bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed data backup and recovery for software‐defined wide area network controllers
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhong Lujie , Yang Shujie , Muntean Gabriel‐Miro
Published: December 2021

Software‐defined wide area network (SD‐WAN) is a new type of network architecture that has developed rapidly in recent years. SD‐WAN inherits the centralized control architecture of software‐defined networking (SDN), but supports more diverse access methods and equipment types and covers a wider area. It is also associated with greater uncertainty in the network environment. These characteristics make the fault management of the SD‐WAN controller more challenging, so that the existing SDN‐based data backup methods cannot adapt to SD‐WAN scenarios. This article proposes an SD‐WAN‐oriented distributed data backup and recovery method (DDBR) based on an improved secret sharing algorithm. To deploy this method, we design an online‐offline dual backup framework based on the data freshness requirements of the controller. Under this framework, dynamic data of the controller is divided into different shares, and then stored into the storage of switches. When the controller fails, data recovery can be performed on the backup controller quickly, which greatly improves the network availability. The outstanding feature of the proposed DDBR method is that it ensures the integrity and confidentiality of the backup data in an unreliable network environment, even when some of the storage nodes fail. Theoretical analysis and evaluation results on file backup example show that the proposed solution has significant advantages over existing methods in terms of backup data storage size, communication overhead, backup and recovery success rate.
VPS35, the core component of the retromer complex, and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Luo Ai‐Di , Xu Zu‐Cai , Liao Shu‐Sheng
Published: December 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is common in middle‐aged and elderly people, and its onset is related to multiple factors, such as heredity, environment, and age. The vesicle protein sorting 35 (VPS35) gene was found to be a late‐onset autosomal dominant familial PD (PARK17) causative gene. The protein encoded by this gene is located in the endosome and aggregates with other membrane proteins to form a retromer complex, which participates in the membrane protein cycle between the endosome and the Golgi network. Increasing evidence shows that VPS35 may participate in the pathogenesis of PD by affecting autophagy, mitochondria, neurosynaptic transmission, dopamine signaling pathways, and so forth, and it can interact with other disease‐causing genes of familial PD. This article aimed to review the functions of VPS35 and the mechanism of its mutations in PD that have been discovered in recent years.
The promise and perils of regulating ipso facto clauses
Authors: Sarra Janis , Payne Jennifer , Madaus Stephan
Published: December 2021

It is common for contracts to include a clause that provides that on an event of default the counterparty has an unconditional right to terminate the contract or accelerate payment (an ipso facto clause). The regulation of ipso facto clauses has become a topic of debate in recent years with a number of jurisdictions introducing constraints on such clauses as part of broader restructuring reform packages. These jurisdictions include Germany in 2021 (as part of its implementation of the EU Restructuring Directive) and the United Kingdom in 2020. For jurisdictions introducing such constraints for the first time, there is much to learn from those, such as Canada, that have had constraints on ipso facto clauses in place for much longer. This article examines the experience in Canada alongside the constraints introduced in the United Kingdom, the EU Restructuring Directive and Germany, and identifies a series of steps that policymakers should follow when revising a regime on ipso facto clauses. Although there are a number of common themes that emerge, it is clear that different jurisdictions often make quite distinct policy choices regarding the rationale for any constraints on ipso facto clauses as well as on the specific nature and scope of the provisions. Different jurisdictions find different points of balance between the interests of individual creditors in upholding their freedom of contract and the rights of the debtor and creditors as a whole in preserving the business as a going concern. The range of choices is not per se problematic as long as they are implemented with clarity and transparency, so that debtors and creditors can bargain ex ante in the light of any legislative provisions.
Collaborative Digital Problem‐Solving: Power, Relationships, and Participation
Authors: Jacobs Gloria E. , Castek Jill
Published: December 2021

The study examines the collaborative nature of problem solving as dyads and triads of adults were grouped to solve digital problems using online resources. Digital problem solving involves the nimble use of skills, strategies, and mindsets to navigate online in everyday contexts using novel resources, tools, and interfaces, in efficient and flexible ways, to accomplish personal and professional goals. Findings address the nature of collaborative talk during digital problem solving through three interrelated categories of themes gleaned from discourse analysis: (a) power, (b) relationships, and (c) participation. These themes offer a nuanced understanding of collaborative interactions during digital problem solving. Implications from this research suggest ways to design collaborative activities and support dialogic interaction, whether among adolescents or adults, during online learning, in formal education settings or informally in other settings where collaboration occurs.
Banana peel derived biomass carbon: Multi‐walled carbon nanotube composite modified electrode for sensitive voltammetric detection of baicalein
Authors: Ai Yijing , Liu Juan , Yan Lijun , Li Guangjiu , Wang Xianghui , Sun Wei
Published: December 2021

In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed for the detection of baicalein based on multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and banana peel derived biomass carbon (BPBC) composite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The BPBC was synthesized by carbonization and alkali activation method using commonly available banana peel as the raw material, which was further mixed with MWCNT to obtain BPBC‐MWCNT composite. Then the composite modified GCE was fabricated and used for voltammetric detection of baicalein with a wide detection range from 0.0040 to 100.0 μM as well as a low detection limit of 1.33 nM (3σ/S). Also, the electrochemical behaviors of baicalein on BPBC‐MWCNT/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in detail. The proposed method was applied to the detection of baicalein content in Shuanghuanglian oral liquid with satisfactory results. Therefore, this work extended the electrochemical method for the drug analysis by using biomass‐derived carbon‐based composite.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using endophytic Fusarium oxysporum strain NFW16 and their in vitro antibacterial potential
Authors: Ilahi Nikhat , Haleem Abdul , Iqbal Sajid , Fatima Nighat , Sajjad Wasim , Sideeq Abubakar , Ahmed Safia
Published: December 2021

Nanotechnology has provided a platform for altering, modifying, and developing metal properties to nanoparticles with promising applications. This study aimed to produce functionalized and biocompatible silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using cellular extracts of endophytic Fusarium oxysporum‐NFW16 isolated from Taxus fauna and evaluate its antibacterial potential. Under optimized reaction conditions, well‐dispersed and extremely stable AgNPs were synthesized in 1 hr. AgNPs were characterized through UV–visible spectrophotometry (at 423 nm), and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained AgNPs were spherical, monodispersed, and size was ~30–36.1 nm. Strong peaks of XRD (311), (220), (200), and (111) matched to silver plane's diffraction facets. FTIR spectra at 1,650, 2,950, and 1,400 cm−1 confirmed the capping of AgNPs with phenolic compounds and compounds having primary amines. The AgNPs showed 100 μg/ml of minimum inhibitory concentration against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, AgNPs showed a synergistic effect with both vancomycin and ciprofloxacin against MRSA (25%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (50%), and pus isolated Escherichia coli (50%). Moreover, AgNPs impregnated cotton and bandage showed in vitro antibacterial potential against American Type Culture Collection and skin‐associated clinical pathogenic bacteria. Findings showed that endophytic fungi are the potential source for AgNPs synthesis that are effective against multidrug‐resistant bacteria and the development of antimicrobial textile finishes.
Analysis of the resilience strategies of Cameroonian companies in the face of Covid‐19 and their effects on activity
Authors: Fomba Kamga Benjamin , Nda'Chi Deffo Rodrigue
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to analyse the strategies adopted by enterprises in the face of Covid‐19 and to evaluate their impact on production. The data used are those of the rapid survey of enterprises on the evaluation of the socio‐economic effects of the coronavirus in Cameroon carried out by the National Institute of Statistics (INS). The recursive multivariate probit regression is used to account for the potential endogeneity between the different strategies adopted. The results show that there is a strong dependency in the adoption of the different strategies and this has a negative impact of 5% on the probability of maintaining the activity.
Sequential dynamics of virological and serological changes in the serum of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients
Authors: Ouoba Serge , Okimoto Mafumi , Nagashima Shintaro , Kitahara Yoshihiro , Miwata Kei , Ko Ko , E Bunthen , Sugiyama Aya , Takahashi Kazuaki , Sakaguchi Takemasa , Takafuta Toshiro , Tanaka Junko
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) viral load dynamics in respiratory samples have been studied, but knowledge about changes in serial serum samples of infected patients in relation to their immunological response is lacking. We investigated the dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load and antibody response in sequential serum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients and attempted to culture the virus in the serum. A total of 81 sequential serum samples from 10 confirmed COVID‐19 patients (5 with mild and 5 with moderate symptoms) were analyzed. Samples were collected during hospitalization and after discharge (median follow‐up of 35 days). SARS‐CoV‐2 ribonucleic acid in the serum was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Total antibody and IgG to SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein were analyzed by Chemiluminescent Immunoassays, and neutralizing antibodies were detected using a Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test. Viremia was observed in all cases at admission, and viral copy gradually dropped to undetectable levels in patients with mild symptoms but fluctuated and remained persistent in moderate cases. The viral culture of samples with the highest viral load for each patient did not show any cytopathic change. The antibody response was faster and higher in moderate cases. This study provides a basic clue for infectious severity‐dependent immune response, viremia, and antibody acquisition pattern.
Case presentation and panel discussion: Nutrition issues in cancer
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Mechanick Jeffrey I. , Patel Jayshil J. , Laviano Alessandro , Martindale Robert G. , Zimmers Teresa A.
Published: December 2021

Advances in treatment of malignancy including novel pharmacologic therapies and surgical interventions has led to significant improvement in survival. As cancer becomes a chronic disease, nutrition interventions play an increasingly important role in short‐ and long‐term outcomes. The current manuscript presents a case of a 66‐year‐old male with new diagnosis of pancreatic cancer diagnosed incidentally in the setting of COVID‐19. Expert panelists in the field of nutrition discuss optimal strategies for diagnosis of malnutrition along with preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative optimization of nutrition. This discussion focuses on the use of probiotics, immune‐modulating nutrition, fish oil, specialized proresolving mediators, and use of enteral and parenteral nutrition support.
Synthesis, micellization and cytotoxic studies of ester‐functionalized imidazolium gemini surfactants
Authors: Mir Ab Waheed , Shaheen Arifa , Wani Mohammad Rafiq , Arif Rabia
Published: December 2021

The fatty acid‐based imidazolium gemini surfactants containing hydroxy‐substituted spacers were synthesized and characterized by different spectral techniques. The micellization behavior of product compounds was studied by determining their critical micelle concentration (cmc) values from steady state fluorescence and conductivity measurements. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization of synthesized gemini surfactants confirmed that the micelle formation is a thermodynamically favorable, endothermic and an entropy driven phenomenon. The surfactants were further analyzed for their cytotoxic nature by treating them upon human embryonic kidney cell (HEK‐293) line and were found to be significantly low cytotoxic. The interesting features like low cmc values, non‐cytotoxic and eco‐friendly nature of the gemini surfactants may offer new and more efficient substitutes to the conventional drug delivery systems. Thus the gemini surfactants may serve as promising candidates in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.
Investigations on the Interfacial Tension Induced Self‐Assembly in Tuning the 2D Morphology of Polypyrrole at Water/Chloroform Interface
Authors: Chondath Subin Kaladi , Gopinath Jishnu Sai , Poolakkandy Rasha Rahman , Parameswaran Pattiyil , Menamparambath Mini Mol
Published: December 2021

Self‐assembly of reactive intermediates at the interface of an immiscible liquid mixture is an emerging bottom–up approach in constructing 2D functional materials. Herein, a mechanistic investigation of the vital role of various oxidants in the self‐assembly of reactive intermediates at the water/chloroform interface in pyrrole polymerization is reported. The energetics of one‐electron transfer between pyrrole and the hydrated metal ions of the oxidant is rationalized successfully using density functional calculations. The electron microscopic and X‐ray characterization techniques confirm the relatively uniform distribution of crystalline metal nanoparticles throughout the polymeric matrix. The predominance of the water/chloroform interface in thinning the polymeric sheets to 1.1 nm, by confining the assembly of polypyrrole (PPy) sheets as minimum as three layers, is approximated from atomic force microscopy images. The metal encapsulated PPy sheets are proved to have potential application in the electrochemical sensing of a potent biomarker, dopamine (DA). The electrochemical detection of DA with the limit of detection of 0.24 µm and their printability on a commercially available screen‐printed electrode to detect an appreciable current affirm their potential for various electrochemical sensing applications.
The relationship between symptom severity, bother and psychological factors in women with pelvic organ prolapse: A cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Drage Katie‐Jay , Aghera Mansi , MacKellar Phoebe , Twentyman Rhea , Jacques Angela , Chalmers K. Jane , Neumann Patricia , Nurkic Irena , Thompson Judith
Published: December 2021

Aim

The primary aim is to explore the relationship between symptom severity and prolapse bother in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The secondary aim is to determine the association between psychological variables and prolapse bother.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted via online surveys assessing POP bother (visual analog scale for bother), POP symptom severity (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Vaginal Symptoms), and psychological measures of depression and anxiety (Kessler psychological distress scale [K‐10]), catastrophizing (modified pain catastrophizing scale [mPCS]), and self‐efficacy (modified pain self‐efficacy questionnaire [mPSEQ]) in women with self‐reported POP. Symptom severity, bother and psychological variables were analyzed using linear regression.

Results

Seventy‐six women with a mean (SD) age of 42.8 (14.57) years were included in analysis. A moderate to strong positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.449, p < 0.001) was found between symptom severity and POP bother. Prolapse bother and psychological variables were moderately correlated, where increased K‐10 scores (R2 = 0.230, p = 0.001), higher mPCS scores (R2 = 0.460, p < 0.001), and lower mPSEQ scores (R2 = 0.460, p < 0.001) were associated with increased POP bother. Moderate and severe catastrophizing was associated with significantly higher POP bother, with mean POP bother scores of 7.861 ± 0.45 (p < 0.001) and 8.652 ± 0.45 (p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

A moderate positive relationship between POP bother and symptom severity was found, with greater psychological distress and lower self‐efficacy associated with increasing POP bother. Women presenting with POP should be screened for psychological factors to guide management.
Effect of energy‐ and/or protein‐dense enteral feeding on postoperative outcomes of infant surgical patients with congenital cardiac disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Singal Anuradha , Sahu Manoj Kumar , Trilok Kumar Geeta , Kumar Amit
Published: December 2021

Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) are malnourished because of poor dietary intakes and increased requirements. Energy requirements are higher due to increased resting energy expenditure. There are lacunae of nutrition recommendations for these infants. Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to determine the effect of energy‐ and/or protein‐dense feeds in postoperative CHD infants as compared with the standard feeding. An online literature search was performed on four databases by using different English‐language keywords between 2000 and 2020. The inclusion criteria were peer reviewed journals and open access original articles on the feeding practices in infants undergoing congenital heart surgery. Exclusion criteria were editorials, commentaries, discussion papers, conference abstracts, reviews, duplicate studies, and articles on preterm infants and preoperative nutrition. A total of five studies matched the inclusion criteria. The standard mean difference (SMD) of energy intake (SMD = 13.40 kcal, P = 0.001), protein intake (SMD = 2.37 g, P = 0.001), and weight (SMD = 4.99 g, P = 0.001) was significantly higher in the intervention group. The SMD of ventilation duration (SMD = −0.18 h, P = 0.90), intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) (SMD = −0.25 d, P = 0.70), and hospital LOS (SMD = −0.20 d, P = 0.67) were not statistically significant between the two groups. Enriched enteral nutrition for the postoperative pediatric patients with cardiac disease helps in achieving energy and protein goals and improves the overall postoperative outcomes (ie, ventilation duration, maintenance of weight, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS).
Consistency may be key, but continuity is essential for success
Authors: Skipworth Stan
Published: December 2021

Throughout the course of my career, I've long heard of, and applied myself to, the concept of being consistent, to be able to perform my job at a particular level or standard to the best of my ability, even if the circumstances of doing so become more demanding or complex.
Process Development of the Copper(II)‐Catalyzed Dehydration of a Chiral Aldoxime and Rational Selection of the Co‐Substrate
Authors: Nonnhoff Jannis , Gröger Harald
Published: December 2021

The access towards chiral nitriles remains crucial in the synthesis of several pharmaceuticals. One approach is based on metal‐catalyzed dehydration of chiral aldoximes, which are generated from chiral pool‐derived aldehydes as substrates, and the use of a cheap and readily available nitrile as co‐substrate and water acceptor. Dehydration of N‐acyl α‐amino aldoximes such as N‐Boc‐l‐prolinal oxime catalyzed by copper(II) acetate provides access to the corresponding N‐acyl α‐amino nitriles, which are substructures of the pharmaceuticals Vildagliptin and Saxagliptin. In this work, a detailed investigation of the formation of the amide as a by‐product at higher substrate loadings is performed. The amide formation depends on the electronic properties of the nitrile co‐substrate. We could identify an acceptor nitrile which completely suppressed amide formation at high substrate loadings of 0.5 m even when being used with only 2 equivalents. In detail, utilization of trichloroacetonitrile as such an acceptor nitrile enabled the synthesis of N‐Boc‐cyanopyrrolidine in a high yield of 92 % and with full retention of the absolute configuration.
Bounded openness: A robust modality of access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits
Authors: Vogel Joseph Henry , Ruiz Muller Manuel , Angerer Klaus , Delgado‐Gutiérrez Dino , Gálvez Ballón Alfredo
Published: December 2021

Societal Impact Statement

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is underway. Controversy surrounds the choice of modality for access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization, as established in the third objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The modality chosen by the Conference of the Parties should promote conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources, which are the first and second objectives of the convention. “Bounded openness over natural information” achieves all three objectives by aligning incentives between users and Providers. With philanthropic support, the modality can also be applied to unpublished traditional knowledge, which would enhance food security.

Several international agreements have provisions for “access to genetic resources” and “fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from [their] utilization” (ABS). The optimal modality has proven elusive for the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Nagoya Protocol (NP). Such failure need not be so. We embrace reductionism and partition genetic resources into tangible and intangible attributes and classify the latter as natural or artificial information. The economics of information justifies “rents,” which is the difference between what is paid and what would have been paid in a competitive market. Fairness and equity imply protection for natural information equal to that of artificial information. Bilateralism eliminates rents through competition and renders royalties infinitesimal, thus defeating ABS. The proposed Global Multilateral Benefit‐Sharing Mechanism (GMBSM) could capture rents and distribute royalty income proportional to habitat for terrestrial species, and to CO2reductions for marine species and wild relatives of crops. Alignment of incentives for conservation would facilitate transition to half‐Earth. Domesticated species require stronger incentives for conservation than do nondomesticated species. The Multilateral System (MLS) of The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) should be expanded. Enclosure of traditional knowledge not yet in public domain through a benefit‐sharing mechanism could incentivize communities to deposit samples into the CGIAR Genebanks and resume seed exchange, which is essential for food security. A robust modality of ABS for the CBD, NP, ITPGRFA and other agreements is “bounded openness.”
In Situ Anchoring Co–N–C Nanoparticles on Co4N Nanosheets toward Ultrastable Flexible Self‐Supported Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst Enables Recyclable Zn–Air Batteries Over 10 000 Cycles and Fast Charging
Authors: Liu Tong , Zhao Siyuan , Wang Ying , Yu Jie , Dai Yawen , Wang Jian , Sun Xiaoxu , Liu Kaihua , Ni Meng
Published: December 2021

Zn–air batteries (ZABs) are very promising for flexible energy storage, but their application is limited to the primary battery. Developing an efficient and non‐noble metal cathode toward oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER) is of great significance for the commercial application of rechargeable ZABs. Herein, a flexible self‐supported integrated bifunctional cathode is presented in which the Co–N–C nanoparticles are in situ anchored on Co4N nanosheets via a facile and scalable strategy. Benefiting from integrated 3D architecture with adequate active sites, porous structure, high conductivity originating from the metal substrate, and the synergistic effects of Co–N–C and Co4N, the cathode exhibits excellent bifunctional activity (low overpotential of 275 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for OER, high half‐wave potential of 0.833 V for ORR), and ultralong durability for ORR/OER in the alkaline medium. Impressively, this cathode enables the recyclable aqueous ZABs a record overall lifespan over 10 000 cycles at 20 mA cm−2, and a superior fast‐charging feature at an ultrahigh charging current density of 100 mA cm−2. Furthermore, such a flexible integrated cathode can be directly used as a self‐supported cathode for flexible solid‐state ZABs, with excellent reversibility for 300 cycles, demonstrating its feasibility for practical application.
One more piece to the puzzle: Diadorimia, a new monotypic genus in the Spermacoceae (Rubiaceae), endemic to the campo rupestre of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Carmo João A.M. , Reginato Marcelo , Florentín Javier E. , Nuñez Florentin Mariela , Salas Roberto M. , Simões André O.
Published: December 2021

Spermacoceae is the largest predominantly herbaceous lineage in the Rubiaceae, and regarded as one of its most taxonomically complex and controversial tribe, especially regarding generic delimitation. Molecular phylogenies have established the concept of a broadly circumscribed Spermacoceae, which includes the genera traditionally associated with the tribe, i.e., the Spermacoce clade, and the former Hedyotideae and Manettieae. A major challenge in the Spermacoce clade is related to the delimitation of Borreria and Spermacoce, which appeared intermingled with several smaller and morphologically well‐defined genera in more recent phylogenies, such as the Brazilian endemic Psyllocarpus. One of its species, P. densifolius, diverges morphologically from the others, as preliminary phylogenetic analyses have shown that it is not closely related to Psyllocarpus nor any other genus in the Spermacoce clade. We conducted a broad phylogenetic analysis, including ca. 63% of the genera in the Spermacoceae, using a variety of approaches to address incongruence among markers and lack of resolution and/or low support for branches, to accurately assess its position. We used nuclear ribosomal (ITS) and plastid (rps16 intron, trnL‐F intergenic spacer) DNA regions for Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses, as well as species tree inference. We identified incongruence not only between nuclear and plastid DNA but also between the plastid regions. We also showed that the topologies derived from the multispecies coalescent diverged from that of the concatenated analysis, even though the position of P. densifolius, as sister to the clade formed by the remaining Spermacoceae, remained stable across different datasets and inference methods. We here propose the recognition of the new genus Diadorimia to accommodate P. densifolius, which can be characterized by its cespitose habit arising from a well‐developed, woody subterranean system, triangular stipules with margins bearing four small lobes, heterostylous flowers subtended by a pair of hyaline bracteoles, double reticulate pollen grains, and capsules with longitudinal‐oblique dehiscence, with the two valves forming one single caducous diaspore keeping their respective seed trapped inside. We provide a taxonomic treatment with a key to the heterostylous genera of the Spermacoceae occurring in the Americas, a description of the new genus, and the new combination of its type, as well as comments on its distribution and conservation.
The inescapability of moral luck
Authors: Cyr Taylor W. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2021

I argue that any account attempting to do away with resultant or circumstantial moral luck is inconsistent with a natural response to the problem of constitutive moral luck. It is plausible to think that we sometimes contribute to the formation of our characters in such a way as to mitigate our constitutive moral luck at later times. But, as I argue here, whether or not we succeed in bringing about changes to our characters is itself a matter of resultant and circumstantial moral luck. I conclude with a dilemma, both horns of which require accepting some form of moral luck.
Elements of Roboethics
Authors: Operto Fiorella
Published: December 2021

Roboethics analyzes the ethical, legal and social aspects of robotics, especially with regard to advanced robotics applications. These issues are related to liability, the protection of privacy, the defense of human dignity, distributive justice and the dignity of work. Today, roboethics is becoming an important component in international standards for advanced robotics, and in various aspects of artificial intelligence. An autonomous robot endowed with deep learning capabilities shows specificities in terms of its growing autonomy and decision-making functions and, thus, gives rise to new ethical and legal issues. The learning models for a care robot assisting an elderly person or a child must be free of bias related to the selected attributes and should not be subject to any stereotypes unintentionally included in their design. As roboethics goes hand in hand with developments in robotics applications, it should be the concern of all actors in the field, from designers and manufacturers to users. There is one very important element in this—albeit one that is related indirectly—that should not be overlooked: namely, how robotics and robotic applications are represented to the general public. Of the many representations, the legacy of mythology, science fiction and the legend still play an important role. The world of robotics is often marked by icons and images from literature. Exaggerated expectations of their functions, magical descriptions of their behavior, over-anthropomorphization, insistence on their perfection and their rationality compared to that of humans are only some of the false qualities attributed to robotics.
A New Graphic User Interface Design for 3D Modeling Software for Children
Authors: Giraldi Laura , Burberi Mirko , Morelli Francesca , Maini Marta , Guasti Lorenzo
Published: December 2021

Digital technologies have become a central part of the everyday experience the younger generation children and young people, born and raised in the ITC era, are known as digital natives. At school, this generation prefers active learning instead of being passive recipients of knowledge. This research proposes a new graphic user interface concept for a 3D modeling software program, designed for preschool and early primary school children. The interface of SugarCad Kids was improved to be more understandable, friendly, intuitive and enjoyable to use, in keeping with the principles of human-centered design.
Educational Robotics and the Gender Perspective
Authors: Bagattini Daniela , Miotti Beatrice , Operto Fiorella
Published: December 2021

In this paper we explore the role of stereotypes in educational choices. Data on secondary school enrollments show that girls are abandoning STEM subjects. There are many reasons for this, including social and family expectations, but also the perception that jobs and careers in technical and scientific sectors will make it hard to take care of a family. This is an important theme for the future. The number of jobs in ICT will increase, and the low quantities of women in these sectors will have a strong impact on the availability of skilled workers, as well as increasing the gender gap. What is the role of school in this context? What activities can get more girls interested in science? We focus, in particular, on how innovative approaches such as educational robotics can help girls engage with STEM subjects, as happened with the “Roberta” project, whose results will be illustrated in this work.
Escape from Tolentino During an Earthquake Saving as Many Lives and Cultural Objects as You Can
Authors: Pazzaglia Paola , Scaradozzi David
Published: December 2021

In the last five years, the Italian Ministry of Education has placed its focus on digital skills, recognizing them as fundamental and indispensable for the growth of future citizens in the information age. It has thus backed projects aimed at developing computational thinking and digital creativity at school. One of the highest-funded of such projects is “Più vicini al nostro territorio—Valorizziamo i monumenti di Tolentino … giocando con Scratch e App Inventor” (Closer to our territory—appreciating the value of Tolentino’s monuments … while playing on Scratch and App Inventor). In this paper we describe this project, its vertical path, and the results of the first activities, which have already taken place in a primary school. These results show the progression of the skills and competences defined in the National Operational Programme document “For school 2014–2020” (Axis I Education, Objective 10.2, Improving students’ key competences), and those set out in the National Plan for Digital Education.
Multipurpose Learning Environments for Flexible Didactics
Authors: Rubino Anna Celeste
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates some of the issues and good practices in which 21st-century educational requirements are met by innovative design solutions for learning spaces, and their implications for education.
From Classroom to Learning Environment
Authors: Borri Samuele
Published: December 2021

The concept of “space as the third teacher” suggests that the learning environment is as important as the teacher in the learning process. A constructivist pedagogical paradigm requires student-centered learning processes and learners to be autonomous and active. Therefore, more and more stakeholders and policy makers interested in school innovation put school buildings and learning environments at the top of their agendas. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Commission and many universities all over the world are observing case studies and promoting guidelines to implement new ways to design and furnish schools. Indire is leading a research project on educational architectures, which promotes a support framework, entitled “1 + 4 Learning Spaces for a New Generation of Schools.” It is aimed at architects, municipalities, school principals and other stakeholders involved in the design, development and use of innovative learning environments.
On the squashed seven-sphere operator spectrum
Authors: Ekhammar Simon , Nilsson Bengt E. W.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We derive major parts of the eigenvalue spectrum of the operators on the squashed seven-sphere that appear in the compactification of eleven-dimensional supergravity. These spectra determine the mass spectrum of the fields in AdS4 and are important for the corresponding $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supermultiplet structure. This work is a continuation of the work in [1] where the complete spectrum of irreducible isometry representations of the fields in AdS4 was derived for this compactification. Some comments are also made concerning the G2 holonomy and its implications on the structure of the operator equations on the squashed seven-sphere.
Interpreting physical sensations to guide health-related behavior
Authors: Fazekas Christian , Linder Dennis , Matzer Franziska , Jenewein Josef , Hanfstingl Barbara
Published: December 2021

From a biopsychosocial perspective, maintaining health requires sufficient autoregulatory and self-regulatory capacity to both regulate somatic physiology and manage human-environment interactions. Increasing evidence from neuroscientific and psychological research suggests a functional link between so called interoceptive awareness and self-regulatory behavior. Self-regulation can, again, influence autoregulatory patterns as it is known from biofeedback training or meditation practices. In this review, we propose the psychosomatic competence model that provides a novel framework for the interrelation between interoceptive and self-regulatiory skills and health behavior. The term psychosomatic competence refers to a set of mind- and body-related abilities which foster an adequate interpretation of interoceptive signals to drive health-related behavior and physical well-being. Current related empirical findings and future directions of research on interoception and self-regulation are discussed.
Voice Assistant vs. Chatbot – Examining the Fit Between Conversational Agents’ Interaction Modalities and Information Search Tasks
Authors: Rzepka Christine , Berger Benedikt , Hess Thomas
Published: December 2021

Owing to technological advancements in artificial intelligence, voice assistants (VAs) offer speech as a new interaction modality. Compared to text-based interaction, speech is natural and intuitive, which is why companies use VAs in customer service. However, we do not yet know for which kinds of tasks speech is beneficial. Drawing on task-technology fit theory, we present a research model to examine the applicability of VAs to different tasks. To test this model, we conducted a laboratory experiment with 116 participants who had to complete an information search task with a VA or a chatbot. The results show that speech exhibits higher perceived efficiency, lower cognitive effort, higher enjoyment, and higher service satisfaction than text-based interaction. We also find that these effects depend on the task’s goal-directedness. These findings extend task-technology fit theory to customers’ choice of interaction modalities and inform practitioners about the use of VAs for information search tasks.
Evaluating radiation risks and resource opportunities associated with phosphogypsum in the Philippines
Authors: Diwa Reymar R. , Tabora Estrellita U. , Palattao Botvinnik L. , Haneklaus Nils H. , Vargas Edmundo P. , Reyes Rolando Y. , Ramirez Jennyvi D.
Published: December 2021

Phosphogypsum (PG) accumulates during wet-phosphoric acid production for fertilizers. In the Philippines, PG is partly (40%) utilized to produce gypsum walls and cement. This work assesses the radiological risks and resource opportunities associated with PG stacks in the Philippines. The conducted in situ radiometric survey measured the activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th at 270 locations. Besides, another 120 surface samples were collected. Pure PG exceeds the recommended radiation limits, but simple dilution with conventional materials can make PG available as an inexpensive secondary raw material for construction. PG further contains relevant concentrations of rare earths and Y (195 ppm).
The application of Industry 4.0 technologies in sustainable logistics: a systematic literature review (2012–2020) to explore future research opportunities
Authors: Sun Xu , Yu Hao , Solvang Wei Deng , Wang Yi , Wang Kesheng
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, the market competition becomes increasingly fierce due to diversified customer needs, stringent environmental requirements, and global competitors. One of the most important factors for companies to not only survive but also thrive in today’s competitive market is their logistics performance. This paper aims, through a systematic literature analysis of 115 papers from 2012 to 2020, at presenting quantitative insights and comprehensive overviews of the current and future research landscapes of sustainable logistics in the Industry 4.0 era. The results show that Industry 4.0 technologies provide opportunities for improving the economic efficiency, environmental performance, and social impact of logistics sectors. However, several challenges arise with this technological transformation, i.e., trade-offs among different sustainability indicators, unclear benefits, lifecycle environmental impact, inequity issues, and technology maturity. Thus, to better tackle the current research gaps, future suggestions are given to focus on the balance among different sustainability indicators through the entire lifecycle, human-centric technological transformation, system integration and digital twin, semi-autonomous transportation solutions, smart reverse logistics, and so forth.
Towards low-energy-light-driven bistable photoswitches: ortho-fluoroaminoazobenzenes
Authors: Kuntze Kim , Viljakka Jani , Titov Evgenii , Ahmed Zafar , Kalenius Elina , Saalfrank Peter , Priimagi Arri
Published: December 2021

Thermally stable photoswitches that are driven with low-energy light are rare, yet crucial for extending the applicability of photoresponsive molecules and materials towards, e.g., living systems. Combined ortho-fluorination and -amination couples high visible light absorptivity of o-aminoazobenzenes with the extraordinary bistability of o-fluoroazobenzenes. Herein, we report a library of easily accessible o-aminofluoroazobenzenes and establish structure–property relationships regarding spectral qualities, visible light isomerization efficiency and thermal stability of the cis-isomer with respect to the degree of o-substitution and choice of amino substituent. We rationalize the experimental results with quantum chemical calculations, revealing the nature of low-lying excited states and providing insight into thermal isomerization. The synthesized azobenzenes absorb at up to 600 nm and their thermal cis-lifetimes range from milliseconds to months. The most unique example can be driven from trans to cis with any wavelength from UV up to 595 nm, while still exhibiting a thermal cis-lifetime of 81 days.

Graphical abstract
A Note on Function Space and Boundedness of the General Fractional Integral in Continuous Time Random Walk
Authors: Fan Qin , Wu Guo-Cheng , Fu Hui
Published: December 2021

The general fractional calculus becomes popular in continuous time random walk recently. However, the boundedness condition of the general fractional integral is one of the fundamental problems. It wasn’t given yet. In this short communication, the classical norm space is used, and a general boundedness theorem is presented. Finally, various long–tailed waiting time probability density functions are suggested in continuous time random walk since the general fractional integral is well defined.
Persistent Genital Arousal in Relationships: A Comparison of Relationship, Sexual, and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Mooney Kayla M. , Poirier Évéline , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: December 2021

Background

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genitopelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is characterized by sensations of physiological genital sexual arousal (and/or other types of genitopelvic dysesthesia) that occur in the absence of subjective feelings of sexual desire.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare relationship, sexual, and psychological well-being in partnered individuals with and without distressing symptoms of PGAD/GPD.

Methods

The sample (N = 65 individuals with vulvas and vaginas, N = 11 individuals with penises) of 152 partnered individuals (N = 76 with and 76 without PGAD/GPD symptoms) participated in a one-time anonymous online survey.

Outcomes

The questionnaires assessed relationship satisfaction (Couple Satisfaction Index-Short Form, CSI); sexual satisfaction (Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, GMSEX); sexual functioning (Female Sexual Functioning Index, FSFI, or International Index of Erectile Functioning, IIEF); sexual distress (Sexual Distress Scale, SDS); and psychological well-being, as determined by the presence of depression and/or anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS).

Results

Among individuals with vulvas and vaginas, those with PGAD/GPD symptoms reported significantly lower relationship and sexual satisfaction, greater sexual distress, and more symptoms of depression and anxiety than their counterparts in the control group. In addition, these individuals with PGAD/GPD symptoms also reported significantly worse sexual functioning (arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), and they were significantly more distressed about each aspect of their sexual functioning difficulties compared to those in the control group. Among the small sample of individuals with penises (N = 11), descriptive analyses revealed that total sexual functioning scores did not differ across the PGAD/GPD symptom and control groups. In addition, 64.5% of the total sample with PGAD/GPD symptoms managed unwanted genital arousal by avoiding sex with their partner, while 55.3% managed their symptoms by having sex with their partner, and some individuals with PGAD/GPD used both strategies.

Clinical Implications

The finding that PGAD/GPD symptoms impact relationships indicates that treatment for PGAD/GPD should include consideration of the well-being of one’s intimate relationship(s).

Strengths & Limitations

This study added to the small literature on experiences of PGAD/GPD in relationships, and it was the first to assess sexual satisfaction. Limitations include the small sample of individuals with penises, and the cross-sectional, correlational design, which does not allow for causal conclusions to be drawn.

Conclusion

Results emphasize the importance of continued research of this population (and their partners) in order to improve diagnosis, intervention, and recognition within the medical community.
The 2020s political economy of machine translation
Authors: Weber Steven , Mehandru Nikita
Published: December 2021

This article specifies and explores the hypothesis that the diversity of human languages, right now a barrier to “interoperability” in communication and trade, will become significantly less of a barrier as machine translation technologies are deployed over the next several years. We argue that machine translation will become the 2020's analogy for ideas, to what container shipping did for goods trade in the second half of the twentieth century. But as with container shipping or railroads in the nineteenth century, this new boundary-cost and transaction-cost reducing technology does not reduce all boundary and transaction costs equally, and so creates new challenges for the distribution of ideas and thus for innovation and economic growth. How we develop, license, commercialize, and deploy machine translation will be a critical determinant of its impact on trade, political coalitions, diversity of thought and culture, and the distribution of wealth.
Harmonic-enhanced high-gain harmonic generation for a high repetition rate free-electron laser
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Qin Weilun , Huang Senlin
Published: December 2021

High-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) is effective to produce fully coherent free-electron laser (FEL) pulses for various scientific applications. Due to the limitation of seed lasers, HGHG typically operates at a low repetition rate. In this paper, a harmonic-enhanced HGHG scheme is proposed to relax the peak power requirement for the seed laser, which can therefore operate at megahertz and a higher repetition rate. Moreover, the setup of the scheme is compact and can be adopted in an existing single-stage HGHG facility to extend the shortest achievable wavelength. Simulations show that FEL emission at 13.5 nm (20th harmonic) can be obtained with a 270 nm, 1 MW (peak power) seed laser.