bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the finite-size effect of the long-range Ising model under Glauber dynamics
Authors: Komatsu Hisato
Published: March 2023

We considered a long-range Ising model under Glauber dynamics and calculated the difference from the mean-field approximation in a finite-size system using perturbation theory. To deal with the Bogoliubov–Born–Green–Kirkwood–Yvon hierarchy, we assumed that certain types of extensive properties have a Gaussian distribution, which turned out to be equivalent to the Kirkwood superposition approximation within the range of first-order perturbation. After several calculations, ordinary differential equations that describe the time development of a two-body correlation were derived. This discussion is the generalization of our previous study which developed a similar consideration on the infinite-range Ising model. The results of the calculation fit those of the numerical simulations for the case in which the decay of the interaction was sufficiently slow; however, they exhibited different behaviors when the decay became rapid.
Adhocratic mechanisms of formation of innovative and creative directions for business entities development in conditions of transparency of economics
Authors: Chobitok V , Mnykh O , Brytskyi R , Us Yu
Published: March 2023

The article defines that at the present stage of innovative and creative directions of industrial development there are strict requirements for waste management processes in order to reduce energy and resource consumption, increase their efficiency and ensure environmental safety at the level of world standards in conditions of transparency of economics. Modern scientific and technological progress has brought innovations to humanity, which have provided material resources for the accelerated development of society, as well as raised the question concerning the crisis of the use of limited resources and the emergence of environmental crises. The current status quo requires the production of adhocratic mechanisms for the formation of innovative and creative directions of development of economic entities in the conditions of transparency of economics to overcome this crisis in order to create a model of sustainable development. In this article the world practice of waste management and the current status quo of development of the system of waste formation and management in Ukraine for 2010-2020 have been analyzed. Using calculations of Chuprov, Cramer and Pearson coefficients, it has been determined that the correlation between the amount of waste formed and the amount of waste disposed in 2010-2020 in Ukraine is weak, which confirms the problem of waste management that needs to be addressed at different levels of management in conditions of transparency of economics. According to the results of the research, it has been suggested to develop and implement adhocratic mechanisms for the formation of innovative and creative directions of development of economic entities in conditions of transparency of economics.
The european green deal: shaping the future of the eastern partnership
Authors: Tsebenko Oleh , Ivasechko Olha , Turchyn Yaryna , Lukach Nataliia
Published: March 2023

The article has focused on the European Green Deal [EGD], its goals, key tasks and components. Particular attention has been paid to the specifics of the implementation of the EGD in the partner countries of the Eastern Partnership [EaP]. The author’s approach to singling out clusters of the EaP countries on the integration of their green policies, taking into account the level of convergence of the EaP countries environmental and climate policies and the peculiarities of the implementation of the EGD, has been presented. The potential of the countries of the region in terms of readiness to switch to green energy has been identified on the basis of the Energy Transition Index and the dynamics of the EaP Environmental and Climate Policy Sub-Index. The degree of correlation between the general degree of convergence of the EaP countries to the European Union and the degree of convergence of the EaP countries environmental and climate policies to the EGD has been determined. The ways of transformation of the strategy of formation and implementation of the EGD for the Eastern Partnership countries, taking into account the current challenges, have been outlined. Thorough conclusions and recommendations for the EaP countries in the context of EGD implementation have been presented.
Modeling the sustainable development of the foreign economic activity of agricultural enterprises (case for Ukraine)
Authors: Boryshkevych I , Halas L , Yakubiv V , Hryhoruk I , Turala M
Published: March 2023

The level of any country’s involvement in foreign trade significantly influences its economic situation, primarily because it is a major channel of foreign exchange earnings. The development of agriculture in Ukraine is the basis for increasing the gross domestic product, as it provides jobs to a significant part of the population. The success of foreign economic activity of agricultural enterprises is primarily determined by their level of strategic competitive advantage in the world market. Making management decisions on foreign economic activity, according to the position of competitiveness of agricultural enterprises, is a rather complex process, which should be preceded by analysis and assessment. Building strategic competitive advantages of agricultural enterprises ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of their foreign economic activity. The article deals with a methodical approach to classifying agricultural enterprises in Ukraine according to the degree of foreign economic activity, which includes calculation of the regional index of export competitiveness of agricultural enterprises and their grouping by the degree of foreign economic activity. For grouping, we propose to use a simple method for one grouping feature at regular intervals. As a result, three groups of agricultural enterprises of the regions of Ukraine are singled out in accordance with the degree of development of the foreign economic activity, namely with a low, medium, and a high degree of development.
Corporate management of sustainable development goals as a driver for solving global environmental problems
Authors: Kasych Alla , Rowland Zuzana , Onyshchenko Oksana , Plavan Viktoriia , Bondarenko Svitlana
Published: March 2023

The article devotes the study of the environmental responsibility of automotive enterprises from the point of view of solving global environmental problems. The authors mainly focus on the issues of financial stability, which determines enterprises’ ability to realize sustainable development goals (SDGs). The synthesis of scientific approaches allows for generalizing and developing theoretical foundations for understanding the role of finance and investment in achieving SDGs. The authors proposed a methodology for analyzing the influence of financial stability on the possibilities of realizing SDGs and carried out its approbation on the example of automobile enterprises. In general, the authors identify the main challenges, trends, and problems of financial support for the implementation of sustainable development goals, which allows setting key objectives for the near future. According to the analysis results, an algorithm for sustainable development management was proposed, which differs in complexity and multilevel approach. The role of automotive corporations in shaping the eco-environment in their countries requires further research.
Clusterization of Ukraine regions according to the integrated index of ecological and economic security in the destructive phenomena conditions
Authors: Vavrin M , Zatonatska T , Poltoratska A
Published: March 2023

Destructive phenomena conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, hostilities in Eastern Ukraine and the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in 2014, and the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, have significantly affected Ukraine’s environmental and economic security. The self-development processes of Ukraine’s safety began to slow down, which led to the degradation of the interconnection system between the environment and the economy. The study aims to determine the destructive phenomena’ impact on the environmental and economic security level of Ukraine using an improved method of normalised clustering indices to analyse the distribution of Ukraine’s regions into homogeneous groups at the level of integrated environmental and economic security. This index is calculated based on stimulating and disincentive normative indicators from 2004 to 2020. With the help of clustering of regions, the adverse effects of destructive phenomena on individual parts and their groups were identified. The obtained results make it possible to track the positive and negative processes of state intervention in the mechanism to ensure the level of environmental and economic security.
Participatory budgeting as a public mechanism for diagnosing priorities of territorial communities
Authors: Tomashevska A , Yakubiv V , Maksymiv Yu , Hryhoruk I
Published: March 2023

The winning projects of participatory budgeting in the cities of Ukraine and Poland are analyzed as a public mechanism for diagnosing the priorities of territorial communities. It is found out that given the unmet basic needs of community representatives (road quality, condition of schools, playgrounds, etc.) involved in participatory budgeting in Ukraine, the strategic goals of local communities are ignored. It has an adverse impact on the need to achieve sustainable development goals based on community potential. It is proposed to establish additional quotas or separate project categories related to the categories of “environment” and “renewable energy” as strategic projects.
The livelihood vulnerability and adaptive capacity of shrimp farmers to climate change: a case study in Tra Vinh province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen T D , Diep T T , Nguyen T H , Lam T M L , Phan T X H , Nguyen V C
Published: March 2023

This study calculated the vulnerability and current adaptive capacity of shrimp farmers to climate change in two districts (Duyen Hai –DH and Cau Ngang- CN) of Tra Vinh province, Vietnam. The IPCC framework of vulnerability assessment was employed to analyze three factors (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity). We proposed 45 indices to calculate those dimensions based on the livelihood capitals (human, physical, natural, social and financial capital). Three methods of assessing climate change vulnerability index were applied to compare the livelihood vulnerability index of shrimp farmers in the two districts (Climate Vulnerability Index – CVI, Livelihood Effect Index-LEI, and Livelihood Vulnerability index under Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change –LVI-IPCC). Total of 300 households were interviewed in 10 randomly selected villages distributed equally over two districts. The results indicated that three ways of measuring livelihood vulnerability index are consistent with each other. The analysis revealed that the inland district (CN) was more vulnerable to climate change than the coastal districts (DH) due to natural capital and social capital mainly.
Diversity evaluation of Cordyceps spp. in Bidoup Nui Ba, Lam Dong province, Vietnam
Authors: Tran M H , Nguyen T M , Huynh V B
Published: March 2023

Cordyceps have been known for various functional and valuable human health components such as: cordycepin, adenosine, and hydroxyethyl adenosine which led to high demand for their usage. There were more than 680 species of Cordyceps in the world. However, Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris were the two most studied species, by these results, created pressure to look for other species that have at least similar functions or even better than Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. With that objective, diversity understanding was the initial step implemented. 20 specimens of Cordyceps spp. were collected from Bidoup Nui Ba. Those samples were examined for morphology such as fertile head size, stroma length, host weight, and length with microscopic for the sharp Perithecia, Asci, and Ascospore. Then those specimens were extracted DNA with the CTAB method for the PCR cycle with ITS5/ITS4 primers. PCR products were sequenced to get data for building a phylogenetic tree. Based on the finding of morphology, there were three samples of Cordyceps sphecocephala, which were parasitic on Hymenoptera and 17 samples of Cordyceps nutans which were parasitic on Hemiptera. Molecular phylogeny analyses of ITS supported the morphology results by dividing 20 samples into two clades, similar to what was found by morphology with high bootstrap support.
Observations of the host habitat of Ophiocordyceps nutans in the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong, Vietnam.
Authors: Nguyen T M , Doan P T T , Nguyen V H
Published: March 2023

Endoparasitic Cordyceps species infect pest insects and other arthropods all throughout the world. Ophiocordyceps nutans like specimens were found in the Lat and Dung K’no of the Lac Duong district during entomogenous fungi forays in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. However, observations made over the last two years (2021 - 2022) in various forest locations across different altitudinal ranges revealed that O. nutans only occurs in two high-altitude forests, with elevations between 1409 and 1589 m asl with the temperature fluctuating from 20,3 and 25,7°C. Morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses using D1 - D2 led us to conclude that the neotropical specimens represent Ophiocordyceps nutans (Pat.). In this study, the parasitic host of O.nutans of Hemiptera and host habitas is the bark and leaves of Lasianthus bidoupensis (Rubiaceae). Because Ophiocordyceps nutans parasitize and kill different species of stinkbugs that pose a hazard to silviculture and agriculture, making it a viable biocontrol agent.
Rain Water Harvesting Technology: Drinking water fulfillment and water conservation nearby landfill area
Authors: Hardanto A , Mustofa A , Ardiansyah
Published: March 2023

The drawback of groundwater quality occurs due to minimum treatment of waste management in the landfill. The research objectives are to know the groundwater quality around the landfill study site, rainwater potential for drinking water purposes, and decreasing runoff due to rainwater harvesting technology implementation. The well water samples were collected from eight wells surrounding the landfill. Rainwater samples were collected from rainwater harvesting technology installation. Water quality parameters consist of total coliform, pH, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Water conservation was observed by infiltration and precipitation. Total coliforms of well water are higher than rainwater. Furthermore, based on acidity and TDS values, well water is higher (pH 6.5-8.5 and TDS 188.8 + 128.7 ppm, respectively) than rainwater (pH 6.1 + 0.2 and TDS 8.4 + 1.4 ppm, respectively). Based on three parameters, rainwater is more proper for drinking water than well water in the study site. Rainwater harvesting technology is able to reduce runoff by 58.42% with the rainwater catchment area around 7,095 m2. Waste management in landfills should concern with groundwater pollution. Rainwater harvesting technology is a potential solution for drinking water supply in water crisis areas.
Stirred maceration extraction of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) peel
Authors: Nguyen T T , Phan T H
Published: March 2023

The custard apple, or Annona squamosa L., is one of the most popular fruits in tropical areas like Vietnam. The goal of this study was to use stirred maceration extraction to value-add the custard apple fruit’s peel. On the total polyphenol content (TPC) and radical scavenging activity by DPPH and ABTS assays of the extracts, various values of extraction duration (30 - 60 min), ethanol concentration (40 - 70%), solvent to solid ratio (15 - 30 mL/g), and temperature (40 – 70°C) were studied. The best condition for the variables under investigation was determined using the Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine the coefficients defining the effects of temperature, extraction duration, ethanol concentration, and solvent-to-solid ratio on the dependent responses. The ethanol concentration of 52%, the extraction duration of 51 min, the temperature of 60°C, and the solvent-solid ratio of 26 mL/g were determined to be the ideal values. The optimum TPC under these circumstances was 94.08 mg GAE/g, and the antioxidant activity was 536.64 μmol TE/g for the DPPH assay and 1310.83 μmol TE/g for the ABTS assay.
Effect of pre-treatments on qualities and storage life of banana dried by using solar dryer dome
Authors: Nguyen V P , Tran H X N , Phan T L K
Published: March 2023

The study was carried out to evaluate the impact of different pre-treatment methods on the qualities of solar dried Cavendish banana for extending the shelf life of the value-added food product and minimizing the postharvest losses. Peeled banana fruits were soaked in three different solutions including citric acid; the mixture of citric acid, NaHCO3 and/or honey at 55 ± 5°C; and the mixture of boiling sugar, citric acid, and/or honey. The soaked fruit samples were then solar drying, and characterized in terms of their moisture content, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, reducing sugars, total sugars, color changes, sensory qualities, and microbial properties. The obtained results demonstrated that the pre-treatment using a boiling solution including sugar, citric acid and/or honey to soak banana before solar drying gave a decrease in drying time by 96 hours as against the untreated samples, together with improved the color of the final dried products after storage time of 45 days. Pre-treatment methods also maintained the moisture content of dried banana samples at 25.43% and prevented of the growth of microorganisms in stored products. Further research works to optimize color, texture and sensory attribute values of postharvest banana pre-treated with blanching methods should be done to enhance consumer overall liking as well as solving the economic issues.
Ultrasound probe assisted extraction of Paramignya trimera (Oliver) Guillaum root
Authors: Nguyen T N T , Do A Q , Trinh T T , Le H N , Phan P H , Phung V T , Nguyen T T T , Nguyen M X H
Published: March 2023

Xao tam phan (XTP), a Paramignya genus of the Citrus family, is a renowned medicinal plant in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, and is associated with treating cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, and nose infections. Extraction is a key operation in the preparation of XTP extracts rich in phytochemical compounds. Recently, the application of ultrasound has resulted in a large number of successes in the extraction of medicinal plants for improvement in yield and quality of extracts. Until present, ultrasonic-assisted extraction has not been favored for XTP. In this work, the effect of sonication treatment on collecting the extract of total phenolics and saponin from the XTP root was investigated, then the experimental data were analyzed and optimized by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results indicated that the optimal sonication power, temperature, and time were 200 W, 58°C, and 10 min, respectively. Under those conditions, the total phenolic and saponin contents in the XTP extract were maximized and validated to be 20.70 ± 0.77 mg GAE/g dried matter and 326.30 ± 2.03 mg EE/g dried matter, respectively. For comparison, a higher extraction yield of ultrasound-treated samples, in terms of total phenolics (~ 27%) and total saponin (~ 76%), was found as compared to the untreated ones. In conclusion, the results reveal that the application of ultrasound on xao tam phan root significantly enhanced the phytochemical contents during extraction.
Assessing the vulnerability to drought of the farm households in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam
Authors: Chau T L , Mai D Q , Vo T H , Dang T H
Published: March 2023

Drought is the cause of severe water shortages and losses to the livelihood of farmers in the central provinces of Vietnam. This study aims to assess the drought vulnerability of farm households in Ninh Thuan province using two vulnerability assessment indices, the livelihood vulnerability index, and the IPCC vulnerability index. Data for the analysis were gathered from a survey of 231 randomly selected households across three drought-prone regions of the province. The data collected included information on the household’s sociodemographic profile, livelihood strategies, social networks, financial capital, water security, health status, and drought conditions. The research reveals that the poor farmers from ethnic minority groups with limited access to water sources, financial capital, and social networks are the most vulnerable farm households, requiring more support from the local community, and government to adopt an integrated drought risk management approach.
Investing in internet of things technology: case studies of smart alternate wetting and drying irrigation
Authors: Pham V B
Published: March 2023

In recent years, reduced rainfall and water stress have threatened the livelihoods of millions of rice producers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta (VMD). To enhance the rice farmers’ resilience capacity to climate change, it is essential to introduce and promote water-saving cultivation practices such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in rice production. Unfortunately, it is fact that the application of this technology in the region is very limited. We, therefore, hypothesized in this study that the ease of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and accurate water measurements could facilitate the uptake of AWD. To confirm this hypothesis, we investigated both the technical and financial feasibility of deploying IoT technology in open-field conditions. This paper focuses on the assessments of costs and benefits of investing in IoT AWD compared to the least cost manual one. We find that the investment is financially viable for smallholder farmers with plot sizes of over 2 hectares and conditions conducive to applying AWD (the case of individual farmers in Can Tho). The assessments also show that the larger economies of scale would make the IoT investment highly profitable (the case of an agricultural company in An Giang). The analysis, however, reveals that the efficiency gains of investing in IoT technology cannot compensate for poor AWD conditions, and thus smallholder farmers in the Tra Vinh case should instead apply the low-cost alternative of manual AWD.
What effect has Covid-19 had on changing household food consumption? A case study of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Hoang H A , Tran M D H , Dang Q V , Nguyen N T
Published: March 2023

Four waves of the Covid-19 epidemic have drastically affected consumer behaviors in Vietnam, particularly during the period of social distancing in the second half of 2021. This study was done to investigate changes in household food acquisition and consumption patterns in Ho Chi Minh City. During the most severe wave of Covid-19 in Vietnam, an online poll was used to collect data from 130 customers in Ho Chi Minh City. Before Covid-19 (before January 2021), food was primarily purchased from traditional markets and other direct methods. After Covid-19 occurred (since January 2021), changes in food acquisition methods were found as 52% of respondents went to the grocery stores, traditional markets, and supermarkets less often. Moreover, consumers have changed their online shopping behaviors as 48% bought more food online compared to pre-Covid-19 periods. Since Covid-19, surveyed households consumed less food, specifically fresh produce (44.6%), fast food (60.8%), canned food (37.7%), prepped meals (60.8%), grains (43.1%), and snacks (43.8%). In opposition, more frozen foods (46%) and more meat (47%) were consumed since the pandemic. From the estimated ordinal probit regression, the study found that the determinants that most explain changes in food consumption are age, household size, education, income, affected income, workplace status, and the afraid of food shortage.
Protection against Newcastle disease in chicken after vaccination in Dong Nai province
Authors: Nguyen T T , Nguyen T M N , Nguyen T B L , Phan C T
Published: March 2023

The aims of the study were to evaluate the efficiency of protection after vaccination and to find out the circulation of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chicken. The overall purpose was to establish the Newcastle disease’s safety areas for chicken production in Dong Nai province. At two sampling times in 2020, we collected total 1,260 blood samples at 21 days after vaccination, which were from 125 chicken smallholdings at the first sampling, and from 42 smallholdings for the second one. The swab samples included 420 pooled samples in 7 districts of the province. The serum samples were examined NDV antibody after vaccination by using HA and HI, and the swab samples were used to determine circulation of NDV based on PCR test. The results showed the average of protective rate was 54.7%, and was seen differently between two sampling times (60.2% and 49.2%, respectively) (P < 0.05). The protective rate was highest 90.0% in Cam My district, and lowest in Dinh Quan (37.8%) at the first sampling time. However, at the second time, the protective rate was highest in Long Khanh City (81.1%), while Long Thanh district was lowest (18.9%). The protective rates were obviously different among 7 districts of the province, husbandry areas (district groups named 1, 2, 3, 4), and farm sizes (<200, 200-1,000, >1,000 chicken) at the first sampling time (P < 0.01); however, at the second time the rates displayed the same among levels of factors (P > 0.05). The PCR results indicated no presence of NDV in all swab samples. That was one of the good bases to set up the Newcastle disease’s safety areas for chicken production in Dong Nai province.
Before the Council: roots of reform
Authors: Blanchard Shaun , Bullivant Stephen
Published: March 2023

This chapter explores the roots of Vatican II, extending back to the late 18th century, when agitation for reform erupted in Italy, France, and the Habsburg lands on the eve of the French Revolution. It then introduces the well-recognized 19th-century forerunners of the Council (the Tübingen school, Cardinal Newman, Modernist controversies) before discussing the Council’s more immediate influences and precursors: e.g. the nouvelle théologie; the Liturgical, Biblical, and Ecumenical Movements; growing pastoral worries within European Catholicism; the shadows of the Second World War, the Shoah, and the Cold War. Three key terms for understanding Vatican II reform are also explained: aggiornamento (‘updating’), ressourcement (going back ‘to the sources’), and the development of doctrine.
Vestibular dysfunction in NF2–related schwannomatosis
Authors: Madhani Amsal S , King Susan , Zhu Jennifer , Karmali Faisal , Welling D Bradley , Cai Wenli , Jordan Justin T , Lewis Richard F
Published: March 2023

NF2–related schwannomatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by neurologic tumours, most typically vestibular schwannomas that originate on the vestibulo-cochlear nerve(s). Although vestibular symptoms can be disabling, vestibular function has never been carefully analysed in NF2–related schwannomatosis. Furthermore, chemotherapy (e.g. bevacizumab) can reduce tumour volume and improve hearing in NF2–related schwannomatosis, but nothing is known about its vestibular effects. In this report, we studied the three primary vestibular-mediated behaviours (eye movements, motion perception and balance), clinical vestibular disability (dizziness and ataxia), and imaging and hearing in eight untreated patients with NF2–related schwannomatosis and compared their results with normal subjects and patients with sporadic, unilateral vestibular schwannoma tumours. We also examined how bevacizumab affected two patients with NF2–related schwannomatosis. Vestibular schwannomas in NF2–related schwannomatosis degraded vestibular precision (inverse of variability, reflecting a reduced central signal-to-noise ratio) but not vestibular accuracy (amplitude relative to ideal amplitude, reflecting the central signal magnitude) and caused clinical disability. Bevacizumab improved vestibular precision and clinical disability in both patients with NF2–related schwannomatosis but did not affect vestibular accuracy. These results demonstrate that vestibular schwannoma tumours in our NF2–related schwannomatosis population degrade the central vestibular signal-to-noise ratio, while bevacizumab improves the signal-to-noise ratio, changes that can be explained mechanistically by the addition (schwannoma) and suppression (bevacizumab) of afferent neural noise.
The molecular basis and downstream immune consequences of mycobacteria–host cell interactions
Authors: Daher Wassim , Pichler Virginia , Karam Jona , Neyrolles Olivier , Kremer Laurent
Published: March 2023

Pathogenic mycobacteria gain entry to their hosts by inhalation or ingestion where they adhere to different cell types and are subsequently internalized by professional phagocytic cells, such as macrophages or dendritic cells. Multiple pathogen-associated molecular patterns present on the mycobacterial surface are recognized by and interact with a diverse panel of phagocytic pattern recognition receptors, representing the first step of the infection process. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the numerous host cell receptors and their associated mycobacterial ligands or adhesins. It further discusses the downstream molecular and cellular events resulting from the engagement of the various receptor-mediated pathways, leading to either intracellular survival of mycobacteria or to activation of host immune defenses. The content presented herein on adhesins and host receptors may serve as a resource for those developing novel therapeutic approaches, e.g. in the design of antiadhesin molecules to prevent bacterial attachment and infection. The collection of mycobacterial surface molecules highlighted in this review may also provide potential new therapeutic targets, diagnostic markers, or vaccine candidates to combat these notoriously challenging and persistent pathogens.
Predicting Older Adults’ Continued Computer Use After Initial Adoption
Authors: Zhang Shenghao , Boot Walter R
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Sustained computer and internet use have the potential to help older adults in various aspects of their lives, making predicting sustained use a critical goal. However, some factors related to adoption and use (e.g., computer attitudes) change over time and with experience. To understand these dynamics, the current study modeled changes in constructs related to computer use after initial computer adoption and examined whether these changes predict continued use.

Research Design and Methods

We used data from the computer arm (N = 150, MAge = 76.15) of a 12-month field trial examining the potential benefits of computer use in older adults. Individual differences identified in the technology acceptance literature (perceived usefulness, ease of use, computer interest, computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, quality of life, social isolation, and social support) were measured before (baseline), during (Month 6), and after the intervention (post-test). Univariate and bivariate latent change score models examined changes in each predictor and their potential causal relationship with use.

Results

Results demonstrated large interindividual differences in the change patterns of individual difference factors examined. Changes in perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer interest, computer self-efficacy, and computer anxiety were correlated with but not predictive of change in use.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings demonstrate the limitation of popular constructs in technology acceptance literature in predicting continued use and point out important gaps in knowledge to be targeted in future investigations.
Evaluation of the heat absorption performance of konjac glucomannan/starch aerogel
Authors: Qian Hong , Yang Jiaren , Peng Bo , Mi Fangfang , Li Wenjing , Yan Sicong , Wang Juan , Jiang Fatang
Published: March 2023

Polysaccharide-based aerogels show great potential in heat absorption, but it lacks comprehensive evaluation system for their endothermic properties. To fully assess their endothermic properties, konjac glucomannan (KGM)/starch aerogel was used and its heat absorption performance (HAP) was investigated. It was found that the heat absorption ability of the samples was attributed to thermal collapse of the samples at high temperature. The composition, structure, size and mass of aerogels would have effect on their HAP. The cellulose acetate (CA) aerogel showed better HAP than KGM/starch aerogel with the same volume. However, the performance of KGM/starch aerogel excelled CA under the same mass. These results were in accordance with the results obtained by thermal conductivity analyzer, which indicated the potential of the system to evaluate the HAP of the aerogels comprehensively.
Different TLR signaling pathways drive pathology in experimental cerebral malaria vs. malaria-driven liver and lung pathology
Authors: Wu Xianzhu , Dayanand Kiran K , Thylur Puttalingaiah Ramesh , Punnath Kishore , Norbury Christopher C , Gowda D Channe
Published: March 2023

Malaria infection causes multiple organ-specific lethal pathologies, including cerebral malaria, and severe liver and lung pathologies by inducing strong inflammatory responses. Gene polymorphism studies suggest that TLR4 and TLR2 contribute to severe malaria, but the roles of these signaling molecules in malaria pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. We hypothesize that danger-associated molecular patterns produced in response to malaria activate TLR2 and TLR4 signaling and contribute to liver and lung pathologies. By using a mouse model of Plasmodium berghei NK65 infection, we show that the combined TLR2 and TLR4 signaling contributes to malaria liver and lung pathologies and mortality. Macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and T cells infiltrate to the livers and lungs of infected wild-type mice more than TLR2,4−/− mice. Additionally, endothelial barrier disruption, tissue necrosis, and hemorrhage were higher in the livers and lungs of infected wild-type mice than in those of TLR2,4−/− mice. Consistent with these results, the levels of chemokine production, chemokine receptor expression, and liver and lung pathologic markers were higher in infected wild-type mice than in TLR2,4−/− mice. In addition, the levels of HMGB1, a potent TLR2- and TLR4-activating danger-associated molecular pattern, were higher in livers and lungs of wild-type mice than TLR2,4−/− mice. Treatment with glycyrrhizin, an immunomodulatory agent known to inhibit HMGB1 activity, markedly reduced mortality in wild-type mice. These results suggest that TLR2 and TLR4 activation by HMGB1 and possibly other endogenously produced danger-associated molecular patterns contribute to malaria liver and lung injury via signaling mechanisms distinct from those involved in cerebral malaria pathogenesis.
Filament collapse: a two phase process
Authors: Hoemann Elena , Heigl Stefan , Burkert Andreas
Published: March 2023

Using numerical simulations, we investigate the gravitational evolution of filamentary molecular cloud structures and their condensation into dense protostellar cores. One possible process is the so-called edge effect, the pile-up of matter at the end of the filament due to self-gravity. This effect is predicted by theory but only rarely observed. To get a better understanding of the underlying processes we used a simple analytic approach to describe the collapse and the corresponding collapse time. We identify a model of two distinct phases. The first phase is free fall dominated, due to the self-gravity of the filament. In the second phase, after the turning point, the collapse is balanced by the ram pressure, produced by the inside material of the filament, which leads to a constant collapse velocity. This approach reproduces the established collapse time of uniform density filaments and agrees well with our hydrodynamic simulations. In addition, we investigate the influence of different radial density profiles on the collapse. We find that the deviations compared to the uniform filament are less than 10  per cent. Therefore, the analytic collapse model of the uniform density filament is an excellent general approach.
Binarity and beyond in A stars II. Disentangling the four stars in the vicinity of the triple HIP 87813 within the quintuple system HJ2814
Authors: Waisberg Idel , Klein Ygal , Katz Boaz
Published: March 2023

A-type stars are the progenitors of about half of the white dwarfs (WDs) that currently exist. The observational mappings of both multiplicities are far from complete and their connection is not known. We are in the process of obtaining tight constraints on a sample of 108 southern and nearby A-stars that are part of the VAST sample by conducting near-infrared (NIR) interferometric observations to the stars among them which have large Gaia-Hipparcos accelerations. In this paper, we combine spectroscopy, adaptive optics imaging, NIR interferometry, and Gaia-Hipparcos astrometry in order to disentangle the stars in the complicated HIP 87813 = HJ2814A system. We show that (i) a previously discovered faint star separated by 2 arcsec is actually a background source; (ii) the Gaia-Hipparcos acceleration is caused by a newly discovered M ∼ 0.77 M⊙ star that was missed in previous AO images and we solve for its a = 27 au (P ∼ 70 yrs) astrometric orbit; (iii) by combining archival spectra with interferometric observations, we show that the A star has a very close M ∼ 0.85 M⊙ companion on a a = 0.16 au (P = 13.4 d) orbit. The mutual inclination in the hierarchical triple is constrained to $\phi _{\mathrm{rel}}=46\pm 15^{^{\circ }}$ but Kozai–Lidov eccentricity oscillations in the inner binary are currently very small and damped by general relativistic precession. The system HJ2814 is one of only about fifteen known 5+ multiples with an A-star primary, and will result in a system of at least two WDs within about a Hubble time.
Morphological asymmetries of quasar host galaxies with Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam
Authors: Tang Shenli , Silverman John D , Yesuf Hassen M , Ding Xuheng , Li Junyao , Bottrell Connor , Goulding Andy , Omori Kiyoaki Christopher , Toba Yoshiki , Kawaguchi Toshihiro
Published: March 2023

How does the host galaxy morphology influence a central quasar or vice versa? We address this question by measuring the asymmetries of 2424 SDSS quasar hosts at 0.2 < z < 0.8 using broad-band (grizy) images from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program. Control galaxies (without quasars) are selected by matching the redshifts and stellar masses of the quasar hosts. A two-step pipeline is run to decompose the PSF and Sérsic components and then measure asymmetry indices (ACAS, Aouter, and Ashape) of each quasar host and control galaxy. We find a mild correlation between host asymmetry and AGN bolometric luminosity (Lbol) for the full sample (spearman correlation of 0.37) while a stronger trend is evident at the highest luminosities (Lbol > 45). This then manifests itself into quasar hosts being more asymmetric, on average, when they harbour a more massive and highly accreting black hole. The merger fraction also positively correlates with Lbol and reaches up to 35 per cent for the most luminous. Compared to control galaxies, quasar hosts are marginally more asymmetric (excess of 0.017 in median at 9.4σ level) and the merger fractions are similar ($\sim 16.5~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$). We quantify the dependence of asymmetry on optical band that demonstrates that mergers are more likely to be identified with the bluer bands and the correlation between Lbol and asymmetry is also stronger in such bands. We stress that the band dependence, indicative of a changing stellar population, is an important factor in considering the influence of mergers on AGN activity.
Stellar associations powering H ii regions – I. Defining an evolutionary sequence
Authors: Scheuermann Fabian , Kreckel Kathryn , Barnes Ashley T , Belfiore Francesco , Groves Brent , Hannon Stephen , Lee Janice C , Minsley Rebecca , Rosolowsky Erik , Bigiel Frank , Blanc Guillermo A , Boquien Médéric , Dale Daniel A , Deger Sinan , Egorov Oleg V , Emsellem Eric , Glover Simon C O , Grasha Kathryn , Hassani Hamid , Jeffreson Sarah M R , Klessen Ralf S , Kruijssen J M Diederik , Larson Kirsten L , Leroy Adam K , Lopez Laura A , Pan Hsi-An , Sánchez-Blázquez Patricia , Santoro Francesco , Schinnerer Eva , Thilker David A , Whitmore Bradley C , Watkins Elizabeth J , Williams Thomas G
Published: March 2023

Connecting the gas in H ii regions to the underlying source of the ionizing radiation can help us constrain the physical processes of stellar feedback and how H ii regions evolve over time. With PHANGS–MUSE, we detect nearly 24 000 H ii regions across 19 galaxies and measure the physical properties of the ionized gas (e.g. metallicity, ionization parameter, and density). We use catalogues of multiscale stellar associations from PHANGS–HST to obtain constraints on the age of the ionizing sources. We construct a matched catalogue of 4177 H ii regions that are clearly linked to a single ionizing association. A weak anticorrelation is observed between the association ages and the $\mathrm{H}\, \alpha$ equivalent width $\mathrm{EW}(\mathrm{H}\, \alpha)$, the $\mathrm{H}\, \alpha/\mathrm{FUV}$ flux ratio, and the ionization parameter, log q. As all three are expected to decrease as the stellar population ages, this could indicate that we observe an evolutionary sequence. This interpretation is further supported by correlations between all three properties. Interpreting these as evolutionary tracers, we find younger nebulae to be more attenuated by dust and closer to giant molecular clouds, in line with recent models of feedback-regulated star formation. We also observe strong correlations with the local metallicity variations and all three proposed age tracers, suggestive of star formation preferentially occurring in locations of locally enhanced metallicity. Overall, $\mathrm{EW}(\mathrm{H}\, \alpha)$ and log q show the most consistent trends and appear to be most reliable tracers for the age of an H ii region.
New biochemistry in the Rhodanese-phosphatase superfamily: emerging roles in diverse metabolic processes, nucleic acid modifications, and biological conflicts
Authors: Burroughs A Maxwell , Aravind L
Published: March 2023

The protein-tyrosine/dual-specificity phosphatases and rhodanese domains constitute a sprawling superfamily of Rossmannoid domains that use a conserved active site with a cysteine to catalyze a range of phosphate-transfer, thiotransfer, selenotransfer and redox activities. While these enzymes have been extensively studied in the context of protein/lipid head group dephosphorylation and various thiotransfer reactions, their overall diversity and catalytic potential remain poorly understood. Using comparative genomics and sequence/structure analysis, we comprehensively investigate and develop a natural classification for this superfamily. As a result, we identified several novel clades, both those which retain the catalytic cysteine and those where a distinct active site has emerged in the same location (e.g. diphthine synthase-like methylases and RNA 2′ OH ribosyl phosphate transferases). We also present evidence that the superfamily has a wider range of catalytic capabilities than previously known, including a set of parallel activities operating on various sugar/sugar alcohol groups in the context of NAD+-derivatives and RNA termini, and potential phosphate transfer activities involving sugars and nucleotides. We show that such activities are particularly expanded in the RapZ-C-DUF488-DUF4326 clade, defined here for the first time. Some enzymes from this clade are predicted to catalyze novel DNA-end processing activities as part of nucleic-acid-modifying systems that are likely to function in biological conflicts between viruses and their hosts.
Policy approaches to nutrition-focused food banking in industrialized countries: a scoping review
Authors: Mossenson Sharonna , Pulker Claire E , Giglia Roslyn , Pollard Christina M
Published: March 2023

Objective

This review aims to synthesize the literature describing policy approaches to nutrition-focused food banking in industrialized countries, spanning the period 2000 to October 2021.

Background

The charitable food system provides food assistance to increasing numbers of people experiencing food insecurity in industrialized countries. Calls to improve the nutrition quality of foods provided by foods banks, pantries, and shelves have increased, yet little is known about the challenges faced when initiating policy in this setting.

Methods

A protocol based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Guidelines was developed and registered with Open Science Framework. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE [Ovid], Global Health, ProQuest, and Scopus) were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English. A gray literature search was conducted using Google Advanced Search.

Results

Of 642 peer-reviewed articles screened, 15 were eligible for inclusion. In addition, 24 gray literature documents were included. These 39 papers were assessed against the Iron Triangle of Hunger Relief and the Campbell et al framework of organizational factors. Six themes were identified: (1) there is a moral imperative to take action to ensure the provision of appropriate and nutritious food for vulnerable clients; (2) nutrition policies are unlikely to be formalized; (3) the unpredictability of donated food is a barrier to providing healthy foods; (4) reliance on donations affects the sector’s willingness to reduce the unhealthy inventory for fear of losing donors, and the challenges of managing donor relationships were emphasized; (5) organizational capacity (volunteer workforce, executive leadership support) must be considered; (6) the existing measure of success is a weight-based metric that does not support food banks’ prioritizing of healthy foods. These, and other characteristics, were incorporated into an adapted framework.

Conclusion

There is a need and opportunity for nutrition-focused food banking. A priority action area is the adoption of an outcome metric that is based on nutritional quality, to reorient the charitable food system.
Introduction
Authors: Mordden Ethan
Published: March 2023

This introductory chapter provides an overview of both the plays and the people that introduced gay culture to the American stage. These plays either treat strong gay content (like The Boys in the Band), minor gay content (like Season In the Sun), or even a phrase in passing (like the joke in New Faces of 1956 about Rome’s piazza Di Spagna). Other plays portray gay through dog whistles—such as Bell, Book and Candle—while the sense of parody or outright camp in others (like Little Mary Sunshine) are at least gay-adjacent. The chapter also introduces the writers, actors, and creatives who had little interest in portraying gay lives even though they are gay themselves. These pre-Stonewall eminences—such as writer Edward Albee and actor-manager Eva Le Gallienne—are as much a part of the chronicle as such overtly gay-in-content writers as Terrence McNally.
The 1950s
Authors: Mordden Ethan
Published: March 2023

This chapter considers the influence of Tallulah Bankhead’s A Streetcar Named Desire in 1956. It describes how the play had been potently homosocial and that everyone who attended the performance and the surrounding staff was struck gay and never returned. Tallulah’s valence as a gay icon correlates to her appeal to gay men and her contribution to the spirit of liberation instead of her numerous affairs with women, including Eva Le Gallienne. The chapter then lists the varying specialized works of Tallulah that required her unique improvisations and camp humor, such as Ziegfeld Follies in 1956. Additionally, it provides an overview of the works and contributions to the gay theatre of Truman Capote, William Inge, John Latouche, and Noel Coward.