bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision Making for Sustainable Technical Applications with the SMH Approach
Authors: Kranabitl Philipp , Faustmann Clemens , Hick Hannes
Published: August 2021

Decision making is becoming more and more challenging due to the rise in complexity of modern technical products. A lot of industries are currently at a crossroads, and a wrong strategic or technical decision may have disastrous consequences for the future of the company. Within this paper, the SMH approach, that supports decision making processes to put emphasis on sustainable solutions regarding strategic and technical aspects, is introduced. SMH is an acronym that stands for a decision making approach that includes systems thinking (S), model-based systems engineering (M) and the human factor (H). This approach deals with the challenge to consider overall boundary conditions and interactions of the system, the decision which models need to be built in order to have the best data support possible, and the identification what influence the human factor plays in analyzing the data and the consequent decision making based on it. The importance of the human factor is often neglected in technical processes, which may lead to costly mistakes. This theoretical approach is applied to the use case of a chief executive officer (CEO) who has to decide on allocation of research and development (R&D) resources to future powertrain technologies.
Application of the Multiverse Optimization Method to Solve the Optimal Power Flow Problem in Direct Current Electrical Networks
Authors: Rosales-Muñoz Andrés Alfonso , Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Montano Jhon , Montoya Oscar Danilo , Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesus
Published: August 2021

This paper addresses the optimal power flow problem in direct current (DC) networks employing a master–slave solution methodology that combines an optimization algorithm based on the multiverse theory (master stage) and the numerical method of successive approximation (slave stage). The master stage proposes power levels to be injected by each distributed generator in the DC network, and the slave stage evaluates the impact of each power configuration (proposed by the master stage) on the objective function and the set of constraints that compose the problem. In this study, the objective function is the reduction of electrical power losses associated with energy transmission. In addition, the constraints are the global power balance, nodal voltage limits, current limits, and a maximum level of penetration of distributed generators. In order to validate the robustness and repeatability of the solution, this study used four other optimization methods that have been reported in the specialized literature to solve the problem addressed here: ant lion optimization, particle swarm optimization, continuous genetic algorithm, and black hole optimization algorithm. All of them employed the method based on successive approximation to solve the load flow problem (slave stage). The 21- and 69-node test systems were used for this purpose, enabling the distributed generators to inject 20%, 40%, and 60% of the power provided by the slack node in a scenario without distributed generation. The results revealed that the multiverse optimizer offers the best solution quality and repeatability in networks of different sizes with several penetration levels of distributed power generation.
Reflections on Local Community Identity by Evaluating Heritage Sustainability Protection in Jugra, Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Roslan Zainab Binti , Ramli Zuliskandar , Razman Muhammad Rizal , Asyraf M. R. M. , Ishak M. R. , Ilyas R. A. , Nurazzi N. M.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value derived by the local community from cultural heritage and natural heritage in Jugra, Kuala Langat, as it has the potential to be a recognized heritage tourism site. The quantitative approach was used by conducting a survey study. A total of 392 respondents among the local community were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The collected data were processed with SPSS software and analyzed using cross tabulation analysis. Then, several hypotheses were tested using AMOS software. The result showed that Jugra’s unique heritage elements positively influenced the respondent’s willingness to accept and fund its tourism development. Socioeconomic factors also influenced the respondents’ disposition to preserve heritage. The findings revealed that there was priceless value when respondents agreed with the development, although they had never visited the heritage sites. Their physical, economic, and social valuation made them proud of the heritage, as it is a reflection of their identity. This study also aims to emphasize the role of local community as one of the stakeholders, as they should also be able to benefit from tourism development. All these would help boost the tourism industry, particularly through the archaeo-tourism and eco-tourism perspectives.
Availability and Feasibility of Renewable Resources for Electricity Generation in the Arctic: The Cases of Longyearbyen, Maniitsoq, and Kotzebue
Authors: de Witt Magnus , Stefánsson Hlynur , Valfells Ágúst , Larsen Joan Nymand
Published: August 2021

Currently, the dominant energy source for electricity generation in the Arctic is diesel, which is well proven for Arctic conditions. However, diesel is expensive in the Arctic, often due to long and complicated fuel transportation routes, and so inhabitants of Arctic communities can face high electricity costs. This paper investigates whether renewable energy resources can be harvested in a feasible and cost-competitive manner. The paper highlights which renewable energy resources are generally available in the Arctic and analyzes how renewable resources, such as hydropower, wind, and photovoltaics, can be used. Furthermore, we present three specific case studies to provide in-depth insight. A simulation with different energy generation scenarios using different renewable energy sources and penetration levels was performed for each case. The results indicate that renewables can be a cost-competitive option and that the optimal mix of renewables varies for different communities. Stakeholders and experts from the case study communities were also interviewed and their responses indicated a general acceptance of renewables.
Entropy-Like Properties and Lq-Norms of Hypergeometric Orthogonal Polynomials: Degree Asymptotics
Authors: Dehesa Jesús S.
Published: August 2021

In this work, the spread of hypergeometric orthogonal polynomials (HOPs) along their orthogonality interval is examined by means of the main entropy-like measures of their associated Rakhmanov’s probability density—so, far beyond the standard deviation and its generalizations, the ordinary moments. The Fisher information, the Rényi and Shannon entropies, and their corresponding spreading lengths are analytically expressed in terms of the degree and the parameter(s) of the orthogonality weight function. These entropic quantities are closely related to the gradient functional (Fisher) and the Lq-norms (Rényi, Shannon) of the polynomials. In addition, the degree asymptotics for these entropy-like functionals of the three canonical families of HPOs (i.e., Hermite, Laguerre, and Jacobi polynomials) are given and briefly discussed. Finally, a number of open related issues are identified whose solutions are both physico-mathematically and computationally relevant.
Does the Cosmological Expansion Change Local Dynamics?
Authors: Schiffer Marcelo
Published: August 2021

It is a well-known fact that the Newtonian description of dynamics within Galaxies for its known matter content is in disagreement with the observations as the acceleration approaches a0≈1.2×10−10 m/s2 (slighter larger for clusters). Both the Dark Matter scenario and Modified Gravity Theories (MGT) fail to explain the existence of such an acceleration scale. Motivated by the closeness of the acceleration scale and the Hubble constant cH0≈10−9 h m/s2, we are led to analyze whether this coincidence might have a Cosmological origin for scalar-tensor and spinor-tensor theories by performing detailed calculations for perturbations that represent the local matter distribution on the top of the cosmological background. Then, we solve the field equations for these perturbations in a power series in the present value of the Hubble constant. As we shall see, for both theories, the power expansion contains only even powers in the Hubble constant, a fact that renders the cosmological expansion irrelevant for the local dynamics.
Linear and Nonlinear Quantitative EEG Analysis during Neutral Hypnosis following an Opened/Closed Eye Paradigm
Authors: Rho Gianluca , Callara Alejandro Luis , Petri Giovanni , Nardelli Mimma , Scilingo Enzo Pasquale , Greco Alberto , Pascalis Vilfredo De
Published: August 2021

Hypnotic susceptibility is a major factor influencing the study of the neural correlates of hypnosis using EEG. In this context, while its effects on the response to hypnotic suggestions are undisputed, less attention has been paid to “neutral hypnosis” (i.e., the hypnotic condition in absence of suggestions). Furthermore, although an influence of opened and closed eye condition onto hypnotizability has been reported, a systematic investigation is still missing. Here, we analyzed EEG signals from 34 healthy subjects with low (LS), medium (MS), and (HS) hypnotic susceptibility using power spectral measures (i.e., TPSD, PSD) and Lempel-Ziv-Complexity (i.e., LZC, fLZC). Indeed, LZC was found to be more suitable than other complexity measures for EEG analysis, while it has been never used in the study of hypnosis. Accordingly, for each measure, we investigated within-group differences between rest and neutral hypnosis, and between opened-eye/closed-eye conditions under both rest and neutral hypnosis. Then, we evaluated between-group differences for each experimental condition. We observed that, while power estimates did not reveal notable differences between groups, LZC and fLZC were able to distinguish between HS, MS, and LS. In particular, we found a left frontal difference between HS and LS during closed-eye rest. Moreover, we observed a symmetric pattern distinguishing HS and LS during closed-eye hypnosis. Our results suggest that LZC is better capable of discriminating subjects with different hypnotic susceptibility, as compared to standard power analysis.
New Ostrowski-Type Fractional Integral Inequalities via Generalized Exponential-Type Convex Functions and Applications
Authors: Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar , Tariq Muhammad , Ahmad Hijaz , Nasir Jamshed , Aydi Hassen , Mukheimer Aiman
Published: August 2021

Recently, fractional calculus has been the center of attraction for researchers in mathematical sciences because of its basic definitions, properties and applications in tackling real-life problems. The main purpose of this article is to present some fractional integral inequalities of Ostrowski type for a new class of convex mapping. Specifically, n–polynomial exponentially s–convex via fractional operator are established. Additionally, we present a new Hermite–Hadamard fractional integral inequality. Some special cases of the results are discussed as well. Due to the nature of convexity theory, there exists a strong relationship between convexity and symmetry. When working on either of the concepts, it can be applied to the other one as well. Integral inequalities concerned with convexity have a lot of applications in various fields of mathematics in which symmetry has a great part to play. Finally, in applications, some new limits for special means of positive real numbers and midpoint formula are given. These new outcomes yield a few generalizations of the earlier outcomes already published in the literature.
Pyrolysis of High-Ash Natural Microalgae from Water Blooms: Effects of Acid Pretreatment
Authors: Liu Longfei , Liu Yichen , Wang Wenli , Wang Yue , Li Guiying , Hu Changwei
Published: August 2021

Natural microalgae (NA, cyanobacteria) collected from Taihu Lake (Jiangsu, China) were used for biofuel production through pyrolysis. The microalgae were de-ashed via pretreatment with deionized water and hydrochloric acid, and the samples obtained were noted as 0 M, 0.1 M, 1 M, 2 M, 4 M, 6 M, 8 M, respectively, according to the concentration of hydrochloric acid used in the pretreatment. Pyrolysis experiments were carried out at 500 °C for 2 h. The products were examined by various techniques to identify the influence of the ash on the pyrolysis behavior. The results showed that the ash inhibited the thermal transformation of microalgae. The 2 mol/L hydrochloric acid performed the best in removing ash and the liquid yield increased from 34.4% (NA) to 40.5% (2 M). Metal-oxides (mainly CaO, MgO, Al2O3) in ash promoted the reaction of hexadecanoic acid and NH3 to produce more hexadecanamide, which was further dehydrated to hexadecanenitrile. After acid pretreatment, significant improvement in the selectivity of hexadecanoic acid was observed, ranging from 22.4% (NA) to 58.8% (4 M). The hydrocarbon compounds in the liquid product increased from 12.90% (NA) to 26.67% (2 M). Furthermore, the acid pretreatment enhanced the content of C9–C16 compounds and the HHV values of bio-oil. For natural microalgae, the de-ashing pretreatment before pyrolysis was essential for improving the biocrude yield and quality, as well as the biomass conversion efficiency.
Newly Diagnosed Diabetes in Patients with COVID-19: Different Types and Short-Term Outcomes
Authors: Farag Alaa A. , Hassanin Hassan M. , Soliman Hanan H. , Sallam Ahmad , Sediq Amany M. , Abd elbaser Elsayed S. , Elbanna Khaled
Published: August 2021

A great global concern is currently focused on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated morbidities. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and its different types among COVID-19 patients, and to check the glycemic control in diabetic cases for three months. After excluding known cases of DM, 570 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were studied. All participants were classified as non-diabetic or newly discovered diabetic. According to hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting insulin, newly discovered diabetic patients were further classified into pre-existing DM, new-onset type 1 DM, and new-onset type 2 DM. Glycemic control was monitored for three months in newly diagnosed diabetic patients. DM was diagnosed in 77 patients (13.5%); 12 (2.1%) with pre-existing DM, 7 (1.2%) with new-onset type 1 DM, and 58 (10.2%) with new-onset type 2 DM. Significantly higher rates of severe infection and mortality (p < 0.001 and p = 0.046) were evident among diabetic patients. Among survived diabetic patients (n = 63), hyperglycemia and the need for anti-diabetic treatment persisted in 73% of them for three months. COVID-19 was associated with a new-onset of DM in 11.4% of all participants and expression of pre-existing DM in 2.1% of all participants, both being associated with severe infection. COVID-19 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes had high risk of mortality. New-onset DM persisted for at least three months in more than two-thirds of cases.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Ross River Virus in Queensland, 2001–2020
Authors: Qian Wei , Hurst Cameron , Glass Kathryn , Harley David , Viennet Elvina
Published: August 2021

Ross River virus (RRV), the most common human arbovirus infection in Australia, causes significant morbidity and substantial medical costs. About half of Australian cases occur in Queensland. We describe the spatial and temporal patterns of RRV disease in Queensland over the past two decades. RRV notifications, human population data, and weather data from 2001 to 2020 were analysed by the Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) area. Spatial interpolation or linear extrapolation were used for missing weather values and the estimated population in 2020, respectively. Notifications and incidence rates were analysed through space and time. During the study period, there were 43,699 notifications in Queensland. The highest annual number of notifications was recorded in 2015 (6182), followed by 2020 (3160). The average annual incidence rate was 5 per 10,000 people and the peak period for RRV notifications was March to May. Generally, SA2 areas in northern Queensland had higher numbers of notifications and higher incidence rates than SA2 areas in southern Queensland. The SA2 areas with high incidence rates were in east coastal areas and western Queensland. The timely prediction may aid disease prevention and routine vector control programs, and RRV management plans are important for these areas.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Magnetospheric Magnetic Field Models Using Cluster Spacecraft Magnetic Field Measurements
Authors: Němec František , Kotková Marie
Published: August 2021

Magnetic fields in the inner magnetosphere can be obtained as vector sums of the Earth’s own internal magnetic field and magnetic fields stemming from currents flowing in the space plasma. While the Earth’s internal magnetic field is accurately described by the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) model, the characterization of the external magnetic fields is significantly more complicated, as they are highly variable and dependent on the actual level of the geomagnetic activity. Tsyganenko family magnetic field models (T89, T96, T01, TA15B, TA15N), parameterized by the geomagnetic activity level and solar wind parameters, are often used by the involved community to describe these fields. In the present paper, we use a large dataset (2001–2018) of magnetospheric magnetic field measurements obtained by the four Cluster spacecraft to assess the accuracy of these models. We show that, while the newer models (T01, TA15B, TA15N) perform significantly better than the old ones (T89, T96), there remain some systematic deviations, in particular at larger latitudes. Moreover, we compare the locations of the min-B equator determined using the four-point Cluster spacecraft measurements with the locations determined using the magnetic field models. We demonstrate that, despite the newer models being comparatively slightly more accurate, an uncertainty of about one degree in the latitude of the min-B equator remains.
On Gauge Invariance of the Bosonic Measure in Chiral Gauge Theories
Authors: de Lima e Silva Gabriel , Girardi Thalis José , Dias Sebastião Alves
Published: August 2021

Gauge invariance of the measure associated with the gauge field is usually taken for granted, in a general gauge theory. We furnish a proof of this invariance, within Fujikawa’s approach. To stress the importance of this fact, we briefly review gauge anomaly cancellation as a consequence of gauge invariance of the bosonic measure and compare this cancellation to usual results from algebraic renormalization, showing that there are no potential inconsistencies. Then, using a path integral argument, we show that a possible Jacobian for the gauge transformation has to be the identity operator, in the physical Hilbert space. We extend the argument to the complete Hilbert space by a direct calculation.
Inductive Rectilinear Frame Dragging and Local Coupling to the Gravitational Field of the Universe
Authors: Williams L. L. , Inan Nader
Published: August 2021

There is a drag force on objects moving in the background cosmological metric, known from galaxy cluster dynamics. The force is quite small over laboratory timescales, yet it applies in principle to all moving bodies in the universe. The drag force can be understood as inductive rectilinear frame dragging because it also exists in the rest frame of a moving object, and it arises in that frame from the off-diagonal components induced in the boosted-frame metric. Unlike the Kerr metric or other typical frame-dragging geometries, cosmological inductive dragging occurs at uniform velocity, along the direction of motion, and dissipates energy. Proposed gravito-magnetic invariants formed from contractions of the Riemann tensor do not capture inductive dragging effects, and this might be the first identification of inductive rectilinear dragging. The existence of this drag force proves it is possible for matter in motion through a finite region to exchange momentum and energy with the gravitational field of the universe. The cosmological metric can in principle be determined through this force from local measurements on moving bodies, at resolutions similar to that of the Pound–Rebka experiment.
Strongly Continuous Representations in the Hilbert Space: A Far-Reaching Concept
Authors: Hoff da Silva Julio Marny , Caires da Rocha Gabriel Marcondes
Published: August 2021

We revisit the fundamental notion of continuity in representation theory, with special attention to the study of quantum physics. After studying the main theorem in the context of representation theory, we draw attention to the significant aspect of continuity in the analytic foundations of Wigner’s work. We conclude the paper by reviewing the connection between continuity, the possibility of defining certain local groups, and their relation to projective representations.
Lentiviral Vectors for T Cell Engineering: Clinical Applications, Bioprocessing and Future Perspectives
Authors: Labbé Roman P. , Vessillier Sandrine , Rafiq Qasim A.
Published: August 2021

Lentiviral vectors have played a critical role in the emergence of gene-modified cell therapies, specifically T cell therapies. Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah), axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta) and most recently brexucabtagene autoleucel (Tecartus) are examples of T cell therapies which are now commercially available for distribution after successfully obtaining EMA and FDA approval for the treatment of blood cancers. All three therapies rely on retroviral vectors to transduce the therapeutic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into T lymphocytes. Although these innovations represent promising new therapeutic avenues, major obstacles remain in making them readily available tools for medical care. This article reviews the biological principles as well as the bioprocessing of lentiviral (LV) vectors and adoptive T cell therapy. Clinical and engineering successes, shortcomings and future opportunities are also discussed. The development of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant instruments, technologies and protocols will play an essential role in the development of LV-engineered T cell therapies.
Consequence of Histoincompatibility beyond GvH-Reaction in Cytomegalovirus Disease Associated with Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Change of Paradigm
Authors: Reddehase Matthias J. , Holtappels Rafaela , Lemmermann Niels A. W.
Published: August 2021

Hematopoietic cell (HC) transplantation (HCT) is the last resort to cure hematopoietic malignancies that are refractory to standard therapies. Hematoablative treatment aims at wiping out tumor cells as completely as possible to avoid leukemia/lymphoma relapse. This treatment inevitably co-depletes cells of hematopoietic cell lineages, including differentiated cells that constitute the immune system. HCT reconstitutes hematopoiesis and thus, eventually, also antiviral effector cells. In cases of an unrelated donor, that is, in allogeneic HCT, HLA-matching is performed to minimize the risk of graft-versus-host reaction and disease (GvHR/D), but a mismatch in minor histocompatibility antigens (minor HAg) is unavoidable. The transient immunodeficiency in the period between hematoablative treatment and reconstitution by HCT gives latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) the chance to reactivate from latently infected donor HC or from latently infected organs of the recipient, or from both. Clinical experience shows that HLA and/or minor-HAg mismatches increase the risk of complications from CMV. Recent results challenge the widespread, though never proven, view of a mechanistic link between GvHR/D and CMV. Instead, new evidence suggests that histoincompatibility promotes CMV disease by inducing non-cognate transplantation tolerance that inhibits an efficient reconstitution of high-avidity CD8+ T cells capable of recognizing and resolving cytopathogenic tissue infection.
NIgPred: Class-Specific Antibody Prediction for Linear B-Cell Epitopes Based on Heterogeneous Features and Machine-Learning Approaches
Authors: Tung Chi-Hua , Chang Yi-Sheng , Chang Kai-Po , Chu Yen-Wei
Published: August 2021

Upon invasion by foreign pathogens, specific antibodies can identify specific foreign antigens and disable them. As a result of this ability, antibodies can help with vaccine production and food allergen detection in patients. Many studies have focused on predicting linear B-cell epitopes, but only two prediction tools are currently available to predict the sub-type of an epitope. NIgPred was developed as a prediction tool for IgA, IgE, and IgG. NIgPred integrates various heterologous features with machine-learning approaches. Differently from previous studies, our study considered peptide-characteristic correlation and autocorrelation features. Sixty kinds of classifier were applied to construct the best prediction model. Furthermore, the genetic algorithm and hill-climbing algorithm were used to select the most suitable features for improving the accuracy and reducing the time complexity of the training model. NIgPred was found to be superior to the currently available tools for predicting IgE epitopes and IgG epitopes on independent test sets. Moreover, NIgPred achieved a prediction accuracy of 100% for the IgG epitopes of a coronavirus data set. NIgPred is publicly available at our website.
Comparative Analysis of Tunisian Sheep-like Virus, Bungowannah Virus and Border Disease Virus Infection in the Porcine Host
Authors: Meyer Denise , Postel Alexander , Wiedemann Anastasia , Cagatay Gökce Nur , Ciulli Sara , Guercio Annalisa , Becher Paul
Published: August 2021

Apart from the established pestivirus species Pestivirus A to Pestivirus K novel species emerged. Pigs represent not only hosts for porcine pestiviruses, but are also susceptible to bovine viral diarrhea virus, border disease virus (BDV) and other ruminant pestiviruses. The present study focused on the characterization of the ovine Tunisian sheep-like virus (TSV) as well as Bungowannah virus (BuPV) and BDV strain Frijters, which were isolated from pigs. For this purpose, we performed genetic characterization based on complete coding sequences, studies on virus replication in cell culture and in domestic pigs, and cross-neutralization assays using experimentally derived sera. TSV forms a distinct phylogenetic group more closely related to Pestivirus C (classical swine fever virus, CSFV) than to Pestivirus D (BDV). In contrast to BDV and BuPV, TSV replicates by far more efficiently on ovine than on porcine cells. Nevertheless, pigs were susceptible to TSV. As a consequence of close antigenic relatedness of TSV to CSFV, cross-reactivity was detected in CSFV-specific antibody assays. In conclusion, TSV is genetically closely related to CSFV and can replicate in domestic pigs. Due to close antigenic relatedness, field infections of pigs with TSV and other ruminant pestiviruses can interfere with serological diagnosis of classical swine fever.
Genetic Variability of PRRSV Vaccine Strains Used in the National Eradication Programme, Hungary
Authors: Bálint Ádám , Molnár Tamás , Kecskeméti Sándor , Kulcsár Gábor , Soós Tibor , Szabó Péter , Kaszab Eszter , Fornyos Kinga , Zádori Zoltán , Bányai Krisztián , Szabó István
Published: August 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a globally spread, highly infectious viral disease. Live, attenuated vaccines against PRRS virus (PRRSV) decrease virus excretion and evoke protective immunity reducing the economic damage caused by the disease. In a longitudinal molecular epidemiological study accompanying ongoing national eradication programme we evaluated the suitability of PRRSV ORF5 and ORF7 sequences to identify possible field strains of vaccine-origin. In total, 2342 ORF5 sequences and 478 ORF7 sequences were analysed. Vaccine strains were identified by sequence identity values and phylogenetic network analysis. Strains that shared greater than 98% nucleotide identity within ORF5 and/or ORF7 were considered to have originated from vaccine. A total of 882 (37.6%) ORF5 and 88 (18.4%) ORF7 sequences met these criteria. In detail, 618, 179 and 35 ORF5 and 51, 29 and 8 ORF7 sequences were related to Porcilis PRRS vaccine, Unistrain PRRS vaccine, and ReproCyc PRRS EU vaccine, respectively. Data showed that the Porcilis vaccine was genetically more stable. Whereas, the variability of the Unistrain and the ReproCyc strains was significantly higher. Given that ORF7 shares, in some instances, complete identity between a particular vaccine strain and some historic variants of field PRRSV strains, care must be taken when evaluating vaccine relatedness of a field isolate based on the ORF7. On the contrary, ORF5 sequences were more suitable to predict the vaccine origin making a distinction more robustly between field and vaccine strains. We conclude that ORF5 based molecular epidemiological studies support more efficiently the ongoing PRRS eradication programmes. The conclusions presented in this large-scale PRRS molecular epidemiological study provides a framework for future eradication programmes planned in other countries.
Cellular and Humoral Immunogenicity of a Candidate DNA Vaccine Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Subunit 1
Authors: Alluhaybi Khalid A. , Alharbi Rahaf H. , Alhabbab Rowa Y. , Aljehani Najwa D. , Alamri Sawsan S. , Basabrain Mohammad , Alharbi Rehaf , Abdulaal Wesam H. , Alfaleh Mohamed A. , Tamming Levi , Zhang Wanyue , Hassanain Mazen , Algaissi Abdullah , Abuzenadah Adel M. , Li Xuguang , Hashem Anwar M.
Published: August 2021

The urgent need for effective, safe and equitably accessible vaccines to tackle the ongoing spread of COVID-19 led researchers to generate vaccine candidates targeting varieties of immunogens of SARS-CoV-2. Because of its crucial role in mediating binding and entry to host cell and its proven safety profile, the subunit 1 (S1) of the spike protein represents an attractive immunogen for vaccine development. Here, we developed and assessed the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine encoding the SARS-CoV-2 S1. Following in vitro confirmation and characterization, the humoral and cellular immune responses of our vaccine candidate (pVAX-S1) was evaluated in BALB/c mice using two different doses, 25 µg and 50 µg. Our data showed high levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies in mice immunized with three doses of pVAX-S1. Analysis of the induced IgG subclasses showed a Th1-polarized immune response, as demonstrated by the significant elevation of spike-specific IgG2a and IgG2b, compared to IgG1. Furthermore, we found that the immunization of mice with three doses of 50 µg of pVAX-S1 could elicit significant memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Taken together, our data indicate that pVAX-S1 is immunogenic and safe in mice and is worthy of further preclinical and clinical evaluation.
A Long-Term Observation on the Possible Adverse Effects in Japanese Adolescent Girls after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination
Authors: Hineno Akiyo , Ikeda Shu-Ichi
Published: August 2021

In Japan, a significant number of adolescent females noted unusual symptoms after receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, of which the vast majority of them were initially diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses because of the absence of pathologic radiological images and specific abnormalities in laboratory test results. Later these symptoms were thought to be adverse effects of HPV vaccination. However, a causal link between HPV vaccination and the development of these symptoms has not been demonstrated. Between June 2013 and March 2021, we examined 200 patients who noted various symptoms after HPV vaccination. In total, 87 were diagnosed with HPV vaccination-related symptoms based on our proposed diagnostic criteria. The clinical histories of these 87 patients were analyzed. The age at initial vaccination ranged from 11 to 19 years old (mean ± SD: 13.5 ± 1.5 years old), and the age at the first appearance of symptoms ranged from 12 to 20 years old (mean ± SD: 14.3 ± 1.6 years old). The patients received an initial HPV vaccine injection between May 2010 and May 2013, but the first affected patient developed symptoms in October 2010, and the last affected developed symptoms in October 2015. A cluster of patients with a post-HPV vaccination disorder has not appeared in Japan during the last five years. Our study shows that, in Japan, the period of HPV vaccination considerably overlapped with that of a unique post-HPV vaccination disorder development. This disorder appears as a combination of orthostatic intolerance, chronic regional pain syndrome, and cognitive dysfunction, but its exact pathogenesis remains unclear.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Dromedary Camels Immunised with a MERS Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Hala Sharif , Ribeca Paolo , Aljami Haya A. , Alsagaby Suliman A. , Qasim Ibrahim , Gilbert Sarah C. , Alharbi Naif Khalaf
Published: August 2021

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infects dromedary camels and zoonotically infects humans, causing a respiratory disease with severe pneumonia and death. With no approved antiviral or vaccine interventions for MERS, vaccines are being developed for camels to prevent virus transmission into humans. We have previously developed a chimpanzee adenoviral vector-based vaccine for MERS-CoV (ChAdOx1 MERS) and reported its strong humoral immunogenicity in dromedary camels. Here, we looked back at total RNA isolated from whole blood of three immunised dromedaries pre and post-vaccination during the first day; and performed RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis in order to shed light on the molecular immune responses following a ChAdOx1 MERS vaccination. Our finding shows that a number of transcripts were differentially regulated as an effect of the vaccination, including genes that are involved in innate and adaptive immunity, such as type I and II interferon responses. The camel Bcl-3 and Bcl-6 transcripts were significantly upregulated, indicating a strong activation of Tfh cell, B cell, and NF-κB pathways. In conclusion, this study gives an overall view of the first changes in the immune transcriptome of dromedaries after vaccination; it supports the potency of ChAdOx1 MERS as a potential camel vaccine to block transmission and prevent new human cases and outbreaks.
Occurrence of the Freshwater Chrysophyte Poterioochromonas malhamensis in a High Arctic Marine Ecosystem
Authors: Zhang Fang , Tian Yongjun , He Jianfeng
Published: August 2021

Kongsfjorden is a small Arctic fjord but with great hydrographic complexity and has changed greatly due to the climate change. Arctic warming has increased melts of sea ice and glaciers that results in higher freshwater content. Microbial community variability and increasing terrestrial input were detected continuously in recent years ITag eukaryotic 18S rRNA V4 metabarcoding, photosynthetic pigments analysis and epifluorescence microscopy were used to reveal the dominant species of small eukaryotic community (<20 μm). Both Spearman correlation and redundant analysis were used to study the correlation between the small eukaryotes and the environmental conditions. In the present study, the surface water with salinity lower than 34 was thicker than in summers of previous years. The freshwater mixotrophic chrysophyte Poterioochromonas malhamensis was found for the first time as the dominant species. No general trends were found for the contributions of P. malhamensis to the total reads of small eukaryotes in water depths; and no obvious differences were found at different stations and water masses. Phagotrophy, which is more common than phototrophy at all times in P. malhamensis, is thought to be the main reason for the prevalence of P. malhamensis in Kongsfjorden. The occurrence of P. malhamensis induced a disorder in the small eukaryotic community, which biodiversity and composition showed weak correlation with the water masses. The dominance of the freshwater-originating phytoplankton may indicate an ecosystem change in the Kongsjforden, which probably might become more remarkable in the future as the climate continues to change.
Produção de mudas de cafeeiro em função da época e da adubação fosfatada
Authors: Santos Monteiro Ronaldo dos , Alves Oliveira Vinicius Evangelista , Oliveira de Malta Altamiro , Esfrain Pereira Walter , Andrade Silva Josevan de , Oliveira de Malta Alan
Published: August 2021

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento de mudas do cafeeiro arábica (Coffea arabica L.) em função da época e doses de fósforo. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação do Departamento de Fitotecnia, pertencente ao Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA), da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Campus II, Areia, PB, realizado no período de 16/12/2013 a 16/06/2014. Foram utilizadas sementes de plantas matrizes de café arábica. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados (DBC), com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições, com duas plantas por parcela. Os fatores consistiram no tempo (30; 60; 90; 120; 150 e 180 dias) e doses de fósforo (0,0; 0,3; 0,6 e 0,9 g dm-3, aplicados na forma de superfosfato simples). As avaliações referentes aos parâmetros de crescimento foram realizadas mensalmente, durante 6 meses. A colheita das plantas foi realizada aos 180 dias após o transplantio. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e de regressão, com o auxílio do software estatístico Sisvar. O maior crescimento das mudas de cafeeiro foi obtido com doses de P variando entre 0,6 a 0,9 g dm-3.
EVOLUÇÃO DO ÍNDICE DE ÁREA FOLIAR DE CAFEEIRO ARÁBICA SOBDIFERENTES NÍVEIS E FORMAS DE PARCELAMENTOS DE ADUBAÇÃO
Authors: Vale SantAna José Antonio do , Colombo Alberto , Stella Scalco Myriane , Aparecida Assis Gleice
Published: August 2021

Este estudo teve como objetivo,avaliar ao longo do tempo, o índice de área foliar do cafeeiro arábica, cultivar Catiguá MG-3, sob diferentes níveis e formas de parcelamentos de adubação. O cafeeiro foi plantado em maio de 2007, no espaçamento de 2,5 x 0,6 metros.O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados, com três repetições, utilizando uma adaptação da análise conjunta de experimentos, com o esquema de parcelas divididas. As duas formas de parcelamentos, quatro (Nov, Dez, Jan e Fev) e 12 (mensais) aplicações, foram consideradas como os ambientes, os níveis de adubação (30%, 80%, 130%, 180% e 230% da recomendação de N e K2O para cafeeiros cultivados em sequeiros em Minas Gerais), as parcelas e as épocas de avaliação (realizadas bimestralmente entre os anos de 2010 e 2013) constituíram as subparcelas no tempo. O índice de área foliar não é influenciado pelas formas de parcelamentos (quatro e doze aplicações/ano).Níveis abaixo de 80% da adubação com N e K recomendada para plantas não irrigadas restringe o crescimento do cafeeiro em lavouras irrigadas
Multifunctional sealants based on liquid rubbers with enhanced physical and mechanical properties
Authors: Gadalov V.N. , Skripkina Yu.V., , Petrenko V.R. , Makarova I.A.
Published: August 2021

Composite Material Research (elastomers) based on liquid isoprene rubber with oxazolidinones -carbanate isocyanate heterochains polar blocks with increased physical and mechanical technical properties are presented in the article.. The developed elastomeric materials have a complex of high physical and mechanical characteristics, are resistant to solutions of mineral acids and alkalis, have shown high resistance to abrasive and hydroabrasive wear, and can also be used to protect technological equipment from the influence of aggressive solutions in the chemical, mining, and hydrometallurgical industries as sealants, protective coatings, structural products, etc.
Balance of working time and rest in remote working conditions
Authors: Izbienova T.A. , Averyanova M.I.
Published: August 2021

The spread of digital technologies and electronic devices, the natural interest of businesses to save money on creating and equipping jobs, as well as the global COVID-19 pandemic provoked a sharp increase in remote labor for employees. The specifics of the organization of work using digital technologies, in the "home office", required the establishment of special rules for recording working hours in order to protect physical and mental health of employees and review existing legislative approaches to accounting for working hours spent outside of a stationary workplace. The authors, examining Russian legislation and practice of regulation of this issue in European countries, particularly Germany, propose to amend the Labour Code of the Russian Federation, stipulating provisions for the protection of leisure time and health of persons working in the mode of remote operation.
Features of the transition of organizations to remote operation on the example of modern companies
Authors: Belobrovskaya A.A. , Sidorova V.N.
Published: August 2021

The article is aimed at analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of remote working mode for both employees and employers. Using the data from recent research and examples from modern companies, the article considers specific aspects of remote work, problems that managers may face, and measures to address these problems.

English version of the article on pp. 80-84 is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/features-of-transition-to-remote-work-on-the-example-of-modern-companies/64939.html
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the payment system for goods and services
Authors: Zagidullin D.R. , Butov A.V.
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus that affected the entire world economy caused a global economic crisis, which led not only to significant losses — a reduction in GDP, an increase in unemployment, and a decrease in population incomes, but also revealed new opportunities for economic development. Thus, the coronavirus epidemic, which led to the widespread introduction of self-isolation, accelerated the process of digitalization of the world and domestic economy. One of the areas of digitalization will be discussed in this article.
On the standardization of intelligent production safety systems. Part 1
Authors: Khalin E. V.
Published: August 2021

The project of the national standard "Information and communication technologies in education. Intelligent systems for ensuring production safety. General provisions" is developed by SRIAP TECHINTELL. The standard establishes requirements for intelligent systems for ensuring production safety, including the structure, technology for construction, maintenance and development of systems with the use of means of the information and expert technologies applied in real production conditions and ensuring the effective functioning of production safety services and the organization of highquality training and retraining of personnel.
Ensuring the safety of warehouse shelving systems
Authors: Porochkin D. B.
Published: August 2021

The article discusses the types of shelving systems and LSI regulating the operation of shelving structures, as well as documents and measures that should be carried out in the organization that operates the shelving systems; the causes of collapses and ways to prevent them are presented.
’Emet: The Paradox of Death and Afterlife
Authors: Garber Zev
Published: August 2021

This article by Garber represents Jewish thoughts on death and dying that were presented at the 28th Annual Symposium on Jewish Civilization sponsored by the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, Creighton University, and other sponsors, and delivered at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Conference title, “`Olam Ha-Zeh v-`Olam Ha-Ba’: This World and the World to Come in Jewish Belief and Practice.” The section on “Jewish Martyrdom” is mainly influenced by thoughts expressed in Chapter 2 in Garber and Zuckerman, Double Takes: Thinking and Rethinking Issues of Modern Judaism in Ancient Contexts.
Education, entrepreneurship and the environment
Authors: LANDIN-ALCANTAR Herlinda , VAZQUEZ-MIRAMONTES Nicolás , MARIN-OROZCO Emmanuel Rodrigo , PALOMINO-NUÑEZ Sergio Joel
Published: August 2021

The trend of the state is to promote the creation of companies in general, which help the development of self-employment of graduates. Universities are training professionals with less dynamic production techniques in the agricultural sector, development and the needs of the population are increasing, which requires innovation in the production of healthy, profitable foods with less impact on natural resources. Professionals with business training must be developed in a manner that will allow them to generate their own jobs, look for technological alternatives that help improve the production of healthier and organic foods, and use products of natural origin that are replacing the pesticides and drugs that are reflected in the final products for the consumer. Among the development alternatives, you can venture into business projects that seek to improve the production and development of organic products, and inputs with added value made through natural processes. It can be mentioned that there is knowledge of organic agriculture, and the trainers at the University have technical knowledge based on previous and current research. However, there is little information on the certification of agricultural activities for the volumes that are required in the country.
Level of competence on the concept of basis of vector space using SOLO taxonomy
Authors: VALENZUELA-GONZÁLEZ Verónica , HERNÁNDEZ-QUINTANA Andrés , CAMACHO-RÍOS Alberto
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this research paper is to determinate the level of competence on the concept of basis of a vector space on college level students who finished the Linear Algebra course, providing complementary information to the various studies from a different perspective through the SOLO taxonomy (Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome). An instrument was designed to address the concept of basis from different perspectives and difficulty degrees; it was applied through individual video-recorded interviews. Their answers were analyzed, and it was found that they average level 3 (multistructural) of the taxonomy: the students know the basis definition from an algorithmic or methodological perspective, and they can reproduce some procedures, but they are unable to understand the basis concept.
ICT uses in education. Theoretical framework proposal for its characterization and analysis
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-MARQUEZ Marco Antonio
Published: August 2021

It is clear that during the last few decades, ICT use has considerably increased in education, and it has intensified over the last year as a consequence of an online approach because of the health emergency caused by COVID-19. Nevertheless, despite of the efforts made by schools for keeping updated on the technological equipment and the multiple teacher training processes on this subject, results has not been as expected. This is demonstrated by the higher grade-failure and school drop-out. In this regard, this work aims to propose a theoretical framework to guide characterization and analysis processes on the use of ICT in education. The above, form Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of human learning, which favors the social construction of learning, but also, from Edgar Morán’s complex thought theory, who prioritizes pertinent thought for social problem solving. And, finally, from online education psychology, where Cesar Coll and Carles Monereo stresses the importance of building working environments that promotes meaningful learning. This work aims to offer a reference framework for the case study, for implementation of improvement processes in favor of the students.