Queuing Theory of Improved Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerant Consensus

In recent years, the use of consensus mechanism to maintain the security of blockchain system has become a considerable concern of the community. Delegated proof of stake (DPoS) and practical Byzantine fault tolerant (PBFT) consensus mechanisms are key technologies in maintaining the security of blockchain system. First, this study proposes a consensus mechanism combining DPoS and PBFT, which can rapidly deal with malicious witness nodes and shorten the time of block verification. Second, the M/PH/1 queuing model is used to analyze the performance of the proposed consensus mechanism, and the performance of the improved practical Byzantine fault tolerant consensus mechanism is evaluated from steady-state conditions and key performance measure of the system. Third, the current study uses the theoretical method of open (Jackson) queuing network, combined with the blockchain consensus process, and provides theoretical analysis with special cases. Lastly, this research utilizes numerical examples to verify the computability of the theoretical results. The analytic method is expected to open a series of potentially promising research in queueing theory of blockchain systems.

Clinical grade ACE2 effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infections

The recent emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron has caused considerable concern due to reduced vaccine efficacy and escape from neutralizing antibody therapeutics. Omicron is spreading rapidly around the globe and is suspected to account for most new COVID-19 cases in several countries, though the severity of Omicron-mediated disease is still under debate. It is therefore paramount to identify therapeutic strategies that inhibit the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. Here we report using 3D structural modelling that Spike of Omicron can still associate with human ACE2. Sera collected after the second mRNA-vaccination did not exhibit a protective effect against Omicron while strongly neutralizing infection of VeroE6 cells with the reference Wuhan strain, confirming recent data by other groups on limited vaccine and convalescent sera neutralization efficacy against Omicron. Importantly, clinical grade recombinant human soluble ACE2, a drug candidate currently in clinical development, potently neutralized Omicron infection of VeroE6 cells with markedly enhanced potency when compared to reference SARS-CoV-2 isolates. These data show that SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron can be readily inhibited by soluble ACE2, providing proof of principle of a viable and effective therapeutic approach against Omicron infections.

A REVIEW OF PRACTICAL METHODS FOR REDUCING UNDERWATER NOISE POLLUTION FROM LARGE COMMERCIAL VESSELS

Underwater noise pollution from shipping is of considerable concern for marine life, particularly due to the potential for raised ambient noise levels in the 10-300Hz frequency range to mask biological sounds. There is widespread agreement that reducing shipping noise is both necessary and feasible, and the International Maritime Organization is actively working on the issue. The main source of noise is associated with propeller cavitation, and measures to improve propeller design and wake flow may also reduce noise. It is likely that the noisiest 10% of ships generate the majority of the noise impact, and it may be possible to quieten these vessels through measures that also improve efficiency. However, an extensive data set of full scale noise measurements of ships under operating conditions is required to fully understand how different factors relate to noise output and how noise reduction can be achieved alongside energy saving measures.

A clinico-epidemiological study of non venereal dermatoses involving male and female genitalia

Non venereal genital lesions may be confused with venereal diseases. This may be responsible for considerable concern to patients and may cause diagnostic dilemma to the physicians. This study was conducted to find out the hospital based prevalence and clinical profile of Non venereal dermatoses involving male and female Genitalia with or without associated lesions elsewhere.It was a descriptive study which included a series of 120 patients presenting to Dermatology department from Jan 2015 to July 2016 with non-venereal genital lesions.Among 120 patients, there were 109 males and 11 females (M:F 9.9:1). The prevalence of non-venereal genital lesion was 21.76 per 10,000 patients. The age ranged from 2 months to 65 years with the mean age of 32.94 years and majority in the age group of 21-30 years(25%). The most common disorder was fixed drug eruptions ,37 (30.83%) followed by vitiligo, 29 (24.16%) and psoriasis, 13 (10.83%). This study highlights the importance of diagnosing common non venereal genital dermatoses. It also helps in avoiding the general misconception that all genital lesions are sexually transmitted.

Clinical grade ACE2 as a universal agent to block SARS-CoV-2 variants

The recent emergence of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants has caused considerable concern due to reduced vaccine efficacy and escape from neutralizing antibody therapeutics. It is therefore paramount to develop therapeutic strategies that inhibit all known and future SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here we report that all SARS-CoV-2 variants analyzed, including variants of concern (VOC) Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta, exhibit enhanced binding affinity to clinical grade and phase 2 tested recombinant human soluble ACE2 (APN01). Importantly, soluble ACE2 neutralized infection of VeroE6 cells and human lung epithelial cells by multiple VOC strains with markedly enhanced potency when compared to reference SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Effective inhibition of infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants was validated and confirmed in two independent laboratories. These data show that SARS-CoV-2 variants that have emerged around the world, including current VOC and several variants of interest, can be inhibited by soluble ACE2, providing proof of principle of a pan-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic.

The Hidden Costs of COVID-19 and School Closure on Children

An initial public health measure enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was the closure of schools.[1] This action was motivated by previous observations regarding school closure and prevention of pandemic flu transmission.[2,3] In response to periodic school closure, many schools in Ontario have adopted a hybrid model of schooling with both in-person and remote learning. However, due to the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, considerable concern has been raised regarding in-person learning.[4,5] This is an important discussion to have as additional variants and waves are likely to arise, and school closure poses a substantial burden to the well-being of children —especially those from marginalized populations.

THE ASSIMILATION OF TIONGHOA IN PALOPO CITY (1917 - 1966)

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>Many stereotypes related to Tionghoa people have been around for a long time, such as their being exclusive and unsociable. Worsened off by the native and non-native issues, at the same time create a fission between the Tionghoa and the locals. Nevertheless, the Tionghoa in Palopo managed to blend in with the local community. This paper departs from the considerable concern to write about ethnic assimilation in Palopo City. The assimilation between Tionghoa and the locals in Palopo can hopefully serve a meaningful lesson for the religious moderation. Taking all those into account, this paper aims to find out the assimilation process of Tionghoa in Palopo, South Sulawesi Province. The Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is nothing to bargain. However, it would all mean nothing as the minority and majority groups of ethnics prevail in which migrants and native do not integrate. The data of this paper were collected through literature and field methods. The results showed that the myth of I La Galigo served as much of the base of Tionghoa’s interaction with the locals. There emerged a new frame of thinking on the part of the Tionghoa migrants that their identities basically had the same cultural and historical roots as those of the locals’. The Luwu Embassy welcomed the arrival of Tionghoa migrants by preparing a shelter house, a Tionghoa school and other facilities. These migrants chose to make a living in Palopo City and had marriages with locals. They adapted local languages and customs. In the end, they had descendants whose parts of their Tionghoa identities left were their physical features and faith. Their language and culture have become both integrated with those of the local community.</span></p></div></div></div>

Chinese Investment in the UK: Structure, Dynamics, Prospects

The article analyzes China’s investment in the UK. Sectors of the British economy, in which the largest Chinese investments are concentrated, have been recounted. Large British enterprises, acquired by Chinese companies in 2005–2020, have been identified. The dynamics of the expansion of Chinese capital is examined in the context of the political, economic and technological risks that it generates. The article focuses on the study of the argumentation of experts who question the advisability of the active participation of Chinese capital in the development of the UK economy. There are three factors that will negatively affect investment cooperation between the two states. Firstly, there is considerable concern among British politicians about the rise of China’s influence. Secondly, London’s decision to bar Huawei from building 5G networks has worsened UKChina relations. Thirdly, National Security and Investment Bill, now progressing through UK Parliament, will give the authorities additional powers to block investment projects with foreign capital participation on national security grounds. The author concludes that all these factors will lead to a decline in China’s investment in the United Kingdom.

Pregnancy complicated by neurological and neurosurgical conditions – The evidence regarding mode of delivery

Neurological and neurosurgical conditions complicating pregnancy may precipitate considerable concern regarding the risk of complications, and uncertainty regarding the preferred mode of delivery and anaesthesia. Caesarean section is known to be associated with significantly increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes compared with vaginal delivery in healthy pregnancy. Nevertheless, a common perception exists among the general population and some health professionals that caesarean section is safer for the mother and baby in high-risk pregnancies. This manuscript examines the literature regarding the risks and outcomes related to mode of delivery in pregnancy complicated by disorders of the central nervous system. With the exception of women with raised intracranial pressure, and some women with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, the available evidence suggests that the mode of delivery should be based upon obstetric indications.

Mycotoxin profiles of animal feeds in the central part of Thailand: 2015-2020

Background and Aim: Mycotoxin contamination in animal feeds is of considerable concern because it can affect animal health systems. As a result of contamination in the food chain, humans can indirectly come into contact with mycotoxins. The present study aimed to present mycotoxin contamination patterns in animal feeds from 2015 to 2020 and elucidate associations between the type of feed and the type of ingredient. Materials and Methods: Data were summarized from the records of the Kamphaeng Saen Veterinary Diagnosis Center from 2015 to 2020, which comprised the analyses of aflatoxin (AFL), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 toxin (T-2), fumonisin (FUM), and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination in feed ingredients, complete feeds, and unclassified feeds. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis. Results: ZEA was prevalent in animal feeds. The prevalence of each mycotoxin was constant from 2015 to 2020. Approximately 20-30% of samples were positive for AFL and FUM. The highest contamination was ZEA, which was found in 50% of the samples, and the occurrence of T-2 and DON was <10%. AFL significantly contaminated complete feeds more than feed ingredients. Feed ingredients were related to mycotoxin contaminations. The highest levels of AFL, FUM, and DON contamination occurred in 2017. The data in this year consisted mostly of soybean, corn, and rice bran. Conclusion: The number of positive samples of all five mycotoxins was constant from 2015 to 2020, but the occurrence of ZEA was the highest. Mycotoxins in feedstuffs are significantly related to the type of feed and the type of ingredient.