bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of High-Value Proteins under Stringent Cost Constraints—The Case of Hollow Fiber Technology for Cell Culture
Authors: Tantakitti Faifan , Pata Supansa , Laopajon Witida , Kasinrerk Watchara , Hidalgo-Bastida Araida
Published: March 2023

For decades, the benefits of utilizing hollow fiber bioreactors for continuous cell culture to produce monoclonal antibodies have been widely recognized. However, the suitability of this technology for laboratories or centers with limited resources and expertise seeking to expand their production capacity is uncertain, mainly due to unknown cost-effectiveness. In this study, a hollow fiber bioreactor with a 4.7-mL culture volume was used to culture a hybridoma clone producing immunoglobulin G antibody specific to hemoglobin F (HbF). The antibody reached a maximum concentration of 1.22 g/L and totaled 21 mg over a 44-day culture period. This preliminary production data was used to estimate the cost of consumables required for using the hollow fiber bioreactor to produce 130 mg of monoclonal antibodies, which was found to be THB35.8k (£880). The cost was slightly more expensive than batch cultivation in typical culture dishes, which ranged from THB27.8 to 30.2k (£680 to 740). Despite the advantages in terms of reduced hands-on time, shorter production duration, and highly concentrated products, the primary challenges associated with using hollow fiber bioreactors were the cost and availability of the cartridges.
Effect of Clay Minerals and Rock Fabric on Hydrocarbon Generation and Retention by Thermal Pyrolysis of Maoming Oil Shale
Authors: Li Kang , Wang Qiang , Ma Hongliang , Huang Huamei , Lu Hong , Peng Ping’an
Published: March 2023

In traditional kerogen pyrolysis experiments, the effects of minerals and rock fabric on the pyrolysis products were ignored. To further clarify the role of the mineral matrix and rock fabric on hydrocarbon generation and retention, a closed anhydrous pyrolysis experiment was conducted on core plugs, powdered rock and kerogen from a clay-rich sample of Maoming oil shale within a temperature range of 312 °C to 600 °C, at a fixed pressure of 30 Mpa. The experiment’s results showed that the yields of heavy hydrocarbons (C14+) generated from the core plugs and powdered rock were obviously lower than that of kerogen, which may be caused by the retention effect of clay minerals in raw shale. The yields of gaseous hydrocarbons generated from core plugs were lower compared with powdered rock due to the retention of C2+ hydrocarbons by the intact rock fabric and the preferential generation of methane. Light hydrocarbon (C6-14) yields generated from the core plugs and powdered rock were higher than kerogen, which may be the consequence of the cleavage of extraction bitumen and the interactions with kerogen. Moreover, the ratios of iso to normal paraffin (iC4/nC4, iC5/nC5) of the core plugs and powdered rock were higher than kerogen. Our experimental results show that kerogen pyrolysis in a confined system may overestimate the hydrocarbon generation potential due to the negligence of the retention effect of minerals and the rock fabric, especially in the source rocks rich in clay minerals.
Toward Integrity and Integration of the Church(es) Relating to the State in the Secularized Cultural Context of Estonian Society
Authors: Remmel Meego
Published: March 2023

Classical paradigms of the church-state relations may be reflected in how the church has tried to work and live out her integrity in different cultural-political contexts. The churches in Estonia have envisioned Christian integrity in relation to the state differently in different times and stages of societal and cultural development. One could distinguish the following four types of relationships: the conflict, the harmony, the two kingdoms, and the social servanthood. This article will focus on the characteristics of these relationship paradigms along with some personal, communal, and ecumenical examples in the sense of integrity of Estonian church-life from the last century to the present day when social servanthood seems to be most relevant.
Mesoscale Eddy Chain Structures in the Black Sea and Their Interaction with River Plumes: Numerical Modeling and Satellite Observations
Authors: Korotenko Konstantin , Osadchiev Alexander , Melnikov Vasiliy
Published: March 2023

The northeastern part of the cyclonic Rim Current, which encircles the entire basin of the Black Sea, is named as the Northeast Caucasian Current. It periodically approaches the coast, triggering the formation of topographic generated eddies, including long-living isolated anticyclonic eddies and short-living multiple anticyclonic eddies, which group and merge into eddy chain structures. Both types of eddies affect coastal dynamics and interact with multiple river plumes formed in the study area. This interaction determines cross- and along-shelf transport of fluvial water, enhancing the processes of self-cleaning of the coastal zone. In this study, we used a 3D low-dissipation model, DieCAST, coupled with a Lagrangian particle tracking model, and supported by analysis of satellite images, to study the generation and evolution of eddy chains and their interaction with river plumes along the Caucasian coast. Using Fourier and wavelet analyses of kinetic energy time series, we revealed that the occurrence of eddy chains ranges from 10 to 20 days, predominantly in spring-summer season in the area between the Pitsunda and Iskuria capes. During the period of eddy merging, the angular velocities of the orbiting eddies reach maximal values of 7 × 10−6 rad s−1, while after merging, the angular velocities of the resulting eddies decreased to 5 × 10−6 rad s−1. Numerical experiments with Lagrangian particle tracking showed that eddy chains effectively capture water from river plumes localized along the coast and then eject it to the open sea. This process provides an effective mechanism of cross-shelf transport of fluvial water, albeit less intense than the influence of isolated anticyclonic eddies, which are typical for autumn-winter season.
The Effects of Directional and Non-Directional Stimuli during a Visuomotor Task and Their Correlation with Reaction Time: An ERP Study
Authors: Miraglia Francesca , Pappalettera Chiara , Di Ienno Sara , Nucci Lorenzo , Cacciotti Alessia , Manenti Rosa , Judica Elda , Rossini Paolo Maria , Vecchio Fabrizio
Published: March 2023

Different visual stimuli can capture and shift attention into different directions. Few studies have explored differences in brain response due to directional (DS) and non-directional visual stimuli (nDS). To explore the latter, event-related potentials (ERP) and contingent negative variation (CNV) during a visuomotor task were evaluated in 19 adults. To examine the relation between task performance and ERPs, the participants were divided into faster (F) and slower (S) groups based on their reaction times (RTs). Moreover, to reveal ERP modulation within the same subject, each recording from the single participants was subdivided into F and S trials based on the specific RT. ERP latencies were analysed between conditions ((DS, nDS); (F, S subjects); (F, S trials)). Correlation was analysed between CNV and RTs. Our results reveal that the ERPs’ late components are modulated differently by DS and nDS conditions in terms of amplitude and location. Differences in ERP amplitude, location and latency, were also found according to subjects’ performance, i.e., between F and S subjects and trials. In addition, results show that the CNV slope is modulated by the directionality of the stimulus and contributes to motor performance. A better understanding of brain dynamics through ERPs could be useful to explain brain states in healthy subjects and to support diagnoses and personalized rehabilitation in patients with neurological diseases.
Motion Smoothness-Based Assessment of Surgical Expertise: The Importance of Selecting Proper Metrics
Authors: Aghazadeh Farzad , Zheng Bin , Tavakoli Mahdi , Rouhani Hossein
Published: March 2023

The smooth movement of hand/surgical instruments is considered an indicator of skilled, coordinated surgical performance. Jerky surgical instrument movements or hand tremors can cause unwanted damages to the surgical site. Different methods have been used in previous studies for assessing motion smoothness, causing conflicting results regarding the comparison among surgical skill levels. We recruited four attending surgeons, five surgical residents, and nine novices. The participants conducted three simulated laparoscopic tasks, including peg transfer, bimanual peg transfer, and rubber band translocation. Tooltip motion smoothness was computed using the mean tooltip motion jerk, logarithmic dimensionless tooltip motion jerk, and 95% tooltip motion frequency (originally proposed in this study) to evaluate their capability of surgical skill level differentiation. The results revealed that logarithmic dimensionless motion jerk and 95% motion frequency were capable of distinguishing skill levels, indicated by smoother tooltip movements observed in high compared to low skill levels. Contrarily, mean motion jerk was not able to distinguish the skill levels. Additionally, 95% motion frequency was less affected by the measurement noise since it did not require the calculation of motion jerk, and 95% motion frequency and logarithmic dimensionless motion jerk yielded a better motion smoothness assessment outcome in distinguishing skill levels than mean motion jerk.
Self-Sensing Rubber for Bridge Bearing Monitoring
Authors: Orfeo Alessandra , Tubaldi Enrico , McAlorum Jack , Perry Marcus , Ahmadi Hamid , McDonald Hazel
Published: March 2023

Elastomeric bearings are widely used in bridges to support the superstructure, to transfer loads to substructures, and to accommodate movements induced by, for example, temperature changes. Bearing mechanical properties affect the bridge’s performance and its response to permanent and variable loadings (e.g., traffic). This paper describes the research carried out at Strathclyde towards the development of smart elastomeric bearings that can be used as a low−cost sensing technology for bridge and/or weigh−in−motion monitoring. An experimental campaign was performed, under laboratory conditions, on various natural rubber (NR) specimens enhanced with different conductive fillers. Each specimen was characterized under loading conditions that replicated in−situ bearings to determine their mechanical and piezoresistive properties. Relatively simple models can be used to describe the relationship between rubber bearing resistivity and deformation changes. Gauge factors (GFs) in the range between 2 and 11 are obtained, depending on the compound and the applied loading. Experiments were also carried out to show that the developed model can be used to predict the state of deformation of the bearings under random loadings of different amplitudes that are characteristic of the passage of traffic over a bridge.
Design and Simulation of Au/SiO2 Nanospheres Based on SPR Refractive Index Sensor
Authors: Sun Meng , Song Yutong , Wu Haoyu , Wang Qi
Published: March 2023

In this paper, three different structures of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors based on the Kretschmann configuration: Au/SiO2 thin film structure, Au/SiO2 nanospheres and Au/SiO2 nanorods are designed by adding three different forms of SiO2 materials behind the gold film of conventional Au-based SPR sensors. The effects of SiO2 shapes on the SPR sensor are investigated through modeling and simulation with the refractive index of the media to be measured ranging from 1.330 to 1.365. The results show that the sensitivity of Au/SiO2 nanospheres could be as high as 2875.4 nm/RIU, which is 25.96% higher than that of the sensor with a gold array. More interestingly, the increase in sensor sensitivity is attributed to the change in SiO2 material morphology. Therefore, this paper mainly explores the influence of the shape of the sensor-sensitizing material on the performance of the sensor.
The Enzymatic Doped/Undoped Poly-Silicon Nanowire Sensor for Glucose Concentration Measurement
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Chih , Ho Wen-Kai , Wu Chyan-Chyi , Dai Ching-Liang
Published: March 2023

In this work, enzymatic doped/undoped poly-silicon nanowire sensors with different lengths were fabricated using a top-down technique to measure glucose concentration. The sensitivity and resolution of these sensors correlate well with the dopant property and length of nanowire. Experimental results indicate that the resolution is proportional to the nanowire length and dopant concentration. However, the sensitivity is inversely proportional to the nanowire length. The optimum resolution can be better than 0.02 mg/dL for a doped type sensor with length of 3.5 μm. Furthermore, the proposed sensor was demonstrated for 30 applications with similar current-time response and showed good repeatability.
Predicting Advanced Air Mobility Adoption Globally by Machine Learning
Authors: Bridgelall Raj
Published: March 2023

Advanced air mobility (AAM) is a sustainable aviation initiative to deliver cargo and passengers in urban and regional locations by electrified drones. The widespread expectation is that AAM adoption worldwide will help to reduce pollution, reduce transport costs, increase accessibility, and enable a more reliable and resilient supply chain. However, most countries lack regulations that legalize AAM. A fragmented regulatory approach hampers the progress of business prospectors and international organizations concerned with human welfare. Therefore, amidst high uncertainty, knowledge of indicators that can predict the propensity for AAM adoption will help nations and organizations plan for drone use. This research finds predictive indicators by assembling a unique dataset of 36 economic, social, environmental, governance, land use, technology, and transportation indicators for 204 nations. Subsequently, the best of 12 different machine learning models ranks the predictive importance of the indicators. The gross domestic product (GDP) and the regulatory quality index (RQI) developed by the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) project were the two top predictors. Just as importantly, the poor predictors were as follows: the social progress index developed by the Social Progress Imperative, the WGI rule-of-law index, land use characteristics such as rural and urban proportions, borders on open waterways, population density, technology accessibility such as electricity and cell phones, carbon dioxide emission level, aviation traffic, port traffic, tourist arrivals, and roadway fatalities.
The Effectiveness of an Intelligent Speed Assistance System with Real-Time Speeding Interventions for Truck Drivers: A Belgian Simulator Study
Authors: De Vos Bart , Cuenen Ariane , Ross Veerle , Dirix Hélène , Brijs Kris , Brijs Tom
Published: March 2023

Speeding is one of the leading risk factors in road safety. Not only is it one of the leading causes of accidents, but it also has an extensive effect on the impact and consequences of accidents. This is especially the case for trucks, where the enforced speed limit is often dependent on local legislation and context rather than speed limit traffic signs. This study is part of the greater i-DREAMS project and aims to explore the effectiveness of an intelligent speed assistance system for truck drivers on different road types. To achieve this, a simulator experiment was performed with 34 professional truck drivers in Belgium. Participants first made a baseline drive, followed by two more drives, where they received visual information about the enforced speed limit but also visual and auditory warnings when exceeding the speed limit. The drives included different road environments with different speed limits. The results reveal a significant reduction in relevant parameters (i.e., average speed, minimum speed, maximum speed, and percentage of distance above the speed limit) when drivers received information and warnings about speeding while driving on a rural 1 × 1 road with a speed limit of 70 km/h (60 km/h for trucks). Further research is needed to validate this effect on other road types and under more-challenging conditions.
Approaches and Applications of Mentha Species in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Kadoglidou Kalliopi I. , Chatzopoulou Paschalina
Published: March 2023

The potential applications of the genus Mentha as natural pesticides and environmentally friendly postharvest treatments for agricultural products in sustainable agriculture are reviewed here. The non-commercialized Mentha species in Greece and the rest of the world are presented, and the possibility of their exploitation is discussed. Recent developments in successive methods of application—i.e., the formulation of Mentha extracts/oils in eco-friendly pesticides, fumigation, and the assessment of performance in field trials—are also reported. Several studies have shown that Mentha species in various forms (e.g., essential oil (EO), aqueous extract, fresh or dried plant material, compost, etc.), or in different cropping systems (e.g., crop rotation, intercropping system/cover crop, cultivation and incorporation as green manure) offer the potential to be used in agriculture, with the goal of managing plant pathogens (bacteria and fungi), animal pests (insects, acarines, and nematodes), weeds, and for the improvement of soil quality and productivity as well. Finally, several studies are presented concerning the enhancement of Mentha EOs effectiveness in agriculture, and to also overcome the limitations of their nature (being unstable when exposed to light and oxygen), by using a combination of EOs, or by developing novel formulations (microencapsulation). Taking into consideration all the abovementioned findings, it is evident that Mentha species could be used in sustainable agricultural systems for integrated pest management. This can be achieved utilizing them either directly as a crop, green manure, or compost, or indirectly by developing natural pesticides based on their EOs or extracts. Nonetheless, further field experiments must be conducted, to confirm the efficacy of various formulas on pests under crop conditions.
Spatiotemporal Influence of Urban Park Landscape Features on Visitor Behavior
Authors: Hu Jinli , Wu Jueying , Sun Yangyang , Zhao Xinyu , Hu Guang
Published: March 2023

The relationship between visitor behavior and the park landscape is complex. Influences of some park features on visitor behavior are unconfirmed and change with time and space, which always confuses landscape architects and park managers. These spatiotemporal dependent effects were less studied. To understand this influence, an empirical study was conducted in 10 representative parks across the West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou, China. A system for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities was applied to record visitor behavior on weekdays and weekends, which provides a non-contact approach for an objective and comprehensive dataset. Spearman correlation analysis, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and a mixed linear model were used for data analysis. The results revealed that spatiotemporal differences between different visitor behaviors. Park location and visiting date affected visitors’ behavior patterns. Landscape features influenced visitor behavior in various ways depending on their context. Landmarks served as gathering points, and the dual effect of vegetation cover varied significantly among visitors. Not all visitors preferred places with high vegetation cover. Social space was more suitable for visitors engaging in planned behaviors, such as exercise and recreation. Based on these findings, the study proposed several strategies for park sustainable design and management.
Applying Association Rule Mining to Explore Unsafe Behaviors in the Indonesian Construction Industry
Authors: Machfudiyanto Rossy Armyn , Chen Jieh-Haur , Latief Yusuf , Rachmawati Titi Sari Nurul , Arifai Achmad Muhyidin , Firmansyah Naufal
Published: March 2023

The frequency of work accidents in construction projects is relatively high. One contributing factor to work accidents is unsafe behavior by workers at construction sites. In Indonesia, this is the first study to investigate 2503 instances of unsafe behavior that occurred across Indonesian construction projects in relation to their attributes to obtain insightful knowledge by using the association rule mining (ARM) method. Association rule mining was used to explore the database. As a result, two consolidated rules were obtained. The most frequent unsafe behaviors were workers putting tools and materials in random places, workers not attaching safety lines at provided places, and workers moving work tools and materials in ways that were not in accordance with procedures. These unsafe behaviors were associated with accident types of falling, and being struck or cut by items, as well as violations of Manpower and Transmigration Ministerial Regulation 01/1980, and Manpower Ministerial Regulation 09/2016. The ARM results were evaluated with a reliability evaluation method before being validated by construction safety experts. Hence, the findings are reliable to be used as guideline information for safety trainers to prioritize related safety trainings and for safety inspectors when carrying out inspections on construction sites. As a result, safety management and safety performance can increase significantly.
The Double C Block Project: Thermal Performance of an Innovative Concrete Masonry Unit with Embedded Insulation
Authors: Caruso Luca , Buhagiar Vincent M. , Borg Simon P.
Published: March 2023

The Double C Block (DCB) is an innovative composite Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) developed to offer enhanced thermal performance over standard hollow core blocks (HCBs). The DCB features an original design consisting of a polyurethane (PUR) foam inserted between two concrete c-shaped layers, thus acting as the insulating layer and the binding agent of the two concrete elements simultaneously. The purpose of this research is to describe the results obtained when assessing the thermal transmittance (UDCB and UHCB) of these blocks using three different methodologies: theoretical steady-state U-value calculations, numerical simulation using a Finite Element Method (FEM), and in situ monitoring of the U-value by means of the Heat Flow method (HFM). The results obtained show that the three methodologies corroborated each other within their inherent limitations. The DCB showed a performance gap of 52.1% between the predicted FEM simulation (UDCB was 0.71 W/(m2K)) and the values measured via HFM, which converged at 1.47 W/(m2K). Similarly, a gap of 19.9% was observed when assessing the HCB. The theoretical value via FEM of UHCB was 1.93 W/(m2K) and the measured one converged at 2.41 W/(m2K). Notwithstanding this, the DCB showed superior thermal performance over the traditional block thanks to a lower U-value, and it complies with the Maltese building energy code. Further improvements are envisaged.
New Transport Infrastructure and Regional Development of Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Komornicki Tomasz , Goliszek Sławomir
Published: March 2023

The discussion about the impact of the construction of new transport infrastructure on economic growth has been going on in scientific journals for decades. The objective of the article is to assess the importance of the development of transport infrastructure for regional development in Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC). The analysis mainly concerns investments made with the support of European Union structural funds. Particular attention was paid to transport relations between the major metropolises. It is assumed that they perform the functions of growth poles and generate the diffusion of development processes also into the peripheral area. In addition, a study of changes in potential accessibility in road transport was carried out. The temporal scope of the study covers a period of 12 years, when the scale of new investment was greatest. The results thus obtained are set against a backdrop of economic development indices (changes in GDP over the period under study). The study confirmed that the impact on economic development mainly takes place at the beginning of the development of the transport infrastructure. On this basis, a dynamic spatial sequence proposal was formulated regarding the dependence between investments in infrastructure and the development of regions and metropolises.
Ratio of Hysteretic and Input Energy Spectra for Nonlinear Structures under Seismic Sequences
Authors: Serrano Juan A. , Bojórquez Edén , Bojórquez Juan , Reyes-Salazar Alfredo , Torres Ignacio , Ruiz-García Jorge , Formisano Antonio , Fernández Eduardo , Leyva Herian , Llanes-Tizoc Mario D.
Published: March 2023

In the last few years, several mainshock–aftershock sequences have demonstrated their effects on structures; especially after the occurrence of an earthquake with high magnitude, the number of aftershocks tends to increase. For this reason, several studies have been oriented to estimate the influence of aftershocks on the structural response, most of them in terms of peak or residual displacement; however, energy plays an important role for long-duration earthquakes. In this paper, several bilinear SDOF systems with different post-yielding stiffness are subjected to long-duration seismic sequences, considering different levels of intensity of the aftershocks with the aim to compute constant-ductility spectra for input energy (EI), hysteretic energy (EH) and the ratio between them (EH/EI). The results suggest that although the energy demands tend to increase as the intensity of the aftershock increases, it is observed that the ratio of input and hysteretic energy is very similar for the selected aftershock intensity levels; hence, analytical equations to predict this ratio are proposed. The equations can be used toward earthquake-resistant energy-based design of buildings.
Unlocking the Potential of Competency Exam Data with Machine Learning: Improving Higher Education Evaluation
Authors: Smadi Ala , Al-Qerem Ahmad , Nabot Ahmad , Jebreen Issam , Aldweesh Amjad , Alauthman Mohammad , Abaker Awad M. , Al Zuobi Omer Radhi , Alzghoul Musab B.
Published: March 2023

In Jordanian higher education institutions, a competency exam was developed to ensure that students had the ability to attain particular competence levels. The results of the competency examination are one of the measures used as key performance indicators (KPIs) evaluating the quality of academic programs and universities. There are numerous evaluation methods for students’ performances based on the academic achievement of the pupils, including the application of conventional statistical approaches and machine learning. The objective of this paper is to develop a framework to help decision-makers and universities evaluate academic programs using ML by identifying programs and learning outcomes that need to be established by analyzing competency exam data. The developed framework can also reduce exam costs by substituting machine learning algorithms for the actual execution of the exam. We have created a dataset that can assist academics with their study; the dataset includes demographic and academic data about students, such as their gender, average university degree, type of university, and outcomes on the competency exam based on their level and competencies. Experiments supported the claim that models trained using samples from the student sub-dataset outperform models constructed using samples from the entire dataset. In addition, the experiments demonstrated that ML algorithms are an effective tool for recognizing patterns in student performance. Experiments demonstrated that no single ML model outperforms other ML models. However, the MLP model generates more accurate models, making them more beneficial for developing robust frameworks.
Survival Analysis and Applications of Weighted NH Parameters Using Progressively Censored Data
Authors: Elshahhat Ahmed , Mohammed Heba S.
Published: March 2023

A new weighted Nadarajah–Haghighi (WNH) distribution, as an alternative competitor model to gamma, standard half-logistic, generalized-exponential, Weibull, and other distributions, is considered. This paper explores both maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation approaches for estimating the parameters, reliability, and hazard rate functions of the WNH distribution when the sample type is Type-II progressive censored order statistics. In the classical interval setup, both asymptotic and bootstrap intervals of each unknown parameter are constructed. Using independent gamma priors and symmetric squared-error loss, the Bayes estimators cannot be obtained theoretically. Thus, two approximation techniques, namely: Lindley and Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, are used. From MCMC variates, the Bayes credible and highest posterior density intervals of all unknown parameters are also created. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations are implemented to compare the performance of the proposed methodologies. Numerical evaluations showed that the estimates developed by the MCMC sampler performed better than the Lindley estimates, and both behaved significantly better than the frequentist estimates. To choose the optimal censoring scheme, several optimality criteria are considered. Three engineering applications, including vehicle fatalities, electronic devices, and electronic components data sets, are provided. These applications demonstrated how the proposed methodologies could be applied in real practice and showed that the proposed model provides a satisfactory fit compared to three new weighted models, namely: weighted exponential, weighted Gompertz, and new weighted Lindley distributions.
Cervicovaginal Human Papillomavirus Genomes, Microbiota Composition and Cytokine Concentrations in South African Adolescents
Authors: Happel Anna-Ursula , Balle Christina , Havyarimana Enock , Brown Bryan , Maust Brandon S. , Feng Colin , Yi Byung H. , Gill Katherine , Bekker Linda-Gail , Passmore Jo-Ann S. , Jaspan Heather B. , Varsani Arvind
Published: March 2023

The interaction between cervicovaginal virome, bacteriome and genital inflammation has not been extensively investigated. We assessed the vaginal DNA virome from 33 South African adolescents (15–19 years old) using shotgun DNA sequencing of purified virions. We present analyses of eukaryote-infecting DNA viruses, with a focus on human papillomavirus (HPV) genomes and relate these to the vaginal bacterial microbiota (assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing) and cytokines (assessed by Luminex). The DNA virome included single-stranded (Anelloviridae, Genomoviridae) and double-stranded DNA viruses (Adenoviridae, Alloherpesviridae, Herpesviridae, Marseilleviridae, Mimiviridae, Polyomaviridae, Poxviridae). We identified 110 unique, complete HPV genomes within two genera (Alphapapillomavirus and Gammapapillomavirus) representing 40 HPV types and 12 species. Of the 40 HPV types identified, 35 showed positive co-infection patterns with at least one other type, mainly HPV-16. HPV-35, a high-risk genotype currently not targeted by available vaccines, was the most prevalent HPV type identified in this cohort. Bacterial taxa commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis also correlated with the presence of HPV. Bacterial vaginosis, rather than HPV, was associated with increased genital inflammation. This study lays the foundation for future work characterizing the vaginal virome and its role in women’s health.
CVAPPS: A Cross-Sectional Study of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Acceptance, Perceptions, and Post-Vaccination Side Effects among Rheumatic Disease Patients in Kuwait
Authors: Baroun Fatemah , Albasri Anwar , Abutiban Fatemah , Alhajeri Heba
Published: March 2023

Purpose: We analyzed data collected for ascertaining severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine acceptance, perceptions, and post-vaccination side effects among Kuwaiti inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) patients. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on patients attending governmental rheumatology clinics across seven hospitals in Kuwait between July and September 2021. We included adults of both sexes who are national/residents of the state of Kuwait and who had a confirmed diagnosis of any IRD disease. Data on patients’ demographics, history of IRD, SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination status, as well as post-vaccination side effects and disease flare were collected from the included participants through a self-administered questionnaire. Stata MP/17 for macOS was used for statistical analyses. Results: We included 501 IRD patients, a group with a mean age of 43.38 years and a mean disease duration of 10.46 years. The majority of the included patients were female (79.8%), and the most common primary rheumatology diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis (42.5%), followed by spondyloarthritis (19.4%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (19.0%). One hundred and five patients (21.0%) had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR-positive swab; of them, 17 patients were hospitalized. None of the included patients were using steroids alone. cDMARDs, bDMARDs, and sDMARDs were reported in 37.3%, 18.0%, and 3.8% of the patients, respectively. Three hundred and fifty-one patients (70.1%) were vaccinated; 40.9% received Pfizer/BioNTech, whereas 28.7% received AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines. Fear that the vaccination will aggravate the condition or interfere with the present therapy and concerns about its effectiveness as well as its side effects were the most prevalent causes for refusing to accept the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Other patients were worried about the paucity of the data because individuals with IRD had been omitted from earlier research, resulting in a dearth of information. The commonly reported post-vaccination side effects were body ache/pain, fatigue, and pain at the injection site (32.1%, 30.3%, and 29.7%, respectively). IRD flare post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was self-reported in only 9 patients, and 342 did not report a flare. Conclusions: This study’s findings highlight that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have an acceptable safety profile, with the majority of their side effects being temporary and mild. The occurrence of flares was low after immunization. Reassurance and trust in the safety of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in IRD patients should be reassuring to rheumatologists and vaccine recipients.
Using an Aluminum Hydroxide–Chitosan Matrix Increased the Vaccine Potential and Immune Response of Mice against Multi-Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Deusdará Túllio T. , Félix Mellanie K. C. , de S. Brito Helio , Cangussu Edson W. S. , de S. Moura Wellington , Albuquerque Benedito , Silva Marcos G. , dos Santos Gil R. , de Morais Paula B. , da Silva Elizangela F. , Chaves Yury O. , Mariúba Luis Andre M. , Nogueira Paulo A. , Astolfi-Filho Spartaco , Assunção Enedina N. , Epiphanio Sabrina , Marinho Claudio R. F. , Brandi Igor V. , Viana Kelvinson F. , Oliveira Eugenio E. , Cangussu Alex Sander R.
Published: March 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, immobile, aerobic nosocomial opportunistic coccobacillus that causes pneumonia, septicemia, and urinary tract infections in immunosuppressed patients. There are no commercially available alternative antimicrobials, and multi-drug resistance is an urgent concern that requires emergency measures and new therapeutic strategies. This study evaluated a multi-drug-resistant A. baumannii whole-cell vaccine, inactivated and adsorbed on an aluminum hydroxide–chitosan (mAhC) matrix, in an A. baumannii sepsis model in immunosuppressed mice by cyclophosphamide (CY). CY-treated mice were divided into immunized, non-immunized, and adjuvant-inoculated groups. Three vaccine doses were given at 0D, 14D, and 28D, followed by a lethal dose of 4.0 × 108 CFU/mL of A. baumannii. Immunized CY-treated mice underwent a significant humoral response, with the highest IgG levels and a higher survival rate (85%); this differed from the non-immunized CY-treated mice, none of whom survived (p < 0.001), and from the adjuvant group, with 45% survival (p < 0.05). Histological data revealed the evident expansion of white spleen pulp from immunized CY-treated mice, whereas, in non-immunized and adjuvanted CY-treated mice, there was more significant organ tissue damage. Our results confirmed the proof-of-concept of the immune response and vaccine protection in a sepsis model in CY-treated mice, contributing to the advancement of new alternatives for protection against A. baumannii infections.
Factor analysis in prediction of cerebrovascular complications in severe COVID-19
Authors:   Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Azimov A. T. , Ismailova G. A. ,   Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the prognostic value of factor signs for the effectiveness of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients with severe COVID-19. Materials and methods: The frequency of cerebrovascular complications in severe COVID-19, the background of comorbid conditions of the cardiovascular continuum, the levels of hemo stasis and inflammation markers were studied. Results: With a sum of prognostic indicators equal to 2.7, the probability of developing cere brovascular complications is less than 1 %. With a prognostic indicator equal to 34.41, the probability of developing cerebrovascular complications approaches 100 %. Conclusions: The proposed prognostic scale, which takes into account the pathogenetic features of the relationship between markers of inflammation and coagulation, should be used in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 to identify the cohort of patients at high risk of developing cerebrovascular complications by summing the prognostic indicators depending on the presence of comorbid conditions of the cardiovascular continuum and the levels of markers of inflammation and thrombosis.
Psychosomatic disorders in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors:   FSBEI HE Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Boiko N. V. , Letifov G. M. ,   FSBEI HE Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Letifova N. G. ,   St. Petersburg State Healthcare Institution «Center for Rehabilitation Treatment «Child Psychiatry» named after S. S. Mnukhin», St. Petersburg, Russia
Published: March 2023

Sleep-related breathing disorders in children are usually caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy and associated with many related disorders: pulmonary hypertension, developmental delay, sleepwalking, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and enuresis. Numerous studies indicate the correlation of the above syndromes. Surgical removal of airway obstruction (adenotonsil lectomy) in most cases leads to complete resolution or significant improvement of comorbid disorders. A comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the examination of this category of patients and their treatment with the participation of pediatricians, psycho-neurologists, and ENT specialists is required.
Research form of rack teeth for movement mechanism engine
Authors:   Donetsk National Technical University, Donetsk, DPR, Russian Federation, Gorobets I. A.
Published: March 2023

Assumptions and limitations have been adopted for studying the shape of the teeth of the gear rack and pinion of the object. The parameters of the gear line are determined under the condition of minimizing friction forces. Variants of the profile of the propeller rail teeth are offered. The criteria for choosing the best profile of the rack teeth are given. The best forms of the profile of the rack teeth for the heavily loaded driving conditions have been determined.
GEOMETRY AND STATIC ANALYSIS OF THIN SHELLS WITH RULED MIDDLE SURFACES OF THREE SUPERELLIPSES AS MAIN FRAME
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), MAMIEVA I.A. , KARNEVICH V.V. ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
Published: March 2023

The possibility of generating three different translational surfaces of velarodial type by having the same main frame of the surface is proved and illustrated. Using these three different ruled surfaces as middle surfaces of thin shells allows to extend the number of architectural forms in construction practice. Static analysis of the shells with the middle surfaces under consideration is performed using the SCAD standard finite element software. The results of the analysis of different ruled shells with oval-shaped base, but of the same main frame, imply that the stress, moment and displacement distributions are almost identical in two of the three shells. Moreover, it is established that the Gaussian curvature of these two shells is negative, and is zero in the third one. Therefore, there is no sense in determining the optimal shell in terms of strength out of the two shells with negative Gaussian curvature. Rather, these two shells may be evaluated based on another criterion, for example, complexity of manufacturing.
Le village lorrain, un outil de production au service d’une agriculture planifiée. L’exemple des sites de Vitry-sur-Orne (Xe-XVe siècle) et de Demange-aux-Eaux (IXe-XIIe siècle)
Authors: Gérard Franck
Published: March 2023

Until the rise of preventive archaeology, only geographers considered the village and homes as tools for sociological analysis of a society. However, their work only concerned archive documents as well as what can be seen of the village’s ancient origins today. Reflection on the village and home, which are keystones of rurality, only exceptionally included the periods preceding the 17th century, troubled times during which the very destructive Thirty Years War took place, leading to the disappearance of many villages in Lorraine. The multiplication of large-scale archaeological digs as well as more regular studies carried out in the heart of current villages have subsequently enabled archaeologists to spread knowledge beyond this historical barrier by uplifting a whole area of almost unknown history of villages and rural homes, whether today disappeared or still in the process of being remodelled…
La Grange d’Ahuy (Côte-d’Or), un habitat médiéval et moderne, à la lisière du village. Évolution d’une maison seigneuriale entre le XIe et le XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Morel Lecornué Stéphanie , Cambou David , Listrat Pascal , Ravoire Fabienne , Widehen Marie-agnès
Published: March 2023

A dig conducted in 2014 by the Inrap in Ahuy, in the Côte-d’Or department, unearthed a prime habitat on the southern edge of the old village. This habitat developed between the 11th and late 18th century. The first house was made out of wood and partially stood above a dug out cellar. In the 13th century, a new house was built. Discovery of the semi-underground pantry revealed plenty of furniture, proving the wealth of the property owner. The site underwent a considerable transformation at the beginning of the Modern Era : certain buildings were demolished, others rebuilt and the lower levels were filled in and levelled. Two large courtyards then emerged to the north of a new building, standing on the site of the former 11th century house. During the French Revolution, this domain was sold as a national asset and was partially demolished.
Avoir une place en lycée professionnel : quels enjeux ?
Authors: Mathey-Pierre Catherine
Published: March 2023

Deux élèves de CIPPA : l’histoire de l’échec scolaire et de l’orientation déçue. Happés par la tentation de la délinquance dès la 5e, ils n’ont eu d’autres choix que la rue ou le LEP. Ils disent leur désir d’une vie « normale », l’appel communautariste, l’impuissance des adultes pendant leur scolarité et le vide éducatif à la sortie du collège.
La formation initiale des enseignants et la formation tout au long de la vie. Une étude comparative internationale
Authors: Cros Françoise
Published: March 2023

La recherche menée de 2000 à 2002 tente de mettre en évidence des exemples de formation professionnelle initiale à la formation tout au long de la vie des futurs enseignants dans différents pays. Elle soulève la question de savoir quelle est la meilleure façon de développer chez les enseignants une nouvelle posture susceptible d’installer chez leurs élèves une réelle capacité à la formation tout au long de la vie.
Archontes et théores thasiens du I er au III e siècle apr. J.-C. De la transformation à l’abandon des listes de magistrats
Authors: Fournier Julien
Published: March 2023

Au IVe siècle av. J.-C., les Thasiens firent inscrire, en une seule fois et de manière récapitulative, les noms des titulaires des deux grands collèges annuels de trois magistrats, théores et archontes, qui s’étaient succédé depuis les origines de la cité. Ces deux listes furent tenues à jour jusqu’à l’époque impériale, où elles perdirent cependant le caractère régulier de la gravure en colonnes. Cette contribution apporte une série de compléments aux fragments de la liste des archontes datés entre le Ier et le IIIe siècle apr. J.-C. Ces nouveautés permettent de mieux situer dans le temps l’arrêt définitif de chacune des deux listes. La liste des théores cessa d’être gravée au tout début du IIIe siècle, entre 200 et 210, tandis que celle des archontes continua d’être tenue à jour pendant plusieurs décennies, jusque vers le milieu de ce siècle.
Research of thermal energy processes during silicon carbide production in the resistance furnace
Authors: I Derevyanko , O Zhadanos
Published: March 2023

Thegoal. Silicon carbide is one of the most essential artificial inorganic materials widely used to produce abrasive instruments, high-temperature heaters, fireclay ceramics, and metallurgy. The most amount of silicon carbide produces in
the resistance furnaces. One of the issues of the silicon carbide production process is the lack of supervisory of thermal
state in the furnace working space, which does not always allow for select rational electrical modes and accordingly get
the material of appropriate quality. One of the methods to solve this issue is computer modeling the thermal state of the
resistance furnace. Therefore, the goal of this research is the development of a computer model of the thermal state in
the reaction zone of the resistance furnace, that further allows the development of technological recommendations concerning modes of conducting the process of obtaining silicon carbide. In addition, the development of a mathematical
model of the dynamics of the thermal state of the resistance furnace opens up new opportunities for improving the existing automated control systems, which is very important from the point of view of the implementation of the Industry 4.0
paradigm at the enterprises of the mining and metallurgical complex of Ukraine.
Methodology. The thermophysical model of the silicon carbide production process in the resistance furnace was developed. By finite difference method, the dynamics of the thermal state of the reaction zone in the furnace are computed.
Resultsandscientificnovelty. Zones of the existence of products of carbothermic reduction of silica due to the heat
generated when an electric current is passed through the furnace core are sized up by results of modeling, and the
temperature front of the progress of the reductive reactions was detected.
Practical value. The developed model allows for evaluating the influence of supplied power dynamics on the reduction
products size zones, obtaining the analytical dependences of changes in the thermal state of the reaction furnace zone,
and thereafter developing the technological recommendations concerning silicon carbide production process performance and improvements for the furnace automated control system. The structure of control of the thermal modes of
the resistance furnace and the control computer complex based on Siemens technology is proposed.