bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MPPT of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator in Tidal Energy Systems Using Support Vector Regression
Authors: Abo-Khalil Ahmed G. , Alghamdi Ali S.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, an improved Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm for a tidal power generation system using a Support Vector Regression (SVR) is proposed. To perform this MPPT, a tidal current speed sensor is needed to track the maximum power. The use of these sensors has a lack of reliability, requires maintenance, and has a disadvantage in terms of price. Therefore, there is a need for a sensorless MPPT control algorithm that does not require information on tidal current speed and rotation speed that improves these shortcomings. Sensorless MPPT control methods, such as SVR, enables the maximum power to be output by comparing the relationship between the output power and the rotational speed of the generator. The performance of the SVR is influenced by the selection of its parameters which is optimized during the offline training stage. SVR has a strength and better response than the neural network since it ensures the global minimum and avoids being stuck at local minima. This paper proposes a high-efficiency grid-connected tidal current generation system with a permanent magnet synchronous generator back-to-back converter. The proposed algorithm is verified experimentally and the results confirm the excellent control characteristics of the proposed algorithm.
Future Power Train Solutions for Long-Haul Trucks
Authors: Peters Ralf , Breuer Janos Lucian , Decker Maximilian , Grube Thomas , Robinius Martin , Samsun Remzi Can , Stolten Detlef
Published: February 2021

Achieving the CO2 reduction targets for 2050 requires extensive measures being undertaken in all sectors. In contrast to energy generation, the transport sector has not yet been able to achieve a substantive reduction in CO2 emissions. Measures for the ever more pressing reduction in CO2 emissions from transportation include the increased use of electric vehicles powered by batteries or fuel cells. The use of fuel cells requires the production of hydrogen and the establishment of a corresponding hydrogen production system and associated infrastructure. Synthetic fuels made using carbon dioxide and sustainably-produced hydrogen can be used in the existing infrastructure and will reach the extant vehicle fleet in the medium term. All three options require a major expansion of the generation capacities for renewable electricity. Moreover, various options for road freight transport with light duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) are analyzed and compared. In addition to efficiency throughout the entire value chain, well-to-wheel efficiency and also other aspects play an important role in this comparison. These include: (a) the possibility of large-scale energy storage in the sense of so-called ‘sector coupling’, which is offered only by hydrogen and synthetic energy sources; (b) the use of the existing fueling station infrastructure and the applicability of the new technology on the existing fleet; (c) fulfilling the power and range requirements of the long-distance road transport.
Long-Term Development Trend of the Historical Cultural Landscape of the UNESCO Monument: Vlkolínec (Slovakia)
Authors: Petrovič František , Boltižiar Martin , Rakytová Iveta , Tomčíková Ivana , Pauditšová Eva
Published: February 2021

The presented paper focuses on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site of Vlkolínec (Slovakia), changes in its cultural landscape and the possibilities of its preservation for future generations. However, it is also a living settlement with residents who have demands for their standard of living. To analyze the development of changes in the landscape of the Vlkolínec protection zone, we used available relevant data such as historical maps and aerial photographs from selected time horizons 1769, 1823, 1949, 2007 and 2017. Overall, we interpreted a total of 13 landscape elements, paying special attention to historical landscape structures. For the land use elements, we focused mainly on determining their area and percentage of the landscape in relation to their changes in the period under review in the context of natural and socio-economic conditions. In order to gain a realistic view of the future development and use of the Vlkolínec area in the context of direct users of the area, we decided to apply a questionnaire survey in 2017. The questionnaire is a written form of a structured interview. We determined a target group of respondents—residents of Vlkolínec and users of this area (holiday cottage owners, foresters, farmers), i.e., we processed the opinions of people directly influencing Vlkolínec and its immediate surroundings—the landscape. The interviews were focused on identifying problems and proposing solutions so as not to disturb the uniqueness of this site, but at the same time to also attract tourism participants. Based on the results of the survey, we evaluated the identified phenomena, structures and values and compared them with the desired state of protection of the landmark. Subsequently, we prepared plans for the preservation and sustainable development of this important site.
Home-Based Learning (HBL) Teacher Readiness Scale: Instrument Development and Demographic Analysis
Authors: Mansor Azlin Norhaini , Zabarani Nur Hidayah , Jamaludin Khairul Azhar , Mohd Nor Mohamed Yusoff , Alias Bity Salwana , Mansor Ahmad Zamri
Published: February 2021

The unprecedented disruption in education due to the COVID-19 pandemic has forced teachers worldwide to adapt to online teaching and the immediate implementation of home-based learning (HBL). However, little is known regarding teacher readiness for HBL. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop an instrument to measure teachers’ readiness for online teaching, which can provide feedback to guide policymakers and school leaders in planning strategic interventions and support for implementing HBL. This study aimed to refine and validate the HBL Teacher Readiness Scale and to ascertain the view of secondary school teachers on aspects of their readiness to implement HBL. A total of 931 from a population of 3826 secondary school teachers were selected using random sampling, from the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The validity and reliability of the HBL Teacher Readiness instrument were tested using exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis. As a result of the analysis, the scale remained at 26 items across four factors, namely efficacy in technology, attitude, perceived behaviour control, and subjective norms. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.94. Demographic analysis revealed that, overall, the in-service teachers’ level of readiness was at a high level across all dimensions, although the highest was in attitude and the lowest was in subjective norms. Based on this initial sample, the HBL Teacher Readiness Scale was shown to be a suitable instrument to measure teacher readiness for change in the context of the implementation of HBL, although further testing should be conducted on more diverse groups.
Building Envelope Thermal Defects in Existing and Under-Construction Housing in the UAE; Infrared Thermography Diagnosis and Qualitative Impacts Analysis
Authors: Tabet Aoul Kheira Anissa , Hagi Rahma , Abdelghani Rahma , Syam Monaya , Akhozheya Boshra
Published: February 2021

The built environment accounts for the highest share of energy use and carbon emissions, particularly in emerging economies, caused by population growth and fast urbanization. This phenomenon is further exacerbated under extreme climatic conditions such as those of the United Arab Emirates, the context of this study, where the highest energy share is consumed in buildings, mostly used in the residential sector for cooling purposes. Despite efforts to curb energy consumption through building energy efficiency measures in new construction, substantial existing building stock and construction quality are left out. Construction defects, particularly in the building envelope, are recognized to affect its thermal integrity. This paper aims, first, to detect through thermography field investigation audit construction defects bearing thermal impacts in existing and under-construction residential buildings. Then, through a qualitative analysis, we identify the resulting energy, cost, and health impacts of the identified defects. Results indicate that lack or discontinuity of insulation, thermal bridging through building elements, blockwork defects, and design change discrepancies are the recurrent building and construction defects. The qualitative review analysis indicates substantial energy loss due to lack of insulation, thermal bridging with cost and health implications, while beneficial mitigation measures include consideration of building envelope retrofitting, skilled workmanship, and the call for quality management procedures during construction.
How Does Technological Innovation Mediate the Relationship between Environmental Regulation and High-Quality Economic Development? Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Li Die , Hu Sumin
Published: February 2021

Technological innovation is considered to be an effective way to promote the quality of economic development and green transition under environmental policies, while the specific mechanism of this process is still unclear. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to examine how technological innovation mediates the relation between environmental regulation and high-quality economic development. Based on the panel data of 34 industries in China from 2007 to 2015, this paper firstly calculated the green total factor productivity (GTFP) as a proxy variable for the quality of economic development through the super-slack-based measure model, and then analyzed the impact of environmental regulation and technical innovation on the GTFP by making use of the mediation effect model. The results showed that environmental-related policy directly affected the GTFP while technological innovation indirectly moderated this process, where the moderate impact of technological innovation was industrial heterogeneous. Specifically, the relation between environmental regulation and GTFP was positively and partially moderated by technological innovation in clean industries and high-tech industries, while positively but completely moderated by technological innovation in low-and medium-tech industries. Moreover, the mediating effect of technological innovation in pollution-intensive industries was positive but insignificant.
Energy Performance Assessment Framework for Residential Buildings in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlHashmi Mohammad , Chhipi-Shrestha Gyan , Ruparathna Rajeev , Nahiduzzaman Kh Md , Hewage Kasun , Sadiq Rehan
Published: February 2021

The residential sector consumes about 50% of the electricity produced from fossil fuels in Saudi Arabia. The residential energy demand is increasing. Moreover, a simple building energy performance assessment framework is not available for hot arid developing countries. This research proposes an energy performance assessment framework for residential buildings in hot and arid regions, which focuses on three performance criteria: operational energy, GHG emissions, and cost. The proposed framework has been applied to three types of residential buildings, i.e., detached, attached, and low-rise apartments, in five geographical regions of Saudi Arabia. Design Builder® was used to simulate the energy demand in buildings over a whole year. Four types of efficiency improvement interventions, including double-glazed windowpanes, triple-glazed windowpanes, LED lighting, and split air conditioners, were introduced in 12 combinations. Overall, 180 simulations were performed which are based on 12 intervention combinations, three building types, and five regions. Three performance criteria were evaluated for each simulation and then aggregated using a multi-criteria decision analysis method to identify the best intervention strategy for a given building type and a geographical region in Saudi Arabia. Each building type with interventions consumes higher energy in the western, central, and eastern regions and consumes a lesser amount of energy in the southern and northern regions. The proposed framework is helpful for long-term planning of the residential sector.
Regional Electricity Models for Community Energy in Germany: The Role of Governance Structures
Authors: Ehrtmann Moritz , Holstenkamp Lars , Becker Timon
Published: February 2021

Community energy actors play an important role in the energy transition, fostering the diffusion of sustainable innovation in the renewable energy market. Because market conditions for business models in the renewable energy sector are changing and feed-in-tariff (FiT) schemes expiring, community energy companies are in the process of innovating their business models. In recent years, several community energy companies in Germany have entered the electricity retail market selling locally generated electricity from their renewable energy installations to customers in their region. We explore the evolving regional electricity business models for community energy companies in Germany, related governance structures, and the role they play for a sustainable energy transition. In order to implement these complex business models, community energy companies cooperate with professional marketing partners (intermediaries), which are capable of taking over the tasks and obligations of electricity suppliers. Through a series of expert interviews and desk research, we identify three distinctive regional electricity business models and examine opportunities and challenges to their implementation. Results show that there are different forms of cooperation, leading to specific governance structures and creating a set of new value propositions. Through these forms of cooperation, business networks emerge, which can function as incubators for sustainable innovation and learning for the post-FiT era.
New Decentralized Control of Mesh AC Microgrids: Study, Stability, and Robustness Analysis
Authors: Hennane Youssef , Berdai Abdelmajid , Martin Jean-Philippe , Pierfederici Serge , Meibody-Tabar Farid
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we investigated the power sharing issues in mesh islanded microgrids that contain several distributed generators (DGs) and loads connected to different points of common coupling (PCC). Firstly, an improved decentralized droop control algorithm is proposed to achieve the active and reactive power sharing of different DGs in reconfigurable mesh islanded microgrids. Accurate power sharing was obtained even though line parameters or the mesh microgrid configuration were unknown. Secondly a state-space model of the whole mesh microgrid was developed, considering several generators with their decentralized controllers, line feeders, and dynamic loads. This model was used to design parameters of droop controllers, to study the asymptotic stability and the robustness properties of the system. All strategies and analyses were validated by simulation based on the generic microgrid detailed in the standard IEEE 9bus test feeder.
Women’s Participation and Factors Affecting Their Academic Performance in Engineering and Technology Education: A Study of Ethiopia
Authors: Melak Addissie , Singh Seema
Published: February 2021

Academic performance is one of the reasons for gender imbalance in STEM education. This study has two objectives: analyzing women’s participation in STEM education and investigating the factors affecting women’s achievements in Engineering and Technology university majors in Ethiopia. Secondary data have been analyzed to establish women’s involvement in STEM education using enrollment and graduation data and to observe the gender gap. Primary data were collected from 376 women students of engineering and technology. The OLS multiple regression model results reveal that the academic performance of women in engineering and technology education is positively influenced by students’ capabilities to gather information about the institution before joining the university. Interventions followed by institutions for supporting women students, peer learning habits of students, and the accessibility of university infrastructure also positively affect women’s academic performance. In contrast, sexual harassment and the existence of engineering and technology professionals in the family negatively influence the academic performance of women. Hence, educational organizations, governments, and other stakeholders should work to enhance women’s academic performance and reduce the gender gap in STEM education. Engineering colleges must also give attention to students’ psychological, economic, and educational support, try to fulfill infrastructure and learning equipment, and protect students from sexual harassment through strong commitment and regulations.
Multi-Objective Assembly Line Balancing Problem with Setup Times Using Fuzzy Goal Programming and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lee Amy H. I. , Kang He-Yau , Chen Chong-Lin
Published: February 2021

Assembly lines are often indispensable in factories, and in order to attain a certain level of assembly line productivity, multiple goals must be considered at the same time. However, these multiple goals may conflict with each other, and this is a multi-objective assembly line balancing problem. This study considers four objectives, namely minimizing the cycle time, minimizing the number of workstations, minimizing the workload variance, and minimizing the workstation idle time. Since the objectives conflict with each other, for example, minimizing the cycle time may increase the number of workstations, the fuzzy multi-objective linear programming model is used to maximize the satisfaction level. When the problem becomes too complicated, it may not be solved by the fuzzy multi-objective linear programming model using a mathematical software package. Therefore, a genetic algorithm model is proposed to solve the problem efficiently. By studying practical cases of an automobile manufacturer, the results show that the proposed fuzzy multi-objective linear programming model and the genetic algorithm model can solve small-scale multi-objective assembly line balancing problems efficiently, and the genetic algorithm model can obtain good solutions for large-scale problems in a short computational time. Datasets from previous works are adopted to examine the applicability of the proposed models. The results show that both the fuzzy multi-objective linear programming model and the genetic algorithm model can solve the smaller problem cases and that the genetic algorithm model can solve larger problems. The proposed models can be applied by practitioners in managing a multi-objective assembly line balancing problem.
Research of Trajectory Optimization Approaches in Synthesized Optimal Control
Authors: Diveev Askhat , Shmalko Elizaveta
Published: February 2021

This article presents a study devoted to the emerging method of synthesized optimal control. This is a new type of control based on changing the position of a stable equilibrium point. The object stabilization system forces the object to move towards the equilibrium point, and by changing its position over time, it is possible to bring the object to the desired terminal state with the optimal value of the quality criterion. The implementation of such control requires the construction of two control contours. The first contour ensures the stability of the control object relative to some point in the state space. Methods of symbolic regression are applied for numerical synthesis of a stabilization system. The second contour provides optimal control of the stable equilibrium point position. The present paper provides a study of various approaches to find the optimal location of equilibrium points. A new problem statement with the search of function for optimal location of the equilibrium points in the second stage of the synthesized optimal control approach is formulated. Symbolic regression methods of solving the stated problem are discussed. In the presented numerical example, a piece-wise linear function is applied to approximate the location of equilibrium points.
Attempt to Develop Rat Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Model Using Yamakagashi (Rhabdophis tigrinus) Venom Injection
Authors: Yamamoto Akihiko , Ito Takashi , Hifumi Toru
Published: February 2021

Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a severe clinical condition caused by an underlying disease, involves a markedly continuous and widespread activation of coagulation in the circulating blood and the formation of numerous microvascular thrombi. A snakebite, including that of the Yamakagashi (Rhabdophis tigrinus), demonstrates this clinical condition. Thus, an animal model using Yamakagashi venom was constructed. Yamakagashi venom was administered to rats, and its lethality and the changes in blood coagulation factors were detected after venom injection. When 300 μg venom was intramuscularly administered to 12-week-old rats, (1) they exhibited hematuria with plasma hemolysis and died within 48 h; (2) Thrombocytopenia in the blood was observed in the rats; (3) irreversible prolongation of prothrombin time in the plasma to the measurement limit occurred; (4) fibrinogen concentration in the plasma irreversibly decreased below the measurement limit; and (5) A transient increase in the plasma concentration of D-dimer was observed. In this model, a fixed amount of Rhabdophis tigrinus venom injection resulted in the clinical symptom similar to the human pathology with snakebite. The use of the rat model is very effective in validating the therapeutic effect of human disseminated intravascular coagulation condition due to snakebite.
Molecular Identification and Toxin Analysis of Alexandrium spp. in the Beibu Gulf: First Report of Toxic A. tamiyavanichii in Chinese Coastal Waters
Authors: Xu Yixiao , He Xilin , Li Huiling , Zhang Teng , Lei Fu , Gu Haifeng , Anderson Donald M.
Published: February 2021

The frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) has increased in China in recent years. Information about harmful dinoflagellates and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) is still limited in China, especially in the Beibu Gulf, where PSTs in shellfish have exceeded food safety guidelines on multiple occasions. To explore the nature of the threat from PSTs in the region, eight Alexandrium strains were isolated from waters of the Beibu Gulf and examined using phylogenetic analyses of large subunit (LSU) rDNA, small subunit (SSU) rDNA, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Their toxin composition profiles were also determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All eight strains clustered in the phylogenetic tree with A. pseudogonyaulax, A. affine, and A. tamiyavanichii from other locations, forming three well-resolved groups. The intraspecific genetic distances of the three Alexandrium species were significantly smaller than interspecific genetic distances for Alexandrium species. Beibu Gulf isolates were therefore classified as A. pseudogonyaulax, A. affine, and A. tamiyavanichii. No PSTs were identified in A. pseudogonyaulax, but low levels of gonyautoxins (GTXs) 1 to 5, and saxitoxin (STX) were detected in A. tamiyavanichii (a total of 4.60 fmol/cell). The extremely low level of toxicity is inconsistent with PST detection above regulatory levels on multiple occasions within the Beibu Gulf, suggesting that higher toxicity strains may occur in those waters, but were unsampled. Other explanations including biotransformation of PSTs in shellfish and the presence of other PST-producing algae are also suggested. Understanding the toxicity and phylogeny of Alexandrium species provides foundational data for the protection of public health in the Beibu Gulf region and the mitigation of HAB events.
The 6th Iberian and 2nd Ibero-American Cyanotoxin Congress CIC2019
Authors: Aboal Marina
Published: February 2021

According to genomic data, toxin cyanobacteria production is likely as old as the group itself [...]
A Look into Bunyavirales Genomes: Functions of Non-Structural (NS) Proteins
Authors: Leventhal Shanna S. , Wilson Drew , Feldmann Heinz , Hawman David W.
Published: February 2021

In 2016, the Bunyavirales order was established by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) to incorporate the increasing number of related viruses across 13 viral families. While diverse, four of the families (Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, Hantaviridae, and Phenuiviridae) contain known human pathogens and share a similar tri-segmented, negative-sense RNA genomic organization. In addition to the nucleoprotein and envelope glycoproteins encoded by the small and medium segments, respectively, many of the viruses in these families also encode for non-structural (NS) NSs and NSm proteins. The NSs of Phenuiviridae is the most extensively studied as a host interferon antagonist, functioning through a variety of mechanisms seen throughout the other three families. In addition, functions impacting cellular apoptosis, chromatin organization, and transcriptional activities, to name a few, are possessed by NSs across the families. Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, and Phenuiviridae also encode an NSm, although less extensively studied than NSs, that has roles in antagonizing immune responses, promoting viral assembly and infectivity, and even maintenance of infection in host mosquito vectors. Overall, the similar and divergent roles of NS proteins of these human pathogenic Bunyavirales are of particular interest in understanding disease progression, viral pathogenesis, and developing strategies for interventions and treatments.
ABCE1 Regulates RNase L-Induced Autophagy during Viral Infections
Authors: Ramnani Barkha , Manivannan Praveen , Jaggernauth Sarah , Malathi Krishnamurthy
Published: February 2021

Host response to a viral infection includes the production of type I interferon (IFN) and the induction of interferon-stimulated genes that have broad antiviral effects. One of the key antiviral effectors is the IFN-inducible oligoadenylate synthetase/ribonuclease L (OAS/RNase L) pathway, which is activated by double-stranded RNA to synthesize unique oligoadenylates, 2-5A, to activate RNase L. RNase L exerts an antiviral effect by cleaving diverse RNA substrates, limiting viral replication; many viruses have evolved mechanisms to counteract the OAS/RNase L pathway. Here, we show that the ATP-binding cassette E1 (ABCE1) transporter, identified as an inhibitor of RNase L, regulates RNase L activity and RNase L-induced autophagy during viral infections. ABCE1 knockdown cells show increased RNase L activity when activated by 2-5A. Compared to parental cells, the autophagy-inducing activity of RNase L in ABCE1-depleted cells is enhanced with early onset. RNase L activation in ABCE1-depleted cells inhibits cellular proliferation and sensitizes cells to apoptosis. Increased activity of caspase-3 causes premature cleavage of autophagy protein, Beclin-1, promoting a switch from autophagy to apoptosis. ABCE1 regulates autophagy during EMCV infection, and enhanced autophagy in ABCE1 knockdown cells promotes EMCV replication. We identify ABCE1 as a host protein that inhibits the OAS/RNase L pathway by regulating RNase L activity, potentially affecting antiviral effects.
Viral Vectors for COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Authors: Lundstrom Kenneth
Published: February 2021

Vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 has been fierce due to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and has included all potential approaches for providing the global community with safe and efficient vaccine candidates in the shortest possible timeframe. Viral vectors have played a central role especially using adenovirus-based vectors. Additionally, other viral vectors based on vaccinia viruses, measles viruses, rhabdoviruses, influenza viruses and lentiviruses have been subjected to vaccine development. Self-amplifying RNA virus vectors have been utilized for lipid nanoparticle-based delivery of RNA as COVID-19 vaccines. Several adenovirus-based vaccine candidates have elicited strong immune responses in immunized animals and protection against challenges in mice and primates has been achieved. Moreover, adenovirus-based vaccine candidates have been subjected to phase I to III clinical trials. Recently, the simian adenovirus-based ChAdOx1 vector expressing the SARS-CoV-2 S spike protein was approved for use in humans in the UK.
Phage–Bacteria Interactions in Potential Applications of Bacteriophage vB_EfaS-271 against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Topka-Bielecka Gracja , Nejman-Faleńczyk Bożena , Bloch Sylwia , Dydecka Aleksandra , Necel Agnieszka , Węgrzyn Alicja , Węgrzyn Grzegorz
Published: February 2021

Phage therapy is one of main alternative option for antibiotic treatment of bacterial infections, particularly in the era of appearance of pathogenic strains revealing resistance to most or even all known antibiotics. Enterococcus faecalis is one of such pathogens causing serious human infections. In the light of high level of biodiversity of bacteriophages and specificity of phages to bacterial species or even strains, development of effective phage therapy depend, between others, on identification and characterization of a large collection of these viruses, including understanding of their interactions with host bacterial cells. Recently, isolation of molecular characterization of bacteriophage vB_EfaS-271, infecting E. faecalis strains have been reported. In this report, phage–host interactions are reported, including ability of vB_EfaS-271 to infect bacteria forming biofilms, efficiency of eliminating bacterial cells from cultures depending on multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.), toxicity of purified phage particles to mammalian cells, and efficiency of appearance of phage-resistant bacteria. The presented results indicate that vB_EfaS-271 can significantly decrease number of viable E. faecalis cells in biofilms and in liquid cultures and reveals no considerable toxicity to mammalian cells. Efficiency of formation of phage-resistant bacteria was dependent on m.o.i. and was higher when the virion-cell ratio was as high as 10 than at low (between 0.01 and 0.0001) m.o.i. values. We conclude that vB_EfaS-271 may be considered as a candidate for its further use in phage therapy.
COVID-19 Vaccines (Revisited) and Oral-Mucosal Vector System as a Potential Vaccine Platform
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Umer , Kim Yeji , Kumar Sunil , Seo Dongyeob , Ashraf Maryam , Bae Yong-Soo
Published: February 2021

There are several emerging strategies for the vaccination of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) however, only a few have yet shown promising effects. Thus, choosing the right pathway and the best prophylactic options in preventing COVID-19 is still challenging at best. Approximately, more than two-hundred vaccines are being tested in different countries, and more than fifty clinical trials are currently undergoing. In this review, we have summarized the immune-based strategies for the development of COVID-19 vaccines and the different vaccine candidate platforms that are in clinical stages of evaluation, and up to the recently licensed mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines of Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna’s. Lastly, we have briefly included the potentials of using the ‘RPS-CTP vector system’ for the development of a safe and effective oral mucosal COVID-19 vaccine as another vaccine platform.
Multiple Levels of Immunological Memory and Their Association with Vaccination
Authors: Bugya Zsófia , Prechl József , Szénási Tibor , Nemes Éva , Bácsi Attila , Koncz Gábor
Published: February 2021

Immunological memory is divided into many levels to counteract the provocations of diverse and ever-changing infections. Fast functions of effector memory and the superposition of both quantitatively and qualitatively plastic anticipatory memory responses together form the walls of protection against pathogens. Here we provide an overview of the role of different B and T cell subsets and their interplay, the parallel and independent functions of the B1, marginal zone B cells, T-independent- and T-dependent B cell responses, as well as functions of central and effector memory T cells, tissue-resident and follicular helper T cells in the memory responses. Age-related limitations in the immunological memory of these cell types in neonates and the elderly are also discussed. We review how certain aspects of immunological memory and the interactions of components can affect the efficacy of vaccines, in order to link our knowledge of immunological memory with the practical application of vaccination.
Programa Mais Médicos: a radiografia de seus entraves e potencialidades
Authors: Baião Darli Chahine , Melo Cynthia de Freitas
Published: February 2021

O Programa Mais Médicos foi criado para amenizar a falta de médicos no país e é alvo de opiniões divergentes, necessitando de análise. Objetivou-se avaliar o programa a partir das atitudes dos médicos e criar um instrumento psicometricamente válido. Trata-se de uma pesquisa multimétodo, em duas fases. Na primeira, realizaram-se entrevistas com 10 médicos, utilizando roteiros semiestruturados, com dados compreendidos por análise de conteúdo. Na segunda, contou-se com uma amostra não probabilística nacional composta por 377 médicos que responderam à escala construída, com dados analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e multivariada. Os resultados identificaram que a eficácia geral do programa é positiva.
Statistical Analysis of the Financial Solvency of the Russian Arctic Regions
Authors: Chapargina A. N. , Dyadik N. V.
Published: February 2021

The uneven distribution of natural resources on the territory of Russia and the limited ﬁnancial capabilities of the regions of the Russian Federation to exercising their powers, according to the authors, predetermine the relevance of considering the problem of assessing ﬁnancial solvency for each region. The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation as a management object is nowadays an issue of concern from researchers and requires special attention since most of the country’s resource potential is concentrated on its territory. The study aims at a statistical assessment of the ﬁnancial viability of the regions of the Russian Arctic through a correlation analysis aimed at exploring the forms of linking indicators that allow us to identify common and speciﬁc features of their regional development.

The article substantiates the system of statistical indicators that directly or indirectly characterize the ﬁnancial solvency of the regions. The analysis of the ﬁnancial solvency of the regions according to the official statistics for the period from 2005 to 2018 was carried out sequentially and in stages: 1st stage - selection of the data array; 2nd stage - formation of a case of ﬁnancial indicators; 3rd stage - building a matrix for correlation analysis; 4th stage - correlation analysis; 5th stage - interpretation of the results.

Using the method of correlation analysis, the authors constructed a matrix of correlation pairs, identifying the most relevant ones for assessing the ﬁnancial solvency of the region. Comparative analysis of paired correlation coefficients for the Arctic regions made it possible to assess the relationship between certain directions and features of their development.

Assessment of the ﬁnancial independence of the constituent entities is the central problem of balancing regional budgets. In this regard, the results of the study may be of interest to regional and federal authorities for forecasting and strategic planning of the development of the Arctic regions in the face of limited ﬁnancial resources.
Emigration from Belarus: Problems of Underestimation
Authors: Petrakova Yu. N.
Published: February 2021

The article covers matters of improving measurement on emigration from Belarus. The author views the current role of external migration as a major component of formation of the population in the Republic of Belarus. The effectiveness of the country socio-economic development programs depends, according to the author, on adequate measures for evaluating the phenomenon in question. The article gives a detailed description of national migration statistics, which, as in many countries, underestimates the number of emigrants, and considers the possibilities of the so-called «mirror» statistics (statistics from countries where Belarusian residents emigrate to) in obtaining real information on the size of emigration from Belarus.

After the introduction, the author analyses some of the most important publications on the subject under discussion, concludes the current state of current statistics and population censuses. The article contains the rationale for choosing foreign countries whose data are used as «mirror» statistics necessary for a more realistic estimation of emigration processes and comments on the geography of migration ﬂows from Belarus. The author assesses the gap in data from «mirror» statistics and the official Belarusian statistics and gives an opinion on the real trends in migration ﬂows of Belarusian citizens, along with the authors own estimates of the country’s population growth, which differ markedly from official statistics.

In the opinion of the author, formulated in the ﬁnal part of the article, the actual amount of the underestimation is considerably higher than can be assumed using «mirror» statistics, because, for example, there is a group of Belarusian citizens in Poland and Russia, that is not reﬂected in official statistics on migrants. The article therefore proposes to establish a system of information exchange between Belarus and the main countries of emigration, especially Russia and Poland, with which it is difficult to assess the extent of emigration based solely on official data, and to establish regular surveys on emigration.
O sistema administrativo micênico a partir dos documentos em Linear B
Authors: Monzani Juliana Caldeira
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo visa apresentar o sistema administrativo micênico inferido a partir dos documentos em Linear B, em especial os tabletes. A essa discussão acrescenta-se o estudo específico de um tipo de documento: os vasos com alça em estribo. Tais recipientes foram concebidos para armazenamento e transporte de líquidos e variam muito em tamanho e acabamento, indo desde exemplares pequenos e refinados até vasos maiores e rústicos produzidos especificamente para o transporte. Nesta última categoria encontra-se um grupo de vasos que receberam inscrições, tendo sido produzidos, na sua maioria, no oeste de Creta, mas encontrados em grande número no continente, e por isso são peças importantes para elucidar as relações estabelecidas entre os centros administrativos micênicos na Península Balcânica e áreas produtivas em Creta.
LEVIN-RICHARDSON, SARAH. THE BROTHEL OF POMPEII: SEX, CLASS, AND GENDER AT THE MARGINS OF ROMAN SOCIETY. CAMBRIDGE, UK, E NOVA YORK, NY: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2019. 243 P. ISBN: 978-1-108-49687-2.
Authors: Sparvoli Fabrício
Published: February 2021

Resenha - LEVIN-RICHARDSON, SARAH. THE BROTHEL OF POMPEII: SEX, CLASS, AND GENDER AT THE MARGINS OF ROMAN SOCIETY. CAMBRIDGE, UK, E NOVA YORK, NY: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2019. 243 P. ISBN: 978-1-108-49687-2.
Forecasting Website Traffic Using Prophet Time Series Model
Authors: Subashini A , K Sandhiya , Saranya S , Harsha U
Published: February 2021

Web traffic is the amount of data sent and received by visitors to a website and it has been the largest portion of Internet traffic. Internet traffic flow prediction heavily depends on historical and real-time traffic data collected from various internet flow monitoring sources. With the widespread traditional traffic sensors and new emerging traffic sensor technologies, traffic data are exploding, and we have entered the era of big data internet traffic. Internet traffic management and control driven by big data is becoming a new trend. Although there have been already many internet traffic flow prediction systems and models, most of which use shallow traffic models and are still somewhat unsatisfying. This inspires us to reconsider the internet traffic flow prediction model based on deep architecture models with such rich amount of internet traffic data. ARIMA is a existing forecasting technique that predicts the future values of a series based entirely on its own inertia. Existing traffic flow prediction methods mainly use simple traffic prediction models and are still unsatisfying for many real-world applications. Now we proposed the prophet time series model to forecasting website traffic.
Classification overview of the Hardware Trojans in digital circuits
Authors: Timis Grigore Mihai , Valachi Alexandru
Published: February 2021

This paper presents an overview of the Hardware Trojans classification methods. A malicious entity can introduce a Hardware Trojan (HT) into a design in order to denial of service, destroy or disable the system. Moreover, it could leak the confidential information and the secret keys before altered them. The Hardware Trojan (HT) threats should be analyzed with maximum importance through the entire lifecycle of the integrated circuit (ICs). A hardware protection against the detected harmful logic should also be implemented.
Akarçay Akarsuyu (Afyonkarahisar) Su Kalitesi ve Ağır Metal Kirliliği
Authors: GÜMÜŞ Numan Emre
Published: February 2021

Akarçay Havzası sanayi ve tarımsal faaliyetler ile evsel atık suların yoğun baskısı altındadır. Havzaya adını veren Akarçay Akarsu de bu antropojenik etkilere maruz kalmaktadır. Bu sebeple Akarçay da üç farklı istasyondan Nisan-2019 ile Mart-2020 arasında mevsimsel olarak alınan su örneklerinde bazı fizikokimyasal ve ağır metal parametreleri incelenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar Pearson Korelasyon İndeks (PCI) istatistik metotu ile değerlendirilmiştir. PCI göre analizine göre Akarçay Akarsuyunda fizikokimyasal ve ağır metaller birbirleriyle pozitif ve negatif korelasyon göstermiştir. Bulunan sonuçlar ulusal ve uluslararası kalite kriterlerinde yer alan limit değerlerle karşılaştırılmıştır. Akarçay Akarsu su kalitesi Su Kalitesi Kontrol Yönetmeliğine (SKKY) göre I-IV. sınıf arasında değişim göstermektedir.
La responsabilidad del estado como obligado subsidiario en los juicios de fijación de pensiones alimenticias
Authors: Santillán-Andrade Julián Rodolfo , Aguirre-Aguilar Jaritza Andreina
Published: February 2021

La investigación tiene como objetivo es realizar un análisis jurídico sobre la responsabilidad del Estado ecuatoriano como obligado subsidiario en los juicios de fijación de pensión alimentaria, a efecto de no vulnerar los derechos de los niños, niñas y adolescente, que se ven afectados por las malas praxis en la materia de amparo legal. Desde un enfoque cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo de campo, no experimental. Metodológicamente bajo un enfoque analítico-sintético y a nivel descriptivo documental desde un diseño bibliográfico. Se construyó y aplicó una encuesta a 30 profesionales del derecho, quienes respondieron a una serie de interrogantes, previamente sometidas a juicio de expertos. Analizándose las respuestas y contrastando con los aportes teóricos. Se concluye que no existen normas legalmente relacionadas al tema tratado; es necesario promover reformas donde normalicen la participación del Estado como subsidiario por excepción en pensión alimentaria, amparado en el interés superior de la niña, niño y adolescente.
Seguridad jurídica y medios de prueba para impugnar las contravenciones de tránsito
Authors: Cruz-Piza Iyo Alexis , Flores-Córdova Lady Carolina
Published: February 2021

En el siguiente trabajo de revisión se pretende analizar el proceso N° 12282-2019-01005, a fin de proponer una normativa que especifique la jurisdicción y competencia de los agentes de tránsito municipal y de la Comisión de tránsito del Ecuador. Desde la perspectiva cuantitativa, de tipo descriptiva se complementa por un diseño documental-bibliográfico, abordando el método analítico enfocándose en el estudio de aspectos particulares, examinados en el análisis de contenido escrito, mediante lo analítico-sintético. Se utilizó una muestra por conveniencia, de una población de 1500 abogados inscritos en el foro de abogados de Babahoyo, se obtuvo una muestra de 206 abogados, a los cuales se les aplicó un cuestionario, conformado por 5 interrogantes. Se pudo concluir que en el proceso existió la falta de valoración de las pruebas por parte del juez de garantías penales en la audiencia de juzgamiento por contravenciones de tránsito. Recomendando que se debe realizar una revisión y mejorar en los procedimientos futuros.
Sanciones para padres de adolescentes que cometen delitos de sexting por redes sociales en Ecuador
Authors: Cruz-Piza Iyo Alexis , Flores-Martínez Edita Estefanía
Published: February 2021

La investigación está enfocado en la revisión de una problemática social que es de conocimiento e interés de la sociedad y afecta a los niños, niñas y adolescentes entre 10 a 14 años, como es la publicación de contenido sexual de desnudos o semidesnudos en las redes sociales mejor definido como sexting, El objetivo principal de este trabajo, es analizar las normas y bases legales correspondientes a las sanciones para los padres de adolescentes en materia de delitos. Un estudio cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo y análisis documental bibliográfico, se realizó la recopilación estadística mediante una encuesta. Una vez recopilado los datos se utilizó, el método analítico- sintético. Se concluye que la falta de definición del delito sexting dentro del código orgánico integral penal y de responsabilidad para los padres de los niños, niñas y adolescentes en estos delitos, se propone que los progenitores tengan mayor cuidado del uso de las redes.
Principio de Celeridad en los Procesos Judiciales durante pandemia covid-19 en Riobamba
Authors: Colcha-Ramos Laura Alicia , Daqui-Orozco Luis Renato , Urquizo-Padilla Gisella Lizbeth
Published: February 2021

La investigación tiene por objetivo principal analizar el principio de celeridad en los procesos judiciales durante pandemia por covid-19 en la ciudad de Riobamba, ubicada en el Cantón Riobamba de la Provincia de Chimborazo – Ecuador. Se generó primordialmente desde el método analítico – sintético, trabajándose en evidencias y testimonios documentados sobre el principio de celeridad en los procesos judiciales durante pandemia por covid-19 en la ciudad de Riobamba. Se ha determinado que durante los meses de confinamiento ha existido un incremento en los índices de denuncias y delitos, entre los más comunes tenemos la violencia en contra de la mujer. El principio de celeridad ha jugado un papel importante y se ha aplicado eficazmente dentro de los procesos de carácter judicial en la ciudad de Riobamba, debido a que se han logrado resultados positivos en favor de la justicia.
Matrimonio civil entre personas del mismo sexo y su impacto en el marco jurídico de Ecuador
Authors: Barcos-Arias Ignacio Fernando , Terán-Arregui Jenny Guadalupe
Published: February 2021

La investigación tiene como objetivo principal  demostrar que el matrimonio civil entre personas del mismo sexo, aplicado a través de la sentencia N°10-18-CN/19 de la Corte Constitucional, transgrede el marco Jurídico Constitucional de Ecuador, es un procedimiento autoritario de excedidas funciones de la Corte Constitucional, disponer se cumpla una ley inexistente en el ordenamiento jurídico, asumir competencias y facultades que no son dadas por la Constitución, acarrean carencia de eficacia jurídica sin desestimar que la comunidad LGBTI es sujeto de exigir derechos y contraer obligaciones. Bajo la modalidad paradigmática cuantitativa. Se apoya en el método analítico-sintético, ya que brindó la posibilidad de analizar la información obtenida, de una muestra de 316 abogados, a la cual se le aplicó un cuestionario conformado por 5 interrogantes. Se concluye La Sentencia N°10-18-CN/19 debería quedar sin efecto y seguirse el procedimiento de reforma constitucional como única vía establecida en la Carta Magna.