bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Characteristics of Environmentally Friendly Permeable Pavement: Enhanced Porous Asphalt
Authors: Bugra Ibis Ahmet
Published: April 2024

This study explores the mechanical properties of porous-asphalt pavement, focusing on the influence of various polymers (elastomeric and reactive elastomeric terpolymers) and different aggregate compositions. Two aggregates were utilized: one is exclusively limestone-based and the other is a blend of limestone and basalt aggregates. The research findings unveiled that mixtures containing the conventional bitumen failed to meet the Cantabro loss-test criterion required for porous asphalt, necessitating a maximum threshold of 20%. In contrast, asphalt mixtures modified with polymers exhibited notably superior performance, particularly in terms of permeability, Cantabro loss and the ratio of indirect tensile strength. These results underscore the significant impact of polymer modification on enhancing the crucial mechanical properties of porous asphalt. Therefore, the study suggests the adoption of polymer-modified asphalt as a viable strategy to improve pavement longevity and overall performance, promoting its use for sustainable and durable infrastructure. Keywords: Porous asphalt, Permeability, Modified porous asphalt, Porous-asphalt design, Polymer modification, Cantabro loss.
Modeling of Traffic Noise along Urban Arterials in Irbid City of Jordan
Authors: R. Al-Masaeid Hashem
Published: April 2024

Traffic-related noise pollution is a recurring problem in large and medium-sized cities. The objective of this study is to quantify traffic-noise levels along selected urban arterials and model the generated traffic noise based on traffic and pavement characteristics. Urban arterial and collector streets in Irbid city, Jordan, were taken as a case study. The city is considered an example of a medium-sized city. 65 urban arterial and collector sections were selected to achieve the stated objective. For each section, ten noise measurements were taken using a time interval of 2.5 minutes for each observation. The statistical pass-by method was used to measure 650 externalnoise observations. In addition, data on traffic, pavement and section geometric characteristics was obtained through field measurements. The collected traffic characteristics, including traffic flow, percentage of trucks and speed in each direction of travel, were obtained. In addition to the measurement of pavement macrotexture depth, an international roughness index was measured using a smartphone application. Investigation of the collected noise data indicated that urban streets experienced high noise levels, reaching maximum and average values of 82 and 77.2 dB(A), respectively. The results of the analyses showed that an increase in each of the included traffic characteristics resulted in significantly higher noise levels. For example, an increase in speed from 35 to 55 km/h would increase noise by 2.7 dB(A). In addition, the interaction term of roughness index and pavement macrotexture depth was found to increase the generated noise. Finally, the results of the analysis indicated that both multivariate linear -and exponential-regression models are suitable to model the generated traffic noise. Each model explained approximately 54% of the noise variability. Probably, traffic composition and vehicle-power type heterogeneity might reduce the level of explained variability. Keywords: Traffic noise, Urban arterials, Pass-by method, Noise modeling, Jordan.
Mediacja i tłumaczenie w uczeniu się / nauczaniu języków – podobieństwa i różnice
Authors: Janowska Iwona
Published: April 2024

In the didactics of languages and cultures, mediation often enters into a relationship with translation. After the publication of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in 2001, mediation was mainly associated with linguistic transcoding and equated with translation. In the CEFR – Companion volume (2020), the understanding of mediation has been considerably broadened, taking into account the multilingual and multicultural perspective of language use and the conditions for interaction between people with different lifestyles and views. The aim of the paper is to reflect in depth on the nature of the concepts of ‘mediation’ and ‘translation’. Both are interdisciplinary in nature and their main vehicle is language. But there are also many differences between them which do not allow the terms to be used interchangeably. In an analysis of a comparative nature, we will try to show the most important determinants of the mediation and translation process, referring to their use in the context of language learning and teaching.
Developing mediation skills at the tertiary level of education
Authors: Gadomska Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the need to implement various aspects of mediation, a concept included in CEFR 2003 and updated in the form of new illustrative descriptors in the 2018 CEFR Companion Volume, into English Philology program with reference to students’ needs, the role of mediation in the process of both traditional and online communication. The bottom-up perspective on the selection of mediation descriptors adopted by the author in the project published in the CEFR Companion Volume, Examples from Practice (2022) inspired further changes in the English Studies program. The article presents a model of implementing the mediation-oriented strategies and activities into the syllabi of Practical English, specialization courses, seminars, etc. and discusses their advantages as well as challenges.
Język równościowy w nauczaniu DaF na poziomie uniwersyteckim – postawy osób uczących i studiujących wobec jego zastosowania w praktyce dydaktycznej
Authors: Błaszkowska Hanka
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on gender-fair language and the attitudes of teachers and students of German as a foreign language (DaF) towards its use in university teaching. In the context of the survey study presented here, gender is understood as a construct that is manifested in specific, changing language use variants, such as in personal names. The surveyed teachers and students of applied linguistics at the University are current and future DaF linguists and educators, who, due to social changes, will be increasingly confronted with the issues under study in their professional lives. The aim of the study is, firstly, to determine whether gender-fair language is addressed in the DaF courses under study, if so, in what form and to what extent, and secondly, to record and describe the attitudes of the studied groups towards it, in order to raise awareness of this important phenomenon of contemporary German language use. Consequently, the conducted survey provides information about the presence of gender issues in DaF courses and the attitudes of the two groups towards gender-fair language. The results of the study are discussed in terms of their contribution to the development of gender-sensitive didactics of German as a foreign and as a second language.
Promowanie różnorodności językowej i kulturowej w kształceniu nauczycieli języków obcych – dobre praktyki i skuteczne rozwiązania
Authors: Sielanko-Byford Elżbieta , Zielińska Janina
Published: April 2024

The aim of the article is to present good practices and effective solutions adopted in the plurilingual and multicultural education, integrated language didactics and virtual exchange courses at the Centre for Foreign Language Teacher Training and European Education of the University of Warsaw. During classes students become familiar with pluralistic approaches to languages and cultures, language didactics for tertiary education, and different aspects of intercultural communication. The classes help the students to develop plurilingual and intercultural competence, including the skill of linguistic and intercultural mediation. The students also learn how to plan and organize project work and how to promote linguistic and cultural diversity during a foreign language lesson at school. The article discusses methods and tools used during these classes and gives examples of tasks carried out by the students. These are, among others, an intercultural project, which consists in carrying out and recording interviews with foreigners living in Poland and integrated didactic tasks, during which students learn to notice and analyse relations between languages. The integrated didactic tasks concentrate on relations between the students’ mother tongue, the first foreign language (English) and additional languages which, in the case of the students of the Centre and their future learners, are German and French. The article also shows the way in which a tool for comparing national cultures (available at hofstede-insights.com), related to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, can be used. The examples of tools and tasks presented in the article are intended to show how to effectively promote cultural and linguistic diversity and how to help the students, who are future teachers of foreign languages develop plurilingual and intercultural competences.
Framing Religious Leadership in Dutch Nationalist Confessional Historiography: Anabaptism on the Lower Rhine in the 1540s–1550s
Authors: Brok Theo
Published: April 2024

This article examines the convention in Anabaptist historiography that Menno Simons (1496–1561) and in his wake Dirk Philips (1504–1568) increasingly stabilized the Anabaptist movement and built an extensive Anabaptist network in the Habsburg Netherlands/Northern Germany, from Friesland and Groningen to Holland and Flanders in the west and to Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein to Poland in the east and back. The focus is on the development of Anabaptism on the Lower Rhine, in particular on the de-centralized religious leadership of local, cross-border Anabaptist bishops. It challenges the consensus narrative in the historiography of an alleged central role of Menno and Dirk and demonstrates that during the formative years 1540–1550, Anabaptism on the Lower Rhine and in the Habsburg Netherlands/Northern Germany was polyphonic, represented by itinerant local bishops, each with their own – albeit overlapping – network.
Conjugacy class numbers and nilpotent subgroups of finite groups
Authors: Pan Hongfei , Dong Shuqin
Published: April 2024

Let 𝐺 be a finite group,

k
⁢

(
G
)

k(G)

the number of conjugacy classes of 𝐺, and 𝐵 a nilpotent subgroup of 𝐺.
In this paper, we prove that

|

B
⁢

O
π

⁢

(
G
)

/

O
π

⁢

(
G
)

|

≤

|
G
|

/
k

⁢

(
G
)

\lvert BO_{\pi}(G)/O_{\pi}(G)\rvert\leq\lvert G\rvert/k(G)

if 𝐺 is solvable and that

15
7

⁢

|

B
⁢

O
π

⁢

(
G
)

/

O
π

⁢

(
G
)

|

≤

|
G
|

/
k

⁢

(
G
)

\frac{15}{7}\lvert BO_{\pi}(G)/O_{\pi}(G)\rvert\leq\lvert G\rvert/k(G)

if 𝐺 is nonsolvable, where

π
=

π
⁢

(
B
)

\pi=\pi(B)

is the set of prime divisors of

|
B
|

\lvert B\rvert

.
Both bounds are best possible.
Gouy phase effects on photocurrents in plasmonic nanogaps driven by single-cycle pulses
Authors: Rossetti Andrea , Falk Matthias , Leitenstorfer Alfred , Brida Daniele , Ludwig Markus
Published: April 2024

The investigation of optical phenomena in the strong-field regime requires few-cycle laser pulses at field strengths exceeding gigavolts per meter (GV/m). Surprisingly, such conditions can be reached by tightly focusing pJ-level pulses with nearly octave spanning optical bandwidth onto plasmonic nanostructures, exploiting the field-enhancement effect. In this situation, the Gouy phase of the focused beam can deviate significantly from the monochromatic scenario. Here, we study the effect of the Gouy phase of a pulse exploited to drive coherent strong-field photocurrents within a plasmonic gap nanoantenna. While the influence of the specific Gouy phase profile in the experiment approaches the monochromatic case closely, this scheme may be utilized to identify more intricate phase profiles at sub-diffraction scale. Our results pave the way for Gouy phase engineering at picojoule (pJ) pulse energy levels, enabling the optimization of strong-field optical phenomena.
Strong coupling between WS2 monolayer excitons and a hybrid plasmon polariton at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Schill Hans-Joachim , Irsen Stephan , Linden Stefan
Published: April 2024

Light–matter interactions between plasmonic and excitonic modes have attracted considerable interest in recent years. A major challenge in achieving strong coupling is the identification of suitable metallic nanostructures that combine tight field confinement with sufficiently low losses. Here, we report on a room-temperature study on the interaction of tungsten disulfide (WS2) monolayer excitons with a hybrid plasmon polariton (HPP) mode supported by nanogroove grating structures milled into single-crystalline silver flakes. By engineering the depth of the nanogroove grating, we can change the character of the HPP mode from propagating surface plasmon polariton-like (SPP-like) to localized surface plasmon resonance-like (LSPR-like). Using reflection spectroscopy, we demonstrate strong coupling with a Rabi splitting of 68 meV between the WS2 monolayer excitons and the lower HPP branch for an optimized nanograting configuration with 60 nm deep nanogrooves. In contrast, only weak coupling between the constituents is observed for shallower and deeper nanogratings since either the field confinement provided by the HPP is not sufficient or the damping is too large. The possibility to balance the field confinement and losses render nanogroove grating structures an attractive platform for future applications.
Simultaneous generation of first- to fourth-order OAM modes based on a cascaded preset-twist long-period fiber grating
Authors: Chang Wenzhe , Liu Yan-ge , Shi Zekun , Guo Huiyi , Wang Xin , Wang Pan , Wang Zhi
Published: April 2024

We propose and demonstrate the simulation and fabrication of an all-fiber orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode converter capable of generating first- to fourth-order modes simultaneously, which is realized by inscribing a cascaded preset-twist long-period fiber grating (CPT-LPFG) in a six-mode fiber utilizing a CO2 laser. A new segmented Runge–Kutta method is proposed to simulate the preset-twist long-period fiber gratings. By calculating the twist angle and relative coupling coefficient for each pitch and then solving the coupled mode equations utilizing the Runge–Kutta algorithm. The simulation illustrates that the preset-twist method significantly improves the coupling coefficient of higher-order modes, thereby reducing coupling difficulty. In the experiment, by twisting the fiber at an angle of 1080° and fabricating cascaded gratings with periods of 745 μm, 310 μm, 204 μm, and 146 μm, it is feasible to generate first- to fourth-order OAM modes simultaneously, at wavelengths of 1635 nm, 1548 nm, 1460 nm, and 1334 nm, respectively. The insertion loss is less than 1 dB, and the mode purity is over 90 %. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that first- to fourth-order OAM modes are simultaneously generated utilizing a single long-period fiber grating.
Color arrestor pixels for high-fidelity, high-sensitivity imaging sensors
Authors: Cho Mingwan , Jung Joonkyo , Kim Myungjoon , Lee Jeong Yub , Min Seokhwan , Hong Jongwoo , Lee Shinho , Heo Minsung , Kim Jong Uk , Joe In-Sung , Shin Jonghwa
Published: April 2024

Silicon is the dominant material in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imaging devices because of its outstanding electrical and optical properties, well-established fabrication methods, and abundance in nature. However, with the ongoing trend toward electronic miniaturization, which demands smaller pixel sizes in CMOS image sensors, issues, such as crosstalk and reduced optical efficiency, have become critical. These problems stem from the intrinsic properties of Si, particularly its low absorption in the long wavelength range of the visible spectrum, which makes it difficult to devise effective solutions unless the material itself is changed. Recent advances in optical metasurfaces have offered new possibilities for solving these problems. In this study, we propose color arrestor pixels (CAPs) as a new class of color image sensors whose composite spectral responses directly mimic those of the human eye. The key idea is to employ linearly independent combinations of standardized color matching functions. These new basis functions allow our device to reproduce colors more accurately than the currently available image sensors with red-green-blue filters or other metasurface-based sensors, demonstrating an average CIEDE2000 color difference value of only 1.79 when evaluating 24 colors from the Gretag-Macbeth chart under standard illuminant D65. Owing to their high fidelity to the human eye response, CAPs consistently exhibit exceptional color reproduction accuracy under various spectral illumination compositions. With a small footprint of 860 nm height and 221 nm full-color pixel pitch, the CAPs demonstrated high absorption efficiencies of 79 %, 81 %, and 63 % at wavelengths of 452 nm, 544 nm, and 603 nm, respectively, and good angular tolerance. With such a high density of pixels efficiently capturing accurate colors, CAPs present a new direction for optical image sensor research and their applications.
Crystal structure of 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethyl 2-acetoxybenzoate, C21H18O4
Authors: Han Li-Wei , Lin Da-Zhuan , Xue De-Dong
Published: April 2024

C21H18O4, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 22.2457(10) Å, b = 5.0728(2) Å, c = 15.7045(7) Å, β = 110.012(2)°, V = 1665.22(13) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0434, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1023, T = 100(2) K
Crystal structure of 2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethyl 2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)propanoate, C23H25NO3
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Yang , Jiang Yue-Yao , Jiang Dong-Li
Published: April 2024

C23H25NO3, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 15.2433(7) Å, b = 5.8687(3) Å, c = 22.3558(11) Å, β = 105.461(2)°, V = 1927.54(16) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0413, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1055, T = 100(2) K.
Crystal structure of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-furoyl)-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol, C20H13ClN2O3
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhang Wei-Ya , Zhang Zi-Mo , Zhang Heng-Qiang , Jin Tong-Yin
Published: April 2024

C20H13ClN2O3, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 6.2256(5) Å, b = 18.3976(15) Å, c = 14.5582(15) Å, β = 90.555(8)°, V = 1667.4(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0443, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1003, T = 153(2) K.
The crystal structure of 1-(1-adamantan-1-yl)ethyl-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)thiourea, C20H28N2OS
Authors: Chaouch Shahnez , El-Naggar Mohamed , Shehadi Ihsan A. , Khanfar Monther A. , Al-Qawasmeh Raed A.
Published: April 2024

C20H28N2OS, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 6.7356(10) Å, b = 10.8739(15) Å, c = 13.245(2) Å, α = 75.580(7)°, β = 78.612(7)°, γ = 87.564(7)°, V = 921.0(2) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0796, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.2666, T = 100(2) K.
National Phraseological Units of Speech Behavior in the Kazakh, Russian and English Languages
Authors: Turlybekova Inkar , Nurkenova Saule
Published: April 2024

The relevance of the study is determined by the importance of studying the phraseological systems of a particular language through the prism of national and cultural code of ethnicity, a value-based approach to the linguistic and communicative paradigm on the example of the Kazakh, Russian and English languages, the creation of national speech universals, identifying the area of their functioning and understanding of phraseological structures by native and non-native speakers of the language. The purpose of the study is an in-depth analysis of national, and cultural characteristics through the verbalisation of thought processes displayed in a diachronic language section. The main method of investigation is theoretical, involving the collection and study of a wide range of scientific literature on the stated topic, the identification of the main national elements through the study of the lexical-structural realisation of the value priorities of the people at the level of speech behaviour. The study addresses the unique transmission of folk wisdom by intralingual and extralingual means, the verbalisation of a nation’s thought activity and its results, different aspects of the study of these issues in world science for a complete language picture of a particular nation, the basic similarities, and differences in the mechanisms of operation of different language systems are analysed in detail. The materials presented in the study can be used in further phraseological studies on the moral values of the nation on the example of linguistic culture, the creation of linguistic studies on the influence of verbal and non-verbal factors on the development of people, to study the structural, semantic, stylistic characteristics of speech behaviour, to turn scientific interests into anthropocentric trends, to record and categorise the connotations of stable units and their speech equivalents in dictionaries, textbooks, scientific studies.
Kant und Dostoevskij über Gott
Authors: Soboleva Maja
Published: April 2024

There is a widespread opinion among Russian literary scholars and philosophers that Dostoevsky was an irreconcilable anti-Kantian, and in his novels, first of all in The Brothers Karamazov, he conducted polemics against Kant on the issues of moral and religion. In my paper, I analyze the problem of the relationship between moral and religion in Kant and Dostoevsky. In this regard, I consider the question of what is primary as the basis of moral believes – moral or religion, as well as the question of autonomy in matters of religion. A parallel reading of the Critique of Pure Reason and the novels The Brothers Karamazov and Crime and Punishment from the perspective of these questions reveals Dostoevsky, to some extent, as a Kantian.
Seasonal Variation and Positional Differences in Anthropometry, Strength, and Power Characteristics in English Premiership Women's Rugby Union Players
Authors: Yao Xiang , Austerberry Alex , Bishop Chris , Wilson Laura , Chiang Chien-Ying , Turner Anthony
Published: April 2024

Yao, X, Austerberry, A, Bishop, C, Wilson, L, Chiang, C-Y, and Turner, A. Seasonal variation and positional differences in anthropometry, strength, and power characteristics in English premiership women’s rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 924–931, 2024—Women's rugby is a collision sport that relies heavily on body composition and physical characteristics of strength and power to achieve competitive success. Furthermore, the seasonal nature presents a variety of physical challenges that can cause fluctuations in a player's physical development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the differences in anthropometry, strength, and power characteristics between forwards and backs in women's rugby union athletes in England and to identify changes throughout a season. Forty-seven players were recruited from the English premiership women's rugby during the 2020–2021 season. Players were split into forwards and backs and underwent body composition testing by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and strength and power tests (countermovement jump, drop jump [DJ], and isometric midthigh pull) on 3 separate occasions (preseason, midseason, postseason). Overall, forwards had significantly (p < 0.01) higher body mass, fat mass, lean mass [LM], bone mineral content, and take off momentum, and backs had significantly higher (p < 0.01, d > 0.5) jump height, reactive strength, and shorter DJ contact time. When observing seasonal changes, there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) or moderate-to-large practical differences (d > 0.5) in LM, reactive strength index modified, time to take-off, and DJ flight time [FT] among forwards when comparing 3 testing time frames. For backs, statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) or moderate-to-large practical differences (d > 0.5) were reported in LM and DJ FT throughout the season. In conclusion, the strength and power testing and characteristics shown in this study could support coaches and junior women's rugby athletes to have a basic understanding of English premiership physical standards.
Study on Improvement Measures for Construction Performance and Mechanical Properties of Cement Stabilized Porous Basalt
Authors: Jiang Yingjun , Tan Ya , Cai Minfeng , Li Sheng , Zhang Yu , Bai Chenfan , Xu Jian’gang
Published: April 2024

Cement stabilized porous basalt (CSPB) is prone to early agglomeration into lumps owing to the abundant pores and high moisture absorption of porous basalt, making it difficult to unload the mixture at construction sites in high temperatures and rainy areas. To study the construction performance of a CSPB mixture, a novel test method and a convenient device were proposed to test the workability of the cement stabilized macadam mixture, and the evaluation criteria and evaluation method of the workability were proposed based on the tilt angle test. The influencing factors of the workability of CSPB were investigated, and the results show that temperature, delay time, moisture absorption of aggregate, mixture proportion, and construction technology had significant influences on construction performance. Then measures were recommended to improve the construction performance of CSPB. Considering the influence of construction performance on mechanical strength, the effects of temperature, delay time, water reducer dosage, and cement dosage on the mechanical strength of CSPB were also investigated. The results show that temperature and delay time had significant influence on the mechanical strength. The results of this research are of great significance to the field construction of CSPB.
India in 2023
Authors: Yadav Vineeta
Published: April 2024

In 2023, India experienced another year of strong economic growth; it was the fastest- growing economy in the world. However, as before, this growth was accompanied by growing unemployment and inequality between urban and rural regions. Furthermore, the year was marked yet again by significant declines in the quality of democracy as the parliament was increasingly marginalized, a new law effectively handed control of the Election Commission of India to the incumbent government, and laws and government actions curbed civil liberties and human rights. One major positive development was the passage of a law reserving seats for women in the directly elected national and state assemblies. India successfully hosted its first G20 summit but also dealt with major foreign policy issues, including increasing rivalry with China for regional influence, accusations of assassination attempts by its intelligence agencies in friendly countries, and the ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict. Finally, 2023 saw the BJP claim dominant electoral victories in four out of nine states, putting it in government in 16 of the 28 Indian states.
North Korea in 2023
Authors: Kim Dohee
Published: April 2024

In 2023, North Korea continued along a trajectory similar to that of 2022, with developments in politics, the economy, military, and diplomacy. The regime’s primary focus was on the glorification of Kim Jong-Un and the enhancement of its nuclear capabilities to ensure regime stability. This involved efforts to maintain internal solidarity through economic mobilization while tightly controlling any social dissatisfaction. North Korea adamantly refused to discuss denuclearization with the United States and designated South Korea as a belligerent state. Meanwhile, the country pursued closer cooperation with Russia and strengthened its long-standing ties with China. Although the full realization and substantial impact of North Korea’s achievements may be limited at this point, there appears to be progress in line with its strategic plan.
Taiwan in 2023
Authors: Fell Dafydd
Published: April 2024

This article reviews the key political developments in Taiwan in 2023. Although no elections were held this year, elections dominated the political agenda. Once the candidates were selected, the main parties debated a range of issues, including Taiwan’s international relations, the state of the economy, and nuclear power.
The Philippines in 2023
Authors: Tan Alexander C.
Published: April 2024

In 2023, the Philippines, led by Marcos Jr., confronted a pivotal period marked by intricate diplomatic maneuvers, economic recalibrations, governance reforms, and persistent human rights concerns. The return of the Marcos political dynasty is a significant change in the political landscape, while economic challenges persist despite mixed reports on growth. With a commitment to an independent foreign policy, the Philippines faces a delicate balancing act between the United States and China in a world characterized by shifting power dynamics and strategic complexities.
The United States and Asia in 2023
Authors: Lee Sang-Hwan , Hwang Wonjae
Published: April 2024

The past year witnessed a broad range of cooperation between the US and Asian states. As tensions with China and Russia and threats from North Korea continued to mount, the Biden administration’s strategic goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific gained ground in many Asian states, and strategic partnerships were formed based on various interests. The trilateral partnership between the US, South Korea, and Japan and deepening ties between the US and India were notable. While US–China relations deteriorated, there was a glimpse of positive adjustment in their competition. However, uncertainties and skepticism were raised regarding shared interests or values. Worries about the rise of a new Cold War intensified. The third year of the Biden administration continued to see persistent challenges to its Asia policy.
Myanmar in 2023
Authors: Brenner David
Published: April 2024

In 2023, revolutionary forces made significant gains in an escalating war against an increasingly embattled military dictatorship. Since General Min Aung Hlaing ousted the democratically elected government in a military coup on February 1, 2021, his junta has failed to subdue the countrywide Spring Revolution resisting the military takeover. This is despite the generals’ terror campaign of atrocious violence against the population. In 2021, many outside observers gave the Spring Revolution and the thousands of young people who have taken up arms against the military regime little fighting chance. But these forces have rapidly evolved, and powerful ethnic resistance armies have joined the war against the junta. This article explains how revolutionary war has scaled up, despite a lack of international support and the diversity of revolutionary forces. It also evaluates wider implications for the society, economy, and international relations of a country on the brink of collapse.
Soviet Memories as Part of Regional Repertoires of Usable Past in Contemporary Russia
Authors: Malinova Olga
Published: April 2024

This article reveals how the official patterns of commemorating the Soviet historical past in Russia match its local projections. Based on interviews with experts from 27 regions and some other field materials, the article maps the diversity of commemorative agendas across Russia. Focusing on the violent aspects of Soviet history, it outlines current configurations of the usable past important for local identity and notably used by regional authorities and other mnemonic actors over time. These repertoires of the usable past depend on the cultural infrastructure that was formed over time, but also on the efforts of mnemonic actors, who promote specific memories. This article argues that although regional approaches to commemorating the historical past are evidently dominated by the official federal narrative, local visions of common history are far from being uniform. The aspects that are downplayed or silenced at the federal level might be indispensable to regional and local identities. Expert interviews suggest that collisions between the narratives circulating at different levels typically do not escalate to open conflicts. The commemorative projects supported by regional authorities tend to conform to the federal-level framing, which is flexible enough to tolerate some local peculiarities. However, in many regions there are also non-state mnemonic actors who promote a commemorative agenda that deviates from the official state discourse. While being short of resources for developing memory hardware, they affect public discussions raising awareness about the downplayed aspects of the local past.
Fibromyalgia: recent concepts and treatments
Authors: RJ Jacob Maria Teresa , Milani Beatriz J Jacob
Published: April 2024

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain often accompanied by symptoms that compromise quality of life, such as fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders. The pathology affects millions of people around the world and is still often overlooked and misunderstood. Although its pathophysiology is not fully understood, it is believed that Central Sensitization plays a preponderant role in the genesis of the disease. In addition, several studies demonstrate genetic polymorphisms in genes related to pain syndromes, pain thresholds, psychological disorders, and others pathologies frequently associated with Fibromyalgia. Different diagnostics criteria have been proposed to define the disease, however, the 2010 ACR criteria revised in 2016 is considered the most suitable. Functional imaging exams were of great importance in determining the pathophysiological mechanisms and so, the therapeutic options. A variety of randomized controlled studies and systematic reviews demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach for Fibromyalgia. This article aims to provide a current view of Fibromyalgia concepts, from possible pathophysiological mechanisms to pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutics.
A short review on the complete history of mobile phones network
Authors: Hasan Md Rakibul , Hassan Md Kamrul , Barua Saikat
Published: April 2024

Mobile phones have become an essential part of our daily lives, enabling us to communicate, access information, and perform various tasks anytime and anywhere. However, the development of mobile phones and their network technologies was not a straightforward process. It involved many challenges, innovations, and collaborations among different stakeholders. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the history of mobile phones and their network generations, from the early experiments with radio communication to the current deployment of 5G and beyond. We highlight the main features, advantages, and limitations of each generation, as well as the social and economic impacts of mobile phones on society.
COVID-19 and Asthma Onset in Children
Authors: Senter James P. , Aisenberg Laura K. , Dudley Jesse W. , Luan Xianqun , Huang Jing , Kenyon Chén C. , Hill David A.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Respiratory viral infections increase risk of asthma in infants and children. Infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus can cause severe lung inflammation and prolonged respiratory symptoms. We sought to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 infection modified pediatric incident asthma risk.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study examined children ages 1 to 16 within the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network who received polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Multivariable Cox regression models assessed the hazard ratio of new asthma diagnosis between SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative groups within an 18-month observation window. Models were adjusted for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic variables, and atopic comorbidities.

RESULTS

There were 27 423 subjects included in the study. In adjusted analyses, SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity had no significant effect on the hazard of new asthma diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.96; P = .79). Black race (HR: 1.49; P = .004), food allergies (HR: 1.26; P = .025), and allergic rhinitis (HR: 2.30; P < .001) significantly increased the hazard of new asthma diagnosis. Preterm birth (HR: 1.48; P = .005) and BMI (HR: 1.13; P < .001) significantly increased the hazard of new asthma diagnosis for children <5 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity was not associated with new asthma diagnosis in children within the observation period, although known risk factors for pediatric asthma were confirmed. This study informs the prognosis and care of children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Recurso didático acessível para o ensino de Química Orgânica
Authors: Mesquita Lidivânia Silva Freitas , Forte Cristiane Maria Sampaio , Vasconcelos Ana Karine Portela
Published: April 2024

Este trabalho teve por finalidade apresentar o desenvolvimento de quatro recursos acessíveis a pessoas com deficiência visual (DV) para o ensino de nomenclatura de alcanos. Inicialmente, foi desenvolvido um piloto, que consistia em um recorte de tecido de algodão cru, com 20 x 25 cm. Nele constavam a estrutura química do 3-etil-2-metilexano, com nomenclatura, fórmula molecular em braille e em letra bastão. Foi utilizado o bordado livre para bordar as informações com diferentes relevos e texturas. O piloto foi testado por dois alunos com DV, um cego e um com baixa visão. Por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, foram estabelecidas conversações sobre: organização das informações, estrutura química, braille e letra bastão. Os resultados foram analisados a partir da avaliação dos estudantes e com base nas sugestões realizadas foram construídos os quatro recursos acessíveis dos alcanos: octano, 3-etil-2-metilexano, cicloexano e 1-etil-2metilciclopentano. Concluiu-se que o bordado foi eficiente para a construção dos recursos acessíveis, pela versatilidade em criar relevos, auxiliando na formação de imagens mentais. Bem como os recursos têm potencial para melhorar a compreensão do assunto.
Complexity, disorder, and functionality of nanoscale materials
Authors: Mao Xiaoming , Kotov Nicholas
Published: April 2024

The world of biology created a wealth of complex materials intertwining order, disorder, and hierarchy. They are produced with minimal energy expenditures and display combinations of properties that surpass materials aimed to be perfectly ordered crystals or perfectly disordered glasses. De novo engineering of biomimetic materials with “impossible” combination of properties necessary for multiple technologies becomes possible considering complexity as a design parameter but this methodology lacks foundational principles. This article delineates the concept of complexity in the context of materials science. It examines the pathway to quantitative complexity–functionality relations and explores pragmatic approaches to scalable complex materials guided by discrete mathematics of nanoassemblies from imperfect components.

Graphical abstract
Orquídeas epífitas de ornato en Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Authors: Quijas Sandra , Cuevas-Robles Pablo
Published: April 2024

Las orquídeas epífitas han sido ampliamente utilizadas desde la época prehispánica como plantas de ornato. El uso de las orquídeas epífitas en ceremonias religiosas y festividades populares se ha documentado ampliamente; siendo escasos los estudios que muestren su uso ornamental en casas y comercios. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la riqueza y abundancia de las orquídeas epífitas que se usan de ornato en Puerto Vallarta. Se realizaron recorridos dentro del municipio, censando 24 casas y dos restaurantes que tuvieron orquídeas en sus patios, jardines, terrazas y cocheras frontales. Se obtuvo la identidad, abundancia, color de flor y distribución. Se registraron 521 orquídeas de 16 géneros y 33 especies (13 endémicas, 12 nativas y ocho exóticas). En promedio, las casas tienen una mayor riqueza de orquídeas endémicas, sin preferencia por algún color de flor. De acuerdo con su frecuencia y abundancia, 13 especies fueron dominantes, ocho ocasionales y 12 raras. La especie exótica Phalaenopsis sp fue la más abundante, las especies endémicas Trichocentrum natalieae y Myrmecophyla galeottiana fueron las más frecuentes. El cambio de uso de suelo por actividades agrícolas y la baja densidad poblacional son los factores que potencialmente amenazan a las poblaciones o hábitat de las orquídeas.
Das parcerias à privatização: o avanço do setor privado na política educacional brasileira
Authors: Silva Filho Antonio Agostinho da
Published: April 2024

O artigo analisa como as tendências de privatização da educação no Brasil tem se apresentado nos últimos anos, à luz de uma revisão crítica e sistemática da literatura recente no campo da política educacional, realizando uma abordagem acerca da noção de privatização endógena e exógena discutida por Balll e Youndell (2007) e por outras referências como Adrião (2017, 2018); VENCO; BERTAGNA; GARCIA (2021). Discute e analisa como vem se constituindo as parcerias público-privadas em educação a partir de contratos, concessões e outros instrumentos que se constituem como novas e diferentes formas de privatização que se materializam a partir diferentes estratégias intencionais e orientadas com base na lógica de mercado, assim como compõem uma arquitetura de redes com o envolvimento de atores públicos e privados que se agregam ao conjunto orgânico das políticas públicas. O estudo identificou que existe um movimento de expansão dos processos de privatização em várias frentes da educação, na tentativa de apropriação das políticas públicas e do fundo público, configurando-se como uma arena de disputas de projetos educativos e visões de mundo que convergem para fundamentar novos sentidos ao papel do Estado.
ELEMENTOS DIDÁTICOS DA INTERFACE NEUROCIÊNCIA COGNITIVA, MATEMÁTICA E MUSICALIDADE, ENQUANTO RECURSO DE ENSINO DOCENTE
Authors: Gomes Herica Cambraia , Alencar Edvonete Souza de
Published: April 2024

Tendo como cenário de pesquisa a educação básica e formação de professores em educação matemática, o estágio de pós-doutorado objetivou conceituar e identificar elementos didáticos (atividades de musicalidade com elaboração, realização e avaliação) como recurso de ensino do sistema de numeração decimal, a partir da interconexão neurociência cognitiva matemática e musical. O quadro teórico abordou: a) funções executivas (memória operacional, atenção voluntária, flexibilidade cognitiva e controle inibitório); b) cognição matemática (conceito de número e manipulação de operações no cálculo mental /senso numérico, efeito SNARC, rota numérica); e c) critérios da mediação docente baseados no conceito de modificabilidade cognitiva estrutural e experiência de aprendizagem mediada (intencionalidade/reciprocidade, significado, transcendência). A metodologia qualitativa, descritiva, com análise documental, permitiu observar as perspectivas docentes a partir de atividades de musicalidade para o ensino de matemática elaboradas, realizadas e avaliadas por professores da educação infantil e primeiro ano do ensino fundamental, de acordo com o constructo metodológico denominado Musicalidade MiX Potencial/Plasticidade Cíclica, organizado em tríades advindas da neurociência e elementos cognitivos da matemática. Os resultados demonstraram efeitos imediatos na concepção docente de aprendizagem matemática e consequentemente, relevantes modificações no ensino. Os registros apontaram a inserção de sugestões dos estudantes na musicalidade, durante a participação, configuradas como Experiência de Aprendizagem Mediada, que ressignificaram conteúdos da BNCC (Base Nacional Comum Curricular) alinhados aos conhecimentos de marcos cognitivos da matemática, na fase inicial de escolaridade. Estima-se que este estudo possa contribuir com a formação de professores da educação básica que ensinam matemática, pedagogos e estudantes da licenciatura de matemática.
Religion and the Android
Authors: Clocksin William F.
Published: April 2024

Future developments in artificial intelligence may take the form of androids, humanlike robots that people accept as persons and equals in society. Such androids would not be designed to imitate humans but would make their own claim at nonhuman personhood through engagement in a variety of relationships over long periods of time, thus developing an existence marked by meaning and purpose. For humans, religion historically has been a tool for understanding our place in the world and our relationships with others—human, nonhuman, or supernatural. Androids might also need a form of religious reasoning to operate fluently in the world and understand their role in it and their relationship with other persons, tangible or intangible. Authentic personhood requires meaning to be born from interdependence, so the intelligent android that comes to acknowledge its interdependence with others may eventually be called to acknowledge its dependence upon divine others and what we humans term the gifts of grace.
Clinical evaluation, useability, and utility of the Work Ability Screening Profile II (WASP II)
Authors: Franzsen Denise , Gurayah Thavanesi , Magill Kerry , De Witt Patricia Ann
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

The Work Ability Screening Profile (WASP) was conceptualised and developed by occupational therapists at the University of Durban Westville to provide a basic vocational screening assessment. Its purpose was to screen competence in generic work skills which reflected performance in activities essential to workplace participation relevant to the South African context. The assessment was revised in 2005 and renamed the WASP II. It was decided this screening assessment tool would be continuously reviewed using action research with clinicians involved in the ongoing evaluation so ensure validity and reliability for the population with which it is used. This study considered the clinical evaluation, useability and utility of the WASP II in order to inform further revision.

Method: A cross sectional survey was used to gather data from 70 occupational therapy clinicians familiar with or using the WASP II in clinical practice.

Results: A sample of 70 respondents indicated the WASP II was suitable to assess current work ability and production speed with a variety of clients with physical and mental health dysfunction. Ten of the 12 subtests were used by at least 40% of the time by the 28 respondents who used the WASP II frequently. These respondents reported good to adequate useability in terms of cost, sensitivity to clients’ educational level and ease of understanding instructions, incorporation into clinical practice contexts while supporting clinical reasoning and judgement. The accommodation of clients’ language and provision of standard scores were indicated as inadequate. Utility was considered adequate for all aspects including discrimination of moderate to severe dysfunction, informing the choice of other assessmentsas well as supporting vocational rehabilitation intervention. The WASP II outcomes were also understood by other service providers, employers, referring parties as well asclients.

Conclusion: While the WASP II was considered appropriate for use in the South African context and has adequate useability and utility, some subtests need to be updated and revised in terms of the standard times and content validity for current practice in the work environment.

Implications for practice:

The WASP II has useability

aligned with generic work skills of acquiring information or following d irections numeracy, conveying information and written communication 

for with those with work experience and with scholars and students yet to enter the workplace The WASP II has utility in relation to • cost and clients’ educational levels 

detailed instructions on the task layout but some standardisation needs to be interpreted with care 

sensitivity to all aspects of assessment of generic work skills, except discrimination of mild dysfunction