bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Liquidity and Debt Recovery Efficiency Forecasting in a Small Industrial Enterprise
Authors: Wiśniewski Jerzy Witold
Published: March 2022

Rational small business management necessitates the development of a system for recording important internal information. Companies are obliged to collect statistical data that mainly serves fiscal needs. Exemplary use of such significant data entails financial liquidity (LIQt) and debt recovery efficiency (EVINDt) measures. This work presents constructions of such measures and the manner of their application when they accrue in the form of time series. Both these measures should remain in feedback. Feedback complicates the forecasting of each of the variables that make up this relationship. In the existing forecasting practice, forecasts of such variables have been estimated using empirical equations of a reduced-form model. Such forecasts—in the case of an econometric micromodel—exhibit synchronization properties. This paper presents an empirical system of interdependent equations describing the relationship between financial liquidity and debt collection efficiency. An econometric model was used to build forecasts for both of these characteristics in a small business. An iterative method of forecasting from structural-form equations was used, which guarantees synchronization of forecasts under feedback conditions. The current use of the reduced form of the model to build such forecasts results in divergent forecasts that are not useful in small business management. They can also lead to wrong decisions. In the case under consideration, the forecast value synchronization (convergence) was obtained after five to nine iterations. The more distant the forecasted period is, the greater the number of iterations required to synchronize the forecasts.
A Deep-Neural-Network-Based Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) Retrieval from Landsat-8 Top of Atmosphere Data
Authors: She Lu , Zhang Hankui K. , Bu Ziqiang , Shi Yun , Yang Lu , Zhao Jintao
Published: March 2022

The 30 m resolution Landsat data have been used for high resolution aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval based on radiative transfer models. In this paper, a Landsat-8 AOD retrieval algorithm is proposed based on the deep neural network (DNN). A total of 6390 samples were obtained for model training and validation by collocating 8 years of Landsat-8 top of atmosphere (TOA) data and aerosol robotic network (AERONET) AOD data acquired from 329 AERONET stations over 30°W–160°E and 60°N–60°S. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-computing platform is used for the collocation to avoid a large download volume of Landsat data. Seventeen predictor variables were used to estimate AOD at 500 nm, including the seven bands TOA reflectance, two bands TOA brightness (BT), solar and viewing zenith and azimuth angles, scattering angle, digital elevation model (DEM), and the meteorological reanalysis total columnar water vapor and ozone concentration. The leave-one-station-out cross-validation showed that the estimated AOD agreed well with AERONET AOD with a correlation coefficient of 0.83, root-mean-square error of 0.15, and approximately 61% AOD retrievals within 0.05 + 20% of the AERONET AOD. Theoretical comparisons with the physical-based methods and the adaptation of the developed DNN method to Sentinel-2 TOA data with a different spectral band configuration are discussed.
Patterns of Nighttime Crowd Flows in Tourism Cities Based on Taxi Data—Take Haikou Prefecture as an Example
Authors: Han Bing , Zhu Daoye , Cheng Chengqi , Pan Jiawen , Zhai Weixin
Published: March 2022

The study of patterns of crowd flows represents an emerging and expanding research field. The most straightforward and efficient approach to investigate the patterns of crowd flows is to concentrate on traffic flow. However, assessments of simple point-to-point movement frequently lack universal validity, and little research has been conducted on the regularity of nighttime movement. Due to the suspension of public transportation at night, taxi orders are critical in capturing the features of nighttime crowd flows in a tourism city. Using Haikou as an example, this paper proposes a mixed Geogrid Spatio-temporal model (MG-STM) for the tourism city in order to address the challenges. Firstly, by collecting the pick-up/drop-off/in-out flow of crowds, this research uses DCNMF dimensionality reduction to extract semi-supervised spatio-temporal variation features and the K-Means clustering method to determine the cluster types of nighttime crowd flows’ changes in each geogrid. Secondly, by constructing a mixed-evaluation model based on LJ1-01 nighttime light data, crowd flows’ clusters, and land use data in geogrid-based regions, the pattern of nighttime crowd flows in urban land use areas is successfully determined. The results suggest that MG-STM can estimate changes in the number of collective flows in various regions of Haikou effectively and appropriately. Moreover, population density of land use areas shows a high positive correlation with the lag of crowd flows. Each 5% increase in population density results in a 30-min delay in the peak of crowd flows. The MG-STM will be extremely beneficial in developing and implementing systems for criminal tracking and pandemic prevention.
Field Model-Based Cultural Diffusion Patterns and GIS Spatial Analysis Study on the Spatial Diffusion Patterns of Qijia Culture in China
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Naiang , Zhao Xuepeng , Liang Xueran , Liu Jiang , Yang Ping , Wang Yipeng , Wang Yixin
Published: March 2022

Cultural diffusion is one of the core issues among researchers in the field of cultural geography. This study aimed to examine the spatial diffusion patterns of the Qijia culture (QJC) to clarify the origin and formation process of Chinese field model-based cultural diffusion patterns (FM-CDP) and geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis methods. It used the point data of Qijia cultural sites without time information and combined them with the relevant records of Qijia cultural and historical documents, as well as archaeological excavation materials. Starting with the spatial location information of cultural distribution, it comprehensively analysed the cultural hearth, regions, diffusion patterns, and diffusion paths. The results indicated the following. (1) The QJC’s heart is in the southeast of Gansu Province, where the Shizhaocun and Xishanping sites are distributed. (2) Five different levels of cultural regions were formed, which demonstrated different diffusion patterns at different regional scales. On a large regional scale, many cultural regions belong to relocation diffusion patterns. Meanwhile, at the small regional scale (in the Gansu–Qinghai region), there are two patterns of diffusion: expansion diffusion and relocation diffusion; however, the expansion diffusion pattern is the main one. (3) Based on the relationship between the QJC, altitude, and the water system, the culture also has the characteristics of diffusion to low altitude areas and a pattern of diffusion along water systems. (4) There is a circular structure of the core, periphery, and fringe regions of the QJC. Finally, (5) the dry and cold climate around 4000a B.P., the cultural exchange between Europe and the Asian continent (the introduction of barley, wheat, livestock and sheep, and copper smelting technology), and the war in the late Neolithic period were important factors affecting the diffusion of the QJC.
Pressure-Gradient Current at High Latitude from Swarm Measurements
Authors: Lovati Giulia , De Michelis Paola , Consolini Giuseppe , Berrilli Francesco
Published: March 2022

The pressure-gradient current is among the weaker ionospheric current systems arising from plasma pressure variations. It is also called diamagnetic current because it produces a magnetic field which is oriented oppositely to the ambient magnetic field, causing its reduction. The magnetic reduction can be revealed in measurements made by low-Earth orbiting satellites flying close to ionospheric plasma regions where rapid changes in density occur. Using geomagnetic field, plasma density and electron temperature measurements recorded on board ESA Swarm A satellite from April 2014 to March 2018, we reconstruct the flow patterns of the pressure-gradient current at high-latitude ionosphere in both hemispheres, and investigate their dependence on magnetic local time, geomagnetic activity, season and solar forcing drivers. Although being small in amplitude these currents appear to be a ubiquitous phenomenon at ionospheric high latitudes characterized by well defined flow patterns, which can cause artifacts in the main field models. Our findings can be used to correct magnetic field measurements for diamagnetic current effect, to improve modern magnetic field models, as well as to understand the impact of ionospheric irregularities on ionospheric dynamics at small-scale sizes of a few tens of kilometers.
A Visual Compass Based on Point and Line Features for UAV High-Altitude Orientation Estimation
Authors: Liu Ying , Tao Junyi , Kong Da , Zhang Yu , Li Ping
Published: March 2022

The accurate and reliable high-altitude orientation estimation is of great significance for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) localization, and further assists them to conduct some fundamental functions, such as aerial mapping, environmental monitoring, and risk management. However, the traditional orientation estimation is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, high maneuverability, and substantial scale variations. Hence, this paper aims to present a new visual compass algorithm to estimate the orientation of a UAV employing the appearance and geometry structure of the point and line features in the remote sensing images. In this study, a coarse-to-fine feature tracking method is used to locate the matched keypoints precisely. An LK-ZNCC algorithm is proposed to match line segments in real-time. A hierarchical fusion method for point and line features is designed to expand the scope of the usage of this system. Many comparative experiments between this algorithm and others are conducted on a UAV. Experimental results show that the proposed visual compass algorithm is a reliable, precise, and versatile system applicable to other UAV navigation systems, especially when they do not work in particular situations.
A Novel Privacy Preserving Scheme for Smart Grid-Based Home Area Networks
Authors: Ali Wajahat , Din Ikram Ud , Almogren Ahmad , Kim Byung-Seo
Published: March 2022

Despite the benefits of smart grids, concerns about security and privacy arise when a large number of heterogeneous devices communicate via a public network. A novel privacy-preserving method for smart grid-based home area networks (HAN) is proposed in this research. To aggregate data from diverse household appliances, the proposed approach uses homomorphic Paillier encryption, Chinese remainder theorem, and one-way hash function. The privacy in Internet of things (IoT)-enabled smart homes is one of the major concerns of the research community. In the proposed scheme, the sink node not only aggregates the data but also enables the early detection of false data injection and replay attacks. According to the security analysis, the proposed approach offers adequate security. The smart grid distributes power and facilitates a two-way communications channel that leads to transparency and developing trust.
Basecalling Using Joint Raw and Event Nanopore Data Sequence-to-Sequence Processing
Authors: Napieralski Adam , Nowak Robert
Published: March 2022

Third-generation DNA sequencers provided by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) produce a series of samples of an electrical current in the nanopore. Such a time series is used to detect the sequence of nucleotides. The task of translation of current values into nucleotide symbols is called basecalling. Various solutions for basecalling have already been proposed. The earlier ones were based on Hidden Markov Models, but the best ones use neural networks or other machine learning models. Unfortunately, achieved accuracy scores are still lower than competitive sequencing techniques, like Illumina’s. Basecallers differ in the input data type—currently, most of them work on a raw data straight from the sequencer (time series of current). Still, the approach of using event data is also explored. Event data is obtained by preprocessing of raw data and dividing it into segments described by several features computed from raw data values within each segment. We propose a novel basecaller that uses joint processing of raw and event data. We define basecalling as a sequence-to-sequence translation, and we use a machine learning model based on an encoder–decoder architecture of recurrent neural networks. Our model incorporates twin encoders and an attention mechanism. We tested our solution on simulated and real datasets. We compare the full model accuracy results with its components: processing only raw or event data. We compare our solution with the existing ONT basecaller—Guppy. Results of numerical experiments show that joint raw and event data processing provides better basecalling accuracy than processing each data type separately. We implement an application called Ravvent, freely available under MIT licence.
Strong Radiation Field Online Detection and Monitoring System with Camera
Authors: Han Yongchao , Xu Shoulong , Liu Yang , Xu Ling , Gong Dawei , Qin Zhiwei , Dong Hanfeng , Yang Huaiqing
Published: March 2022

Herein, we report the γ-ray ionizing radiation response of a commercial monolithic active-pixel sensor (MAPS) camera under strong-dose-rate irradiation with an online detection and monitoring system for strong radiation conditions. We present the first results of the distribution of three types of MAPS camera and establish a linear relationship between the average response signal and radiation dose rate in the strong-dose-rate range. There is an obvious response signal in the video frames when the camera module parameters are set to automatic, but the linear response is very poor. However, the fixed image parameters are not good at adapting to the changes of the environment and affect the quality of the video frames. A dual module online radiation detection and monitoring probe was made to carry out effective video monitoring and radiation detection at the same time. The measurement results show that the dose rate detection error is less than 5% with a dose rate in the range of 60 to 425 Gy/h, and the visible light image does not have obvious distortion, deformation, or color shift due to the interference of the radiation response event and radiation damage. Hence, the system test results show that it can be used for online detection and monitoring in a strong radiation environment.
Stress Detection of Conical Frustum Windows in Submersibles Based on Polarization Imaging
Authors: Li Hening , Liao Ran , Zhang Hailong , Ma Guoliang , Guo Zhiming , Tu Haibo , Chen Yan , Ma Hui
Published: March 2022

Stress detection of the conical frustum window is a very important issue to ensure the safety of deep manned submersibles. In this paper, we propose a method based on polarization imaging to evaluate the stress accumulation and recovery in the conical frustum window. An experimental setup of Mueller matrix polarimetry is built, and the samples are made by referring to the typical conical frustum windows in submersibles. By pressurizing different pressures on the samples, we can find the changes of their Mueller matrix images and further derived polarization parameters. The results show that the polarization parameters can characterize the stress transfer process and the elastic–plastic transformation process of the window under different pressurization pressures. We also use a two-layered wave plate model to simulate the stress distribution in the window, which reveals different performances of the former and latter layers of the window under pressurization. Finally, we use a finite element model to simulate and understand some of the above experimental results. This proposed method is expected to provide new possibilities for monitoring the window stress and further ensure the safety of deep manned submersibles.
Systematic Identification of Bioactive Compositions in Leaves of Morus Cultivars Using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and Comprehensive Screening of High-Quality Resources
Authors: Zou Xiang-Yue , He Ying-Jie , Yang Yi-Hui , Yan Xin-Pei , Li Zhang-Bao , Yang Hua
Published: March 2022

Morus spp. leaves (MSLs) show various beneficial effects in the treatment of metabolic-related diseases, which have created a growing interest in MSL development as dietary supplements and functional foods. The illustration of chemical compositions and screening of high-quality MSL resources are therefore necessary for further application. This study developed a new UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS strategy of in-source collision-induced dissociation (IS-CID) and target collision-cell CID (TCC-CID) to quickly capture analogues with consistent skeleton, and combined global natural product social molecular networking (GNPS) to efficiently annotate bioactive phytochemicals in MSLs. For the results, 49 bioactive ingredients, including quercetin-type flavonoids, kaempferol-type flavonoids, chlorogenic acid isomers, 1-deoxynojirimycin, γ-aminobutyric acid, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids, were systematically identified in MSLs for the first time. Quantification for the typical components was simultaneously carried out in MSLs of 90 Morus resources collected from different locations. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) indicated that quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-glucoside, rutin, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and chlorogenic acid showed high variable importance in the project (VIP > 1) that were significant constituents for the differences between MSL species. Then, high-quality MSLs were comprehensively screened in multiple Morus cultivars based on the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method. This study presented an efficient strategy to annotate bioactive compounds, revealed the difference of bioactive components in MSLs, and provided important information for the high-value production of Morus cultivars in food and supplement fields.
What Factors Make Online Travel Reviews Credible? The Consumers’ Credibility Perception-CONCEPT Model
Authors: Guzzo Tiziana , Ferri Fernando , Grifoni Patrizia
Published: March 2022

Online reviews have become a fundamental element in searching for and buying a tourism service. In particular, in the phase of post-pandemic caused by the COVID-19, social media are important channels of inspiration of dreams and encouragement to begin envisioning future trips. However, the growing trend of fake reviews is becoming a big issue for consumers. This study proposes and empirically validates a new model that enables predicting consumers’ Credibility Perception of Online Reviews (CPOR) related to tourism, considering all integrated factors of the communication process. A survey was carried out via a structured questionnaire. In particular, 615 answers from Italian travel groups were collected, and correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Results show that the website brand, advisor’s expertise, reviews’ sidedness and consistency, and consumer experience are significant predictors of CPOR. Website usability and reputation are instead weak predictors. This study provides the design and test of a credibility model, contributing to the theoretical and empirical advancement of the literature and enhancing the knowledge on consumer behavior.
Negotiating Access to Health Care for All through Social and Political Accountability: A Qualitative Study in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Afeez Folorunsho , Lodenstein Elsbet
Published: March 2022

Social accountability is an important strategy towards ensuring that political leaders and actors implement the right policies in the interest of the entire society. In 2007, a community-based health insurance programme was implemented in selected rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria, through collaboration between the Dutch Health Insurance Fund, PharmAccess Foundation, the Kwara State Government, and Hygeia Nigeria Limited to provide access to basic healthcare for the people. After operating for 9 years, the programme stopped in 2016. This paper describes how social and political accountability shaped the introduction, functioning, and stoppage of the CBHI programme. The study adopted a qualitative approach for data collection, particularly in-depth (n = 22) and key informant interviews (n = 32). Findings indicate that the community-based health insurance programme was proposed by the foreign agency and that the state government was instrumental in the stoppage of the programme. Also, the change in government (via voting against a political bloc that had been in power since 2003) in Kwara State during the 2019 general elections was among the accountability measures employed by the citizenry in reaction to the stoppage of the Community-Based Health Insurance programme. The implication of this is that the current government, expectedly, will not only draw up a more robust healthcare policy for implementation but will also ensure that the people are carried along through adequate social and political accountability mechanisms.
The Effect of Whey Protein Films with Ginger and Rosemary Essential Oils on Microbiological Quality and Physicochemical Properties of Minced Lamb Meat
Authors: Tsironi Maria , Kosma Ioanna S. , Badeka Anastasia V.
Published: March 2022

Consumers’ constant search for high-quality and safe products, with the least possible preservatives and additives, as well as extended shelf life, has led industries to research and develop alternative forms of food preservation and packaging. The purpose of this research was the study of the effect of natural antimicrobials and, in particular, the essential oils of ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) on strengthening whey protein films’ properties. Whey protein isolate (WPI) films, alone and with incorporated essential oils (WPI + EO) at different concentrations were prepared and then examined for their possible effect on delaying the deterioration of minced lamb meat. Microbiological and physicochemical measurements were carried out to examine the meat’s shelf life. Results showed that films with 1% EO significantly improved the microbiological quality of meat. On day 11, total viable counts, Pseudomonas spp., Br. thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and yeasts remained low for films with 1% concentration of essential oil compared with 0.5%. Regarding, physicochemical properties the same pattern was observed for pH while oxidation degree was significantly reduced. Finally, color attributes measurements recorded fluctuations between samples, but overall, no considerable discoloration was observed.
Authoritative Parenting Style and Proactive Behaviors: Evidence from China?
Authors: Nie Ting , Yan Qiao , Chen Yan
Published: March 2022

Parenting style plays an important role in children’s development. This study examines the influence mechanism of authoritative parenting style on individuals’ proactive behavior. We propose a chain mediation model for the linkage between authoritative parenting style and proactive behavior through self-esteem and growth mindset. Based on a survey of 388 undergraduate students in coastal areas of China, we find a significant positive impact of authoritative parenting style on college students’ proactive behavior. In addition, our study provides evidence of a chain mediation effect on the relation among authoritative parenting style, self-esteem, growth mindset, and proactive behavior. Our results suggest that under authoritative parenting, individuals can stimulate more proactive behaviors by improving their self-esteem and developing their growth mindset.
A Portrait of Socially Responsible Hospitals in Indonesia
Authors: Layman Chrisanty Victoria , Sasmoko  , Hamsal Mohammad , Sanny Lim
Published: March 2022

This study’s purpose is to measure social performance in hospitals in Indonesia, specifically focusing on the tendency for hospitals to act in the process of achieving various targets with a focus on social impacts on the community, stakeholders, and the environment. Although previous studies on hospital performance exist, few focus on the aspect of social responsibility. This study offers a way to measure the current social performance of hospitals using valued reference by hospital stakeholders. This study uses descriptive analysis and ANOVA for the indicators of social performance in the context of hospitals in Indonesia. Data used are from the Indonesian Commission on Accreditation of Hospital (ICAHO). This study uses data from 752 accredited hospitals in Indonesia. Results show that there were no significant differences in social performance between the different classes of hospitals. Social performance was found to be moderate on average for all classes: A, B, C, and D. However, across different accreditation levels of hospitals in Indonesia, social performance is scored as moderate with significant differences between the groups of accreditations. The implications of the results from this study provide a practical reference point measuring social performance for accredited hospitals in Indonesia.
Bile Flow Dynamics in Patients with Cholelithiasis: An Evaluation with Cine-Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography Using a Spatially Selective Inversion-Recovery Pulse
Authors: Higashi Mayumi , Tanabe Masahiro , Ihara Kenichiro , Iida Etsushi , Furukawa Matakazu , Ito Katsuyoshi
Published: March 2022

Background: A variety of pathophysiological changes in the biliary system occur in patients with cholelithiasis, but the changes in the bile flow dynamics in those patients remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the changes in the bile flow dynamics in patients with cholelithiasis using cine-dynamic magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with a spatially selective inversion-recovery (IR) pulse. Methods: We retrospectively examined 25 patients with gallstones (gallstone group) and 69 patients without gallstones (non-gallstone group) who underwent abdominal MRI, including in- and opposed-phase T1-weighted images and cine-dynamic MRCP with a spatially selective IR pulse. The frequency and secretion grade of the antegrade and reverse flow of the bile on the cine dynamic MRCP images and the signal intensity ratio (SIR) of the gallbladder in the in- and opposed-phase T1-weighted images were evaluated. Results: The frequency and mean secretion grade of the antegrade bile flow were significantly higher in the gallstone group than in the non-gallstone group (p = 0.011 and p = 0.003), while no significant differences in those values of the reverse bile flow were found between the two groups. The SIR of the gallbladder in the T1-weighted gradient-echo in-phase images was significantly lower in the gallstone group than in the non-gallstone group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Cine-dynamic MRCP with a spatially selective IR pulse can noninvasively visualize changes in the bile flow dynamics of patients with gallstones.
RNA Structural Requirements for Nucleocapsid Protein-Mediated Extended Dimer Formation
Authors: Chaminade Françoise , Darlix Jean-Luc , Fossé Philippe
Published: March 2022

Retroviruses package two copies of their genomic RNA (gRNA) as non-covalently linked dimers. Many studies suggest that the retroviral nucleocapsid protein (NC) plays an important role in gRNA dimerization. The upper part of the L3 RNA stem-loop in the 5′ leader of the avian leukosis virus (ALV) is converted to the extended dimer by ALV NC. The L3 hairpin contains three stems and two internal loops. To investigate the roles of internal loops and stems in the NC-mediated extended dimer formation, we performed site-directed mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, and analysis of thermostability of dimeric RNAs. We showed that the internal loops are necessary for efficient extended dimer formation. Destabilization of the lower stem of L3 is necessary for RNA dimerization, although it is not involved in the linkage structure of the extended dimer. We found that NCs from ALV, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) cannot promote the formation of the extended dimer when the apical stem contains ten consecutive base pairs. Five base pairs correspond to the maximum length for efficient L3 dimerization induced by the three NCs. L3 dimerization was less efficient with M-MuLV NC than with ALV NC and HIV-1 NC.
Clinical Evaluation of a Fully-Automated High-Throughput Multiplex Screening-Assay to Detect and Differentiate the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) and B.1.617.2 (Delta) Lineage Variants
Authors: Nörz Dominik , Grunwald Moritz , Tang Hui Ting , Weinschenk Celine , Günther Thomas , Robitaille Alexis , Giersch Katja , Fischer Nicole , Grundhoff Adam , Aepfelbacher Martin , Pfefferle Susanne , Lütgehetmann Marc
Published: March 2022

Background: The recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 lineage and its sublineages (Omicron variant) pose a new challenge to healthcare systems worldwide due to its ability to efficiently spread in immunized populations and its resistance to currently available monoclonal antibody therapies. RT-PCR-based variant tests can be used to screen large sample-sets rapidly and accurately for relevant variants of concern (VOC). The aim of this study was to establish and validate a multiplex assay on the cobas 6800/8800 systems to allow discrimination between the two currently circulating VOCs, Omicron and Delta, in clinical samples. Methods: Primers and probes were evaluated for multiplex compatibility. Analytic performance was assessed using cell culture supernatant of an Omicron variant isolate and a clinical Delta variant sample, normalized to WHO-Standard. Clinical performance of the multiplex assay was benchmarked against NGS results. Results: In silico testing of all oligos showed no interactions with a high risk of primer-dimer formation or amplification of human DNA/RNA. Over 99.9% of all currently available Omicron variant sequences are a perfect match for at least one of the three Omicron targets included in the multiplex. Analytic sensitivity was determined as 19.0 IU/mL (CI95%: 12.9–132.2 IU/mL) for the A67V + del-HV69-70 target, 193.9 IU/mL (CI95%: 144.7–334.7 IU/mL) for the E484A target, 35.5 IU/mL (CI95%: 23.3–158.0 IU/mL) for the N679K + P681H target and 105.0 IU/mL (CI95%: 80.7–129.3 IU/mL) for the P681R target. All sequence variances were correctly detected in the clinical sample set (225/225 Targets). Conclusion: RT-PCR-based variant screening compared to whole genome sequencing is both rapid and reliable in detecting relevant sequence variations in SARS-CoV-2 positive samples to exclude or verify relevant VOCs. This allows short-term decision-making, e.g., for patient treatment or public health measures.
Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase: A Non-Negligible Molecule in RNA Viral Infection
Authors: Feng Min , Zhang Han
Published: March 2022

Infectious diseases such as the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continue to have a huge impact on global health, and the host-virus interaction remains incompletely understood. To address the global threat, in-depth investigations in pathogenesis are essential for interventions in infectious diseases and vaccine development. Interestingly, aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases (aaRSs), an ancient enzyme family that was once considered to play housekeeping roles in protein synthesis, are involved in multiple viral infectious diseases. Many aaRSs in eukaryotes present as the components of a cytoplasmic depot system named the multi-synthetase complex (MSC). Upon viral infections, several components of the MSC are released and exert nonenzymatic activities. Host aaRSs can also be utilized to facilitate viral entry and replication. In addition to their intracellular roles, some aaRSs and aaRS-interacting multi-functional proteins (AIMPs) are secreted as active cytokines or function as “molecule communicators” on the cell surface. The interactions between aaRSs and viruses ultimately affect host innate immune responses or facilitate virus invasion. In this review, we summarized the latest advances of the interactions between aaRSs and RNA viruses, with a particular emphasis on the therapeutic potentials of aaRSs in viral infectious diseases.
Four Weeks Treatment with Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir + Ribavirin—A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Madsen Lone W. , Christensen Peer B. , Hansen Janne F. , Røge Birgit T. , Holm Dorte K. , Dröse Sandra , Øvrehus Anne
Published: March 2022

Enhancing treatment uptake for hepatitis C to achieve the elimination goals set by the World Health Organization could be achieved by reducing the treatment duration. The aim of this study was to compare the sustained virological response at week 12 (SVR12) after four weeks of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) + ribavirin compared to eight weeks of GLE/PIB and to estimate predictors for SVR12 with four weeks of treatment through a multicenter open label randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized 2:1 (4 weeks:8 weeks) and stratified by genotype 3 and were treatment naïve of all genotypes and without significant liver fibrosis. A total of 27 patients were analyzed for predictors for SVR12, including 15 from the first pilot phase of the study. In the ‘modified intention to treat’ group, 100% (7/7) achieved cure after eight weeks and for patients treated for four weeks the SVR12 was 58.3% (7/12). However, patients with a baseline viral load <2 mill IU/mL had 93% SVR12. The study closed prematurely due to the low number of included patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results suggest that viral load should be taken into account when considering trials of short course treatment.
Systemic Adverse Effects Induced by the BNT162b2 Vaccine Are Associated with Higher Antibody Titers from 3 to 6 Months after Vaccination
Authors: Koike Ryousuke , Sawahata Michiru , Nakamura Yosikazu , Nomura Yushi , Katsube Otohiro , Hagiwara Koichi , Niho Seiji , Masuda Norihiro , Tanaka Takaaki , Sugiyama Kumiya
Published: March 2022

Objective: We aimed to determine the relationship between vaccine-related adverse effects and antibody (Ab) titers from 3 to 6 months after the second dose of the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech) in Japan. Methods: We enrolled 378 healthcare workers (255 women and 123 men) whose Ab titers were analyzed 3 and 6 months after the second dose in our previous study and whose characteristics and adverse effects were collected previously by using a structured self-report questionnaire. Results: The workers’ median age was 44 years. Although injection-site symptoms occurred with almost equal frequency between the first and second doses, systemic adverse effects, such as general fatigue and fever, were significantly more frequent after the second dose than after the first dose. Multivariate analysis showed that fever was significantly correlated with female participants for the second dose (odds ratio (OR), 2.139; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.185–3.859), older age for the first dose (OR, 0.962; 95% CI, 0.931–0.994) and second dose (OR, 0.957; 95% CI, 0.936–0.979), and dyslipidemia for the first dose (OR, 8.750; 95% CI, 1.814–42.20). Age-adjusted Ab titers at 3 months after vaccination were 23.7% and 23.4% higher in patients with a fever than in those without a fever after the first and second dose, respectively. In addition, age-adjusted Ab titers at 3 and 6 months after the second dose were, respectively, 21.7% and 19.3% higher in the group in which an anti-inflammatory agent was used than in the group without the use of an anti-inflammatory agent. Conclusion: Participants with systemic adverse effects tend to have higher Ab titers from 3 to 6 months after the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Our results may encourage vaccination, even among people with vaccine hesitancy related to relatively common systemic adverse effects.
Use of Electrodiagnostics in the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Brachial Plexus Syndrome in a Calf
Authors: Bolcato Marilena , Roccaro Mariana , Jacinto Joana G. P. , Peli Angelo , Gentile Arcangelo , Bianchi Ezio
Published: March 2022

Electrodiagnostic testing by using electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) is essential in the evaluation of patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury as it facilitates the localization of the lesion and the prognosis. In this case report, we present a long-term electrodiagnostic follow-up of a 5-day-old female Holstein calf with brachial plexus syndrome. Electrodiagnostic studies were carried out at 2 weeks, 5 weeks, 7 months and 12 months after admission. Initially, EMG confirmed the damage to the brachial plexus, potentially indicating a condition of neurotmesis or axonotmesis. However, motor NCS and the repeated electrodiagnostic follow-up, along with the evolution of the clinical signs, allowed a more favorable diagnosis of axonotmesis to be made. In fact, EMG showed a slow but gradual reduction and finally the disappearance of spontaneous pathological activity, while motor NCS revealed an increase in the amplitude and areas of the compound muscle action potentials. The animal was deemed fully recovered 12 months after admission. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on the use of motor NCS in bovine medicine and it demonstrates that electrodiagnostics represent a useful and practical tool for the evaluation and prognosis of brachial plexus injury cases in cattle.
Sub-Antimicrobial Dosage Scheme of Doxycycline for the Chronic Treatment of Bronchiectasis in a Dog
Authors: Szatmári Viktor , van Geijlswijk Ingeborg M.
Published: March 2022

A 9-month-old German shepherd dog was examined because of a chronic cough, exercise intolerance and labored breathing, as well as recurrent episodes of lethargy with anorexia. Multifocal severe bronchiectasis and neutrophilic bronchitis was found with thoracic computed tomography and cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, respectively. While oral azithromycin was administered, clinical signs were absent. However, stopping azithromycin lead repeatedly to presumed bacterial pneumonia within 1–2 months. With sub-antimicrobial dosed oral doxycycline (initially 1.5 mg/kg once daily for 3 months, then 0.7–0.5 mg/kg once daily for 6 months), the dog remained free from clinical signs. Bronchiectasis is characterized by marked irreversible bronchial dilation. Accumulation of intraluminal mucopurulent material and neutrophilic inflammation cause chronic cough and recurrent bacterial pneumonia. For therapy, life-long oral antibiotics are recommended. Chronic antibiotic administration, however, can select resistant bacterial strains. Though both azithromycin and doxycycline possess anti-inflammatory effects, doxycycline has these off-target properties at a sub-antimicrobial dose. In this report, a chronic sub-antimicrobial dose of doxycycline resulted in the resolution of chronic cough, exercise intolerance and labored breathing, and prevented recurrence of suspected bacterial pneumonia in the long-term in a dog with severe bronchiectasis. Beneficial effect of doxycycline is probably related to its anti-inflammatory effects rather than its antimicrobial properties.
Comparison of a Chromogenic Urine Culture Plate System (UTid+) and Conventional Urine Culture for Canine and Feline Specimens
Authors: Cole Stephen D. , Swiderski Maya , Dietrich Jaclyn , McGonigle Kathryn M.
Published: March 2022

In companion animal medicine, urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common indications for antimicrobial therapy. Definitive diagnosis of UTI requires isolation of bacteria with routine urine culture from an animal with concurrent clinical signs. Urine culture is typically performed at reference laboratories where paired susceptibility testing can be performed, but delays in shipment or processing can affect results. This study evaluated the use of a selective chromogenic, point-of-care culture system (UTid+) compared to conventional urine culture. A total of 119 (73 canine and 46 feline) cystocentesis urine samples were evaluated. Conventional urine culture was positive for 28 (23.5%) of the 119 cultures and UTid+ culture was positive for 26 (21.8%). The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 92.3%, 97.8%, 92.3%, 97.8 and 96.6% for UTid+ respectively. Overall, the UTid+ culture system showed an acceptable level of accuracy when compared to conventional urine culture. Agreement of identification results was high (κ = 0.90) with an important exception being Proteus spp. which was only identified in 1/3 positive cultures. UTid+ may be useful in scenarios where a common UTI pathogen is expected and identification within 24 h is ideal; however, conventional urine culture remains the gold standard.
Effects of Distributions of Grass Strips on Soil Erosion in Spoil Tips
Authors: Lou Yongcai , Gao Zhaoliang , Li Yonghong , Sun Guanfang , Wu Tong , Cen Yunfeng , Su Bingni
Published: March 2022

The spatial distribution pattern of vegetation is of great significance to the prevention and control of soil erosion in spoil tips. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spatial distributions of grass strips on soil erosion in spoil tips. A field runoff plot (20 m long, 1 m wide, and 0.5 m deep) was used for inflow simulation experiments under four inflow rate patterns (even, rising, falling, and rising–falling) and five grass strip patterns (patterns I–V). Results showed that the runoff reduction benefit (RRB) and soil loss reduction benefit (SLRB) of grass strip patterns were 12.23–49.62% and 12.92–80.54%, respectively. The optimal grass strip pattern was when the grass strips were distributed on a slope in bands (pattern V). In this pattern, the soil and water conservation effects were best, with RRB and SLRB of 43.87% and 58.09%, respectively. The grass strip patterns exhibited a significant time-limited effect on controlling soil erosion. The maximum amount of soil loss reduction for patterns II, III, IV, and V was 93.02, 84.30, 65.86, and 98.26 kg, respectively. Soil loss reduction caused by decreasing runoff (SRR) for grass strip patterns was the main factor controlling erosion. The efficiency coefficient of soil loss reduction caused by decreasing runoff for pattern V was higher than that for the other patterns. The grass strip pattern V (i.e., grass strips were distributed on a slope in bands) should be considered a priority in the prevention of soil erosion in spoil tips. This study can guide the configuration of vegetation control measures for soil and water loss in spoil tips.
FEATURES OF THE DEFINITION OF OBJECTS OF PROTECTION FOR THE OBJECT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE TYPE "RESIDENTIAL HOUSES" - "RESIDENTIAL HOUSE ON CELLARS" IN BELGOROD
Authors: Kolesnikova L. , Per'kova M.
Published: March 2022

The paper deals with the problems associated with the definition of the subject of protection of cultural heritage objects for the type of "residential buildings" characteristic of urban (including suburban) urban development centers. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the decision on the advisability of including the identified object of cultural heritage "House in the cellars" in the unified state register of cultural heritage objects (monuments of history and culture) of the peoples of the Russian Federation and determining the category of historical and cultural significance. As a result of the consideration of the submitted documents and the conducted research, a historical note was compiled on the development of the city of Belgorod and the identified object of cultural heritage "Dwelling house on cellars". The "dwelling house on the cellars" is a town-planning element that forms the development of one of the streets of the city center - Slavy Avenue, and is also a model characteristic of the period of early classicism and can be attributed to one of the "exemplary projects" developed for building cities in XVIII century, representing a historical and cultural value. The objects of protection for this type of "residential buildings" are proposed, taking into account their features, location in the urban environment, compositional component, volumetric solution and style characteristics.
Fitness-technology for 30-35 year old women
Authors: Shuba Liudmyla , Shuba Victoriіa , Bytsiuk Victoriіa
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the study is – to develop fitness-technology for 30-35 year old women to increase physical fitness and body sculpt improvement.
Material and methods. The study was performed from at the premises of lyceum "Perspektyva", Zaporizhzhia. It was attended by 83 women aged 30-35, who were divided into experimental and control groups. All women were classified in the main medical group. The fitness-technology is combination of theoretical and practical blocks. The fitness-technology was developed for 8 months and consisted of 3 stages: preparatory (duration – 8 weeks, intensity – 40-50%  maximal oxygen consumption (MOC), main (duration – 16 weeks, intensity in the range from 50% to 75% MOC) and adaptation (duration 8 weeks, intensity – 75-85% MOC). At the beginning and at the end of the research, all women followed the control tests, which allowed to determine the level of physical fitness and to determine the indicators of their body structure.
Results. The highest increase in indicators was in the tests: "Floor dip" control group (CG) increased by 14,29% and experimental group (EG) increased by 24,57%; "Static strength endurance of the shoulder strength" CG increased by 8,00% and EG increased by 21,00%; "Static strength endurance of the back muscles" CG increased by 10,53% and EG increased by 20,05%. "Angled position" CG increased by 25,00% and in the EG increased by 38,33%; "Middle split" CG increased by 18,52% and EG increased by 29,85%. After the introduction of fitness-technology, the indicators "Body Mass Index" decreased in both groups and were able to return to "normal": 24,73 - control group and 22,05 - experimental group. The indicators of the experimental group were better due to the using a block system, which allowed to adjust the fitness technology for each woman on every of the three stages in the fitness-technology.
Conclusion. The highest absolute increment of physical fitness indicators in experimental and control groups was found in such motor abilities as flexibility (р<0,01) and strength (р<0,01, р<0,05). The obtained percentage increase in anthropometric measures shows, that for the selected age group we have developed the right fitness-technology for the body sculpt.
APPROACH TO CREATING AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING THE INFORMATION SECURITY OF TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Authors: ФИЛИППОВ Н.В. , КИРЕЕВА Н.В. , ПОЗДНЯК И.С.
Published: March 2022

Рассмотрены возможная модель базы данных экспертной системы в области оценки информационной безопасности, теоретическая основа базы знаний, алгоритм принятия решений. Подробно описан алгоритм взаимодействия пользователя и системы, содержащий ряд запросов от системы и ответов на них пользователя. Представлены наиболее популярные инструменты обеспечения кибербезопасности специалистами различного уровня.

A possible model of a database of an expert system in the field of information security assessment, the theoretical basis of the knowledge base, and the development of a decisionmaking algorithm are considered. The algorithm of interaction between the user and the system is described in detail, containing several system requests and the user's responses to them. The most popular cybersecurity tools for specialists of various levels are presented.