SARS-CoV-2 spike and ACE2 entanglement-like binding.

We describe the binding between the glycoprotein Spike of SARS-CoV-2 and the human host cell receptor ACE2 as a quantum circuit, comprising the one-qubit Hadamard quantum logic gate performing the quantum superposition of the S1 subunit of the Spike protein, and the two-qubit quantum logic gate CNOT, which performs maximum entanglement between the Spike-qubit S1 and the ACE2 receptor protein. Also, we consider two strategies to prevent the binding process between the Spike-qubit S1 and the ACE2 receptor. The first one is the use of competitive peptidomimetic inhibitors that can selectively bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the Spike glycoprotein with much higher affinity than the cell surface receptor itself. These inhibitors are targeted to the CNOT quantum logic gate and will get maximally entangled with the S1 qubit in place of the natural ACE2 receptor. The second one is to use covalent inhibitors, which will destroy S1 by acting as a projective quantum measurement. Finally, the conjecture that S1 is a quantum bio-robot is formulated.

Graphenic nanospace: Bondonic entanglement perspectives

The recently predicted quantum particles of the chemical bonding, the bondons, are recognized as the elemental driving quasi-particle driving EPR (Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen) entangling signal under the topological Stone-Wales rotations in a quantum completeness Alice-Bob nano-portation typical description among their representation on carbon-based nano-structures as fullerenic, graphenic, including positive and negative nanospace evertions. To this end, special conceptual symmetrical related framework is through the three significant levels: (i) spherical symmetry—by the morphism between fullerene 240 and icosahedral modeled SARS-Cov-2 surface patterned coronavirus, toward providing the topo-reactive triggered activity by means of HOMO and LUMO electronegativity and chemical hardness based descriptors;(ii) planar symmetry—through the carbon-based graphentronics is advanced at the bondonic quantum level controlling the logical gates in metrological transmitting the qubit Bob's signal in homo-mixed graphenic plated and—for the new generation of photovoltaics (PV) by bondots (bondons as quantum dots)—toward 2(N)-Qbits entangled pristine and defective (by Stone-Wale rotations) double graphenic sheets;(iii) self-folding symmetry—across the graphenic modified surfaces in positive (nano-tori) and negative (Klein Bottle) nanospaces in driving the bondonic bosonic transmission by dynamics of quantum chemical bonding on extended nano-surfaces. [ FROM AUTHOR]

A computational package for measuring Topological Entanglement in Polymers, Proteins and Periodic systems (TEPPP)

Many materials, like polymer melts, solutions, biopolymers and textiles, are composed of entangled filaments. The entanglement in these systems significantly affects their mechanical properties and their function. We introduce the Topological Entanglement in Polymers, Proteins and Periodic systems (TEPPP) software, that enables to measure the topological and geometrical complexity in such systems. In particular, this software enables the computation of the Writhe, the Gauss linking integral and the Jones polynomial of each filament or pair of filaments in the system, whether they are open or closed. In particular, for systems employing Periodic Boundary Conditions (PBC), the software also allows to compute the total pairwise entanglement in PBC, using the Periodic linking number and the Periodic Writhe. For linear (open) chains, TEPPP can calculate all these topological parameters (including the Jones polynomial) without any closure scheme. In addition, TEPPP also enables measuring self and pairwise entanglement at different length-scales along a chain or a pair of chains. With appropriate preprocessing of input files, the code can also be used for star or branched architectures. We provide examples of how the code is used and we present results on the entanglement effect in polymers obtained using this package. We show how TEPPP can be used to measure the topological entanglement of linear polymer chains in a melt, revealing subtle entanglement transitions never seen before. We also used TEPPP to analyze the effect of knotting and its location in diblock copolymer melts, which reveals that knotting localization transition coincides with lamellar-disorder transition in these systems. Finally, we use TEPPP to reveal some of the topological structure of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which points to interesting structure in a region that contains the S1/S2 cleavage site. Program summary: Program Title: Topological Entanglement in Polymers, Proteins and Periodic systems (TEPPP) software CPC Library link to program files: https://doi.org/10.17632/ygdbpnhpzw.1 Developer's repository link: https://github.com/TEPPP-software Licensing provisions: BSD 3-clause Programming language: C++ Supplementary material: Nature of problem: Measuring single and pairwise entanglement and knotting in systems of linear or ring filaments (open or closed curves) in 3-space or in systems employing Periodic Boundary Conditions (PBC) at different length scales. Solution method: TEPPP can be used to measure topological entanglement complexity in single or multi-chain filament systems in 3-space or in systems employing PBC. Given as input the coordinates of the curves, TEPPP can compute the Gauss linking integral, the Writhe, the Jones polynomial, the Periodic Linking Number and the Periodic Writhe. Also, TEPPP can measure effects of local linking and knotting using scanning methods along the chains. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.

Theorising sociomateriality in online learning: cutting through the complexity

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need to develop theory and practice in digital education. In this position paper, we expand on the research conducted in information systems (IS) on sociomateriality by applying it to online learning. The aim was to provide a theoretical underpinning for guidelines to reduce the complexity of social and material combinations in digital education. An overview of sociomateriality within IS research is provided, distinguishing between two sociomaterial perspectives to situate the research. A high-level review of student learning as the social and online learning as the material is applied to a four-quadrant model to unbundle the complexities within this space. Our perspectives are supported by feedback from a third-year information systems course that confirmed the merit of the model and broadened research in online learning. The model is further refined with a philosophical underpinning of Ackoff's four pursuits of humankind to provide recommendations for future interventions © Copyright the author(s);published under a Creative Commons NonCommercial 4.0 License

Dream by the Royal Shakespeare Company: a dystopian experience of live performance, between avatars and virtual reality

If, by definition, the performing event could not do without the co-presence in space and time of spectators and actors (Brook 21), history has shown us how profound reflections on the possibility of shifting the fundamental axes of theater have nevertheless come about. The increasingly substantial presence of video within performances, even if filmed in real-time, is one example that has called into question the fundamental concept of hie et nunc. The creation of performances for a single spectator has altered the anthropological binomial community/ritual in addition to the "non-human" entity of the performer, from metal theater to cyborg performance (Schrum). The Royal Shakespeare Company's new production (2021) Dream will be analyzed to discuss the particular artistic experimentation that has become widespread in the Covid era. This production, which is a technological performance watched by more than 20,000 people worldwide in just three days, brings performance and gaming technology together to explore new ways for the audience, a remote spectator, to experience live theater (Aebischer 21). As live play performances and readings continually crowd virtual platforms, theater is undergoing a radical shift from stage to screen and cyberspace. However, will these new formats survive in the post-pandemic times? © 2022 Universita degli Studi di Milano. All rights reserved.

Covid-19 and the changing face of financial literacy in India : Evidence from Delhi NCR during lockdowns

With a change in global market entanglement and composite retail financial products, financial literacy has gained distinction in the recent past. More importantly, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought attention to the preparation of individuals’ financial budgets for unforeseen losses. As a result, financial literacy has gained immense importance. Literature available on the subject suggests that individuals when faced with a situation of crisis, tend to reduce their risk of not paying the liabilities, by controlling their budget. This research article aims to understand whether or not individuals with a good understanding of financial literacy have better skills in financial management, particularly during lockdowns. Primary data was collected after the second phase of lockdowns in August 2021 from 232 individuals residing in Delhi NCR, using a questionnaire adapted from the OECD study. Besides, a scale was developed to understand their financial behaviour and financial management skills. The results of the study indicate that a good understanding of financial principles helped manage financial risk effectively and avoid any financial pitfalls. It helps individuals avoid financial concerns and enable individuals to regulate their income, even in challenging conditions like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Graphenic nanospace: Bondonic entanglement perspectives

The recently predicted quantum particles of the chemical bonding, the bondons, are recognized as the elemental driving quasi-particle driving EPR (Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen) entangling signal under the topological Stone-Wales rotations in a quantum completeness Alice-Bob nano-portation typical description among their representation on carbon-based nano-structures as fullerenic, graphenic, including positive and negative nanospace evertions. To this end, special conceptual symmetrical related framework is through the three significant levels: (i) spherical symmetry-by the morphism between fullerene 240 and icosahedral modeled SARS-Cov-2 surface patterned coronavirus, toward providing the topo-reactive triggered activity by means of HOMO and LUMO electronegativity and chemical hardness based descriptors;(ii) planar symmetry-through the carbon-based graphentronics is advanced at the bondonic quantum level controlling the logical gates in metrological transmitting the qubit Bob's signal in homo-mixed graphenic plated and-for the new generation of photovoltaics (PV) by bondots (bondons as quantum dots)-toward 2(N)-Qbits entangled pristine and defective (by Stone-Wale rotations) double graphenic sheets;(iii) self-folding symmetry-across the graphenic modified surfaces in positive (nano-tori) and negative (Klein Bottle) nanospaces in driving the bondonic bosonic transmission by dynamics of quantum chemical bonding on extended nano-surfaces.

The Role of Fishing Piers in Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) Entanglement.

Throughout their range, Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) are one of the most common species to become entangled in fishing gear. We surveyed four piers every other week for one year (6/2019-5/2020) in the Tampa Bay region, FL, USA, to determine frequency of pelican entanglement associated with fishing piers, and explored factors that might influence the rate of entanglement. We conducted a generalized linear model (GLM) to determine the influence that pier, pier closure due to COVID-19, time of day and season, number of anglers, and presence of human behaviors that might attract pelicans to the pier had on the number of entangled pelicans. We conducted 144 surveys and counted 3766 pelicans of which 254 (7%) were entangled. The variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) with entanglement were the pier, time of day, and pier closure status, while the number and behavior of anglers were not significant. The two piers that most significantly influenced the number of entanglements both had extensive perches within 10 m of the fishing pier. The management action most likely to reduce the number of entangled pelicans appears to be deterring pelicans from perching near piers or decreasing fishing near perching structures.

Quantum physics at high school: a collaboration between physics researchers and teachers to design teaching – learning sequences

Quantum physics is changing the paradigms for understanding reality and is fostering scientific innovation. Nevertheless, the core concepts of the second quantum revolution are not included in the Italian physics curriculum. Our research project aims to generate the conditions for the development of the scientific competences related to the understanding of the fundamental concepts of contemporary physics at secondary school level. In the framework of Educational Reconstruction for Teacher Education (ERTE), we have developed a continuous professional development program for teachers to enable in-service physics teachers in secondary schools to introduce the superposition principle, quantum entanglement, and their technological applications into regular classroom activities. To achieve this goal, several types of activities have been planned to strengthen collaboration between high school teachers and physics researchers. The intended outcome is to create resources and materials that can help teachers and researchers create innovative physics curricula that can be used in normal secondary school teaching activities. In this paper we present the results of the first edition of a continuous professional development program for in-service teachers on introducing the superposition principle and quantum entanglement into online classroom activities during the schools Covid19 lockdown.

Pandemic Entanglement: COVID-19 and Hybrid Threats in the Republic of Cyprus

How have modern threats and challenges manifesting during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Republic of Cyprus at state and societal levels? What are the links between new security challenges and existing conventional conflicts? COVID-19 has spread anxiety, fear, and misleading information, and it has brought forth new challenges and concepts in how we understand security. This paper examines how these challenges are rooted in a security struggle of hybrid-threat entanglement in the Republic of Cyprus during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in the first two waves from March to October 2020. Specifically, the paper views COVID-19 itself as a hybrid threat that has bred a range of security issues of the Republic of Cyprus. Hybrid threats are of a multitudinous nature. When hybrid threats like a pandemic virus disrupts the wider security and routinised processes in everyday life, states and societies become trapped in a process of security entanglement: one type of threat becomes interlinked with other processes. When this process of security entanglement is neglected or overlooked (thereby avoiding disentangling), policy at large is affected, be it a State’s foreign, economic, or security policy. As a result, society itself is affected. © 2021, University of Nicosia. All rights reserved.

Tracking the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic-related debris on wildlife using digital platforms.

Since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) pandemic in December 2019, there have been global surges of single-use plastic use. Due to the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation items in protecting against virus transmission and from testing, facemasks, respirators, disposable gloves and disposable wet wipes have become global staples in households and institutions. Widespread use and insufficient infrastructure, combined with improper waste management have resulted in an emerging category of litter. With widespread presence in the environment, such items pose a direct threat to wildlife as animals can interact with them in a series of ways. We examined the scope of COVID-19 pandemic-related debris, including PPE and sanitation items, on wildlife from April 2020 to December 2021. We document the geographic occurrence of incidents, debris types, and consequences of incidents that were obtained from social media searches, unpublished reports from colleagues, and reports available from the citizen science database "Birds and Debris". There were 114 unique sightings of wildlife interactions with pandemic-related debris (38 from 2020 and 76 from 2021). Within the context of this dataset, most incidents involved birds (83.3 %), while fewer affected mammals (10.5 %), invertebrates (3.5 %), fish (1.8 %), and sea turtles (0.9 %). Sightings originated in 23 countries, and consisted mostly of entanglements (42.1 %) and nest incorporations (40.4 %). We verified sightings by contacting the original observers and were able to identify replicated sightings and increase the resolution of the data collected compared with previously published results. Due to the complexities associated with global use and accessibility of digital platforms, we likely underestimate the number of animals harmed by debris. Overall, the global scope of this study demonstrates that online and social media platforms are a valuable way to collect biologically relevant citizen science data and track rapidly emerging environmental challenges.

EDDIE-Transformer: Enriched Disease Embedding Transformer for X-Ray Report Generation

Automatic medical report generation is an emerging field that aims to generate medical reports based on medical images. The report writing process can be tedious for senior radiologists and challenging for junior ones. Thus it is of great importance to expedite the process. In this work, we propose an EnricheD DIsease Embedding based Transformer (Eddie-Transformer) model, which jointly performs disease detection and medical report generation. This is done by decoupling the latent visual features into semantic disease embeddings and disease states via our state-aware mechanism. Then, our model entangles the learned diseases and their states, enabling explicit and precise disease representations. Finally, the Transformer model receives the enriched disease representations to generate high-quality medical reports. Our approach shows promising results on the widely-used Open-I benchmark and COVID-19 dataset. © 2022 IEEE.

Pandemic Publishing: Year Two

If we accept this as a time of planetary entanglement, as Achille Mbembe (2019) names it, and if the question of this time is how we expose others to harm, violence, and death, then today's lockdowns and the forthcoming climate change migrations are more easily recognized as part of our commitment to historical processes that separate and divide us. [...]the Journal is pleased to present the contents of our current issue, which take up questions of Black studies and media materialism, changement cli- matique (climate change), digital access, disability in the journalistic profession, and the promotion of cannabis in Canada. While discussions of climate change often prioritize questions of economics, technology, and regulation in seeking to decarbonize energy systems, this article recognizes the importance of imaginaries in constituting climate change and its scientific discourses. In "A Learning Opportunity for TVO," Steven May revisits the imaginary, public communication, and institutional machinations that continue to inform ideas of digital transition in the context of a proposal by the Ontario Educational Communications Authority (known as TVO) to eliminate all but one of its digital over-the-air transmitters.

Coopetition in quantum prisoner's dilemma and COVID-19.

Decision-making is important especially during a crisis such as the novel COVID-19 pandemic. The quantum prisoner's dilemma with two dilemma strength parameters is introduced as a model for the interaction between pharmaceutical and other related enterprises during the pandemic. Novel Nash equilibria are identified. The coopetition equilibrium (simultaneous cooperation and competition) is emphasized. Motivated by the novel equilibria of the quantum version, a classical mixed-strategy formulation that can be applied to real-world situations is proposed. Suitable values of the dilemma strength parameters and quantum entanglement can encourage coopetition, which can be considered as a route to full cooperation.