bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing operational resilience to navigate transportation disruptions: the role and boundaries of efficiency priority
Authors: Ataburo Henry , Ampong Getrude Effah , Essuman Dominic
Published: June 2024

Operational resilience is crucial for navigating the increasing transportation disruption challenges, but building this capability can be expensive and sometimes result in inefficiencies. Meanwhile, firms must prioritize efficiency to remain competitive and profitable. However, it is unclear how and when firms’ pursuit of efficiency priority hinders or helps their resilience to specific disruptions. This research uses the theory of constraints to propose that while efficiency priority limits opportunities for improving operational resilience, buffering and bridging strategies lessen this constraint by enabling firms to align efficiency priority with operational resilience objectives. The study hypothesizes that these strategies positively moderate the negative effect of efficiency priority on operational resilience to transportation disruptions. These arguments are tested on primary data from a sample of 199 firms in Ghana using moderated regression analysis and the Johnson-Neyman technique. The results reveal that efficiency priority is negatively related to the disruption absorption dimension of operational resilience but unrelated to its recoverability dimension. Additionally, the study finds that under low conditions of buffering and bridging strategies, efficiency priority has stronger negative associations with both dimensions of operational resilience. In contrast, these relationships are positive under the high conditions of either strategy. These findings contribute to resolving existing debates on the efficiency-resilience link and have important implications for supply chain and business executives, as discussed in this article.
Same-Sex Relationships and Criminal Behavior: A Total Population Study in The Netherlands
Authors: van de Weijer Steve G. A. , van Deuren Sjoukje , Boutwell Brian B.
Published: June 2024

Sexual minority groups experience elevated risk across a range of adverse outcomes. Previous studies from the USA showed that these risks include contact with the criminal justice system for sexual minority females but not for males. This study examined whether this relationship between sexual minority status and criminal behavior was also found in a more secular country like the Netherlands with more progressive attitudes toward sexual minorities. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine whether this relationship applied to various types of crime and could be explained by unmeasured familial factors. Longitudinal data from the Dutch national population, including 75,362 individuals in a same-sex relationship and 3,464,906 individuals in opposite-sex relationships, were used to compare the risk of crime among males and females in same-sex and opposite-sex unions. Discordant sibling models were included to increase control over possible sources of confounding from shared familial factors. Analyses were repeated for six types of crime, including property offenses, violence, vandalism, and public order offenses, traffic offenses, drugs offenses, and other offenses. The results showed that the direction of the associations between same-sex relationships and offending differed for men and women. In general, men in same-sex relationships were less likely to be a suspect of crime compared to those in opposite-sex relationships [odds ratio (OR) = 0.685;p < .001]. Women in same-sex relationships exhibited higher risk than those in opposite-sex unions (OR = 1.560;p < .001). Similar patterns emerged for most crime types and the discordant sibling models yielded conclusions that were substantively similar to those among the total population.
Peripheral Blood miRNA Expression in Patients with Essential Hypertension in the Han Chinese Population in Hefei, China
Authors: Cheng Bin , Yang Ronglu , Xu Hui , Wang Li , Jiang Nan , Song Tingting , Dong Changwu
Published: June 2024

Primary hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, the pathogenesis of primary hypertension involves multiple biological processes, including the nervous system, circulatory system, endocrine system, and more. Despite extensive research, there is no clear understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying its pathogenesis. In recent years, miRNAs have gained attention as a regulatory factor capable of modulating the expression of related molecules through gene silencing. Therefore, exploring differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with essential hypertension (EH) may offer a novel approach for future diagnosis and treatment of EH. This study included a total of twenty Han Chinese population samples from Hefei, China. The samples consisted of 10 healthy individuals and 10 patients with EH. Statistical analysis was conducted to analyze the general information of the two-sample groups. High-throughput sequencing and base identification were performed to obtain the original sequencing sequences. These sequences were then annotated using various databases including Rfam, cDNA sequences, species repetitive sequences library, and miRBase database. The number of miRNA species contained in the samples was measured. Next, TPM values were calculated to determine the expression level of each miRNA. The bioinformatics of the differentiated miRNAs were analyzed using the OECloud tool, and RPM values were calculated. Furthermore, the reliability of the expression was analyzed by calculating the area under the Roc curve using the OECloud tools. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the two samples in terms of age distribution, gender composition, smoking history, and alcohol consumption history (P > 0.05). However, there was a notable presence of family genetic history and high BMI in the EH population (P < 0.05). The sequencing results identified a total of 245 miRNAs, out of which 16 miRNAs exhibited differential expression. Among the highly expressed miRNAs were let-7d-5p, miR-101-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-122b-3p, miR-192-5p, and miR-6722-3p. On the other hand, the lowly expressed miRNAs included miR-103a-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-181a-2-3p, miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-30d-5p, miR-342-5p, and miR-543. This study initially identified 16 miRNAs that are aberrantly expressed and function in various processes associated with the onset and progression of essential hypertension. These miRNAs have the potential to be targeted for future diagnosis and treatment of EH. However, further samples are required to provide additional support for this study.
Obtainment of intraspecific hybrids in strictly cleistogamous Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.
Authors: Caceres Maria Eugenia , Rubini Andrea , Russi Luigi , Ceccarelli Marilena , De Marchis Francesca , Bellucci Michele , Pupilli Fulvio
Published: June 2024

Bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.), one of the Near Eastern founder crops, is an annual cleistogamous legume domesticated during the Neolithic period. Originally used for human consumption, over time it was replaced by other pulses and downgraded to a fodder crop. When coupled with a small degree of cross hybridization, cleistogamy confers evolutive plasticity to the plant species. The aim of the present work consisted in setting up optimal conditions to overcome the existing cross hybridization barriers in V. ervilia. Genotypes of Turkish origin, characterized by an erect growth habit were crossed with Italian counterparts characterized by high seed production. A detailed cyto-histological analysis of flower development was undertaken to determine the optimal stage for emasculation and manual cross. Ninety-eight crosses were carried out and the hybrid nature of the putative F1 progenies was assessed by SSR (simple sequence repeat) DNA markers. Fifty-five seeds were obtained of which only five gave rise to hybrid plants. Among these, only three turned out to be fertile and two of which generated a consistent number of F2 seeds whose plants were assessed in greenhouse for seed production and plant growth habit. Most of the evaluated traits showed mean values of the F2 plants intermediate between the two initial parents, confirming that intraspecific hybridization is not only possible but also useful to exploit the diversity confined in different bitter vetch populations.
The Five Ps of the Adult Learner Journey through the Community College: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: VanZoest Emily R. , Harry Dion T. , Lewis-Sessoms Micara , Jaeger Audrey J.
Published: June 2024

A significant demographic shift in community colleges reveals that more than half of enrolled students are adults aged 25 and older. In response, states are instituting reconnect programs aimed at recruiting and reengaging adult learners. Despite these initiatives, existing processes and practices within community colleges often inadequately address the unique needs of adult students. This qualitative work employs focus groups and individual interviews involving community college presidents, faculty, staff, and adult learners to formulate a robust conceptual framework meant to guide community colleges toward positive adult learner outcomes. Termed the “Five P Framework,” it strategically poses critical questions that align with the five areas of the adult learner journey: public messaging, partnerships, processes, pathways, and proximity. Acknowledging the distinct characteristics and diverse backgrounds of adult students, the framework incorporates essential theoretical perspectives. It sheds light on the intricate interplay among personal, social, and institutional factors influencing adult learners’ educational experiences. Serving as a practical guide, the framework is intended for administrators, educators, and policymakers facilitating the development of targeted policies and practices to elevate educational outcomes and overall well-being for adult learners in community college settings. The research concludes by offering implications for practice, policy enhancements, and directions for future research to support adult learners.
Does “Better Than” Have a Common Scale?
Authors: Rast Erich H.
Published: June 2024

Ordinal, interval, and ratio scales are discussed and arguments for the thesis that “better than” comparisons reside on interval or ratio scales are laid out. It is argued that linguistic arguments are not conclusive since alternative rank-based definitions can be given, and that in general “better than” comparisons do not have a common scale type. Some comparison dimensions reside on ratio scales, whereas others do not show any evidence of lying on a scale stronger than an ordinal scale.
Vasoconstriction with phenylephrine increases cardiac output in preload dependent patients
Authors: Højlund Jakob , Cihoric Mirjana , Foss Nicolai Bang
Published: June 2024

General Anaesthesia (GA) is accompanied by a marked decrease in sympathetic outflow and thus loss of vasomotor control of cardiac preload. The use of vasoconstriction during GA has mainly focused on maintaining blood pressure. Phenylephrine (PE) is a pure α1-agonist without inotropic effects widely used to correct intraoperative hypotension. The potential of PE for augmenting cardiac stroke volume (SV) and -output (CO) by venous recruitment is controversial and no human studies have explored the effects of PE in preload dependent circulation using indicator dilution technique. We hypothesized that PE-infusion in patients with cardiac stroke volume limited by reduced preload would restore preload and thus augment SV and CO. 20 patients undergoing GA for gastrointestinal surgery were monitored with arterial catheter and LiDCO unity monitor. Upon stable haemodynamics after induction patients were placed in head-up tilt (HUT). All patients became preload responsive as verified by a stroke volume variation (SVV) of > 12%. PE-infusion was then started at 15-20mikrg/min and adjusted until preload was restored (SVV < 12%). Li-dilution cardiac output (CO) was initially measured after induction (baseline), again with HUT in the preload responsive phase, and finally when preload was restored with infusion of PE.At baseline SVV was 10 ± 3% (mean ± st.dev.), CI was 2,6 ± 0,4 L/min*m2, and SVI 43 ± 7mL/m2. With HUT SVV was 19 ± 4%, CI was 2,2 ± 0,4 L/min*m2, SVI 35 ± 7mL/m2. During PE-infusion SVV was reduced to 6 ± 3%, CI increased to 2,6 ± 0,5 L/min*m2, and SVI increased to 49 ± 11mL/m2. All differences p < 0,001. In conclusion: Infusion of phenylephrine during preload dependency increased venous return abolishing preload dependency as evaluated by SVV and increased cardiac stroke volume and -output as measured by indicator-dilution technique. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05193097).
Packing spheres with quasi-containment conditions
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Litvinchev Igor , Romanova Tetyana , Stetsyuk Petro , Yaskov Georgiy
Published: June 2024

A novel sphere packing problem is introduced. A maximum number of spheres of different radii should be placed such that the spheres do not overlap and their centers fulfill a quasi-containment condition. The latter allows the spheres to lie partially outside the given cuboidal container. Moreover, specified ratios between the placed spheres of different radii must be satisfied. A corresponding mixed-integer nonlinear programming model is formulated. It enables the exact solution of small instances. For larger instances, a heuristic strategy is proposed, which relies on techniques for the generation of feasible points and the decomposition of open dimension problems. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the viability of the approach.
Self-concept Clarity and Meaning in Life: A Daily Diary Study in a Collectivistic Culture
Authors: Chen Sijia , Li Xiaoru , Ye Shengquan
Published: June 2024

Despite the theoretical significance of self-concept clarity in meaning in life in Western thinking, there has been limited empirical investigation in collectivistic cultures. Consequently, the mechanism and boundary conditions of this effect remain unknown in such cultural contexts. To address this gap, we employed a daily-diary method spanning a period of 10 days, which allowed us to examine both the between-person and within-person effects of self-concept clarity on meaning in life, as well as the mediating role of three precursors of meaning (i.e., coherence, purpose, and significance), and the moderating role of independent self-construal among 83 Chinese participants. Multilevel regressions analyses demonstrated that individuals with higher trait self-concept clarity perceived higher meaning in their daily lives (b = 0.28, SE = 0.08, p = .001); and on days when individuals experienced higher daily self-concept clarity than typical, their sense of meaning on that day also tended to be higher (b = 0.39, SE = 0.04, p < .001). Multilevel mediation models showed that at the between-person level, trait self-concept clarity predicted daily meaning through the mediation of significance only (b = 0.15, SE = 0.05, p = .002), while at the within-person level, daily self-concept clarity predicted daily meaning through all three precursors (0.03 < bs < 0.13, ps < .05). The effect of both trait and daily self-concept clarity were stronger among those with a low (vs. high) independent self-construal. Finally, there was a positive lagged effect of daily self-concept clarity on daily meaning (β = 0.12, SE = 0.05, p = .014). These findings highlight the importance of cultivating a clear self-concept for experiencing meaning in daily life, particularly for those with a low independent self-construal in a collectivistic culture.
On the Wittmann strong law for mixing sequences
Authors: Szewczak Zbigniew S.
Published: June 2024

We prove Wittmann’s SLLN (see Wittmann in Stat Probab Lett 3:131–133, 1985) for $$\psi $$
ψ
-mixing sequences without the rate assumption.
D-module techniques for solving differential equations in the context of Feynman integrals
Authors: Henn Johannes , Pratt Elizabeth , Sattelberger Anna-Laura , Zoia Simone
Published: June 2024

Feynman integrals are solutions to linear partial differential equations with polynomial coefficients. Using a triangle integral with general exponents as a case in point, we compareD-module methods to dedicated methods developed for solving differential equations appearing in the context of Feynman integrals, and provide a dictionary of the relevant concepts. In particular, we implement an algorithm due to Saito, Sturmfels, and Takayama to derive canonical series solutions of regular holonomicD-ideals, and compare them to asymptotic series derived by the respective Fuchsian systems.
Could I Write Like Carol Weiss?
Authors: Høydal Øyunn Syrstad
Published: June 2024

Academic papers in the social sciences were once more essayistic in their form. The carefree launching of concepts and ideas of academic value were the order of the day, all without the security of the present standardized paper format inspired by the natural sciences. This text draws on the most cited paper by the acclaimed scholar Carol Weiss, as an outset to discussing academic writing; why we write as we do and what we may lose by doing so. This means exploring the history of academic writing as well as discussing the complex, yet exciting, relationship between writing, identity, language, and the very process of conducting research.
SETDB1 deletion causes DNA demethylation and upregulation of multiple zinc-finger genes
Authors: Kang Yong-Kook , Eom Jaemin , Min Byungkuk , Park Jung Sun
Published: June 2024

Background

SETDB1 (SET domain bifurcated-1) is a histone H3-lysine 9 (H3K9)-specific methyltransferase that mediates heterochromatin formation and repression of target genes. Despite the assumed functional link between DNA methylation and SETDB1-mediated H3K9 trimethylations, several studies have shown that SETDB1 operates autonomously of DNA methylation in a region- and cell-specific manner. This study analyzes SETDB1-null HAP1 cells through a linked methylome and transcriptome analysis, intending to explore genes controlled by SETDB1-involved DNA methylation.

Methods and results

We investigated SETDB1-mediated regulation of DNA methylation and gene transcription in human HAP1 cells using reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and RNA sequencing. While two-thirds of differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) in genic regions were hypomethylated in SETDB1-null cells, we detected a plethora of C2H2-type zinc-finger protein genes (C2H2-ZFP, 223 of 749) among the DMC-associated genes. Most C2H2-ZFPs with DMCs in their promoters were found hypomethylated in SETDB1-KO cells, while other non-ZFP genes with promoter DMCs were not. These C2H2-ZFPs with DMCs in their promoters were significantly upregulated in SETDB1-KO cells. Similarly, C2H2-ZFP genes were upregulated in SETDB1-null 293T cells, suggesting that SETDB1’s function in ZFP gene repression is widespread. There are several C2H2-ZFP gene clusters on chromosome 19, which were selectively hypomethylated in SETDB1-KO cells.

Conclusions

SETDB1 collectively and specifically represses a substantial fraction of the C2H2-ZFP gene family. Through the en-bloc silencing of a set of ZFP genes, SETDB1 may help establish a panel of ZFP proteins that are expressed cell-type specifically and thereby can serve as signature proteins for cellular identity.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Fixed-/Preassigned-Time Synchronization of Stochastic Memristive Neural Networks with Mixed-Delays
Authors: Gao Jie , Chen Xiangyong , Qiu Jianlong , Wang Chunmei , Jia Tianyuan
Published: June 2024

The paper addresses the fixed-/preassigned-time synchronization of stochastic memristive neural networks (MNNs) with uncertain parameters and mixed delays. Adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) technology is mainly utilized. First, a proper sliding surface is constructed and the adaptive laws are given. Also, the synchronization control scheme is designed, which can ensure error system to realize fixed-time stability. Second, preassigned-time sliding mode control scheme is mainly provided to realize fast synchronization of MNNs. The presented theoretical methods can guarantee the error system convergence and stability for reaching and sliding mode within preassigned-time. And the synchronization criteria and explicit expression of settling time (ST) are acquired, where ST is not related with initial values and controller parameters but can be predefined perferentially. Finally, the calculation example is offered to interpret the practicability and availability of the innovations in this paper.
Predicting climate-based changes of landscape structure for Turkiye via global climate change scenarios: a case study in Bartin river basin with time series analysis for 2050
Authors: Kalayci Kadak Merve , Ozturk Sevgi , Mert Ahmet
Published: June 2024

This study was designed to reveal the possible effects of climate change on the landscape structure of the Bartın Stream Basin. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and statistical methods were employed throughout the study. Landsat satellite images, which are 30 m × 30 m resolution images produced by Landsat 4–5, Landsat 7, and Landsat 8-Oli satellites, were used. In addition, 42 variables were produced, including 19 bioclimatic variables, plant index data from satellite images, and environmental variables. The effect of the produced variables on land use-land cover (LULC) was investigated. Then, the expected situation in 2050 according to the RCP climate change scenarios was estimated using the R Studio software with time series analysis. The data for 2050 were modeled and mapped using the Maximum Entropy method. As a result, it was revealed that LULC changes within the basin would be in the form of artificialization and increased fragmentation, that bare lands and residential areas would increase, and that agricultural areas and forest areas would decrease by approximately 50%. Planning should be made in order to reduce the breakdown of landscape resistance by predicting the adverse events to be experienced due to climate change in the future. It was concluded that agriculture, which was determined as the development strategy of the region in the current Environmental Plan (EP) of the basin, would not be possible due to the approximately 50% loss in agricultural areas. This study revealed that the effects of climate change, which is the biggest threat of the age, could be revealed with statistical models.

Graphical Abstract
Egyptology and fanaticism
Authors: Wilkinson Hayden
Published: June 2024

Various decision theories share a troubling implication. They imply that, for any finite amount of value, it would be better to wager it all for a vanishingly small probability of some greater value. Counterintuitive as it might be, this fanaticism has seemingly compelling independent arguments in its favour. In this paper, I consider perhaps the most prima facie compelling such argument: an Egyptology argument (an analogue of the Egyptology argument from population ethics). I show that, despite recent objections from Russell (Noûs, 2023) and Goodsell (Analysis 81(3):420–426, 2021), the argument’s premises can be justified and defended, and the argument itself remains compelling.
Is Some Politics Still Local? Voter Preferences for Local Candidates
Authors: Hunt Charles R. , Fontana David
Published: June 2024

Previous literature has demonstrated electoral advantages for candidates with backgrounds in the communities they represent, even amidst the trends of partisan polarization and the nationalization of elections. Here, we consider voter preferences for local candidates using a broader range of methods, jurisdictions, time periods, and populations than has previously been utilized. Our results leverage a survey experiment presenting respondents with pairs of fictional open-seat U.S. Senate candidates with varying degrees of local backgrounds. Voters consistently responded more favorably to locally-rooted candidates across different states. We also present novel evidence that local candidate effects are due largely to voters crossing party lines, and that the parties are asymmetrical in their responses to localism and carpetbagging, with Democrats benefitting from local ties more than Republicans. Observational data on real-life Senate candidates from 1960 to 2020 largely mirror our main experimental findings. Together, these findings demonstrate that local connections matter in more nuanced ways than have been previously considered.
How Selective Mobility, Social and Ecological Influence may Impact Geographic Variations in Life Satisfaction Scores: An Australian Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lignier Phil , Jarvis Diane , Grainger Daniel , Chaiechi Taha
Published: June 2024

The spatial clustering of life satisfaction scores noted in recent empirical research suggests that ‘happier’ people may live in specific neighbourhoods or regions. This prompts the questions: Do ‘happier’ people choose to move to specific places? Does living in specific places make people ‘happier’? To answer these questions, this paper explores possible occurrences of selective mobility, and social and ecological influence. Using panel data collected in Australia from 2013 to 2021, we examine the association between life satisfaction scores and selective geographic mobility, and the possible influence that living at specific locations may have on individual life satisfaction trajectory, while controlling for individual personality traits and socio-demographic factors. Our results indicate that urban residents reporting lower life satisfaction scores before the move have a higher probability of moving to a rural area. Similarly, lower life satisfaction scores are associated with a higher probability of moving to a region with a different climate. We also find evidence that moving from the city to the country is associated with an uplift of the life satisfaction trajectory for the individual. A similar conclusion is reached for people who moved to a warmer climate, but not for a move to a cooler climate. To our knowledge, this is the first time the concepts of selective mobility and social and ecological influence have been applied in life satisfaction research. Our work provides an indicator that can be important to demographers predicting population movements. It can also inform policy development around assisting regional and rural areas attract/ retain residents to support regional sustainability.
Bounded-memory adjusted scores estimation in generalized linear models with large data sets
Authors: Zietkiewicz Patrick , Kosmidis Ioannis
Published: June 2024

The widespread use of maximum Jeffreys’-prior penalized likelihood in binomial-response generalized linear models, and in logistic regression, in particular, are supported by the results of Kosmidis and Firth (Biometrika 108:71–82, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1093/biomet/asaa052), who show that the resulting estimates are always finite-valued, even in cases where the maximum likelihood estimates are not, which is a practical issue regardless of the size of the data set. In logistic regression, the implied adjusted score equations are formally bias-reducing in asymptotic frameworks with a fixed number of parameters and appear to deliver a substantial reduction in the persistent bias of the maximum likelihood estimator in high-dimensional settings where the number of parameters grows asymptotically as a proportion of the number of observations. In this work, we develop and present two new variants of iteratively reweighted least squares for estimating generalized linear models with adjusted score equations for mean bias reduction and maximization of the likelihood penalized by a positive power of the Jeffreys-prior penalty, which eliminate the requirement of storing O(n) quantities in memory, and can operate with data sets that exceed computer memory or even hard drive capacity. We achieve that through incremental QR decompositions, which enable IWLS iterations to have access only to data chunks of predetermined size. Both procedures can also be readily adapted to fit generalized linear models when distinct parts of the data is stored across different sites and, due to privacy concerns, cannot be fully transferred across sites. We assess the procedures through a real-data application with millions of observations.
Characterization of the proteins encoded by a recently emerged cotton-infecting Polerovirus
Authors: Akinyuwa Mary F. , Price Bailee K. , Kang Sung-Hwan
Published: June 2024

The cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLDV), an important viral pathogen responsible for substantial losses in cotton crops, has recently emerged in the United States (US). Although CLDV shares similarities with other members of the genus Polerovirus in terms of encoded proteins, their functional characteristics remain largely unexplored. In this study, we expressed and analyzed each protein encoded by CLDV to determine its intracellular localization using fluorescence protein fusion. We also evaluated their potential to induce plant responses, such as the induction of hypersensitive response-like necrosis and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Our findings show that the proteins encoded by CLDV exhibit comparable localization patterns and elicit similar robust plant responses as observed with cognate proteins from other viruses within the genus Polerovirus. This study contributes to our understanding of the functional repertoire of genes carried by Polerovirus members, particularly to CLDV that has recently emerged as a widespread viral pathogen infecting cotton in the US.
Preparation of Eco-Friendly Composite Material for Mercury (II) Adsorption Including Non-Wood Content From Walnut Green Husk (Juglon Regia L.): Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Koçak Nurdan , Çoktaş Fatma , Şimşek Selçuk , Kaya Savaş , Maslow M.
Published: June 2024

In this study, the adsorption properties of a composite material consisting of polyacrylamide, an inert polymer, and an extract obtained from the water-soluble part of a green walnut shell were investigated for Hg(II) ions. SEM, EDX, FTIR, and PZC analyses were performed to characterize the newly synthesized material. SEM and EDX analyses confirmed that the surface of the synthesized adsorbent became softer and smoother after adsorption, indicating the presence of Hg in its elemental composition. FTIR analysis showed that mercury enters the structure through chemical interactions, and there are changes in bond vibration frequencies in the presence of Hg(II). According to the PZC point analysis, the point at which the surface charge was zero was found to be pH 4. The Langmuir model was used to calculate the adsorption capacity after investigating the effect of concentration on adsorption. The adsorption capacity was found to be 1.808 molkg−1 (362,67 mgg−1) from the Langmuir model, which is very high compared to similar adsorbents. PFO model was used to explain the adsorption kinetics and very fast adsorption kinetics were observed. The adsorption entropy increased, free enthalpy of adsorption was negative, and heat of adsorption was in the energy-consuming direction.
Shor’s algorithm does not factor large integers in the presence of noise
Authors: Cai Jin-Yi
Published: June 2024

We consider Shor’s quantum factoring algorithm in the setting of noisy quantum gates. Under a generic model of random noise for (controlled) rotation gates, we prove that the algorithm does not factor integers of the formpqwhen the noise exceeds a vanishingly small level in terms ofn—the number of bits of the integer to be factored, wherepandqare from a well-defined set of primes of positive density. We further prove that with probability 1 −o(1) over random prime pairs (p, q), Shor’s factoring algorithm does not factor numbers of the formpq, with the same level of random noise present.
Microglial EPOR Contribute to Sevoflurane-induced Developmental Fine Motor Deficits Through Synaptic Pruning in Mice
Authors: He Danyi , Shi Xiaotong , Liang Lirong , Zhao Youyi , Ma Sanxing , Cao Shuhui , Liu Bing , Gao Zhenzhen , Zhang Xiao , Fan Ze , Kuang Fang , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2024

Clinical researches including the Mayo Anesthesia Safety in Kids (MASK) study have found that children undergoing multiple anesthesia may have a higher risk of fine motor control difficulties. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), a microglial receptor associated with phagocytic activity, was significantly downregulated in the medial prefrontal cortex of young mice after multiple sevoflurane anesthesia exposure. Importantly, we found that the inhibited erythropoietin (EPO)/EPOR signaling axis led to microglial polarization, excessive excitatory synaptic pruning, and abnormal fine motor control skills in mice with multiple anesthesia exposure, and those above-mentioned situations were fully reversed by supplementing EPO-derived peptide ARA290 by intraperitoneal injection. Together, the microglial EPOR was identified as a key mediator regulating early synaptic development in this study, which impacted sevoflurane-induced fine motor dysfunction. Moreover, ARA290 might serve as a new treatment against neurotoxicity induced by general anesthesia in clinical practice by targeting the EPO/EPOR signaling pathway.
A novel mitochondrial-related lncRNA signature mediated prediction of overall survival, immune landscape, and the chemotherapeutic outcomes for bladder cancer patients
Authors: Xiong Hao , Lin Cheng , Huang Xiang , Wang Hao
Published: June 2024

Objective

To develop a prognostic risk model for Bladder Cancer (BLCA) based on mitochondrial-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).

Methods

Transcriptome and clinical data of BLCA patients were retrieved from the TCGA database. Mitochondrial-related lncRNAs with independent prognostic significance were screened to develop a prognostic risk model. Patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups using the model. Various methods including Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis, ROC curve analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune analysis, and chemotherapy drug analysis were used to verify and evaluate the model.

Results

A mitochondrial-associated lncRNA prognostic risk model with independent prognostic significance was developed. High-risk group (HRG) patients exhibited significantly shorter survival periods compared to low-risk group (LRG) patients (P < 0.01). The risk score from the model was an independent predictor of BLCA prognosis, correlating with tumor grade, pathological stage, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The HRG showed significant positive correlations with high expressions of immune checkpoints (CTLA4, LAG3, PD-1, TIGIT, PD-L1, PD-L2, and TIM-3) and lower IC50 for chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, methotrexate, and vinblastine) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The mitochondrial-related lncRNA-based prognostic risk model effectively predicts BLCA prognosis and can guide individualized treatment for BLCA patients.
Reliability analysis of railway assets considering the impact of geographical and climatic properties
Authors: Kasraei Ahmad , Garmabaki A. H. S.
Published: June 2024

Various factors, including climate change and geographical features, contribute to the deterioration of railway infrastructures over time. The impacts of climate change have caused significant damage to critical components, particularly switch and crossing (S&C) elements in the railway network. These components are sensitive to abnormal temperatures, snow and ice, and flooding, making them susceptible to failures. The consequences of S&C failures can have a detrimental effect on the reliability and safety of the entire railway network.

It is crucial to have a reliable clustering of railway infrastructure assets based on various climate zones to make informed decisions for railway network operation and maintenance in the face of current and future climate scenarios. This study employs machine learning models to categorize S&Cs; therefore, historical maintenance data, asset registry information, inspection data, and weather data are leveraged to identify patterns and cluster failures. The analysis reveals four distinct clusters based on climatic patterns. The effectiveness of the proposed model is validated using S&C data from the Swedish railway network.

By utilizing this clustering approach, the whole of Sweden railway network divided into 4 various groups. Utilizing this groups the development of model can associated with enhancing certainty of decision-making in railway operation and maintenance management. It provides a means to reduce uncertainty in model building, supporting robust and reliable decision-making. Additionally, this categorization supports infrastructure managers in implementing climate adaptation actions and maintenance activities management, ultimately contributing to developing a more resilient transport infrastructure.
GIS-based multi-criteria decision making for delineation of potential groundwater recharge zones for sustainable resource management in the Eastern Mediterranean: a case study
Authors: Abdo Hazem Ghassan , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Alsafadi Karam , Bindajam Ahmed Ali , Mallick Javed , Mallick Suraj Kumar , Kumar Karikkathil C. Arun , Albanai Jasem A. , Kuriqi Alban , Hysa Artan
Published: June 2024

In light of population growth and climate change, groundwater is one of the most important water resources globally. Groundwater is crucial for sustaining many vital sectors in Syria, including industrial and agricultural sectors. However, groundwater exploitation has significantly escalated to meet different water needs especially in the post-war period and the earthquake disaster. Therefore, the goal was this study delineation of the groundwater potential zones (GPZs) by integrating the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method in a geographic information systems (GIS) within the AlAlqerdaha river basin in western Syria. In this study, ten criteria were used to map the spatial distribution of GPZs, including slope, geomorphology, drainage density, land use/land cover (LU/LC), lineament density, lithology, rainfall, soil, curvature and topographic wetness index (TWI). GPZs map was validated by using the location of 74 wells and the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). The findings suggest that the study area is divided into five GPZs: very low, 21.39 km2 (10.87%); low, 52.45 km2 (26.65%); moderate, 65.64 km2 (33.35%); high, 40.45 km2 (20.55%) and very high, 16.90 km2 (8.58%). High and very high zones mainly corresponded to the western regions of the study area. The conducted spatial modeling indicated that the AHP-based GPZs map showed a remarkably acceptable correlation with wells locations (AUC = 87.7%, n = 74), demonstrating the precision of the AHP–GIS as a rating method. The results of this study provide objective and constructive outputs that can help decision-makers to optimally manage groundwater resources in the post-war phase in Syria.
Adipose-derived stem cells modified by TWIST1 silencing accelerates rat sciatic nerve repair and functional recovery
Authors: Chen Bo , Wang Leining , Pan Xiaogui , Jiang Shuai , Hu Yihe
Published: June 2024

The regeneration of peripheral nerves after injury is often slow and impaired, which may be associated with weakened and denervated muscles subsequently leading to atrophy. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are often regarded as cell-based therapeutic candidate due to their regenerative potential. The study aims to assess the therapeutic efficacy of gene-modified ADSCs on sciatic nerve injury. We lentivirally transduced ADSCs with shRNA-TWIST1 and transplanted modified cells to rats undergoing sciatic nerve transection and repair. Results showed that TWIST1 knockdown accelerated functional recovery of rats with sciatic nerve injury as faster nerve conduction velocity and higher wire hang scores obtained by rats transplanted with TWIST1-silenced ADSCs than scramble ADSCs. Although the rats experienced degenerated axons and decreased myelin sheath thickness after sciatic nerve injury 8 weeks after operation, those transplanted with TWIST1-silenced ADSCs exhibited more signs of regenerated nerve fibers surrounded by newly formed myelin sheaths than those with scramble ADSCs. The rats transplanted with TWIST1-silenced ADSCs presented increased expressions of neurotrophic factors including neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the sciatic nerves than those with scramble ADSCs. These results suggest that genetically modifying TWIST1 in ADSCs could facilitate peripheral nerve repair after injury in a more efficient way than that with ADSCs alone.
LiDAR Data Fusion to Improve Forest Attribute Estimates: A Review
Authors: Balestra Mattia , Marselis Suzanne , Sankey Temuulen Tsagaan , Cabo Carlos , Liang Xinlian , Mokroš Martin , Peng Xi , Singh Arunima , Stereńczak Krzysztof , Vega Cedric , Vincent Gregoire , Hollaus Markus
Published: June 2024

Purpose of the Review

Many LiDAR remote sensing studies over the past decade promised data fusion as a potential avenue to increase accuracy, spatial-temporal resolution, and information extraction in the final data products. Here, we performed a structured literature review to analyze relevant studies on these topics published in the last decade and the main motivations and applications for fusion, and the methods used. We discuss the findings with a panel of experts and report important lessons, main challenges, and future directions.

Recent Findings

LiDAR fusion with other datasets, including multispectral, hyperspectral, and radar, is found to be useful for a variety of applications in the literature, both at individual tree level and at area level, for tree/crown segmentation, aboveground biomass assessments, canopy height, tree species identification, structural parameters, and fuel load assessments etc. In most cases, gains are achieved in improving the accuracy (e.g. better tree species classifications), and spatial-temporal resolution (e.g. for canopy height). However, questions remain regarding whether the marginal improvements reported in a range of studies are worth the extra investment, specifically from an operational point of view. We also provide a clear definition of “data fusion” to inform the scientific community on data fusion, combination, and integration.

This review provides a positive outlook for LiDAR fusion applications in the decade to come, while raising questions about the trade-off between benefits versus the time and effort needed for collecting and combining multiple datasets.
Twin-tower transformer network for skeleton-based Parkinson’s disease early detection
Authors: Ma Lan , Huo Hua , Liu Wei , Zhao Changwei , Wang Jinxuan , Xu Ningya
Published: June 2024

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative condition accompanied by a variety of motor and non-motor clinical symptoms. Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease presents many challenges, such as excessive reliance on subjective scale scores and a lack of objective indicators in the diagnostic process. Developing efficient and convenient methods to assist doctors in diagnosing Parkinson’s disease is necessary. In this paper, we study the skeleton sequences obtained from gait videos of Parkinsonian patients for early detection of the disease. We designed a Transformer network based on feature tensor fusion to capture the subtle manifestations of Parkinson’s disease. Initially, we fully utilized the distance information between joints, converting it into a multivariate time series classification task. We then built twin towers to discover dependencies within and across sequence channels. Finally, a tensor fusion layer was employed to integrate the features from both towers. In our experiments, our model demonstrated superior performance over the current state-of-the-art algorithm, achieving an 86.8% accuracy in distinguishing Parkinsonian patients from healthy individuals using the PD-Walk dataset.
A software for calculating coal mine gas emission quantity based on the different-source forecast method
Authors: Zhao Wei , Dong Huzi , Ren Junchen , Yuan Yuan , Wang Kai , Wang Fei
Published: June 2024

The ability to predict gas emissions accurately is pivotal in managing gas control and ensuring safe mining operations. Existing internationally acknowledged gas control and prediction software does not cater to the specific conditions in Chinese coal mines. Hence, this paper introduces an object-oriented programming method to design a software tool for calculating the total gas emission quantity using the MATLAB application program designer runtime environment. The software incorporates an algorithm, data structure, framework, and module functions, all of which enable seamless integration and visualization of gas emission calculation software. This software tool mitigates the inefficiencies and inaccuracies associated with manual, different-source forecast methods. Based on the field data of the Hulonggou Coal Mine in Shanxi province, this technical software was used to predict the gas emission of the mine. The research results show that the predicted value of the technical software is close to the actual measured value. The differing estimates of the working face and coal mine output primarily account for the deviation between the tool's predicted gas emission value and the field-measured value. The underlying design logic of this technical software determines that it has good adaptability to mines with clear mining technology parameters and gas geological parameters. This study provides a valuable method for researchers and engineers seeking to improve gas emission calculation efficiency.
Regulating AI-Based Medical Devices in Saudi Arabia: New Legal Paradigms in an Evolving Global Legal Order
Authors: Solaiman Barry
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s (SFDA) Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies based Medical Devices (the MDS-G010). The SFDA has pioneered binding requirements designed for manufacturers to obtain Medical Device Marketing Authorization. The regulation of AI in health is at an early stage worldwide. Therefore, it is critical to examine the scope and nature of the MDS-G010, its influences, and its future directions. It is argued that the guidance is a patchwork of existing international best practices concerning AI regulation, incorporates adapted forms of non-AI-based guidelines, and builds on existing legal requirements in the SFDA’s existing regulatory architecture. There is particular congruence with the approaches of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), but the SFDA goes beyond those approaches to incorporate other best practices into its guidance. Additionally, the binding nature of the MDS-G010 is complex. There are binding ‘components’ within the guidance, but the incorporation of non-binding international best practices which are subordinate to national law results in a lack of clarity about how penalties for non-compliance will operate.