bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Precision Medicine Approach to Optimize Modulator Therapy for Rare CFTR Folding Mutants
Authors: Veit Guido , Velkov Tony , Xu Haijin , Vadeboncoeur Nathalie , Bilodeau Lara , Matouk Elias , Lukacs Gergely
Published: July 2021

Trikafta, a triple-combination drug, consisting of folding correctors VX-661 (tezacaftor), VX-445 (elexacaftor) and the gating potentiator VX-770 (ivacaftor) provided unprecedented clinical benefits for patients with the most common cystic fibrosis (CF) mutation, F508del. Trikafta indications were recently expanded to additional 177 mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). To minimize life-long pharmacological and financial burden of drug administration, if possible, we determined the necessary and sufficient modulator combination that can achieve maximal benefit in preclinical setting for selected mutants. To this end, the biochemical and functional rescue of single corrector-responsive rare mutants were investigated in a bronchial epithelial cell line and patient-derived human primary nasal epithelia (HNE), respectively. The plasma membrane density of P67L-, L206W- or S549R-CFTR corrected by VX-661 or other type I correctors was moderately increased by VX-445. Short-circuit current measurements of HNE, however, uncovered that correction comparable to Trikafta was achieved for S549R-CFTR by VX-661 + VX-770 and for P67L- and L206W-CFTR by the VX-661 + VX-445 combination. Thus, introduction of a third modulator may not provide additional benefit for patients with a subset of rare CFTR missense mutations. These results also underscore that HNE, as a precision medicine model, enable the optimization of mutation-specific modulator combinations to maximize their efficacy and minimize life-long drug exposure of CF patients.
The Spatial Design Marketing Strategy of Global Franchises That Take into Consideration the Characteristics of Modern Consumers—A Study Involving the Global Coffee Companies of Starbucks and Blue Bottle
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Park Eun-Soo
Published: July 2021

Coffee shops are evolving into spaces that offer diverse experiences for consumers, with coffee acting as a medium. They are simple venues where people can drink coffee and enjoy and share their cultures with each other; moreover, coffee shops capture the consumers’ complex individuality and values. Considering this trend, it is worth looking at the coffee shop in connection with spatial design marketing, as a place that has endless potential to effectively express the needs of modern consumers through spatial identity and story. Accordingly, this study is focused on global coffee franchises because a single brand can control factors other than spatial design, such as coffee price, quality, brand identity, and service. This study looks at global coffee franchises from the spatial design marketing perspective, to examine the value and importance of a space as not only one of the elements of spatial design, but also as a marketing agent. To this end, spatial design marketing will be presented for Starbucks and Blue Bottle, which are the front-runners of the global coffee franchise sector. This study also explores the meaning of directional space, within the global coffee franchises, a meaning that will be transformative in the future. This study is significant in that it derived three spatial marketing characteristics and six strategies that can enhance the spatial value of coffee shops and the experiential value of consumers. This was accomplished through an approach focused on Starbucks and Blue Bottle, the most representative global coffee franchises. Moreover, the presented spatial design marketing strategies are not only applicable to coffee franchises but also to various commercial spatial design fields, and are expected to be used as a business methodology that can satisfy the needs of modern consumers and increase the unique value of their brand.
Cutaneous Wound Healing: An Update from Physiopathology to Current Therapies
Authors: Gushiken Lucas Fernando Sérgio , Beserra Fernando Pereira , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Jackson Christopher John , Pellizzon Cláudia Helena
Published: July 2021

The skin is the biggest organ of human body which acts as a protective barrier against deleterious agents. When this barrier is damaged, the organism promotes the healing process with several molecular and cellular mechanisms, in order to restore the physiological structure of the skin. The physiological control of wound healing depends on the correct balance among its different mechanisms. Any disruption in the balance of these mechanisms can lead to problems and delay in wound healing. The impairment of wound healing is linked to underlying factors as well as aging, nutrition, hypoxia, stress, infections, drugs, genetics, and chronic diseases. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to discover the correct approach and best therapies for wound healing, including surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments such as topical formulations, dressings, or skin substitutes. Thus, this general approach is necessary to facilitate the direction of further studies. This work provides updated concepts of physiological mechanisms, the factors that can interfere, and updated treatments used in skin wound healing.
Relationship between Vascular Calcification, Protein-Energy Wasting Syndrome, and Sarcopenia in Maintenance Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Leal-Alegre Gustavo , Lerma Claudia , Leal-Escobar Gabriela , Moguel-González Bernardo , Martínez-Vázquez Karen Belén , Cano-Escobar Karla Berenice
Published: July 2021

Vascular calcifications affect 80% to 90% of chronic kidney disease patients and are a predictive factor of cardiovascular mortality. Sarcopenia and protein-energy wasting syndrome are also associated with mortality. The aim was to assess the relationship between vascular calcification, sarcopenia, and protein-energy wasting syndrome (PEW) in automated peritoneal dialysis patients. Fifty-one maintenance automated peritoneal dialysis patients were included (27 were male, mean age 39 ± 14 years). Vascular calcification was assessed based on abdomen, pelvis, and hand radiographs. Sarcopenia was assessed with bioimpedance analysis and a hand grip strength test. The Malnutrition–Inflammation Score and the presence of PEW were also assessed. Vascular calcification was present in 21 patients (41.2%). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.001), Malnutrition–Inflammation Score (p = 0.022), PEW (p = 0.049), sarcopenia (p = 0.048), and diabetes (p = 0.010) were associated with vascular calcification. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.006) was the only variable associated independently with vascular calcification. In conclusion, there is association between vascular calcification, PEW, and sarcopenia in patients with maintenance automated peritoneal dialysis. These associations are not independent of age. This demonstrates the importance of nutritional status in the prevention of vascular calcification.
Investigation of Characteristics of a Novel Torque Motor Based on an Annulus Air Gap
Authors: Meng Bin , Dai Mingzhu , Zhu Chenhang , Xu Hao , Jia Wenang , Li Sheng
Published: July 2021

Although a two-dimensional (2D) valve has excellent performance, the processing of its spiral groove has a high cost and is time-consuming. This paper proposes a novel torque motor based on an annulus air gap (TMAAG) to replace the negative feedback function of the spiral groove to reduce the machining difficulty. In order to study the torque change law of the TMAAG, the air gap permeance was analyzed, and then a qualitative analytical model was established. Orthogonal tests were carried out to initially select the crucial parameters, which were further optimized through a back propagation (BP) neural network and genetic algorithm. The prototype of TMAAG was machined, and a special experimental platform was built, and experiment results are similar to the simulation values, which verifies the accuracy of the air gap analysis and qualitative model. For torque-angle characteristics, the output torque increases with both current and rotation angle and reaches about 0.754 N·m with 2 A and 1.5°. While for torque-displacement characteristics, due to the negative feedback mechanism, the output torque decreases with increasing armature displacement, which is about 0.084 N·m with 2 A and 1 mm. The research validates the unique negative feedback mechanism of the TMAAG and indicates that it can be potentially used as an electro-mechanical converter of a 2D valve.
Conceptual Design of a High-Speed Wire EDM Robotic End-Effector Based on a Systematic Review Followed by TRIZ
Authors: Almeida Sergio Tadeu , Mo John , Bil Cees , Ding Songlin , Wang Xiangzhi
Published: July 2021

Exotic materials such as titanium offer superior characteristics that, paradoxically, make them hard-to-cut by conventional machining. As a solution, electric discharge machining (EDM) stands out as a non-conventional process able to cut complex profiles from hard-to-cut materials, delivering dimensional accuracy and a superior surface. However, EDM is embodied in CNC machines with a reduced axis and machining envelope, which constrains design freedom in terms of size and shape. To overcome these CNC constraints, traditional machining using six-axis industrial robots have become a prominent research field, and some applications have achieved cost efficiency, an improved envelope, and high flexibility. However, due to the lack of stiffness and strength of the robot arm, accuracy, material rate removal, and surface finishing are not comparable to CNC machining. Therefore, the present study investigates the design of a novel WEDM combined with six-axis robotic machining to overcome the limitations of traditional robotic machining and enhance EDM applications. This study extends the work of a conference paper to confirm potential outcomes, quantifying and ranking undesired interactions to map technical problems and applying the TRIZ approach to trigger solutions. Finally, an effective robotic end-effector design is proposed to free EDM from CNC and deliver robotic machining as a flexible and accurate machining system for exotic materials.
Can Mathematics Achievement Be Predicted? The Role of Cognitive–Behavioral–Emotional Variables
Authors: Fernández-Cézar Raquel , Solano-Pinto Natalia , Garrido Dunia
Published: July 2021

The current society is based on science and technology, depending partly on mathematics. It leads to citizens’ success in school mathematics, being measured through achievement, which can be predicted by affective, cognitive, and behavioral variables. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which self-concept, learning strategies, attitude towards science and mathematics, school environment, and previous scores in science and mathematics predict achievement in mathematics. A convenience sample of 352 pupils taking part in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experimentation outreach program belonging to state schools and state-funded schools from rural and urban environments was analysed. The instrument was composed of the Auzmendi scale of attitude towards mathematics modified, the attitude towards school science, the AUDIM questionnaire for self-concept (physical, social, personal, academic, and general), and the CEA questionnaire for learning strategies (emotional control, critical and creative thinking, and metacognition). Sex, type of school, and school environment were covariates. A binary logistic regression model was obtained for mathematics achievement, which correctly classified 82.1% of students, with previous science and mathematics achievement, science achievement, and critical and creative thinking as predictors, and urban schools playing a positive role. Implications of these predictors on mathematics education are discussed.
On the Maximal Shortest Paths Cover Number
Authors: Peterin Iztok , Semanišin Gabriel
Published: July 2021

A shortest path P of a graph G is maximal if P is not contained as a subpath in any other shortest path. A set S⊆V(G) is a maximal shortest paths cover if every maximal shortest path of G contains a vertex of S. The minimum cardinality of a maximal shortest paths cover is called the maximal shortest paths cover number and is denoted by ξ(G). We show that it is NP-hard to determine ξ(G). We establish a connection between ξ(G) and several other graph parameters. We present a linear time algorithm that computes exact value for ξ(T) of a tree T.
Proinov-Type Fixed-Point Results in Non-Archimedean Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Roldán López de Hierro Antonio Francisco , Fulga Andreea , Karapınar Erdal , Shahzad Naseer
Published: July 2021

Very recently, Proinov introduced a great family of contractions in the setting of complete metric spaces that has attracted the attention of many researchers because of the very weak conditions that are assumed on the involved functions. Inspired by Proinov’s results, in this paper, we introduce a new class of contractions in the setting of fuzzy metric spaces (in the sense of George and Veeramani) that are able to translate to this framework the best advantages of the abovementioned auxiliary functions. Accordingly, we present some results about the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for this class of fuzzy contractions in the setting of non-Archimedean fuzzy metric spaces.
Use of Multi-Anionic Sodium Tripolyphosphate to Enhance Dispersion of Concentrated Kaolin Slurries in Seawater
Authors: Leiva Williams , Toro Norman , Robles Pedro , Gálvez Edelmira , Jeldres Ricardo Ivan
Published: July 2021

This research aims to analyze the impact of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) as a rheological modifier of concentrated kaolin slurries in seawater at pH 8, which is characteristic of copper sulfide processing operations. The dispersion phenomenon was analyzed through chord length measurements using the focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) technique, complementing size distributions in unweighted and square-weighted modes. The reduction of the rheological properties was significant, decreasing from 231 Pa in a reagent-free environment to 80 Pa after the application of STPP. A frequency sweep in a linear viscoelastic regime indicated that by applying a characteristic dosage of 0.53 kg/t of STPP, the pulp before yielding increases its phase angle, which increases its liquid-like character. Measurements of the chord length verified the dispersion of particles, which showed an apparent increase in the proportion of fine particles and a reduction of the coarser aggregates when STPP was applied. Measurements of the zeta potential suggested that the high anionic charge of the reagent (pentavalent) increases the electrostatic repulsions between particles, overcoming the effect of cations in seawater. The results are relevant for the mining industry, especially when the deposits have high contents of complex gangues, such as clays, that increase the rheological properties. This increases the energy costs and water consumption needed for pumping the tailings from thickeners to the tailing storages facilities. The strategies that allow for the improvement of the fluidity and deformation of the tailings generate slack in order to maximize water recovery in the thickening stages.
Heavy Vacuum Gas Oil Upregulates the Rhamnosyltransferases and Quorum Sensing Cascades of Rhamnolipids Biosynthesis in Pseudomonas sp. AK6U
Authors: Alkhalaf Sarah A. , Ramadan Ahmed R. , Obuekwe Christian , El Nayal Ashraf M. , Abotalib Nasser , Ismail Wael
Published: July 2021

We followed a comparative approach to investigate how heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO) affects the expression of genes involved in biosurfactants biosynthesis and the composition of the rhamnolipid congeners in Pseudomonas sp. AK6U. HVGO stimulated biosurfactants production as indicated by the lower surface tension (26 mN/m) and higher yield (7.8 g/L) compared to a glucose culture (49.7 mN/m, 0.305 g/L). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that the biosurfactants production genes rhlA and rhlB were strongly upregulated in the HVGO culture during the early and late exponential growth phases. To the contrary, the rhamnose biosynthesis genes algC, rmlA and rmlC were downregulated in the HVGO culture. Genes of the quorum sensing systems which regulate biosurfactants biosynthesis exhibited a hierarchical expression profile. The lasI gene was strongly upregulated (20-fold) in the HVGO culture during the early log phase, whereas both rhlI and pqsE were upregulated during the late log phase. Rhamnolipid congener analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed a much higher proportion (up to 69%) of the high-molecularweight homologue Rha–Rha–C10–C10 in the HVGO culture. The results shed light on the temporal and carbon source-mediated shifts in rhamonlipids’ composition and regulation of biosynthesis which can be potentially exploited to produce different rhamnolipid formulations tailored for specific applications.
Characterization of Functional Components in Bovine Colostrum That Inhibit Norovirus Capsid Protruding Domains Interacting with HBGA Ligands
Authors: Xue Zhaolei , Han Qi , Huang Pengwei , Jiang Xi , Tan Ming , Zhao Yaofeng , Li Ning , Zhang Ran
Published: July 2021

Human noroviruses (huNoVs) cause epidemic acute gastroenteritis with significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, there are no commercial vaccines or antivirals against these important pathogens so far. In this study, we found that bovine colostrum (bCM) inhibited huNoV VLPs and their capsid-protruding (P) domains binding to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) that are huNoV receptor or attachment factors for infection, suggesting that bCM may function as a natural antiviral against huNoVs. We then characterized the bCM for the functional inhibition components by sequentially separating bCM into multiple fractions through various chromatography approaches, followed by determining their inhibitory abilities against huNoV receptor-binding P protein interacting with HBGAs. The protein components of bCM functional fractions were examined by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). Our data suggested that some milk proteins, likely in the form of glycoproteins, contribute to the observed blocking effects of bCM. Our findings lay an important foundation to further develop bCM into a potential natural antiviral against huNoVs.
Metabolomic Profile and Cytotoxic Activity of Cissus incisa Leaves Extracts
Authors: Nocedo-Mena Deyani , Ríos María Yolanda , Ramírez-Cisneros M. Ángeles , González-Maya Leticia , Sánchez-Carranza Jessica N. , Camacho-Corona María del Rayo
Published: July 2021

Cissus incisa leaves have been traditionally used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat certain cancerous illness. This study explored the metabolomic profile of this species using untargeted technique. Likewise, it determined the cytotoxic activity and interpreted all data by computational tools. The metabolomic profile was developed through UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS for dereplication purposes. MetaboAnalyst database was used in metabolic pathway analysis and the network topological analysis. Hexane, chloroform/methanol, and aqueous extracts were evaluated on HepG2, Hep3B, HeLa, PC3, A549, and MCF7 cancer cell lines and IHH immortalized hepatic cells, using Cell Titer proliferation assay kit. Hexane extract was the most active against Hep3B (IC50 = 27 ± 3 μg/mL), while CHCl3/MeOH extract was the most selective (SI = 2.77) on the same cell line. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed similar profiles between the extracts, while a Venn diagram revealed 80 coincident metabolites between the bioactive extracts. The sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathway was the most significant identified. The Network Pharmacology (NP) approach revealed several targets for presqualene diphosphate, phytol, stearic acid, δ-tocopherol, ursolic acid and γ-linolenic acid, involved in cellular processes such as apoptosis. This work highlights the integration of untargeted metabolomic profile and cytotoxic activity to explore plant extracts, and the NP approach to interpreting the experimental results.
Ulva intestinalis Extract Acts as Biostimulant and Modulates Metabolites and Hormone Balance in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.)
Authors: Paulert Roberta , Ascrizzi Roberta , Malatesta Silvia , Berni Paolo , Noseda Miguel Daniel , Mazetto de Carvalho Mariana , Marchioni Ilaria , Pistelli Luisa , Rabello Duarte Maria Eugênia , Mariotti Lorenzo , Pistelli Laura
Published: July 2021

Natural elicitors from macroalgae may affect plant secondary metabolites. Ulvan is a sulfated heteropolysaccharide extracted from green seaweed, acting as both a plant biotic protecting agent, and a plant elicitor, leading to the synthesis of signal molecules. In this work, the aqueous extract of Ulva intestinalis L., mainly composed of ulvan, was used as foliar-spraying treatment and its eliciting effect was investigated in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.). Antioxidant metabolites (polyphenols and carotenoids), volatile compounds (both in headspace emissions and hydrodistilled essential oils), and hormones (jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, salicylic acid 2-O-β-D-glucoside, abscisic acid, and azelaic acid) were quantified. The foliar-spraying treatment with U. intestinalis extract increased salicylic acid and its β-glucoside in parsley; in basil, it induced the accumulation of jasmonic and abscisic acids, indicating the presence of a priming effect. In basil, the elicitation caused a change of the essential oil (EO) chemotype from methyl eugenol/eugenol to epi-α-cadinol and increased sesquiterpenes. In parsley EO it caused a significant accumulation of 1,3,8-p-menthatriene, responsible of the typical “parsley-like” smell. In both species, the phenylpropanoids decreased in headspace and EO compositions, while the salicylic acid concentration increased; this could indicate a primarily defensive response to U. intestinalis extract. Due to the evidenced significant biological activity, U. intestinalis extract used as an elicitor may represent a suitable tool to obtain higher amounts of metabolites for optimizing plant flavor metabolites.
A Real-Time Optimization Strategy for Small-Scale Facilities and Implementation in a Gas Processing Unit
Authors: Delou Pedro A. , Ribeiro Leonardo D. , Paiva Carlos R. , Niederberger Jacques , Gomes Marcos Vinícius C. , Secchi Argimiro R.
Published: July 2021

The rise of new digital technologies and their applications in several areas pushes the process industry to update its methodologies with more intensive use of mathematical models—commonly denoted as digital twins—and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to continuously enhance operational efficiency. In this context, Real-time Optimization (RTO) is a strategy that is able to maximize an economic function while respecting the existing constraints, which enables keeping the operation at its optimum point even though the plant is subjected to nonlinear behavior and frequent disturbances. However, the investment related to the project of commercial RTOs may make its application infeasible for small-scale facilities. In this work, an in-house, small-scale RTO is presented and its successful application in a real industrial case—a Natural Gas Processing Unit—is shown. Besides that, a new method for enhancing the efficiency of using sequential-modular simulator inside an optimization framework and a new method to account for the economic return of optimization-based tools are proposed and described. The application of RTO in the industrial case showed an enhancement in the stability of the main variables and an increase in profit of 0.64% when compared to the operation of the regulatory control layer alone.
Optimizing the Process Design of Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion for Delivering Poorly Soluble Cannabidiol Oil
Authors: Lewińska Agnieszka
Published: July 2021

Process approaches and intensification technological processes are integrated parts of available devices, which have a positive effect on the parameters of the obtained products. Nanoemulsions as delivery carriers are becoming more popular and there is a real need to increase the possibilities of formulation designing and engineering. Therefore, preparations of oil-in-water nanoemulsion with encapsulated cannabidiol (CBD) as oil phase were carried out in two ways: sonication method and two-stage high-pressure homogenization. The provided analysis showed spherical morphology and much larger sizes and polydispersity of nanoemulsions obtained by the sonication approach. The size of nanodroplets was from 216 nm up to 1418 nm for sonication, whereas for homogenization 128–880 nm. Additionally, it was observed that a proportionally higher percentage of surfactin resulted in a higher value of the Zeta potential. The formulations were found to be stable for at least 30 days. The in vitro experiments performed on human skin cell lines (HaCaT keratinocytes and normal dermal NHDF fibroblasts), and in vivo topical tests on probants established the biocompatibility of nanoemulsions with CBD. The last stage exhibits reduced discoloration and a higher degree of hydration by the selected systems with CBD and, thus indicating this nanoformulation as useful in cosmetics applications.
Long-Term Effects of Calcium-Based Liming Materials on Soil Fertility Sustainability and Rye Production as Soil Quality Indicators on a Typic Palexerult
Authors: Olego Miguel Ángel , Quiroga Miguel Javier , Mendaña-Cuervo Cristina , Cara-Jiménez Jorge , López Roberto , Garzón-Jimeno Enrique
Published: July 2021

Liming is a common practice used to improve acidic soil properties, as is essential for agricultural quality. A long-term field experiment with one lime rate (6000 kg/ha of carbonate calcium equivalent) and three calcium-based liming amendments (gypsum, limestone and sugar foam) was maintained on a Typic Palexerult for 10 years in order to determine changes in soil acidity and to assess the effects on crop (rye) yields. The soil acidity conditions decreased with all the amendments tested, but the sugar foam and limestone was more effective than gypsum over a long-term period. No significant changes in organic soil matter levels between the treatments tested were found. Interestingly, an increase in the leaching of organic soil matter was observed in limed soils. Lime application significantly increased the total rye biomass compared to the control soils during the whole experiment (2002–2011). Yield trends observed in spike and stem biomass were similar to those reported for total rye biomass. In this respect, at the end of the research, gypsum, limestone and sugar foam increased in relation to the total production of rye biomass by 16%, 32% and 38%, respectively, as compared to the control soils. Additionally, a significant and prolonged difference in calcium concentrations in rye stems between unlimed and limed subplots was observed. However, in spite of the results presented here, further investigations are needed to gain a better understanding of the long-term effects of liming on the chemical properties of soil.
Analyzing Satellite Ocean Color Match-Up Protocols Using the Satellite Validation Navy Tool (SAVANT) at MOBY and Two AERONET-OC Sites
Authors: Lawson Adam , Bowers Jennifer , Ladner Sherwin , Crout Richard , Wood Christopher , Arnone Robert , Martinolich Paul , Lewis David
Published: July 2021

The satellite validation navy tool (SAVANT) was developed by the Naval Research Laboratory to help facilitate the assessment of the stability and accuracy of ocean color satellites, using numerous ground truth (in situ) platforms around the globe and support methods for match-up protocols. The effects of varying spatial constraints with permissive and strict protocols on match-up uncertainty are evaluated, in an attempt to establish an optimal satellite ocean color calibration and validation (cal/val) match-up protocol. This allows users to evaluate the accuracy of ocean color sensors compared to specific ground truth sites that provide continuous data. Various match-up constraints may be adjusted, allowing for varied evaluations of their effects on match-up data. The results include the following: (a) the difference between aerosol robotic network ocean color (AERONET-OC) and marine optical Buoy (MOBY) evaluations; (b) the differences across the visible spectrum for various water types; (c) spatial differences and the size of satellite area chosen for comparison; and (d) temporal differences in optically complex water. The match-up uncertainty analysis was performed using Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) SNPP data at the AERONET-OC sites and the MOBY site. It was found that the more permissive constraint sets allow for a higher number of match-ups and a more comprehensive representation of the conditions, while the restrictive constraints provide better statistical match-ups between in situ and satellite sensors.
Ultra-Wideband Indoor Positioning and IMU-Based Activity Recognition for Ice Hockey Analytics
Authors: Vleugels Robbe , Van Herbruggen Ben , Fontaine Jaron , De Poorter Eli
Published: July 2021

Currently, gathering statistics and information for ice hockey training purposes mostly happens by hand, whereas the automated systems that do exist are expensive and difficult to set up. To remedy this, in this paper, we propose and analyse a wearable system that combines player localisation and activity classification to automatically gather information. A stick-worn inertial measurement unit was used to capture acceleration and rotation data from six ice hockey activities. A convolutional neural network was able to distinguish the six activities from an unseen player with a 76% accuracy at a sample frequency of 100 Hz. Using unseen data from players used to train the model, a 99% accuracy was reached. With a peak detection algorithm, activities could be automatically detected and extracted from a complete measurement for classification. Additionally, the feasibility of a time difference of arrival based ultra-wideband system operating at a 25 Hz update rate was determined. We concluded that the system, when the data were filtered and smoothed, provided acceptable accuracy for use in ice hockey. Combining both, it was possible to gather useful information about a wide range of interesting performance measures. This shows that our proposed system is a suitable solution for the analysis of ice hockey.
Beacon-Based Remote Measurement of Social Behavior in ASD Clinical Trials: A Technical Feasibility Assessment
Authors: Kriara Lito , Hipp Joerg , Chatham Christopher , Nobbs David , Slater David , Lipsmeier Florian , Lindemann Michael
Published: July 2021

In this work, we propose a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacon-based algorithm to enable remote measurement of the social behavior of the participants of an observational Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) clinical trial (NCT03611075). We have developed a mobile application for a smartphone and a smartwatch to collect beacon signals from BLE beacon sensors as well as to store information about the participants’ household rooms. Our goal is to collect beacon information about the time the participants spent in different rooms of their household to infer sociability information. We applied the same technology and setup in an internal experiment with healthy volunteers to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed algorithm in 10 different home setups, and we observed an average accuracy of 97.2%. Moreover, we show that it is feasible for the clinical study participants/caregivers to set up the BLE beacon sensors in their homes without any technical help, with 96% of them setting up the technology on the first day of data collection. Next, we present results from one-week location data from study participants collected through the proposed technology. Finally, we provide a list of good practice guidelines for optimally applying beacon technology for indoor location monitoring. The proposed algorithm enables us to estimate time spent in different rooms of a household that can pave the development of objective sociability features and eventually support decisions regarding drug efficacy in ASD.
EagleEye: A Worldwide Disease-Related Topic Extraction System Using a Deep Learning Based Ranking Algorithm and Internet-Sourced Data
Authors: Jang Beakcheol , Kim Myeonghwi , Kim Inhwan , Kim Jong Wook
Published: July 2021

Due to the prevalence of globalization and the surge in people’s traffic, diseases are spreading more rapidly than ever and the risks of sporadic contamination are becoming higher than before. Disease warnings continue to rely on censored data, but these warning systems have failed to cope with the speed of disease proliferation. Due to the risks associated with the problem, there have been many studies on disease outbreak surveillance systems, but existing systems have limitations in monitoring disease-related topics and internationalization. With the advent of online news, social media and search engines, social and web data contain rich unexplored data that can be leveraged to provide accurate, timely disease activities and risks. In this study, we develop an infectious disease surveillance system for extracting information related to emerging diseases from a variety of Internet-sourced data. We also propose an effective deep learning-based data filtering and ranking algorithm. This system provides nation-specific disease outbreak information, disease-related topic ranking, a number of reports per district and disease through various visualization techniques such as a map, graph, chart, correlation and coefficient, and word cloud. Our system provides an automated web-based service, and it is free for all users and live in operation.
Efficient Graph Collaborative Filtering via Contrastive Learning
Authors: Pan Zhiqiang , Chen Honghui
Published: July 2021

Collaborative filtering (CF) aims to make recommendations for users by detecting user’s preference from the historical user–item interactions. Existing graph neural networks (GNN) based methods achieve satisfactory performance by exploiting the high-order connectivity between users and items, however they suffer from the poor training efficiency problem and easily introduce bias for information propagation. Moreover, the widely applied Bayesian personalized ranking (BPR) loss is insufficient to provide supervision signals for training due to the extremely sparse observed interactions. To deal with the above issues, we propose the Efficient Graph Collaborative Filtering (EGCF) method. Specifically, EGCF adopts merely one-layer graph convolution to model the collaborative signal for users and items from the first-order neighbors in the user–item interactions. Moreover, we introduce contrastive learning to enhance the representation learning of users and items by deriving the self-supervisions, which is jointly trained with the supervised learning. Extensive experiments are conducted on two benchmark datasets, i.e., Yelp2018 and Amazon-book, and the experimental results demonstrate that EGCF can achieve the state-of-the-art performance in terms of Recall and normalized discounted cumulative gain (NDCG), especially on ranking the target items at right positions. In addition, EGCF shows obvious advantages in the training efficiency compared with the competitive baselines, making it practicable for potential applications.
The Charnegroes: Black Africans and the Ontological Conflict in Catalonia
Authors: Bayo Saiba
Published: July 2021

This paper frames an in depth reflection on the current social and political changes and the emerging phenomenon of body politics of migrant and racialized groups in Europe. The ongoing discussion aims to address the meaning of “being” Catalan for Black Africans in Catalonia. It is grounded on a criterion of ontological commitment and the epistemological aspect of ethnography. I dig into the debate about what makes a racial identity salient in the context of national identity rhetoric. I look thoroughly at the outcomes of the encounter between Black African migrants and the constant resignification of Catalan national identity. I aim to disentangle the racial premises and tackle what Black Africans share once the racial questions are removed. My approach stands within the growing field of postcolonial criticism to understand historical continuities and ontological conflicts. I focus on culture, race, and identity to analyze the cultural dynamics of Senegalese migrants and Equatoguinean communities within the national identity building process in Catalonia. I coined a new concept, Charnegroes, to propose a practical explanation of the emergence of body politics and the changing reality of the relationship between the “us” and the “other” under the recurrent transitions between old and new, colonial and postcolonial, the past and the future.
Accelerated Development of COVID-19 Vaccines: Technology Platforms, Benefits, and Associated Risks
Authors: Wagner Ralf , Hildt Eberhard , Grabski Elena , Sun Yuansheng , Meyer Heidi , Lommel Annette , Keller-Stanislawski Brigitte , Müller-Berghaus Jan , Cichutek Klaus
Published: July 2021

Multiple preventive COVID-19 vaccines have been developed during the ongoing SARS coronavirus (CoV) 2 pandemic, utilizing a variety of technology platforms, which have different properties, advantages, and disadvantages. The acceleration in vaccine development required to combat the current pandemic is not at the expense of the necessary regulatory requirements, including robust and comprehensive data collection along with clinical product safety and efficacy evaluation. Due to the previous development of vaccine candidates against the related highly pathogenic coronaviruses SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the antigen that elicits immune protection is known: the surface spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 or specific domains encoded in that protein, e.g., the receptor binding domain. From a scientific point of view and in accordance with legal frameworks and regulatory practices, for the approval of a clinic trial, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut requires preclinical testing of vaccine candidates, including general pharmacology and toxicology as well as immunogenicity. For COVID-19 vaccine candidates, based on existing platform technologies with a sufficiently broad data base, pharmacological–toxicological testing in the case of repeated administration, quantifying systemic distribution, and proof of vaccination protection in animal models can be carried out in parallel to phase 1 or 1/2 clinical trials. To reduce the theoretical risk of an increased respiratory illness through infection-enhancing antibodies or as a result of Th2 polarization and altered cytokine profiles of the immune response following vaccination, which are of specific concern for COVID-19 vaccines, appropriate investigative testing is imperative. In general, phase 1 (vaccine safety) and 2 (dose finding, vaccination schedule) clinical trials can be combined, and combined phase 2/3 trials are recommended to determine safety and efficacy. By applying these fundamental requirements not only for the approval and analysis of clinical trials but also for the regulatory evaluation during the assessment of marketing authorization applications, several efficacious and safe COVID-19 vaccines have been licensed in the EU by unprecedentedly fast and flexible procedures. Procedural and regulatory–scientific aspects of the COVID-19 licensing processes are described in this review.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Recombinant Rift Valley Fever Virus Glycoprotein Subunit Vaccine Providing Full Protection against Heterologous Virulent Challenge in Cattle
Authors: Wilson William C. , Faburay Bonto , Trujillo Jessie D. , Ragan Izabela , Sunwoo Sun-Young , Morozov Igor , Shivanna Vinay , Balogh Aaron , Urbaniak Kinga , McVey D. Scott , Bold Dashzeveg , Gaudreault Natasha N. , Schirtzinger Erin E. , Ma Wenjun , Richt Juergen A.
Published: July 2021

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen that causes periodic outbreaks of abortion in ruminant species and hemorrhagic disease in humans in sub-Saharan Africa. These outbreaks have a significant impact on veterinary and public health. Its introduction to the Arabian Peninsula in 2003 raised concerns of further spread of this transboundary pathogen to non-endemic areas. These concerns are supported by the presence of competent vectors in many non-endemic countries. There is no licensed RVF vaccine available for humans and only a conditionally licensed veterinary vaccine available in the United States. Currently employed modified live attenuated virus vaccines in endemic countries lack the ability for differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). Previously, the efficacy of a recombinant subunit vaccine based on the RVFV Gn and Gc glycoproteins, derived from the 1977 human RVFV isolate ZH548, was demonstrated in sheep. In the current study, cattle were vaccinated subcutaneously with the Gn only, or Gn and Gc combined, with either one or two doses of the vaccine and then subjected to heterologous virus challenge with the virulent Kenya-128B-15 RVFV strain, isolated from Aedes mosquitoes in 2006. The elicited immune responses by some vaccine formulations (one or two vaccinations) conferred complete protection from RVF within 35 days after the first vaccination. Vaccines given 35 days prior to RVFV challenge prevented viremia, fever and RVFV-associated histopathological lesions. This study indicates that a recombinant RVFV glycoprotein-based subunit vaccine platform is able to prevent and control RVFV infections in target animals.
Stepwise Conformational Stabilization of a HIV-1 Clade C Consensus Envelope Trimer Immunogen Impacts the Profile of Vaccine-Induced Antibody Responses
Authors: Hauser Alexandra , Carnell George , Held Kathrin , Sulbaran Guidenn , Tischbierek Nadine , Rogers Lisa , Pollakis Georgios , Tonks Paul , Hoelscher Michael , Ding Song , Sanders Rogier W. , Geldmacher Christof , Sattentau Quentin , Weissenhorn Winfried , Heeney Jonathan L. , Peterhoff David , Wagner Ralf
Published: July 2021

Stabilization of the HIV-1 Envelope glycoprotein trimer (Env) in its native pre-fusion closed conformation is regarded as one of several requirements for the induction of neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses, which, in turn, will most likely be a prerequisite for the development of an efficacious preventive vaccine. Here, we systematically analyzed how the stepwise stabilization of a clade C consensus (ConC) Env immunogen impacts biochemical and biophysical protein traits such as antigenicity, thermal stability, structural integrity, and particle size distribution. The increasing degree of conformational rigidification positively correlates with favorable protein characteristics, leading to optimized homogeneity of the protein preparations, increased thermal stability, and an overall favorable binding profile of structure-dependent broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and non-neutralizing antibodies (non-nAbs). We confirmed that increasing the structural integrity and stability of the Env trimers positively correlates with the quality of induced antibody responses by the immunogens. These and other data contribute to the selection of ConCv5 KIKO as novel Env immunogens for use within the European Union’s H2020 Research Consortium EHVA (European HIV Alliance) for further preclinical analysis and phase 1 clinical development.
Immune Responses to Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus Infection in Pigs Vaccinated with a Conserved Hemagglutinin HA1 Peptide Adjuvanted with CAF®01 or CDA/αGalCerMPEG
Authors: López-Serrano Sergi , Cordoba Lorena , Pérez-Maillo Mónica , Pleguezuelos Patricia , Remarque Edmond J. , Ebensen Thomas , Guzmán Carlos A. , Christensen Dennis , Segalés Joaquim , Darji Ayub
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the immune response and protection correlates against influenza virus (IV) infection in pigs vaccinated with the novel NG34 HA1 vaccine candidate adjuvanted with either CAF®01 or CDA/αGalCerMPEG (αGCM). Two groups of six pigs each were vaccinated intramuscularly twice with either NG34 + CAF®01 or NG34 + CDA/αGCM. As controls, groups of animals (n = 6 or 4) either non-vaccinated or vaccinated with human seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine or NG34 + Freund’s adjuvant were included in the study. All animal groups were challenged with the 2009 pandemic (pdm09) strain of H1N1 (total amount of 7 × 106 TCID50/mL) via intranasal and endotracheal routes 21 days after second vaccination. Reduced consolidated lung lesions were observed both on days three and seven post-challenge in the animals vaccinated with NG34 + CAF®01, whereas higher variability with relatively more severe lesions in pigs of the NG34 + CDA/αGCM group on day three post-infection. Among groups, animals vaccinated with NG34 + CDA/αGCM showed higher viral loads in the lung at seven days post infection whereas animals from NG34 + CAF®01 completely abolished virus from the lower respiratory tract. Similarly, higher IFNγ secretion and stronger IgG responses against the NG34 peptide in sera was observed in animals from the NG34 + CAF®01 group as compared to the NG34 + CDA/αGCM. NG34-vaccinated pigs with adjuvanted CAF®01 or CDA/αGCM combinations resulted in different immune responses as well as outcomes in pathology and viral shedding.
Mass Immunization and Vaccine Hesitancy in Children and Their Families: A Long and Winding Road Ahead to Address without a Second Thought
Authors: Gori Davide , Montalti Marco , Guaraldi Federica
Published: July 2021

In 2019, vaccine hesitancy (VH), defined by the SAGE working group as “delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability of vaccination services” [...]
Показатели эффективности регулирования деятельности территориальных сетевых организаций
Authors:   Национальный исследовательский университет ", Шведова Валентина Юрьевна ,   МЭИ"
Published: July 2021

В статье представлена система показателей эффективности регулирования деятельности территориальных сетевых организаций, согласованная с целями обеспечения энергетической безопасности и устойчивого развития. Показатели сгруппированы по трем иерархическим уровням (макро-, мезо- и микроэкономическому) и по влиянию на три сферы: экономическую, экологическую и социальную. Предложен метод визуализации полученных оценок на микро- и мезоэкономическом уровнях для упрощения проведения комплексного экспресс-анализа эффективности регулирования деятельности ТСО.
Cost optimization — the company’s response to the crisis
Authors: Gryaznov Sergey Aleksandrovich
Published: July 2021

The article deals with the topical issue of optimizing the company’s expenses in a crisis. The author gives examples of costs that the company should get rid of immediately, and which ones should be eliminated last, how to avoid mistakes when reducing costs so as not to get even more significant losses, and, as a result, the loss of business.
«E-government» as an interactive platform for interaction between the state and citizens
Authors: Kruglov Aleksey Mikhaylovich
Published: July 2021

The author of the article carried out a comprehensive analysis of the development of "e-government" in the context of the development of new state management. Factors affecting the formation and development of e-government in Russia have been identified. It is argued that the use of technologies and tools of e-government makes the process of public administration more open and efficient.