bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized backstepping‐based finite‐time containment control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with prescribed performance
Authors: Tang Li , Zhang Liang , Xu Ning
Published: July 2024

In this article, a finite‐time optimal containment control method is proposed for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with prescribed performance. First, a neural network‐based reinforcement learning algorithm is developed under the optimized backstepping framework. The algorithm employs an identifier‐critic‐actor architecture, where the identifiers, critics and actors are used to estimate the unknown dynamics, evaluate the system performance, and optimize the system, respectively. Subsequently, in order to guarantee the transient performance of the tracking error, the original system is converted into an equivalent unconstrained system. Then, the tracking errors are allowed to converge to a prescribed set of residuals in finite time by combining prescribed performance control and finite‐time optimal control techniques. Furthermore, by using the Lyapunov stability theorem, it is verified that all signals are semi‐globally practical finite‐time stable, and all followers can converge to a convex region formed by multiple leaders. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by a practical example.
Congenital hepatoblastoma: Expanding knowledge, improving outcomes
Authors: Gigola Francesca , Morini Francesco , Libro Giorgia , Morabito Antonino , Grimaldi Chiara
Published: July 2024

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare liver tumour, and its congenital counterpart (CHB) is even less frequent. CHB has a clinically challenging management and a generally perceived worse outcome. This study aims to review the literature on CHB to better define presentation, diagnosis, available treatments and management options. The analysis of outcomes suggests that a significant portion of mortality is unrelated to the malignant nature of the tumour. Key factors influencing overall outcomes were identified: mortality linked to the ‘mass effect’ during both the prenatal (22%) and perinatal (32%) stages, as well as ‘oncological’ mortality encompassing tumour and/or treatment‐related factors (46%). Overall, after birth, CHB does not seem to confer a worse oncological prognosis per se, and should be managed similarly to older children, if patients are stable enough to undergo proper staging and treatment. A deeper knowledge and better outcomes would come from a large, homogeneous, collection of data possibly allowing a global protocol, focusing on a comprehensive management of CHB.
Dose to organs at risk for total body irradiation: Single‐institution data using the modulated arc total body irradiation technique
Authors: Effeney Beth , Pullar Andrew , Burbery Julie , Hargrave Cathy , Brady Carole
Published: July 2024

Background

Organs at risk (OAR) dose reporting for total body irradiation (TBI) patients is limited, and standardly reported only as mean doses to the lungs and kidneys. Consequently, dose received and effects on other OAR remain unexplored. To remedy this gap, this study reports dose data on an extensive list of OAR for patients treated at a single institution using the modulated arc total body irradiation (MATBI) technique.

Method

An audit was undertaken of all patients treated with MATBI between January 2015 and March 2021 who had completed their course of treatment. OAR were contoured on MATBI patient treatment plans, with 12 Gy in six fraction prescription. OAR dose statistics and dose volume histogram data are reported for the whole body, lungs, kidneys, bones, brain, lens, heart, liver and bowel bag.

Results

The OAR dose data for 29 patients are reported. Mean dose results are body 11.77 Gy, lungs 9.86 Gy, kidneys 11.84 Gy, bones 12.03 Gy, brain 12.12 Gy, right lens 12.31 Gy, left lens 12.64 Gy, heart 11.07 Gy, liver 11.81 Gy and bowel bag 12.06 Gy. Dose statistics at 1‐Gy intervals of V6–V13 for lungs and V10–V13 for kidneys are also included.

Conclusion

This is the first time an extensive list of OAR data has been reported for any TBI technique. Due to the paucity of reporting, this information could be used by centres implementing the MATBI technique, in addition to aiding comparison between TBI techniques, with the potential for greater understanding of the relationship between dose volume data and toxicity.
Thermomechanical bending of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite plate by meshless method
Authors: Li Jiao , Lin Jun , Guan Yanjin , Naceur Hakim , Bao Yanpeng , Lu Jinjie , Xie Xiangqian
Published: July 2024

Functionally graded (FG) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced composite possessing continuously varied material properties have received extensive concern in the area of aviation, automotive, military, and spaceflight. The nonlinear bending of FG CNT composite is performed by developing a novel meshless model on the base of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. The equivalent temperature relative material properties of composite is established in the light of the extended rule of mixture model. Different gradient dispersions of CNTs are taken into account and modeled. The governing equations are explored using the Mindlin theory and discretized though a symmetric SPH method with high prediction ability. The developed model is verified by analyzed several examples and compared to the solution obtained in literature. Influences of CNT dispersion, content, plate aspect ratio, boundary conditions and lamination angle on the bending response are elaborated. The present study provides an alternative potential method to solve the mechanical performances of FG CNT composites based on the meshless SPH formulation.

Highlights

Thermo‐mechanics of FG‐CNTRC is firstly solved by SPH method.

The model is verified by solving the benchmarks in literature.

Nonlinear bending behaviors of FG‐CNTRC are demonstrated.

The minimum deflection take place in FG‐X type composite.

For laminate plate, the smallest deformation occurs in 0° CNTRC.
Divergent thinking as a predictor of life skills in patients with schizophrenia: Evidence from the modified Tinkertoy Test
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhisa , Miyamoto Reiko , Koreki Akihiro , Anamizu Sachiko , Mimura Masaru
Published: July 2024

Aim

Patients with schizophrenia often exhibit poor life skills, posing significant clinical challenges. Life skills comprise cognitive functions crucial for planning daily activities, including divergent thinking. However, the cognitive deficits contributing to these diminished skills among patients with schizophrenia are underexplored. This study introduces a modified Tinkertoy Test (m‐TTT) to investigate the correlation between life skills, divergent thinking, and psychological assessment tools in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with schizophrenia, alongside a control group, matched for sex, age, and education, were evaluated using psychological assessment tools. For the patient group, the Life Skills Profile (LSP) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were administered to measure functional abilities and psychiatric symptoms, respectively. Additionally, duration of disease and antipsychotic daily dosage levels were assessed exclusively in the patient group. Both groups were evaluated with the m‐TTT, Idea Fluency Test (IFT), Design Fluency Test (DFT), and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) to comprehensively assess cognitive functions. A stepwise multiple regression model was conducted to identify significant correlates of LSP total score among the patient group.

Results

The schizophrenia group scored notably lower than the neurotypical controls on the m‐TTT, IFT, DFT, and BACS. Our stepwise multiple regression analysis highlighted that the LSP total score was significantly correlated with the total m‐TTT score and presence of negative symptoms.

Conclusion

Divergent thinking could be a crucial factor in the life skills of individuals with schizophrenia. Rehabilitation programs based on this cognitive function might enhance their daily living capabilities.
Paddlanes revisited: Which are the smallest possible?
Authors: Breton Gary W.
Published: July 2024

Paddlanes are tricyclic molecules with four bridging chains that share the same two bridgehead carbon atoms. The smallest known paddlane containing only carbon atoms in the main framework has a total of 18 atoms. We utilized computational chemistry (MP2/cc‐pVTZ) to locate the smallest possible all‐carbon paddlanes that meet the criterion suggested by Hoffmann, Schleyer, and Schaefer as being “fleeting,” meaning frequency calculations suggest the structures are energy minima on their respective potential energy surfaces (PES). Our results suggest that paddlane compounds with a total of 10 or fewer atoms can be considered to be non‐viable either because they are not energy minima on the PES or due to strain in the system that manifests as especially long carbon–carbon bonds. Some paddlanes with a total of 11 carbon atoms proved to be energy minima but still exhibited longer carbon–carbon bonds than normal. Finally, several paddlanes with a total of 12 carbons appear to be the least strained since carbon–carbon bond lengths remain reasonable.
Mechanical response characteristics of HMX crystals under resonant acoustic mixing
Authors: Wang Zi‐Chao , Yao Jie , Guo Feng‐Wei , Li Shuang , Xu Yi‐Long , Liu Jun‐Hui , Shen Chen , Guo Xue‐Yong , Yan Shi , Nie Jian‐Xin
Published: July 2024

Understanding the mechanical response characteristics and determining the optimized process conditions is critical to mitigate crystal impacts during resonant acoustic mixing (RAM). Therefore, high‐melting explosive (HMX) crystal collisions with container walls under different RAM accelerations were investigated through simulations and experiments. The HMX crystal damages after RAM were assessed using microscopic imaging, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller tests. Results show that crystal fractures observed in steel containers can be prevented by using low‐modulus polytetrafluoroethylene containers. Rough containers reduce internal damage but increase surface abrasion. Lower RAM accelerations, shorter RAM durations, and low‐modulus containers can mitigate HMX crystal damage.
Modified SnO2 Electron Transport Layer by One‐Step Doping with Histidine in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Dai Mengjie , Xing Wenchao , Zhang Yinfeng , Zhang Lun , Niu Pujun , Wen Ziying , Shan Shengquan , Lyu Mei , Zhu Jun
Published: July 2024

Tin dioxide (SnO2), one of the best electron transport layer materials for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), has high electrical conductivity and low photocatalytic activity. However, the defects in its inside and surface result in nonradiative recombination at the SnO2/perovskite interface. Complex and time‐consuming passivation methods are not conducive to the commercialization of PSCs, and simple passivation strategies should be used to improve the photovoltaic performance of the devices. Herein, a facile and efficient method is proposed to simultaneously passivate the inside and surface defects by adding histidine (HIS) to SnO2 colloidal solution. This one‐step doping strategy also modulates carrier dynamics at the SnO2/perovskite interface. HIS reduces suspended hydroxyl groups, oxygen vacancies, and uncoordinated Sn4+ defects on the surface of SnO2, as well as uncoordinated Pb2+ and halogen vacancy defects at the buried interface of perovskite. Surprisingly, HIS can prevent perovskite from decomposition to form PbI2, which further decomposes to photoactive metallic Pb0 and I, causing ion migration in PSC. As a result, the PSC efficiency has significantly improved 23.11% after HIS doping. The efficiency of unencapsulated device with HIS is 94% of the primary efficiency after storage in relative humidity = 70 ± 5% for 1000 h.
Detection of Microcracks in Cz‐Si Wafer Manufacturing by Photoluminescence Imaging
Authors: Mustonen Katja , Lähteenmäki Jukka‐Pekka , Savin Hele
Published: July 2024

Photoluminescence imaging (PLI) is a widely accepted, fast, and contactless method for detecting crystal defects in crystalline silicon solar cells and solar‐grade silicon wafers. However, it is less known by semiconductor wafer manufacturers despite the similarities between photovoltaic (PV) and semiconductor wafers. This study focuses on the detection of microcracks by PLI during high‐quality Czochralski silicon (Cz‐Si) wafer manufacturing. The results show that in case of low resistivity (<25 mΩ cm) wafers, microcracks can be detected at any stage of the processing—even after diamond‐wire slicing. When resistivity increases, visibility of microcracks reduces in process steps that produce uneven surfaces. Nevertheless, they can still be detected after slurry‐wire slicing, lapping, alkaline etching, and polishing. According to the results, unlike resistivity, other material parameters such as dopant species, crystal orientation, and wafer thickness have no similar impact on visibility of microcracks in PLI. Furthermore, all wafers produce a decent photoluminescence (PL) signal without a need for separate sample preparation. Based on these results, general recommendations for the in‐line detection of microcracks for Cz‐Si wafer manufactures are provided. While this study focuses on microcracks, the results and discussion include broader perspectives on the defect characterization in Cz‐Si wafer manufacturing via PLI.
Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance in Co–Fe Hydroxides through Boron Doping
Authors: Liu Peijia , Shan Liang , Lu Zeyi , Liu Min
Published: July 2024

Among hydrogen production methods, water electrolysis stands out, but its efficiency is hampered by the substantial energy barrier of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To address this, incorporating electron‐deficient boron (B) into Co–Fe hydroxide (CoFeOxHy) promotes higher oxidation states of involved metals, greatly enhancing OER activity and charge transfer capabilities. Herein, the synthesis of a range of amorphous CoFeB nanoparticles with varying Fe to (Co+Fe) atomic ratios achieved through a simple chemical reduction method using CoFe‐Prussian blue analogs as precursors and employing Mössbauer spectroscopy to observe structural characteristics before and after transformation is reported. Among these nanoparticles, the CoFe0.25B variant, exhibiting favorable electrochemical properties, is chosen and subsequently subjected to hydrolysis to yield CoFe0.25BOH nanoparticles, serving as an active catalyst for OER. At a current density of 10 mA cm−2, the overpotentials for CoFe0.25OxHy and CoFe0.25BOH are 362 and 310 mV, respectively, with Tafel slopes decreasing from 393 to 93 mV dec−1. Furthermore, the i–t test reveals no significant loss of electrochemical performance within 24 h, substantiating the efficacy of enhancing the electrocatalytic performance of CoFeOxHy through the introduction of electron‐deficient elements. This research offers novel insights into the development of efficient and stable water electrolysis catalysts.
Optimization of In‐Reactor In Situ Activation Annealing Conditions for Tunnel Junction Layers in Multiquantum Shell GaN‐Based Devices
Authors: Takahashi Mizuki , Yamanaka Yuki , Ii Shiori , Shima Ayaka , Inaba Soma , Kubota Kosei , Hattori Yuta , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Iwaya Motoaki , Kamiyama Satoshi
Published: July 2024

For realizing room‐temperature continuous‐wave operation in core–shell GaN nanowire‐based semiconductor lasers, certain device characteristics are required, namely, a low threshold current and low operating voltage. To reduce the operating voltage and inject current into the m‐plane multiquantum shell (MQS) active region, a new structure with a tunnel junction and embedded n‐GaN is proposed. One of the problems in this proposed device architecture is the high resistance at the tunnel junction layer due to hydrogen passivation in the insufficiently activated p‐GaN shell. In situ activation annealing and suppression of re‐passivation during subsequent growth are necessary to reduce the operating voltage. Herein, the time and temperature dependence of in situ activation annealing in a reactor to lower the resistance of tunnel junction layers grown on nanowires with nonpolar m‐planes is investigated. Subsequent n+‐GaN growth is implemented at 550 °C. As a result, the turn‐on voltage is observed to be dependent on the activation annealing time and temperature. The lowest turn‐on voltage is ≈5.4 V at an activation annealing time of 30 min and activation annealing temperature of 800 °C.
From text to map: a system dynamics bot for constructing causal loop diagrams
Authors: Hosseinichimeh Niyousha , Majumdar Aritra , Williams Ross , Ghaffarzadegan Navid
Published: July 2024

We introduce and test the System Dynamics Bot, a computer program leveraging a large language model to automate the creation of causal loop diagrams from textual data. To evaluate its performance, we ensembled two distinct databases. The first dataset includes 20 causal loop diagrams and associated texts sourced from the system dynamics literature. The second dataset comprises responses from 30 participants to a vignette, along with causal loop diagrams coded by three system dynamics modelers. The bot uses textual data and successfully identifies approximately 60% of the links between variables and feedback loops in both datasets. This article outlines our approach, provides examples, and presents evaluation results. We discuss encountered challenges and implemented solutions in developing the System Dynamics Bot. The bot can facilitate extracting mental models from textual data and improve model‐building processes. Moreover, the two datasets can serve as a test‐bed for similar programs. © 2024 The Author(s). System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Beyond fight or flight: The protective role of pre‐pandemic meditation practice against anxiety and perceived stress
Authors: Monteiro Bárbara , Galhardo Ana , Senra Hugo , Pinto‐Gouveia José , Cunha Marina
Published: July 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic generated distinct mental health challenges, characterised by stress and anxiety due to its unpredictable duration and continuous threat. This study examined the role of meditation practice on anxiety symptoms and perceived stress, considering co‐variables such as self‐compassion, acceptance, awareness, brooding, lockdown duration, and sociodemographic characteristics. The study used a longitudinal design and data were collected through online surveys from April 2020 to January 2021 (at four different time points) and included 238 participants from Portugal (165 had prior experience with meditation practices, 73 were non‐meditators) with a mean age of 43.08 years (SD = 10.96). Linear mixed models revealed that over time, during the lockdown, the non‐meditators group demonstrated a greater increase of anxiety symptoms (β = −0.226, SE = 0.06, p = 0.006) and perceived stress (β = −0.20, SE = 0.06, p = 0.004), whereas the meditators group showed non‐significant (p > 0.05) variations in anxiety and stress symptoms during the same period of time. The effect of meditation on anxiety symptoms was moderated by sex, days of lockdown, self‐compassion, and acceptance. The effect of meditation on perceived stress was moderated by sex, years of education, days of lockdown, and levels of awareness. Additionally, the study explored the potential predictive effect of different meditation session lengths, indicating that longer meditation practices offered greater protection against an increase in anxiety symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating self‐regulation skills and investing in preventive mental health strategies to promote well‐being and autonomy. Mental health professionals should prioritise educating communities on evidence‐based practices like meditation and compassion exercises to enhance overall health.
Oxygen‐Terminated Polycrystalline Boron‐Doped Diamond Superhydrophobic Surface with Excellent Mechanical and Thermal Stabilities
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Tianyi , Yang Mingchao , Wang Qiliang , Yuan Xiaoxi , Cui Zheng , Gao Nan , Liu Junsong , Cheng Shaoheng , Jiang Zhigang , Jin Huichao , Li Hongdong
Published: July 2024

Superhydrophobic surfaces are of great interest because of their remarkable properties. Due to its maximal hardness and chemical inertness, diamond film has great potential in fabricating robust superhydrophobic surfaces. In the present study, an oxygen‐terminated polycrystalline boron‐doped diamond (O‐PBDD) superhydrophobic surface with micro/nano‐hierarchical porous structures is developed. The preparation method is very simple, requiring only sputtering and dewetting procedures. The former involves sputtering gold and copper particles onto the hydrogen‐terminated polycrystalline boron‐doped diamond (H‐PBDD) to form gold/copper films, whereas the latter involves placing the samples in an atmospheric tube furnace to form hierarchical pores. By controlling the etching parameters, the wettability of the O‐PBDD surface can be adjusted from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic, which is significantly different to the normal hydrophilicity feature of O‐termination diamonds. The water contact angle of the obtained O‐PBDD surface can reach 165 ± 5°, which is higher than the superhydrophobic diamond surfaces that are reported in the literature. In addition, the O‐PBDD surface exhibits excellent durability; it can maintain satisfactory superhydrophobicity even after high‐pressure, high‐temperature, and sandpaper friction tests. This work provides a new research direction for fabricating robust superhydrophobic materials with diamond film.
Chiral gypsum with high‐performance mechanical properties induced by self‐assembly of chiral amino acid on an amorphous mineral
Authors: Li Haibin , Sun Zhiheng , Liu Yue , Xing Yi , Gao Jing , Shi Aihong , Yu Yadong , Long Jin , Song Dong‐Po , Jin Chao , McKee Marc D. , Ma Jun‐An , Jiang Wenge
Published: July 2024

Functional chiral suprastructures are common in biology, including in biomineralization, and they are frequently found in many hardened structures of both marine and terrestrial invertebrates, and even in pathologic human otoconia of the inner ear. However, the biological processes by which they form remain unclear. Here, we show that chiral hierarchical suprastructures of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) can be induced by the chiral Aspartic acid (Asp). Left‐handed (clockwise) morphology of gypsum is induced by the d‐enantiomer of Asp, while right‐handed (counterclockwise) morphology is induced by the l‐enantiomer. A layer‐by‐layer, oriented inclination mineral growth model controlled by continuous self‐assembly of chiral Asp enantiomers on an amorphous calcium sulfate mineral surface of gypsum platelet layers is postulated to produce these chiral architectures. This hybrid amorphous‐crystallized chiral and hierarchical suprastructure of gypsum displays outstanding mechanical properties, including high‐performance strength and toughness. Furthermore, the induction of chiral gypsum suprastructures can be more generally extended from specific acidic amino acids to other (nonamino acid) molecules. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which biomineral‐associated enantiomers exert structural control over chiral architectures commonly seen in biominerals and in biomimetically synthesized functional materials.
Software maintenance practices using agile methods towards cloud environment: A systematic mapping
Authors: Almashhadani Mohammed , Mishra Alok , Yazici Ali
Published: July 2024

Agile methods have emerged to overcome the obstacles of structured methodologies, such as the waterfall, prototype, spiral, and so on. There are studies showing the usefulness of agile approaches in software development. However, studies on Agile maintenance are very limited in number. Regardless of the chosen methodology, software maintenance can be carried out in either a local (on‐the‐premise) or global (distributed) environment. In a local environment, the software maintenance team is co‐located on the same premises, while in a global environment, the team is geographically dispersed from the customer. The main objective of this Systematic Mapping (SM) study is to identify the practices useful for software maintenance using the Agile approaches in the Cloud environment. We have conducted a comprehensive search in well‐known digital databases and examined the articles that map to the pre‐defined inclusion criteria. The study selected and analyzed 48 articles out of 320 published between 2000 and 2022. The findings of the mapping study reveal that Agile can resolve the major issues faced in traditional software maintenance, making the role of this approach significant in global/distributed software maintenance. Cloud computing plays a vital role in software maintenance. Most of the studies highlight the application of XP‐ and Scrum‐based Agile maintenance models. The study found a need for more Agile maintenance solutions in the cloud, highlighting the importance of agile in software maintenance, both locally and globally. Irrespective of the environment, Cloud computing provides a centralized platform for collaboration and communication, while also offering scalability and flexibility to adapt to diverse infrastructure needs. This allows agile maintenance practices to be implemented across both local and global environments, leveraging the cloud's capabilities to overcome geographical and infrastructural challenges.
AENet: Image Retrieval of Kazakh Handwritten Documents Based on Attention Mechanism and Feature Aggregation
Authors: Chen Gang , Xu Xuebin , Wang Jiaoyan , Mamat Hornisa , Ubul Kurban
Published: July 2024

Kazakh is one of the multilingual languages of China and is widely spoken in some areas of Xinjiang, China. However, due to the fact that Kazakh is a language in which several characters are glued together to form a continuous word with a unique shape and complex structural combinations of relationships. This paper explores a solution for offline image retrieval of handwritten Kazakh words, which is a challenging task because, due to the lack of relevant datasets and the special writing morphology of the Kazakh language, traditional text image retrieval algorithms often struggle to achieve satisfactory results when dealing with writing styles that are varied and adherent to the language. Therefore, a dataset of offline Kazakh handwritten document images was created in this paper. The dataset contains 300 pages of document images with 20 500 words. Then, a new model called the ‘AENet’ is proposed. The model utilizes an attention mechanism to focus more finely on focal regions such as centers, inflection points, and contours of handwritten word images and to capture important local features from different scales. Fusion space pyramid pooling, feature aggregation, encoding operations, and feature downscaling and reconstruction are used to extract and reconstruct more representative feature representations from local to global to capture the overall information in the word images. Through experimental evaluation on Kazak‐80, Zilla‐64, and HWDB1.1‐375 datasets, it is verified that the method significantly improves the mAP for image retrieval of handwritten words, which is especially applicable to adhesive languages like Kazakh. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Breeding practice of indigenous village chickens, and traits and breed preferences of smallholder farmers
Authors: Desta Takele Taye , Wakeyo Oli
Published: July 2024

Background

Indigenous village chickens, or (IVCs), significantly contribute to rural livelihoods. Although natural selection has a disproportionate impact on the genetic structure of IVCs, farmers have developed locally tailored breeding practices to get the most out of their flocks.

Objectives

Small‐scale farmers’ insights on trait breed preferences and family flock breeding practices are presented in this cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in two agroecological zones using face‐to‐face individual interviews with 119 general informants.

Results

Farmers prefer IVCs because they are multipurpose birds. Unlike policymakers, who usually underestimate the importance of IVCs, small‐scale farmers acknowledge the coexistence of local and commercial chickens. Only 15.7% of farmers recruited homegrown cocks, whereas 47.9% outsourced breeding cocks from local markets and 36.4% from neighbours (χ‐squared = 15.976, df = 2, p = 0.0003395). About 49.2% of small‐scale farmers believed that consanguineous mating‐induced inbreeding has only trivial effects. High flock turnover significantly reduces inbreeding. Regardless of the low production capacity, small‐scale farmers prefer local (rank = 1.47) chickens to commercial (rank = 1.61). For cocks, fertility and growth traits were highly sought after, whereas for hens, maternal instincts and laying performance were prioritized. Compared to the highlands, the lowlands had a longer egg storage period (t = 2.677, df = 117, p = 0.009, 95% CI: −3.7607, −0.5622).

Conclusions

This study documented the wisdom of small‐scale farmers and encouraged the incorporation of their insights into a sustainable genetic improvement program.
Application of ultrasonographic human estimated foetal weight formulas to cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) at 129–132 days of gestation: A comparative study of estimated and actual birthweight
Authors: Lee Dong‐Ho , Yoon Seung‐Bin , Kim Ji‐Su , Mo Jun Won , Jo Yu‐Jin , Kwon Jeongwoo , Lee Sang Il , Kwon Jungkee , Park Chan‐Wook
Published: July 2024

Background

Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are essential in biomedical research, including reproductive studies. However, the application of human estimated foetal weight (EFW) formulas using ultrasonography (USG) in these non‐human primates is not well established.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the applicability of human EFW formulas for estimating foetal weight in cynomolgus monkeys at approximately 130 days of gestation.

Methods

Our study involved nine pregnant cynomolgus monkeys. We measured foetal parameters, including biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length using USG. The EFW was calculated using 11 human EFW formulas. The actual birthweight (ABW) was recorded following Cesarean section, the day after the EFW calculation. For comparing EFW and ABW, we employed statistical methods such as mean absolute percentage error (APE) and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

The ABW ranged between 200.36 and 291.33 g. Among the 11 formulas, the Combs formula showed the lowest APE (4.3%) and highest correlation with ABW (p < 0.001). Notably, EFW and ABW differences for the Combs formula were ≤5% in 66.7% and ≤10% in 100% of cases. The Bland–Altman analysis supported these results, showing that all cases fell within the limits of agreement.

Conclusions

The Combs formula is applicable for estimating the weight of cynomolgus monkey fetuses with USG at approximately 130 days of gestation. Our observations suggest that the Combs formula can be applied in the prenatal care and biomedical research of this species.
NMR‐based metabolomic investigation of dogs with acute flaccid paralysis due to tick paralysis
Authors: Gülersoy Erdem , Balıkçı Canberk , Şahan Adem , Günal İsmail , Atlı Mehmet Osman
Published: July 2024

Background

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a complex clinical syndrome with various aetiologies. If untreated, AFP may lead to death due to failure of respiratory muscles. Tick paralysis, which is a noninfectious neurologic syndrome of AFP, occurs following tick attachment, engorgement, and injection of tick saliva toxins. There is no specific diagnostic test for tick paralysis, and mortality increases as definitive diagnosis is delayed. Although metabolomic investigation of tick saliva was conducted, there is a lack of research on metabolomic evaluation of hosts affected by tick paralysis.

Objectives

Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate metabolomic changes in serum samples of dogs with tick paralysis due to Rhipicephalus sanguineus using NMR‐based metabolomics and to identify potential diagnostic/prognostic markers.

Materials and Methods

Forty dogs infested with R. sanguineus, with clinical findings compatible with AFP and with a confirmed tick paralysis diagnosis ex juvantibus, constituted the Paralysis Group. Ten healthy dogs, which were admitted either for vaccination and/or check‐up purposes, constituted the Control Group. After the confirmation tick paralysis, medical history, vaccination and nutritional status, body surface area and estimated tick numbers of all the dogs were noted. Physical examination included body temperature, heart and respiratory rate, capillary refill time evaluation and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale calculation. Serum samples were extracted from venous blood samples of all the dogs and were prepared for NMR analysis, and NMR‐based metabolomics identification and quantification were performed.

Results

NMR‐based serum metabolomics of the present study revealed distinct up/down‐regulated expressions, presenting a promising avenue. Moreover, it was observed that energy metabolism and especially liver functions were impaired in dogs with tick paralysis, and not only the respiratory system but also the kidneys were affected.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the present approach may help to better understand the pathological mechanisms developing in cases of AFP due to tick paralysis.
Occurrence of hemodynamic changes following administration of rocuronium in a dog presenting for an ophthalmic procedure
Authors: Calus Melissa , Muñoz Kirk A.
Published: July 2024

A 10‐year‐old, neutered male, Golden Retriever dog presented for surgical correction of a descemetocele. Acepromazine (0.02 mg/kg) and methadone (0.5 mg/kg) were administered intramuscularly for sedation, propofol (2 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) were administered intravenously for anaesthetic induction and isoflurane in oxygen was utilised for anaesthetic maintenance. Rocuronium (0.5 mg/kg), a neuromuscular blocking agent, was administered intravenously to facilitate central positioning of the eye for surgery. Within 10 min of rocuronium administration, the dog became tachycardic and hypotensive. Hemodynamic aberrations did not resolve with initial interventions but were successfully mitigated with the administration of diphenhydramine (0.8 mg/kg) intravenously. The dog remained stable throughout the remainder of the procedure and experienced a smooth and uneventful recovery. While it is difficult to confirm that the hemodynamic changes observed in this clinical case resulted solely from administration of rocuronium, the observance of the cardiovascular changes, timing of events and response to therapy suggest that rocuronium elicited a histamine response that was successfully treated with diphenhydramine.
Topological classes of thermodynamics of the static multi-charge AdS black holes in gauged supergravities: novel temperature-dependent thermodynamic topological phase transition
Authors: Wu Di , Gu Shuang-Yong , Zhu Xiao-Dan , Jiang Qing-Quan , Yang Shu-Zheng
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate, in the framework of the topological approach to black hole thermodynamics, using the generalized off-shell Helmholtz free energy, the topological numbers of the static multi-charge AdS black holes in four- and five-dimensional gauged supergravities. We find that the topological number of the static-charged AdS black holes in four-dimensional Kaluza-Klein (K-K) gauged supergravity theory is W = 0, while that of the static-charged AdS black holes in four-dimensional gauged –iX0X1-supergravity and STU gauged supergravity theories, and five-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton-axion (EMDA) gauged supergravity and STU gauged supergravity, and five-dimensional static-charged AdS Horowitz-Sen black hole are both W = 1. Furthermore, we observe a novel temperature-dependent thermodynamic topological phase transition that can happen in the four-dimensional static-charged AdS black hole in EMDA gauged supergravity theory, the four-dimensional static-charged AdS Horowitz-Sen black hole, and the five-dimensional static-charged AdS black hole in K-K gauged supergravity theory. We believe that the novel temperature-dependent thermodynamic topological phase transition could help us better understand black hole thermodynamics and, further, shed new light on the fundamental nature of gauged supergravity theories.
Beyond Wilson? Carroll from current deformations
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Banerjee Aritra , Mondal Saikat , Mukherjee Debangshu , Muraki Hisayoshi
Published: July 2024

Abstract

At extreme energies, both low and high, the spacetime symmetries of relativistic quantum field theories (QFTs) are expected to change with Galilean symmetries emerging in the very low energy domain and, as we will argue, Carrollian symmetries appearing at very high energies. The formulation of Wilsonian renormalisation group seems inadequate for handling these changes of the underlying Poincare symmetry of QFTs and it seems unlikely that these drastic changes can be seen within the realms of relativistic QFT. We show that contrary to this expectation, changes in the spacetime algebra occurs at the very edges of parameter space. In particular, we focus on the very high energy sector and show how bilinears of U(1) currents added to a two dimensional (massless) scalar field theory deform the relativistic spacetime conformal algebra to conformal Carroll as the effective coupling of the deformation is dialed to infinity. We demonstrate this using both a symmetric and an antisymmetric current-current deformation for theories with multiple scalar fields. These two operators generate distinct kinds of quantum flows in the coupling space, the symmetric driven by Bogoliubov transformations and the antisymmetric by spectral flows, both leading to Carrollian CFTs at the end of the flow.
Axion-like particles in radiative quarkonia decays
Authors: Di Luzio Luca , Guerrera Alfredo Walter Mario , Ponce Díaz Xavier , Rigolin Stefano
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Radiative quarkonia decays offer an ideal setting for probing Axion-Like Particle (ALP) interactions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of ALP production mechanisms through the e+e− → γa process at B- and Charm-factories, alongside an analysis of potential ALP decay channels. We derive constraints on ALP couplings to Standard Model (SM) fields, based on recent experimental results on quarkonia decays by the Belle II and BESIII collaborations. The analysis distinguishes between “invisible” and “visible” ALP decay scenarios. The “invisible” scenario, characterised by a mono-γ plus missing-energy signature, enables stringent limits on ALP-photon and ALP-quark (b or c) couplings. Moreover, extensive research at flavour factories has explored various “visible” ALP decays into SM final states, which depend on a larger set of ALP-SM couplings. To streamline the “visible” ALP scenario, we introduce additional theoretical assumptions, such as universal ALP-fermion couplings, or we adopt specific benchmark ALP models, aiming to minimise the number of independent variables in our analysis.
Soft theorems for boostless amplitudes
Authors: Du Zong-Zhe , Stefanyszyn David
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We consider effective field theories (EFTs) of scalar fields with broken Lorentz boosts, which arise by taking the decoupling and flat-space limits of the EFT of inflation, and derive constraints that must be satisfied by the corresponding scattering amplitudes if there is an underlying non-linearly realised symmetry. We primarily concentrate on extended shift symmetries which depend on the space-time coordinates, and find that combinations of scattering amplitudes obey enhanced Adler zeros. That is, such combinations vanish as one external momentum is taken soft, with the rate at which they vanish dictated by the corresponding symmetry. In our soft theorem derivation, we pay particular care to the energy and momentum-conserving delta functions that arise due to space-time translations, and show that when acted upon by derivatives with respect to spatial momenta, they yield a tower of soft theorems which are ultimately required for closure of the underlying symmetry algebra. All of our soft theorems correspond to constraints that must be satisfied by on-shell amplitudes and, even for symmetries that depend on the time coordinate, our soft theorems only require derivatives to be taken with respect to spatial momenta. We perform a soft bootstrap procedure to find solutions to our soft theorems, and compare these solutions to what we find from an off-shell analysis using the coset construction.
The Double Semion State in Infinite Volume
Authors: Bols Alex , Kjær Boris , Moon Alvin
Published: July 2024

We describe in a simple setting how to extract a braided tensor category from a collection of superselection sectors of a two-dimensional quantum spin system, corresponding to abelian anyons. We extract from this category its fusion ring as well as its F and R-symbols. We then construct the double semion state in infinite volume and extract the braided tensor category describing its semion, anti-semion, and bound state excitations. We verify that this category is equivalent to the representation category of the twisted quantum double $$\mathcal {D}^{\phi }(\mathbb {Z}_2)$$

D

ϕ

(

Z
2

)

.
Large Deviations for the Ground State of Weakly Interacting Bose Gases
Authors: Rademacher Simone
Published: July 2024

We consider the ground state of a Bose gas of N particles on the three-dimensional unit torus in the mean-field regime that is known to exhibit Bose–Einstein condensation. Bounded one-particle operators with law given through the interacting Bose gas’ ground state correspond to dependent random variables due to the bosons’ correlation. We prove that in the limit $$N \rightarrow \infty $$

N
→
∞

bounded one-particle operators with law given by the ground state satisfy large deviation estimates. We derive a lower and an upper bound on the rate function that match up to second order and that are characterized by quantum fluctuations around the condensate.
A Short Proof of Bose–Einstein Condensation in the Gross–Pitaevskii Regime and Beyond
Authors: Brennecke Christian , Brooks Morris , Caraci Cristina , Oldenburg Jakob
Published: July 2024

We consider dilute Bose gases on the three-dimensional unit torus that interact through a pair potential with scattering length of order $$ N^{\kappa -1}$$

N

κ
-
1

, for some $$\kappa >0$$

κ
>
0

. For the range $$ \kappa \in [0, \frac{1}{43})$$

κ
∈
[
0
,

1
43

)

, Adhikari et al. (Ann Henri Poincaré 22:1163–1233, 2021) proves complete BEC of low energy states into the zero momentum mode based on a unitary renormalization through operator exponentials that are quartic in creation and annihilation operators. In this paper, we give a new and self-contained proof of BEC of the ground state for $$ \kappa \in [0, \frac{1}{20})$$

κ
∈
[
0
,

1
20

)

by combining some of the key ideas of Adhikari et al. (Ann Henri Poincaré 22:1163–1233, 2021) with the novel diagonalization approach introduced recently in Brooks (Diagonalizing Bose Gases in the Gross–Pitaevskii Regime and Beyond, arXiv:2310.11347), which is based on the Schur complement formula. In particular, our proof avoids the use of operator exponentials and is significantly simpler than Adhikari et al. (Ann Henri Poincaré 22:1163–1233, 2021).
Age-related task progression in two Australian Tetragonula stingless bees
Authors: Jones L. C. , Lau I. H. , Smith T. J. , Walter G. H. , Hereward J. P.
Published: July 2024

Stingless bees are a widespread group of highly social bees found in tropical regions throughout much of the world. Despite an impressive diversity, relatively little is known about worker behaviour and division of labour. In this study, we investigate the progression of colony tasks over the lifespan of worker bees in colonies of the two most commonly kept Australian species: Tetragonula carbonaria and T. hockingsi. We marked cohorts of 25–100 newly emerged female bees with a paint dot and released them back into colonies housed in observation hives before recording twice weekly behaviours of marked bees within the nest. Foragers were observed through a clear plastic entrance tube. We replicated this with 5–6 marked cohorts across three colonies for each species. We found the two species were similar to each other in the frequency and age distribution of behaviours. Young worker bees were mostly found cleaning, filling or constructing brood cells and collecting honey from food pots. Middle aged bees were more likely to build or maintain food pots or supporting structures, with guarding and foraging occupying the oldest bees. There was, however, significant overlap in timing of tasks. Moreover, fast cohorts progressed to foraging in less than half the time of the slowest cohorts. Despite subtle differences between our Tetragonula species and other stingless bees, it adds to the evidence that progression from safe to risky jobs with age is an ancestral feature shared across stingless bees, and has similarities to honeybees despite an independent evolutionary origin.
Commutative nilpotent transformation semigroups
Authors: Cain Alan J. , Malheiro António , Paulista Tânia
Published: July 2024

Cameron et al. determined the maximum size of a null subsemigroup of the full transformation semigroup $$\mathcal {T}(X)$$

T
(
X
)

on a finite set X and provided a description of the null semigroups that achieve that size. In this paper we extend the results on null semigroups (which are commutative) to commutative nilpotent semigroups. Using a mixture of algebraic and combinatorial techniques, we show that, when X is finite, the maximum order of a commutative nilpotent subsemigroup of $$\mathcal {T}(X)$$

T
(
X
)

is equal to the maximum order of a null subsemigroup of $$\mathcal {T}(X)$$

T
(
X
)

and we prove that the largest commutative nilpotent subsemigroups of $$\mathcal {T}(X)$$

T
(
X
)

are the null semigroups previously characterized by Cameron et al.