bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting Underground Water Dynamics within the Technogenic Environment of a Mine Field. Case Study
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Sadovenko Ivan , Zahrytsenko Alina , Saik Pavlo , Lozynskyi Vasyl , Dychkovskyi Roman
Published: June 2021

The objective is to analyze the dynamics of the underground water of a mine field based on the study of the geofiltration process of the rock mass disturbed by mining to achieve safe extraction operations as well as subsurface territories at the stage of the mining enterprise closure. Numerical modeling, based on a finite difference method under the conditions of multifactority and definite uncertainty of processes of transformation of technogenic environment of a mine field, helps solve a problem concerning underground water dynamics forecasting. A hydrodynamic model of the M.I. Stashkov mine was developed while solving option series of epignosis problems in terms of the chronology of mine field stoping. The abovementioned made it possible to identify regularities of the history of filtration, the capacity parameters of rock mass and the expansion of areas of heightened hydraulic conductivity as well as to evaluate qualitatively the water balance components of a carbonic watered formation and an overlying one. The stage of mining closure helped obtain the forecasting hydrodynamic solutions. The efficiency of measures, concerning reduction of water ingress into mine workings and the mitigation of surface ecological effects of mine flooding was evaluated quantitatively. It was determined that implementation of the water control procedures makes it possible to perform a 10–38% decrease in water ingress. In this context, they may be applied both independently and simultaneously. In terms of mine closure and flooding, a period of complete underground water recovery takes three years; in the process, surface zones of potential waterlogging and swamping are developed within the floodplain of Samara River, located at the territory of Western Donbas (Ukraine). The scientific novelty is to define regularities of hydraulic conductivity transformation of the rock mass of a mine field starting from the mine working roof fall, up to its compaction during the mine operation period. To do that, nonstationary identification problems were solved, using numerical modeling. The abovementioned makes it possible to improve the reliability of hydrodynamic prognoses and develop technological schemes to control water at the state of the mine closure.
Sustainable Tourism, Economic Growth and Employment—The Case of the Wine Routes of Spain
Authors: Vázquez Vicente Guillermo , Martín Barroso Victor , Blanco Jiménez Francisco José
Published: June 2021

Tourism has become a priority in national and regional development policies and is considered a source of economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Nowadays, wine tourism is an important form of tourism and has become a local development tool for rural areas. Regional tourism development studies based on wine tourism have a long history in several countries such as the US and Australia, but are more recent in Europe. Although Spain is a leading country in the tourism industry, with an enormous wine-growing tradition, the literature examining the economic impact of wine tourism in Spanish economy is scarce. In an attempt to fill this gap, the main objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of wine tourism on economic growth and employment in Spain. More specifically, by applying panel data techniques, we study the economic impact of tourism in nine Spanish wine routes in the period from 2008 to 2018. Our results suggest that tourism in these wine routes had a positive effect on economic growth. However, we do not find clear evidence of a positive effect on employment generation.
Distribution and Integration of Military Settlements’ Cultural Heritage in the Large Pass City of the Great Wall in the Ming Dynasty: A Case Study of Juyong Pass Defense Area
Authors: Zhang Yukun , Li Songyang , Tan Lifeng , Zhou Jiayin
Published: June 2021

The Great Wall of China is more than a wall: it is an extensive cultural route. Pass cities, which are usually large defensive fortresses overseeing an entire fortified area, are an essential part of this heritage and are at the core of the Great Wall’s defense system. Juyong Pass was the closest Pass city to Beijing during the Ming Dynasty when the Great Wall reached its peak. It consisted of five regions—south, east, north, west, and central—that form three fortification levels: core castle, Bao city, and End facility. Based on the Juyong defense area military settlements database, this paper applied spatial analysis methods and found that more than half of the military’s resources for the whole defense area were focused on the western part of the wall, which formed another military core alongside Juyong Pass city. However, the current conservation strategy only focuses on Juyong Pass itself, neglecting the settlements in the western part, thereby destroying the integrity of the Great Wall’s heritage. By clarifying the distribution of cultural heritage in this area, we hope to encourage the preservation of many fortifications according to their authentic historical sphere of control and provide a reference for the sustainable integration of resources along the significant cultural routes of the Great Wall.
Crowded Cities: New Methodology in COVID-19 Risk Assessment
Authors: Lall Somik V. , Wahba Sameh N.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we provide a novel approach to distinguish livable urban densities from crowded cities and describe how this distinction has proved to be critical in predicting COVID-19 contagion hotspots in cities in low- and middle-income country. Urban population density—considered as the ratio of population to land area, without reference to floor space consumption or other measures of livability—can have large drawbacks. To address this drawback and distinguish between density and crowding, it is important to adjust for measures of floor space as well as open space and neighborhood amenities. We use a dataset on building heights, representative of cities worldwide, to measure densities based on floor area consumption per person as well as apply this measure to develop a COVID-19 hotspot predictive tool to help city leaders prioritize civic and medical resources during the pandemic. We conclude by outlining priority interventions that could enable city leaders and local governments to transform crowded cities into livable places.
Integrating Data-Based Strategies and Advanced Technologies with Efficient Air Pollution Management in Smart Cities
Authors: Myeong Seunghwan , Shahzad Khurram
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that creative leadership based on data and citizen volunteers is more significant than vaccines themselves, so this study focuses on the collaboration of sophisticated technologies and human potential to monitor air pollution. Air pollution contributes to critical environmental problems in various towns and cities. With the emergence of the smart city concept, appropriate methods to curb exposure to pollutants must be part of an appropriate urban development policy. This study presents a technologically driven air quality solution for smart cities that advertises energy-efficient and cleaner sequestration in these areas. It attempts to explore how to incorporate data-driven approaches and citizen participation into effective public sector pollution management in smart cities as a major component of the smart city definition. The smart city idea was developed as cities became more widespread through communication devices. This study addresses the technical criteria for implementing a framework that public administration can use to prepare for renovation of public buildings, minimizing energy use and costs and linking smart police stations to monitor air pollution as a part of an integrated city. Such a digital transition in resource management will increase public governance energy performance and provide a higher standard for operations and a healthier environment. The study results indicate that complex processes lead to efficient and sustainable smart cities. This research discovered an interpretive pattern in how public agencies, private enterprises, and community members think and what they do in these regional contexts. It concludes that economic and social benefits could be realized by exploiting data-driven smart city development for its social and spatial complexities.
Stationary Distribution and Extinction in a Stochastic SIQR Epidemic Model Incorporating Media Coverage and Markovian Switching
Authors: Ding Yanlin , Jiao Jianjun , Zhang Qianhong , Zhang Yongxin , Ren Xinzhi
Published: June 2021

This paper is concerned with the dynamic characteristics of the SIQR model with media coverage and regime switching. Firstly, the existence of the unique positive solution of the proposed system is investigated. Secondly, by constructing a suitable random Lyapunov function, some sufficient conditions for the existence of a stationary distribution is obtained. Meanwhile, the conditions for extinction is also given. Finally, some numerical simulation examples are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Optimal Demand Reconfiguration in Three-Phase Distribution Grids Using an MI-Convex Model
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Arias-Londoño Andres , Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Barrios José Ángel , Chamorro Harold R.
Published: June 2021

The problem of the optimal load redistribution in electrical three-phase medium-voltage grids is addressed in this research from the point of view of mixed-integer convex optimization. The mathematical formulation of the load redistribution problem is developed in terminals of the distribution node by accumulating all active and reactive power loads per phase. These loads are used to propose an objective function in terms of minimization of the average unbalanced (asymmetry) grade of the network with respect to the ideal mean consumption per-phase. The objective function is defined as the l1-norm which is a convex function. As the constraints consider the binary nature of the decision variable, each node is conformed by a 3×3 matrix where each row and column have to sum 1, and two equations associated with the load redistribution at each phase for each of the network nodes. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed mixed-integer convex model to equilibrate the power consumption per phase in regards with the ideal value in three different test feeders, which are composed of 4, 15, and 37 buses, respectively.
The Symmetric 3D Organization of Connective Tissue around Implant Abutment: A Key-Issue to Prevent Bone Resorption
Authors: Iezzi Giovanna , Di Lillo Francesca , Furlani Michele , Degidi Marco , Piattelli Adriano , Giuliani Alessandra
Published: June 2021

Symmetric and well-organized connective tissues around the longitudinal implant axis were hypothesized to decrease early bone resorption by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration. Previous studies that referred to the connective tissue around implant and abutments were based on two-dimensional investigations; however, only advanced three-dimensional characterizations could evidence the organization of connective tissue microarchitecture in the attempt of finding new strategies to reduce inflammatory cell infiltration. We retrieved three implants with a cone morse implant–abutment connection from patients; they were investigated by high-resolution X-ray phase-contrast microtomography, cross-linking the obtained information with histologic results. We observed transverse and longitudinal orientated collagen bundles intertwining with each other. In the longitudinal planes, it was observed that the closer the fiber bundles were to the implant, the more symmetric and regular their course was. The transverse bundles of collagen fibers were observed as semicircular, intersecting in the lamina propria of the mucosa and ending in the oral epithelium. No collagen fibers were found radial to the implant surface. This intertwining three-dimensional pattern seems to favor the stabilization of the soft tissues around the implants, preventing inflammatory cell apical migration and, consequently, preventing bone resorption and implant failure. This fact, according to the authors’ best knowledge, has never been reported in the literature and might be due to the physical forces acting on fibroblasts and on the collagen produced by the fibroblasts themselves, in areas close to the implant and to the symmetric geometry of the implant itself.
Extreme Poisson’s Ratios of Honeycomb, Re-Entrant, and Zig-Zag Crystals of Binary Hard Discs
Authors: Bilski Mikołaj , Pigłowski Paweł M. , Wojciechowski Krzysztof W.
Published: June 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) crystalline structures based on a honeycomb geometry are analyzed by computer simulations using the Monte Carlo method in the isobaric-isothermal ensemble. The considered crystals are formed by hard discs (HD) of two different diameters which are very close to each other. In contrast to equidiameter HD, which crystallize into a homogeneous solid which is elastically isotropic due to its six-fold symmetry axis, the systems studied in this work contain artificial patterns and can be either isotropic or anisotropic. It turns out that the symmetry of the patterns obtained by the appropriate arrangement of two types of discs strongly influences their elastic properties. The Poisson’s ratio (PR) of each of the considered structures was studied in two aspects: (a) its dependence on the external isotropic pressure and (b) in the function of the direction angle, in which the deformation of the system takes place, since some of the structures are anisotropic. In order to accomplish the latter, the general analytic formula for the orientational dependence of PR in 2D systems was used. The PR analysis at extremely high pressures has shown that for the vast majority of the considered structures it is approximately direction independent (isotropic) and tends to the upper limit for isotropic 2D systems, which is equal to +1. This is in contrast to systems of equidiameter discs for which it tends to 0.13, i.e., a value almost eight times smaller.
Limit Cycles of Planar Piecewise Differential Systems with Linear Hamiltonian Saddles
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Valls Claudia
Published: June 2021

We provide the maximum number of limit cycles for continuous and discontinuous planar piecewise differential systems formed by linear Hamiltonian saddles and separated either by one or two parallel straight lines. We show that when these piecewise differential systems are either continuous or discontinuous and are separated by one straight line, or are continuous and are separated by two parallel straight lines, they do not have limit cycles. On the other hand, when these systems are discontinuous and separated by two parallel straight lines, we prove that the maximum number of limit cycles that they can have is one and that this maximum is reached by providing an example of such a system with one limit cycle. When the line of discontinuity of the piecewise differential system is formed by one straight line, the symmetry of the problem allows to take this straight line without loss of generality as the line x=0. Similarly, when the line of discontinuity of the piecewise differential system is formed by two parallel straight lines due to the symmetry of the problem, we can assume without loss of generality that these two straight lines are x=±1.
Optimized Probes of the CP Nature of the Top Quark Yukawa Coupling at Hadron Colliders
Authors: Faroughy Darius A. , Bortolato Blaž , Kamenik Jernej F. , Košnik Nejc , Smolkovič Aleks
Published: June 2021

We summarize our recent proposals for probing the CP-odd iκ˜t¯γ5th interaction at the LHC and its projected upgrades directly using associated on-shell Higgs boson and top quark or top quark pair production. We first recount how to construct a CP-odd observable based on top quark polarization in Wb→th scattering with optimal linear sensitivity to κ˜. For the corresponding hadronic process pp→thj we then present a method of extracting the phase-space dependent weight function that allows to retain close to optimal sensitivity to κ˜. For the case of top quark pair production in association with the Higgs boson, pp→tt¯h, with semileptonically decaying tops, we instead show how one can construct manifestly CP-odd observables that rely solely on measuring the momenta of the Higgs boson and the leptons and b-jets from the decaying tops without having to distinguish the charge of the b-jets. Finally, we introduce machine learning (ML) and non-ML techniques to study the phase-space optimization of such CP-odd observables. We emphasize a simple optimized linear combination α·ω that gives similar sensitivity as the studied fully fledged ML models. Using α·ω we review sensitivity projections to κ˜ at HL-LHC, HE-LHC, and FCC-hh.
A Hybrid Discrete Bacterial Memetic Algorithm with Simulated Annealing for Optimization of the Flow Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Agárdi Anita , Nehéz Károly , Hornyák Olivér , Kóczy László T.
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the flow shop scheduling problem. To find the optimal solution is an NP-hard problem. The paper reviews some algorithms from the literature and applies a benchmark dataset to evaluate their efficiency. In this research work, the discrete bacterial memetic evolutionary algorithm (DBMEA) as a global searcher was investigated. The proposed algorithm improves the local search by applying the simulated annealing algorithm (SA). This paper presents the experimental results of solving the no-idle flow shop scheduling problem. To compare the proposed algorithm with other researchers’ work, a benchmark problem set was used. The calculated makespan times were compared against the best-known solutions in the literature. The proposed hybrid algorithm has provided better results than methods using genetic algorithm variants, thus it is a major improvement for the memetic algorithm family solving production scheduling problems.
A Discontinuity of the Energy of Quantum Walk in Impurities
Authors: Higuchi Kenta , Komatsu Takashi , Konno Norio , Morioka Hisashi , Segawa Etsuo
Published: June 2021

We consider the discrete-time quantum walk whose local dynamics is denoted by a common unitary matrix C at the perturbed region {0,1,⋯,M−1} and free at the other positions. We obtain the stationary state with a bounded initial state. The initial state is set so that the perturbed region receives the inflow ωn at time n(|ω|=1). From this expression, we compute the scattering on the surface of −1 and M and also compute the quantity how quantum walker accumulates in the perturbed region; namely, the energy of the quantum walk, in the long time limit. The frequency of the initial state of the influence to the energy is symmetric on the unit circle in the complex plain. We find a discontinuity of the energy with respect to the frequency of the inflow.
The Neurological Asymmetry of Self-Face Recognition
Authors: Janowska Aleksandra , Balugas Brianna , Pardillo Matthew , Mistretta Victoria , Chavarria Katherine , Brenya Janet , Shelansky Taylor , Martinez Vanessa , Pagano Kitty , Ahmad Nathira , Zorns Samantha , Straus Abigail , Sierra Sarah , Keenan Julian Paul
Published: June 2021

While the desire to uncover the neural correlates of consciousness has taken numerous directions, self-face recognition has been a constant in attempts to isolate aspects of self-awareness. The neuroimaging revolution of the 1990s brought about systematic attempts to isolate the underlying neural basis of self-face recognition. These studies, including some of the first fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) examinations, revealed a right-hemisphere bias for self-face recognition in a diverse set of regions including the insula, the dorsal frontal lobe, the temporal parietal junction, and the medial temporal cortex. In this systematic review, we provide confirmation of these data (which are correlational) which were provided by TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and patients in which direct inhibition or ablation of right-hemisphere regions leads to a disruption or absence of self-face recognition. These data are consistent with a number of theories including a right-hemisphere dominance for self-awareness and/or a right-hemisphere specialization for identifying significant social relationships, including to oneself.
Symmetric Reciprocal Symbiosis Mode of China’s Digital Economy and Real Economy Based on the Logistic Model
Authors: Xu Guoteng , Lu Tingjie , Liu Yiman
Published: June 2021

The convergence of the digital economy and real economy is an irreversible trend. This article uses the adjusted Logistic coevolution Model as the main tool to study the interaction factors in the convergence concentrating on conducting the empirical research by using four dimensions data from 2005 to 2019 in China to calculate the intrinsic growth rate, the maximum environmental capacity, the coevolution factors and other key indicators. The study could further simulate and predict the coevolution of the digital economy and real economy under various modes, in attempt to explore an objective reference and theoretical basis for the convergence in China, which could help to fill the research gap to some extent.
Falling from Rest: Particle Creation in a Dropped Cavity
Authors: Sorge Francesco
Published: June 2021

We discuss the process of particle creation in the case of a scalar quantum field confined to a small cavity, initially at rest, which is suddenly dropped in a static gravitational field. We show that, due to the transition from a Schwarzschild to a Minkowski background, as perceived by a comoving observer, field particles are excited out of the quantum vacuum. The density of the created quanta depends on the proper gravitational acceleration as well as on a parameter α≃1/Δt, with Δt representing the typical time duration of the transition. For the specific acceleration profile considered, the energy spectrum of the created quanta roughly resembles a two-dimensional Planckian distribution, whose equivalent temperature mimics the Hawking-Unruh temperature, with the detector acceleration (or the black hole surface gravity) replaced by the parameter cα. We briefly comment on possible issues related to local Lorentz symmetry.
Assessment of Mycotoxin Exposure in a Rural County of Chile by Urinary Biomarker Determination
Authors: Foerster Claudia , Ríos-Gajardo Gisela , Gómez Patricia , Muñoz Katherine , Cortés Sandra , Maldonado Carlos , Ferreccio Catterina
Published: June 2021

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON) are frequent mycotoxins that may cause carcinogenic, mutagenic, estrogenic, or gastrointestinal effects. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to and risk from AFB1, OTA, ZEN, and DON in 172 participants of the Maule Cohort (MAUCO) by a biomarker analysis in urine and to associate their exposure with food consumption and occupation. Mycotoxins in the first morning urine were analyzed by solid-phase extraction and quantified by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a mass–mass detector. Participants’ information regarding food consumption, occupation, and other characteristics was obtained from a baseline and 2-year follow-up survey of the cohort. The prevalence and mean levels of mycotoxins in the urine were as follows: DON 63%, 60.7 (±78.7) ng/mL; AFB1 8%, 0.3 (±0.3) ng/mL; α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) 4.1%, 41.8 (±115) ng/mL; β-ZEL 3.5%, 17.4 (±16.1) ng/mL; AFM1 2%, 1.8 (±1.0) ng/mL; OTA 0.6% (1/172), 1.3 ng/mL; and ZEN 0.6%, 1.1 ng/mL. These results were translated into exposures of DON, ZEN, and aflatoxins of public health concern. Participants who consumed coffee and pepper the day before had a significantly greater presence of DON (OR: 2.3, CI95 1.17–4.96) and total ZEL (OR: 14.7, CI95 3.1–81.0), respectively, in their urine. Additionally, we observed associations between the habitual consumption of beer and DON (OR: 2.89, CI95 1.39–6.42). Regarding the levels of mycotoxins and the amount of food consumed, we found correlations between DON and nuts (p = 0.003), total ZEL and cereals (p = 0.01), and aflatoxins with capsicum powder (p = 0.03) and walnuts (p = 0.03). Occupation did not show an association with the presence of mycotoxins in urine.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Induces Vero Cell Apoptosis via the p53-PUMA Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Lin , Wang Chenyu , Shu Jinqi , Feng Huapeng , He Yulong , Chen Jian , Shu Jianhong
Published: June 2021

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) is the causative agent of swine epidemic diarrhea. In order to study the pathogenic mechanism of PEDV, PEDV was inoculated into Vero cells cultured in vitro, and the total RNA of Vero cells was extracted to construct a library for Illumina high-throughput sequencing and screening of differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05). Five differentially expressed genes for qRT-PCR verification analysis were randomly selected, and the verification results were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signal pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the differentially expressed genes screened above. The results showed that the target gene annotations of differentially expressed genes in the African green monkey genome were mainly enriched in the TNF signaling pathway, the P53 signaling pathway, the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and immune inflammation. In addition, it has been reported that Puma can promote apoptosis and is a key mediator of P53-dependent and non-dependent apoptosis pathways. However, there is no report that PEDV infection can activate Puma and induce apoptosis in a P53-dependent pathway. It was found by flow cytometry that PEDV infection induced apoptosis, and by Western Blotting detection, PEDV infection significantly increased the expression of p53, BAX, and Puma apoptosis-related proteins. Treatment Vero cells with the p53 inhibitor, PFT-α, could significantly inhibit PEDV-induced apoptosis. Studies have shown that PEDV infection can activate Puma and induce apoptosis in a P53-dependent pathway. These findings provide data support for further elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of PEDV and developing an effective vaccine against PEDV.
Nanotechnology as a Shield against COVID-19: Current Advancement and Limitations
Authors: Rai Mahendra , Bonde Shital , Yadav Alka , Bhowmik Arpita , Rathod Sanjay , Ingle Pramod , Gade Aniket
Published: June 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health problem that the WHO declared a pandemic. COVID-19 has resulted in a worldwide lockdown and threatened to topple the global economy. The mortality of COVID-19 is comparatively low compared with previous SARS outbreaks, but the rate of spread of the disease and its morbidity is alarming. This virus can be transmitted human-to-human through droplets and close contact, and people of all ages are susceptible to this virus. With the advancements in nanotechnology, their remarkable properties, including their ability to amplify signal, can be used for the development of nanobiosensors and nanoimaging techniques that can be used for early-stage detection along with other diagnostic tools. Nano-based protection equipment and disinfecting agents can provide much-needed protection against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, nanoparticles can serve as a carrier for antigens or as an adjuvant, thereby making way for the development of a new generation of vaccines. The present review elaborates the role of nanotechnology-based tactics used for the detection, diagnosis, protection, and treatment of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Coronaviruses in Bats: A Review for the Americas
Authors: Hernández-Aguilar Itandehui , Lorenzo Consuelo , Santos-Moreno Antonio , Naranjo Eduardo J. , Navarrete-Gutiérrez Darío
Published: June 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is the focus of attention as it has caused more than three million human deaths globally. This and other coronaviruses, such as MERS-CoV, have been suggested to be related to coronaviruses that are hosted in bats. This work shows, through a bibliographic review, the frequency of detection of coronavirus in bats species of the Americas. The presence of coronavirus in bats has been examined in 25 investigations in 11 countries of the Americas between 2007 and 2020. Coronaviruses have been explored in 9371 individuals from 160 species of bats, and 187 coronavirus sequences have been deposited in GenBank distributed in 43 species of bats. While 91% of the coronaviruses sequences identified infect a single species of bat, the remainder show a change of host, dominating the intragenera change. So far, only Mex-CoV-6 is related to MERS-CoV, a coronavirus pathogenic for humans, so further coronavirus research effort in yet unexplored bat species is warranted.
Modulation of Viral Programmed Ribosomal Frameshifting and Stop Codon Readthrough by the Host Restriction Factor Shiftless
Authors: Napthine Sawsan , Hill Chris H. , Nugent Holly C. M. , Brierley Ian
Published: June 2021

The product of the interferon-stimulated gene C19orf66, Shiftless (SHFL), restricts human immunodeficiency virus replication through downregulation of the efficiency of the viral gag/pol frameshifting signal. In this study, we demonstrate that bacterially expressed, purified SHFL can decrease the efficiency of programmed ribosomal frameshifting in vitro at a variety of sites, including the RNA pseudoknot-dependent signals of the coronaviruses IBV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and the protein-dependent stimulators of the cardioviruses EMCV and TMEV. SHFL also reduced the efficiency of stop-codon readthrough at the murine leukemia virus gag/pol signal. Using size-exclusion chromatography, we confirm the binding of the purified protein to mammalian ribosomes in vitro. Finally, through electrophoretic mobility shift assays and mutational analysis, we show that expressed SHFL has strong RNA binding activity that is necessary for full activity in the inhibition of frameshifting, but shows no clear specificity for stimulatory RNA structures.
Lipofection with Synthetic mRNA as a Simple Method for T-Cell Immunomonitoring
Authors: Jarzebska Natalia Teresa , Frei Julia , Lauchli Severin , French Lars E. , Guenova Emmanuella , Gouttefangeas Cécile , Kündig Thomas M. , Mellett Mark , Pascolo Steve
Published: June 2021

The quantification of T-cell immune responses is crucial for the monitoring of natural and treatment-induced immunity, as well as for the validation of new immunotherapeutic approaches. The present study presents a simple method based on lipofection of synthetic mRNA in mononuclear cells as a method to determine in vitro T-cell responses. We compared several commercially available transfection reagents for their potential to transfect mRNA into human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and murine splenocytes. We also investigated the impact of RNA modifications in improving this method. Our results demonstrate that antigen-specific T-cell immunomonitoring can be easily and quickly performed by simple lipofection of antigen-coding mRNA in complex immune cell populations. Thus, our work discloses a convenient solution for the in vitro monitoring of natural or therapy-induced T-cell immune responses.
Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Stern Peter L. , Dalianis Tina
Published: June 2021

While head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are marginally decreasing due to the reduction in exposure to the major risk factors, tobacco and alcohol, the incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC), especially those in the tonsil and base of tongue subsites, are increasing. Patients with the latter are younger, display a longer overall survival, and show a lower recurrence rate after standard-of-care treatment than those with HPV-negative OPSCC. This may reflect an important role for immune surveillance and control during the natural history of the virally driven tumour development. Immune deviation through acquisition of immune-suppressive factors in the tumour microenvironment (TME) is discussed in relation to treatment response. Understanding how the different immune factors are integrated in the TME battleground offers opportunities for identifying prognostic biomarkers as well as novel therapeutic strategies. OPSCC generally receive surgery or radiotherapy for early-stage tumour treatment, but many patients present with locoregionally advanced disease requiring multimodality therapies which can involve considerable complications. This review focuses on the utilization of newly emerged immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1 pathway) for treatment of HNSCC, in particular HPV-positive OPSCC, since they could be less toxic and more efficacious. PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the TME has been extensively investigated as a biomarker of patient response but is yet to provide a really effective means for stratification of treatment. Extensive testing of combinations of therapeutic approaches by types and sequencing will fuel the next evolution of treatment for OPSCC.
Modeling the Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination in Lebanon: A Call to Speed-Up Vaccine Roll Out
Authors: Mumtaz Ghina R. , El-Jardali Fadi , Jabbour Mathilda , Harb Aya , Abu-Raddad Laith J. , Makhoul Monia
Published: June 2021

Four months into the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, only 10.7% of the Lebanese population have received at least one dose, raising serious concerns over the speed of vaccine roll-out and its impact in the event of a future surge. Using mathematical modeling, we assessed the short-term impact of various vaccine roll-out scenarios on SARS-CoV-2 epidemic course in Lebanon. At current population immunity levels, estimated by the model at 40% on 15 April 2021, a large epidemic wave is predicted if all social distancing restrictions are gradually eased and variants of concern are introduced. Reaching 80% vaccine coverage by the end of 2021 will flatten the epidemic curve and will result in a 37% and 34% decrease in the peak daily numbers of severe/critical disease cases and deaths, respectively; while reaching intermediate coverage of 40% will result in only a 10–11% decrease in each. Reaching 80% vaccine coverage by August would prevent twice as many severe/critical disease cases and deaths than if it were reached by December. Easing restrictions over a longer duration resulted in more favorable vaccination impact. In conclusion, for vaccination to have impact in the short-term, scale-up has to be rapid and reach high coverage (at least 70%), while sustaining social distancing measures during roll-out. At current vaccination pace, this is unlikely to be achieved. Concerted efforts need to be made to overcome local challenges and substantially scale up vaccination to avoid a surge that the country, with its multiple crises and limited health-care capacity, is largely unprepared for.
Conserved Influenza Hemagglutinin, Neuraminidase and Matrix Peptides Adjuvanted with ALFQ Induce Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Sei Clara J. , Rao Mangala , Schuman Richard F. , Daum Luke T. , Matyas Gary R. , Rikhi Nimisha , Muema Kevin , Anderson Alexander , Jobe Ousman , Kroscher Kellie A. , Alving Carl R. , Fischer Gerald W.
Published: June 2021

A universal influenza candidate vaccine that targets multiple conserved influenza virus epitopes from hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA) and matrix (M2e) proteins was combined with the potent Army liposomal adjuvant (ALFQ) to promote induction of broad immunity to seasonal and pandemic influenza strains. The unconjugated and CRM-conjugated composite peptides formulated with ALFQ were highly immunogenic and induced both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. Broadly reactive serum antibodies were induced across various IgG isotypes. Mice immunized with the unconjugated composite peptide developed antibody responses earlier than mice immunized with conjugated peptides, and the IgG antibodies were broadly reactive and neutralizing across Groups 1 and 2 influenza viruses. Multi-epitope unconjugated influenza composite peptides formulated with ALFQ provide a novel strategy for the development of a universal influenza vaccine. These synthetic peptide vaccines avoid the pitfalls of egg-produced influenza vaccines and production can be scaled up rapidly and economically.
Development of SARS-CoV-2 Specific IgG and Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies after Infection with Variants of Concern or Vaccination
Authors: Neumann Franziska , Rose Ruben , Römpke Janine , Grobe Olaf , Lorentz Thomas , Fickenscher Helmut , Krumbholz Andi
Published: June 2021

The humoral immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination was examined. Convalescent sera after infection with variants of concern (VOCs: B.1.1.7, n = 10; B.1.351, n = 1) and sera from 100 vaccinees (Pfizer/BioNTech, BNT162b2, n = 33; Moderna, mRNA-1273, n = 11; AstraZeneca, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AZD1222, n = 56) were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) directed against the viral spike (S)-protein, its receptor-binding domain (RBD), the nucleoprotein (N) and for virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNA). For the latter, surrogate assays (sVNT) and a Vero-cell based neutralization test (cVNT) were used. Maturity of IgG was determined by measuring the avidity in an immunoblot (IB). Past VOC infection resulted in a broad reactivity of anti-S IgG (100%), anti-RBD IgG (100%), and anti-N IgG (91%), while latter were absent in 99% of vaccinees. Starting approximately two weeks after the first vaccine dose, anti-S IgG (75–100%) and particularly anti-RBD IgG (98–100%) were detectable. After the second dose, their titers increased and were higher than in the convalescents. The sVNT showed evidence of VNA in 91% of convalescents and in 80–100%/100% after first/second vaccine dose, respectively. After the second dose, an increase in VNA titer and IgGs of high avidity were demonstrated by cVNT and IB, respectively. Re-vaccination contributes to a more robust immune response.
Psychological Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Healthcare Workers in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the 5C and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scales
Authors: Al-Sanafi Mariam , Sallam Malik
Published: June 2021

Acceptance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination appears as a decisive factor necessary to control the ongoing pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the highest risk groups for infection. The current study aimed to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among HCWs in Kuwait, with identification of the psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The study was conducted using an online anonymous survey distributed between 18 March 2021 and 29 March 2021. The sampling strategy was convenience-based depending on chain-referral sampling. Psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were assessed using the 5C subscales and the Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale (VCBS). The total number of study participants was 1019, with the largest group being physicians (28.7%), pharmacists (20.2%), dentists (16.7%), and nurses (12.5%). The overall rate for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 83.3%, with 9.0% who were not willing to accept vaccination and 7.7% who were unsure. The highest rate for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was seen among dentists (91.2%) and physicians (90.4%), while the lowest rate was seen among nurses (70.1%; p < 0.001). A higher level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was found among females, participants with a lower educational level, and HCWs in the private sector. A preference for mRNA vaccine technology and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was found among the majority of participants (62.6% and 69.7%, respectively). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was significantly linked to the embrace of vaccine conspiracy beliefs. The highest 5C psychological predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were high levels of collective responsibility and confidence, and lower levels of constraints and calculation. The VCBS and 5C subscales (except the calculation subscale) showed acceptable levels of predicting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance based on receiver operating characteristic analyses. The participants who depended on social media platforms, TV programs, and news releases as their main sources of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines showed higher rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. An overall satisfactory level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was seen among HCWs in Kuwait, which was among the highest rates reported globally. However; higher levels of vaccine hesitancy were observed among certain groups (females, nurses and laboratory workers, HCWs in the private sector), which should be targeted with more focused awareness programs. HCWs in Kuwait can play a central role in educating their patients and the general public about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2, considering the high rates of vaccine hesitancy observed among the general public in Kuwait and the Middle East.
Sediment Influx and Its Drivers in Farmers’ Managed Irrigation Schemes in Ethiopia
Authors: Gurmu Zerihun Anbesa , Ritzema Henk , Fraiture Charlotte de , Riksen Michel , Ayana Mekonen
Published: June 2021

Excessive soil erosion hampers the functioning of many irrigation schemes throughout sub-Saharan Africa, increasing management difficulties and operation and maintenance costs. River water is often considered the main source of sedimentation, while overland sediment inflow is overlooked. From 2016 to 2018, participatory research was conducted to assess sediment influx in two irrigation schemes in Ethiopia. Sediment influx was simulated using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and compared to the amount of sediment removed during desilting campaigns. The sediment deposition rate was 308 m3/km and 1087 m3/km, respectively, for the Arata-Chufa and Ketar schemes. Spatial soil losses amounts to up to 18 t/ha/yr for the Arata-Chufa scheme and 41 t/ha/yr for the Ketar scheme. Overland sediment inflow contribution was significantly high in the Ketar scheme accounting for 77% of the deposited sediment, while only 4% of the sedimentation at the Arata-Chufa scheme came from overland flow. Feeder canal length and the absence of canal banks increased the sedimentation rate, however, this was overlooked by the stakeholders. We conclude that overland sediment inflow is an often neglected component of canal sedimentation, and this is a major cause of excessive sedimentation and management problems in numerous irrigation schemes in sub-Saharan Africa.
Numerical Model of Leachate Recirculation in Bioreactor Landfills with High Kitchen Waste Content
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Hailong , Jiang Xingyao , Lv Hao , Cui Chunyi , Huyan Zhen
Published: June 2021

Surface spraying, horizontal trenches, and vertical wells are the most common leachate recirculation system used at landfills in engineering practice. In order to quantify the efficiency of the three aforementioned recirculation systems, a hydro–biochem–mechanical-coupled model was developed in the present work, which can describe hydrodynamic and biochemical behaviors in food-waste-rich landfills. A typical landfill cell was modeled in COMSOL. The results indicate that leachate recirculation can accelerate the decomposition of municipal solid waste (MSW) with food-rich waste content, relieving acidification, improving gas generation efficiency, and consequently, increasing the early settlement in landfills.
Future Battery Material Demand Analysis Based on U.S. Department of Energy R&D Targets
Authors: Islam Ehsan Sabri , Ahmed Shabbir , Rousseau Aymeric
Published: June 2021

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) supports research, development, and deployment of efficient, sustainable transportation technologies that will improve energy efficiency and fuel economy, and enable America to use less petroleum. To accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies, VTO has developed specific targets for a wide range of powertrain components, including the energy storage system. In this study, we use Autonomie, Argonne National Laboratory’s (Argonne’s) vehicle system simulation tool to evaluate future energy storage requirements (power, energy, etc.) for different vehicle classes, powertrains, component technologies and timeframes. BatPac, Argonne’s tool dedicated to energy storage pack design and costs, is then used to quantify the materials required for each pack. Market penetrations are then used to estimate the overall material demand worldwide and in the United States, with or without recycling. The results demonstrate that the positive impact of VTO research and development will lead to significant reduction in material compared to business-as-usual due to new anode and cathode designs, along with acceleration in battery cell chemistry penetrations. In terms of material demands, it is observed that lithium demand reaches about 80,000 tons (by a factor of 42–45), nickel demand reaches about 500,000 tons (by a factor of 47–56), manganese demand reaches about 30,000–50,000 tons (by a factor of 20–34), and cobalt demand reaches about 30,000 tons (by a factor of 13–28) in the future by 2050. The individual material demand per unit energy, however, decreases significantly in the future due to advances in VTO research and development activities. The increase in battery material demands is mostly driven by increased electrified vehicle fleet penetration in the markets.
Analysis of modern approaches to the treatment of tonsilitis
Authors: Kornova N.V.
Published: June 2021

The article presents the results of the literature data analysis and the author’s observations on the problem of tonsillitis treatment. Data on invasive and non-invasive
treatment of this disease is presented. The possibility of using ultrasonic cavitation as a
method of treatment of tonsillitis is considered.
Improving the effectiveness of the treatment of chronic adenoiditis using low intensity laser radiation with a wavelength of 632 nm
Authors: Kornova N. V.
Published: June 2021

The article presents the results of the analysis of literature data and the author’s own observations on the problem of tonsillitis therapy. The data on the use of invasive and noninvasive methods of treatment of chronic adenoiditis are presented. The possibility of using low intensity laser radiation with a wavelength of 632 nm as a method of complex therapy of chronic adenoiditis is examined in detail.