bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of insertions and extensions in the functional evolution of the ribonucleotide reductase family
Authors: Burnim Audrey A. , Xu Da , Spence Matthew A. , Jackson Colin J. , Ando Nozomi
Published: October 2022

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are used by all free‐living organisms and many viruses to catalyze an essential step in the de novo biosynthesis of DNA precursors. RNRs are remarkably diverse by primary sequence and cofactor requirement, while sharing a conserved fold and radical‐based mechanism for nucleotide reduction. In this work, we expand on our recent phylogenetic inference of the entire RNR family and describe the evolutionarily relatedness of insertions and extensions around the structurally homologous catalytic barrel. Using evo‐velocity and sequence similarity network (SSN) analyses, we show that the N‐terminal regulatory motif known as the ATP‐cone domain was likely inherited from an ancestral RNR. By combining SSN analysis with AlphaFold2 predictions, we also show that the C‐terminal extensions of class II RNRs can contain folded domains that share homology with an Fe‐S cluster assembly protein. Finally, using sequence analysis and AlphaFold2, we show that the sequence motif of a catalytically essential insertion known as the finger loop is tightly coupled to the catalytic mechanism. Based on these results, we propose an evolutionary model for the diversification of the RNR family.
Theoretical study of the mechanism and kinetics of the atmospheric reaction of acrylic acid with NO3 radical
Authors: Sun Jingyu , Xiao Weikang , Tang Yizhen , Zhang Yunju
Published: October 2022

The nitrate radical is one of the most significant oxidants in troposphere at the nighttime. Furthermore, acrylic acid is reported to be one of 189 hazardous air pollutants. In order to investigate the atmospheric chemistry and environmental impact of acrylic acid with nitrate radical, in this work, the atmospheric reaction mechanisms of acrylic acid by NO3 radical have been discussed by the CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ//M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d, p) dual‐level of theory at the first time. The energy barriers of NO3 and CH2CHCOOH reaction have also been calculated accurately. The additions between NO3 with CH2CHCOOH would produce the dominant intermediates CH2NO3CHCOOH and CH2CHNO3COOH via low barriers. All hydrogen abstraction channels have higher barriers than that of additions. Therefore, addition pathways play an important role in this reaction. The total and branching rate constants have been computed by conventional transition state theory via the Variflex code. These rate constants of NO3 and acrylic acid reaction would be useful to complete structure–activity relationships of reaction rate. The calculated atmospheric lifetime of acrylic acid by NO3 is about 3.66 days at night. All findings will help us gain a better understanding of atmospheric chemistry of acrylic acid.
Model‐free adaptive and iterative learning composite control for subway train under actuator faults
Authors: Wang Qian , Jin Shangtai , Hou Zhongsheng , Gao Guangzhuo
Published: October 2022

In this article, the model‐free adaptive and iterative learning composite control (CMFAC‐ILC) is proposed to ensure the speed and position tracking for the subway train system subjected to the iteration‐time‐varying actuator faults. First, a nonlinear subway train system is transformed into a faults‐related full‐form dynamic linearization data model (FFDLDM), which relies on the input, output, and faults data of the subway train system. The actuator faults and unknown nonlinear terms of the subway train system are estimated by the projection algorithm. Then, in the time domain, the model‐free adaptive control (MFAC) algorithm is utilized and unknown controller parameters are estimated by the RBFNN algorithm. In the iteration domain, a feedforward D‐type iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm is added to the outer loop of the MFAC algorithm. Finally, the theoretical analysis proves that the speed and position tracking errors of the subway train are bounded, the simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed composite control scheme of the subway train.
Deep Q‐learning: A robust control approach
Authors: Varga Balázs , Kulcsár Balázs , Chehreghani Morteza Haghir
Published: October 2022

This work aims at constructing a bridge between robust control theory and reinforcement learning. Although, reinforcement learning has shown admirable results in complex control tasks, the agent's learning behavior is opaque. Meanwhile, system theory has several tools for analyzing and controlling dynamical systems. This article places deep Q‐learning is into a control‐oriented perspective to study its learning dynamics with well‐established techniques from robust control. An uncertain linear time‐invariant model is formulated by means of the neural tangent kernel to describe learning. This novel approach allows giving conditions for stability (convergence) of the learning and enables the analysis of the agent's behavior in frequency‐domain. The control‐oriented approach makes it possible to formulate robust controllers that inject dynamical rewards as control input in the loss function to achieve better convergence properties. Three output‐feedback controllers are synthesized: gain scheduling , dynamical , and fixed‐structure controllers. Compared to traditional deep Q‐learning techniques, which involve several heuristics, setting up the learning agent with a control‐oriented tuning methodology is more transparent and has well‐established literature. The proposed approach does not use a target network and randomized replay memory. The role of the target network is overtaken by the control input, which also exploits the temporal dependency of samples (opposed to a randomized memory buffer). Numerical simulations in different OpenAI Gym environments suggest that the controlled learning can converge faster and receive higher scores (depending on the environment) compared to the benchmark double deep Q‐learning.
Blocking Cholesterol Metabolism with Tumor‐Penetrable Nanovesicles to Improve Photodynamic Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Zhao Zitong , Sun Xiangshi , Wang Jue , Yi Wenzhe , Wang Dangge , Li Yaping
Published: October 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)‐mediated cancer immunotherapy is attenuated due to the dysfunction of T cells in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Cholesterol metabolism plays a vital role in T cell signaling and effector. While the metabolic fitness of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells is impaired by nutrition restriction in TME and accumulated metabolites by tumor cells. Here a matrix metalloproteinase‐2‐sensitive tumor‐penetrable nanovesicle is designed to regulate cholesterol metabolism pathway for enhancing photodynamic cancer immunotherapy. The nanovesicles accumulate in tumor and release internalizing RGD to promote deep penetration. Released avasimibe from the nanovesicles simultaneously blocks cholesterol metabolism in CD8+ T and tumor cells, thus reinvigorating the functions of T cells and suppressing the migration of tumor cells. Immune responses induced by PDT‐triggered immunogenic cell death are further improved with cholesterol metabolism blockage. Compared with PDT alone, the designed nanovesicles display enhanced tumor growth inhibition in B16‐F10 mouse tumor model. The approach provides an alternative strategy to improve photodynamic cancer immunotherapy by cholesterol metabolism intervention.
Assessing the nomenclatural history of the sucupira‐branca trees: Friedrich Sellow's (1789–1831) collections, typification and checklist of the Neotropical legume genus Pterodon
Authors: Carvalho Catarina S. , Lima Haroldo C. , de Moraes Pedro L.R. , Cardoso Domingos B.O.S.
Published: October 2022

Sucupira‐branca is a popular name for the papilionoid legume tree genus Pterodon (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae), which is amply distributed across South American savannas and seasonally dry tropical forests. Pterodon has been strongly supported as monophyletic in all molecular phylogenetic analyses and stands out within the Dipterygeae clade by the pinnately compound leaves with terete rachis, symmetrical leaflets with emarginate apex, and indehiscent, one‐seeded cryptosamara fruit. Despite a growing interest in Pterodon species, mainly due to their potential as drug and timber sources, their nomenclature was never fully assessed. Here, we present a nomenclatural review of the economically and ecologically important Pterodon, where we assess all 15 names and designations ever associated with the genus and provide all known orthographic variants and type localities for the accepted names. Besides that, we propose one new species the designation of which has never been validly published, typify five names, propose one new synonym, and provide a list of all the accepted names in the genus. Also, we show that the nomenclatural history of P. emarginatus, one of the ecologically most dominant species in fire‐prone savanna vegetation, is closely related to how Friedrich Sellow (1789–1831) collected and numbered his gatherings. By elucidating the typification of this particularly important species, we shed light on how to more accurately annotate Sellow's specimens in nomenclatural revisions.
Hygrothermal effects on the nonlinear buckling of functionally graded multilayer GPL‐Fiber reinforced hybrid composite cylindrical shells
Authors: Ni Yiwen , Zhang Junlin , Sun Jiabin , Li Yongqi , Tong Zhenzhen , Zhou Zhenhuan
Published: October 2022

An accurate nonlinear buckling analysis of functional graded multilayer GPL‐Fiber reinforced hybrid composites (FG multilayer GPL‐Fiber RHCs) cylindrical shells under hygro‐thermo‐mechanical loadings is performed. The axisymmetric pre‐buckling effect, which is usually neglected in the classical eigen‐buckling analysis, is considered to improve the accuracy of critical buckling loads. Nonlinear governing equations are derived by adopting the high‐order shear deformation theory and Novozhilov's nonlinear shell theory. Accurate critical buckling loads and explicit buckling mode shapes are obtained by the Galerkin method. Comparisons with results of existing literature are presented to validate the accuracy of present solutions. A comprehensive parametric study of key influencing parameters on the structural stability of the FG multilayer GPL‐Fiber RHCs cylindrical shell is investigated in detail. The numerical results indicate that the stability of such shell highly depends on the temperature rise and moisture absorption, and contents and distribution profiles of GPLs and fibers could be optimized to enhance the anti‐buckling performance of the shell.
Auditing Complexity
Authors: Berghout Egon , Fijneman Rob
Published: October 2022

This chapter includes the primary issues that auditors and managers should address in order to control contemporary complex information systems, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence. These contemporary information systems often also impact an increasing number of stakeholders and regularly make autonomous and influential decisions. We conclude that system quality is primarily influenced by system design; however, independent audits remain one of the best incentives for software engineers and their managers to truly effectuate adequate control measures.
Understanding Algorithms
Authors: Oosterwijk Pieter , Pirkovski Miranda , Zielman Berrie
Published: October 2022

Algorithms account for an ever-larger component of the central government’s operations and actions, and hence perform an ever-important role in the delivery of public services to citizens and businesses. We analysed the activities and processes for which central government and its associated organisations use algorithms, classified these into categories, and identified the risks involved in the use of algorithms. In addition, we examined how central government and its associated organisations manage the operation and control the quality of algorithms. Most of the algorithms used by central government are relatively simple. They have a limited effect on private individuals, as it is only such relatively simple algorithms that take automatic decisions. Many of these decisions involve the automation of certain administrative activities, for example the automated sending of letters confirming the receipt of a communication. We did not find any fully self-learning algorithms in central government, only learning algorithms. We urge governments to evaluate algorithms on basis of a predetermined set of criteria and present a framework for such evaluations.
Keeping Control on Deep Learning Image Recognition Algorithms
Authors: Jager Tjitske , Westhoek Eric
Published: October 2022

In this chapter a framework is presented to control machine learning applications. This framework is based on the case of a major insurance company that applied a machine learning application to supports damage reports after a major hailstorm. This hailstorm caused severe damage to greenhouses in two provinces in the Netherlands. The study concludes that the internal control framework of the Courts of Audit presented in chapter “Understanding Algorithms” provides a solid basis for risk management. Furthermore, several additional risk areas are presented.
Cultivating the Impact of Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Discussion of Upscaling Approaches in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Authors: Krebs Kristin , Volkmann Christine , Grünhagen Marc
Published: October 2022

There is substantial knowledge about the peculiarities of founding entrepreneurial ventures in general. However, comparatively little is known so far about the characteristics of establishing sustainable ventures aiming at solving ecological or social problems in society. It is particularly uncertain how sustainable entrepreneurs could attain a successful upscaling of their venture ideas to expand their impact from a local niche at origin towards reaching broader society-wide impact. At this junction between local niche and the wider societal regime or landscape level, entrepreneurial ecosystems may play a key role in providing instrumental support for sustainable ventures. Entrepreneurial ecosystems offer initial support in the formation of new sustainable ventures but, also later, helping sustainable entrepreneurs in the upscaling of their sustainable venture ideas. In this chapter, we explore how entrepreneurial ecosystems could support the expansion of sustainable ventures and help overcome the barriers and dilemmas for successful sustainability upscaling.

The conceptual chapter discusses selected issues in the upscaling of sustainable ventures in the ecosystem context alongside typical barriers and dilemmas in sustainability upscaling. The contribution attempted in this chapter is to build a bridge between the literature strand on upscaling within sustainable innovation and the discussion of supportive ecosystems in the field of entrepreneurship. For example, we address the composition of ecosystem stakeholders and the importance of keeping a shared sustainability orientation in the ecosystem while integrating diverse stakeholders who provide resources for the upscaling process. The discussion in this chapter is based on reviewing recent literature on the upscaling phenomenon in sustainable innovation as well as on entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable entrepreneurship. In particular, we suggest that upscaling in entrepreneurial ecosystems may be understood as an open-ended evolutionary process, with ecosystem networks and stakeholder collaboration providing stable spaces for reflexive discourse and learning.
The Value Chain Configuration in the Digital Entrepreneurship Age: The Paradoxical Role of Digital Technologies
Authors: Fernández Zulima , Rodriguez Alicia
Published: October 2022

This chapter analyzes the configuration of global value chains in the digital entrepreneurship age by clarifying past contributions, examining work resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, and outlining suggestions for future research. First, we provide a conceptual framework to understand how digitalization has driven its transformation. Specifically, we discuss the main changes in the slicing of value chain activities, the control and location decisions of these activities, and the paradoxical role played by digital technologies in shaping the way entrepreneurs organize them. In doing this, we highlight the location paradox, which rests on the idea that digital technologies help firms expand their geographical scope and reduce co-ordination costs in large and dispersed networks (which favors offshoring), while reducing the importance of the location of activities and shortening supply chains (which favors reshoring). Second, we critically review the research on value chain configurations that has appeared because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lastly, we discuss some promising areas of research that could yield insights that will advance our understanding of value chain configurations in the digital entrepreneurship age.
The Evolution of the Dynamic Capabilities Framework
Authors: Teece David J.
Published: October 2022

The chapter sketches the past, present, and potential future of the dynamic capabilities framework. This essay is more by way of a personal reflection on the progress that has been made to date and the work remaining to be done. The dynamic capabilities framework has proved fertile ground for research and there is no evidence its momentum is slowing. In addition, I see the framework having numerous potential applications, several of which I have addressed in my own writing: (1) dynamic capabilities can serve as an overarching paradigm for teaching in business schools; (2) dynamic capabilities can potentially be built into a theory of the firm; and (3) dynamic capabilities is a policy tool for industrializing economies to help them understand the difference between accumulation and assimilation. Finally, innovation, including digital transformation, corporate entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior also contribute to the theoretical soundness of the dynamic capabilities framework.
Transforming a Highly Tactile Entrepreneurship Course “Ideas to Innovation” to an Entirely Online Delivery Model: Lessons for Theory and Practice
Authors: Vaiciukynaite Egle , Ihasz Orsolya , Portyanko Sergey , Vyakarnam Shailendra
Published: October 2022

Recent changes in education due to COVID-19 required a shift from classroom to online delivery. This chapter illustrates how a highly complex training program, Ideas to Innovation (i2i), responded to this challenge. i2i is based on experiential learning including a variety of activities carried out both in large and small groups with the intention to raise delegates’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy. In this case study, we illustrate the process by which the program was delivered online for the first time since its existence and how the online delivery of an entrepreneurial program contributed to participants raised level of entrepreneurial intent. We took a qualitative approach by conducting structured (written) and semi-structured interviews with participants. We triangulated the data with insights and reflections of the facilitators engaged in the online delivery. The findings indicate that even when i2i is delivered online, it raised participants’ level of entrepreneurial intent. We also found that digital interaction and collaboration among participants and facilitators on various platforms promoted the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. By highlighting this change in delivery and design, we contribute to the ongoing debate of digitally supported education for entrepreneurship and provide insights to redesign entrepreneurial training programs.
Solutions of Brand Posts on Facebook to Increase Customer Engagement Using the Random Forest Prediction Model
Authors: Vaiciukynaite Egle , Zickute Ineta , Salkevicius Justas
Published: October 2022

This paper aims to predict customer engagement behaviour (CEB), i.e. likes, shares, comments, and emoji reactions, on company posts on Facebook. A sample of 1109 brand posts from Facebook pages in Lithuania was used. The Random Forest method was used to train models to predict customer engagement behaviour based on features including time frame, content, and media types of brand posts. The data was used for training nine binary classification models using the Random Forest method, which can predict the popularity of a company’s posts. In terms of social score, accuracy of likes, comments, and shares varied from 68.4% (likes on a post) to 84.0% (comments on a post). For emotional responses, accuracy varied from 65.6% (‘wow’ on a post) to 82.5% (‘ha ha’ on a post). The data was collected from one single media platform and country, and encompassed emotional expressions at an early stage on Facebook. The findings of Random Forest prediction models can help organisations to make more efficient solutions for brand posts on Facebook to increase customer engagement. This paper outlines the first steps in creating a predictive engagement score towards diverse types of brand posts on Facebook. The same approach to features of brand posts might be applied to other social media platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn.
Heuristics Design
Authors: Taillard Éric D.
Published: October 2022

The last chapter of the book gives some advice on developing heuristics. It discusses the difficulty of modeling the problem and gives an example of decomposing the problem into a chain of more manageable sub-problems. Secondly, it proposes an approach for the design of a specific heuristic. Finally, some techniques for parameter tuning and comparing the efficiency of algorithms are reviewed.
Randomized Methods
Authors: Taillard Éric D.
Published: October 2022

This chapter is devoted to random and memory-free methods that repeatedly construct solutions or modify them. Among the most popular techniques, there are simulated annealing, threshold accepting, great deluge and demon algorithms, noising methods, late acceptance hill climbing, variable neighborhood search, and GRASP.
Innovation und Wandel in der Mobilität des bayerischen Militärs
Authors: Kränzlein Dirk
Published: October 2022

In der Frühen Neuzeit war die Mobilität der Truppen stets relativ begrenzt. Die Feldherren mussten darauf bedacht sein, die eigene Armee möglichst nah an den Versorgungs-möglichkeiten des Landes zu halten. Schließlich mussten bereits im Mittelalter manche Feldzüge auf Grund von Hungersnöten der Truppe abgebrochen werden.
Beschleunigte Kommunikation und langsamer Wandel
Authors: Kränzlein Dirk
Published: October 2022

Von jeher war die Geschwindigkeit der Verständigung zwischen dem Feldherrn und seiner Armee einer der wichtigsten Faktoren für die Koordination von Strategie und Taktik. Mittels schriftlicher oder mündlicher Mitteilungen konnte der Befehlshaber bei der Schlachtvorbereitung die Aufstellungen bestimmen und während des Schlachtverlaufes direkt eingreifen. Falls er nicht bei seinen Truppen verweilte, war er auf Nachrichtenüberbringer angewiesen.
Das bayerische Militär und die Adaptionen technischer Innovationen im 19. Jahrhundert
Authors: Kränzlein Dirk
Published: October 2022

Die Umsetzung technischer Innovationen hing mit einem „komplexen und nicht spannungsfreien Beziehungsgeflecht“ von Militär, staatlichen Entscheidungsinstanzen, nationaler Wirtschaftskraft und dem Stand der Technologie zusammen. Aus diesem Grund sollten und konnten nicht alle Neuerungen zügig bzw. auch nachhaltig angenommen werden. Dennoch zeigten gerade außenpolitische Konflikte die Notwendigkeit auf, sich den Gegebenheiten der Zeit anzupassen.
Ergebnisse
Authors: Kränzlein Dirk
Published: October 2022

Nachdem das Königreich Bayern aus dem Konflikt von 1866 als Verlierer hervorgegangen war, gab es vielerlei kritische Stimmen, welche ihren Unmut ob der Niederlage direkt dem Militär zuschrieben.
Introduction
Authors: Farmer Jane , McCosker Anthony , Albury Kath , Aryani Amir
Published: October 2022

The authors introduce the idea of data capability and why this is a crucial time for non-profit organisations to become skilled and resourced in data analytics. First, we explore the non-profit sector and how its role as a provider of social services in many high-income countries means it increasingly works with data. We suggest how non-profits could re-use data they already generate, along with open public data, to address their data challenges and gaps, including to evidence their social impact. Second, we explain why non-profits should aim for data capability that differs in relation to context, comparing it with data literacy and data maturity as outcomes. We propose benefits from collaborating with data and data analytics because it enables access to wider resources and more holistic solutions. We end by summarising the current relationship between citizens who are often in non-profit data as clients and customers and the lack of routine ways for non-profits to engage citizens in data work. We highlight this space of working with citizens as one where experiments and new ideas are forming. We suggest non-profits need to invest in skilling-up and resourcing within their organisations, so they are competent to work with citizens and data.
Search for sub-eV axion-like particles in a stimulated resonant photon-photon collider with two laser beams based on a novel method to discriminate pressure-independent components
Authors:   The SAPPHIRES collaboration, Kirita Yuri , Hasada Takumi , Hashida Masaki , Hirahara Yusuke , Homma Kensuke , Inoue Shunsuke , Ishibashi Fumiya , Nakamiya Yoshihide , Neagu Liviu , Nobuhiro Akihide , Ozaki Takaya , Rosu Madalin-Mihai , Sakabe Shuji , Tesileanu Ovidiu
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Sub-eV axion-like particles (ALPs) have been searched for by focusing two-color near-infrared pulse lasers into a vacuum along a common optical axis. Within the focused quasi-parallel collision system created by combining a creation field (2.5 mJ/47 fs Ti:Sapphire laser) and a background inducing field (1.5 mJ/9 ns Nd:YAG laser), the detection of signal photons via stimulated resonant photon-photon scattering by exchanging ALPs was attempted in a vacuum chamber. The signal wavelength can be determined via energy-momentum conservation in the vacuum, and it coincides with that determined from the atomic four-wave-mixing (aFWM) process. In this work, the pulse energies were one order of magnitude higher than those in the previous search, allowing aFWM from optical elements to be observed as a pressure-independent background for the first time, in addition to the residual-gas-originating aFWM following a quadratic pressure dependence. In principle the four-wave-mixing process in vacuum via ALP exchanges (vFWM) must also be pressure-independent, so the development of a new method for discriminating the optical-element aFWM is indispensable for increasing the pulse energies to the values needed for future upgraded searches. In this paper, we will present the established method for quantifying the yield from the optical-element aFWM process based on the beam cross- section dependence. With the new method, the number of signal photons was found to be consistent with zero. We then successfully obtained a new exclusion region in the relation between ALP-photon coupling, g/M, and the ALP mass m, reaching the most sensitive point g/M = 1.14 × 10−5 GeV−1 at m = 0.18 eV.
Yukawa interactions at large charge
Authors: Antipin Oleg , Bersini Jahmall , Panopoulos Pantelis
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We extend the fixed-charge semiclassical method by computing anomalous dimensions of fixed-charge scalar operators in models with Yukawa interactions. In particular, we discuss the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio-Yukawa theory as well as an asymptotically safe gauge-Yukawa model in four dimensions. In the weakly coupled regime, we cross-check our results to the respective maximum known orders of perturbation theory in these models and predict higher order terms for future comparisons with other computational methods. In the strongly coupled regime, we match our results to the predictions of the large-charge effective field theory which can be compared to future Monte Carlo and lattice studies.
Dijet photoproduction at low x at next-to-leading order and its back-to-back limit
Authors: Taels Pieter , Altinoluk Tolga , Beuf Guillaume , Marquet Cyrille
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We compute the cross section for the inclusive photoproduction of a pair of jets at next-to-leading order accuracy in the Color Glass Condensate (CGC) effective theory. The aim is to study the back-to-back limit, to investigate whether transverse momentum dependent (TMD) factorization can be recovered at this perturbative order. In particular, we focus on large Sudakov double logarithms, which are dominant terms in the TMD evolution kernel. Interestingly, the kinematical improvement of the low-x resummation scheme turns out to play a crucial role in our analysis.
Relations Between the Bernstein Polynomials and q-monotone Functions
Authors: Abel Ulrich , Leviatan Dany , Raşa Ioan
Published: October 2022

We show that certain inequalities involving differences of the Bernstein basis polynomials and values of a function $$f\in C[0,1]$$

f
∈
C
[
0
,
1
]

, imply that the function is q-monotone. In view of previous results of the authors (see the list of references), the current results provide, among others, a characterization of q-monotone functions in C[0, 1].
Nonparametric upscaling of bark beetle infestations and management from plot to landscape level by combining individual-based with Markov chain models
Authors: Pietzsch Bruno Walter , Wudel Chris , Berger Uta
Published: October 2022

Linked to climate change, drivers such as increased temperatures and decreased water availability affect forest health in complex ways by simultaneously weakening tree vitality and promoting insect pest activity. One major beneficiary of climate-induced changes is the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus). To improve the mechanistic understanding of climate change impacts on long-term beetle infestation risks, individual-based simulation models (IBM) such as the bark beetle dispersion model IPS-SPREADS have been proven as effective tools. However, the computational costs of IBMs limit their spatial scale of application. While these tools are best suitable to simulate bark beetle dynamics on the plot level, upscaling the process to larger areas is challenging. The larger spatial scale is, nevertheless, often required to support the selection of adequate management intervention. Here, we introduce a novel two-step approach to address this challenge: (1) we use the IPS-SPREADS model to simulate the bark beetle dispersal at a local scale by dividing the research area into 250 × 250 m grid cells; and (2) we then apply a metamodel framework to upscale the results to the landscape level. The metamodel is based on Markov chains derived from the infestation probabilities of IPS-SPREADS results and extended by considering neighbor interaction and spruce dieback of each focal cell. We validated the metamodel by comparing its predictions with infestations observed in 2017 and 2018 in the Saxon Switzerland national park, Germany, and tested sanitation felling as a measure to prevent potential further outbreaks in the region. Validation showed an improvement in predictions by introducing the model extension of beetle spreading from one cell to another. The metamodel forecasts indicated an increase in the risk of infestation for adjacent forest areas. In case of a beetle mass outbreak, sanitation felling intensities of 80 percent and above seem to mitigate further outbreak progression.
An overview on the use of operations research in additive manufacturing
Authors: Framinan Jose M. , Perez-Gonzalez Paz , Fernandez-Viagas Victor
Published: October 2022

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive production technology that challenges many well-established, conventional practices in Operations and Supply Chain Management decisions. Consequently, new context-specific decision problems have appeared in this area, while existing decision problems must be adapted or extended to this context. In this overview, these decision problems in AM are highlighted and classified, describing the different decision in an unified manner and citing the underlying OR techniques that have been applied to solve them. The aim of the paper is that, by presenting an overview of the AM-related problems in a systematic, OR- or Decision-Making-centred (rather than technology-centred) manner, the OR community can become more aware of this stream of research and thus be more active and contribute with some high-quality work. Open research challenges, as well as avenues for future research are also discussed.
Morphological abnormalities in Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma rufipes (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan, Egypt
Authors: Okely Mohammed , Bakkes Deon K. , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia
Published: October 2022

The present study reports anomalies in Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma rufipes adults collected from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan, Egypt, between January and June 2022. A total of 52 adult ticks displayed one or several local and/or general anomalies. A wide variety of local anomalies was observed including atrophy of one or multiple legs, ectromely, absence of accessory adanal and subanal plates, fusion of adanal and accessory plates, and presence of sclerotized formation in the ventral plate, as well as abnormalities of the spiracle, anal groove, festoon, parma, and posteromedian groove. General anomalies comprised of asymmetries and gynandromorphism. Local anomalies were documented among H. dromedarii and H. rufipes, whereas general anomalies were documented only from H. dromedarii. The present work represents the first report of deuterogynander intrigue gynandromorphism in H. dromedarii, as well as the first report of morphological abnormalities in H. dromedarii and H. rufipes from Egypt.
Modeling English teachers’ behavioral intention to use artificial intelligence in middle schools
Authors: An Xin , Chai Ching Sing , Li Yushun , Zhou Ying , Shen Xi , Zheng Chunping , Chen Mengyuan
Published: October 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) provides new opportunities for K-12 English as foreign language (EFL) teachers to improve their teaching. To address the emerging trend of integrating AI into teaching, this study investigated EFL teachers’ perceptions, knowledge, and behavioral intention to use AI to support teaching and learning of English in middle schools. This study combined relevant aspects of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) as the theoretical basis. A survey was conducted in an AI education demonstration district in China. This survey adopted a 5-point Likert scale which was developed from previous research and the interview records of EFL teachers. A total of 470 valid responses were collected. The reliability and validity of the scale were satisfied with eight constructs: Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), Facilitating Conditions (FC), AI language technological knowledge (AIL-TK), AI technological pedagogical knowledge (AI-TPK), AI-TPACK, and Behavioral Intention (BI). The results showed that the EFL teachers were positive with regard to the measured factors. PE, SI, AIL-TK, and AI-TPACK had significant positive predictive power on BI; and EE, FC, AI-TPK had indirect effects on BI. The complex interrelations were mapped out to provide educators and policymakers with a theoretically grounded scheme to foster teachers’ BI to use AI in teaching.
A review of Lorentzian synthetic theory of timelike Ricci curvature bounds
Authors: Cavalletti Fabio , Mondino Andrea
Published: October 2022

The goal of this survey is to give a self-contained introduction to synthetic timelike Ricci curvature bounds for (possibly non-smooth) Lorentzian spaces via optimal transport and entropy tools, including a synthetic version of Hawking’s singularity theorem and a synthetic characterisation of Einstein’s vacuum equations. We will also discuss some motivations arising from the smooth world and some possible directions for future research.
Who counts? Legitimate solutions in construction activities in preschool
Authors: Boström Johan , Hultén Magnus , Gyberg Per
Published: October 2022

As has been pointed out in previous research, teacher-led learning plays an important role in developing preschool children's technological skills and technological self-esteem. What is missing in research are more detailed analysis of how the children’s and teachers’ actions and interactions shape the learning process. In order to study this within the field of construction, an action research project was conducted, where construction activities were developed, implemented and revised in an iterative procedure. Data from the second cycle were analyzed for this article using graphic transcriptions and multimodal analysis, with a focus on action, interaction and experience from a pragmatist perspective. Our findings show that children who quickly and decisively engage with the material, the teachers and their peers in suggesting which material to use and/or how the material can be used, end up in a central role in the design process. These children (or their actions) often get legitimized by the teachers. Thus, in order to give children access to equal opportunities in the construction activities, it is important for teachers to understand how the children’s construction-focused actions become constitutive and what their role in that process is.
Glucose and fatty acids catabolism during in vitro decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Citrinovitz Ana Cecilia Mestre , Hauke Jana , Jauckus Julia , Langhans Claus-Dieter , Schwarz Kathrin , Zorn Markus , Strowitzki Thomas , Okun Juergen G. , Germeyer Ariane
Published: October 2022

The differentiation of endometrial stromal cells, named decidualization, is essential for the proper formation of the materno-fetal interphase. One important feature of decidualization is the increased glucose consumption and its utilization by endometrial cells to produce energy. Besides glucose, fatty acids are another important energy source for living cells and it has been described that endometrial stromal cells rely on the proper function of the oxidation of fatty acids for the correct decidualization. It is, however, unknown whether the turn-over of fatty acid degradation is modified during decidualization. Furthermore, it is also unknown how the final products of glucose and fatty acid catabolism are related to the function of the tricarboxylic acid cycle for the efficient ATP production. In this study, we evaluated the content levels of different intermediate metabolites and the expression of the key enzymes related to the degradation of glucose and fatty acids during the in vitro decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells. Our results suggest that human endometrial stromal cells undergo energetic metabolic changes during decidualization and that decidualizing and non-decidualizing cells differ in the level of activation of different metabolic pathways and, probably, in the use of intermediate metabolites.
Performance evaluation of biodegradable polymer sirolimus and ascorbic acid eluting stent systems
Authors: Jo Won-Il , Youn Ji-Hyun , Kang So-Young , Byeon Dae-Heung , Lee Ho-In , Yang Hyoung-Mo , Park Jun-Kyu
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of biodegradable polymer sirolimus and ascorbic acid eluting stent systems with four commercially available drug-eluting stents (DES). We investigated the characterization of mechanical properties by dimension, foreshortening, recoil, radial force, crossing profile, folding shape, trackability, and dislodgement force. Additionally, we identify the safety and efficacy evaluation through registry experiments. Each foreshortening and recoil of D + Storm® DES is 1.3 and 3.70%, which has better performance than other products. A post-marketing clinical study to evaluate the performance and safety of D + Storm® DES is ongoing in real-world clinical settings. Two hundred one patients were enrolled in this study and have now completed follow-up for up to 1 month. No major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) occurred in any subjects, confirming the safety of D + Storm® DES in the clinical setting. An additional approximately 100 subjects will be enrolled in the study and the final safety profile will be assessed in 300 patients. In conclusion, this study reported the objective evaluation of DES performance and compared the mechanical responses of four types of DES available in the market. There is little difference between the four cardiovascular stents in terms of mechanical features, and it can help choose the most suitable stent in a specific clinical situation if those features are understood.
Fulminant Viral Hepatitis in Two Siblings with Inherited IL-10RB Deficiency
Authors: Korol Cecilia B. , Belkaya Serkan , Alsohime Fahad , Lorenzo Lazaro , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Brancale Joseph , Neehus Anna-Lena , Vilarinho Silvia , Zobaida Alsum , Halwani Rabih , Al-Muhsen Saleh , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Jouanguy Emmanuelle
Published: October 2022

Fulminant viral hepatitis (FVH) caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a life-threatening disease that typically strikes otherwise healthy individuals. The only known genetic etiology of FVH is inherited IL-18BP deficiency, which unleashes IL-18-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production. We studied two siblings who died from a combination of early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (EOIBD) and FVH due to HAV. The sibling tested was homozygous for the W100G variant ofIL10RBpreviously described in an unrelated patient with EOIBD. We show here that the out-of-frameIL10RBvariants seen in other EOIBD patients disrupt cellular responses to IL-10, IL-22, IL-26, and IFN-λs in overexpression conditions and in homozygous cells. By contrast, the impact of in-frame disease-causing variants varies between cases. When overexpressed, the W100G variant impairs cellular responses to IL-10, but not to IL-22, IL-26, or IFN-λ1, whereas cells homozygous for W100G do not respond to IL-10, IL-22, IL-26, or IFN-λ1. As IL-10 is a potent antagonist of IFN-γ in phagocytes, these findings suggest that the molecular basis of FVH in patients with IL-18BP or IL-10RB deficiency may involve excessive IFN-γ activity during HAV infections of the liver. Inherited IL-10RB deficiency, and possibly inherited IL-10 and IL-10RA deficiencies, confer a predisposition to FVH, and patients with these deficiencies should be vaccinated against HAV and other liver-tropic viruses.
CVID-Associated B Cell Activating Factor Receptor Variants Change Receptor Oligomerization, Ligand Binding, and Signaling Responses
Authors: Block Violeta , Sevdali Eirini , Recher Mike , Abolhassani Hassan , Hammarstrom Lennart , Smulski Cristian R. , Baronio Manuela , Plebani Alessandro , Proietti Michele , Speletas Matthaios , Warnatz Klaus , Voll Reinhard E. , Lougaris Vassilios , Schneider Pascal , Eibel Hermann
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Binding of the B cell activating factor (BAFF) to its receptor (BAFFR) activates in mature B cells many essential pro-survival functions. Null mutations in the BAFFR gene result in complete BAFFR deficiency and cause a block in B cell development at the transition from immature to mature B cells leading therefore to B lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia. In addition to complete BAFFR deficiency, single nucleotide variants encoding BAFFR missense mutations were found in patients suffering from common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), autoimmunity, or B cell lymphomas. As it remained unclear to which extent such variants disturb the activity of BAFFR, we performed genetic association studies and developed a cellular system that allows the unbiased analysis of BAFFR variants regarding oligomerization, signaling, and ectodomain shedding.

Methods

In addition to genetic association studies, the BAFFR variants P21R, A52T, G64V, DUP92-95, P146S, and H159Y were expressed by lentiviral gene transfer in DG-75 Burkitt’s lymphoma cells and analyzed for their impacts on BAFFR function.

Results

Binding of BAFF to BAFFR was affected by P21R and A52T. Spontaneous oligomerization of BAFFR was disturbed by P21R, A52T, G64V, and P146S. BAFF-dependent activation of NF-κB2 was reduced by P21R and P146S, while interactions between BAFFR and the B cell antigen receptor component CD79B and AKT phosphorylation were impaired by P21R, A52T, G64V, and DUP92-95. P21R, G64V, and DUP92-95 interfered with phosphorylation of ERK1/2, while BAFF-induced shedding of the BAFFR ectodomain was only impaired by P21R.

Conclusion

Although all variants change BAFFR function and have the potential to contribute as modifiers to the development of primary antibody deficiencies, autoimmunity, and lymphoma, P21R is the only variant that was found to correlate positively with CVID.
Exact Solution to Two-Body Financial Dealer Model: Revisited from the Viewpoint of Kinetic Theory
Authors: Kanazawa Kiyoshi , Takayasu Hideki , Takayasu Misako
Published: October 2022

The two-body stochastic dealer model is revisited to provide an exact solution to the average order-book profile using the kinetic approach. The dealer model is a microscopic financial model where individual traders make decisions on limit-order prices stochastically and then reach agreements on transactions. In the literature, this model was solved for several cases: an exact solution for two-body traders$$N=2$$N=2and a mean-field solution for many traders$$N\gg 1$$N≫1. Remarkably, while kinetic theory plays a significant role in the mean-field analysis for$$N\gg 1$$N≫1, its role is still elusive for the case of$$N=2$$N=2. In this paper, we revisit the two-body dealer model$$N=2$$N=2to clarify the utility of the kinetic theory. We first derive the exact master-Liouville equations for the two-body dealer model. We next illustrate the physical picture of the master-Liouville equation from the viewpoint of the probability currents. The master-Liouville equations are then solved exactly to derive the order-book profile and the average transaction interval. Furthermore, we introduce a generalised two-body dealer model by incorporating interaction between traders via the market midprice and exactly solve the model within the kinetic framework. We finally confirm our exact solution by numerical simulations. This work provides a systematic mathematical basis for the econophysics model by developing better mathematical intuition.
Lifeworld art: on Husserl’s Crisis book and beyond
Authors: Figal Günter
Published: October 2022

In the article I discuss Husserl’s conception of the Lifeworld as developed in his Crisis Book, in order to find out whether art can be especially illuminative in order to understand the Lifeworld and one’s own living in it. I draw a parallel between the sciences as discussed by Husserl as abstractions from the Lifeworld that offer a special view of what in the Lifeworld as such remains disclosed. However, scientific and artistic abstraction differs in character. Whereas the sciences establish formal systems and thereby discover the world as to its computability, the arts abstract from the everyday set of meanings and go back to the primordial and original experience of the world in its perceptibility. Thus they are able to draw attention to the essential character of the Lifeworld as such.