Integration Of Elements Research Articles

Detection and classification of the integrative conjugative elements of Lactococcus lactis

Lactococcus lactis is widely applied by the dairy industry for the fermentation of milk into products such as cheese. Adaptation of L. lactis to the dairy environment often depends on functions encoded by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as plasmids. Other L. lactis MGEs that contribute to industrially relevant traits like antimicrobial production and carbohydrate utilization capacities belong to the integrative conjugative elements (ICE). Here we investigate the prevalence of ICEs in L. lactis using an automated search engine that detects colocalized, ICE-associated core-functions (involved in conjugation or mobilization) in lactococcal genomes. This approach enabled the detection of 36 candidate-ICEs in 69 L. lactis genomes. By phylogenetic analysis of conserved protein functions encoded in all lactococcal ICEs, these 36 ICEs could be classified in three main ICE-families that encompass 7 distinguishable ICE-integrases and are characterized by apparent modular-exchangeability and plasticity. Finally, we demonstrate that phylogenetic analysis of the conjugation-associated VirB4 ATPase function differentiates ICE- and plasmid-derived conjugation systems, indicating that conjugal transfer of lactococcal ICEs and plasmids involves genetically distinct machineries. Our genomic analysis and sequence-based classification of lactococcal ICEs creates a comprehensive overview of the conserved functional repertoires encoded by this family of MGEs in L. lactis, which can facilitate the future exploitation of the functional traits they encode by ICE mobilization to appropriate starter culture strains.

STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE CORPORATE ENTERPRISE'S INTEGRATIVE DEVELOPMENT

This article is dedicated to the systematization of theoretical positions and the development of approaches concerning the strategic planning of integrative development for corporate enterprises. It identifies the role and place of integrative strategy (as a set of strategic decisions determining the type and depth of interaction between the enterprise and other business entities or their associations) within the strategic planning system of corporate development. It establishes that the main provisions of the integrative strategy of a corporate enterprise should stem from and be fully aligned with other aspects of strategic development planning. The formation of an integrative strategy for a corporate enterprise is proven to be an integral element in reducing uncertainty and risks during the processes of integrative-type development. This paper substantiates the approach to the sequence of forming an integrative strategy for a corporate enterprise and defines the nature of strategic decisions, which play a pivotal role in ensuring further sustainable development of the business through the implementation of integrative interaction projects (entry into new markets; achieving a monopolistic position in the market; obtaining economies of scale; necessity for complementing or improving existing technologies; cost savings on expensive product development and creation; reduction of costs through the expansion of the supplier or distribution network; need to reduce risks). It establishes the prerequisites for justifying strategic plans for integrative processes, which include the following elements: a complex of desired qualitative and quantitative parameters of the corporate enterprise, the achievement of which is the goal of the overall corporate strategy; principles, rules, and norms for aligning the interests of participants in integrative processes; methods and forms of regulation predominantly used in the implementation of an integrative strategy; principles, rules, and norms for selecting sources of financing for integrative development; principles, rules, and standards for determining partners to form a corporate integrative association. Keywords: integration, integrative strategy, integrative development, corporate enterprise, strategic planning, corporate integrative association.

The Ethics of (Generative) AI

Abstract The clamor for AI-based applications involving generative models for text and images has fueled wild speculation about the risks and opportunities for society and humanity at large. The potential “existential” threat as a precursor to artificial general intelligence has provoked wide-ranging debates in the public, politics, and the corporate world involving technologists and ethicists from a range of academic disciplines. This thinkpiece proposes a metaperspective to reflect critically and constructively upon the current state of the field of AI ethics, arguing that scholars working in the domain of ethics should focalize conceptual, substantive, and procedural issues as integral elements of an ethical assessment of given technologies and their applications. It suggests that the ethics of generative AI is conceptually still underexplored and overly propagating technological fixes to problems of all kinds (technosolutionism). Procedurally, it needs to be clarified who can, who ought to, and who ultimately will be considered and heard as an expert on AI ethics, a question of relevance for the trust in, and reliance on, AI.

CONSUMERS’ OPINIONS ON THE USEFULNESS, UNDERSTANDABILITY, AND RELIABILITY OF PRODUCT CLAIMS ON NATURAL COSMETICS PACKAGING

Packaging and its integral elements can be among the carriers of product claims, which often encourage consumers to purchase cosmetics, and many make purchasing decisions based on them. There is, therefore, a tendency to put an increasing number of claims on packaging; these, according to requirements, should be useful, understandable, and reliable. This article aims to determine the importance of information placed on packaging during the purchase of natural cosmetics in comparison with other packaging elements, and to assess the usefulness, understandability, and reliability of selected groups of product claims placed on natural cosmetics packaging. The results confirm that the information placed on the packaging of natural cosmetics is an important element to which consumers pay attention. The most useful, understandable, and reliable claims are performance claims, ingredient-related claims, and environmental claims.

Impact of Collaborative Learning on Student`s Academic Performance in Teacher’s Education Program

Creating a classroom environment for learners to participate actively and engage is an integral element of a comprehensive educational initiative for actively learning students in higher education institutions. Students collaborate to attain goals through collaborative learning. The idea behind collaborative learning is that students may help each other learn and build a deeper comprehension of the subject matter by working together. The study examines the influence of collaborative learning on the academic performance of students at B.Ed. Levels focusing on social factors such as interaction with peers, interaction with teachers, and social media usage influence CL and collaborative learning to improve the student's academic performance. Social constructivism theory was used to observe student performance. Data have been collected through questionnaires from four private universities. Findings were evaluated through SPSS version 22; the composite reliability of the instrument was measured as α=0.954. The results of the regression analysis confirmed and accepted all three hypotheses. It can be concluded that all three independent variables - student interaction with peers, interaction with teachers, and social media use- positively impact collaborative learning and help students improve their academic performance and achieve their goals. The results of this study suggest that collaborative learning is an effective approach to enhancing academic Performance in higher education (B.Ed. Honors) and that social factors play an important role in promoting collaboration among students. The findings have implications for teaching and learning practices in higher education, where collaborative learning may be especially beneficial. Overall, this research highlights the importance of collaborative learning in promoting academic development in students.

Coexistence of a novel chromosomal integrative and mobilizable element Tn7548 with two blaKPC-2-carrying plasmids in a multidrug-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila strain K522 from China

Herein, we detected one multidrug-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila strain K522 co-carrying two blaKPC-2 genes together with a novel chromosomal integrative and mobilizable element (IME) Tn7548 from China. To reveal the genetic characteristics of the novel reservoir of blaKPC-2 and IME in Aeromonas, a detailed genomic characterization of K522 was performed, and a phylogenetic analysis of Tn7412-related IMEs was carried out. Carbapenemases were detected by using the immunocolloidal gold technique and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by using VITEK 2. The whole-genome sequences of K522 were analysed using phylogenetics, detailed dissection, and comparison. Strain K522 carried a Tn7412-related chromosomal IME Tn7548 and three resistance plasmids pK522-A-KPC, pK522-B-KPC, and pK522-MOX. A phylogenetic tree of 82 Tn7412-related IMEs was constructed, and five families of IMEs were divided. These IMEs shared four key backbone genes: int, repC, and hipAB, and carried various profiles of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). pK522-A-KPC and pK522-B-KPC carried blaKPC-2 and belonged to IncG and unclassified type plasmid, respectively. The blaKPC-2 regions of these two plasmids were the truncated version derived from Tn6296, resulting in the carbapenem resistance of K522. We first reported A. hydrophila harbouring a novel Tn7412-related IME Tn7548 together with two blaKPC-2 carrying plasmids and a MDR plasmid. Three of these four mobile genetic elements (MGEs) discovered in A. hydrophila K522 were novel. The emergence of novel MGEs carrying ARGs indicated the rapid evolution of the resistance gene vectors in A. hydrophila under selection pressure and would contribute to the further dissemination of various ARGs in Aeromonas.

Whole-genome sequence and resistance determinants of four Elizabethkingia anophelis clinical isolates collected in Hanoi, Vietnam

Four isolates of the opportunistic pathogen Elizabethkingia anophelis were identified for the first time in a Vietnamese hospital and underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genomic characterization by whole-genome sequencing. Complete, fully circularized genome sequences were obtained for all four isolates. Average Nucleotide Identity analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism phylogenetic analysis on the core genome showed that three of the four isolates were genetically distinct, ruling out the hypothesis of a single strain emergence. Antibiotic susceptibility testing highlighted multi-resistant phenotypes against most antimicrobial families, including beta-lactams, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, quinolones, macrolides, amphenicols, rifamycins and glycopeptides. Additionally, in silico genomic analysis was used to correlate the phenotypic susceptibility to putative resistance determinants, including resistance genes, point mutations and multidrug efflux pumps. Nine different resistance genes were located inside a single resistance pocket predicted to be a putative Integrative and Conjugative Element (ICE). This novel ICE was shared by three isolates from two different lineages and displayed similarity with ICEs previously reported in various Elizabethkingia and Chryseobacterium species. The role of such ICEs in pathogenicity, genome plasticity and antimicrobial resistance gene spread within the Flavobacteriaceae family needs to be further elucidated.

Legal security of digital transformation in Ukraine

The article presents a theoretical and legal analysis of the legal support of the process of digital transformation in Ukraine, which is an integral element of digitalization of all spheres of social life and a requirement of modernity.
 It was established that the formation of a digital state should be recognized as an activity aimed at systematically improving the legal basis of the organization and functioning of public authorities, with the aim of simplifying the system of public administration and significantly increasing its efficiency.
 It is emphasized that digitalization is not limited to the exclusive use of technologies; it is characterized by a change in culture integrated into all spheres of human activity.
 It has been established that legal provision in the context of digital technologies and digital transformation in Ukraine is a state-legal process. The types and range of documents constituting legal support for digital transformation in Ukraine are outlined. Issues of digital technologies that affect not only the law, but are directly reflected in the rule-making and law-enforcement processes are considered. It was determined that modern legal studies of the legal support of the use of digital technologies in the conditions of the transformation of society are usually determined unsystematically and superficially.
 Urgent issues of legal support of strategic national priority areas of information society development in Ukraine and digital transformation were raised.
 It was found that the need for effective regulation of legal relations regarding the management and application of digital technologies in the conditions of the transformation of society requires a clear solution to many practical and theoretical problems, as well as appropriate regulatory and legal support.

Improving normative drafting techniques in the field of state regulatory policy in the context of enhancing the effectiveness of the legal regime stimulating economic activities

It is argued that the future model of legal regulation of economic relations using a complex of stimulating legal means is laid down precisely by the regulatory act. It is proven that the effectiveness of organizing and conducting regulatory activities determines the degree of effectiveness of the stimulating legal regime of economic activity. It has been established that despite the obvious purpose of both regulatory and legislative activities to achieve increased efficiency of legal regulation of certain groups of social relations, choosing a less economically costly method of legal influence is a particular feature of regulatory activities. Cases have been identified where the state, using various legal techniques, excludes from the scope of the Law of Ukraine “On the Principles of State Regulatory Policy in the Field of Economic Activity” groups of social relations regulated by a system of legal norms, which is an integral element of the stimulating legal regime of economic activity. It is asserted that the legal techniques chosen by the state do not always correspond to the legal certainty, the “quality of the law”, which constitutes the essence of the rule of law principle, nullifying the purpose of legal regulation of social relations in a predictable manner. It has been established that the exclusion from the scope of the Law of Ukraine “On the Principles of State Regulatory Policy in the Field of Economic Activity” of a significant range of social relations has created conditions for the preparation of most regulatory legal acts, including those defining the principles of implementation of the stimulating legal regime of economic activity, circumventing the requirements imposed on regulatory activities. The provision on the expediency of bringing the legal techniques for determining the scope of application of the Law of Ukraine “On the Principles of State Regulatory Policy in the Field of Economic Activity” in line with the principles of normative drafting techniques embodied in the Law of Ukraine “On Legislative Activity” is substantiated. The provision regarding the inclusion in Article 3 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Principles of State Regulatory Policy in the Field of Economic Activity” of the norm that exceptions from the scope of this Law are made only by amending this Law is substantiated.

Dynamics-driven allosteric stimulation of diguanylate cyclase activity in a red light-regulated phytochrome

Sensor-effector proteins integrate information from different stimuli and transform this into cellular responses. Some sensory domains, like red-light responsive bacteriophytochromes, show a remarkable modularity regulating a variety of effectors. One effector domain is the GGDEF diguanylate cyclase catalysing the formation of the bacterial second messenger cyclic-dimeric-guanosine monophosphate. While critical signal integration elements have been described for different phytochromes, a generalized understanding of signal processing and communication over large distances, roughly 100 Angstrom in phytochrome diguanylate cyclases, is missing. Here we show that dynamics-driven allostery is key to understanding signal integration on a molecular level. We generated protein variants stabilized in their far-red-absorbing Pfr state and demonstrate by analysis of conformational dynamics using hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry that single amino acid replacements are accompanied by altered dynamics of functional elements throughout the protein. We show that the conformational dynamics correlate with the enzymatic activity of these variants, explaining also the increased activity of a non-photochromic variant. In addition, we demonstrate the functional importance of mixed Pfr/intermediate state dimers using a fast-reverting variant that still enables wild-type-like fold-changes of enzymatic stimulation by red light. This supports the functional role of single protomer activation in phytochromes, a property that might correlate with the non-canonical mixed Pfr/intermediate-state spectra observed for many phytochrome systems. We anticipate our results to stimulate research in the direction of dynamics-driven allosteric regulation of different bacteriophytochrome-based sensor-effectors. This will eventually impact design strategies for the creation of novel sensor-effector systems for enriching the optogenetic toolbox.

A phenomenological study on psychological resilience of aircraft rescue and fire fighting professionals

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the specific aspects of psychological resilience among ARFF professionals. Utilizing a qualitative approach and collecting data from 11 ARFF professionals using semi-structured interviews, this study delves into an exploration of factors that contribute to psychological resilience among Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel stationed at State Airports, a group operating under emergency circumstances within the aviation industry. The investigation reveals three overarching themes: micro-level personal factors, meso-level organizational factors, and macro-level environmental/societal factors. Key findings reveal that micro-level personal factors, including personality traits and individual coping mechanisms, significantly influence ARFF professionals’ psychological resilience. Encompassing leadership quality and team dynamics, meso-level organizational factors have emerged as crucial contributors to resilience. Finally, macro-level environmental/societal factors, such as social support networks and the broader emergency preparedness context, have been identified as integral elements shaping psychological resilience. This qualitative approach, designed to capture the nuanced experiences and perceptions of ARFF professionals through a multi-level exploration of psychological resilience, extends its implications to the realms of aviation and emergency response. Micro-level considerations illuminate the significance of human resources-related decisions, such as recruitment and training, in fortifying ARFF professionals’ resilience. Meso-level considerations provide evidence for the impactful role of leadership and effective safety measures in promoting resilience. Macro-level considerations underscore the importance of environmental design and spillover effects, such as family support, in shaping resilience. An understanding of the factors that contribute to psychological resilience may be directly transferable to the creation of support mechanisms and targeted interventions and may also be directly transferable to assist emergency response teams in the aviation sector.

VIM-type metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-encoding genomic islands in Pseudomonas spp. in Poland: predominance of clc-like integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs).

To characterize VIM-type metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-encoding genomic islands (GIs) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. putida group isolates from Polish hospitals from 2001-2015/16. Twelve P. aeruginosa and 20 P. putida group isolates producing VIM-like MBLs were selected from a large collection of these based on epidemiological and typing data. The organisms represented all major epidemic genotypes of these species spread in Poland with chromosomally located blaVIM gene-carrying integrons. The previously determined short-read sequences were complemented by long-read sequencing in this study. The comparative structural analysis of the GIs used a variety of bioinformatic tools. Thirty different GIs with blaVIM integrons were identified in the 32 isolates, of which 24 GIs from 26 isolates were integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) of the clc family. These in turn were dominated by 21 variants of the GI2/ICE6441 subfamily with a total of 19 VIM integrons, each inserted in the same position within the ICE's Tn21-like transposon Tn4380. The three other ICEs formed a novel ICE6705 subfamily, lacking Tn4380 and having different VIM integrons located in another site of the elements. The remaining six non-ICE GIs represented miscellaneous structures. The presence of various integrons in the same ICE sublineage, and of the same integron in different GIs, indicated circulation and recombination of the integron-carrying genetic platforms across Pseudomonas species/genotypes. Despite the general diversity of the blaVIM-carrying GIs in Pseudomonas spp. in Poland, a clear predominance of broadly spread and rapidly evolving clc-type ICEs was documented, confirming their significant role in antimicrobial resistance epidemiology.

Machine Learning Prediction Techniques in the Optimization of Diagnostic Laboratories’ Network Operations

The article presents an outline of the concept of a prototype system allowing for the optimization of inventory management in a diagnostic laboratory on the basis of patients results. The effectiveness of laboratory diagnostics depends largely on the appropriate management of resources and the quality of tests. A functional quality management system is an integral element of every diagnostic laboratory, ensuring reliability and appropriate work standards. This system includes maintaining correct and reliable analytical test results as well as the optimal use of the laboratory equipment’s processing capacity and the appropriate organization of the supply chain—both analytical material and reagents. It is extremely important to avoid situations in which tests cannot be performed due to a lack of reagents, the overloading of analyzers, or improper calibration. Therefore, the accurate prediction of the number of orders is crucial to optimize the laboratory’s operations, both in the short term—for the next few hours and minutes—and in the longer term, even monthly, which will allow for the appropriate planning of reagent stock. As part of the research presented in this article, machine learning methods were used to implement the above functionalities, which allowed for the development of a prototype of a laboratory optimization system using patient test results as a basis.

Legal Challenges in Managing Intellectual Property Rights in Business Information Systems

With the advancement of information technology, business information systems have become integral elements in business operations across various sectors. However, the use of this technology also brings new challenges in managing intellectual property rights, including the protection of copyrights, patents, trademarks, and others. This research aims to analyze the legal challenges in managing intellectual property rights in business information systems through the perspective of Law No. 11 of 2008 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions in Indonesia. The method used in this research is a qualitative literature review, drawing data from Google Scholar for the period from 2009 to 2024. The qualitative approach in the literature review allows researchers to understand the complex and diverse phenomena related to the research topic. The results of the study indicate that the management of intellectual property rights (IPR) in business information systems in Indonesia faces complex legal challenges. Although Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law) provides a framework, its implementation often leads to uncertainty and challenges in IPR protection. One of the main challenges is the clarity and legal certainty in the digital environment, as well as consistent law enforcement against IPR violations. Thus, there is a need to enhance cooperation between the government, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to improve law enforcement related to IPR in business information systems.

Russia’s War on Ukraine, the EU, and Its Eastern Neighborhood: Layers of Liminality

ABSTRACT This article uses the lens of liminality to explore the consequences and wider implications of the war in Ukraine for those states “in-between,” with a specific focus on Georgia and Moldova and their relations with the EU. It examines the different approaches that these two states have adopted in response to their spatial and temporal liminal condition: Georgia has focused on the discursive construction of a new identity, while Moldova has tended to focus on the process of becoming European, on the institutional elements of integration with the EU. War is also a liminal condition, an uncertain and transformative period; thus, the war in Ukraine adds a further layer of liminality to the EU’s eastern neighborhood, intensifying the ambiguity and contestation that can occur as Georgia and Moldova pursue recognition and acceptance of their European identity.

Rapid dissemination of host metabolism–manipulating genes via integrative and conjugative elements

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are self-transmissible mobile elements that transfer functional genetic units across broad phylogenetic distances. Accessory genes shuttled by ICEs can make significant contributions to bacterial fitness. Most ICEs characterized to date encode readily observable phenotypes contributing to symbiosis, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance, yet the majority of ICEs carry genes of unknown function. Recent observations of rapid acquisition of ICEs in a pandemic lineage of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidae led to investigation of the structural and functional diversity of these elements. Fifty-three unique ICE types were identified across the P. syringae species complex. Together they form a distinct family of ICEs (PsICEs) that share a distant relationship to ICEs found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PsICEs are defined by conserved backbone genes punctuated by an array of accessory cargo genes, are highly recombinogenic, and display distinct evolutionary histories compared to their bacterial hosts. The most common cargo is a recently disseminated 16-kb mobile genetic element designated Tn6212. Deletion of Tn6212 did not alter pathogen growth in planta, but mutants displayed fitness defects when grown on tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. RNA-seq analysis of a set of nested deletion mutants showed that a Tn6212-encoded LysR regulator has global effects on chromosomal gene expression. We show that Tn6212 responds to preferred carbon sources and manipulates bacterial metabolism to maximize growth.

Coexistence of blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1 in an IncHI5B plasmid harbored by tigecycline-non-susceptible Klebsiella variicola strain

BackgroundKlebsiella variicola is considered a newly emerging human pathogen. Clinical isolates of carbapenemase and broad-spectrum β-lactamase-producing K. variicola remain relatively uncommon. A strain of K. variicola 4253 was isolated from a clinical sample, and was identified to carry the blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1 genes. This study aims to discern its antibiotic resistance phenotype and genomic characteristics.MethodsSpecies identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF/MS. PCR identification confirmed the presence of the blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1 genes. Antibiotic resistance phenotype and genomic characteristics were detected by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing. Plasmid characterization was carried out through S1-PFGE, conjugation experiments, Southern blot, and comparative genomic analysis.ResultsK. variicola 4253 belonged to ST347, and demonstrated resistance to broad-spectrum β-lactamase drugs and tigecycline while being insensitive to imipenem and meropenem. The blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1 genes harbored on the plasmid p4253-imp. The replicon type of p4253-imp was identified as IncHI5B, representing a multidrug-resistant plasmid capable of horizontal transfer and mediating the dissemination of drug resistance. The blaIMP−4 gene was located on the In809-like integrative element (Intl1-blaIMP−4-aacA4-catB3), which circulates in Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriaceae.ConclusionsThis study reports the presence of a strain of K. variicola, which is insensitive to tigecycline, carrying a plasmid harboring blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1. It is highly likely that the strain acquired this plasmid through horizontal transfer. The blaIMP−4 array (Intl1-blaIMP−4-aacA4-catB3) is also mobile in Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriaceae. So it is essential to enhance clinical awareness and conduct epidemiological surveillance on multidrug-resistant K. variicola, conjugative plasmids carrying blaIMP−4, and the In809 integrative element.

Controlling the water: citizens’ place–related adaptation to landslides in mid-Norway

In light of an increasing frequency of climate change–related hazards such as landslides, climate adaptation is increasingly on the agenda of Norwegian municipalities. Nevertheless, municipalities face constraints in addressing these challenges, with smaller, remote municipalities being particularly susceptible. They often cover expansive geographical areas with high landslide risk, yet have limited financial resources, expertise, and personnel for climate adaptation. Consequently, the active involvement of citizens in adaptation plays an important role in these remote places. This paper investigates how citizens of three small remote communities deal with landslides, emphasizing the role of people–place relations in shaping adaptive practices. Grounded in assemblage theory, our analysis reveals that most citizens maintained a pragmatic relation to landslides, while only a few expressed concern. Regardless of the degree of concern, all citizens constructed landslides as integral element within their socio-material place assemblages, as part of their lives in the respective places. Furthermore, citizens developed various adaptive practices, including nature observation, reporting to authorities, and implementing practical preventive measures to control water that could trigger landslides. These practices are manifestations of socio-material assemblages that have evolved through citizens’ relations to their specific places. Importantly, irrespective of the level of concern regarding landslides, these practices were carried out as part of everyday life. Through these practices, enabled by experience-based, embodied, and often tacit local knowledge, citizens acted as community guardians. Thus, comprehensive people–place relations emerge as a pivotal factor for a community’s adaptative capacity in the face of climate change-induced hazards.

Reflective vortex focusing for acoustic contact-free object rotation

The use of acoustic vortex waves with angular momentum is a promising means of transferring mechanical torque to an object without making any physical contact. However, the existing passive-conversion vortex lenses are unable to produce strong acoustic radiation torque. To address this issue, we propose a flat reflector sculpted by spiral grooves. It reflects and converts incident waves into vortex-focusing waves that generate radiation torque. Compared with a transmission-type lens, a reflection-type vortex focusing plate exhibits superior functionality in converging sound waves and creating a stronger circular intensity flow. In this work, we analyze the vortex-focusing sound by Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integral theory and boundary element simulation, confirmed by experiments. The number, depth and direction of spiral grooves determine the topological charge, focusing intensity and torque direction, respectively. We evaluate the local and total acoustic radiation forces and torques, acting on small and large fixed spherical targets in the vortex-focusing beam. As a result, spinning a centimeter-size origami pinwheel several times larger than the wavelength at 40 kHz is realized without direct contact, by utilizing the enhanced acoustic radiation torque converged by the reflector. This technology enables efficient convergence of acoustic waves and simultaneous contactless transfer of mechanical torque to an object, thereby presenting potential applications in sound energy harvesting and wireless power supplies.

Factors Contributing to EFL Learners’ Construction of Arguments in Culturally Infused Discussions

This study describes the factors that enhanced students’ construction of arguments when participating in culturally infused discussions at an undergraduate English as a foreign language British Culture course. The research was conducted at a university in Northwestern Colombia. This paper presents a section of the results of a larger project whose objective is to identify the elements that aid participants in building and elaborating arguments in culturally infused discussions. Socratic questioning was an integral element of the discussions. To attain the purpose of this study, a qualitative single-case design was employed. Findings show that the factors facilitating the construction of arguments could potentially be peer scaffolding, previous knowledge, connection to participants’ reality, and curiosity and inquiry. This study makes important contributions to the field of critical thinking skills work in English as a foreign language setting, particularly argumentation, as it sheds light on relevant aspects to foster students’ collaborative argumentation.