bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detailed Comparative Analysis of Structural Stability and Electron-Phonon Properties of ZrO2: Mechanism of Water Adsorption on t-ZrO2 (101) and t-YSZ (101) Surfaces
Authors: Nematov Dilshod , Burhonzoda Amondulloi , Kholmurodov Kholmirzo , Lyubchyk Andriy , Lyubchyk Sergiy
Published: July 2023

The paper considers the issues of structural stability, electronic properties, and phonon dispersion of the cubic, tetragonal, and monoclinic phases of ZrO2. It was found that the monoclinic phase of zirconium dioxide is the most stable among the other two phases in terms of total energy, lowest enthalpy, highest entropy, and other thermodynamic values. The smallest negative modes were found for m-ZrO2. An analysis of the electronic properties showed that during the m–t phase transformation of ZrO2, the Fermi level first shifts by 0.125 eV towards higher energies, and then decreases by 0.08 eV in the t–c cross section. The band gap for c-ZrO2, t-ZrO2, and m-ZrO2 is 5.140 eV, 5.898 eV, and 5.288 eV, respectively. Calculations based on the analysis of the influence of doping 3.23, 6.67, 10.35 and 16.15 mol. %Y2O3 on the m-ZrO2 structure showed that the enthalpy of m-YSZ decreases linearly, which accompanies further stabilization of monoclinic ZrO2 and an increase in their defectiveness. In this case, the position of the Fermi level changes abruptly, and the energy gap decreases. It has been established that not only for pure systems, including those doped with Y2O3, the main contribution to the formation of the conduction band is made by the p-states of electrons. An analysis of the mechanism of water adsorption on the surface of t-ZrO2 (101) and t-YSZ (101) showed that H2O on unstabilized t-ZrO2 (101) is adsorbed dissociatively with an energy of -1.22 eV, as well as by the method of molecular chemadsorption with an energy of -0.69 eV and the formation of a hydrogen bond with a bond length of 1.01 Å. In the case of t-YSZ (101), water is molecularly adsorbed onto the surface with an energy of -1.84 eV. Dissociative adsorption of water occurs at an energy of -1.23 eV, near the yttrium atom.
Complexation of Terpenes for the Production of New Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules and Their Encapsulation in Order to Improve Their Activities
Authors: EL Fannassi Yousra , Gharsallaoui Adem , Khelissa Simon , El Amrani Mohamed Amin , Suisse Isabelle , Sauthier Mathieu , Jama Charafeddine , Boudra Saïd , Chihib Nour-Eddine
Published: July 2023

Microbiological risk associated to abiotic surfaces is one of the most important issue worldwide. Surface contaminations by pathogenic bacterial biofilms or adherent cell affect a number of sectors including medical services, food industries, human services, and the environment. There is a need to synthesize or to setup novel antimicrobials. Terpenes are usually found in essential oils and have potent antimicrobial activities. However, the direct use of these molecules is often inefficient due to their low water solubility, loss of volatile compounds, thermal degradation, oxidation and toxicity. The need for biosourced compounds with antimicrobial activity, low toxicity and low cost promote the search for new stable metal complexes based on terpene ligands. This will enable the manufacture of value-added products with a lower environmental impact, as well as the production of high value added commodities. The goal of this review is to discuss the development of novel antimicrobial complexes derived from terpenes. In addition, this review explored how to improve their bioactivities and characteristics by using a formulation based on microencapsulation.
Glycemic Index and Satiety Response in Three Varieties of Mexican Honey
Authors: Palomo-de León Brenda A. , Castro Heriberto , Sánchez-Murillo Mayra E. , De la Garza Ana Laura , Rodríguez-Romero Beatriz A. , Alonzo-Macías Maritza , Ramírez-Jiménez Aurea K. , Cardador-Martínez Anaberta , Hernández-Salazar Marcelo
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the glycemic index and the satiety response of three Mexican kinds of honey. The values of fructose ranged from 272.40-395.10 g/kg, while the glucose value ringed 232.20-355.50 g/kg. The ratio F/G of sample honey was 1.45, 1.00, and 1.17 for Highland, Multifloral, and Avocado honey, respectively. Twenty-six participants completed this study, which was previously approved by the ethics committee of the Facultad de Salud Pública y Nutrición (CE 2/2018-19). Highland and Avocado honey is classified as medium-GI (69.204.07 and 66.365.74, respectively), while Multifloral honey is classified as high-GI (74.245.98). The Highland honey presented the best satiety response. The difference in IG values and the effect of the satiety response of Highland honey could be explained by the different fractions of carbohydrates in samples and other components such as phytochemicals.
An Improved Human-Inspired Algorithm for Distribution Network Stochastic Reconfiguration Considering Multi-Objective Intelligent Framework and Unscented Transformation
Authors: Zhu Min , Arabi Nowdeh Saber , Daskalopulu Aspassia
Published: July 2023

In this paper, stochastic multi-objective intelligent framework (MOIF) is performed for distribution network reconfiguration to minimize power losses, the number of voltage sags, the system's average RMS fluctuation, the average system interruption frequency (ASIFI), the momentary average interruption frequency (MAIFI), and the system average interruption frequency (SAIFI) considering the network uncertainty. The unscented transformation (UT) approach is applied to model the demand uncertainty due to simplicity to implement and no presumptions to simplify. A human-inspired intelligent method named improved mountaineering team-based optimization (IMTBO) is applied to determine the decision variables defined as the network's optimal configuration. The conventional MTBO is improved using a quasi-opposition-based learning strategy to overcome premature convergence and achieve the optimal solution. The simulation results showed that in single- and double-objective optimization, some objectives are weakened compared to their base value, while the results of the MOIF indicated a fair compromise between different objectives, and all objectives are improved. The results of MOIF based on the IMTBO cleared that the losses are reduced by 30.94%, the voltage sag numbers and average RMS fluctuation are reduced by 33.68% and 33.65%, and also ASIFI, MAIFI, and SAIFI are improved by 6.80%, 44.61%, and 0.73%, respectively. Also, the superior capability of the MOIF based on the IMTBO is proved compared to the conventional MTBO, particle swarm optimization, and artificial electric field algorithm. Moreover, the results of the stochastic MOIF based on the UT showed the power loss increased by 7.62%, voltage sag, and SARFI increased by 5.39% and 5.31%, and ASIFI, MAIFI, and SAIFI weakened by 2.28%, 6.61%, and 1.48%, respectively compared to the deterministic MOIF model.
Waste Activated Sludge-High Rate (WASHR) Treatment Process: A Novel, Economically Viable and Environmentally Sustainable Method to Co-treat High-Strength Wastewaters at Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Mehrvar Mehrab , Johnson Melody Blythe
Published: July 2023

High-strength wastewaters from a variety of sources, including the food industry, domestic septage and landfill leachate, are often hauled to municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for co-treatment. Due to their high organic loadings, these wastewaters can cause process upsets in both the WWTP’s liquid and solids treatment trains and consume organic treatment capacity, leaving less capacity available to service customers in the catchment area. A novel pre-treatment method, the Waste Activated Sludge-High Rate (WASHR) process, is proposed to optimize the co-treatment of high-strength wastewaters. The WASHR process combines the contact stabilization and sequencing batch reactor processes. It utilizes waste activated sludge from the municipal WWTP as its biomass source, allowing rapid start-up. Bench scale treatment trials of winery wastewater confirm the WASHR process can reduce loadings on the downstream WWTP’s liquid treatment and solids treatment trains. A case study approach is used to confirm the economic viability and environmental sustainability of the WASHR process compared to direct co-treatment using life cycle cost analyses and greenhouse gas emissions estimates.
Study of the Sustainable Functioning of Construction Companies in the Conditions of Risk Factors
Authors: Lapidus Azariy Abramovich , Abramov Ivan Lvovich , Kuzmina Tatiana Konstantinovna , Abramova Anastasia Igorevna , AlZaidi And Zaid Ali Kadhim
Published: July 2023

Sustainability is a characteristic manifested in the ability to maintain the necessary level of performance for construction companies when risk factors arise during the implementation of investment and construction projects. The risk factors that arise during the implementation of in-vestment and construction projects differ in nature, degree of influence, and other characteristics. Ignoring these factors and measures to manage them often leads to critical consequences in the form of disruptions in the timing of work. Risk is a combination of the probability and consequences of the occurrence of adverse events. The article considers the concept of risk as a potential possibility of occurrence of adverse situations and related consequences when exposed to these factors. Risk factors are characterized by surprise, discreteness of changes, the presence of threshold values, upon reaching which a transition to a different mode of operation is required. The article discusses the risk factors arising at the construction stage, their classification. A methodology has been developed that includes conducting a survey in the form of a questionnaire in order to collect information about risk factors that affect the implementation of investment and construction projects. Experts with experience in the construction sector were involved in the survey. The processing of the survey results made it possible to assess the significance of various risk factors in investment and construction projects. Thus, statistical and expert methods were used in the study. The results showed that financial, technical, legal, economic, managerial and natural factors have the greatest impact on investment and construction projects. It is recommended to pay special attention to the listed factors when developing measures aimed at preventing risks and their consequences. The methodology described in the study can be used by construction companies in strategic planning. The analysis of the stability of construction companies, depending on their use of various ways to counteract risk factors, allowed us to develop a number of practical recommendations to reduce the impact of the studied factors on achieving the goals of investment and construction projects.
Changes in the Seasonal Cycle of Heatwave, Dry and Wet Spells Over West Africa Using CORDEX Simulations
Authors: Yapo Assi Louis Martial , Kouassi Benjamin Komenan , Diawara Adama , Yoroba Fidèle , Famien Adjoua Moise Landry , Toure Pêlèmayo Raoul , Kouadio Kouakou , Tiemoko Touré Dro , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , Diedhiou Arona
Published: July 2023

This study analyzes the potential response of the seasonal cycle of heatwave (HWDI), dry (CDD) and wet (CWD) spells indices over West Africa for the near (2031-2060) and the far (2071-2100) future periods, under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios using CORDEX simulations. Although some relative biases during the historical period (1976-2005), the CORDEX simulations and their ensemble mean outperform the seasonal variability of the above indices over three defined sub-regions of West Africa (i.e., Guinea gulf, west and east Sahel). They have shown significant correlation coefficients and less RMSE. They project an increase in heatwave days for both near and far future periods over whole west Africa region under both RCP scenarios. In addition, the Sahel regions will face to a decrease in wet spells days from March to November, whereas, the Gulf of Guinea will face to a decrease during all the year, except CCCLM simulation which indicates an increase during the retreat phase of the monsoon (October to December). The results also have shown an increase in dry spells over Sahel regions, more pronounced during March-November period, whereas, over Guinea gulf, the increase is observed over the entire year. On the other hand, the months of increasing dry spells and decreasing wet spells coincide, suggesting that countries in these regions could be exposed simultaneously to dry season associated with a high risk of drought and heatwave under future climate conditions.
Progress in Language Abilities Related to Reading Comprehension – Domain Specific Intervention on Executive Functioning
Authors: Kovalčíková Iveta , Veerbeek Jochanan , Vogelaar Bart , Klimovič Martin , Gogová Eva
Published: July 2023

A reduced ability to work with information contained in a text is usually registered in low-achieving students. One important internal factor influencing reading comprehension concerns the child’s executive functioning. The current study investigated whether the domain-specific intervention ExeFun-READ targeting language abilities related to reading comprehension and executive functioning in primary school children would be effective in improving their scholastic performance in their reading domain and executive functioning. ExeFun-READ is designed to address the relations between domain-specific versus thinking-skill-oriented (domain-general) instruction. A child’s active learning is focused on semantic, phonetic, morphological and syntactical comprehension of linguistic material. In total, 151 students attending grade four from seven elementary schools took part in the project. The study concerned a pretest-intervention-posttest experimental design with three conditions: the experimental condition, an active, and a passive control group. To assess the children’s level of EF, the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System test battery was used; to assess children’s language ability in reading domain, the Cognitive Abilities Test (the verbal battery, Thorndike & Hagan, 1986 [1]), was used. In the current study, the intervention led to improved language abilities related to reading comprehension, but in terms of executive functioning the improvement only extended to switching fluency. Regarding the effects of the ExeFun-READ intervention on children’s reading abilities, specified as language abilities related to reading comprehension, significant improvements were found in vocabulary, completion of sentences, and classification of terms in the group of children that received the ExeFun-READ intervention.
A Genome-wide Analysis of Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein gene family in two Kiwifruit Species with an Emphasis on Roles of RNA Editing in Pathogens Stress
Authors: Zhang Aidi , Xiong Yuhong , Liu Fang , Zhang Xiujun
Published: July 2023

Kiwifruit is a perennial horticultural crop species with high nutritional and economic value. However, various pathogens stress brings a serious threat to kiwifruit. Pentatricopeptide repeat proteins (PPRs) are characterized by tandem repetitions of 35 amino acid motifs, and have been found to function in plant RNA editing. However, the roles of PPRs in plant development and disease resistance remain unclear. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and characterization of PPR gene family in two kiwifruit species (Actinidia chinensis (Ach), and Actinidia eriantha (Ace)) with markedly different disease resistance. A total of 497 and 499 PPRs were identified in Ach and Ace, respectively. All the kiwifruit PPRs could be phylogenetically divided into four subfamilies. There were about 40.68% PPRs predicted to be localized to mitochondria or chloroplasts. Synteny analysis showed that the expansion of kiwifruit PPRs mainly came from segmental duplication. Based on RNA-seq data from the fruit during 12 periods of development and maturity, weighted correlation network analysis suggested that two PPRs Actinidia20495.t1 and Actinidia15159.t1 were involved in the fruit development and maturation. In addition, we observed different gene expression of PPRs and chloroplast RNA editing profiles between resistant and susceptible kiwifruits after pathogen infection, indicating the roles of PPRs in stress response by modulating the editing extend of mRNA. The differentially expressed upstream transcription factors of PPRs were further identified, they may regulate resistance adaption by modulating the PPRs expression. These results provide a solid foundation for further analyses of the functions and molecular evolution of PPRs, in particular, for clarifying the resistance mechanisms in kiwifruits and breeding new cultivars with high resistance.
Molybdenum Disulfide as Tunable Electrochemical and Optical Biosensing Platforms for Cancer Biomarkers Detection: A Review
Authors: Qin Ziyue , Zhang Jiawei , Li Shuang
Published: July 2023

Cancer is a common illness with a high mortality. Compared to traditional technologies, biomarkers detection, with low cost and simple operation, has higher sensitivity and faster speed in early screening and prognosis of cancer. Therefore, extensive research has been focused on the development of biosensors and the construction of sensing interfaces. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, whose unique adjustable bandgap shows excellent electronic and optical properties in the construction of biosensor interfaces. It not only has the advantages of high catalytic activity and low manufacturing costs, but also can further expand the application of hybrid structures by different functionalization, and is widely used in various biosensors fields. Herein, the application of electrochemical and optical sensing platforms based on MoS2 in the detection of cancer biomarkers was comprehensively reviewed. Firstly, the structure and preparation method of MoS2 were introduced, and its applicable characteristics in the field of biosensors were explored. Secondly, we comprehensively reviewed the recent construction and application of sensing platform based on MoS2 in the field of cancer biomarkers detection in both electrochemical and optical aspects. The prime characteristics and application performances of MoS2 and its composites were emphasized. Additionally, we also involved some other types of biosensors based on MoS2. Finally, we summarized the challenges and development prospects of MoS2 in the application of cancer biomarkers detection, and provided some insights for the application potential of this kind of emerging nano-materials in a broader field.
The Effectiveness of Promoting Vegetable and Fruit Consumption Behaviors Program among Pre-School Children in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand
Authors: Wiriyasirikul Suwichaya , Eksirinimit Thidarat , Kusol Kiatkamjorn , Jantasuwan Rachadaporn
Published: July 2023

This research objective was to develop a promoting vegetable and fruit consumption behaviors program among preschool children based on 4 aspects of House’s social support framework to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in preschool the program. This study was quasi-experimental. The sample consisted of preschool children and their caregivers who were randomly selected based on the inclusion criteria. The experimental and control groups had 96 pairs of preschool-aged children and their caregivers. The experimental group was given the program, while the control group was to resume normal activities. The program development was based on the caring lifestyle of caregivers in Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The tools consisted of a preschool care eating behavior assessment and a caregiver knowledge test about the child's fruit and vegetable intake and how to modify the child's fruit and vegetable intake. In addition, fruit and vegetable eating behaviors in preschoolers and a handbook for nurses and primary caregivers were approved by five experts and deemed suitable for the caregiver support framework. The results of the development indicated that a 10-week program was appropriate and tended to increase preschoolers' consumption of fruits and vegetables. In especially experimental group both caregivers increasingly gained knowledge and behavior of caregivers to promote fruit and vegetable eating behavior and preschool increasing the fruit and vegetable consumption.
Study on Effects of Modern Turbine Blade Coolant Injecting Nozzle Position on Film Cooling and Vortex Composite Performance under Rotating Conditions
Authors: Wang Jiefeng , NG Eddie Yin Kwee , Li Jianwu , Huang Yanan , Cao Yanhao , Li Liang
Published: July 2023

This paper Numerically investigates the effectiveness of the turbine rotating blade nozzle position on the vortex and film composite cooling performance. The coolant injecting nozzles arranged near the pressure surface side (PS-side-in) .vs. arranged near the suction surface side (SS-side-in) are compared at the rotating speed range of 0-4000rpm with fluid and thermal conjugate approach. Results show that the nozzle position presents different influences under low and higher rotating speed. In terms of the mainstream flow, rotation makes the stagnation line move from the PS-side pressure surface side to the SS-side suc-tion surface side, which changes the coolant film attachment on the blade leading edge surface. The nozzle position however indicates limited influence on the coolant film flow. In terms of the internal channel vortex flow, the coolant injecting from the nozzles forms a high-velocity region near the target wall which brings about enhancing convective heat transfer. The direction of the near wall vortex flow is opposite and align to the Coriolis force direction in both the PS-side-in and SS-side-in, respectively. Therefore, the Coriolis force augments to the heat transfer of the internal vortex cooling in SS-side-in while weakens the internal heat transfer in PS-side-in. Such effects become more intense with higher rotational speed. The blade surface area-averaged dimensionless temperature that inversely proportional to the actual temperature is 7.8% higher in SS-side-in as compared to that in PS-side-in. The SS-side-in suggests more superior composite cooling perfor-mance under the relatively higher rotating speed.
A Colorimetric RT-LAMP Detection of Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern and Lineages from Direct Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples without RNA Isolation
Authors: Werbajh Santiago Enrique , Larocca Luciana , Carrillo Carolina , Stolowicz Fabiana , Ogas Lorena , Pallotto Sergio , Cassará Solange , Mammana Lilia , Zapiola Inés , Bouzas María Belén , Vojnov Adrián Alberto
Published: July 2023

A large population has been infected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease-19) and it has been necessary a rapid and simple diagnostic method to detect the SARS-CoV-2and control its spread. We developed a colorimetric reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) kit that allow the detection of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swab samples without the need of RNA extraction. The kit utilizes three sets of LAMP primers targeting two regions of ORF1ab and one region in the E gene. The results are reported using colorimetric change of hydroxynaphthol blue, enabling visual interpretation without the need for expensive instrument. The kit demonstrated sensitivity to detect between 50 and 100 copies of the viral genome per reaction. The kit was authorized by the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Technology (ANMAT) of Argentina after validation using samples previously analyzed by gold standard RT-qPCR. The results showed sensitivity of 90,6 % and specificity of 100%, consistent with conventional RT-qPCR. In silico analysis confirmed the recognition of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2, B.1.427, B.1.429and lineages of variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) with 100% homology. This rapid, simple, and sensitive RT-LAMP method paves a way for a large screening strategy to be carried out at locations lacking sophisticated-instrumental and trained-staff, as particularly happen at regional hospitals and medical centers from rural areas.
Diurnal Evolution and Estimates of Hourly Diffuse Radiation in Cerrado-Amazon Transition, Brazil
Authors: DE SOUZA ADILSON PACHECO , Zamadei Tamara , Borella Daniela Roberta , Martim Charles Campoe , Almeida Frederico Terra de , Escobedo João Francisco
Published: July 2023

In the Cerrado-Amazonian ecotone in the State of Mato Grosso, intensely altered by anthropic action, the knowledge and processes of energy conversion and energy balance are still incipient, making the monitoring and modeling of diffuse radiation essential for several applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonality of the diurnal evolution and estimate the hourly diffuse radiation (Hdh) incident radiation in the horizontal plane, between June 2011 and October de 2016. The instantaneous measurements (5 minutes) of diffuse radiation underwent geometric, astronomical, and anisotropic corrections, with subsequent hourly integrations. The seasonality of diffuse radiation and its radiometric fractions was evaluated. The estimates were made considering total and seasonal data groupings (water stations in the region) and in different cloudiness classes (atmospheric transmissivity index - KTh). The diurnal behavior of diffuse radiation (Hdh) was similar to that of global radiation and at the top of the atmosphere, with maximum values at solar noon. The correlations between Kdh and KTh showed third-order polynomial behavior, with maximum observed values of Kdh ranging from 0.8 to 0.9, for KTh less than 0.2. Estimation equations based on radiometric fractions underestimated the values of diffuse radiation, with a better performance presented by models adjusted in annual data groupings. Among the parameterized models for estimating diffuse radiation obtained in the literature, those calibrated regionally in this study, together with those developed for tropical regions, presented better statistical performances.
Interaction of S100A6 Protein with the Four-Helical Cytokines
Authors: Kazakov Alexey S. , Deryusheva Evgenia I. , Rastrygina Victoria A. , Sokolov Andrey S. , Permyakova Maria E. , Litus Ekaterina A. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Permyakov Eugene A. , Permyakov Sergei E.
Published: July 2023

S100 is a family of over 20 structurally homologous, but functionally diverse regulatory (calcium/zinc)-binding proteins of vertebrates. The involvement of S100 proteins in numerous vital (patho)physiological processes is mediated by their interaction with various (intra/extra)cellular protein partners, including cell surface receptors. Furthermore, recent studies revealed the ability of specific S100 proteins to affect cell signaling via direct interaction with cytokines. Previously, we have revealed binding of ca. 71% of the four-helical cytokines by S100P protein due to the presence in its molecule of a cytokine-binding site, which overlaps with the binding site for S100P receptor. Here we show that another S100 protein, S100A6 (pairwise sequence identity with S100P of 35%), specifically binds numerous four-helical cytokines. We have studied affinity of recombinant forms of 35 human four-helical cytokines covering all structural families of this fold to Ca2+-loaded recombinant human S100A6, using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. S100A6 recognizes 26 of the cytokines from all families of this fold with the equilibrium dissociation constants ranging from 0.3 nM to 12 µM. Overall, S100A6 interacts with ca. 73% of the four-helical cytokines studied to date with selectivity equivalent to that for S100P protein, with the differences limited to binding of Interleukin-2 and Oncostatin-M. The molecular docking study evidences presence in S100A6 molecule of a cytokine-binding site, analogous to that found in S100P. The findings argue the presence in some of the promiscuous members of S100 family of a site specific to a wide range of the four-helical cytokines. This unique feature of the S100 proteins potentially allows them to serve as universal inhibitors of signaling of the four-helical cytokines, which could be of value for reduction of severity of the disorders accompanied by excessive release of the cytokines.
Structural Inhomogeneities and Nonlinear Phenomena in Charge Transfer under Cold Field Emission in Individual Closed Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Von Gratowski Svetlana Vjacheslavovna , Kosakowski Zoya , Koledov Victor Victorovich , Shavrov Vladimir , Smolovich Anatoliy , Orlov Andrey , Wang Cong , Liang Jun-Ge
Published: July 2023

The structure and phenomena arising from charge transfer in cold field emission modus in a single closed carbon nanotube under cold field emission conditions were studied. By studying microphotographs in various microscopes - AFM, SEM, TEM it was found inhomogeneities in the form of two types of superlattices. The conductivity of the emitter section of a nanodiode circuit with an emitter made of an individual closed carbon nanotube (CNT) and arrays of closed CNTs was studied. High values of cold field emission were observed, as well as nonlinearity and anomalies of the current-voltage characteristic (I-V characteristics), which manifested themselves in the form of peaks at low and high current values. Peaks in the CVC have distinct areas of negative differential conductivity. It is argued, that the anomalously high currents in the I–V characteristics of cold field emission of electrons from a nanoemitter made of closed CNTs can be associated with a sharp increase in the density of electron states at energies near the van Hove singularity.
Radiological and Functional Pulmonary Evolution in Post-COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Cavallari Strozze Catharin Virgínia Maria , Menegucci Zutin Tereza Laís , LANDGRAF GUIGUER ELEN , CRESSONI ARAÚJO ADRIANO , Fornari Laurindo Lucas , CHAGAS EDUARDO , Gasparotti Zorzetto Cássia Fernanda , BUENO PATRÍCIA , Dos Santos Bueno Manoela , Cavallari Strozze Catharin Vitor , DE SOUZA GONZAGA HERON FERNANDO , Barbalho Sandra Maria
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 generated a scenario for global health with multiple systemic impairments. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical, radiological, and pulmonary functional evolution in 302 post-COVID-19 patients. Regarding post-COVID-19 pulmonary symptoms, dry cough, dyspnea, and chest pain were the most frequent. Of the associated comorbidities, asthma was more frequent (23.5%). Chest Tomography (CT) initially showed a mean pulmonary involvement of 69.7%, and the evaluation in the subsequent months showed an improvement in the evolutionary image, and with less than six months post-pathology, there was a commitment of 37 .7%, from six to twelve months, 20% and after 12 months, 9.9%. And as for most of the sample, 50.3% of the patients presented CT normalization in less than six months after infection, 23% normalized between six and twelve months, and 5.2% normalized the images after twelve months, with one remaining. Percentage of 17.3% who maintained post-COVID-19 pulmonary residual sequelae. Regarding spirometry, in less than six months after the pathology, 59.3% of the patients already showed a regular exam; 12.3% normalized their function within six to twelve months, and 6.3% concluded a normal exam after twelve months of post-pathology evaluation. Only 3.6% of the patients still showed some alteration in this period.
Transdisciplinary Approach Toward Preparedness in a Mountainous Community in Central Taiwan and its Impact on Disaster Evacuation: A Case Study
Authors: Tsao Ting-Chi , Chen Chen-Yu
Published: July 2023

This study examined the main factor that helped residents of Xinshan Village—which is vulnerable to landslides and debris flow hazards—to react and respond to Typhoon Morakot in such a way that no casualties were reported during the severe event in 2009. When the typhoon hit, over 20 residential houses collapsed into a river and were washed away during the night. However, the locals were evacuated before the disaster struck, which was attributed to the timely actions and cooperation that had occurred between them with their village head and the local police. Apart from them, it was also found that the central government, local government, academics, and engineering firms had played a crucial role that contributed to the preparedness of the locals to respond to the natural disaster. Specifically, assistance and resources were provided to them according to the disaster mitigation act, detailed risk reduction plans were drawn up at the town and village levels, drills and evacuation practices were held, and an early warning system was established and its robustness was tested. Prior to the 2009 typhoon, the practice of a transdisciplinary approach (TDA) toward disaster risk reduction in Xinshan Village had fostered its disaster preparedness. Consequently, TDA was identified as a key factor that had contributed to the successful evacuation of its residents before the village was hit by the typhoon.
Who Pays? Cost-Sharing for Disaster Management in the US and Japan
Authors: Ishiwatari Mikio , Aldrich Daniel P. , Sasaki Daisuke
Published: July 2023

Whether national and local governments should assume larger financial responsibility for reducing disaster risk remains a controversial issue. Local governments lack resources to cover the full cost of managing mega-disasters and need assistance from higher level governments. However, national governments covering all costs may create moral hazards, discouraging local governments from investing in ex-ante measures. This study identifies national and local governments’ fiscal responsibility determinants for disaster management. Despite the differences between the federal system in the US and the centralized system in Japan, the two countries’ national governments share common practices. Both have continuously developed legislation to expand their financial responsibilities for relief and recovery efforts as disaster consequences have increased. We argue that despite major institutional differences in Japan’s unitary and the US federal government systems, both have expanded the areas covered by national assistance along with the amount over time. These findings bring with them recommendations for governments in an era of increasing extreme weather events due to climate change.
E-Defense Shake Table Experiments Implemented by NIED and Collaborative Research Projects in 2005–2022
Authors: Nishi Ryota , Kawamata Yohsuke , Enokida Ryuta , Inoue Takahito , Tabata Kentaro
Published: July 2023

The three-dimensional full-scale earthquake testing facility, “E-Defense” was constructed using the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake as a lesson. Until October 2022, this facility has conducted 123 experiments as part of the research and development on earthquake engineering for various purposes (e.g., the clarification of destruction processes, evaluations of seismic structural performances, functional maintenance, collapse margins, and damage control technologies). Even after its commencement, large earthquakes that significantly affected human life and socioeconomic activities occurred such as the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake caused the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster. These earthquakes revealed some new challenges for disaster prevention and mitigation. Such issues have also been incorporated as subjects to be addressed by the facility. This article introduces the researches and developments using E-Defense, chronologically linking them with the major earthquakes occurred in Japan after 1995. By summarizing the activities, its near-future direction is also briefly indicated.
Pamela’s signifying signs and gestures: A semiotic analysis
Authors: Beloufa Chahra , Kholoud Al Ghamedi
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the feminine character of Pamela is explored throughout the epistolary novel. One is concerned with how Pamela’s constructed character as a female figure is represented with language and action, rather than adopting a defending position of the suppressed females in the 18th century. Pamela’s politeness and indirectness in her letters are aspects of her virtue and femininity. However, her language and use of specific politeness strategies, can also be considered a way of manipulating Mr B. Through her voice, there is be a kind of gradual unity of the female and male voices. Pamela is a representative of a doubled voice, exhibiting both of her inner and outer femininity. In this study, Pamela’s language is analysed using Julia Kirteva’s concept of semiotics.

Keywords: Semiotics, Pamela, sign language, verbal language, femininity
The Factors Affecting Audit Quality with Auditor’s Experience as Moderating Variable
Authors: Elyana Ema , Whetyningtyas Aprilia , Ayu Susanti Diah
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine and analyze about the effect of independence, due professional care, locus of control and time budget pressure on audit quality with auditor’s experience as moderating variable at Regional Inspectorate of The Pati Residency. This study used convenience sampling technique with sample of 100 respondents from internal auditors. The analysis used Smart PLS 4.0 Software and the result: (1) Independence had positive effect on audit quality. (2) Due professional care had positive effect on audit quality. (3) Locus of control had positive effect on audit quality. (4) Time budget pressure had no effect on audit quality. (5) Auditor’s experience not able to moderate the effect of independence on audit quality. (6) Auditor’s experience not able to moderate the effect of due professional care on audit quality. (7) Auditor’s experience is able to moderate (strengthens) the effect of locus of control on audit quality. (8) Auditor’s experience not able to moderate the effect of time budget pressure on audit quality
The Digital City Tour Guide Using Augmented Reality on the Pasupati Bridge
Authors: Rhomadiniyah Dewi , Dijaya Rohman , Rahmawati Yunianita
Published: July 2023

Bandung is a must-visit tourist destination, including those around the Paupati Bridge. The Pasupati Flyover or Pasupati Bridge is an icon of Bandung City. Because of its cool and original location, there is also an ancient building making Bandung interesting to visit and be introduced to its tourism field. One method for propelling the travel industry is with special media. By using Increased Reality (AR)- based data innovation, it can show 3D virtual articles into a genuine climate and construct 3D picture representations. AR can be utilized as an option limited time medium that assists clients with getting more clear data about the fascination they need to visit. This research aims to promote tourism with Augmented Reality using the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) Method. The results of this study are Information and 3D images of tourism in which there is a 3D import feature to include images. It can contribute to helping tourists search for information about tourism in an area.
Conocimiento y percepción del profesorado sobre las dificultades de aprendizaje de la lectura
Authors: Laguillo-Rebolledo Tamara , Cueli Marisol , González-Castro Paloma
Published: July 2023

El profesorado es determinante en la detección e intervención en los casos de alumnado con dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura, de ahí el interés en valorar su conocimiento y actitud hacia este grupo de estudiantes. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: analizar las diferencias en el conocimiento sobre las dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura en base al nivel educativo del profesorado (Educación Primaria y Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) y su experiencia con alumnado con dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura; y analizar las atribuciones causales del profesorado sobre el rendimiento del alumnado con y sin dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura. Participaron 237 docentes, de los cuales el 78.1% eran mujeres. Del total, 118 eran maestros/as de Educación Primaria y 119 profesores/as de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. Los docentes respondieron a la Escala de Conocimientos sobre las dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura (38 ítems) que cuenta con tres dimensiones (Información General, Síntomas/Diagnóstico e Intervención) y a un cuestionario de atribuciones causales del profesorado (cuatro ítems). Los resultados reflejaron que el profesorado de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y aquellos/as con poca experiencia con alumnado con dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura mostraban un menor conocimiento sobre las dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura. El profesorado atribuía el éxito de los/las estudiantes con y sin dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura mayoritariamente a factores intrínsecos. En el caso del fracaso la atribución extrínseca aumentaba ante el alumnado con dificultades específicas del aprendizaje de la lectura.
Validation of The Purpose in Life Scale-Short Form in an Ecuadorian Sample: factor analysis, reliability and graded response model
Authors: Moreta-Herrera Rodrigo , Rodríguez-Lorenzana Alberto , Mascialino Guido , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , López-Calle Claudio , Gallegos Miguel , Cervigni Mauricio , Martino Pablo , Vilca Lindsay W.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The purpose in life is analyzed within psychological well-being, it deals with the meaning of life that people have, which has implications in areas such as mental health. Currently, precise instrumentation is required for its assessment of the Ecuadorian population, which at the moment is limited. Objective: To corroborate the unidimensional structure of the Purpose in Life Scale-Short version (PIL-SF), the equivalence of measurement according to gender, the reliability and the parameters of discrimination and difficulty in a sample of Ecuadorian adults. Methods: Instrumental study of the PIL-SF under the precepts of Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory. Participants: 743 Ecuadorian adults (64.2% women and 45.8% men) aged 18 to 73 years (M = 24.7, SD = 7.9). Results: The unifactorial structure of the PIL-SF with adequate adjustment was confirmed. In addition, the PIL-SF is invariant at the strong level based on gender and no differences are presented at the level of latent means. The internal consistency reliability is acceptable per group and the discrimination and item difficulty parameters are adequate. Conclusion: The PIL-SF is a valid, reliable, and accurate tool to measure the Purpose in Life construct in Ecuadorian adults.
Relación entre Habilidades para la Vida y Autoeficacia General. Validación de la escala HVD-A
Authors: Balaguer Álvaro , Benítez Edgar , Serrano Belén , Orejudo Santos
Published: July 2023

El enfoque de la Organización Mundial de la Salud fue uno de los marcos más completos en la categorización de las habilidades esenciales para los jóvenes, creando las 10 Habilidades para la Vida. Hay una escasez de instrumentos para evaluar las Habilidades para la Vida. Por ello se creó la Escala de Habilidades para la Vida Diaria para Adolescentes (HVD-A) como un constructo global bajo el marco de la psicología positiva y del desarrollo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las relaciones entre las Habilidades para la Vida y la Autoeficacia General, encontrando evidencia adicional para la validez de la escala HVD-A a través del sexo y la edad. Una muestra de 1,507 adolescentes entre 12 y 18 años cumplimentó la escala HVD-A y la escala de Autoeficacia General. Se llevaron a cabo análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios para evaluar el ajuste del modelo original en diferentes muestras. Un modelo unifactorial muestra un ajuste adecuado a los datos. El análisis SEM mostró asociación significativa entre Habilidades para la Vida y Autoeficacia General. En algunos ítems la escala HVD-A puede subestimar las puntuaciones en chicas de adolescencia media-tardía. Se debate la utilidad e implicaciones del instrumento para el campo científico y aplicado de la psicología y la educación.
Presión sociocultural hacia los ideales corporales en la ansiedad físico-social en preadolescentes: un estudio longitudinal
Authors: Granero-Gallegos Antonio , Sicilia Álvaro , Sánchez-Gallardo Isabel , Alcaraz-Ibáñez Manuel , Medina-Casaubón Jesús
Published: July 2023

La respuesta afectiva aversiva derivada de considerar que el propio cuerpo podría está siendo negativamente evaluado (i. e., la ansiedad físico-social) se considera un importante antecedente de diversas consecuencias de salud. No obstante, la conexión entre las presiones socioculturales que orientan hacia los ideales corporales occidentales preponderantes y la ansiedad físico-social permanece hasta la fecha inexplorada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los efectos de la presión sociocultural hacia los ideales de cuerpo delgado y cuerpo mesomórfico percibida desde tres fuentes (i.e., medios de comunicación, familia e iguales) sobre la ansiedad físico-social en una muestra de preadolescentes. Se empleó un diseño longitudinal y una técnica de muestreo no probabilístico accidental. Participaron 651 estudiantes (50.4% chicas) de 12 centros educativos. Se recabaron datos de tipo autoinformado en dos ocasiones separadas por un periodo de doce meses, coincidiendo con los cursos 6º de primaria y 1º de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. Se testaron diferentes modelos de regresión multinivel (Modelos Lineales de Regresión Mixta). Los resultados mostraron un patrón de influencia diferenciado en función del sexo. La percepción de presión hacia el ideal de cuerpo mesomórfico originada en los medios de comunicación explicaba la ansiedad físico-social en chicos, ocurriendo lo propio en el caso de la percepción de presión hacia el ideal de cuerpo delgado originada en la familia en chicas. Estos hallazgos sugieren que las medidas encaminadas a prevenir la aparición de la ansiedad físico-social en preadolescentes podrían beneficiarse de adoptar una perspectiva diferenciada en función del sexo de las personas destinatarias.
Prediction of viscosity, density and solids content in inks employed in printing industry production chain combining infrared and neural models
Authors: Proni Camila , Oshiro Eduardo Hideki , Pereira-Filho Edenir Rodrigues , Filletti Érica Regina
Published: July 2023

In this work, some characteristics of the black and whiteinks that are part of the graphic printing processes,calledrotogravure, were evaluated. In this process, the ink playsa decisive role in the quality of the material produced,therefore, its properties must be evaluated and guaranteedin order to obtain a product that works properly in theprinting process.Thus, an analytical method was devel-oped that combines infrared spectroscopy with ArtificialNeural Networks (ANN) to estimate the viscosity, densityand solids content of inks, having the advantage of provid-ing highly accurate results very quickly and with littlecomputational effort. The best models were those devel-oped for density, with average percentage errors of: 1% intraining and validation, and 2% in testof the black andwhite inks together; 1% in training and validation, and0.7% in test of theblack ink; 0.2% in training, 0.8% invalidation and 0.7% in test of white ink. The method de-veloped has the potential to be applied in printing indus-tries as an improvement for the production of high qualityrotogravure printed material