Search for Neutral Supersymmetric Higgs Bosons in ppˉp\bar{p} Collisions at s=1.8\sqrt{s}=1.8 TeV

We present the results of a search for neutral Higgs bosons produced in association with $b$ quarks in $p\bar{p}\to b\bar{b} \phi\to b\bar{b}b\bar{b}$ final states with $91 \pm 7$ pb$^{-1}$ of $p\bar{p}$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}=1.8$ TeV recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We find no evidence of such a signal and the data is interpreted in the context of the neutral Higgs sector of the Minimal Supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model. With basic parameter choices for the supersymmetric scale and the stop quark mixing, we derive 95% C.L. lower mass limits for neutral Higgs bosons for \tb values in excess of 35.Comment: 2 tex files 3 figure

Preparing construction supply chains for blockchain technology:An investigation of its potential and future directions

Blockchain, a peer-to-peer, controlled, distributed database structure, has the potential to profoundly affect current business transactions in the construction industry through smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, and reliable asset tracking. The construction industry is often criticized for being slow in embracing emerging technologies and not effectively diffusing them through its supply chains. Often, the extensive fragmentation, traditional procurement structures, destructive competition, lack of collaboration and transparency, low-profit margins, and human resources are shown as the main culprits for this. As blockchain technology makes its presence felt strongly in many other industries like finance and banking, this study investigates the preparation of construction supply chains for blockchain technology through an explorative analysis. Empirical data for the study were collected through semistructured interviews with 17 subject experts. Alongside presenting a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis (SWOT), the study exhibits the requirements for and steps toward a construction supply structure facilitated by blockchain technology

Induction and function of virus-specific CD4+ T cell responses

CD4+ T cells -- often referred to as T-helper cells -- play a central role in immune defense and pathogenesis. Virus infections and vaccines stimulate and expand populations of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in mice and in man. These virus-specific CD4+ T cells are extremely important in antiviral protection: deficiencies in CD4+ T cells are associated with virus reactivation, generalized susceptibility to opportunistic infections, and poor vaccine efficacy. As described below, CD4+ T cells influence effector and memory CD8+ T cell responses, humoral immunity, and the antimicrobial activity of macrophages and are involved in recruiting cells to sites of infection. This review summarizes a few key points about the dynamics of the CD4+ T cell response to virus infection, the positive role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the differentiation of virus-specific CD4+ T cells, and new areas of investigation to improve vaccines against virus infection

Wpływ wylewu zanurzeniowego na strefę przejściową w okrągłych wlewkach ciągłych o średnicy 525 mm

This work compares the experimental results of nickel concentration measurements in the intermixed zone of the continuously cast round blooms with a diameter of 525 mm using two types of submerged entry nozzles (SEN) - a straight-through nozzle and one with 5-ports. Based on determination of the system and optical interface in the blooms a detailed study of concentration profiles on the bloom surface in a small radius area, on the right side and then also on a cross-section of the blooms, was carried out. The results were further analysed using approximation models, and were to be used to verify the proposed model for predicting intermixed zones for a continuous casting machine, developed based on the results of physical and numerical modelling.Praca przedstawia porównanie wyników pomiarów doświadczalnych stężenia niklu we wlewkach okrągłych o średnicy 525 mm odlewanych metodą COS z strefa przejściową, przy użyciu dwóch typów wylewów zanurzanych typu SEN - wylewu osiowego oraz promieniowego 5-strumieniowego. Pomiary wykonano na powierzchni wlewków oraz na ich przekroju poprzecznym przy użyciu metod optycznych. Analizę uzyskanych wyników pomiarów przeprowadzono wykorzystując modele aproksymujace. Uzyskane w ten sposób rezultaty wykorzystano do modernizacji opracowanego wcześniej w oparciu o rezultaty badan o charakterze modelowania fizycznego i numerycznego modelu do prognozowania wielkości strefy przejściowej dla badanego urządzenia do ciągłego odlewania stali

Sleep Disturbance and Immunological Consequences of COVID-19

Jonas Bocek,1 Jan Prasko,1– 4,* Samuel Genzor,5,* Frantisek Hodny,1,* Jakub Vanek,1,* Pavol Pobeha,6,* Kamila Belohradova,1,* Marie Ociskova1,4,* 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Palacky Olomouc, University Hospital, Olomouc, The Czech Republic; 2Department of Psychology Sciences, Faculty of Social Science and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, The Slovak Republic; 3Department of Psychotherapy, Institute for Postgraduate Training in Health Care, Prague, The Czech Republic; 4Rehabilitation Hospital Beroun, Jessenia Inc, Akeso Holding, Beroun, The Czech Republic; 5Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Palacky Olomouc and University Hospital, Olomouc, The Czech Republic; 6Department of Respiratory Diseases and Tuberculosis University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Kosice, The Slovak Republic*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jan Prasko, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, University Hospital, I. P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc, 77520, The Czech Republic, Tel +420 603 414 930, Email [email protected]: The overarching importance of sleep was further emphasized during the pandemic of COVID-19. The subjects infected by COVID-19 frequently experience sleep disturbances; some are long-lasting problems and decrease the quality of life. Insomnia is the most studied sleep disorder associated with COVID-19. Insomnia affects patients who have experienced an infection and the general population. Good sleep is important in maintaining mental and physical health, including immune system functions. The interconnections between insomnia, the immune system, and COVID-19 are complex. Insomnia triggers numerous immune system dysregulations and makes individuals more vulnerable to respiratory infections. This narrative review overviews the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the immune system through sleep disorders.Keywords: insomnia, COVID-19, circadian rhythms, immunity, sleep deprivation, mental disorder

Validity and reliability of the cardiac rehabilitation barriers scale in the czech republic (Crbs-cze): Determination of key barriers in east-central europe

Cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) is an effective secondary preventive model of care. However, the use of CR is insufficient, and the reasons for this are not well-characterized in East-Central Europe. This prospective observational study psychometrically validated the recently translated Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale for the Czech language (CRBS-CZE) and identified the main CR barriers. Consecutive cardiac in/out-patients were approached from January 2020 for 18 months, of whom 186 (89.9%) consented. In addition to sociodemographic characteristics, participants completed the 21-item CRBS-CZE (response options 1–5, with higher scores representing greater barriers), and their CR utilization was tracked. Forty-five (24.2%) participants enrolled in CR, of whom 42 completed the CRBS a second time thereafter. Factor analysis revealed four factors, consistent with other CRBS translations. Internal reliability was acceptable for all but one factor (Cronbach’s alpha range = 0.44–0.77). Mean total barrier scores were significantly higher in non-enrollers (p < 0.001), decreased from first and second administration in these enrollers (p < 0.001), and were lower in CR completers (p < 0.001), supporting criterion validity. There were also significant differences in barrier scores by education, geography, tobacco use, among other variables, further supporting validity. The biggest barriers to enrolment were distance, work responsibilities, lack of time, transportation problems, and comorbidities; and the greatest barriers to adherence were distance and travel. Several items were considered irrelevant at first and second administration. Other barriers included wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study demonstrated sufficient validity and reliability of CRBS-CZE, which supports its use in future research. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland