bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Spectroscopy of 1A 0535+262 Before, During, and After the 2020 Giant X-ray Outburst
Authors: Naik Sachindra , Chhotaray Birendra , Kumari Neeraj
Published: June 2024

We present the findings from our study of the Be/X-ray binary 1A 0535+262/HD 245770 during the giant X-ray outburst in October 2020. We utilized the 1.2-m telescope at Mount Abu Infrared observatory for optical observations of the Be companion star. The outburst reached a peak X-ray flux of approximately 11 Crab in the 15-50 keV range, marking the highest ever recorded X-ray outburst from the pulsar. We conducted optical observations in the 6000-7200 Å range before, during, and after the X-ray outburst, aiming to examine the evolution of the circumstellar disc of the Be star from February 2020 to February 2022. Our optical spectra displayed prominent emission lines at 6563 Å (H I), 6678 Å (He I), and 7065 Å (He I). Notably, the Hα line exhibited significant variability in the spectra. Prior to and during the outburst, the line profiles appeared single-peaked, and asymmetric with broad red and blue wings, respectively. However, post-outburst observations revealed a double-peaked profile with asymmetry in the blue wing. Our pre-outburst observations confirmed a larger Be circumstellar disc that diminished in size as the outburst progressed. Additionally, the observed variations in the Hα line profile and parameters indicate the presence of a highly misaligned, precessing, and warped Be disc.
Intranight Variability of Ultraviolet Emission from High-z Blazars
Authors: Chand Krishan
Published: June 2024

Rapid intranight variability of continuum and polarization in blazars is a valuable tool for probing the beaming of a relativistic jet and the associated population of the relativistic particles. Although such intranight variability in the rest-frame optical continuum has been extensively studied, there is a scarcity in the rest-frame ultraviolet (UV), where the variability might be caused by a secondary population of relativistic particles. To address this gap, we recently reported, for the first time, an intranight variability study of a sample of high-z blazars (Chand et al., 2022), with the monitored optical radiation is being their rest-frame UV radiation. Here, we discuss in detail the implications of this investigation, including a proper comparison of high-z blazar samples with fractional optical polarization (popt) lower and greater than 3%. In this context, we also report an intranight variability study of an additional high-z blazar at z = 2.347, namely J161942.38+525613.41, monitored over three sessions, each lasting approximately five hours. Our investigation does not reveal any compelling evidence for a stronger intranight variability of the UV emission in high polarization blazars, in contrast to the blazars monitored in the rest-frame blue-optical. We also discuss this trend in the light of the suggestion that the synchrotron radiation of blazar jets in the UV/X-ray regime may arise from a relativistic particle population different from that radiating up to near-infrared/optical frequencies.
Automated Transient Detection in the Context of the 4m ILMT
Authors: Pranshu Kumar , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Akhunov Talat , Borra Ermanno , Dubey Monalisa , Dukiya Naveen , Fu Jiuyang , Grewal Baldeep , Hickson Paul , Kumar Brajesh , Misra Kuntal , Negi Vibhore , Sun Ethen , Surdej Jean
Published: June 2024

In the era of sky surveys like Palomar Transient Factory (PTF), Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and the upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory (VRO) and ILMT, a plethora of image data will be available. ZTF scans the sky with a field of view of 48 deg2 and VRO will have a FoV of 9.6 deg2 but with a much larger aperture. The 4m ILMT covers a 22′ wide strip of the sky. Being a zenith telescope, ILMT has several advantages like low observation air mass, best image quality, minimum light pollution and no pointing time loss. Transient detection requires all these imaging data to be processed through a Difference Imaging Algorithm (DIA) followed by subsequent identification and classification of transients. The ILMT is also expected to discover several known and unknown astrophysical objects including transients. Here, we propose a pipeline with an image subtraction algorithm and a convolutional neural network (CNN) based automated transient discovery and classification system. The pipeline was tested on ILMT data and the transients as well as variable candidates were recovered and classified.
Follow-up Strategy of ILMT Discovered Supernovae
Authors: Kumar Brajesh , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Akhunov Talat , Borra Ermanno , Dubey Monalisa , Dukiya Naveen , Fu Jiuyang , Grewal Baldeep , Hickson Paul , Misra Kuntal , Negi Vibhore , Pranshu Kumar , Sun Ethen , Surdej Jean
Published: June 2024

The 4m International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) facility continuously scans the same sky strip (∼22′ wide) on each night with a fixed pointing towards the zenith direction. It is possible to detect hundreds of supernovae (SNe) each year by implementing an optimal image subtraction technique on consecutive night images. Prompt monitoring of ILMT-detected SNe is planned under the secured target of opportunity mode using ARIES telescopes (1.3m DFOT and 3.6m DOT). Spectroscopy with the DOT facility will be useful for the classification and detailed investigation of SNe. During the commissioning phase of the ILMT, supernova (SN) 2023af was identified in the ILMT field of view. The SN was further monitored with the ILMT and DOT facilities. Preliminary results based on the light curve and spectral features of SN 2023af are presented.
A Year-long Representation of the ILMT Observations in Different Coordinate Systems
Authors: Dubey Monalisa , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Akhunov Talat , Borra Ermanno , Misra Kuntal , Dukiya Naveen , Fu Jiuyang , Grewal Baldeep , Hickson Paul , Kumar Brajesh , Negi Vibhore , Pranshu Kumar , Sun Ethen , Surdej Jean
Published: June 2024

The 4m International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) is the first optical survey telescope in India that performs zenithal observations of a 22′ wide strip of the sky. To determine the portion of the sky covered by the ILMT during the entire year, we represent the ILMT Field of View (FoV) in three different coordinate systems - galactic, ecliptic, and equatorial. We adopt a constant declination of +29°21′41.4′′ and varying right ascension (RA) ranges corresponding to the Local Sidereal Time (LST). The observations from June to September are hampered due to the monsoon season. The handiness of such representations will allow us to locate a transient event in the ILMT FoV. This will enable prompt follow-up observations with other facilities.
Survey of Variables with the ILMT
Authors: Grewal Baldeep , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Akhunov Talat , Borra Ermanno , Dubey Monalisa , Dukiya Naveen , Fu Jiuyang , Hickson Paul , Misra Kuntal , Kumar Brajesh , Negi Vibhore , Pranshu Kumar , Sun Ethen , Surdej Jean
Published: June 2024

Nestled in the mountains of Northern India, is a 4-metre rotating dish of liquid mercury. Over a 10-year period, the International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) will survey 117 square degrees of sky, to study the astrometric and photometric variability of all detected objects. One of the scientific programs will be a survey of variable stars. The data gathered will be used to construct a comprehensive catalog of light curves. This will be an essential resource for astronomers studying the formation and evolution of stars, the structure and dynamics of our Milky Way galaxy, and the properties of the Universe as a whole. This catalog will be an aid in our advance to understanding the cosmos and provide deeper insights into the fundamental processes that shape our Universe. In this work, we describe the survey and give some examples of variable stars found in the early commissioning data from the ILMT.
Exploring Magnetic Coupling of Solar Atmosphere Through Frequency Modulations of 3-min Slow Magnetoacoustic Waves
Authors: Rawat Ananya , Gupta Girjesh
Published: June 2024

Coronal fan loops rooted in sunspot umbra show outward propagating waves with subsonic phase speed and a period around 3 min. However, their source region in the lower atmosphere is still ambiguous. We performed multi-wavelength observations of a clean fan loop system rooted in a sunspot utilizing data from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). We explored the less studied property of frequency modulation of these 3-min waves from the photosphere to the corona, and identified periodicities in the ranges of 14-20 min, and 24-35 min. Based on our findings, we interpret that the 3-min slow waves observed in the coronal fan loops are driven by 3-min oscillations observed at the photospheric footpoints of these fan loops in the umbral region. We also investigated possible connections between the 3-min and 5-min oscillations observed at the photosphere, which are still poorly understood. Our results provide clear evidence of magnetic coupling of the solar umbral atmosphere through the propagation of 3-min waves along the fan loops at different atmospheric heights.
Evolution of Solar-Type Activity: An Observational and Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Cuntz Manfred
Published: June 2024

When stars depart from the main-sequence, various changes occur including the loss of angular momentum owing to changes in the stellar interior and the impact of stellar winds. These processes affect the amount of outer atmospheric heating and emission as revealed by observations in the UV and X-ray spectral regimes. From a theoretical perspective, both magnetic and acoustic energy generation are affected as indicated by detailed theoretical simulations. Here, I will summarize selected observational and theoretical results, including recent work for β Hydri (G2 IV), a star constituting a prime example and proxy for the future Sun.
The 4m International Liquid Mirror Telescope: a Brief History and Some Preliminary Scientific Results
Authors: Surdej Jean , Ailawadhi Bhavya , Akhunov Talat , Borra Ermanno , Dubey Monalisa , Dukiya Naveen , Fu Jiuyang , Grewal Baldeep , Hickson Paul , Kumar Brajesh , Misra Kuntal , Negi Vibhore , Pospieszalska-Surdej Anna , Pranshu Kumar , Sun Ethen
Published: June 2024

The present article is based upon an invited talk delivered at the occasion of the inauguration of the 4m International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) which took place in Devasthal (ARIES, Uttarakhand, India) on 21st March 2023. We present hereafter a short history of the liquid mirror telescopes and in particular of the 4m ILMT which is the first liquid mirror telescope entirely dedicated to astrophysical observations. We discuss a few preliminary scientific results and illustrate some direct CCD images taken during the first commissioning phase of the telescope. We invite the reader to refer to the series of ILMT poster papers published in these proceedings of the third BINA workshop for more details about the instrument, operation, first observations, performance and scientific results.
ArDI – the system of mineral vibrational spectroscopy data processing and analysis
Authors: Шендрик Р.Ю. , Плечов П.Ю. , Смирнов С.З.
Published: June 2024

ArDI (Advanced spectRa Deconvolution Instrument) – это веб-приложение для обработки и анализа колебательных спектров минералов (https://ardi.fmm.ru/). Приложение предназначено для быстрой и надежной идентификации минералов в геологических образцах. ArDI позволяет обрабатывать спектры, проводить поиск похожих спектров в базах данных и загружать эталонные спектры минералов в базу данных для ее расширения. ArDI имеет перспективы развития в нескольких направлениях, включая улучшение эргономики интерфейса и алгоритмов автоматической обработки спектров комбинационного рассеяния света (КРС), наполнение базы эталонных спектров и сопряжение базы данных эталонных спектров с информационной системой Минералогического музея им. А.Е. Ферсмана РАН и другими информационными системами, имеющими дело с минералами. Инструментарий ArDI может быть использован для быстрой диагностики минералов и интерпретации отдельных полос колебаний на спектрах. Он может быть полезен в минералогии, экспертизе сырья и ограненных драгоценных камней, а также в медицине, фармацевтике и криминалистике.

ArDI (Advanced spectRa Deconvolution Instrument) is a web-application for processing and analyzing of vibrational spectra of minerals (https://ardi.fmm.ru/). It is designed for express and reliable identification of minerals in geological samples. ArDI allows processing of spectra, searching for similar spectra in databases, and loading reference spectra into the database for its expansion. ArDI has prospects for development in several directions, including the improvement of the interface ergonomics and further development of algorithms for automatic processing of Raman spectra, filling the database with reference spectra, and integration the reference spectra database with the information system of Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other mineralogical information systems. ArDI can be used for quick identification of minerals and interpretation of separate spectral bands. It can be useful in mineralogy, the examination of raw materials and gemstones, as well as in medicine, pharmacy, and criminalistics.
Affective Entanglements: Human-Nonhuman Relations in Buddhist Ecologies of Feeling
Authors: Schröer Frederik
Published: June 2024

This article reflects on key concepts in early South Asian Buddhism and their potential for creative dialogue with current concepts of research at the philosophical forefront of ecological thinking. It explores the role of feelings---that is, both bodily affects and culturally formed emotions---as crucial in negotiating the relations between humans and nonhumans and their environments. To this end, the concept of affective entanglement is proposed as a way of describing and analysing the condition of constitutive ecological linkage articulated through feelings and based in the fundamental interdependence of all phenomena in the world. Through careful analysis of a series of important early Buddhist Pali texts dealing with forested environments, this article explores how the early Buddhist teaching can challenge and enrich how we think of persons and bodies in relation to other beings and environments. Through a discussion of the powerful emotion of fear and the importance of vulnerability, the article develops thoughts on how Buddhist emotional practices as practices of care can inspire new approaches in today's times of escalating ecological crisis and acute vulnerability in coexisting and intersecting human and nonhuman pluriworlds.
Theravada Buddhism in the Anthropocene: The Role of the Radical Virtuosi
Authors: Sirisena Prabhath
Published: June 2024

This autoethnographic study of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka identifies an ecological ethic that can address the challenges posed by the Anthropocene, based on the praxis of a unique community: the radical forest-dwelling (araññavāsī) virtuosi, a distinct group within the Sri Lankan monastic Sangha. It discusses how Buddhist teachings, when put into practice, reveal an effective eco-ethic that might not be immediately apparent when one merely analyses the texts. Such a praxis is marked by an uncompromising love for fellow beings in shared habitats, and is evidently effective enough to trust with the protection of delicate ecosystems in a biodiversity hotspot. Emerging from arguably the most rigorous form of Buddhist monastic practice, this eco-ethic might not be easily attainable or sustainable for lay people. Yet, it reveals a range of possibilities wherein an alternative worldview can be adopted, and in doing so, makes a distinctive contribution to Buddhist environmentalism.
Masks and Mantras: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Spiritual Reterritorialization Among Tibetan Buddhist Communities in Taiwan
Authors: Yonnetti Eben
Published: June 2024

This article examines how Tibetan Buddhist teachers’ and communities’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have facilitated the contemporary global transmission of this tradition. Based upon fifteen months of ethnographic research in Taiwan, I examine how one community, the Bhumang Nyiöling Buddhist Society, was introduced to and adopted practices to the deity Parṇaśavarī, a protectress against pandemic illnesses, in response to COVID-19. Drawing upon Deleuze and Guattari, I introduce the concepts of spiritual deterritorialization and reterritorialization to describe the processes whereby divinities in the Buddhist cosmos are unbound from specific geographies and expand their intercessory powers across new contexts. I argue that the introduction of Parṇaśavarī practices to the Bhumang Nyiöling community during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a vibrant example of how processes of spiritual deterritorialization and reterritorialization can play a powerful role in the broader transmission of Tibetan Buddhism globally, particularly when catalyzed by critical moments of crisis.
The Contents Are the Vessel: Snod bcud Beyond Nature
Authors: King Matthew
Published: June 2024

Reflecting on the implications of Dipesh Chakrabarty's "The Climate of History" for a critical Buddhist Studies of/for the Anthropocene, this article introduces a seven-hundred-years-old reflection among Inner Asian Buddhist scholastics about the perspectival tangle of worlds and beings. Rooted in canonical Indian Abhidharma literature and then the Tibetan Pakpa Chökyi Lodrö's didactic compositions meant for the princelings of the 13th century Mongolian Empire, Tibetan and Mongolian authors have long considered the ontological and epistemic nature of environments, beings, and perceiving minds in relation. Tracing an intellectual history leading into the Mongolian revolutionary period and Tibetan refugee diaspora in the twentieth century, this article shows that Inner Asian Buddhist have never been burdened by the tyranny of Nature and Culture, whose conceptual blurring in the Anthropocene Chakrabarty cites as imperiling the Humanities. Let the Humanities, as such, die. Finding resonances with earlier perspectival constructions of nature in the work of Alexander von Humboldt, the 19th century father of ecological studies, as well as critiques of nature/nurture in body and disability studies, this article argues for using Inner Asian perspectives as new methodological resources in the ruins of liberal humanism and the normative human sciences.
Evaluasi Kesesuaian Lahan Pasang Surut untuk Tanaman Lada (Piper nigrum Linn.) di Desa Galing Kecamatan Galing Kabupaten Sambas
Authors: Suriadi Suriadi , Hazriani Rini , Gunawan Joni
Published: June 2024

Land evaluation is an approach for assessing the potential of land resources. Results of the evaluation will give information about land anduse necessary direction, and finally the value of production expectations that can be obtained. This study aims to identify the limiting factors for pepper plants in the Galing village, Galing sub-district, Sambas district. To create a class of actual and potential land suitability. This research was conducted in the village of  the District  Galing Galing Sambas  district,  then  followed  by analysis  of soil samples in the Laboratory of Chemistry and Soil Fertility Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Tanjungpura. The research started from December 2014 until Fabruari 2015. The results showed that there are two units of Soil Map is Sulfic Endoaquents and Typic Sulfaquents.  Actual  land  suitability  on  soil  type  Sulfic  Endoaquents  (SPT  1)  is  the appropriate marginal (S2) with inhibitors to Factor pepper plant is a low pH, nutrient availability, and the depth of the actual land sulfidik. Suitability for pepper plants are S3 nfx. While the actual land suitability on the type of Typic Sulfaquents (SPT 2) inhibiting factor is the low pH, nutrient availability, and the depth of the actual land sulfidik. Suitability for pepper plants are N-x. Recommendations for improvements in SPT 1 and SPT 2 is water regulation, liming and fertilizing N, P, and K with the processing level is medium to high, then the suitability of potential land for pepper plants in SPT 1 to be fit while on SPT 2 appropriate to marginal
Efisiensi Alokatif Budidaya Karet di Kecamatan Sungai Ambawang Kabupaten Kuburaya
Authors: Panggabean Leonardi , Suyatno Adi , Suharyani Anita
Published: June 2024

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence rubber production and to  analyze the efficiency of the price of rubber production. The variables examined in this study include the efficiency of the use of rubber production factors, the Cobb-Dounglas production function is unsed, Classic Assumption Test, Statistical Test and Allocative Efficiency. The test results on the production factors show that the variable area of land.Labor, fungicide had a significant effect on production. NPK fertilizer and length of farming had no significant effect on rubber production. The results of the allocative efficiency analysis showed that the use of land area, labor and fungicides was inefficient in rubber cultivation in Ambawang district, Kubu Raya Regency.
Use of special technical means (polygraph) on personnel recruitment in corporate structures
Authors: Tsygankov A. Yu. , Kravchuk A. A.
Published: June 2024

The article studies some aspects of specialized polygraph device application in the process of personnel recruitment in corporate structures. The authors cite the sociological surveys results that reflect the attitude of employers and employees towards polygraph checks at the stage of their employment. The methods and spheres of polygraph application for professional-psychological selection have been analyzed. The special psychophysiological research procedure with the use of the polygraph has been described, including recommendations on the questions formulation to obtain reliable results. The legislation of the Russian Federation regulating the conduct of such research has also been considered. The authors concluded that the use of the polygraph device is a relevant and promising tool, which is increasingly used in the personnel recruitment in corporate structures, as evidenced by the sociological surveys results. However, the research peculiarity on the polygraph tests prospects in personnel recruitment is currently complicated by the lack of open data from the companies themselves, since such data constitute commercial secrets and are not subject to public disclosure in accordance with the Federal Law “On Trade Secrets”.
The role of effective communication and collective intelligence in digital transformation of a company
Authors: Abramov V. I. , Churkin D. A.
Published: June 2024

The subject of the study is the role of effective communications and the mechanism of meaning emergence in the collective mind of a complex commercial social and technical system. We have synthesized the provisions of traditionally studied separately spheres of knowledge such as the communication theory, collective intelligence, corporate culture management, and motivation theory in the context of digital transformation of companies. The analysis of these concepts together provides a deeper understanding of the knowledge acquisition processes necessary to improve digital transformation effectiveness. The paper formulates the effective communication management principles that contribute to tacit knowledge identification and its successful formalization. We have proposed a distinction of related terms such as data, information, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and vision. The applied nature of the study is to deepen the understanding of the mechanism of innovative ideas emergence and to propose measures to minimize the risks of managing the communication system in organizations. The following approaches have been considered: values management, emotional intelligence development, decision-making routes and motivation mechanisms personalization, communication formats specification. The article may be useful for researchers whose interests include innovative trends in management, entrepreneurial activity development and enterprises digitalization effectiveness. The study results may be useful for managerial practitioners who develop and implement strategies for enterprises innovative development.
Machine learning methods (tokenization) in marketing research
Authors: Ganebnykh E. V. , Savelieva N. K. , Sozinova A. A. , Fokina O. V. , Altsybeeva I. G.
Published: June 2024

Field research is of particular interest in marketing because it often generates unique statistics. Closed-ended questions during data collection simplify data processing, but at the same time significantly limit the research subject depth. Open-ended questions provide a deeper understanding of respondents’ opinions, but processing responses in the form of natural language (qualitative data) is difficult and time-consuming, as it is usually done manually. Modern machine learning techniques, particularly tokenization, can be used to automate such data processing. The purpose of the study is to test this method application to data processing of the field research “Monitoring of the competition state and development in the commodity markets of the Novosibirsk Region”. The following tasks have been set and solved: primary information has been collected and prepared for processing, and token groups identified and formed. Based on the groups, the respondents’ answers have been further combined into relatively homogeneous clusters including similar answers to open-ended questions. Subsequent quality control of the conducted research has been carried out on the basis of Precision, Recall and F-measure metrics, which showed an acceptable level of data processing quality. Information collection has been realized through sociological surveys (questionnaire distribution) and CAWI surveys and included open-ended questions. The study reveals that even extremely insignificant references were not missed. The obtained data allowed us to conclude that it is necessary to form annotated databases and token libraries for the marketing research purposes.
Near-quantitative Removal of Oxalate and Terephthalate from Water by Precipitation with a Rigid Bis-amidinium Compound
Authors: Goodwin Rosemary , Muang-Non Phonlakrit , Tzioumis Nikki , Jolliffe Kate , White Nicholas
Published: June 2024

A simple, readily-prepared precipitant (1.Cl2) precipitates oxalate or terephthalate from water with very high efficacy, removing these anions at sub-millimolar concentrations using only one equivalent of precipitant. A simple aqueous base/acid cycle can be used to regenerate 1.Cl2 after use. The resulting precipitates, 1.oxalate and 1.terephthalate, are anhydrous and closely-packed, with each anion receiving eight charge-assisted hydrogen bonds from amidinium N–H donors. Precipitation of oxalate and terephthalate occurs at much lower concentrations than other dicarboxylates, and direct competition experiments with the biologically/environmentally relevant divalent anions CO32–, HPO42– and SO42– reveal very high selectivity for oxalate or terephthalate over these competitors.
FlavorMiner: A Machine Learning Platform for Extracting Molecular Flavor Profiles from Structural Data
Authors: Herrera-Rocha Fabio , Fernández-Niño Miguel , Duitama Jorge , P. Cala Mónica , José Chica María , A. Wessjohann Ludger , D. Davari Mehdi , Fernando González Barrios Andrés
Published: June 2024

Flavor is the main factor driving consumers acceptance of food products. However, tracking the biochemistry of flavor is a formidable challenge due to the complexity of food composition. Current methodologies for linking individual molecules to flavor in foods and beverages are expensive and time-consuming. Predictive models based on machine learning (ML) are emerging as an alternative to speed up this process. Nonetheless, the optimal approach to predict flavor features of molecules remains elusive. In this work we present FlavorMiner, an ML-based multilabel flavor predictor. FlavorMiner seamlessly integrates different combinations of algorithms and mathematical representations, augmented with class balance strategies to address the inherent class of the input dataset. Notably, Random Forest and K-Nearest Neighbors combined with Extended Connectivity Fingerprint and RDKit molecular descriptors consistently outperform other combinations in most cases. Resampling strategies surpass weight balance methods in mitigating bias associated with class imbalance. FlavorMiner exhibits remarkable accuracy, with an average ROC AUC score of 0.88. This algorithm was used to analyze cocoa metabolomics data, unveiling its profound potential to help extract valuable insights from intricate food metabolomics data. FlavorMiner can be used for flavor mining in any food product, drawing from a diverse training dataset that spans over 934 distinct food products.
Chemical and Redox Non-Innocence in Low‐Valent Molybdenum β-Diketonate Complexes: Novel Pathways for CO2 and CS2 Activation
Authors: Masero Fabio , Mougel Victor
Published: June 2024

The investigation of fundamental properties of low-valent molybdenum complexes bearing anionic ligands is crucial for elucidating the molybdenum’s role in critical enzymatic systems involved in the transformation of small molecules, including the nitrogenase’s iron molybdenum cofactor, FeMoco. The β-diketonate ligands in [Mo(acac)3] (acac = acetylacetonate), one of the earliest low-valent Mo complexes reported, provide a robust anionic platform to stabilize Mo in its +III oxidation state. This complex played a key role in demonstrating the potential of low-valent molybdenum for small molecule activation, serving as the starting material for the preparation of the first reported molybdenum dinitrogen complex. Surprisingly however, given this fact and the widespread use of β-diketonate ligands in coordination chemistry, only a very limited number of low-valent Mo β-diketonate complexes have been reported. To address this gap, we explored the redox behavior of homoleptic molybdenum tris-β-diketonate complexes, employing a tertiary butyl substituted diketonate ligand (dipivaloylmethanate, tBudiket) to isolate and fully characterize the corresponding Mo complexes across three consecutive oxidation states (+IV, +III, +II). We observed marked reactivity of the most reduced congener with heterocumulenes CE2 (E = O, S), yet with very distinct outcomes. Specifically, CO2 stoichiometrically carboxylates one of the β-diketonate ligands, while in the presence of excess CS2, catalytic reductive dimerization to tetrathiooxalate occurs. Through the isolation and characterization of reaction products and intermediates, we demonstrate that the observed reactivity results from the chemical non-innocence of the 𝛽-diketonate ligands, which facilitates the formation of a common ligand-bound intermediate, tBuMo(II)·CE2 (E = O, S). The stability of this proposed intermediate dictates the specific reduction products observed, highlighting the relevance of the chemically non-innocent nature of 𝛽-diketonate ligands.
A Flat-bottom Elastic Network Model for Generating Improved Plausible Reaction Paths
Authors: Koda Shin-ichi , Saito Shinji
Published: June 2024

Rapid generation of a plausible reaction path connecting a given reactant and product in advance is crucial for the efficient computation of precise reaction paths or transition states. We propose a computationally efficient potential energy based on molecular structure to generate such paths. This potential energy has a flat bottom consisting of structures without atomic collisions while preserving non-reactive chemical bonds, bond angles, and partial planar structures. By combining this potential energy with the direct MaxFlux method, a recently developed reaction path/transition state search method, we can find the shortest plausible path passing within the bottom. Numerical results show that this combination yields lower-energy paths compared to the paths obtained by the well-known image-dependent pair potential. We also theoretically investigate the differences between these two potential energies. The proposed potential energy and path generation routine are implemented in our Python version of the direct MaxFlux method, available on GitHub.
Unraveling the Reaction Mechanism of Sulfur Cathode in All-Solid-State Sodium-Sulfur Batteries via Spectroscopic and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Ji Tongtai , Tu Qingsong , Lu Deyu , Wierzbicki Dominik , Du Yonghua , Plisson Vincent , Wang Ying , Wang Jiwei , Burch Ken , Zhu Hongli
Published: June 2024

The investigation of all-solid-state sodium-sulfur batteries (ASSSBs) is in the early stage, where the intermediates and mechanism of the complex 16-electron conversion reaction of the sulfur cathode are still unclear. Herein, this study for the first time presents a comprehensive investigation of the sulfur reaction mechanism in ASSSBs by combining electrochemical measurements, ex-situ synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in-situ Raman spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations. Based on the thermodynamic mechanism, the sulfur cathode undergoes a three-step solid-solid redox reaction, with S8 first reducing to Na2S5 and Na2S4, then to Na2S2, and finally to Na2S, resulting in a three-plateau voltage profile. However, under kinetic limitations, the Na2S2 phase is skipped, leading to a direct conversion from Na2S4 to Na2S and a two-plateau voltage profile. First-principles calculations reveal that the formation energy of Na2S2 is only 4 meV/atom lower than the two-phase equilibrium of Na2S4 and Na2S, explaining its absence under conventional cycling conditions. This work clarified the thermodynamic and kinetic limited pathways of the 16-electron conversion reaction of the sulfur cathode in ASSSBs, thereby facilitating the development of high-performance ASSSBs.
Manganese-Catalyzed Cycloalkene Ring Expansion Synthesis of Azaheterocycles
Authors: Wang Zhixin , Xu Hanxiao , Han Xuanzhen , Fan Shuaixin , Zhu Jin
Published: June 2024

Radical chemistry is synthetically useful but can be plagued by the non-intuitive reaction course and indiscriminate reactivity profile. Herein, dynamic radical effect is revealed as a conceptual logic for the predictive achievement of radical reaction selectivity. The reversible bonding association/dissociation of two radicals serves as a synthetic handle for directing one radical to the target reaction recourse, without the participation of the other radical. A Mn catalytic protocol has been developed for cycloalkene ring expansion synthesis of azaheterocycles. An initial azidyl radical addition to alkene and subsequent reversible O2 occupation of C-radical site prevents further radical coupling and steers the reaction toward the intramolecular rearrangement pathway. A broad substrate scope has been established for the synthesis of pyridine and isoquinoline derivatives. This new radical synthetic perspective promises as an important guiding principle for empowering radical-based chemical transformations.
Behavior of Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Fly Ash Concrete RC Beams in Flexure
Authors:   PG Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering Sengunthar Engineering College (Autonomous), Tiruchengode, TamilNadu, India, K. Chinnasamy , M. Seenirajan ,   Associate Professor and head, Department of Civil Engineering,  Sengunthar Engineering College (Autonomous),  Tiruchengode, TamilNadu, India
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the polypropylene fibre reinforced fly ash concrete RC beams under flexure. The variables of study include the polypropylene fibre content (0.2 % & 0.4%). The polypropylene fibre and 10% of Fly ash as cement replacement are incorporated in all the concrete mix proportions considered in this study. The experimental test results showed that the compressive strength of concrete increases with the increasing percentage of fibre. The flexural strength of polypropylene fibre reinforced fly ash concrete beams increased considerably than the control concrete beams.
EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE FROM FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE FOR RETIREMENT AND RETIREMENT SELF-EFFICACY ON LIFE SATISFACTION THROUGH THE MEDIATOR - RETIREMENT READINESS AMONG WORKING ADULTS IN CHINA
Authors: Lan Tian , Lee See-Nie
Published: June 2024

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to explore the influences of Financial Knowledge for Retirement and Retirement Self-efficacy on Life Satisfaction, with a specific focus on the mediating role of Retirement Readiness among working adults in China.
 
Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in the context of China’s aging population and slowing economic growth, highlighting the increasing importance of Retirement Readiness. It posits that Financial Knowledge for Retirement and Retirement Self-efficacy are key determinants of Retirement Readiness, which in turn impacts Life Satisfaction.
 
Method: Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, data were collected from a stratified sample of working adults in China, covering diverse age groups, regions, and occupational backgrounds.
 
Results and Discussion: The findings confirm all five proposed hypotheses, demonstrating that both Financial Knowledge for Retirement and Retirement Self-efficacy have a statistically significant impact on Retirement Readiness. Retirement Readiness, in turn, has a statistically significant influence on Life Satisfaction. This suggests that enhancing financial knowledge and self-efficacy in retirement planning can improve Retirement Readiness and, consequently, Life Satisfaction among working adults in China.
 
Research Implications: The study highlights the importance of financial education and tailored guidance for retirement planning. It suggests that working adults, policymakers, educators, financial advisors, and researchers should focus on improving Financial Knowledge for Retirement and Retirement Self-efficacy to help individuals better prepare for retirement.
 
Originality/Value: This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the determinants of Life Satisfaction among working adults in China, with a particular emphasis on the mediating role of Retirement Readiness.
GLOBALIZATION AND FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
Authors: Lotsi Damilola Sarah , Muritala Taiwo Adewale , Akande Joseph Olorunfemi , Adekunle Ahmed Oluwatobi
Published: June 2024

Objective: Given the relevance of globalization on the integration of a country to the global economy and financial development, it is important to investigate the concept of globalization and evaluating the relationship between their determinants.
 
Method: this study adopts qualitative techniques to examine the conceptual inter-relationship and the theoretical and empirical analysis of globalization and financial development from 2013 to 2023 using groupings based on the findings from the various samples articles that met the selection criteria of the dimensions of the concepts. On the other hand, this study adopts quantitative techniques to examine the relationship and causal effects of globalization dimension on financial development using some selected economies (developed and developing) for a period of 5 years (i.e. 2017 – 2021).
 
Results: The finding of this study reveals that several studies have been conducted in relation to globalization and financial development, but at a decreasing rate which is against the expected results. Also, despite the increasing role of socio-economic variables of international crises, exchange rate and interest rate in financial development of economies, majority of the literatures have not shown sufficient interest as the few available reveal inconsistence in the relationship and causal effects of the variables. However, empirically, this study reveals that foreign direct investment, trade openness, exchange rate and interest rate but international crises have causal effect on financial development.
 
Conclusion: This study therefore concludes that despite there are no convenient and consistent understandings, globalization has effect on financial development.
A Case Report on Treating Progressive Supranuclear Palsy with a Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine
Authors: Wu Kai , Gong Yongjie , Shan Yang , Yu Yalan
Published: June 2024

A case of progressive supranuclear palsy in a 66-year-old woman is presented. The patient complained of “progressive stiffness of both lower limbs for five years, accompanied by choking and coughing for more than 1 year,” and was diagnosed with paralysis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which was characterized by a deficiency of liver and kidney, and phlegm and blood stasis blocking the collaterals. Western medicine diagnosed it as progressive supranuclear palsy. The patient was diagnosed with “Parkinson’s disease” several times in the past and was given “polybasic hydrazide” and “amantadine hydrochloride tablets,” etc. The patient did not have significant symptomatic relief, so she sought further treatment with a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Based on the concept of deficiency and excess, this disease is categorized as a paralytic disease in Chinese medicine, and the onset of the disease is closely related to the deficiency of the body after a long period of illness, with wind, phlegm, blood stasis, and deficiency as the main pathogenetic mechanism. The treatment is based on the combination of disease and evidence, with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture as the main treatments, supplemented by intermediate-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation, transcranial repetitive magnetic stimulation, medicated canisters, wax therapy, traditional Chinese medicine guasha, and acupoint injections. Western medicine is based on symptomatic treatment, and the patient’s symptoms were relieved significantly after the combination of Chinese and Western medicine.
Treatment Efficacy and Safety of Bortezomib Combined with Dexamethasone and Lenalidomide Chemotherapy Regimen for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Yuan Changyong , Cui Na , Liu Shumei
Published: June 2024

Objective: To analyze the effect of bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Methods: 60 cases of multiple myeloma patients admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected randomly, with 30 cases in each group. Bortezomib combined with dexamethasone was administered in the control group, and bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide was given to the observation group, and the treatment effect was analyzed. Results: After treatment, CD3+ and CD4+ of the observation group were higher than that of the control group, CD8+ was lower than that of the control group, and the total treatment efficiency was higher, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and there was no difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Bortezomib combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide is effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma as it regulates the immune function and is safe, thus it can be promoted in clinical practice.
Про роль асимільованих народів у збереженні імперії
Authors: Chekalenko Liudmyla
Published: June 2024

У зв’язку із жорстокою російською війною проти України постають питання: як сформувалась московська держава, як стала російською, яким чином російській імперії, незважаючи на низку небезпечних викликів, вдається виживати. Ці та інші проблеми автор аналізує у поданій статті.
Розглянувши фактори, що впливали на розвиток Російської імперії, авторка вперше в історичній і політологічній науках дійшла висновку, що Російську імперію протягом 20-21 століть від розпаду і знищення рятували її васали – підкорені та експлуатовані народи, серед яких у першу чергу – українці. Наведемо коротку хронологію подій, що відбувалися в Росії з минулого століття. 1917 рік – більшовицька Росія вижила завдяки допомозі українського більшовицького уряду, більшовицької армії, а також інших окраїнних урядів імперії. 1922 рік – більшовицька Росія (РСФРР) створює СРСР за підтримки Української Соціалістичної Радянської Республіки (УСРР), Білоруської Соціалістичної Радянської Республіки (БСРР), Закавказької Соціалістичної Радянської Республіки (ЗСРР). 1925 рік – Узбецька та Туркменська Соціалістичні Радянські Республіки увійшли до складу СРСР. 1945 рік – перемога у Другій світовій війні зцементувала СРСР, у складі якого Українська РСР за рівнем розвитку і потужністю посідає друге місце після Російської Федерації. 1991 рік – на радянських руїнах Росія, Україна, Білорусь утворюють новий союз під назвою Співдружність незалежних держав (СНД), що очолює Росія. Колишні радянські республіки фактично відновили Радянський Союз на чолі з Росією. Таким чином, експлуатовані Росією народи, серед яких і український, неодноразово відтворювали Російську імперію.
Роль інституту адвокатури у захисті європейських цінностей (1991-2013 рр.)
Authors: Сhokova Anastasiia , Kobets Yevgen
Published: June 2024

У період з 1991 по 2013 роки інститут адвокатури відіграв визначальну роль у формуванні та захисті європейських цінностей, визначивши себе як ключовий елемент правової системи та соціокультурного контексту багатьох європейських країн. Зазначений період відзначився значущими трансформаціями у функціонуванні та ролі адвокатури, яка виступила не лише захисником індивідуальних прав громадян, але й вірним прихильником європейських цінностей. Адвокати, виступаючи як професійна група, взяли на себе зобов’язання не лише представляти та захищати індивідуальні права громадян, але й стали ефективними захисниками загальноєвропейських цінностей. Їхня роль у забезпеченні стабільності правового порядку та гарантуванні основних прав і свобод людини стала невід’ємною частиною розвитку цивілізованого європейського суспільства.
В означений період адвокатура не тільки виконувала функцію суб’єкта правового порядку, але й виступала як арбітр у розгляді суперечок між громадянами та державою. Завдяки своєму статусу незалежних консультантів та представників, адвокати виступали гарантами справедливості та рівноправ’я перед законом, підтверджуючи невід’ємність та недоторканність основних прав кожної особи.
У період політичних змін та переходу до демократії, що відбувався в багатьох європейських країнах, адвокати виявилися активними учасниками цього процесу, сприяючи розвитку правової системи та формуванню європейських стандартів. Їхня роль полягала в захисті прав громадян від можливих порушень та недодержань нових законів, а також у впровадженні механізмів контролю за діяльністю влади для забезпечення додержання європейських цінностей у всіх сферах суспільного життя. Важливим є той факт, що адвокати взяли на себе роль агентів реалізації рівних прав та участі в судовому процесі для всіх громадян, незалежно від їхнього соціального статусу чи політичних переконань. Інститут адвокатури у цей період проявив себе не тільки захисником, але й став каталізатором позитивних змін у правовій сфері та суспільстві загалом.