bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized Method for Determining the Width of a Safe Maneuvering Area for Bulk Carriers at Waterway Bends
Authors: Gucma Stanisław , Gralak Rafał , Przywarty Marcin
Published: May 2022

There are a number of empirical methods for determining the width of safe maneuvering areas for ships on waterways. These methods are relatively accurate for straight sections of waterways and less accurate for curves of the waterways. When designing waterways in detail or determining the conditions for their safe operation, more accurate methods (e.g., simulations) are used. However, such studies require relatively large expenditure involving the construction of simulation models of various vessels and water areas, and conducting a real-time simulation experiment with a sufficiently large number of maneuvers performed by highly qualified navigators (pilots, captains). This study deals with the problem of determining the width of safe maneuvering areas of ships on the bends of the waterway based on the results of simulation studies. A new empirical method was developed to determine the width of safe maneuvering areas of loaded bulk carriers passing through fairway bends under deteriorated hydro-meteorological conditions. The method was developed on the basis of a generalization of the results of many simulation experiments carried out at various stages of the Świnoujście–Szczecin fairway reconstruction and a determination of the safe operating conditions for ships passing through the fairway.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Food Labeling and Expiry Date among the Female Health Sciences Students: A Public Health Concern
Authors: Riaz Fatima , Moiz Amna , Mahmood Syed E. , Ahmad Ausaf , Abullais Shahabe Saquib , Khateeb Shafait Ullah
Published: May 2022

Nutrition information on food labels can help consumers to choose healthier food. We investigated consumers’ awareness of food labels and their influence on the decision to buy food items among students of health sciences of King Khalid University, Abha. This cross-sectional study involved 350 females who gave informed verbal consent and were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected by using a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 21. Overall 76.3% of students knew food labeling. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the knowledge about food labeling and education, the number of family members, earning members, frequency of shopping and income. Almost half of the students checked food labels before buying, 43.7% replaced food on an importance basis and value of labeling, and 60% replaced on a cost basis. More than half of students were ready to buy food items with no labels, and 21.7% even utilized expired food items because of a lack of knowledge regarding expiry date and low cost of food which could be hazardous for their health. Awareness of food labeling and expiry date should be enhanced by including this subject in the curriculum and electronic media to avoid health hazards of expired food items. Choosing healthy food options shall reduce the nutrition and chronic diseases among the general population in future.
Two New Models for Dynamic Linear Elastic Beams and Simplifications for Double Symmetric Cross-Sections
Authors: Pruchnicki Erick
Published: May 2022

We present two new models for dynamic beams deduced from three dimensional theory of linear elasticity. The first model is deduced from virtual work considered for small beam sections. For the second model, we suppose a Taylor-Young expansion of the displacement field up to the fourth order in transverse dimensions of the beam. We consider the Fourier series expansion for considering Neumann lateral boundary conditions together with dynamical equations, we obtain a system of fifteen vector equations with the fifteen coefficients vector unknown of the displacement field. For beams with two fold symmetric cross sections commonly used (for example circular, square, rectangular, elliptical…), a unique decomposition of any three-dimensional loads is proposed and the symmetries of these loads is introduced. For these two theories, we show that the initial problem decouples into four subproblems. For an orthotropic material, these four subproblems are completely independent. For a monoclinic material, two subproblems are coupled and independent of the two other coupled subproblems. For the first model, we also give the detailed expression of these four subproblems when we consider the approximation of the displacement field used in the second model.
Trivial and Nontrivial Eigenvectors for Latin Squares in Max-Plus Algebra
Authors: Abbas Fazal , Umer Mubasher , Hayat Umar , Ullah Ikram
Published: May 2022

A square array whose all rows and columns are different permutations of the same length over the same symbol set is known as a Latin square. A Latin square may or may not be symmetric. For classification and enumeration purposes, symmetric, non-symmetric, conjugate symmetric, and totally symmetric Latin squares play vital roles. This article discusses the Eigenproblem of non-symmetric Latin squares in well known max-plus algebra. By defining a certain vector corresponding to each cycle of a permutation of the Latin square, we characterize and find the Eigenvalue as well as the possible Eigenvectors.
Properties of q-Starlike Functions Associated with the q-Cosine Function
Authors: Khan Mohammad Faisal
Published: May 2022

In this paper, our main focus is to define a new subfamily of q-analogue of analytic functions associated with the q-cosine function. Furthermore, we investigate some useful results such as the necessary and sufficient condition based on the convolution idea, growth and distortion bounds, closure theorem, convex combination, radii of starlikeness, extreme point theorem and partial sums results for the newly-defined functions class.
TPM-Based Conditional Privacy-Preserving Authentication Protocol in VANETs
Authors: Zhang Mingwu , Zhu Boyao , Li Yumei , Wang Yuntao
Published: May 2022

With the establishment of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), research on vehicle ad-hoc networks (VANETs) has played an irreplaceable role in improving traffic safety and efficiency. However, because the deployment of devices based on the IoV is in an open field, the IoV is extremely vulnerable to various attacks without security protection, e.g., remote intrusion, control, trajectory tracking, etc. In order to avoid the above-mentioned attacks and resource abuses, provably secure cryptography primitives are generally considered to guarantee and realize the security of VANETs. This paper proposes a TPM-based conditional privacy-preserving authentication protocol (T-CPPA) which achieves both the integrity and the authenticity of the message/instruct content. The vehicle’s privacy is protected by embedding the system master private key into the trust platform module (TPM) which is responsible for generating pseudonyms and signature keys. The authenticity of message content is ensured by calculating message similarity in a cluster-based model. We give the concrete construction of our T-CPPA authentication scheme in symmetric bilinear groups and design a batch validation algorithm to improve efficiency. Security analysis shows that our scheme can resist various traditional attacks in VANETs, and the experimental results indicate that our scheme is efficient and useful in practice.
Lagrange-Based Hypergeometric Bernoulli Polynomials
Authors: Albosaily Sahar , Quintana Yamilet , Iqbal Azhar , Khan Waseem A.
Published: May 2022

Special polynomials play an important role in several subjects of mathematics, engineering, and theoretical physics. Many problems arising in mathematics, engineering, and mathematical physics are framed in terms of differential equations. In this paper, we introduce the family of the Lagrange-based hypergeometric Bernoulli polynomials via the generating function method. We state some algebraic and differential properties for this family of extensions of the Lagrange-based Bernoulli polynomials, as well as a matrix-inversion formula involving these polynomials. Moreover, a generating relation involving the Stirling numbers of the second kind was derived. In fact, future investigations in this subject could be addressed for the potential applications of these polynomials in the aforementioned disciplines.
Trajectories Derived from Periodic Orbits around the Lagrangian Point L1 and Lunar Swing-Bys: Application in Transfers to Near-Earth Asteroids
Authors: Ribeiro Rebeca S. , de Melo Cristiano F. , Prado Antônio F. B. A.
Published: May 2022

To present a set of trajectories derived from the retrograde periodic orbits around the Lagrangian equilibrium point L1, this paper considers the Circular Restricted Three-body Problem with Earth-Moon masses (CR3BP), the Restricted Bicircular, and Full Four-Body Sun-Earth-Moon-spacecraft Problems (BCR4BP and FR4BP, respectively). These periodic orbits are predicted by the dynamics of the CR3BP. To generate the trajectories of this set, first, slightly different increments of velocity (∆Vs) from those needed to generate periodic orbits around L1 are applied to a spacecraft in circular low Earth orbits in the same direction of their motion when the Earth, the spacecraft, and the Moon are aligned in this order. Thus, translunar trajectories derived from the periodic orbits are obtained and they will lead the spacecraft to the vicinity of the Moon. Depending on the values of the |∆Vs|, which are also functions of the relative positioning between the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon, three types of trajectories of interest are found: Collision with the Moon, escape, and geocentric orbits with large semi-major axes. For a well-defined interval of the |∆Vs|, the trajectories accomplish swing-bys with the Moon and obtain energy to escape from the Earth–Moon system and reach Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) between the orbits of Venus and Mars. This procedure reduces the costs of inserting spacecraft into transfer trajectories to a set of NEAs in terms of the required |∆V| by up to 5% when compared to Lambert’s problem, for example. This work also presents analyses of examples of transfers to the NEAs 3361 Orpheus, 99942 Apophis, and 65803 Didymos, from 2025 on.
Nonlinear Optical Potential with Parity-Time Symmetry in a Coherent Atomic Gas
Authors: Polanco Adames Delvi Antonio , Dou Jianpeng , Lin Ji , Zhu Gengjun , Li Huijun
Published: May 2022

We propose a scheme to realize a parity-time (PT) symmetric nonlinear system in a coherent atomic gas via electromagnetically induced transparency. We show that it is possible to construct an optical potential with PT symmetry due to the interplay among the Kerr nonlinearity stemmed from the atom-photon interaction, the linear potential induced by a far-detuned Stark laser field, and the optical gain originated from an incoherent pumping. Since the real part of the PT-symmetric potential depends only on the intensity of the probe field, the potential is nonlinear and its PT-symmetric properties are determined by the input laser intensity of the probe field. Moreover, we obtain the fundamental soliton solutions of the system and attain their stability region in the system parameter space. The dependence of the exceptional point (EP) location on the soliton maximum amplitude is also illustrated. The research results reported here open a new avenue for understanding the unique properties of PT symmetry of a nonlinear system. They are also promising for designing novel optical devices applicable in optical information processing and transmission.
A Behavior-Simulated Spherical Fuzzy Extension of the Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Le Minh-Tai , Nhieu Nhat-Luong
Published: May 2022

Since its inception in 1965, fuzzy sets have been developed for many years and are widely used in multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problems. Recently, spherical fuzzy sets (SFS), one of the most recent fuzzy sets, have been applied to extend and reinforce MCDM methods. To contribute to this development, the aim of this study is to propose a novel SFS extension of the integrated MCDM method that takes into account the psychological behavior of decision makers. In the proposed approach, the evaluation criteria are first weighted by the spherical fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (SF DEMATEL) method based on symmetrical linguistic comparison matrices. Another notable advantage of this process is determining the interrelationship between the evaluation criteria. In the next stage, the spherical fuzzy Interactive Multi-Criteria Decision-Making method in the Monte Carlo simulation environment (SF TODIM’MC) was applied to evaluate the alternatives. This method allows the process of evaluating alternatives to be performed continuously with different psychological behavioral parameters, which are considered as asymmetric information. As a result, the influence of the decision maker’s psychological behavior on the evaluation results is analyzed comprehensively. The robustness of the proposed approaches is verified through their application to prioritizing post-COVID-19 operational strategies in the Vietnam logistics sector. Numerical results have provided a cause-and-effect relationship between the negative effects of the pandemic and their weights. Furthermore, the results of prioritizing the operational strategies in the simulated environment provide rankings corresponding to different levels of risk aversion. Based on the results, the proposed spherical fuzzy approach is promising for expert-based decision-making problems under psycho-behavioral influence.
Comparative Pharmacodynamics of Three Different Botulinum Toxin Type A Preparations following Repeated Intramuscular Administration in Mice
Authors: Byun Jaeyoon , Kwak Seongsung , Kwon Jin-Hee , Shin Minhee , Lee Dong-Kyu , Rhee Chang-Hoon , Kang Won-ho , Oh Jae-Wook , Cruz Deu John M.
Published: May 2022

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) causes muscle paralysis by blocking cholinergic signaling at neuromuscular junctions and is widely used to temporarily correct spasticity-related disorders and deformities. The paralytic effects of BoNT/A are time-limited and require repeated injections at regular intervals to achieve long-term therapeutic benefits. Differences in the level and duration of effectivity among various BoNT/A products can be attributed to their unique manufacturing processes, formulation, and noninterchangeable potency units. Herein, we compared the pharmacodynamics of three BoNT/A formulations, i.e., Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA), Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA), and Coretox®, following repeated intramuscular (IM) injections in mice. Three IM injections of BoNT/A formulations (12 U/kg per dose), 12-weeks apart, were administered at the right gastrocnemius. Local paresis and chemodenervation efficacy were evaluated over 36 weeks using the digit abduction score (DAS) and compound muscle action potential (CMAP), respectively. One week after administration, all three BoNT/A formulations induced peak DAS and maximal reduction of CMAP amplitudes. Among the three BoNT/A formulations, only Coretox® afforded a significant increase in paretic effects and chemodenervation with a prolonged duration of action after repeated injections. These findings suggest that Coretox® may offer a better overall therapeutic performance in clinical settings.
Mass-Spectrometry-Based Lipidome and Proteome Profiling of Hottentotta saulcyi (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Venom
Authors: Ghezellou Parviz , Jakob Kevin , Atashi Javad , Ghassempour Alireza , Spengler Bernhard
Published: May 2022

Scorpion venom is a complex secretory mixture of components with potential biological and physiological properties that attracted many researchers due to promising applications from clinical and pharmacological perspectives. In this study, we investigated the venom of the Iranian scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) by applying mass-spectrometry-based proteomic and lipidomic approaches to assess the diversity of components present in the venom. The data revealed that the venom’s proteome composition is largely dominated by Na+- and K+-channel-impairing toxic peptides, following the enzymatic and non-enzymatic protein families, e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme, serine protease, metalloprotease, hyaluronidase, carboxypeptidase, and cysteine-rich secretory peptide. Furthermore, lipids comprise ~1.2% of the dry weight of the crude venom. Phospholipids, ether-phospholipids, oxidized-phospholipids, triacylglycerol, cardiolipins, very-long-chain sphingomyelins, and ceramides were the most intensely detected lipid species in the scorpion venom, may acting either independently or synergistically during the envenomation alongside proteins and peptides. The results provide detailed information on the chemical makeup of the venom, helping to improve our understanding of biological molecules present in it, leading to a better insight of the medical significance of the venom, and improving the medical care of patients suffering from scorpion accidents in the relevant regions such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Afghanistan.
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide and Substance P Mediate Emetic Response Induction by Masked Trichothecene Deoxynivalenol-3-Glucoside through Ca2+ Signaling
Authors: Qin Zihui , Zhang Hua , Wu Qinghua , Wei Ben , Wu Ran , Guo Xinyi , Xiao Huiping , Wu Wenda
Published: May 2022

Deoxynivalenol (DON), the most naturally-occurring trichothecenes, may affect animal and human health by causing vomiting as a hallmark of food poisoning. Deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (D3G) usually co-occurs with DON as its glucosylated form and is another emerging food safety issue in recent years. However, the toxicity of D3G is not fully understood compared to DON, especially in emetic potency. The goals of this research were to (1) compare emetic effects to D3G by oral and intraperitoneal (IP) routes and relate emetic effects to brain-gut peptides glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and substance P (SP) in mink; (2) determine the roles of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel in D3G’s emetic effect. Both oral and IP exposure to D3G elicited marked emetic events. This emetic response corresponded to an elevation of GIP and SP. Blocking the GIP receptor (GIPR) diminished emetic response induction by GIP and D3G. The neurokinin 1 receptor (NK-1R) inhibitor Emend® restrained the induction of emesis by SP and D3G. Importantly, CaSR antagonist NPS-2143 or TRP channel antagonist ruthenium red dose-dependently inhibited both D3G-induced emesis and brain-gut peptides GIP and SP release; cotreatment with both antagonists additively suppressed both emetic and brain-gut peptide responses to D3G. To summarize, our findings demonstrate that activation of CaSR and TRP channels contributes to D3G-induced emesis by mediating brain-gut peptide exocytosis in mink.
Echis ocellatus Venom-Induced Reproductive Pathologies in Rat Model; Roles of Oxidative Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Ajisebiola Babafemi Siji , Alamu Priscilla Ifeoluwa , James Adewale Segun , Adeyi Akindele Oluwatosin
Published: May 2022

This study reported reproductive pathologies associated with Echis ocellatus venom in animal model. Twenty male Wistar rats with body weight between 180 and 220 g were selected randomly into two groups (n = 10). Rats in group 1 served as the control while rats in group 2 were envenomed with a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.055 mg/kg−1 (LD6.25) of E. ocellatus venom on the first day and a repeated dose on the twenty fifth day. Both control and envenomed rats were monitored for fifty consecutive days. The venom caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in sperm motility, count, and volume, with increased sperm anomalies in envenomed rats compared to the control. Likewise, serum concentrations of male reproductive hormones were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in envenomed rats. Increased levels of malondialdehyde were accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in reduced glutathione and catalase activity in the epididymis and testis tissues of envenomed rats. The venom enhanced the release of epididymal and testicular tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin1-beta compared to the control. Furthermore, severe pathological defects were noticed in tissues of the testis and epididymis of envenomed rats. This study demonstrated that E. ocellatus venom toxins can induce reproductive dysfunction in male victims of snake envenoming.
Autoimmune Effect of Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein
Authors: Matyushkina Daria , Shokina Varvara , Tikhonova Polina , Manuvera Valentin , Shirokov Dmitry , Kharlampieva Daria , Lazarev Vasily , Varizhuk Anna , Vedekhina Tatiana , Pavlenko Alexander , Penkin Leonid , Arapidi Georgij , Pavlov Konstantin , Pushkar Dmitry , Kolontarev Konstantin , Rumyantsev Alexander , Rumyantsev Sergey , Rychkova Lyubov , Govorun Vadim
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is continuing to spread around the world and drastically affect our daily life. New strains appear, and the severity of the course of the disease itself seems to be decreasing, but even people who have been ill on an outpatient basis suffer post-COVID consequences. Partly, it is associated with the autoimmune reactions, so debates about the development of new vaccines and the need for vaccination/revaccination continue. In this study we performed an analysis of the antibody response of patients with COVID-19 to linear and conformational epitopes of viral proteins using ELISA, chip array and western blot with analysis of correlations between antibody titer, disease severity, and complications. We have shown that the presence of IgG antibodies to the nucleoprotein can deteriorate the course of the disease, induce multiple direct COVID-19 symptoms, and contribute to long-term post-covid symptoms. We analyzed the cross reactivity of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 with own human proteins and showed that antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein can bind to human proteins. In accordance with the possibility of HLA presentation, the main possible targets of the autoantibodies were identified. People with HLA alleles A01:01; A26:01; B39:01; B15:01 are most susceptible to the development of autoimmune processes after COVID-19.
The M13 Phage Assembly Machine Has a Membrane-Spanning Oligomeric Ring Structure
Authors: Haase Maximilian , Tessmer Lutz , Köhnlechner Lilian , Kuhn Andreas
Published: May 2022

Bacteriophage M13 assembles its progeny particles in the inner membrane of the host. The major component of the assembly machine is G1p and together with G11p it generates an oligomeric structure with a pore-like inner cavity and an ATP hydrolysing domain. This allows the formation of the phage filament, which assembles multiple copies of the membrane-inserted major coat protein G8p around the extruding single-stranded circular DNA. The phage filament then passes through the G4p secretin that is localized in the outer membrane. Presumably, the inner membrane G1p/G11p and the outer G4p form a common complex. To unravel the structural details of the M13 assembly machine, we purified G1p from infected E. coli cells. The protein was overproduced together with G11p and solubilized from the membrane as a multimeric complex with a size of about 320 kDa. The complex revealed a pore-like structure with an outer diameter of about 12 nm, matching the dimensions of the outer membrane G4p secretin. The function of the M13 assembly machine for phage generation and secretion is discussed.
Dominance of Three Sublineages of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant in Mexico
Authors: Taboada Blanca , Zárate Selene , García-López Rodrigo , Muñoz-Medina José Esteban , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo , Boukadida Celia , Gómez-Gil Bruno , Selem Mojica Nelly , Rosales-Rivera Mauricio , Salas-Lais Angel Gustavo , Gutiérrez-Ríos Rosa María , Loza Antonio , Rivera-Gutierrez Xaira , Vazquez-Perez Joel Armando , Matías-Florentino Margarita , Pérez-García Marissa , Ávila-Ríos Santiago , Hurtado Juan Manuel , Herrera-Nájera Carla Ivón , Núñez-Contreras José de Jesús , Sarquiz-Martínez Brenda , García-Arias Víctor Eduardo , Santiago-Mauricio María Guadalupe , Martínez-Miguel Bernardo , Enciso-Ibarra Julissa , Cháidez-Quiróz Cristóbal , Iša Pavel , Wong-Chew Rosa María , Jiménez-Corona María-Eugenia , López Susana , Arias Carlos F.
Published: May 2022

In this study, we analyzed the sequences of SARS-CoV-2 isolates of the Delta variant in Mexico, which has completely replaced other previously circulating variants in the country due to its transmission advantage. Among all the Delta sublineages that were detected, 81.5 % were classified as AY.20, AY.26, and AY.100. According to publicly available data, these only reached a world prevalence of less than 1%, suggesting a possible Mexican origin. The signature mutations of these sublineages are described herein, and phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks are used to track their spread across the country. Other frequently detected sublineages include AY.3, AY.62, AY.103, and AY.113. Over time, the main sublineages showed different geographical distributions, with AY.20 predominant in Central Mexico, AY.26 in the North, and AY.100 in the Northwest and South/Southeast. This work describes the circulation, from May to November 2021, of the primary sublineages of the Delta variant associated with the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico and highlights the importance of SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance for the timely identification of emerging variants that may impact public health.
Longitudinal Follow-Up of Gross Motor Function in Children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome from a Cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Hamanaka Tatiana , Ribeiro Carla Trevisan M. , Pone Sheila , Gomes Saint Clair , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Moreira Maria Elisabeth , Pone Marcos
Published: May 2022

Knowledge of how congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) impacts motor development of children longitudinally is important to guide management. The objective of the present study was to describe the evolution of gross motor function in children with CZS in a Rio de Janeiro hospital. In children with CZS without arthrogryposis or other congenital osteoarticular malformations who were followed in a prospective cohort study, motor performance was evaluated at two timepoints using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Gross Motor Function Measurement test (GMFM-88). Among 74 children, at the baseline evaluation, the median age was 13 (8–24) months, and on follow-up, 28 (24–48) months. According to GMFCS at the second timepoint, 6 children were classified as mild, 11 as moderate, and 57 as severe. In the GMFM-88 assessment, children in the severe group had a median score of 10.05 in the baseline evaluation and a follow-up score of 12.40, the moderate group had median scores of 25.60 and 29.60, and the mild group had median scores of 82.60 and 91.00, respectively. Although a small developmental improvement was observed, the motor impairment of children was mainly consistent with severe cerebral palsy. Baseline motor function assessments were predictive of prognosis.
Omicron Sub-Lineages (BA.1.1.529 + BA.*) Current Status in Ecuador
Authors: Carrazco-Montalvo Andrés , Herrera-Yela Andrés , Alarcón-Vallejo Damaris , Gutiérrez-Pallo Diana , Armendáriz-Castillo Isaac , Andrade-Molina Derly , Muñoz-Mawyin Karen , Fernández-Cadena Juan Carlos , Morey-León Gabriel ,   USFQ-COVID-19 Consortium,   CRN Influenza y OVR—INSPI, Patiño Leandro
Published: May 2022

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is the latest pandemic lineage causing COVID-19. Despite having a vaccination rate ≥85%, Ecuador recorded a high incidence of Omicron from December 2021 to March 2022. Since Omicron emerged, it has evolved into multiple sub-lineages with distinct prevalence in different regions. In this work, we use all Omicron sequences from Ecuador available at GISAID until March 2022 and the software Nextclade and Pangolin to identify which lineages circulate in this country. We detected 12 different sub-lineages (BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.1.1.1, BA.1.1.14, BA.1.1.2, BA.1.14, BA.1.15, BA.1.16, BA.1.17, BA.1.6, BA.2, BA.2.3), which have been reported in Africa, America, Europe, and Asia, suggesting multiple introduction events. Sub-lineages BA.1 and BA.1.1 were the most prevalent. Genomic surveillance must continue to evaluate the dynamics of current sub-lineages, the early introduction of new ones and vaccine efficacy against evolving SARS-CoV-2.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Companion Animals: Prospective Serological Survey and Risk Factor Analysis in France
Authors: Bessière Pierre , Vergne Timothée , Battini Matéo , Brun Jessie , Averso Julien , Joly Etienne , Guérin Jean-Luc , Cadiergues Marie-Christine
Published: May 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19 in people, has been detected in companion animals on rare occasions. A limited number of large-scale studies have investigated the exposure of companion animals to SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this prospective study was to estimate seroprevalence in privately owned dogs and cats presented in veterinary clinics in different French regions and to test the hypothesis that the occurrence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household and close contact with the owner would increase the chances of the animals being seropositive. One hundred and sixty-five dogs and 143 cats were blood-sampled between March 2020 and December 2021. Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 8.4% of cats (12/143) and 5.4% of dogs (9/165). Seven animals (three dogs and four cats) were seropositive in the absence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household. Despite not being statistically significant (chi-square test, p-value = 0.55), our data may suggest that the occurrence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household could increase the risk of animal seropositivity (odds ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval = 0.55–3.77). This survey indirectly shows that SARS-CoV-2 circulates in canine and feline populations, but its circulation appears to be too low for pets to act as a significant viral reservoir.
Correction: Křížová et al. Fullerene Derivatives Prevent Packaging of Viral Genomic RNA into HIV-1 Particles by Binding Nucleocapsid Protein. Viruses 2021, 13, 2451
Authors: Křížová Ivana , Dostálková Alžběta , Castro Edison , Prchal Jan , Hadravová Romana , Kaufman Filip , Hrabal Richard , Ruml Tomáš , Llano Manuel , Echegoyen Luis , Rumlová Michaela
Published: May 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Hepatitis C Virus Epidemiology in Lithuania: Situation before Introduction of the National Screening Programme
Authors: Ciupkeviciene Egle , Petkeviciene Janina , Sumskiene Jolanta , Dragunas Gediminas , Dabravalskis Saulius , Kreivenaite Edita , Telksnys Tadas , Urbonas Gediminas , Kupcinskas Limas
Published: May 2022

In 2022, the Lithuanian health authorities decided to pay general practitioners a fee for performing serological tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in the population born from 1945 to 1994 once per life and annual HCV testing for PWID and HIV infected patients. This study aimed to assess trends in HCV-related mortality in the country and the prevalence of HCV infection among patients with liver diseases and evaluate possibilities of screening for HCV infection at a primary health care center. Age-standardized mortality rates in 2010–2020 were calculated for deaths caused by chronic hepatitis C and some liver diseases. Data on HCV infection among patients with liver cirrhosis, cancer and transplant patients were collected from the tertiary care hospital Kauno Klinikos. The prevalence of anti-HCV and risk factors of HCV infection was assessed among patients registered with the health care center in Klaipeda, where a pilot study of screening was performed. No steady trend in mortality was observed. Analysis of medical documentation showed that 40.5% of patients with liver cirrhosis, 49.7% with cancers and 36.9% of transplant patients were HCV infected. Over the year, 4867 patients were screened in the primary health care center. Positive anti-HCV prevalence was 1.7% (2.1% in men and 1.3% in women). Blood transfusion and being a blood donor before 1993 also having tattoos were associated with higher odds of HCV infection. The study revealed the active participation of individuals in HCV screening.
Study on Water Purification Effect and Operation Parameters of Various Units of Wastewater Circulation
Authors: Yin Tongtong , Zheng Yao , Liu Tingyan , Wang Xiaofei , Gao Jiancao , Nie Zhijuan , Song Lili , Xu Gangchun , Yuan Julin
Published: May 2022

The discharge of wastewater from aquaculture ponds causes a certain degree of damage to the environment. It is necessary to continuously improve the treatment efficiency of wastewater treatment devices. The purpose of this study is to obtain an optimal ratio of wastewater circulation devices in order to obtain the best operating parameters and to reduce the discharge of polluted water. We constructed an experimental wastewater circulation device consisting of three units. The primary unit contained modified attapulgite (Al@TCAP-N), volcanic stone, and activated carbon for precipitation. The secondary and tertiary units used biological methods to enhance removal rates of nitrogen and phosphorus. Water quality indicators of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia (NH3-N), permanganate (CODMn), and total suspended solids (TSS) were detected. Water quality was tested under different matching ratios for three units of different hydraulic retention time (HRT) and load Results showed that the removal rate of TP, TN, NH3-N, and TSS reached 20–60%, 20%, 30–70%, and 10–80%, respectively. The average reduction efficiencies of secondary module chlorella and filler on TP, TN, NH3-N, CODMn, and TSS were 56.88%, 30.09%, 0.43%, 46.15%, and 53.70%, respectively. The best removal rate can be achieved when the matching ratio of each unit becomes 2:1:1 and the hydraulic retention time is maintained within 2 h in the high-concentration load. Finally, the average removal rates of TP, TN, NH3-N, and TSS reached 58.87%, 15.96%, 33.99%, and 28.89%, respectively. The second unit obtained the enhanced removal effect in this wastewater treatment system when adding microorganisms and activated sludge.
Research on Mooring System Design for Kulluk Platform in Arctic Region
Authors: Zhang Aobo , Chuang Zhenju , Liu Shewen , Chang Xin , Hou Lixun , He Zhen , Liu Shiqi
Published: May 2022

Mooring system design of a floating offshore structure in the arctic region is considered to be extremely important. This paper aims at investigating an optimal mooring system for the Kulluk platform operating in the Beaufort Sea, which has ice-free and ice-covered conditions during the whole year time. In order to complete the layout design of the mooring system to satisfy the year-round operation, both the effect of wave loads and ice loads should be considered. The research establishes a coupled numerical production system composed of the Kulluk platform and mooring system. Wave load is solved by potential flow theory. The slender finite element method is used to compute the tension of the mooring system. The nonlinear finite element method, discrete element method, and empirical formula are compared to analyze ice load. Finally, the discrete element method is selected for the analysis of the Kulluk, and the simulated results are compared reasonably with the field data. When studying the mooring line configurations, quantitative time-domain analysis is carried out, including tension of mooring lines and the motions of the platform under different working conditions. The research work in this paper will provide a reference for the optimal design of the mooring system of the platform operating in the Arctic Sea.
Physical Model Study of an Intermittent Rainfall-Induced Gently Dipping Accumulation Landslide
Authors: Zhong Wei , Zhu Yuanjia , He Na
Published: May 2022

Many slope failures have been observed in deep-cutting gorges in Southwest China due to rainfall events. This study conducted model-based tests of the failure of a gently dipping accumulation slope caused by intermittent rainfall. The physical model was established by configuring soil samples based on similarity theory and direct shear test data. Intermittent rainfall was simulated by supplying surface runoff and bottom pressure water of the slope. The deformation, earth pressure, and pore pressure were observed during the test using a series of transducers. The results of this research showed that slope failure was first initiated at the toe of the slope. Staged sliding failure then occurred, which spread the unstable zone to the trailing edge of the slope. As infiltration of rainwater continued, the pore pressure increased and the matric suction and effective stress at the bedrock surface decreased, causing failure of the slope.
Gastroprotectant Rebamipide: review of action mechanisms and clinical applications
Authors:   Central State Medical Academy at the Department of Presidential Affairs of the Russian Federation, Frolova A. A. , Shindina T. S. ,   FSBI Polyclinic No. 5 at the Department of Presidential Affairs of the Russian Federation, Maslovsky L. V. ,   Central State Medical Academy at the Department of Presidential Affairs of the Russian Federation, Maksimov M. L. ,   FSBEI CPE RMACPE of the Ministry of Health of Russia, FSAEI HE Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Aleksandrova E. B. ,   FSBI Polyclinic No. 5 at the Department of Presidential Affairs of the Russian Federation, Kropova O. E. ,   FSBI Polyclinic No. 5 at the Department of Presidential Affairs of the Russian Federation
Published: May 2022

Rebamipide has a long history of use as a gastroprotective drug. However, a large amount of recent experimental data has made it possible to identify the multiple effects of rebamipide and expand the scope of its application. The purpose of this publication is to review and systematize knowledge about the mechanisms of action of rebamipide and discuss the field of its clinical application, which has an evidence base.
PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN BEINGS IN CHINESE PHILOSOPHY AND ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE TO THE CAUSE OF EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION IN VIETNAM TODAY
Authors: Thi Quyet Nguyen
Published: May 2022

China is known as the cradle of human civilization. Since ancient times, this place has achieved many brilliant development achievements in all fields of social life, especially philosophy. During the process of formation and development, Chinese philosophy has taken people and human-related issues as the object of study. Theories on people are very rich and diverse in order to clarify human issues in many different aspects. Chinese philosophic viewpoints on people are widespread, affecting and influencing many other countries in the region, including Vietnam. Within the scope of the article, the author focuses on analyzing the content of Chinese philosophical thought on people; thereby drawing its historical significance for the cause of educational innovation in Vietnam today.
CBD de espectro completo ou purificado: qual o melhor tratamento para epilepsia?
Authors: Costa Pâmela Aparecida , Ribeiro de Novais Júnior Linério , Mendes da Silva Larissa , Mariano de Bitencourt Rafael
Published: May 2022

Introdução. O potencial terapêutico dos compostos presentes na Cannabis sp. apresenta relevância clínica em diversas doenças neurológicas. O uso de canabidiol (CBD) é uma das opções no tratamento da epilepsia. O extrato com teor elevado de CBD possui resultados de redução da frequência, severidade e intensidade das convulsões, especialmente em crianças. Objetivo. Por meio de uma revisão narrativa da literatura, buscou-se observar as diferenças entre os efeitos do extrato de Cannabis sp full spectrum e do CBD isolado em pacientes com epilepsia. A revisão traz um apanhado sobre a farmacologia do sistema endocanabinoide e pretende atualizar o conhecimento sobre o potencial terapêutico dos canabinoides como alternativa para a epilepsia. Método. Foram realizadas buscas em bancos de dados acadêmicos, como SCIELO, SCIENCE DIRECT, PUBMED, em que artigos publicados nos últimos 15 anos, em língua inglesa e portuguesa, foram considerados. Resultados. Há poucos estudos clínicos e farmacológicos bem delineados a respeito do potencial terapêutico do óleo full spectrum na epilepsia, alguns, demonstram maior eficiência. Em relação ao CBD isolado, o seu uso já está pacificado e garantido sua segurança e eficácia. Conclusão. O CBD isolado representa uma alternativa real e já utilizada em pacientes nos pacientes, especialmente na epilepsia refratária. É capaz de diminuir a intensidade e a quantidade das crises com poucos efeitos adversos. Em relação ao óleo full spectrum, apresenta potencial terapêutico e, em alguns estudos, esta formulação aparece como uma alternativa mais eficiente quando comparado ao CBD isolado. Entretanto, são necessários mais estudos para garantir sua eficácia e segurança.
Study of thermal characteristics of the radiator with vertical finning using aerosol evaporative cooling
Authors: Abed Akram , Hussein Hamid , Pakhaluev Valery
Published: May 2022

The paper is dedicated to the new cooling scheme examination where aerosol is injected directly into the air-cooling system and then the evaporated aerosol is collected and redirected back to the inlet ports. It has examined the air-and-water aerosol influence on the heat extractor characteristics and area of the cooling surface of radiator with parallel square fins considering natural convection as well as radiation. Also, the influence of different characteristics has been examined, such as the concentration of water in aerosol, input power of heating, on the characteristics of the heat extractor.
Condensing heat recovery unit use for operation efficiency increase of boiler units
Authors: Milto Olga , Amosov Nikolay
Published: May 2022

The article is dedicated to the research of operation efficiency increase of the boiler unit TGMP-344A by introducing the utilization unit into the technological scheme. The article considers the possibility of closed type condensing heat recovery unit use and utilization of an exhaust gas potential for raw water heating before a water treatment system at CHP.
Optimization calculation of radial microturbine with water or pentanftorpropane steam in the Python environment
Authors: Pashchenko Vera
Published: May 2022

The paper presents the algorithm of optimization calculation of radial microturbine with water or pentanftorpropane steam in the Python environment which allows to solve the problem of thermodynamic characteristics determination when the internal relative efficiency of the turbine is at its maximum. It has described the search method of the maximum internal relative efficiency of the stage using Python environment. The calculation results for the 100 kW microturbine have been presented.
Classification of waters, used by energy facilities, by summary antioxidant activity value
Authors: Kalaida Marina Lvovna , Gordeeva Maria
Published: May 2022

The paper, using the cluster approach, executes water classification for cooling basins at the energy facilities by the summary of the antioxidant activity value. The index of water structure has been suggested which is defined by the general antioxidant activity and trophic coefficient of water. In case of technical use, it is possible to choose water with the lowest index values. The paper gives recommendations on the summary of the antioxidant activity of water values at the water intakes and outputs of CHP.
Evaluation of Seaway Passenger Transportation in Kocaeli Bay, By Using the Methods of Analytic Hierarchy Process and Analytic Network Process
Authors: AYDIN Zafer , ALKAN Güler
Published: May 2022

Municipalities are in charge of running and managing public transport activities. This study aims to identify the factors affecting seaway passenger transportation via scheduled high-speed sea buses, motorboats, and cityline from 11 points in Kocaeli Bay. To provide sea transportation service in Kocaeli at a sustainable cost, which is the legal obligation of Metropolitan Municipalities, framing the current transportation system as a whole in the light of these factors is another objective.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the criteria may quickly change over time. Many primary and secondary criteria affect public transportation systems. Therefore, it would be appropriate to use multi-criteria decision-making methods while dealing with Public Transport systems. In addition to the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, it would be appropriate to use the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method, which is a structure that examines the interaction between criteria and allows systematic revealing of all types of dependencies and feedback between factors and sub-factors affecting the decision-making process. In the study, the results obtained by AHP and ANP methods were compared and evaluated, in order to determine the optimal alternative for the seaway passenger transportation in Kocaeli Bay to be economical, sustainable and continuous.
Hemogram and Morphological Types of Anemia in Patients with Acаntholytic Pemphigus of Varying Severity
Authors: Гасымова А.Р.
Published: May 2022

Материалы и методы. Обследованы 21 пациент с акантолитической пузырчаткой и 15 практически здоровых лиц. Возраст пациентов составил 47,5±3,7 года, мужчин – 11 (52,4%), женщин – 10 (47,6%). Оценка степени тяжести АП проведена по индексу V.K. Mahajan. В клиническом анализе крови определяли гемоглобин, гематокрит, количество эритроцитов и эритроцитарные индексы – MCV, МСН, МСНС.

Materials and methods. 21 patients with acantholytic pemphigus and 15 practically healthy individuals were examined. The age of the patients was 47.5±3.7 years, men – 11 (52.4%), women – 10 (47.6%). Assessment of the severity of AP was carried out according to the V.K. Mahajan index. In a clinical blood test, hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte count and erythrocyte indices – MCV, MCH, MCHC were determined.
Minimally Invasive Approach in Orthopedic Treatment of Patients with Dental Abrasion
Authors: Соломон О. , Дворник Д. , Зуев В. , Оинягрэ В. , Факира А. , Русу В. , Пынтя В.
Published: May 2022

В статье описывается часто встречающаяся патология с преимущественным поражением зубочелюстного аппарата, которая имеет многофакторную этиологию и клинически проявляется такими формами, как истирание, атриция, эрозия и абфракция. Поэтапно описаны методы диагностики 98 пациентов; у 74 человек (76%) зарегистрированастираемость зубов, из них 33 пациента – мужчины (45%), 41 пациент – женщины (55%). Соотношение женщин и мужчин составило 1:1,2. В статье поэтапно описана методика лечения, представленная в дополнение клиническим случаем.

The article describes a common pathology with a primary lesion of the dentition, which has a multifactorial etiology and is clinically manifested by such forms as abrasion, abrasion, erosion and abfraction.Methods of diagnostics of 98 patients are described step by step; 74 people (76%) had tooth wear, of which 33 patients were men (45%), 41 patients were women (55%). The ratio of women and men was 1:1.2. The article describes in stages the method of treatment, presented in addition to the clinical case.