uncertainties and external disturbances under directed communication topology. Firstly, the dynamic models of UAVs and USVs are introduced, and a unified heterogeneous multi-agent system model with actuator faults is established. Then, a distributed fault-tolerant formation controller is proposed for the unified model of UAVs and USVs in the XY plane by using adaptive updating laws and radial basis function neural network. After that, a decentralized formation-tracking controller is designed for the altitude control system of UAVs. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, it can be proved that the formation errors and tracking errors are uniformly ultimately bounded which means that the expected time-varying formation is achieved. Finally, a simulation study is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
The Tourism Potential of the Jewish Cultural Heritage in Bucharest
Authors: Bogan Elena
Published: August 2022

The field of tourism includes its own heritage, through which it is possible to valorize those components of the cultural environment and of the cultural heritage that truly have a touristic valence. The urban interventions in Bucharest during the communist period affected many central historical areas. However, a part of the Jewish architectural heritage continues to last, with the attention on it increasing in recent years with the awareness of its value. The aim of this study is to assess the tourist potential of the Jewish cultural heritage by using an index of tourist attractiveness and a set of values established as evaluation criteria; identifying the heritage values as well as the ways of its development and promotion within the cultural tourism in Bucharest, in the context of preservation, conservation and restoration; identifying new ideas, products or services, respectively improving existing ones.
KSA Universities’ Role in Promoting the Sustainability of Food Security: Faculty Opinions
Authors: Abunasser Fathi , AlAli Rommel , Al-Qahtani Mohammed
Published: August 2022

Universities can make significant gains in two very important areas: food security and environmental sustainability. However, the results will not come by themselves, as policies and educational and learning activities can contribute to these gains. The current study aimed to explore the role of universities in enhancing the sustainability of food security, which is necessary to lay the scientific foundations for the universities’ approaches in the service of development. The current study was based on the opinions of 272 faculty members from Saudi public universities. The data were collected using a developed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the study showed that the level of a university’s role was high in promoting the sustainability of food security in the fields of education and learning and policies and regulations. It also showed that there were no differences in the study sample’s estimations of this role according to gender. In addition, there were differences in the levels of the role of universities in achieving sustainable food security between faculties, with the humanities in favor of this role. The authors of this study recommend that universities adopt an educational policy that includes specific measures that support the sustainability of food security and are linked to the state’s general plans in this field, as well as being reflected in the courses and activities they provide to students.
Representativeness of Fecal Microbiota Is Limited to Cecum and Colon in Domestic Yak
Authors: Qin Wen , Song Pengfei , Li Jirong , Xie Jiuxiang , Zhang Shoudong
Published: August 2022

Gut microbiota are important for the health and adaptability of the domestic yak. Fecal microbiota are one of the most popular groups of microorganisms used to estimate the domestic yaks’ status, given the ease of obtaining fecal samples. However, because gut microbiota differ between gut sections, the representativeness of feces in microbiota is unclear in yak. To fill this gap, we compared the gut microbial diversities and functions of microbiota in the feces and seven other intestinal parts of domestic yaks based on 16S rRNA, including the rumen, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum. The gut microbiota of eight intestinal parts showed significant differences at the beta-diversity level. However, there were no significant differences in the diversity and functions of microbiota between the feces and cecum and the feces and colon because of the digestive process. According to source-tracking analysis, most fecal microbiota originate from the cecum and colon. We speculated that the representativeness of fecal microbiota is limited to cecum and colon in domestic yak. Our study is the foundation of the use of fecal microbiota for animal husbandry research.
Museum Tour Guide Performance: A Visitor Perspective
Authors: Anđelković Željko , Kovačić Sanja , Bratić Marija , Vujičić Miroslav D. , Stankov Uglješa , Pavluković Vanja , Dragin Aleksandra , Pivac Tatjana , Ivkov Džigurski Anđelija , Ivanović Bibić Ljubica , Zadel Zrinka , Đukičin Vučković Smiljana
Published: August 2022

Tour guide performance has been a hotly debated academic topic, owing to the critical role they play in facilitating a variety of tourist experiences. Similarly, museum tour guides are the initial point of contact for tourists and have a substantial impact on the total visitor experience, but their performance is far less investigated. Visitors’ satisfaction and behavior intentions are inextricably linked to museum guide performances in this case. The purpose of this research was to implement and test a well-established scale for assessing tour guide performance in the museum context. Moreover, the aim was also to single out and discuss museum guide types based on their performances. The research was conducted during May and June 2021 on a sample of 255 visitors from five museums in Serbia. The data were processed by SPSS, R and RStudio. The results indicate the existence of five museum guide types: Classic Professional, Agile Empath, Operational Erudite, Trustworthy Caretaker, and Passionate Socializer. The study explores sociodemographic differences in visitors’ evaluations of tour guide performances and gives theoretical and managerial implication for each museum guide type.
Poverty and Its Correlates among Kenyan Refugees during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Random Effects Probit Regression Model
Authors: Oyekale Abayomi Samuel
Published: August 2022

Poverty remains a major problem among refugees, and the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have exacerbated its incidences. In Kenya, although refugees ordinarily face serious economic conditions, COVID-19 worsened their economic status. The objective of this paper was to analyze the determinants of poverty dynamics among Kenyan refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were the COVID-19 rapid response panel data that were collected between May 2020 and June 2021 by the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the University of California, Berkeley with technical assistance from the World Bank. The random effects probit regression model was used for data analysis using the absolute and relative poverty lines. The results showed that, using the Kenya’s national poverty lines, 73.03% of the respondents were poor across time, while there was a steady decline in poverty incidences from 76.55 in July–September 2020 to 68.44% in March–June 2021. The results further showed the presence of significant heterogeneity, thereby justifying the panel estimation approach. Poverty significantly declined (p < 0.05) with receipt of food assistance, remittances, gifts, amount of loan, amount realized from sale of assets and agricultural enterprises, while it increased with education, household size, non-farm enterprises, residence in urban areas, and at the Kakuma, Kalobeyei and Shona camps. It was concluded that welfare deprivation among refugees during COVID-19 is pathetic, and post-COVID-19 recovery should, among other things, take cognizance of place and camp of residence, and access to some form of socioeconomic support.
Measuring the Effect of Circular Public Procurement on Government’s Environmental Impact
Authors: Zijp Michiel , Dekker Erik , Hauck Mara , De Koning Arjan , Bijleveld Marijn , Tokaya Janot , De Valk Elias , Hollander Anne , Posthuma Leo
Published: August 2022

Governments contribute to the transition toward a circular economy (CE) by using criteria in their procurement processes that trigger the supply of circular products and services, namely circular public procurement (CPP). CPP practices are emerging in Europe. However, the effect of CPP is not yet monitored and hence remains unclear. What is the efficacy of CPP in reducing the impacts of goods and services? Analyzing CPP efficacy is an important next step in exploring how to improve its application. This paper presents the results of an effect evaluation of CPP in the Netherlands, using a sample-based mixed-method approach in combination with life cycle assessment for analyzing CPP-induced reduced impacts on global warming and material use. Two thirds of the procurement tenders in which circular procurement criteria were applied in 2017 and 2018 did not result in reduced environmental impacts or reduced material use. One third, however, showed that, as well as how CPP can contribute to the transition toward a CE. The identified remaining challenges are (1) to apply criteria that are ambitious enough to challenge the market and (2) to keep attention on the circularity ambitions up during the implementation phase of the procurement process. Effect indicators are proposed to complement the current monitoring practices of CPP implementation.
Does Environmental Regulation Promote the Upgrade of the Export Technology Structure: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Yingzhu , Wang Qunhao , Gao Yang , Zhao Lexiang
Published: August 2022

Rapid economic growth is accompanied by the continuous degradation of the environmental quality, low efficiency of natural-resource utilization and increasing health losses. With the growing environmental problems, countries in the world have gradually attached importance to environmental protection and regulation. As an effective means of environmental protection by the government, environmental regulation’s role in high-quality development cannot be understated. On the basis of a two-way fixed-effects model, the panel data of 276 prefecture-level cities of China during the period 2007–2016 were used to explore the effect of environmental regulation on China’s export technology structure, and the influence mechanism between the two. Moreover, panel quantile regression was used to examine the heterogeneity of the effect of environmental regulation on the export technology structures of Chinese cities with distinct technological levels. The empirical results prove that environmental regulation can boost the upgrade of China’s export technology structure by encouraging innovation. Furthermore, the impact of environmental regulation on China’s export technology structure changes according to the export technical complexity. With the improvement in the export technology structure, the boost effect appears as an inverted U-shaped change.
How Is the ESG Reflected in European Financial Stability?
Authors: Lupu Iulia , Hurduzeu Gheorghe , Lupu Radu
Published: August 2022

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly analysed to identify the risks and opportunities in contemporary economies. The banking sector influences the whole economy through the credit channel and balances its stability. The interplay of these elements motivated our main question, whether ESG scores impact European financial stability, measured for the banking sector. To this aim, we employ the cross-quantilogram methodology, which explores dependences at all levels of the distributions of two random variables. To determine the quantile dependence, we resort to methods of measuring systemic risk (Marginal Expected Shortfall—MES, CoVaR, and ΔCoVaR) for all commercial banks listed on European stock exchanges. While our approach provides a dashboard for analysis of the dependence of financial stability on ESG pillars, our findings indicate that such a connection is valid and cannot be identified with standard approaches that explore average distribution levels. We also document the differences in these impacts across the ESG pillars.
Engaging in Sustainable Consumption: Exploring the Influence of Environmental Attitudes, Values, Personal Norms, and Perceived Responsibility
Authors: Čapienė Aistė , Rūtelionė Aušra , Krukowski Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

This study explores the links between environmental attitudes and values, personal norms, perceived responsibility, pro-environmental and prosocial engagement in sustainable consumption, and sustainable consumption behavior. Data was collected by surveying 904 Lithuanians through non-random quota sampling. Empirical research reveals that internal factors, such as environmental attitudes, values, personal norms, and perceived responsibility, have a positive direct effect on engagement with sustainable consumption. In addition, the findings indicate that pro-environmental and prosocial engagement to act as a mediator in enhancing the impact on sustainable consumer behavior. The results of this study expand the understanding of the engagement phenomena and how it can assist in shifting to sustainable consumer behavior in the Lithuanian context. Opportunities to encourage sustainable consumption behavior are presented for marketers and policy makers.
Study on Influence Law of Key Factors of New Composite Slurry Spraying Technology
Authors: Gan Jiandong , Shao Sihua , Su Xueyou , Zhang Zhongru , Sun Zhimeng , Zhang Biao
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a new type of water pressure and air pressure composite slurry is proposed to ensure the safety of spraying. Firstly, the air tightness, bending resistance and viscosity of the spraying material were measured in the laboratory. Secondly, the two-fluid VOF model was used to analyze the influence laws of the spraying process, the spraying area formed on the wall, the thickness of the spraying layer and the pressure at the nozzle (or initial flow rate), the spraying distance, the spraying time, and the spraying direction. The research shows that (1) the new composite slurry spraying material made of clay:cement:additive:engineering fiber = 84:14:1.85:0.15 has suitable sealing and bending resistance and adhesion. (2) The smaller the spraying distance is, the larger the spraying area formed on the side wall in a short time, and the shape is regular, but the spraying area is relatively small. The spraying area increases with the increase in spraying distance, and the slurry thickness becomes thinner with the increase in spraying distance. (3) When the initial spraying speed is high, the shape of the spraying area is regular, the spraying thickness is large and the uniformity is suitable, but the shape and uniformity of the spraying area are related to the time when the slurry reaches the side wall. The longer the time when the slurry reaches the side wall, the greater the influence of gravity and surrounding fluid, and the more changes along the process. (4) When the spraying surface is at the top, the spraying process is significantly affected by gravity, and discontinuous spraying areas will be formed on the top surface. Especially when the initial spraying speed is low, the amount of slurry reaching the top surface fluctuates due to rebound and increases with the increase in the initial spraying speed.
Carbon Footprint Estimation for La Serena-Coquimbo Conurbation Based on Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories (GPC)
Authors: Balaguera-Quintero Alejandra , Vallone Andres , Igor-Tapia Sebastián
Published: August 2022

High levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, coupled with native forest and jungle deforestation, have led to a worldwide temperature increase. Cities are home to over half of the world’s population and generate over 80% of GHG emissions. Consequently, urban areas must become facilitation centers in the battle against climate change. The main objective of this manuscript is to estimate the carbon footprint of the La Serena-Coquimbo conurbation, seeking to determine the contribution of the area to climate change. To this end, the following steps were taken: Identification of sectors and subsectors contributing to GHG emissions in the conurbation; gathering data on selected sectors to develop a GHG inventory; and the quantification of the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) in selected sectors. The results revealed that 2,102,887 t CO2eq were generated in the conurbation by the stationary energy, transport, and waste sectors, the former being the largest contributor. We conclude that there is a need for greater environmental development in cities in order to facilitate formulation and implementation of GHG reduction proposals.
Guideline for Vascular Access Port Use and Maintenance in Large Animals for Biomedical Research
Authors: Bernal Jan , Adrian Scott , Burkart Heather , Laffins Michael
Published: August 2022

Purpose Vascular Access Ports (VAPs) consist of an indwelling catheter connected to an implanted port that provides direct access for sample collection or infusion. The use of VAPs in biomedical research reduces trauma on vessels from repeated venipuncture, decreases secondary infections, promotes social housing and animal welfare, and increases the accuracy and efficiency of study procedures. In addition to enabling comprehensive data collection, VAPs increase satisfaction, and well-being by minimizing interference with daily routines and fostering cooperation. The responsible use of VAPs includes approval by the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC), verification of the surgeon′s skill and experience, and confirmation that research staff are trained on the proper maintenance and access techniques. This document aims to provide surgeons, researchers and research staff, veterinary staff, and IACUCs with guidelines for implanting, maintaining, accessing, and troubleshooting vascular access ports in large animal species. (Rabbit, Canine, Feline, Nonhuman Primate, Porcine).
Invariants of Bonded Knotoids and Applications to Protein Folding
Authors: Gügümcü Neslihan , Gabrovsek Bostjan , Kauffman Louis H.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we study knotoids with extra graphical structure (bonded knotoids) in the settings of rigid vertex and topological vertex graphs. We construct bonded knotoid invariants by applying tangle insertion and unplugging at bonding sites of a bonded knotoid. We demonstrate that our invariants can be used for the analysis of the topological structure of proteins.
A Model of Water Treatment by Nanoparticles in a Channel with Adjustable Width under a Magnetic Field
Authors: Zuev Sergei , Kabalyants Petr , Hussain Zakir
Published: August 2022

The process of water treatment by nanoparticles is one of the most considerable subjects in the cross-field of hydrodynamics, chemistry, and mathematics. This paper is dedicated to the case of the flows that appear when squeezing and stretching a channel with mixing of water, nanoparticles, and contaminants. It is assumed that fluid is homogeneous at the starting moment, the parameters of the nanoparticles and contaminants are known, and there is a constant non-homogeneous magnetic field applied to the system. The flow starts moving when the walls of the channel shift to each other. Exact and numerical solutions of the system of ordinary differential equations are used to obtain the results. The article gives an answer to the question about stability of the flow and proposes the technique to evaluate the essential characteristics of the system to achieve the treatment process efficiency. The main result is that the considered system shows excellent properties concerning purification of water on the selected part of the squeezing stage. This effect does not appear without a magnetic field. The mentioned properties are: decreasing of nanoparticle concentration to zero inside of the unsteady layer under magnetic field close to 1 T and this effect stays until the channel become about 10% of initial width as a result of the squeezing.
Outage Probability versus Carrier Frequency in GeoSurf Satellite Constellations with Radio-Links Faded by Rain
Authors: Matricciani Emilio , Riva Carlo
Published: August 2022

For sites located in different climatic regions, we estimated the relationship between the annual average probability distributionof exceeding a fixed rain attenuation, and the carrier frequency in the range 16 to 100 GHz, in the zenith paths of GeoSurf satellite constellations. In these constellations rain attenuation is independent of the altitude and number of satellites. Rain attenuation iss calculated with the Synthetic Storm Technique, a reliable prediction method, by using on-site measured rain-rate time series. A suitably defined outage probability factor shows that the outage probability, for fixed power margin, tends to saturate as frequency increases. In wideband radio-links, such as in spread spectrum design, there is very likely a long-term distortion due to the in-band outage probability. The results are oriented to design systems faded by rain attenuation whose value is also the total power margin available due to a mixture of coding and hardware technology, whose combination is not of concern here.
The Role of Immunometabolism in HIV-1 Pathogenicity: Links to Immune Cell Responses
Authors: Teer Eman , Mukonowenzou Nyasha C. , Essop M. Faadiel
Published: August 2022

With the successful roll-out of combination antiretroviral treatment, HIV is currently managed as a chronic illness. Of note, immune activation and chronic inflammation are hallmarks of HIV-1 infection that persists even though patients are receiving treatments. Despite strong evidence linking immune activation and low-grade inflammation to HIV-1 pathogenesis, the underlying mechanisms remain less well-understood. As intracellular metabolism is emerging as a crucial factor determining the fate and activity of immune cells, this review article focuses on how links between early immune responses and metabolic reprograming may contribute to HIV pathogenicity. Here, the collective data reveal that immunometabolism plays a key role in HIV-1 pathogenesis. For example, the shift from quiescent immune cells to its activation leads to perturbed metabolic circuits that are major drivers of immune cell dysfunction and an altered phenotype. These findings suggest that immunometabolic perturbations play a key role in the onset of non-AIDS-associated comorbidities and that they represent an attractive target to develop improved diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic strategies to help blunt HIV-1 pathogenesis.
The Function behind the Relation between Lipid Metabolism and Vimentin on H9N2 Subtype AIV Replication
Authors: Lu Anran , Yang Jing , Huang Xiangyu , Huang Xinmei , Yin Guihu , Cai Yiqin , Feng Xiuli , Zhang Xiaofei , Li Yin , Liu Qingtao
Published: August 2022

Avian influenza caused by H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) poses a great threat to the healthy development of the poultry industry. Vimentin is closely related to intracellular lipid metabolism, which plays an important role during the viral infection process. However, the function of lipid metabolism and vimentin on H9N2 AIV replication is unclear. In this paper, the cholesterol level and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase (HMGCR) phosphorylation were investigated in vimentin knockout (KO) and human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) cell with or without AIV infection. The results showed that compared to the control group without infected with H9N2 subtype AIV, the cholesterol contents were significantly increased, while HMGCR phosphorylation level was reduced in both KO and HeLa cell after virus infection. Furthermore, viral replication was significantly inhibited in the cells treated with the cholesterol inhibitor lovastatin. Compared with the control group, adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK), a kinase regulating HMGCR enzymatic activity was inhibited in both KO and HeLa cells in the infected virus group, and AMPK phosphorylation levels were significantly lower in KO HeLa cell than that of HeLa cells. Additionally, after MβCD treatment, viral hemagglutinin (HA) gene level was significantly decreased in HeLa cells, while it was significantly increased in KO HeLa cells. In addition, vimentin expression was significantly increased in MβCD-treated HeLa cells with the viral infection and returned to normal levels after exogenous cholesterol to backfill the MβCD-treated cells. Therefore, the disruption of lipid rafts during the binding phase of viral invasion of cells significantly reduced viral infection. These studies indicated that the lipid rafts and cholesterol levels might be critical for H9N2 subtype AIV infection of human-derived cells and that vimentin might play an important role in the regulation of lipids on viral replication, which provided an important antiviral target against influenza virus.
Immune Correlates of Protection from Filovirus Efficacy Studies in Non-Human Primates
Authors: Triplett Cheryl A. , Niemuth Nancy A. , Cirimotich Christopher , Meister Gabriel , Guebre-Xabier Mimi , Patel Nita , Massare Mike , Glenn Greg , Smith Gale , Alfson Kendra J. , Goez-Gazi Yenny , Carrion Ricardo
Published: August 2022

Non-human primate (NHP) efficacy data for several Ebola virus (EBOV) vaccine candidates exist, but definitive correlates of protection (CoP) have not been demonstrated, although antibodies to the filovirus glycoprotein (GP) antigen and other immunological endpoints have been proposed as potential CoPs. Accordingly, studies that could elucidate biomarker(s) that statistically correlate, whether mechanistically or not, with protection are warranted. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate potential CoP for Novavax EBOV GP vaccine candidate administered at different doses to cynomolgus macaques using the combined data from two separate, related studies containing a total of 44 cynomolgus macaques. Neutralizing antibodies measured by pseudovirion neutralization assay (PsVNA) and anti-GP IgG binding antibodies were evaluated as potential CoP using logistic regression models. The predictive ability of these models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Fitted models indicated a statistically significant relationship between survival and log base 10 (log10) transformed anti-GP IgG antibodies, with good predictive ability of the model. Neither (log10 transformed) PsVNT50 nor PsVNT80 titers were statistically significant predictors of survival, though predictive ability of both models was good. Predictive ability was not statistically different between any pair of models. Models that included immunization dose in addition to anti-GP IgG antibodies failed to detect statistically significant effects of immunization dose. These results support anti-GP IgG antibodies as a correlate of protection. Total assay variabilities and geometric coefficients of variation (GCVs) based on the study data appeared to be greater for both PsVNA readouts, suggesting the increased assay variability may account for non-significant model results for PsVNA despite the good predictive ability of the models. The statistical approach to evaluating CoP for this EBOV vaccine may prove useful for advancing research for Sudan virus (SUDV) and Marburg virus (MARV) candidate vaccines.
Vaccinations versus Lockdowns to Prevent COVID-19 Mortality
Authors: Arbel Ronen , Pliskin Joseph
Published: August 2022

Measures employed to combat COVID-19 included public lockdowns and vaccination campaigns. Israel’s extensive public health system produced data demonstrating the real-world results of these measures. Our objective was to evaluate the health and economic outcomes of the measures to cope with COVID-19. Publicly available datasets from the Israeli Ministry of Health were used to model the parameters of the pandemic in Israel. The Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker was used for quantitative data on government policies. Data on the Israeli economy were taken from the Central Bureau of Statistics. Our models demonstrate that the first lockdown prevented 1022 COVID-19 deaths at the cost of 36.4–38.6 billion NIS. The second lockdown prevented 1970 COVID-19 deaths and cost 18–21 billion NIS. These lifesaving effects were observed with a time lag from the declaration of lockdown. The primary vaccination campaign cost 1 billion NIS and prevented 4750 COVID-19 deaths. The first vaccination booster campaign prevented 650 COVID-19 deaths and cost 51.1 million NIS. Therefore, the cost per prevented COVID-19 death is 10–36 million NIS with a national lockdown versus 210,000 NIS in the primary vaccination campaign and 79,000 NIS in the first booster campaign. In conclusion, both lockdowns and vaccination campaigns effectively lower COVID-19 deaths, but the cost to avoid one COVID-19 death with effective vaccination is 50–466 times lower than with a lockdown.
Use of Phages to Treat Antimicrobial-Resistant Salmonella Infections in Poultry
Authors: Khan Md Abu Sayem , Rahman Sabita Rezwana
Published: August 2022

Salmonellosis is one of the most common bacterial infections that impacts both human health and poultry production. Although antibiotics are usually recommended for treating Salmonella infections, their misuse results in the evolution and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. To minimize the health and economic burdens associated with antimicrobial resistance, a novel antibacterial strategy that can obliterate pathogens without any adverse effects on humans and animals is urgently required. Therefore, therapeutic supplementation of phages has gained renewed attention because of their unique ability to lyse specific hosts, cost-effective production, environmentally-friendly properties, and other potential advantages over antibiotics. In addition, the safety and efficacy of phage therapy for controlling poultry-associated Salmonella have already been proven through experimental studies. Phages can be applied at every stage of poultry production, processing, and distribution through different modes of application. Despite having a few limitations, the optimized and regulated use of phage cocktails may prove to be an effective option to combat infections caused by MDR pathogens in the post-antibiotic era. This article mainly focuses on the occurrence of salmonellosis in poultry and its reduction with the aid of bacteriophages. We particularly discuss the prevalence of Salmonella infections in poultry and poultry products; review the trends in antibiotic resistance; and summarize the application, challenges, and prospects of phage therapy in the poultry industry.
Importance of Antioxidant Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation of Mammalian Oocytes
Authors: Rakha Shimaa I. , Elmetwally Mohammed A. , El-Sheikh Ali Hossam , Balboula Ahmed , Mahmoud Abdelmonem Montaser , Zaabel Samy M.
Published: August 2022

The in vitro embryo production (IVEP) technique is widely used in the field of reproductive biology. In vitro maturation (IVM) is the first and most critical step of IVEP, during which, the oocyte is matured in an artificial maturation medium under strict laboratory conditions. Despite all of the progress in the field of IVEP, the quality of in vitro matured oocytes remains inferior to that of those matured in vivo. The accumulation of substantial amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within oocytes during IVM has been regarded as one of the main factors altering oocyte quality. One of the most promising approaches to overcome ROS accumulation within oocytes is the supplementation of oocyte IVM medium with antioxidants. In this article, we discuss recent advancements depicting the adverse effects of ROS on mammalian oocytes. We also discuss the potential use of antioxidants and their effect on both oocyte quality and IVM rate.
Accounting and analytical support for monitoring the effectiveness of investment projects
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Plekhanov Russian University of Economics”, Moscow, Russia, Polyanin Alexander Evgenievich
Published: August 2022

As you know, the foundation of any investment project is formalized methods and criteria. To date, quite a lot of experience has been gained in evaluating investment projects at the preliminary stage, but problems arise in the organization of accounting and analytical support for monitoring their performance at the implementation and operation stages. This study proposes an author’s approach to accounting and analytical support for monitoring the effectiveness of investment projects, which involves the allocation of three areas of target indicators: economic, environmental, social, based on the calculation of financial and non-financial indicators.
The price of execution of the state contract: a note to the accountant
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian Economic University named after G. Plekhanov”, Ministry of Science and Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Lebedev V.A. , Lebedeva E.I. ,   Non-profit Partnership “Institute of Professional Accountants and Auditors of Russia”, Moscow, Russia
Published: August 2022

Practical situations related to changes in market conditions, including price increases, which led to the impossibility of continuing the execution of the state contract on the established conditions of a fixed price, are considered. The analysis of law enforcement practice related to the activities of medical institutions in the conditions of instability of the execution of the state contract in terms of sharp fluctuations in market prices and the need to make decisions on its termination. The measures of state regulation of the execution of the state contract under the conditions of force majeure, extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances, to ensure and protect the interests of medical budgetary institutions as an interested party to the state contract are considered.
How Crypto Art Prices Are Formed
Authors:   IT entrepreneur and music producer, Moscow, Martynenko Alexey
Published: August 2022

Over the past decade, blockchain has grown from the original decentralized currency of Bitcoin to a host of applications and platforms competing for user attention. NFTs, as a know-how in the crypto industry, are interesting primarily because they are a finished product that can be easily bought and sold for cryptocurrency. NFT is a ready-made commodity that has value in the digital space, and for creative people it is also a way to earn cryptocurrency by creating their collections.
Violencia familiar y Vulneración de Derechos Humanos, Distrito de San Martín de Porres – Lima, 2021
Authors: Rodríguez Huaraya Jonathan Rudy , Castillo Silva Diana Elizabeth
Published: August 2022

El impacto de la violencia familiar que existe en la sociedad, especialmente en Perú, busca interpretar sentimientos, pensamientos y acciones que viven las víctimas de este fenómeno social. El objetivo del artículo fue analizar el fenómeno social (violencia familiar) a nivel nacional, su repercusión social en la realización personal. La metodología fue de enfoque cualitativo, de investigación básica, orientada al análisis desde la indagación interpretativa jurisprudencial, para lo cual se buscó 189 artículos de revistas indexadas con proyección en Latinoamérica bajo términos como “violencia familiar” “feminicidio” “violencia de género”, entre otros. Como resultado de la investigación se evidencio que son las mujeres las que han sufrido actos de violencia, causándoles un daño y desprecio en la sociedad. Se dedujo que las causas y el incremento de la violencia familiar en Perú requiere un profundo análisis, planteando soluciones que a mediano y largo plazo beneficien a las mujeres víctimas de violencia familiar.
Análisis de serotipos de Streptococcus pneumoniae procedente de enfermedad neumocócica invasora, detectados por vigilancia de laboratorio del Instituto de Salud Pública. Chile, 2012 – 2019
Authors: Dünner Planella María Alejandra , Alarcón López Pedro , Puentes Muñoz Rodrigo
Published: August 2022

Introducción: Streptococcus pneumoniae presenta alta morbilidad y mortalidad global, con 500.000 muertes anuales en menores de 5 años. En Chile, se estiman 170.000 casos anuales de neumonía siendo Streptococcus pneumoniae la principal causa en adultos. Actualmente, se cuenta con la vacuna neumocócica polisacárida y la conjugada. Objetivo: Analizar distribución de serotipos relevantes de Streptococcus pneumoniae en enfermedad neumocócica invasora 2012 – 2019, Chile. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizó la base de datos de vigilancia de laboratorio de Streptococcus pneumoniae 2012-2019, del Instituto de Salud Pública. El Laboratorio de Referencia realizó confirmación microbiológica y serotipificación capsular. La base se depuró asegurando el análisis de casos únicos. Resultados: En general, los serotipos 19A y 3 predominaron, con disminución de 14 y 1, aumentando 6C y 35B. En menores de 1 año, el serotipo 19A fue más frecuente seguido por 3 y 24F. Entre 1 y 4 años, el serotipo 19A ocupó el primer lugar y luego 14 y 24F. De 5 a 19 años, el serotipo 1 presentó mayor frecuencia seguido por 19A y 7F. Entre 20 y 34 años, el serotipo más frecuente fue 7F seguido por 19A y 3. De 35 a 49 años, el serotipo 7F registró mayor frecuencia y luego 12F y 3, con aumento de 19A. De 50 a 64 años, los serotipos 3 y 19A presentaron mayor frecuencia seguidos por 7F y 12F, con aumento de 19A, 12F, 6C y 35B. En grupo 65 años y más, el serotipo 3 fue más frecuente seguido por 19A, 6C y 7F, con aumento de 19A, 6C y 35B. Conclusiones: Serotipos de Streptococcus pneumoniae muestran diferente frecuencia y cambios según edad. Dos años tras la aplicación de PCV13 persisten los serotipos 3 y 19A, mientras que los serotipos 14 y 1 disminuyeron luego de 10 años de incorporar PCV10.