bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Signal-Based Auto-Focusing Method Available for Raman Spectroscopy Acquisitions in Deep Space Exploration
Authors: Liu Yiheng , Liu Changqing , Xin Yanqing , Liu Ping , Xiao Ayang , Ling Zongcheng
Published: February 2024

With the development of technology and methodologies, Raman spectrometers are becoming efficient candidate payloads for planetary materials characterizations in deep space exploration missions. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) already deployed two Raman instruments, Super Cam and SHERLOC, onboard the Perseverance Rover in the Mars 2020 mission. In the ground test, the SHERLOC team found an axial offset (~720 μm) between the ACI (Autofocus Context Imager) and the spectrometer focus, which would obviously affect the acquired Raman intensity if not corrected. To eliminate this error and, more importantly, simplify the application of Raman instruments in deep space exploration missions, we propose an automatic focusing method wherein Raman signals are optimized during spectrum collection. We put forward a novel method that is realized by evaluating focus conditions numerically and searching for the extremum point as the final focal point. To verify the effectiveness of this method, we developed an Auto-focus Raman Probe (SDU-ARP) in our laboratory. This method provides a research direction for scenarios in which spectrometers cannot focus on a target using any other criterion. The utilization of this auto-focusing method can offer better spectra and fewer acquisitions in focusing procedure, and the spectrometer payload can be deployed in light-weight bodies (e.g., asteroids) or in poor illumination conditions (e.g., the permanently shadowed region in the Lunar south polar area) in deep space exploration missions.
Enhancing Stability and Performance in Mobile Robot Path Planning with PMR-Dueling DQN Algorithm
Authors: Deguale Demelash Abiye , Yu Lingli , Sinishaw Melikamu Liyih , Li Keyi
Published: February 2024

Path planning for mobile robots in complex circumstances is still a challenging issue. This work introduces an improved deep reinforcement learning strategy for robot navigation that combines dueling architecture, Prioritized Experience Replay, and shaped Rewards. In a grid world and two Gazebo simulation environments with static and dynamic obstacles, the Dueling Deep Q-Network with Modified Rewards and Prioritized Experience Replay (PMR-Dueling DQN) algorithm is compared against Q-learning, DQN, and DDQN in terms of path optimality, collision avoidance, and learning speed. To encourage the best routes, the shaped Reward function takes into account target direction, obstacle avoidance, and distance. Prioritized replay concentrates training on important events while a dueling architecture separates value and advantage learning. The results show that the PMR-Dueling DQN has greatly increased convergence speed, stability, and overall performance across conditions. In both grid world and Gazebo environments the PMR-Dueling DQN achieved higher cumulative rewards. The combination of deep reinforcement learning with reward design, network architecture, and experience replay enables the PMR-Dueling DQN to surpass traditional approaches for robot path planning in complex environments.
Transparent and Ultra-Thin Flexible Checkerboard Metasurface for Radar–Infrared Bi-Stealth
Authors: Chang Qi , Ji Jinzu , Chen Ke , Wu Wenxing , Ma Yunpeng
Published: February 2024

This paper proposed a single-layer checkerboard metasurface with simultaneous wideband radar cross-section (RCS) reduction characteristics and low infrared (IR) emissivity. The metasurface consists of an indium tin oxide (ITO)-patterned film, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and an ITO backplane from the top downwards, with a total ultra-thin thickness of 1.6 mm. This design also allows the metasurface to have good optical transparency and flexibility. Based on phase cancellation and absorption, the metasurface can achieve a wideband RCS reduction of 10 dB from 10.6 to 19.4 GHz under normal incidence. When the metasurface is slightly cylindrically curved, an RCS reduction of approximately 10 dB can still be achieved from 11 to 19 GHz. The polarization and angular stability of the metasurface have also been verified. The filling rate of the top ITO-patterned film is 0.81, which makes the metasurface have a low theoretical IR emissivity of 0.24. Both simulation and experimental results have verified the excellent characteristics of the proposed checkerboard metasurface, demonstrating its great potential application in radar–IR bi-stealth.
Effects of Task Interference on Kinematics and Dual-Task Cost of Running in Early Childhood
Authors: Zhao Panchao , Ma Kai , Ji Zhongqiu , Jiang Guiping
Published: February 2024

Children aged 3–8 are in a critical period for motor development and postural control. Running is a basic motor skill that children need to master in early childhood. While running, children are prone to dangerous events such as falls. This study investigates the kinematic characteristics of running by children associated with different interference tasks, i.e., normalized running, cognitive dual-tasks, and obstacle crossing tasks, and provides a theoretical foundation for the interference mechanism of children’s dynamic postural control and for screening of motor disorders. Two hundred children aged 3–8 were recruited. The BTS Bioengineering infrared motion capture system was used to collect spatiotemporal and kinematic running data under three tasks. Repeated measures of variance analysis were used to compare the effects of different interference tasks and ages on children’s running signs. The main and interaction effect tests were compared by the Bonferroni method. The results and conclusions are as follows: (1) Running characteristics of early childhood are influenced by interference tasks and age. With interference tasks, the overall characteristics of running by children aged 3–8 showed an increasing trend in running cycle time and a decreasing trend in stride length, step length, cadence, and speed. (2) Both cognitive and obstacle crossing tasks had costs, and cognitive task costs were greater than obstacle crossing costs. Children adopted a “task first” running strategy with different interference tasks. When facing cognitive tasks, their overall joint motion decreased, and they reduced joint motions to promote task completion. When facing obstacle crossing tasks, because of the characteristics of the task itself, children increased joint motions to cope with interference. (3) In terms of age, the running characteristics showed a nonlinear development trend in various indicators, with a degree of recurrence and high variability in adjacent age groups. (4) The dual-task interference paradigm of “postural-cognition” can be used as a motor intervention tool to promote the development of basic motor skills in early childhood.
Quantification of UV Light-Induced Spectral Response Degradation of CMOS-Based Photodetectors
Authors: Siles Pablo F. , Gäbler Daniel
Published: February 2024

High-energy radiation is known to potentially impact the optical performance of silicon-based sensors adversely. Nevertheless, a proper characterization and quantification of possible spectral response degradation effects due to UV stress is technically challenging. On one hand, typical illumination methods via UV lamps provide a poorly defined energy spectrum. On the other hand, a standardized measurement methodology is also missing. This work provides an approach where well-defined energy spectrum UV stress conditions are guaranteed via a customized optical set up, including a laser driven light source, a monochromator, and a non-solarizing optical fiber. The test methodology proposed here allows performing a controlled UV stress between 200 nm and 400 nm with well-defined energy conditions and offers a quantitative overview of the impact on the optical performance in CMOS-based photodiodes, along a wavelength range from 200 to 1100 nm and 1 nm step. This is of great importance for the characterization and development of new sensors with a high and stable UV spectral response, as well as for implementation of practical applications such as UV light sensing and UV-based sterilization.
Parenting Experiences of Informal Kinship Caregivers: Similarities and Differences between Grandparents and Other Relatives
Authors: Koh Eun , Daughtery Laura , Lee Yongwon , Ozughen Jude
Published: February 2024

Informal kinship care, an arrangement that is made without the involvement of a child welfare agency or a court, makes up the majority of kinship arrangements in the United States. However, the current literature on informal kinship care is very limited. In response, this study explored informal kinship caregivers’ parenting experiences, comparing those of grandparents and other relatives. Anonymous survey responses from 146 informal kinship caregivers (114 grandparents and 32 other relatives) were analyzed. This study found similarities and differences between grandparents and other relatives. Compared to other relatives, grandparents were significantly older and less likely to be married. Over 60% of the caregivers, both grandparents and other relatives, had an annual household income of USD 50,000 or less but did not receive any governmental benefits. Furthermore, other relatives accessed and utilized community resources at significantly lower rates. This study observed significant challenges of informal kinship families, including financial difficulties and child mental health/behavioral issues. At the same time, it noted their strengths and resilience, with most participants reporting a positive perception of their caregiving experience. Programs and services for informal kinship families should reflect their unique experiences, building upon their strengths and resilience.
Possible Integration of Soil Information into Land Degradation Analysis for the United Nations (UN) Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Concept: A Case Study of the Contiguous United States of America (USA)
Authors: Mikhailova Elena A. , Zurqani Hamdi A. , Lin Lili , Hao Zhenbang , Post Christopher J. , Schlautman Mark A. , Shepherd George B.
Published: February 2024

Soil makes important contributions to the United Nations (UN) Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) concept and targets; however, currently, soil is not integrated into measurable information (e.g., indicators, metrics) to monitor land degradation (LD) patterns and trends. This study examines the role of soil in LDN in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 15: Life on Land). This study is specifically focused on the LDN and biodiversity loss as they relate to an indicator 15.3.1 Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area. Tracking of LD status can be improved by using detailed soils databases combined with satellite-derived land cover maps. This study has applied these newly improved methods to quantify and map the anthropogenic LD status and trends in the contiguous United States of America (USA), as well as to identify potential land areas for nature-based solutions (NBS) to compensate for LD. Anthropogenic LD in 2016 in the contiguous USA affected over two million square kilometers, about one-third of the country’s total area, with high variability by state. Between 2001 and 2016, LD in the USA showed an overall increase of 1.5%, with some states exhibiting increases in degraded land while other states had overall improvements to their land. All ten soil orders present in the contiguous USA have been anthropogenically degraded, with Mollisols, Alfisols, and Vertisols having the highest LD levels. Compensating for LD requires a variety of strategies and measures (e.g., NBS), which often require additional land. In 2016, the potential land area for NBS was over two million square kilometers, an area approximately equal to that of degraded land. Some of the states that have high proportions of land available for potential NBS are dominated by soils (Aridisols) typical of deserts and therefore may have less promise for NBS. The variability of LD needs to be evaluated at finer spatial scales for realistic LDN analysis.
Measuring the Effect of Built Environment on Students’ School Trip Method Using Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale
Authors: Esmaeli Saeed , Aghabayk Kayvan , Shiwakoti Nirajan
Published: February 2024

School trips affect different aspects, such as air pollution and urban traffic, and of personal wellbeing, such as students’ physical and mental health. The increasing concern about environmental sustainability has prompted a reevaluation of daily activities, including school transportation. While different factors that affect students’ school trips have been investigated in the literature, the effect of the built environment has been evaluated only sporadically in previous studies. To fulfil this knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the effect of the built environment on students’ school trips by adapting and extending the well-known Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS) questionnaire. The questionnaire survey was conducted with parents from 36 schools in Yazd, Iran, providing a sample of 1688 students aged 7–18 years. The items from the NEWS questionnaire were placed in nine factors by performing factor analysis. The Multinomial Logit Regression model was applied to check the predictive power of these nine factors. It was found that the variables of land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, crime, age, gender, household income and car ownership had a significant effect on students’ school trips. The more easily students have access to different places, the less they use public services and cars compared with the active travel mode. The use of public services and cars increases with the increase in crime rate along the route to school. The findings indicate that built environment features may impact students’ shift from traditional transportation modes to active alternatives, such as walking and cycling, contributing to the attainment of broader sustainability objectives.
Effect of Rebar Harsh Storage Conditions on the Flexural Behavior of Glass FRP Concrete
Authors: Tabsh Sami W. , Tamimi Adil , El-Emam Magdi , Zandavi Ali
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has become a widely accepted alternative reinforcement to steel bars in concrete members due to its many sustainability traits, as represented by its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, non-conductive properties, and electromagnet neutrality. However, FRP bar exposure for an extended period of time to harsh environmental conditions and chemicals can have an adverse effect on their mechanical properties. In this investigation, glass FRP bars were exposed to indoor controlled temperature, outdoor direct sunlight, outdoor shade, seawater, and alkaline solution for six months prior to using them as reinforcement in concrete flexural members. This research involves the fabrication and testing of five pairs of 3 m-long concrete beams with 200 mm by 300 mm cross-sections embedded in the tension zone with the exposed GFRP bars. The 10 beams were instrumented with strain gauges and tested following a four-point loading scheme using a hydraulic jack attached to a rigid steel frame. Crack width records from the tests showed the inferior serviceability of the beams that contained rebars stored in an outdoor environment relative to the control beams. GFRP bar exposure to an alkaline solution or outdoor direct sunlight slightly affected the cracking and ultimate moment capacities, reducing them by 5% and 3% in terms of the same parameters as the controlled indoor exposure, respectively. The influence of GFRP bar exposure to open-air shade or sunlight decreased the pre-cracking stiffness by 25% and flexural ductility by 10–20% when compared with the control specimens. The predicted ultimate flexural strength using the ACI 440 provisions gave comparable results to the experimentally obtained values. A simple mathematical equation that envelops the moment–deflection relationship for GFRP over-reinforced concrete beams and only requires information about initial cracking and ultimate flexural conditions is proposed.
Overcoming Barriers to Digital Transformation towards Greener Supply Chains in Automotive Paint Shop Operations
Authors: Carpitella Silvia
Published: February 2024

Given the resource-intensive nature of automotive manufacturing processes and their potential to substantially contribute to ecological footprints, the integration of sustainable logistic practices in the context of digital transformation becomes imperative. This paper focuses on the implementation of green supply chain strategies within the automotive sector, targeting significant risks associated with environmental impact, specifically in the critical domain of automotive paint shops. Automotive paint shops indeed play a significant part in determining the overall sustainability of automotive production. Recognized for their role in vehicle esthetics and corrosion protection, the sustainable integration of these facilities is crucial in the pursuit of a greener automotive future. A comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making framework is herein proposed as a valuable tool in pinpointing the most critical barriers to digital transformation and simultaneously prioritizing suitable green logistic strategies in the context of automotive paint shop risk-management procedures. The practical utility of the model extends to practitioners in the automotive paint shop supply chain, particularly those engaged in digitalizing critical operations, facilitating well-informed decision-making aligned with environmental sustainability goals. The findings of this research highlight the critical importance of implementing tailored strategies, including crisis preparedness, transparent communication, proactive outreach, and strategic investments in technology and partnerships, to address barriers and enhance sustainability practices within automotive paint shop operations, thereby contributing to the overall resilience and long-term viability of automotive supply chains.
Carbon Nanotube Composites with Bimetallic Transition Metal Selenides as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Riaz Shamas , Anjum Muhammad Shafiq , Ali Abid , Mehmood Yasir , Ahmad Muhammad , Alwadai Norah , Iqbal Munawar , Akyürekli Salih , Hassan Noor , Shoukat Rizwan
Published: February 2024

Hydrogen fuel is a clean and versatile energy carrier that can be used for various applications, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. Electrocatalytic water splitting could be the most beneficial and facile approach for producing hydrogen. In this work, transition metal selenide composites with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been investigated for electrocatalytic water splitting. The synthesis process involved the facile one-step hydrothermal growth of transition metal nanoparticles over the CNTs and acted as an efficient electrode toward electrochemical water splitting. Scanning electron microscopy and XRD patterns reveal that nanoparticles were firmly anchored on the CNTs, resulting in the formation of composites. The electrochemical measurements reveal that CNT composite with nickel–cobalt selenides (NiCo-Se/CNTs@NF) display remarkable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity in basic media, which is an important part of hydrogen production. It demonstrates the lowest overpotential (η10mAcm−2) of 0.560 V vs. RHE, a reduced Tafel slope of 163 mV/dec, and lower charge transfer impedance for the OER process. The multi-metallic selenide composite with CNTs demonstrating unique nanostructure and synergistic effects offers a promising platform for enhancing electrocatalytic OER performance and opens up new avenues for efficient energy conversion and storage applications.
Assessment of EU Bio-Based Economy Sectors Based on Environmental, Socioeconomic, and Technical Indicators
Authors: Fernández Ocamica Víctor , Bernardes Figueirêdo Monique , Zapata Sebastián , Bartolomé Carmen
Published: February 2024

The development of a resilient and circular bio-based economy is of paramount importance, notably in the EU, where current climate policies and evolving regulations strongly demand more sustainable practices, impacting monitoring and reporting, as well as the deployment of novel valorization routes for byproducts and waste streams. In this context, with the aim of assessing the current state of the European bio-based economy, a comprehensive analysis based on socio-environmental, socioeconomic, and technical indicators was carried out on major sectors, namely textiles, woodworking, pulp and paper, bio-based chemicals and materials, liquid biofuels, and bio-based electricity. Each sector was evaluated with respect to its main biological raw materials, and a methodology is proposed to link their geographical origin (inside or outside the EU), import shares, and internal production with socio-environmental impacts, based on official databases and indexes. Socioeconomic data (turnover and employment) and technical data (average bio-based content within the main products of the sector) were also considered for the analyses, allowing a multi-angle comparison between sectors and the identification of barriers and opportunities for future developments. Finally, a quantitative and qualitative overview of non-hazardous biogenic waste streams generated in the EU is presented, and opportunities for their valorization and reintegration into the EU bio-based economy are discussed. As a result of this analysis, beyond enabling the assessment of each sector within the bio-based economy, along with the assignment of values for comparison, the implementation of this evaluation facilitated the identification of improvement pathways, which were consolidated into a set of proposals.
Search for Wormhole Candidates: Accreting Wormholes with Monopole Magnetic Fields
Authors: Piotrovich Mikhail , Krasnikov Serguei , Buliga Stanislava , Natsvlishvili Tinatin
Published: February 2024

The existence of even the simplest magnetized wormholes may lead to observable consequences. In the case where both the wormhole and the magnetic field around its mouths are static and spherically symmetric, and gas in the region near the wormhole falls radially into it, the former’s spectrum contains bright cyclotron or synchrotron lines due to the interaction of charged plasma particles with the magnetic field. At the same time, due to spherical symmetry, the radiation is non-polarized. The emission of this just-described exotic type (non-thermal, but non-polarized) may be a wormhole signature. Also, in this scenario, the formation of an accretion disk is still quite possible at some distance from the wormhole, but a monopole magnetic field could complicate this process and lead to the emergence of asymmetrical and one-sided relativistic jets.
Recent Findings from Heavy-Flavor Angular Correlation Measurements in Hadronic Collisions
Authors: Thomas Deepa , Colamaria Fabio
Published: February 2024

The study of angular correlations of heavy-flavor particles in hadronic collisions can provide crucial insight into the heavy quark production, showering, and hadronization processes. The comparison with model predictions allows us to discriminate among different approaches for heavy quark production and hadronization, as well as different treatments of the underlying event employed by the models to reproduce correlation observables. In ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions, where a deconfined state of matter, the quark–gluon plasma (QGP), is created, heavy-flavor correlations can shed light on the modification of the heavy quark fragmentation due to the interaction between charm and beauty quarks with the QGP constituents, as well as characterize their energy loss processes while traversing the medium. Insight into the possible emergence of collective-like mechanisms in smaller systems, resembling those observed in heavy-ion collisions, can also be obtained by performing correlation studies in high-multiplicity proton–proton and proton–nucleus collisions. In this review, the most recent and relevant measurements of heavy-flavor correlations performed in all collision systems at the LHC and RHIC will be presented, and the new understandings that they provide will be discussed.
Antiviral and Virucidal Activities of Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s Claw) against the Chikungunya Virus
Authors: de Lima Raquel Curtinhas , Valente Ligia Maria Marino , Familiar Macedo Débora , de-Oliveira-Pinto Luzia Maria , dos Santos Flavia Barreto , Mazzei José Luiz , Siani Antonio Carlos , Nunes Priscila Conrado Guerra , de Azeredo Elzinandes Leal
Published: February 2024

Uncaria tomentosa (UT) is a medicinal plant popularly known as cat’s claw belonging to the Rubiaceae family that has been reported to display antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks constitute a Brazilian public health concern. CHIKV infection develops an abrupt onset of fever, usually accompanied by a skin rash, besides incapacitating polyarthralgia. There is no vaccine available or treatment for CHIKV infection. The present study evaluates the hydroalcoholic extract of UT bark as a potential antiviral against CHIKV. The in vitro antiviral activity of the UT extract against the Brazilian CHIKV strain was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and plaque assay. Results obtained demonstrated that UT inhibits CHIKV infection in a dose-dependent manner. At the non-cytotoxic concentration of 100 µg/mL, UT exhibited antiviral activity above 90% as determined by plaque reduction assay, and it reduced the viral cytopathic effect. Similarly, a significant virucidal effect of 100 µg/mL UT was observed after 24 and 48 h post-infection. This is the first report on the antiviral activity of UT against CHIKV infection, and the data presented here suggests UT as a potential antiviral to treat CHIKV infection.
Construction and Evaluation of an Efficient Live Attenuated Salmonella Choleraesuis Vaccine and Its Ability as a Vaccine Carrier to Deliver Heterologous Antigens
Authors: Bian Xiaoping , Chen Jin , Chen Xin , Liu Chengying , Ding Jianjun , Li Mengru , Zhang Xiaofen , Liu Qing , Kong Qingke
Published: February 2024

The gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis, also known as S. Choleraesuis, is a major financial loss for the pig business. C500 is a vaccine strain that has been used for preventing S. Choleraesuis infection in pigs for many years in China. Although it possessed good immunogenicity and protection efficacy, it still showed severe side effects. The truncation of the key gene rpoS in C500 was believed to take the major responsibility for its attenuation. To achieve a good balance between attenuation and immunogenicity, rpoS was restored to an active state, and other essential virulent genes of crp, fur, phoP, and aroA were evaluated for their effects of deletion on safety and immunogenicity. Animal experiments demonstrated that C5001 (C500 rpoS+ Δcrp10) and C5002 (C500 rpoS+ Δfur9) showed an excellent ability to induce an immune response. To further decrease the endotoxic activity, the combination mutations of ΔpagL7 ΔpagP81::Plpp lpxE ΔlpxR9 were introduced into the mutant strains to generate 1′-dephosphorylated lipid A. Animal experiments showed that SC3 (C500 rpoS+ Δfur9 ΔpagL7 ΔpagP81:: Plpp lpxE ΔlpxR9) induced higher levels of IgG and secreted IgA antibodies and provided a higher protection rate than SC1 (C500 ΔpagL7 ΔpagP81:: Plpp lpxE ΔlpxR9) and SC2 (C500 rpoS+ Δcrp10 ΔpagL7 ΔpagP81:: PlpplpxE ΔlpxR9). We also evaluated the ability of SC3 (C500 rpoS+ Δfur9 ΔpagL7 ΔpagP81:: Plpp lpxE ΔlpxR9) as a vaccine carrier to deliver heterologous protein antigens and polysaccharide antigens. The results indicated that SC3 (C500 rpoS+ Δfur9 ΔpagL7 ΔpagP81:: Plpp lpxE ΔlpxR9) showed an excellent ability to deliver heterologous antigens and induce the host to produce high levels of antibodies. Together, these results indicate that we constructed a safe and efficient attenuated strain of the S. Choleraesuis vaccine, which demonstrated strong resistance to infection with wild-type S. Choleraesuis and can be employed as a universal vector for the delivery of recombinant antigens.
Enhancing Security in Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication: A Comprehensive Review of Protocols and Techniques
Authors: Muslam Muhana Magboul Ali
Published: February 2024

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication has played a pivotal role in modern intelligent transportation systems, enabling seamless information exchange among vehicles to enhance road safety, traffic efficiency, and overall driving experience. However, the secure transmission of sensitive data between vehicles remains a critical concern due to potential security threats and vulnerabilities. This research focused on investigating the security protocols that have been employed in vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems. A comprehensive review and analysis of relevant literature and research papers was conducted to gather information on existing V2V communication security protocols and techniques. The analysis encompassed key areas, including authentication mechanisms, encryption algorithms, key management protocols, and intrusion detection systems specifically applicable to V2V communication networks. Within the context of real-world V2V environments, this study delved into the challenges and limitations associated with implementing these protocols. The research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current V2V communication security protocols. Furthermore, based on the findings, this paper proposes improvements and recommendations to enhance the security measures of the V2V communication protocol. Ultimately, this research contributes to the development of more secure and reliable V2V communication systems, propelling the advancement of intelligent transportation technology.
Locomotion Score and Postpartum Conception in Jersey Cows Raised under Hot–Humid Tropical Conditions: A Prospective Study
Authors: Vilés Karina , García Andrés , Rugel Octavio , Jorgge Nahim
Published: February 2024

Reproductive physiology is one of the first systems which is altered when an animal suffers from an imbalance. This is crucial in tropical dairy farming, where maintaining homeostasis and production is particularly demanding. Lameness is a disorder commonly identified by impaired walking, but its early diagnosis could reduce the negative repercussions on production, welfare, and postpartum conception. To evaluate the effect of lameness on postpartum conception, a prospective observational cohort study with a cross-sectional design was developed. Fifty-two Jersey milking cows raised under hot–humid tropical conditions were scored using a five-point locomotion scoring (LS) system (1—non-lame, 2—slightly lame, 3—moderately lame, 4—lame, and 5—severely lame), considering scores ≥ 3 to indicate clinical lameness. Inseminations per conception and days open (CCI) were registered. Inseminations were similar in animals scoring 1, 2, 3, and 5, while they increased in cows with a score of 4, which also increased their CCI along with animals that scored 5. Positive correlations were observed between LS and reproductive variables. The herd’s conception rate was reduced from 45% to 21.8% in the presence of clinical lameness (score ≥ 3). Applying the LS system should be essential as part of routine medical examinations used to monitor dairy herds, and it becomes even more crucial under hot–humid tropical environments, where adverse conditions could rapidly aggravate the early stages of lameness and not only increase the costs of hoof care, but also delay fertility in cattle.
Exploring the Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in an International Undergraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences: Students’ Satisfaction, Experience and Learning
Authors: Broseghini Anna , Lõoke Miina , Brscic Marta , Raffaghelli Juliana , Cardazzo Barbara , Lotti Antonella , Cavicchioli Laura , Marinelli Lieta
Published: February 2024

The systematic evaluation of the integration of problem-based learning (PBL) into educational programs in Italy is scarce and there are no published reports of its use in an Italian Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree program. This paper aims to assess the satisfaction of second-year students on an international Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree program after implementing two weeks of PBL with a multidisciplinary approach. Moreover, the impact of this methodological approach on the students’ performance and their perceptions concerning their learning experience was investigated. The results showed that students expressed a high level of satisfaction and a positive attitude towards learning through PBL. A significant increase in the perception of students’ soft skills was also found, based on self-evaluation. Moreover, a significant improvement was seen in the students’ perception of their learning and teaching experiences and general life competencies, assessed using the validated questionnaire HowULearn. Negative effects were also identified, requiring further design modification of the tutors’ feedback and pedagogical orchestration. Based on our findings, when planning bachelor’s degree programs in veterinary science, PBL modules or activities should be considered to promote active learning, engagement among students, and the improvement of problem-solving and team-working skills.
Stresses and Permeability in Sand–Attapulgite Cut-Off Walls
Authors: Zhang Wenbing , Zhou Lipei , Rao Wenbo , Xiong Xin , Lv Yiyan , Sha Yonghua
Published: February 2024

The long-term performance of sand–attapulgite cut-off walls in landfills is highly dependent on the permeability of the wall material. Laboratory tests show that the hydraulic conductivity of wall material decreases significantly with the increase in consolidation pressure. Therefore, to accurately estimate the hydraulic conductivity of the cut-off wall in the field, the effective stress must be calculated correctly. In this paper, the ‘modified lateral squeezing model’ is used to calculate the stress distribution of the sand–attapulgite cut-off wall, and the distribution of the hydraulic conductivity of the cut-off wall in the field is calculated based on the stress distribution of the wall and laboratory test results. The results show that the effective stress of the sand–attapulgite cut-off wall in the field increases with the increase in the depth of the wall, and the change in the hydraulic conductivity is the opposite. The effective stress of the cut-off wall is less than 100 kPa. When the wall depth is below 0.5 m, the hydraulic conductivity of the cut-off wall is less than 1.0 × 10−9 m/s. The properties of the in situ foundation soil and the width of the cut-off wall will affect the stress and hydraulic conductivity of the cut-off wall, but the influence on the hydraulic conductivity is very limited, not exceeding one time. Therefore, in the actual construction, special attention should be paid to the anti-seepage measures in the shallow part of the cut-off wall. Our findings are expected to provide a valuable reference for the application of sand–attapulgite cut-off walls in landfills.
Promotion of sales of goods and services as one of the means of integrated marketing communications
Authors:   Department of International Commerce and Logistics, Higher School of Corporate Governance, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Nikolaeva M. A.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this article is to classify sales promotion methods and identify the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of the most common methods. It has been established that sales promotion methods are divided into two groups: price and non-price methods, which, in turn, are divided into a significant number of subgroups and methods. A detailed description of the most wide-spread stimulation methods common to intermediate and final consumers is given. Specific techniques of stimulating sellers are discussed more briefly.
THE MODEL OF TODAY’S HEALTHY YOUTH
Authors: Buniak N.
Published: February 2024

In our opinion the definition of the concept of health, the problem of making it complete, is of great importance for humanity. It has existed, exists and will always continue to exist.  That is why there is the need to reconsider the issue of the models of today’s healthy personality, since you can enjoy life completely only if you are healthy.

The author of the paper emphasizes that it is very difficult to reproduce all the definitions of the concept of health known by scientists today, therefore they are grouped, the opinions (views or approaches) are defined creating the basis for the interpretation of the term and the differences in their meaning are indicated.

Medical, physical, mental, social, and spiritual components in the structure of person’s health are identified in this paper.

According to the author of this publication, a healthy person is a person who has no diseases, painful conditions or painful changes and physical disabilities, who is endowed with harmonious physical and mental development, is well adapted to physical and social environment, completely realizes his or her physical and mental abilities, is able to get used to changes only when they do not exceed the norm, and makes his contribution, commensurate with his/her abilities, to the community welfare.

The author points out that the choice of the components of generalized concept of health playing the fundamental role or minor one, depends on each individual, because only a person is responsible for his or her own health, lifestyle, well-being, order or confusion in the soul. Despite that, it is noted here that at present we are observing a persistent tendency to deteriorate health; therefore, special attention should be paid to the medical component in the structure of health status of the young person who is getting a higher education.
MEANINGFUL ORIENTATIONS IN THE SYSTEM OF PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT FACTORS OF HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS
Authors: Kaskova L. , Morhun N.
Published: February 2024

The article presents the results of a theoretical and empirical study of meaningful life orientations indicators f in the system of teacher’s of higher education institutions professional burnout factors.

The results of the teacher’s of higher education institutions professional burnout phenomenon theoretical analysis, the system of factors of it’s occurrence are presented. Research methods and sample characteristics are described.

The indicators of the general level and components of professional burnout of teachers of higher education institutions with different levels of meaningfulness of life are analyzed. The relationship between the level of meaningfulness of life and the characteristics of professional burnout of teachers is outlined.
ANTIFUNGAL EXPLOITATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS AGINST Aspergillus niger CAUSING CHERRY FRUIT ROT
Authors: Shah Jahangir , ALI Syed Zulfiqar , Waris Muhammad , Jabeen Zobia , Rasool Ghulam , Ullah Atta , Qadir Abdul , Koondhar Abdul Haseeb
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Cherry is an important fruit being grown throughout world and Pakistan. This research focused on investigating the occurrence of Cherry fruit rot in various locations within the Quetta district of Balochistan. Infected Cherry fruit samples were collected from Joint Road, Double Road New Adda, Azar Ghangi, and Kansi Road. The specimens underwent isolation and morphological identification procedures were carried out at the mycological laboratory of the Department of Plant Pathology, Balochistan Agriculture College, to determine the causal agent (Aspergillus niger). Additionally, the study explored the impact of diverse essential oils on the linear colony growth of Aspergillus niger under controlled in-vitro conditions. Essential oils, such as Rose oil, Neem oil, Coconut oil, and Cinnamon oil, displayed varying inhibitory effects on Aspergillus niger growth. These findings enhance our understanding of interactions between agents and the fungus, paving the way for further fungal growth control research. The study contributes practical insights for managing Aspergillus niger growth, potentially advancing strategies in the field of fungal growth control and management.
The influences of prosodic phrasing and constituent length on garden-path sentences in Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Caldas Vitor Gabriel
Published: February 2024

Este artigo explora o papel da prosódia no processamento de frases garden-path no português brasileiro. A estrutura investigada apresenta um verbo dicendi com duas orações iniciadas por “que” (“A alunai disse à professoraj que –j estava atrasada que –i precisaria sair da sala”). A primeira oração com “que” é temporariamente ambígua, apresentando análise de oração completiva (OC) ou oração relativa (OR). Uma tarefa do tipo completion foi conduzida e 40 participantes ouviram a porção inicial de sentenças e escolheram uma resposta entre duas opções para completar o fragmento ouvido. Os resultados mostraram que a prosódia influenciou a análise dos participantes sobre os estímulos auditivos e eles escolheram a opção compatível com o fraseamento prosódico ao qual eles tinham sido expostos.
ensino de leitura por meio de orientação ocular: primeiros testes no Brasil
Authors: Klein Angela Ines
Published: February 2024

O presente trabalho apresenta a versão em português do software alemão da Celeco, denominado “Vamos ler corretamente?”, que diagnostica individualmente as causas dos transtornos de leitura em crianças ou adultos (WERTH, 2001; 2006; 2018; 2019; WERTH; BARNER, 2003-2018) e dispõe de uma terapia compensatória voltada para cada causa específica. Na Europa, quatro estudos independentes mostraram que essa terapia pode reduzir o número de erros de leitura em quase dois terços durante uma única sessão (WERTH, 2006; 2018; 2019; KLISCHE, 2007). Os primeiros resultados da terapia no Brasil estão descritos neste texto de forma qualitativa. Foram selecionadas três crianças, as quais foram indicadas pela coordenação pedagógica da escola, pois foram as que mais demonstram dificuldade na leitura, considerando toda a população da escola selecionada. Verificou-se que foi possível atestar uma grande melhora na leitura destas crianças com dificuldade em leitura por meio do software, pois em 5 sessões ou menos os participantes começaram a ler pequenos segmentos de palavras, embora desconhecessem o alfabeto completo no início da terapia. Vale destacar que a coleta foi feita após dois anos de ensino remoto impostos pela pandemia.
O processamento do particípio passado de primeira conjugação em teste de priming encoberto
Authors: Cabral Leonardo , Soto Marije
Published: February 2024

Este estudo objetiva investigar a possibilidade de processamento decomposicional de palavras de morfologia complexa, mais especificamente comparando influências de processos de formação flexional ou derivacional. Para tanto apresentamos particípios passados, com potencial ambiguidade morfológica, em uma tarefa de decisão lexical com priming encoberto, paradigma conhecido por evidenciar processamento morfo-ortográfico, para comparar efeitos entre palavras de categorias distintas. Além de incluir variáveis de frequência e categoria, comparamos pares de prime e alvo com e sem relação morfológica. Os resultados encontraram efeitos gerais de frequência e priming. Concluímos que houve decomposição das palavras em morfemas em todas as condições de interesse, mas que é necessário testar as palavras inseridas em sentenças para investigar o impacto do contexto sintático no processamento lexical, no intuito de testar a ocorrência de efeitos diferenciados pelo processo de formação e frequência.
O ensino de pronúncia no curso de letras-língua espanhola na UERN: desafios e estratégias
Authors: Mesquita Neto José Rodrigues de , Oliveira Marta Regina de
Published: February 2024

Temos como objetivo geral analisar o papel do ensino de pronúncia nas aulas de língua espanhola no curso de licenciatura da Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Também apresentamos os desafios encontrados pelos professores para implementar o ensino de pronúncia nas aulas, bem como as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos alunos em seu processo formativo enquanto futuros professores. Para isso, optamos por aplicar um questionário misto no qual analisamos e descrevemos os resultados tanto de forma qualitativa quanto quantitativamente. Podemos concluir que diversos são os desafios para uma implementação do ensino de pronúncia, tais como: falta de materiais próprios para o seu ensino, escasso conhecimento e pouca formação no tocante às estratégias e métodos de ensino de pronúncia, confusão existente entre os conceitos pronúncia e oralidade, entre outros. Esperamos que ao final da leitura desse texto, possamos refletir sobre o lugar ocupado pela pronúncia e pensar estratégias de mudança.
Aquisição de linguagem de crianças institucionalizadas e não- institucionalizadas
Authors: Hayakawa Juliana Fantato
Published: February 2024

Partindo do princípio que o desenvolvimento da linguagem impacta diretamente na vida dos indivíduos, o artigo tem como principal objetivo, acarear, por meio da metodologia do levantamento bibliográfico dos estudos realizados por Nobrega e Minervino (2020); Misquiatti et al, (2020); Ralli et al (2017); Windsor, Glaze e Koga (2007) , as defasagens linguísticas de crianças institucionalizadas comparadas às crianças que nunca passaram pelo processo de institucionalização. Como fundamentação para a análise dos resultados apresentados, foi realizada uma discussão à luz da teoria afetiva Walloniana e a teoria inatista de Noam Chomsky. Como resultados, é possível comprovar que, independentemente do método aplicado e do país de origem, as crianças institucionalizadas apresentam menores rendimentos linguísticos.
Questões de tradução de Menzogna e sortilegio de Elsa Morante
Authors: Doneda Luciana Cabral
Published: February 2024

Este artigo traz questões sobre o processo de tradução do romance Menzogna e sortilegio, da italiana Elsa Morante, como exercício de aproximação de culturas, relações históricas, sociais e econômicas, além de abordar questões de gênero, em especial o papel da mulher e da reprodução social. No diálogo entre as práticas domesticadora, estrangeirizante e exotizante de tradução examinadas por Lawrence Venuti, do estudo da alteridade de Henri Meschonnic e o conceito de reversibilidade de Umberto Eco, analisei possibilidades de como traduzir em português o que foi escrito em italiano em uma perspectiva de tradução feminista. Dessa análise surgiram questionamentos e a possibilidade de organizar um léxico próprio da escritora, com termos e imagens que se repetem em suas obras.
A construção do ethos em Juvenal
Authors: Cordeiro Iana Lima
Published: February 2024

Analisamos a construção de autoimagem realizada pela persona poética presente na obra do poeta romano Juvenal, autor de Sátiras, obra composta por dezesseis poemas. O emprego do conceito de persona poética para a análise de sátira romana foi pioneiramente proposto por William Anderson (1982), cujo objetivo foi devolver aos textos satíricos, então reduzidos à fonte biográfica de seus autores, seu estatuto artístico. Partindo da definição de éthos discursivo proposta por Maingueneau (2010), segundo o qual a construção de imagem do locutor é coextensiva a toda enunciação, analisamos como se apresenta a voz que enuncia as sátiras juvenalianas. Seguindo o método de análise de conteúdo proposto por Laurence Bardin (2006), nosso resultado se organiza em quatro categorias principais: a) o autorretrato do poeta de sátira; b) a condenação da riqueza; c) a opinião sobre as mulheres, e d) a descrição da sociedade em declínio.