bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano-infrared imaging of metal insulator transition in few-layer 1T-TaS2
Authors: Zhang Songtian S. , Rajendran Anjaly , Chae Sang Hoon , Zhang Shuai , Pan Tsai-Chun , Hone James C. , Dean Cory R. , Basov D. N.
Published: March 2023

Among the family of transition metal dichalcogenides, 1T-TaS2 stands out for several peculiar physical properties including a rich charge density wave phase diagram, quantum spin liquid candidacy and low temperature Mott insulator phase. As 1T-TaS2 is thinned down to the few-layer limit, interesting physics emerges in this quasi 2D material. Here, using scanning near-field optical microscopy, we perform a spatial- and temperature-dependent study on the phase transitions of a few-layer thick microcrystal of 1T-TaS2. We investigate encapsulated air-sensitive 1T-TaS2 prepared under inert conditions down to cryogenic temperatures. We find an abrupt metal-to-insulator transition in this few-layer limit. Our results provide new insight in contrast to previous transport studies on thin 1T-TaS2 where the resistivity jump became undetectable, and to spatially resolved studies on non-encapsulated samples which found a gradual, spatially inhomogeneous transition. A statistical analysis suggests bimodal high and low temperature phases, and that the characteristic phase transition hysteresis is preserved down to a few-layer limit.
Spectral peak areas do not vary according to spectral averaging scheme used in functional MRS experiments at 3 T with interleaved visual stimulation
Authors: Mumuni Abdul Nashirudeen , McLean John , Waiter Gordon
Published: March 2023

Brain response to visual stimulation can be probed quantitatively using functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS), which relies on the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast mechanism. BOLD effect in fMRS is associated with changes in the areas, widths, and heights of the MR spectra. This study investigated the effect of spectral averaging scheme (NEX value) on BOLD changes in the spectra. Using a visual stimulus at 8 Hz in single and interleaved stimulation paradigms, the BOLD effects in spectra acquired from the occipital brain region of three healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD = 32.7 ± 3.5 years) were compared for two fMRS data sets acquired with two NEX values (“2” and “8”) available on a 3 T MR scanner. BOLD signal changes were estimated as percentage changes in spectral areas, heights, and widths of six cerebral metabolites and water using the SAGE software package (version 7). There was a general trend of lower BOLD effects with NEX = 8 in both stimulation paradigms. In the single stimulation paradigm, NEX = 8 was associated with significantly lower N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) spectral height (p = 0.03), creatine (p = 0.04) and choline (p = 0.02) spectral widths, and NAA (p = 0.03), water (p < 0.01), and glutamate (p = 0.02) spectral areas. In the interleaved stimulation paradigm, NEX = 8 was associated with significantly lower glutamate spectral height (p = 0.02), water (p = 0.03), and glutamine (p = 0.03) spectral widths, but there was no significant difference in all spectral areas between the two NEX values. Even though the two NEX values offered some differences in observable BOLD effects, their spectral areas were not significantly different in the interleaved visual stimulation experiments.
Influence of Mn doping on electrical properties of TiO2/Si heterojunction diode
Authors: Baturay Silan , Bicer Omer , Yigit Gezgin Serap , Candan Ilhan , Budak Gumgum Hadice , Kilic Hamdi Sukur
Published: March 2023

In this special work, two types of material, which are undoped and Mn doped TiO2thin films, have been produced by spin coating technique, and then their structural, morphological and optical properties have been measured at different Mn doping rates. Four different doping ratios, undoped, 1, 3 and 5% Mn doped TiO2have been both experimentally and theoretically investigated and some significant enhancements have been reported. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) such as dislocation density, strain, and crystallite size have indicated that undoped, 1, 3 and 5% Mn doped TiO2thin films had the phase of anatase at 450 °C. It has been observed that the peak intensity of 3% Mn doped TiO2films has decreased compared to undoped and 1% Mn doped TiO2while the peak intensity has increased for 5% Mn doped TiO2. The refractive indices and dielectric coefficients of the undoped and Mn doped TiO2thin films have also been calculated. The undoped and Mn doped TiO2/p-Si heterojunction diodes has exhibited photosensitive behaviour in the illuminated environment. 1% Mn doped TiO2/p-Si heterojunction diode indicated the highest photocurrent. The electrical parameters of all diodes have been calculated and compared to the conventionalJ–Vand Norde methods. Additionally, 1% Mn doped TiO2/p-Si heterojunction diode has been modelled by using the SCAPS-1D program, andJphvalues have also been calculated based on the shallow donor density (ND). The experimental and theoreticalJphvalues of this diode were found to be compatible with each other.
Archaeoastronomy and the alleged ‘Stonehenge calendar’
Authors: Magli Giulio , Belmonte Juan Antonio
Published: March 2023

In a recent Antiquity article, Darvill (2022) proposed that the mid third-millennium BC Stage 2 sarsen settings of Stonehenge (comprising the Trilithon Horseshoe, Sarsen Circle and the Station Stone Rectangle) were conceived in order to represent a calendar year of 365.25 days—that is, a calendar identical in duration to the Julian calendar. In the present article, the authors argue that this proposal is unsubstantiated, being based as it is on a combination of numerology, astronomical error and unsupported analogy.
A Review of C3A Hydration with Admixtures and Its Role in Sulfate Attack
Authors: Solanki Aarti , Singh L. P. , Karade S. R. , Sharma U.
Published: March 2023

Mineralogical and morphological characteristics of cementitious materials at the early stage of hydration primarily govern the performance and durability characteristics of concrete. Tricalcium aluminate (C3A) is one of the important phases of cement that primarily controls the initial setting. It plays a crucial role in producing tricalcium silicate in the manufacturing of portland cement, which is the dominant phase and is mostly responsible for strengthening and hardening the cementitious system. This necessitates a comprehensive review of C3A hydration, which provides the beneficial role of C3A at the early stage of hydration, and understanding the influence of other admixtures in a modified cementitious system. To this end, this paper presents a critical review of the hydration of C3A and its role during the early stage of hydration. Understanding the reaction mechanism in the presence of various forms of calcium sulfate through different proposed theories has also been critically reviewed. Additionally, admixtures such as accelerators, retarders, water-reducing dispersants, superplasticizers, and parameters like water/solid ratio on C3A grain, which affect the setting time and rheology, have also been thoroughly presented. Furthermore, the role of C3A in the formation of secondary ettringite and the factors that affect the durability of concrete are focused on.
Analysis of the Use of Euphorbia tirucalli Sap in the Composition of an Asphalt Bio-emulsion
Authors: Brito Mateus Silva , Barroso Suelly Helena de Araújo , Gondim Lilian Medeiros
Published: March 2023

The reduction in the availability of materials traditionally used in paving, especially the asphalt binder, requires the development of innovative technologies that allow their total or partial replacement in road construction. This work aims to analyze the development and performance of an asphalt bio-emulsion to be used in chip seals, using a bio-binder partially replaced by petroleum plant sap. For this, a two-stage experimental program was developed. The first stage consisted of sap extraction and manufacture of the bio-binder and bio-emulsion, whereas the second phase involved the rheological characterization of these materials in the dynamic shear rheometer and adhesion tests with the binder bond strength (BBS) test. The results indicated that the addition of sap and the emulsification process of the binder reduced its stiffness and increased its phase angle. In terms of the multiple stress creep recovery test, the addition of sap generated changes only at low frequencies, causing the materials to exhibit similar behaviors. The BBS test shows that the material has a better performance than the conventional one. Therefore, according to the rheological analyses following the emulsion performance grade and adhesion tests, the suitability of the bio-emulsion can be verified for paving services with chip seals.
Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Pore Structure of Mortar Prepared from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Slag
Authors: Liu Fang , Liu Jun , Wang Baomin , Yuan Xiaosa
Published: March 2023

The disposal of a large amount of bottom ash generated from the incineration of municipal solid waste has become the focus of research in solid waste and environmentalism. Using municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI BA) to prepare mortar can not only solve the problem of insufficient natural river sand resources, but also play a role in treating a large amount of MSWI BA to alleviate urban pressures. In this study, macroscopic properties of mortar were systematically investigated by rheological, mechanical, and drying shrinkage tests, and the influence of MSWI BA on the internal pore structure and interfacial transition zone of mortar has been analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and back scattered electron imaging (BSE). The results show that the rheological model of fresh mortar mixed with MSWI BA as fine aggregate is more consistent with the modified Bingham model, and its plastic viscosity decreases and then increases with the increase of MSWI BA, while the yield stress shows an increasing trend. The compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of mortar decrease with the increase of MSWI BA; the smaller the water-cement ratio and aggregate-binder ratio, the greater the strength loss. The incorporation of MSWI BA improves the flexural strength and compression-flexure ratio of M5/M10 mortar, and the splitting tensile strength of M5 mortar at 28 days is increased by 30 % with 20 % MSWI BA. Additionally, the incorporation of MSWI BA reduces the drying shrinkage properties of mortar and improves the volume stability. At the same time, it increases the number of pores above 50 nm inside the mortar and the content of ettringite at the interface.
Uma reflexão weberiana sobre o Bolsonarismo
Authors: Schargel Sergio
Published: March 2023

Este trabalho propõe a discussão sobre o messianismo no Bolsonarismo, através de uma discussão teórica sobre textos de Max Weber, na primeira parte, e testes estatísticos qui-quadrado sobre variáveis categóricas do banco de dados do Latinobarómetro, na segunda. Assim, ainda que a base teórica weberiana seja o norte, os testes estatísticos empregados na última seção corroboram com os argumentos apresentados, ao evidenciarem alguns dos motivos da recepção – e consequente messianismo – de Bolsonaro. Conclui-se, por fim, conforme os testes evidenciam, que a associação entre variáveis como apoio à democracia, medo do futuro e a alta taxa de desilusão contra uma elite política, forneceram um ambiente adequado à ascensão do profeta, uma ferramenta de dominação carismática que Bolsonaro soube utilizar astutamente para formar uma seita.
Scalable RT‐LAMP‐based SARS‐CoV‐2 testing for infection surveillance with applications in pandemic preparedness
Authors: Lou Dan , Meurer Matthias , Ovchinnikova Svetlana , Burk Robin , Denzler Anna , Herbst Konrad , Papaioannou Ioannis A , Duan Yuanqiang , Jacobs Max L , Witte Victoria , Ürge Daniel , Kirrmaier Daniel , Krogemann Michelle , Gubicza Krisztina , Boerner Kathleen , Bundschuh Christian , Weidner Niklas M , Merle Uta , Knorr Britta , Welker Andreas , Denkinger Claudia M , Schnitzler Paul , Kräusslich Hans‐Georg , Dao Thi Viet Loan , De Allegri Manuela , Nguyen Hoa Thi , Deckert Andreas , Anders Simon , Knop Michael
Published: March 2023

Throughout the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, limited diagnostic capacities prevented sentinel testing, demonstrating the need for novel testing infrastructures. Here, we describe the setup of a cost‐effective platform that can be employed in a high‐throughput manner, which allows surveillance testing as an acute pandemic control and preparedness tool, exemplified by SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostics in an academic environment. The strategy involves self‐sampling based on gargling saline, pseudonymized sample handling, automated RNA extraction, and viral RNA detection using a semiquantitative multiplexed colorimetric reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assay with an analytical sensitivity comparable with RT‐qPCR. We provide standard operating procedures and an integrated software solution for all workflows, including sample logistics, analysis by colorimetry or sequencing, and communication of results. We evaluated factors affecting the viral load and the stability of gargling samples as well as the diagnostic sensitivity of the RT‐LAMP assay. In parallel, we estimated the economic costs of setting up and running the test station. We performed > 35,000 tests, with an average turnover time of < 6 h from sample arrival to result announcement. Altogether, our work provides a blueprint for fast, sensitive, scalable, cost‐ and labor‐efficient RT‐LAMP diagnostics, which is independent of potentially limiting clinical diagnostics supply chains.
Tasks of state administration and local government in the management of illegally disposed waste in the Slovak Republic
Authors:   Faculty of Law, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia, Jakab Radomír
Published: March 2023

The paper deals with the legal requirements for the procedure of local self-government entities (municipalities, cities) and state administration bodies at the local level in case of detection of illegally placed waste. The article also outlines how the person responsible for illegal dumping is identified, what is done if such a person is not identified and how those who have placed waste in black dumps can be punished. The author also points out in this paper the application problems in the application of the legal procedure for dealing with illegally placed waste, the lack of definition of competences between the subjects of local self-government and state administration bodies, as well as proposes certain changes to the legal regulation, which would be possible to eliminate the alleged application problems.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Foreign Direct Investment – The World Perspective
Authors:   Collegium of World Economy, Warsaw School of Economics, Napiórkowski Tomasz
Published: March 2023

Purpose – Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been considered a robust element of globalization that was chiefly immune to financial and economic threats. However, late 2019 introduced international direct investors to COVID-19, a yet unknown risk factor. The aim of this study is to take a holistic perspective and test a research hypothesis of a negative impact of COVID-19 on relative inward FDI activity on the global scale.Research method – FDI is modelled with a series of literature-based determinants including aggregate independent variables that allowed to overcome the issue of too many FDI determinants and model underspecification simultaneously. A series of tests is run on two models (n = 152 and n = 141) to assure their econometric validity.Results – Results show that number of COVID-19 related cases and number of deaths have not had an impact on relative inward FDI on the world scale. Originality / value / implications / recommendations – Unlike most studies, this one exa-mines relative FDI host attractiveness from a global/holistic perspective, which provides additional analytical context. Such determinants as market size, access to qualified labour force and quality of governance are shown to trump risks associated with COVID-19 in determining FDI activity. Policymakers should focus on economic growth, access to qualified labour force and political stability. Hence, lockdown policies were not the optimum solution.
Hrvatska nastava u inozemstvu
Authors: Bušljeta Kardum Rona , Burai Renata , Skender Ivana
Published: March 2023

Hrvatska nastava u inozemstvu organizira se od 90-ih godina prošloga stoljeća za djecu i mlade hrvatskih iseljenika u svrhu učenja i njegovanja materinskoga jezika i hrvatske kulturne baštine. Brojne su specifičnosti odgojno-obrazovanog djelovanja u okviru Hrvatske nastave u inozemstvu, međutim, u hrvatskoj se znanstvenoj i stručnoj literaturi vrlo malo pisalo o načinu organizacije i posebnostima koji takav oblik nastave nosi. Stoga će se u ovome radu prikazati okvir ustroja Hrvatske nastave u inozemstvu, a izdvajanjem poslova učitelja i koordinatora, kao nositelja Hrvatske nastave u inozemstvu, ukazati na sve njezine posebnosti.

Kako bismo zaključili o trenutnom položaju Hrvatske nastave u inozemstvu, u radu će se prezentirati i usporediti broj učitelja i nastavnih mjesta u zadnjih pet godina u svim zemljama gdje je ona organizirana. Dostupni podatci nadležnoga Ministarstva o broju nastavnih mjesta i učitelja otkrivaju porast broja nastavnih mjesta u Europi i svijetu, kao i porast broja učitelja u zadnjih pet godina, što dodatno naglašava važnost Hrvatske nastave u inozemstvu i potrebu pridavanja veće pozornosti takvoj nastavi ‒ kako od strane nadležnih institucija, tako i od znanstvenika, pa i šire javnosti.
Androgen therapy does not prevent bone loss and arterial calcifications in male rats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: David K , Dubois V , Verhulst A , Sommers V , Schollaert D , Deboel L , Moermans K , Carmeliet G , D’Haese P , Vanderschueren D , Claessens F , Evenepoel P , Decallonne B
Published: March 2023

Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience bone loss and arterial calcifications. It is unclear if hypogonadism contributes to the development of these complications and whether androgen therapy might prevent them. Male adult rats were randomized into four groups. The first group received standard chow (control), while three other groups were fed a 0.25% adenine/low vitamin K diet (CKD). Two CKD groups were treated with testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT), whereas the control group and one CKD group received vehicle (VEH). CKD animals had 10-fold higher serum creatinine and more than 15-fold higher parathyroid hormone levels compared to controls. Serum testosterone levels were more than two-fold lower in the CKDVEH group compared to control + VEH and CKD + testosterone groups. Seminal vesicle weight was reduced by 50% in CKDVEH animals and restored by testosterone and DHT. CKD animals showed a low bone mass phenotype with decreased trabecular bone volume fraction and increased cortical porosity, which was not rescued by androgen treatment. Aortic calcification was much more prominent in CKD animals and not unequivocally prevented by androgens. Messenger RNA expression of the androgen receptor-responsive genes Acta1 and Col1a1 was reduced by CKD and stimulated by androgen treatment in levator ani muscle but not in the bone or aortic tissue. We conclude that adenine-induced CKD results in the development of hypogonadism in male rats. Androgen therapy is effective in restoring serum testosterone levels and androgen-sensitive organ weights but does not prevent bone loss or arterial calcifications, at least not in the presence of severe hyperparathyroidism.
La fuerza de los sentimientos y el reclamo de una educación sentimental creativa
Authors: París Albert Sonia
Published: March 2023

¿Y si podemos ser personas más creativasde lo que pensamos? ¿Y si tenemosla oportunidad para no dejarnos arrastrarpor la corriente y para afrontar las situacionesde la vida cotidiana de una formadiferente a lo que habitualmente hemoshecho? Este texto pone el énfasis en laposibilidad de afrontar la sentimentalidadcreativamente a través del reclamo deuna educación sentimental creativa que,al mismo tiempo, reivindique el poder delos sentimientos con toda su fuerza.
Who Writes the History of Early Music (and about What)?
Authors: Del Sol Manuel
Published: March 2023

Few philosophical subjects raise sucha controversial issue than the history ofWestern music. Is there a history of music?Does Western music have a history?What kind of story or stories has beenwritten? It is hoped that the multi-facetedapproach proposed here will contributeto a greater understanding of theotologic paradigms of Early Music andthe philosophical understanding of thehistory of Western music.
Gasified rice husk porous carbon loaded S-doped tin oxide composite for supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Wang Huilin , Wu Dajun , Zhou Jianbin , Yang Gang
Published: March 2023

Gasified rice husk carbon, which is a byproduct of power generation by gasification, can be converted to porous carbon (RHAC). This product is environmentally friendly, has excellent electrochemical performance, and represents a high value utilization of biomass resources. In this paper, the heterostructured nano composites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reaction. RHAC loaded sulfur-doped tin oxide was used to synthesize composites with a highly conductive porous structure, short ion/electron transport path, and enhanced pseudo capacitance kinetics. The specific capacitance of this composite was improved over that of biomass porous carbon RHAC. At a current density of 1.5 A/g, the specific capacitance of S-doped RHAC/SnO2 composite, RHAC/SnO2 composite, and RHAC were 215 F/g, 177 F/g, and 141 F/g, respectively. The current density was increased from 1 A/g to 5 A/g, and the specific capacity of the S-doped RHAC/SnO2 composite was maintained at 67% with good rate performance. At a current density of 0.4 A/g, the charge capacity was maintained at 78.5% after 5000 cycles of charge and discharge, indicating that the electrode has a long cycle life.
Polyurethane composite films based on modified lignin and reinforced with silica nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Xue Bailiang , Yang Yang , Tang Rui , Sun Yongchang , Sun Shaoni , Cao Xuefei , Li Xinping
Published: March 2023

Novel lignin-based polyurethane (LPU) and LPU-nanosilica composite films were prepared using in situ polymerization. The effects of various nanosilica contents on the structure and properties of the LPU matrix films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA), tensile test, and contact angle measurements. The results showed that hydrogen bonding and cross-linking occurred between the -N-H and -C=O functional groups in the LPU-nanosilica films. Morphological and surface energy analyses showed uniform dispersion of amine modified silica nanoparticles in the LPU matrix at low concentrations. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles considerably improved the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the LPU films because of the introduction of silicon-oxygen bond between the LPU matrix and nanosilica. Overall, the introduction of small amounts of silica nanoparticles could improve the properties of the renewable LPU films, which are useful in the development of biomaterials.
The impact of biochar doses on soil quality and microbial functional diversity
Authors: Gałązka Anna , Jończyk Krzysztof , Gawryjołek Karolina , Ciepiel Jarosław
Published: March 2023

Changes of soil biological activity and microbial diversity were assessed after application of biochar in different doses. The biochar doses were determined based on the initial carbon content in the soil, and they were increased to 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100% in the experimental conditions. The experiment design also included a control condition, which was not treated with biochar. The basic biological activities in the soil, i.e., enzymatic activity and the content of carbon and nitrogen in the microbial biomass, were determined. Additionally, the functional biodiversity of soil microorganisms was assessed using the Biolog EcoPlates method. It was demonstrated that biochar added to the soil at the dose of 10 to 20% significantly increased soil biological activity and functional diversity. The biochar dose of 10 to 20% was the optimal dose for enhancement of soil biological activity. This dose induced a significant increase in the total carbon content in the microbial biomass, enzymatic activity, and the overall content of total and easily extractable glomalins. The highest values of the Shannon and AWCD indices were determined in soil supplemented with 5 to 20% of biochar.
Adsorption of basic magenta on graphene oxide-modified sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Gao Renjin , Shen Xiaoting , Wang Liwei
Published: March 2023

A novel adsorbent was prepared using sugarcane bagasse modified with graphene oxide. The adsorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The adsorption of basic magenta on bagasse and graphene oxide-modified bagasse was systematically studied. The effects of initial concentration, adsorption time, adsorption temperature, and the amount of the adsorbent on the adsorption capacity were examined. Adsorption isotherms were described using both the Langmuir and Freundlich models. It was found that the Langmuir model fit well with the experimental data. The results revealed that the adsorption percentage of basic magenta increased from 55.4% to 99.5% under optimal adsorption conditions. The maximum absorption capacity was 145 mg/g.
Investigation of the sound-absorbing performances of pure coffee grounds
Authors: Kang Chun-Won , Hashitsume Kazuharu , Jang Eun-Suk
Published: March 2023

Various natural sound-absorbing materials such as rice by-products, coir fiber, date palm fiber, peanut husks, hardwood cross-sections, and forest by-products have been introduced to replace petroleum-based sound-absorbing materials in previous studies, and their sound-absorbing performance was significant. This study investigated the sound-absorbing performance of pure coffee grounds as an eco-friendly sound-absorbing material. After inserting coffee grounds into cylindrical holders with lengths of 20, 30, and 40 mm, the density of the coffee grounds was adjusted from 0.2 to 0.5 g/cm3. Then, the sound absorption coefficients were measured by an impedance tube. As the thickness and density increased, the sound absorption coefficient at low frequencies improved. However, the sound absorption coefficient at high frequencies decreased. The optimal noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of coffee grounds investigated in this study was 0.61 at a density of 0.3 g/cm3 and thickness of 50 mm. This result shows a sound-absorbing performance that is comparable to other natural sound-absorbing materials. This study concludes that coffee grounds have high use-value as an eco-friendly sound-absorbing material.
Biodegradation of Natural Rubber Wastewater in the Submerged Membrane Bioreactor by Pichia Guilliermondii and Yarrowia Lipolytica
Authors: Nsoe M.N. , Amba E.V. , Kameni N.M. , Kofa G.P. , Ndi K.S. , Heran M. , Kayem G.J.
Published: March 2023

Abstracts: Despite the many services that natural rubber provides to humanity, its production generates significant quantities of polluted effluents which have a negative impact on health and the environment. In order to reduce this pollution and allow water to be reused after treatment, a synthetic effluent treatment trial was carried out in a submerged membrane bioreactor in the presence of two strains of yeast (Yarrowia lipolytica, Pichia guilliermondii) and biodegradation parameters (COD, NH4+, NO2-, NO3-) were followed. The Mohlman Index (MI), the particle size distribution, the Lowry method for proteins and the Dubois method for sugars have made it possible to characterize the sludge generated during biodegradation. It appears from these experiments that the reduction rate of COD was 98% and that of nitrification and denitrification 90%. There is a decreasing linear relationship between the MI and SS (Suspended Solids) with an R2 of 95%. The distribution of the particle size of the sludge is tri-modal with a maximum of sludge having an average size of 1000 µm. The sludge formed resists filtration with a polysaccharide/protein ratio of 0.45.
Perception of the Congolese population on Covid-19 vaccination: cross-sectional survey of online
Authors: Natuhoyila Nkodila Aliocha , Ngwala Lukanu Philippe , Nlombi Mbendi Charles , Marie Tebeu Pierre , Saint Antaon Saba Jesse , Alex Kabangi Tukadila Hervé , Muhala Blaise , Lelo Mananga Gilbert , Cecile Djuikoue Ingrid , Mokondjimabe Etienne , Situakibanza Hippolyte , Mbenza Longo Benjamin
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 vaccines will become available in Democratic Republic of Congo soon. Understanding communities’ responses to the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccines is important. We was conducted an analytical cross-sectional study online in 26 provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo during the period from January to March 2021. A total of 11971 responses were included; mean age of respondents was 35.1±10.4 years; 79.4% were males; 90.5% had university school education and 55.4% has a high socioeconomic level. A frequency of poor perception of covid-19 vaccination is 75.6%. In a multivariable regression model, age between 46-55 years, 36-45 years and 26-35 years (aOR=1.54, CI: 1.27-1.87, aOR=1.70 CI: 1.35-2.13 and aOR =3.40, CI: 2.78–4.17, respectively), None profession and liberal profession (aOR=1.75, CI: 1.49-3.34 and aOR=2.52, CI: 1.89-3.34, respectively), moderate and low socioeconomic level (aOR=3.06, CI: 2.64-3.56 and aOR=5.89, CI: 4.11- 8.38, respectively), Low and very low risk of infection with COVID-19 (aOR=1.67, CI: 1.07-1.97 and OR=2.66, CI: 1.36-3.04, respectively; Moderate, low and very low risk of getting sick if you are infected (aOR=1.49, CI: 2.08-2.98, aOR=2.97 CI: 2.45-3.59 and aOR=3.89, CI: 3.11-4.82, respectively) were associated with a poor perception COVID-19 vaccination. In conclusion, the frequency of misperception in the Congolese population is high. It is associated with the poor perception of the disease and the socio-demographic characteristics of individuals.
The Ethical Principle of Justice in the Promotion of the Concept of Human Development
Authors: NOVIKOV VALERII
Published: March 2023

Justice is one of the concepts that are most often used in modern Ukrainian political and scientific discourse. The phenomenon of justice is complex and multifaceted and characterizes the entire system of social relations in all the diversity of its specific manifestations in the field of promoting the concept of human development. Since ancient times, justice has been one of the main subjects of scientific research by sociologists, economists, and philosophers of Western and Eastern European countries. Now, there are several interpretations of this notion. One of the most widespread is the definition of justice from the theoretical standpoint of the so-called “transcendental institutionalism”, which is the basis of the works of many famous theoreticians. Within this trend, there are competing points of view regarding approaches to the realization of justice. The concept of utilitarianism, which was widespread in the second half of the 20th century, has its adherents, in respect of the fair content of human development, even in our time. The article defends the logical construction of justice, which is at the intersection of economic theory and moral philosophy. Based on the tradition associated with Adam Smith’s classic political economy, it is grounded on the procedure of public choice, comparison and ranking of priorities. Continuous improvement and regulation of human development processes are oppo sed to the established rigid institutional approach that underlies the contract theory. The aim of the study is to reveal justice as a concept that contains requirements for adequacy of its theoretical interpretation to the practical role regarding individuals upholding their rights. The novelty is substantiating of the constructive significance of justice as an ethical category and the proximity of its democratic procedures to the real-life problems of people, which gives it priority over other similar scientific currents and concepts of liberal democratic orientation. The method of comparative analysis of definitions of social justice in the course of its evolutionary development is applied. Tools for soft modeling of socially fair consumption of goods and services by different income groups of the population are proposed.
How Temporary is Temporary Protection: the Example of Forced Migrants From the Former Yugoslavia
Authors: MALYNOVSKA ОLENA
Published: March 2023

About 5 million Ukrainians, forced to flee from the aggression of the Russian Federation, enjoy temporary protection in European countries. The legal basis for its provision is the Directive adopted by the EU in 2001 based on the experience gained as a result of the mass arrival of war refugees from the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Therefore, when studying the prospects of staying abroad and the return of forced migrants as an important component of the post-war recovery of Ukraine, despite the awareness of the vagueness of any historical analogies, it is useful to analyze what happened to war refugees from Yugoslavia after the end of active hostilities in the Balkans, which is the purpose of this article. To achieve it, historical and comparative methods are used, as well as other methods of scientific research. Despite the large volume of literature devoted to forced displacement in Yugoslavia, active analytical and research work on the study of the situation of Ukrainian displaced persons abroad, comparative approach to the analysis of these two phenomena was not applied, which determines the novelty of this work. As a result, it provides grounds for several important conclusions. Firstly, the protection enjoyed by Ukrainians in Europe is temporary and its cancellation or expiration can be sudden and unexpected for refugees. This can lead to an unprepared return or the risk of being abroad in an irregular legal situation. Secondly, after the termination of temporary protection, the situation of Ukrainians in different states may differ radically depending on whether the host country is interested in granting displaced persons the status of permanent residents or not. Thirdly, when deciding the future fate of war refugees, the host country will, of course, take into account humanitarian considerations, but most likely will use a pragmatic selective approach, i.e. will grant the status of permanent resident primarily to those refugees who have successfully integrated, are not a burden, but, on the contrary, an additional resource for the development. Thus, the policy of host countries, as well as the situation in Ukraine and the personal circumstances of particular individuals, will be an important factor in the post-war repatriation of forced migrants, its intensity and timing. In this regard, the foreign policy component of the state’s migration policy, the discussion and joint development with foreign states of measures to promote the return and reintegration of displaced persons, should be significantly intensified.
Targeting of Social Programs at Vulnerable Groups: Sustainable Trends and Post-War Prospects
Authors: CHERENKO LIUDMYLA
Published: March 2023

The main problem of Ukrainian social support system for many years was insufficient targeting of social programs at the most vulnerable sections of the population. Significant impoverishment of the country’s population and expansion of the range of vulnerable contingents as a result of the war exacerbates the problem of allocating limited resources to the most needy. Delaying the solution of this problem during the period of hostilities and post-war reconstruction will have a negative, and in some cases, a destructive impact on society, both in the context of observing the principles of social justice and effective support of people in difficult times, and in the context of the risks of slowdown in economic growth. The purpose of the article is to assess the pre-war system of social support in the context of its targeting at vulnerable sections of the population in order to find better ways and opportunities for post-war reform. The novelty of the work consists in the combination of assessments of the scale of diverse vulnerability with assessments of the targeting of active social programs at groups with higher vulnerability and/or larger numbers. Such an assessment will make it possible to determine not only to what extent this or that program reaches the target contingents or the poor, but also to what extent it reaches each vulnerable group. Such a tool would be more effective in determining the shortcomings of existing programs, developing ways to reform them, or making a decision to replace them with new ones. In addition, forecast estimates for 2023 regarding the introduction of the new universal social assistance planned by government officials were made in the work for the first time. Research methods. Along with the generally accepted methods of statistical analysis, the research used the micromodeling method to work with the micro-data of the survey of the living conditions of households in Ukraine and to forecast the parameters of social programs for 2023. To evaluate the indicators of the impact of social programs, a special program module ADePT, developed by the World Bank for unified methodical support of the analysis of the social support system, was used.
Teoria da Agência: um levantamento sobre discussões contemporâneas
Authors: Queiroz Andre Felipe , Mendieta Fabio Henrique Paniagua , Bueno Lesley Soares , Galvão Valéria Mazucato
Published: March 2023

O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar discussões contemporâneas e gaps teóricos na perspectiva contratual da Teoria da Agência. Para tal finalidade, é empregada uma revisão sistemática sobre artigos publicados e revisados por pares, entre os anos 2008 a 2017 que utilizaram a Teoria da Agência e o estudo sobre contratos. Os resultados apresentam de forma sistematizada: as pesquisas; os autores: a data de publicação; um resumo dos trabalhos; o objeto estudado; o tipo da pesquisa; a técnica de análise utilizada; os achados; e as lacunas que precisam de investigação. O trabalho fornece aos pesquisadores um catálogo das pesquisas sobre a temática no período analisado.
Promoção da inovaçao nas micros e pequenas empresas no cenário pandêmico da Covid-19: uma pesquisa de campo
Authors: Silveira Marcelo Luis Henriques , Silva Rafael Mozart
Published: March 2023

O artigo apresenta uma pesquisa que almeja analisar um grupo de micro e pequenas empresas (MPEs) de Porto Alegre e região metropolitana – RS, as quais participaram do projeto ALI. Esse programa tem como intuito verificar se as ações propostas pelo agente local de inovação contribuíram para melhores resultados, tanto relativos ao Radar de Inovação quanto aos indicadores de produtividade do trabalho. O projeto ALI é uma iniciativa do SEBRAE em parceria com o Ministério da Economia e o CNPq, os quais, através de seus agentes locais de inovação, atendem MPEs interessadas em inovar para poder se tornar mais competitivas no segmento que atuam. A pesquisa, de natureza aplicada, abordagem quantitativa, com objetivos mistos (exploratório e descritivo), foi baseada numa pesquisa de campo realizada pelo agente local de inovação durante o ciclo 1 de atendimento as empresas que participaram do projeto ALI. Para responder o problema de pesquisa, levou-se em conta: os resultados do Radar de Inovação aplicado pelo agente, para conhecer as três dimensões que o grupo de empresas mais mostraram fragilidade, assim como os indicadores de produtividade do trabalho aferidos durante o projeto. O estudo mostrou que, apesar do esforço de seus gestores em inovar, nem todas as empresas obtiveram melhores resultados. Porém, deve-se levar em conta a iniciativa do SEBRAE e seus parceiros em promover um projeto gratuito para as MPEs, assim como as peculiaridades de cada segmento e o cenário de pandemia da COVID- 19 que desestabilizou a economia do país.
AVALIAÇÃO DA RESISTÊNCIA DE EMENDAS DE GEOMEMBRANAS DE POLI CLORETO DE VINILA EXPOSTAS A LIXÍVIAS
Authors: Rocha Breno Padovezi , Lodi Paulo Cesar
Published: March 2023

As geomembranas (GMs) são materiais sintéticos com baixa permeabilidade (em torno de 10-12 cm/s) utilizadas como barreiras impermeáveis em aterros sanitários e lagoas de estabilização. A avaliação de seu desempenho éfeita através de ensaios acelerados de compatibilidade química. Pelo fato destas serem fabricadas em bobinas, necessitam de emendas (soldas) em suas aplicações. Devido à sua resistência química, as GMs de polietileno (PE) são mais utilizadas. No entanto, as GMs de poli cloreto de vinila (PVC) também apresentam desempenho adequado em diversas aplicações, principalmente na utilização de aterros sanitários e contenção de resíduos que não contenham hidrocarbonetos. Pelo fato das GMs de PVC não possuírem um estudo mais detalhado na literatura técnica, este trabalho avaliou, por meio de ensaio acelerado, a resistência de emendas de GMs de PVC em contato com resíduo de cana-de-açúcar (vinhaça) e de aterro sanitário (chorume). Foram avaliados doistipos de emendas (alta frequência e fusão química) em GMs com espessuras de 1.0 e 2.0 mm. As amostras de emendas foram imersas em recipientes de aço inoxidável a uma temperatura de 50º C e, após 2, 4 e 6 meses de incubação, estas foram ensaiadas verificando-se a retenção das propriedades (resistência ao cisalhamento e descolamento) em função do tempo de exposição. Os resultados indicam que houve variação nos valores das propriedades considerando-se cada tipo de técnica de fabricação da emenda bem como do tipo de resíduo. A resistência ao descolamento nas emendas confeccionadaspela técnica de fusão química, por exemplo, apresentou diminuições  consideráveis após os períodos de exposição.
REGIMES FOR FLOW-BLURRING AND FLOW-FOCUSING ATOMIZATION OF NEWTONIAN AND NON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS
Authors: Jaber Othman J. , Dai Shaocong , Kourmatzis Agisilaos , Masri Assaad R.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a detailed mapping of flow-blurring (FB) and flow-focusing (FF) atomization as relevant to Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian fluids. Two Newtonian fluids with different viscosities are tested, along with a non-Newtonian fluid, where the properties are similar to those of human saliva. Images featuring the fragmentation characteristics are presented with regime diagrams describing the transition from flow-focusing to flow-blurring. Flow-blurring refers to a mode of atomization where the fluid is partially aerated with gas bubbles to assist breakup, while flow-focusing has similarities to air-blast atomization (AB). The regime transition map developed for FF/FB atomizers reveals the parameters, which define transitions from the flow-focusing to the flow-blurring regime. Along with the transition identification, the breakup regime map also details the fragment morphology of the atomizing liquid stream as a function of the governing dimensionless groups.
NATURAL CONVECTION IN A DIAMOND-SHAPED RECEIVING CAVITY HEATED FROM THE BOTTOM CORNER AND FILLED WITH Fe3O4-H2O NANOFLUID IN THE PRESENCE OF THERMAL RADIATION
Authors: Chtaibi Khalid , Amahmid Abdelkhalk , Dahani Youssef , Hasnaoui Mohammed , Hamed Haïkel Ben
Published: March 2023

Heat transfer of nanofluid Fe3O4-H2O generated by natural convection and thermal radiation in a diamond-shaped receiving cavity has been investigated numerically. The lower and upper corners of the rhombic receiver are kept isothermal in such a way to provide heating from the lower corner parts and maintain adiabatic the remaining nonactive portions of the walls. The lattice Bolkmann method has been used to simulate fluid flows and highlight the combined effects of the control parameters that are the Rayleigh number (Ra = 103 to 2 × 106), the radiation parameter (Rd = 0 to 3), and the nanoparticles' volume fraction (φ = 0 to 4%). The obtained flow structures are either monocellular (MF) or bicellular (BF), depending on the initial conditions and the generated heat transfer rates corresponding to the resulting structures are improved by increasing the Rayleigh number, the nanoparticles' volume fraction, and the radiation parameter. All critical Rayleigh numbers leading to different types of transitions within the considered range of this parameter undergo a change by varying the volume fraction of nanoparticles and the radiation parameter.
THERMAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY WITH PHASE-CHANGE MATERIAL CAPSULES FOR PULSED-POWER SOURCE CONTROLLER IN EXTREME OIL-WELL THERMAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: He Junjie , Ma Shihong , Wang Qiuwang , Chu Wenxiao
Published: March 2023

The application of a pulsed-power source controller provides high energy and strong penetrability, which can effectively improve the shale oil exploitation efficiency. However, the harsh high-temperature oil-well environment will significantly affect the safe operation of electronic devices. This study compares the thermal protection performance of the insulation layer with microscale phase-change material (PCM) capsules and macroscale PCM capsules composed of paraffin within a nylon shell and fabricated by 3D printing technology. Results show that the microscale PCM capsules demonstrate considerable thermal protection performance when operating under a high temperature of 100°C, which can prolong the operating time of the electronic device by only 64% in comparison to the case without the thermal protection strategy. However, the amount of PCM still shows dominant influence. On the other hand, the macroscale PCM capsules contain a relatively higher capacity of PCM, which can further extend the operating time by 84%, up to 92 min, within the maximum junction temperature of 80°C. In addition, a simplified numerical model was developed and validated with the experimental data. Eventually, the thermal protection performance of macroscale PCM capsules with orderly stacked configuration as well as the effect of thermal protection thicknesses are numerically investigated.
Book Review: Elizabeth-Jane Burnett, A Social Biography of Contemporary Innovative Poetry Communities (2017)
Authors: Farmer Gareth
Published: March 2023

Gareth Farmer reviews Elizabeth-Jane Burnett, A Social Biography of Contemporary Innovative Poetry Communities: The Gift, the Wager, and Poethics (2017). 
Law, South African Mothers Living in Poverty and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nyawo Pamela
Published: March 2023

Sometimes being a mother in tough economic times can be a challenge. Socio-economic demands occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic have been especially cumbersome for mothers already living under conditions of poverty. Since the beginning of 2020 the pandemic has further exacerbated the daily struggles of the poor during periods of economic uncertainty, disease and death. Conscious of this additional socio-economic pressure and to lessen the financial burden carried by mothers living in poverty, the South African state introduced a COVID-19 relief Child Support Grant to assist during this trying period. This article explores the role played by law in poverty discourse where mothers are concerned. It is suggested here that the conceptualisation of poverty in law, at least where mothers are concerned, is limited by law's neglect of the socio-political identity of women as mothers, which is rooted in history. This failure reaffirms that law is implicated in contemporary socio-economic inequalities