bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk and Environmental Factors Associated with the Presence of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 in Diarrheic Dogs from Thessaly, Central Greece
Authors: Kantere Maria , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Giannakopoulos Alexios , Skampardonis Vassilis , Sofia Marina , Valiakos George , Athanasakopoulou Zoi , Touloudi Antonia , Chatzopoulos Dimitris C. , Spyrou Vassiliki , Billinis Charalambos
Published: May 2021

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) primarily infects dogs, which are the main host reservoir, causing severe gastrointestinal disease associated with immunosuppression. The present study was conducted in Thessaly, Greece and aimed to identify risk and environmental factors associated with CPV-2 infection in diarrheic dogs. Fecal samples were collected from 116 dogs presenting diarrhea and were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of CPV-2 DNA. Supplementary data regarding clinical symptoms, individual features, management factors and medical history were also gathered for each animal during clinical evaluation. Sixty-eight diarrheic dogs were found to be positive for the virus DNA in their feces. Statistical analysis revealed that CPV-2 DNA was less likely to be detected in senior dogs, while working dogs, namely hounds and shepherds, had higher odds to be positive for the virus. Livestock density and land uses, specifically the categories of discontinuous urban fabric and of human population density, were identified as significant environmental parameters associated with CPV-2 infection by using Geographical Information System (GIS) together with the Ecological Niche Model (ENM). This is the first description of the environmental variables associated with the presence of CPV-2 DNA in dogs’ feces in Greece.
Spatial-Frequency Domain Imaging: An Emerging Depth-Varying and Wide-Field Technique for Optical Property Measurement of Biological Tissues
Authors: Sun Zhizhong , Hu Dong , Wang Zhong , Xie Lijuan , Ying Yibin
Published: May 2021

Measurement of optical properties is critical for understanding light-tissue interaction, properly interpreting measurement data, and gaining better knowledge of tissue physicochemical properties. However, conventional optical measuring techniques are limited in point measurement, which partly hinders the applications on characterizing spatial distribution and inhomogeneity of optical properties of biological tissues. Spatial-frequency domain imaging (SFDI), as an emerging non-contact, depth-varying and wide-field optical imaging technique, is capable of measuring the optical properties in a wide field-of-view on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This review first describes the typical SFDI system and the principle for estimating optical properties using the SFDI technique. Then, the applications of SFDI in the fields of biomedicine, as well as food and agriculture, are reviewed, including burn assessment, skin tissue evaluation, tumor tissue detection, brain tissue monitoring, and quality evaluation of agro-products. Finally, a discussion on the challenges and future perspectives of SFDI for optical property estimation is presented.
Effect of Grafting Rootstock on the Antioxidant Capacity and Content of Heirloom Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Hydroponic Culture
Authors: Greathouse Jamie , Henning Shelby , Soendergaard Mette
Published: May 2021

Heirloom tomato varieties are in demand by consumers due to high antioxidant levels. However, these varieties are difficult to produce and are prone to disease. To overcome these problems, heirloom tomatoes may be cultivated in hydroponic systems and grafted onto disease-resistant rootstocks. However, it is unknown if the antioxidant content and capacity are affected by grafting. In this study, heirloom (Black Krim and Green Zebra) and standard (Big Beef) varieties were grafted onto wild type (WT) or productive rootstocks (Arnold and Supernatural). The tomatoes were harvested at maturity, freeze-dried, and ground into a powder. Lycopene was extracted using hexane, and the content was determined spectrophotometrically at 503 nm. The antioxidant capacity of methanol extracts was evaluated by the 2,2′-azino-di[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonsyr]sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, whereas the phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Interestingly, the grafting of Big Beef and Green Zebra onto Supernatural rootstock resulted in an increased antioxidant capacity, as determined by the DPPH assay. Moreover, the phenolic content was changed for Big Beef grafted onto Arnold, and Big Beef and Green Zebra grafted onto Supernatural. Taken together, these results indicate that certain combinations of standard and heirloom tomato varieties and productive rootstocks may influence the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. These results may be used to guide producers when choosing rootstocks for cultivating hydroponic tomatoes.
Metabolomic Analysis of Cannabinoid and Essential Oil Profiles in Different Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Phenotypes
Authors: Eržen Marjeta , Košir Iztok J. , Ocvirk Miha , Kreft Samo , Čerenak Andreja
Published: May 2021

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cannabinoids and terpenoids have therapeutic effects on human and animal health. Cannabis plants can often have a relatively high heterogeneity, which leads to different phenotypes that have different chemical profiles despite being from the same variety. Little information exists about cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles in different hemp phenotypes within the same variety. For this study, 11 phenotypes from three different varieties (“Carmagnola” selected (CS), “Tiborszallasi” (TS), and “Finola” selection (FS)) were analyzed. The components of essential oil (29) were analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID), and 10 different cannabinoids of each phenotype were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that according to the components of essential oil, FS and TS plants were more uniform than CS plants, where there were great differences between CI and CII phenotypes. The content of cannabinoid CBD-A was the highest in all four FS phenotypes. By comparing cannabinoid profiles, FS was clearly separated from TS and CS, while these two varieties were not clearly distinguishable. Phenotypes TV and CI had the highest total content of Δ-9-THC, while all phenotypes of FS had the highest total content of CBD. The highest total content of CBG was determined in phenotype CI. Obtained results are useful for the development of new supplementary ingredients, for different pharmacy treatments, and for further breeding purposes.
Analysis of Diagnostic Methods and Energy of Production Systems Drives
Authors: Kuric Ivan , Klačková Ivana , Nikitin Yury Rafailovich , Zajačko Ivan , Císar Miroslav , Tucki Karol
Published: May 2021

This article deals with solving the urgent scientific problem of the diagnostics of drives of technological robotized workplaces with support of sensors. The dependence of diagnostic parameters on the technical state of drives of automated technological systems, which is of great economic importance for industrial enterprises, is being investigated. Diagnostic models have been developed based on sensory systems to diagnose drive models of technological robotized workplaces. The use of these models may also include monitoring systems in which it is possible to build a system for identifying detected changes. These systems identify many contradictory changes and thereby reduce the false alarm frequency of monitoring sensory systems. Numerous methods for solving technical diagnostics problems are often based on methods based on mathematical models describing work processes, as well as on spectral analysis of measured parameters, such as vibrations, noise, and electric current. A fuzzy inference system for assessing the technical condition, a system for estimating the residual resource of drives, and asystem for calculating diagnostic intervals based on fuzzy knowledge have been developed. Based on the historical trend of the diagnostic parameters, the intelligent diagnostic system determines the current technical condition of the actuator and predicts future technical condition changes, determines the remaining service life and the time intervals for diagnostics. The analysis of the time spent on planned preventive maintenance of technological equipment makes it possible to conclude that, after the modernization of equipment in 2018, the repair time was reduced from 350 h to 260 h per year (26%). Since 2019, there is a tendency to increase repair time by 30 h each year.
Analysis of Adhesion between Wet Clay Soil and Rotary Tillage Part in Paddy Field Based on Discrete Element Method
Authors: Cheng Jian , Zheng Kan , Xia Junfang , Liu Guoyang , Jiang Liu , Li Dong
Published: May 2021

To analyze the process of wet clay soil adhering to the rotary tillage part during rotary tillage in paddy field, simulation tests were carried out based on the discrete element method (DEM) in this study. The Plackett-Burman (PB) test was applied to obtain simulation parameters that significantly affected the soil adhesion mass. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) based on the principle of response surface method (RSM) was used to establish a regression model between significant parameters and soil adhesion mass. The soil adhesion mass obtained from the actual soil bin test as the response value was brought into the regression model. The optimal simulation parameters were obtained: the particle-particle coefficient of rolling friction, the particle-geometry coefficient of static friction, and the particle-particle JKR (Johnson-Kendall-Roberts) surface energy were 0.09, 0.81, and 61.55 J·m−2, respectively. The reliability of the parameters was verified by comparing the soil adhesion mass obtained under the optimal simulation parameters with the actual test value, and the relative error was 1.84%. Analysis of the rotary tillage showed that soil adhesion was mainly concentrated in the sidelong section of the rotary blade. The maximum number of upper soil particles adhering to the rotary tillage part was 2605 compared to the middle soil and lower soil layers. The longer the distance the rotary tillage part was operated in the soil for, the more soil particles would adhere to it. This study can provide a reference for the rational selection of simulation parameters for rotary tillage and the analysis of soil adhesion process in rotary tillage.
Early-Stage Detection of Solid Oxide Cells Anode Degradation by Operando Impedance Analysis
Authors: Staffolani Antunes , Baldinelli Arianna , Barelli Linda , Bidini Gianni , Nobili Francesco
Published: May 2021

Solid oxide cells represent one of the most efficient and promising electrochemical technologies for hydrogen energy conversion. Understanding and monitoring degradation is essential for their full development and wide diffusion. Techniques based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and distribution of relaxation times of physicochemical processes occurring in solid oxide cells have attracted interest for the operando diagnosis of degradation. This research paper aims to validate the methodology developed by the authors in a previous paper, showing how such a diagnostic tool may be practically implemented. The validation methodology is based on applying an a priori known stress agent to a solid oxide cell operated in laboratory conditions and on the discrete measurement and deconvolution of electrochemical impedance spectra. Finally, experimental evidence obtained from a fully operando approach was counterchecked through ex-post material characterization.
Purification Process of Mangiferin from Mangifera indica L. Leaves and Evaluation of Its Bioactivities
Authors: Loan Nguyen Thi Truc , Long Dang Thanh , Yen Pham Nguyen Dong , Hanh Truong Thi Minh , Pham Tri Nhut , Pham Dung Thuy Nguyen
Published: May 2021

Mangiferin (C19H18O11) is a C-glucoside xanthone that is mainly found in the leaves of mango (Mangifera indica L). The compound has been recognized for several pharmacological values, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Therefore, the present study aims to utilize the old leaves of mango as a potential source for mangiferin extraction and purification, and evaluate its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In the present study, mangiferin was extracted from a local variety of mango leaves using ultrasonic-assisted extraction methods and ethanol as the extraction solvent. The crude ethanolic extract of mangiferin was then purified by the liquid–liquid fractionation method with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, then further separated by HPLC. The crude extract, ethyl acetate fractions and purified mangiferin were investigated for anti-microorganism activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Aspergillus flavus by using the paper disc diffusion assay. The results have shown that the extraction efficiency was 14.17%. The obtained mangiferin was 1.97 g of content and 94.2% of purity. The oxidation resistance of purified mangiferin was 1.77 times higher than the crude extract and 1.05 times higher than the standard mangiferin (IC50 = 13.841 μg/mL). However, the purified mangiferin has shown no inhibitory action against the experimental strains of microorganisms. The findings from the present study suggest an effective scheme of extraction and purification to obtain mangiferin from the local variety of mango with high purity and antioxidant potential.
Humidity Sensing by Chitosan-Coated Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBG)
Authors: D’Amato Rosaria , Polimadei Andrea , Terranova Gaetano , Caponero Michele Arturo
Published: May 2021

In this work, we report novel relative humidity sensors realized by functionalising fibre Bragg gratings with chitosan, a moisture-sensitive biopolymer never used before for this kind of fibre optic sensor. The swelling capacity of chitosan is fundamental to the sensing mechanism. Different samples were fabricated, testing the influence of coating design and deposition procedure on sensor performance. The sensitivity of the sensors was measured in an airtight humidity-controlled chamber using saturated chemical salt solutions. The best result in terms of sensitivity was obtained for a sensor produced on filter paper substrate. Tests for each design were performed in the environment, lasted several days, and all designs were independently re-tested at different seasons of the year. The produced sensors closely followed the ambient humidity variation common to the 24-h circadian cycle.
Multisensorial Assessment of Laser Effects on Shellac Applied on Wall Paintings
Authors: Striova Jana , Fontana Raffaella , Barbetti Ilaria , Pezzati Luca , Fedele Annamaria , Riminesi Cristiano
Published: May 2021

The assessment of five different laser treatments in the conservation of wall paintings was devised on the basis of the surface temperature monitoring by infrared thermography (IRT), ultraviolet-induced fluorescence-visible (UV-VIS) imaging, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A series of yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) lasers were tested for removal of shellac layers from wall painting mock-ups. The mock-ups were realized as buon fresco with different mineral based pigments (earths and iron oxide) on a lime- and sand-based mortar. After the carbonatation process, all the samples were treated with shellac (5% in ethanol). The effects of neodymium (Nd):YAG, holmium (Ho):YAG, and erbium (Er):YAG laser sources, in different operative modes, on average temperature of the surface, color, and morphology were inspected with complementary sensors. The results show the necessity to adopt a combined approach in establishing safe laser operating conditions to avoid any undesired effects induced on the artefacts by the laser treatments. We demonstrate, for the first time, the performance of the Ho:YAG laser in the removal of a conservation treatment.
Directionally-Enhanced Binary Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimisation for Load Balancing in Software Defined Networks
Authors: Albowarab Mustafa Hasan , Zakaria Nurul Azma , Zainal Abidin Zaheera
Published: May 2021

Various aspects of task execution load balancing of Internet of Things (IoTs) networks can be optimised using intelligent algorithms provided by software-defined networking (SDN). These load balancing aspects include makespan, energy consumption, and execution cost. While past studies have evaluated load balancing from one or two aspects, none has explored the possibility of simultaneously optimising all aspects, namely, reliability, energy, cost, and execution time. For the purposes of load balancing, implementing multi-objective optimisation (MOO) based on meta-heuristic searching algorithms requires assurances that the solution space will be thoroughly explored. Optimising load balancing provides not only decision makers with optimised solutions but a rich set of candidate solutions to choose from. Therefore, the purposes of this study were (1) to propose a joint mathematical formulation to solve load balancing challenges in cloud computing and (2) to propose two multi-objective particle swarm optimisation (MP) models; distance angle multi-objective particle swarm optimization (DAMP) and angle multi-objective particle swarm optimization (AMP). Unlike existing models that only use crowding distance as a criterion for solution selection, our MP models probabilistically combine both crowding distance and crowding angle. More specifically, we only selected solutions that had more than a 0.5 probability of higher crowding distance and higher angular distribution. In addition, binary variants of the approaches were generated based on transfer function, and they were denoted by binary DAMP (BDAMP) and binary AMP (BAMP). After using MOO mathematical functions to compare our models, BDAMP and BAMP, with state of the standard models, BMP, BDMP and BPSO, they were tested using the proposed load balancing model. Both tests proved that our DAMP and AMP models were far superior to the state of the art standard models, MP, crowding distance multi-objective particle swarm optimisation (DMP), and PSO. Therefore, this study enables the incorporation of meta-heuristic in the management layer of cloud networks.
A Radiolucent Electromagnetic Tracking System for Use with Intraoperative X-ray Imaging
Authors: O’Donoghue Kilian , Jaeger Herman Alexander , Cantillon-Murphy Padraig
Published: May 2021

In recent times, the use of electromagnetic tracking for navigation in surgery has quickly become a vital tool in minimally invasive surgery. In many procedures, electromagnetic tracking is used in tandem with X-ray technology to track a variety of tools and instruments. Most commercially available EM tracking systems can cause X-ray artifacts and attenuation due to their construction and the metals that form them. In this work, we provide a novel solution to this problem by creating a new radiolucent electromagnetic navigation system that has minimal impact on -ray imaging systems. This is a continuation of our previous work where we showed the development of the Anser open-source electromagnetic tracking system. Typical electromagnetic tracking systems operate by generating low frequency magnetic fields from coils that are located near the patient. These coils are typically made from copper, steel, and other dense radiopaque materials. In this work, we explore the use of low density aluminum to create these coils and we demonstrate that the effect on X-ray images is significantly reduced as a result of these novel changes in the materials used. The resulting field generator is shown to give at least a 60% reduction in the X-ray attenuation in comparison to our earlier designs. We verify that the system accuracy of approximately 1.5 mm RMS error is maintained with this change in design.
L2-CalSat: A Calibration Satellite for Ultra-Sensitive CMB Polarization Space Missions
Authors: Casas Francisco J. , Martínez-González Enrique , Bermejo-Ballesteros Juan , García Sergio , Cubas Javier , Vielva Patricio , Barreiro Rita B. , Sanz Angel
Published: May 2021

In this work, the use of a calibration satellite (L2-CalSat) flying in formation with a Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarization mission in an orbit located at the second Lagrange point, is proposed. The new generation of CMB telescopes are expected to reach unprecedented levels of sensitivity to allow a very precise measurement of the B-mode of polarization, the curl-like polarization component expected from gravitational waves coming from Starobinski inflationary models. Due to the CMB polarized signal weakness, the instruments must be subjected to very precise calibration processes before and after launching. Celestial sources are often used as external references for calibration after launch, but these sources are not perfectly characterized. As a baseline option, L2-CalSat is based on the CubeSat standard and serves as a perfectly known source of a reference signal to reduce polarization measurements uncertainty. A preliminary design of L2-CalSat is described and, according to the scanning strategy followed by the telescope, the influence of the relative position between the spacecrafts in the calibration process is studied. This new calibration element will have a huge impact on the performance of CMB space missions, providing a significant improvement in the measurements accuracy without requiring new and costly technological developments.
In Vitro and In Vivo Multispectral Photoacoustic Imaging for the Evaluation of Chromophore Concentration
Authors: Dolet Aneline , Ammanouil Rita , Petrilli Virginie , Richard Cédric , Tortoli Piero , Vray Didier , Varray François
Published: May 2021

Multispectral photoacoustic imaging is a powerful noninvasive medical imaging technique that provides access to functional information. In this study, a set of methods is proposed and validated, with experimental multispectral photoacoustic images used to estimate the concentration of chromophores. The unmixing techniques used in this paper consist of two steps: (1) automatic extraction of the reference spectrum of each pure chromophore; and (2) abundance calculation of each pure chromophore from the estimated reference spectra. The compared strategies bring positivity and sum-to-one constraints, from the hyperspectral remote sensing field to multispectral photoacoustic, to evaluate chromophore concentration. Particularly, the study extracts the endmembers and compares the algorithms from the hyperspectral remote sensing domain and a dedicated algorithm for segmentation of multispectral photoacoustic data to this end. First, these strategies are tested with dilution and mixing of chromophores on colored 4% agar phantom data. Then, some preliminary in vivo experiments are performed. These consist of estimations of the oxygen saturation rate (sO2) in mouse tumors. This article proposes then a proof-of-concept of the interest to bring hyperspectral remote sensing algorithms to multispectral photoacoustic imaging for the estimation of chromophore concentration.
Noncontact Laser Ultrasound Detection of Cracks Using Hydrophone
Authors: Kang Ki Chang , Park Kwan Kyu
Published: May 2021

We present a noncontact, non-immersion ultrasonic inspection method. A broadband ultrasound signal generated by a pulsed laser was measured using a hydrophone. The generated ultrasound signals propagated through the specimen and received a signal from the hydrophone in the water. Soldered chip ceramic capacitors, resistors, and surface-mount-type chip amplifiers were used as experimental specimens. A polydimethylsiloxane layer was used to prevent the specimen from being impacted by contact with water. The presence of a crack in the middle of the specimen resulted in an air layer, and the intermediate air layer reduced the magnitude of the signal transmitted owing to impedance mismatch. Using this principle, the cracks in each specimen could be distinguished. The image contrast ratio derived from the proposed method is approximately two to three times higher than that derived using the conventional immersion ultrasonic method. These results show that the proposed method can replace existing immersion-type ultrasound transmitted images.
A Novel Portable Gamma Radiation Sensor Based on a Monolithic Lutetium-Yttrium Oxyorthosilicate Ring
Authors: Zhang Xi , Xie Qiangqiang , Xie Siwei , Yu Xin , Xu Jianfeng , Peng Qiyu
Published: May 2021

Portable radiation detectors are widely used in environmental radiation detection and medical imaging due to their portability feature, high detection efficiency, and large field of view. Lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) is a widely used scintillator in gamma radiation detection. However, the structure and the arrangement of scintillators limit the sensitivity and detection accuracy of these radiation detectors. In this study, a novel portable sensor based on a monolithic LYSO ring was developed for the detection of environmental radiation through simulation, followed by construction and assessments. Monte Carlo simulations were utilized to prove the detection of gamma rays at 511 keV by the developed sensor. The simulations data, including energy resolutions, decoding errors, and sensitivity, showed good potential for the detection of gamma rays by the as-obtained sensor. The experimental results using the VA method revealed decoding errors in the energy window width of 50 keV less than 2°. The average error was estimated at 0.67°, a sufficient value for the detection of gamma radiation. In sum, the proposed radiation sensor appears promising for the construction of high-performance radiation detectors and systems.
Recent Progress of Toxic Gas Sensors Based on 3D Graphene Frameworks
Authors: Dong Qichao , Xiao Min , Chu Zengyong , Li Guochen , Zhang Ye
Published: May 2021

Air pollution is becoming an increasingly important global issue. Toxic gases such as ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like phenol are very common air pollutants. To date, various sensing methods have been proposed to detect these toxic gases. Researchers are trying their best to build sensors with the lowest detection limit, the highest sensitivity, and the best selectivity. As a 2D material, graphene is very sensitive to many gases and so can be used for gas sensors. Recent studies have shown that graphene with a 3D structure can increase the gas sensitivity of the sensors. The limit of detection (LOD) of the sensors can be upgraded from ppm level to several ppb level. In this review, the recent progress of the gas sensors based on 3D graphene frameworks in the detection of harmful gases is summarized and discussed.
Unintended Detrimental Effects of the Combination of Several Safety Measures—When More Is Not Always More Effective
Authors: Brandhorst Sebastian , Kluge Annette
Published: May 2021

To ensure safety-related behavior in risky operations, several safety measures, such as safety-related rules and safety management systems including audits, rewards, and communication, are implemented. Looking at each single measure, it is reasonable to assume that each one leads to rule compliance, but how do they interact? In an experimental study, we varied (1) the salience of either safety, productivity, or both, (2) the reward for the compliance and punishment for a violation, (3) the communication of audit results (result- or process-based), and (4) the gain and loss framing of performance indicators. In a 3 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial between-group design, 497 engineering students in the role of Control Room Operator participated in a five hour simulation of a production year of a chemical plant. Looking at single effects, salient safety goals led to a low number of rule violations compared to the salience of production goals. Interestingly, the interaction of several measures showed that particular combinations of measures were highly detrimental to safety, although altogether, they were assumed to reduce risks. For practice, this means that the effects of safety measures depend on their particular combination and can lead to unwanted effects.
Museums and Transitional Justice: Assessing the Impact of a Memorial Museum on Young People in Post-Communist Romania
Authors: Light Duncan , Creţan Remus , Dunca Andreea-Mihaela
Published: May 2021

Memorial museums are frequently established within transitional justice projects intended to reckon with recent political violence. They play an important role in enabling young people to understand and remember a period of human rights abuses of which they have no direct experience. This paper examines the impact of a memorial museum in Romania which interprets the human rights abuses of the communist period (1947–1989). It uses focus groups with 61 young adults and compares the responses of visitors and non-visitors to assess the impact of the museum on views about the communist past, as well as the role of the museum within post-communist transitional justice. The museum had a limited impact on changing overall perceptions of the communist era but visiting did stimulate reflection on the differences between past and present, and the importance of long-term remembrance; however, these young people were largely skeptical about the museum’s role within broader processes of transitional justice. The paper concludes that it is important to recognize the limits of what memorial museums can achieve, since young people form a range of intergenerational memories about the recent past which a museum is not always able to change.
Variations in the Physical Performance of Olympic Boxers over a Four-Day National Qualifying Tournament
Authors: Loturco Irineu , McGuigan Michael R. , Freitas Tomás T. , Bishop Chris , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Romano Felipe , Alves Mateus , Reis Valter P. , Pereira Lucas A. , Franchini Emerson
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to examine changes in body mass (BM) and power-related measures in Olympic boxers during an official qualifying boxing tournament. Fourteen elite amateur boxers from the Brazilian National Team (eight men and six women) participated in this study. Athletes performed three fights in four days against the same opponent of the same weight-category. Before and immediately after every fight, BM, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and power production in the bench-press and half-squat exercises were assessed in the same order and on the same time of the day. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with the Bonferroni post-hoc analysis was used to determine the variations between pre- and post-measures. The statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. The athletes were able to maintain their baseline weight and physical performance throughout the experimental period, as shown by the lack of significant changes in BM, CMJ height, and upper- and lower-limb power output. Throughout a four-day qualifying tournament, the BM and power-related performance of Olympic boxers were not affected either by match execution or by successive matches. As scoring actions are highly dependent on muscle power, it is likely that these combat athletes are able to maintain optimal levels of performance across consecutive matches.
Vascular Deformation Mapping of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Braet Drew J. , Eliason Jonathan , Ahmed Yunus , van Bakel Pieter A. J. , Zhong Jiayang , Bian Zhangxing , Figueroa Carlos Alberto , Burris Nicholas S.
Published: May 2021

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex disease that requires regular imaging surveillance to monitor for aneurysm stability. Current imaging surveillance techniques use maximum diameter, often assessed by computed tomography angiography (CTA), to assess risk of rupture and determine candidacy for operative repair. However, maximum diameter measurements can be variable, do not reliably predict rupture risk and future AAA growth, and may be an oversimplification of complex AAA anatomy. Vascular deformation mapping (VDM) is a recently described technique that uses deformable image registration to quantify three-dimensional changes in aortic wall geometry, which has been previously used to quantify three-dimensional (3D) growth in thoracic aortic aneurysms, but the feasibility of the VDM technique for measuring 3D growth in AAA has not yet been studied. Seven patients with infra-renal AAAs were identified and VDM was used to identify three-dimensional maps of AAA growth. In the present study, we demonstrate that VDM is able to successfully identify and quantify 3D growth (and the lack thereof) in AAAs that is not apparent from maximum diameter. Furthermore, VDM can be used to quantify growth of the excluded aneurysm sac after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). VDM may be a useful adjunct for surgical planning and appears to be a sensitive modality for detecting regional growth of AAAs.
Short-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Increased Emergency Room Visits for Skin Diseases in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Wanzhou , Zhang Wenlou , Zhao Jingjing , Li Hongyu , Wu Jun , Deng Furong , Ma Qingbian , Guo Xinbiao
Published: May 2021

Skin diseases have become a global concern. This study aims to evaluate the associations between ambient air pollution and emergency room visits for skin diseases under the background of improving air quality in China. Based on 45,094 cases from a general hospital and fixed-site monitoring environmental data from 2014–2019 in Beijing, China, this study used generalized additive models with quasi-Poisson regression to estimate the exposure–health associations at lag 0–1 to lag 0–7. PM2.5 and NO2 exposure were associated with increased emergency room visits for total skin diseases (ICD10: L00-L99). Positive associations of PM2.5, PM10, O3 and NO2 with dermatitis/eczema (ICD-10: L20–30), as well as SO2 and NO2 with urticaria (ICD-10: L50) visits were also found. For instance, a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with increases of 0.7% (95%CI: 0.2%, 1.2%) in total skin diseases visits at lag 0–5 and 1.1% (95%CI: 0.6%, 1.7%) in dermatitis/eczema visits at lag 0–1, respectively. For PM2.5, PM10 and CO, stronger annual associations were typically observed in the high-pollution (2014) and low-pollution (2018/2019) years. For instance, a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 at lag 0–5 was associated with increases of 1.8% (95%CI: 1.0%, 2.6%) and 2.3% (95%CI: 0.4%, 4.3%) in total skin disease visits in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Our study emphasizes the necessity of controlling the potential health hazard of air pollutants on skin, although significant achievements in air quality control have been made in China.
Gender Differences in the Level of Antibodies to Measles Virus in Adults
Authors: Kostinov P. Mikhail , Zhuravlev I. Pavel , Filatov N. Nikolay , Kostinova M. Аristitsa , Polishchuk B. Valentina , Shmitko D. Anna , Mashilov V. Cyrill , Vlasenko E. Anna , Ryzhov A. Alexey , Kostinov M. Аnton
Published: May 2021

Individuals without a protective antibody level are susceptible to measles infection. There are differences in the persistence of antibodies after vaccination and infection, while the impact of gender on this process has not been sufficiently studied. Measles Ig G antibodies were measured in 1742 employees of a large hospital facility—403 men and 1339 women aged from 25 to 67 years; 15% participants had antibody levels less than the protective threshold of ≥0.18 IU/mL. Significant differences were found in the age group 40–49, where the level of IgG antibodies to measles among men was higher than among women (1.51 IU/mL (0.41; 3.38) vs. 0.70 IU/mL (0.22;1.98) respectively, (U = 3.2, p = 0,001)); in the age group 60 and older, by contrast, the level of antibodies among women was higher compared to men (3.29 IU/mL (1.72; 4.07) vs. 2.90 IU/mL (1.46; 3.53) respectively (U = 2.2, p = 0.03)). The proportion of seronegative women in the age group 40–49 was significantly higher than of seronegative men: 22 [18–26]% and 11 [6–18]% respectively (χ2 = 7.0, p = 0.001). The revealed gender characteristics that affect persistence of measles immunity may be important in personalization of vaccinal prevention for men and women.
Mice Immunized with the Vaccine Candidate HexaPro Spike Produce Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Seephetdee Chotiwat , Buasri Nattawut , Bhukhai Kanit , Srisanga Kitima , Manopwisedjaroen Suwimon , Lertjintanakit Sarat , Phueakphud Nut , Pakiranay Chatbenja , Kangwanrangsan Niwat , Srichatrapimuk Sirawat , Kirdlarp Suppachok , Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Hongeng Suradej , Wongtrakoongate Patompon
Published: May 2021

Updated and revised versions of COVID-19 vaccines are vital due to genetic variations of the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen. Furthermore, vaccines that are safe, cost-effective, and logistic-friendly are critically needed for global equity, especially for middle- to low-income countries. Recombinant protein-based subunit vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been reported using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the prefusion spike trimers (S-2P). Recently, a new version of prefusion spike trimers, named HexaPro, has been shown to possess two RBD in the “up” conformation, due to its physical property, as opposed to just one exposed RBD found in S-2P. Importantly, this HexaPro spike antigen is more stable than S-2P, raising its feasibility for global logistics and supply chain. Here, we report that the spike protein HexaPro offers a promising candidate for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Mice immunized by the recombinant HexaPro adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide using a prime-boost regimen produced high-titer neutralizing antibodies for up to 56 days after initial immunization against live SARS-CoV-2 infection. Also, the level of neutralization activity is comparable to that of convalescence sera. Our results indicate that the HexaPro subunit vaccine confers neutralization activity in sera collected from mice receiving the prime-boost regimen.
The Incidence and Severity of Post-Vaccination Reactions after Vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: Jęśkowiak Izabela , Wiatrak Benita , Grosman-Dziewiszek Patrycja , Szeląg Adam
Published: May 2021

The pandemic of COVID-19 might be limited by vaccination. Society should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to protect persons who are at high risk for complications. In Poland, the National Vaccination Program has been introduced, which is a strategy for planning activities to ensure safe and effective vaccinations among Polish citizens. It includes not only the purchase of an appropriate number of vaccines, their distribution but also monitoring of the course and effectiveness of vaccination and the safety of Poles. The national COVID-19 immunization program has been divided into four stages. Stage 0 covers the healthcare workers to be vaccinated first, as they are most at risk of being infected with the coronavirus. The study aims to prove the thesis that GIS statistical data on the incidence of COVID-19 post-vaccination reactions should be verified, as patients do not report their occurrence through the procedure indicated by GIS. In March 2021, an anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted using an electronic questionnaire among persons belonging to group zero of the National Vaccination Program. The survey consisted of 19 short questions concerning, inter alia, getting COVID-19, post-vaccination reactions after receiving the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and motivation to proceed with vaccination. A total of 1678 complete responses were received. It has been shown that only a small number of post-vaccination reactions are reported to the Sanitary Inspection, which makes GIS statistics on the incidence of post-vaccination reactions in COVID-19 unreliable. In addition, having earlier suffered from COVID-19 had an impact on the occurrence of more severe side effects after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Countries of the Central and South Pacific Region are Russia’s competitors in gas supplies to Japan
Authors: Mishchenko Ya.
Published: May 2021

The article analyzes the role of the Central and South Pacific states in providing Japan with natural gas. This issue is very relevant, as Russia sets a strategic goal of expanding its presence in the Japanese energy markets, including increasing natural gas exports. However, the latter actively buys natural gas in several countries around the world, and despite the factor of geographical proximity, Russia has not yet managed to become a key supplier of this energy supplier to Japan. As a result of the conducted research, it is possible to confirm that the Central and South Pacific region is currently the main supplier of LNG to Japan and a serious competitor for Russian suppliers. However, even if a few decades later, due to the depletion of gas reserves in some countries of the region, a free niche is formed, Russia may fi nd it difficult to occupy it due to increased competition from some states of the Persian Gulf.
The current state of the gas industry in the countries Middle East
Authors: Al-Dirawi Ali Saeed , Podolyanets Lada Avenirovna
Published: May 2021

In the countries of the Middle East, oil and gas fields were discovered at about the same time, in the first third of the 20th century, but the development was mainly in the oil direction. Starting from the 1970–1980s, a keen interest in gas fields appeared, but most of these countries fell into a long period of military-political and organizational-economic turbulence. In the current period, in accordance with the increased world demand, growing environmental requirements, a long-term trend towards a fall in the cost and demand for oil, as well as the search for additional income, all these countries are developing the gas industry, but differ in terms of the internal factors of the industry’s investment attractiveness (reserves, type of gas, production volumes, consumption, infrastructure) and external (export orientation, transport component, the impact of sanctions, long-term regional military-political conflicts). The parameters of these national factors can affect both individual countries and the development of the gas industry in the entire oil and gas producing region of the Middle East. The combination of the influence of internal and external national factors creates new, potentially possible competitive advantages for the region’s oil and gas outsiders. The article systematizes statistics and analyzes reserves, production, cost and consumption of gas in the Middle East since 2008. The authors calculated the predicted values of these parameters based on the time series up to 2030. The authors also analyzed the transport possibilities and gas export by the countries of the region, which made it possible to differentiate the countries into developing gas industry in the coming years for national and/or local needs, and the gas exporting countries. The paper shows that cooperation between the oil and gas countries of the region is practically at the initial level and requires intensification of regional cooperation to create a powerful gas transportation infrastructure. The authors also determined the place of the gas producing countries of the Middle East in the world market for reserves, production and transportation of natural gas and LNG.
Theoretical aspects of collective investment in the international financial market
Authors: Danilov Igor Sergeevich , Tretyakova Galina Viktorovna
Published: May 2021

The global fi nancial crisis of 2008–2009 and the crisis of the end of 2014–2015 had a negative impact on the state of the collective investment market, which became a constraining factor for its development. These problems of the formation and development of the market for collective investments in Russia, including mutual funds, dictate the need for theoretical research on these issues and their practical implementation. This determined the relevance and signifi cance of the chosen research topic. The concept of «collective investment» has not been suffi ciently researched in the works of Russian and foreign economists, it is not contained in the regulatory documents of the Russian Federation. That is why this topic is relevant: there are a large number of unexplored issues that need to be considered. The purpose of this research is to study and generalize the theoretical and practical aspects of the formation and development of mutual funds and ETFs as one of the most promising forms of collective investment. The main research methods used a systematic approach, statistical and economic analysis, and other general scientifi c methods. The article examines the aspects of collective investment in the international fi nancial market, as well as the mechanism of the collective investment market functioning. Moreover, a comparative description of mutual funds and ETFs are presented. In the course of research activities, directions for the development of mutual funds and ETFs were proposed as important elements of the collective investment system. The implementation of these proposals will increase the role of mutual funds and ETFs in the collective investment market in Russia and abroad, stabilize their reliability and attractiveness for investors.
Some features of the legal regulation of ensuring economic security in the United States
Authors: Kudinov Vladimir Vladimirovich , Mukhina Elena Gennadievna
Published: May 2021

The article examines the features of the legal regulation of ensuring economic security in the United States, shows the infl uence of threats in the fi eld of economic security on the social development of social relations, living conditions of people, the activities of state executive authorities. Highlighted the main powers of the US executive authorities to ensure economic stability within the state. The main areas of activity of the executive authorities in the fi eld of ensuring economic security was the promotion of American interests in the international arena. At the same time, to protect its geopolitical interests on the economic security of other states, the United States uses such forms of infl uence as tariffi ng, fi nancial restrictions on exports and imports, organized boycotts, asset freezes, economic sanctions, bans on trade, technology transfer and border crossing, embargoes, no-fl y zones and blockades, provoking and inciting armed confl icts. The conclusion is substantiated that economic security is the basis for the stability of any state and serves as the foundation for national institutions and state authorities that ensure it. At the same time, in order to ensure the economic security of the country, the Russian Federation must not only take into account the aggressive US policy in this area, but also actively build and strengthen relations within the framework of economic associations of partner states (for example, ASEAN, EAEU, CIS, BRICS, SCO) and China with the purpose of protecting state interests in the fi eld of ensuring economic security, as well as with the countries of the European Union, and primarily with Germany.