bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral asymptotics of elliptic operators on manifolds
Authors: Avramidi Ivan G.
Published: November 2023

The study of spectral properties of natural geometric elliptic partial differential operators acting on smooth sections of vector bundles over Riemannian manifolds is a central theme in global analysis, differential geometry and mathematical physics. Instead of studying the spectrum of a differential operator [Formula: see text] directly one usually studies its spectral functions, that is, spectral traces of some functions of the operator, such as the spectral zeta function [Formula: see text] and the heat trace [Formula: see text]. The kernel [Formula: see text] of the heat semigroup [Formula: see text], called the heat kernel, plays a major role in quantum field theory and quantum gravity, index theorems, non-commutative geometry, integrable systems and financial mathematics. We review some recent progress in the study of spectral asymptotics. We study more general spectral functions, such as [Formula: see text], that we call quantum heat traces. Also, we define new invariants of differential operators that depend not only on the eigenvalues but also on the eigenfunctions, and, therefore, contain much more information about the geometry of the manifold. Furthermore, we study some new invariants, such as [Formula: see text], that contain relative spectral information of two differential operators. Finally, we show how the convolution of the semigroups of two different operators can be computed by using purely algebraic methods.
Reliability Analysis and Preventive Maintenance Strategy for Competitive Failure Process of Wind Turbine Blade with Hard Failure-Caused Threshold Variation
Authors: Ge Xinyu , Bi Junxi , Qi Xiao , Wang Yan , Wang Liuying , Liu Fei
Published: November 2023

During the operation of wind turbines, various failure forms are often caused by the interaction of their own performance degradation and external shocks due to the complexity of the operating environment and the form of the load. Whereas these failures are not obvious, improvement of life cycle and reduction of maintenance cost can be realized by identifying potential failures using a sound maintenance strategy and inspecting each system. In this study, we further extend the applicability of the competitive failure model by considering the existence of multiple shock types in the degradation process based on the competitive failure model of threshold variation caused by hard failure. We discuss two different cases of varying failure thresholds due to the multiple shock types. In case 1, cumulative degradation causes the system to fail at less than a predetermined failure threshold and with the presence of multiple shock types. In case 2, the cumulative degradation of the system reaches a predetermined failure threshold but is less than or equal to the set maximum failure threshold under multiple shock types. Finally, the validation is performed by two special cases. A status maintenance model based on preventive maintenance state thresholds is investigated to ensure that the system works properly under different degradation stages and to obtain the optimal preventive replacement threshold based on minimizing the desired cost rate. At last, the feasibility of the method was verified by reliability assessment and sensitivity analysis of wind turbine blade.
Performance of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Plates Against Impact Loading
Authors: Patnaik Gyanesh , Rajput A.
Published: November 2023

The carbon-fiber laminated composites are widely used in various industrial sectors due to their magnificent mechanical and engineering properties. While designing the structures of strategic importance, the impact perforation study and prediction of impact performance of such composites are of utmost importance. This work basically concentrates on two major areas of impact perforation study, determining impact perforation characteristics and understanding the perforation process. The objective has been achieved through experimental as well as numerical investigations. Microstructural analysis have also been carried out to understand different energy-absorbing mechanisms. The pneumatic gun setup is utilized to fire the projectile. In addition, square-shaped carbon fiber laminates and projectiles are modeled in ABAQUS/Explicit. The carbon fiber laminates of different thicknesses and layup sequences are impacted with three different types of projectiles. The cross ply, angle ply and quasi-isotropic layup sequences are considered in this study. The conical, blunt and ogive nose with caliber radius head (CRH) 1.5 projectiles are modeled as analytical rigid. Hashin criteria are adopted to replicate the behavior of carbon fiber laminates. The experimental and numerical calculations are compared and are found to be in good agreement. The different perforation features are calculated and the influence of ply orientations, thickness, projectile shape and impact velocities on the performance of targets against impact are discussed. An efficient and better laminate configuration under various ballistic conditions has been sought.
On deformations of Leibniz superalgebras with an invariant scalar product
Authors: Yang Yong
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we study deformations of complex Leibniz superalgebras with an invariant scalar product up to dimension 5. We consider formal deformations obtained by even cocycles, because the odd ones cannot be used for constructing formal deformations. We construct their metric deformations including jump and smooth ones.
Study on Leavitt path algebras and associated Grothendieck groups for directed enhanced power graphs
Authors: Chakraborty Bidwan , Debnath Santanu
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we define directed enhanced power graphs for finite groups and study some graph-theoretic properties. Moreover, we investigate several algebraic properties of Leavitt path algebras of the directed enhanced power graphs and also of the directed punctured enhanced power graphs. We also compute Grothendieck groups of the Leavitt path algebras of directed punctured enhanced power graphs for cyclic groups and give partial answers to “the algebraic Kirchberg–Phillips question”.
Speckle noise reduction in US images: Enhanced filtering with optimal filter coefficients
Authors: Shabana Sulthana S. L. , Sucharitha M.
Published: November 2023

Ultrasound (US) imaging is one of the prominent techniques, which is widely used for its advantages such as affordability, non-radiation, and non-invasiveness. However, the visual evaluation in this imaging model was hampered by speckle noise. De-specking is therefore seen as the most important task. The preservation of every minute detail in the US images is the main challenge of de-speckling. This paper proposes a new de-speckling model that includes two major phases: the preprocessing stage and the noise reduction phase. Preprocessing is carried out by the anisotropic filtering process. In the noise reduction phase, two levels of decomposition take place. In the first level of decomposition, Discrete Waveform Transform (DWT) is used. The next level of decomposition (2-level) intakes the output from the first level, the sub-bands. The 2-level uses improved Weighted Guided Image Filtering (WGIF), and Gradient Domain Guided Image Filtering (GDGIF) for surpassing the noise. To make the process even more specific on efficient de-speckling, the concept of optimization is incorporated and eventually tunes the filter coefficients by considering Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR). This optimal tuning process is carried out by a new Shark Solution Integrated Coot Optimization Algorithm (SSI-COA). Finally, the noise-free image is produced through the inverse DWT. The efficiency of SSI-COA is evaluated over the conventional methods under various measures. The cost values using SSI-COA are less than (around 0.0518) when compared to other models. Moreover, a PSNR of 0.053275 is attained using SSI-COA for best-case scenarios.
Ensemble Bagging Discriminant and Logistic Regression in Classification Analysis
Authors: Solimun  , Fernandes Adji Achmad Rinaldo
Published: November 2023

The main problem that often becomes a challenge in classification analysis is a class imbalance, for example, in bank credit collectability where performing loans (PL) are 5% and non-performing loans (NPL) are 95%. The purpose of this research is to develop a classification model for the imbalance of collectibility data on Bank X mortgage credit. The analysis developed is Ensemble on Discriminant Analysis and Logistic Regression. The ensemble used in this study is Bagging (Bootstrap Aggregating). The data used are secondary data on bank X mortgage credit collectibility with a sample of [Formula: see text] = 100 and simulation data. Generated data with [Formula: see text] = 1000 and consists of two scenarios, namely, data with unbalanced classes (50:950) and data with balanced classes (500:500). Evaluation of the classification model is seen from the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The results of classification analysis with Ensemble using Bagging Discriminant and Logistic Regression Bagging on secondary data and simulations are better than ordinary Discriminant Analysis and Logistic Regression. The sensitivity and specificity of the credit collectibility classification using Bagging Discriminant and Logistic Regression Bagging are also higher. The originality in this study is in the form of an Ensemble model using Bagging Discriminant and Logistic Regression which can improve the performance of classification analysis and has implications for reducing risk both for banks and for Bank X KPR customers.
Central limit theorem for euclidean minimal spanning acycles
Authors: Skraba Primoz , Yogeshwaran D.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we investigate asymptotics for the minimal spanning acycles (MSAs) of the (Alpha)-Delaunay complex on a stationary Poisson process on [Formula: see text]. MSAs are topological (or higher-dimensional) generalizations of minimal spanning trees. We establish a central limit theorem (CLT) for total weight of the MSA on a Poisson Alpha-Delaunay complex. Our approach also allows us to establish CLTs for the sum of birth times and lifetimes in the persistent diagram of the Delaunay complex. The key to our proof is in showing the so-called weak stabilization of MSAs which proceeds by establishing suitable chain maps and uses matroidal properties of MSAs. In contrast to the proof of weak-stabilization for Euclidean minimal spanning trees via percolation-theoretic estimates, our weak-stabilization proof is algebraic in nature and provides an alternative proof even in the case of minimal spanning trees.
The role of simulation and modeling in artificial intelligence: A review
Authors: Kumar Anup
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to comprehensively explore the pivotal role of simulation and modeling in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It focuses on elucidating the diverse applications of simulation and modeling in training AI systems, optimizing algorithms, and enhancing decision-making processes. To achieve this objective, we conducted an extensive review of the literature from the Scopus database, employing a well-defined selection process. We utilized keywords such as “simulation,” “modeling,” “Artificial Intelligence,” and related terms to identify relevant papers published within the last 10 years. The selection criteria included assessing the relevance, quality, contribution, and recent citations of the papers. After a rigorous screening process, we selected 40 papers with the highest overall scores for inclusion in our review. The selected papers encompass a wide range of domains where simulation and modeling play a vital role in advancing AI applications. These domains include manufacturing, healthcare, energy consumption prediction, public sector decision-making, education, environmental modeling, and more. Our review highlights how AI leverages simulation and modeling to improve predictive accuracy, optimize resource allocation, and enhance decision-making processes across diverse sectors. We also discuss the potential future directions in the integration of simulation and modeling with AI, emphasizing its significance in various fields.
Long-term analysis of exponential integrators for charged-particle dynamics in a strong and constant magnetic field
Authors: Zou Xin , Wang Bin
Published: November 2023

For the charged-particle dynamics under a strong and constant magnetic field, we consider and analyze exponential integrators in this paper. We derive two kinds of exponential integrators and study their long-time behavior by using the technique of modulated Fourier expansions. It is shown that a symmetric two-stage exponential integrator and some one-stage symplectic exponential integrators approximately conserve the energy and magnetic moment of the charged-particle dynamics over long times.
Finite element modeling of piezoelectric cantilever-beam energy harvester
Authors: Duong L. V.
Published: November 2023

Piezoelectric energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations has attracted considerable attention during the last decade. The homogeneous harvesters were studied experimentally or numerically by various models such as single degree of freedom (SDOF) modeling, finite element (FE) modeling as well as using analytical solutions. In this work, FE models for simulating a piezoelectric beam bimorph power harvester consisting of a laminated piezoelectric beam, a proof mass, and an electrical load (series or parallel connections) configurations are developed. The effects of the material and size of the substrate, the proof mass have been studied on the resonance frequencies and the output parameters of the piezoelectric generator (PEG). Numerical results obtained using the proposed procedure for piezoelectric bimorph power harvesters are in good agreement with the experimental data available in the literature. The proposed method can be used for modeling accurately this class of energy harvesting devices.
MLBKFD: Probabilistic Model Methods to Infer Pseudo Trajectories from Single-cell Data
Authors: Han Changfeng , Cao Wenjie , Li Cheng , Guo Yanbing , Wang Yuebin , Shi Ya-Zhou , Zhang Ben-Gong
Published: November 2023

Cell trajectory inference is very important to understand the details of tissue cell development, state differentiation and gene dynamic regulation. However, due to the high noise and heterogeneity of the single-cell data, it is challenging to infer cell trajectory in complex biological processes. Here, we proposed a new trajectory inference method, called Metric Learning Bhattacharyya Kernel Feature Decomposition (MLBKFD). In MLBKFD, a statistical model was used to infer cell trajectory by calculating the Markov transition matrix and Bhattacharyya kernel matrix between cells. Before that, to expedite the matrix calculation in the statistical model, a deep feedforward neural network was used to perform dimensionality reduction on single-cell data. The MLBKFD was evaluated on four typical datasets as well as seven recent human fetal lung datasets. Comparisons with the two outstanding methods (i.e., DTFLOW and MARGARET) demonstrate that the MLBKFD is capable of accurately inferring cell development and differentiation trajectories from single-cell data with different sizes and sources. Notably, MLBKFD exhibits nearly twice the speed of DTFLOW while maintaining high precision, particularly when dealing with large datasets. MLBKFD provides accurate and efficient trajectory inference, empowering researchers to gain deeper insights into the complex dynamics of cell development and differentiation.
COWS for High Performance: Cost Aware Work Stealing for Irregular Parallel Loop
Authors: Mishra Prasoon , Nandivada V. Krishna
Published: November 2023

Parallel libraries such as OpenMP distribute the iterations of parallel-for-loops among the threads, using a programmer-specified scheduling policy. While the existing scheduling policies perform reasonably well in the context of balanced workloads, in computations that involve highly imbalanced workloads it is extremely non-trivial to obtain an efficient distribution of work (even using non-static scheduling methods like dynamic and guided). In this paper, we present a scheme called COst aware Work Stealing (COWS) to efficiently extend the idea of work-stealing to OpenMP.

In contrast to the traditional work-stealing schedulers, COWS takes into consideration that (i) not all iterations of a parallel-for-loops may take the same amount of time. (ii) identifying a suitable victim for stealing is important for load-balancing, and (iii) queues lead to significant overheads in traditional work-stealing and should be avoided. We present two variations of COWS: WSRI (a naive work-stealing scheme based on the number of remaining iterations) and WSRW (work-stealing scheme based on the amount of remaining workload). Since in irregular loops like those found in graph analytics it is not possible to statically compute the cost of the iterations of the parallel-for-loops, we use a combined compile-time + runtime approach, where the remaining workload of a loop is computed efficiently at runtime by utilizing the code generated by our compile-time component. We have performed an evaluation over seven different benchmark programs, using five different input datasets, on two different hardware across a varying number of threads; leading to a total number of 275 configurations. We show that in 225 out of 275 configurations, compared to the best OpenMP scheduling scheme for that configuration, our approach achieves clear performance gains.
Sentiment-Oriented Transformer-Based Variational Autoencoder Network for Live Video Commenting
Authors: Fu Fengyi , Fang Shancheng , Chen Weidong , Mao Zhendong
Published: November 2023

Automatic live video commenting is getting increasing attention due to its significance in narration generation, topic explanation, etc. However, the diverse sentiment consideration of the generated comments is missing from current methods. Sentimental factors are critical in interactive commenting, and there has been lack of research so far. Thus, in this article, we propose a Sentiment-oriented Transformer-based Variational Autoencoder (So-TVAE) network, which consists of a sentiment-oriented diversity encoder module and a batch attention module, to achieve diverse video commenting with multiple sentiments and multiple semantics. Specifically, our sentiment-oriented diversity encoder elegantly combines a VAE and random mask mechanism to achieve semantic diversity under sentiment guidance, which is then fused with cross-modal features to generate live video comments. A batch attention module is also proposed in this article to alleviate the problem of missing sentimental samples, caused by the data imbalance that is common in live videos as the popularity of videos varies. Extensive experiments on Livebot and VideoIC datasets demonstrate that the proposed So-TVAE outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in terms of the quality and diversity of generated comments. Related code is available at
https://github.com/fufy1024/So-TVAE
.
Incorporating an Efficient Oxygen Evolution Catalyst of MnCo2O4.5 into a Pb Matrix as an Energy-Saving Anode for Metal Electrowinning
Authors: Zhong Xiaocong , Ren Yahui , Jiang Huai , Zhang Kuifang , Wang Ruixiang , Xu Zhifeng , Xie Boyi , Zhong Shuiping
Published: November 2023

Based on the outstanding catalytic activity and stability of Mn-Co bimetallic oxides toward oxygen evolution in acidic solutions, MnCo2O4.5 was incorporated into a Pb matrix through a powder pressing-sintering process to obtain a Pb-MnCo2O4.5 composite anode. The results show that compared with the Pb anode that was made via the powder pressing-sintering process (PS-Pb), the oxide layer formed on the Pb-MnCo2O4.5 anode presented a higher flatness, compactness, and β-PbO2 concentration. Consequently, Pb-5.0MnCo2O4.5 presented a stable anodic potential of 1.235 V, approximately 170 mV lower than that of the PS-Pb anode. In the case of lower MnCo2O4.5 content (≤2.5%), the Pb-MnCo2O4.5 composite anode exhibited a smaller Tafel slope (70.39 ∼ 79.59 mV dec−1) and a lower charge transfer resistance (0.437 ∼ 0.676 Ω cm2). The fresh Pb-5.0MnCo2O4.5 composite anode showed a self-corrosion density of 0.25 mA cm−2, approximately 14.3% of that tested on the PS-Pb anode. However, Co2+ and Mn2+ were detected in the electrolyte during 72 h of electrowinning with the Pb-MnCo2O4.5 composite anode. In summary, the Pb-MnCo2O4.5 composite anode has the potential to reduce the energy consumption of the metal-electrowinning process. Nonetheless, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of dissolved Co2+ and Mn2+ on the cathodic process before commercial application.
Rapid Determination of Escherichia coli Concentration in Water Using Multiwavelength Transmission Spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Yuxia , Zhang Ruixiang , Guo Liye , Hu Dun
Published: November 2023

Bacterial concentration is an important indicator to measure the degree of water pollution. Realizing rapid and accurate quantification of bacterial concentration in water is of great significance for ensuring water safety and maintaining human health. This paper proposes a method for rapid determination of bacterial concentration by multiwavelength transmission spectroscopy combined with partial least squares regression. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is selected because it is a common indicator microorganism for assessing water pollution status, and it is easy to handle. First, we measure the transmission spectra for E. coli suspensions in the region from 200 to 900 nm and analyze the differences in the spectral characteristics at different concentrations; subsequently, considering that the concentration is affected by the instrument linearity and other factors, the sensitivity, correlation, and detection ability of the spectra at different wavelengths with the change of concentration are analyzed, and the optimal characteristic band is selected according to its wavelength variation characteristics; finally, the determination of E. coli concentrations are completed by using the optimal characteristic band spectra combined with partial least squares regression. We calculate the bacterial concentration, compared with the plate counting, the maximum relative error is 4.500%, the average relative error is 0.677%, respectively, which is less than 5%, and their accuracy and stability are all better than those calculated by the single-wavelength method. This study provides a reference for the rapid and accurate detection of bacterial concentration in water.
Effect of Thrombolysis on Circulating Microparticles in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhang Wei , Wang Qun-Rang , Yang Yu-juan , Liu Xin-Hong , Cheng Gong , Chang Feng-Jun
Published: November 2023

Objective. We demonstrated that circulating microparticles (MPs) are increased in patients with coronary heart disease (both chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and acute coronary syndrome). Whether thrombolysis affects MPs in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unknown. Methods. This study was divided into three groups: STEMI patients with thrombolysis (

n
=
18

) were group T, patients with chronic coronary syndrome (

n
=
20

) were group CCS, and healthy volunteers (

n
=
20

) were the control group. Fasting venous blood was extracted from patients in the CCS and control groups, and venous blood was extracted from patients in the T group before (pre-T) and 2 hours after (post-T) thrombolysis. MPs from each group were obtained by centrifugation. After determining the concentration, the effects of MPs on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rat myocardial tissue in vitro were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Changes in nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen free radicals (O2•–) were also detected. The effect of MPs on vasodilation in isolated rat thoracic aortae was detected. Results. Compared with that in the control group (

2.60
±
0.38

 mg/ml), the concentration of MPs was increased in patients with CCS (

3.49
±
0.72

 mg/ml) and in STEMI patients before thrombolysis (

4.17
±
0.58

 mg/ml). However, thrombolysis did not further increase MP levels (post-T,

4.23
±
1.01

 mg/ml) compared with those in STEMI patients before thrombolysis. Compared with those in the control group, MPs in both CCS and STEMI patients before thrombolysis inhibited the expression of eNOS (both immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis of phosphorylation at Ser1177), NO production in the isolated myocardium and vasodilation in vitro and stimulated the expression of iNOS (immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis of phosphorylation at Thr495), and the generation of O2•– in the isolated myocardium. The effects of MPs were further enhanced by MPs from STEMI patients 2 hours after thrombolysis. Conclusion. Changes in MP function after thrombolysis may be one of the mechanisms leading to ischemia–reperfusion after thrombolysis.
Microendoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Tracheostomy (MUGPT): A Case Series Describing a Novel Technique for Performing Percutaneous Tracheostomy
Authors: Msheik Mayyas M. , Khalili Amro F. , Nahle Mustapha A. , Ayoub Chakib M. , Al Ghabour Yara M. , Abdul-Kader Hachem Y. , Rizk Marwan S.
Published: November 2023

A percutaneous tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure done in intensive care. Several different techniques have been described. Recently, the addition of bronchoscopy or ultrasound has been advocated to decrease the risks and complications associated with the procedure; however, both aids used alone, bronchoscopy or ultrasound, have some drawbacks and pitfalls. In this manuscript, we describe a new technique implementing a new technology, Microendoscopy coupled with ultrasound to perform percutaneous dilation tracheostomy MUGPT. MUGPT relies on dual real-time feedback microendoscopy and ultrasound to perform percutaneous dilation tracheostomy. This technique helps reduce the risk of bleeding, airway loss, tracheal wall injury, tracheal ring fracture, damage to adjacent structures, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, false placement, hypoxia, carbon dioxide retention bronchospasm, cardiac dysrhythmias, and cost reduction. Methods. This is a case series of 6 patients who underwent single-step percutaneous dilation tracheostomy using the MUGPT technique. All the patients were in ICU and were candidates for tracheostomy. Intraoperative data collection, vital signs, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal CO2 were measured. No postoperative or intraoperative complications were documented. Conclusion. Microendoscopic ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy (MUGPT) is a promising technique with minimal complications. It is a procedure that can be performed and taught easily to Junior physicians and is a lifesaver in difficult cases.
Energy Calibration and Inverse-Square Law of Radiation in Gamma-Ray Measurement Using a Scintillation Detector for Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Iida Shiori , Jin Wei-Guo
Published: November 2023

Over the past two years, third-year undergraduate students from Toho University’s Department of Physics conducted laboratory experiments on gamma-ray measurement using a scintillation detector. Approximately, 30 experimental data points were collected and subsequently analyzed. The analysis focused on the energy calibration method and the inverse-square law of radiation. Results revealed that employing quadratic or cubic function fits for energy calibration yielded more than twice the accuracy compared to the conventional linear function fit. Regarding the deviation from the inverse-square law of radiation, a correction method utilizing a correction parameter was compared with a power function fit method. The discussion encompassed the correction parameter and the exponent of the power function.
Reformulating the Quantum Uncertainty Relation through Geometric Illustrations
Authors: Xu Hao , Shi Mengjie , Li Shuijing
Published: November 2023

The uncertainty principle stands as a fundamental tenet within the realm of quantum theory. In this study, we embark on a reexamination of an emerging variant of the uncertainty relation within both pure and mixed quantum systems, leveraging a geometric elucidation. Subsequently, an enhancement to this relation is achieved by the incorporation of a surface angle denoted as

θ

, thereby transforming it from an inequality into an equation. Notably, this surface angle encapsulates the dynamics inherent in quantum state transitions. Complementing our analysis, a series of calculations are conducted, yielding results that offer an intuitive elucidation of the uncertainty relation across distinct quantum states. Consequently, this method bears significance as a pivotal visual insight within the domain of quantum information and measurement.
Setting Safe Operation Conditions for Acetyl Chloride Hydrolysis through Dynamic Modelling and Bifurcation Analysis
Authors: Ojeda Toro Juan Carlos , Dobrosz-Gómez Izabela , Gómez García Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2023

Acetyl chloride hydrolysis is a highly sensitive exothermic reaction that has presented several industrial safety issues. In the present study, a multiparameter mathematical model, previously developed and applied to simulate the oscillatory thermal behavior of an experimental continuous stirred tank reactor, was used to determine the static/dynamic bifurcation behavior of this reactive system. The values predicted by the model showed good agreement with the experimental data reported in the literature. Full topological classification of its fixed points and iterative maps was obtained: unique solutions (stable and unstable), multiple solutions, cyclic envelope, and bifurcation objects of codimension 1 (e.g., fold and Hopf’s points) and codimension 2 (e.g., cusp and generalized Hopf and Bogdanov-Takens points) have been uncovered. The emphasis of the analysis is to determine safe operating conditions through understanding these topological features and manipulating the reactor design and operating parameters.
Penetrating Head Injury by a Hit of Rake in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Assoumane Issa Ibrahim , Agada Nicaise Kpègnon , Maman Sani Rabiou , Kélani Aminath
Published: November 2023

Background. A penetrating head injury (PHI) refers to a situation where a projectile has breached the cranium but does not exit it. It constitutes about 0.4% of all head injuries. Several nonmissile materials inserting the skull have been reported. But to our knowledge, never before has any case of PHI caused by a hit of rake been reported. We report a first case of PHI caused by a rake in a child; then, we relate our experience with its management and discuss the relevant literature. Cases Description. A 5-year-old boy has been admitted with a rake embedded in his head. That occurred during a violent play with a neighbor. At presentation, the child was alert; there was no neurological deficit. The rake was embedded in the parietal regions on each side of the midline. The head Computed Tomography (CT) scan performed showed a biparietal hyperdensity from either side of the midline with a metal artifact. In the operating room, after a transversal incision joining the 2 tips of the object, we performed successively bone flaps; object extraction; debridement; duraplasty; and closing. The outcome was uneventful. Conclusion. This is the first case of PHI by a rake. The surgical management constitutes the main challenging point.
Role of K+ and Ca2+ Channels in the Vasodilator Effects of Plectranthus barbatus (Brazilian Boldo) in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Moser Jeniffer Cristóvão , da Silva Rita de Cássia Vilhena , Costa Philipe , da Silva Luisa Mota , Cassemiro Nadla Soares , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes , Silva Denise Brentan , de Souza Priscila
Published: November 2023

Plectranthus barbatus, popularly known as Brazilian boldo, is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat cardiovascular disorders including hypertension. This study investigated the chemical profile by UFLC-DAD-MS and the relaxant effect by using an isolated organ bath of the hydroethanolic extract of P. barbatus (HEPB) leaves on the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). A total of nineteen compounds were annotated from HEPB, and the main metabolite classes found were flavonoids, diterpenoids, cinnamic acid derivatives, and organic acids. The HEPB promoted an endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect (~100%; EC50 ~347.10 μg/mL). Incubation of L-NAME (a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; EC50 ~417.20 μg/mL), ODQ (a selective inhibitor of the soluble guanylate cyclase enzyme; EC50 ~426.00 μg/mL), propranolol (a nonselective α-adrenergic receptor antagonist; EC50 ~448.90 μg/mL), or indomethacin (a nonselective cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitor; EC50 ~398.70 μg/mL) could not significantly affect the relaxation evoked by HEPB. However, in the presence of atropine (a nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonist), there was a slight reduction in its vasorelaxant effect (EC50 ~476.40 μg/mL). The addition of tetraethylammonium (a blocker of Ca2+-activated K+ channels; EC50 ~611.60 μg/mL) or 4-aminopyridine (a voltage-dependent K+ channel blocker; EC50 ~380.50 μg/mL) significantly reduced the relaxation effect of the extract without the interference of glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker; EC50 ~344.60 μg/mL) or barium chloride (an influx rectifying K+ channel blocker; EC50 ~360.80 μg/mL). The extract inhibited the contractile response against phenylephrine, CaCl2, KCl, or caffeine, similar to the results obtained with nifedipine (voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker). Together, the HEPB showed a vasorelaxant effect on the thoracic aorta of SHR, exclusively dependent on the endothelium with the participation of muscarinic receptors and K+ and Ca2+ channels.
Population dynamics and damage threshold of Pratylenchus n. sp. and Meloidogyne javanica on finger millet
Authors: Waweru Beth Wangui , Pili Njira Njira , Wesemael Wim M.L. , Wanjau Cecilia , Teklu Misghina G. , Gheysen Godelieve
Published: November 2023

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a staple crop for subsistence farmers and is primarily cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions. Nevertheless, there are limited data available on the occurrence of plant-parasitic nematodes that specifically target finger millet, and the damage arising from such infections. In this study, we investigated the population dynamics, damage threshold and tolerance of the lesion nematode, Pratylenchus n. sp., and the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, on finger millet ‘P-224’. We used 11 initial population densities (Pi) of second-stage juveniles (J2): 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 J2 (g soil)−1 for M. javanica and the same densities of mixed life-stages for Pratylenchus n. sp. The logistic growth model, Seinhorst yield loss and population dynamic models were fitted to the shoot height, plant biomass and final nematode population density. Based on the population dynamics model parameters, maximum multiplication rates and maximum population densities for each nematode species were estimated. The maximum multiplication rates (a) were 32.39 and 17.46, whilst the maximum population densities (M) were 18.83 nematodes (g soil)−1 and 19.78 J2 (g soil)−1 for Pratylenchus n. sp. and M. javanica respectively. The maximum height reached (C) was negatively affected by increasing Pi for both nematode genera, while the rate of growth (B) and the time to reach was not affected based on the logistic model. A tolerance limit (T) of 1.70 nematodes (g soil)−1 and 0.65 J2 (g soil)−1; relative minimum grain yield (m) of 0.23 and 0.40 for Pratylenchus n. sp. and M. javanica was found, respectively. The results indicate that ‘P-224’ is a good host for both Pratylenchus n. sp. and M. javanica, which significantly reduce yield. These findings can be used as a base to develop effective nematode management strategies for finger millet.
Four Funerals, One Society: State Funeral Ceremonies and the Rebirth of International Society
Authors: Kuru Deniz
Published: November 2023

This article focuses on a rather neglected aspect of diplomacy, located at the intersection of practices, rituals and performances: state funeral ceremonies. Shifting the emphasis onto the dimension of international attendance, considering international representatives and their hierarchical positions at these state funerals, the article aims to present a novel means to analyse states’ international standing, offering a new contextualisation next to the prevailing approaches that have underlined the numbers of embassies, international memberships or bilateral treaties in defining these points. I first discuss the role of state funerals in international politics, pointing to their quasi-absence from the literature. After offering a theoretical framework with relevant recent contributions on practices, rituals and performances, and underlining state funerals’ role for and within the international society, I present four exploratory case studies that pinpoint varying aspects of state funerals: those for Nelson Mandela, Helmut Kohl, Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat.
Jewish Speech in Early 19th-Century Greek Comedy
Authors: Krivoruchko Julia G.
Published: November 2023

The article introduces the historical context of multilingual comedy by Greek writers of the early 19th century in Asia Minor, then an Ottoman realm. The author analyzes two passages from Erotomaniac Chatziaslanis and Monsieur Kozis containing Modern Greek dialects, Karamanlidika, Judeo-Spanish, Judeo-Turkish, and Judeo-Greek. The analysis shows that Jewish characters prefer to communicate in Judeo-Turkish. Both plays actively utilize (Jewish and non-Jewish) linguistic varieties for stereotyping and comedic purposes.
Facing extinction ‒ The historic range reduction and decline of the critically endangered Liben Lark (Heteromirafra archeri) populations: a review for conservation implications
Authors: Mekonnen Amare Gibru
Published: November 2023

This review addresses the status of the Liben Lark (Heteromirafra archeri) population across its current and historic range. Since the 1970s, the Liben Lark has disappeared from most of its geographical range, remaining only in Ethiopia at the Liben and Jijiga Plains, where its range and population size continue to decrease. This decline is due to habitat loss associated with anthropogenic factors, severe droughts, and climate change. The Liben Lark prefers a grass sward of intermediate height (5–15 cm) while avoiding woody vegetation, very short grass, and bare ground, all symptomatic of degraded rangelands. Surveys in 2007 confirmed that its range shrunk from 750 km2 to only 40 km2, and its population declined from 1,600–2,000 to 90–256 individuals. The remaining habitat is rapidly degraded by agricultural cultivation and grazing, and the estimated population is 50–250 mature individuals. Further surveys, particularly during the breeding season, are needed to determine the population viability, nest survival, and sex ratio. The poor status of the Liben Lark population calls for raising awareness of the local communities and authorities to protect its habitat from degradation and save this endemic species from extinction.
Evaluations Related to Finger Pointing in a Request: a Multi-method Pragmatic Analysis of an Intercultural Encounter
Authors: Isosävi Johanna
Published: November 2023

Drawing on cross-cultural pragmatics, this paper examines an intercultural interaction in French between a Finn and two French people, during which meta-pragmatic comments related to finger pointing by the Finn occurred. This language-anchored, bottom-up study combined multiple methods: the interaction was transcribed using multimodal conversation analysis, evaluated by Finnish and French informants through a questionnaire, and a post-interaction follow-up interview was conducted with the original Finnish interactant. Although the results reveal a discursive dispute related to finger pointing, the L2 speaker did not fully understand the ‘problem’ with her behaviour. A cross-cultural difference appeared as finger pointing in general was evaluated more negatively by French informants than by Finnish informants. This study emphasises the importance of examining multimodality in cross-cultural pragmatics and the usefulness of a multi-method approach to allow the voices of both cultural insiders and outsiders to be heard.
Use of a 5-Item Modified Frailty Index for Assessing Outcomes After Hartmann’s Reversal: An ACS-NSQIP Study
Authors: Ottaviano Kathryn E. , Palange David C. , Hill Susanna S. , Ata Ashar , Chismark A. David , Canete Jonathan J. , Valerian Brian T. , Lee Edward C.
Published: November 2023

Background

Half of all patients with an end colostomy after sigmoid colectomy (Hartmann’s procedure) never undergo Hartmann’s reversal, frequently secondary to frailty. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the utility of a five-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) in predicting post-operative outcomes after Hartmann’s reversal.

Methods

The National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database captured patients with elective Hartmann’s reversals from 2011 to 2020. Clinical covariates were evaluated with univariate analysis and modified Poisson regression to determine association with overall morbidity, overall mortality, and extended length of stay (eLOS) when categorized by mFI-5 score.

Results

15,172 patients underwent elective Hartmann’s reversal (91.6% open and 8.4% laparoscopic). Patients were grouped by mFI-5 score (0: 48.7%, 1: 38.2%, ≥ 2: 13.1%). Adjusted multivariable analysis showed frail patients (mFI-5≥2) had increased overall mortality (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.21-4.11), morbidity (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.12-1.35), and eLOS (OR 1.12, 95% 1.02-1.23). Among frail patients, a laparoscopic approach was associated with decreased overall morbidity (OR .64, 95% CI 0.56-.73) and decreased eLOS (OR .46, 95% CI 0.39-.54) when compared to open approach.

Discussion

An mFI-5 of ≥2 was associated with greater morbidity, mortality, and eLOS following Hartmann’s reversal. However, there were no mortality or eLOS differences in patients with an mFI-5 of 1 and only a 14% increase in any morbidity, making these patients potentially good candidates for Hartmann’s reversal. Furthermore, laparoscopic surgery was associated with a protective effect for overall morbidity and eLOS, potentially mitigating some of the risk associated with higher frailty scores.
Association of Blood Calcidiol Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents With Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Isart Fernando A. , Isart-Infante Fernando Jose , Heidel R. Eric
Published: November 2023

This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine whether severe calcidiol deficiency [25-hydroxyvitamin (OH)D <30 nmol/L] improvement has a beneficial effect on cardiometabolic parameters in children and adolescents (5-17 years) with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). Logistic regression analysis was performed to test for multivariate associations between potential confounders and changes in vitamin D (VD) status from baseline to follow-up care when predicting binary categorical outcomes. Of 562 participants, 146 (26%) had MetS. Individuals with severe VD deficiency (VDD) were more likely to have MetS with elevated blood pressure than those with sufficient (≥75 nmol) VD levels (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.46; 1.08-18.43; p < .05) at follow-up. In the logistic regression model, every unit increase in VD across time decreased the odds of MetS (AOR, 0.98; 95% confidence interval: [0.96, 0.99]; p < .05). Improvement in VD status demonstrated a beneficial metabolic effect in children and adolescents with severe VDD.
When Prison Becomes the Devil’s Workshop: The Association Between Idleness and Post-Release Employment, Recidivism, and Mortality
Authors: Duwe Grant , Clark Valerie , McNeeley Susan
Published: November 2023

The existing literature has yet to examine the system-wide effects of idleness and participation in prison-based work and programing on multiple post-release outcomes. Using a sample of more than 77,000 releases from Minnesota prisons between 2010 and 2021, we examined the relationship between participation in prison labor and programing on post-release employment, recidivism, and mortality. The findings suggest that how people spend their time in prison significantly affects their chances of finding a job, their likelihood of recidivism, and how long they live following release from prison. As involvement in work and/or programing increased, the people released from prison were more likely to find employment while also having a reduced risk for recidivism and mortality.
Looking at human-centered artificial intelligence as a problem and prospect for sociology: An analytic review
Authors: Rezaev Andrey V , Tregubova Natalia D
Published: November 2023

Significant advances have been achieved within the past decade in the progress of theoretical and empirical studies of Artificial Intelligence. This article is an attempt, through a review of existing literature on Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, to raise new questions and provide additional scientific data that will stimulate the potential and foster the forces of sociology and Artificial Intelligence studies to draw closer together. The point of departure for the article is the appearance of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence in scholarly assembly. The authors then explore routines of the term Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and the dilemmas of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. In what follows, they review how Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence appears in sociological and social sciences production. The authors turn to the closing remarks and finalize formulating three rules of what not to do when studying Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence from a sociological perspective.
Protective abandonment: Risk, data, and surveillance of nuclear workers post Fukushima
Authors: Ogasawara Midori
Published: November 2023

During the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, Fukushima marked the 10th anniversary of its nuclear disaster of 2011. And although pandemic scientists around the world used technological surveillance to predict risks, the experiences from the Fukushima health crisis call into question such technological solutionism. The Japanese government and electronic companies had placed nuclear workers under intensive health surveillance for decades, but the health data rarely helped workers to protect themselves. Rather, the government has often used the data to decline workers’ claims for medical compensation. I call this contradictory consequence of data Protective Abandonment, the systematic disposal of people through the promise of protection. Data are collected through surveillance, for the purpose of risk management, but the information ends up protecting only the existing political economic systems. Crucially, data collection disguises protection and hides the unequal distribution of care. I argue that protective abandonment may become a common experience in today’s data-driven societies.