bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF WAVELET NEURAL NETWORK LEARNING WEIGHTS USING ACCELERATED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM
Authors: ZEB ANWER , LASHARI SAIMA ANWAR , KHAN ARSHAD , KHAN ABDULLAH , NAZAR KASHIF , ISHAQ MUHAMMAD
Published: March 2023

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a supervised learning nonlinear complex model. This characteristic enables ANN to be used in nonlinear system modeling and classification applications. This research work proposed a technique called Wavelet Neural Network (WNN), and in the hidden layers of WNN, Morlet and Mexican are used as an activation function. During the processing, the WNN gets stuck in the local minimum causing slow convergence. For evaluating such kinds of problems, numerous algorithms have been tried and used. Consequently, this proposed research work used a novel meta-heuristic search technique called Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) algorithm combined with the WNN. Due to the effective convergence and fast searching toward an optimal solution, the APSO algorithm is used. In the proposed APSOWNN algorithm, APSO searches for the best sub-search solution. In conclusion, this model is assessed on the basis of total of three different datasets like the 4-bit OR, 7-bit Parity and IRIS benchmark classification problems, and its efficiency is equated with criterion methods such like Wavelet Back Propagation Neural Network (WBPNN), Artificial Bee Colony Wavelet Neural Network (ABCWNN) and WNN. Finally, from the results of simulation, it has been concluded that the proposed algorithm’s performance is much better, as compared to the state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of mean square error.(MSE) and accuracy.
Quantile-Based Cumulative Past Extropy of Order Statistics
Authors: Vijayan Veena L. , Abdul Sathar E. I.
Published: March 2023

This paper introduces the concept of cumulative extropy in a past lifetime using the quantile function and establishes its monotone and ordering properties. It also demonstrates an application of this new measure for various distributions commonly used in lifetime data analysis, and provides a nonparametric estimator for the quantile-based cumulative extropy in a past lifetime.
Symmetric mutation algebras in the context of subcluster algebras
Authors: Saleh Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

For a rooted cluster algebra [Formula: see text] over a valued quiver [Formula: see text], a symmetric cluster variable is any cluster variable belonging to a cluster associated with a quiver [Formula: see text], for some permutation [Formula: see text]. The subalgebra of [Formula: see text] generated by all symmetric cluster variables, is called the symmetric mutation subalgebra and is denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we identify the class of cluster algebras that satisfy [Formula: see text], which contains almost every quiver of finite mutation type. In the process of proving the main result, we provide a classification of quivers mutations classes that relates their maximum weights to the shapes of the initial quivers. Furthermore, some properties of symmetric mutation subalgebras are given.
d-Sequence edge binomials, and regularity of powers of binomial edge ideals of trees
Authors: Nambi Marie Amalore , Kumar Neeraj
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we provide the necessary and sufficient conditions for the edge binomials of the tree forming a [Formula: see text]-sequence in terms of the degree sequence notion of a graph. We study the regularity of powers of the binomial edge ideals of trees generated by [Formula: see text]-sequence edge binomials.
Multiplication groups of quotient divisible Abelian groups
Authors: Kompantseva Ekaterina Igorevna , Nguyen Thi Quynh Trang
Published: March 2023

A multiplication on an Abelian group [Formula: see text] is a homomorphism [Formula: see text]. The set [Formula: see text] of all multiplications on an Abelian group [Formula: see text] itself is an Abelian group with respect to addition; this group is called the multiplication group of [Formula: see text]. In the paper, the class [Formula: see text] of quotient divisible Abelian groups of rank 1 is considered. The group [Formula: see text] is described for [Formula: see text]. In the group [Formula: see text], multiplications defining comparable rings on [Formula: see text] are described for any group [Formula: see text]. The isomorphism problem is solved in [Formula: see text]: multiplications defining isomorphic rings on [Formula: see text] are described for any [Formula: see text].
Extensions of solvable Lie algebras with naturally graded filiform nilradical
Authors: Khudoyberdiyev A. Kh. , Sheraliyeva S. A.
Published: March 2023

In this work, we consider extensions of solvable Lie algebras with naturally graded filiform nilradicals. Note that there exist two naturally graded filiform Lie algebras [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] We find all one-dimensional extensions of solvable Lie algebras with nilradical [Formula: see text]. We prove that there exists a unique non-split central extension of solvable Lie algebras with nilradical [Formula: see text] of maximal codimension. Moreover, all one-dimensional extensions of solvable Lie algebras with nilradical [Formula: see text] whose codimension is equal to one are found and we compared these solvable algebras with the solvable algebras with nilradicals that are one-dimensional central extension of algebra [Formula: see text].
Completely realizable groups
Authors: Fasolă Georgiana , Tărnăuceanu Marius
Published: March 2023

Given a construction [Formula: see text] on groups, we say that a group [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-realisable if there is a group [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], and completely[Formula: see text]-realisable if there is a group [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and every subgroup of [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to [Formula: see text] for some subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and vice versa. In this paper, we determine completely [Formula: see text]-realisable groups. We also study [Formula: see text]-realisable groups for [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the center, the Fitting subgroup, the Chermak–Delgado subgroup, the derived subgroup and the Frattini subgroup of the group [Formula: see text], respectively.
STEREOSCOPIC AUGMENTED REALITY FOR INTRAOPERATIVE GUIDANCE IN ROBOTIC SURGERY
Authors: TARTARINI LORENZO , RICCARDO SCHIAVINA , BIANCHI LORENZO , LODI SIMONE , GAUDIANO CATERINA , BORTOLANI BARBARA , CERCENELLI LAURA , BRUNOCILLA EUGENIO , MARCELLI EMANUELA
Published: March 2023

Augmented reality (AR) technology is increasingly adopted in the surgical field and recently it has been also introduced in robotic-assisted urologic surgery. This work describes the design and development of an AR intraoperative guide system with stereoscopic visualization (SAR, stereoscopic augmented reality) for the Da Vinci surgical robot. As a major novelty, the developed SAR system allows the surgeon to have the virtual 3D model of patient anatomy superimposed on the real field, without losing the stereoscopic view of the operative field. The workflow starts with the 3D model generation of the anatomical district of interest for surgery, from patient diagnostic imaging. Then, the 3D model is uploaded in the developed SAR application, navigated using a 3D space mouse, and superimposed to the operative field using computer vision algorithms. The SAR system was tested during 30 robot-assisted surgeries, including 20 partial nephrectomies, 1 kidney explant, and 9 radical prostatectomies. The SAR guidance system received overall great appreciation from surgeons and helped in localizing hidden structures, such as arteries or tumoral masses, increasing the understanding of surgical anatomy with depth perception, and facilitating intraoperative navigation. Future efforts will be addressed to improve the automatic superimposition of digital 3D models on the intraoperative view.
A MONTE CARLO CALIBRATION APPROACH FOR A DUAL-ENERGY CT SYSTEM
Authors: ISOLAN LORENZO , FORMOSI ANDREA , TEODORI FRANCESCO , BOTTI ANDREA , BERTOLINI MARCO , FINOCCHIARO DOMENICO , IORI MAURO , SUMINI MARCO
Published: March 2023

This work shows the effectiveness of Monte Carlo methods for calibrating a dual-energy CT (DECT) system on a heterogeneous phantom for radiotherapy. The reference phantom comprising 20 inserts of different materials and densities representing human tissues inserted in a plastic water cylinder has been considered. The reliability of the model, built with the Penelope code, has been verified by comparing the results of the simulations at 80[Formula: see text]kVp and 140[Formula: see text]kVp with the experimental data acquired from the CT scans and dosimetry measurements. The effective atomic number from the various materials is also considered a control parameter. Tests for calibration and dose calculation are also based on a homogeneous phantom in PMMA and measurements in air with an ionization chamber. The Monte Carlo simulations coupled with dose evaluations allowed the calibration of the dose deposition effects on the considered tissue models.
Rooted Product and Restricted Rooted Product of Soft Directed Graphs
Authors: Jose Jinta , George Bobin , Thumbakara Rajesh K.
Published: March 2023

Molodtsov proposed soft set theory as a mathematical framework for handling uncertain data. Nowadays, a lot of people employ soft set theory to solve decision making problems. A graph with directed edges is known as a directed graph. Studying and resolving issues with social networks, shortest paths, electrical circuits, etc. using directed graphs is possible. We presented soft directed graphs by extending the notion of soft set to directed graphs. A parameterized perspective for directed graphs is provided by soft directed graphs. In this work, we introduce the rooted product and the restricted rooted product of soft directed graphs and examine some of their properties.
Religiousness, Portfolio Choice, and Gambling in Japan
Authors: Saito Kuniyoshi
Published: March 2023

This paper examines how religion influences financial risk-taking behaviour and gambling using a survey data set from Japan, where most religious people claim they believe in Buddhism and/or Shinto. We find little association between religiousness and portfolio choice. Exceptions are that: (i) those who claimed their religion is Buddhism and the members of one Buddhist denomination are more likely to buy stock and lottery tickets than nonreligious people, and (ii) those who described themselves as devoted to religion are less likely to play pachinko.
Review—Bi-Metallic Nanoparticles for Water Treatment: Synthesis Routes, Purification, Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: Allaie M. Ashraf , Shah Khurshed A. , Andrabi S. M. A.
Published: March 2023

Bimetallic nanoparticles have attracted huge attention because they exhibit more efficient characteristics due to the extensive array of chemical and physical properties, synergistic effects, and different mechanisms of action. This review highlights the synthetic routes for synthesis of different bimetallic nanoparticles such as physical, chemical and biological routes and their use for the removal of pollutants from water such as heavy metals, metalloids, dyes, pharmaceuticals, bacteria’s etc. The study shows that till date bimetallic nanoparticles have been synthesized by various methods and used for the purification and application of water. Also it is revealed that the bimetallic nanoparticles are efficient for removal of organic, inorganic and biological pollutants from water. Furthermore, up to date review of the use of various bimetallic nanoparticles for water treatment is presented in the form of a table and the future perspectives and challenges in the field are discussed in detail.
Steady State Analysis of Base Station Buffer Occupancy in a Cellular Mobile System
Authors: Nada Fayza A.
Published: March 2023

The 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standards organizations makes great efforts in order to reduce the latency of 5G mobile networks to the least possible extent. Recently, these networks are associated with big buffers to maximize the network utilization and minimize the wasted wireless resources. However, in existence of the TCP congestions, having bottlenecks are still expected on radio access networks (RANs) data paths. Consequently, this influences the network performance and reduces its quality of services (QoSs). Apparently, studying and improving the behavior of buffers deployed at 5G mobile networks devices can contribute to solving these problems (at least by reducing the queuing time at these buffers). In this paper, we study the buffer behavior of base stations in a 5G mobile network at steady state. We consider a cellular mobile network consisting of finite number of users (stations, terminals, and mobiles). At any time-slot, a station may be using the channel (busy) or not using the channel (idle). Since system analysis of cellular mobile networks in general form is rather complex, solutions are always obtained in closed forms or by numerical techniques. A two-dimensional traffic system for cellular mobile networks is presented, and the main performance evaluations are derived. Moreover, different moments of the base station buffer occupancy are calculated. The study reveals that there is a correlation between the state of the mobile stations (busy or idle) and the expected buffers occupancy of the base station. In addition, the results discussions demonstrate some important factors and parameters that affect the base station buffers and the overall network performance. These factors can be further worked on and controlled to obtain the least possible latency in next generation mobile networks.
Views of Older Adults on Using Support to Prevent Overload in Informal Caregivers: Results of a Story Completion Study
Authors: Vos Eline E. , de Bruin Simone R. , Pees Suzanne , van der Beek Allard J. , Proper Karin I.
Published: March 2023

Older care recipients living at home increasingly rely on support from informal caregivers. As informal caregivers often combine these caregiving tasks with other tasks, such as paid work, they are at risk of becoming overloaded. To decrease informal caregiver burden, different forms of support are available that also affect older care recipients’ lives, such as respite care, technology, or home care. The aim of this qualitative study was to obtain more insight into the perceptions, potential concerns and preferences of older informal care recipients about the use of support to relieve informal caregivers. We performed a story completion writing task among 23 informal care recipients aged 65 years or older, using hypothetical situations to let them reflect on different caregiver relief support options. The task was followed-up by a story-mediated interview. We used thematic analysis to inductively analyze story completions and interviews. We found that older informal care recipients were often willing to use support to relieve their caregivers, to ensure their wellbeing. However, they were also concerned about how the use of such support may conflict with their interests, preferences and values (e.g. respect for their autonomy, privacy, having a trusting relationship with a caretaker, paying attention to human aspects in care). Older adults were most hesitant to use adult day care facilities and technological support options. While these areas of tensions cannot always be completely resolved, it is important to jointly identify and discuss these, and work towards solutions to balance the respective interests, values and needs of older adults and caregivers. Health and social care professionals and older adults’ personal networks may help in overcoming hesitation to use support.
Preserving Soybean Oil for the Frying of Breaded Butterfly Shrimp Using Natural Rosemary Antioxidant
Authors: Moufakkir Chaimae , Kharbach Yassine , Tanghort Mariam , Dassouli Abdelilah , Remmal Adnane
Published: March 2023

Fried foods and frying oil are subjects that warrant the attention of researchers because of their high consumption. Indeed, frying conditions make these oils very sensitive to lipid oxidation which deteriorates the quality and nutritional properties of the food. In this study, we examined the effect of rosemary extract (ROE), known for its high antioxidant activity, in soybean oil used to fry breaded butterfly shrimp, by measuring the induction period with OXIPRES, total polar material (TPM), peroxide index (PI), and free fatty acids (FFA). This evaluation was performed in comparison with control oils without antioxidants. The results showed a significant difference between the oils according to the analyzed parameters, especially in the final hours of frying. The treatment of the oil with rosemary extract effectively delayed its oxidation, having lower levels in all the oxidation markers that were analyzed. It was also found that rosemary extract is able to reduce oil consumption by fried foods. Therefore, ROE ensures soybean oil a high stability against oxidation and a longer shelf life, making it a good natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants.
[Retracted] Sensor‐Based Exercise Rehabilitation Robot Training Method
Authors: Xie Shangsen , Zhang Jingru
Published: March 2023

In order to provide convenience for rehabilitation doctors to formulate rehabilitation plans for patients, this paper proposes a training method for exercise rehabilitation robots based on sensors. In this research, the customized wearable sensor and universal mobile terminal are used as the hardware. Based on the sensor, the motion capture algorithm and motion reconstruction algorithm are developed. The table of experimental results shows that the cost can be saved by using the sensor, and the data can be captured accurately, which can meet the needs of rehabilitation medicine for motor function evaluation and training guidance. The range of motion of the joint and the manual measurement value are within 5°, which can meet the needs of rehabilitation medicine for motor function evaluation and training guidance. The system delay is less than 0.5 s, which has good real‐time performance and can respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring the safety of patients’ out‐of‐hospital rehabilitation. The training method of motion rehabilitation robot based on sensor is helpful for rehabilitation doctors to carry out statistical data of functional evaluation and is of great significance for rehabilitation doctors to make training plans for patients and carry out rehabilitation training.
Associations of Plasma BDNF and BDNF Gene Polymorphism with Cardiometabolic Parameters in Thai Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: Suriyaprom Kanjana , Pheungruang Banchamaphon , Pooudong Somchai , Putpadungwipon Pumpath , Sirikulchayanonta Chutima
Published: March 2023

Background. Childhood obesity is an important public health crisis worldwide. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been demonstrated to play a role in controlling energy homeostasis and cardiovascular regulation. Objectives. To examine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and anthropometric-cardiometabolic and hematological parameters in obese and nonobese children and to determine whether two BDNF gene polymorphisms (G196A and C270T) are linked to BDNF levels, obesity, and anthropometric-cardiometabolic and hematological parameters among Thai children. Methods. This case-control study included an analysis of 469 Thai children: 279 healthy nonobese and 190 obese children. Anthropometric-cardiometabolic and hematological variables and BDNF levels were measured. Genotyping of BDNF G196A and C270T was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Results. Children in the obese group had significantly higher white blood cell counts and some cardiometabolic parameters. Although the difference in BDNF level between the nonobese and obese groups was not significant, BDNF level was significantly positively correlated with hematological and cardiometabolic parameters, including blood pressure, triglycerides, and triglycerides and the glucose index. The BDNF G196A polymorphism in children was only associated with decreased systolic blood pressure

p
<
0.05

, while the BDNF C270T polymorphism was found not to be related to BDNF levels, obesity, or other parameters after adjusting for potential covariates. Conclusions. These findings in Thai children suggest that obesity is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors, but not with BDNF levels or the two BDNF polymorphisms studied, while the BDNF G196A polymorphism is a beneficial marker for controlling blood pressure among Thai children.
A Tunable Calcium Phosphate Coating to Drive in vivo Osseointegration of Composite Engineered Tissues
Authors: Fainor Matthew , Mahindroo Sonal , Betz Kerri R. , Augustin Janai , Smith Harvey E. , Mauck Robert L. , Gullbrand Sarah E.
Published: March 2023

Varying degrees of hydroxyapatite (HA) surface functionalization have been implicated as the primary driver of differential osteogenesis observed in infiltrating cells. The ability to reliably create spatially controlled areas of mineralization in composite engineered tissues is of growing interest in the field, and the use of HA-functionalized biomaterials may provide a robust solution to this challenge. In this study, we successfully fabricated polycaprolactone salt-leached scaffolds with two levels of a biomimetic calcium phosphate coating to examine their effects on MSC osteogenesis. Longer duration coating in simulated body fluid (SBF) led to increased HA crystal nucleation within scaffold interiors as well as more robust HA crystal formation on scaffold surfaces. Ultimately, the increased surface stiffness of scaffolds coated in SBF for 7 days in comparison to scaffolds coated in SBF for 1 day led to more robust osteogenesis of MSCs in vitro without the assistance of osteogenic signaling molecules. This study also demonstrated that the use of SBF-based HA coatings can promote higher levels of osteogenesis in vivo. Finally, when incorporated as the endplate region of a larger tissue-engineered intervertebral disc replacement, HA coating did not induce mineralization in or promote cell migration out of neighboring biomaterials. Overall, these results verified tunable biomimetic HA coatings as a promising biomaterial modification to promote discrete regions of mineralization within composite engineered tissues.
Carcinoid Heart Disease-Induced Right-Sided Heart Failure as a Culprit for Significant Ascites
Authors: Huang Yan , Park Dae Yong , Almoghrabi Anas , Nanna Michael G.
Published: March 2023

The diagnosis of carcinoid heart disease as a cause of ascites can be hard to establish. We report a patient with well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasm of the liver who presented with high serum ascites albumin gradient and high protein ascites due to carcinoid heart disease (CHD). As ascites caused by CHD are rare, the etiology can easily be overlooked, especially in the setting of alcohol use disorder and portal hypertension. Through our case report, we emphasize the importance of physical examination and peritoneal fluid analysis in the diagnosis of CHD. As the management of CHD requires a multidisciplinary approach, early diagnosis is crucial so that relevant specialists can have the opportunity for early intervention in order to produce the best patient outcome.
Multifocal Electroretinography Changes over 12 Months after Resolution of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Jeon Gang Seok , Chang In Boem , Ma Dae Joong , Cho In Hwan , Hong In Hwan
Published: March 2023

Introduction: This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the changes in retinal function after the anatomical resolution of central serous chorioretinopathy by multifocal electroretinography. Methods: Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with unilaterally resolved central serous chorioretinopathy were prospectively studied. Serial multifocal electroretinography examinations were performed at the initial visit for active central serous chorioretinopathy, the time of anatomical resolution (resolved central serous chorioretinopathy), and 3, 6, and 12 months after resolution. The peak amplitudes of the first kernel responses were analysed and compared with those in 27 age-matched normal controls. Results: Compared with controls, the N1 amplitudes of rings 1–4 and P1 amplitudes of rings 1–3 showed statistically significant reductions at 12 months after the resolution of central serous chorioretinopathy (p < 0.05). The multifocal electroretinography amplitude substantially increased at the time of resolution and gradually improved until 3 months after the resolution of central serous chorioretinopathy. Conclusion: Serial examinations with multifocal electroretinography showed that retinal responses increased mostly after the resolution of central serous chorioretinopathy, and this improvement slowly progressed until 3 months; however, the multifocal electroretinography amplitudes remained statistically reduced 12 months after the anatomical resolution of central serous chorioretinopathy, indicating the residual functional deficits detected by multifocal electroretinography.
Comparisons between Chinese and English metaphorical metal words
Authors: Huang Qianrong , Shuai Zhisong
Published: March 2023

Abundant amount of Metaphorical Metal Words can be observed in both Chinese and English, which are well-developed and widely used, ready for comparisons. We applied to simple statistic analysis as our main research method in revealing structural and semantic characters, referring to coagulation, internal structure, and property for the former, and through the way senses being scattered in dictionaries, the part bearing metaphorical meanings and the concentration of meanings for the latter. Through analysis, we discover that astonishing similarities exist in both languages and similarities outweigh differences, which is an overall symptom concerning all comparisons held, revealing human cognitive collectiveness to a certain extent. But in more specific regions, differences do appear, reflecting the varieties in mankind.
First collection of Torrenticolidae (Hydrachnidiae, Acari) from Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve, China, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: GU XINYAO , ZHANG YUHAO , ZHENG YULING , GUO JIANJUN
Published: March 2023

Torrenticolid mites (Hydrachnidiae, Acari) are presented from Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve, China. Torrenticola multiserrater Gu & Guo sp. nov., and T. pseudoalargada Gu & Guo sp. nov. are described and illustrated as new to science; T. siamis Pešić & Smit, 2009 and T. nipponica (Enami, 1940) are reported as new records for Chongqing’s fauna. Meanwhile, this is the first report of Torrenticolidae from Chongqing, China.
Four new species of the subgenus Homoneura from Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, China (Diptera: Lauxaniidae: Homoneura)
Authors: YOU PENGYAN , CHEN XULONG , LI WENLIANG
Published: March 2023

The subgenus Homoneura Malloch, 1927 is the most diverse in China, with more than 220 known species. Four new species of Homoneura (Homoneura) henanensis group, that is, Homoneura (Homoneura) apiconcava sp. nov., H. (H.) chongqingensis sp. nov., H. (H.) wuxica sp. nov., and H. (H.) yintiaolingica sp. nov., were described from Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, Chongqing, China. A key to the known species of this species group is presented.
The Uncoordinated Giant II: Why U.S. Operational Numerical Weather Prediction Is Still Lagging and How to Fix It
Authors: Mass Clifford
Published: March 2023

U.S. numerical weather prediction (NWP) is critical for both economic reasons and the protection of life and property. Unfortunately, the nation’s global model prediction skill substantially lags the performance of leading international NWP centers, with problems extending to regional prediction. This paper reviews the history of U.S. activities in NWP, describes why U.S. weather prediction is not fulfilling its potential, and proposes actions that could restore U.S NWP to world leadership. Key suggestions include the creation of a U.S. Numerical Weather Prediction Center, better coordination of the efforts of the research and operational NWP communities, and increasing NOAA computational resources by at least tenfold.
Exchange Rate Changes and the J-curve Effect: Asymmetric Evidence from a Panel of Five Emerging Market Economies
Authors: Parray Waseem Ahmad , Bhat Javed Ahmad , Yasmin Effat , Bhat Sajad Ahmad
Published: March 2023

Using the symmetric and asymmetric specifications of the pooled mean group estimator, we attempted to scrutinise the possibility of the J-curve effect in the case of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In addition to both real effective exchange rate changes and nominal effective exchange rate changes, the possible impact of domestic and foreign demand pressures on the trade balance is also estimated. Incorporating a quarterly data set spanning from 2000Q1 to 2020Q2, the results based on the symmetric and asymmetric model establish no evidence of the J-curve phenomenon. However, when asymmetric possibilities are considered, appreciation is found to deteriorate the trade balance relatively by a greater magnitude whereas the impact of currency depreciation is insignificant. In addition, no asymmetric evidence has been reported concerning the effect of domestic and foreign demand. However, a hike in the former deteriorated the trade balance whereas an increase in the latter improved it in both linear and non-linear frameworks.

JEL Codes: F4, F41, F42
Using Social Network Analysis to Study Relationships Between Young Soccer Players’ Bone Age, Body Size, and the Centrality of Their Pass Interactions
Authors: Borges Paulo Henrique , Costa Julio Cesar da , Ramos-Silva Luiz Fernando. , Moura Felipe A. , Serassuelo Junior Hélio , Moreira Alexandre , Praça Gibson Moreira. , Vaz Ronque Enio Ricardo
Published: March 2023

Prior research has suggested relevance to anthropometric variance of youth athletes at various stages of their maturation, and prior studies of youth players’ soccer skills have failed to consider their interdependent interactions during play. Accordingly, to address both of these separate research omissions, we aimed in this study to analyze the relationships between young (U-13 and U-15 groups) soccer players’ bone age and body size indicators and centrality measures of their pass interactions during small sided games. We included young 81 athletes ( M age = 14.4, SD = 1.1 years) from whom we took anthropometric measurements of body mass, height, and trunk-cephalic height and obtained their bone age using the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 classification method. We also filmed small-sided games in the goal keeper/three player (GK3-3GK) format to analyze the centrality of their passing actions on the following measures: degree of centrality, closeness of centrality, degree of prestige, and proximity of prestige. There were no group differences in the prominence of passing actions across these three measures (tmean = −3.13; p > .05). Canonical correlations of these relationships were significant only in the U-13 group, in which centrality in passing actions was related to body size ( r = 0.71; R2 = 0.21; ʌ = 0.28; p = .03). U-13 players who were physically larger and who presented higher bone age showed centralized main passing actions.
Tracking COVID-19 in the United States With Surveillance of Aggregate Cases and Deaths
Authors: Khan Diba , Park Meeyoung , Burkholder Jacqueline , Dumbuya Sorie , Ritchey Matthew D. , Yoon Paula , Galante Amanda , Duva Joseph L. , Freeman Jeffrey , Duck William , Soroka Stephen , Bottichio Lyndsay , Wellman Michael , Lerma Samuel , Lyons B. Casey , Dee Deborah , Haile Seghen , Gaughan Denise M. , Langer Adam , Gundlapalli Adi V. , Suthar Amitabh B.
Published: March 2023

Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leveraged an existing surveillance system infrastructure to monitor COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States. Given the time needed to report individual-level (also called line-level) COVID-19 case and death data containing detailed information from individual case reports, CDC designed and implemented a new aggregate case surveillance system to inform emergency response decisions more efficiently, with timelier indicators of emerging areas of concern. We describe the processes implemented by CDC to operationalize this novel, multifaceted aggregate surveillance system for collecting COVID-19 case and death data to track the spread and impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at national, state, and county levels. We also review the processes established to acquire, process, and validate the aggregate number of cases and deaths due to COVID-19 in the United States at the county and jurisdiction levels during the pandemic. These processes include time-saving tools and strategies implemented to collect and validate authoritative COVID-19 case and death data from jurisdictions, such as web scraping to automate data collection and algorithms to identify and correct data anomalies. This topical review highlights the need to prepare for future emergencies, such as novel disease outbreaks, by having an event-agnostic aggregate surveillance system infrastructure in place to supplement line-level case reporting for near–real-time situational awareness and timely data.
An Empirical Analysis of the Effectiveness of Daycare Centers in Improving the Well-Being of Older People
Authors: Yu Wenting , Lewis Alan
Published: March 2023

In 2021 the State Council set out a plan to address the challenges posed by China’s aging population, particularly through the consolidation of community home care services, including the provision of daycare centers. This study focuses on the provision of daycare centers in Dalian, a key city in Northeast China, and utilizes Mary Shaw’s “housing and health” model to conceptualize daycare centers as elements in a network that encompasse home and neighborhood. Furthermore, the study considers how daycare centers may affect this network, particularly when it comes to contributing to the well-being of older people and how they adapt to the local culture. A survey was conducted across 19 daycare centers to determine the services they provide. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 older people living in Dalian, and their homes were surveyed using the EVOLVE Tool. Additional interviews were conducted with 11 people in outdoor neighborhood spaces and daycare centers. The interviewees were asked to provide insights about their homes, neighborhoods, and daycare centers. The interview and survey data uncovered themes around socialization, nutrition, and personal hygiene by employing the thematic analysis method. The results revealed that daycare centers theoretically compensated for the missing functions in the community; however, residents’ cultural awareness and consumption habits prevented daycare centers from being used optimally, thereby failing to improve the well-being of older people. Thus, in the process of improving the socialist market economy, the government should enhance the publicity of these facilities and retain welfare as much as possible. Funds should also be allocated to protect older people’s basic needs.
A benefactor to mankind? Captain Warner’s secrets and the politics of invention in early Victorian Britain
Authors: Leonard Zak
Published: March 2023

This article delves into Captain Samuel Alfred Warner’s dogged campaign to sell two inventions – his submersible mine and “long range” missile – to the British government in the 1840s and 1850s. Departing from a historiography that dismisses Warner as a fraudster, it clarifies how he managed to generate widespread interest in his weapons technologies for nearly twenty years. I therefore analyze three key elements of his self-promotion: his personal branding, his pitch, and his simultaneous embrace and rejection of publicity. Neither elite nor highly educated, Warner ran up against a culture of “polite science” that distinguished disinterested practitioners from profit-minded schemers. To establish his credentials, he emphasized his practical maritime experience and represented himself as a martyr willing to bear the scorn of a disbelieving establishment. In pitching his devices, Warner capitalized on alarmism over border security and the integrity of the empire; he declared that they could hobble France’s modernizing navy and quickly end colonial conflicts. When skeptics began to fret over the proliferation of his destructive weapons, Warner flipped the script and lauded the threat of mutual annihilation as a deterrent to needless warfare. The issue of publicity, however, would ultimately be Warner’s professional undoing. Despite successful demonstrations, his clashes with official investigators and his refusal to disclose his chemical secrets led critics to dispute the originality of his discoveries. An examination of Warner’s self-promotional strategies, his fraught interactions with the British state, and the ambivalent public reaction to his contraptions provides insight into how scientific authority was acquired and lost in this period.
Adaptive neural backstepping control of nonlinear fractional-order systems with input quantization
Authors: Cheng Chao , Wang Huanqing , Shen Haikuo , Liu Peter X
Published: March 2023

This article addresses the tracking control problem of uncertain fractional-order nonlinear systems in the presence of input quantization and external disturbance. An adaptive backstepping scheme is proposed by combining with radial basis function (RBF) neural networks (NNs), fractional-order disturbance observer (FODO), and backstepping method. The RBF NNs are used to approximate the unknown nonlinearities of fractional-order systems. The FODO is designed to compensate for disturbance and uncertain parameters. The hysteresis quantizer is used to avoid chattering that possibly appears in actual application. The stability of the proposed controller is proved by fractional-order Lyapunov method. In addition, all the signals in the closed-loop system are bounded. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by the simulation results.
Trajectory tracking control for quadrotor based on time-varying threshold event-triggered extended state observer
Authors: Chen Junyu , Li Tieshan , Long Yue
Published: March 2023

Considering the problems of unknown external disturbances and parametric uncertainties in trajectory tracking of a quadrotor, a backstepping control method based on time-varying threshold event-triggered extended state observer (TETESO) and a nonlinear differentiator with lead compensation is proposed in this paper. First, to facilitate the controller design, the quadrotor system is divided into the position subsystem and the attitude subsystem, which are transformed into the original cascaded dynamics. Second, a TETESO which can observe the unmeasurable states and the total disturbance as well as reduce the unnecessary communication resources between sensor and observer is proposed. It is proved that the observation errors are bounded, and Zeno behavior is avoided. Third, a new controller synthesized by the proposed TETESO and the backstepping control method is designed for the position subsystem and the attitude subsystem. To address the “differential explosion” problem in the backstepping control method, a nonlinear differentiator with lead compensation is used to compute the derivative of desired attitudes in the controller. Moreover, the stability analysis of the closed-loop system is proved and the proposed controller can ensure the ultimate boundedness of all signals. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control method are verified by simulation.
Exploring the role of implicit theories of talent in subjective well-being, academic buoyancy, and perceived physical health: A study in the Philippine context
Authors: Valdez Jana Patricia Millonado
Published: March 2023

Prior studies commonly emphasized the beneficial impacts of a growth mindset on students’ success and well-being. However, recent evidence cast doubts on the ability of a growth mindset to optimize desirable achievement and psychological outcomes. This study contributes to this line of evidence by exploring the association of mindsets in talent—a new domain of implicit theories encompassing belief about the nature of talent—with students’ subjective well-being, academic buoyancy, and general health among selected Filipino high school students. Results of structural equation modeling indicate that whereas incremental theory in talent (or growth mindset) was more strongly and positively correlated with academic buoyancy, school connectedness, and joy of learning, entity theory (or fixed mindset) was more strongly and positively associated with educational purpose and general health. These findings underscore the mental health rewards associated with cultivating both growth and fixed mindsets about talent in school contexts.
Revolutions in science: The proposal of an approach for the identification of most important researchers, institutions and countries based on co-citation reference publication year spectroscopy exemplified at research on physical modelling of Earth’s climate
Authors: Bornmann Lutz , Haunschild Robin , Marx Werner
Published: March 2023

Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS) is a bibliometric method originally introduced to reveal the historical roots of research topics or fields. RPYS does not identify the most highly cited papers of the publication set being studied (as is usually done by bibliometric analyses in research evaluation), but instead it indicates most frequently referenced publications – each within a specific reference publication year. In this study, we propose to use the method to identify important researchers, institutions, and countries in the context of breakthrough research. To do so, we focus on research on physical modeling of Earth’s climate and the prediction of global warming as an example. Klaus Hasselmann (KH) and Syukuro Manabe (SM) were both honoured with the Nobel Prize in 2021 for their fundamental contributions to research on physical modeling of Earth’s climate and the prediction of global warming. Our results reveal that RPYS is able to identify most important researchers, institutions, and countries. In our example, all the relevant authors’ institutions are located in the United States. These institutions are either research centers of two US National Research Administrations (NASA and NOAA) or universities: the University of Arizona, Princeton University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Stony Brook. The limitations of our approach to identify important researchers, institutions, and countries in the context of breakthrough research are discussed.
“The Chant of Joy Dadaocheng”: A STEAM Program for Art Talented Students
Authors: Tuan Shih-Chen , Kuo Ching-Chih
Published: March 2023

A STEAM curriculum integrated with science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics would help gifted students actively explore and integrate knowledges across the fields. In this study, a program “the Chant of Joy Dadaocheng” was designed by five teachers from various fields for students to explore historical culture, produce creative artworks, and present their performances. 15 students identified through the Identification Committee Board for gifted and talented students in Taipei City participated the program. After 5 days enrichment activities, a semi-structured interview, behavior observations, script, and artworks were collected to assess the learning outcomes. The data collected were coded, classified, and interpreted. The results indicated the participated students could derive new ideas from the historical and cultural context through artworks, props, music, choreography, stories, and sentiment; they were able to transform inspirations from learning experience into creative presentation; and exhibited cross-disciplinary literacy, creativity and problem-solving ability.
Sociology of organizations in the twenty-first century
Authors: Reed Michael
Published: March 2023

This review article analyses six texts within the sociology of organizations published in the early decades of the twenty-first century, with a view to exploring what they tell us about the key issues and developmental trajectories the former will follow as this century unfolds. It suggests that the sociology of organizations is in good intellectual shape and continues to speak to issues which are central to our lives today and tomorrow. However, it also indicates that intellectual rejuvenation through contestation must be sustained within the field – particularly in the face of pressures towards intellectual closure and conformity – if it is to retain its relevance at a time when instability and uncertainty seem to be pervasive.
Building relational trust and hope: The experiences of counsellors in a service for birth relatives whose children have been adopted or taken into care
Authors: Nolte Lizette , Forbes Caoimhe
Published: March 2023

The profound and lasting impact of losing a child to adoption or foster care has been powerfully described, and the importance of offering therapeutic support to birth relatives is a requirement in most parts of the UK. However, little is known about effective counselling for this group. In this article, we report on the experiences of four counsellors and a project worker who offer counselling to birth relatives whose children have been removed following care proceedings. We present their reflections under four themes, namely: ‘It’s all about the person, it’s all about the relationship’; ‘Meeting clients where they are’; ‘Having a sense of achievement’; and ‘This work can really get into you’. These accounts offer valuable reflections for others offering counselling to birth relatives and their supervisors, as well as those who commission and design these services.