bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impact of climate change on lodging establishments: a systematic literature review
Authors: Mota Luís , Leite Eduardo , Ghasemi Vahid
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to identify scientific research concentrating on climate change impacts on accommodation services and examine the most relevant outputs related to management strategies due to exposure to climate change.

Methodology

It used a systematic review of the literature of scientific articles published in the Web of Science and SCOPUS. The search strings were validated by academics, who suggested adding more keywords for studying the relationship between accommodation settings and climate change. As a result, four search strings were established and identified 39 articles for qualitative analysis with MAXQDA.

Findings

Some studies asserted that corporate social responsibility is important for mitigating climate change issues. hotels work together with local businesses, enforcing the community’s adaptive capacity to climate change and supporting the need for education and training programs to understand climate change risks better. Moreover, green human resources management directly relates to the level of environmental awareness in local communities. Using air conditioning for combating heat waves consumes high amounts of energy. One option lies in energy-efficient buildings such as passive houses, using compact designs for reducing the cost of operation. Currently, hotel operations rely more on being more transparent regarding informing guests and influencing eco-friendly choices. On the other hand, there is an investment in training employees regarding good practices for energy use and management. Such action leads to accountable energy savings. Nevertheless, hotels still struggling to adapt because of their elevated energy consumption for heating, hot water, lightning, or cooling aggregates.
A case for animal reference: beyond functional reference and meaning attribution
Authors: Palazzolo Giulia
Published: February 2024

Reference is a basic feature of human language. A much debated question in the scholarship on animal communication and language evolution is whether traces of the human capacity for reference can be found in animals too. Do animals refer to things with their signals in the manner that humans do? Or is reference something that is unique to human communication? Answers to these questions have shifted significantly over the years and remain contentious. In this paper, I start by reconstructing and critically analysing three influential discussions of the ways in which animal signals refer: the theory of functional reference (Marler, Evans and Hauser, 1992), Wheeler and Fischer (2012)’s meaning attribution framework, and Scarantino (2013)’s revised definition of functional reference. I show that functional reference, both in its traditional and revised version, as well as the meaning attribution framework, fail to adequately characterise animal reference as an evolutionary precursor of linguistic reference. This is because they all overlook at least some aspects of the psychology of signal production. Nonetheless, drawing on Crockford et al. (2012, 2017), I show that we can plausibly interpret chimpanzees’ alert hoos as a case of intentional, human-like animal reference.
Seed-specific expression of porcine verotoxigenic Escherichia coli antigens in tobacco plants as a potential model of edible vaccines
Authors: Reggi Serena , Dell’Anno Matteo , Baldi Antonella , Rossi Luciana
Published: February 2024

Vaccines can reduce the use of antibiotics by preventing specific infective diseases in pigs. Plant-based edible vaccines are particularly attractive because, upon oral ingestion via feed, they can elicit the local immune system against a foreign disease-causing organism. The aim of this study was to engineer two different independent lines of tobacco plants for the seed-specific expression of immunogenic proteins of VTEC as a model of an edible vaccine. For each antigen, fifty Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Xanthi leaf disks were transformed by agroinfection for the seed-specific expression of the structural parts of the fimbrial subunit FedF of F18 and the B-subunit of Vt2e genes. The synthetic genes, optimized by the codon adaptation index for their expression in tobacco, were inserted into expression cassettes under the control of β-conglycinin promoter. Regenerated tobacco plants (T0) were characterized by molecular and immunoenzymatic techniques. Our results showed that both FedF and Vt2eB genes were integrated into tobacco genome efficiently (> 80%) and they are also maintained in the second generation (T1). Western blotting analyses carried out on the positive producing lines, showed the tissue-specific expression in seeds and the temporal protein accumulation in the mid-late maturation phases. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed seed expression levels of 0.09 to 0.29% (from 138 to 444 µg/g of seeds) and 0.21 to 0.43% (from 321 to 658 µg/g of seeds) of total soluble protein for the FedF and Vt2eB antigens, respectively. This study confirmed the seed-specific expression of the selected antigens in plant seeds. The expression level is suitable for seed-based edible vaccination systems, which could represent a cost-effective way to prevent VTEC infection. Our findings encourage further in vivo studies focused on the activation of the local immune response.
Assessment and comparison of thermochemical pathways for the rice residues valorization: pyrolysis and gasification
Authors: Quintero-Naucil Myriam , Salcedo-Mendoza Jairo , Solarte-Toro Juan Camilo , Aristizábal-Marulanda Valentina
Published: February 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass conversion applying thermochemical routes has been postulated as an alternative for generating renewable energy. This research compares energy-driven biorefineries based on two thermochemical routes addressed to upgrade rice husk and rice straw produced in the Department of Sucre-Colombia. Initially, this research analyzes the physico-chemical and structural characterization of the rice residues. Four different scenarios were proposed to compare the energy-driven biorefineries based on fast pyrolysis and gasification considering technical, economic, and environmental metrics. These biorefineries were simulated using the Aspen Plus V.14.0 software. The novelty of this research is focused on the identification of the biorefinery with the best techno-economic, energetic, and environmental performance in the Colombian context. Economic and environmental analyses were done by using economic metrics and emissions. From an economic perspective, the stand-alone gasification process did not have a positive economic margin. In contrast, the fast pyrolysis process has the best economic performance since this process has a positive profit margin. Indeed, scenario 1 (fast pyrolysis of both rice residues) presented an economic margin of 13.75% and emissions of 2170.92 kgCO2eq/kg for 10 years. However, this scenario was not energetically the best, holding second place due to the feedstock requirements, compared to gasification. The biorefinery scenario 1 has the best performance.
Polymer Metallization by Cold Spray Deposition of Polyamide-Copper Composite Coatings
Authors: Aghasibeig Maniya , Benhalima Abdelkader , Yu Kintak Raymond
Published: February 2024

Cold spray metallization of polymers is a promising surface engineering technique that enables the deposition of metal coatings onto polymer substrates at low process temperatures, resulting in improved surface properties, thus enhanced functionality of the polymeric material. However, deposition of well-adhering metallic coatings without causing surface damage to the polymer substrate is still a challenge. In this work, copper-polyamide composite coatings with different copper concentrations between 30 and 75 vol.% in the starting powders were deposited on polyamide substrates using a low-pressure cold spray system with two nozzle geometries of short and long diverging sections. The spray parameters were first developed for the deposition of polyamide powder (at gas temperature of 260 °C and gas pressures ranging from 0.41 to 1.37 MPa), and then used to spray the composite powder mixtures where the polyamide particles were acting as a binder for copper particles. Inflight and impact particle characteristics (velocity and temperature) of the polyamide powder were simulated to better understand the deposition properties. Considering that the selected conditions were suboptimal for the deposition of copper particles, no surface damage was caused as no penetration of the copper particles into the polymer substrate occurred. The results show that increasing the copper content in the powder mixtures significantly improved the resulting coating uniformity and the retained copper content. In addition, the coating deposited by spraying the powder mixture with a higher copper content of 75 vol.% and using the longer nozzle yielded the highest cohesion strength. To further improve coatings cohesion, two post-spray processing methods of furnace heating and hot pressing were used, and the effect of each process on coatings properties was investigated.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Given name: [Kintak Raymond] Last name [Yu]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.The author names are now correct: Kintak Raymond given name and Yu last name
All other details are corrects
Understanding corporate entrepreneurship in the digital age: a review and research agenda
Authors: D’Angelo Stefano , Cavallo Angelo , Ghezzi Antonio , Di Lorenzo Francesco
Published: February 2024

In a digital world increasingly characterized by new business opportunities and challenges driven by the proliferation of pervasive digital technologies, companies are more than ever called to act entrepreneurially. This scenario has raised important questions at the intersection of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and digital technologies, as we currently lack a comprehensive understanding on the implications of digital technologies in CE strategy, related antecedents, processes, and outcomes. To fill this gap, our study takes stock of the extant literature on CE in the digital age. Through a review of 54 studies, we craft an integrative framework of CE in the digital age, articulated across six building blocks. Building on the proposed framework, we elaborate a research agenda for future research.
How does technological innovation impact the service time and the attraction of new customers in the financial sector? Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Reyes-Rubiano Lorena , Amaya Ingrid Y. , Mayorga David Medina , Muñoz-Villamizar Andrés , Solano-Charris Elyn
Published: February 2024

Due to safety perceptions, Colombian banking clients prefer to visit bank branch offices instead of other channels. Thus, there are long waiting for lines at branch offices. Considering the need for more tools for strengthening and streamlining client service, the number of financial clients tends to diminish. In this context, this paper aims to measure the impact of technological innovation on the clients’ waiting time and the attraction of new customers. We propose a simulation-based methodology to analyze customer behaviors and forecast the diffusion effect on mobile app adoption. Furthermore, our study provides managerial insights and future research lines.
Exploring burnout in the Italian Armed Forces amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a clustering approach to identify psychological preventing and risk factors
Authors: Mariani Rachele , Di Monte Cinzia , Murgia Federica , Foglia Emanuele , Deiana Simone , Ravecca Fabio , Fanelli Giorgio , Cippitelli Fabio , Trabucco Aurilio Paolo , Renzi Alessia , Tambelli Renata , Sebastiani Nicola , Di Trani Michela
Published: February 2024

The Italian army played a crucial role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by supplying the country with military personnel, sanitary specialists, equipment, and infrastructure. This is the first Italian study involving the entire population of the National Armed forces with the aim of investigating the psychological factors that can protect or pose risks in effectively managing heightened distress. We explored how coping capability and the capacity to face uncertainty can contribute to predicting levels of burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 4409 Italian military personnel completed questionnaires assessing burnout, coping style, and intolerance of uncertainty. In addition to the Burnout cut-off levels, a cluster analysis was conducted, integrating the variables of Depersonalization, Emotional Exhaustion, and Personal Gratification in order to identify risk profiles and specific characteristics. Based on the Burnout cut-off levels, military personnel are experiencing higher levels of burnout in the Personal Accomplishment dimension by 23.34% compared to other factors. The application of cluster analysis methodology revealed interesting results: four distinct clusters differed in terms of working factors, intolerance to uncertainty, and coping style. According to regression analysis, the most significant predictors of burnout were emotional-oriented coping and tolerance to uncertainty. The avoidance strategy demonstrated a specific coping function within the Armed Force, distinct from other populations. This study demonstrated that the most effective strategies for preventing burnout are task-oriented coping and tolerating uncertainty. These results implied specific training focusing on the competences could prevent burnout.
International academics in national research institutes in Korea and Japan: contributions, reasons for migration, and challenges
Authors: Kim Yangson , Song Inyoung , Miyoshi Noboru
Published: February 2024

This study aims to explore and compare the experiences of international academics in government-funded research institutes in Korea and Japan and focuses on their integration through primary roles and contributions, reasons to stay, and the challenges they face in their academic and daily lives. Although international academics are critical human resources in academia, their experiences in northeast Asian research institutes, instead of universities, require thorough investigation. Additionally, policy initiatives and projects in these countries tend to emphasize international academics in universities instead of those in research institutes. The study conducted semi-structured interviews between October 2020 and July 2021 with 15 international academics from government-funded research institutes in Korea and Japan. We intend to illuminate their experiences outside of universities and demonstrate that a clear academic role, a (relatively) horizontal organizational culture, and systemic support are the major reasons for their decision to stay and integrate. We also highlight the challenges they face in relation to policy, language, and family issues. International academics help create an internationalized work environment, although they frequently struggle to bridge domestic and international academia. All interviewees were male academics working in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields; thus, further studies are required to explore the experiences of female international academics and those working in other areas and to compare between the academic cultures of universities and research institutes in Korea and Japan.
Quantile Regression for Longitudinal Functional Data with Application to Feed Intake of Lactating Sows
Authors: Battagliola Maria Laura , Sørensen Helle , Tolver Anders , Staicu Ana-Maria
Published: February 2024

This article focuses on the study of lactating sows, where the main interest is the influence of temperature, measured throughout the day, on the lower quantiles of the daily feed intake. We outline a model framework and estimation methodology for quantile regression in scenarios with longitudinal data and functional covariates. The quantile regression model uses a time-varying regression coefficient function to quantify the association between covariates and the quantile level of interest, and it includes subject-specific intercepts to incorporate within-subject dependence. Estimation relies on spline representations of the unknown coefficient functions and can be carried out with existing software. We introduce bootstrap procedures for bias adjustment and computation of standard errors. Analysis of the lactation data indicates, among others, that the influence of temperature increases during the lactation period.Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.
Forming-Free and Non-linear Resistive Switching in Bilayer $$\hbox {HfO}_{\textrm{x}}$$/$$\hbox {TaO}_{\textrm{x}}$$ Memory Devices by Interface-Induced Internal Resistance
Authors: Napari Mari , Stathopoulos Spyros , Prodromakis Themis , Simanjuntak Firman
Published: February 2024

Resistive switching memory devices with tantalum oxide ($$\hbox {TaO}_{\textrm{x}}$$

TaO
x

) and hafnium oxide ($$\hbox {HfO}_{\textrm{x}}$$

HfO
x

) mono- and bilayers were fabricated using atomic layer deposition. The bilayer devices with Ti and TiN electrodes show non-linear switching characteristics, and can operate without requiring an initial electroforming step. The insertion of the $$\hbox {HfO}_{\textrm{x}}$$

HfO
x

layer induces the switching behaviour on single layer $$\hbox {TaO}_{\textrm{x}}$$

TaO
x

that shows Zener diode-like characteristics, with conductivity depending on the top electrode metal. The electronic conductivity mechanism study shows Schottky emission at low voltage regime followed by tunneling at higher applied bias, both indicating interface-dominated conduction. The switching mechanism study is supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of the films that show a formation of $$\hbox {TaO}_{\textrm{x}}\hbox {N}_{\textrm{y}}$$

TaO
x

N
y

and $$\hbox {TaN}_{\textrm{x}}$$

TaN
x

species at the oxide-electrode interface. This interfacial layer serves as a high resistivity barrier layer enabling the homogeneous resistive switching behavior.

Graphical Abstract
Response surface methodology for optimizing adsorption process parameters for tadalafil removal by raw eggshell
Authors: Halici Zeynep , Demirhan Elçin
Published: February 2024

Excessive discharge of pharmaceutical wastes into the surface water causes harmful effect on environment, so its removal has aroused much attention in recent years. This study investigated the potential of raw eggshell as a low cost adsorbent on the removal of tadalafil by adsorption experiments. Characterization of adsorbent was investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). To comprehensively evaluate the independent and interacting effects of several process factors, such as pH, temperature, and amount of adsorbent, Box-Behnken design was used. According to results of variance analysis (ANOVA) it was concluded that the second-order model had strong statistical relevance and was characterized by a high coefficient of determination (R2) value. It was clear from the experimental results that as the pH level and adsorbent amount were raised, so was the removal efficiency. At pH 5, 25 °C, and 7.5 g/100 mL of adsorbent, the greatest removal efficiency of 72.9% was attained. Furthermore, the analysis of equilibrium data showed that, in comparison to the Langmuir isotherm model, the Freundlich isotherm model offered a better fit for dye removal. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetic was also evaluated and it was obtained the adsorption followed by pseudo second order model for the tadalafil removal onto eggshell.
Learning-Based Parameter Optimization for a Class of Orbital Tracking Control Laws
Authors: Bianchini Gianni , Garulli Andrea , Giannitrapani Antonio , Leomanni Mirko , Quartullo Renato
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a learning algorithm for tuning the parameters of a family of stabilizing nonlinear controllers for orbital tracking, in order to minimize a cost function which combines convergence time and fuel consumption. The main feature of the proposed approach is that it achieves performance optimization while guaranteeing closed-loop stability of the resulting controller. This property is exploited also to restrict the class of admissible controllers and hence to expedite the training process. The learning algorithm is tested on three case studies: two different orbital transfers and a rendezvous mission. Numerical simulations show that the learned control parameters lead to a significant improvement of the considered performance measure.
Standardization and micromechanistic study of tetracycline adsorption by biochar
Authors: Zhang Xiaotong , Hou Jinju , Zhang Shudong , Cai Tong , Liu Shujia , Hu Wenjin , Zhang Qiuzhuo
Published: February 2024

Modification serves as an excellent approach to  enhancing the adsorption performance of biochar for tetracycline. Selective modification further allows the attainment of biochar materials that are not only more efficient but also cost-effective. However, the key structural factors influencing the adsorption of tetracycline by biochar remain unclear at present, hindering the effective guidance for modification strategies. This study established the relationship between carbonization degree and adsorption capacity, constructed a standardized microscopic model for biochar adsorption of tetracycline, and explored potential reaction mechanisms. The results indicated that with increases in the degree of carbonization, the tetracycline adsorption capacity of biochar increased from 16.08 mg L−1 to 98.35 mg L−1. The adsorption energy exhibited a strong correlation with the aromatic condensation of biochar at p ≤ 0.01, with a linear relationship (r2 ≥ 0.94). For low carbonization degrees, the adsorption of tetracycline by biochar was primarily driven by chemical bonds (69.21%) and complemented with electrostatic interactions, weak van der Waals forces or π-π interactions. For high carbonization degrees, the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and π-π interactions determined the adsorption of tetracycline on biochar (91.1%). Additionally, larger carbon clusters resulted in stronger and more stable adsorption interactions. Furthermore, carboxyl-functionalized highly carbonized biochar displayed the highest reaction energy of − 1.8370 eV for adsorption of tetracycline through electrostatic interactions. This study suggests that a high degree of aromatic condensation in the carbon structure of biochar is crucial for the efficient adsorption of tetracycline.

Graphical Abstract
Toxicity of a novel antifungal agent (ATB1651 gel) in Yucatan minipigs (Sus scrofa) following 4 weeks of daily dermal administration
Authors: Kim Hyung-Sun , Kang Goo-Hwa , Yang Mi-Jin , Joo Yun-Jeong , Lee Dong-Gi , Lee Han-Seung , Lee Jong-Seung , Hwang Jeong Ho
Published: February 2024

ATB1651 gel is an antifungal drug candidate that enhances antifungal activity through substitution of several aryl rings, alkyl chains, and methyl groups. To ensure safety of use of ATB1651 gel, assessment of its potentially toxic side effects is necessary. In this study, we examined the repeated-dose toxicity of ATB1651 gel to Yucatan minipigs (Sus scrofa) in accordance with the Good Laboratory Practice guidelines. Five doses of ATB1651 gel (0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 3.0%) were administered dermally to the left and right flanks of 38 minipigs daily for 4 weeks. Mortality, clinical symptoms, dermal scores, body weights, and physiological, biochemical, pathological, and toxicokinetic analyses were performed after the treatment period. No systemic toxicological damage was observed in either male or female minipigs regardless of dose; however, dermal application of ATB1651 gel caused some skin alterations at the application sites. Specifically, erythema and eschar formation, edema, and scabs or raise spots were observed at the application site(s) in males in the 3.0% ATB1651 gel treatment group and in females at ATB1651 gel concentrations ≥ 1.0%, with dermal scores ranging from grade 1 to 2. Additionally, histopathological assay indicated infiltration of different types of inflammatory cells and the presence of pustule/crust at the application site(s) in both males and females at ATB1651 gel concentrations ≥ 0.5%. However, these changes were reversible after a 2-week recovery period and were considered a local irritation effect of ATB1651 gel. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of ATB1651 gel was 3.0% with regard to topical and systemic toxicity in both male and female minipigs. Collectively, our results imply that ATB1651 gel is a safe candidate for clinical development as an antifungal drug with a wide therapeutic window.
Proceedings from the Third Annual Conference of the Norwegian Network for Implementation Research (NIMP)
Authors: Bjørnerud Anne Merete , Falkenberg Helle K. , Braathu Nora , Skar Ane-Marthe Solheim , Engell Thomas
Published: February 2024

The third annual conference of the Norwegian Network for Implementation Research (NIMP) was held on November 28th, 2022, in Oslo, Norway. This event drew 98 participants from diverse sectors and disciplines such as health care, welfare, education, and government, with increased interest from non-research practitioners and policymakers (32% of attendees) compared to prior NIMP conferences. The conference featured a keynote presentation from Professor Per Nilsen, two plenary presentations, eleven parallel session presentations, and five poster presentations. The majority of presentations focused on applied implementation research (72%). However, 28% were from non-research implementation practice and policy work, indicating an increased awareness and use of implementation science outside of academia. The presentations were focused on implementation determinants and strategies, the use of theories, models, and frameworks, and research-to-practice partnerships. The conference saw limited rigorous evaluation of implementation, and more robust evaluation methods with strong measures of implementation outcomes may be needed to enhance implementation evidence in Norway. To sustain engagement in the conference, NIMP should continue integrating implementation research and practice, and consider interactive cross-professional sessions to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration. The conference’s increasing influence reflects the growing awareness and relevance of implementation science in Norway, and the conference may facilitate beneficial feedback loops between implementation research and practice to advance the science and practice of implementation in Norway.
On monitorability of AI
Authors: Yampolskiy Roman V.
Published: February 2024

Artificially intelligent (AI) systems have ushered in a transformative era across various domains, yet their inherent traits of unpredictability, unexplainability, and uncontrollability have given rise to concerns surrounding AI safety. This paper aims to demonstrate the infeasibility of accurately monitoring advanced AI systems to predict the emergence of certain capabilities prior to their manifestation. Through an analysis of the intricacies of AI systems, the boundaries of human comprehension, and the elusive nature of emergent behaviors, we argue for the impossibility of reliably foreseeing some capabilities. By investigating these impossibility results, we shed light on their potential implications for AI safety research and propose potential strategies to overcome these limitations.
Genetic identification of the sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood) infesting chickens in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gharsan Fatehia Nasser
Published: February 2024

Stick-tight fleas, Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood), are major ectoparasites of domesticated chickens and can cause serious diseases and even death if left untreated. In the present study the flea samples were collected from three traditional chicken-raising farms in the Al-Baha region. The samples were examined under a stereomicroscope and identified using classification keys. After extracting DNA from the insects, the polymerase chain reaction technique was used to identify the hereditary gene, cytochrome oxidase, present in the insect biopics. The gene was purified, its nucleotide sequence was obtained, and the accession number (OR161051) has been assigned in GenBank. After determining its nucleotide sequence, it was compared with other insects in GenBank, where it was found to be identical (99.82%) to the E. gallinacea isolate from Thailand recorded in GenBank [OQ291364 and MW492259 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nucleotide/MW492259.1?report=genbank&log$=nucltop&blast_rank=1&RID=VJR9ZAEE013)]. The match was 94.33% with Echidnophaga iberica from Spain (KF479239) and 93.97% with Echidnophaga oschanini from China (KU880666). The phylogenetic tree also showed similarities between the Saudi Arabian isolates and other isolates. This genetic study of sticktight fleas is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, therefore will be valuable for assessing the prevalence and geographical distribution of this parasite.
Degradation kinetics and physiological studies of organophosphates degrading microorganisms for soil bioremediation
Authors: Kilonzi J. M. , Otieno S.
Published: February 2024

Organophosphate compounds are widely used in agricultural activities to optimize food production. Contamination of field soil by these compounds may result in detrimental effects on soil biota. The aim of the present study was to isolate microorganisms from field soils and evaluate the strains on ability to degrade organophosphates as single isolate and as a consortium. Isolated strains were identified using both biochemical and molecular techniques. Results revealed that, out of the 46 isolated strains, three isolates herein referred to as S6, S36 and S37 showed an average diazinon degradation rate of 76.4%, 76.7% and 76.8% respectively, of the initial dose (50 ppm) within 11 days of incubation in mineral medium. Notably, isolates S36 and S37 were more effective than S6 in degrading diazinon by 40% in soil aliquot after 11 days and therefore were evaluated on biochemical reactions and molecular identification. The isolates showed variable biochemical characteristics. However, both isolates possessed catalase enzyme, but lacked oxidase enzyme. Molecular characterization showed that, the closest species for S36 and S37 were Priestia megaterium and P. arybattia, respectively, based on 16S rRNA gene similarity (> 99%). Combination of the strains increased diazinon degradation ability by 45% compared to single strain treatment. Chlorpyrifos was the most highly degraded organophosphate, compared to phorate and cadusafos. Therefore it is expected that the pesticide-degrading bacteria could be a solution to soil health improvement and contribution to the production of safe agricultural products.
A Hybrid Cryptographic Mechanism for Secure Data Transmission in Edge AI Networks
Authors: Almalawi Abdulmohsen , Hassan Shabbir , Fahad Adil , Khan Asif Irshad
Published: February 2024

As Edge AI systems become more prevalent, ensuring data privacy and security in these decentralized networks is essential. In this work, a novel hybrid cryptographic mechanism was presented by combining Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) and Diffie–Hellman-based Twofish cryptography (DHT) for secure data transmission. The developed work collects the data from the created edge AI system and processes it using the Autoencoder. The Autoencoder learns the data patterns and identifies the malicious data entry. The Diffie–Hellman (DH) key exchange generates a shared secret key for encryption, while the ALO optimizes the key exchange and improves security performance. Further, the Twofish algorithm performs the data encryption using a generated secret key, preventing security threats during transmission. The implementation results of the study show that it achieved a higher accuracy of 99.45%, lower time consumption of 2 s, minimum delay of 0.8 s, and reduced energy consumption of 3.2 mJ.
Improvement of limit of detection in primer extension-based multiplexed mutation assay using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Ando Takahiro , Yokoi Takahide , Manri Chihiro , Anazawa Takashi , Ishida Takeshi
Published: February 2024

One of the challenges in liquid biopsy for early cancer detection is ascribed to the fact that mutation DNA often represents an extremely small ratio of less than 1% compared to wild-type genes in blood. However, in conventional fragment analysis with capillary electrophoresis (CE), the detectable allele frequency could be about 5%. In this work, we developed an original reagent-based fragment analysis with single base extension (SBE) reactions for cancer-associated mutation assay using a commercially available CE device, and investigated on a possibility of improvement of limit of detection (LOD) for genetic mutation. First, after adjustment of reagent conditions for the SBE reactions, the linear relationship between gene template concentration and fluorescence intensity was obtained from 1 to 100 fmol of target genes. Next, from the results of an experiment to detect mutation EGFR L858R at abundance ratios of mutant type to wild type (100-fmol template) of 0, 1, 5, and 10%, it was shown that the target gene can be detected with LOD of 0.33%. This high sensitivity was realized in part by separating fluorescently labeled substrates into an individual tube for an each-colored SBE reaction. Moreover, mutations EGFR L858R and KRAS G12V were simultaneously detected at sensitivities equivalent to LODs of 0.57 and 0.47%, respectively. These results indicate that < 1% of mutations in multiplex gene mutations can be simultaneously detected, and that possibility suggests that the developed method can be used in clinical practice for detecting cancers.

Graphical abstract
Coordination among flower pigments, scents and pollinators in ornamental plants
Authors: Shen Yuxiao , Rao Yufei , Ma Mengni , Li Yajun , He Yanhong , Wang Zheng , Liang Mei , Ning Guogui
Published: February 2024

Flower color and scent, crucial qualitative characteristics of ornamental plants, display extensive variation. These distinct pigments and scents play a key role in attracting specific pollinators. While previous research primarily delved into the synthetic regulatory mechanisms of individual traits and their respective attraction to insects, recent studies unveil an interconnectedness between flower color and scent through transcriptional regulatory networks. Moreover, evidence suggests that both color and scent actively contribute to insect attraction. This review summarizes the co-regulation and synthesis of pigments and scents, highlighting their pivotal roles in pollinator attraction. The insights provided will serve as valuable references for applications in metabolic engineering, novel variety breeding, and insect and pest detection and management.
Child labour, school attendance and orphaned children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mihigo Isidore Murhi , Vermeylen Guillaume , Munguakonkwa Deogratias Bugandwa
Published: February 2024

This article contributes to the stock of scientific knowledge by showing the effect of orphan status on child labour and school attendance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While the abolition of child labour is undeniably one of the major tasks assigned to the International Labour Organization (ILO) when it was founded, child labour remains a severe problem worldwide. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, children do not have access to school. Instead of ending up in school, millions of children are forced to engage in child labour in income-generating and non-income-generating activities. Little researchers have yet made it possible to obtain simultaneous information on child labour, school attendance and orphaned children. This paper describes the research that tries to make such a connection. Data used is from the out-of-school children and adolescents (OOSC-DRC-2012) survey organised by the Ministry of Primary, secondary and Vocational Education. Using a bivariate probit econometric model and testing the endogeneity with an instrumental variables approach, funding of the analysis supports the assumption of a significant negative relationship between child labour and school attendance. The result shows also that being orphaned reduces a child's likelihood of school attendance and increases the probability of entering the labour market. It is underlined that most children are present in non-income-generating than income-generating activities.
Silenced voices and strained livelihoods: challenges faced by Kashmiri women entrepreneurs after article 370 abrogation
Authors: Mohsin Abdul , Muzaffar Sabahat
Published: February 2024

Objective

This research endeavours to elucidate the ramifications of the communication blockade on women entrepreneurs operating within the Kashmir Valley in the wake of the protracted imposition of communication blockade in the region of Jammu and Kashmir following the unanticipated abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India.

Participants

The study assembled a cohort of 20 women entrepreneurs hailing from Srinagar and Ganderbal districts in Kashmir, utilising a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methodologies to ensure a comprehensive representation of participants. Data acquisition was carried out through a series of direct, semi-structured, and in-depth personal interviews.

Method

Employing an interpretive phenomenological approach, this qualitative inquiry transcribed the rich narratives gleaned from these interviews, elucidating a confluence of recurrent themes.

Results

The protracted absence of communication channels, extending indefinitely, precipitated a multifaceted crisis encompassing economic, social, and psychological dimensions, thereby significantly impacting the well-being of residents of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion

The recurring themes encompass anger and frustration, loss of livelihood, helplessness and dehumanisation stemming from total communication blackouts.
The Archaeology of Pharaonic Egypt
Authors: Bussmann Richard
Published: February 2024

In this book, Richard Bussmann presents a fresh overview of ancient Egyptian society and culture in the age of the pyramids. He addresses key themes in the comparative research of early complex societies, including urbanism, funerary culture, temple ritual, kingship, and the state, and explores how ideas and practices were exchanged between ruling elites and local communities in provincial Egypt. Unlike other studies of ancient Egypt, this book adopts an anthropological approach that places people at the centre of the analysis. Bussmann covers a range of important themes in cross-cultural debates, such as materiality, gender, non-elite culture, and the body. He also offers new perspectives on social diversity and cultural cohesion, based on recent discoveries. His study vividly illustrates how our understanding of ancient Egyptian society benefits from the application of theoretical concepts in archaeology and anthropology to the interpretation of the evidence.
Panem et circenses: removing political news to generate electoral support, evidence from Berlusconi's Italy
Authors: De Angelis Andrea , Vecchiato Alessandro
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the strategic use of public news media – specifically television (TV) – as an instrument of political influence, focusing on Italy's 2011 financial crisis under Berlusconi's premiership. Using an original large corpus of over 20,000 hours of televised news transcripts and a quasi-experimental design, we investigate how political influence altered media coverage and, subsequently, public opinion and electoral outcomes. Our difference-in-differences analysis, complemented by unsupervised text scaling of news content, reveals a significant shift from “hard” political news to “soft” news on public TV during Berlusconi's tenure. Findings suggest a deliberate reduction in hard news coverage by an average of 107 seconds daily, which significantly increased voter support for Berlusconi's party. In the conclusions, we discuss the broader implications of our findings for media independence in Western democracies amid the emergence of artificial intelligence-generated news contents and the prevalence of algorithmically tailored news feeds.
Granular-fluid avalanches: the role of vertical structure and velocity shear
Authors: Meng X. , Taylor-Noonan A.M. , Johnson C.G. , Take W.A. , Bowman E.T. , Gray J.M.N.T.
Published: February 2024

Field observations of debris flows often show that a deep dry granular front is followed by a progressively thinner and increasingly watery tail. These features have been captured in recent laboratory flume experiments (Taylor-Noonan et al., J. Geophys. Res.: Earth Surf., vol. 127, 2022, e2022JF006622). In these experiments different initial release volumes were used to investigate the dynamics of an undersaturated monodisperse grain–water mixture as it flowed downslope onto a horizontal run-out pad. Corresponding dry granular flows, with the same particle release volumes, were also studied to show the effect of the interstitial fluid. The inclusion of water makes debris flows much more mobile than equivalent volumes of dry grains. In the wet flows, the formation of a dry front is crucially dependent on the heterogeneous vertical structure of the flow and the velocity shear. These effects are included in the depth-averaged theory of Meng et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 943, 2022, A19), which is used in this paper to quantitatively simulate both the wet and dry experimental flows using a high-resolution shock-capturing scheme. The results show that velocity shear causes dry grains (located near the free surface) to migrate forwards to create a dry front. The front is more resistant to motion than the more watery material behind, which reduces the overall computed run-out distance compared with debris-flow models that assume plug flow and develop only small dry snouts. Velocity shear also implies that there is a net transport of water to the back of the flow. This creates a thin oversaturated tail that is unstable to roll waves in agreement with experimental observations.
On the interfacial instabilities of a ventilation cavity induced by gaseous injection into liquid crossflow
Authors: Xiong Chengwang , Wang Shengzhu , Dong Qianqian , Wang Shi-Ping , Zhang A-Man
Published: February 2024

This study gives insights into the interfacial instabilities of a ventilation cavity by injecting gas vertically into the horizontal liquid crossflow through both numerical and experimental investigations. We identified four distinct regimes of the ventilation cavity based on their topological characteristics: (I) discrete bubble, (II) continuous cavity, (III) bifurcated cavity, and (IV) bubble plume. The boundaries for these regimes are delineated within the parameter space of crossflow velocity and jet speed. A comprehensive analysis of the flow characteristics associated with each regime is presented, encompassing the phase mixing properties, the dominant frequency of pulsation, and the time-averaged profile of the cavity. This study conducted a detailed investigation of the periodic pulsation at the leading-edge interface of the cavity, also known as the ‘puffing phenomenon’. The results of local spectral analysis and dynamic mode decomposition indicate that the high-frequency instability in the near-field region exhibits the most significant growth rate. In contrast, the low-frequency mode with the largest amplitude spans a broader region from the orifice to the cavity branches. A conceptual model has been proposed to elucidate the mechanism behind the pulsation phenomenon observed along the cavity interface: the pulsation results from the alternate intrusion of the crossflow and the cavity recovery at the leading edge, being governed mainly by the periodic oscillating imbalance between the static pressure of gas near the orifice and the stagnation pressure of crossflow at the leading edge.
Supergranule aggregation: a Prandtl number-independent feature of constant heat flux-driven convection flows
Authors: Vieweg Philipp P.
Published: February 2024

Supergranule aggregation, i.e. the gradual aggregation of convection cells to horizontally extended networks of flow structures, is a unique feature of constant heat flux-driven turbulent convection. In the present study, we address the question if this mechanism of self-organisation of the flow is present for any fluid. Therefore, we analyse three-dimensional Rayleigh–Bénard convection at a fixed Rayleigh number

${Ra} \approx 2.0 \times 10^{5}$

across

$4$

orders of Prandtl numbers

${Pr} \in [10^{-2}, 10^{2}]$

by means of direct numerical simulations in horizontally extended periodic domains with aspect ratio

$\varGamma = 60$

. Our study confirms the omnipresence of the mechanism of supergranule aggregation for the entire range of investigated fluids. Moreover, we analyse the effect of

${Pr}$

on the global heat and momentum transport, and clarify the role of a potential stable stratification in the bulk of the fluid layer. The ubiquity of the investigated mechanism of flow self-organisation underlines its relevance for pattern formation in geophysical and astrophysical convection flows, the latter of which are often driven by prescribed heat fluxes.
A HIERARCHY ON NON-ARCHIMEDEAN POLISH GROUPS ADMITTING A COMPATIBLE COMPLETE LEFT-INVARIANT METRIC
Authors: DING LONGYUN , WANG XU
Published: February 2024

In this article, we introduce a hierarchy on the class of non-archimedean Polish groups that admit a compatible complete left-invariant metric. We denote this hierarchy by

$\alpha $

-CLI and L-

$\alpha $

-CLI where

$\alpha $

is a countable ordinal. We establish three results:

(1)

G is

$0$

-CLI iff

$G=\{1_G\}$

;

(2)

G is

$1$

-CLI iff G admits a compatible complete two-sided invariant metric; and

(3)

G is L-

$\alpha $

-CLI iff G is locally

$\alpha $

-CLI, i.e., G contains an open subgroup that is

$\alpha $

-CLI.

Subsequently, we show this hierarchy is proper by constructing non-archimedean CLI Polish groups

$G_\alpha $

and

$H_\alpha $

for

$\alpha <\omega _1$

, such that:

(1)

$H_\alpha $

is

$\alpha $

-CLI but not L-

$\beta $

-CLI for

$\beta <\alpha $

; and

(2)

$G_\alpha $

is

$(\alpha +1)$

-CLI but not L-

$\alpha $

-CLI.
Fascist transnationalism during the occupation of Albania (1939–43)
Authors: Lang Alexander
Published: February 2024

This article links the study of transnational and imperial fascism in the context of the Italian occupation of Albania by examining how Italian authorities sought to turn Albanians abroad into assets rather than liabilities. Organising and monitoring Albanians occurred through conferences, youth institutions and consular activities. Studying such concrete contacts and negotiations allows us to explore the practical issues latent in expanding fascist political subjectivity in transnational and imperial contexts. On the one hand, Italians hoped to verse Albanians in a fascist identity by using existing organisational strategies while silencing or converting potential anti-Italian critics. On the other, many Albanians expressed and offered support for these Italian efforts, though with reservations and conditions, raising questions as to what it meant to be an Albanian nationalist and/or fascist in the years of occupation. The Albanian case therefore contributes to our understanding of the tensions inherent in ‘universalising’ fascism for colonial subjects.