bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Investigation on the Catalytic Effect and Mechanism of Pure and Cu−Doped SBA−15 Molecular Sieves on the Decomposition of Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Xia Haohai , Meng Xianglong , Jiang Xingchao , Lu Lilin , Wang Yanqun
Published: May 2023

The interaction mechanism between oil shale and catalyst is very important for the design and synthesis of related catalysis. In this work, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) serves as a model molecule for organic sulfur compounds in oil shale to explore the catalytic effect and mechanism of the pure and transition metal Cu−doped SBA−15 molecular sieves regarding the decomposition of organic sulfur compounds in oil shale using the density functional theory (DFT) method. It is found that DMSO adsorption on both surfaces is primarily attributed to hydrogen bonding or the interaction between the S and O moieties within the molecule and the surface Cu atoms. The adsorption energies on both surfaces are indistinguishable; however, the Cu−doped SBA−15 shows enhanced catalytic activity in dissociation reactions. The Gibbs free energy changes for both possible reaction pathways of DMSO breaking C−S bonds on the pure SBA−15 surface are positive, and the activation energy barriers are as high as ~75 kcal/mol, indicating that the dissociation of C−S bonds in DMSO is unlikely to occur on this surface. In contrast, the Gibbs free energy change for the same reaction on the Cu−doped SBA−15 surface is negative, and the energy barrier is reduced by ~40 kcal/mol compared to that on the pure SBA−15 surface. Furthermore, the resulting methyl group is more likely to bond with the bridging oxygen atom. In addition, our research proposes that the dissociation of the C−H and C−S bonds of DMSO on the Cu−doped SBA−15 surface was competitive. These findings provide theoretical guidance for the development of highly efficient catalysts intended for the pyrolysis of oil shale under appropriate conditions.
A New Method for Calculating Reservoir Core-Bound Water Saturation Using the Cast Thin Section
Authors: Cui Yunjiang , Ming Jun , Shi Xinlei , Yang Wangwang , Zhang Zhansong , Zhang Chong
Published: May 2023

The rock coring of the reservoir in the Bohai A field is difficult. The cores of the target section in the study area are loose, making it difficult to accurately measure the core-bound water saturation. The purpose of this research was to develop and validate a method for calculating a reservoir core-bound water saturation ratio using the cast thin section. First, pepper noise denoising and image enhancement were performed on the thin section by median filtering and gamma variation. Based on this, the enhanced sheet images were thresholded for segmentation by the two-dimensional OTSU algorithm, which automatically picked up the thin section pore-specific parameters. Then, the thin section image was equivalent to a capillary cross-section, while the thin film water fused to the pore surface was observed as bound water. For hydrophilic rocks with a strong homogeneity, the area of thin film water in the pore space of the sheet was divided by the total area of the pore space, which produced the bound water saturation. Next, the theoretical relationship between the film water thickness and the critical pore throat radius was derived based on the Young–Laplace equation. The bound water saturation of the rock was calculated by combining the pore perimeter and the area that was automatically picked up from the thin film for a given critical pore throat radius of the rock. Finally, 22 images of thin sections of sparse sandstone from the coring well section of the study area were image processed using the new method proposed in this paper, and the bound water saturation was calculated. The calculated results were compared with 22 NMR-bound water saturations and 11 semi-permeable baffle plate-bound water saturations in the same layer section. The results showed that the bound water saturation values calculated by the three methods produced consistent trends with absolute errors within 5%. The calculated results confirm the reliability of the method proposed in this paper. This method can effectively avoid the problem of the inaccurate results of core experiments due to the easy damage of sparse sandstone and provides a new idea for the accurate determination of the bound water saturation of sparse sandstone.
Effective Malachite Green Degradation over the Noble Metal-Doped and MOF-Coupled CsSnBr3 Nanocomposite Catalyst
Authors: Ai Bohan , Luo Mingsheng , Khan Iltaf
Published: May 2023

Environmental protection laws require effective and green solutions to tackle water and air pollution issues. For this purpose, perovskite photocatalytic materials have proven to be a promising solution. In this study, CsSnBr3 perovskite, coupled with ZIF-67 and decorated with noble metal Au, was shown to effectively enhance the charge separation and increase the light-absorbing capacity, and thus make the photocatalytic reaction more efficient by surface plasmon resonance. Characterization results from XRD, FTIR, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicated that a mixture of cubic and tetragonal crystalline phases was found in the prepared catalyst material. XPS also revealed that in the presence of two oxidation states for tin (Sn), the Au 4f XPS peaks of Au NPs coincided with those retained in colloidal Au particles. Using malachite green as a model compound, organic pollutant photocatalytic degradation tests proved that CsSnBr3 generated good photocatalytic activity for aromatic pollutant degradation. In this research, the synthesized 4Au-7ZIF-CsSnBr3 catalyst yielded an MG degradation rate twice as high as the unpromoted CsPbBr3.
Robotics: Five Senses plus One—An Overview
Authors: Albustanji Rand , Elmanaseer Shorouq , Alkhatib Ahmad
Published: May 2023

Robots can be equipped with a range of senses to allow them to perceive and interact with the world in a more natural and intuitive way. These senses can include vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Vision allows the robot to see and recognize objects and navigate its environment. Hearing enables the robot to recognize sounds and respond to vocal commands. Touch allows the robot to perceive information about the texture, shape, and temperature of objects through the sense of touch. Smell enables the robot to recognize and classify different odors. Taste enables the robot to identify the chemical composition of materials. The specific senses used in a robot will depend on the needs of the application, and many robots use a combination of different senses to perceive and interact with the environment. This paper reviews the five senses used in robots, their types, how they work, and other related information, while also discussing the possibility of a Sixth Sense.
Infrastructure-Based Performance Evaluation for Low-Speed Automated Vehicle (LSAV)
Authors: Klauer Sheila , Hong Yubin , Mollenhauer Mike , Vilela Jean Paul Talledo
Published: May 2023

This study assessed the limitations of the EasyMile EZ10 Gen 3 low-speed automated vehicle (LSAV) while operating on public roadways. The primary interest was to evaluate the infrastructure elements that posed the greatest challenges for the LSAV. A route was chosen that would satisfy a legitimate transit need. This route included more operational complexity and higher traffic volumes than a typical EasyMile LSAV deployment. The results indicate that the LSAV operated at a lower-than-expected speed (6 to 8 mph), with a high frequency of disengagements, and a regular need for safety operator intervention. Four-way stop-sign controlled intersections, three-lane roads with a shared turning lane in the middle, open areas, and areas without clear markings were the most challenging for the LSAV. Some important considerations include the need to have LSAVs operate on roadways where other vehicles may pass more safely, or on streets with slower posted speed limits. Additionally, the low passenger capacity and inability to understand where passengers are located onboard make it hard for the LSAV to replace bus transits. Currently, the LSAV is best suited to provide first/last-mile services, short routes within a controlled access area, and fill in gaps in conventional transits.
Depth Analysis of Anesthesia Using EEG Signals via Time Series Feature Extraction and Machine Learning
Authors: Anand Raghav V. , Abbod Maysam F. , Fan Shou-Zen , Shieh Jiann-Shing
Published: May 2023

The term “anesthetic depth” refers to the extent to which a general anesthetic agent sedates the central nervous system with specific strength concentration at which it is delivered. The depth level of anesthesia plays a crucial role in determining surgical complications, and it is imperative to keep the depth levels of anesthesia under control to perform a successful surgery. This study used electroencephalography (EEG) signals to predict the depth levels of anesthesia. Traditional preprocessing methods such as signal decomposition and model building using deep learning were used to classify anesthetic depth levels. This paper proposed a novel approach to classify the anesthesia levels based on the concept of time series feature extraction, by finding out the relation between EEG signals and the bi-spectral Index over a period of time. Time series feature extraction on basis of scalable hypothesis tests were performed to extract features by analyzing the relation between the EEG signals and Bi-Spectral Index, and machine learning models such as support vector classifier, XG boost classifier, gradient boost classifier, decision trees and random forest classifier are used to train the features and predict the depth level of anesthesia. The best-trained model was random forest, which gives an accuracy of 83%. This provides a platform to further research and dig into time series-based feature extraction in this area.
Removal of Ni(II) and Cu(II) in Aqueous Solutions Using Treated Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as Bioadsorbent
Authors: González-Tavares Carlos , Salazar-Hernández Mercedes , Talavera-López Alfonso , Salgado-Román Juan Manuel , Hernández-Soto Rosa , Hernández José A.
Published: May 2023

Phytoremediation consists of taking advantage of the capacity of certain plants to absorb, accumulate, or metabolize contaminants. In this study, Eichornia crassipes (water lily) treated with water (WLW) and NaOH (WLN) was investigated as an adsorbent for removal of Ni(II) and Cu(II) present in aqueous solution, focusing on determining the most efficient conditions (adsorbent concentration, contact time, pretreatment, temperature). The results showed that equilibrium adsorption was favorable and carried out by a multilayer physical process with both bioadsorbents. The maximum adsorption at 30 °C in WLW and WLN was 349 and 293.8 mg/g of Ni(II), respectively, and 294.1 and 276.3 mg/g of Cu(II), respectively. The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the removal in both metals was spontaneous and exothermic. The Avrami model was the most adequate in the kinetic study of Ni(II) and Cu(II) removal in both treatments, which revealed that the adsorption process was carried out by several mechanisms. In the characterization of the adsorbents, it was determined that the functional groups of WL as well as the attractive forces on the surface of the materials participated in the metal removal process.
Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Pros and Cons from the Perspectives of Academics
Authors: Pisica Alina Iorga , Edu Tudor , Zaharia Rodica Milena , Zaharia Razvan
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the perspectives of Romanian academics on implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education (HE). The article analyzes the pros and cons of AI in HE, based on the views of eighteen academics from five Romanian universities. There is a large and heated debate about the proliferation of AI in many domains, with strong supporters and determined deniers. Studies that research the implications of AI enrich the evidence-based literature on the advantages, disadvantages, threats, or opportunities that AI creates for us, for businesses, or for societies. Though many aspects are still less well known, attitudes toward AI are still under construction. HE is a domain where the implications of AI create passionate discussions. HE is, eventually, the sector that shapes the masterminds of societies’ leaders. There is a quest to find the perspectives of those who will apply AI, who will work with or for AI, and those who are opposed to or in favor of implementing AI in HE. The conclusions revealed by this study are in line with similar studies that exist in the literature. The positive aspects of AI implementation in HE are related, in the view of academics, to gains in the learning–teaching process, improvements in students skills and competences, better inclusion, and greater efficiency in administrative costs. Similarly, the negative aspects revealed by the research are linked to psychosocial effects, data security, ethical aspects, and unemployment threats. However, there are some aspects (mostly negative) related to implementing AI in HE that are less exposed by the interviewed academics, which are mostly related to the costs and efforts of implementing AI in HE. The possible explanation of this situation is related to the lack of strategic vision on what, in fact, the implementation of AI in HE means, what this process involves, and the fact that digitalization in Romanian universities (as well as in the Romanian economy) is in its infancy. The contribution of the results of this research is mainly empirical and practical. These opinions should be used as resources for managers of HE institutions to develop better policies concerning the implementation of AI in HE and for strategic vision toward AI, with the ultimate purpose of achieving progress and prosperity for the entire society.
»Should I Stay or Should I Go?« Prevalence and Predictors of Spatial Mobility among Youth in the Transition to Vocational Education and Training in Germany
Authors: Hoffmann Linda , Wicht Alexandra
Published: May 2023

Spatial mobility is an important means of tackling regional disparities and matching problems in education and labor markets, but it is also a source of individual social inequality as it is associated with higher socio-economic resources and returns; however, there is a paucity of research on the prevalence and predictors of spatial mobility among youth entering vocational education and training (VET). We examine the importance of (a) individual occupational orientations, (b) regional opportunity structures, and (c) social ties for the spatial mobility of youth in this early transition phase using longitudinal data from the German NEPS, which we combined with administrative geospatial data of German districts (NUTS-3). Our results show widespread spatial mobility among students entering the VET system: 16% are mobile within and 22% between regional labor markets. Multinomial logistic regression models show that, in addition to young people’s occupational orientations (status aspirations; search duration) and social ties to friends, regional opportunity structures (general unattractiveness; person–environment mismatch) are crucial for youths’ spatial mobility. This underscores the importance of spatial mobility given regional disparities to promote youths’ access to VET and reduce regional mismatches in the VET market.
The Fear of War Scale (FOWARS): Development and Initial Validation
Authors: Kalcza-Janosi Kinga , Kotta Ibolya , Marschalko Eszter Eniko , Szabo Kinga
Published: May 2023

The emergence of the Ukraine-Russia war in 2022 led to fear, worry and anxiety among individuals, mostly in the immediate neighboring countries of Ukraine. The purpose of the present study was to develop the fear of war scale (FOWARS), aiming to fill the gap in the literature that currently is scarce in valid assessment tools for measuring the fear of war. The sample of the study consisted of N = 1131 participants (n = 670 for group A, for EFA and n = 461 for group B, for CFA). Hungarian speaking participants, mainly from Romania and Hungary. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) evinced a two-factor model of the newly developed scale, and the final version fulfilled the criteria of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The 13-items FOWARS has robust psychometric properties and proves to be appropriate for a fear of war assessment in the general population. The phenomenon is measured by two factors, namely experiential and physiological dimensions of fear. The scale is available in the present paper in two languages: English and Hungarian.
Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Supply Chain 4.0: A Literature Review
Authors: Barzizza Elena , Biasetton Nicolò , Ceccato Riccardo , Salmaso Luigi
Published: May 2023

Owing to the development of the technologies of Industry 4.0, recent years have witnessed the emergence of a new concept of supply chain management, namely Supply Chain 4.0 (SC 4.0). Huge investments in information technology have enabled manufacturers to trace the intangible flow of information, but instruments are required to take advantage of the available data sources: big data analytics (BDA) and machine learning (ML) represent important tools for this task. Use of advanced technologies can improve supply chain performances and support reaching strategic goals, but their implementation is challenging in supply chain management. The aim of this study was to understand the main benefits, challenges, and areas of application of BDA and ML in SC 4.0 as well as to understand the BDA and ML techniques most commonly used in the field, with a particular focus on nonparametric techniques. To this end, we carried out a literature review. From our analysis, we identified three main gaps, namely, the need for appropriate analytical tools to manage challenging data configurations; the need for a more reliable link with practice; the need for instruments to select the most suitable BDA or ML techniques. As a solution, we suggest and comment on two viable solutions: nonparametric statistics, and sentiment analysis and clustering.
Managing the Development of a Sustainable Digital Village
Authors: Agusta Yudi
Published: May 2023

Area development is a critical issue that has a strong relation to economic, social, and environmental performances in an area. Boosting area development can be achieved using digitalization. However, digitalization is predominantly available for city life. Rural areas or villages are often left out, because of infrastructure deficits. With enough infrastructure support, rural areas in developed countries have also faced social problems such as population drops. Therefore, a comprehensive solution regarding the use of digitalization to boost rural area development is needed. This concept is often called the digital village. This paper proposes a concept for managing and evaluating the development of a sustainable digital village. The concept is developed based on the reviewed aims, expected deliverables, and existing concerns in previous digital village implementations. To justify the model, management theories, practices and available technologies are also reviewed. The proposed concept for digital village management is also compared to the concepts of enterprise architecture and project management, to evaluate its usability. Sustainability evaluations are performed regarding the three-bottom line of evaluation and the use of ICT resources in the integration of ICT into human resource management (HRM) and supply chain management (SCM). A development model and evaluation method are also proposed to make sure that digital village development and evaluation can be conducted efficiently.
Synergetic Photocatalytic Peroxymonosulfate Oxidation of Benzotriazole by Copper Ferrite Spinel: Factors and Mechanism Analysis
Authors: Golshan Masoumeh , Tian Na , Mamba Gcina , Kakavandi Babak
Published: May 2023

The development of oxidation processes with the efficient generation of powerful radicals is the most interesting and thought-provoking dimension of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. This study reports the successful preparation of a magnetic spinel of CuFe2O4 using a facile, non-toxic, and cost-efficient co-precipitation method. The prepared material exhibited a synergetic effect with photocatalytic PMS oxidation, which was effective in degrading the recalcitrant benzotriazole (BTA). Moreover, central composite design (CCD) analysis confirmed that the highest BTA degradation rate reached 81.4% after 70 min of irradiation time under the optimum operating conditions of CuFe2O4 = 0.4 g L−1, PMS = 2 mM, and BTA = 20 mg L−1. Furthermore, the active species capture experiments conducted in this study revealed the influence of various species, including •OH, SO4•−, O2•−, and h+ in the CuFe2O4/UV/PMS system. The results showed that SO4•− played a predominant role in BTA photodegradation. The combination of photocatalysis and PMS activation enhanced the consumption of metal ions in the redox cycle reactions, thus minimizing metal ion leaching. Additionally, this maintained the reusability of the catalyst with reasonable mineralization efficiency, which reached more than 40% total organic carbon removal after four batch experiments. The presence of common inorganic anions was found to have a retardant effect on BTA oxidation, with the order of retardation following: HCO3− > Cl− > NO3− > SO42−. Overall, this work demonstrated a simple and environmentally benign strategy to exploit the synergy between the photocatalytic activity of CuFe2O4 and PMS activation for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with widely used industrial chemicals such as BTA.
Usage Pattern and Nicotine Delivery during Ad Libitum Consumption of Pod E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products
Authors: Rabenstein Andrea , Rahofer Anna , Vukas Jochen , Rieder Benedikt , Störzenhofecker Kristin , Stoll Yvonne , Burgmann Nestor , Pieper Elke , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas , Rüther Tobias , Mallock-Ohnesorg Nadja
Published: May 2023

Many different nicotine delivery products, such as e-cigarettes (e-cigs) or heated tobacco products (HTPs), are available on the market. To better understand these products, it is crucial to learn how consumers use them and how much nicotine they deliver. Therefore, a pod e-cig, an HTP, and a conventional cigarette (CC) were each used by 15 experienced users of the respective product category for 90 min without special use instructions (“ad libitum”). Sessions were video recorded to analyze usage patterns and puff topography. At defined time points, blood was sampled to determine nicotine concentrations, and subjective effects were inquired about using questionnaires. During the study period, the CC and HTP groups averaged the same number of consumption units (both 4.2 units). In the pod e-cig group, the highest number of puffs was taken (pod e-cig 71.9; HTP: 52.2; CC: 42.3 puffs) with the most extended mean puff duration (pod e-cig: 2.8 s; HTP: 1.9 s; CC: 1.8 s). Pod e-cigs were predominantly used with single puffs or in short clusters of 2–5 puffs. The maximum plasma nicotine concentration was highest for CCs, followed by HTPs, and then pod e-cigs with 24.0, 17.7, and 8.0 ng/mL, respectively. Craving was reduced by all products. The results suggest that the high nicotine delivery known for tobacco-containing products (CCs and HTPs) may not be needed for non-tobacco-containing products (pod e-cigs) to satisfy cravings in experienced users.
Vaccine-Preventable Hospitalisations from Seasonal Respiratory Diseases: What Is Their True Value?
Authors: Neri Margherita , Brassel Simon , Schirrmacher Hannah , Mendes Diana , Vyse Andrew , Steuten Lotte , Hamson Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

Hospitals in England experience extremely high levels of bed occupancy in the winter. In these circumstances, vaccine-preventable hospitalisations due to seasonal respiratory infections have a high cost because of the missed opportunity to treat other patients on the waiting list. This paper estimates the number of hospitalisations that current vaccines against influenza, pneumococcal disease (PD), COVID-19, and a hypothetical Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, could prevent in the winter among older adults in England. Their costs were quantified using a conventional reference costing method and a novel opportunity costing approach considering the net monetary benefit (NMB) obtained from alternative uses of the hospital beds freed-up by vaccines. The influenza, PD and RSV vaccines could collectively prevent 72,813 bed days and save over £45 million in hospitalisation costs. The COVID-19 vaccine could prevent over 2 million bed days and save £1.3 billion. However, the value of hospital beds freed up by vaccination is likely to be 1.1–2 times larger (£48–93 million for flu, PD and RSV; £1.4–2.8 billion for COVID-19) when quantified in opportunity cost terms. Considering opportunity costs is key to ensuring maximum value is obtained from preventative budgets, as reference costing may significantly underestimate the true value of vaccines.
Development of a Crystal Digital RT-PCR for the Detection of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus
Authors: Liu Huixin , Shi Kaichuang , Feng Shuping , Yin Yanwen , Long Feng , Si Hongbin
Published: May 2023

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV), a newly discovered virus, is associated with the type A-II congenital tremor (CT) in neonatal piglets. APPV distributes throughout the world and causes certain economic losses to the swine industry. The specific primers and probe were designed targeting the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of APPV to amplify a 90 bp fragment, and the recombinant standard plasmid was constructed. After optimizing the concentrations of primers and probe, annealing temperature, and reaction cycles, a crystal digital RT-PCR (cdRT-PCR) and real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) were successfully established. The results showed that the standard curves of the qRT-PCR and the cdRT-PCR had R2 values of 0.999 and 0.9998, respectively. Both methods could specifically detect APPV, and no amplification signal was obtained from other swine viruses. The limit of detection (LOD) of the cdRT-PCR was 0.1 copies/µL, and that of the qRT-PCR was 10 copies/µL. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation of repeatability and reproducibility were less than 0.90% for the qRT-PCR and less than 5.27% for the cdRT-PCR. The 60 clinical tissue samples were analyzed using both methods, and the positivity rates of APPV were 23.33% by the qRT-PCR and 25% by the cdRT-PCR, with a coincidence rate of 98.33%. The results indicated that the cdRT-PCR and the qRT-PCR developed here are highly specific, sensitive methods for the rapid and accurate detection of APPV.
Epidemiology of Wildlife Infectious Diseases
Authors: Magnet Angela , Izquierdo Fernando
Published: May 2023

The rise of infectious diseases in wildlife has become a severe concern recently, not only in relation to wildlife preservation but also for human health [...]
Review of Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonotic Pathogens of Dogs in Nigeria: Missing Link in One Health Approach
Authors: Gado Dorcas A. , Ehizibolo David O. , Meseko Clement A. , Anderson Neil E. , Lurz Peter W. W.
Published: May 2023

Dogs live in close contact with humans as pets, for hunting, for security, and as a source of income. In addition, the meat is also consumed by some tribes in Nigeria. Dogs could therefore serve as reservoirs, carriers, and transmitters of zoonotic diseases. This review evaluates the literature from 2000 to 2020 for the prevalence and incidence of zoonotic pathogens associated with dogs in Nigeria. The results obtained show that overall, parasites constituted a majority (64%) of the zoonotic pathogens (or species) identified in dog hosts. A good number of studies have examined the role of ticks in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Further, bacteria make up 22% of the zoonotic pathogens. From this study, it appears that rabies is the major pathogen in dogs for which there is reliable evidence linking contact between humans and dogs. Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria and Plateau State in north-central Nigeria were the most frequently studied states, while prevalence/disease surveillance studies constituted 80% of the overall papers assessed. Interdisciplinary collaborations as well as research and diagnosis policy amendments are missing links to fully appreciate the role of dogs in the transmission of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria. Policies should integrate a one health approach in the Nigerian health system, whereby diagnostic screening of humans and animals by physicians and veterinarians includes zoonotic pathogens for more accurate diagnosis and control.
Transformation of higher education based on distance learning technologies
Authors:   Department of Economic and Financial Disciplines, Moscow University for the Humanities, Podsvetova Tatyana Valentinovna
Published: May 2023

The article examines the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning and analyzes the opinions of the heads of higher educational institutions on this issue. The author shows that the problems of distance education are actively discussed in the scientific literature, on forums, and in the press, since digital education is replacing analog education, and the entire educational paradigm is changing, taking into account Russia's withdrawal from the Bologna process. The distance learning format began to be actively implemented in Russian higher educational institutions in early 2020 due to COVID restrictions. The St. Petersburg State University was the first to change the format of work and switch to distance learning. Other higher educational institutions in the country followed. The article considers the processes of transformation of the educational process in the higher educational institutions of the country.
Literary mystification as a sociocultural phenomenon. Bulgakov — Ilf and Petrov: the issue of authorship
Authors:   Institute for Fundamental and Applied Research, Moscow University for the Humanities, Sevastyanov Aleksandr Nikitich
Published: May 2023

The article analyzes the version that the novels "The Twelve Chairs" and "The Little Golden Calf" were written by Mikhail Bulgakov, and not by Ilf and Petrov, as it was always believed. Since the author of the article is a Russian philologist (PhD Candidate in Philology and chief researcher at the university), this information, which acts as a kind of challenge to society, has become the subject of scientific research. The author shows that the version of Bulgakov's authorship was put forward in 2013 in the book "12 Chairs from Mikhail Bulgakov" by Irina Amlinsky (Germany), who has no philological education. As evidence, the book’s author only presents personal impressions and the subjective sense of style, which Ms. Amlinsky claims to be the same in "The Master and Margarita", and in books about Ostap Bender. In addition, as shown in the article, there is a more serious argument: neither before nor after the release of the dilogy, neither Ilf nor Petrov presented anything special in literature or wrote nothing of the kind, and this is true. This article presents an attempt to answer the question of whether Ilf and Petrov could have been the authors of two such magnificent novels. And if not, then who could qualify for this role according to the level of talent? The article combines elements of philological study and documentary archival research. It can be recommended as part of the preparation of lectures within the disciplines "Literary Studies", "History of Literature", and "Cultural Studies".
Quality control in the production of high-tech SEKIRUS laser systems for welding, cutting, cleaning and surfacing
Authors:   LLC ", Tarasova A.N. ,   Trading house ",   Hephaestus", Berezin N.M. ,   LLC "Trading house "Hephaestus"
Published: May 2023

In St. Petersburg, since 2019, the assembly of SEKIRUS devices for laser welding, cutting and surfacing based on continuous fiber-optic laser sources with water cooling has been launched. These devices allow to obtain high-quality welded joints 3–4 times faster than traditional welding machines and do not require long-term training and highly qualified operator. The article provides information on how the assembly quality of SEKIRUS devices is ensured at different stages of production.
Online vestibular rehabilitation for chronic vestibular syndrome: 36-month follow-up of a randomised controlled trial in general practice
Authors: van Vugt Vincent A , Ngo Hà TN , van der Wouden Johannes C , Twisk Jos WR , van der Horst Henriëtte E , Maarsingh Otto R
Published: May 2023

Background

Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is the preferred treatment for chronic vestibular symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. An internet-based programme was developed to increase uptake of VR. The authors have previously reported that internet-based VR resulted in a clinically relevant decrease of vestibular symptoms for up to 6 months, compared with usual care.

Aim

To evaluate long-term outcomes of internet-based VR in patients with chronic vestibular syndrome.

Design and setting

A randomised controlled trial was conducted in Dutch general practice involving 322 participants aged ≥50 years with chronic vestibular syndrome. Participants were randomised to stand-alone VR, blended VR (with physiotherapy support), and usual care. Usual care participants were allowed to cross over to stand-alone VR 6 months after randomisation.

Method

Participants were approached 36 months after randomisation. The primary outcome was the presence of vestibular symptoms as measured by the vertigo symptom scale—short form (VSS–SF). Secondary outcomes were dizziness-related impairment, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and healthcare utilisation.

Results

At 36-month follow-up, 65% of participants filled in the VSS–SF. In the usual care group, 38% of participants had crossed over to VR at 6 months. There were no significant differences in vestibular symptoms between VR groups and usual care (mean difference = −0.8 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.8 to 1.2, for stand-alone VR; −0.3, 95% CI = −2.2 to 1.7, for blended VR). In VR groups, clinically relevant improvement compared with baseline was maintained over time.

Conclusion

Internet-based VR provides a maintained improvement of vestibular symptoms for up to 36 months in patients with chronic vestibular syndrome.
Patients’ views on the decision to investigate cancer symptoms in older adults: a qualitative interview study in primary care
Authors: Jones Daniel , Ali Omer M , Honey Stephanie , Surr Claire , Scott Suzanne , De Wit Niek , Neal Richard D
Published: May 2023

Background

Cancer is predominantly a disease of older adults. To date there has been little research on the experiences of older adults or their views on the diagnostic pathway.

Aim

To gain an improved understanding of the views and experiences of older adults on all aspects of cancer investigation.

Design and setting

This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients aged ≥70 years. Patients were recruited from primary care in West Yorkshire, UK.

Method

Data were analysed using a thematic framework analysis.

Results

The themes identified in participants’ accounts included the patients’ process of decision making, the value of having a diagnosis, the patients’ experience of cancer investigations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnostic pathway. Older adults in this study indicated a clear preference for having clarity on the cause of symptoms and the diagnosis, even in the face of unpleasant investigations. Patients suggested they wanted to be involved in the decision process.

Conclusion

Older adults who present to primary care with symptoms suggestive of cancer may accept diagnostic testing solely for the benefit of knowing the diagnosis. There was a clear patient preference that referrals and investigations for cancer symptoms should not be deferred or delayed based on age or subjective assessments of frailty. Shared decision making and being involved in the decision-making process are important to patients, regardless of age.
booktubers e a venda de livros no Brasil no período de isolamento social
Authors: Marinho Ferreira Julio
Published: May 2023

Este trabalho é um recorte de uma tese de doutorado em andamento sobre os usos do on-line como uma nova forma de atividade laboral, tendo nos livros e seus derivativos como filmes e séries, os produtos a serem comercializados em uma sociedade deslocada para o digital em função de uma pandemia global causada pelo Covid-19. Dessa forma, através de uma abordagem sociológica sobre os usos de redes sociais digitais, no caso YouTube, busco nos chamados(as) booktubers, desenvolvedores de conteúdos on-line a partir de livros, tecer uma análise sobre as potencialidades interativas como a utilização de uma imagem de si, de uma reputação on-line e das capacidades de produção de seguidores no contexto digital. Com isso, a atividade de formação de opiniões e de resenhas críticas sobre literatura, em seus variados escopos, apareceria como um substrato a ser observado.
Um ciclo liberal no Fascismo de Mussolini
Authors: Schargel Sergio
Published: May 2023

Muito se discute sobre a equivalência de fenômenos contemporâneos com o Fascismo de Mussolini. Um dos argumentos contra essa equivalência se baseia no caráter liberal de alguns desses movimentos atuais. Entretanto, o próprio Fascismo, a despeito de seu antiliberalismo, experimentou um período liberal, ao menos na economia, conforme foi forçado a conceder espaços para uma coligação liberal-conservadora em um primeiro momento no poder. Por meio de análise de conteúdo e em close-reading, utilizando o software WordCloud, e ante a hipótese de que o Fascismo foi um movimento/regime que se reinventou ao longo das décadas – o que, na prática, torna difícil falar em apenas um Fascismo – a proposta deste artigo é analisar as características e traços presentes no programa de fundação do Partido Nacional Fascista (PNF). Por fim, o trabalho conclui com a tradução inédita para o português do programa.
A construção de subjetividades como fundamento do racismo ambiental contra comunidades tradicionais.
Authors: Paulino Filho Daniel
Published: May 2023

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a contribuição da construção de subjetividades na fundamentação do racismo ambiental contra comunidades tradicionais. O estudo se faz necessário uma vez que estes povos, os quais sustentam uma forma de vivência em que a natureza é uma mãe provedora, são vítimas de violência, epistemicídio e apagamento, em especial a partir da degradação ambiental de seus territórios e de seus elementos personificados. Tais injustiças são possíveis a partir do racismo estrutural e sua capacidade de engendrar um imaginário coletivo que constitui subjetividades em que as comunidades, majoritariamente compostas por pessoas alvo de racialização, sofrem um processo de  inferiorização, sendo classificadas como sub-humanas. Ademais, o trabalho será realizado por meio de revisão bibliográfica específica sobre a temática e pressupostos teóricos e metodológicos fornecidos pela teoria crítica da raça.
controvérsias dos riscos associados às barragens de rejeitos da mineração
Authors: Leal Pinheiro Cruz Ana Paula
Published: May 2023

Este artigo analisa as controvérsias sociotécnicas em torno dos riscos associados às barragens de rejeito da mineração e os desdobramentos que se seguem com as implantações das Zonas de Autossalvamento (ZAS), tomadas como medida de precaução após os últimos rompimentos em Minas Gerais em 2015 e 2019. Destacam-se os atores envolvidos, suas inter-relações e as disputas que os perpassam, bem como as técnicas e conceitos que os mesmos mobilizam. Parte das considerações são referentes à barragem do Doutor, em Antônio Pereira, MG, da mineradora Vale S.A. que passa pelo processo de descomissionamento, gerando uma série de remoções e de conflitos com a comunidade. Através do mapeamento das controvérsias, apresentam-se os atores e as disputas em torno dos riscos associados à barragem e a ZAS, revelando um cenário de desacordos, falta de transparência empresarial e institucional, levando medo à população afetada.
Virtual Influencer Marketing: Is It Effective in Engaging Younger Generations?
Authors: ROSSI CARLA , Rivetti Francesca
Published: May 2023

Abstract: The market value of global influencer marketing has more than doubled since 2019 (Statista, 2021). The emergence of the so-called virtual influencers (VIs) has redefined the boundaries of possibilities in this “industry” attracting the interest of many brands and raising several questions about their development, ethics, purpose in marketing and perspective. These ‘new’ social media celebrities have also attracted the attention of the scientific community but research has yet to explore how VIs are likely to reshape the practice of marketing.

This study aims to better understand the attitudes and reactions of Generations Y and Z (the most attractive target group for influencers) towards VIs—in particular, to find out how VIs are perceived by younger customers and whether VIs can effectively persuade them to buy certain products.

Two focus groups were conducted to facilitate an initial response to a relatively new phenomenon, and to gain a social, contextual view of the issue. Our results showed that human influencers still outperform the virtual ones for a number of reasons, ranging from the impossibility of identifying with digital creatures, the inability of the latter to demonstrate the efficacy of the products on themselves and the impossibility, expressed by many respondents, of empathising with entities that appear soulless and largely manipulated by those who—anonymously, behind their backs—are only interested in selling products.
First Six Months of War from Ukrainian topic and sentiment analysis
Authors: Maathuis Clara , Kerkhof Iddo
Published: May 2023

Through technological advancements as well as due to societal trends and developments, social media became an active part and a catalysator of the ongoing conflicts and wars carried out in the physical environment. A direct example on this behalf are the cyber/information operations currently conducted in conjunction with the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. Due to such operations packaged in social media manipulation mechanisms like disinformation and misinformation using techniques such as controversies, fake news, and deep fakes, a high degree of confusion and uncertainty surrounds the events happened and users’ behaviour and beliefs. These operations also impact the civilians directly affected in the battlefield or their dear and known ones. To tackle this issue, currently limited scientific and objective effort is dedicated in this direction due to, e.g., data, strategic, and emotional implications. It is then the aim of this research to capture the main topics discussed and the feeling expressed by Ukrainian Telegram users on the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022 using a Data Science approach by building a series of Machine Learning models based on multi-channel data collected in the first six of months of war. Accordingly, this research directly aims to contribute to efforts on understanding real discourses and dynamics involved in the ongoing conflict through direct resources, producing and sustaining social media security awareness, and building resilience to social media manipulation campaigns using AI.
МЕТОД ВИХОВНИХ СИТУАЦІЙ У МОРАЛЬНО-ЕТИЧНОМУ СТАНОВЛЕННІ МАЙБУТНЬОГО ВЧИТЕЛЯ ФІЗИЧНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ
Authors: Каплінський Василь , Дамзін Олександр
Published: May 2023

В статті розглядаються основні чинники використання методу виховних ситуацій при формуванні системи моральних цінностей майбутніх учителів фізичної культури, їх морально-етичної поведінки і морально-етичному становленні загалом. Автори зауважують, що в сучасних умовах розвитку України життєво важливим є завдання формування гармонійної, ініціативної особистості з високим рівнем домагань, а зміни у вищій освіті характеризується тенденцією гуманізації, що визначає актуальність вивчення ціннісно-смислової сфери студентства та її впливу на процес морально-етичного розвитку особистості майбутнього фахівця.

Морально-етичне становлення майбутніх учителів, на думку авторів статті, є процесом і результатом конструктивного особистісного розвитку молодої людини й відбувається завдяки засвоєнню духовно-моральних цінностей з культурно-суспільного й духовно-особистісного досвіду. Тому морально-етичне становлення відбувається завдяки формуванню світогляду та впливу на вектор життєвої активності особистості. У статті представлено результати теоретико-прикладного дослідження особливостей викладання педагогічних дисциплін, впливу методу виховних ситуацій на формування моральної сфери студентів, зокрема визначено особливості ставлення майбутніх учителів фізичної культури до морально-етичних норм, вивчено прояви моральності і дотримання морально-етичних правил у поведінці й вчинках, проаналізовано рівень сформованості морально-етичної поведінки у студентів факультету фізичного виховання, визначено специфіку впливу спортивної діяльності на особистісний розвиток майбутнього вчителя фізичної культури, її суттєве значення у розвитку духовності і формуванні морально-етичної поведінки майбутніх педагогів, особливо їх прагнення до самовдосконалення.
Organizaciones juveniles católicas salesianas y sus prácticas de trabajo con la pobreza en la ciudad de La Plata
Authors:   , Ninni Karen Jessica
Published: May 2023

En la presente investigación analizamos las formas de participación juvenil a partir del análisis de una organización religiosa católica salesiana de la ciudad de La Plata dedicada al trabajo con niños/as y jóvenes “vulnerables” o “pobres”, indagando tanto en las acciones de intervención sobre la pobreza como en las adscripciones religiosas, los sentidos de pertenencia y las lógicas de sentido de sus prácticas. La participación juvenil se torna relevante como aporte para profundizar en las maneras particulares en que los y las jóvenes se vinculan con la construcción del orden político, del orden moral y, por supuesto, del orden social. En el caso elegido los sentidos, prácticas y discursos se encuentran imbricados en el discurso religioso católico. Discurso que parece dar proyección a su vida en el presente y en el futuro, y que por lo tanto resuelve de alguna manera, por algún tiempo, su lugar en el mundo. Abordar estos grupos implica el desafío del cruce de varios sub-campos de estudio, en principio, juventudes, religión, pobreza e intervención social. La investigación se desarrolló en base a un abordaje metodológico cualitativo que permitió adentrarnos de forma profunda en los modos de significación y prácticas de los y las jóvenes estudiados. El periodo de análisis comprende los años 2017-2019. Para ello, se realizaron observaciones participantes, entrevistas semi-estructuradas en profundidad y se consultaron fuentes secundarias.