Quantitative Perspective Research Articles

Distribution Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Main Hydrochemical Ions in Qingshui River

Qingshui River is a vital source for human life and industrial production in Zhangjiakou City. Determination of the formation mechanism of the main hydrochemical ions is important for the sustainable development and utilization of surface water resources in the Qingshui River. In view of this, 20 surface water samples were collected from the agricultural and urban reaches of the Qingshui River in July 2022. Based on the detection of hydrochemical ions and stable isotopes （δ2H-H2O and δ18O-H2O）, the hydrogeochemical methods, multivariate statistical analysis, and positive matrix factorization model （PMF） were used to comprehensively understand the chemical formation mechanism of surface water from qualitative to quantitative perspectives. The results showed that the average pH value in the Qingshui River was 8.66, indicating weakly alkaline water. The average concentrations of cations and anions decreased in the orders of Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ > NH4+ and HCO3- > SO42- > NO3- > Cl- > F- > NO2- in the river water, respectively. The main hydrochemical type was identified as HCO3-Ca·Mg water. For the natural background, surface water was mainly controlled by rock weathering and evaporation crystallization and rock weathering was identified as the primary driving factor. The main hydrochemical compositions in the Qingshui River were derived from the dissolution of carbonate rocks and silicate rocks. Regarding anthropogenic activities, the portions of river water in the agricultural reaches were mainly affected by the excessive application of chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, the concentration of NO3- （1.88-47.4 mg·L-1） exceeded the standard for drinking purposes （10 mg·L-1）. The concentration of F- （0.38-1.92 mg·L-1） was above the acceptable limit for drinking purposes （1.0 mg·L-1） in the southern urban reaches portion of the river water, which could have been attributed to the industrial sewage discharge. The obtained results from the PMF model showed that the hydrochemical compositions in the river water of agricultural reaches were mainly controlled by four factors, namely synthetic fertilizers （29.6%）, livestock manure （16.4%）, rock weathering （17.4%）, and natural geology （13.7%）, while hydrochemical compositions in the river water of urban reaches were mainly affected by the domestic pollutants （30.5%）, industrial discharges （20.1%）, natural geology （18.4%）, and rock weathering （16.7%）.

A New Parameter-Free Slope Unit Division Method That Integrates Terrain Factors

With increasing research on geological hazards and the development of geographic information technology, slope units play an increasingly important role in landslide susceptibility assessment and prevention work. The scientific and reasonable division of slope units directly impacts the accuracy and practicality of analysis results. Despite the significant progress in slope unit division techniques, most existing methods still have certain limitations, such as a strong dependence on manually set thresholds during the division process, resulting in low levels of automation and efficiency. To address this issue, a new parameter-free slope unit extraction algorithm that integrates terrain factors, called Terrain Factor Parameter-Free Slope Unit Division (TFPF-SU), is introduced. This eliminates the issue of manually setting parameter thresholds during the slope unit division process. This algorithm fully utilizes the terrain information provided by digital elevation models (DEMs) to accurately calculate the curvature, slope, and aspect data for each point. On the basis of the inherent consistency principles among slope, aspect, and curvature, object-oriented image segmentation technology is used to achieve slope unit division. We select Dongchuan District in Yunnan Province, China, as a test area to verify the TFPF-SU algorithm and conduct a detailed comparative analysis and validation of the results with those obtained via traditional hydrological analysis methods from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. In the quantitative analysis, we utilize the size and shape of the slope units. The results indicate the following: ① the slope units obtained with the TFPF-SU method are more uniform in size, avoiding issues with oversized or irregularly shaped units; ② the slope unit shapes obtained with the TFPF-SU method are more reasonable, with about 70% of the units falling within a reasonable shape index range, compared to only about 32% with the hydrological method; and ③ the slope units produced by the TFPF-SU method align more closely with terrain authenticity, exhibiting a higher degree of topographical conformity.

ESG “Greenwashing” Case Analysis

If companies want to achieve true green and sustainable development, they must spend a lot of money to transform and upgrade equipment and technology. However, given the current social sensitivity to ESG topics and investors' increased emphasis on "high quality" and "sustainable" development, if companies fail to achieve transformation breakthroughs in a timely manner, they are likely to lose a lot of economic benefits and have long-term negative impacts on product competitiveness and corporate image. This article selects Tesla as a specific negative case, comprehensively analyzes the specific process of "greenwashing" from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives, analyzes the defects of ESG itself, the profits brought by ESG and the profit-seeking nature of enterprises, and the shortcomings of Tesla itself in corporate governance, and analyzes the causes of Tesla's greenwashing behavior in 2022 and before based on financial fraud theories such as the iceberg theory and the GONE theory . The study found that Tesla, based on the shortcomings of the ESG evaluation mechanism and the company's internal strategic needs, carried out greenwashing through deliberate concealment, bad checks and other means, and suffered considerable negative economic consequences for a certain period of time after the facts were disclosed.

Anti- and pro-environmental disinformation. Fact-checking Spanish political parties’ discourse

Climate disinformation’s studies focus mainly on denialism or false discourses justifying inaction. However, pro-environmental disinformation is also possible, exaggerating climate change consequences or green policies benefits. Anti- and pro-environmental disinformation can negatively influence citizens’ political decision-making. The aim of this research is to analyze the disinformation coming from Spanish political actors, to check what issues they focus on and if there is an ideological bias in the dissemination of false information related to climate change and the environment. The investigation is based on verifications carried out by fact-checkers Newtral and Maldita on statements made by Spanish politicians. From a quantitative perspective, all fact-checks performed from October 2018 to March 2023 are analyzed (N = 1,415). The study covers a time frame of almost five years, which includes elections at European and national level. We classified each disinformation according to date, source, and topic, and we make a taxonomic proposal of environmental disinformation, be it anti- or pro-environmental action. We aim to find out what kind of environmental disinformation is used in Spain to cover the lack of studies in this field. Also to check the differences in the disinformation strategy of the parties, especially in the radical right. Results reveal for the first time the presence of pro-environmental disinformation. However, disinformation is mostly anti-environmental and occupies a low level within the disinformation strategy of the parties, which reflects the low interest in this issue. Findings show that denialism is on the decline. Instead, anti-environmentalism has become more pragmatic and prevails through inactivism. Conservative parties lead in environmental disinformation, although it is more frequent in the more moderate ones. There is also an increase in this type of disinformation before the European election, which suggests an instrumental use at the political level where the environment is perceived to be more relevant.

ScQA: A dual-perspective cell type identification model for single cell transcriptome data

Single-cell RNA sequencing technologies have been pivotal in advancing the development of algorithms for clustering heterogeneous cell populations. Existing methods for utilizing scRNA-seq data to identify cell types tend to neglect the beneficial impact of dropout events and perform clustering focusing solely on quantitative perspective. Here, we introduce a novel method named scQA, notable for its ability to concurrently identify cell types and cell type-specific key genes from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. In contrast to other methods, scQA not only identifies cell types but also extracts key genes associated with these cell types, enabling bidirectional clustering for scRNA-seq data. Through an iterative process, our approach aims to minimize the number of landmarks to approximately a dozen while maximizing the inclusion of quasi-trend-preserved genes with dropouts both qualitatively and quantitatively. It then clusters cells by employing an ingenious label propagation strategy, obviating the requirement for a predetermined number of cell types. Validated on 20 publicly available scRNA-seq datasets, scQA consistently outperforms other salient tools. Furthermore, we confirm the effectiveness and potential biological significance of the identified key genes through both external and internal validation. In conclusion, scQA emerges as a valuable tool for investigating cell heterogeneity due to its distinctive fusion of qualitative and quantitative facets, along with bidirectional clustering capabilities. Furthermore, it can be seamlessly integrated into border scRNA-seq analyses. The source codes are publicly available at https://github.com/LD-Lyndee/scQA.

Care-related Case Management and the experienced burden of informal caregivers: empirical study

Care-related Case Management and the experienced burden of informal caregivers: empirical study Abstract. Background: Informal caregivers are responsible for the majority of home care in Germany. Their experience of stress is becoming more and more relevant given the tense staffing situation in outpatient professional care in rural areas. Case management as an innovative approach to caring in peripheral areas also focuses on the burden experienced by informal caregivers. Aim: The question arises as to whether care-related case management can have a positive influence on the burden experienced by informal caregivers. Methods: In a mixed-method approach, the influence of case management on the experience of stress is analyzed quantitatively (N = 251) and qualitatively (N = 40) using a pre-post design with a control group. Group difference tests based on the HPS-scale and content analysis of the interviews are conducted. Results: The analyses suggest that case management can have a positive influence on the experience of burden. From a quantitative perspective, there was a stabilizing influence on the experience of burden in the intervention group, while burden increased in the control group. Qualitatively, there was an influence on subjective burden. In particular, the role of the case manager as a central contact person in matters regarding the care situation is relevant. Conclusions: By providing new resources and coping strategies, case management can effectively alleviate the burden experienced by informal caregivers.

Orthodontic debonding and enamel surface integrity. A systematic review of the literature

The aim of a debonding protocol is to ensure the complete removal of composite resin without altering the enamel surface. A systematic review was conducted to analyze the effects of resin removal after the debonding of orthodontic brackets using different mechanical instruments, from both a qualitative and quantitative perspectives. An electronic search, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted across three databases until March 2023, supplemented by a manual search. All controlled randomized studies or in vitro studies, comparing the removal of adhesive with tungsten carbide burs to other mechanical instrumentation techniques and assessing enamel surface, were included. Twenty-seven eligible articles were included, comprising two randomized studies and 25 in vitro studies, with varying bias levels. Compared to tungsten carbide burs, ultrasonic instruments and sandblasting showed similar or better results in terms of enamel loss and surface roughness. The enamel surface was equally less rough when using discs (Sof-Lex) or a fiberglass bur, or a fiberglass bur, although these techniques were time-consuming. The exclusive use of a diamond bur, stainless steel bur, or manual scaler for complete resin removal resulted in much rougher surfaces, clinically unacceptable. Preserving the enamel surface seems optimal with a two-phase protocol, involving the use of tungsten carbide burs for initial removal of most of the resin, followed by a less invasive technique for finishing resin removal. Beyond the findings of this review, a final polishing step also appears to be relevant.

Exploring the Views of Spanish Pre-Service Teachers on Phonics From a Quantitative Research Perspective

English is especially demanding for Spanish speakers due to the greater number of sounds, the complex letter-sound relationship, and prosodic features. English phonics programmes may offer clearer, more comprehensive instruction. 84 pre-service teachers completed a questionnaire on the use of phonics in Spanish EFL preschool and primary classrooms. Results show that specific training is needed, not all participants favour this method, and a more eclectic approach to early literacy is advocated.

Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Relationship Between Ecosystem Services and Human Footprints Under Different Human Activity Gradients: A Case Study of Xiangjiang River Basin

Clarifying the relationship between human activities and the provision of ecosystem services has received significant interest in recent years because of a growing need for sustainable socio-ecological system development. Using multi-source remote sensing data, we assessed the spatial and temporal distribution of the human footprint index and five ecosystem services under four human activity gradients from 2010 to 2020 in the Xiangjiang River Basin. The five ecosystem services include water supply, soil conservation, food production, habitat quality, and carbon sequestration. The relationship between human footprint and ecosystem services was analyzed from quantitative and spatial perspectives. The results showed that over the past 10 years, water supply and habitat quality decreased by 4.59% and 16.49%, respectively. The other three services increased, and the upstream area of the basin had a higher level of ecosystem services provision. The human footprint index increased by 28.83% over the 10 years and was characterized by point and patchy clustering in the middle and lower reaches. In terms of quantitative characteristics, the relationship between human footprint and ecosystem services was primarily negative. The ecosystem services were sensitive to the human footprint index within the 0−0.4 range. In terms of spatial characteristics, the relationship was dominated by trade-offs. The risky “high–low” trade-offs were mainly distributed in the middle and lower reaches. As the gradients of human activity increased, the maximum fluctuation in ESs was 43%, and the maximum fluctuation in human footprint was 28%, making their relationship more complex. Our results identified response thresholds of ecosystem services to human activities, providing a guide for ecological management and sustainable development of basins.

T-KAER: Transparency-enhanced Knowledge-Augmented Entity Resolution Framework

Entity resolution (ER) is the process of determining whether two representations refer to the same real-world entity and plays a crucial role in data curation and data cleaning. Recent studies have introduced the KAER framework, aiming to improve pre-trained language models by augmenting external knowledge. However, identifying and documenting the external knowledge that is being augmented and understanding its contribution to the model's predictions have received little to no attention in the research community. This paper addresses this gap by introducing T-KAER, the Transparency-enhanced Knowledge-Augmented Entity Resolution framework. To enhance transparency, three Transparency-related Questions (T-Qs) have been proposed: T-Q(1): What is the experimental process for matching results based on data inputs? T-Q(2): Which semantic information does KAER augment in the raw data inputs? T-Q(3): Which semantic information of the augmented data inputs influences the predictions? To address the T-Qs, T-KAER is designed to improve transparency by documenting the entity resolution processes in log files. In experiments, a citation dataset is used to demonstrate the transparency components of T-KAER. This demonstration showcases how T-KAER facilitates error analysis from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, providing evidence on `"what" semantic information is augmented and ``"why" the augmented knowledge influences predictions differently.

Determinants of cross-border cultural integration: Case studies of the EU Basque and Upper Rhine cross-border regions

The spatial integration of cross-border regions is a complex multidimensional process. Cultural integration across borders is a crucial element in broader cross-border regionalism and the intensification of economic transactions. While cultural integration has been viewed as a contingent ontological determinant for establishing cross-border integration and cooperation, there is a lack of empirical evidence on cultural integration. This study sets out a new methodological framework to measure the extent of spatio-cultural integration in cross-border regions. A P-ITEMS model containing six determinants of cultural integration was developed using primary data obtained through mixed methods of qualitative perceptual mapping and quantitative questionnaires. Two European Union cross-border regions – the Basque region and the Upper Rhine region – were selected as case studies, representing two different contexts with varied characteristics, to assess the extent to which the methodological framework can enhance understanding of the cultural integration process. The study shows that this new model can provide a range of findings and perspectives depending on the qualitative or quantitative methodological lens applied. The model revealed that the Basque cross-border region is strongly culturally integrated from both a qualitative and quantitative perspective, with high cross-border interactions, and its residents on both sides of the national border share a common perceptual image of the cross-border region despite its difficulty. In contrast, in the Upper Rhine cross-border region, this joint perceptual representation is missing from the qualitative data; however, the quantitative data indicates that considerable cultural interactions and integration take place.

From jobs to careers: drivers and barriers to career development in emerging labor markets.

This study aims to reveal the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of career development in emerging labor markets and to explore the impact of these drivers and barriers on career development. With the rapid transformation of global industrial structure, career development in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, big data, new energy and e-commerce is gradually attracting attention. This study utilizes a mixed research method of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The research team distributed a total of 700 questionnaires to practitioners in China, the United States, Japan, Germany and India, and collected interview data from 20 industry practitioners. These data were analyzed from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to analyze the drivers and barriers to career development, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship between career motivation, barriers, social networks, and career satisfaction. The results indicate that career development motivation significantly and positively influences career satisfaction, while individuals with high career satisfaction perceive fewer career barriers. In addition, career barriers significantly influenced individuals' perceptions of career discrimination. The study also found that social networks play an important supportive role in career development, and that extensive social networks increase career satisfaction. Individuals with high motivation were more resilient in the face of external barriers and were willing to retrain to improve their occupational skills. To promote career development in emerging industries, labor market policies should optimize and create fair and inclusive work environments for emerging industries. By eliminating gender, age, and racial discrimination and providing employee support programs, career development satisfaction and opportunities can be effectively enhanced. Rapid technological updates, high work pressure, and cross-cultural barriers in emerging industries are the main challenges to career development today. This study suggests that governments and enterprises should jointly provide flexible vocational training and support policies to help practitioners adapt to the rapidly changing occupational environment.

Multi-criteria approach for weights definition of sustainability indicators in the swine supply chain

Goal: This study presents a four-steps methodology for the definition of the weights of sustainable indicators in the Swine Supply Chain (SSC) considering the Triple Bottom-Line (TBL) perspective. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology proposed was based on the Bellagio principles that guide the definition of importance levels for TBL criteria. It was applied to the swine supply chain using Saaty’s scale and information obtained from managers of two agribusiness companies, adjusted by the AHP method. Results: The results showed the relevance of an appropriate definition of the preferences of decision-makers to decide on the best actions towards environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Limitations: The limitations of the proposed model are mainly its subjective nature. Despite being necessary in multi-criteria methods, it could be a limitation if more quantitative indicators are relevant or demanded. Nevertheless, the proposed methodology also provides a quantitative perspective, as a result of using the Saaty scale. Practical implications: The definition and application of importance levels within a TBL-based model can help managers to prioritize environmental, social, and/or economic dimensions under a large diversity of alternatives toward more sustainable scenarios. The AHP method used in this work is a hierarchy method, particularly appropriate for defining weights that are essentially compensatory by nature. Originality/value: The correct definition and weight of the different dimensions, sub-dimensions, and respective indicators is currently one relevant gap in the literature, limiting the design and prioritization of corrective actions in each stage of the SSC and in the different dimensions of the TBL.

Mapping environmental perceptions in Romania: A mixed-methods research

The present study investigates environmental perceptions in Romania, emphasizing their role in shaping individual and collective responses to ecological challenges. By exploring how people understand and interact with their natural environment, the research aims to explore values, needs, behaviors, and motivations that drive pro-environmental actions. We used a mixed-methodology approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to capture a comprehensive view of these perceptions. An innovative empathy map was developed through one-on-one interviews to visualize and analyze participants' perceptions of the environment. Participants were characterized by a biocentric-anthropocentric value orientation, balancing respect for nature with human needs. They considered that the top three environmental problems in Romania were: water and air pollution, deforestation, and poor waste management. Complementing this, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine the co-occurrence of keywords related to environmental perceptions in the academic literature, providing a quantitative perspective that aligned with the themes from the qualitative analysis. The strong presence of terms like “intention” and “energy consumption” in the analysis of keywords co-occurrence supported the idea that personal and social norms around energy use were significant themes in the environmental literature dedicated to Romania, which were also central to the participants’ perceptions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of environmental perceptions in Romania, offering useful insights for policymakers and environmental managers to promote sustainable development and pro-environmental behaviors in the region.

OPTIMALISASI POTENSI PENDAPATAN MELALUI INOVASI SI-ERPIN (SISTEM INFORMASI ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING INNOVATION)

PT Dunia Sandang Pratama is a fabric supplier company experiencing difficulties monitoring orders, ensuring timely deliveries, and producing accurate financial reports. These challenges have an adverse impact on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Because of the acute urgency of these issues, this community service project is designed to develop an integrated ERP system with e-commerce functionality to overcome the existing problems, increase efficiency, expand market reach and provide more accurate information to management. This community service is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in fostering innovation and narrowing the digital divide. The service team, comprising four lecturers and five students, employed the Scrum methodology, which is flexible and interactive, to observe, analyse and design the system in collaboration with the partner, PT Dunia Sandang Pratama. The project's initial phase has been completed, including developing e-commerce features and sales modules. The preliminary results indicate an increase in efficiency concerning order management and reporting. Implementing the ERP system has enhanced data accuracy, operational efficiency, and employee competence. From a quantitative perspective, order processing time has been reduced, the incidence of data errors has decreased, and company revenue has increased. From a qualitative standpoint, employee competence in ERP usage has also improved, positively impacting decision-making. In conclusion, the project has successfully supported the company's decision-making processes.

The Influential Mechanisms of Live-Streaming Hosts on Consumer Behavior

In recent years, with the rise of e-commerce live streaming, hosts promoting products have played a crucial role in connecting consumers with products and influencing consumer behavior intentions. This paper reviews the current state and trends in research on how these hosts affect consumer behavior intentions, exploring how their personal characteristics, interaction patterns, and discourse strategies impact consumer purchasing decisions. Through analysis from both quantitative and qualitative research perspectives, it reveals the influence mechanisms of these hosts in modern e-commerce environments. Additionally, it discusses the pivotal role of interactive information in e-commerce live streaming, including its ability to enhance purchase desire, enrich entertainment experiences, and improve consumer shopping experiences. While existing studies provide valuable insights, there are still research gaps, particularly in-depth studies on the influence of hosts in specific domains. The findings of this review are significant for understanding the central role of hosts in e-commerce live streaming and their impact on consumer behavior, providing a theoretical foundation and support for future research and practice.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Healthcare: Exploring the Role of Nurses in Promoting Change, Identifying Barrier Elements and Facilitators-A Meta-Synthesis.

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) involves a coordinated set of actions aimed at promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics within healthcare settings. This systematic review of qualitative studies assessed nurses' knowledge and perceptions of the barriers and facilitators that impact their involvement in AMS programs. This meta-synthesis followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. Relevant studies published between 2018 and 2023 were identified through searches on PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. The studies were critically appraised using the CASP checklist, with 19 articles meeting the inclusion criteria from five continents. Six recurring themes emerged from the analysis of nurses' experiences and opinions regarding their roles in AMS programs. These themes included the organization of AMS programs, availability of resources, training and education, communication, and the evolving role of nurses in AMS. Nurses at every level of the profession might play a crucial role in antimicrobial stewardship. Although active involvement of nurses in antibiotic stewardship requires further exploration and research, this topic is being examined internationally. The literature on this subject primarily analyzes the phenomenon from a quantitative perspective rather than a qualitative one, and it is contextualized more within hospital settings rather than community settings.

Identification of chemically altered cut marks: an experimental approach from Geometrics Morphometrics

Cut marks are striae accidentally produced by the contact made between the edge of a cutting tool and bone surfaces by anthropogenic activity, presenting evidence of hominin carcass processing and behaviour, butchery activities or diet. Post-depositional processes can cause the alteration (chemical or mechanical) of bones surfaces, changing their composition and causing the modification of bone surfaces. Previous research has addressed the problem of chemical alteration from a qualitative perspective, resulting in the loss of all diagnostic characteristics of the cut marks affected by these processes. Geometrics Morphometrics has led to great progress in the study of cut marks from a quantitative perspective and can be useful for the study of altered cut marks. In this study, an experiment was carried out in which 36 cut marks were reproduced and chemically altered. These marks were scanned and digitized before and after each phase of alteration. They were analyzed metrically as well as using Geometric Morphometrics, in order to study the evolution of modifications to cut mark morphology during the experiment. Results show clear morphological differences between the different phases of alteration with altered cut marks presenting a general tendency towards a decrease in both the width and depth over time. Research of this type opens up a new path for the study of the chemical alteration of cut marks, as well as other striae, through the application of Geometric Morphometrics.

Characterizing anomalous peaks in the resistance–temperature profile of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ flakes featuring surface degeneration

Abstract This study focuses on an observed anomalous resistance peak in the temperature-dependent resistance (RT) curves of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (BSCCO), attributed to surface degradation and pronounced electrical resistance anisotropy. Employing a standard four-point probe technique on the ab-plane, this research circumvents conventional c-axis testing limitations, enhancing the understanding of BSCCO’s electrical behavior by avoiding contact resistance and etching issues. A comprehensive three-dimensional model, developed using the finite element method, captures the strong resistive anisotropy and correlates the depth of surface degradation with the anomalous resistance peaks, explaining this phenomenon from a quantitative perspective, providing a more specific reference for future analysis of relevant signals. The fabrication process involved pre-patterning and mechanical exfoliation techniques to minimize atmospheric exposure and ensure device integrity. Despite these efforts, surface degradation impacting the superconductivity of surface layers was inevitable. The study’s experimental results, complemented by numerical modeling, reveal the intricate relationship between surface layer thickness and the anomalous resistance peak, providing an approach to gauge the extent of degradation in BSCCO devices. Moreover, it underscores the potential necessity of employing some critical techniques to avoid degradation, such as low-temperature exfoliation in other literatures where degradation signal is notably absent from RT curves. This work advances the understanding of BSCCO’s electrical properties and highlights the critical need for precise fabrication and environmental controls in developing high-temperature superconducting technologies.

The invisible hand of Doctor Zhivago: reception of a soft power tool

ABSTRACT In the tumultuous era of the Cold War, Boris Pasternak's novel Doctor Zhivago found itself at the epicenter of an ideological battle. When the Soviet authorities deemed it an ‘evil libel against the USSR’ and prohibited its publication, the CIA recognized its ‘great propaganda value’ and spearheaded its dissemination in foreign editions, harnessing the novel as a potent soft power tool. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this paper analyzes the influence of a reverse kind of cultural diplomacy related to the translation, diffusion, and promotion of Doctor Zhivago in the West. Drawing from paratextual material in the form of press reviews in Italian, French, English and Dutch from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, it assesses how the sense of confidence, attraction and prestige as pillars of soft power strategies are reflected in the reception of the novel’s translations. The study concludes by offering a nuanced understanding of how the large-scale diffusion of the novel was perceived, highlighting that the translations played a secondary role in the strategy and served as vehicles to amplify the impact of Pasternak’s Nobel Prize, thereby extending its influence globally.