The determination of misconceptions among students is a prerequisite to driving conceptual, procedural, and attitudinal changes. This study aimed to investigate the causes and effects that misconceptions generate in the learning of natural sciences, as well as the basic categories of misconceptions in the learning of physics held by high school students. Under the PRISMA guidelines, the research consisted of a systematic literature review in three databases: Scopus, WoS, and Dimensions. Data visualization and analysis were supported by the following tools: VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and ATLAS.ti. It was concluded that misconceptions do not solely depend on students’ behavior; teacher training and preparation also have a direct influence on this issue. The main factors include persistent use of the didactic model of transmission–reception, the influences of students’ daily experiences, decontextualization of the addressed content, limited development of research skills, usage of inadequate teaching methods, texts full of formulas, and exaggerated schemas. Physics stands out as the most studied discipline, in terms of misconceptions. Several topics were identified that contained misconceptions grouped into four main subject areas: thermodynamics, waves and sound, mechanics, and radiation and light. Full article

Informal English learning plays a crucial role in vocabulary learning, yet few scholars have explored the use of large language models for this purpose. In light of this, our study, integrating Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate factors influencing 568 Chinese English learners’ use of large language models for vocabulary learning. Our findings identified six significant factors from those models—perceived autonomy, perceived competence, perceived relatedness, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence—that significantly shape learners’ intentions and behaviors towards utilizing large language models for vocabulary learning. Notably, effort expectancy emerged as the most influential factor, while facilitating conditions did not significantly impact usage intentions. This research offers insights for future curriculum design and policy formulation, highlighting the importance of understanding learners’ perspectives on technology use in education. Full article

An existential vacuum is experienced as a kind of crisis that one can cope with using his/her strengths. The related literature suggests that the important determinants of coping with existential emptiness include positive emotional and personality resources, and among these—Curiosity Behaviors. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of curiosity as an important factor in relation to emotional resources in individuals experiencing an existential vacuum. A survey was conducted using online tools (n = 484). The hypotheses about the direct and indirect relationships between Curiosity Behaviors and existential vacuum were tested using multiple regression analyses and mediations. The study involved a sample of adult participants representing the general population. The participants completed five questionnaires, the first one focusing on Curiosity Behaviors, such as seeking out novel and challenging experiences and engagement in activities that capture one’s attention (The Curiosity and Exploration Inventory), and the other tools being the Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale, the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, the Flourishing Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. The results indicate that Curiosity Behaviors characteristically negatively predict existential vacuum. In addition, other variables, such as Flourishing, seem to be useful in explaining the relationships between these factors. Flourishing along with Curiosity increases a sense of Meaning in Life. Our results present evidence showing the importance of Curiosity Behaviors in coping with the existential vacuum. Full article

Limited research on working memory has centered on ethnically/racially minoritized children, thereby limiting researchers’ abilities to draw conclusions about working memory or to provide additional supports in cultivating working memory for these children. Using the Integrative Theory as a lens, the current study explored the predictive benefit of parent academic socialization strategies on the working memory and subsequent mathematics skills of a nationally representative sample of ethnically/racially minoritized children. Using structural equation modeling techniques, a path model including social position; family structure; leisure activities; parent academic socialization strategies; and their association with kindergarten Asian/Asian-American (N = 1211), Black (N = 1927), and Latine (N = 3671) children’s working memory and first-grade mathematics skills were examined. Furthermore, multigroup moderation was used to test for differences between ethnic/racial groups. Connections to social capital theory, community cultural wealth, and culturally relevant interpretations of the study findings are discussed. Full article

This study examined the public’s sentiments about vaccines by analyzing Twitter data during the CDC’s vaccination management planning stage in the United States. Sentiment scores were assigned to each tweet using a sentiment dictionary and the sentiment changes were analyzed over 52 weeks from November 2020 to November 2021. An interrupted time series model was used to analyze the difference in sentiment, which revealed that there was a shift. Initially, overall sentiments were negative but became positive as the stage of general vaccine supply approached. However, negative sentiments sharply rose when the vaccine supply transitioned to the phase of universalization. The results identified two dominant strategic action fields for vaccines providing polarized messages on Twitter and the negative trend was strong for most of the period. The findings highlight the importance of managing strategic action fields on social networks to prevent mass hysteria during vaccine policy implementation. This study stresses the significance of effectively managing strategic action fields on social media platforms to prevent mass hysteria while implementing vaccine policies. Full article

C. nudiflora is notably rich in flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides, making it a significant natural source of antioxidants. We examined the effects of C. nudiflora aqueous extract (CNE) on growth performance, antioxidant function, immunity, intestinal barrier function, nutrient transporters, and microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: a basal diet with 0 (control, CON), 300 mg/kg (CNEL), 500 mg/kg (CNEM), and 700 mg/kg (CNEH) CNE for 42 days. CNEL and CNEM groups quadratically increased body weight and average daily gain but decreased feed-to-gain ratios during the starter and whole phases. Regarding the immune response of broilers, CNE treatment linearly down-regulated jejunal myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ expression in the liver (d 21), while decreasing jejunal IL-1β expression and the concentration of serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (d 42). The CNEM and CNEH groups had lower MyD88 and nuclear factor kappa B expression in the liver (d 21) compared to the CON group. Broilers in the CNEL and CNEM groups had higher spleen index and thymus index (d 21) and interleukin-10 expression from the liver and jejunal mucosa (d 42) than that in the CON group. For the antioxidant capacity of broilers, CNE treatment linearly decreased the content of malonaldehyde and increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity in serum (d 42). CNEM and CNEH groups linearly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum and heme oxygenase-1 expression in the liver, while increasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum, jejunal nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 expression, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression in the liver (d 42). As for the growth hormone of broilers, CNEM group increased the level of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and up-regulated jejunal glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) expression (d 21). Broilers in the CNEM and CNEH groups had higher jejunal GLP-2 expression and growth hormone (GH) expression in the liver and the level of serum GH (d 42) than that in the CON group. Additionally, the villus height and jejunal Occludin and Claudin-1 expression in the CNEM group increased. CNE-containing diets resulted in a linear increase in the expression of jejunal zonula occluden-1 (d 21), villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal Occludin, excitatory amino acid transporters-3, and peptide-transporter 1 (d 42). The regulation of Oscillospira, Ruminococcaceae_Ruminococcus, and Butyricicoccus genera indicated that CNEH altered the composition of the cecal microbiota. In general, supplementing broilers with C. nudiflora aqueous extract could boost hormones, immune and antioxidant function, and gut health, improving their growth performance. Hence, CNE was a promising poultry feed additive, with 500 mg/kg appearing to be the optimal dose. Full article

Protein posttranslational modifications are important factors that mediate the fine regulation of signaling molecules. O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine-modification (O-GlcNAcylation) is a monosaccharide modification on N-acetylglucosamine linked to the hydroxyl terminus of serine and threonine of proteins. O-GlcNAcylation is responsive to cellular stress as a reversible and posttranslational modification of nuclear, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic proteins. Mitochondrial proteins are the main targets of O-GlcNAcylation and O-GlcNAcylation is a key regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis by directly regulating the mitochondrial proteome or protein activity and function. Disruption of O-GlcNAcylation is closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. More importantly, the O-GlcNAcylation of cardiac proteins has been proven to be protective or harmful to cardiac function. Mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for cardiac contractile function and myocardial cell metabolism, and the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this review, we will focus on the interactions between protein O-GlcNAcylation and mitochondrial homeostasis and provide insights on the role of mitochondrial protein O-GlcNAcylation in CVDs. Full article

Autographics illustrating refugee and migrant experiences are frequently published, proof of the power of comics to engage with representations of trauma and vulnerability. Thi Bui’s graphic memoir The Best We Could Do tells the story of the author and her family as “boat people”, before and after migrating from Việt Nam to the US in the so-called second “wave” of refugees (1978–1980). If, as Judith Butler argues, vulnerable lives are more grievable when exposed and acknowledged, then self-representation of vulnerable lives might offer a site of resistance against precarity. Thi Bui’s graphic memoir is no exception, since she deals with common themes in Vietnamese American literature such as PTSD, inherited family trauma or everyday bordering, inscribing herself and her family in the counterhistory of the US regarding the Vietnam War, while also addressing themes and motifs recurrent in Asian American comics. The author follows a thematic concern present in Vietnamese American narratives, which tends to present the refugee experience from a heroic perspective, but this is limited and antagonised by Bui’s personal story, who feels estranged from her parents, their past in Việt Nam and the war. As this article shows, the recording and commemoration of her parents’ memories help her to identify with the family legacy of heroic vulnerability in her role as a mother. Full article

In this study, to investigate the problem of contact fatigue and the damage mechanism of an AD180 high-carbon semi-steel roll, rolling contact fatigue tests were conducted using specimens cut from the periphery of a roll ring. These specimens were characterized under different contact stresses using SEM, a profile system, an optical microscope, and a Vickers hardness tester. The results indicates that the main forms of fatigue damage of an AD180 high-carbon semi-steel roll are peeling, pitting corrosion, and plowing. Moreover, the surface of the roll exhibits delamination and plastic deformation characteristics under high contact stress. Meanwhile, the size and depth of peeling, as well as the amount of pitting corrosion, increase with the contact stress. Peeling is mainly caused by a crack that originates at the edge of the specimen surface and propagates along the pearlite structure and the interface between pearlite and cementite. High contact stress can lead to an increase in the crack propagation depth and angle, resulting in the formation of larger peeling. Under cyclic loading, the near-surface microstructure of the specimen hardens due to grain refinement and dislocation strengthening, and the depth of the hardened layer increases with the increase in contact stress. When the contact stress reaches 1400 MPa, the near surface structure of the specimen changes from pearlite to troostite. Full article

The effect of 0.2%Cr addition on the structure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of the novel cast and wrought Al-2.5Zn-2.5Mg-2.5Cu-0.2Zr-Er(Y) alloys were investigated in detail. Chromium is distributed between primary crystals (5.7–6.8%) of the intermetallic phase and the aluminum solid solution (0.2%) (Al). The primary crystals contain for the main part Cr, Ti, Er(Y). The experimental phase composition is in good correlation with the thermodynamic computation data. The micron-sized solidification origin phases (Al₈Cu₄Er(or Y) and Mg₂Si) and supersaturated (Al) with nano-sized Al₃(Zr,Ti) and E (Al₁₈Mg₃Cr₂) precipitates are presented in the microstructure of the novel alloys after solution treatment. The nucleation of η (MgZn₂) (0.5%), S (Al₂CuMg) (0.4%), and T (Al,Zn,Mg,Cu) (8.8%) phase precipitates at 180 °С, providing the achievement of a maximum hardness of 135 HV in the Al2.5Zn2.5Mg2.5CuYCr alloy. The corrosion potential of the novel alloy is similar to the E_cor of the referenced alloy, but the corrosion current density (0.68–0.98 µA/sm²) is still significantly lower due to the formation of E (Al₁₈Mg₃Cr₂) precipitates and S phase precipitates of the aging origin, in addition to the T phase. The formation of E (Al₁₈Mg₃Cr₂) precipitates under the solution treatment provides a lower proportion of recrystallized grains (2.5–5% vs. 22.4–25.1%) and higher hardness (110 HV vs. 85–95 HV) in the Cr-rich alloys compared to the referenced alloys. Solution treated, hot and cold rolled, recrystallized, water quenched and aged at 210 °С alloys demonstrate an excellent microstructure stability and tensile properties: YS = 299–300 MPa, UTS = 406–414 MPa, and El. = 9–12.3%. Full article

The concept of active aging has become central to the public debate in many Western countries, given the increasing aging of the population and the future challenges associated with it. This phenomenon is tightly intertwined with choices regarding the retirement period, which can be postponed for different reasons by individuals in a society. The purpose of this paper is to understand the personal and family characteristics that influence future choices about retirement date in Italy. Utilizing data provided by the Bank of Italy in the Survey on Household Income and Wealth (SHIW), a logistic regression is performed to observe the impact of different covariates on the hypothesized retirement date of individuals close to retirement, i.e., over the age of 50 who are still in working status. The results show that the decision to delay retirement has increased in recent years, and is influenced by personal (e.g., matrimonial status), work, and economic factors. In addition, these factors have different impacts between males and females. Full article

Microorganisms are key players in the global biogeochemical sulfur cycle. Among them, some have garnered particular attention due to their electrical activity and ability to perform extracellular electron transfer. A growing body of research has highlighted their extensive phylogenetic and metabolic diversity, revealing their crucial roles in ecological processes. In this review, we delve into the electron transfer process between sulfate-reducing bacteria and anaerobic alkane-oxidizing archaea, which facilitates growth within syntrophic communities. Furthermore, we review the phenomenon of long-distance electron transfer and potential extracellular electron transfer in multicellular filamentous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. These bacteria, with their vast application prospects and ecological significance, play a pivotal role in various ecological processes. Subsequently, we discuss the important role of the pili/cytochrome for electron transfer and presented cutting-edge approaches for exploring and studying electroactive microorganisms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of electroactive microorganisms participating in the biogeochemical sulfur cycle. By examining their electron transfer mechanisms, and the potential ecological and applied implications, we offer novel insights into microbial sulfur metabolism, thereby advancing applications in the development of sustainable bioelectronics materials and bioremediation technologies. Full article

There is evidence for a particular relationship between low-grade inflammation (LGI) and intermittent hypoxia (IH) related to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). However, despite the potential deleterious cardiovascular consequences associated with this LGI in hypertensive patients, few studies have investigated the impact of IH related to OSAS on CRP levels in this subpopulation. In total, 1404 hypertensive patients were selected retrospectively from the Sleep Laboratory database. CRP levels ≥3 mg/L but <10 mg/L were used as cut-offs to identify hypertensive patients with LGI. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the risk of LGI associated with IH related to OSAS in hypertensive patients. LGI was frequent (33.8%) in hypertensive patients. After adjustment for confounders, multivariate logistic regressions revealed that only moderate to severe OSAS (apnoea–hypopnoea index ≥ 15/h) with high IH (oxygen desaturation index ≥ 15/h) [OR 1.51 (95% CI 1.06–2.14)] was significantly associated with LGI in hypertensive patients (p-value = 0.045). Consistent with our hypothesis, our results demonstrated the existence of a particular subtype of hypertensive patients at high cardiovascular risk characterised by the presence of LGI induced by IH hypoxia related to moderate to severe OSAS, which justifies the establishment of adequate management of this pathology to allow better cardiovascular prevention in this subpopulation. Full article

Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection was revolutionary because it provided a mechanism by which variation could be selected. This mechanism can only operate on living systems and thus cannot be applied to the origin of life. Here, we propose a viable alternative mechanism for prebiotic systems: autocatalytic selection, in which molecules catalyze reactions and processes that lead to increases in their concentration. Crucially, this provides a driver for increases in concentrations of molecules to a level that permits prebiotic metabolism. We show how this can produce high levels of amino acids, sugar phosphates, nucleotides and lipids and then lead on to polymers. Our outline is supported by a set of guidelines to support the identification of the most likely prebiotic routes. Most of the steps in this pathway are already supported by experimental results. These proposals generate a coherent and viable set of pathways that run from established Hadean geochemistry to the beginning of life. Full article

There is a huge reservation of loess in the Shanxi mining area in China, which has great potential for preparing supplementary cementitious materials. Loess was modified via mechanical and thermal activation, and the pozzolanic activity was evaluated using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Moreover, the workability of grouting materials prepared using modified loess was assessed. The experimental results revealed that the number of ultrafine particles gradually increased with the grinding time, enhancing the grouting performance. The coordination number of Al decreased upon the breakage of the Al–O–Si bond post-calcination at 400 °C, 550 °C, 700 °C, and 850 °C. Moreover, the breaking of the Si–O covalent bond produced Si-phases, and the pozzolanic activity of loess increased. Furthermore, the modified loess was hydrated with different cement proportions. With increasing grinding time, the overall setting time increased until the longest time of 14.5 h and the fluidity of the slurry decreased until the lowest fluidity of 9.7 cm. However, the fluidity and setting time decreased with increasing calcination temperature. The lowest values were 12.03 cm and 10.05 h. With the increase in pozzolanic activity, more ettringite was produced via hydration, which enhanced the mechanical properties. The maximum strength of the hydrated loess after grinding for 20 min reached 16.5 MPa. The strength of the hydrated loess calcined at 850 °C reached 21 MPa. These experimental findings provide theoretical support for the practical application of loess in grouting. Full article

Megalithism in Sardinia (Italy) had its highest expression during the Bronze Age with the creation of monumental complexes known as Nuraghes. These unique monuments have recently been the subject of in-depth investigations for their potential to be recognized as World Heritage Sites (by UNESCO). The main purpose of our research was to make a contribution to obtain a more in-depth characterization of these monuments by testing a 3D model of a complex Nuraghe, integrated with an analysis of the geolithological context. This work first focused on the geological and typological investigation of the materials used in its construction, which was then compared with the geolithological characteristics of the region. A survey of the outcropping remains was carried out by means of Structure-from-Motion Multi-View Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry with UAV ground and aerial acquisition using APS-C photo sensors, georeferenced with an RTK-GNSS ground survey. The level of accuracy of our digital models shows the potential of the proposed method, giving accurate and geometrically consistent 3D reconstructions in terms of georeferencing error, shape and surface. The survey method allows for the virtualization of the current state of conservation of the Nuraghe, giving a solid basis to set up further (future) archaeological excavations and to contribute to knowledge on the architecture of the structures. This study also provides useful information on the nature and origin of the construction materials and proposes a hypothesis on the original dimensions of the monument, which is often a topic of debate in the world of archaeology. Full article

Cayley and nilpotent graphs arise from the interaction between graph theory and algebra and are used to visualize the structures of some algebraic objects as groups and commutative rings. On the other hand, Green and Schroll introduced Brauer graph algebras and Brauer configuration algebras to investigate the algebras of tame and wild representation types. An appropriated system of multisets (called a Brauer configuration) induces these algebras via a suitable bounded quiver (or bounded directed graph), and the combinatorial properties of such multisets describe corresponding indecomposable projective modules, the dimensions of the algebras and their centers. Undirected graphs are examples of Brauer configuration messages, and the description of the related data for their induced Brauer configuration algebras is said to be the Brauer analysis of the graph. This paper gives closed formulas for the dimensions of Brauer configuration algebras (and their centers) induced by Cayley and nilpotent graphs defined by some finite groups and finite commutative rings. These procedures allow us to give examples of Hamiltonian digraph constructions based on Cayley graphs. As an application, some quantum entangled states (e.g., Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger and Dicke states) are described and analyzed as suitable Brauer messages. Full article

The predominant approach for studying volatility is through various GARCH specifications, which are widely utilized in model-based analyses. This study focuses on assessing the predictive performance of specific GARCH models, particularly the Markov-Switching GARCH (MS-GARCH). The primary objective is to determine the optimal number of regimes within the MS-GARCH framework that effectively captures the conditional variance of the Muscat Securities Market Index (MSMI). To achieve this, we employ the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) to compare different MS-GARCH models, estimated via Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE). Our findings indicate that the chosen models consistently exhibit at least two regimes across various GARCH specifications. Furthermore, a validation using the Value at Risk (VaR) confirms the accuracy of volatility forecasts generated by the selected models. Full article

A geometric approach to the integrability and reduction of dynamical systems, both when dealing with systems of differential equations and in classical physics, is developed from a modern perspective. The main ingredients of this analysis are infinitesimal symmetries and tensor fields that are invariant under the given dynamics. A particular emphasis is placed on the existence of alternative invariant volume forms and the associated Jacobi multiplier theory, and then the Hojman symmetry theory is developed as a complement to the Noether theorem and non-Noether constants of motion. We also recall the geometric approach to Sundman infinitesimal time-reparametrisation for autonomous systems of first-order differential equations and some of its applications to integrability, and an analysis of how to define Sundman transformations for autonomous systems of second-order differential equations is proposed, which shows the necessity of considering alternative tangent bundle structures. A short description of alternative tangent structures is provided, and an application to integrability, namely, the linearisability of scalar second-order differential equations under generalised Sundman transformations, is developed. Full article

The algorithms for determining the active space object maneuver parameters in the conditions of near-circular orbits are presented in the paper. The right ascension and declination angles are used to determine the parameters of a single maneuver with transversal and lateral components (the application moment and the velocity impulse magnitude). Two pairs of angles are used to determine the parameters of the maneuver with only a lateral component. Two pairs of angles are needed for the determination of the parameters of the long-duration maneuver performed by a low-thrust engine (moments of the maneuver start and finish, and components of the acceleration delivered by the engine). The essential detail that makes it possible to determine the parameters of long-duration maneuvers is their symmetry relative to the center of the engine operating interval. Considerable perturbing accelerations, which are not accounted for by traditional perturbing models, affect passive objects, especially membranous objects with a big and variable area-to-mass ratio. This decreases dramatically the accuracy of these objects’ motion propagation. In this paper, the magnitude of perturbing acceleration is determined with the assumption that it is constant and is active throughout the whole time interval from the moment of the last orbit determination to the moment of the new measurement used. Examples of the assessment of maneuvers performed by an object in the geostationary orbit are presented. Full article

The beam position is the most important reference basis for the operation of synchrotron radiation light sources, particularly for commissioning the first-turn injection of fourth-generation light sources. To improve the accuracy of the beam position measurement, we analyzed methods for calculating the beam position, and a finite element calculation and the stretched wire calibration system were used to demonstrate the procedure. We proved the relationship between the coverage range, fitting order, scanning step size, and accuracy both theoretically and experimentally, which can provide a basis for selecting the appropriate fitting order for different operation stages of the accelerator. It was proved that the accuracy of beam position calculations using simplified polynomial coefficients is comparable to those without a simplified one, which can save resources for reading electronic processing. The testing results of a batch of beam position monitors (BPMs) were in good agreement with the finite element calculation results, and the small difference between the manufactured BPMs also proved that quality control was performed well, and it benefited from button sorting. Full article

Resource curse and environmental regulation are the key bottlenecks that hinder the sustainable development of the resource industry. A reasonable assessment of the decoupling relationship between resource supply, environment regulation and resource industry transformation is helpful to promote the decision-making of industrial restructuring in post-development regions. Taking Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China as the research object, panel data related to resources, environment and industry from 2010 to 2021 are selected to evaluate the spatial and temporal evolution of regional resource supply security, environmental regulatory pressure and resource industry transformation efficiency, measure the decoupling index among the factors, and use geographic detector technology to identify the constraints affecting factor decoupling. The results show the following: (1) the resource curse effect of Inner Mongolia is not significant, and some resource industries have prominent advantages; (2) the security of resource supply and the transformation efficiency of the resource industry show overall upward trend, the pressure of environmental regulation is basically balanced, and the development level of factors in resource-endowed regions and central cities is relatively high; (3) the spatial and temporal evolution of the decoupling relationship between resource supply, environmental regulation and resource industry transformation is uncertain, and the resilience of regional economic and social governance is poor; (4) resource endowment and resource industry advantages are the key that restricts the decoupling of factors, and the cumulative effect of ecological governance is likely to lead to the randomness of the decoupling of environmental regulation and resource industry transformation. In addition, this study suggests that the post-development areas should pay attention to the classification of resource industry relief, trans-regional economic and social collaborative governance and special resources exploitation. Full article