bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Activation and Deactivation of a Petri Net Supervisor
Authors: Rezig Sadok , Rezg Nidhal , Hajej Zied
Published: November 2021

This paper highlights algebraic and mathematical properties in symmetry with Petri nets in order to control automated systems such as flexible workshops, which represent one of the most important examples in industry and for discrete event systems in general. This project deals with the problem of forbidden state transition by using a new application of the theory of regions for supervisory control. In the literature, most control synthesis methods suffer greatly from a cumbersome calculation burden of the Petri net supervisor given the complex exploration of the state graph. Our new methodology lightens the computational load of the Petri net supervisor by choosing specific regions on the reachability graph, on which the control is calculated offline using CPLEX. The determined controller is activated online if the process enters the chosen region, and deactivated otherwise. All our experiments were applied in a flexible workshop implemented in our research laboratory, which was used to engrave selected models on glass blocks of different colors.
Influence of Molding Technology on Thermal Efficiencies and Pollutant Emissions from Household Solid Fuel Combustion during Cooking Activities in Chinese Rural Areas
Authors: Qi Juan , Wu Jianjun , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2021

Resident combustion of solid fuel has been widely acknowledged as a high potential for pollutant reduction. However, there is a marked asymmetry between more pollutant emission and less burned volatiles of biomass and coal in the combustion process. To study the solid fuel optimum combustion form in a household stove, both the pollution reduction and energy efficient utilization of crop straws and coals were investigated. Taking the molding pressure and clay addition ratio as variable process conditions, the research of bio-coal briquette (made from the mixture of anthracite and biomass) was implemented in the range of 15~35 MP and 5~15%, respectively. Biomass and coal work complementarily for each other’s combustion property development. In particular, the pyrolysis gas produced by biomass low-temperature devolatilization is featured with low ignition point and is distributed in the bio-coal briquette. Its own combustion provides energy for anthracite particle combustion. Consequently, a positive effect was identified when bio-coal briquettes were used as residential fuel, and further improvement manifested in reducing more than 90% of particle matter (PM) and achieving about twice the thermal efficiencies (TEs) compared with the mass-weighted average values of coal briquettes and biomass briquettes. 88.8 ± 11.8%, 136.7 ± 13.7% and 81.4 ± 17.7% more TEs were provided by wheat straw–coal briquettes, rice straw–coal briquettes and maize straw–coal briquettes. 93.3 ± 3.1% (wheat straw–coal), 97.6 ± 0.2% (rice straw–coal) and 90.4 ± 2.2% (maize straw–coal) in terms of PM2.5 emission factors (EFs) was reduced. For bio-coal briquette, a 25 MPa and 10% addition were determined as the optimum molding pressure and clay addition ratio. Bio-coal briquettes with higher TEs and lower PM EFs will bring about substantial benefits for air quality promotion, human health and energy saving.
Synchronizability of Multi-Layer-Coupled Star-Composed Networks
Authors: Gao Haiping , Zhu Jian , Li Xianyong , Chen Xing
Published: November 2021

In this paper, several multi-layer-coupled star-composed networks with similar symmetrical structures are defined by using the theory of graph operation. The supra-Laplacian matrix of the corresponding multi-layer networks is obtained according to the master stability equation (MSF). Two important indexes that reflect the synchronizability of these kinds of networks are derived in the case of bounded and unbounded synchronized regions. The relationships among the synchronizability, the number of layers, the length of the paths, the branchings, and the interlayer and intralayer coupling strengths in the two cases are studied. At the same time, the simulation experiments are carried out with the MATLAB software, and the simulated images of the two symmetrical structure networks’ synchronizability are compared. Finally, the factors affecting the synchronizability of multi-layer-coupled star-composed networks are found. On this basis, optimization schemes are given to improve the synchronizability of multi-layer-coupled star-composed networks and the influences of the number of central nodes on the networks’ synchronizability are further studied.
Development of Antibody Detection ELISA Based on Immunoreactive Toxins and Toxin-Derived Peptides to Evaluate the Neutralization Potency of Equine Plasma against Naja atra in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Chien-Chun , Hsiao Yung-Chin , Chu Lichieh Julie , Wang Po-Jung , Liu Chien-Hsin , Hsieh Wen-Chin , Yu Jau-Song
Published: November 2021

Naja atra, also known as Taiwanese cobra, is one of the most prevalent venomous snakes in Taiwan. Clinically, freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV) produced from horses by Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been the only approved treatment for N. atra envenoming for the last few decades. During antivenom production, large numbers of mice are used in the in vivo assay to determine whether the neutralization potency of hyperimmunized equines is satisfactory for large-scale harvesting. However, this in vivo assay is extremely laborious, expensive, and significantly impairs animal welfare. In the present study, we aimed to develop an in vitro ELISA-based system that could serve as an alternative assay to evaluate the neutralization potency of plasma from hyperimmunized equines. We initially obtained 51 plasma samples with known (high or low) neutralization potency assessed in vivo from 9 hyperimmunized equines and subsequently determined their antibody titers against the five major protein components of N. atra venom (neurotoxin (NTX), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cytotoxin (CTX), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP), and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP)) via ELISA. The antibody titer against NTX was the most effective in discriminating between high and low potency plasma samples. To identify the specific epitope(s) of NTX recognized by neutralization potency-related antibodies, 17 consecutive NTX-derived pentadecapeptides were synthesized and used as antigens to probe the 51 equine plasma samples. Among the 17 peptides, immunoreactive signals for three consecutive peptides (NTX1-8, NTX1-9, and NTX1-10) were significantly higher in the high potency relative to low potency equine plasma groups (p < 0.0001). Our ELISA system based on NTX1-10 peptide (RWRDHRGYRTERGCG) encompassing residues 28–42 of NTX displayed optimal sensitivity (96.88%) and specificity (89.47%) for differentiating between high- and low-potency plasma samples (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.95). The collective data clearly indicate that the antibody titer against NTX protein or derived peptides can be used to efficiently discriminate between high and low neutralization potency of plasma samples from venom-immunized horses. This newly developed antibody detection ELISA based on NTX or its peptide derivatives has good potential to complement or replace the in vivo rodent assay for determining whether the neutralization potency of equine plasma is satisfactory for large-scale harvesting in the antivenom production process against N. atra.
Lipid-Binding Aegerolysin from Biocontrol Fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Kraševec Nada , Panevska Anastasija , Lemež Špela , Razinger Jaka , Sepčić Kristina , Anderluh Gregor , Podobnik Marjetka
Published: November 2021

Fungi are the most common pathogens of insects and thus important regulators of their populations. Lipid-binding aegerolysin proteins, which are commonly found in the fungal kingdom, may be involved in several biologically relevant processes including attack and defense against other organisms. Aegerolysins act alone or together with membrane-attack-complex/perforin (MACPF)-like proteins to form transmembrane pores that lead to cell lysis. We performed an in-depth bioinformatics analysis of aegerolysins in entomopathogenic fungi and selected a candidate aegerolysin, beauveriolysin A (BlyA) from Beauveria bassiana. BlyA was expressed as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli, and purified to further determine its functional and structural properties, including lipid-binding ability. Aegerolysins were found to be encoded in genomes of entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria, Cordyceps, Metarhizium and Ophiocordyceps. Detailed bioinformatics analysis revealed that they are linked to MACPF-like genes in most genomes. We also show that BlyA interacts with an insect-specific membrane lipid. These results were placed in the context of other fungal and bacterial aegerolysins and their partner proteins. We believe that aegerolysins play a role in promoting the entomopathogenic and antagonistic activity of B. bassiana, which is an active ingredient of bioinsecticides.
Yeast Cell as a Bio-Model for Measuring the Toxicity of Fish-Killing Flagellates
Authors: Allaf Malihe Mehdizadeh , Trick Charles G.
Published: November 2021

Harmful algal blooms are a significant environmental problem. Cells that bloom are often associated with intercellular or dissolved toxins that are a grave concern to humans. However, cells may also excrete compounds that are beneficial to their competition, allowing the cells to establish or maintain cells in bloom conditions. Here, we develop a yeast cell assay to assess whether the bloom-forming species can change the toxicity of the water environment. The current methods of assessing toxicity involve whole organisms. Here, yeast cells are used as a bioassay model to evaluate eukaryotic cell toxicity. Yeast is a commonly used, easy to maintain bioassay species that is free from ethical concerns, yet is sensitive to a wide array of metabolic and membrane-modulating agents. Compared to methods in which the whole organism is used, this method offers rapid and convenient cytotoxicity measurements using a lower volume of samples. The flow cytometer was employed in this toxicology assessment to measure the number of dead cells using alive/dead stain analysis. The results show that yeast cells were metabolically damaged after 1 h of exposure to our model toxin-producing euryhaline flagellates (Heterosigma akashiwo and Prymnesium parvum) cells or extracts. This amount was increased by extending the incubation time.
A Decade and a Half of Fast Radio Burst Observations
Authors: Caleb Manisha , Keane Evan
Published: November 2021

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) have a story which has been told and retold many times over the past few years as they have sparked excitement and controversy since their pioneering discovery in 2007. The FRB class encompasses a number of microsecond- to millisecond-duration pulses occurring at Galactic to cosmological distances with energies spanning about 8 orders of magnitude. While most FRBs have been observed as singular events, a small fraction of them have been observed to repeat over various timescales leading to an apparent dichotomy in the population. ∼50 unique progenitor theories have been proposed, but no consensus has emerged for their origin(s). However, with the discovery of an FRB-like pulse from the Galactic magnetar SGR J1935+2154, magnetar engine models are the current leading theory. Overall, FRB pulses exhibit unique characteristics allowing us to probe line-of-sight magnetic field strengths, inhomogeneities in the intergalactic/interstellar media, and plasma turbulence through an assortment of extragalactic and cosmological propagation effects. Consequently, they are formidable tools to study the Universe. This review follows the progress of the field between 2007 and 2020 and presents the science highlights of the radio observations.
Huntingtin-Interacting Protein 1 Promotes Vpr-Induced G2 Arrest and HIV-1 Infection in Macrophages
Authors: Murakami Tomoyuki , Matsuura Ryosuke , Chutiwitoonchai Nopporn , Takei Masami , Aida Yoko
Published: November 2021

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) modulates the host cell cycle. The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpr arrests the cell cycle at the G2 phase in dividing cells, and the ability of Vpr to induce G2 arrest is well conserved among primate lentiviruses. Additionally, Vpr-mediated G2 arrest likely correlates with enhanced HIV-1 infection in monocyte-derived macrophages. Here, we screened small-interfering RNA to reveal candidates that suppress Vpr-induced G2 arrest and identified Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) required for efficient G2 arrest. Interestingly, HIP1 was not essential for Vpr-induced DNA double-strand breaks, which are required for activation of the DNA-damage checkpoint and G2 arrest. Furthermore, HIP1 knockdown suppressed HIV-1 infection in monocyte-derived macrophages. This study identifies HIP1 as a factor promoting Vpr-induced G2 arrest and HIV-1 infection in macrophages.
Characterization of Single-Chain Fv Fragments of Neutralizing Antibodies to Rabies Virus Glycoprotein
Authors: Yumoto Kohei , Arisaka Tomoaki , Okada Kazuma , Aoki Kyosuke , Ose Toyoyuki , Masatani Tatsunori , Sugiyama Makoto , Ito Naoto , Fukuhara Hideo , Maenaka Katsumi
Published: November 2021

Rabies has almost a 100% case-fatality rate and kills more than 59,000 people annually around the world. There is no established treatment for rabies. The rabies virus (RABV) expresses only the glycoprotein (RABVG) at the viral surface, and it is the target for the neutralizing antibodies. We previously established mouse monoclonal antibodies, 15–13 and 12–22, which showed neutralizing activity against the RABV, targeting the sequential and conformational epitopes on the RABVG, respectively. However, the molecular basis for the neutralizing activity of these antibodies is not yet fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the binding characteristics of the Fab fragments of the 15–13 and 12–22 antibodies. The recombinant RABVG protein, in prefusion form for the binding analysis, was prepared by the silkworm–baculovirus expression system. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) analysis indicated that the 15–13 Fab interacts with the RABVG, with a KD value at the nM level, and that the 12–22 Fab has a weaker binding affinity (KD ~ μM) with the RABVG compared to the 15–13 Fab. Furthermore, we determined the amino acid sequences of both the antibodies and the designed single-chain Fv fragments (scFvs) of the 15–13 and 12–22 antibodies as another potential biopharmaceutical for targeting rabies. The 15–13 and 12–22 scFvs were successfully prepared by the refolding method and were shown to interact with the RABVG at the nM level and the μM level of the KD, respectively. These binding characteristics were similar to that of each Fab. On the other hand, differential scanning fluorometry (DSF) revealed that the thermal stability of these scFvs decreases compared to their Fabs. While the improvement of the stability of scFvs will still be required, these results provide insights into the neutralizing activity and the potential therapeutic use of antibody fragments for RABV infection.
The HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Regulates Its Own Condensation by Phase-Separated Activity-Enhancing Sequestration of the Viral Protease during Maturation
Authors: Lyonnais Sébastien , Sadiq S. Kashif , Lorca-Oró Cristina , Dufau Laure , Nieto-Marquez Sara , Escribà Tuixent , Gabrielli Natalia , Tan Xiao , Ouizougun-Oubari Mohamed , Okoronkwo Josephine , Reboud-Ravaux Michèle , Gatell José Maria , Marquet Roland , Paillart Jean-Christophe , Meyerhans Andreas , Tisné Carine , Gorelick Robert J. , Mirambeau Gilles
Published: November 2021

A growing number of studies indicate that mRNAs and long ncRNAs can affect protein populations by assembling dynamic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules. These phase-separated molecular ‘sponges’, stabilized by quinary (transient and weak) interactions, control proteins involved in numerous biological functions. Retroviruses such as HIV-1 form by self-assembly when their genomic RNA (gRNA) traps Gag and GagPol polyprotein precursors. Infectivity requires extracellular budding of the particle followed by maturation, an ordered processing of ∼2400 Gag and ∼120 GagPol by the viral protease (PR). This leads to a condensed gRNA-NCp7 nucleocapsid and a CAp24-self-assembled capsid surrounding the RNP. The choreography by which all of these components dynamically interact during virus maturation is one of the missing milestones to fully depict the HIV life cycle. Here, we describe how HIV-1 has evolved a dynamic RNP granule with successive weak–strong–moderate quinary NC-gRNA networks during the sequential processing of the GagNC domain. We also reveal two palindromic RNA-binding triads on NC, KxxFxxQ and QxxFxxK, that provide quinary NC-gRNA interactions. Consequently, the nucleocapsid complex appears properly aggregated for capsid reassembly and reverse transcription, mandatory processes for viral infectivity. We show that PR is sequestered within this RNP and drives its maturation/condensation within minutes, this process being most effective at the end of budding. We anticipate such findings will stimulate further investigations of quinary interactions and emergent mechanisms in crowded environments throughout the wide and growing array of RNP granules.
Persistence of SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibodies for 13 Months after Infection
Authors: Kučinskaitė-Kodzė Indrė , Simanavičius Martynas , Šimaitis Aistis , Žvirblienė Aurelija
Published: November 2021

Background: Dynamics of antibody responses were investigated after a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a private company during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: Workers of a sewing company (Lithuania) with known SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result during the outbreak (April 2020) were invited to participate in the study. Virus-specific IgG and IgM were monitored 2, 6 and 13 months after the outbreak via rapid IgG/IgM serological test and SARS-CoV-2 S protein-specific IgG ELISA. Results: Six months after the outbreak, 95% (CI 86–99%) of 59 previously infected individuals had virus-specific antibodies irrespective of the severity of infection. One-third of seropositive individuals had virus-specific IgM along with IgG indicating that IgM may persist for 6 months. Serological testing 13 months after the outbreak included 47 recovered individuals that remained non-vaccinated despite a wide accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines. The seropositivity rate was 83% (CI 69–91%) excluding one case of confirmed asymptomatic reinfection in this group. Between months 6 and 13, IgG levels either declined or remained stable in 31 individual and increased in 7 individuals possibly indicating an exposure to SARS-CoV-2 during the second wave of the pandemic. Conclusions: Detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies persist up to 13 months after infection for the majority of the cases.
Database and Statistical Analyses of Transcription Factor Binding Sites in the Non-Coding Control Region of JC Virus
Authors: Nakamichi Kazuo , Shimokawa Toshio
Published: November 2021

JC virus (JCV), as an archetype, establishes a lifelong latent or persistent infection in many healthy individuals. In immunocompromised patients, prototype JCV with variable mutations in the non-coding control region (NCCR) causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severe demyelinating disease. This study was conducted to create a database of NCCR sequences annotated with transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) and statistically analyze the mutational pattern of the JCV NCCR. JCV NCCRs were extracted from >1000 sequences registered in GenBank, and TFBSs within each NCCR were identified by computer simulation, followed by examination of their prevalence, multiplicity, and location by statistical analyses. In the NCCRs of the prototype JCV, the limited types of TFBSs, which are mainly present in regions D through F of archetype JCV, were significantly reduced. By contrast, modeling count data revealed that several TFBSs located in regions C and E tended to overlap in the prototype NCCRs. Based on data from the BioGPS database, genes encoding transcription factors that bind to these TFBSs were expressed not only in the brain but also in the peripheral sites. The database and NCCR patterns obtained in this study could be a suitable platform for analyzing JCV mutations and pathogenicity.
Drug-Screening Strategies for Inhibition of Virus-Induced Neuronal Cell Death
Authors: Ojha Durbadal , Woods Tyson A. , Peterson Karin E.
Published: November 2021

A number of viruses, including Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), West Nile Virus (WNV), La Crosse Virus (LACV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), have the ability to gain access to the central nervous system (CNS) and cause severe neurological disease or death. Although encephalitis cases caused by these viruses are generally rare, there are relatively few treatment options available for patients with viral encephalitis other than palliative care. Many of these viruses directly infect neurons and can cause neuronal death. Thus, there is the need for the identification of useful therapeutic compounds that can inhibit virus replication in neurons or inhibit virus-induced neuronal cell death. In this paper, we describe the methodology to test compounds for their ability to inhibit virus-induced neuronal cell death. These protocols include the isolation and culturing of primary neurons; the culturing of neuroblastoma and neuronal stem cell lines; infection of these cells with viruses; treatment of these cells with selected drugs; measuring virus-induced cell death using MTT or XTT reagents; analysis of virus production from these cells; as well as the basic understanding in mode of action. We further show direct evidence of the effectiveness of these protocols by utilizing them to test the effectiveness of the polyphenol drug, Rottlerin, at inhibiting Zika virus infection and death of neuronal cell lines.
Characterization of Four Novel dsRNA Viruses Isolated from Mucor hiemalis Strains
Authors: Kartali Tünde , Nyilasi Ildikó , Kocsubé Sándor , Patai Roland , Polgár Tamás F. , Zsindely Nóra , Nagy Gábor , Bodai László , Lipinszki Zoltán , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Papp Tamás
Published: November 2021

We previously screened the total nucleic acid extracts of 123 Mucor strains for the presence of dsRNA molecules without further molecular analyses. Here, we characterized five novel dsRNA genomes isolated from four different Mucor hiemalis strains with next-generation sequencing (NGS), namely Mucor hiemalis virus 1a (MhV1a) from WRL CN(M) 122; Mucor hiemalis virus 1b (MhV1b) from NRRL 3624; Mucor hiemalis virus 2 (MhV2) from NRRL 3616; and Mucor hiemalis virus 3 (MhV3) and Mucor hiemalis virus (MhV4) from NRRL 3617 strains. Genomes contain two open reading frames (ORF), which encode the coat protein (CP) and the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), respectively. In MhV1a and MhV1b, it is predicted to be translated as a fusion protein via -1 ribosomal frameshift, while in MhV4 via a rare +1 (or−2) ribosomal frameshift. In MhV2 and MhV3, the presence of specific UAAUG pentanucleotide motif points to the fact for coupled translation termination and reinitialization. MhV1a, MhV2, and MhV3 are part of the clade representing the genus Victorivirus, while MhV4 is seated in Totivirus genus clade. The detected VLPs in Mucor strains were from 33 to 36 nm in diameter. Hybridization analysis revealed that the dsRNA molecules of MhV1a-MhV4 hybridized to the corresponding molecules.
Exchange of C-Terminal Variable Sequences within Morbillivirus Nucleocapsid Protein Are Tolerated: Development and Evaluation of Two Marker (DIVA) Vaccines (Sungri/96 DIVA, Nigeria/75/1 DIVA) against PPR
Authors: Selvaraj Muneeswaran , Mahapatra Mana , Parida Satya
Published: November 2021

Across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) places a huge disease burden on agriculture, affecting, in particular, small ruminant production. The recent PPR outbreaks in Northern Africa, the European part of Turkey, and Bulgaria represent a significant threat to mainland Europe, as a source of disease. Although two safe and efficacious live attenuated vaccines (Sungri/96 and Nigeria/75/1) are available for the control of PPR, current serological tests do not enable the differentiation between naturally infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA). The vaccinated animals develop a full range of immune responses to viral proteins and, therefore, cannot be distinguished serologically from those that have recovered from a natural infection. This poses a serious problem for the post-vaccinal sero-surveillance during the ongoing PPR eradication program. Furthermore, during the latter stages of any eradication program, vaccination is only possible if the vaccine used is fully DIVA compliant. Using reverse genetics, we have developed two live attenuated PPR DIVA vaccines (Sungri/96 DIVA and Nigeria/75/1 DIVA), in which the C-terminal variable region of the PPRV N-protein has been replaced with dolphin morbillivirus (DMV). As a proof of principle, both the DIVA vaccines were evaluated in goats in pilot studies for safety and efficacy, and all the animals were clinically protected against the intranasal virulent virus challenge, similar to the parent vaccines. Furthermore, it is possible to differentiate between infected animals and vaccinated animals using two newly developed ELISAs. Therefore, these DIVA vaccines and associated tests can facilitate the sero-monitoring process and speed up the implementation of global PPR eradication through vaccination.
Cytomegalovirus Immunity, Inflammation and Cognitive Abilities in the Elderly
Authors: Hesson Jacqueline , Fudge Neva , Grant Michael
Published: November 2021

Reducing the socioeconomic toll from age-related physical and mental morbidities requires better understanding of factors affecting healthy aging. While many environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors affect healthy aging, this study addressed the influence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and immunity on age-related inflammation and cognitive abilities. Healthy adults 70–90 years old were recruited into a prospective study investigating relationships between anti-CMV immunity, markers of inflammation, baseline measures of cognitive ability, and changes in cognitive ability over 18 months. Humoral and cellular responses against CMV, levels of inflammatory markers, and cognitive abilities were measured at study entry, with measurement of cognitive abilities repeated 18 months later. CMV-seropositive and -seronegative sub-groups were compared, and relationships between anti-CMV immunity, markers of inflammation, and cognitive ability were assessed. Twenty-eight of 39 participants were CMV-seropositive, and two had CMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses indicative of CMV immune memory inflation. No significant differences for markers of inflammation or measures of cognitive ability were observed between groups, and cognitive scores changed little over 18 months. Significant correlations between markers of inflammation and cognitive scores with interconnection between anti-CMV antibody levels, fractalkine, cognitive ability, and depression scores suggest areas of focus for future studies.
Heterogeneity of Early Host Response to Infection with Four Low-Pathogenic H7 Viruses with a Different Evolutionary History in the Field
Authors: Zamperin Gianpiero , Bianco Alice , Smith Jacqueline , Bortolami Alessio , Vervelde Lonneke , Schivo Alessia , Fortin Andrea , Marciano Sabrina , Panzarin Valentina , Mazzetto Eva , Milani Adelaide , Berhane Yohannes , Digard Paul , Bonfante Francesco , Monne Isabella
Published: November 2021

Once low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) of the H5 and H7 subtypes from wild birds enter into poultry species, there is the possibility of them mutating into highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), resulting in severe epizootics with up to 100% mortality. This mutation from a LPAIV to HPAIV strain is the main cause of an AIV’s major economic impact on poultry production. Although AIVs are inextricably linked to their hosts in their evolutionary history, the contribution of host-related factors in the emergence of HPAI viruses has only been marginally explored so far. In this study, transcriptomic sequencing of tracheal tissue from chickens infected with four distinct LP H7 viruses, characterized by a different history of pathogenicity evolution in the field, was implemented. Despite the inoculation of a normalized infectious dose of viruses belonging to the same subtype (H7) and pathotype (LPAI), the use of animals of the same age, sex and species as well as the identification of a comparable viral load in the target samples, the analyses revealed a heterogeneity in the gene expression profile in response to infection with each of the H7 viruses administered.
Pharmacists’ Perceived Barriers to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Oyedeji Oluwafemifola , Maples Jill M. , Gregory Samantha , Chamberlin Shauntá M. , Gatwood Justin D. , Wilson Alexandria Q. , Zite Nikki B. , Kilgore Larry C.
Published: November 2021

About 45:000 cancers are linked to HPV each year in the United States alone. The HPV vaccine prevents cancer and is highly effective, yet vaccination coverage remains low. Pharmacies can play a meaningful role in increasing HPV vaccination access due to their availability and convenience. However, little is known about pharmacists’ perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize existing literature on perceived barriers to administering HPV vaccination reported by pharmacists. Barriers identified from selected studies were synthesized and further grouped into patient, parental, (pharmacist’s) personal, and system/organization barrier groups. Six studies were included in this review. The cost of the HPV vaccine, insurance coverage and reimbursement were commonly reported perceived barriers. Adolescent HPV vaccination barriers related to parental concerns, beliefs, and inadequate knowledge about the HPV vaccine. Perceived (pharmacist’s) personal barriers were related to lack of information and knowledge about HPV vaccine and recommendations. At the system/organization level, barriers reported included lack of time/staff/space; difficulty in series completion; tracking and recall of patient; perceived competition with providers; and other responsibilities/vaccines taking precedence. Future strategies involving pharmacy settings in HPV-related cancer prevention efforts should consider research on multilevel pharmacy-driven interventions addressing barriers.
Regional Differences in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in December 2020: A Natural Experiment in the French Working-Age Population
Authors: Velardo Fanny , Watson Verity , Arwidson Pierre , Alla François , Luchini Stéphane , Schwarzinger Michaël ,   CoVaMax Study Group
Published: November 2021

It can be assumed that higher SARS-CoV-2 infection risk is associated with higher COVID-19 vaccination intentions, although evidence is scarce. In this large and representative survey of 6007 adults aged 18–64 years and residing in France, 8.1% (95% CI, 7.5–8.8) reported a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in December 2020, with regional variations according to an East–West gradient (p < 0.0001). In participants without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was substantial, including 41.3% (95% CI, 39.8–42.8) outright refusal of COVID-19 vaccination. Taking into account five characteristics of the first approved vaccines (efficacy, duration of immunity, safety, country of the vaccine manufacturer, and place of administration) as well as the initial setting of the mass vaccination campaign in France, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance would reach 43.6% (95% CI, 43.0–44.1) at best among working-age adults without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was primarily driven by vaccine characteristics, sociodemographic and attitudinal factors. Considering the region of residency as a proxy of the likelihood of getting infected, our study findings do not support the assumption that SARS-CoV-2 infection risk is associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.
Mechanisms and Countermeasures on Sediment and Wood Damage in Sediment Retarding Basins
Authors: Harada Norio , Nakatani Kana , Kimura Ichiro , Satofuka Yoshifumi , Mizuyama Takahisa
Published: November 2021

Improvements in sediment retarding basin design are required to mitigate flood damage caused by bed load and wood debris outflow in lower river reaches. We used a scaled sediment retarding basin model to optimize our basin design, with the goal of improving sediment and wood debris transport and capture. Changes to the structural dimensions and elements of the sediment retarding basin were assessed under experimental debris flow conditions. The results obtained from the experiments and simulations were in good agreement regarding sediment flow and containment. The proposed one-dimensional model is useful for showing the effects of flow conditions within a sediment retarding basin on sediment transport.
Toxicity and Risks Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in River Bed Sediments of an Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Area in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Howard Ibigoni , Okpara Kingsley , Techato Kuaanan
Published: November 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that possess serious risks to human health and the environment. Forty riverbed sediments samples were collected in mangrove river bed sediments where artisanal refining of crude oil takes place in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The concentration, occurrence, distribution, toxicity and health risk of sixteen priority PAHs (16PAHs) were analysed in the samples. Apart from Nap, Acy, BkF, InP and DbE, all the other PAHs were present in all the sampled points of the studied area with BbF and BaA recording the highest mean values. The range and mean of the total PAHs (∑16PAHs) of this study are 23.461–89.886 mg/kg and 42.607 ± 14.30 mg/kg dry weight (dw), which is classified as heavily contaminated when compared to the European classification of PAHs pollution in soil (>1.0 mg/kg). The range of the effect range factors used to assess the risk of PAHs in an ecosystem (Effect rang-low (ER-L) and Effect range-median ER-M) of this study is from 0.953 to 8.80 mg/kg. PAHs below ER-L (4.0 mg/kg) indicate no toxic effect, but values above ER-M (44.79 mg/kg) indicate toxic effects to the sediments, its resources and, ultimately, the public that consumes the resources thereof; hence, the study area falls within the contaminated category. The occurrence of the high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs (73.4%) supersedes those of the lower molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (26.6%). The diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis suggest that the main contributors of PAHS into the sediments are the combustion of biomass, fossil fuel (crude oil) and pyrogenic sources. The toxic equivalent quotient (TEQ) and mutagenic equivalent quotient (MEQ) of PAHs ranged from 2.96 to 23.26 mgTEQ/kg dw and 4.47 to 23.52 mgMEQ/kg dw, and the total mean toxic equivalency quotient (∑TEQ) (15.12 ± 8.4 mg/kg) is also greater than the safe level of 0.6 mg/kg, which indicates high toxicity potency. The mean incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) of human exposure to PAHs shows that both adults TotalILCR adults (6.15 × 10−5) and children TotalILCR children (2.48 × 10−4) can be affected by dermal contact rather than ingestion and inhalation. Based on these findings, the appropriate regulatory bodies and other organs of government in the region should enforce outright stoppage of the activities of these illegal artisans who do not have control mechanisms for loss control at the site and carry out appropriate clean-up of the area.
Effects of Arctic Warming on Microbes and Methane in Different Land Types in Svalbard
Authors: Zhang Fang , Zhang Han , Pei Shaofeng , Zhan Liyang , Ye Wangwang
Published: November 2021

Climate change is having a profound impact on Arctic microbiomes and their living environments. However, we have only incomplete knowledge about the seasonal and inter-annual variations observed among these microbes and about their methane regulation mechanisms with respect to glaciers, glacial melting, snow lakes and coastal marine water. This gap in our knowledge limits our understanding of the linkages between climate and environmental change. In the Arctic, there are large reservoirs of methane which are sensitive to temperature changes. If global warming intensifies, larger quantities of methane stored in deep soil and sediments will be released into the atmosphere, causing irreversible effects on the global ecosystem. Methane production is mainly mediated by microorganisms. Although we have some knowledge of microbial community structure, we know less about the methane-correlated microbes in different land types in the Svalbard archipelago, and we do not have a comprehensive grasp of the relationship between them. That is the main reason we have written this paper, in which current knowledge of microorganisms and methane-correlated types in High Arctic Svalbard is described. The problems that need to be addressed in the future are also identified.
Influence of Filter Tube of Pumping Well on Groundwater Drawdown during Deep Foundation Pit Dewatering
Authors: Zhang Xuehan , Wang Xuwei , Xu Yeshuang
Published: November 2021

The partial penetrating waterproof curtain combined with pumping wells is widely applied to deep foundation pit dewatering engineering. The filter tube of the pumping well plays a critical role on the environment effect that resulted from foundation pit dewatering. This paper investigated the impact of the filter tube on the groundwater drawdown outside the pit to provide a theoretical basis for the foundation pit dewatering design. Three patterns according to the relative position of the waterproof curtain and the filter tube, which are called wall-well patterns, namely the full-closed pattern, part-closed pattern, and none-closed pattern, have been analyzed. By taking a practice engineering case in Shanghai as an example, the relationship among the proportion of the filter tube length to the dewatering aquifer thickness, the buried depth difference of the wall-well, and the groundwater drawdown difference at both sides of the waterproof curtain are discussed by numerical simulation. The full-closed pattern is the optimal wall-well pattern on the ideal condition. The suggested and optimal values of the filter tube length to the dewatering aquifer thickness are 38.7% and 58.2%. The suggested and optimal values of the buried depth difference of the wall-well are −6.41 m and −1.92 m.
Child-Friendly Urban Development: Smile Village Community Development Initiative in Phnom Penh
Authors: Chan Puthearath
Published: November 2021

Since urban children’s populations have been rapidly increasing, there is a growing interest in promoting child-friendly cities and communities. UNICEF has accordingly developed a framework for action to build child-friendly cities and communities. This framework outlines the steps to build a governance system committed to realizing the rights of children and translated implementation processes in relation to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Particularly, UNICEF produced a guidebook that outlines building blocks to developing child-friendly cities and communities. This guidebook provides good practices and consolidates common challenges and lessons learned to guide the city governments and relevant stakeholders. Likewise, Cambodia developed a national child-friendly community framework aimed to further improve conducive environments for children where their rights are recognized and supported. Following these international and national trends on child-friendly urban development, many organizations and relevant stakeholders in Cambodia have come together to build urban communities focused on children. Similarly, the Smile Village community in Phnom Penh city was developed. Although its main vision is to build a residential community for underprivileged families to achieve social and financial mobility, various facilities and programs were developed for children. This study explores this community on its child-friendly dimensions and examines whether this urban community is child-friendly based on the national child-friendly community development’s core dimensions.
Perception of Cybersecurity in the B2C Segment of the Russian Market: Problems and Solutions in the Context of the Marketing Strategy
Authors:   National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, Barsukova Maria V. , Romanycheva Svetlana A. ,   National Research University “Higher School of Economics”
Published: November 2021

Russian cybersecurity market shows insignificant positive growth rates due to development of the B2B segment: launch of individual projects in the sphere of digitalization at the federal level, as well as adoption of security systems to deflect cyber attacks and proactively identify threats from major market players. At the same time, the B2C segment is really inferior to B2B. This is primarily attributable to the fact that ordinary consumers do not realize the need to protect digital data. The present paper will consider the main parameters of the macroenvironment, competitive saturation and will analyze a modern consumer of cybersecurity services. These factors will help to identify the roots of negative perception of cyber services among Russian consumers. The article authors suggest a marketing communication strategy to improve the current situation on the example of Kaspersky Lab and the target IT Administrators audience.
Russia in Supercritical Situation: Managing Restoration of Life-Support Functions to Overcome the Consequences of a Natural Macro Catastrophe
Authors:   International Research Institute for Advanced Systems, Ageev Aleksandr I. ,   Institute for Economic Strategies,   MGIMO University,   MEPhI,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Grabchak Evgenii P. ,   Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, Loginov Evgenii L. ,   Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation
Published: November 2021

Supercritical fluid is a state of matter when its temperature and pressure are above the critical point. Supercritical situation is a state of the economy in its cumulative manifestations and mutual influence, whereby the state of key life-support profiles is below the critical point of controllability. Various forecasts are increasingly actualizing the probability of a natural (and man-made) macro-catastrophe (a large meteorite fall, an earthquake of 10–12 points and others, as well as a pandemic similar to COVID–19, but with more severe consequences). As the coronavirus pandemic has shown, modern civilization is becoming ever more vulnerable to such disasters. To overcome the destabilizing trends of a natural (and man-made) macro-catastrophe, it is necessary to adopt proactively a set of measures in Russia that will drastically increase the efficiency of public administration in relation to the list of regulated resource, economic, technical, social and other parameters incorporating mechanisms and procedures of public administration into market mechanisms and the budgeting structure with regard to external and internal factors of the supersystem's vital activities.
Fixing Healthcare: How Activated Patients Can Guide Us Forward
Authors: Hibbard Judith , Allen Caitlyn
Published: November 2021

Studies show patients who are more “activated” (i.e., invested in their care) are more likely to have better outcomes. Dr. Judith H. Hibbard, researcher and professor emerita at the University of Oregon, explains what it means to be activated—and how being so may just save your life.
Sistem Presensi Online Menggunakan Arsitektur Pengembangan Perangkat Lunak Model-View-Viewmodel
Authors: Wiyana Adha Setiawan , Putera M. Ihsan Alfani , Natasia Sri Rahayu
Published: November 2021

PT. Lintasmaya Network Samarinda adalah perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang jasa dengan memberikan layanan IT Support kepada perusahaan lain. Sebagai perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang jasa, PT. Lintasmaya Network Samarinda perlu memastikan untuk dapat memberikan layanan terbaik kepada konsumen dengan memperhatikan kinerja karyawan. Agar hal tersebut dapat tercapai, maka solusi yang dipilih oleh PT. Lintamaya Network Samarinda adalah membangun sistem presensi berbasis aplikasi mobile. Hanya saja karena PT. Lintasmaya Network Samarinda tidak memiliki kemampuan dan pengalaman dalam mengembangkan sebuah aplikasi mobile, sistem presensi tersebut tidak dapat berjalan dengan baik. Berangkat dari masalah tersebut, maka diadakan penelitian pengembangan sistem presensi berbasis aplikasi mobile dengan menggunakan metode pengembangan perangkat lunak Personal Extreme Programming (PXP) dan arsitektur Model-View-Viewodel (MVVM). Metode pengembangan perangkat lunak PXP terdiri dari tujuh proses yaitu requirement, planning, iteration initialization, design, implementation, system testing, dan retrospective. Sedangkan aristektur MVVM adalah penulisan kode yang dibagi menjadi tiga bagian terdiri dari view, viewmodel, dan model. Adapun hal lain yang menjadi perhatian dalam penelitian ini adalah penerapan IMEI untuk mengenali perangkat, GPS untuk mendapatkan lokasi, dan JWT Authentication untuk keamanan fitur. Melalui penerapan tersebut, sistem dapat memberikan hal positif seperti data yang akurat dan penggunaan fitur yang terbatas hanya untuk pihak perusahaan.
Kontribusi Penggunaan E-Learning sebagai Media Pembelajaran Online terhadap Hasil Belajar Sistem Komputer
Authors: Wilda Rina , Menrisal M , Sefriani Rini
Published: November 2021

This study aims to determine the contribution of the use of e-learning as an online learning medium to the learning outcomes of class X computer systems at SMK N 2 Padang. This study also aims to test the proposed hypothesis. This type of research is quantitative using correlational research methods. This research was conducted at SMK N 2 Padang in the even semester. The population in this study were students of class X Computer Systems at SMK N 2 Padang. The sampling technique used is total sampling. And students who became the sample in this study amounted to 72 students. The instrument used in collecting data in this study were questionnaires and questions arranged according to the Likert scale model. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 20. Based on the results of the study, the hypothesis of the rcount value is -0.028 while the rtable value is 0.232 because the rcount value is smaller than the rtable value (-0.028 > 0.232) which means that it can be interpreted that there is no positive relationship between the use of e-learning as a learning medium with student learning outcomes at a very low level of correlation coefficient.
The courtroom as a built environment
Authors: Stepien Mateusz , Dudek Michał
Published: November 2021

Amos Rapoport is one of the pioneers of the studies on the relationship between people and their environments. At the same time, analyzing the built environment as a factor co-determining human interactions in the courtroom tends to be more and more popular in literature. Following this line, the paper aims to consider whether Rapoport’s theoretical framework (especially its part related to non-verbal communication through the environment) could be fruitfully applied to the study of the courtroom, especially to shed some light on the spatial, physical, or architectural aspects of the courtroom (which is treated as a particular environment). This paper offers a very initial, preliminary examination of the usefulness of Rapoport’s framework in reference to the courtroom interior. What needs to be stressed is that, rather than focusing on a given jurisdiction as a point of reference when elaborating on the usefulness of Rapoport’s framework, the authors try to examine its general applicability.