bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of Labor Protests: Results and Directions of Analysis
Authors: Bizyukov Petr
Published: December 2023

The article describes the methodology and analytical capabilities of the “Monitoring of labor protests in Russia”. The information base is Internet messages about labor protests, which contain the necessary information and are first entered into a textual and then into a quantitative database. The monitoring has been functioning for 15 years and has accumulated information about 4.5 thousand protests. The structure of the Monitoring is briefly described, the main concepts and variables that allow analyzing the protest movement in several directions at once.The first direction is linear data analysis, which allows obtaining the most general data on the number of protests and their most important characteristics. Another direction is the calculation of indices, which make it possible to obtain comparable and relative indicators, which make it possible to overcome the heterogeneity of the compared objects.Another important type of analysis is the long-term dynamics of protests based on the identification of trends and the development of criteria for its assessment: determining the turning points of trends from growth to decline and vice versa, as well as the intensity of trends at each stage.An actor-transactional analysis launched in 2016, which determines the number of actors involved in labor protests (35 types of actors are identified) and types of interactions (transactions) between them, both outgoing (actor activity) and incoming (actor authority). Based on these indicators, the index of significance of each actor is calculated, which is monitored in dynamics. This makes it possible to understand the role institutional and non-institutional actors play in the settlement of protests.
« Sésame, ouvre-toi » : internationalisme phraséologique à contenu universel
Authors: Golda Paweł , Karabag Olcay , Ryszka Joanna
Published: December 2023

Phraseological units, characterised by their opaque meaning, are the subject of multiple theoretical works. The following article adds to this discussion by providing another interesting example. It analyses the case of the Arabic phraseological unit ‘open sesame’ from the “Ali Baba and the Forty Thievesˮ folk tale, permeating into French, Italian, Polish, Turkish and Japanese – languages distant both linguistically and culturally. In each of the analysed languages, we can find the so-called absolute equivalents of the unit in question. Their analysis shows how a phraseological unit of a meaning rooted in a foreign culture enters a language that initially did not connote sesame with a ‘treasury’. Interestingly, the analysed unit became understandable enough to be re-used in other cultural sources, such as names of public places, or even to enter the target language dictionaries. However, as the corpus analysis suggests, the popularity of the unit in question varies between languages, being the most popular in Italian and the least in Japanese.
Ml@h-methode in Nederlands-Poolse tweetalige opvoeding op een specifiek voorbeeld – een exploratieve case-study
Authors: Van Wijgerden-Bachta Louise
Published: December 2023

The strategy of raising a bilingual child, also known as family language policy (FLP), has been the subject of linguistic, psychological or sociological research for many years. One way of raising bilinguals in a family environment is the minority language at home strategy (ml@h), which is often chosen by parents who live outside their home country and both speak a minority language. Parents speak to each other and to the child in their native language and the second language is acquired by the child in situations outside the home. In this article, I will present not only theoretical considerations of bilingual upbringing but also the perspective of a person who was raised bilingually (Dutch and Polish). Opinions and reflections gathered by an individual in-depth interview will provide a glimpse of growing up in a bilingual environment from the perspective of a now-adult child. In the case described, the strategy had a positive effect. This was influenced by the parents’ conscious choice of a bilingual upbringing strategy and its consistent application, supporting the child in learning the grammar and stylistics of the minority language and providing the child with contact with the minority language before going to school.
Crystal structure and NMR spectroscopic characterization of 1,5-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)carbonohydrazide
Authors: Talmaci Natalia , Dragancea Diana , Gorincioi Elena , Bourosh Paulina , Kravtsov Victor
Published: December 2023

The solid-state structure of a symmetrical carbohydrazone, namely 1,5-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)carbonohydrazide was determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction method. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with unit cell parameters a= 10.1198(6), b= 22.7847(11), c= 15.1738(10) Å, β= 100.458(6)°, Z= 4, V= 3440.6(3) Å3, R1= 0.0540. Crystal structure of 1 is defined by two crystallographic independent molecules, which are bonded via N–H···O hydrogen bond. The organic molecules are as keto tautomers with respect to the carbamide fragment, and adopt the anti conformation. 1D and 2D NMR experiments have argued on the presence of the title compound in DMSO-d6 solution mostly as keto tautomer in syn conformation, and enol-imino form when considering o-vanillin residue.
Filter generators with increased resistance against algebraic attacks
Authors: Vorobei Kateryna , Alekseychuk Anton
Published: December 2023

Filter generators form one of the best known and most studied classes of key stream generators used in synchronous stream ciphers. Each such generator consists of a binary linear shift register with a primitive feedback polynomial and a nonlinear Boolean function, which has a number of requirements related to the condition of generator security against known attacks. One such requirement is the high algebraic immunity of the generator's filter function; this parameter characterises security filter generator against modern algebraic attacks. In certain cases, this requirement is too restrictive in sense of practicality, as it increases the computational or circuit complexity of the key stream generation algorithm. This makes the actuality of increasing the resistance of filter generators with fixed filter functions, that have limited (low) algebraic immunity. The paper proposes to solve this problem by modifying the feedback function of the linear shift register. the security of the proposed generators against algebraic attacks is investigated and is shown that (under certain natural conditions) such generators are more secure at the same initial state length as compared to traditional filter generators. The proposed solution seems to be useful for practical application in advanced hardware-oriented stream ciphers design.
Monitoring of the plastic state by changing of a deformation sign
Authors: Tormakhov Mykola
Published: December 2023

When a body element is proportionally loaded, its differently oriented material fibers can stretch, compress or not change their length. The direction of material fibers that do not change their length is neutral. Neutral direction divides compressed and stretched directions of the fibers. Within the limits of elasticity, the neutral direction does not change its orientation, and beyond the limit of elasticity, it rotates relative to the material fibers. Some material fibers, the slope of which is close to neutral, can change their deformation sign, and this change indicates that the element of the body has reached the plastic state.The proposed technique of the plastic state monitoring is demonstrated on a uniaxial stress state. The non-monotonicity of the close to the neutral direction material fiber deformation that oriented is confirmed by calculations and in an experiment on the tension of cylindrical specimen.The proposed technique allows fix plastic state of the material at proportional loading without value deformations or stresses measuring but by changing the sign of the deformation of the material fibers, the slope of which is close to the neutral direction.
Comparative analysis of hot reverse extrusion of hollow products from round and square blanks
Authors: Kaliuzhnyi Volodymyr , Sytnyk Stanislav , Levchenko Volodymyr
Published: December 2023

Background. Modern production of hollow products by hot reverse extrusion poses the task of reducing energy consumption and reducing metal costs for the manufacture of such products. Such problems can be solved by using them for extruding square-shaped blanks.
Goal. Determination using the finite element method (FEM) of the parameters of hot reverse extrusion of hollow products from round and square blanks and comparison of the results of theoretical studies.
Methodology of implementation. Theoretical studies of force modes of extrusion, specific forces and stress-strain state of metal were carried out by simulation using MSE in the DEFORM software environment.
The results. Modeling of the process of hot reverse extrusion from low-carbon steel of a hollow product with protrusions on the end of the bottom part was carried out with the help of MSE. Round and square blanks are used. Extrusion forces, forces for removing punches from deformed blanks and forces for pushing out products from matrices are established. The distribution of specific forces on the deforming tool is revealed. The stress-strain state and temperature distribution in the deformed metal at the end of extrusion were determined. Evaluation of the working of the metal structure by hot plastic deformation was carried out and the obtained parameters were compared.
Conclusions. The use of square-shaped blanks during hot reverse extrusion of hollow products is substantiated.
Acoustic Attenuation Prediction of Perforated Reactive and Dissipative Mufflers With Flow by Using Frequency-Domain Linearized Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: He Zhirong , Ji Zhenlin , Huang Hongpu
Published: December 2023

To comprehensively consider the impact of complex airflow on sound propagation, a numerical approach by solving the three-dimensional (3-D) frequency-domain linearized Navier-Stokes equations (LNSEs) is proposed to accurately predict the transmission losses of perforated tube reactive and dissipative mufflers in the presence of complex airflow. The numerical computations are performed in two steps: (1) solve the time averaged flow by steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and then map the results into acoustic mesh; (2) treat sound-absorbing material as an equivalent fluid and obtain acoustic perturbation variables by solving the frequency-domain LNSEs. The transmission losses of perforated tube reactive and dissipative mufflers are measured in the presence of flow and compared with the numerical predictions. The excellent consistencies between predictions and measurements validate the present approach. The influence of Mach number on acoustic attenuation performance of perforated tube reactive and dissipative mufflers is then investigated. With Mach number increases, the transmission loss of perforated tube reactive muffler increases somewhat, while the transmission loss of dissipative mufflers decreases obviously in the lower frequency range and change is limited at higher frequencies.
RESIDÊNCIA PEDAGÓGICA E A FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE: ESTABELECENDO CONEXÕES NA PERSPECTIVA DE PRECEPTORES
Authors: Mafra José Ricardo e Souza , Oliveira Aureni Jesus de , Oliveira Aldemisa Jesus de , Pereira Filho Carlos Roberto Mendonça
Published: December 2023

O Programa Residência Pedagógica (PRP) se apresenta como uma iniciativa de significativa importância na formação inicial de professores, ao proporcionar situações de vivência e práticas de ensino focadas na docência escolar, na educação básica. Este trabalho trata de uma investigação cujo objetivo central foi delinear o desenvolvimento das ações vinculadas ao Programa de Residência Pedagógica (PRP), na perspectiva de 3 (três) professores perceptores que integram o polo José de Alencar, subprojeto Matemática, na cidade de Santarém, estado do Pará. O relato de experiência fundamentado na observação participante, com base nas narrativas dos professores preceptores, foi o fio condutor metodológico, para as informações apresentadas. Os resultados mostram uma relação de equivalência bidirecional entre aprendizagens e ensinamentos formativos, necessários aos residentes, com base nas vivências e ações desenvolvidas em colaboração com os preceptores. Em contraste, identificamos um movimento de ensinamentos e aprendizagens dos residentes aos preceptores, tendo em vista a convivência entre gerações de professores formados e os conhecimentos contemporâneos dos graduandos, adquiridos, por conta dos saberes da academia e da cultura contemporânea mais geral. Concluímos que, em nosso ponto de vista, o desenvolvimento das ações realizadas pelo PRP não é apenas direcionado a formação inicial, más também, ser uma espécie de formação contínua, aos preceptores.
A EXECUÇÃO DO PIBID EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA: EXPERIÊNCIAS E APRENDIZADOS
Authors: Oliveira Hugo Rivas de , Seibert Carla Simone , Silva Kellen Lagares Ferreira
Published: December 2023

O presente trabalho evidencia as experiências e os aprendizados gerados a partir do desenvolvimento do PIBID de Ciências Biológicas, da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, com estudantes da Escola Família Agrícola de Porto Nacional – TO. Dada a pandemia do Covid-19, as atividades presenciais de ambas instituições foram suspensas e esse cenário constituiu o principal desafio para o desenvolvimento de ações pedagógicas. Várias estratégias de comunicação e ensino foram utilizadas, e mesmo com a situação imposta foi positivo o processo formativo e a troca de experiência entre professores e estudantes dessas diferentes realidades.
Chirac, ¿un icono pop?
Authors: Le Bart Christian , Boronat Clavijo Bethlem
Published: December 2023

La personalización de los políticos ha transformado la forma en la que percibimos sus capacidades, sean estas políticas o personales. Ha contribuido a su búsqueda de aparecer como humanos, de manera que los ciudadanos puedan conectar mejor con ellos. Aunque este proceso es habitual actualmente, solo unos pocos políticos franceses han sido capaces de imponer una personalidad tan influyente como la que logró imponer Jacques Chirac. Incluso tras comportarse de forma discutible, su imagen se ha convertido en un referente para los jóvenes adultos hasta el punto de convertirse en un icono pop. Su cara está en camisetas y otro merchandising que visten jóvenes adultos vinculados a la moda hipster. Este artículo aspira a subrayar algunas de las razones que han hecho del presidente Chirac un icono y también a analizar el contexto sociocultural de fenómeno.
Sustainable Energy: Concept and Definition in the Context of the Energy Transition - A Critical Review
Authors: Halawa Edward
Published: December 2023

The term sustainable energy is very familiar to all of us yet its exact definition or meaning has so far been vague. To date the widely adopted definition of sustainable energy has been inspired by the definition of sustainable development formulated more than 30 years ago in Our Common Future - the UN’s Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. The current definition conceals the true spirit of the Report and it has some ramifications. It raises the question as to whether we have put too much emphasis on attaining the future dimension of sustainability in the middle of the situation where the energy survivability is in fact the real issue in many parts of the world. In this paper the role of energy in sustaining livelihoods of low income communities is discussed. Existing definition of sustainable energy that the whole world seems to have embraced is looked at critically and its downsides exposed. The identified pillars of sustainable energy and the associated issues is discussed and the need for an additional pillar, i.e. affordability is discussed and called for. This paper will argue that global definition of sustainable energy seems inappropriate and should be jettisoned and a more realistic definition should be embraced taking into account local attributes and factors. The current push for transition from use of conventional energy sources to a more ‘cleaner’ energy has further exacerbated the issue of energy affordability that have made the conditions even more dire for so many groups of world population. In the midst of this situation, those who push for a rushed energy transition seem to be those who also produce unsustainably high carbon footprint but who can easily offset their carbon foot-print through the ‘net-zero’ concept.
A Single-Session Process-Based Cognitive-Behavioural Interven-Tion for Chronic Pain Associated with Emotional Disorders
Authors: Cojocaru Cristiana Manuela , Popa Cosmin Octavian , Schenk Alina , Jakab Zsolt , Suciu Bogdan Andrei , Olah Peter , Popoviciu Horațiu Valeriu , Szasz Simona
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Rheumatic diseases often exhibit a complex pattern of comorbidities, including the increased occurrence of emotional disorders like anxiety and depression, which are closely related to the presence of chronic pain. Therefore, a multimodal approach is necessary for treatment, targeting both the physical and psychological functioning. Due to the increased burden within the healthcare context that emerged during the post-pandemic period, the need to adjust the content and length of psychological interventions became ubiquitous. In this way, the main objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of a single-session, process-based psychological intervention for patients with rheumatic conditions and emotional comorbidities in a naturalistic, in-patient setting. Materials and Methods: After the screening, a total of 31 participants (Mage = 58.9, SD = 12.03) completed the single session intervention. The therapeutic protocol relied on a process-based cognitive-behavioural therapy framework aiming to improve cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning. Assessments were conducted prior to the intervention, post-intervention and one month following the hospitalization. Results: Immediately after the intervention, significant reductions in dysfunctional cognitive and emotional processes, along with the improvement of behavioural strategies were observed. At the one-month telephonic evaluation, participants reported decreased pain, state anxiety and state depression levels. Conclusions: The single-session, process-based approach represents a promising intervention in healthcare contexts, targeting important psychopathological mechanisms in patients with rheumatic conditions. Future studies could clarify the extent to which these outcomes persist over time and their specific associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms, by using more controlled and rigorous trial designs.
Applying the Precautionary Principle to Hidden Collapse
Authors: Lindenmayer David , Martin Rhett D
Published: December 2023

Hidden collapse refers to the existence of environmental indicators indicative of future collapse of forests, even though the forest appears intact and not at risk of ecosystem collapse. Professor David Lindenmayer and Dr Chloe Sato (Lindenmayer) first identified hidden collapse in 2018 in Mountain Ash forests of Victoria, Australia. The risk of hidden collapse represents a long term environmental threat and is a potential trigger for application of the precautionary principle (principle). Implicit in hidden collapse are two preconditions for application of the principle; the risk of a serious or irreversible environmental threat, and the existence of scientific uncertainty about the nature of the risk. Despite hidden collapse satisfying these essential preconditions for applying the principle, decision makers did not apply it in respect hidden collapse of Mountain Ash forests in Victoria. This article considers the current status of the principle in regulation and how it can be adjusted to address long term environmental risk. There is growing evidence around the world of serious decline in biodiversity requiring urgent application of precautionary risk management. A better regulatory regime for precautionary management of long term risk is now an urgent priority.
Improvement of the Hydrogen Storage Characteristics of MgH2 With Al Nano-Catalyst Produced by the Method of Electric Explosion of Wires
Authors: Kudiiarov Viktor Nikolaevich , Kenzhiyev Alan , Mostovshchikov Andrei Vladimirovich
Published: December 2023

New composite with core-shell structure based on magnesium hydride and finely dispersed aluminum powder with aluminum oxide shell was mechanically synthesized. We used magnesium chips to produce magnesium hydride and aluminum wire after exploitation to produce nano-sized aluminum powder. The beginning of the hydrogen release from composite occurred at the temperature of 117°C. The maximum desorption temperature from the MgH₂-EEWAl composite (10 wt.%) is 336°C compared to pure magnesium hydride – 417°C. The mass content of hydrogen in the composite is 5.5 wt.%. The positive effect of aluminum powder produced by the electric explosion of wires method on reducing the activation energy of desorption was demonstrated. Calculations showed that the activation energy of desorption for the composite is 106±1 kJ/mol, compared with pure magnesium hydride, whose activation energy was 155±2 kJ/mol. The results obtained make it possible to expand the possibility of using magnesium and aluminum waste for hydrogen energy.
Continuum Limit of the Green Function in Scaled Affine φ4 4 Quantum Euclidean Covariant Relativistic Field Theory
Authors: Fantoni Riccardo
Published: December 2023

We prove through path integral Monte Carlo computer experiments that the affine quantization of the $\vp_4^4$ scaled Euclidean covariant relativistic scalar field theory is a valid quantum field theory with a well defined continuum limit of the one- and two-point-function. Affine quantization leads to a completely satisfactory quantization of field theories using situations that involve scaled behavior leading to an unexpected, $\hbar^2/\vp^2$ which arises only in the quantum aspects.
Continuum Limit of the Green Function in Scaled Affine φ4 4 Quantum Euclidean Covariant Relativistic Field Theory
Authors: Fantoni Riccardo
Published: December 2023

We prove through path integral Monte Carlo computer experiments that the affine quantization of the $\varphi_4^4$ scaled Euclidean covariant relativistic scalar field theory is a valid quantum field theory with a well defined continuum limit of the one- and two-point-function. Affine quantization leads to a completely satisfactory quantization of field theories using situations that involve scaled behavior leading to an unexpected, $\hbar^2/\varphi^2$ which arises only in the quantum aspects.
Unlocking the Potential of In Vitro Photoautotrophy for Eryngium foetidum: Biomass, Morphophysiology, and Acclimatization
Authors: Silva Darlyara Reis , Soares Marion Nayon Braga , Silva Maria Cristina Rocha , Lima Mariana Costa , Silva-Moraes Vitória Karla de Oliveira , Alves Givago Lopes , Ríos-Ríos Anyela Marcela , Lima Aldilene da Silva , Pinheiro Marcos Vinícius Marques , Corrêa Thais Roseli , Batista Diego Silva , Figueiredo Fábio Afonso Mazzei Moura de Assis , Reis Fabrício de Oliveira , Ferraz Tiago Massi , Felipe Sérgio Heitor Sousa
Published: December 2023

Eryngium foetidum L., a biennial herb with diverse applications in food and traditional medicine, holds economic and pharmacological significance. Given its growing commercial interest, implementing biotechnological approaches like plant tissue culture is vital for sustainable propagation and metabolite production. In this study, we investigated the in vitro photoautotrophic potential of E. foetidum, examining growth, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and anatomical features under different sucrose concentrations and gas exchange rates. Acclimatization and survival rates of plants after ex vitro transfer were also assessed. E. foetidum exhibited robust growth in both photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic conditions, with natural ventilation significantly enhancing plant development. Chlorophyll a fluorescence and photosynthetic performance were influenced by sucrose and gas exchange, highlighting the importance of these factors in plant micropropagation. Moreover, the species demonstrated remarkable plasticity during acclimatization, with high survival rates and rapid inflorescence emission. The research provides valuable insights into optimizing in vitro cultivation conditions for E. foetidum, emphasizing the potential for large-scale clonal propagation and exploring secondary metabolites. The observed phenotypic plasticity underscores the adaptability of the species to diverse environments. These biotechnological strategies open avenues for future studies, including the application of elicitors for enhanced secondary metabolite production.
The Structure of the Cardiac Mitochondria Respirasome Is Adapted for the β‐Oxidation of Fatty Acids
Authors: Panov Alexander V.
Published: December 2023

The single set of electron transporters of the cardiac mitochondrial respiratory chain is organized into three separate supercomplexes. Two of them contain complex I, a dimer of complex III, and two dimers of complex IV. The third supercomplex contains a dimer of complex III and two dimers of complex IV. We also considered two important discoveries. First, the enzymes of β-oxidation of fatty acids are physically associated with respirasome. Second, β-oxidation of fatty acids creates the highest level of QH2 and reverses the flow of electrons from QH2 through complex II, reducing fumarate to succinate. We argue that the respirasome is uniquely adapted for the β-oxidation of fatty acids. The acyl-CoA dehydrogenase complex reduces the membrane’s pool of ubiquinone to QH2, which is instantly oxidized by the 2complex III-4complex IV supercomplex, generating high energization of mitochondria and reversing the electrons flow through the complex II, which reverses the electrons flow through the complex I increasing the NADH/NAD+ ratio in the matrix. The mitochondrial nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase catalyzes a hydride (H-, a proton plus two electrons) transfer across the inner mitochondrial membrane, reducing the cytosolic pool of NADP(H), thus providing the heart with ATP for muscle contraction and energy and reducing equivalents for the housekeeping processes.
Secular Increasing Trends in Female Thyroid Cancer Incidence in Taiwan: Does It Coincide with Shifting Fertility Rate Patterns
Authors: Wu Jiun-Yan , Shyu Yuk-Kae , Lee Yu-Kwang , Wang Yu-Chiao , Chiang Chun-Ju , You San-Lin , Liao Li-Jen , Hsu Wan-Lun , Chen Yong-Chen
Published: December 2023

Background: Thyroid cancer incidence has increased globally in recent decades, especially in females, although its trends in Taiwan have not been studied extensively. This study aimed to investigate changes in female incidence and possible causes of thyroid cancer in Taiwan. Methods: Using the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) Database, age-standardized incidence rates, age-specific incidence rates and birth cohorts were calculated. Correlation between female thyroid cancer incidence and cohort fertility rates were examined. Results: Thyroid cancer incidence increased in Taiwanese female, with age-adjusted rates per 100,000 people increasing from 7.37 during 1995-1999 to 20.53 during 2015-2019, APCs were 5.9% (95% CI, 5.3-6.5). Age-specific incidence rates increased with age, with peak rates occurring at younger ages. The APCs in the 50-54 age group were the highest (6.8%, 95% CI, 6.1-7.5). Incidence rates also increased with later birth cohorts. We observed a significant negative correlation between thyroid cancer incidence and fertility rates in the same birth cohort. Conclusion: We hypothesize that overdiagnosis may be a main reason for the rapidly increasing thyroid cancer incidence in Taiwanese female. Notably, we observed a strong negative correlation between fertility and thyroid cancer incidence. The associations with fertility will be an important subject for future thyroid cancer research.
Are Non Conventional Pets Potential Carriers of Zoonotic Viruses? A Two Years Study
Authors: Alfano Flora , Lucibelli Maria Gabriella , Serra Francesco , Levante Martina , Rea Simona , Gallo Amalia , Petrucci Federica , Monini Marina , Di Bartolo Ilaria , D’Ovidio Dario , Santoro Mario , De Carlo Esterina , Fusco Giovanna , Amoroso Maria Grazia
Published: December 2023

We investigated by Real-time PCR and end point PCR the presence of 10 potential zoonotic viruses in 91 small mammals sold as pets in pet shops of Southern Italy. The animals were analysed for: aichivirus, sapovirus, astrovirus, hepatitis A virus, noroviruses (GI and GII), rotavirus, circovirus, coronaviruses. Among the 9 species of small mammals analysed (golden hamsters, Java squirrels, mongolian gerbils, peruvian guinea pigs, pet mice, pet rats, dwarf rabbits, african hedgehogs and sugar gliders) 12 pet rats, 11 pet mice and 1 golden hamster tested positive to a PCR amplifying a conserved gene (RdRp) of coronavirus. However further characterizaton by sequencing gave not conclusive results. A pet rat resulted instead positive to aichivirus and its sequence showed similarity with a murine kobuvirus-1 strain identified in China. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the detection of aichivirus in rodents in Italy, the virus probably introduced through the importation of animals from Asia.
Since living in close contact to humans, expecially with children, the continuous monitoring of the small mammals is very important to avoid the spread of new pathologies among animals and humans and further investigation is desirable in order to safeguard public health.
Is Covid-19 as Lethal as the Spanish Flu? The Australian Experience in 1919 and 2020 and the Role of Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs)
Authors: Vicziany Marika Antonia , Piterman Leon , Wattanapenpaiboon Naiyana Tikky
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE: Our research interrogates Professor Peter Doherty’s warning to Australians in April 2020 that ‘COVID-19 is just as lethal as the Spanish flu’.
METHODS: We identified the epicentres of both pandemics, namely metropolitan Sydney in 1919 and metropolitan Melbourne in 2020. Using original sources, we compared the lethality of COVID-19 in these two cities. Lethality was measured by the number and rate of hospitalisations and deaths per 100,000 of population. Using these two measures, we diagnosed the waves of infection, their severity at various points in time and the cumulative impact of the viruses by the end of our in-depth study period, i.e. 30 September in 1919 and 2020.
RESULTS: Spanish Flu in 1919 was more than 30 times more lethal than COVID-19 in 2020. The hospital admission and death rates of COVID-19 in Melbourne in 2020 constituted a small fraction of the devastation wrought by the Spanish Flu in Sydney in 1919. The patterns and lethality of the pandemic waves were also strikingly different.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Both pandemics broke out with the arrival of unknown pathogens against which vaccines and antivirals did not exist. Professor Doherty’s warning was perhaps taken seriously and that partly explains the findings of this study. Containing infection in 1919 and 2020 threw the burden on nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as ‘protective sequestration’ (quarantine), contact tracing, lockdowns and masks. We discuss the effectiveness of these. Despite the failures of genomic analysis and the weaknesses of the contact tracing system due to mismanagement, it was persistent and detailed contact tracing that provided the best explanation for why NPIs in 2020 were more effective than in 1919 and therefore contributed to the lower lethality of the COVID-19 pandemic in its first year.
Sex Hormones in COVID-19 Severity: The Quest for Evidence and Influence Mechanisms
Authors: Xiao Haiqing , Yuan Lunzhi , Li Jiayuan , Zhang Chang , Liu Gang , Liu Xuan
Published: December 2023

Studies report variable effects of sex hormones on serious diseases. Severe disease and mortality rates in COVID-19 show marked gender differences that may be related to sex hormones. Sex hormones regulate the expression of the viral receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2, which affect the extent of viral infection and consequently cause variable outcomes. In addition, sex hormones have complex regulatory mechanisms that affect the immune response to viruses. These hormones also affect metabolism through obesity, and severe disease can result from complications such as thrombosis. This review presents the latest research on the regulatory functions of hormones in viral receptors, immune responses, complications as well as their role in COVID-19 progression. It also discusses the therapeutical possibilities of these hormones by reviewing the recent findings of clinical and assay studies.
A New Logic, A New Information Measure, and A New Information-Based Approach to Interpreting Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Ellerman David
Published: December 2023

The new logic of partitions is dual to the usual Boolean logic of subsets (usually presented only in the special case to the logic of propositions) in the sense that partitions and subsets are category-theoretic duals. The new information measure of logical entropy is just the normalized quantitative version of partitions. The new approach to interpreting quantum mechanics (QM) is showing that the mathematics (not the physics) of QM is the Hilbert space version of the mathematics of partitions. Or putting it the other way around, the math of partitions is a skeletal version of the math of QM. The key concepts throughout this progression from logic to information theory to quantum theory are distinctions versus indistinctions, definiteness versus indefiniteness, or distinguishability versus indistinguishability. The distinctions of a partitions are the ordered pairs of elements from the underlying set that are in different blocks of the partition. Logical entropy is defined (initially) as the normalized number of distinctions. The cognate notions of definiteness and distinguishability run through the math of QM, e.g., in the key non-classical notion of superposition (= ontic indefiniteness) and in the Feynman rules for adding amplitudes (indistinguishable alternatives) versus adding probabilities (distinguishable alternatives).
ARMOSA Model Parametrization on Winter Durum Wheat Cultivation under Diverse Cropping Management Practices in Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Garofalo Pasquale , Parlavecchia Marco , Giglio Luisa , Campobasso Ivana , Vonella Alessandro Vittorio , Botta Marco , Tadiello Tommaso , Tucci Vincenzo , Fornaro Francesco , Leogrande Rita , Vitti Carolina , Perego Alessia , Acutis Marco , Ventrella Domenico
Published: December 2023

In view of the expected climate changes, a paradigm shift in soil management, through reduced tillage and/or a different use of crop residues, can be a key point in the mitigation of the climate impacts. The transition from a traditional cropping system (i.e., durum wheat in continuous cropping system under conventional tillage and/or straw removal) to those undergoing the conservative practices require to be evaluated in a medium to long time frame to reach an equilibrium and thus to be properly investigated. In this regard, cropping system simulation models are fundamental tools for the in-silico evaluation of the response of crop growth and soil organic matter dynamics to varying cropping scenarios. This paper reports the evaluations on the parameterization and reliability of the ARMOSA crop simulation model calibrated and validated on experimental datasets collected on durum wheat grown in continuous cropping system under several straw and soil management strategies in a Mediterranean environment.
Radargrammetric 3D Imaging through Composite Registration Method Using Multi-Aspect SAR Imagery
Authors: Luo Yangao , Deng Yunkai , Xiang Wei , Zhang Heng , Yang Congrui , Wang Longxiang
Published: December 2023

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and tomographic SAR measurement techniques are commonly used for the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of complex areas, while the effectiveness of these methods relies on the interferometric coherence among SAR images with minimal angular disparities. Radargrammetry exploits stereo image matching to determine the spatial coordinates of corresponding points in two SAR images, and acquire their 3D properties. The performance of the image matching process directly impacts the quality of the resulting digital surface model (DSM). However, the presence of speckle noise, along with dissimilar geometric and radiometric distortions, poses considerable challenges to achieve accurate stereo SAR image matching. To address the aforementioned challenges, this paper proposes a radargrammetric method based on composite registration of multi-aspect SAR images. The proposed method combines coarse registration using scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) with precise registration using normalized cross-correlation (NCC) to achieve accurate registration between multi-aspect SAR images with large disparities. Furthermore, the multi-aspect 3D point clouds are merged by the proposed radargrammetric 3D imaging method, resulting in 3D imaging of target scenes based on multi-aspect SAR images. For validation purpose, this paper presents a comprehensive 3D reconstruction of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) by using Ka-band airborne SAR images. It does not necessitate prior knowledge of the target and is applicable to the detailed 3D imaging of large-scale areas with complex structures. In comparison to other SAR 3D imaging techniques, it reduces the requirements for orbit control and radar system parameters. To sum up, the proposed 3D imaging method with composite registration guarantees imaging efficiency while enhances the imaging accuracy of crucial areas with limited data.
Trait Anxiety, Emotion Regulation Strategies, and Metacognitive Beliefs: Their Influence on Executive Functions and Academic Achievement
Authors: Cécillon François-Xavier , Mermillod Martial , Leys Christophe , Lachaux Jean-Philippe , Le Vigouroux Sarah , Shankland Rebecca
Published: December 2023

Trait anxiety, emotion regulation strategies, and metacognitive beliefs influence executive functions (EF) and academic achievement. This study examines their interplay and impact on academic success. In total, 275 adolescents (10-17 years) and parents completed an online questionnaire assessing trait anxiety, emotion regulation strategies, metacognition, parent-reported behaviors related to executive functioning, and overall school average. Preliminary analyses confirmed consistency with existing literature for each variable and their interaction. Furthermore, we conducted a network analysis among the main variables. This analysis supports the need to pay more attention to reflective variables - maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and metacognitive beliefs about worry - when studying trait anxiety. These variables were linked to problematic executive functioning in adolescents. These latter had a negative link to academic achievement. This study offers innovative insights by investigating less-explored relationships in the scientific literature. It reveals high and significant correlations between metacognitive beliefs, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and trait anxiety (r > .500, p < .001) but also between these variables and both executive functioning and academic achievement. These findings offer new perspectives for research and underscore the importance of holistically examining psychological factors related to academic success.
Enhancing Efficiency in Inverted Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes through Arginine Modified ZnO Nanoparticle Electron Injection Layer
Authors: Chae Young-Bin , Kim Su-Young. , Choi Hyuk-Doo , Moon Dae-Gyu , Lee Kyoung-Ho , Kim Chang-Kyo
Published: December 2023

Many quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) utilize ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as an electron injection layer (EIL). However, the use of ZnO NP ETL material often results in charge imbalance within the quantum dot (QD) emitting layer (EML) and exciton quenching at the interface of QD EML and ZnO NP EIL. To overcome these challenges, we introduced an Arginine (Arg) interlayer (IL) onto the ZnO NP EIL. The Arg IL elevated the work function of ZnO NPs, thereby suppressing electron injection into the QD, leading to improved charge balance within the QDs, Additionally, the inherent insulating nature of the Arg IL prevented direct contact between QDs and ZnO NPs, reducing exciton quenching and consequently improving device efficiency. The inverted QLED (IQLED) utilizing a 20-nm-thick Arg IL on ZnO NP EIL exhibited a 2.22-fold increase in current efficiency and a 2.28-fold increase in EQE and compared to an IQLED without an IL. Likewise, the IQLED with a 20-nm-thick Arg IL on ZnO NP EIL demonstrated a 1.34-fold improvement in current efficiency and a 1.36-fold increase in EQE compared to IQLED with a 5-nm-thick PEI IL on ZnO NPs.
Physical and Numerical Models on Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls Using Self-Fabricated Steel Reinforcement Grids Applied for Cohesive Soil in Vietnam
Authors: Chau Truong-Linh , Nguyen Thu-Ha , Pham Van-Ngoc
Published: December 2023

The study examines the behavior of the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall using available reinforcement materials in Danang, Vietnam. The MSE was reinforced by the self-fabricated galvanized steel grids using CB300V steel with 3 cm ribs. The backfill soil is a sandy clay soil from the local area with a low cohesion. A full-scale model with full instrumentation was installed to investigate the distribution of tensile forces along the reinforcement layers. The highest load that caused the wall to collapse due to internal instability (reinforcement rupture) was 302 kN/m2, which is 15 times the design load of 20 kN/m2. The failure surface within the reinforced soil had a parabolic sliding shape which is similar to the theoretical studies. At the failure load level, the maximum lateral displacement at the top of the wall facing was small (3.9 mm) which is significantly lower than the allowable displacements for the retaining wall. Furthermore, a numerical model using FLAC software was applied to simulate the performance of the MSE wall. The modeling results are in good agreement with the physical model. Thus, the self-fabricated galvanized steel grids could be confidentially used in combination with the local backfill soil for the MSE walls.
The Application of Textile Materials in the Interfacial Solar Steam Generation for Water Purification and Desalination: A Review
Authors: MOHAMED SAEED HAROON ABDELRAHMAN , Kazimoto Veronica Valerian , Xu Weilin , Yang Hongjun
Published: December 2023

The global increase in population, the phenomenon of climate change, the issue of water pollution and contamination, and the inadequate management of water resources all exert heightened strain on freshwater reserves. The potential utilization of the interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) system, which utilizes photothermal conversion to generate heat on material surfaces for wastewater purification and desalination purposes, has been successfully demonstrated. Textile materials based ISSG devices, including (woven, nonwoven and knitting) fabrics and electrospinning membranes, exhibit distinct properties such as rough surface texture, high porosity, significant surface area, exceptional flexibility, and robust mechanical strength. These characteristics, combined with their affordability, accessibility, and economic viability for widespread implementation, make them extremely attractive for applications in SSG. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of emerging concepts, advancements and applications of textile materials (woven, nonwoven, and knitting) fabrics and electro-spun membranes in the ISSG for wastewater purification and desalination is highlighted. We also emphasize significant obstacles and potential prospects in both theoretical investigations and real-world implementations, aiming to contribute to future advancements in the domain of textile based materials interfacial evaporation in wastewater purification and desalination. Furthermore, the drawbacks and the challenges of ISSG systems are also highlighted.
Penentuan Tingkat Erosi dan Perencanaan Konservasi Lahan di Sub DAS Telagawaja Kabupaten Karangasem Provinsi Bali
Authors: Sri Sumarniasih Made , Trigunasih Ni Made , Surbakti Michael
Published: December 2023

The increasing use of natural resources due to population growth and economic development, as well as low public awareness of natural resource conservation, has an impact on accelerating damage to river watersheds. The research aims to determine the level of erosion and its distribution, permitted erosion, conservation planning in the Telagawaja Sub-watershed. The research uses a survey method in taking soil samples based on homogeneous land unit maps. Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory, erosion calculations used the USLE method. The research results show that the Telagawaja sub-watershed has erosion levels ranging from very light to heavy (0.99-472.19 tons/ha/year). Very light erosion 0.99; 1.53; 5.36 tons/ha/year is found in Homogeneus Land Unit (HLU) I, II, and VII. Heavy erosion 186.64; 221.43; 367.14; 472.19 tons/ha/year is found in HLU V, VI, IV, III. Permissible erosion in the Telagawaja sub-watershed is 11-36.1 tons/ha/year, spread across HLU I is 12.82 tons/ha/year; HLU II of 36.10 tons/ha/year; HLU III of 21.73 tons/ha/year; HLU IV of 24.48 tons/ha/year; HLU V of 13.55 tons/ha/year; HLU VI of 11.00 tons/ha/year; HLU VII is 15.05 tons/ha/year. Conservation actions that can be carried out are by increasing the plant management factor (C) of peanuts with straw mulch of 4 tons/ha (HLU III, IV, V and VI), increasing land management actions by making terracing with medium construction benches (HLU III and IV) and good bench terrace construction (HLU V and VI).
Response of Growth and Yield of Mint (Mentha spicata L.) Cuttings to Auxin and Composition of Planting Media
Authors: Triharyanto Eddy , Pujiasmanto Bambang , Pardono Pardono , Fa’izah Aisyah Taqiyyah
Published: December 2023

Consumption of herbal medicines by Indonesian people is increasing because of the price and ease of obtaining them. One of the main ingredients of herbal medicine is mint leaves because they contain tannin and flavonoid secondary metabolites. However, the generative mint plant is very slow and needs vegetative cuttings propagation. This study aims to examine the effect of auxin-type growth regulators and the composition of the growing media on the growth and yield of mint plant cuttings. This study used a complete randomized block design with two factors. The first factor was the auxin growth regulator with four levels: without growth regulator, IBA 500 ppm, IAA 500 ppm, NAA 500 ppm. The second factor was the composition of the planting medium with three levels, namely soil, husk charcoal, and goat manure 3:3:1; 3:2:2, and 3:1:3. Three repetitions were carried out. Auxin affects the number and area of leaves. Applying 500 ppm NAA encouraged the highest leaf growth, with the number of leaves at 163.38. Growth regulator NAA 500 ppm increased the number of leaves and leaf area of mint plants, i.e., by 0.01% and 1.16% compared to the control. The growing media composition affected the crown fresh weight, root biomass, and crown root ratio. The media composition of 3:3:1 produced a crown fresh weight of 41.07 g, and the media composition 3:3:3 produced the highest biomass of 5.97 g. The media composition 3:1:3 showed the highest root crown ratio, 2.69%. Auxin and the composition of the growing media synergistically promote the growth and yield of mint cuttings.