bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rift Valley fever – a growing threat to humans and animals
Authors: Kwaśnik Małgorzata , Rożek Wojciech , Rola Jerzy 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic, vector-borne infectious disease of ruminants and camels transmitted mainly by the Aedes and Culex mosquito species. Contact with the blood or organs of infected animals may infect humans. Its etiological factor is the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) of the Phlebovirus genus and Bunyaviridae family. Sheep and goats are most susceptible to infection and newborns and young individuals endure the most severe disease course. High abortion rates and infant mortality are typical for RVF; its clinical signs are high fever, lymphadenitis, nasal and ocular secretions and vomiting. Conventional diagnosis is done by the detection of specific IgM or IgG antibodies and RVFV nucleic acids and by virus isolation. Inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines obtained from virulent RVFV isolates are available for livestock. RVF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but in the last two decades, it was also reported in other African regions. Seropositive animals were detected in Turkey, Tunisia and Libya. The wide distribution of competent vectors in non-endemic areas coupled with global climate change threaten to spread RVF transboundarily. The EFSA considers the movement of infected animals and vectors to be other plausible pathways of RVF introduction into Europe. A very low risk both of introduction of the virus through an infected animal or vector and of establishment of the virus, and a moderate risk of its transmission through these means was estimated for Poland. The risk of these specific modes of disease introduction into Europe is rated as very low, but surveillance and response capabilities and cooperation with the proximal endemic regions are recommended.
Expression, purification, and bioactivity of a soluble recombinant ovine interferon-tau in Escherichia coli
Authors: Yu Hai-Yang , Gao Dong-Mei , Zhou Wei , Xia Bing-Bing , He Zhi-Yuan , Wu Bo , Jiang Min-Zhi , Wang Ming-Li , Zhao Jun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Ovine interferon-tau (oIFN-τ) is a newly discovered type I interferon. This study used biochemical techniques to transform the oIFN-τ gene into Escherichia coli to obtain the mass and soluble expression of the recombinant protein.

Material and Methods
First, total RNA was extracted from fresh sheep embryonic tissues with TRIzol reagent and then used as a template to reverse transcribe and amplify the mature oIFN-τ gene with RT-PCR. The amplified product was next digested with the HindIII and XhoI restriction enzymes and inserted into the pET-32a(+) vector to construct the prokaryotic expression plasmid. The corrected in-frame recombinant plasmid, pET-32a(+)-oIFN-τ, was transformed into E. coli Rosetta (DE3) competent cells. After induction with isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), the recombinant protein was detected in bacteria. Finally, the bacteria were lysed by sonication, and the recombinant protein was purified by nickel affinity chromatography and DEAE anion exchange chromatography.

Results
The protein was confirmed to be oIFN-τ, which mainly existed in the soluble lysate fraction, as proven by SDS-PAGE and Western blot assays.

Conclusion
Purified IFN-τ exists mostly in a soluble form, and its anti-vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) activity reached 7.08×10(6)IU/mL.
Corrosion characteristics of sintered heterogeneous materials composed of iron and iron oxides
Authors: Kupková M. , Kupka M. , Oriňaková R. , Gorejová R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In a coronary angioplasty or orthopaedic surgery, metallic implants are often used to provide mechanical support to the healing tissues. In some situations, this support is really needed only temporarily. After tissue recovery, the implant no longer provides any benefits and can trigger adverse reactions. An optimal solution might be the short-term implants which are able to decompose in situ and can be readily excreted from the body. Iron-based materials are promising candidates for application in biodegradable devices. For the successful application, the ability to control the material’s corrosion rate is important. In this contribution, the corrosion of iron-iron oxide composites is investigated. In order to obtain such materials, iron-oxide granules were incompletely reduced, compacted and sintered. Materials consisting of a pure iron and iron oxides were obtained. Specimens from as-sintered materials and materials reduced once again after sintering were prepared. Potentiodynamic polarization testing in Hanks’ solution indicated that specimens underwent a galvanic corrosion, where the release of ferrous ions from iron surfaces represents the anodic reaction and the oxygen reduction on surfaces of both iron and iron oxides represents the cathodic reaction. Changes in the content of oxides resulted in anticipated shifts in corrosion potential and apparent corrosion current density.
Influence of surface treatment on corrosion resistance of steel in liquid Pb
Authors: Pazderová M. , Rozumová L. , Košek L. , Hojná A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This work deals with behaviour of steel in liquid lead environment and possibilities of corrosion resistance improvement. Liquid metal cooled systems are under wide investigation and development and represent a good alternative. It is necessary to find materials, which would be affected by liquid lead minimally. Austenitic steel 316L without coating and coated with TiSiC was studied in flowing liquid lead. Conditions of the experiment simulated real environment of the system. Deposition of protective barrier reduced the metals dissolution and diffusion of liquid lead into the steel substrate, degradation of substrate due to high temperature and mechanical stress. Presence of Si in the layer increased the surface ability to form stabile oxide and contribute to steel´s protection.
Explain the law: When the evidence is not enough
Authors: Benešová Martina , Faltýnek Dan , Zámečník Lukáš Hadwiger 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The article responds to the current variability of research into linguistic laws and the explanation of these laws. We show basic features to approach linguistic laws in the field of quantitative linguistics and research on linguistic laws outside the field of language and text. Language laws are usually explained in terms of the language system—especially as economizing—or of the information structure of the text (Piantadosi 2014). One of the hallmarks of the transmission of linguistic laws outside the realm of language and text is that they provide other kinds of explanations (Torre et al. 2019). We want to show that the problem of linguistics in the explanation of linguistic laws lies primarily in its inability to clarify the internal structure of language material, and the influence of the theory or method used for sample processing on the result of law analysis—which was formulated by Peter Grzybek (2006). We would like to show that this is the reason why linguistics avoids explanations of linguistic laws.
The Worldwide Search for the New Mutations in the RNA-Directed RNA Polymerase Domain of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dabravolski Siarhei A. , Kavalionak Yury K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an RNA virus, responsible for the current pandemic outbreak. In total, 200 genomes of the SARS-CoV-2 strains from four host organisms have been analyzed. To investigate the presence of the new mutations in the RNA-directed RNA Polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2, we analyzed sequences isolated from different hosts, with particular emphasis on human isolates. We performed a search for the new mutations of the RdRp proteins and study how those newly identified mutations could influence RdRp protein stability. Our results revealed 25 mutations in Rhinolophus sinicus, 1 in Mustela lutreola, 6 in Homo sapiens, and none in Mus musculus RdRp proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 isolates. We found that P323L is the most common stabilising radical mutation in human isolates. Also, we described several unique mutations, specific for studied hosts. Therefore, our data suggest that new and emerging variants of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp have to be considered for the development of effective therapeutic agents and treatments.
Pregnancy-Specific Protein B in Yankasa Ewes During Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods
Authors: Adeyeye Adewale Ayodeji , Abubakar Yusha'u Usman , Leigh Olufisayo Oluwadamilare , Ate Iyorhembe Utim , Stephen Jashilagari , Raheem Kabir Ayo , Ubah Simon Azubuike 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) is produced by mono and binucleate trophoblast cells in the placenta of ruminants during pregnancy. This study was designed to determine the pattern of serum PSPB in Yankasa ewes during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Mature cycling Yankasa ewes were synchronized and divided into two groups A (n=11) and B (n=13). Group A was bred, while group B was unbred. Blood samples for PSPB assessment were collected from the ewes starting from the day of breeding until 4 weeks post-lambing. All pregnant Yankasa ewes lambed with singleton lambs after an average of 151.18 days. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in PSPB in pregnant compared with the non-pregnant ewes in the period between 3 weeks post-breeding and 3 weeks post-lambing. Peaks were detected in the first (100.60 ng/ml), second (133.90 ng/ml), and third (114.82 ng/ml) trimesters at 5, 10 and 21 weeks of gestation, respectively, but steadily decreased within 4 weeks (2.38 ng/ml) postpartum. In conclusion, PSPB detected pregnancy in Yankasa ewes from 3 weeks post-breeding with peak levels at 5, 10 and 21 weeks post-breeding in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. PSPB decreased gradually after lambing until 4 weeks postpartum.
Study of the Effect of Echinophora platyloba Ethanolic Extract on Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Lighvan Cheese During Ripening Time
Authors: Ghaderi Siavash , Mahdavi Saman , Yousefi Alireza 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most frequent foodborne bacteria that can be transmitted through dairy products. The demand for replacing chemical preservatives with natural compounds has increased recently. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Echinophora platyloba DC ethanolic extract on the survival of L. monocytogenes in Lighvan cheese during ripening time. Three concentrations of E. platyloba ethanolic extract (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5%) were added to raw milk at the beginning of Lighvan cheese manufacture, and the population of L. monocytogenes was counted on days 15, 30, 60 and 90. Furthermore, the pH and salt concentration of Lighvan cheese were evaluated in these periods. The results showed that an increase in the concentration of ethanolic extract, as well as the ripening time of Lighvan cheese, resulted in a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the levels of L. monocytogenes (cfu/g). Moreover, the logarithm of the L. monocytogenes population (log cfu/g) was significantly decreased (p<0.05) as the concentration of the added ethanolic extract was enhanced over the ripening time, but no significant changes in pH and salt concentration were observed in Lighvan cheese (p>0.05). It was found that the optimal concentration of E. platyloba ethanolic extract for the complete inhibition of L. monocytogenes was 1-1.5% following 90 days of the ripening.
Prevalence of the Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus Aureus Strains Isolated from Raw Milk and Cheese Produced in North Macedonia
Authors: Manovska Marija Ratkova , Prodanov Mirko , Angelovski Ljupcho , Jankuloski Dean , Sekulovski Pavle 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is an important foodborne pathogen due to toxin-related virulence, invasiveness and antibiotic resistance. The ability of S. aureus strains to produce one or more staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) in food has been associated with the occurrence of staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP), which is the most common foodborne intoxication worldwide. The study aimed to determine the count of S. aureus strains in samples of raw cow’s milk and various cheeses produced in R. North Macedonia and to detect their ability to produce enterotoxins by passive agglutination SET RPLA (OXOID, UK) and by enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) VIDAS SET 2 (Biomerieux, France). A total of 130 S. aureus strains were analyzed. The ability to produce SEs was determined in 17 (13.1%) strains using the SET RPLA detection kit and in 20 (15.4%) strains using the VIDAS SET 2. The study detected enterotoxigenic strains in cheese samples, despite the low count of S. aureus which was below the detection limit according to the Book of rules for microbiological criteria (Off. G. of R.M no 100/2013). Based on these and similar findings, S. aureus must be considered as a possible cause of intoxication, despite the undetected and underreported cases of SFP in the scientific literature.
Democratising Moves: Power, Agency and the Body
Authors: Prickett Stacey 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Recently, the word ’democracy’ has been featured prominently in the press, with calls to restore it, save it from ominous threats and expose challenges to its principles, all predicated on an assumed understanding of the concept. Many of the roots of today’s democracies reach back to the 18th century revolutions in the pre-U.S. American colonies and France, which continue to reinforce Euro-American values and ideologies of nation. The transfer of power remains a defining principle, shifting control from elites to the masses. How do the principles that inspired democratic revolutions relate to the ballot-box versions of democracy today? This article considers contemporary complexities of democracy as a concept, offering examples of how it is embodied through iconography, gestures of defiance and civil disobedience. Democratic values are explored in more formal choreography and in creative processes that establish associations with political agency.
A critical review of filter bubbles and a comparison with selective exposure
Authors: Dahlgren Peter M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The new high-choice media environment has raised concerns that users of social networking sites primarily select political information that supports their political opinions and avoid information that challenges them. This behaviour is reinforced by personalisation algorithms that create filter bubbles and both narrow the available content and exclude challenging information over time. These concerns have, however, been contested. This article challenges the underlying theoretical assumptions about filter bubbles, and compares filter bubbles to what we already know about selective exposure and human psychology. The article lists nine counterarguments to the filter bubble thesis. In short, I argue that the assumptions of filter bubbles contradict many of the previous findings of selective exposure research. More specifically, when discussing filter bubbles there is a risk of confusing two arguments: one strong – but also trivial – that is about technology (e.g., personalisation leads to different information), and one weak and speculative – but also the most interesting – that is about society (e.g., personalisation increases political polarisation in society).
Organisational Culture and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour: The Dark Side of Organisational Politics
Authors: Al-Madadha Amro , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed , Zakzouk Fida Amin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Organisational politics can have a substantial negative effect on employees’ performance, however many organisations still do not pay attention to this organisational behaviour. In our study, we aim to examine the relationship between organisational culture and organisational citizenship behaviour through how employees perceive political behaviour within organisations.

Methods: Convenience sampling technique has been employed, quantitative data were collected from 532 employees in the Jordan banking industry via online surveys. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to test the hypotheses of the study.

Results: Analyses showed that organisational culture within the banking industry has an effect on how employees perceive political behaviour. A negative perception of political behaviour by employees, in turn, has a negative influence on employees’ citizenship behaviour. These findings answer previous calls to investigate the destructive effect of organisational politics on employee outcomes.

Conclusion: Organisations should pay more attention to the destructive effect of organisational politics and try to minimise such behaviour. Organisational citizenship behaviour, in contrast, benefits organisational performance, and the enhancement of this is recommended through the implementation of more effective policies and strategies.
The Social Background of 1 Corinthians 1-4
Authors: Mihăilă Corin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The social structure of the Corinthian ecclesia is a reasonable cause for the dissensions that had occurred between her members. The people from the higher social strata of the church may have sought to advance their honor by desiring to extend their patronage over those teachers in the church that could help them in that regard. This situation was aided by the fact that the members of the Christian community have failed to allow the cross to redefine the new entity to which they now belonged. Rather, they perceived the Christian ecclesia according to different social models that were available at that time in the society at large: household model, collegia model, political ecclesia, and Jewish synagogue. As a result, the apostle Paul, in the first four chapter of 1 Corinthians, shows how the cross has overturned the social values inherent in these models. He argues that the Christian ecclesia is a new entity, with a unique identity, and distinct network of relations, which should separate those inside the Christian community from those outside.
Apollos’ Function in 1 Corinthians 1-4
Authors: Mihăilă Corin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The dissensions in the Corinthian church bring up the question of the mention of Apollos’ name in Paul’s argument against the partisan spirit. Over time, there have been different proposals as to the role that Apollos had in the dissensions as well as his function in the argument of 1 Corinthians 1-4. Some say that Paul and Apollos were rivals and thus Paul formulates his argument against dissensions as a subtle attach on Apollos and his party. Others say that Apollos’ role in the dissensions is a more indirect one, give his modus operandi. Apollos is seen as a preacher characterized by rhetorical skill (cf. Acts 18:24-28), who has made a great impression on the Corinthian congregation especially on those of a certain high social status, who have used Apollos against the less skillful Paul in order to advance their honor. Thus, in this view, Apollos is seen as having an unintentional and indirect role in the dissensions, being played by some in the congregation. Others, however, see Apollos as having no role in the dissensions, the mention of his name by Paul being only as a way of example and with direct application to others. This view is based on a certain interpretation of meteschēmatisa in 1 Corinthians 4:6. An analysis of these views and their supporting arguments leads us to believe that the fault for the dissensions falls not on Apollos, but on the Corinthians. Paul and Apollos share a close collaboration in the mission work; it is the Corinthians who have pitched one against the other.
Decision making models in various fields of nursing
Authors: Kosicka Bogumiła , Ksykiewicz-Dorota Anna , Kulczycka Kinga , Stychno Ewa , Piasecka Katarzyna , Drop Bartłomiej 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroduction.Identification of the process of decision making by nurses is a basis for better preparation of future nurses to an independent, and at the same time, effective decision making. This is related with the provision of high quality nursing services.Aim.The objective of the presented study was identification of the decision making models applied by Polish nurses, and investigation of the relationship between specificity of work in individual wards and the applied model of decision making.Material and methods.The research instrument was the Finnish 56-item questionnaire form examining decision making by nurses. This questionnaire was translated and adjusted to the Polish conditions, and its psychometric properties were confirmed concerning validity and reliability. The study covered nurses employed in conservative treatment wards (n=977), surgical wards (n=361) and intensive care units (n=293); a total number of 1631 Polish nurses employed in the hospitals was examined.Results.Analysis of data showed that nurses from various wards in the study applied four models of decision making: analytical, intuitive, analytical-intuitive, and intuitive-analytical. Selection of the model used was associated with the specificity of work in individual wards.Conclusions.The studies confirmed that during the process of decision making the nurses used both analytical and intuitive approaches, according to the type of ward and the specificity of the work of a nurse.
EL PASSO: Efficient and Lightweight Privacy-preserving Single Sign On
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Król Michał , Sonnino Alberto , Zhang Lixia , Rivière Etienne 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Anonymous credentials are a solid foundation for privacy-preserving Single Sign-On (SSO). They enable unlinkable authentication across domains and allow users to prove their identity without revealing more than necessary. Unfortunately, anonymous credentials schemes remain difficult to use and complex to deploy. They require installation and use of complex software at the user side, suffer from poor performance, and do not support security features that are now common, such as two-factor authentication, secret recovery, or support for multiple devices. In contrast, Open ID Connect (OIDC), the de facto standard for SSO is widely deployed and used despite its lack of concern for users’ privacy. We present EL PASSO, a privacy-preserving SSO system based on anonymous credentials that does not trade security for usability, and can be incrementally deployed at scale alongside Open ID Connect with no significant changes to end-user operations. EL PASSO client-side operations leverage a WebAssembly module that can be downloaded on the fly and cached by users’ browsers, requiring no prior software installation or specific hardware. We develop automated procedures for managing cryptographic material, supporting multi-device support, secret recovery, and privacy-preserving two-factor authentication using only the built-in features of common Web browsers. Our implementation using PS Signatures achieves 39x to 180x lower computational cost than previous anonymous credentials schemes, similar or lower sign-on latency than Open ID Connect and is amenable for use on mobile devices.