bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Plant Phytoremediation Efficacy for Azolla filiculoides in the Treatment of Textile Effluent and Redemption of Congo Red Dye onto Azolla Biomass
Authors: Sundararaman Sathish , Senthil Kumar Ponnusamy , Deivasigamani Prabu , Jagadeesan Aravind Kumar , Devaerakkam Marshiana , Al-Hashimi Abdulrahman , Choi Dongjin
Published: August 2021

In this work, Azolla filiculoides was used for the bioremediation of a textile effluent and as a potential sorbent for the rejection of Congo red (CR9) dye from a synthetic aqueous solution. The sorbent was characterized, and a pot culture test was carried out to assess the physiological responses in a controlled environment. The response of the plants to the exposure to the emanating pollutants was subordinate. The BOD, COD, and TDS removals were found to be 98.2%, 98.23%, and 90.29%, respectively. Moreover, the dried biomass was studied for the expulsion of CR9, and the process variables were optimized. The maximum CR9 removal was 95% at the optimal conditions of 2 g/L of the sorbent dose at acidic pH. Equilibrium data for adsorption were analyzed using a two-parameter isotherm model. It was observed that the Langmuir isotherm fit with the data (R2 = 0.98) and also had satisfactory lower error values, with its maximum sorption capacity reaching 243 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order kinetics were well fitted (R2 = 0.98). The mass transfer models and the thermodynamic parameters of the system were evaluated. The regeneration studies also showed that the uptake efficacy in the fifth cycle is reduced by 20% when compared with the first cycle. The results show that the biomass was a capable sorbent for the removal of CR9.
Symbolic Evaluation of Expressions from Racah’s Algebra
Authors: Fritzsche Stephan
Published: August 2021

Based on the rotational symmetry of isolated quantum systems, Racah’s algebra plays a significant role in nuclear, atomic and molecular physics, and at several places elsewhere. For N-particle (quantum) systems, for example, this algebra helps carry out the integration over the angular coordinates analytically and, thus, to reduce them to systems with only N (radial) coordinates. However, the use of Racah’s algebra quickly leads to complex expressions, which are written in terms of generalized Clebsch–Gordan coefficients, Wigner n-j symbols, (tensor) spherical harmonics and/or rotation matrices. While the evaluation of these expressions is straightforward in principle, it often becomes laborious and prone to making errors in practice. We here expand Jac, the Jena Atomic Calculator, to facilitate the sum-rule evaluation of typical expressions from Racah’s algebra. A set of new and revised functions supports the simplification and subsequent use of such expressions in daily research work or as part of lengthy derivations. A few examples below show the recoupling of angular momenta and demonstrate how Jac can be readily applied to find compact expressions for further numerical studies. The present extension makes Jac a more flexible and powerful toolbox in order to deal with atomic and quantum many-particle systems.
A Proposal for a Linear Calculation of Gait Asymmetry
Authors: van Gelder Linda Maria Adriana , Angelini Lorenza , Buckley Ellen E. , Mazzà Claudia
Published: August 2021

Pathological gait is often associated with a lack of symmetry. A possible way to quantify this feature is to use acceleration data measured by a sensor located on the lower trunk. The most common approach calculates a symmetry index starting from the autocorrelation function, aiming to measure the divergence in motion of the left and right sides of the body. The various methods proposed to implement this approach are based on nonlinear and discontinuous functions, and the interpretation of their output is far from straightforward. The aim of this study was to propose a linear and easier to interpret quantification measure for gait asymmetry. The proposed measure was tested on data from healthy controls and from patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease, and it was shown to negate the flaws present in previous methods and to provide more directly interpretable results.
The Energy of the Ground State of the Two-Dimensional Hamiltonian of a Parabolic Quantum Well in the Presence of an Attractive Gaussian Impurity
Authors: Fassari Silvestro , Gadella Manuel , Nieto Luis Miguel , Rinaldi Fabio
Published: August 2021

In this article, we provide an expansion (up to the fourth order of the coupling constant) of the energy of the ground state of the Hamiltonian of a quantum mechanical particle moving inside a parabolic well in the x-direction and constrained by the presence of a two-dimensional impurity, modelled by an attractive two-dimensional isotropic Gaussian potential. By investigating the associated Birman–Schwinger operator and exploiting the fact that such an integral operator is Hilbert–Schmidt, we use the modified Fredholm determinant in order to compute the energy of the ground state created by the impurity.
Investigation of Local Weighting Filtering on Randomization Technique Estimates in a Data Assimilation System
Authors: Xing Xiang , Liu Bainian , Zhang Weimin , Cao Xiaoqun , Sun Jingzhe
Published: August 2021

Mainstream numerical weather prediction (NWP) centers usually estimate the standard deviations of background error by using a randomization technique to calibrate specific parameters of the background error covariance model in variational data assimilation (VAR) systems. However, the sampling size of the randomization technique is typically several orders of magnitude smaller than that of model state variables, and using finite-sized estimates as a proxy for the truth can lead to sampling noise, which may contaminate the estimation of the standard deviation. The sampling noise is firstly investigated in an atmospheric model to show that the sampling noise has a symmetrical structure oscillating around the truth on a small scale. To alleviate the sampling noise, a heterogeneous local weighting filtering is proposed based on distance-weighted correlation and similarity-weighted correlation. Local weighting filtering is easy to implement in the VAR operational systems and has a low computational cost in the post-processing of reducing the sampling noise. The validity and performance of local weighting filtering method are examined in a realistic model framework to show that the proposed filtering is able to eliminate most of the sampling noise dramatically, the details of the filtered results are more visible, and the accuracy of the filtered results is almost the same as that estimated from the larger sample. The signal-to-noise ratio of the optimal filtered field is improved by nearly 20%. A comparison with the widely used spectral filtering approach in the operational system is considered, showing that the proposed filtering method is more efficient to implement in the filtering procedure and exhibits very good performance in terms of preserving the local anisotropic features of the estimates. These attractive results show the potential efficiency of the local weighting filtering method for solving the noise issue in the randomization technique.
Symmetries and Selection Rules of the Spectra of Photoelectrons and High-Order Harmonics Generated by Field-Driven Atoms and Molecules
Authors: Habibović Dino , Becker Wilhelm , Milošević Dejan B.
Published: August 2021

Using the strong-field approximation we systematically investigate the selection rules for high-order harmonic generation and the symmetry properties of the angle-resolved photoelectron spectra for various atomic and molecular targets exposed to one-component and two-component laser fields. These include bicircular fields and orthogonally polarized two-color fields. The selection rules are derived directly from the dynamical symmetries of the driving field. Alternatively, we demonstrate that they can be obtained using the conservation of the projection of the total angular momentum on the quantization axis. We discuss how the harmonic spectra of atomic targets depend on the type of the ground state or, for molecular targets, on the pertinent molecular orbital. In addition, we briefly discuss some properties of the high-order harmonic spectra generated by a few-cycle laser field. The symmetry properties of the angle-resolved photoelectron momentum distribution are also determined by the dynamical symmetry of the driving field. We consider the first two terms in a Born series expansion of the T matrix, which describe the direct and the rescattered electrons. Dynamical symmetries involving time translation generate rotational symmetries obeyed by both terms. However, those that involve time reversal generate reflection symmetries that are only observed by the direct electrons. Finally, we explain how the symmetry properties, imposed by the dynamical symmetry of the driving field, are altered for molecular targets.
Dynamics of Hyperbolically Symmetric Fluids
Authors: Herrera Luis , Di Prisco Alicia , Ospino Justo
Published: August 2021

We study the general properties of dissipative fluid distributions endowed with hyperbolical symmetry. Their physical properties are analyzed in detail. It is shown that the energy density is necessarily negative, and the central region cannot be attained by any fluid element. We describe this inner region by a vacuum cavity around the center. By assuming a causal transport equation some interesting thermodynamical properties of these fluids are found. Several exact analytical solutions, which evolve in the quasi–homologous regime and satisfy the vanishing complexity factor condition, are exhibited.
Mycotoxin Zearalenone Attenuates Innate Immune Responses and Suppresses NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in LPS-Activated Macrophages
Authors: Lee Po-Yen , Liu Ching-Chih , Wang Shu-Chi , Chen Kai-Yin , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Liu Po-Len , Chiu Chien-Chih , Chen I-Chen , Lai Yu-Hung , Cheng Wei-Chung , Chung Wei-Ju , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Huang Chi-Han , Su Chia-Cheng , Huang Shu-Pin , Li Chia-Yang
Published: August 2021

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin that has several adverse effects on most mammalian species. However, the effects of ZEA on macrophage-mediated innate immunity during infection have not been examined. In the present study, bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were used to induce the activation of macrophages and evaluate the effects of ZEA on the inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated signaling pathways. The experimental results indicated that ZEA suppressed LPS-activated inflammatory responses by macrophages including attenuating the production of proinflammatory mediators (nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)), decreased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6), inhibited the activation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways, and repressed the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-, leucine-rich repeat (LRR)- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. These results indicated that mycotoxin ZEA attenuates macrophage-mediated innate immunity upon LPS stimulation, suggesting that the intake of mycotoxin ZEA-contaminated food might result in decreasing innate immunity, which has a higher risk of adverse effects during infection.
Deletion Mutants of the Attenuated Recombinant ASF Virus, BA71ΔCD2, Show Decreased Vaccine Efficacy
Authors: Lopez Elisabeth , Bosch-Camós Laia , Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Vuono Elizabeth , Navas Maria Jesus , Muñoz Marta , Accensi Francesc , Zhang Jinya , Alonso Uxia , Argilaguet Jordi , Salas Maria Luisa , Anachkov Nikolay , Gladue Douglas P. , Borca Manuel V. , Pina-Pedrero Sonia , Rodriguez Fernando
Published: August 2021

African swine fever (ASF) has become the major threat to the global swine industry. Lack of available commercial vaccines complicates the implementation of global control strategies. So far, only live attenuated ASF viruses (ASFV) have demonstrated solid protection efficacy at the experimental level. The implementation of molecular techniques has allowed the generation of a collection of deletion mutants lacking ASFV-specific virulence factors, some of them with promising potential as vaccine candidates against the pandemic genotype II ASFV strain currently circulating in Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Despite promising results, there is room for improvement, mainly from the biosafety point of view. Aiming to improve the safety of BA71∆CD2, a cross-protective recombinant live attenuated virus (LAV) lacking the ASFV CD2v gene (encoding β-glucuronidase as a reporter gene) available in our laboratory, three new recombinants were generated using BA71∆CD2 as a template: the single mutant BA71∆CD2f, this time containing the fluorescent mCherry reporter gene instead of CD2v, and two double recombinants lacking CD2v and either the lectin gene (EP153R) or the uridine kinase (UK) gene (DP96R). Comparative in vivo experiments using BA71∆CD2f, BA71∆CD2DP96R and BA71∆CD2EP153R recombinant viruses as immunogens, demonstrated that deletion of either DP96R or EP153R from BA71∆CD2f decreases vaccine efficacy and does not improve safety. Our results additionally confirm ASFV challenge as the only available method today to evaluate the protective efficacy of any experimental vaccine. We believe that understanding the fine equilibrium between attenuation and inducing protection in vivo deserves further study and might contribute to more rational vaccine designs in the future.
Lassa Fever Virus Binds Matriglycan—A Polymer of Alternating Xylose and Glucuronate—On α-Dystroglycan
Authors: Joseph Soumya , Campbell Kevin P.
Published: August 2021

Lassa fever virus (LASV) can cause life-threatening hemorrhagic fevers for which there are currently no vaccines or targeted treatments. The late Prof. Stefan Kunz, along with others, showed that the high-affinity host receptor for LASV, and other Old World and clade-C New World mammarenaviruses, is matriglycan—a linear repeating disaccharide of alternating xylose and glucuronic acid that is polymerized uniquely on α-dystroglycan by like-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-1 (LARGE1). Although α-dystroglycan is ubiquitously expressed, LASV preferentially infects vascular endothelia and professional phagocytic cells, which suggests that viral entry requires additional cell-specific factors. In this review, we highlight the work of Stefan Kunz detailing the molecular mechanism of LASV binding and discuss the requirements of receptors, such as tyrosine kinases, for internalization through apoptotic mimicry.
New Resources for the Specific and Sensitive Detection of the Emerging Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus
Authors: Bernabé-Orts Joan Miquel , Torre Covadonga , Méndez-López Eduardo , Hernando Yolanda , Aranda Miguel A.
Published: August 2021

Plant viruses can evolve towards new pathogenic entities that may eventually cause outbreaks and become epidemics or even pandemics. Seven years ago, tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) emerged, overcoming the genetic resistance that had been employed for more than sixty years against tobamoviruses in tomato. Since then, ToBRFV has spread worldwide, producing significant losses in tomato crops. While new resistances are deployed, the only means of control is the implementation of effective prevention and eradication strategies. For this purpose, in this work, we have designed, assessed, and compared an array of tests for the specific and sensitive detection of the ToBRFV in leaf samples. First, two monoclonal antibodies were generated against a singular peptide of the ToBRFV coat protein; antibodies were utilized to devise a double-antibody-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) test that sensitively detects this virus and has no cross-reactivity with other related tobamoviruses. Second, a real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) test targeting the RNA-dependent replicase open reading frame (ORF) was designed, and its performance and specificity validated in comparison with the CaTa28 and CSP1325 tests recommended by plant protection authorities in Europe. Third, in line with the tendency to use field-deployable diagnostic techniques, we developed and tested two sets of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers to double-check the detection of the movement protein ORF of ToBRFV, and one set that works as an internal control. Finally, we compared all of these methods by employing a collection of samples with different ToBRFV loads to evaluate the overall performance of each test.
Monitoring Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Lions (Panthera leo) at the Barcelona Zoo: Viral Dynamics and Host Responses
Authors: Fernández-Bellon Hugo , Rodon Jordi , Fernández-Bastit Leira , Almagro Vanessa , Padilla-Solé Pilar , Lorca-Oró Cristina , Valle Rosa , Roca Núria , Grazioli Santina , Trogu Tiziana , Bensaid Albert , Carrillo Jorge , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria , Blanco Julià , Parera Mariona , Noguera-Julián Marc , Clotet Bonaventura , Moreno Ana , Segalés Joaquim , Vergara-Alert Júlia
Published: August 2021

To date, no evidence supports the fact that animals play a role in the epidemiology of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, several animal species are naturally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Besides pets (cats, dogs, Syrian hamsters, and ferrets) and farm animals (minks), different zoo animal species have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (large felids and non-human primates). After the summer of 2020, a second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in Barcelona (Spain), reaching a peak of positive cases in November. During that period, four lions (Panthera leo) at the Barcelona Zoo and three caretakers developed respiratory signs and tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Lion infection was monitored for several weeks and nasal, fecal, saliva, and blood samples were taken at different time-points. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal samples from all studied lions and the viral RNA was detected up to two weeks after the initial viral positive test in three out of four animals. The SARS-CoV-2 genome was also detected in the feces of animals at different times. Virus isolation was successful only from respiratory samples of two lions at an early time-point. The four animals developed neutralizing antibodies after the infection that were detectable four months after the initial diagnosis. The partial SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence from one animal caretaker was identical to the sequences obtained from lions. Chronology of the events, the viral dynamics, and the genomic data support human-to-lion transmission as the origin of infection.
Risk Assessment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Multiple Sclerosis Patients during 1 Year of Ocrelizumab Treatment
Authors: Prezioso Carla , Grimaldi Alfonso , Landi Doriana , Nicoletti Carolina Gabri , Brazzini Gabriele , Piacentini Francesca , Passerini Sara , Limongi Dolores , Ciotti Marco , Palamara Anna Teresa , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Pietropaolo Valeria
Published: August 2021

Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) caused by the JC virus is the main limitation to the use of disease modifying therapies for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: To assess the PML risk in course of ocrelizumab, urine and blood samples were collected from 42 MS patients at baseline (T0), at 6 (T2) and 12 months (T4) from the beginning of therapy. After JCPyV-DNA extraction, a quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR) was performed. Moreover, assessment of JCV-serostatus was obtained and arrangements’ analysis of non-coding control region (NCCR) and of viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) was carried out. Results: Q-PCR revealed JCPyV-DNA in urine at all selected time points, while JCPyV-DNA was detected in plasma at T4. From T0 to T4, JC viral load in urine was detected, increased in two logarithms and, significantly higher, compared to viremia. NCCR from urine was archetypal. Plasmatic NCCR displayed deletion, duplication, and point mutations. VP1 showed the S269F substitution involving the receptor-binding region. Anti-JCV index and IgM titer were found to statistically decrease during ocrelizumab treatment. Conclusions: Ocrelizumab in JCPyV-DNA positive patients is safe and did not determine PML cases. Combined monitoring of ocrelizumab’s effects on JCPyV pathogenicity and on host immunity might offer a complete insight towards predicting PML risk.
The Molecular Tweezer CLR01 Inhibits Antibody-Resistant Cell-to-Cell Spread of Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Brenner Sina , Braun Berenike , Read Clarissa , Weil Tatjana , Walther Paul , Schrader Thomas , Münch Jan , von Einem Jens
Published: August 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) uses two major ways for virus dissemination: infection by cell-free virus and direct cell-to-cell spread. Neutralizing antibodies can efficiently inhibit infection by cell-free virus but mostly fail to prevent cell-to-cell transmission. Here, we show that the ‘molecular tweezer’ CLR01, a broad-spectrum antiviral agent, is not only highly active against infection with cell-free virus but most remarkably inhibits antibody-resistant direct cell-to-cell spread of HCMV. The inhibition of cell-to-cell spread by CLR01 was not limited to HCMV but was also shown for the alphaherpesviruses herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1, -2). CLR01 is a rapid acting small molecule that inhibits HCMV entry at the attachment and penetration steps. Electron microscopy of extracellular virus particles indicated damage of the viral envelope by CLR01, which likely impairs the infectivity of virus particles. The rapid inactivation of viral particles by CLR01, the viral envelope as the main target, and the inhibition of virus entry at different stages are presumably the key to inhibition of cell-free virus infection and cell-to-cell spread by CLR01. Importance: While cell-free spread enables the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and other herpesviruses to transmit between hosts, direct cell-to-cell spread is thought to be more relevant for in vivo dissemination within infected tissues. Cell-to-cell spread is resistant to neutralizing antibodies, thus contributing to the maintenance of virus infection and virus dissemination in the presence of an intact immune system. Therefore, it would be therapeutically interesting to target this mode of spread in order to treat severe HCMV infections and to prevent dissemination of virus within the infected host. The molecular tweezer CLR01 exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against a number of enveloped viruses and efficiently blocks antibody-resistant cell-to-cell spread of HCMV, thus representing a novel class of small molecules with promising antiviral activity.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection: New Molecular, Phylogenetic, and Pathogenetic Insights. Efficacy of Current Vaccines and the Potential Risk of Variants
Authors: Rotondo John Charles , Martini Fernanda , Maritati Martina , Mazziotta Chiara , Di Mauro Giulia , Lanzillotti Carmen , Barp Nicole , Gallerani Altea , Tognon Mauro , Contini Carlo
Published: August 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly discovered coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 has rapidly become a public health emergency of international concern. Although remarkable scientific achievements have been reached since the beginning of the pandemic, the knowledge behind this novel coronavirus, in terms of molecular and pathogenic characteristics and zoonotic potential, is still relatively limited. Today, there is a vaccine, or rather several vaccines, which, for the first time in the history of highly contagious infectious diseases that have plagued mankind, has been manufactured in just one year. Currently, four vaccines are licensed by regulatory agencies, and they use RNA or viral vector technologies. The positive effects of the vaccination campaign are being felt in many parts of the world, but the disappearance of this new infection is still far from being a reality, as it is also threatened by the presence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants that could undermine the effectiveness of the vaccine, hampering the immunization control efforts. Indeed, the current findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is adapting to transmission in humans more efficiently, while further divergence from the initial archetype should be considered. In this review, we aimed to provide a collection of the current knowledge regarding the molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenetic insights into SARS-CoV-2. The most recent findings obtained with respect to the impact of novel emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as the development and implementation of vaccines are highlighted.
Large Evolutionary Rate Heterogeneity among and within HIV-1 Subtypes and CRFs
Authors: Nasir Arshan , Dimitrijevic Mira , Romero-Severson Ethan , Leitner Thomas
Published: August 2021

HIV-1 is a fast-evolving, genetically diverse virus presently classified into several groups and subtypes. The virus evolves rapidly because of an error-prone polymerase, high rates of recombination, and selection in response to the host immune system and clinical management of the infection. The rate of evolution is also influenced by the rate of virus spread in a population and nature of the outbreak, among other factors. HIV-1 evolution is thus driven by a range of complex genetic, social, and epidemiological factors that complicates disease management and prevention. Here, we quantify the evolutionary (substitution) rate heterogeneity among major HIV-1 subtypes and recombinants by analyzing the largest collection of HIV-1 genetic data spanning the widest possible geographical (100 countries) and temporal (1981–2019) spread. We show that HIV-1 substitution rates vary substantially, sometimes by several folds, both across the virus genome and between major subtypes and recombinants, but also within a subtype. Across subtypes, rates ranged 3.5-fold from 1.34 × 10−3 to 4.72 × 10−3 in env and 2.3-fold from 0.95 × 10−3 to 2.18 × 10−3 substitutions site−1 year−1 in pol. Within the subtype, 3-fold rate variation was observed in env in different human populations. It is possible that HIV-1 lineages in different parts of the world are operating under different selection pressures leading to substantial rate heterogeneity within and between subtypes. We further highlight how such rate heterogeneity can complicate HIV-1 phylodynamic studies, specifically, inferences on epidemiological linkage of transmission clusters based on genetic distance or phylogenetic data, and can mislead estimates about the timing of HIV-1 lineages.
TB and SIV Coinfection; a Model for Evaluating Vaccine Strategies against TB Reactivation in Asian Origin Cynomolgus Macaques: A Pilot Study Using BCG Vaccination
Authors: White Andrew D. , Sibley Laura , Gullick Jennie , Sarfas Charlotte , Clark Simon , Fagrouch Zahra , Verschoor Ernst , Salguero Francisco J. , Dennis Mike , Sharpe Sally
Published: August 2021

This pilot study aimed to determine the utility of a cynomolgus macaque model of coinfection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) for the assessment of vaccines designed to prevent reactivation of TB. Following infection caused by aerosol exposure to an ultralow dose of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), data trends indicated that subsequent coinfection with SIVmac32H perturbed control of M. tb infection as evidenced by the increased occurrence of progressive disease in this group, higher levels of pathology and increased frequency of progressive tuberculous granulomas in the lung. BCG vaccination led to improved control of TB-induced disease and lower viral load in comparison to unvaccinated coinfected animals. The M. tb-specific IFNγ response after exposure to M. tb, previously shown to be associated with bacterial burden, was lower in the BCG-vaccinated group than in the unvaccinated groups. Levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased in coinfected animals, with counts recovering more quickly in the BCG-vaccinated group. This pilot study provides proof of concept to support the use of the model for evaluation of interventions against reactivated/exacerbated TB caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Persistence of Anti-S Titre among Healthcare Workers Vaccinated with BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19
Authors: Coppeta Luca , Somma Giuseppina , Ferrari Cristiana , Mazza Andrea , Rizza Stefano , Trabucco Aurilio Marco , Perrone Stefano , Magrini Andrea , Pietroiusti Antonio
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to health, social and economic consequences for public health systems. As a result, the development of safe and effective vaccines, in order to contain the infection quickly became a priority. The first vaccine approved by the Italian Agency for Drugs Authorization (AIFA) was the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer (Comirnaty). Comirnaty contains a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA), which is a nucleoside-modified RNA that encodes the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Even if data from phase I suggest that vaccine induced antibodies can persist for up to six months following the second shot of BNT vaccine, data regarding the real duration of immunological protection are lacking. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the duration of serological protection by detecting the presence of anti-S-RBD (receptor-binding domain) antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 among a large group of healthcare workers (HCWs) three months after vaccination. 99% of HCWs had a detectable titre of anti-S SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 90 days after the second vaccine shot. Elderly operators showed significantly lower levels of protective antibodies when compared to the younger ones, thus they could become unprotected earlier than other operators.
Surface-Water Quality of the Gulf of Papagayo, North Pacific, Costa Rica
Authors: Saravia-Arguedas Ana Y. , Vega-Bolaños Hannia , Vargas-Hernández José Mauro , Suárez-Serrano Andrea , Sierra-Sierra Luis , Tisseaux-Navarro Alexandre , Cambronero-Solano Sergio , Lugioyo-Gallardo Gladys Margarita
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the northwestern part of the North Pacific areas of Costa Rica has undergone rapid socioeconomic development. This situation, combined with the scarce available information about the water quality of the Gulf of Papagayo, became the starting point to carry out a study to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of physicochemical and biological parameters of surface waters. Seven samplings were collected during the dry season and the rainy season from October 2016 to February 2018. Water quality parameters such as: temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a of six analytes: nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, phosphate, silicate and biological oxygen demand were measured. The results showed that phosphate and ammonium levels were lower during the rainy season (<6 µg P-PO4−3 L−1–9.53 µg P-PO4−3 L−1 and <11 µg N-NH4+ L−1–9.57 µg N-NH4+ L−1) than during the dry season (<6 µg P-PO4−3 L−1–13.64 µg P-PO4−3 L−1 and <11 µg N-NH4+ L−1–14.43 µg N-NH4+ L−1), which may be related to low rainfall (0, 00–26, 16 mm) during the sampling period. The dry season showed enrichment of ammonium, phosphate, and chlorophyll a due to the influence of the coastal upwelling for the intensification of the Papagayo winds from December to March. The physical, chemical, and biological indicators demonstrated that the Gulf waters had adequate quality. Nonetheless, there are specific areas such as Culebra Bay with conditions that could show deterioration of water quality.
Heterogeneity and Temporal Stability of Residential Water Use Responsiveness to Price Change
Authors: Tanishita Masayoshi , Sunaga Daisuke
Published: August 2021

Many papers estimate the price elasticity of water demand. However, heterogeneity and temporal variation of price elasticity of residential water use are still unclear. We analyze these issues by applying the latent class analysis and t-test using disaggregated data of approximately 30,000 households recorded over five years: Two years before and three years after a tariff revision. As a result, the households are divided into three (heterogeneous) groups: About 5% of them responded to the price change sensitively, 40–60% slightly, and 35–55% not at all. Households with high water use prior to the revision had higher price elasticity. In addition, the price elasticity in the first and third years after the revision was the same.
A Monitoring System of Sand Mining in Large Rivers and Its Application to the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, Myanmar
Authors: Gruel Charles R. , Latrubesse Edgardo M.
Published: August 2021

Sand mining is one of the major sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Rates of extraction are surpassing sand supply, and ensuing sand starvation is adversely impacting channel-floodplains and deltas. Therefore, quantifying sand mining’s location and extent, through global monitoring and detection, particularly in fluvial systems, is becoming a priority. Sand mining by dredges and barges (extraction of sand and secondarily gravel) in South East Asian rivers, including illegal sand mining, has become rampant, and a monitoring system is not yet in place. Here, we present a high-resolution remote sensing-based mining monitoring system for sand mining in fluvial systems. We used Sentinel-1 mission, a radar component of the Copernicus joint initiative of the European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA). The system, tested in the Ayeyarwady, the second largest river in SE Asia, detects sand mining by barges almost in real-time with a satisfactory accuracy level. An additional advantage of the monitoring system is that it does not incur any costs, making it accessible to multiple users, decision-makers, and stakeholders.
Editorial - Resilience, Solidarity and Agency
Authors: Zondi Siphamandla
Published: August 2021

The Covid period has made issues of solidarity and isolation particularly important in society today. Adversity tends to cause society to drift towards despair, the survival of the fittest and development that leave many behind. We have seen enough of this with many crises that African societies have confronted including violence, crime, governance crises, terrorism and health calamities. Yet, these crises have already generated interest in ways of building resilience through solidarity and cooperation.
CRIMINAL LEGAL PROBLEMS OF BRINGING TO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CORRUPTION-RELATED CRIMES ON THE EXAMPLE OF COMMERCIAL BRIBERY
Authors: Zvarygin V.E. , Kondakov A.S.
Published: August 2021

The article provides a complete and comprehensive analysis of the norms of legislation regulating the issues of combating corruption crimes on the example of commercial bribery. Using the comparative legal method of scientific knowledge, the main national normative legal acts regulating the fight against corruption are analyzed. The provisions of federal laws and by-laws of state authorities regulating the issues raised are also analyzed. In addition, the analysis of the law enforcement practice of law enforcement agencies and courts responsible for the organization of work on the identification, prevention and suppression of corruption crimes, as well as carrying out criminal prosecution for their commission, is carried out. The article also reveals law enforcement and other problems of bringing to criminal responsibility for commercial bribery, mediation in commercial bribery and small-scale commercial bribery, a criminal-legal analysis of these types of crimes by their elements is carried out. Based on the results of the analysis, proposals are formulated aimed at further improving the regulatory framework concerning the issues of countering corruption crimes.
THEORETICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE EVOLUTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALIZATION AND THE INTRODUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Kamalova G.G.
Published: August 2021

The article discusses the issues of further development of the human rights system in the context of digital transformation and modern scientific and technological progress. It is noted that at present there is an evolution of human rights, the peculiarities of their implementation, the formation of new ones. The right to access the Internet has been recognized in a number of foreign countries. In Russia, digital rights, the "right to oblivion" and other rights have been legally enshrined. It is proved that at present there is a transition to the next level of both understanding of recognized rights and freedoms, the peculiarities of their implementation, and the formation of new rights that are unthinkable in the so-called pre-digital era. As the most significant factor in the evolution of human rights, the introduction of artificial intelligence systems and biotechnologies is highlighted, which will change not only society and the state, but also the daily life of a person and his essence, which will require the modernization of the conceptual established provisions of law, including the understanding of the subject who possesses them. Modernity allows us to state the accomplished symbiosis of man and technology, which is increasingly called a cyborg in law. At the same time, it should be recognized that the legal aspects of cyborgization are still poorly studied. The experience of legal regulation of relations connected with the introduction of digital technological solutions into the human body is not enough. The author believes that the preliminary regulation in this area should be to a certain extent ahead of the curve, and without a scientific understanding of the emerging legal problems, it is difficult to develop a balanced legal regulation.
Review of machine learning and deep learning models in agriculture
Authors: BAL Fatih , KAYAALP Fatih
Published: August 2021

Machine learning (ML) refers to the processes that enable computers to think based on various learning methods. It can be also called domain which is a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Deep learning (DL) has been a promising, new and modern technique for data analysis in recent years. It can be shown as the improved version of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) which is one of the popular AI methods of today. The population of the world is increasing day by day and the importance of agriculture is also increasing in parallel. Because of this, many researchers have focused on this issue and have tried to apply machine learning and deep learning methods in agriculture under the name of smart farm technologies both to increase agricultural production and to solve some challenges of agriculture. In this study, it is aimed to give detailed information about these up-to-date studies. 77 articles based on machine learning and deep learning algorithms in the agriculture field and published in IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Scopus publication databases between 2016 and 2020 years were reviewed. The articles were classified under five categories as plant recognition, disease detection, weed and pest detection, soil mapping-drought index, and yield forecast. They were examined in detail in terms of machine learning/deep learning architectures, data sets, performance metrics (Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F-Score, R2, MAPE, RMSE, MAE), and the obtained experimental results. Based on the examined articles, the most popular methods, used data sets/types, chosen performance criteria, and performance results among the existing studies are presented. It is seen that the number of AI-based applications related to agriculture is increasing compared to the past and the sustainability in productivity is so promising.
Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19): Reviews, Applications, and Current Status
Authors: Alam Tanweer , Qamar Shamimul
Published: August 2021

Currently, the COVID‐19 has directly affected the millions of humans lives. The symptoms of
the disease involving fever, malaise, chest infection, and breathing difficulties, were identified, and its
existence is continuously becoming restructured. The World Health Organization (WHO)
had mentioned the wide diagnostics test besides COVID-19 that would also assist medical facilities to
recognize infectious diseases as well as currently focusing efficiently on preventing and afterward
defeating this viral disease. The infection is usually transmitted among human beings in direct contact,
greatest through the liquid bubbles generated through cough, sneeze, or speaking. This paper reviews
the COVID 19 pandemic, its history, current updates, contact tracing applications, and use of emerging
technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain for stopping the spreading and provide
service online to the patient from a distance.
Impacto do alcoolismo na vida social e familiar
Authors: Silva Maria José Vieira da , Sousa Simone Nunes Viana de , Carvalho Clézio Rodrigues de
Published: August 2021

Objetivo: Destacar a relevância das implicações do alcoolismo na vida do indivíduo, tanto social como familiar. Método: Pesquisa do tipo exploratória, bibliográfica e descritiva. Resultado: O presente trabalho buscou conhecer a realidade do alcoolismo, no Brasil, em meio aos estudos de vários autores. Buscando destacar os motivos que impulsiona o uso do álcool, os danos e tratamentos possíveis. Conclusão: O alcoolismo pode ser determinado como um conjunto de problemas relacionados ao consumo excessivo de álcool por indivíduos que apresente uma maior probabilidade para o vício. Alimentando uma roda viva de adoecimento físico, adoecimento psicológico, adoecimento emocional e desagregação do sistema familiar.
AĞIRLIK MATRİSLERİNİN 3-SD HELİKOPTERİN DDRD TABANLI KONTROL METODU ÜZERİNE ETKİLERİ
Authors: ÇOPUR Engin Hasan
Published: August 2021

Durum Değişkenine Bağlı Riccati Denklemi (DDRD) tekniği, verilen ikinci dereceden bir maliyet fonksiyonunu en aza indirecek şekilde doğrusal olmayan bir sistem sınıfı için optimale yakın bir kontrol kanunu sağlar. Doğrusal olmayan sistem (DOS) matrisleri her zaman anında hesaplanıp, DOS doğrusal ve zamanla değişmeyen bir sistem olarak ele alınabilir ve ilgili optimal kontrol problemi her anda Doğrusal Kuadratik Regülatör (DKR) problemi olarak tanımlanabilir. Bu nedenle, DKR'nin ağırlık matrisleri, DDRD denetleyicisi vasıtasıyla kapalı çevrim sistemin geçici zaman cevabını şekillendirmede önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Bu çalışmada, üç serbestlik dereceli (3-SD) deney helikopterinin pozisyon kontrolü için DDRD tabanlı bir optimal kontrolcü tasarlandı. Deneyler, helikopterin geçici zaman cevabı üzerindeki etkilerini değerlendirilmek için farklı ağırlık matrisleriyle tekrarlandı. Deneylerin ilk aşamasında, ağırlık matrisleri sabit gerçek elemanlı köşegen matris olarak seçildi. DDRD metoduyla kontrol edilen helikopterin durumlarıyla ilişkili köşegen elemanlar, bu durumların geçici zaman cevaplarını nasıl etkilediğini incelemek için değiştirildi. İkinci aşamada, ağırlık matrisleri durum bağımlı olarak seçildi. Her iki aşamadaki deneysel sonuçların kıyaslaması, durum bağımlı ağırlık matrislerinin yerleşme zamanı ve kalıcı durum hatası gibi geçici zaman cevabının özelliklerini iyileştirme yeteneğine daha fazla sahip olduklarını ortaya çıkartmaktadır.
ANALYSIS OF PROTECTION PROTOCOLS AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF THEIR USE IN INTERNET NETWORKS
Authors: Ермаков Сергей Александрович , Тулинов Андрей Сергеевич , Болгов Андрей Александрович , Власов Валерий Константинович
Published: August 2021

В данной статье предлагается методика повышения защищенности сетей и конечных устройств интернета вещей от атак, направленных на нарушение конфиденциальности информации и процедуры аутентификации, за счет внедрения новых несертифицированных протоколов обеспечения безопасности и создания методического обеспечения для оценки рисков успешной реализации атак. В работе были смоделированы и проанализированы протоколы безопасности технологии интернета вещей с помощью специализированного инструмента моделирования. При использовании результатов моделирования для всех протоколов, представленных в данной работе, был посчитан риск успешной реализации атак, направленных на нарушение конфиденциальности информации и процедуры аутентификации. На основе полученных значений было выполнено сравнение протоколов безопасности. Результаты проделанной работы позволят упростить разработку и внедрение новых протоколов безопасности для технологии интернета вещей.

This article proposes a method for improving the security of the networks and end devices of the Internet of Things from attacks aimed at violating the confidentiality of information and authentication procedures by introducing new uncertified security protocols and creating methodological support for assessing the risks of successful implementation of attacks. The security protocols of the Internet of Things technology were modeled and analyzed using a specialized modeling tool. When using the simulation results for all the protocols presented in this work, the risk of successful implementation of attacks aimed at violating the confidentiality of information and the authentication procedure was calculated. Based on the obtained values, a comparison of security protocols was performed. The results of this work will simplify the development and implementation of new security protocols for the Internet of Things technology.
Optimalisasi dalam Penetrasi Testing Keamanan Website Menggunakan Teknik SQL Injection dan XSS
Authors: Zikir Risky Muhammad Arif , Yuhandri Y
Published: August 2021

SQLI (SQL Injection) and XSS are hacking techniques that are often used by hackers. This technique can find out the contents of the database by inserting a script on the website. This technique can be a threat if a website does not have security that can ward off such attacks. Hackers will look for loopholes using this technique in a login menu, searching, upload menu, input menu and URLs that have parameters ending in numbers, but not all websites that can be attacked use this technique if you don't limit the use of characters. This research was conducted to find out the gaps in a website that can be attacked with SQLI and XSS techniques and help optimize website security to avoid these attacks. Penetration testing will be carried out on a CV car rental website. Merdeka Auto Rental which is located in Padang City. This penetration testing uses SQLI and XSS techniques to find security holes in a website. The result of this test is that on the car rental website there are 12 gaps that are vulnerable to SQLI and XSS attacks, based on the results of these tests, a PHP script function is made that can remove all dangerous special characters. The script function is inserted in the PHP input, process and output files. The use of this script function does not apply to attacks other than SQLI and XSS so that if hackers use attack techniques other than that, this website is vulnerable to these attacks. After the script is inserted in the source code of the website, it can be concluded that the 12 known loopholes in the previous test without using the script function have changed status to not vuln or not vulnerable to SQLI and XSS attacks.