bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Image Fusion for X-ray Grating Interferometry
Authors: Liu Haoran , Liu Mingzhe , Jiang Xin , Luo Jinglei , Song Yuming , Chu Xingyue , Zan Guibin
Published: March 2023

X-ray grating interferometry (XGI) can provide multiple image modalities. It does so by utilizing three different contrast mechanisms—attenuation, refraction (differential phase-shift), and scattering (dark-field)—in a single dataset. Combining all three imaging modalities could create new opportunities for the characterization of material structure features that conventional attenuation-based methods are unable probe. In this study, we proposed an image fusion scheme based on the non-subsampled contourlet transform and spiking cortical model (NSCT-SCM) to combine the tri-contrast images retrieved from XGI. It incorporated three main steps: (i) image denoising based on Wiener filtering, (ii) the NSCT-SCM tri-contrast fusion algorithm, and (iii) image enhancement using contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization, adaptive sharpening, and gamma correction. The tri-contrast images of the frog toes were used to validate the proposed approach. Moreover, the proposed method was compared with three other image fusion methods by several figures of merit. The experimental evaluation results highlighted the efficiency and robustness of the proposed scheme, with less noise, higher contrast, more information, and better details.
A Pipe-Embeddable Impedance Sensor for Monitoring Water Leaks in Distribution Networks: Design and Validation
Authors: Carnevale Castillo Danilo Aparecido , Carminati Marco
Published: March 2023

Water leakage is one of main problems of distribution infrastructures, reaching unacceptable peaks of 50% of water lost in old networks in several countries. In order to address this challenge, we present an impedance sensor able to detect small water leaks (below 1 L of released volume). The combination of real-time sensing and such a sensitivity allows for early warning and fast response. It relies on a set of robust longitudinal electrodes applied on the external surface of the pipe. The presence of water in the surrounding medium alters its impedance in a detectable way. We report detailed numerical simulations for the optimization of electrode geometry and sensing frequency (2 MHz), as well as the successful experimental proof in the laboratory of this approach for a pipe length of 45 cm. Moreover, we experimentally tested the dependence of the detected signal on the leak volume, temperature, and morphology of the soil. Finally, differential sensing is proposed and validated as a solution to reject drifts and spurious impedance variations due to environmental effects.
Hunting Network Anomalies in a Railway Axle Counter System
Authors: Kuchar Karel , Holasova Eva , Pospisil Ondrej , Ruotsalainen Henri , Fujdiak Radek , Wagner Adrian
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of machine learning-based intrusion detection methods to reveal cyber attacks in railway axle counting networks. In contrast to the state-of-the-art works, our experimental results are validated with testbed-based real-world axle counting components. Furthermore, we aimed to detect targeted attacks on axle counting systems, which have higher impacts than conventional network attacks. We present a comprehensive investigation of machine learning-based intrusion detection methods to reveal cyber attacks in railway axle counting networks. According to our findings, the proposed machine learning-based models were able to categorize six different network states (normal and under attack). The overall accuracy of the initial models was ca. 70–100% for the test data set in laboratory conditions. In operational conditions, the accuracy decreased to under 50%. To increase the accuracy, we introduce a novel input data-preprocessing method with the denoted gamma parameter. This increased the accuracy of the deep neural network model to 69.52% for six labels, 85.11% for five labels, and 92.02% for two labels. The gamma parameter also removed the dependence on the time series, enabled relevant classification of data in the real network, and increased the accuracy of the model in real operations. This parameter is influenced by simulated attacks and, thus, allows the classification of traffic into specified classes.
Beat-Notes Acquisition of Laser Heterodyne Interference Signal for Space Gravitational Wave Detection
Authors: Wang Zhenpeng , Yu Tao , Sui Yanlin , Wang Zhi
Published: March 2023

In space gravitational wave detection missions, the laser heterodyne interference signal (LHI signal) has a high-dynamic characteristic due to the Doppler shift. Therefore, the three beat-notes frequencies of the LHI signal are changeable and unknown. This may further lead to the unlocking of the digital phase-locked loop (DPLL). Traditionally, fast Fourier transform (FFT) has been used as a method for frequency estimation. However, the estimation accuracy cannot meet the requirement of space missions because of the limited spectrum resolution. In order to improve the multi-frequency estimation accuracy, a method based on center of gravity (COG) is proposed. The method improves the estimation accuracy by using the amplitude of the peak points and the neighboring points of the discrete spectrum. For different windows that may be used for signal sampling, a general expression for multi-frequency correction of the windowed signal is derived. Meanwhile, a method based on error integration to reduce the acquisition error is proposed, which solves the problem of acquisition accuracy degradation caused by communication codes. The experimental results show that the multi-frequency acquisition method is able to accurately acquire the three beat-notes of the LHI signal and meet the requirement of space missions.
Long-Range Traffic Monitoring Based on Pulse-Compression Distributed Acoustic Sensing and Advanced Vehicle Tracking and Classification Algorithm
Authors: Corera Iñigo , Piñeiro Enrique , Navallas Javier , Sagues Mikel , Loayssa Alayn
Published: March 2023

We introduce a novel long-range traffic monitoring system for vehicle detection, tracking, and classification based on fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). High resolution and long range are provided by the use of an optimized setup incorporating pulse compression, which, to our knowledge, is the first time that is applied to a traffic-monitoring DAS system. The raw data acquired with this sensor feeds an automatic vehicle detection and tracking algorithm based on a novel transformed domain that can be regarded as an evolution of the Hough Transform operating with non-binary valued signals. The detection of vehicles is performed by calculating the local maxima in the transformed domain for a given time-distance processing block of the detected signal. Then, an automatic tracking algorithm, which relies on a moving window paradigm, identifies the trajectory of the vehicle. Hence, the output of the tracking stage is a set of trajectories, each of which can be regarded as a vehicle passing event from which a vehicle signature can be extracted. This signature is unique for each vehicle, allowing us to implement a machine-learning algorithm for vehicle classification purposes. The system has been experimentally tested by performing measurements using dark fiber in a telecommunication fiber cable running in a buried conduit along 40 km of a road open to traffic. Excellent results were obtained, with a general classification rate of 97.7% for detecting vehicle passing events and 99.6% and 85.7% for specific car and truck passing events, respectively.
P2P Cloud Manufacturing Based on a Customized Business Model: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Huang Dian , Li Ming , Fu Jingfei , Ding Xuefei , Luo Weiping , Zhu Xiaobao
Published: March 2023

To overcome the problems of long production cycle and high cost in the product manufacturing process, a P2P (platform to platform) cloud manufacturing method based on a personalized custom business model has been proposed in this paper by integrating different technologies such as deep learning and additive manufacturing (AM). This paper focuses on the manufacturing process from a photo containing an entity to the production of that entity. Essentially, this is an object-to-object fabrication. Moreover, based on the YOLOv4 algorithm and DVR technology, an object detection extractor and a 3D data generator are constructed, and a case study is carried out for a 3D printing service scenario. The case study selects online sofa photos and real car photos. The recognition rates of sofa and car were 59% and 100%, respectively. Retrograde conversion from 2D data to 3D data takes approximately 60 s. We also carry out personalized transformation design on the generated sofa digital 3D model. The results show that the proposed method has been validated, and three unindividualized models and one individualized design model have been manufactured, and the original shape is basically maintained.
Deep Learning-Based Wrist Vascular Biometric Recognition
Authors: Marattukalam Felix , Abdulla Waleed , Cole David , Gulati Pranav
Published: March 2023

The need for contactless vascular biometric systems has significantly increased. In recent years, deep learning has proven to be efficient for vein segmentation and matching. Palm and finger vein biometrics are well researched; however, research on wrist vein biometrics is limited. Wrist vein biometrics is promising due to it not having finger or palm patterns on the skin surface making the image acquisition process easier. This paper presents a deep learning-based novel low-cost end-to-end contactless wrist vein biometric recognition system. FYO wrist vein dataset was used to train a novel U-Net CNN structure to extract and segment wrist vein patterns effectively. The extracted images were evaluated to have a Dice Coefficient of 0.723. A CNN and Siamese Neural Network were implemented to match wrist vein images obtaining the highest F1-score of 84.7%. The average matching time is less than 3 s on a Raspberry Pi. All the subsystems were integrated with the help of a designed GUI to form a functional end-to-end deep learning-based wrist biometric recognition system.
Examining the Results of Virtual Reality-Based Egocentric Distance Estimation Tests Based on Immersion Level
Authors: Guzsvinecz Tibor , Perge Erika , Szűcs Judit
Published: March 2023

Depth perception as well as egocentric distance estimation can be trained in virtual spaces, although incorrect estimates can occur in these environments. To understand this phenomenon, a virtual environment with 11 changeable factors was created. Egocentric distance estimation skills of 239 participants were assessed with it in the range [25 cm, 160 cm]. One hundred fifty-seven people used a desktop display and seventy-two the Gear VR. According to the results, these investigated factors can have various effects combined with the two display devices on distance estimation and its time. Overall, desktop display users are more likely to accurately estimate or overestimate distances, and significant overestimations occur at 130 and 160 cm. With the Gear VR, distances in the range [40 cm, 130 cm] are significantly underestimated, while at 25 cm, they are significantly overestimated. Estimation times are significantly decreased with the Gear VR. When developing future virtual environments that require depth perception skills, developers should take these results into account.
Review of Artificial Nacre for Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Khayrani Apriliana Cahya , Sambudi Nonni Soraya , Wijaya Hans , Buys Yose Fachmi , Radini Fitri Ayu , Jusoh Norwahyu , Kamal Norashikin Ahmad , Suhaimi Hazwani
Published: March 2023

Due to their extraordinary prospective uses, particularly in the areas of oil–water separation, underwater superoleophobic materials have gained increasing attention. Thus, artificial nacre has become an attractive candidate for oil–water separation due to its superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity properties. Synthesized artificial nacre has successfully achieved a high mechanical strength that is close to or even surpasses the mechanical strength of natural nacre. This can be attributed to suitable synthesis methods, the selection of inorganic fillers and polymer matrices, and the enhancement of the mechanical properties through cross-linking, covalent group modification, or mineralization. The utilization of nacre-inspired composite membranes for emerging applications, i.e., is oily wastewater treatment, is highlighted in this review. The membranes show that full separation of oil and water can be achieved, which enables their applications in seawater environments. The self-cleaning mechanism’s basic functioning and antifouling tips are also concluded in this review.
Small Hydroelectric Energy and Spatial Planning: A Methodology Introducing the Concept of Territorial Carrying Capacity
Authors: Moutsiakis Efthymios , Yiannakou Athena
Published: March 2023

The promotion of renewable energy sources (RESs) is a key European and national policy aimed at strengthening clean energy production, decoupling from fossil fuels, and responding to climate change commitments. Spatial planning is crucial as it can spatially direct the demand for investments in RESs, taking into account the challenges related to more efficient coexistence of RESs and environmental assets, both natural and manmade. Specific objectives, such as the definition of the carrying capacity concept, take on considerable importance in ensuring the balance between the demand for RESs and a number of other priorities. Small hydroelectric power stations (SHPSs), being spatially dependent on the existence of the natural resource (water), incorporate specific impacts in the areas of installation; namely, the watercourses. Taking into consideration the concept of carrying capacity for the areas where SHPSs are proposed to be installed by the Greek Special Spatial Planning Framework for RESs, which is limited to a linear/watercourse approach, this paper proposes a new complementary approach, that of “territorial” carrying capacity. The former involves the negotiation of terms and conditions for siting an SHPS within the narrow range of a water body (watercourse), while the latter, as proposed in this paper, attempts to capture the problem at the level of the wider territory or the functional area of a catchment, an approach that places carrying capacity in a more strategic spatial planning context.
Models of Teaching Science Communication
Authors: Llorente Carolina , Revuelta Gema
Published: March 2023

Changes in the communication ecosystem have generated profound transformations in current science communication. In the same way, the coexistence of diverse actors with different objectives and professional standards also raises new ethical dilemmas. The main objective of this research was to identify existing models of teaching science communication to scientists and professional communicators worldwide. To this end, we conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with science communication teachers from 15 different countries. From these interviews, we identified three models of teaching science communication to scientists: (A) the practical model, where skills such as writing, public speaking, etc., are taught; (B) the reflective model that teaches theory and the history of science communication to enable researchers to understand the relationship between science and society; and (C) the disruptive model, where traditional roles of scientific knowledge production as well as relationships and power roles in science are challenged. On the other hand, we have identified two models for professional science communicators: (A) the professional model, which is subdivided into two different approaches—theoretical (historical review, understanding of the science–society relationships, etc.) and skill-based (writing, audiovisual, etc.) that coexist in teaching programs—and (B) the research model, where tools, concepts, and methodologies for science communication research are taught.
The Impact of Industry 4.0 Technologies on Key Performance Indicators for a Resilient Supply Chain 4.0
Authors: Marinagi Catherine , Reklitis Panagiotis , Trivellas Panagiotis , Sakas Damianos
Published: March 2023

The term “Resilient Supply Chain 4.0” incorporates two research areas: Industry 4.0 and Supply Chain Resilience (SCRes). Industry 4.0 technologies include innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Augmented Reality (AR), Cloud Computing (CC), the Internet of Services (IoS), Big Data Analytics (BDA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins (DT), Blockchain (BC), Industrial Robotics (IR), and Additive Manufacturing (AM). Industry 4.0 technologies do not have a direct impact on SCRes, but on resilience elements such as flexibility, redundancy, visibility, agility, collaboration, robustness, and information sharing. This paper aims to investigate which of the Industry 4.0 technologies can help improve the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are used for creating a Resilient Supply Chain 4.0. A non-systematic literature review has been conducted for the identification of (a) the most important constituent elements of SCRes, (b) the Industry 4.0 technologies that improve the SCRes elements, and (c) the KPIs that enhance SCRes. A systematic literature review has been conducted to identify which of the Industry 4.0 technologies have an impact on the KPIs that enhance SCRes. The findings of this work demonstrate that Industry 4.0 technologies can help improve the KPIs for a Resilient Supply Chain 4.0.
Identifying and Validating Vocational Skills Domains and Indicators in Classroom Assessment Practices in TVET
Authors: M. Yusop Siti Raudhah , Rasul Mohamad Sattar , Mohammad Yasin Ruhizan , Hashim Haida Umiera
Published: March 2023

Technical and vocational education training (TVET) assessment is crucial in determining students’ desired learning outcomes. However, there are several issues with TVET assessment, including vocational skills that are not aligned with the learning outcomes. Teacher assessment practices are also inconsistent with the assessment’s purposes. Due to that, this study aims to discuss the classification and integration of vocational skill domains and indicators for classroom assessment practice in TVET subjects. This study employed the modified Delphi technique (MDT), which consists of two study phases. The first phase identifies vocational skill domains by exploring the concept of TVET assessment and student skill development by conducting a literature review. The second phase involved validating vocational skill indicators and TVET assessment practices indicators through the consensus of 19 TVET experts. According to the literature findings, TVET assessment requires the integration of industrial revolution (IR) 4.0 generic skills and career adaptability skills, in addition to technical skills, which serve as the foundation for developing skills and competencies. TVET assessment aspects include cognitive, psychomotor, and affective aspects, and all domains and indicators have high expert consensus.
A Comparative Study on Line Bisection and Landmark Task Performance Using a Hybrid Online Setting
Authors: Strappini Francesca , Ben-Nun Amihai , Pecchinenda Anna
Published: March 2023

Bisection tasks are commonly used to assess biases and asymmetries in visuospatial attention in both patients and neurologically intact individuals. In these tasks, participants are usually asked to identify the midpoint and manually bisect a horizontal line. Typically, healthy individuals tend to show an attention processing advantage for the left visual field, known as “pseudoneglect.” Here, performance at two computerized versions of the task was compared to assess pseudoneglect in neurologically intact individuals. Specifically, we used a hybrid online setting in which subjects (n = 35) performed the online tasks under the video guidance of the experimenter. We measured attentional biases in the line bisection and landmark tasks. We found pseudoneglect in both tasks, although the bias was larger in the line bisection task. Overall, these findings show that hybrid online tasks may provide a valid setting to assess attentional biases and suggest their feasibility in the clinical setting.
MSG-Point-GAN: Multi-Scale Gradient Point GAN for Point Cloud Generation
Authors: Wang Bingxu , Lan Jinhui , Gao Jiangjiang
Published: March 2023

The generative adversarial network (GAN) has recently emerged as a promising generative model. Its application in the image field has been extensive, but there has been little research concerning point clouds.The combination of a GAN and a graph convolutional network has been the state-of-the-art method for generating point clouds. However, there is a significant gap between the generated point cloud and the point cloud used for training. In order to improve the quality of the generated point cloud, this study proposed multi-scale gradient point GAN (MSG-Point-GAN). The training of the GAN is a dynamic game process, and we expected the generation and discrimination capabilities to be symmetric, so that the network training would be more stable. Based on the concept of progressive growth, this method used the network structure of a multi-scale gradient GAN (MSG-GAN) to stabilize the training process. The discriminator of this method used part of the PointNet structure to resolve the problem of the disorder and rotation of the point cloud. The discriminator could effectively determine the authenticity of the generated point cloud. This study also analyzed the optimization process of the objective function of the MSG-Point-GAN. The experimental results showed that the training process of the MSG-Point-GAN was stable, and the point cloud quality was superior to other methods in subjective vision. From the perspective of performance metrics, the gap between the point cloud generated by the proposed method and the real point cloud was significantly smaller than that generated by other methods. Based on the practical analysis, the point cloud generated by the proposed method for training the point-cloud classification network was improved by about 0.2%, as compared to the original network. The proposed method provided a stable training framework for point cloud generation. It can effectively promote the development of point-cloud-generation technology.
Virus Identification for Monkeypox in Human Seminal Fluid Samples: A Systematic Review
Authors: Barboza Joshuan J. , León-Figueroa Darwin A. , Saldaña-Cumpa Hortencia M. , Valladares-Garrido Mario J. , Moreno-Ramos Emilly , Sah Ranjit , Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: March 2023

Public health officials around the world are extremely concerned about the global outbreak of monkeypox (MPX), which has been claimed to have originated in Africa. As a result, studies into the origins and reasons behind the outbreak’s rapid spread have been sped up. The goal of the current investigation is to determine whether the monkeypox virus (MPXV) is present in seminal fluid samples from MPX cases that have been verified. Up until 6 January 2023, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were used to conduct a thorough evaluation of the literature. The search technique returned a total of 308 items. Fourteen studies reporting the presence of MPXV in the seminal fluid of MPX-confirmed cases were included after the duplicates (n = 158) and searches by title, abstract, and full text were eliminated. In 84 out of the 643 confirmed MPX cases (13.06% or n = 643), MPXV was discovered in seminal fluid. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to identify MPXV, and samples taken from skin lesions (96.27%), pharynx or oropharynx (30.48%), and blood all had higher positivity rates than other samples (12.44%). Additionally, 99.85% of respondents were male with a mean age of 36, 98.45% engaged in MSM (men who have sex with men) sexual conduct, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) accounted for 56.9% of all STD cases. This study offers proof that MPXV can be found in the seminal fluid of MPX sufferers. Our data imply that MPXV transmission is a possibility in these samples and that MSM are more vulnerable to it. The creation of hygienic standards is essential for the early identification of MPX cases.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response and Sustainability after a Third Dose of BNT162b2 in Healthcare Workers at Health Promotion Centers
Authors: Nah Eun-Hee , Cho Seon , Park Hyeran , Kim Suyoung , Noh Dongwon , Kwon Eunjoo , Cho Han-Ik
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the antibody response and the sustainability of immunogenicity after a third dose of BNT162b2 (BNT) in homologous [ChAdOx1 (ChAd)/ChAd, BNT/BNT, and mRNA-1273 (Moderna)/Moderna] and heterologous (ChAd/BNT) vaccinations of two primary doses with different schemes. This prospective observational study recruited consenting healthcare workers from 16 health checkup centers in 13 Korean cities. Three-point blood tests were analyzed as the antibody response after the third vaccination: T3-1 (1 month after the third dose), T3-3 (3 months after the third dose), and T3-4–10 (4–10 months after the third dose). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured using a chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay with SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant in the ARCHITECT system (Abbott Diagnostics). The antibody levels were significantly higher in the Moderna /Moderna and BNT/BNT groups than in the ChAd/ ChAd and ChAd/BNT groups (p < 0.05) at T3-1. At T3-3, antibody levels had decreased by 29.1% in the BNT/BNT group and by 45.3% in the ChAd/ChAd group compared with the antibody levels at T3-1. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG levels at T3-1 were significantly associated with having received mRNA vaccines as the two primary doses (p < 0.001). The third dose of BNT induced an increased humoral immune response in various vaccination schemes, which was more prominent for the two primary doses of homologous mRNA vaccines. However, this immunogenicity decreased within 3–10 months after the third dose. These results suggest that another booster dose (a fourth dose), which would be able to counteract SARS-CoV-2 variants, is needed.
Proinflammatory Responses in SARS-CoV-2 and Soluble Spike Glycoprotein S1 Subunit Activated Human Macrophages
Authors: Chiok Kim , Hutchison Kevin , Miller Lindsay Grace , Bose Santanu , Miura Tanya A.
Published: March 2023

Critically ill COVID-19 patients display signs of generalized hyperinflammation. Macrophages trigger inflammation to eliminate pathogens and repair tissue, but this process can also lead to hyperinflammation and resulting exaggerated disease. The role of macrophages in dysregulated inflammation during SARS-CoV-2 infection is poorly understood. We inoculated and treated human macrophage cell line THP-1 with SARS-CoV-2 and purified, glycosylated, soluble SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 subunit (S1) to clarify the role of macrophages in pro-inflammatory responses. Soluble S1 upregulated TNF-α and CXCL10 mRNAs, and induced secretion of TNF-α from THP-1 macrophages. While THP-1 macrophages did not support productive SARS-CoV-2 replication or viral entry, virus exposure resulted in upregulation of both TNF-α and CXCL10 genes. Our study shows that extracellular soluble S1 protein is a key viral component inducing pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages, independent of virus replication. Thus, virus- or soluble S1-activated macrophages may become sources of pro-inflammatory mediators contributing to hyperinflammation in COVID-19 patients.
Influence of Acute and Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease on Persistence of Antibodies against Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella in the First Year after Autologous or Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Harrison Nicole , Burgmann Heinz , Rabitsch Werner , Honsig Claudia , Robak Oliver
Published: March 2023

Patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are vulnerable to infections due to severe immunosuppression. Live-attenuated vaccines are contraindicated for two years after HSCT. The aim of this study was to assess the persistence of antibodies against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella in the first year after HSCT. Forty patients undergoing autologous (n = 12) or allogeneic (n = 28) HSCT were included in this study. Specific IgG antibodies to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella virus in serum samples were assessed by the LIAISON XL, a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer, at seven different time points starting one week before HSCT and up to 12 months after HSCT. At baseline, before HSCT, most patients showed antibodies against measles (100%), mumps (80%), rubella (97.5%) and varicella (92.5%). Although titers declined over time, most patients retained antibodies against measles (92.5%), mumps (62.5%), rubella (87.5%) and varicella (85%) up to 12 months after HSCT. There was no significant difference between patients with and without GvHD concerning persistence of antibody titers. Significantly higher varicella titers were detected in autologous patients compared to patients with chronic GvHD. Considering that live-attenuated vaccines should not be administered during the first year after HSCT, the persistence of antibodies against these diseases is relevant.
Emerging Trends in Lipid-Based Vaccine Delivery: A Special Focus on Developmental Strategies, Fabrication Methods, and Applications
Authors: Karunakaran Bharathi , Gupta Raghav , Patel Pranav , Salave Sagar , Sharma Amit , Desai Dhruv , Benival Derajram , Kommineni Nagavendra
Published: March 2023

Lipid-based vaccine delivery systems such as the conventional liposomes, virosomes, bilosomes, vesosomes, pH-fusogenic liposomes, transferosomes, immuno-liposomes, ethosomes, and lipid nanoparticles have gained a remarkable interest in vaccine delivery due to their ability to render antigens in vesicular structures, that in turn prevents its enzymatic degradation in vivo. The particulate form of lipid-based nanocarriers confers immunostimulatory potential, making them ideal antigen carriers. Facilitation in the uptake of antigen-loaded nanocarriers, by the antigen-presenting cells and its subsequent presentation through the major histocompatibility complex molecules, leads to the activation of a cascade of immune responses. Further, such nanocarriers can be tailored to achieve the desired characteristics such as charge, size, size distribution, entrapment, and site-specificity through modifications in the composition of lipids and the selection of the appropriate method of preparation. This ultimately adds to its versatility as an effective vaccine delivery carrier. The current review focuses on the various lipid-based carriers that have been investigated to date as potential vaccine delivery systems, the factors that affect their efficacy, and their various methods of preparation. The emerging trends in lipid-based mRNA vaccines and lipid-based DNA vaccines have also been summarized.
Assessing the Extent of Flood-Prone Areas in a South-American Megacity Using Different High Resolution DTMs
Authors: Escobar-Silva Elton Vicente , Almeida Cláudia Maria de , Silva Gustavo Barbosa Lima da , Bursteinas Ingobert , Rocha Filho Kleber Lopes da , de Oliveira Cleber Gonzales , Fagundes Marina Refatti , Paiva Rodrigo Cauduro Dias de
Published: March 2023

Current forecasts estimate that almost 68% of the global population will be living in urban centers by 2050. As a result, the increase in impermeable surface area can result in severe hydrological impacts, such as the increase in surface runoff and the frequency of floods and their magnitude. Thus, this work analyzes the performance of the hydrodynamic model HEC-RAS for assessing the extent of flood-prone areas, using two digital terrain models (DTM) with different spatial resolutions (5 and 0.50 m). Four different computing intervals (1, 15, 30, and 60 s) were adopted aiming to evaluate the simulations outputs performance. Additionally, reported data by the civil defense are used for calibration and validation. In general, the model showed to be a powerful tool in the identification of susceptible areas to urban flooding. The simulated results in this work provide crucial geographic information when identifying spots with the highest risk of flooding, which should receive priority attention during such events. The simulations with a spatial resolution of 5 m showed the flood maps with the largest coverage of the flooded points (278 points out of 286—97.20%), within the shortest computation times. We highlight that the more refined DTM derived from spatial images did not produce the best flood simulation compared to the DTM with a spatial resolution of 5 m derived from orthoimages.
Sacra sub velo: Pietų aukštaičių papročio puošti kryžių apdangalais ištakos
Authors: Kregždys Rolandas
Published: March 2023

Sacra sub velo. An Apron and Ribbons as Decorative Elements of Roadside Crosses in the Southern Highlands: The Origins of the Custom Based on ethnological analysis, the author of this article presents a new hypothesis concerning the currently obscure origin of the tradition of decorating roadside crosses with aprons and ribbons in the area of the Southern Highlands in Lithuania. Due to an identical and prevalent tradition among the Belarusians, the phenomenon is ascribed to cultural innovations of non-Baltic origin. This enables the identification of the genesis of the custom, for up to the present time the most archaic reminiscenses of proto-Semitic religious-mythological models were interpreted as authentic factographic relics of the Baltic proto-culture: the transformation of mythological images, reflection of necroculture, fertility rites, etc. Key words: cross embellishment, apron, sacra sub velo, pastoral rod, pannisellus, Southern Highlands.
Trade assortment of sweets sold in chain stores in Moscow and their assortment policy analysis
Authors:   Department of International Commerce, Nikolaeva M.A. , Rashidyan D.R. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the article is to conduct a survey of the commercial assortment of sweets in order to identify changes in the assortment for this subcategory. The article presents the results of the examination of the trade assortment of sweets in three chain stores in Moscow. The following indicators of the assortment have been calculated and analyzed: completeness, depth (basic, actual, and advisory coeffi cients), stability, novelty, harmony, rationality (coeffi cient), the type structure, and brand assortment of sweets. It has been found that in all the surveyed stores, the assortment of sweets is identifi ed as expanded. The most complete and deep assortment of sweets is presented in the Auchan store: it has a lot of original brands, including own brands and their modifications. All surveyed stores are characterized by deepening as a general direction of the assortment policy, with such additional directions as renewal and improvement in Auchan.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the work of a general practitioner
Authors:   Volgograd State Medical University, Skvortsov V. V. , Klenkin A. S. ,   Volgograd State Medical University, Saprykina M. A. ,   Volgograd State Medical University
Published: March 2023

Non — alcoholic steatohepatitis is a syndrome that develops in patients who do not abuse alcohol, while the nature of liver damage is histologically indistinguishable from alcoholic hepatitis. The condition occurs as a result of excessive accumulation of fats (triglycerides) in the liver, determined by the results of instrumental research methods or histology. Currently, non — alcoholic steatohepatitis (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) is the most common chronic disease of the biliary system in developed countries and affects from 25 to 30 % of the adult population. The total prevalence in the world is 25.24 %. In the Russian Federation, according to recent studies, NAFLD was approximately 38.3 % in outpatient patients. NAFLD is closely associated with obesity, especially abdominal, which significantly increases cardiometabolic risk and affects morbidity, life expectancy and prognosis of patients. In obese patients, the prevalence of various forms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is significantly higher than in non-obese individuals.
Thromboembolic complications of infectious endocarditis
Authors:   Alexander Hospital, St. Petersburg, Safeulin M. S.
Published: March 2023

Pulmonary embolism is understood as occlusion of the pulmonary arterial bed by blood clots. This is a common pathology, but it is difficult to judge the true frequency of this disease. This is primarily due to the asymptomatic course of the disease when the segmental pulmonary arteries are affected, the second reason is undiagnosed cases of pulmonary embolism even with its massive nature (in 40-70% of patients) or an erroneous interpretation of clinical manifestations and the resulting diagnosis of another pathology. In terms of mortality, pulmonary embolism ranks 3rd among the causes of sudden death after myocardial infarction and stroke.
Characteristics of patients with asthma overprescribed short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) reliever inhalers stratified by blood eosinophil count in North East London: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Pfeffer Paul , Hajmohammadi Hajar , Cole James , Griffiths Chris , Hull Sally , De Simoni Anna
Published: March 2023

Background

Overprescription of short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhalers and blood eosinophil count have strong associations with exacerbation risk in asthma. However, in the authors' recent publication only a minority of patients overprescribed SABA (≥6 inhalers in 12 months) were eosinophilic (≥0.3 x 109cells/l).

Aim

To compare the characteristics of eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic patients with asthma overprescribed SABA inhalers, and identify latent classes using clinical variables available in primary care.

Design & setting

Cross-sectional analysis of patients with asthma in North East London, England, using primary care electronic health record data.

Method

Unadjusted and adjusted multi-variate regression models and latent class analysis.

Results

Eosinophilia was significantly less likely in female patients (P= 0.004), those with multiple mental health comorbidities (P<0.001), and those with SABA on repeat prescription (P<0.001). Latent class analysis identified the following three classes of patients overprescribed SABA: class 1, which represents classical uncontrolled asthma (oral steroids required for exacerbations, step 2–3 asthma medications, high probability of being eosinophilic); class 2, which represents mild asthma (low exacerbation frequency, low asthma medication step, low probability of being eosinophilic); and class 3, which represents difficult asthma (high exacerbation frequency despite high-strength preventer inhalers, low probability of being eosinophilic). The mild asthma class was the largest.

Conclusion

Many patients being overprescribed SABA were non-eosinophilic with a low exacerbation frequency, suggesting disproportionately high SABA prescription compared with other asthma control markers. Potential reasons for high SABA prescription in these patients included repeat prescription (being dispensed but not taken) and use of SABA for non-asthma breathlessness (for example, breathing pattern disorders with anxiety). Further research is needed into management of SABA overuse in patients without other markers of uncontrolled asthma.
Communication Tools in Ordering Product
Authors:   Departemen Sistem Informasi, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Putra Y E , Heriyati Nungki ,   Departemen Sastra Inggris, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

The study attempts to examine the utilization of Chatbot as a smart assistant in ecommerce. Nowadays, there are more than 80 million people in Indonesia actively shopping online. The e-commerce sector has produce more than $12.2 Billion or equal with 45% digital economy in Indonesia. It makes retailers have to be more aggressive in doing the promotion and marketing. Employing descriptive method and interview, the research tries to describe the impact of the usage of the software. The result shows that by adapting the chatbot in the platform can become one of the strategies to increase the consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Chatbot can help the consumer to buy and order a product directly via a messaging feature anytime and anywhere. Chatbot can also act as a smart assistant for the consumer to simplify the existing workflow. Chatbot is a way for seller in e-commerce industry as a solution to be ready to serve and fulfil the consumer desires.
Business Phenomena in Indonesia
Authors:   Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Priyanto A , Aria M ,   Departemen Teknik Elektro, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this research is to find out the business phenomena conducted by vloggers in Indonesia through communication media. The method used is qualitative descriptive methods because it aims to gather detailed information, describe existing phenomena, identify problems, make comparisons, and evaluate. The results of this study provide information on how communication media can become a medium that influences promising businesses for vloggers in Indonesia. Therefore, the use of effective and efficient communication media can provide maximum and sustainable results. This research can be useful to find out the influence and benefits of communication media that are increasingly in demand by all groups so that they can influence and provide benefits as well as business fields.
The Role of Interpersonal Conflict and Workload on Employee Work Stress
Authors:   Department of Management, STIE DR. KHEZ Muttaqien, Purwakarta, Indonesia, Anggraeni N S , Nusannas I S ,   Department of Management, STIE DR. KHEZ Muttaqien, Purwakarta, Indonesia, Amruloh D A G ,   Department of Management, STIE DR. KHEZ Muttaqien, Purwakarta, Indonesia, Saleh D S ,   Department of Accountancy, STIE DR. KHEZ Muttaqien, Purwakarta, Indonesia, Ernawan Y ,   Department of Management, STIE DR. KHEZ Muttaqien, Purwakarta, Indonesia, Arkanuddin M F ,   Department of Management, STIE DR. KHEZ Muttaqien, Purwakarta, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of interpersonal conflict and workload either partially or simultaneously on the work stress of employees of PT. Sanly Industries Indonesia. The sample of this research is 77 employees. The analysis technique in this research uses validity test, reliability test, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis, t test, and F test. The research method used is quantitative research with descriptive and verification methods with data processing using statistical software. The results showed that interpersonal conflict and workload partially or simultaneously had a significant effect on employee work stress
The Role of Organizational Commitment and Information System towards the Employees Performance
Authors:   Magister Manajemen, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Maulana Arief , Soegoto Herman ,   Magister Manajemen, Universitas Komputer Indonesia
Published: March 2023

This research is conducted to find out the role of organizational commitment and information system in improving the employees performance in Sekretariat Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah (DPRD) Kabupaten Bandung Barat. Descriptive analysis method is used by collecting various data from human resource department as well as conducting interview with the employees of Sekretariat Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah. The result shows that the implementatiom of information system results in the improvement of employees performance. Moreover, the organizational commitment has also met the organizational needs. Therefore, the implementation of informatiom system and organizational commitment affect the improvement of employees performance of Sekretariat DPRD Kabupaten Bandung Barat
AKHLAK Culture Health Index in 91 BUMN and The Correlation to Values Contravention in BUMN
Authors:   ACT Consulting International, Jakarta, Indonesia, Hariyadi A R , Agustina D ,   ACT Consulting International, Jakarta, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

Under the leadership of Mr. Erick Tohir, the Ministry of BUMN became the first government agency in Indonesia to successfully combine the core values of all state-owned companies known as Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN). The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which the core values of AKHLAK in BUMN have been internalized since it was first announced by the Ministry of BUMN, so that the results obtained can support the Ministry of BUMN to determine future intervention steps and prepare an action plan. This study was conducted quantitatively, using a survey method with stratified random sampling, where the number of respondents will be ensured to meet the total population of each BUMN. The collected data is the respondents' top-of-mind decisions based on the ten behaviors most chosen by the respondents towards their personal values, organizational culture, and expected culture. The study's findings focus primarily on the AKHLAK internalization index, specifically the low value of AKHLAK implementation on the values of Amanah, Harmoni, Loyal, Adaptif, and Kolaboratif. In brief, only the Kompeten value from the core values of AKHLAK in 91 BUMN has a sufficient level of implementation, while the other five values from AKHLAK have resulted in the low category. The findings of this study will contribute as reference material by the Ministry of BUMN, practitioners, and academics as the first benchmark data on BUMN organizational culture measurement. Furthermore, this information can be used to make comparisons between one BUMN to another
Factors affecting tourism attractiveness of Mount Guntur Garut Indonesia: Discriminant analysis
Authors:   Faculty of Economics, Garut University, Indonesia, Indonesia, Susilawati Wati , Alamanda Dini Turipanam ,   Faculty of Economics, Garut University, Indonesia, Indonesia, Kusmiati Eti ,   Faculty of Economics, Garut University, Indonesia, Indonesia, Kurniati Lia ,   Faculty of Economics, Garut University, Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

Mount Guntur Tourism in Garut Regency offers several attractions that involve natural beauty around it. However, not all tourists coming to Garut are interested in visiting the mountain. The aim of the present study is to analyse whether there are different profiles of tourists who are interested and not interested in visiting Mount Guntur and investigates factors affecting the tourists’ interest in visiting the destination. To this end, the study applied a survey method through which the questionnaires were distributed to 100 participants, 50 of which were interested, and the other 50 were not. The data were then analysed by using discriminant analysis operated in SPSS 25 software. The results showed that the different profiles of respondents determined based on the interest to visit Mount Guntur could be proven statistically. The factors that make tourists interested or not interested in visiting Mount Guntur are transportation to tourist attractions; scenery; supporting facilities and artificial tourism spots. The results of this study may serve as additional information for tourism managers to improve the marketing strategy of Mount Guntur tourism