bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated reconstruction model of a cross‐sectional drawing from stereo photographs based on deep learning
Authors: Park Jun Su , Park Hyo Seon
Published: August 2023

This study presents a novel, deep‐learning‐based model for the automated reconstruction of a cross‐sectional drawing from stereo photographs. Targeted cross‐sections captured in stereo photographs are detected and translated into sectional drawings using faster region‐based convolutional neural networks and Pix2Pix generative adversarial network. To address the challenge of perspective correction in the photographs, a novel camera pose optimization method is introduced and employed. This method eliminates the need for camera calibration and image matching, thereby offering greater flexibility in camera positioning and facilitating the use of telephoto lenses while avoiding image‐matching errors. Moreover, synthetic image datasets are used for training to facilitate the practical implementation of the proposed model in construction industry applications, considering the limited availability of open datasets in this field. The applicability of the proposed model was evaluated through experiments conducted on the cross‐sections of curtain wall components. The results demonstrated superior measurement accuracy, compared with those of current methods of laser scanning or camera‐based measurements for construction components.
Multiclass seismic damage detection of buildings using quantum convolutional neural network
Authors: Bhatta Sanjeev , Dang Ji
Published: August 2023

The traditional visual inspection technique for damage assessment of buildings immediately after an earthquake can be time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and risky. Numerous studies have been carried out using deep learning techniques, particularly convolutional neural network (CNN), to evaluate the damage to building structures after an earthquake using buildings’ damage images. Quantum computing, on the other hand, is a computing environment that can exploit superposition and entanglement, which are not available in classical computing environments, to achieve higher performance using parallelism between qubits. This paper presents a novel quantum CNN (QCNN) approach to detect damage to reinforced concrete (RC) buildings from images after the earthquake. The QCNN model is developed and trained using the RC building damaged images collected from past earthquakes. The performance of this model is evaluated based on the multiclass damage detection ability of the real‐world RC building damaged images collected from the recent earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. Furthermore, the seismic damage detection accuracy obtained from the QCNN model is compared with various CNN architecture results.
Host–mosquito interactions in rural and urban equestrian facilities from temperate Argentina
Authors: Cardo María V. , Vezzani Darío
Published: August 2023

Targeted vector surveillance informed by data on mosquito biting patterns can help limit arboviral zoonotic diseases. To characterise host‐biting networks in rural and urban equestrian facilities from temperate Argentina, adult resting mosquitoes were collected (December 2018–April 2019) with a battery‐powered aspirator. Engorged females were sorted to species, and their blood source was identified using molecular techniques. Bipartite network analysis was performed for rural and urban matrices. A total of 177 bloodmeals from 11 mosquito species of Aedes and Culex were identified, with seven mammal and 17 bird species recognised as hosts. Mammals represented 61% of the total feeds, mainly horse, dog and sheep; the best represented avian hosts were Columbiformes. Aedes species and Culex maxi fed only on mammals, while most other Culex species presented a wide range of hosts. The rural network had more nodes and interactions than its urban counterpart, both with some degree of host selection and aggregated patterns according to network indices. Culex quinquefasciatus was the strongest species in both networks, whereas Culex apicinus and Culex dolosus had a prominent role in the rural network. Bipartite network analysis will contribute to understanding the effects of urbanisation in the dynamics of vector‐borne diseases.
Does pandemic uncertainty spur public health expenditures? Evidence from European Union economies
Authors: Chang Wentao , Zhou Xinjian , Nazar Raima , Ali Sajid
Published: August 2023

This research intends to evaluate the asymmetric relationship between pandemic uncertainty and public health expenditures in selected European Union nations (Germany, France, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Finland, and Portugal). Earlier studies used panel data methodologies to get consistent results about the pandemic–health expenditures nexus, irrespective of the reality that numerous economies did not identify such a link independently. By contrast, the present research utilizes a unique technique, quantile‐on‐quantile, that explores time‐series dependency in every nation by offering worldwide yet country‐related insight into the linkage between the variables. Estimations reveal that pandemic uncertainty increases public health expenditures in most of the selected economies at specified quantiles of data. Additionally, the data indicate that the level of asymmetries among our variables varies by country, stressing the significance of policymakers paying special attention while executing policies concerning health expenditures and pandemic uncertainty.
Occurrence and conversion of progestogens and androgens are conserved in land plants
Authors: Shiko Glendis , Paulmann Max‐Jonas , Feistel Felix , Ntefidou Maria , Hermann‐Ene Vanessa , Vetter Walter , Kost Benedikt , Kunert Grit , Zedler Julie A. Z. , Reichelt Michael , Oelmüller Ralf , Klein Jan
Published: August 2023

Progestogens and androgens have been found in many plants, but little is known about their biosynthesis and the evolution of steroidogenesis in these organisms. Here, we show that the occurrence and biosynthesis of progestogens and androgens are conserved across the viridiplantae lineage.

An UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method allowed high‐throughput analysis of the occurrence and chemical conversion of progestogens and androgens in 41 species across the green plant lineage.

Dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone are plants' most abundant mammalian‐like steroids. Progestogens are converted into 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and 5α‐pregnane‐3,20‐dione. Androgens are converted into testosterone and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone. 17,20‐Lyases, essential for converting progestogens to androgens, seem to be most effective in monocot species.

Our data suggest that the occurrence of progestogens and androgens is highly conserved in plants, and their biosynthesis might favor a route using the Δ4 pathway.
A prophage tail‐like protein facilitates the endophytic growth of Burkholderia gladioli and mounting immunity in tomato
Authors: Chandan Ravindra Kumar , Kumar Rahul , Kabyashree Kristi , Yadav Sunil Kumar , Roy Mandira , Swain Durga Madhab , Jha Gopaljee
Published: August 2023

A prophage tail‐like protein (Bg_9562) of Burkholderia gladioli strain NGJ1 possesses broad‐spectrum antifungal activity, and it is required for the bacterial ability to forage over fungi. Here, we analyzed whether heterologous overexpression of Bg_9562 or exogenous treatment with purified protein can impart disease tolerance in tomato. The physiological relevance of Bg_9562 during endophytic growth of NGJ1 was also investigated.

Bg_9562 overexpressing lines demonstrate fungal and bacterial disease tolerance. They exhibit enhanced expression of defense genes and activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases. Treatment with Bg_9562 protein induces defense responses and imparts immunity in wild‐type tomato.

The defense‐inducing ability lies within 18–51 aa region of Bg_9562 and is due to sequence homology with the bacterial flagellin epitope. Interaction studies suggest that Bg_9562 is perceived by FLAGELLIN‐SENSING 2 homologs in tomato. The silencing of SlSERK3s (BAK1 homologs) prevents Bg_9562‐triggered immunity. Moreover, type III secretion system‐dependent translocation of Bg_9562 into host apoplast is important for elicitation of immune responses during colonization of NGJ1.

Our study emphasizes that Bg_9562 is important for the endophytic growth of B. gladioli, while the plant perceives it as an indirect indicator of the presence of bacteria to mount immune responses. The findings have practical implications for controlling plant diseases.
The indigenous housekeeper: Colonies, sexuality and eugenics inBendsjé(1931),Le coup de chicotte(1930) andWie Grete aufhörte ein Kind zu sein(1913)
Authors: De Boodt Robrecht
Published: August 2023

As colonial regimes became more entrenched, the African indigenous ‘housekeeper’ became a popular and highly controversial topic in Belgian and German colonial literature. Indigenous women were euphemistically calledménagèresor ‘housekeepers’ to veil their sexual function at a colonial's residence. In a period of history where racial and eugenic anxieties ran rampant across Europe, the colonies seemingly eluded the increasingly frustrated European homeland's social and eugenic control. Given the ambiguous and controversial status of the indigenous housekeeper, this theme triggered a wide range of literary responses across different countries and in various languages, particularly by ex‐colonials. Ernest Tilemans'sBendsjé of de Liefde der N[*](1931), Mathelin de Papigny'sLe coup de chicotte(1930) and Hans Grimm'sWie Grete aufhörte ein Kind zu sein(1913) illustrate this variety by, respectively, attempting to absolve individual male colonials, presenting the phenomenon as proof of the colonies' ‘corrupting’ influence or to conduct fictional social and eugenic colonial experiments. Regardless of their approach, all three works instrumentalise eugenic vocabulary and imagery to draw an otherwise private male sexuality into the public sphere. Moreover, these works demonstrate colonial writing's function as a vital tool for social and eugenic observation and control.
A near‐complete assembly of asparagus bean provides insights into anthocyanin accumulation in pods
Authors: Yang Yi , Wu Zhikun , Wu Zengxiang , Li Tinyao , Shen Zhuo , Zhou Xuan , Wu Xinyi , Li Guojing , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2023

Asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedialis), a subspecies of V. unguiculata, is a vital legume crop widely cultivated in Asia for its tender pods consumed as vegetables. However, the existing asparagus bean assemblies still contain numerous gaps and unanchored sequences, which presents challenges to functional genomics research. Here, we present an improved reference genome sequence of an elite asparagus bean variety, Fengchan 6, achieved through the integration of nanopore ultra‐long reads, PacBio high‐fidelity reads, and Hi‐C technology. The improved assembly is 521.3 Mb in length and demonstrates several enhancements, including a higher N50 length (46.4 Mb), an anchor ratio of 99.8%, and the presence of only one gap. Furthermore, we successfully assembled 14 telomeres and all 11 centromeres, including four telomere‐to‐telomere chromosomes. Remarkably, the centromeric regions cover a total length of 38.1 Mb, providing valuable insights into the complex architecture of centromeres. Among the 30 594 predicted protein‐coding genes, we identified 2356 genes that are tandemly duplicated in segmental duplication regions. These findings have implications for defence responses and may contribute to evolutionary processes. By utilizing the reference genome, we were able to effectively identify the presence of the gene VuMYB114, which regulates the accumulation of anthocyanins, thereby controlling the purple coloration of the pods. This discovery holds significant implications for understanding the underlying mechanisms of color determination and the breeding process. Overall, the highly improved reference genome serves as crucial resource and lays a solid foundation for asparagus bean genomic studies and genetic improvement efforts.
A site selection framework for urban power substation at micro‐scale using spatial optimization strategy and geospatial big data
Authors: Yao Yao , Feng Chenqi , Xie Jiteng , Yan Xiaoqin , Guan Qingfeng , Han Jian , Zhang Jiaqi , Ren Shuliang , Liang Yuyun , Luo Peng
Published: August 2023

The world is facing more energy crises due to extreme weather and the rapidly growing demand for electricity. Siting new substations and optimizing the location of existing ones are necessary to address the energy crisis. The current site selection lacks consideration of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in urban power demand, which results in unreasonable energy transfer and waste, leading to power outages in some areas. Aiming to maximize the grid coverage and transformer utilization, we propose a multi‐scene micro‐scale urban substation siting framework (UrbanPS): (1) The framework uses multi‐source big data and the machine learning model to estimate fine‐scale power consumption for different scenarios; (2) the region growing algorithm is used to divide the power supply area of substations; and the (3) location set coverage problem and genetic algorithm are introduced to optimize the substation location. The UrbanPS was used to perform siting optimization of 110 kV terminal substations in Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province. Results show that the coverage and utilization rate of the optimization results under different power consumption scenarios are close to 99%. We also found that the power can be saved by dynamic regulation of substation operation.
Globalisation and the fall of markups
Authors: Gradzewicz Michał , Mućk Jakub
Published: August 2023

This paper provides the evidence of a fall of markups of price over marginal costs in Poland over the period 2002–2016. Markups were calculated using a census of firms and the methodology proposed by De Loecker and Warzynski (2012; American Economic Review, 102(6)). The fall of markups is robust to several empirical identification strategies. Moreover, the decline of markups is not related to changes in a sectoral composition and firms demography and is most severe in exporting firms. Our empirical results relate the fall of markups to the globalisation and the emergence of the Global Value Chains. We show that an increasing reliance on imported components in production, together with a rising concentration of domestic firms on export markets are the main factors behind the observed compression of markups. We also document a hump‐shaped (U‐shaped) relationship between foreign value added in exports (distance from final demand) and markups.
Use of computational biology to compare the theoretical tertiary structures of the most common forms of RhCE and RhD
Authors: Trueba‐Gómez Rocio , Rosenfeld‐Mann Fany , Baptista‐González Hector A. , Domínguez‐López María L. , Estrada‐Juárez Higinio
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Computational biology analyses the theoretical tertiary structure of proteins and identifies the ‘topological’ differences between RhD and RhCE. Our aim was to identify the theoretical structural differences between the four isoforms of RhCE and RhD using computational biological tools.

Materials and Methods

Physicochemical profile was determined by hydrophobicity and electrostatic potential analysis. Secondary and tertiary structures were generated using computational biology tools. The structures were evaluated and validated using Ramachandran algorithm, which calculates the single score, p‐value and root mean square deviation (RMSD). Structures were overlaid on local refinement of ‘RhAG‐RhCE‐ANK’ (PBDID 7uzq) and RhAG to compare their spatial distribution within the membrane.

Results

All proteins differed in surface area and electrostatic distance due to variations in hydrophobicity and electrostatic potential. The RMSD between RhD and RhCE was 0.46 ± 0.04 Å, and the comparison within RhCE was 0.57 ± 0.08 Å. The percentage of amino acids in the hydrophobic thickness was 50.24% for RhD while for RhCE it ranged between 73.08% and 76.68%. The RHAG hydrophobic thickness was 34.2 Å, and RhCE's hydrophobic thickness was 33.83 Å. We suggest that the C/c antigens differ exofacially at loops L1 and L2. For the E/e antigens, the difference lies in L6. By contrast, L4 is the same for all proteins except Rhce.

Conclusion

The physicochemical properties of Rh proteins made them different, although their genes are homologous. Using computational biology, we model structures with sufficient precision, similar to those obtained experimentally. An amino acid variation alters the folding of the tertiary structure and the interactions with other proteins, modifying the electrostatic environment, the spatial conformations and therefore the antigenic recognition.
Effects of Initial Rice Bran Concentration and Inoculum's Ratio on Microbial Growth of Co-culture Fermentation
Authors: Tan Jack Mink , Rashid Roslina , Mohamed Esivan Siti Marsilawati , Zaharudin Nor Athirah
Published: August 2023

Co-culture fermentation is widely applied for its synergistic effects. The synergistic effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and propionic acid bacteria (PAB) are reported to improve the ruminant feed efficiency through the supplementations of probiotics. However, although co-culture fermentation of LAB and PAB has been recently demonstrated, the effects of carbon source and inoculum’s ratio on the microbial growth in co-fermentation are still not well-explored. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of rice bran concentration, as carbon source and inoculum’s ratio on the growth of L. casei and P. jensenii in co-culture fermentation. Reducing sugar content was extracted from rice bran through autoclave at 121℃ for 15 minutes. Co-culture fermentation was carried out in 2 stages: rice bran extract concentration’s variation and inoculum’s ratio variation. Co-culture in 20% w/v of RBE concentration showed the highest yield coefficient of YX/S of 0.265 g biomass/g substrate and YP/S of 0.715 g propionic acid/g substrate. Therefore, 20% w/v RBE concentration was used for the study of inoculum’s ratio. The YX/S (0.254 g biomass/g substrate) and YP/S (0.653 g propionic acid/g substrate) of ratio 1:4 was slightly lower than ratio 1:8, but the viability of L. casei (8.934 log10 CFU/mL) and P. jensenii (9.420 log10 CFU/mL) was the highest in ratio 1:4. Although increase of PAB ratio can increase biomass produced, but ratio 1:4 can achieve higher microbes’ viability which is important in the development of probiotics products.
¿De dónde viene ese derecho internacional? La implantación de creencias de inversión extranjera y protección ambiental en Latinoamérica
Authors: Cárdenas Fabián , Pardo Daniel , Barrera Diego
Published: August 2023

Apoyado en la propuesta de Jean d’Aspremont, según la cual el derecho internacional es un sistema de creencias, esta investigación va un paso más allá para afirmar que estas no son imparciales, sino que tienen un origen, fundamento y desarrollo marcadamente occidental. Posteriormente, estas creencias son implantadas en el Tercer Mundo mediante campañas de universalización del derecho. A partir de la contextualización de estos procesos de implantación del derecho internacional en Latinoamérica y seguido de la ilustración de algunas creencias fundamentales transmitidas en el campo del derecho internacional de la inversión extranjera, así como del derecho internacional ambiental en la región, esta investigación, basada en una metodología de dogmática jurídica, concluye que tanto las campañas de universalización de dichas creencias como la creciente resistencia a estas, finalmente, fungen de manera conjunta al reforzamiento de las creencias. Esto solo consolida cada vez más que un derecho regional y privado siga siendo nominado como internacional y público. Lo anterior pone de presente la necesidad de promover un derecho internacional incluyente, cuyas creencias tengan un origen diverso, incluidas aquellas provenientes del Tercer Mundo.
El matrimonio en blanco y negro
Authors: López Santamaría Ramsés
Published: August 2023

La actividad litigiosa de los esclavos entre los siglos XVIII y XIX en la historia institucional colombiana resulta ser prolífica, según se logra advertir en expedientes judiciales ubicados en el Archivo Histórico Central del Cauca. Por tal razón, el presente artículo describe demandas judiciales presentadas por esclavos causadas o relacionadas por su acceso al matrimonio, en las que se reclamaron derechos, entre otros, como su libertad. La investigación plantea, de esta manera, advertir si por razones como estas, se podría hablar de algún tipo de reconocimiento de personalidad jurídica en alguien que por siglos padeció la condición de objeto, en el marco de la esclavitud, desde el uso de una metodología de análisis documental de referencias, en su mayoría primarias.
Fracture Toughness of Hydrogel Laminates: Experiments, Theory, and Modeling
Authors: Cai Yijie , Shen Zihang , Jia Zheng
Published: August 2023

Possessing enhanced mechanical durability and multiple novel functions, hydrogel laminates have found wide applications in diverse areas, including stretchable and bio-integrated electronics, soft robotics, tissue engineering, and biomedical devices. In the aforementioned scenarios, hydrogels are often required to sustain large deformation without mechanical failure over a long time. Compared to the fast movement in functions design, the failure mechanism of hydrogel laminates has been much less explored and researched, as well as laminates’ fracture toughness—a key parameter characterizing their fracture behavior. To address this largely unexplored issue, this article further studies the fracture toughness of hydrogel laminates both experimentally and theoretically. A kind of modified pure-shear test suitable for measuring the fracture toughness of hydrogel laminates is proposed, which is then applied to testing a PAAm-PAA laminate’s toughness. Through theoretical analysis and numerical modeling, the experimentally observed enhancement in the fracture toughness of PAAm-PAA laminates is explained—the fracture toughness of the laminates covers the energy required for both the crack and concomitant interfacial delamination to propagate, and the theoretical predictions agree well with the experimental results. The results from this study provide quantitative guidance for understanding the fracture behavior of hydrogel laminates.
Impacts of specific element-treated three-dimensional GaN layer on characteristics of nonpolar a-plane GaN film
Authors: Xu Yifeng , Zhang Xiong , Fang Ruiting , Luo Xuguang , Chen Lin , Xu Shenyu , Lou Zhiyi , Cui Jia , Hu Guohua
Published: August 2023

Nonpolar a-plane GaN films with three-dimensional (3D) GaN layers have successfully grown on r-plane sapphire substrates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The inserted 3D GaN layers were grown accompanied with the treatment by various kinds of elements such as Si, Mg, and In to further improve the characteristics of the subsequently lateral overgrown nonpolar a-plane GaN films. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray rocking curve, and room temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to examine the effects of the introduction of the specific element-treated 3D GaN layer on the crystalline quality, the anisotropy, and the optical property of the nonpolar a-plane GaN film. It was found that significant improvements in the crystalline quality and optical property as well as a remarkable reduction in anisotropy have been achieved for the nonpolar a-plane GaN film grown on the r-plane sapphire substrate by inserting a 3D GaN layer treated with Si. In fact, evident reduction in full width at half maximum of x-ray rocking curves from 972 to 651 arcsec along the c-axis (φ = 0°) and from 1234 to 752 arcsec along the m-axis (φ = 90°), and a notable decrease in anisotropy from 27.0% to 15.6% were obtained with the employment of Si treatment to the 3D GaN layer.
Growth of SrMoO3 thin films by suboxide molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Kuznetsova Tatiana , Roth Joseph , Lapano Jason , Pogrebnyakov Alexej , Engel-Herbert Roman
Published: August 2023

Among ABO3 perovskites, SrMoO3 possesses the lowest electrical resistivity in addition to having high optical transparency in the visible spectrum. This unusual combination of material properties allows it to be a potential replacement for indium tin oxide as a transparent electrode. Thus far, its thin film synthesis has been challenging and limited primarily to pulsed laser deposition and sputtering. Here, we report the growth of SrMoO3 thin films by suboxide molecular beam epitaxy. We demonstrate that optically transparent and conductive SrMoO3 films can be grown by supplying elemental strontium via a conventional effusion cell and thermally evaporating MoO3 pellets as a molybdenum source. The direct supply of a molecular oxygen flux to the MoO3 charge was utilized to prevent reduction to lower oxidation states of the charge to ensure congruent evaporation and, thus, a stable MoO3 molecular flux. The optimal growth conditions were found by varying the Sr to MoO3 flux ratio determined from quartz crystal microbalance measurements and monitoring the growth by reflection high-energy electron diffraction. SrMoO3 thin films with 21 nm thickness were confirmed to be optically transparent with transmission between 75 and 91% throughout the visible spectral range and electrically conducting with a room temperature resistivity of 5.0 × 10−5 Ω cm. This realization of this thin film growth method can be further expanded to the growth of other transition metal perovskites in which cations have extremely low vapor pressure and cannot be evaporated in elemental forms.
Structure and Organization of Sport for People With Intellectual Disabilities Across Europe
Authors: Marin-Urquiza Adriana , Burns Jan , Morgulec-Adamowicz Natalia , Van Biesen Debbie
Published: August 2023

Opportunities to participate and compete in sports for athletes with intellectual disability (ID) have increased; however, this group still encounters limitations in accessing a comprehensive range of sports. This study addressed the current knowledge on how sport for people with ID is organized and the relationships between the major sport organizations for people with ID across 10 European countries. The participants were 29 national sport organizations for people with ID. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with representatives from the key organizations and analyzed thematically. From the results, two major themes emerged: (a) connection and networking between sport organizations and (b) organizational landscape of each nation (i.e., ID, multidisability, or mainstream). The results of this study contribute to understanding how sport for people with ID is organized across the participating nations, demonstrating different models of development and examples of good practice.
Global water use efficiency saturation due to increased vapor pressure deficit
Authors: Li Fei , Xiao Jingfeng , Chen Jiquan , Ballantyne Ashley , Jin Ke , Li Bing , Abraha Michael , John Ranjeet
Published: August 2023

The ratio of carbon assimilation to water evapotranspiration (ET) of an ecosystem, referred to as ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE
eco
), is widely expected to increase because of the rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (
C
a
). However, little is known about the interactive effects of rising
C
a
and climate change on WUE
eco
. On the basis of upscaled estimates from machine learning methods and global FLUXNET observations, we show that global WUE
eco
has not risen since 2001 because of the asymmetric effects of an increased vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which depressed photosynthesis and enhanced ET. An undiminished ET trend indicates that rising temperature and VPD may play a more important role in regulating ET than declining stomatal conductance. Projected increases in VPD are predicted to affect the future coupling of the terrestrial carbon and water cycles.
Rate of E–W extension in the Volcanic Tableland, California (USA): A comparison of strain rates on two different timescales
Authors: Salomon Eric
Published: August 2023

The Eastern California shear zone (USA) is a broad zone of transtensional deformation related to the relative motion between the Pacific and North American plates. Due to its active deformation and seismicity, the zone receives great attention, with specific focus on slip rates of major active faults. To contribute to a better understanding of the long-term strain accumulation in this zone, this study quantifies the long-term E–W-directed extensional strain rate based on the analysis of N–S-trending normal fault scarps in the 765-k.y.-old Bishop tuff (Volcanic Tableland). The average extensional strain rate determined over the past 765 k.y. is 0.29 ± 0.10 mm/yr per 10 km (29 ± 10 nanostrain/yr) and similar to the current rate of elastic strain accumulation rate in the Volcanic Tableland (0.30 ± 0.13 mm/yr per 10 km; 30 ± 13 nanostrain/yr) determined by Global Positioning System (GPS) data. The present-day E–W strain rate across the entire Eastern California shear zone at the latitude of the Volcanic Tableland is 0.36 ± 0.05 mm/yr per 10 km (36 ± 5 nanostrain/yr). This suggests that the local rate of E–W extension has not changed significantly since the mid-Pleistocene. Furthermore, if the Volcanic Tableland is representative of the greater region, as the GPS data suggest, this would also indicate a constant extension rate across the Eastern California shear zone at the latitude of ~37.5°N over the 765 k.y. time period. These results suggest that late Pleistocene and Holocene extension rates of major faults in this zone can be interpreted in light of a presumably unchanged far-field stress system since at least the mid-Pleistocene.
Construction and Modification of Debris-Flow Alluvial Fans as Captured in the Geomorphic and Sedimentary Record: Examples from the Western Sangre de Cristo Mountains, South-Central Colorado
Authors: Nicovich Sylvia R. , Schmitt James G. , Gray Harrison J. , Klinger Ralph E. , Mahan Shannon A.
Published: August 2023

Alluvial fans offer a means to unravel the intricacies of landscape, tectonic, and climatic dynamics. This book and accompanying geologic map highlight alluvial fans and their deposits exemplified by a suite of debris-flow alluvial fans emanating from the Holocene-active western range front of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in south-central Colorado. The link between morphologies of fan surfaces and the sedimentary facies of their deposits permits a basis for evolutionary process interpretation of debris-flow alluvial fan geomorphology. A grasp of these processes will help earth scientists better discern complexities between buried paleo-surfaces (intraformational progressive unconformities), surficial deformation, and landform development as recorded in debris-flow fan deposits in the sedimentary record.
Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Kulik S. P. , Molotkov S. N.
Published: August 2023

The security of the measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution protocol through untrusted nodes has been directly proven using fundamental entropy uncertainty relations. Reasons for the amazing coincidence of the expressions for the secrete key length in the BB84 and MDI protocols are presented.
Noble Metal Nanoparticles in Biomedical Thermoplasmonics
Authors: Dement’eva O. V. , Kartseva M. E.
Published: August 2023

The unique properties of metal nanoparticles (NPs) resulting from their localized surface plasmon resonance have led to the emergence and rapid development of promising scientific areas. One of these areas is thermoplasmonics, which is based on the ability of such NPs to effectively transform optical radiation into heat. We discuss the optical properties of noble metal NPs, the main approaches to their synthesis, as well as the latest advances of thermoplasmonics in the field of biomedicine. The focus of this review is on photothermal diagnostics and therapy (theranostics) of various diseases. Note that, in addition to theranostics of tumors, the prospects for the use of plasmonic NPs in cardiology, ophthalmology, the fight against bacterial and viral infections, and other biomedical fields have been analyzed.
Pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia presenting as cavitating lung mass
Authors: Alameer Aqeel , Duraikannu Chary , Kanodia Avinash Kumar , Dorward David
Published: August 2023

Pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (PNLH) is a rare non-neoplastic disorder, which can mimic malignancy due to its indolent yet progressive nature. Here, we report a case of surgically proven PNLH that progressed over many years from a ground glass opacity to a solid cavitating lesion mimicking a slow growing primary lung carcinoma.
Scale-invariant enhancement of gravitational waves during inflation
Authors: Ota Atsuhisa , Sasaki Misao , Wang Yi
Published: August 2023

The inflationary 1-loop tensor power spectrum from a spectator scalar field with a sharp peak is calculated. Recent studies on primordial black holes suggest that the inflationary curvature perturbation may be huge on small scales. An enhanced curvature perturbation may arise from a drastic enhancement of spectator scalar field fluctuations. In this paper, using the in-in formalism, we calculate 1-loop quantum corrections to primordial gravitational waves by such a spectator field with a sharp peak in momentum space. We find scale-invariant loop corrections in this full quantum setup, in contrast to the sharply peaked corrections in the previously calculated scalar-induced tensor modes. Especially on super Hubble scales, the primordial gravitational waves are also amplified, which can be understood as a Bogoliubov transformation of the vacuum due to the enhanced scalar field. This mechanism allows us to probe the scalar field properties on extremely short-distance scales with the current and future cosmic microwave background and gravitational wave experiments, opening a novel window for inflationary cosmology.
Micro-polar liquid flows with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection due to a nonlinear stretched sheet in a convective state
Authors: Noor Saima
Published: August 2023

The topic of this study is the flow of a micro-polar liquid toward a nonlinear stretched surface using magnetohydrodynamics (MHDs). The analysis presents the effects of some important parameters on fluid flow. The mixed convection phenomena are used to examine the characteristics of heat transmission. By using the appropriate transformations, dimensional nonlinear equations can be transformed into dimensionless expressions. The governing dimensionless problems are solved using the modified Laplace decomposition approach by examining the effects of various boundary factors on flow and heat transfer.
Transportation of nanoparticles in thermally stratified fluid reservoirs based on Cattaneo–Christov model with viscous dissipation
Authors: Khan Qaisar , Farooq Muhammad , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: August 2023

The usage of nanoparticles is effectively enhanced in industries and technologies because of their intensified thermal performance. Nanomaterials innovatively play a significant role in technological applications such as biosensors, the petroleum related industry and biofuels. Due to such exceptional performance of nanomaterials, the magneto-hydrodynamics squeezed nanofluid flow is examined through the parallel walls. The transportation phenomenon of heat and mass with viscous dissipation and double stratification is also investigated under Cattaneo–Christov phenomenon. The constitutive equations (PDEs) are transmuted with precise similarity variable into dimensionless equations (ODEs). The acquired ODEs are evaluated through the assistance of Homotopic technique. The impacts of the emerging parameters are described graphically on the concerned profiles. The graphical discussion clarifies that both stratification parameters diminish both profiles (thermal & solutal). Concentration field is decreased by the thermophoresis parameter. The relaxation time parameters decrease the heat and mass transport. Moreover, both Brownian and thermophoresis parameters raise the temperature.
Tunable valley polarization and magneto-crystal anisotropy in two-dimensional VI3/WSe2 Van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Li Zefang , Wu Huifang , An Yukai
Published: August 2023

In this work, the effects of magnetic proximity coupling on electronic structures, valley polarization and magneto-crystal anisotropy of VI3/WSe2 heterostructure are studied in detail based on density functional theory. The results show that the spin-valley polarization characters of WSe2 monolayer can be induced by the proximity effect of ferromagnetic VI3 monolayer. Based on the effective Hamiltonian [Formula: see text] model, a large valley polarization of 8.7[Formula: see text]meV is observed, which is mainly contributed by the SOC effect and not magnetic exchange field. Meanwhile, the magneto-crystal anisotropy of VI3 layer is also obviously altered from the [100] to [001] magnetic axis compared to the isolated VI3 monolayer. The reduction in the interlayer space strengths the W–V atomic coupling, resulting in a significant increase in the spin and valley polarization. Compression strain shows weakening effect on the valley polarization, while the tensile strain largely enhances the valley polarization of VI3/WSe2 heterostructure, which can reach the maximum value of 29.1[Formula: see text]meV at the tensile strain of 8%. The V spin direction ([Formula: see text]) has significant effect on valley polarization of WSe2 layer, which is positively correlated with the magnetization strength of V atom in the vertical direction. Furthermore, constructing the VI3/WSe2/VI3 sandwich heterostructure can induce a larger valley polarization, which can reach a maximum value of 32.4[Formula: see text]meV. These results indicate that the VI3/WSe2 heterostructure is a potential candidate for valleytronics.
Pair of optical solitons in parallel planar waveguides coupled by linear photonic crystal
Authors: Wang Zhi-Yu , Li Shu-Lan , Lin Wei-Jie , Huang Chun-Qing
Published: August 2023

We propose a simple optical model, which consists of two Kerr nonlinear parallel planar waveguides sandwiching a one-dimensional photonic crystal for demonstrating the phenomenon of spontaneous symmetry breaking in optics. We study the shape and stability of soliton pairs propagating in two planar waveguides and the spontaneous symmetry breaking of the power distribution of solitons in the two waveguides. The results of numerical simulation show that there is supercritical type of spontaneous symmetry breaking in this system. More optical power P and smaller refractive index of photonic crystals [Formula: see text] make soliton solutions more prone to spontaneous symmetry breaking bifurcation. Asymmetric soliton solutions and symmetric soliton solutions correspond to different dispersion relations. Under the given total power P, for the symmetric soliton solutions, the propagation constant k increases linearly with [Formula: see text], and for asymmetric soliton solutions, the propagation constant k decreases nonlinearly with [Formula: see text]. The minimum point of [Formula: see text] is just the demarkation between the symmetric soliton solutions and the asymmetric soliton solutions. If [Formula: see text] is fixed, the minimum point of the Hamiltonian of the system, [Formula: see text], is also the critical point of the two different kinds of soliton solutions. We also study stable and unstable distributions of two kinds of soliton solutions.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their Impact on Academic Library Services: A Study of Some Selected Private University Libraries in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahara Umme , Nowrin Shohana
Published: August 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study is to find out the impact of massive open online courses (MOOCs) on academic library services by identifying the opportunities of adopting MOOCs as a library service. It also proposes a model how to employ MOOCs as a library service. Methodology: This study follows a questionnaire method to collect data from the private university librarians in Bangladesh. Out of the 108 private universities in Bangladesh, 75 universities were selected as respondents for the questionnaire survey. In total, 38 university librarians have responded to the survey. The response rate was 50.66%. Descriptive analysis was carried out to analyse the collected data. Findings: The findings of this study have revealed the current status of MOOCs as a library service. The majority of the librarians are aware of MOOCs, but they do not have connection with any specific MOOC platforms. The study also identified many opportunities for MOOCs in academic libraries, such as clearing copyright content and licensing, preservation of MOOC contents for users, and assisting with fair use of reading materials. Additionally, MOOCs offer opportunities for developing information literacy skills, fostering collaboration among academic institutions in building courses, providing motivational or library-related courses to users and library professionals, etc. Originality/Value: This is the first attempt to explore the status of MOOCs as a library service in the context of private university libraries in Bangladesh.
Impacts and prospective hazard analysis of rainfall-triggered lahars on St Vincent 2021–22
Authors: Phillips Jeremy , Barclay Jenni , Cole Paul , Johnson Monique , Miller Victoria , Robertson Richard
Published: August 2023

Lahars are energetic flows of loosely consolidated volcanic debris and water, which have occurred frequently after rainfall events on St Vincent in the Eastern Caribbean since the April 2021 explosive phase of the 2020–21 eruption of La Soufrière volcano. Using scientific observations and information from social media, we have constructed a detailed timeline of the 25 lahar events that occurred during 2021, and summarized lahar impacts and losses. 20 mm daily rainfall on a river catchment is (and remains) sufficient to result in a lahar. We used this threshold, with field estimates of lahar volumes, to conduct both an island-wide assessment of potentially impacted locations using the Laharz model, and a detailed reconstruction of one lahar event, using the dynamic model LaharFlow. A simplified catchment hydrology approach with runoff ratios typical for the Caribbean showed good agreement with observations of flow properties near the coast.

Lahars will continue to be an important hazard in St Vincent into the future, and our modelling approach can assess future lahar impacts and provide early warnings. Social media provided key information about lahars and impacts, and allowed communities to alert each other. Future hazard mitigation should strengthen links between communities and with national risk management.
UltraSnoop: Placement-agnostic Keystroke Snooping via Smartphone-based Ultrasonic Sonar
Authors: Zhao Yanchao , Zhao Yiming , Li Si , Han Hao , Xie Lei
Published: August 2023

Keystroke snooping is an effective way to steal sensitive information from the victims. Recent research on acoustic emanation-based techniques has greatly improved the accessibility by non-professional adversaries. However, these approaches either require multiple smartphones or require specific placement of the smartphone relative to the keyboards, which tremendously restricts the application scenarios. In this article, we propose UltraSnoop, a training-free, transferable, and placement-agnostic scheme that manages to infer user’s input using a single smartphone placed within the range covered by a microphone and speaker. The innovation of Ultrasnoop is that we propose an ultrasonic anchor-keystroke positioning method and a Mel Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients clustering algorithm, synthesis of which could infer the relative position between the smartphone and the keyboard. Along with the keystroke time difference of arrival, our method could infer the keystrokes and even gradually improve the accuracy as the snooping proceeds. Our real-world experiments show that UltraSnoop could achieve more than 85% top-3 snooping accuracy when the smartphone is placed within the range of 30–60 cm from the keyboard.
Evidence that methylglyoxal and receptor for advanced glycation end products are implicated in bladder dysfunction of obese diabetic ob/ob mice
Authors: Oliveira Akila L. , Medeiros Matheus L. , Ghezzi Ana Carolina , dos Santos Gabriel Alonso , Mello Glaucia Coelho , Mónica Fabíola Z. , Antunes Edson
Published: August 2023

The involvement of methylglyoxal (MGO) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in bladder dysfunction of diabetic ob/ob mice treated with the AGE breaker ALT-711 was investigated here. Diabetic mice exhibited high levels of MGO, AGEs, receptor for AGEs (RAGE), and collagen in serum and/or bladder tissues along with increased volume per void, all of which were reduced by ALT-711. Activation of the MGO-AGEs-RAGE pathway in the bladder wall contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes-associated bladder dysfunction.
Sex-specific epigenetic programming in renal fibrosis and inflammation
Authors: Kumar Prerna , Brooks Heddwen L.
Published: August 2023

The growing prevalence of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity along with an aging population is leading to a higher incidence of renal diseases in society. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized mainly by persistent inflammation, fibrosis, and gradual loss of renal function leading to renal failure. Sex is a known contributor to the differences in incidence and progression of CKD. Epigenetic programming is an essential regulator of renal physiology and is critically involved in the pathophysiology of renal injury and fibrosis. Epigenetic signaling integrates intrinsic and extrinsic signals onto the genome, and various environmental and hormonal stimuli, including sex hormones, which regulate gene expression and downstream cellular responses. The most extensively studied epigenetic alterations that play a critical role in renal damage include histone modifications and DNA methylation. Notably, these epigenetic alterations are reversible, making them candidates for potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of renal diseases. Here, we will summarize the current knowledge on sex differences in epigenetic modulation of renal fibrosis and inflammation and highlight some possible epigenetic therapeutic strategies for CKD treatment.