bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Minerals in 2021
Authors:   Minerals Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Metabolic Features of Brain Function with Relevance to Clinical Features of Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases
Authors: Butterfield David Allan , Favia Maria , Spera Iolanda , Campanella Annalisa , Lanza Martina , Castegna Alessandra
Published: January 2022

Brain metabolism is comprised in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Since the brain primarily relies on metabolism of glucose, ketone bodies, and amino acids, aspects of these metabolic processes in these disorders—and particularly how these altered metabolic processes are related to oxidative and/or nitrosative stress and the resulting damaged targets—are reviewed in this paper. Greater understanding of the decreased functions in brain metabolism in AD and PD is posited to lead to potentially important therapeutic strategies to address both of these disorders, which cause relatively long-lasting decreased quality of life in patients.
Evaluation of VOCs Emitted from Biomass Combustion in a Small CHP Plant: Difference between Dry and Wet Poplar Woodchips
Authors: Paris Enrico , Carnevale Monica , Vincenti Beatrice , Palma Adriano , Guerriero Ettore , Borello Domenico , Gallucci Francesco
Published: January 2022

The combustion of biomass is a process that is increasingly used for the generation of heat and energy through different types of wood and agricultural waste. The emissions generated by the combustion of biomass include different kinds of macro- and micropollutants whose formation and concentration varies according to the physical and chemical characteristics of the biomass, the combustion conditions, the plants, and the operational parameters of the process. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of biomass moisture content on the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the combustion process. Wet and dry poplar chips, with a moisture content of 43.30% and 15.00%, respectively, were used in a cogeneration plant based on a mobile grate furnace. Stack’s emissions were sampled through adsorbent tubes and subsequently analyzed by thermal desorption coupled with the GC/MS. The data obtained showed that, depending on the moisture content of the starting matrix, which inevitably influences the quality of combustion, there is significant variation in the production of VOCs.
Umbrella Sampling Simulations of Carbon Nanoparticles Crossing Immiscible Solvents
Authors: Gotzias Anastasios
Published: January 2022

We use molecular dynamics to compute the free energy of carbon nanoparticles crossing a hydrophobic–hydrophilic interface. The simulations are performed on a biphasic system consisting of immiscible solvents (i.e., cyclohexane and water). We solvate a carbon nanoparticle into the cyclohexane layer and use a pull force to drive the nanoparticle into water, passing over the interface. Next, we accumulate a series of umbrella sampling simulations along the path of the nanoparticle and compute the solvation free energy with respect to the two solvents. We apply the method on three carbon nanoparticles (i.e., a carbon nanocone, a nanotube, and a graphene nanosheet). In addition, we record the water-accessible surface area of the nanoparticles during the umbrella simulations. Although we detect complete wetting of the external surface of the nanoparticles, the internal surface of the nanotube becomes partially wet, whereas that of the nanocone remains dry. This is due to the nanoconfinement of the particular nanoparticles, which shields the hydrophobic interactions encountered inside the pores. We show that cyclohexane molecules remain attached on the concave surface of the nanotube or the nanocone without being disturbed by the water molecules entering the cavity.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Philosophies in 2021
Authors:   Philosophies Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Evaluation of Mannitol Intervention Effects on Ischemic Cerebral Edema in Mice Using Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ma Zhenhe , Meng Ziyue , Tian Yifu , Liu Jian , Li Ang , Lin Yang , Yu Yao , Luan Jingmin , Wang Hongtu , Zhao Yuqian , Wang Yi
Published: January 2022

Cerebral edema is a serious complication of ischemic cerebrovascular disease and mannitol is a commonly used dehydrating agent for relieving cerebral edema. However, the edema state and surrounding vascular perfusion level during mannitol treatment remains unclear, which affects the clinical application of the medicine. In this paper, we demonstrated the role of swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the evaluation of mannitol efficacy using mouse models. The OCT-based angiography and attenuation imaging technology were used to obtain the cerebral vascular perfusion level and cerebral edema state at different times. Vascular parameters and edema parameters were quantified and compared. Experimental results show that mannitol can significantly reduce the water content in the central region of edema, effectively inhibiting the rapid growth of the edema area, and restoring cerebral blood flow. On average, the edema area decreased by 33% after 2 h, and the vascular perfusion density increased by 12% after 5 h. This work helps to provide a valuable theoretical basis and research ideas for the clinical treatment of cerebral edema.
Fungal Endophytes and Their Role in Agricultural Plant Protection against Pests and Pathogens
Authors: Grabka Rachel , d’Entremont Tyler W. , Adams Sarah J. , Walker Allison K. , Tanney Joey B. , Abbasi Pervaiz A. , Ali Shawkat
Published: January 2022

Virtually all examined plant species harbour fungal endophytes which asymptomatically infect or colonize living plant tissues, including leaves, branches, stems and roots. Endophyte-host interactions are complex and span the mutualist–pathogen continuum. Notably, mutualist endophytes can confer increased fitness to their host plants compared with uncolonized plants, which has attracted interest in their potential application in integrated plant health management strategies. In this review, we report on the many benefits that fungal endophytes provide to agricultural plants against common non-insect pests such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses, and mites. We report endophytic modes of action against the aforementioned pests and describe why this broad group of fungi is vitally important to current and future agricultural practices. We also list an extensive number of plant-friendly endophytes and detail where they are most commonly found or applied in different studies. This review acts as a general resource for understanding endophytes as they relate to potential large-scale agricultural applications.
Effects of Low-Temperature Stress during the Anther Differentiation Period on Winter Wheat Photosynthetic Performance and Spike-Setting Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Lvzhou , Chen Xiang , Li Jincai
Published: January 2022

Climate change has caused frequent extreme low-temperature events to threaten global food security. Spring low-temperature stress is one of the major limiting factors for high and stable yields of wheat. We used two wheat varieties differing in spring cold-sensitivity (cold-tolerant variety Yannong 19 and cold-sensitive variety Xinmai 26) to examine the effects of low-temperature stress during the anther differentiation period on wheat photosynthetic performance and spike-setting characteristics. Low-temperature stress was simulated in a climate box at −2 °C, 0 °C or 2 °C (night) and 15 °C (day) for 24 h, 48 h or 72 h. With the extension of the treatment time and the decrease of temperature, the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of wheat leaves gradually decreased. All treatments except −2 °C for 72 h recovered slowly within 7–15 days after treatment. Low-temperature stress greatly reduced grains per spikelet, 1000-grain weight and yield per plant. By analyzing the spikelets in different stalk locations (upper, middle and lower), we found that the number of upper spikelets was significantly less than lower and middle spikelets after low-temperature stress. The sterile grain of upper spikelets (Xinmai 26, for example) can reach 100% at −2 °C for 48 h and 72 h, and the yield loss rate was 90.52% at 2 °C for 24 h, which was much higher than for the lower spikelets (60.73%) and middle spikelets (50.94%). Overall, these findings suggest that low-temperature stress during the anther differentiation period alters the photosynthetic activity involved in the accumulation of dry matter in wheat, which leads to delaying young spike growth, especially for upper spikelets, and ultimately in a decrease in yield.
Detection of Chromosomal Segments Introgressed from Wild Species of Carrot into Cultivars: Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Morphological Features in Backcross Inbred Lines
Authors: Ou Chenggang , Sun Tingting , Liu Xing , Li Chengjiang , Li Min , Wang Xuewei , Ren Huaifu , Zhao Zhiwei , Zhuang Feiyun
Published: January 2022

Cultivated carrot is thought to have been domesticated from a wild species, and various phenotypes developed through human domestication and selection over the past several centuries. Little is known about the genomic contribution of wild species to the phenotypes of present-day cultivars, although several studies have focused on identifying genetic loci that contribute to the morphology of storage roots. A backcross inbred line (BIL) population derived from a cross between the wild species Daucus carota ssp. carota “Songzi” and the orange cultivar “Amsterdam forcing” was developed. The morphological features in the BIL population became more diverse after several generations of selfing BC2F1 plants. Only few lines retained features of wild parent. Genomic resequencing of the two parental lines and the BILs resulted in 3,223,651 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and 13,445 bin markers were generated using a sliding window approach. We constructed a genetic map with 2027 bins containing 154,776 SNPs; the total genetic distance was 1436.43 cM and the average interval between the bins was 0.71 cm. Five stable QTLs related to root length, root shoulder width, dry material content of root, and ratio of root shoulder width to root middle width were consistently detected on chromosome 2 in both years and explained 23.4–66.9% of the phenotypic variance. The effects of introgressed genomic segments from the wild species on the storage root are reported and will enable the identification of functional genes that control root morphological traits in carrot.
A Real-Time Configuration Approach for an Observer-Based Residual Generator of Fault Detection Systems
Authors: Zhao Hao , Luo Hao , Liu Tianyu
Published: January 2022

This paper is concerned with the real-time configuration of fault detection systems by exploiting an gradient optimization scheme. It is known that industrial processes may often encounter some uncertainties or changes of operating points and environment, which would lead to an unsatisfactory fault detection result. To handle this problem, a real-time (or online) configuration strategy is introduced, which plays an important role in ensuring the efficiency of the fault detection method without a high industrial cost. In this paper, a gradient-based iterative optimization scheme is taken into account for the real-time configuration implementation. By utilizing the gradient-based iterative algorithm to minimize the K-gap between the residual generator and the current system, the parameters of the residual generator can be configured from the online input/output data. Based on this, real-time configuration of the residual generator parameters is achieved and, correspondingly, the fault detection performance is guaranteed. Then, a three-tank system, which is relatively common and important in chemical industrial systems, is studied and explored to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the gradient optimization configuration strategy proposed in this work.
Effectiveness of Ozonated Water for Preserving Quality and Extending Storability of Star Ruby Grapefruit
Authors: Kassem Hazem S. , Tarabih Mohamed E. , Ismail Hamed , Eleryan Eman E.
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of aqueous ozone technology on maintaining grapefruit flavor and freshness by minimizing the occurrence of postharvest deterioration. During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Star Ruby grapefruit fruits were treated with 0.3 and 0.6 ppm aqueous ozone for 5 and 10 min after harvest at water temperatures of 5 °C and 15 °C, respectively. The fruits were stored for 40 days at 8 ± 1 °C with 85–90% relative humidity. The results revealed that all the ozonated water treatments reduced physiological weight loss, disease infection, and decay, as well as providing long-term protection to the fruits throughout storage. The best treatment for preserving the postharvest quality was 0.6 ppm ozonated water at 5 °C for 5 min, which successfully delayed ripening while concurrently preserving the TSS/acid ratios, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity. Overall, aqueous ozone treatment is a promising example of a treatment that is beginning to be utilized on a commercial scale. In accordance with the findings of this study, it can be deduced that aqueous ozone can be used to maintain fruit quality, reduce postharvest diseases, and extend storage life.
Influence of Nano-Silica/Chitosan Film Coating on the Quality of ‘Tommy Atkins’ Mango
Authors: Kassem Hazem S. , Tarabih Mohamed E. , Ismail Hamed , Eleryan Eman E.
Published: January 2022

In this study, we assessed the coating of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes with films containing chitosan and nano-silicon dioxide in terms of the effects on fruit parameters as an indicator of quality. After coating, the fruits were first stored at 13 ± 1 °C and 90–95% RH for 30 days, and then at 20 ± 2 °C and 70–75% RH for 5 days, which corresponds to the marketing period. The results showed that coating treatments significantly decreased the fruits’ weight loss and decay percentage compared to the uncoated control samples over the storage period. Additionally, all coated treatments delayed skin degreening, reduced endogenous ethylene production, suppressed respiration rate, and maintained the firmness, compared to untreated control fruit. Titratable acidity and vitamin C significantly decreased in all samples during storage, but this decrease was less pronounced in the coated fruits. Furthermore, coating can delay the increments in total soluble solids and total sugars while maintaining total phenolics, and high antioxidant content of fruits, thereby extending the effective length of the marketing period of treated fruits compared to the control. It was shown that the coating combination of 2% chitosan plus 1% nano-silicon dioxide was the most successful in maintaining the mango’s quality under cold storage and during marketing.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Remote Sensing in 2021
Authors:   Remote Sensing Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Deep Learning Approaches for Robust Time of Arrival Estimation in Acoustic Emission Monitoring
Authors: Zonzini Federica , Bogomolov Denis , Dhamija Tanush , Testoni Nicola , De Marchi Luca , Marzani Alessandro
Published: January 2022

In this work, different types of artificial neural networks are investigated for the estimation of the time of arrival (ToA) in acoustic emission (AE) signals. In particular, convolutional neural network (CNN) models and a novel capsule neural network are proposed in place of standard statistical strategies which cannot handle, with enough robustness, very noisy scenarios and, thus, cannot be sufficiently reliable when the signal statistics are perturbed by local drifts or outliers. This concept was validated with two experiments: the pure ToA identification capability was firstly assessed on synthetic signals for which a ground truth is available, showing a 10× gain in accuracy when compared to the classical Akaike information criterion (AIC). Then, the same models were tested via experimental data acquired in the framework of a localization problem to identify targets with known coordinates on a square aluminum plate, demonstrating an overreaching precision under significant noise levels.
Blockchain Based Solutions to Mitigate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks in the Internet of Things (IoT): A Survey
Authors: Shah Zawar , Ullah Imdad , Li Huiling , Levula Andrew , Khurshid Khawar
Published: January 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are widely used in many industries including smart cities, smart agriculture, smart medical, smart logistics, etc. However, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks pose a serious threat to the security of IoT. Attackers can easily exploit the vulnerabilities of IoT devices and control them as part of botnets to launch DDoS attacks. This is because IoT devices are resource-constrained with limited memory and computing resources. As an emerging technology, Blockchain has the potential to solve the security issues in IoT. Therefore, it is important to analyse various Blockchain-based solutions to mitigate DDoS attacks in IoT. In this survey, a detailed survey of various Blockchain-based solutions to mitigate DDoS attacks in IoT is carried out. First, we discuss how the IoT networks are vulnerable to DDoS attacks, its impact over IoT networks and associated services, the use of Blockchain as a potential technology to address DDoS attacks, in addition to challenges of Blockchain implementation in IoT. We then discuss various existing Blockchain-based solutions to mitigate the DDoS attacks in the IoT environment. Then, we classify existing Blockchain-based solutions into four categories i.e., Distributed Architecture-based solutions, Access Management-based solutions, Traffic Control-based solutions and the Ethereum Platform-based solutions. All the solutions are critically evaluated in terms of their working principles, the DDoS defense mechanism (i.e., prevention, detection, reaction), strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we discuss future research directions that can be explored to design and develop better Blockchain-based solutions to mitigate DDoS attacks in IoT.
Food Recipe Ingredient Substitution Ontology Design Pattern
Authors: Ławrynowicz Agnieszka , Wróblewska Anna , Adrian Weronika T. , Kulczyński Bartosz , Gramza-Michałowska Anna
Published: January 2022

This paper describes a notion of substitutions in food recipes and their ontology design pattern. We build upon state-of-the-art models for food and process. We also present scenarios and examples for the design pattern. Finally, the pattern is mapped to available and relevant domain ontologies and made publicly available at the ontologydesignpatterns.org portal.
Depth-Keeping Control for a Deep-Sea Self-Holding Intelligent Buoy System Based on Inversion Time Constraint Stability Strategy Optimization
Authors: Wang Qiang , Li Xingfei , Qiu Zurong , Yang Shizhong , Zhou Wei , Zhao Jingbo
Published: January 2022

Based on the nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO), the inversion time-constraint stability strategy (ITCS) is designed to make the deep-sea self-holding intelligent buoy (DSIB) system hovered at an appointed depth within a specified time limit. However, it is very challenging to determine the optimal parameters of an ITCS depth controller. Firstly, a genetic algorithm based on quantum theory (QGA) is proposed to obtain the optimal parameter combination by using the individual expression form of quantum bit and the adjustment strategy of quantum rotary gate. To improve the speed and accuracy of global search in the QGA optimization process, taking the number of odd and even evolutions as the best combination point of the genetic and chaos particle swarm algorithm (GACPSO), an ITCS depth controller based on GACPSO strategy is proposed. Besides, the simulations and hardware-in-the-loop system experiments are conducted to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed QGA–ITCS and GACPSO–ITCS depth controller. The results show that the proposed GACPSO–ITCS depth controller provides higher stability with smaller steady-state error and less settling time in the depth-control process. The research of the proposed method can provide a stable operation condition for the marine sensors carried by the DSIB.
Occupational Exposure to Mineral Dust in Mining and Earthmoving Works: A Scoping Review
Authors: Duarte Joana , Castelo Branco Jacqueline , Rodrigues Fernanda , Vaz Mário , Santos Baptista João
Published: January 2022

Anthropogenic activity is related to several environmental imbalances, including dust. Particulate matter can also hinder humans with numerous health consequences, such as asthma, cancer, and pneumoconiosis. With a particular focus on mineral dust, this review is intended to determine in which circumstances occupational exposure occurs in the mining and earthmoving industries. Research followed the guidelines provided by the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols and its extension for scoping reviews. Of the 8993 records identified, only 24 passed both exclusion and inclusion criteria. Within the pool of results, it was possible to identify the following variables related to dust exposure: job-related (activity, job category, and site), engineering (equipment, transport system), technical (distance), and physical (season and weather) variables. Due to the significant variance in protocol settings, it was challenging to perform a general analysis, resulting in a study-by-study approach. The most significant conclusion of this study is not related to the setting of occupational exposure, although it derives from it. The necessity of adopting standard procedures for data collection, independent of research objective, was demonstrated within the context of occupational exposure to mineral dust.
Gender and Sanitation: Women’s Experiences in Rural Regions and Urban Slums in India
Authors: Vogel Wren , Hwang Christina D. , Hwang Sangchul
Published: January 2022

Without adequate sanitation facilities, environmental, social, and health risks are common and worsen as the state of sanitation stagnates. Vulnerable groups, specifically women, are unequally affected by poor sanitation. Attitudes towards and perceptions of gender and menstruation have created a health and social discrepancy between women and men. Women must undergo additional obstacles when practicing proper sanitation and managing menstruation. This article utilizes the sanitation insecurity measure to assess the lived experience of women in rural and urban India. This article also discusses accounts of women’s experiences managing menstruation in both the rural regions and urban slums of India and discusses the social implications of the state of sanitation. Examining the issue of sanitation by focusing on menstruation and the dichotomy of men’s and women’s experiences with sanitation and hygiene will indicate that achieving gender equity requires sanitation to be viewed as a human rights, social justice, and education issue.
The Effect of a Handball Warm-Up Program on Dynamic Balance among Elite Adolescent Handball Players
Authors: Daneshjoo Abdolhamid , Hoseinpour Ali , Sadeghi Hassan , Kalantari Aref , Behm David George
Published: January 2022

This study examined the effect of the handball warm-up program (HWP) on dynamic balance among elite adolescent handball players. In this case, 24 handball players were randomly assigned into experimental warm-up and control groups. The HWP was performed over 8 weeks (3 times per week). Dynamic balance before and after the intervention training programs were measured by the Biodex Balance System (BBS) and Y Balance test for the dominant (DL) and non-dominant legs (non-DL). After HWP training, BBS scores significantly improved in the overall (OSI) (30.4% and 31.1%), anterior-posterior (APSI) (44.6% and 35.2%), and medial-lateral stability indexes (MLSI) (38.8% and 43%) for both DL and non-DL. Post-training, the Y Balance test exhibited significant improvements in OSI (13.2% and 10.6%), anterior (17.2% and 12.6%), posteriolateral (12.8% and 11.3%), and posteriomedial stability indexes (9.2% and 7.9%) with DL and non-DL, respectively. In conclusion, dynamic balance improved overall after eight weeks of the HWP, with this improvement significantly greater with the trained versus the control group. Optimal balance during handball is an important factor to ensure coordinated and efficient movements and it is speculated that improved balance could positively impact injury prevention. Hence, the HWP program can be used as an alternative to a conventional warm-up program.
Harmonic and Vibration Analysis of Dual Three-Phase PMSM with One-Phase Open Circuit Fault
Authors: Zhao Shihao , Chen Jinhua , Gao Yunpeng , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2022

This paper analyzes the harmonics and vibration under different fault-tolerant current control when one-phase winding of dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is an open circuit fault. Firstly, the dual three-phase load condition subdomain model of breadloaf surface-mounted permanent magnet (PM) PMSM is established. Secondly, the working conditions of an open circuit fault of one-phase winding are set from the perspectives of no fault-tolerant (NFT) control, maximum torque (MT) control, minimum copper loss (MCL) control and single three-phase mode (STPM) control. The torque harmonics and electromagnetic force harmonics of the four working conditions are analyzed. Then, considering the multi-physical field of electromagnetic and structural coupling, the electromagnetic force in the motor air gap acts on the stator core, and the vibration under four different working conditions is calculated and analyzed. Through the comparison between the analytical method and finite element method, the accuracy of the established model is verified. The calculation method is effective and accurate, it can quickly predict the motor performance in case of one-phase open circuit fault of dual three-phase PMSM.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Toxins in 2021
Authors:   Toxins Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
The Usefulness of Peripheral Blood Cell Counts to Distinguish COVID-19 from Dengue during Acute Infection
Authors: Osuna-Ramos Juan Fidel , Reyes-Ruiz José Manuel , Ochoa-Ramírez Luis Antonio , De Jesús-González Luis Adrián , Ramos-Payán Rosalío , Farfan-Morales Carlos Noe , Romero-Utrilla Alejandra , Ríos-Burgueño Efrén Rafael , Rodríguez-Millán José , del Ángel Rosa María , Velarde-Félix Jesús Salvador
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 and dengue disease are challenging to tell apart because they have similarities in clinical and laboratory features during the acute phase of infection, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. The present study evaluated peripheral blood cell count accuracy to distinguish COVID-19 non-critical patients from non-severe dengue cases between the second and eleventh day after symptom onset. A total of 288 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (n = 105) or dengue virus (n = 183) were included in this study. Neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts were used to calculate the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the neutrophil–lymphocyte*platelet ratio (NLPR). The logistic regression and ROC curves analysis revealed that neutrophil and platelet counts, NLR, LPR, and NLPR were higher in COVID-19 than dengue. The multivariate predictive model showed that the neutrophils, platelets, and NLPR were independently associated with COVID-19 with a good fit predictive value (p = 0.1041). The neutrophil (AUC = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.84–0.91), platelet (AUC = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85–0.93) counts, and NLR (AUC = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.84–0.91) were able to discriminate COVID-19 from dengue with high sensitivity and specificity values (above 80%). Finally, based on predicted probabilities on combining neutrophils and platelets with NLR or NLPR, the adjusted AUC was 0.97 (95% CI = 0.94–0.98) to differentiate COVID-19 from dengue during the acute phase of infection with outstanding accuracy. These findings might suggest that the neutrophil, platelet counts, and NLR or NLPR provide a quick and cost-effective way to distinguish between dengue and COVID-19 in the context of co-epidemics in low-income tropical regions.
Cytotoxic T-Cell-Based Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: A Hybrid Immunoinformatic Approach
Authors: Tirziu Alexandru , Paunescu Virgil
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an alternative vaccination platform that provides long-term cellular immune protection mediated by cytotoxic T-cells. The immune response via cellular immunity creates superior resistance to viral mutations, which are currently the greatest threat to the global vaccination campaign. Furthermore, we also propose a safer, more facile, and physiologically appropriate immunization method using either intranasal or oral administration. The underlying technology is an adaptation of synthetic long peptides (SLPs) previously used in cancer immunotherapy. The overall quality of the SLP constructs was validated using in silico methods. SLPs comprising HLA class I and class II epitopes were designed to stimulate antigen cross-presentation and canonical class II presentation by dendritic cells. The desired effect is a cytotoxic T cell-mediated prompt and specific immune response against the virus-infected epithelia and a rapid and robust virus clearance. Epitopes isolated from COVID-19 convalescent patients were screened for HLA class I and class II binding (NetMHCpan and NetMHCIIpan) and highest HLA population coverage (IEDB Population Coverage). 15 class I and 4 class II epitopes were identified and used for this SLP design. The constructs were characterized based on their toxicity (ToxinPred), allergenicity (AllerCatPro), immunogenicity (VaxiJen 2.0), and physico-chemical parameters (ProtParam). Based on in silico predictions, out of 60 possible SLPs, 36 candidate structures presented a high probability to be immunogenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and stable. 3D peptide folding followed by 3D structure validation (PROCHECK) and molecular docking studies (HADDOCK 2.4) with Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 provided positive results, suggestive for favorable antigen presentation and immune stimulation.
Prospective Evaluation of Side-Effects Following the First Dose of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Darraj Majid A. , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M.
Published: January 2022

Background: Several different types of vaccines have been developed for the prevention of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Despite several local and systemic side-effects to COVID-19 vaccination reported, the vaccines are still considered the best intervention to tackle the spread of the virus and reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection. However, the reported side-effects continue to have a crucial role in public confidence in the vaccine and its acceptance. This study aimed to investigate the short-term side-effects reported by the healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia after receiving the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among HCWs in the Jazan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Healthcare workers who had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and agreed to participate in the study were followed up for 3 weeks post vaccination through a weekly online survey. Information was collected on local and/or systemic side-effects reported following vaccine administration. Participants’ general and demographic information was also collected. Results: A total of 57.2% (250/437) of the HCWs who participated in this study reported at least one side-effect. Injection site pain and redness (80.0%), fever (73.2%), whole-body pain/fatigue (56.4%), and headache (48.8%) were the most commonly reported side-effects. Moreover, 12.4% of the participants who reported side-effects needed to see a physician, and only one female participant was admitted to the hospital. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that nationality (Saudi, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.65; 95% CI = 2.40, 5.55) and residency (Jazan governorate, aOR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.95) were the significant factors associated with reporting COVID-19 post-vaccination side-effects, while the number of reported side-effects was found to be significantly influenced by occupation (medical, aOR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.26, 0.66; p < 0.001) and gender (female, aOR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.38, 0.97; p = 0.038). Conclusions: Findings of the present study support the safety of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs in Saudi Arabia. All the reported side-effects were mild-to-moderate side-effects. The findings may help convince vaccine-hesitant individuals and skeptics to accept the COVID-19 vaccine.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Water in 2021
Authors:   Water Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Trends in the hospitality business: developing human resources, information technology and financial potential during the pandemic at the present stage
Authors:   State Autonomous Educational Institution ", Ushakov Roman Nikolaevich ,   Moscow State University of Sport and Tourism"
Published: January 2022

The hotel business, faced with the coronavirus pandemic, has received such a degree of uncertainty that, even after a partial economic recovery and the return of at least domestic tourism, it changed the hotel industry so much that the trends and development prospects that existed in the pre-pandemic period have undergone significant changes. The goals of hotel enterprises remained the same — making a profit and expanding their presence in the hotel services market, but the directions of activity to achieve them began to differ greatly from those that were in 2019. The main components, which affected by these changes are work with financial and human resources, as well as a bias in the application and development of new technologies, that is, information and technical potential. The reason was a change in focus from increasing hotel revenues to decreasing costs. The personnel potential of the hotel enterprise received the opportunity to develop through the revision of the requirements for vacancies and standards for the implementation of business processes in the hotel. Thus, the standards will be softer and more adaptable, and the volume of functions performed for one position may expand. In addition, the focus will be placed on employees who are more efficient in mastering new technologies, including remote guest service. The financial potential of a hotel can only develop with the constant use of a logistic approach, namely, constant monitoring of costs to reduce them, the use of personnel as the main resource of the organization in order to constantly develop them. It needs to say that the rules of logistics have already completely moved into the field of hospitality — to serve the right guest at the right time, in the right place, to provide the required number of services of the required quality with minimal costs, using an individual approach.
PENGARUH MODEL QUANTUM LEARNING DISERTAI SPEED TEST TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS VII SMP NEGERI 1 VII KOTO SUNGAI SARIAK
Authors:   STKIP YDB Lubuk Alung, Para Siswa Maria
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this research to know the effect of Quantum Learning disertai Speed Test toward result of students mathematic at the seven Grade of SMPN 1 VII Koto Sungai Sariak. This research is pre-experimental study with research design randomized control group only design. The population in this research is the students of class VII SMPN 1 VII Koto Sungai Sariak. Sampling using random sampling technique with class VII7 as experiment class and VII6 as control class. The result of this research is the result of cognitive. Based on the final test, the mean score of experimental class was 74 and the control class was 67. The result of t- test tcalculate was 2.29 and ttable was 1.66 with a=0,05 and dk=54. Therefore tcalculate > ttable means H0 denied and H1 accepted. So, it was concluded that there is an influence of the Quantum Learning with Speed Test toward the result of students’ mathematic at the seven grade of SMPN 1 VII koto Sungai Sariak.
Antimicrobial Potential of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Urinary Tract Infections: An Experimental Study on the Growth Inhibitory Activity and Biofilm Inhibition
Authors: Jabbar Shawkat Sabar , Chehri Khosrow
Published: January 2022

Background: T Microorganisms cause many diseases for the human body such as urinary tract infection and, therefore, it is highly important to eliminate and control them. Bacterial resistance to different types of antibiotics was increased and it is necessary to find alternative agents to eliminate these microbes. Methods: This study aimed was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of different concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on some gram-positive bactria, gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans. TiO2 NPs were synthesized using the chemical methods, coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and prepared in different concentrations (0.098, 0.196, 0.392, 0.784, 1.568, and 3.136 mg/mL). Eventually, a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) were applied to investigate the effect of TiO2 NPs on microorganisms. Results: According to the study results, the MICs of TiO2 NPs were found to be 1.489, 1.208, and 1.166 mg/ mL for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae as the Gram-negative bacteria, respectively; and they were discovered to be 0.512, 0.830, and 0.707 mg/mL for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis as the Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. As for C. albicans, as the yeast strain, MIC was 0.253 mg/ mL. The MBIC of more than 90% of TiO2 NPs was 6.25 mg/mL for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial types and 1.562 mg/mL for C. albicans. Conclusions: It was concluded that TiO2 NPs were effective antimicrobial agents for Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and C. albicans, but their inhibitory effect on yeast was greater than that of bacteria.
Measurement of Heavy Metals (Nickel, Chromium, and Cobalt) in Wild and Farmed Carps (Cyprinus carpio) of Hamadan Province
Authors: Moghadasi Mohammad , Heshmati Ali , Vahidinia Aliasghar
Published: January 2022

Fish consumption has been considerably increased in Iran recently. On the other hand, the increase in aquatic ecosystem pollution can cause the accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic animals – the fish, in particular. Therefore, measuring the amount of heavy metals in fish is of great importance for consumers’ health. This study aimed to measure the amount of heavy metals (nickel, chromium, and cobalt) in wild and farmed carps (Cyprinus carpio) by using an ICP device. In this cross-sectional study which was performed in Hamadan province in 2018, 40 carp samples (20 wild carp samples and 20 farmed ones) were randomly collected from Anouch and Shirinsoo dams and from breeding centers of the province and, after completing the digestion phase, the amount of heavy metals in the samples were measured using the ICP device. The study results showed that the amounts of nickel metal in wild and farmed carps were equal to 0.108±0.086 and 0.102±0.108 mg/kg dry weight, respectively; and the amounts of chromium in wild and farmed fish samples were 0.348±0.396 and 0.136±0.074 mg/kg dry weight in muscle tissue, respectively. Cobalt metal was not observed in wild and cultured samples. According to the results from the statistical analysis, no significant difference was detected between wild and farmed fishes regarding contamination with nickel metal. However, a difference was found between wild and farmed fishes (P<0.05) regarding chromium. Taking into account the higher amount of nickel and chromium metals in the wild carp samples compared to the farmed ones, it was recommended that necessary measures be taken to control the sources responsible for polluting the aquatic environment and to prevent the penetration of industrial effluents and other polluting factors into the dams of Hamedan province in order for avoiding the increase in the amount of heavy metals in the province’s water sources.
СТЕФАН ДУШАН И МАНАСТИР СВЕТОГ ЈОВАНА ПРЕТЕЧЕ НА МЕНИКЕЈСКОЈ ГОРИ КОД СЕРА
STEPHEN DUŠAN AND THE MONASTERY OF ST. JOHN THE FORERUNNER ON THE MOUNT MENOIKEION BY SERRAI
Authors: Живојиновић Драгић
Published: January 2022

The monastery of St. John the Baptist on the Mount Menoikeion in the vicinity of Serrai was founded in around 1275. It enjoyed considerable favour of the Queen Simonis and since 1332 its patron was John Kantakouzenos. After the Serbian conquest of eastern Macedonia, the monastery prospered owing to the care of Stephen Dušan. The ties between the Serbian ruler and the monastic community are testified by the Greek documents of Dušan’s chancery. There are nine preserved prostagmata and chrysobulls of the Serbian King and Tsar from the period of 1345–1355. The analysis of their data, along with the use of other sources, will provide a basis for the attempted sketch of relations between Stephen Dušan and the influential Greek spiritual institution in southeast Macedonia.
ОБИЧАЈНО ПРАВО У НАМЕНСКИМ ОБРАСЦИМА ПОВЕЉА БОСАНСКИХ ВЛАДАРА И ВЕЛИКАША CUSTOMARY LAW IN PURPOSE-SPECIFIC PATTERNS OF THE CHARTERS OF BOSNIAN RULERS AND MAGNATES
Authors: Исаиловић Невен
Published: January 2022

The paper presents the results of a research based on the return to the source material and the new interpretation of the forms оf certain formulae in the charters of Bosnian rulers and magnates. Mainly by comparing two purpose-specific types of documents – donation charters issued to domestic addressees and international treaties, and in particular the formulae of intitulatio, sanctio (poena spiritualis), oath and witnesses in each of them, the degree of presence, purpose and importance of the elements of customary law in the formularies that were generally used in Bosnian chanceries and scribal services are determined. Preliminary conclusions suggest that old patrimonial law prevailed in bans’ and royal documents issued for domestic nobility (which is why the “lands” of the Bosnian state are mentioned, as well as “brethren” in the formula of witnesses), while in international treaties the guarantee came from another set of customs – from oath and authority of the ruler and influential witnesses. On the other hand, in the documents issued by the magnates and regional lords whose authority was at a lower hierarchical level, patrimonial-kindred customary law is to be found in international legal correspondence as well, to some extent, since the credibility of legal acts of the authors from the ranks of high nobility in Bosnia was based on the consent of their family or noble kindred, as well as on the eventual consent of the Bosnian ruler.
ТРГОВИНА И КРИЈУМЧАРЕЊЕ ДУВАНА ИЗМЕЂУ ВЕНЕЦИЈЕ И ОСМАНСКОГ БАЛКАНА
TRADE AND SMUGGLING OF TOBACCO BETWEEN VENICE AND THE OTTOMAN BALKANS
Authors: Андрић Марија
Published: January 2022

This paper presents some of the aspects of tobacco trade between Venice, Drač and Skadar. Merchants from Dobrota had an important role in supplying the Venetian Republic with tobacco. In order to do that, they traded in the Ottoman port of Drač. When encountering difficulties with the Ottoman customs officers, merchants from Dobrota could reach out to the Venetian consul in Drač for assistance. Owing to this consul’s reports addressed to Venice, it is possible to reconstruct tobacco trade in Drač. On the other hand, merchants from Skadar, and some traders from the Bay of Kotor, tried to smuggle tobacco in Venice. Since smuggling activities could harm Venetian finances, some magistrates and officers in charge took necessary measures to repress illegal tobacco trade.
ПЕЧАТИ У СРБИЈИ У XIX ВЕКУ
SEALS IN SERBIA DURING THE 19TH CENTURY
Authors: Шкодрић Љубинка , Марковић Александар
Published: January 2022

The article analyzes the appearance, symbolism and use of the seals in Serbia during the 19th century. In its focus are the heraldic markings and inscriptions on the seals as a form of specific visual identification through which the development of statehood and building of the Serbian state and its institutions are reflected. The use of personal seals and the gradual shaping and changes on the seals of the first state institutions were considered. The formation and development of institutions were represented through the unification of the form and legal regulations regarding the appearance and right of use of the seals.
ЦАРИНСКИ ПРИХОДИ У КРАЉЕВИНИ СРБИЈИ ОД 1883. ДО 1903. ГОДИНЕ CUSTOMS REVENUE IN THE KINGDOM OF SERBIA 1883–1903
Authors: Миличић Кристина
Published: January 2022

Customs revenue during the last two decades of the 19th century was, next to taxes and monopolies, one of the most important sources of government revenue in Serbia. The goal of this paper is to show its fluctuations in the period between the customs tariff of 1883, and the start of establishing trade relations with other countries, and the customs tariff of 1904 which aimed to protect the state industry. The paper also analyzes the contribution of customs revenue to overall government revenue. The structure of customs revenue and its fluctuations are also shown in terms of specific import/export states.
Fan, Fußballfan, kibic i pseudokibic jako funkcjonalne ekwiwalenty z perspektywy kookurencji w języku niemieckim i polskim
Authors: Taborek Janusz
Published: January 2022

The aim of the paper is to establish the functional equivalence between the terms 'football fan' in German and Polish. Functional equivalence presupposes that lexemes occur in the two languages in a convergent syntagmatic environment. The analysis of co-occurring lexemes will be based on establishing the correlations of German units using the DWDS Wortprofil tool and the DWDS corpus, and for the Polish language – WordSketch and the plTenTen corpus. Detailed analysis and comparisons of co-occurrence (co-occurring adjective and verb groups with the highest frequency are analysed according to their syntactic functions and semantic groups) allows for establishing partial equivalence between the analysed lexemes and to state that the German terms ‘Fan’ and ‘Fußballfan’ cover the meaning of the neutral lexeme ‘kibic’ as well as the meaning of the lexeme ‘pseudokibic’ with negative connotations
Analiza wybranych sprawności językowych jako wskaźnik funkcjonowania poznawczego u osoby z afazją akustyczno-mnestyczną
Authors: Urban Adrianna
Published: January 2022

The article is a case report of the analysis of the selected language skills of a 69-year-old woman after brain infarction of the left hemisphere, as a result of which an auditory-mnestic aphasia occurred. The definition of a type of aphasia was possible due to a detailed evaluation of the lingual and mental capacities of the patient. The assessment of interactive capabilities demonstrated various difficulties that created an individualized character of speech pathology. Although the patient was able to respond to communication, initiate her own utterances, and execute intentions, her texts were uncommon. In most cases, patient texts did not correspond to the previous context. A constant pattern is visible in the analyzed conversations which can imply the presence of a loop.
Recenzja książki: Rafał Jakiel, Onomastykon jako element mimetycznych konstruktów Narnii i Śródziemia z perspektywy translatorycznej, Oficyna Wydawnicza ATUT, Wrocław-Dresden 2020, ss. 400
Authors: Kijak Agnieszka
Published: January 2022

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