bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying and Characterizing Conveyor Belt Longitudinal Rip by 3D Point Cloud Processing
Authors: Xu Shichang , Cheng Gang , Pang Yusong , Jin Zujin , Kang Bin
Published: October 2021

Real-time and accurate longitudinal rip detection of a conveyor belt is crucial for the safety and efficiency of an industrial haulage system. However, the existing longitudinal detection methods possess drawbacks, often resulting in false alarms caused by tiny scratches on the belt surface. A method of identifying the longitudinal rip through three-dimensional (3D) point cloud processing is proposed to solve this issue. Specifically, the spatial point data of the belt surface are acquired by a binocular line laser stereo vision camera. Within these data, the suspected points induced by the rips and scratches were extracted. Subsequently, a clustering and discrimination mechanism was employed to distinguish the rips and scratches, and only the rip information was used as alarm criterion. Finally, the direction and maximum width of the rip can be effectively characterized in 3D space using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. This method was tested in practical experiments, and the experimental results indicate that this method can identify the longitudinal rip accurately in real time and simultaneously characterize it. Thus, applying this method can provide a more effective and appropriate solution to the identification scenes of longitudinal rip and other similar defects.
Smartphone-Based Human Sitting Behaviors Recognition Using Inertial Sensor
Authors: Sinha Vikas Kumar , Patro Kiran Kumar , Pławiak Paweł , Prakash Allam Jaya
Published: October 2021

At present, people spend most of their time in passive rather than active mode. Sitting with computers for a long time may lead to unhealthy conditions like shoulder pain, numbness, headache, etc. To overcome this problem, human posture should be changed for particular intervals of time. This paper deals with using an inertial sensor built in the smartphone and can be used to overcome the unhealthy human sitting behaviors (HSBs) of the office worker. To monitor, six volunteers are considered within the age band of 26 ± 3 years, out of which four were male and two were female. Here, the inertial sensor is attached to the rear upper trunk of the body, and a dataset is generated for five different activities performed by the subjects while sitting in the chair in the office. Correlation-based feature selection (CFS) technique and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods are jointly used to select feature vectors. The optimized features are fed to machine learning supervised classifiers such as naive Bayes, SVM, and KNN for recognition. Finally, the SVM classifier achieved 99.90% overall accuracy for different human sitting behaviors using an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer sensors.
Deep Mining Generation of Lung Cancer Malignancy Models from Chest X-ray Images
Authors: Horry Michael , Chakraborty Subrata , Pradhan Biswajeet , Paul Manoranjan , Gomes Douglas , Ul-Haq Anwaar , Alamri Abdullah
Published: October 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and morbidity worldwide. Many studies have shown machine learning models to be effective in detecting lung nodules from chest X-ray images. However, these techniques have yet to be embraced by the medical community due to several practical, ethical, and regulatory constraints stemming from the “black-box” nature of deep learning models. Additionally, most lung nodules visible on chest X-rays are benign; therefore, the narrow task of computer vision-based lung nodule detection cannot be equated to automated lung cancer detection. Addressing both concerns, this study introduces a novel hybrid deep learning and decision tree-based computer vision model, which presents lung cancer malignancy predictions as interpretable decision trees. The deep learning component of this process is trained using a large publicly available dataset on pathological biomarkers associated with lung cancer. These models are then used to inference biomarker scores for chest X-ray images from two independent data sets, for which malignancy metadata is available. Next, multi-variate predictive models were mined by fitting shallow decision trees to the malignancy stratified datasets and interrogating a range of metrics to determine the best model. The best decision tree model achieved sensitivity and specificity of 86.7% and 80.0%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 92.9%. Decision trees mined using this method may be considered as a starting point for refinement into clinically useful multi-variate lung cancer malignancy models for implementation as a workflow augmentation tool to improve the efficiency of human radiologists.
Speed Management Strategy: Designing an IoT-Based Electric Vehicle Speed Control Monitoring System
Authors: Antoine Gatera , Mikeka Chomora , Bajpai Gaurav , Jayavel Kayalvizhi
Published: October 2021

Road accidents represent the greatest public health burden in the world. Road traffic accidents have been on the rise in Rwanda for several years. Speed has been identified as a core factor in these road accidents. Therefore, understanding road accidents caused by excessive speeding is critical for road safety planning. In this paper, input and out pulse width modulation (PWM) was used to command the metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) controller which supplied voltage to the motor. A structural speed control and Internet of Things (IoT)-based online monitoring system was developed to monitor vehicle data in a continuous manner. Two modeling techniques, multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) models, were evaluated to find the best model to estimate the required voltage to be supplied to the motors in a particular zone. The built models were evaluated based upon the coefficient of determination R2. The RF performs better than the MLR as it reveals a higher R2 value and it is found to be 98.8%. Based on the results, the proposed method was proven to significantly reduce the supplied voltage to the motor and consequently increase safety.
3D Internal Visualization of Concrete Structure Using Multifaceted Data for Ultrasonic Array Pulse-Echo Tomography
Authors: Kwon Hungjoo , Joh Changbin , Chin Won Jong
Published: October 2021

This research proposes a 3D internal visualization using ultrasonic pulse-echo tomography technique to evaluate accurately the state of concrete structures for their efficient maintenance within a limited budget. Synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) is used as a post-processing algorithm to manipulate the data measured by the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. Multifaceted measurements improve the weakness of the existing ultrasonic pulse-echo tomography technique that cannot identify the area beyond a reflector as well as the area located far away from measuring surfaces. The application of apodization factor, pulse peak delay calibration and elimination of trivial response not only complements the weaknesses of the SAFT algorithm but also improves the accuracy of the SAFT algorithm. The results show that the proposed method reduces the unnecessary surface noise and improves the expressiveness of the reflector’s boundaries on the resulting images. It is expected that the proposed 3D internal visualization technique will provide a useful non-destructive evaluation tool in combination with another structure evaluation method.
A Portable Smart Fitness Suite for Real-Time Exercise Monitoring and Posture Correction
Authors: Hannan Abdul , Shafiq Muhammad Zohaib , Hussain Faisal , Pires Ivan Miguel
Published: October 2021

Fitness and sport have drawn significant attention in wearable and persuasive computing. Physical activities are worthwhile for health, well-being, improved fitness levels, lower mental pressure and tension levels. Nonetheless, during high-power and commanding workouts, there is a high likelihood that physical fitness is seriously influenced. Jarring motions and improper posture during workouts can lead to temporary or permanent disability. With the advent of technological advances, activity acknowledgment dependent on wearable sensors has pulled in countless studies. Still, a fully portable smart fitness suite is not industrialized, which is the central need of today’s time, especially in the Covid-19 pandemic. Considering the effectiveness of this issue, we proposed a fully portable smart fitness suite for the household to carry on their routine exercises without any physical gym trainer and gym environment. The proposed system considers two exercises, i.e., T-bar and bicep curl with the assistance of the virtual real-time android application, acting as a gym trainer overall. The proposed fitness suite is embedded with a gyroscope and EMG sensory modules for performing the above two exercises. It provided alerts on unhealthy, wrong posture movements over an android app and is guided to the best possible posture based on sensor values. The KNN classification model is used for prediction and guidance for the user while performing a particular exercise with the help of an android application-based virtual gym trainer through a text-to-speech module. The proposed system attained 89% accuracy, which is quite effective with portability and a virtually assisted gym trainer feature.
Towards Accurate, Cost-Effective, Ultra-Low-Power and Non-Invasive Respiration Monitoring: A Reusable Wireless Wearable Sensor for an Off-the-Shelf KN95 Mask
Authors: Xu Yu , Li Qi , Tang Zhenzhou , Liu Jun , Xiang Bingjin
Published: October 2021

Respiratory rate is a critical vital sign that indicates health condition, sleep quality, and exercise intensity. This paper presents a non-invasive, ultra-low-power, and cost-effective wireless wearable sensor, which is installed on an off-the-shelf KN95 mask to facilitate respiration monitoring. The sensing principle is based on the periodic airflow temperature variations caused by exhaled hot air and inhaled cool air in respiratory cycles. By measuring the periodic temperature variations at the exhalation valve of mask, the respiratory parameters can be accurately and reliably detected, regardless of body movements and breathing pathways through nose or mouth. Specifically, we propose a voltage divider with controllable resistors and corresponding selection criteria to improve the sensitivity of temperature measurement, a peak detection algorithm with spline interpolation to increase sampling period without reducing the detection accuracy, and effective low-power optimization measures to prolong the battery life. The experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed sensor, showing a small mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.449 bpm and a very low power consumption of 131.4 μW. As a high accuracy, low cost, low power, and reusable miniature wearing device for convenient respiration monitoring in daily life, the proposed sensor holds promise in real-world feasibility.
Sensor Faults Isolation in Networked Control Systems: Application to Mobile Robot Platoons
Authors: Kurniawan Wijaya , Marton Lorinc
Published: October 2021

In networked control systems, sensor faults in a subsystem have a major influence on the entire network as the fault effect reaches the other subsystems through the network interconnections. In this paper, a fault diagnosis-oriented model is proposed for linear networked control systems that can be applied to the robotics platoon. In addition, this model can also be used to design distributed Unknown Input Observers (UIO) in each subsystem to accomplish weak sensor faults isolation by treating the network disturbances and fault propagation through the network as unknown inputs. A case study was developed in which the subsystems were represented by robots that are connected in a wireless communication-based leader-follower scheme. The simulation results show that the model successfully reproduces the expected behaviour of the robotics platoon in the presence of sensor faults. Furthermore, weak sensor faults isolation is also achieved by observing the residual signals produced by the UIOs in each of the subsystems.
Testing a 5G Communication System: Kriging-Aided O2I Path Loss Modeling Based on 3.5 GHz Measurement Analysis
Authors: Diago-Mosquera Melissa Eugenia , Aragón-Zavala Alejandro , Rodriguez Mauricio
Published: October 2021

Deep knowledge of how radio waves behave in a practical wireless channel is required for the effective planning and deployment of radio access networks in outdoor-to-indoor (O2I) environments. Using more than 400 non-line-of-sight (NLOS) radio measurements at 3.5 GHz, this study analyzes and validates a novel O2I measurement-based path loss prediction narrowband model that characterizes and estimates shadowing through Kriging techniques. The prediction results of the developed model are compared with those of the most traditional assumption of slow fading as a random variable: COST231, WINNER+, ITU-R, 3GPP urban microcell O2I models and field measured data. The results showed and guaranteed that the predicted path loss accuracy, expressed in terms of the mean error, standard deviation and root mean square error (RMSE) was significantly better with the proposed model; it considerably decreased the average error for both scenarios under evaluation.
Computer-Aided Design of Peptidomimetic Inhibitors of Falcipain-3: QSAR and Pharmacophore Models
Authors: Bekono Boris D. , Esmel Akori E. , Dali Brice , Ntie-Kang Fidele , Keita Melalie , Owono Luc C. O. , Megnassan Eugene
Published: October 2021

In this work, antiparasitic peptidomimetics inhibitors (PEP) of falcipain-3 (FP3) of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) are proposed using structure-based and computer-aided molecular design. Beginning with the crystal structure of PfFP3-K11017 complex (PDB ID: 3BWK), three-dimensional (3D) models of FP3-PEPx complexes with known activities ( IC50exp) were prepared by in situ modification, based on molecular mechanics and implicit solvation to compute Gibbs free energies (GFE) of inhibitor-FP3 complex formation. This resulted in a quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) model based on a linear correlation between computed GFE (ΔΔGcom) and the experimentally measured  IC50exp. Apart from the structure-based relationship, a ligand-based quantitative pharmacophore model (PH4) of novel PEP analogues where substitutions were directed by comparative analysis of the active site interactions was derived using the proposed bound conformations of the PEPx. This provided structural information useful for the design of virtual combinatorial libraries (VL), which was virtually screened based on the 3D-QSAR PH4. The end results were predictive inhibitory activities falling within the low nanomolar concentration range.
Antiaging Properties of the Ethanol Fractions of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) Bud and Leaf at the Cellular Levels: Study in Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Lesmana Dedy , Andrianto Dimas , Astuti Rika Indri
Published: October 2021

The exposure of reactive oxygen species is one of the aging triggers at cellular level. The antioxidants have been used as strategic efforts in overcoming the accumulation of ROS. Previous research using crude extracts of clove bud and leaves showed its potential as an antioxidant agent. However, no data were available regarding the antioxidant and antiaging activities of subsequent fractions of clove extracts. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the antioxidant and antiaging activities of the n-hexane and ethanol fractions from clove bud and leaves. Antioxidant and antiaging activities were tested at the cellular level using the yeast model Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The highest flavonoid content was shown by clove leaf n-hexane fraction (25.6 mgQE·g−1). However, ethanol fraction of clove bud (FEB) showed the highest antioxidant activity based on TBA and antiglycation assays. FEB (8 μg·mL−1) and leaf ethanol fraction (FEL) (10 μg·mL−1) were able to induce yeast tolerance against oxidative stress. In addition, FEB could induce mitochondrial activity and delay the G1 phase of the cell cycle. FEB was found to be rich in gallic acid and (15Z)-9,12,13-trihydroxy-15-octadecenoic. Based on the data, FEB shows the potential antiaging activity, which is promising for further development as biopharmaceutical product formulations.
Fake News and the “Wild Wide Web”: A Study of Elementary Students’ Reliability Reasoning
Authors: Pilgrim Jodi , Vasinda Sheri
Published: October 2021

Online research presents unique challenges for elementary students as they develop and extend fundamental literacy skills to various media. Some features of internet text differ from that of traditional print, contributing to the challenges of discerning “fake news.” Readers must understand how to navigate online texts to conduct research effectively, while applying critical thinking to determine the reliability of online information. Descriptive data from an ongoing study revealed that children in grades 1–5 lack some basic understanding of how to search the “wild wide web.” Just as children benefit from explicit instruction related to text features, children benefit from instruction related to the features of the internet. This article presents a study of website evaluation that occurs early in the search process prior to the selection of a particular website or article. The application of the web literacy skills required to conduct an internet search is addressed, and recommendations prompt teachers to consider searches beyond the “walled garden,” as well as ways to handle the “messiness” of internet exploration.
Approaches to the Anthropocene from Communication and Media Studies
Authors: Bergillos Ignacio
Published: October 2021

This paper explores how communication and media studies have engaged with the concept of the Anthropocene in recent years. The purpose of this study is to outline the most relevant theoretical and conceptual contributions from communication science and media studies to issues related to climate change, global sustainability and the Anthropocene. A literature review on the matter shows that the field of communication research is diverse and heterogeneous, and that it puts forward different concepts and theories that deal with media as the environment or the environment as media. Environmental communication and environmental humanities frame approaches to media representations of environmental issues, whereas elemental analysis focuses on the essence of media, its material dimensions and its entanglements with social practices. From the dialogue and interdisciplinary debates among these disciplines, new approaches such as environmental media studies arise. Differences among theories have to do with the definition of media or the consideration of humanity in relation to nature or technology. In sum, communication and media studies offer interdisciplinary approaches and a nuanced understanding of our socio-natural relations, which will become more and more mediated in the years to come.
Temporal Variability of Theft Types in the Historic Centre of Porto
Authors: Azevedo Vanessa , Magalhães Mariana , Paulo Daniela , Maia Rui Leandro , Oliveira Gisela M. , Guerreiro Maria Simas , Sani Ana Isabel , Nunes Laura M.
Published: October 2021

Criminology theories imply that time is a relevant variable, especially for the prevention and intervention of criminal occurrences. Thus, the study of criminal temporal patterns has been described as being of great relevance. The present study focuses on describing and exploring the influence of temporal and seasonal variables on the occurrence of different types of theft in the Historic Centre of Porto through the analysis of official records of the Public Security Police. Significant differences were found regarding the time of day and season of occurrence, even though it is not observed for all the types of theft analysed. Overall, theft was more prevalent at night and less frequent during winter, which is congruent with previous literature and the routine activity theory. Being the first case study in Porto city, Portugal, this research may be of extreme importance for both designing prevention and intervention policies in the area, and for inspiring future research on a criminal time analysis.
Comprehensive Evaluation Method of Ethnic Costume Color Based on K-Means Clustering Method
Authors: Zhao Linqi , Wang Zhenya , Zuo Yaxue , Hu Danyang
Published: October 2021

Color is the external manifestation of ethnic minority culture, and the costume of each ethnic group has its objective color matching rules. In the color design of minority costumes, there is often a lack of scientific evaluation methods. Aiming at this problem, this article proposed a comprehensive evaluation method, based on the K-Means clustering method, for evaluating color matching schemes of minority costumes. We used the K-Means clustering method to analyze the objective laws of minority costume colors, and based on the objective laws found, we extracted the objective evaluation indicators. With the AHP (analytic hierarchy process) method, the judgment matrix was established to obtain the relative weights of each cultural image and objective evaluation indicator. Based on the trapezoidal fuzzy number, the user’s evaluation value of the cultural image index was clarified. The GRA-TOPSIS evaluation method was introduced to rank the color matching schemes of minority costumes. Taking the evaluation of the color matching scheme of Yi costumes as an example, this article confirmed that the proposed comprehensive evaluation method can effectively screen out the color matching schemes with the characteristics of minority costumes and can rank the color schemes to be evaluated according to their relative similarity degree to the color characteristics of minority costumes. The method integrated subjective and objective evaluations, overcame the problem of contradictory results of subjective and objective evaluations, and achieved a certain degree of symmetry between the objectivity of the color laws of minority costumes and the subjectivity of the cultural image of minority costumes. In addition, we also found the possibility of using K-Means clustering to extract the main color features of minority costumes to improve the design of color schemes.
Comparison of Clinical Parameters in Dental Implant Therapy between Implant Site Development Using Porcine- and Bovine-Derived Xenografts
Authors: Chang Li-Ching
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two xenografts, i.e., porcine- and bovine-derived xenografts, on dental implant therapy after implant site development. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study involved adults who underwent dental implantation between January 2012 and December 2020. Various patient and implant-site characteristics were collected from the patient records. The implant-surgery clinical parameters of the porcine- and bovine-derived xenografts used for implant site development were analyzed and compared. Results: A total of 116 subjects with 168 dental implants were included in this study. There was less soft bone in the porcine bone group of the maxilla. However, there was less soft bone and a greater percentage of “primary stability ≥35 N” in the bovine bone group of the mandible. However, no significant differences in regrafting rate, post-operative infection rate, or implant survival rate were found between the bovine and porcine bone groups. Conclusion: The effects of implant site development using bovine- and porcine-origin xenografts are comparable in terms of the implant-therapy clinical parameters, including the regrafting rate and implant survival rate. Thus, the choice of xenografts could be made according to the patient’s religious requirements. However, the reported results should be used with caution, considering the limitations of this retrospective study.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Health Workers
Authors: Li Tingting , Qi Xiaoling , Li Qin , Tang Wenge , Su Kun , Jia Mengmeng , Yang Weizhong , Xia Yu , Xiong Yu , Qi Li , Feng Luzhao
Published: October 2021

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect of influenza vaccinations for health workers (HWs). Nine databases were screened to identify randomized clinical trials and comparative observational studies that reported the effect of influenza vaccination among HWs. The risk ratio (RR), standardized mean difference, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to study the effect size using fixed/random-effect models. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted accordingly. Publication bias was examined. Sixteen studies (involving 7971 HWs from nine countries) were included after a comprehensive literature search. The combined RR regarding the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.54), the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.45 to 1.06), the absenteeism rate was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.46 to 0.86), and the integrated standardized mean difference of workdays lost was −0.18 (95% CI: −0.28 to −0.07) days/person. The subgroup analysis indicated that vaccination significantly decreases the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza in different countries, study populations, and average-age vaccinated groups. Influenza vaccinations could effectively reduce the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza, absenteeism rates, and workdays lost among HWs. It is advisable, therefore, to improve the coverage and increase the influenza vaccination count among HWs, which may benefit both workers and medical institutions.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Functional Principles and Applications in Oncology and Beyond
Authors: Theocharopoulos Charalampos , Lialios Panagiotis-Petros , Samarkos Michael , Gogas Helen , Ziogas Dimitrios C.
Published: October 2021

In the era of precision medicine, antibody-based therapeutics are rapidly enriched with emerging advances and new proof-of-concept formats. In this context, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have evolved to merge the high selectivity and specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with the cytotoxic potency of attached payloads. So far, ten ADCs have been approved by FDA for oncological indications and many others are currently being tested in clinical and preclinical level. This paper summarizes the essential components of ADCs, from their functional principles and structure up to their limitations and resistance mechanisms, focusing on all latest bioengineering breakthroughs such as bispecific mAbs, dual-drug platforms as well as novel linkers and conjugation chemistries. In continuation of our recent review on anticancer implication of ADC’s technology, further insights regarding their potential usage outside of the oncological spectrum are also presented. Better understanding of immunoconjugates could maximize their efficacy and optimize their safety, extending their use in everyday clinical practice.
“First Do No Harm”. No-Fault Compensation Program for COVID-19 Vaccines as Feasibility and Wisdom of a Policy Instrument to Mitigate Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: D’Errico Stefano , Zanon Martina , Concato Monica , Peruch Michela , Scopetti Matteo , Frati Paola , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: October 2021

Vaccines are so far proven to be safe, although related adverse events cannot be excluded. The urgency for COVID-19 vaccines determined a dilution of the general expectations of safety and efficacy of vaccination (from safe and effective to safe and effective enough). In many countries, a no-fault program was established to compensate individuals who experienced serious vaccine-related injuries. The impressive number of administrations worldwide and the legal indemnity afforded to manufacturers of approved vaccines that cannot be pursued for compensation fed the debate about the availability of a compensation model for COVID-19 vaccine-related injuries. Several European countries have long introduced a system, Vaccine Injury Compensation Programs, to compensate people who suffer physical harm because of vaccination. In Europe, COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for the general population and in many states is declared mandatory for healthcare workers. In 1992, Italy edited Law no. 210 providing legal protection for individuals who reported injuries after mandatory and recommended vaccinations as a no-fault alternative to the traditional tort system. Despite its recommended nature, COVID-19 vaccination is excluded from the no-fault model in several European states, and the Italian government is called to provide clear and firm instructions for the management of the many requests for compensation. The authors provide an overview of the existing compensation models in Europe and analyse available legislative proposals.
The Role of Attitudes, Norms, and Efficacy on Shifting COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions: A Longitudinal Study of COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions in New Zealand
Authors: Thaker Jagadish , Ganchoudhuri Somrita
Published: October 2021

While public intentions to get a COVID-19 vaccine have been shifting around the world, few studies track factors that help us understand and improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake. This study focuses on identifying changing public intentions to get a COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand, a country that has been largely successful in containing the pandemic but risks new outbreaks as less than 20% of the population is fully vaccinated by August 2021. Data on COVID-19 intentions were collected just after the vaccine approval and rollout targeting old-age groups in February 2021 and then before the general public rollout in May 2021 (n = 650, 60% reinterview response rate). Results show that intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine increased in three months and was the highest in the last one year. Consistent with the Theory of Planned Behaviour, attitudes and efficacy beliefs were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine intentions, in the cross-sectional as well as longitudinal analyses. Findings highlight the persisting influence of attitudes, efficacy beliefs, and past intentions on future decision-making process to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Future research opportunities to understand vaccine intentions and improve public vaccine uptake are highlighted.
Oral Polio Vaccine Campaigns May Reduce the Risk of Death from Respiratory Infections
Authors: Nielsen Sebastian , Sujan Hasan Mahmud , Benn Christine Stabell , Aaby Peter , Hanifi Syed Manzoor Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Oral polio vaccine (OPV) campaigns, but not other campaigns, have been associated with major reductions in child mortality. Studies have shown that OPV reduces the risk of respiratory infections. We analysed the causes of death at 0–2 years of age in Chakaria, a health and demographic surveillance Systems in Bangladesh, in the period 2012–2019 where 13 national campaigns with combinations of OPV (n = 4), vitamin A supplementation (n = 9), measles vaccine (MV) (n = 2), and albendazole (n = 2) were implemented. OPV-only campaigns reduced overall mortality by 30% (95% confidence interval: −10–56%). Deaths from respiratory infections were reduced by 62% (20–82%, p = 0.01) in the post-neonatal period (1–35 months), whereas there was as slight increase of 19% (−37–127%, p = 0.54) for deaths from other causes. There was no benefit of other types of campaigns. Hence, the hypothesis that OPV may have beneficial non-specific effects, protecting particularly against respiratory infections, was confirmed.
Reported COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors among Members of Athens Medical Association: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Marinos Georgios , Lamprinos Dimitris , Georgakopoulos Panagiotis , Patoulis Georgios , Vogiatzi Georgia , Damaskos Christos , Papaioannou Anastasia , Sofroni Anastasia , Pouletidis Theodoros , Papagiannis Dimitrios , Symvoulakis Emmanouil K. , Konstantopoulos Kostas , Rachiotis Georgios
Published: October 2021

There are limited data on the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccination coverage among physicians. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online study was conducted among the members of the Athens Medical Association (I.S.A.) over the period 25 February to 13 March 2021. All members of I.S.A. were invited to participate in the anonymous online survey. A structured, anonymous questionnaire was used. Overall, 1993 physicians participated in the survey. The reported vaccination coverage was 85.3%. The main reasons of no vaccination were pending vaccination appointment followed by safety concerns. Participants being informed about the COVID-19 vaccines by social media resulted in lower COVID-19 vaccination coverage than health workers being informed by other sources. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that no fear over COVID-19 vaccination-related side effects, history of influenza vaccination for flu season 2020–2021, and the perception that the information on COVID-19 vaccination from the national public health authorities is reliable, were independent factors of reported COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Our results demonstrate a considerable improvement of the COVID-19 vaccination uptake among Greek physicians. The finding that participants reported high reliability of the information related to COVID-19 vaccination provided by the Greek public health authorities is an opportunity which should be broadly exploited by policymakers in order to combat vaccination hesitancy, and further improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake and coverage among physicians/HCWs, and the general population.
Humoral Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine of a Patient Receiving Methotrexate Treatment and Implications for the Need of Monitoring
Authors: Lukaszuk Krzysztof , Woclawek-Potocka Izabela , Jakiel Grzegorz , Malinowska Paulina , Wdowiak Artur , Rozanska Karolina , Rabalski Lukasz
Published: October 2021

We report a case of monitoring the antibody response to the BioNTech–Pfizer vaccine of a 50-year-old female diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing treatment with methotrexate (MTX). Antibody levels were measured 21 days after dose 1 (i.e., on the day of dose 2) and then 8, 14 and 30 days after dose 2 with Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S assay (Roche Diagnostics). Patient showed a negative result after dose 1 and had the serum sample retested using a LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assay (DiaSorin), which showed a positive result. Subsequent samples were tested using both assays. Antibody levels kept increasing but at a much slower rate than in patients not receiving any immunomodulatory therapies. Other research indicates that among patients with autoimmune diseases, those receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have higher COVID-19 mortality than those treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis). These results indicate the need for people with autoimmune diseases to be carefully observed following vaccinations, including testing of antibody levels, and treated as potentially at risk until the effect of vaccination is confirmed. The different available vaccines should also be tested to verify their usefulness in the case of people with autoimmune diseases and those who take different immunomodulatory medications.
Vaccine Refusal in the Czech Republic Is Associated with Being Spiritual but Not Religiously Affiliated
Authors: Kosarkova Alice , Malinakova Klara , van Dijk Jitse P. , Tavel Peter
Published: October 2021

A strong reduction in the deleterious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can be achieved by vaccination. Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) may play an important role in vaccine acceptance. However, evidence is lacking for the associations with religious conspiracy theories (RCT) in a non-religious environment. This study investigated the associations between R/S and RCT about COVID-19 vaccination and the links of R/S with vaccine refusal and hesitancy. A sample of Czech adults (n = 459) participated in the survey. We measured R/S, RCT, religious fundamentalism, and COVID-19 vaccination intentions. We found spirituality to be significantly associated with RCT belief, with odds ratios (OR) of 2.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–3.19). A combination of R/S groups revealed that spirituality with non-religious affiliation was associated with higher beliefs in RCT, with ORs from 3.51 to 7.17. Moreover, associations were found between spirituality with non-religious affiliation [OR 2.22(1.33–7.76)] with vaccine refusal. Our findings showed associations of spirituality and religious fundamentalism with RCT about COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, spirituality was linked to a higher possibility of vaccine refusal. Understanding these associations may help prevent the development of RCT and negative impact of spirituality on vaccine intentions and contribute to the effectiveness of the vaccination process.
The Role of B-Cells and Antibodies against Candida Vaccine Antigens in Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Shukla Manisha , Chandley Pankaj , Rohatgi Soma
Published: October 2021

Systemic candidiasis is an invasive fungal infection caused by members of the genus Candida. The recent emergence of antifungal drug resistance and increased incidences of infections caused by non-albicans Candida species merit the need for developing immune therapies against Candida infections. Although the role of cellular immune responses in anti-Candida immunity is well established, less is known about the role of humoral immunity against systemic candidiasis. This review summarizes currently available information on humoral immune responses induced by several promising Candida vaccine candidates, which have been identified in the past few decades. The protective antibody and B-cell responses generated by polysaccharide antigens such as mannan, β-glucan, and laminarin, as well as protein antigens like agglutinin-like sequence gene (Als3), secreted aspartyl proteinase (Sap2), heat shock protein (Hsp90), hyphally-regulated protein (Hyr1), hyphal wall protein (Hwp1), enolase (Eno), phospholipase (PLB), pyruvate kinase (Pk), fructose bisphosphate aldolase (Fba1), superoxide dismutase gene (Sod5) and malate dehydrogenase (Mdh1), are outlined. As per studies reviewed, antibodies induced in response to leading Candida vaccine candidates contribute to protection against systemic candidiasis by utilizing a variety of mechanisms such as opsonization, complement fixation, neutralization, biofilm inhibition, direct candidacidal activity, etc. The contributions of B-cells in controlling fungal infections are also discussed. Promising results using anti-Candida monoclonal antibodies for passive antibody therapy reinforces the need for developing antibody-based therapeutics including anti-idiotypic antibodies, single-chain variable fragments, peptide mimotopes, and antibody-derived peptides. Future research involving combinatorial immunotherapies using humanized monoclonal antibodies along with antifungal drugs/cytokines may prove beneficial for treating invasive fungal infections.
Coarse and Fine Particulate Organic Matter Transport by a Fourth-Order Mountain Stream to Lake Bourget (France)
Authors: Gaillard Jérémie , Chanudet Vincent , Cunillera Guillaume , Dambrine Etienne
Published: October 2021

Transport of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) derived from forest litterfall has been hardly studied in rivers, unlike fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) or dissolved organic matter (DOM). Yet, many rivers are dammed or run into lakes, and there is growing evidence that CPOM accumulation in river delta participates substantially in ecological processes such as greenhouse gas emissions of lakes and reservoirs. We investigated the transport of CPOM and FPOM by the Leysse River (discharge from 0.2 to 106 m3 s−1) to Lake Bourget (France) in relation to aerial litter deposition, river network length, and discharge. Over a 19-month study period, the volume-weighted mean CPOM and FPOM concentrations were 1.3 and 7.7 g m−3, respectively. Most CPOM and FPOM transport occurred during major flood events, and there were power relationships between maximum discharge and particulate organic matter (POM) transport during these events. The annual export of CPOM (190 t AFDM) was 85% of the litter accumulation in autumn on permanent sections of the riverbed (224 t AFDM), which suggests that export is a major process compared to breakdown. Export of CPOM was 1.25 t yr−1 km−2 of the forested catchment area. This study highlights the need to account for long-range CPOM transport to describe the fate of litter inputs to streams and to quantify the organic matter input and processing in lakes and reservoirs.
Human capital in the new development strategy of Russia
Authors: Kolin Konstantin Konstantinovich
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the modern concept of human capital and its role in the socioeconomic development of society. The structure of human capital in Russia and the state of its main components have been studied. The necessity of creating mechanisms for significantly more effective use of the intellectual potential of scientific and educational institutions of the country, as well as of the formation of a national innovation system, is shown. It is demonstrated that according to the World Bank estimates, today the national human capital in developing countries accounts for more than half of their national wealth, and in the developed countries of the world – for about 70-80%. Thus, human capital is now considered as the most important economic category, the importance of which will significantly increase in the 21st century. The author believes that it is advisable to use the positive experience of the functioning of such a system in China.
Subjects of innovation infrastructure: experience, state of functioning and prospects of development in the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Dadalko Vasiliy Aleksandrovich , Dadalko Svetlana Viktorovna , Kozlovskaya Zoya Nikolaevna
Published: October 2021

The article considers the experience, features and problematic aspects of the creation and results of the functioning of the subjects of the innovation infrastructure of Belarus: science and technology parks, industrial parks, technology transfer centers, etc. The article substantiates the urgency of creating scientific, technological and industrial parks in the regions, including on the basis of higher educational institutions. The article shows that to ensure the functioning of the market of scientific, technical and innovative products, an appropriate infrastructure is required. The development of infrastructure in the fields of science, technology and innovation is highlighted as one of the main directions of the state innovation policy of the Republic of Belarus. In general, the development of innovation infrastructure is considered as a factor that contributes to more efficient use of the natural and socio-economic potential of the country, the introduction of innovations and the creation of new jobs in the Republic of Belarus
Cultural and communicative formulae as a communication mechanism underlying the civilizational community
Authors: Zavyalova Nataliya Alekseevna
Published: October 2021

The author examines cultural and communicative formulae (CCF) and cultural concepts, noting that they are embedded in the communicative acts characteristic of representatives of a particular civilization. These communicative acts often contain cultural and communicative formulae. The article analyzes the relationship of the CCF with the most important communication tasks that ensure the stability of the civilizational community. Within the framework of the communicative direction, the author says that CCF are involved in a whole group of important functions: informing, describing events happening around; educational, broadcasting socially significant information; regulatory, broadcasting normative information; socially manipulative, consisting in the desire to control the audience; recreational entertainment function. The materials of the article can become the basis for methodological support of the educational process in the fields of International Relations and Linguistics.
Fabrication of a Laser Welded Waterproof Coating Made of Stainless Steel Foil
Authors: Acél Artúr Benjámin , Windisch Márk , Maloveczky Anna
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this engineering design was to fabricate a waterproof coat for a carbon fibre reinforced polymer component. Austenitic stainless steel foil with 50μm thickness was used as the raw material. Deep-drawn elements that fit the geometry of the given part were welded together to form the coat. The deep drawing tools and the welding machine were self-designed and manufactured. The cutting of the blank and then the welding technology of the deep-drawn tablecloths were carried out with a TruMark 5010 marking laser made by Trumpf
The Effect of Chemical Composition and Production Technology on the Mechanical Properties of EN AW-8006 Alloy
Authors: Pázmán Judit , Fehér Jánosné , Gonda Viktor , Verő Balázs
Published: October 2021

Aluminum alloys en AW-8006 with three different Fe:Mn ratios were studied. In the experiments, the temperature of the intermediate soft-annealing between the cold rolling processes and the final soft-annealing at the end of the production technology were varied. The processed samples were subjected to tensile testing and hardness measurements. The effect of chemical composition, based on the test results, showed that for samples without intermediate softening, only the increase of iron content has a significant effect on the yield stress, and the change of iron content refined the final grain structure compared to the reference material.
Modeling the Deformation and the Failure Process of Glass Woven Fabrics Based on the Fibre-Bundle-Cells Theory
Authors: Virág Ábris Dávid , Vas László Mihály , Molnár Kolos
Published: October 2021

In this study, we modeled the deformation and failure behavior of different glass woven fabrics under uni-axial tension using the Fibre Bundle Cells-modeling method. The difference between the analytical, phenomenological model curve and the mean curve calculated from the measurement results was classified by the relative mean squared error (RMSE), which is closely related to the coefficient of determination. This value was less than 3.6% in all the examined cases, which indicated good modeling.
SEED Program: The development of a program that has enabled the learning and growth of staff in the response to a community crisis.
Authors: Mackay Maria Therese , Pai Padmini , Emslie Stuart , Knezevic Andrea , Mackay Jacinta
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to share a program that took a whole-hospital approach in considering the wellbeing of staff at a time of recovery following the 2019–2020 bushfires. The SEED Program enlisted a person-centred participatory methodology that was embedded within a transformational learning approach. This methodology included collaboration, authentic participation, critical reflection, critical dialogue and listening where the staff voice was the driving factor in the development of strategies for recovery. The SEED Program resulted in the development of five initiatives that included four strategies and a celebration event where staff celebrated their New Year’s Eve in February 2020. The four strategies included the establishment of a quiet room, coffee buddies, Wellness Warriors and 24/7 Wellness. The outcomes from the SEED Program resulted in the development of a more person-centred culture and transformation of staff perspectives in how they understood their role in their learning and learning of others in recovery and support at a time of crisis. The key learnings were the effect of authentic collaboration, the benefit from enabling authentic leadership at all levels within a hospital, and the power of a staff connection to the ‘CORE’ values of the hospital and Local Health District. In conclusion, the staff involved hold the hope that others may benefit from their experience of transformational learning in creating more person-centred workplace cultures while supporting each other to move forward during a crisis. The limitation of the SEED Program was that it was a bespoke practice innovation designed in the moment, responding to an identified need for the staff following a crisis in the local community rather than a formal research approach to meeting the needs of this group of staff.