bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiviral Activity of Canine RIG-I against Canine Influenza Virus and Interactions between Canine RIG-I and CIV
Authors: Wang Zhen , Ye Shaotang , Yao Congwen , Wang Ji , Mao Jianwei , Xu Liang , Liu Yongbo , Fu Cheng , Lu Gang , Li Shoujun
Published: October 2021

RIG-I functions as a virus sensor that induces a cellular antiviral response. Although it has been investigated in other species, there have been no further studies to date on canine RIG-I against canine influenza virus (CIV). In the present study, we cloned the RIG-I gene of beagle dogs and characterized its expression, subcellular localization, antiviral response, and interactions with CIV proteins. RIG-I was highly expressed and mainly localized in the cytoplasm, with low levels detected in the nucleus. The results revealed that overexpression of the CARD domain of RIG-I and knockdown of RIG-I showed its ability to activate the RLR pathway and induced the expression of downstream interferon-stimulated genes. Moreover, overexpression of canine RIG-I suppressed the replication of CIV. The association between RIG-I and CIV was evaluated with the luciferase assay and by indirect immunofluorescence and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analyses. The results showed that CIV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) can strongly suppress the RIG-I–mediated innate immune response, and the novel interactions between CIV matrix proteins (M1 and M2) and canine RIG-I were disclosed. These findings provide a basis for investigating the antiviral mechanism of canine RIG-I against CIV, which can lead to effective strategies for preventing CIV infection in dogs.
Virus Diseases of Cereal and Oilseed Crops in Australia: Current Position and Future Challenges
Authors: Jones Roger A. C. , Sharman Murray , Trębicki Piotr , Maina Solomon , Congdon Benjamin S.
Published: October 2021

This review summarizes research on virus diseases of cereals and oilseeds in Australia since the 1950s. All viruses known to infect the diverse range of cereal and oilseed crops grown in the continent’s temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical and tropical cropping regions are included. Viruses that occur commonly and have potential to cause the greatest seed yield and quality losses are described in detail, focusing on their biology, epidemiology and management. These are: barley yellow dwarf virus, cereal yellow dwarf virus and wheat streak mosaic virus in wheat, barley, oats, triticale and rye; Johnsongrass mosaic virus in sorghum, maize, sweet corn and pearl millet; turnip yellows virus and turnip mosaic virus in canola and Indian mustard; tobacco streak virus in sunflower; and cotton bunchy top virus in cotton. The currently less important viruses covered number nine infecting nine cereal crops and 14 infecting eight oilseed crops (none recorded for rice or linseed). Brief background information on the scope of the Australian cereal and oilseed industries, virus epidemiology and management and yield loss quantification is provided. Major future threats to managing virus diseases effectively include damaging viruses and virus vector species spreading from elsewhere, the increasing spectrum of insecticide resistance in insect and mite vectors, resistance-breaking virus strains, changes in epidemiology, virus and vectors impacts arising from climate instability and extreme weather events, and insufficient industry awareness of virus diseases. The pressing need for more resources to focus on addressing these threats is emphasized and recommendations over future research priorities provided.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis with Hydroxychloroquine Does Not Prevent COVID-19 nor Virus Related Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Perrella Alessandro , Orlando Valentina , Trama Ugo , Bernardi Francesca F. , Menditto Enrica , Coscioni Enrico
Published: October 2021

Different and several public health strategies have been planned to reduce transmission of pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 since it started. None drugs have been confirmed as able to prevent viral transmission. Hydroxychloroquine with its immunomodulatory properties has been proposed as potential anti-viral drug in particular for prevention once viral exposure has been happen or in first phases of infection. Furthermore, in several immunological systemic disease hydroxychloroquine was able to reduce the number of thrombotic complications. So, because COVID-19 was associated to immunological imbalance and to thrombotic complications, we retrospectively analyzed the rate of infection in those patients being under treatment with this drug during COVID-19 epidemic outbreak from 8 March until 28 April in particular comparing those with pre-exposure to this treatment and those that were not taking this medication before SARS-CoV-2 viral infections.
Predictors of Humoral Response to mRNA COVID19 Vaccines in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Longitudinal Study—The COViNEPH Project
Authors: Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Ślizień Zuzanna , Muchlado Marta , Kubanek Alicja , Piotrowska Magdalena , Dąbrowska Małgorzata , Tarasewicz Agnieszka , Chamienia Andrzej , Biedunkiewicz Bogdan , Renke Marcin , Tylicki Leszek
Published: October 2021

Background: The efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among kidney transplant recipients (KTR) is low. The main goal of this study was to analyze factors that may influence the humoral response to vaccination. Methods: We analyzed the titer magnitude of IgG antibodies directed against spike (S)-SARS-CoV-2 antigen after the second dose of the mRNA vaccine in 142 infection naïve KTR (83 men, i.e., 58.4%) with a median age (IQR) of 54 (41–63), and 36 respective controls without chronic kidney disease. mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 were applied in 26% and 74% of KTR, respectively. Results: S-specific immune response (seroconversion) was seen in 73 (51.41%) of KTR, and in all controls 36 (100%). Independent predictors of no response were elder age, shorter transplantation vintage, and a more than two-drug immunosuppressive protocol. In subgroup analyses, the seroconversion rate was highest among KTR without MMF/MPS treatment (70%), treated with no more than two immunosuppressants (69.2%), treated without corticosteroid (66.7%), younger patients aged <54 years (63.2%), and those vaccinated with the mRNA-1273 vaccine (62.16%). The independent predictors of higher S-antibody titer among responders were younger age, treatment with no more than two immunosuppressants, and the mRNA-1273 vaccination. Conclusions: Our study confirmed a low rate of seroconversion after vaccination with the mRNA vaccine in KTR. The major modifiable determinants of humoral response were the composition of the immunosuppressive protocol, as well as the type of vaccine. The latter could be taken into consideration when initial vaccination as well as booster vaccination is considered in KTR.
Resistance Mechanisms Influencing Oncolytic Virotherapy, a Systematic Analysis
Authors: Bhatt Darshak K. , Chammas Roger , Daemen Toos
Published: October 2021

Resistance to therapy is a frequently observed phenomenon in the treatment of cancer, and as with other cancer therapeutics, therapies based on oncolytic viruses also face the challenges of resistance, such as humoral and cellular antiviral responses, and tumor-associated interferon-mediated resistance. In order to identify additional mechanisms of resistance that may contribute to therapeutic failure, we developed a systematic search strategy for studies published in PubMed. We analyzed 6143 articles on oncolytic virotherapy and found that approximately 8% of these articles use resistance terms in the abstract and/or title. Of these 439 articles, 87 were original research. Most of the findings reported pertain to resistance mediated by tumor-cell-dependent interferon signaling. Yet, mechanisms such as epigenetic modifications, hypoxia-mediated inhibition, APOBEC-mediated resistance, virus entry barriers, and spatiotemporal restriction to viral spread, although not frequently assessed, were demonstrated to play a major role in resistance. Similarly, our results suggest that the stromal compartment consisting of, but not limited to, myeloid cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells requires more study in relation to therapy resistance using oncolytic viruses. Thus, our findings emphasize the need to assess the stromal compartment and to identify novel mechanisms that play an important role in conferring resistance to oncolytic virotherapy.
Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Portuguese-Speaking Countries: A Structural Equations Modeling Approach
Authors: de Sousa Álvaro Francisco Lopes , Teixeira Jules Ramon Brito , Lua Iracema , de Oliveira Souza Fernanda , Ferreira Andrêa Jacqueline Fortes , Schneider Guilherme , de Carvalho Herica Emilia Félix , de Oliveira Layze Braz , Lima Shirley Verônica Melo Almeida , de Sousa Anderson Reis , de Araújo Telma Maria Evangelista , Camargo Emerson Lucas Silva , Oriá Mônica Oliveira Batista , Craveiro Isabel , de Araújo Tânia Maria , Mendes Isabel Amélia Costa , Ventura Carla Arena Aparecida , Sousa Isabel , de Oliveira Rodrigo Mota , Simão Manuel , Fronteira Inês
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH) has caused concerns due to the possible fluctuations that may occur directly impacting the control of the pandemic. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 VH in Portuguese-speaking countries. We developed a web survey (N:6,843) using an online, structured, and validated questionnaire. We used Measurement Models, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Exploratory Structural Equation Models, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis for the data analysis. The overall prevalence of COVID-19 VH in Portuguese-speaking countries was 21.1%. showed a statistically significant direct effect for VH: vaccine-related conspiracy beliefs (VB) (β = 0.886), perceived stress (PS) (β = 0.313), COVID-19 Misinformation (MIS) (β = 0.259) and individual responses to COVID-19 (CIR) (β = −0.122). The effect of MIS and CIR for VH was greater among men and of PS and VB among women; the effect of PS was greater among the youngest and of VB and CIR among the oldest. No discrepant differences were identified in the analyzed education strata. In conclusion, we found that conspiracy beliefs related to the vaccine strongly influence the decision to hesitate (not to take or to delay the vaccine). Specific characteristics related to gender, age group, social and cognitive vulnerabilities, added to the knowledge acquired, poorly substantiated and/or misrepresented about the COVID-19 vaccine, need to be considered in the planning of vaccination campaigns. It is necessary to respond in a timely, fast, and accurate manner to the challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy.
Assessment of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Post-Coronavac Vaccination in the Amazon Region of Brazil
Authors: Bichara Carlos David Araújo , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , da Silva Graça Amoras Ednelza , Vaz Gergiane Lopes , Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres , Bichara Cléa Nazaré Carneiro , Amaral Isabella Pinheiro Costa do , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário
Published: October 2021

The present study evaluated the frequency of seropositivity for anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S1 and S2) total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (receptor binding domain-RBD-S1) neutralizing antibodies in individuals vaccinated with the immunizing agent Coronavac. This was a cross-sectional study involving 358 individuals divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 205 volunteers who were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies; group 2 consisted of 153 individuals tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. Seropositivity was greater than 70% in both groups, although 17.6% and 20.9% of individuals showed no neutralizing or total antibody reactivity, respectively. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies displayed a significantly different distribution between the sexes but not according to age. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies was 93.3% (95% CI 68.1–99.8) in the age group from 21 to 40 years but significantly decreased with advancing age, and was 76.2% (95% CI 52.8–91.8) for 41 to 60 years, 72.5% (95% CI 62.8–80.9) for 61 to 80 years, and 46.7% (95% CI 21.3–73.4) for >80 years. Our results reveal a high prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in individuals who received both doses of the Coronavac vaccine, suggesting a lower effectiveness of the humoral immune response among those older than 60 years of age, which might be associated with senescence of the immune system.
Cognitive Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions: An Application of the Protection Motivation Theory Using a Probability Community Sample
Authors: Tong Kwok Kit , He Mu , Wu Anise M. S. , Dang Le , Chen Juliet Honglei
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to provide protection against severe disease and death. However, substantial individual differences in vaccination intentions have hindered achieving optimal vaccination rates across the population. To look for efficient strategies to promote vaccination, this study tested whether the protection motivation theory (PMT), a cognitive model based upon threat and coping appraisals, would account for the differences in vaccination intentions under three scenarios (i.e., in the context of getting vaccinated in general, and in the context of high- and low- efficacy for reducing COVID-19 transmission risk). A phone survey was conducted in early 2021 and obtained a probability community sample (n = 472; 49.2% men) in Macao, China. We found that 54.0% of respondents indicated their relatively strong intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination for high-efficacy vaccines, compared to 29.5% for low-efficacy vaccines and 31.0% for vaccines in general. After adjusting for demographics, self-efficacy (i.e., the perceived capability of receiving COVID-19 vaccines) and maladaptive response reward (i.e., the perceived benefits of not receiving COVID-19 vaccines) were consistently associated with COVID-19 vaccination intentions under all three scenarios. The perceived severity of COVID-19 infection and response cost (i.e., the perceived costs of receiving COVID-19 vaccines) were significantly associated with vaccination intention for high-efficacy vaccines, while the response efficacy of lowering the COVID-19 impact with COVID-19 vaccination was positively associated with vaccination intention for general and low-efficacy vaccines. Given that the relative strength of PMT constructs depends on perceived vaccine efficacy, we recommend taking PMT constructs and vaccine efficacy into account for encouraging vaccination.
Course and Lethality of SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in Nursing Homes after Vaccination in Florence, Italy
Authors: Rivasi Giulia , Bulgaresi Matteo , Mossello Enrico , Buscemi Primo , Lorini Chiara , Balzi Daniela , Barucci Riccardo , Del Lungo Ilaria , Gangemi Salvatore , Giardini Sante , Piga Cecilia , Barghini Eleonora , Boni Serena , Bulli Giulia , Carrai Paolo , Crociani Andrea , Faraone Antonio , Lo Forte Aldo , Martella Letizia , Pupo Simone , Fortini Giacomo , Marozzi Irene , Bandini Giulia , Cosma Claudia , Stacchini Lorenzo , Vaccaro Gabriele , Baggiani Lorenzo , Landini Giancarlo , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo , Ungar Andrea , Benvenuti Enrico
Published: October 2021

Evidence on the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in nursing home (NHs) residents is limited. We examined the impact of the BNT162b2 mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the course of the epidemic in NHs in the Florence Health District, Italy, before and after vaccination. Moreover, we assessed survival and hospitalization by vaccination status in SARS-CoV-2-positive cases occurring during the post-vaccination period. We calculated the weekly infection rates during the pre-vaccination (1 October–26 December 2020) and post-vaccination period (27 December 2020–31 March 2021). Cox analysis was used to analyze survival by vaccination status. The study involved 3730 residents (mean age 84, 69% female). Weekly infection rates fluctuated during the pre-vaccination period (1.8%–6.5%) and dropped to zero during the post-vaccination period. Nine unvaccinated (UN), 56 partially vaccinated (PV) and 35 fully vaccinated (FV) residents tested SARS-CoV-2+ during the post-vaccination period. FV showed significantly lower hospitalization and mortality rates than PV and UV (hospitalization: FV 3%, PV 14%, UV 33%; mortality: FV 6%, PV 18%, UV 56%). The death risk was 84% and 96% lower in PV (HR 0.157, 95%CI 0.049–0.491) and FV (HR 0.037, 95%CI 0.006–0.223) versus UV. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was followed by a marked decline in infection rates and was associated with lower morbidity and mortality among infected NH residents.
Camera-Based Lane Detection—Can Yellow Road Markings Facilitate Automated Driving in Snow?
Authors: Storsæter Ane Dalsnes , Pitera Kelly , McCormack Edward
Published: October 2021

Road markings are beneficial to human drivers, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and automated driving systems (ADS); on the contrary, snow coverage on roads poses a challenge to all three of these groups with respect to lane detection, as white road markings are difficult to distinguish from snow. Indeed, yellow road markings provide a visual contrast to snow that can increase a human drivers’ visibility. Yet, in spite of this fact, yellow road markings are becoming increasingly rare in Europe due to the high costs of painting and maintaining two road marking colors. More importantly, in conjunction with our increased reliance on automated driving, the question of whether yellow road markings are of value to automatic lane detection functions arises. To answer this question, images from snowy conditions are assessed to see how different representations of colors in images (color spaces) affect the visibility levels of white and yellow road markings. The results presented in this paper suggest that yellow markings provide a certain number of benefits for automated driving, offering recommendations as to what the most appropriate color spaces are for detecting lanes in snowy conditions. To obtain the safest and most cost-efficient roads in the future, both human and automated drivers’ actions must be considered. Road authorities and car manufacturers also have a shared interest in discovering how road infrastructure design, including road marking, can be adapted to support automated driving.
A Double Histochemical/Immunohistochemical Staining for the Identification of Canine Mast Cells in Light Microscopy
Authors: Gobbo Francesca , Sarli Giuseppe , De Silva Margherita , Galiazzo Giorgia , Chiocchetti Roberto , Morini Maria
Published: October 2021

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a widely used technique in diagnostic pathology, but the simultaneous analysis of more than one antibody at a time with different chromogens is rather complex, time-consuming, and quite expensive. In order to facilitate the identification of mast cells (MCs) during immunohistochemical analysis of membrane and/or nuclear markers, we propose a new staining method that includes the association of IHC and toluidine blue as a counterstain. To achieve this goal, we tested c-kit, Ki67, and cannabinoid receptor 2 on several cases of cutaneous canine mast cell tumors (MCTs), cutaneous mastocytosis, and atopic dermatitis. The results obtained show how this double staining technique, although limited to non-cytoplasmic markers and of little use in poorly differentiated MCTs in which MC metachromasia is hard to see, can be used during the evaluation of nuclear and/or membranous immunohistochemical markers in all canine cutaneous disorders, especially if characterized by the presence of a low number of MCs. It can help to evaluate those MCTs in which neoplastic MCs must be clearly distinguished from inflammatory cells that can infiltrate the tumor itself, in facilitating the calculation of the Ki67 index. Moreover, it can be used to study the expression of new markers in both animal and human tissues containing MCs and in MC disorders.
Can Simple Machine Learning Tools Extend and Improve Temperature-Based Methods to Infer Streambed Flux?
Authors: Moghaddam Mohammad A. , Ferré Ty P. A. , Chen Xingyuan , Chen Kewei , Song Xuehang , Hammond Glenn
Published: October 2021

Temperature-based methods have been developed to infer 1D vertical exchange flux between a stream and the subsurface. Current analyses rely on fitting physically based analytical and numerical models to temperature time series measured at multiple depths to infer daily average flux. These methods have seen wide use in hydrologic science despite strong simplifying assumptions including a lack of consideration of model structural error or the impacts of multidimensional flow or the impacts of transient streambed hydraulic properties. We performed a “perfect-model experiment” investigation to examine whether regression trees, with and without gradient boosting, can extract sufficient information from model-generated subsurface temperature time series, with and without added measurement error, to infer the corresponding exchange flux time series at the streambed surface. Using model-generated, synthetic data allowed us to assess the basic limitations to the use of machine learning; further examination of real data is only warranted if the method can be shown to perform well under these ideal conditions. We also examined whether the inherent feature importance analyses of tree-based machine learning methods can be used to optimize monitoring networks for exchange flux inference.
Model-Driven Strategies for Sulfide Control in a Regional Wastewater System Receiving Tannery Effluents in Portugal
Authors: Matos Rita Ventura , Peixeiro Manuel , Ferreira Filipa , Matos José Saldanha
Published: October 2021

Ageing infrastructure are a concern for many wastewater utilities. This is accentuated with the presence of hydrogen sulfide within the sewer headspace, known to induce concrete corrosion, toxicity and odours. Some industrial effluents contain significant sulfide concentrations, however most field studies in the literature refer to domestic networks, or lab/pilot scale sulfide abatement strategies for varied effluents. Hence, the objectives of this work are: (1) To obtain data regarding the evolution of sulfides in a full-scale industrial sewer system in Portugal, receiving wastewater from a number of tanneries; (2) model their fate within the system and (3) experimentally evaluate sulfide precipitation with iron salts. Field work evidenced heavily sulfide loaded effluents, exceeding by far literature values for sewer systems. Modelling was carried out based on the AeroSept+ model, specifically calibrated to this type of effluent. Results showed the model was capable of reproducing the overall levels of sulfide in wastewater and H2S in the sewer headspace, while allowing insights into industrial discharges, originating a set of proposed interventions for sulfide abatement. This may be carried out by iron salts addition, in a ratio of 2.75:1, at existing monitoring stations. This approach was fundamental for an affordable performance assessment, under considerable uncertainty.
Inland Reservoir Water Quality Inversion and Eutrophication Evaluation Using BP Neural Network and Remote Sensing Imagery: A Case Study of Dashahe Reservoir
Authors: He Yanhu , Gong Zhenjie , Zheng Yanhui , Zhang Yuanbo
Published: October 2021

In this study, an inland reservoir water quality parameters’ inversion model was developed using a back propagation (BP) neural network to conduct reservoir eutrophication evaluation, according to multi-temporal remote sensing images and field observations. The inversion model based on the BP neural network (the BP inversion model) was applied to a large inland reservoir in Jiangmen city, South China, according to the field observations of five water quality parameters, namely, Chlorophyl-a (Chl-a), Secchi Depth (SD), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and Permanganate of Chemical Oxygen Demand (CODMn), and twelve periods of Landsat8 satellite remote sensing images. The reservoir eutrophication was evaluated. The accuracy of the BP inversion model for each water parameter was compared with that of the linear inversion model, and the BP inversion models of two parameters (i.e., Chl-a and CODMn) with larger fluctuation range were superior to the two multiple linear inversion models due to the ability of improving the generalization of the BP neural network. The Dashahe Reservoir was basically in the state of mesotrophication and light eutrophication. The area of light eutrophication accounted for larger proportions in spring and autumn, and the reservoir inflow was the main source of nutrient salts.
Integrated Treatment at Laboratory Scale of a Mature Landfill Leachate via Active Filtration and Anaerobic Digestion: Preliminary Results
Authors: Fazzino Filippo , Bilardi Stefania , Moraci Nicola , Calabrò Paolo
Published: October 2021

The management of mature landfill leachate (MLL) represents an increasingly crucial issue to tackle. In this study, the feasibility of an integrated treatment was investigated at the laboratory scale using synthetic leachate with the objective of maximizing the recovery of potentially useful compounds present in leachate (especially ammonia nitrogen). First, in order to remove heavy metals, active filtration of the MLL was carried out using zero-valent iron (ZVI) mixed with either lapillus or granular activated carbon (GAC). The average removal rates for the ZVI/lapillus and the ZVI/GAC filter were 33%, 85%, 66%, and 58% and 56%, 91%, 67%, and 75% for COD, Cu, Ni, and Zn, respectively. Then, pre-treated MLL was added during the anaerobic digestion (AD) of cellulose with the aim of providing bacteria with macro (i.e., ammonia nitrogen) and micro (e.g., residual heavy metals) nutrients. After 38 days, the best performance in terms of cumulative methane production (5.3 NL) and methane yield (0.26 NL/gVSadded on average) was recorded in the reactor fed with the lowest dosage (17.9 mL/d) of MLL pre-treated by the ZVI/lapillus filter. The main issue that emerged during AD was the possible inhibition of the process linked to an excessive presence of humic substances; however, in future experiments, this problem can be solved through an optimization of the management of the whole process. The residual digestate from AD, rich in nitrogen and humic substances, may be safely used for agriculture purposes, closing the cycle of MLL management.
Wave Impact Loads on Vertical Seawalls: Effects of the Geometrical Properties of Recurve Retrofitting
Authors: Dong Shudi , Salauddin Md , Abolfathi Soroush , Pearson Jonathan
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the variation of wave impact loads with the geometrical configurations of recurve retrofits mounted on the crest of a vertical seawall. Physical model tests were undertaken in a wave flume at the University of Warwick to investigate the effects of the geometrical properties of recurve on the pressure distribution, overall force, and overturning moment at the seawall, subject to both impulsive and non-impulsive waves. Additionally, the wave impact and quasi-static loads on the recurve portion of the retrofitted seawalls are investigated to understand the role of retrofitting on the structural integrity of the vertical seawall. Detailed analysis of laboratory measurements is conducted to understand the effects of overhang length and height of the recurve wall on the wave loading. It is found that the increase in both recurve height and overhang length lead to the increase of horizontal impact force at an average ratio of 1.15 and 1.1 times larger the reference case of a plain vertical wall for the tested configurations. The results also show that the geometrical shape changes in recurve retrofits, increasing the overturning moment enacted by the wave impact force. A relatively significant increase in wave loading (both impact and quasi-static loads) are observed for the higher recurve retrofits, while changes in the overturning moment are limited for the retrofits with longer overhang length. The data generated from the physical modelling measurements presented in this study will be particularly helpful for a range of relevant stakeholders, including coastal engineers, infrastructure designers, and the local authorities in coastal regions. The results of this study can also enable scientists to design and develop robust decision support tools to evaluate the performance of vertical seawalls with recurve retrofitting.
Technology for Upgrading the Tailwater of Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants: The Efficacy and Mechanism of Microbial Coupling for Nitrogen and Carbon Removal
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Lu Shihuan , Fang Yuxin , Yang Kexin , Ding Jiafeng , Ye Xueping , Zhang Hangjun
Published: October 2021

The efficient removal of carbon (COD) and nitrogen (NH3-N) is vital to improving tailwater from municipal wastewater treatment plants. In this study, denitrification and decarburization bacteria with stable removal efficiencies were introduced into a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for 45 days of field experiments in a QJ Wastewater Treatment Plant (Hangzhou, China) to enhance carbon and nitrogen removal. After adding the decarbonization microorganisms into the denitrification reactor, COD removal increased from 31.2% to 80.2%, while compared to the same MBR with only denitrification microorganisms, the removal efficiency of NH3-N was greatly increased from 76.8% to 98.6%. The results of microbial analysis showed that the cooccurrence of Proteobacteria and Bacillus with high abundance and diverse bacteria, such as Chloroflexi, with autotrophic decarburization functions might account for the synchronous high removal efficiency for NH3-N and COD. This technology could provide a reference for industrial-scale wastewater treatment with the goal of simultaneous nitrogen and carbon removal.
The Use of High-Speed Cameras as a Tool for the Characterization of Raindrops in Splash Laboratory Studies
Authors: Fernández-Raga María , Cabeza-Ortega Marco , González-Castro Víctor , Peters Piet , Commelin Meindert , Campo Julián
Published: October 2021

Measuring the characteristics of raindrops is essential for different processes studies. There have been many methods used throughout history to measure raindrops. In recent years, automatic image recognition and processing systems have been used with high-speed cameras to characterize rainfall by obtaining the spectrum of droplet sizes and their speeds and thus being able to use this technology to calibrate rainfall simulators. In this work, two phases were carried out: in the first one, individual drops with terminal speeds of different sizes were measured and processed both in speed and in shape with a high-speed camera; and in the second phase, a calibration procedure was designed but in multidrop images, determining the characteristics of the drops produced by a rain simulator. According to results, the real shape of each drop depending on the size was determined, from round to ovaloid shapes, and the terminal velocity of water drops with different sizes was measured. Based on the rain images used to calibrate a rainfall simulator, it was observed that, with a higher intensity of rain, the drops produced were smaller, which contrasts with real rain, in which just the opposite happens. This calibration evaluates their resemblance to reality, calculates the real kinetic energy of the rain they produce and see if they can be used to model events in nature.
Variation of Hourly Extreme Precipitation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, China, from the Observation Record
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Wang Yuxiao , Liu Bo , Sun Yingying , Chen Xianyan
Published: October 2021

Extreme hourly precipitation is amongst the most prominent driving factors of flash floods and geological disasters. Based on the hourly precipitation data of 35 stations in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region (TGRR) from 1998 to 2020, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of hourly extreme precipitation indexes. The selected indicators included the frequency, intensity, period, annual maximum, trend of hourly heavy precipitation (20–50 mm/h) and hourly extreme heavy precipitation (≥50 mm/h) in the TGRR. Closely related climatic factors such as the Western Pacific Subtropical High Intensity (WPSHI) were also discussed. The results showed that in 2010–2020, the cumulative frequency of heavy precipitation magnitude between 25 and 40 mm/h slightly increased, while the corresponding frequency for magnitudes ≥50 mm/h decreased. In summer, the frequency of both heavy and extreme heavy precipitation increased in June and decreased in August, indicating a shift of extreme events to an earlier time in the flood season. The cumulative frequency of heavy precipitation in July had a period of about 7a, and that of extreme heavy precipitation had a period of 3a. The annual average intensity of heavy precipitation and extreme heavy precipitation in the TGRR was 28.9 mm/h and 61.4 mm/h per station, respectively, and both fluctuated and insignificantly decreased from 1998 to 2020. The annual maximum hourly precipitation center in the TGRR moved downstream from west to northeast. The frequency of heavy precipitation was relatively small along the main stream of the river valley. Both the frequency and total amount of heavy precipitation in southeast of the TGRR were significantly higher than those in other regions. Heavy precipitation in the majority of stations with high elevation (higher than 500 m) showed a decreasing trend. The cumulative frequency of precipitation with an intensity of 20–50 mm/h was closely correlated with the Western Hemisphere Warm Pool (WHWP) Index in February and the WPSHI Index in January, and especially, the abnormal large annual frequency (top 20%) showed strong correlation with the two indexes, implying highly predictable factors for extreme events. The frequency of precipitation intensity above 50 mm/h was correlated with the Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP) Area Index in January and the WPWP Intensity Index in November of last year. The research results provide a strong and refined factual basis for the assessment and prediction of extreme precipitation, and for disaster prevention and mitigation, in the TGRR.
Influence of Nano- and Small Microplastics on Ciliated Protozoan Spirostomum ambiguum (Müller, 1786) Ehrenberg, 1835
Authors: Nałęcz-Jawecki Grzegorz , Chojnacka Justyna , Wawryniuk Milena , Drobniewska Agata
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated the uptake of secondary nano- and small microparticles by the protozoan Spirostomum ambiguum, comparing edible (baker’s yeasts) and inedible (red latex) particles. Secondary nano- and microplastic particles were prepared from household materials made of four different polymers and served to the protozoans separately and as two-component mixtures in different proportions. The number and content of food vacuoles formed by the protozoan were analyzed using a digital microscope. The microscopic results showed that the protozoans ingested the secondary microplastic particles to a similar degree as the latex microspheres but to a lesser extent compared to the nutritional food—baker’s yeasts. At the microplastic concentrations of 1000 and 10,000 particles mL−1, no food vacuoles were observed inside the cells, which may be a finding of great ecological importance. In the protozoans served two-component mixtures, both microplastics and yeasts were found in the vacuoles formed by the organisms. The egestion of two-component vacuoles by the protozoans was slower than that of vacuoles containing a single component.
The project of the national standard intelligent systems for ensuring production safety
Authors: Khalin E.V.
Published: October 2021

The project of the national standard "Information and communication technologies in education. Intelligent systems for ensuring production safety. General regulations" NIIPF TEKHINTELL is developed. The standard establishes requirements to the Intelligent systems for ensuring production safety, including structure, technology of construction, maintenance and development of systems with use of means of the information and expert technologies applied in the conditions of real production and providing effective functioning of services of safety of production and the organization of high-quality preparation and retraining of personnel.
Habilidades gerenciales en estudiantes de Administración de Negocios de una universidad privada de Lima, 2020
Authors: Cárdenas Oscco Layo , Neyra Huamani Lidia
Published: October 2021

El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar el nivel de habilidades gerenciales en estudiantes de Administración de Negocios de una universidad privada de Lima, 2020. Desde  la   perspectiva   metodológica, la presente  investigación  se  realiza  con el  enfoque  cuantitativo.  El  tipo  de investigación es básica con diseño descriptivo.  La  muestra  fue  aleatoria y se consideró a 210 estudiantes de la Facultad de Administración y Negocios. Se empleó el instrumento estandarizado de 31 ítems. Los datos recolectados fueron analizados mediante el programa estadístico SPSS. Resultados: predominio del nivel bueno con 56,7 %. Es decir, 119 de 210 se encuentran en este nivel. Seguido del nivel regular con 87 estudiantes que representa 41,4%. Luego, el nivel deficiente con  4  estudiantes que representa 1,9%.  Conclusión,  se  ha  evidenciado  que  la  mayoría   de los   estudiantes    de    Administración se encuentra en un nivel bueno de habilidades gerenciales.
Application of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Evaluation Method in Aircraft Cockpit Display Ergonomics
Authors: Liu Hui , Sun Chengli , Tu Jiliang
Published: October 2021

The ergonomic level of cockpit display design can be improved by establishing an objective and effective method for evaluating the ergonomics of the cockpit display. Given the fuzz problem in ergonomic evaluation, a new intuitionistic fuzzy evaluation method is proposed based on the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Ordered Weighted Geometric Average (IFOWGA) operator and the possible degree function in this work. Firstly, the intuitionistic fuzzy evaluation matrix considering the hesitation degree of experts' determination is first constructed as the basis of intuitionistic fuzzy evaluation. Secondly, using the IFOWGA operator the intuitionistic fuzzy evaluation values are obtained through aggregating the evaluation matrix. And these values are ranked to get the level of ergonomic evaluation by possible degree ranking function. Finally, an evaluation example based on the cockpit display of a certain aircraft is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Six alternatives of the evaluation result are obtained by the aggregation of the IFOWGA operator. Applied the possible degree function, the ergonomic evaluation grade of the aircraft cockpit display is the second level by ranking the alternative sand the variation of intuitionistic fuzzy value is already small when the number of experts is more than 16. It can be shown from the results that the ergonomic level of cockpit display can be objectively and scientifically evaluated by the proposed quantitative method, and it can provide a theoretical basis and practical methods for improving the ergonomic level of cockpit display design.
A New Two-step Ensemble Learning Model for Improving Stress Prediction of Automobile Drivers
Authors: Al-Nashashibi May , Hadi Wa’el , El-Khalili Nuha , Issa Ghassan , AlBanna Abed Alkarim
Published: October 2021

Commuting when there is a significant volume of traffic congestion has been acknowledged as one of the key factors causing stress. Significant levels of stress whilst driving are seen to have a profoundly negative effect on the actions and ability of a driver; this has the capacity to result in risks, hazards and accidents. As such, there is a recognized need to determine drivers’ levels of stress and accordingly predict the key causes responsible for high levels of stress. In this work, the objective is centred on providing an ensemble machine learning framework in order to determine the stress levels of drivers. Moreover, the study also provides a fresh set of data, as gathered from 14 different drivers, with data collection having taken place during driving in Amman, Jordan. Data was gathered via the implementation of a wearable biomedical instrument that was attached to the driver on a continuous basis in order to gather physiological data. The data gathered was accordingly categorised into two different groups: ‘Yes’, which represents the presence of stress, whilst ‘No’ represents the absence of stress. Importantly, in an effort to circumvent the negative impact of driver instances with a minority class on stress predictions, oversampling technique was applied. A two-step ensemble classifier was developed through bringing together the findings from random forest, decision tree, and Repeated Incremental Pruning to Produce Error Reduction (RIPPER) classifiers, which was then inputted into a Multi-Layer Perceptron neural network. The experimental findings highlight that the suggested framework is far more precise and has a more scalable capacity when compared with all classifiers in relation to accuracy, g-mean measures and sensitivity.
Evaluation of Suspected Autosomal Alport Syndrome Synonymous Variants
Authors: Rossanti Rini , Horinouchi Tomoko , Yamamura Tomohiko , Nagano China , Sakakibara Nana , Ishiko Shinya , Aoto Yuya , Kondo Atsushi , Nagai Sadayuki , Okada Eri , Ishimori Shingo , Nagase Hiroaki , Matsui Satoshi , Tamagaki Keiichi , Ubara Yoshifumi , Nagahama Masahiko , Shima Yuko , Nakanishi Koichi , Ninchoji Takeshi , Matsuo Masafumi , Iijima Kazumoto , Nozu Kandai
Published: October 2021

Key Points

Mutations registered in the database for autosomal Alport syndrome do not include synonymous variants.

Certain synonymous variants can affect pre-mRNA splicing, and transcript analysis should be carried out to evaluate synonymous variants.

Our in vivo and in vitro splicing assays showed that two of the four synonymous variants cause exon skipping.

Background

Alport syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive renal disease, variable sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Although many pathogenic variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4 have been identified in patients with autosomal Alport syndrome, synonymous mutations in these genes have rarely been identified.

Methods

We conducted in silico splicing analysis using Human Splicing Finder (HSF) and Alamut to predict splicing domain strength and disruption of the sites. Furthermore, we performed in vitro splicing assays using minigene constructs and mRNA analysis of patient samples to determine the pathogenicity of four synonymous variants detected in four patients with suspected autosomal dominant Alport syndrome (COL4A3 [c.693G>A (p.Val231=)] and COL4A4 [c.1353C>T (p.Gly451=), c.735G>A (p.Pro245=), and c.870G>A (p.Lys290=)]).

Results

Both in vivo and in vitro splicing assays showed exon skipping in two out of the four synonymous variants identified (c.735G>A and c.870G>A in COL4A4). Prediction analysis of wild-type and mutated COL4A4 sequences using HSF and Alamut suggested these two variants may lead to the loss of binding sites for several splicing factors, e.g., in acceptor sites and exonic splicing enhancers. The other two variants did not induce aberrant splicing.

Conclusions

This study highlights the pitfalls of classifying the functional consequences of variants by a simple approach. Certain synonymous variants, although they do not alter the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein, can dramatically affect pre-mRNA splicing, as shown in two of our patients. Our findings indicate that transcript analysis should be carried out to evaluate synonymous variants detected in patients with autosomal dominant Alport syndrome.
Configuraciones de masculinidades en la serie televisiva Hermanos y Detectives (Argentina, 2006)
Authors: Maltz Hernán , Guevara Martina , Moneta Leticia
Published: October 2021

Nos interesamos por las configuraciones de masculinidades en la serie televisiva Hermanos y Detectives (2006), con idea original de Patricio Vega y dirigida por Damián Szifron. En primer lugar, contextualizamos la presencia de la serie en la televisión argentina de fines del siglo XX y comienzos del XXI, en que el género policial se manifiesta de manera significativa en una variedad de programas. En segundo lugar, analizamos la configuración de las masculinidades en dos ámbitos distinguibles de Hermanos y Detectives: el laboral (con la centralidad de la institución policial) y el personal (con énfasis en la convivencia entre los protagonistas). En las conclusiones, destacamos que, si bien la serie contiene una indudable crítica a los modelos dominantes de masculinidad, asimismo reproduce dicha lógica.
effect of age and font on reading ability
Authors: Beier Sofie , Oderkerk Chiron A T
Published: October 2021

To inform our knowledge of the typographical variables of stroke weight, letter width, and letter spacing, and their effects on different age groups and reading scenarios, we used Radner Reading Chart, where we measured reading speed at different sizes, to compare the fonts KBH Text, KBH Display, and Gill Sans Light. The experiment showed that for older participants, reading Gill Sans resulted in faster reading speed compared to KBH Text. However, Gill Sans could not be recognized at small sizes by either the younger or older participants. For critical print size (CPS), older participants were better at reading small print sizes at a regular reading speed when the text was set in KBH Text than when it was set in Gill Sans. The findings indicate that older readers are more sensitive to font legibility differences than younger readers. We discuss the implications of different reading scenarios putting different demands on the fonts as well as the perspective of older readers benefitting from certain visual qualities of fonts.
The Correlation between EFL Students’ Attitudes towards Their Writing Ability
Authors: Floranti Astri Dwi , Adiantika Hanif Nurcholish
Published: October 2021

This study aims at examining the relationship between students’ attitude towards their writing ability. This study employed quantitative study by using Pearson-product correlation. The samples were randomly selected 35 students out of the total population 70 students in one senior high school in Bandung. The Data were obtained through questionnaire with regard to attitude and writing proficiency which are appropriate with several criteria of each writing element to scrutinize the correlation between students’ attitude and writing skill ability. The findings indicate that attitude has moderate correlation (.456) with students’ writing ability. In other words, it is obvious that attitudes are very essential for students to increase their writing ability. The English teachers are suggested to figure out the prominence of attitudes to their students for it has been found that attitudes is able to significantly contribute to the students’ writing ability.
Peningkatan Kemahiran Berbahasa Indonesia melalui Program Klinik Bahasa UKBI Adaptif
Authors: Pratama Pandu Meidian
Published: October 2021

The Indonesian Language Proficiency Test (UKBI) is one of the Indonesian language proficiency tests that aims to measure written and oral proficiency, both by spoken and foreign speech. In its development, UKBI developed into an adaptive UKBI which can display different levels of question difficulty for each examiner, so that UKBI has a variety of questions that are not the same between participants and a different number of questions. The method used in this research is a simple qualitative and quantitative descriptive method with primary data obtained through survey results. The results in this study were that of the 51 participants who took part in the activity, 30 of them took part in the UKBI simulation activity with the lowest UKBI simulation score being 60 and the highest being 100. After attending the language clinic, the participants who were very interested in taking the UKBI test visited 15 people, interested in participating in the UKBI test. opened 16 people, and less interested in opening 2 people or 92%.