bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late Diagnosis of Infants with PCD and Neonatal Respiratory Distress
Authors: Goutaki Myrofora , Halbeisen Florian S. , Barbato Angelo , Crowley Suzanne , Harris Amanda , Hirst Robert A. , Karadag Bülent , Martinu Vendula , Morgan Lucy , O’Callaghan Christopher , Ozçelik Ugur , Scigliano Sergio , Ucros Santiago , Yiallouros Panayiotis , Schulzke Sven M. , Kuehni Claudia E.
Published: September 2020

Neonatal respiratory distress (NRD) is common among infants with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), but we do not know whether affected neonates receive a timely diagnosis. We used data from the international PCD cohort and assessed the proportion of patients with PCD who had a history of NRD and their age at diagnosis, stratifying by presence of laterality defects. First we analyzed data from all participants diagnosed after 2000, followed by individuals from a subgroup diagnosed using stricter criteria. Among the 1375 patients in the study, 45% had a history of NRD and 42% had laterality defects. Out of the 476 children with definite PCD diagnosis, 55% had a history of NRD and 50% had laterality defects. Overall, 30% of children with PCD were diagnosed during the first 12 months of life. This varied from 13% in those with situs solitus and no NRD, to 21% in those with situs solitus and NRD, 33% in those with situs anomalies but no NRD, and 52% in those with both situs anomalies and NRD. Our results suggest that we need to improve our knowledge of the neonatal presentation of infants with PCD and apply it so that these patients will receive appropriate care sooner.
Rediscovering Majority Logic in the Post-CMOS Era: A Perspective from In-Memory Computing
Authors: Reuben John
Published: September 2020

As we approach the end of Moore’s law, many alternative devices are being explored to satisfy the performance requirements of modern integrated circuits. At the same time, the movement of data between processing and memory units in contemporary computing systems (‘von Neumann bottleneck’ or ‘memory wall’) necessitates a paradigm shift in the way data is processed. Emerging resistance switching memories (memristors) show promising signs to overcome the ‘memory wall’ by enabling computation in the memory array. Majority logic is a type of Boolean logic which has been found to be an efficient logic primitive due to its expressive power. In this review, the efficiency of majority logic is analyzed from the perspective of in-memory computing. Recently reported methods to implement majority gate in Resistive RAM array are reviewed and compared. Conventional CMOS implementation accommodated heterogeneity of logic gates (NAND, NOR, XOR) while in-memory implementation usually accommodates homogeneity of gates (only IMPLY or only NAND or only MAJORITY). In view of this, memristive logic families which can implement MAJORITY gate and NOT (to make it functionally complete) are to be favored for in-memory computing. One-bit full adders implemented in memory array using different logic primitives are compared and the efficiency of majority-based implementation is underscored. To investigate if the efficiency of majority-based implementation extends to n-bit adders, eight-bit adders implemented in memory array using different logic primitives are compared. Parallel-prefix adders implemented in majority logic can reduce latency of in-memory adders by 50–70% when compared to IMPLY, NAND, NOR and other similar logic primitives.
Effects of Urbanization on Farmland Size and Diversified Farm Activities in Japan: An Analysis Based on the Land Parcel Database
Authors: Yoshida Shingo
Published: September 2020

Peri-urban agriculture (PUA) has been widely regarded as a sub-field of multifunctional agriculture for improving the sustainability of urban environments. However, urban sprawl has both negative and positive effects on peri-urban farming, and the research on this issue in Japan is insufficient. This study aims to demonstrate the spatial distribution of farmland parcels in Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas and explore the synergistic effect of distance from cities and urban sprawl on the size of farmland parcels and farm-diversified activities such as direct marketing, farming experience, and environmentally friendly practices. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Poisson regression analyses were used with a nationwide agricultural land parcel Geographic Information System (GIS) database (Tokyo metropolitan area = 1,939,162 and Osaka metropolitan area = 1,507,072 parcels), in Japan, to specify the farmland locations and calculate the extent of urban sprawl. The results revealed that more than 50% of farmlands in the targeted areas were located within 4 km from the boundaries of densely inhabited districts (DIDs). Furthermore, with a decreasing distance from a DID, the urban sprawl had more positive effects on farmland parcel sizes and farm-diversified activities. These findings imply that PUA has a wider presence in Japan, and the peri-urban farmers may be capable of utilizing the multifunctional nature of intensively sprawled urban environments.
Within-Host Phenotypic Evolution and the Population-Level Control of Chronic Viral Infections by Treatment and Prophylaxis
Authors: Gromov Dmitry , Romero-Severson Ethan O.
Published: September 2020

Chronic viral infections can persist for decades spanning thousands of viral generations, leading to a highly diverse population of viruses with its own complex evolutionary history. We propose an expandable mathematical framework for understanding how the emergence of genetic and phenotypic diversity affects the population-level control of those infections by both non-curative treatment and chemo-prophylactic measures. Our frameworks allows both neutral and phenotypic evolution, and we consider the specific evolution of contagiousness, resistance to therapy, and efficacy of prophylaxis. We compute both the controlled and uncontrolled, population-level basic reproduction number accounting for the within-host evolutionary process where new phenotypes emerge and are lost in infected persons, which we also extend to include both treatment and prophylactic control efforts. We used these results to discuss the conditions under which the relative efficacy of prophylactic versus therapeutic methods of control are superior. Finally, we give expressions for the endemic equilibrium of these models for certain constrained versions of the within-host evolutionary model providing a potential method for estimating within-host evolutionary parameters from population-level genetic sequence data.
Which Alternative for Solving Dual Fuzzy Nonlinear Equations Is More Precise?
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Joanna , Piegat Andrzej , Sałabun Wojciech
Published: September 2020

To answer the question stated in the title, we present and compare two approaches: first, a standard approach for solving dual fuzzy nonlinear systems (DFN-systems) based on Newton’s method, which uses 2D FN representation and second, the new approach, based on multidimensional fuzzy arithmetic (MF-arithmetic). We use a numerical example to explain how the proposed MF-arithmetic solves the DFN-system. To analyze results from the standard and the new approaches, we introduce an imprecision measure. We discuss the reasons why imprecision varies between both methods. The imprecision of the standard approach results (roots) is significant, which means that many possible values are excluded.
A New Log-Logistic Lifetime Model with Mathematical Properties, Copula, Modified Goodness-of-Fit Test for Validation and Real Data Modeling
Authors: Mansour Mahmoud M. , Ibrahim Mohamed , Aidi Khaoula , Shafique Butt Nadeem , Ali Mir Masoom , Yousof Haitham M. , Hamed Mohamed S.
Published: September 2020

After defining a new log-logistic model and studying its properties, some new bivariate type versions using “Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern Copula”, “modified Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern Copula”, “Clayton Copula”, and “Renyi’s entropy Copula” are derived. Then, using the Bagdonavicius-Nikulin goodness-of-fit (BN-GOF) test for validation, we proposed a goodness-of-fit test for a new log-logistic model. The modified test is applied for the “right censored” real dataset of survival times. All elements of the modified test are explicitly derived and given. Three real data applications are presented for measuring the flexibility and the importance of the new model under the uncensored scheme. Two other real datasets are analyzed for censored validation.
Using Copula to Model Dependence When Testing Multiple Hypotheses in DNA Microarray Experiments: A Bayesian Approximation
Authors: Maria Elisa C. J. , Salazar Isabel , Sanz Luis , Gómez-Villegas Miguel A.
Published: September 2020

Many experiments require simultaneously testing many hypotheses. This is particularly relevant in the context of DNA microarray experiments, where it is common to analyze many genes to determine which of them are differentially expressed under two conditions. Another important problem in this context is how to model the dependence at the level of gene expression. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian procedure for simultaneously testing multiple hypotheses, modeling the dependence through copula functions, where all available information, both objective and subjective, can be used. The approach has the advantage that it can be used with different dependency structures. Simulated data analysis was performed to examine the performance of the proposed approach. The results show that our procedure captures the dependence appropriately classifying adequately a high percentage of true and false null hypotheses when choosing a prior distribution beta skewed to the right for the initial probability of each null hypothesis, resulting in a very powerful procedure. The procedure is also illustrated with real data.
Experimental Investigation of Wire-EDM Machining of Low Conductive Al-SiC-TiC Metal Matrix Composite
Authors: V.P. Goutham Murari , G. Selvakumar , C. Chandrasekhara Sastry
Published: September 2020

The application of metal matrix composites (Al-SiC-TiC) in aerospace and defense industries have surged in the areas of hull safety, aviation fins, and closure units. The close to ideal solution for generating powdered mixture availing ball milling, for processing of a metal matrix composite of size 24 × 24 × 5.95 cm3 and composition of 75% Al, 10% SiC, and 10% TiC weight composition is 10:1 ball weight ratio, ball size of 8 mm, rotation speed of 250 rpm, and milling time of 4 h. The powdered mixture is compressed to pellet, sintered for two hours, and further silver coated in a physical vapor deposition setup to surge its electrical conductivity for ease of material removal. To obtain a perfect fit and finish, wire electrical discharge machining cycle has been carried out to machine the component under deionized water and oil + wax + paraffin dielectric mediums in 8 A peak current, 0.45 µs pulse on time, and 45 pulse off time as close to ideal solution, obtained by the technique for the order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) analysis. A surge is ascertained in kerf width, material removal rate, and surface roughness in oil + wax + paraffin environment in correlation with deionized water by 0.99–12.78%, 0.18–33.97%, and 2.15–36.86% respectively. The surface morphological study indicates a 32.28%, 42.57%, and 45.73% surge in residual compressive stress, surface roughness and corrosion resistance in oil + wax + paraffin dielectric medium in correlation to deionized water.
Hyaluronic Acid as a Component of Natural Polymer Blends for Biomedical Applications: A Review
Authors: Sionkowska Alina , Gadomska Magdalena , Musiał Katarzyna , Piątek Jacek
Published: September 2020

In this review, we provide a report on recent studies in the field of research on the blends of hyaluronic acid with other natural polymers, namely collagen and chitosan. Hyaluronic acid has attracted significant interest in biomedical and cosmetic applications due to its interesting properties. In recent years, blends of hyaluronic acid with other polymers have been studied for new materials development. New materials may show improved properties that are important in the biomedical applications and in cosmetic preparations. In this review paper, the structure, preparation, and properties of hyaluronic acid blends with collagen and chitosan have been discussed and examples of new materials based on such blends have been presented. A comparison of the currently available information in the field has been shown. Future aspects in the field of hyaluronic acid blends and their applications in the biomedical and cosmetic industry have also been mentioned.
Zinc Amido-Oxazolinate Catalyzed Ring Opening Copolymerization and Terpolymerization of Maleic Anhydride and Epoxides
Authors: Shaik Muneer , Chidara Vamshi K. , Abbina Srinivas , Du Guodong
Published: September 2020

Ring opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides has become an attractive approach for the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters with various compositions. Encouraged by the efficiency and versatility of a series of amido-oxazolinate zinc complexes, in this study they were shown to be active catalysts for the synthesis of unsaturated polyesters via ROCOP of maleic anhydride and various epoxides. The relative activity of epoxides in these reactions was observed to be styrene oxide > cyclohexene oxide > phenyl glycidyl ether, which could be correlated with the electronic and steric features of the substrate. To provide more structural possibilities for the polyesters, the difference in epoxide reactivity was exploited in an attempt to prepare block terpolymers from one anhydride and two epoxides. Terpolymerization was carried out in one or two steps in a single pot. The thermal characterization by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques suggested that the resulting materials were mostly random terpolymers.
The Potential of Algal Biotechnology to Produce Antiviral Compounds and Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Rosales-Mendoza Sergio , García-Silva Ileana , González-Ortega Omar , Sandoval-Vargas José M. , Malla Ashwini , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok
Published: September 2020

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an unprecedented pandemic, which demands urgent development of antiviral drugs and antibodies; as well as prophylactic approaches, namely vaccines. Algae biotechnology has much to offer in this scenario given the diversity of such organisms, which are a valuable source of antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that can also be used to produce vaccines and antibodies. Antivirals with possible activity against SARS-CoV-2 are summarized, based on previously reported activity against Coronaviruses or other enveloped or respiratory viruses. Moreover, the potential of algae-derived anti-inflammatory compounds to treat severe cases of COVID-19 is contemplated. The scenario of producing biopharmaceuticals in recombinant algae is presented and the cases of algae-made vaccines targeting viral diseases is highlighted as valuable references for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Successful cases in the production of functional antibodies are described. Perspectives on how specific algae species and genetic engineering techniques can be applied for the production of anti-viral compounds antibodies and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are provided.
NBO/NRT Two-State Theory of Bond-Shift Spectral Excitation
Authors: Jiao Yinchun , Weinhold Frank
Published: September 2020

We show that natural bond orbital (NBO) and natural resonance theory (NRT) analysis methods provide both optimized Lewis-structural bonding descriptors for ground-state electronic properties as well as suitable building blocks for idealized “diabatic” two-state models of the associated spectroscopic excitations. Specifically, in the framework of single-determinant Hartree-Fock or density functional methods for a resonance-stabilized molecule or supramolecular complex, we employ NBO/NRT descriptors of the ground-state determinant to develop a qualitative picture of the associated charge-transfer excitation that dominates the valence region of the electronic spectrum. We illustrate the procedure for the elementary bond shifts of SN2-type halide exchange reaction as well as the more complex bond shifts in a series of conjugated cyanine dyes. In each case, we show how NBO-based descriptors of resonance-type 3-center, 4-electron (3c/4e) interactions provide simple estimates of spectroscopic excitation energy, bond orders, and other vibronic details of the excited-state PES that anticipate important features of the full multi-configuration description. The deep 3c/4e connections to measurable spectral properties also provide evidence for NBO-based estimates of ground-state donor-acceptor stabilization energies (sometimes criticized as “too large” compared to alternative analysis methods) that are also found to be of proper magnitude to provide useful estimates of excitation energies and structure-dependent spectral shifts.
Functionalization of Magnetic Nanoparticles by Folate as Potential MRI Contrast Agent for Breast Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Heydari Sheikh Hossein Hamid , Jabbari Iraj , Zarepour Atefeh , Zarrabi Ali , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Taherian Afrooz , Makvandi Pooyan
Published: September 2020

In recent years, the intrinsic magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have made them one of the most promising candidates for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aims to evaluate the effect of different coating agents (with and without targeting agents) on the magnetic property of MNPs. In detail, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were prepared by the polyol method. The nanoparticles were then divided into two groups, one of which was coated with silica (SiO2) and hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) (SPION@SiO2@HPG); the other was covered by HPG alone (SPION@HPG). In the following section, folic acid (FA), as a targeting agent, was attached on the surface of nanoparticles. Physicochemical properties of nanostructures were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). TEM results showed that SPION@HPG was monodispersed with the average size of about 20 nm, while SPION@SiO2@HPG had a size of about 25 nm. Moreover, HPG coated nanoparticles had much lower magnetic saturation than the silica coated ones. The MR signal intensity of the nanostructures showed a relation between increasing the nanoparticle concentrations inside the MCF-7 cells and decreasing the signal related to the T2 relaxation time. The comparison of coating showed that SPION@SiO2@HPG (with/without a targeting agent) had significantly higher r2 value in comparison to Fe3O4@HPG. Based on the results of this study, the Fe3O4@SiO2@HPG-FA nanoparticles have shown the best magnetic properties, and can be considered promising contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging applications.
Bacterial Microbiota Isolated from Cysts of Globodera rostochiensis (Nematoda: Heteroderidae)
Authors: Oro Violeta , Knezevic Magdalena , Dinic Zoran , Delic Dusica
Published: September 2020

The potato cyst nematode (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis is a plant parasite of potato classified into a group of quarantine organisms causing high economic losses worldwide. Due to the long persistence of the parasite in soil, cysts harbor numerous bacteria whose presence can lead to cyst death and population decline. The cysts of G. rostochiensis found in two potato fields were used as a source of bacteria. The universal procedure was applied to extract DNA from bacteria which was then sequenced with 16S primers. The aims of the study were to identify bacterial microbiota associated with the PCN populations and to infer their phylogenetic relationships based on the maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogeny of the 16S sequences. In addition, the impact of the most significant climate and edaphic factors on bacterial diversity were evaluated. Regarding the higher taxonomy, our results indicate that the prevalent bacterial classes were Bacilli, Actinobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. Phylogenetic analyses clustered Brevibacterium frigoritolerans within the family Bacillaceae, confirming its recent reclassification. Long-term climate factors, such as air temperature, insolation hours, humidity and precipitation, as well as the content of soil organic matter, affected the bacterial diversity. The ability of cyst nematodes to persist in soil for a long time qualifies them as a significant natural source to explore the soil bacterial microbiota.
Leaf Soluble Sugars and Free Amino Acids as Important Components of Abscisic Acid—Mediated Drought Response in Tomato
Authors: Živanović Bojana , Milić Komić Sonja , Tosti Tomislav , Vidović Marija , Prokić Ljiljana , Veljović Jovanović Sonja
Published: September 2020

Water deficit has a global impact on plant growth and crop yield. Climate changes are going to increase the intensity, duration and frequency of severe droughts, particularly in southern and south-eastern Europe, elevating the water scarcity issues. We aimed to assess the contribution of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) in the protective mechanisms against water deficit, including stomatal conductance, relative water potential and the accumulation of osmoprotectants, as well as on growth parameters. To achieve that, we used a suitable model system, ABA-deficient tomato mutant, flacca and its parental line. Flacca mutant exhibited constitutively higher levels of soluble sugars (e.g., galactose, arabinose, sorbitol) and free amino acids (AAs) compared with the wild type (WT). Water deficit provoked the strong accumulation of proline in both genotypes, and total soluble sugars only in flacca. Upon re-watering, these osmolytes returned to the initial levels in both genotypes. Our results indicate that flacca compensated higher stomatal conductance with a higher constitutive level of free sugars and AAs. Additionally, we suggest that the accumulation of AAs, particularly proline and its precursors and specific branched-chain AAs in both, glucose and sucrose in flacca, and sorbitol in WT, could contribute to maintaining growth rate during water deficit and recovery in both tomato genotypes.
Improvement of Postharvest Quality of Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Using Polysaccharide-Based Edible Coatings
Authors: Panahirad Sima , Naghshiband-Hassani Rahim , Bergin Sara , Katam Ramesh , Mahna Nasser
Published: September 2020

Polysaccharide-based edible coatings are served as an attractive preservation method for postharvest maintenance of most fruits. The current study examined the effect of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)- and pectin (Pec)-based edible coatings on titratable acidity (TA), firmness; vitamin C (vit C); total soluble solids (TSS); pH; total phenolics; anthocyanin and flavonoid contents; total antioxidant capacity (based on 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl hydrate (DPPH)); the activities of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and polygalacturonase (PG) enzymes; and weight loss during cold storage. The results showed that each coating and their combinations caused positive effects in all measured parameters except weight loss. The applied coatings preserved firmness and improved total phenols, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity and POD activity. In addition, TSS decreased and pH values remained more or less stable with the coating application. The coatings delayed TA and vitamin C loss, and decreased enzymatic activities such as PPO and PG. It could be stated that CMC at 1% and Pec at 1.5% separately demonstrated the best results for most of the measured parameters; and 0.5% Pec + 1.5% CMC could be considered as the best combination. In conclusion, application of CMC, Pec, or their combinations would be considered as an interesting approach to improve postharvest quality characteristics of plum fruit.
Response of Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) to Climate Change: Transcriptome Assembly, Differential Gene Analysis and Targeted Metabolomics
Authors: Mevy Jean-Philippe , Loriod Beatrice , Liu Xi , Corre Erwan , Torres Magali , Büttner Michael , Haguenauer Anne , Reiter Ilja Marco , Fernandez Catherine , Gauquelin Thierry
Published: September 2020

Global change scenarios in the Mediterranean basin predict a precipitation reduction within the coming hundred years. Therefore, increased drought will affect forests both in terms of adaptive ecology and ecosystemic services. However, how vegetation might adapt to drought is poorly understood. In this report, four years of climate change was simulated by excluding 35% of precipitation above a downy oak forest. RNASeq data allowed us to assemble a genome-guided transcriptome. This led to the identification of differentially expressed features, which was supported by the characterization of target metabolites using a metabolomics approach. We provided 2.5 Tb of RNASeq data and the assembly of the first genome guided transcriptome of Quercus pubescens. Up to 5724 differentially expressed transcripts were obtained; 42 involved in plant response to drought. Transcript set enrichment analysis showed that drought induces an increase in oxidative pressure that is mitigated by the upregulation of ubiquitin-like protein protease, ferrochelatase, oxaloacetate decarboxylase and oxo-acid-lyase activities. Furthermore, the downregulation of auxin biosynthesis and transport, carbohydrate storage metabolism were observed as well as the concomitant accumulation of metabolites, such as oxalic acid, malate and isocitrate. Our data suggest that early metabolic changes in the resistance of Q. pubescens to drought involve a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle shunt through the glyoxylate pathway, galactose metabolism by reducing carbohydrate storage and increased proteolytic activity.
Non-Antagonistic Contradictoriness of the Progress of Advanced Digitized Production with SARS-CoV-2 Virus Transmission in the Area of Dental Engineering
Authors: Dobrzański Leszek , Dobrzański Lech , Dobrzańska-Danikiewicz Anna , Dobrzańska Joanna , Rudziarczyk Karolina , Achtelik-Franczak Anna
Published: September 2020

The general goals of advanced digitized production in the Industry 4.0 stage of the industrial revolution were presented along with the extended holistic model of Industry 4.0, introduced by the authors, indicating the importance of material design and the selection of appropriate manufacturing technology. The effect of the global lockdown caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission pandemic was a drastic decrease in production, resulting in a significant decrease in the gross domestic product GDP in all countries, and gigantic problems in health care, including dentistry. Dentists belong to the highest risk group because the doctor works in the patient’s respiratory tract. This paper presents a breakthrough authors solution, implemented by the active SPEC strategy, and aims to eliminate clinical aerosol at the source by negative pressure aspirating bioaerosol at the patient’s mouth line. The comparative benchmarking analysis and its results show that only the proprietary solution with a set of devices eliminates the threat at the source, while the remaining known methods do not meet the expectations. The details of this solution are described. Photopolymer materials and additive Digital Light Printing (DLP) technology were used.
Social and Political Attitudes of Moscow Students on the Background of the All-Russia and Regional Youth Studies
Authors: Litvinova Tatiana , Vershinina Olga , Moskvitin Gennady
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the article is to study the socio-political attitudes of Moscow students, which determine their life strategies in the public sphere. An empirical basis for the study was the sociological survey of students of three universities in Moscow (n = 768). The questionnaire was partially based on Milton Rokeach’s terminal personal values indicators and the methodology of studying political culture of Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba, adapted to a Russian context. The survey data operationalization let us represent a structural model of socio-political attitudes of Moscow students, which consists of indicators of four levels: value, emotional, cognitive, and strategic. The results showed that students in Moscow share the values and patriotic feelings of the elder generations. The influence of gender and age factors was most pronounced on the level of personal values. Despite of the field of their study, students in Moscow can be described as quite energetic and optimistic young citizens, equally family and career oriented with not a high interest in politics and weak political activity. Authors discussed their main findings with the results of previously obtained all-Russian and regional youth studies.
Bacteriophage-Based Vaccines: A Potent Approach for Antigen Delivery
Authors: González-Mora Alejandro , Hernández-Pérez Jesús , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Rito-Palomares Marco , Benavides Jorge
Published: September 2020

Vaccines are considered one of the most important bioproducts in medicine. Since the development of the smallpox vaccine in 1796, several types of vaccines for many diseases have been created. However, some vaccines have shown limitations as high cost and low immune responses. In that regard, bacteriophages have been proposed as an attractive alternative for the development of more cost-effective vaccines. Phage-displayed vaccines consists in the expression of antigens on the phage surface. This approach takes advantage of inherent properties of these particles such as their adjuvant capacity, economic production and high stability, among others. To date, three types of phage-based vaccines have been developed: phage-displayed, phage DNA and hybrid phage-DNA vaccines. Typically, phage display technology has been used for the identification of new and protective epitopes, mimotopes and antigens. In this context, phage particles represent a versatile, effective and promising alternative for the development of more effective vaccine delivery systems which should be highly exploited in the future. This review describes current advances in the development of bacteriophage-based vaccines, with special attention to vaccine delivery strategies. Moreover, the immunological aspects of phage-based vaccines, as well as the applications of phage display for vaccine development, are explored. Finally, important challenges and the future of phage-bases vaccines are discussed.
A Correlational Model of Rape Myth Acceptance and Psychosocial Factors Among Medical School Students
Authors: Baltieri Danilo Antonio , Alcocer Fatima Elisa D’Ippolito , Abreu Luiz Carlos de
Published: September 2020

A substantial body of medical literature suggests that different types of persons blame rape victim for the fate. Although rape myth acceptance can be a product of personal psychosocial factors, it is also a response to messages from social, family, media, and groups that propagate the legitimacy of such myths. We aimed to evaluate whether personal variables such as depression, drug use, being non-heteronormative, and inconsistent condom use could act as supportive factors for rape myth acceptance. This cross-sectional study used questions and validated instruments assessing sociodemographic characteristics, depression, drug use, and rape myth acceptance to perform a correlational model. A total of 269 medical students aged 18 and above, from the first through the sixth year at a medical school, were randomly selected and recruited for the study. Being male and using drugs significantly supported myth rape acceptance; in contrast, higher depression levels, beingnon-heteronormative, and a history of being sexually abused in childhood did not support these rape myths. What holds promise for the future, however, is that although we still live in a patriarchal society, university students can be encouraged to question their personal and sexual roles, and recreate our culture.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS SPARKOL VIDEOSCRIBE YANG DIINTEGRASIKAN DENGAN WONDERSHARE FILMORA PADA MATA PELAJARAN GEOGRAFI MATERI MITIGASI BENCANA ALAM
Authors: Bouato Yunita , Lihawa Fitryane , Rusiyah Rusiyah
Published: September 2020

Development of Learning Media based on Sparkol VideoScribe Integrated with Wondershare Filmora on Geography Subject with Material of Natural Disaster Mitigation. This research aims to know the development of learning media based on Sparkol VideoScribe integrated with Wondershare Filmora on geography subject with material of natural disaster mitigation. This research applies Research and Development (R and D) method  developed by Borg and Gall and adapted to the needs of the researcher. Data collection was conducted using observation, interview, questionnaire, and documentation in which the instrument used in the form of assessment criteria to know the feasibility of the media from the material expert, media expert, and geography teachers as well as students' responses on the learning media by using questionnaires. The collected data is research finding regarding the quality of learning media and suggestions for product revisions. The results of the validation of the material expert, media expert and the geography teacher obtained an average rating of 94.90% which is classified into "extremely valid " category. While the students’ responses based on the  results of a limited scale trial obtained a value of 89,88%, which is classified into the “extremely good” category. Then the students’ responses based on the results of the general scale trial obtained a value of 84,59%, which is classified into the “extremely good” category. Thus, it can be concluded that learning media based on Sparkol VideoScribe integrated with Wondershare Filmora on geography subject with the material of natural disaster mitigation can be used as learning media in school and obtained good responses by students.
Inconsistencies identified during the confirmation process competence (accreditation) of testing laboratories
Authors: Boltrina A.
Published: September 2020

The analysis of inconsistencies identified in the process of confirming the competence of testing laboratories and compliance of their activities with the accreditation criteria and requirements of GOST ISO/IEC 17025-2009 is presented.

To develop systematic proposals to ensure confidence in the results of tests performed by testing laboratories accredited in the national system, to improve their performance in order to recognize the results of their tests at the international level, it is necessary to classify nonconformities by the degree of their impact on the results of laboratory tests, to identify the facts of non-compliance with the established requirements for laboratory activities and possible causes of their occurrence
“COLLECTION OF COMPULSORY RESOLUTIONS ISSUED BY CITIES AND ZEMSTVOS OF THE NOVGOROD PROVINCE” AS A SOURCE ON THE HISTORY OF NORMING THE INTERACTION OF TOWNS INHABITANTS WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Agafonova A. B.
Published: September 2020

The problems of sanitary condition of the urban environment became the object of the policy of the city public administration as a result of the city reform of Alexander II. The city reform 1870 gave the rights to the City Dumas to publish the Compulsory Resolutions on issues of urban improvement and public health. These Resolutions were based on existing laws, but their content depended on the decisions of specific City Dumas. The existing Compulsory Resolutions could be supplemented with new ones over time and could be rewritten. In this context, of particular interest are the first attempts by local self-government bodies to legally regulate sanitary problems of the urban environment. The article is devoted to the analysis of the historical source “Collection of Compulsory Resolutions issued by cities and zemstvos of the Novgorod province” in terms of the information presented in it on the regulation of interaction between citizens and the components of the natural environment in the cities in the last third of XIX century. This historical source is valuable for researchers of urban environmental history, because it allows to identify the degree of urgency of local problems associated with urban pollution and disease for local self-government.
Influence of fly ashes with different glassy phase structure on properties of cement pastes and mortars
Authors: Tkaczewska Ewelina
Published: September 2020

Work analyzes relationship between fly ash pozzolanic activity and structure of its glass component. Model silica fly ashes are prepared by mixing synthetic glass, synthetic mullite and SiO2. Chemical composition of glasses was based on value of parameter ASI, defined as ratio of Al2O3/(Na2O+K2O+2CaO). Glass structure was built main by tetrahedra SiO4. In glass of parameter ASI<1, Al ions occur only in tetrahera AlO4, but in glass of parameter ASI>1, additionally in octahedra AlO6. It was found that glass containing in its structure Al ion in coordination 4 and 6 shows greater reactivity – more active Al2O3, higher pozzolanic indexes and positive effect on lime mortar strength. Cement with addition of ash containing glass of higher value of ASI has higher hydration heat and higher compressive strength. Using 20wt% of ashes it is possible to obtain cement CEM II/A-V, class 32.5R (Al ion in AlO4) or class 42.5N (Al ion in AlO4 and AlO6)
The innovative solutions in new building for education architects in Lublin
Authors: Wrana Jan , Fitta Agnieszka
Published: September 2020

The article provides a few new and innovative system solutions a realized extension of the DB&A of Lublin University of Technology called Eastern Innovation Centre of Architecture. The object is “an integrating zone of practical education.” The form of the spatial sculpture of object was achieved via significant overhanging of the assembly hall accommodating 200, supported by the slanted wall, coming from the line of the facade and three cubic elements firmly in the construction of the building. The interior patio emphasizes “the unity of the aims of open education” and also provides additional light for the exhibition space. The mobility of the interior divisions allows “flexible shaping of functional divisions”. The external shutters being electronically controlled, in particular sections on the facade allow for “interactive participation” of the users in the aesthetic creation of the facade. In case of strong winds the external shutters are shut automatically.
Effect of glazing type on the energy demand in a living space
Authors: Grudzińska Magdalena
Published: September 2020

The paper presents analyses of heating and cooling demand in a typical living space, depending on the use of various spectrally selective glazing. The calculations were performed with the use of dynamic simulation program, changing the window orientation towards cardinal directions and assuming building compartments with different thermal storage capacity. The results enabled choosing the best glazing combination, which gives the minimal energy demand during the whole year.
Modeling of microclimate elements in the environment of historic buildings
Authors: Heim Dariusz , Klemm Katarzyna
Published: September 2020

W pracy omówiono elementy mikroklimatu lokalnego mającego bezpośredni wpływ na oddziaływanie środowiska zewnętrznego na obiekty budowlane o bogatych walorach historycznych i architektonicznych. Problem opisano w skali globalnej kompleksu urbanistycznego budynków zabytkowych oraz lokalnej elementów zdobniczych przegród zewnętrznych. Skoncentrowano się na zagadnieniach przepływu powietrza w otoczeniu budynków i detali oraz oddziaływania promieniowania słonecznego na elewacje. Poszczególne zagadnienia omówiono na przykładach. Dla lepszego zilustrowania zagadnienia przedstawiono przykład kompleksu budynków historycznych poddanych rewitalizacji.
The desalination of historical painted surface
Authors: Kubik Jan , Kucharczyk Andrzej
Published: September 2020

In the paper the preliminary laboratory tests of desalination with the use of lignin poultices were made, often utilized in the maintenance of monumental buildings. In addition, the method of determining of the desalination efficiency was also proposed.
Indoor air quality in multifamily buildings
Authors: Telejko Marek , Zender – Świercz Ewa , Piotrowski Jerzy
Published: September 2020

The applicable legislation connected with the natural ventilation are ambiguous and sometimes contradictory. This leads to serious problems with natural ventilation. In most cases malfunction of the natural ventilation is due to the insufficient stream of air from the outside. The research showed that the microclimate is influenced not only by the incoming air stream, but also by the layout of the air supply.
Choosing approximation function for the model of settlement load curve, in static load test for precast concrete piles
Authors: Meyer Zygmunt , Szmechel Grzegorz
Published: September 2020

The main aim of the work is to define better correlation between parameters of Meyer- Kowalów equation [7,8] with the use of mathematical experiments and statistical tests. So far the research has shown that correlation between particular factors are different than common assumed. It was necessary to check non linear correlations between C-constant and k.  A certain constant and starting data were assumed in the theoretical model applied to the paper.  As a result of the mathematical experiments, the best fit proposal of estimation C and equation representingk=k(Ngr)was formulated.
Historical crane on the redesigned original trestle bridge as a memorial of Gdansk Shipyard
Authors: Chróścielewski Jacek , Miśkiewicz Mikołaj , Pyrzowski Łukasz
Published: September 2020

The paper includes selected aspects of the study, whose goal is to hold the historical crane 642-24 in its current location after the modification of trestle bridge static scheme. The scope of the paper includes the assessment of current technical condition of the object, a presentation of FEM analyses, a description of the assumed load cases, results of the static calculations, checking the effort of construction elements, global and local structure stability and its dynamic characteristics.
Influence of executive imperfections of railway steel bridges construction on operational capacity and fatigue capacity
Authors: Wysokowski Adam
Published: September 2020

In recent years, in our country are modernized and rebuilt several sections of railway lines, mainly main lines. The greater part is adapted to increased speeds. However, such an adaptation involve the reconstruction or construction of new bridges including steel ones. The paper concerns the executive imperfections of constructions of steel bridges which in recent years have been built in the modernized main railway lines. These imperfections consist of, among others, the geometric imperfections from the assumed construction project. This also applies to defects in welds of various types that occur in critical elements of bridge structure. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the influence of imperfections on the load carrying capacity and fatigue of these structures. Author showed that the observed imperfections have a significant impact on the fatigue life - especially for weld defects, in the case of load carrying capacity their importance is much smaller. These analyses are performed by using the theoretical methods developed in previous reports. In the analysis new standards for the design of steel structures from Eurocodes group were used.
Resistance of railway vehicles to roll-over in strong across winds
Authors: Flaga Andrzej
Published: September 2020

In the paper, the problem of resistance of railway vehicles to roll-over in gales was presented and analysed. Basic formulae describing this problem together with the authorial methodology of determination of the intrinsic roll-over wind velocity for a vehicle were derived and analysed.
The Analysis of wind action on building and scaffolding system
Authors: Jamińska Paulina
Published: September 2020

In the present study an attempt to evaluate the effect of wind action on the building - scaffolding system was made. Analysis was based on the CFD simulations using ANSYS FLUENT and RNG k-ε turbulence model. Calculations were performed for 2D case of building of rectangular cross-section. Turbulent wind flow was modelled around the building and the building with a scaffolding set along longer wall. Four different angles of wind attack: 0 °, 45 °, 90 ° and 135 ° were taken into account. The results are shown in the form of pressure distribution on the walls of model and the velocity distribution in the computational domain, and later compared to the standard recommendations for scaffoldings. The analysis indicated that the actual flow around a building with scaffolding is much more complicated than the flow shown in standards. It can even lead to scaffold collapse due to the wind induced torque forces.
Wind effects on tall buildings according to own measurements and code approach
Authors: Lipecki Tomasz
Published: September 2020

The paper presents the analysis of the wind action on tall buildings carried out in accordance with the recommendations of Eurocode 1, and with the results of own research conducted in the wind tunnel of the Wind Engineering Laboratory, Cracow University of Technology. Ten buildings of the same proportions were analyzed, five structures with the ratio of the cross-section dimensions of 1:2 and five of 1:4. The wind action on the longer side (N1) and on the shorter side (N2) were adopted in all cases of buildings. The total forces of wind pressure as well as displacements of top and bending moments at the base of the buildings were taken as the results which allowed to compare two different approaches.
Dynamic characteristics measurements as a part of design assisted by testing in estimation of the steel latticed towers wind loading according to Eurocode
Authors: Skwarek Marcin , Hulimka Jacek
Published: September 2020

Previous authors’ publications, related to the analysis of steel lattice towers, describe some problems connected with it, especially ones referring to the calculations made according to the past Polish Standards. This paper presents the possibilities of measuring the dynamic characteristics of towers, as one of experimental methods allowed in Eurocode, practicable in verification of load capacity of existing structures.
Scheduling of building projects taking into account the time buffers determined on the basis of risk analysis
Authors: Połoński Mieczysław
Published: September 2020

The methodology of development of building project schedules, proposed in the article, is based on an attempt to combine two independent approaches in order to increase the probability of fulfillment of time limits planned in the CPM schedules during the performance of construction works. The analysis of the risk associated with the planned building project will allow for the determination of those tasks which are most threatened by the exceeding of the planned duration time. The application of time buffers, their proper location in the schedule and the determination of their duration, taking into account the expected risk of delays, allow to develop the schedules that contain the appropriate time reserves to compensating for the possible delays. Such a schedule may serve not only as a reliable basis for the determination of the expected deadline for completion of construction works, but also for the management of these works during performance. Selected components of MOCRA and MP-KP methods were proposed in the article.