bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemometric Analysis-Based Sustainable Use of Different Current Baking Wheat Lots from Romania and Hungary
Authors: Timar Adrian Vasile , Teusdea Alin Cristian , Purcarea Cornelia , Vuscan Adrian Nicolae , Memete Adriana Ramona , Vicas Simona Ioana
Published: August 2023

Wheat is the most important raw material for bakery industries. Real-time grain quality assessment could increase bakery product quality and baking efficiency. The quality assessment of wheat grains can be conducted using modern and non-invasive techniques based on near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS) methods for the assessment of gluten content (WetGL), protein content, Zeleny index (ZelenyIdx), grain humidity (Ur), etc. The topic covered in the study is of current interest, is a part of sustainable research, and involves aspects of food quality, one of the concerns addressed by the University of Oradea’s Department of Food Engineering. The present study was carried out in 2020 on eleven wheat lots from Romania and Hungary. Following the NIRS analyses, the results show varied quality for the Romanian and Hungarians wheat lots. The Romanian variety Crisana recorded the highest values for quality parameters, being similar to the Hungarian variety Bekes from Hajdu Bihar County. The statistical analysis was carried out using multivariate analysis (multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), canonical variate analysis (CVA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)), which highlighted which of the batches of wheat grains can be mixed to obtain a raw material of high quality for the bakery industry.
Environmental Sustainability and Efficiency of Offshore Platform Decommissioning: A Review
Authors: Zawawi Noor Amila Wan Abdullah , Danyaro Kamaluddeen Usman , Liew M. S. , Shawn Lim Eu
Published: August 2023

Malaysia has inherited many aged offshore platforms that have reached their decommissioning deadline. Many platforms need to be detached through subsea processes. Although there are good techniques for this, they are usually costly and necessitate a great deal of post-cut checking to ensure complete detachment. Explosive cutting techniques, on the other hand, are cost-effective and reliable for offshore decommissioning as they ensure complete cutting with little uncertainty. Until 2019, statistics showed that almost 35% of offshore platform decommissioning processes involved the use of explosive materials and other mechanical severance options. The method was reliable and cheap, but it had a large environmental impact. During blasting procedures utilizing pressure waves, many sea animal species are threatened, such as fishes, turtles, and dolphins. Depletion of already scarce fish stocks through the unsustainable use of explosive removal should be prevented by reducing the environmental impact of underwater explosives. Moreover, due to safety hazards, vessel and aircraft movement around the explosion zone is prohibited. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of using a highly vacuum-sealed pile for the explosion to control and reduce shock wave propagation. This effort appreciates the benefits of the explosive cutting technique and reduces its environmental side effects. Our findings indicate an accurate and clean-cut method serving the efficiency of offshore platform decommissioning as well as environmental sustainability. Finally, recommendations for future perspectives have been provided based on the decommissioning of offshore platforms, such as topside removal, planning, time scale, and optimization of available space.
Big Data Analytics for Sustainable Products: A State-of-the-Art Review and Analysis
Authors: Gholami Hamed , Lee Jocelyn Ke Yin , Ali Ahad
Published: August 2023

Big data analytics, described as the fourth paradigm of science breaking through Industry 4.0 technological development, continues to expand globally as organizations strive to attain the utmost value and sustainable competitive edge. Yet, concerning its contribution to developing sustainable products, there is a need for innovative research due to limited knowledge and uncertainty. This research is hence aimed at addressing (a) how research on big data analytics for sustainable products has evolved in recent years, and (b) how and in what terms it can contribute to developing sustainable products. To do so, this study includes a bibliometric review performed to shed light on the phenomenon gaining prominence. Next, the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, along with a survey, is used to analyze the matter in terms of the respective indicator set. The review’s findings revealed that there has been growing global research interest in the topic in the literature since its inception, and by advancing knowledge in the area, progress toward sustainable development goals 7, 8, 9, 12, and 17 can be made. The fuzzy-based analytical findings demonstrated that ‘product end-of-life management efficiency’ has the highest contributory coefficient of 0.787, followed by ‘product quality and durability’ and ‘functional performance’, with coefficients of 0.579 and 0.523, respectively. Such research, which is crucial for sustainable development, offers valuable insights to stakeholders seeking a deeper understanding of big data analytics and its contribution to developing sustainable products.
Interpretable Machine Learning for Assessing the Cumulative Damage of a Reinforced Concrete Frame Induced by Seismic Sequences
Authors: Lazaridis Petros C. , Kavvadias Ioannis E. , Demertzis Konstantinos , Iliadis Lazaros , Vasiliadis Lazaros K.
Published: August 2023

Recently developed Machine Learning (ML) interpretability techniques have the potential to explain how predictors influence the dependent variable in high-dimensional and non-linear problems. This study investigates the application of the above methods to damage prediction during a sequence of earthquakes, emphasizing the use of techniques such as SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), Partial Dependence Plots (PDPs), Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), Accumulated Local Effects (ALE), permutation and impurity-based techniques. Following previous investigations that examine the interdependence between predictors and the cumulative damage caused by a seismic sequence using classic statistical methods, the present study deploy ML interpretation techniques to deal with this multi-parametric and complex problem. The research explores the cumulative damage during seismic sequences, aiming to identify critical predictors and assess their influence on the cumulative damage. Moreover, the predictors contribution with respect to the range of final damage is evaluated. Non-linear time history analyses are applied to extract the seismic response of an eight-story Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame. The regression problem’s input variables are divided into two distinct physical classes: pre-existing damage from the initial seismic event and seismic parameters representing the intensity of the subsequent earthquake, expressed by the Park and Ang damage index (DIPA) and Intensity Measures (IMs), respectively. In addition to the interpretability analysis, the study offers also a comprehensive review of ML methods, hyperparameter tuning, and ML method comparisons. A LightGBM model emerges as the most efficient, among 15 different ML methods examined. Among the 17 examined predictors, the initial damage, caused by the first shock, and the IMs of the subsequent shock—IFVF and SIH—emerged as the most important ones. The novel results of this study provide useful insights in seismic design and assessment taking into account the structural performance under multiple moderate to strong earthquake events.
A 3D BEM Model for the Hydrodynamic Analysis and Design of Heaving WEC Arrays Attached to a Breakwater
Authors: Magkouris Alexandros , Bonovas Markos , Gerostathis Theodoros , Belibassakis Kostas
Published: August 2023

Assessment of the performance of arrays of wave energy converters (WECs) of the type of simple heaving floaters, operating in nearshore and coastal areas, is essential to estimate their power production capacity. The effective design and layout of such WEC farms can be supported by studying the system’s operational characteristics based on the wave climatology of the deployment region. Installation along the exposed side of harbor breakwaters in sea areas with substantial incoming energy potential is a promising option. In this study, a 3D hydrodynamic model based on the boundary element method (BEM) is presented and discussed, aiming to evaluate the performance of WEC arrays consisting of multiple heaving bodies attached to the exposed side of a harbor breakwater, modelled as a vertical wall, considering its reflective effects, as well as hydrodynamic interactions between the multiple floating devices. Numerical results of the predicted power performance for various configurations, including interactions of multiple WECs with the nearshore topography and the breakwater wall, as well as the effects of power take off (PTO) parameters, are presented and discussed. Finally, a case study is presented for a selected coastal site at the port of Heraklion, located in the north-central part of Crete Island in the South Aegean Sea, characterized by relatively increased wave energy potential, using long-term climatological data, illustrating the method and its applicability as a supporting tool for optimal design of WEC arrangements.
Tachyonic Neutrinos: From the Cosmic Rays to Extragalactic Supernovae
Authors: Ehrlich Robert
Published: August 2023

The possibility of neutrinos moving at faster-than-light speeds can be modeled using terms in the Lagrangian that violate Lorentz symmetry, but the question of whether m2<0 and v>c tachyonic neutrinos exist is an empirical question. It remains unresolved despite evidence from cosmic ray and other data that the electron neutrino has an effective mν2≈−0.25eV2, which would require that one or more mass states is also tachyonic. In 2013, the 3+3 model of the neutrino masses, which includes one tachyonic mass state, was proposed based on supernova SN 1987A neutrino data. Here, we update evidence for tachyonic electron neutrinos and the 3+3 model and discuss one test which could prove conclusive. The update of earlier evidence includes many new elements, including new data which make the earlier cosmic ray evidence more robust, new results on cosmic ray composition, the ankle of the spectrum, leptonic cosmic ray data, and the statistical significance of finding the three large neutrino masses stipulated in the 3+3 model. Barring a galactic supernova, which occur only around twice a century, a decisive test of the 3+3 model could involve observing an extragalactic supernova neutrino burst, that is, a cluster of neutrinos in a specific time window well beyond what chance would predict. Even though existing searches for such bursts have yielded only upper limits on the extragalactic supernova frequency within a certain distance, it is shown that the choice of a one-day window for possible neutrino clusters in time might be far more sensitive. A search using a one-day time window could be conducted using existing data, and if a signal is found it would confirm the 3+3 model. Of course, the absence of any day-long neutrino burst would not disprove the model, since it could mean only that the nearest supernova during the period when detectors were active was simply too far to be detected. Finally, apart from testing the 3+3 model, an alternative type of search is suggested using existing hadronic cosmic ray data (from the IceCube Collaboration) that might verify the tachyonic neutrino hypothesis.
Multi-Tier 3D Trajectory Planning for Cellular-Connected UAVs in Complex Urban Environments
Authors: Luo Xiling , Zhang Tianyi , Xu Wenxiang , Fang Chao , Lu Tongwei , Zhou Jialiu
Published: August 2023

Cellular-connected unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) present a viable solution to address communication and navigation limitations by leveraging base stations for air–ground communication. However, in complex urban scenarios with stringent communication requirements, achieving asymmetrical control becomes crucial to strike a balance between communication reliability and flight safety. Moreover, existing cellular-connected UAV trajectory planning algorithms often struggle to handle real scenes with sudden and intricate obstacles. To address the aforementioned challenges, this paper presents the multi-tier trajectory planning method (MTTP), which takes into account air–ground communication service assurance and collision avoidance in intricate urban environments. The proposed approach establishes a flight risk model that accounts for both the outage probability of UAV-ground base station (GBS) communication and the complexity of flight environments, and transforms the inherently complex three-dimensional (3D) trajectory optimization problem into a risk distance minimization model. To optimize the flight trajectory, a hierarchical progressive solution approach is proposed, which combines the strengths of the heuristic search algorithm (HSA) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm. This innovative fusion of techniques empowers MTTP to efficiently navigate complex scenarios with sudden obstacles and communication challenges. Simulations show that the proposed MTTP method achieves a more superior performance of trajectory planning than the conventional communication-based solution, which yields a substantial reduction in flight distance of at least 8.49% and an impressive 10% increase in the mission success rate. Furthermore, a real-world scenario is chosen from the Yuhang District, Hangzhou (a southern Chinese city), to validate the practical applicability of the MTTP method in highly complex operating scenarios.
Atlas-Based Adaptive Hadamard-Encoded MR Spectroscopic Imaging at 3T
Authors: Liu Huawei , Autry Adam W. , Larson Peder E. Z. , Xu Duan , Li Yan
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aimed to develop a time-efficient method of acquiring simultaneous, dual-slice MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) for the evaluation of brain metabolism. Methods: Adaptive Hadamard-encoded pulses were developed and integrated with atlas-based automatic prescription. The excitation profiles were evaluated via simulation, phantom and volunteer experiments. The feasibility of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-edited dual-slice MRSI was also assessed. Results: The signal between slices in the dual-band MRSI was less than 1% of the slice profiles. Data from a homemade phantom containing separate, interfacing compartments of creatine and acetate solutions demonstrated ~0.4% acetate signal contamination relative to the amplitude in the excited creatine compartment. The normalized signal-to-noise ratios from atlas-based acquisitions in volunteers were found to be comparable between dual-slice, Hadamard-encoded MRSI and 3D acquisitions. The mean and standard deviation of the coefficients of variation for NAA/Cho from the repeated volunteer scans were 8.2% ± 0.8% and 10.1% ± 3.7% in the top and bottom slices, respectively. GABA-edited, dual-slice MRSI demonstrated simultaneous detection of signals from GABA and coedited macromolecules (GABA+) from both superior grey and deep grey regions of volunteers. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a fully automated dual-slice MRSI acquisition using atlas-based automatic prescription and adaptive Hadamard-encoded pulses.
Mechanistic Assessment of Anise Seeds and Clove Buds against the Neurotoxicity Caused by Metronidazole in Rats: Possible Role of Antioxidants, Neurotransmitters, and Cytokines
Authors: El-Moslemany Amira M. , Abd-Elfatah Mai Hussein , Tahoon Nawal A. , Bahnasy Rasha M. , Alotaibi Badriyah S. , Ghamry Heba I. , Shukry Mustafa
Published: August 2023

Long-term use of the nitroimidazole-derived antibiotic metronidazole has been associated with neuronal damage due to its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. Polyphenol-rich plants, such as anise seeds and clove buds, are suggested to have neuroprotective effects. However, their intracellular protective pathway against metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity remains unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the potential neuroprotective benefits of anise seeds and clove buds and elucidate the proposed metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity mechanism. This study divided rats into six groups, each containing six rats. In Group I, the control group, rats were administered saline orally. Group II rats received 200 mg/kg of metronidazole orally. Group III rats received 250 mg/kg b.w. of anise seed extract and metronidazole. Group IV rats received 500 mg/kg b.w. of anise seed extract (administered orally) and metronidazole. Group V rats received 250 mg/kg b.w. of clove bud extract (administered orally) and metronidazole. Group VI rats were administered 500 mg/kg b.w. of clove bud extract and metronidazole daily for 30 consecutive days. The study evaluated the phenolic compounds of anise seeds and clove buds. Moreover, it assessed the inflammatory and antioxidant indicators and neurotransmitter activity in brain tissues. A histological examination of the brain tissues was conducted to identify neuronal degeneration, brain antioxidants, and apoptotic mRNA expression. The study found that metronidazole treatment significantly altered antioxidant levels, inflammatory mediators, and structural changes in brain tissue. Metronidazole also induced apoptosis in brain tissue and escalated the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Oral administration of metronidazole resulted in a decrease in GABA, dopamine, and serotonin and an increase in ACHE in brain tissue. Conversely, oral administration of anise and clove extracts mitigated the harmful effects of metronidazole. The neurotoxic effects of metronidazole appear to stem from its ability to reduce antioxidants in brain tissue and increase nitric oxide production and apoptosis. The study concludes that neuronal damage caused by metronidazole is significantly mitigated by treatment with anise and clove extracts.
The Galactic Population of Pulsar Wind Nebulae and the Contribution of Its Unresolved Component to the Diffuse High-Energy Gamma-ray Emission
Authors: Pagliaroli Giulia , Hussain Saqib , Vecchiotti Vittoria , Villante Francesco Lorenzo
Published: August 2023

In this work, we provide a phenomenological description of the population of galactic TeV pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) based on suitable assumptions for their space and luminosity distribution. We constrain the general features of this population by assuming that it accounts for the majority of bright sources observed by H.E.S.S. Namely, we determine the maximal luminosity and fading time of PWNe (or, equivalently, the initial period and magnetic field of the pulsar powering the observed emission) by performing a statistical analysis of bright sources in the H.E.S.S. galactic plane survey. This allows us to estimate the total luminosity and flux produced by galactic TeV PWNe. We also evaluate the cumulative emission from PWNe that cannot be resolved by H.E.S.S., showing that this contribution can be as large as ∼40% of the total flux from resolved sources. We argue that also in the GeV domain, a relevant fraction of this population cannot be resolved by Fermi-LAT, providing a non-negligible contribution to the large-scale diffuse emission in the inner galaxy. This additional component could naturally account for a large part of the spectral index variation observed by Fermi-LAT, weakening the evidence of cosmic ray spectral hardening in the inner galaxy. Finally, the same result is obtained for PeV energy, for which the sum of the diffuse component, due to unresolved PWNe, and the truly diffuse emission well saturates the recent Tibet AS-γ data, without the need to introduce a progressive hardening of the cosmic-ray spectrum toward the galactic centre.
Current Plastic Waste Status and Its Leakage at Tam Giang–Cau Hai Lagoon System in Central Vietnam
Authors: Giang Nguyen Bac , Tuan Tran Ngoc , Tin Hoang Cong , Chung Duong Thanh , Ni Tran Ngoc Khanh , Binh Ngo Huu , Nhung Duong Thi , Tuan Le Cong , Son Te Minh , Khuyen Nguyen Tran Bao
Published: August 2023

Plastic waste poses a significant threat to the environment, impacting both aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to quantify the leakage of plastic waste from urban and rural areas into the Tam Giang–Cau Hai lagoon system area in Vietnam. The research involved conducting surveys and sampling plastic waste in wards and communes surrounding the Tam Giang–Cau Hai lagoon system, as well as utilizing a waste flow diagram to calculate the amount of plastic waste leakage into the environment. The findings of the study reveal that the annual plastic leakage in this study area is approximately 479 tons. The majority of this waste enters the water body system, accounting for 74.1% of the total leakage, followed by land areas at 23.4% and land burning at 2.5%. Among the sources contributing to the wastewater flow in the area, households and markets were found to be the two primary contributors. Household waste accounted for 70.4% (2806 tons year−1) of the total, while the market sources accounted for 16.9% (675 tons year−1). This study marks the inaugural effort to assess the extent of plastic waste released from Hue City into the Tam Giang–Cau Hai lagoon system. It plays a pivotal role in examining the makeup, source of plastic waste and path of plastic waste leakage.
Blood CD8+ Naïve T-Cells Identify MS Patients with High Probability of Optimal Cellular Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
Authors: Rodero-Romero Alexander , Sainz de la Maza Susana , Fernández-Velasco José Ignacio , Monreal Enric , Walo-Delgado Paulette Esperanza , Chico-García Juan Luis , Villarrubia Noelia , Rodríguez-Jorge Fernando , Rodríguez-Ramos Rafael , Masjuan Jaime , Costa-Frossard Lucienne , Villar Luisa María
Published: August 2023

This single-center study included 68 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who received the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination from one of several approved vaccine preparations in Spain. Blood samples were collected one to three months after the second dose of the vaccine had been administered. Cellular immune responses to the vaccine were assessed using QuantiFERON analysis, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets were assayed using flow cytometry. Response associated with higher percentages of total lymphocytes, naïve CD4+ T-cells (p = 0.028), CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.013), and, mostly, naïve CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.0003). These results were confirmed by analyzing absolute numbers (p = 0.019; p = 0.002, and p = 0.0003, respectively). Naïve CD8 T-cell numbers higher than 17 cells/μL were closely associated with an optimal cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (odds ratio: 24.0, confidence interval: 4.8–460.3; p = 0.0001). This finding clearly shows that independent of the treatment received, higher numbers of naïve CD8+ T-cells yield a strong cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in MS patients. If this finding is validated with other viruses/vaccines, it could provide a good tool for identifying MS patients undergoing treatment who will develop strong cellular responses to anti-virus vaccines.
Associations between COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Self-Reported SARS-CoV-2 Infection among 8538 Children Aged 3–17 Years during a Massive COVID-19 Outbreak after China Changed Its Zero-COVID-19 Policy: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Su Lixian , Chen Siyu , Chen Hongbiao , Fang Yuan , Peng Weijun , Zhou Xiaofeng , Luo Jingwei , Liang Xue , Zhang Kechun , Wang Zixin
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the associations between COVID-19 vaccination status and self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection among children and adolescents aged 3–17 years during a massive COVID-19 outbreak after China changed its zero COVID policy. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 1 and 9 March 2023. Participants were the parents of children studying in kindergartens, primary schools, or secondary schools in Shenzhen. Convenient sampling was used. All kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools in the Longhua District of Shenzhen invited the parents of children and adolescents attending the schools. Interested parents completed an online survey. Multivariate logistic regression was fitted. Among 8538 participants, 40.9% self-reported that their children had SARS-CoV-2 infection after 7 December 2022, where 92.9% of them received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, and 74.6% received their second dose for more than six months. In multivariate analysis, children who received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination for no more than three months had a lower SARS-CoV-2 infection rate compared to unvaccinated children (<1 month: AOR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.44; 1–3 months: AOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.75). The duration of protection conferred by the primary COVID-19 vaccination series was relatively short among children. A booster dose should be considered for children.
Effectiveness of Maternal Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccination against Omicron Infection in Infants during the First 12 Months of Life: A Test-Negative Case-Control Study
Authors: Zhong Jiayi , Wang Wen , Liu Shuang , Chen Yifei , Xiong Husheng , Meng Xiang , Zhang Dingmei , Ma Yu
Published: August 2023

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of maternal inactivated COVID-19 vaccination before delivery for infants against Omicron infection in Guangzhou, China. A test-negative case-control design was conducted. This study selected infants born from 1 November 2021 to 23 November 2022 and tested for SARS-CoV-2 between 13 April 2022 and 30 November 2022 during outbreaks in Guangzhou. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to compare the maternal vaccination status of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines before delivery in cases and controls to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE) for infants within 12 months. According to eligibility criteria, we finally selected 205 test-positive and 114 test-negative infants, as well as their mothers. The effectiveness of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines among fully vaccinated mothers was 48.4% (7.3% to 71.7%) for infants within 12 months, with the effectiveness of partial and booster vaccination showing no significant difference. Effectiveness for full vaccination presented a slight increase according to infants’ age at testing, with 49.6% (−12.3% to 78.4%) for 0–6 months and 59.9% (−0.6% to 84.4%) for over 6 months. A greater protective effect of two-dose vaccination was manifested in infants whose mother had received the second dose during the first trimester (65.9%, 95% CI: 7.7% to 87.9%) of pregnancy rather than preconception (43.5%, 95% CI: −8.7% to 71.1%). Moreover, VE could be improved to 77.1% (11.1% to 95.3%) when mothers received two doses both during pregnancy and 91.8% (41.1% to 99.6%) with receipt of a booster dose during pregnancy. Maternal vaccination with two doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines before delivery was moderately effective against Omicron infection in infants during the first 12 months of life. Full vaccination or a booster dose during pregnancy could confer better protection against Omicron for infants, although it might be overestimated due to the insufficient sample size in subgroups.
Detection of Antibodies against Endemic and SARS-CoV-2 Coronaviruses with Short Peptide Epitopes
Authors: Szardenings Michael , Delaroque Nicolas , Kern Karolin , Ramirez-Caballero Lisbeth , Puder Marcus , Ehrentreich-Förster Eva , Beige Joachim , Zürner Sebastian , Popp Georg , Wolf Johannes , Borte Stephan
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Coronavirus proteins are quite conserved amongst endemic strains (eCoV) and SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to evaluate whether peptide epitopes might serve as useful diagnostic biomarkers to stratify previous infections and COVID-19. (2) Methods: Peptide epitopes were identified at an amino acid resolution that applied a novel statistical approach to generate data sets of potential antibody binding peptides. (3) Results: Data sets from more than 120 COVID-19 or eCoV-infected patients, as well as vaccinated persons, have been used to generate data sets that have been used to search in silico for potential epitopes in proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and eCoV. Peptide epitopes were validated with >300 serum samples in synthetic peptide micro arrays and epitopes specific for different viruses, in addition to the identified cross reactive epitopes. (4) Conclusions: Most patients develop antibodies against non-structural proteins, which are useful general markers for recent infections. However, there are differences in the epitope patterns of COVID-19, and eCoV, and the S-protein vaccine, which can only be explained by a high degree of cross-reactivity between the viruses, a pre-existing immune response against some epitopes, and even an alternate processing of the vaccine proteins.
Histopathologic Characterization of Experimental Peracute SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Syrian Hamster
Authors: Clancy Chad S. , Meade-White Kimberly , Shaia Carl , Saturday Greg , Feldmann Heinz , Rosenke Kyle
Published: August 2023

Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) initiated a global pandemic that thus far has resulted in the death of over 6.5 million people internationally. Understanding the viral tropism during the initial, subclinical phase of infection is critical to develop targeted vaccines and therapeutics. With the continued emergence of variants of concern, particularly those that appear to have a tropism for the upper respiratory tract, understanding the complete pathogenesis is critical to develop more effective interventions. Thus far, the Syrian hamster has served as the most consistent small animal model of SARS-CoV-2 infection for mild to moderate respiratory disease. Herein, we utilize histopathology and immunohistochemistry to characterize the peracute phase of disease initiating at 6-h-post-inoculation in the intranasal inoculation route Syrian hamster model. Inflammation and viral replication initiates in the respiratory epithelium of nasal turbinates as early as 12-h-post-inoculation and moves caudally through the nasal cavity by 36-h-post inoculation. Lower respiratory involvement can be detected as early as 12-h-post inoculation in the intranasal inoculated hamster model. These data highlight the importance of rostral nasal cavity sampling at early timepoints for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster model.
Visual Cognition and the Science of Magic
Authors: Cole Geoff G. , Millett Abbie C.
Published: August 2023

A number of authors have argued that the art of conjuring can assist the development of theories and knowledge in visual cognition and psychology more broadly. A central assumption of the so-called science of magic is that magicians possess particular insight into human cognition. In a series of experiments, we tested the Insight hypothesis by assessing three factors that magicians argue are important for a popular illusion. Participants viewed videos of a magician performing the French Drop sleight whilst gaze, motion, and muscular tension were manipulated across experiments. Contrary to what the community of conjurers state, results showed that none of these influenced the perceived success of the effect. We also found that a visual priming technique, one suggested of many and used by an eminent magician, does not influence participant responses. Overall, these findings fail to support the Insight hypothesis. We suggest that scientists of magic have erroneously imbued magicians with insights they do not possess.
Monitoring, Modeling and Planning Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the Atwood and Tappan Lake Watersheds with Stakeholders Engagements
Authors: Sharma Suresh , Bijukshe Shuvra , Puppala Sai Sree
Published: August 2023

This study was conducted in the Atwood and Tappan Lakes watersheds of the Tuscarawas basin of Ohio. The flow, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) loadings were monitored with the help of local stakeholders for a few years at various locations of the watershed to develop the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The multi-site SWAT model calibration and validation were accomplished with a reasonable model performance. In the next step, the scenario analysis was conducted in the SWAT model using various BMPs, including vegetative filter strips, grass waterways, fertilizer reduction, crop rotation, and cover crops to evaluate their performance in reducing TN and TP from the watershed. While BMPS in many studies are decided based on researchers’ intuition, these BMPs were selected based on active consultation with the local stakeholders, who were engaged in the reduction of TN and TP loadings from the watersheds. Since the SWAT model calibration for TN and TP was not as good as the hydrologic model calibration, various scenarios of TN and TP reduction using BMPs were investigated for several years using both calibrated and uncalibrated SWAT models. We examined all the BMPs in 12 sub-watersheds of the Atwood and 10 sub-watersheds of the Tappan Lake watershed. The analysis indicated that the management practices of cover crops (rye) in combination with grass waterways with a 10% fertilizer reduction could minimize the TN and TP loading by as much as 88%, without significantly compromising the agricultural yield. However, a 10% fertilizer reduction without any BMPs could reduce TN and TP by just 9%. The cover crop (rye) including 10% fertilizer reduction with grass waterways seemed to be the most effective in reducing TN and TP, whereas the implementation of a filter strip led to a 70% reduction and was the next effective BMPs in reducing TN and TP loadings. In general, TN losses were reduced by 8% to 53%, while TP losses were reduced by 7% to 88%, depending on the BMPs used. By and large, the TN and TP reduction achieved through the calibrated model was not significantly different from the uncalibrated model, even though the reduction using the calibrated model was slightly higher for all scenarios than that of the uncalibrated model. The TN and TP loadings were highly sensitive to cattle grazing. When just 50% of the cattle were permitted to graze, the model predicted that there would be a 40% increase in total nitrogen and a 70% increase in total phosphorus in both watersheds. Our investigation revealed that monitoring the watershed at a small sub-watershed scale and calibrating the SWAT model for nitrogen and phosphorus is delicate.
Features of accounting for representative expenses in the tax accounting of medical organizations
Authors:   Department of Economics and Management of the Institute of Economics, Management and Law, Moscow City University. Moscow, Shinkareva O.V. , Karabanova O.V. ,   Department of Economics and Management of the Institute of Economics, Management and Law, Moscow City University. Moscow
Published: August 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the peculiarities of accounting for representative expenses in the tax accounting of medical organizations. The features and criteria were analyzed, according to which the costs associated with the official reception and service of representatives of other organizations participating in the negotiations can be attributed to representative. It is emphasized that not all expenses, which in accordance with the Tax Code of the Russian Federation can be attributed to representative, relate to expenses in tax accounting — because this type of expenses is normalized, their amount cannot exceed 4% of the organization’s expenses for employee remuneration. There are practical situations describing specific examples of classifying expenses as representative. We considered practical situations in which the amount of representative expenses that can be considered in the organization’s expenses for the purposes of tax accounting when calculating corporate income tax are determined. It is noted that financial employees of companies and institutions need to monitor whether representative expenses exceed the limit for the tax period and, to optimize taxation, plan their size and time in such a way that it is possible to take into account the maximum possible amount of representative expenses in expenses.
Sustainable development: opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses in Russia
Authors:   Higher School of Economics and Business of the Russian University of Economics G.V. Plekhanov, Moscow, Sachek D.P.
Published: August 2023

The article examines the possibilities of sustainable development for Russian small and medium-sized businesses in the context of global economic uncertainty. New niches available for small and medium-sized businesses are analyzed, the impact of the concept of sustainable development on companies and the advantages of introducing its elements into activities are also considered.
Features of digitalization of the construction industry
Authors:   Sinteka Group of Companies, Nikulina A.V., , Anisimov I.S. ,   Sinteka Group of Companies
Published: August 2023

The digital transformation of the construction industry has become a necessity both for companies working under government orders and for commercial enterprises. The usual ways to increase marginality have been exhausted and companies are looking for new ways to save and optimize. Digitalization of procurement can be the key to this goal.
How has the level of data protection of Russian enterprises changed with the introduction of sanctions?
Authors:   IT Department of the Industrial Group ", Rybolov I.V. ,   Vekprom"
Published: August 2023

Information security is one of the most critical areas of any business. The operability and security of information systems, as well as the reliability and safety of confidential information depend on it. The issues related to the state of the domestic information security market, the level of cybersecurity of industrial enterprises, cyber attacks, the problem of "brain drain" of IT specialists, the current landscape of cyber threats, the risks most dangerous for enterprises in 2023, as well as the practice of protection against cyber threats on the example of the industrial company "Vekprom" are considered.
Social indicators in russian company reports
Authors: Legasova I. V.
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the importance of non-financial reports on the sustainable development of corporate entities that carry out socially significant activities in a country, region, or city has increased. International non-governmental organizations have developed standards for them, which form recommendations for improving their social responsibility. According to the standards, corporations should disclose in their reports information about their activities in the context of economy, ecology, and social sphere. The article analyzes current reports on sustainable development of large domestic companies engaged in exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The choice of this sector of the economy was not accidental, since these companies, through their activities, harm the environment, and their employees work in quite difficult and dangerous conditions. It is concluded that sustainability reports are not always complete, in particular, problematic aspects related to the social sphere of the company are at least partially omitted. In this regard, there is a need to introduce uniform regulatory requirements for disclosure of information on the social performance of an organization. At the same time, it is necessary to fix not only the content part, as a minimum, which should be described in the reports, but also to provide for the forms of such reports.
Tools of theory and practice financial planning activities of the organization
Authors: Bryukhanova N. V. , Fadeikina N. V.
Published: August 2023

The authors present an analysis of the basic concepts and elements of financial planning, formulate the main issues arising in the process of studying the mechanism and tools of financial planning, on the basis of theoretical analysis of scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists, general and specific principles of planning are highlighted. The definition of the key goals and objectives of financial planning allowed the authors to justify the need to use a systematic approach as a methodological basis for planning, identify the main types of systematic methodological approaches and form a set of indicators from external and internal sources used in the financial planning of the organization, as well as to substantiate the relationship between the type of problems being solved and the choice of a planning method that allows the most adequate response to changes and achieve the desired results.
Squeezed «between zero and one» : feminine space in Mavis Gallant’s Home Truths
Authors: Schaub Danielle
Published: August 2023

Les techniques stylistiques et métafictionnelles du cycle de Linnet Muir donnent un bon aperçu de l'espace canadien au féminin chez Mavis Gallant.
English as a lingua franca at the European Union : The undertakings of pride ?
Authors: Salmasi Stefano
Published: August 2023

L'anglais comme lingua franca dans les Institutions européennes : une entreprise de l'orgueil ?

La suprématie de l’anglais au sein des Institutions européennes constitue un défi croissant à l’approche multilingue de l’Union. Mais pour évaluer le régime linguistique de l’UE, il faut prendre en compte à la fois les facteurs politiques et les facteurs linguistiques. Les premiers sont particulièrement pertinents en ce qui concerne la notion de langue officielle et le principe du multilinguisme institutionnel, les seconds concernant l’usage des langues de travail et induisant une certaine neutralité politique. La contradiction rebattue entre les langues de travail et les langues officielles n’est pas indésirable en elle-même, parce qu’un Etat membre peut toujours recourir à une interprétation formelle de la Règle 1/58, où les langues de travail sont assimilées à des langues officielles. Si des dispositions sont prises visant à conforter l’anglais en tant que lingua franca au sein des Institutions européennes, il est peut-être utile de remarquer que l’euro-anglais ne comporte pas de lourdes implications culturelles spécifiques. Cette brève analyse suggère que c’est peut-être pour cette raison-là que la communauté anglophone de l’UE ne se sent pas à l’aise par rapport à sa langue maternelle, et quelle adopte des comportements prescriptifs.
Integration or disintegration ? The British multicultural model in question
Authors: Latour Vincent
Published: August 2023

Il est communément admis qu’il existe un modèle britannique dans le domaine des relations raciales, certains allant même jusqu’à parler d’une prétendue «exception britannique ». Cela repose en partie sur l’existence d’une législation ad hoc, fruit de la prise de conscience rapide par les dirigeants britanniques que l’immigration et les phénomènes qui en découlent constituaient une question politique et sociale majeure.

Cependant, ce «modèle» britannique est de plus en plus contesté. «L’unité dans la diversité», longtemps indiscutée, est remise en question. Des rapports récents sont très critiques de l’attitude de certaines autorités locales, qui, dans de nombreux quartiers, ont contribué à élargir le fossé entre les différentes communautés.

Cet article étudie cette problématique contemporaine à la lumière de l’étude de cas que j’ai consacrée à la communauté indo-pakistanaise de Easton, inner city de Bristol, représentative, à de nombreux égards, de l’état des relations raciales dans le reste du pays.
The Scottish covenanters and the drive for a godly society 1639-1651
Authors: Young John R.
Published: August 2023

Cet article se propose d’examiner comment le mouvement covenantaire tenta d’établir une société divine. Le mouvement covenantaire joua un rôle important dans l’histoire de l’Ecosse entre 1637 et 1651. En 1641 les covenantaires avaient pris le contrôle politique du pays. Le Parlement Ecossais, contrôlé par les covenantaires, augmenta ses pouvoirs politiques au détriment du pouvoir du roi, Charles I. En Europe, au cours des années qui suivirent la Réforme, se développa un mouvement destiné à créer une société divine dans des régions où la Réforme s’était imposée avec force. Depuis 1638, l’Eglise d’Ecosse avait une structure presbytérienne et exerçait des pressions sur l’Etat pour que soit mise en place une société divine. Les conseils paroissiaux et les consistoires étaient des institutions importantes de l’Eglise d’Ecosse au niveau local : ils faisaient respecter les préceptes de la Réforme et tentaient de mettre en place une société divine. L'historiographie de la société divine dans l’Écosse de la période qui suivit la Réforme n’a consacré qu’une attention limitée à la période pendant laquelle s’exerçait la loi covenantaire. Cet article utilise des exemples tirés des conseils paroissiaux de Elgin et de Old Machar (Aberdeen) dans le nord-est de l’Ecosse ainsi que du consistoire de Lanark pour mettre en évidence les expériences des citoyens «ordinaires» qui n’appartenaient ni aux élites covenantaires de l’Église ni à celles de l’Etat. L’article mentionnera les formes de châtiments les plus importantes. En général ces documents témoignent d’une opposition entre culture populaire et culture savante, la culture savante de l’élite covenantaire se concentrant sur les institutions nationales (telles l’Assemblée Générale et le Parlement) et la culture populaire basée sur des exemples des expériences de la population au niveau de la paroisse et du consistoire à une époque où les covenantaires tentaient de mettre en place une société divine (on pourrait à ce sujet parler d’une deuxième Réforme écossaise).
Intimate strangers : Clubs, pubs and the forging of Glasgow’s corporate identity
Authors: Findlay Bill
Published: August 2023

De toutes les villes écossaises, Glasgow reste à part, unique, inclassable. À ses origines un petit village de pêcheurs, célébrée pour sa verdure pastorale et sa beauté, Glasgow se métamorphosa au cours du dix-neuvième siècle en un centre industriel de réputation mondiale, la «deuxième» capitale d’Écosse, la «deuxième» cité de l’Empire britannique. Pendant cette période elle devint une gigantesque plaque tournante, un carrefour de migrations, attirant des gens en son sein aussi puissamment qu’elle en propulsait des millions d’autres vers tous les coins du monde. Pourtant la ville n’est jamais devenue une cité sans âme, peuplée d’étrangers. Bien au contraire. Petit à petit, la ville s’est forgée une identité civique unique et, en dépit de conditions d’urbanisation parfois extrêmes, elle a conquis le coeur de ses habitants qui se disent fiers d’être ses fils et ses filles, convaincus de leurs droits sur cette «mère adoptive». Cet article explore ces rapports affectifs et notamment le rôle capital joué par l’alcool dans la création de la culture si distincte du «Glaswegian».
First-Person Plural Fiction and Its Challenges
Authors: Fludernik Monika
Published: August 2023

Depuis les années 1990, la narratologie s’intéresse à la fiction expérimentale, qui recourt à des choix de pronoms inattendus. Cette contribution a pour objet l’utilisation de la première personne du pluriel comme pronom narratif principal. L’analyse des for readers to get involved in the story. Among the first-person plural narratives to be analyzed will be John Barth’s Sabbatical (1982), Joan Chase's During the Reign of the Queen of Persia (1983), Maxine Swann's Flower Children (2007), Julie Otsuka’s The Buddha in the Attic (2011), and TaraShea Nesbit’s The Wives of Los Alamos (2014) as well as Joshua Ferris's When We Came to the End (2007). The techniques to be considered are the ambiguous reference of the “we” pronouns in these texts, especially regarding inclusive and exclusive we-reference ; the use of free indirect discourse in combination with the representation of collective minds ; the illogical combinations of unity and diversity, and the propagation of specific attitudes and world views.