bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modal Parameter Identification and Comfort Assessment of GFRP Lightweight Footbridges in Relation to Human–Structure Interaction
Authors: Uyttersprot Jordi , De Corte Wouter , Van Paepegem Wim
Published: August 2023

With the emergence of slimmer footbridges and the introduction of lighter materials, the challenge of vibrational comfort assessment becomes more and more relevant. Previous studies have shown that each pedestrian will act both as an inducer and a damper, referred to as human–structure interaction. However, this interaction is currently not implemented in design guidelines, which leads to a poor comfort estimation for small lightweight footbridges. Derived from smartphone-based vibration measurements, this paper provides an overview of the modal parameters at various pedestrian densities and a comfort assessment of a selection of simply supported GFRP and steel lightweight footbridges in Flanders. The results indicate that the initial structural damping ratios for GFRP bridges exceed the values set in design guidelines and that they increase with an increasing pedestrian density. Further, it is shown that the measured accelerations do not relate proportionally to the pedestrian density. From both results the relevance of human–structure interaction is confirmed. Finally, while the first natural frequency is analytically predicted accurately, the vertical accelerations are substantially overestimated. Here, a better estimation can be made based on the experimentally measured damping ratios. The results contribute to a better understanding of human–structure interaction and the vibration assessment of lightweight footbridges. Practical applications include optimizing footbridge design, focussing on better performance and improving safety and user experience.
Application of an Improved Ridgelet Process Neural Network for Predicting the Temperature Rise of Rotor Structure Optimization
Authors: Guo Wu , Guo Jian , Miao Fengjuan
Published: August 2023

To solve the negative-sequence temperature-rise problem of large equipment under asymmetric operating conditions, this paper optimizes the structure of the main components and adopts an improved process neural network to conduct online analysis and calculate the operating data, achieving the accurate prediction of the equipment heating status. Firstly, taking a 300 MW generator that urgently needs equipment improvement as the research object, the typical asymmetric accident characteristics that have occurred in recent years and the main influencing factors of negative-sequence heating of the rotor are analyzed. The influence of the rotor damping structure and shaft length on the temperature-rise change is explored. Secondly, a tent map is introduced to enhance the distribution uniformity of the population in the search space to enhance the global convergence of niche genetic algorithms. Numerical experiments and field experiments show that the improved algorithm, which is applied to optimize the parameters of the ridgelet process neural network, has good temperature-rise prediction performance. Finally, the influence of the rotor length and number of pole damping bars on the negative-sequence heating problem under different negative-sequence component ratios is examined, which provides useful references for the structural optimization and asymmetric operation state prediction of large equipment.
Sliding Mode Control for Sensorless Speed Tracking of PMSM with Whale Optimization Algorithm and Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Choi Ahyeong , Ahn Hyeongki , Chung Yoonuh , You Kwanho
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a sensorless speed control strategy for a permanent magnet synchronous motor system. Sliding mode control with a whale optimization algorithm was developed for robustness and chattering reduction. To estimate the position and speed of the rotor, an extended Kalman filter using Gaussian process regression was designed. In this controller, the whale optimization method adjusts the switching gain to minimize the tracking error. However, it provides chattering reduction and robustness, owing to the adaptive gain. The extended Kalman estimator calculates the rotor speed by using the current and voltage of the motor as an observer. The observer ensures the high reliability and low cost of the controller. The noise covariance and weight matrices that validated the performance of the estimation were optimized using a regression algorithm. The Gaussian process regression was trained to approximate the best covariance and matrices from the results of the motor controller execution. The performance of the proposed method was demonstrated through simulations under several conditions of tracking speed and load torque changes.
Remarks on the Coefficients of Inverse Cyclotomic Polynomials
Authors: Andrica Dorin , Bagdasar Ovidiu
Published: August 2023

Cyclotomic polynomials play an imporant role in discrete mathematics. Recently, inverse cyclotomic polynomials have been defined and investigated. In this paper, we present some recent advances related to the coefficients of inverse cyclotomic polynomials, including a practical recursive formula for their calculation and numerical simulations.
Purification and Molecular Docking Study on the Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitory Peptide Isolated from Hydrolysates of the Deep-Sea Mussel Gigantidas vrijenhoeki
Authors: Heo Seong-Yeong , Kang Nalae , Kim Eun-A , Kim Junseong , Lee Seung-Hong , Ahn Ginnae , Oh Je Hyeok , Shin A Young , Kim Dongsung , Heo Soo-Jin
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to prepare an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptide from the hydrothermal vent mussel, Gigantidas vrijenhoeki. The G. vrijenhoeki protein was hydrolyzed by various hydrolytic enzymes. The peptic hydrolysate exhibited the highest ACE-inhibitory activity and was fractionated into four molecular weight ranges by ultrafiltration. The <1 kDa fraction exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity and was found to have 11 peptide sequences. Among the analyzed peptides, KLLWNGKM exhibited stronger ACE inhibitory activity and an IC50 value of 0.007 μM. To investigate the ACE-inhibitory activity of the analyzed peptides, a molecular docking study was performed. KLLWNGKM exhibited the highest binding energy (−1317.01 kcal/mol), which was mainly attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds with the ACE active pockets, zinc-binding motif, and zinc ion. These results indicate that G. vrijenhoeki-derived peptides can serve as nutritional and pharmacological candidates for controlling blood pressure.
The Silent Threat: Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens in Food-Producing Animals and Their Impact on Public Health
Authors: Almansour Ayidh M. , Alhadlaq Meshari A. , Alzahrani Khaloud O. , Mukhtar Lenah E. , Alharbi Abdulmohsen L. , Alajel Sulaiman M.
Published: August 2023

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem without geographic boundaries. This increases the risk of complications and, thus, makes it harder to treat infections, which can result in higher healthcare costs and a greater number of deaths. Antimicrobials are often used to treat infections from pathogens in food-producing animals, making them a potential source of AMR. Overuse and misuse of these drugs in animal agriculture can lead to the development of AMR bacteria, which can then be transmitted to humans through contaminated food or direct contact. It is therefore essential to take multifaceted, comprehensive, and integrated measures, following the One Health approach. To address this issue, many countries have implemented regulations to limit antimicrobial use. To our knowledge, there are previous studies based on AMR in food-producing animals; however, this paper adds novelty related to the AMR pathogens in livestock, as we include the recent publications of this field worldwide. In this work, we aim to describe the most critical and high-risk AMR pathogens among food-producing animals, as a worldwide health problem. We also focus on the dissemination of AMR genes in livestock, as well as its consequences in animals and humans, and future strategies to tackle this threat.
TOR Signaling Tightly Regulated Vegetative Growth, Conidiation, Oxidative Stress Tolerance and Entomopathogenicity in the Fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: So Lai-Hong , Jirakkakul Jiraporn , Salaipeth Lakha , Toopaang Wachiraporn , Amnuaykanjanasin Alongkorn
Published: August 2023

Beauveria bassiana degenerates after repeated subcultures, demonstrating declined conidiation and insect virulence. The target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase conserved among eukaryotes is the master regulator of cellular physiology and is likely involved in culture degeneration. Indeed, the levels of TOR-associated proteins increase over successive subcultures. Here, CRISPR/Cas9 locus engineering introduced the inducible Tet-On promoter upstream of the TOR kinase 2 gene tor2 in B. bassiana. The mutant PTet-On tor2 ‘T41’ was verified for the Tet-On integration via PCR analyses and provided a model for evaluating the fungal phenotypes according to the tor2 expression levels, induced by doxycycline (Dox) concentrations. At 0 µg·mL−1 of Dox, T41 had 68% of the wild type’s (WT) tor2 expression level, hampered radial growth and relatively lower levels of oxidative stress tolerance, conidiation and virulence against Spodoptera exigua, compared to those under the presence of Dox. A low dose of Dox at 0.1–1 µg·mL−1 induced tor2 upregulation in T41 by up to 91% compared to 0 µg·mL−1 of Dox, resulting in significant increases in radial growth by 8–10% and conidiation by 8–27%. At 20 µg·mL−1 of Dox, which is 132% higher than T41’s tor2 expression level at 0 µg·mL−1 of Dox, T41 showed an increased oxidative stress tolerance and a decrease in growth inhibition under iron replete by 62%, but its conidiation significantly dropped by 47% compared to 0 µg·mL−1 of Dox. T41 at 20 µg·mL−1 of Dox had a strikingly increased virulence (1.2 day lower LT50) against S. exigua. The results reflect the crucial roles of TOR kinase in the vegetative growth, conidiation, pathogenicity and oxidative stress tolerance in B. bassiana. Since TOR upregulation is correlated with culture degeneration in multiple subcultures, our data suggest that TOR signaling at relatively low levels plays an important role in growth and development, but at moderate to high levels could contribute to some degenerated phenotypes, e.g., those found in successive subcultures.
A Review of Dimension Stone Extraction Methods
Authors: Samarakoon Karandagoda Gamage Anjana Udara , Chaminda Samarasuriya Patabendige , Jayawardena Chulantha Lakmal , Dassanayake Anjula Buddhika Nayomi , Kondage Yasanga Suduweli , Kannangara Kannangara Appuhamilage Tharindu Theekshana
Published: August 2023

This review paper examines extraction methods in the dimension stone industry. Traditional techniques, like thermal shock, hammer and chisel, and plug and feather, were used historically. However, advancements in technology have led to the adoption of mechanized methods. Diamond wire cutting is a highly efficient technique that reduces waste and ensures quality. Challenges like high costs and wire breakage remain. Circular diamond saws and frame sawing are explored as alternative methods. Stone characteristics influence machinery selection and researchers have studied the impact on extraction efficiency. Controlled blasting with explosives shows promise and requires further exploration and optimization.
MHD Simulations of the Solar Corona to Determine the Conditions for Large Solar Flares and the Acceleration of Cosmic Rays during Them
Authors: Podgorny Alexander , Podgorny Igor , Borisenko Alexei
Published: August 2023

Solar cosmic rays (SCRs) are generated during the primordial energy release in solar flares. This explosive process takes place in the solar corona above the active region. It represents the fast release of the magnetic field energy of the current sheet, which is formed near a singular magnetic field line. Solar cosmic rays appear as a result of the acceleration of charged particles, mainly protons, by an inductive electric field in the current sheet equal to the field E = V × B/c (with V the speed of plasma and B the magnetic field near the current sheet, and c the speed of light). To study the mechanism of solar flares and obtain conditions for studying SCR acceleration, it is necessary to carry out magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of flare situations in the solar corona above a real active region. Methods of stabilization were developed which made it possible to partially solve the problem of numerical instabilities. MHD simulations shows complicated configurations near the singular line. Comparison of the results of the MHD simulations with observations showed the general agreement of the positions of the current sheets with regions of intense flare radiation. However, there are some problems with the details of such coincidences. The results obtained in this paper show the possibility of improving the methods of MHD simulation in order to solve the problems that arise during solving of MHD equations.
Experimental Study and Mathematical Modeling under Various Hot-Air Drying Conditions of Thin Layer Olive Pomaces
Authors: Nsibi Chafaa , Lajili Marzouk
Published: August 2023

The present work studies the convective drying of a granular porous medium in a bed of olive pomace. The experimental tests were conducted in a closed convection drying loop of hot air. The experimental tests measured the mass loss over time. Tests were carried out for five temperature values: 60 ± 0.1 °C, 70 ± 0.1 °C, 80 ± 0.1 °C, 90 ± 0.1 °C and 100 ± 0.1 °C, respectively. Moreover, three values of velocities of the drying air, 1 ± 0.01 ms−1, 1.5 ± 0.01 ms−1 and 2 ± 0.01 ms−1, were considered. The effects of initial humidity, bed thickness and pomace composition on the drying process were studied. The results show that the moisture content decreases when the temperature and the velocity of the drying air increase. In addition, the composition of olive pomace (pulp, pits and raw pomace) significantly affects the drying time. A characteristic drying curve and its equation were determined. Seven thin layer drying models were tested, and the Midilli et al.’s model produced the best agreement. The effective moisture diffusivity coefficient (Deff), the activation energy (Ea) and the pre-exponential coefficient of the Arrhenius law were evaluated. The results could be of great help for the pretreatment of crude olive pomace when moving to industrial scale and before passing to the step of biofuel (pellets, briquettes or logs, Syngas) production.
Extended Runge-Kutta Scheme and Neural Network Approach for SEIR Epidemic Model with Convex Incidence Rate
Authors: Al Ghafli Ahmed A. , Nawaz Yasir , Al Salman Hassan J. , Mansoor Muavia
Published: August 2023

For solving first-order linear and nonlinear differential equations, a new two-stage implicit–explicit approach is given. The scheme’s first stage, or predictor stage, is implicit, while the scheme’s second stage is explicit. The first stage of the proposed scheme is an extended form of the existing Runge–Kutta scheme. The scheme’s stability and consistency are also offered. In two phases, the technique achieves third-order accuracy. The method is applied to the SEIR epidemic model with a convex incidence rate. The local stability is also examined. The technique is evaluated compared to existing Euler and nonstandard finite difference methods. In terms of accuracy, the produced plots show that the suggested scheme outperforms the existing Euler and nonstandard finite difference methods. Furthermore, a neural network technique is being considered to map the relationship between time and the amount of susceptible, exposed, and infected people.
Gangue Source Reduction Technology and Process Optimization Based on Underground Coal Gangue Photoelectric Separation
Authors: Zhou Wei , Xia Wanghao , Liu Liangliang , Li Liansheng , Zeng Qiuyu , Wang Shujie , Zhu Jinbo
Published: August 2023

The precise identification of damp, sticky coal gangue; efficient jet nozzle separation; and process layout in a narrow, restricted space are essential technologies for gangue source reduction based on underground gangue photoelectric separation, which is critical for the long-term growth of coal mines. In this paper, the X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) method was used to identify the X-ray absorption law of different atoms in coal-based minerals and explore the differences in the microscopic crystal properties of coal gangue; the numerical simulation calculation of four commonly used nozzles—namely, flat, convergent, flat–convergent, and streamline—was carried out using Fluent software for coal gangue jet separation to optimize the nozzle morphology and parameters. The technical characteristics of the underground layout of the photoelectric separation system for coal gangue were expounded, and the technological layout of the separation system was explored. The results showed that the absorption coefficients μ(E) of Al and Si atoms in minerals to X-rays are significantly different, and the XAFS method has the ability to identify coal, gangue, and other minerals. The streamlined nozzle has a long jet core area, slow decay of jet velocity, low gas consumption per unit time, and better performance than the other three types of nozzles. Based on the development and mining system of the Renjiazhuang Coal Mine, three kinds of photoelectric separation system layout schemes of coal gangue were designed, namely centralized layout, distributed layout, and mobile layout. The advantages and disadvantages of each scheme were compared, which enriched the technical means of gangue source reduction.
The Egalitarian Principle of “Qist” as Lived Ethic: Towards a Liberational Tafsir
Authors: Abou-Bakr Omaima Mostafa
Published: August 2023

The Qur’anic term and principle of “qist”—generally defined as fairness, equity, and giving each his/her due share—occurs twenty-two times and forms a particular intentional discourse against social and economic privilege and against power in its various dimensions. These occurrences, their contexts, and fields of meaning demonstrate its distinctive place within the Qur’anic moral worldview, at the nexus between private virtue ethics and collective praxis. Qist is presented not merely as an abstract ideal, but as a specific, concrete social and economic goal for the marginalized and disempowered of any community. Especially in the domains of gender relations, poverty conditions, and authorial power, the divine injunction for applying equality in lived contexts becomes a call for liberation from “zulm” (injustice) and “taghut” (false deities). Can the examination of this concept and its affiliates form the basis for a scriptural theorization on an Islamic theology of social and economic justice, of resistance to tyranny and unjust constructions of privilege and superiority? Towards an answer to this inquiry, one can argue that qist directs attention to the practical ways of applying the overarching, comprehensive value of shari’ah, al-‘adl (justice), as well as to its defining features of collectivity and distributiveness.
A Novel Vectorized Curved Road Representation Based Aerial Guided Unmanned Vehicle Trajectory Planning
Authors: Zhang Sujie , Hou Qianru , Zhang Xiaoyang , Wu Xu , Wang Hongpeng
Published: August 2023

Unmanned vehicles frequently encounter the challenge of navigating through complex mountainous terrains, which are characterized by numerous unknown continuous curves. Drones, with their wide field of view and ability to vertically displace, offer a potential solution to compensate for the limited field of view of ground vehicles. However, the conventional approach of path extraction solely provides pixel-level positional information. Consequently, when drones guide ground unmanned vehicles using visual cues, the road fitting accuracy is compromised, resulting in reduced speed. Addressing these limitations with existing methods has proven to be a formidable task. In this study, we propose an innovative approach for guiding the visual movement of unmanned ground vehicles using an air–ground collaborative vectorized curved road representation and trajectory planning method. Our method offers several advantages over traditional road fitting techniques. Firstly, it incorporates a road star points ordering method based on the K-Means clustering algorithm, which simplifies the complex process of road fitting. Additionally, we introduce a road vectorization model based on the piecewise GA-Bézier algorithm, enabling the identification of the optimal frame from the initial frame to the current frame in the video stream. This significantly improves the road fitting effect (EV) and reduces the model running time (T—model). Furthermore, we employ smooth trajectory planning along the “route-plane” to maximize speed at turning points, thereby minimizing travel time (T—travel). To validate the efficiency and accuracy of our proposed method, we conducted extensive simulation experiments and performed actual comparison experiments. The results demonstrate the superior performance of our approach in terms of both efficiency and accuracy.
Adaptive Petal Reflector: In-Lab Software Configurable Optical Testing System Metrology and Modal Wavefront Reconstruction
Authors: Nielsen Carl Johan G. , Preumont André
Published: August 2023

This paper addresses two aspects of the metrology of spherical, petal polymer reflectors which are part of an effort by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop actively controlled foldable reflectors, enabling larger apertures on CubeSats and small satellites. The first problem is that of measuring the surface figure error of the spherical reflector alone during the development phase, and to assess the quality before assembling the telescope (large stroke, low accuracy). The SCOTS (Software Configurable Optical Testing System) appears to provide a fast and satisfactory solution to this problem. The second problem is the wavefront error reconstruction when the petal reflector is mounted on the telescope, because parts of the petals are obscured by the secondary mirror, in such a way that the petals appear completely disconnected, making the gradient-based metrology impossible. Using the fact that the petals have common mechanical boundary conditions at the central support ring, the problem is solved by using a set of orthogonal modes satisfying the same boundary conditions. The vibration modes are used for this purpose; the modal amplitudes are reconstructed from slope data outside the obstruction, allowing for wavefront error reconstruction over the entire surface.
A Green and Cost-Effective Chromatographic Method for the Measurement of the Activity of Human Serum Carnosinase
Authors: de Giacomi Chiara , Regazzoni Luca
Published: August 2023

Carnosinase (i.e., CN1; E.C. 3.4.13.20) is an enzyme found in the sera of higher primates. CN1 preferentially catalyzes the hydrolysis of natural, orally adsorbed histidine dipeptides like carnosine (i.e., β-alanyl-L-histidine). This is the reason why carnosine has a limited use as a human food supplement or pharmacological agent, despite the promising results obtained in experiments on animal models of human diseases. Herein, an assay is reported for the measurement of serum CN1 activity. The method is intended for the screening of CN1 inhibitors able to enhance carnosine bioavailability in humans. The method was developed to monitor serum hydrolytic activity via the quantitation of one of the products of carnosine hydrolysis (i.e., histidine). Separation was achieved without using organic solvents by means of ion chromatography (IC), whereas detection was provided by UV spectroscopy. The assay herein reported is a green and cost-effective alternative to a recently published method based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and mass spectrometry (MS). The results show that such a method produces reliable measurements of serum hydrolytic activity and can be used for the screening of CN1 inhibitors.
Intraoperative Fluorophores: An Update on 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Sodium Fluorescein in Resection of Tumors of the Central Nervous System and Metastatic Lesions—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shah Sanjit , Ivey Natalie , Matur Abhijith , Andaluz Norberto
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Recent advances in tumor visualization have improved the extent of resection (EOR) of primary and secondary tumors of the central nervous system, while limiting the morbidity and mortality of the surgery. One area of recent interest has been the use of intraoperative fluorophores for tumor visualization such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ala) and sodium fluorescein. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the utility of fluorophore administration and EOR with each fluorophore to update the current literature. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of intraoperative 5-ala or fluorescein between 2021 and 2023 using the PubMed, SCOPUS, and WOS databases. The initial search yielded 8688 results. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were met, 44 studies remained for review. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the EOR between studies for each fluorophore and to compare the presence of intraoperative fluorescence by tumor type. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for gross total resection (GTR), and two-way ANOVA tests were performed to compare rates of intraoperative fluorescence by fluorophore and tumor type. Results: In all groups except low-grade glioma, fluorescence was present after 5-ala administration; fluorescence was present for all groups after fluorescein administration. Two-way ANOVA analysis for both fluorophores demonstrated no statistically significant difference in presence of fluorescence between type of tumor resected. Meta-analysis of EOR did show a higher, but not significant, rate of GTR in the 5-ala group compared to controls (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.49; 3.37). In the fluorescein group, there were statistically significant higher odds of GTR compared to the control group (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.43; 3.10, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Both 5-ala and sodium fluorescein demonstrated intraoperative fluorescence among various tumor types in both cranial and spinal tumors, as well as efficacy in improving EOR. Both fluorophores merit further investigation for use in surgery of CNS tumors.
Cytotoxicity and Characterization of Ultrafine Particles from Desktop Three-Dimensional Printers with Multiple Filaments
Authors: Fang Runcheng , Mohammed Afzaal Nadeem , Yadav Jagjit Singh , Wang Jun
Published: August 2023

Previous research has indicated that ultrafine particles (UFPs, particles less than 100 nm) emitted from desktop three-dimensional (3D) printers exhibit cytotoxicity. However, only a limited number of particles from different filaments and their combinations have been tested for cytotoxicity. This study quantified the emissions of UFPs from a commercially available filament extrusion desktop 3D printer using three different filaments, including acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene (ABS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). In this study, controlled experiments were conducted where the particles emitted were used to expose cells grown in an air-liquid interface (ALI) system. The ALI exposures were utilized for in vitro characterization of particle mixtures, including UFPs from a 3D printer. Additionally, a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of these UFPs. A549 cells were exposed at the ALI to UFPs generated by an operational 3D printer for an average of 45 and 90 min. Twenty-four hours post-exposure, the cells were analyzed for percent cytotoxicity in a 24-well ALI insert (LDH assay). UFP exposure resulted in diminished cell viability, as evidenced by significantly increased LDH levels. The findings demonstrate that ABS has the most significant particle emission. ABS was the only filament that showed a significant difference compared to the high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) following 90 min of exposure (p-value < 0.05). Both ABS and PETG exhibited a significant difference compared to the HEPA control after 45 min of exposure. A preliminary analysis of potential exposure to these products in a typical environment advises caution when operating multiple printer and filament combinations in poorly ventilated spaces or without combined gas and particle filtration systems.
The Relationship of COVID-19 Vaccination Status with Health Literacy of Syrians Living in Istanbul
Authors: Aysit Esmehan , Ikiisik Hatice , Cakir Mustafa , Maral Isil
Published: August 2023

Health literacy is an important determinant of health care use among refugees and migrant communities. This present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between health literacy levels, sociodemographic characteristics, and the status of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in Syrians under “Temporary Protection” in Istanbul. This study was conducted in February, March, and May 2022 in an Extended Migrant Health Center in Istanbul, with a survey prepared in Arabic under observation. A total of 571 questionnaires were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 31.92 ± 6.14, and 80.7% were female and 26.6% were high school graduates. A total of 55.0% of Syrians have not had any of the COVID-19 vaccines. The health literacy level of 1.1% of the immigrants was determined as “excellent”, 68.7% as “inadequate”, 20.7% as “problematic/limited”, and 9.6% as “adequate”. According to the logistic regression model, being male, of elder age, middle and above economic status, and having a chronic disease in the family were determined as the variables associated with the status of being vaccinated against COVID-19. Refugees are a group often exposed to inequalities in access to health services. Increasing health literacy in these groups will provide a significant improvement in access to and use of health services.
Polymer Chemistry Defines Adjuvant Properties and Determines the Immune Response against the Antigen or Vaccine
Authors: Shakya Akhilesh , Nandakumar Kutty
Published: August 2023

Activation of the immune system is a needed for designing new antigen/drug delivery systems to develop new therapeutics and for developing animal disease models to study the disease pathogenesis. A weak antigen alone is insufficient to activate the immune system. Sometimes, assistance in the form of polymers is needed to control the release of antigens under in vivo conditions or in the form of an adjuvant to activate the immune system efficiently. Many kinds of polymers from different functional groups are suitable as microbial antigens for inducing therapeutic immune responses against infectious diseases at the preclinical level. The choice of the functionality of polymer varies as per the application type. Polymers from the acid and ester groups are the most common types investigated for protein-based antigens. However, electrostatic interaction-displaying polymers like cationic polymers are the most common type for nucleic acid-based antigens. Metal coordination chemistry is commonly used in polymers designed for cancer immunotherapeutic applications to suppress inflammation and induce a protective immune response. Amide chemistry is widely deployed in polymers used to develop antigen-specific disease models like the experimental autoimmune arthritis murine model.
Equine Placentitis in Mares Induces the Secretion of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine eIL-1β and the Active Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-9
Authors: Morales-Vázquez María Margarita , Meza-Serrano Europa , Lara-Pereyra Irlando , Acuña-González Ricardo Josué , Alonso-Morales Rogelio , Hayen-Valles Sergio , Boeta Ana Myriam , Zarco Luis , Lozano-Cuenca Jair , López-Canales Jorge Skiold , Flores-Herrera Héctor
Published: August 2023

Equine placentitis is characterized by infection and inflammation of the placenta. Different biomarkers associated with this inflammatory response have been evaluated in experimentally induced equine placentitis, but not in pregnant mares with spontaneous placentitis. The aim of the current study was to determine the concentration of eIL-1β and the activity of proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 in the serum of healthy mares and mares with placentitis on days 240 and 320 of gestation to explore whether these biomarkers are associated with equine maternal placentitis and/or with the birth of an infected or inviable foals. Serum samples were collected from sixteen pregnant English Thoroughbred mares, retrospectively classified as follows: (1) healthy mares with full-term gestation; and (2) mares with ultrasonographic signs of placentitis. The health of each foal was examined at birth, and it was decided to classify the cases into four groups: (1) healthy mares delivering a healthy foals (HM-HF, n = 6); (2) mares with USP delivering a healthy foal (USP-HF, n = 3); (3) mares with USP delivering a live septic foal (USP-LSeF, n = 4); and (4) mares with USP delivering a dead foal (USP-DF, n = 3). eIL-1β was quantified by ELISA, and proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 activity by gelatin zymography electrophoresis. In healthy mares, the serum concentrations of eIL-1β underwent a significant 16.5-fold increase from day 240 to day 320 of gestation. Although similar results were found in the mares with ultrasonographic signs of placentitis that delivered a healthy foal, those delivering a live septic or nonviable foal exhibited much higher concentrations of eIL-1β. proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 activity was not associated with maternal placentitis, foal infection, or death. Hence, the presence of placentitis severe enough to affect the health of the foal can be confirmed or discarded by determining the eIL-1β concentration in mares that have shown ultrasonographic signs of placentitis.
The Impacts of Online Experience on Health and Well-Being: The Overlooked Aesthetic Dimension
Authors: Gorichanaz Tim , Lavdas Alexandros A. , Mehaffy Michael W. , Salingaros Nikos A.
Published: August 2023

It is well-recognized that online experience can carry profound impacts on health and well-being, particularly for young people. Research has already documented influences from cyberbullying, heightened feelings of inadequacy, and the relative decline of face-to-face interactions and active lifestyles. Less attention has been given to the health impacts of aesthetic experiences of online users, particularly gamers and other users of immersive virtual reality (VR) technologies. However, a significant body of research has begun to document the surprisingly strong yet previously unrecognized impacts of aesthetic experiences on health and well-being in other arenas of life. Other researchers have used both fixed laboratory and wearable sensors and, to a lesser extent, user surveys to measure indicators of activation level, mood, and stress level, which detect physiological markers for health. In this study, we assessed the evidence that online sensorial experience is no less important than in the physical world, with the capacity for both harmful effects and salutogenic benefits. We explore the implications for online design and propose an outline for further research.
The Effect of Prior Viewing Position and Spatial Scale on the Viewing of Paintings
Authors: Trawiński Tobiasz , Mestry Natalie , Donnelly Nick
Published: August 2023

The visual inspection of scenes is disrupted when participants are forced to begin inspection away from the centre of an image. The present study explored the effect of the starting point on the visual inspection of paintings. Eye movements were recorded while participants viewed paintings for later identification in a yes/no discrimination task. The viewing of each painting was preceded by the presentation of a pseudo-randomly positioned Navon figure. Participants were instructed using a cue to attend to either the local or global level of the Navon figure. Each painting was split into regions of interest (ROIs) defined by face, theme, and context to allow the analysis of eye movements. These data were directly compared with a subset of those initially reported in our previous study in which the same experiment was run but without the inclusion of the Navon figure. The inclusion of the Navon task lowered the discrimination accuracy in the yes/no discrimination task. More importantly, eye movements to the paintings were disrupted across the entire period over which they were viewed and not just in the period following the offset of the Navon figure. The results show the sensitivity of eye movements to the conditions present at the beginning of viewing. The results have implications for the viewing of paintings (and other images) in the real world, where the starting conditions for inspection cannot be controlled.
Le rôle des facteurs psychologiques dans l’explication des fluctuations économiques et de leurs irrégularités
Authors: Johr Walter A.
Published: August 2023

The part of psychological factors in the explanation of economic fluctuations and their irregularities.

The psychological factor is only one among the many factors determining fluctuations. The nolioA that business cycles are mechanically determined, that any irregularities in them are merely due to exogenous factors, is unsatisfactory. A causal explanation of cycles may be a sufficient one ; it is not necessarily the correct one.

The article recalls first the degree of integration of psychology-in economic analysis generally. It then deals with the pari played by psychology in the analysis of cyclical fluctuations : how does entrepreneurs’ behaviour reinforce or attenuate the cycle ? The elasticity of expectations concept is of little use in explaining entrepreneurs’ decisions : expectation is non-measurable and essentially uncertain, and uncertainly cannot be neutralised by insurance. The entrepreneur’s psychological environment is important as an explanation of his decisions : social psychology is interdependent ; the parallelisms it induces must be distinguished from those due to legislation, convention, coercion, etc. Transfers of feelings, ideas, motives, aims, take place in an «infectious» manner, sometimes with periods of incubation. The psychological factor explains much of the erratic nature of fluctuations. At the same lime the importance of the State as an economic agent gives it the means significantly to influence entrepreneurs’ behaviour.
Les besoins de capitaux dans les pays sous-développés
Authors: Rosenstein-Rodan
Published: August 2023

Capital requirements of underdeveloped countries.

The considerable progress of the past hundred and fifty years has benefited only about one third of the world's population and the inequality of income distribution persists. The difference between the rate of growth of the U. S. and European economies is less serious than the difference between the rate of growth of the U. S. and Europe combined, and that of the underdeveloped rest of the world. Without heavy investment this difference will increase. The U. N. report on measures for the economic development of backward countries argues that $ 14 billions foreign investment a year would be necessary to give these countries a 2 % rale of growth per annum. The investment figure is large because the investment output ratio of the countries concerned is nearly twice as high as in the U. S., on account of the important fixed social, investments required before directly productive investments can be profitably undertaken. Underdeveloped countries are not capable of attracting sufficient capital, through the market mechanism ; hence special measures are necessary. A rate of growth of 1 % p. a. might however suffice provided a large pari of each annual increment could be saved for reinvestment. XIXth. century industrialisation was carried out by ploughing back increments of income, not by cutting back consumption in order to save, which would have been as impossible then as it is now in backward countries. With a 1 % rate of growth, and taking account of the present annual scale of foreign investment, the supplementary foreign aid required might not be greater than $ 2.5 billions.
Anciens et nouveaux produits en commerce international
Authors: Kindleberger Charles. P
Published: August 2023

Old and new goods in international trade.

Structural changes are probably linked to the process of innovation and to the repercussions it induces through imitation. We may distinguish between a structural effect — i. e. a tendency to specialize in new, expanding industries, or old, contracting industries — and a competition effect — i. e. a tendency to lower costs by improving old methods of production. But the distinction must not be strained : many «new » goods are merely substitutes for, or new ways of producing, «old» goods.

The introduction of new goods is not random but systematic and asymmetrical : it is often due to the demonstration effect of the dominant economy which imposes its techniques or standard of living.

The effect of price and income elasticities and the balance of payments : except when an innovation stimulates the innovating country's exports, and the price elasticity of the import demand of foreign countries is low, the value of the innovating country's exports will rise and the current balance of payments’ equilibrium will be disturbed. In the short run, capital movements will offset this ; in the medium run, the law of comparative advantage will determine a new equilibrium ; in the long run, imitation will catch up on innovation.

The effect of innovation on the European terms of trade : the terms of trade of European countries that have tended to specialize in new goods since the end of the XIXth C. seem to have been consistently more favourable than those of European countries that have not. During the same period, the terms of trade of industrial Europe as a whole deteriorated against the United Stales, improved against regions of recent settlement, remained constant against other regions.
Note sur «le degré d’intensité capitaliste» des investissements dans les pays sous-développés
Authors: Dobb Maurice , Lisle Edmond A.
Published: August 2023

A note on the degree of capital intensity in under-developed countries.

Discussion of the policies of underdeveloped countries is governed by the dogma that, since a scarcity of capital relatively to labour is a usual characteristic of such countries, capital investment needs there to take the form of projects with a «low capital intensity». The form in which the above principle is stated rests on the assumption of a given stock of capital equipment in existence as the country's heritage from the past, and or the assumption that the rate of new investment is given.

But the choice between more or less capital-intensive forms of investment should depend not on the existing ratio of available labour to capital, treated as a slock, but on precisely the same considerations as those which determine the choice between a high and a low rate of investment — namely, the importance to be attached to raising consumption in the immediate future, compared with the potential increase of consumption in the more distant future which a particular form of investment will make possible. There is no reason to suppose that an under developed country should always choose a lower rate of investment than a more developed one — if anything the converse, since, although the lowness of existing consumption per head may put a high premium upon raising it in the near future, the effect upon productivity (and hence upon potential consumption in the more distant future) of a given increase in the (relatively small) stock of capital is likely also to be abnormally large.

A simple model, gradually refined, illustrates the argument.
Qu’appelle-t-on convertibilité ?
Authors: Küng Emil
Published: August 2023

What is called convertibility ?

Convertibility has a host of different meanings or degrees whether it refers to residents or to non-residents.

For residents, full convertibility implies the freedom to import goods and services and to export capital. The extend of quantitative import restrictions and for exchange control determines the precise degree of convertibility.

For non-residents, full convertibility implies the freedom to transfer balances on current and on capital accounts. More or less rigid blocking of balances determines the exact degree of convertibility here too.

Besides the limitations on convertibility that depend on the type of financial operation, then may also be geographical limitations : payments’ arrangements may be bilateral, multilateral within a certain area or multilateral over the whole world.

Any further move towards convertibility that is not accompanied by a wider liberalisation of trade would be of little value.
La situation financière des pays d’outre-mer et le Trésor public
Authors: Julienne R
Published: August 2023

The French financial situation is affected in no small measure by financial and economic trends in French overseas territories.

Although financial autonomy is still the rule for these territories , the volume of expenditure financed through the French budget has increased since the war. This is mainly due to a sharp increase in capital expenditure. Over 20 % of gross capital formation and nearly 80 % of all public invest¬ ments in overseas territories are financed through the French budget. This explains the dominant role of the French public authorities in the framing of the development plans of the territories.

Further public transfers from France to these territories are due to the working of the monetary systems of the franc area : the French monetary authorities have to cover the balance of payments deficit of the overseas territories.
Progrès technique et bien-être international
Authors: Balogh Thomas
Published: August 2023

The classical theory of international trade has enjoyed a renewal of favour since the recent works of Professors Ohlin and Samuelson. Their conclusions and optimism however seem dangerous : in the absence of protection , technical progress in a developed country will aggravate the inequa¬ lity of the international distribution of wealth and income , by delaying technical progress in the under -developed countries. If the dominant country enjoys continuous progress , the dominated countries will see the comparative value of their most abundant factors decline. If, on the other hand, progress is random and unexpected, further dangers will threaten the other countries : recurrent monetary upheavals, an increase of inflationary pressure. These dangers will have a depressing influence.
L’évolution de la place de Londres et le rôle international du sterling
Authors: Niveau Maurice
Published: August 2023

London's financial monopoly was such, before the first world war, that Britain did not have to concern herself with the gold backing of her short term foreign debt. Bank rate policy was sufficient to prevent any substantial loss of gold. The 1914 war caused U. S. finance to intervene on the world financial market and the dollar became an international currency. New -York, though technically inferior, competed with London whose importance declined. The «deposit compelling power » of sterling weakened and the problem of the gold reserve arose. The 1931 crisis entailed the definition and establishment of the Sterling Area, whose cohesion rested on a set of financial and commercial agreements. London was no longer the world's banker but became the Sterling Area's banker. As a result of the second world war, Britain's short term external liabilities (the «sterling balances ») increased considerably, but the Sterling Area's cohesion was preserved. A large part of this short term foreign debt is not dangerous, since it consists of blocked streling and the colonies' balances. An analysis of the recent evolution of the sterling balances and the gold and dollar reserves shows that London's position is tending to improve and London's influence to extend once more beyond the Sterling Area.