bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bertrand–Edgeworth oligopoly: Characterization of mixed strategy equilibria when some firms are large and the others are small
Authors: De Francesco Massimo A. , Salvadori Neri
Published: February 2022

This paper studies Bertrand–Edgeworth competition among firms producing a homogeneous commodity under efficient rationing and constant (and identical across firms) marginal cost until full capacity utilization is reached. Our focus is on a subset of the no pure‐strategy equilibrium region of the capacity space in which, in a well‐defined sense, some firms are large and the others are small. We characterize equilibria for such subset. For each firm, the payoffs are the same at any equilibrium and, for each type of firm, they are proportional to capacity. While there is a single profile of equilibrium distributions for the large firms, there is a continuum of equilibrium distributions for the small firms: what is uniquely determined, for the latter, is the capacity‐weighted sum of their equilibrium distributions and hence the union of the supports of their equilibrium strategies.
Histological diagnosis from kidney transplant biopsy can contribute to prediction of graft survival
Authors: Nasic Salmir , Mölne Johan , Stegmayr Bernd , Peters Björn
Published: February 2022

Aim

The primary aim of this study was to in depth examine if the histological findings in a transplanted kidney biopsy can predict the prognosis for the graft and the patient. The secondary aim was to extend knowledge of the impact of time elapsed on biopsy findings.

Methods

Data from 1462 patients were merged from a kidney transplantation registry and a biopsy registry during 1 January 2007 and 30 September 2017. Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox‐regression analysis were performed and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were presented.

Results

Compared to normal biopsy findings, graft survival after biopsy (gsaBiopsy) was shorter for patients with glomerular diseases (HR 8.2, CI:3.2–21.1), rejections (HR 4.2, CI:1.7–10.3), chronic changes including IFTA (HR 3.2, CI:1.3–8.0), acute tubular injuries (HR 3.0, CI:1.2–7.8), and borderline changes (HR 2.9, CI:1.1–7.6). Sub‐analysis of rejections showed shorter gsaBiopsy for chronic TCMR (HR 4.7, CI:1.9–11.3), active ABMR (HR 3.6, CI:1.7–7.7) and chronic ABMR (HR 3.5, CI:2.0–6.0). Patients with TCMR Banff grade II (HR 0.35, CI:0.20–0.63) and grade I (HR 0.52, CI:0.29–0.93) had a better gsaBiopsy compared to all other types of rejections.

Conclusion

Shorter gsaBiopsy was noted in kidneys with glomerular diseases, rejections, acute tubular injuries and borderline changes. TCMR Banff rejections grade I and II were associated with a better prognosis.
Tyrosine sulphation of CXCR4 induces the migration of fibroblast in OSF
Authors: He Caiyun , Wang Weiming , Wan Wendong , Liang Jie , Hu Jiaju , Yuan Yongxiang , Jiang Canhua , Li Ning
Published: February 2022

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) caused by areca nut chewing is a prevalent fibrotic disease in Asia‐Pacific countries. Arecoline‐induced migration of fibroblasts (FBs) plays a vital role in the development of OSF. However, the specific molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Many studies have shown that tyrosine sulphation of chemokines can influence cell migration. Herein, we demonstrated that arecoline stimulates tyrosine sulphation of the chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) through the tyrosylprotein sulphotransferase‐1 (TPST‐1) to enhance the migration ability of FBs. Moreover, by RNA‐Seq analysis, we found that the most significantly altered pathway was the EGFR pathway after the arecoline stimulation for FBs. After the knockdown of arecoline‐induced EGFR expression, the tyrosine sulphation of CXCR4 was significantly decreased by the inhibition of TPST‐1 induction. Finally, in human OSF specimens, TPST‐1 expression was directly correlated with the expression of CXCR4. These data indicate that the arecoline‐induced tyrosine sulphation of CXCR4, which is regulated by TPST‐1, might be a potential mechanism that contributes to FB migration in OSF.
CTHRC1 expressed in periodontitis and human periodontal fibroblasts exposed to inflammatory stimuli
Authors: Huang Xue‐Ying , Guan Wei‐Qun
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Collagen triple helix repeat containing‐1 (CTHRC1) is a glycoprotein that can be secreted extracellularly and is involved in the regulation of collagen matrix in a variety of diseases. The expression level of CTHRC1 in periodontitis was detected in this study.

Materials and Methods

The gingival tissues from clinically healthy subjects (15 cases) and those with periodontitis (30 cases) were taken for immunohistochemical staining. Lipopolysaccharide of the Porphyromonas gingivalis was added in the periodontal ligament fibroblast culture in vitro. Cells were collected, and the mRNA levels of the intracellular CTHRC1 and protein expression of the extracellular CTHRC1 were detected.

Results

The protein expression of CTHRC1 in the periodontitis group was higher than that of the clinically healthy group. The in vitro cell experiments showed that 10 μg/ml of P.g LPS could induce a significant increase in protein secretion of CTHRC1, and 5 μg/ml P.g LPS had a significant effect on promoting the mRNA expression of CTHRC1.

Conclusions

Collagen triple helix repeat containing‐1 might be involved in the development of periodontitis, and the expression level might be significantly correlated with the stimulation of P.g LPS on fibroblasts. Different stimulation intensities of P.g LPS might result in different expression patterns of CTHRC1.
Scope of practice of optometrists working in the UK Hospital Eye Service: Second national survey
Authors: Gunn Patrick J G , Creer Rosalind C , Bowen Michael , Tromans Cindy , Jackson Andrew Jonathan , Tompkin Andrew P , Harper Robert A
Published: February 2022

Purpose

As the landscape in ophthalmology and related commissioning continues to change, there is a pressing need to re‐evaluate the current scope of practice of hospital optometrists working within secondary care in the UK. We aim to establish if the skills or services delivered by optometrists have changed to meet varying demands, and to better understand what changes in practice may have arisen as a result of COVID‐19.

Method

A survey developed from that used in 2015 was disseminated to 129 optometry Hospital Eye Service (HES) leads in September 2020, including questions on department workforce; core services; extended roles; procedures undertaken within extended roles; level of autonomy; arrangements for prescribing; training and accreditation, and service changes in response to COVID‐19.

Results

Ninety responses were received (70% response rate) from within England (76%), Scotland (22%) and Northern Ireland (2%). Whole time equivalents within units ranged from 0.4–79.2 (median of 2.5). In comparison to the 2015 survey, there was an increase in the proportion of units delivering extended roles, with glaucoma (88%) remaining the most common extended role, and new areas of practice in uveitis (21%) and vitreoretinal (13%) services. There was increased use of independent prescribing (67%) in comparison to 18% in 2015 and there was an increase in optometrists delivering laser interventions. In response to COVID‐19, optometrists were increasingly delivering telephone consultations and there were new collaborations between primary and secondary care.

Conclusions

Optometrists’ scope of practice continues to develop in the HES with an increased variety of roles and an apparent increase in the number of units employing optometrists, often working in roles historically performed by medical practitioners. Such changes appear necessary in recovery and transformation within ophthalmology, alongside wider optometry changes arising at the interface of primary and secondary care.
Very early versus early referral for ablation in young patients with newly diagnosed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: D'Angelo Robert N. , Khanna Rahul , Wong Charlene , Yeh Robert W. , Goldstein Laura , Marcello Stephen , Tung Patricia , D'Avila Andre , Zimetbaum Peter J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) has emerged as an effective therapy for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF); however it is unclear whether proceeding expeditiously to CA improves clinical outcomes in a real‐world population. This study compares outcomes of CA for new AF within 6 months of diagnosis (very early) 6 to 12 months after diagnosis (early) and 12 to 24 months after diagnosis (later).

Methods

A large nationally‐representative sample of patients ages 18 to 64 who underwent CA from January 2011 to June 2019 was studied using the IBM MarketScan Database. The primary outcome was a composite of healthcare utilization over the following 24 months. Propensity score‐matching was used to match patients in each cohort. Risk difference in outcomes were compared between matched patients.

Results

Two thousand six hundred thirty one patients were identified postmatching, with 1649 in the very early cohort and 982 in the early cohort. The very early referral group was less likely to experience the primary composite outcome postablation (Absolute risk difference [ARD]: −3.9%; 95% Confidence interval [CI]: −5.8%, −2.0%), with the difference driven by fewer cardioversions (ARD: −2.9%, 95% CI: −5.3%, −0.5%) and outpatient visits (ARD: −6.6%, 95% CI: −10.5%, −2.7%). There was no difference in outcomes between early and later referral groups, with only very early referral showing decreased healthcare utilization.

Conclusions

Patients who underwent ablation within 6 months of diagnosis had lower healthcare utilization in the ensuing 24 months, driven by fewer outpatient visits and cardioversions, supporting expeditious referral for ablation for symptomatic AF.
The journey of adolescent paranoia: A qualitative study with patients attending child and adolescent mental health services
Authors: Bird Jessica C. , Freeman Daniel , Waite Felicity
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Paranoia is most likely to emerge in adolescence. In adolescents with mental health disorders, the disruptive effect of paranoia on social relationships could worsen outcomes. However, little is known about clinical presentations of paranoia at this age. We therefore explored the development, experience, and impact of paranoia in adolescent patients.

Design

A qualitative interview design with interpretative phenomenological analysis was used.

Method

Twelve adolescents (11–17 years) with paranoia attending child and adolescent mental health services were interviewed.

Results

Adolescents described a journey starting with their awareness of paranoia beginning to a paranoid experience of mistrust and fear of others, and, subsequently, their adjustment to paranoia in daily life. Paranoia onset was rooted in the discovery of interpersonal threat and personal vulnerability, shaped by challenging peer interactions, becoming aware of danger in the world, and personal adverse experiences. The paranoia experience included a struggle to trust friends, anticipating threat with intense fear, and using defensive strategies to keep safe. Adolescents described how the paranoia experience was confusing, negatively impacted self‐concept, held them back from teenage life, and caused disconnection from friends. Longer‐term responses to paranoia reflected a tension between reluctantly resigning to the experience and trying to resist the impact.

Conclusions

The journey of paranoia in adolescence involves navigating multiple tensions, with young people balancing independence with vulnerability, trust with mistrust, and the desire to socialise with a fear of danger and deception. Decisions about how to respond to paranoia are likely to determine the next stage of their journey.
In situ deletions reveal regulatory components for expression of an intracellular immune receptor gene and its co‐expressed genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yu Huiyun , Yang Leiyun , Li Zhan , Sun Feng , Li Bo , Guo Shengsong , Wang Yong‐Fei , Zhou Tong , Hua Jian
Published: February 2022

Intracellular immune receptor nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeats (NLRs) are highly regulated transcriptionally and post‐transcriptionally for balanced plant defense and growth. NLR genes often exist in gene clusters and are usually co‐expressed under various conditions. Despite intensive studies of the regulation of NLR proteins, cis‐acting elements for NLR gene induction, repression or co‐expression are largely unknown due to a larger than usual cis‐region for their expression regulation. Here we used the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology to generate a series of in situ deletions at the endogenous location of an NLR gene SNC1 residing in the RPP5 gene cluster. These deletions that made in the wild type and the SNC1 constitutive expressing autoimmune mutant bon1 revealed both positive and negative cis‐acting elements for SNC1 expression. Two transcription factors that could bind to these elements were found to have an impact on the expression of SNC1. In addition, co‐expression of two genes with SNC1 in the same cluster is found to be mostly dependent on the SNC1 function. Therefore, SNC1 expression is under complex local regulation involving multiple cis‐elements and SNC1 itself is a critical regulator of gene expression of other NLR genes in the same gene cluster.
Fight inventory shrinkage: Simultaneous learning of inventory level and shrinkage rate
Authors: Li Rong , Song Jing‐Sheng Jeannette , Sun Shuxiao , Zheng Xiaona
Published: February 2022

In 2020, inventory shrinkage eroded $61.7 billion profit in the U.S. retail industry. Unfortunately, fighting inventory shrinkage to protect retailers' already slim profits is challenging due to unknown shrinkage rates and invisible inventory levels. While the latter has been studied in the literature, the former has not. To deal with this challenge, we introduce two new features to the Bayesian inventory models: (1) interleaving customer and theft arrival processes that contribute to actual sales and shrinkages, respectively, and (2) learning of both inventory level and shrinkage rate. We first derive the learning formulae using the triple‐censored sales data (invisible lost sales, shrinkages, and “lost shrinkages”) and then use them to construct a POMDP (partially observable Markov decision process) model for making inventory and loss prevention decisions. For a different level of information deficiency, we analyze the model property and design heuristic order policies to capture the benefit of learning. Through a numerical study, we show that our estimated shrinkage rate converges quickly and monotonically to the actual value. For products with high shrinkage rates (5–12%), our heuristic policy can help seize 82–94% of the ideal profit retailers could earn under full information. We note that feature (1) of our model is crucial. It not only reflects the actual arrival order but also allows us to learn the unknown shrinkage rate, which, in turn, can prevent serious underordering and vicious inventory cycles and can increase the profit by 108% in some cases. Our approach thus enables both effective inventory management and early identification of ineffective loss prevention strategies, reducing shrinkage, and increasing sales and profit.
Extreme sugar accumulation in late fig ripening is accompanied by global changes in sugar metabolism and transporter gene expression
Authors: Lama Kumar , Chai Li‐Juan , Peer Reut , Ma Huiqin , Yeselson Yelena , Schaffer Arthur A. , Flaishman Moshe A.
Published: February 2022

Female fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit are characterized by a major increase in volume and sugar content during the final week of development. A detailed developmental analysis of water and dry matter accumulation during these final days indicated a temporal separation between the increase in volume due to increasing water content and a subsequent sharp increase in sugar content during a few days. The results present fig as an extreme example of sugar import and accumulation, with calculated import rates that are one order of magnitude higher than those of other sugar‐accumulating sweet fruit species. To shed light on the metabolic changes occurring during this period, we followed the expression pattern of 80 genes encoding sugar metabolism enzymes and sugar transporter proteins identified in fig fruit. A parallel comparison with male fig fruits, which do not accumulate sugar during ripening, highlighted the genes specifically related to sugar accumulation. Tissue‐specific analysis indicated that the expression of genes involved in sugar metabolism and transport undergoes a global transition.
Validation of a new impedance cardiography analysis algorithm for clinical classification of stress states
Authors: Sheikh Shafa‐at Ali , Gurel Nil Z. , Gupta Shishir , Chukwu Ikenna V. , Levantsevych Oleksiy , Alkhalaf Mhmtjamil , Soudan Majd , Abdulbaki Rami , Haffar Ammer , Clifford Gari D. , Inan Omer T. , Shah Amit J.
Published: February 2022

Pre‐ejection period (PEP) is an index of sympathetic nervous system activity that can be computed from electrocardiogram (ECG) and impedance cardiogram (ICG) signals, but sensitive to speech/motion artifact. We sought to validate an ICG noise removal method, three‐stage ensemble‐average algorithm (TEA), in data acquired from a clinical trial comparing active versus sham non‐invasive vagal nerve stimulation (tcVNS) after standardized speech stress. We first compared TEA's performance versus the standard conventional ensemble‐average algorithm (CEA) approach to classify noisy ICG segments. We then analyzed ECG and ICG data to measure PEP and compared group‐level differences in stress states with each approach. We evaluated 45 individuals, of whom 23 had post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We found that the TEA approach identified artifact‐corrupted beats with intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.99 compared to expert adjudication. TEA also resulted in higher group‐level differences in PEP between stress states than CEA. PEP values were lower in the speech stress (vs. baseline rest) group using both techniques, but the differences were greater using TEA (12.1 ms) than CEA (8.0 ms). PEP differences in groups divided by PTSD status and tcVNS (active vs. sham) were also greater when using the TEA versus CEA method, although the magnitude of the differences was lower. In conclusion, TEA helps to accurately identify noisy ICG beats during speaking stress, and this increased accuracy improves sensitivity to group‐level differences in stress states compared to CEA, suggesting greater clinical utility.
Monitoring the effect of oxytocin on the neural sensitivity to emotional faces via frequency‐tagging EEG: A double‐blind, cross‐over study
Authors: Van der Donck Stephanie , Moerkerke Matthijs , Dlhosova Tereza , Vettori Sofie , Dzhelyova Milena , Alaerts Kaat , Boets Bart
Published: February 2022

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is suggested to exert an important role in human social behaviors by modulating the salience of social cues. To date, however, there is mixed evidence whether a single dose of OXT can improve the behavioral and neural sensitivity for emotional face processing. To overcome difficulties encountered with classic event‐related potential studies assessing stimulus‐saliency, we applied frequency‐tagging EEG to implicitly assess the effect of a single dose of OXT (24 IU) on the neural sensitivity for positive and negative facial emotions. Neutral faces with different identities were presented at 6 Hz, periodically interleaved with an expressive face (angry, fearful, and happy, in separate sequences) every fifth image (i.e., 1.2 Hz oddball frequency). These distinctive frequency tags for neutral and expressive stimuli allowed direct and objective quantification of the neural expression‐categorization responses. The study involved a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial with 31 healthy adult men. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find an effect of OXT on facial emotion processing, neither at the neural, nor at the behavioral level. A single dose of OXT did not evoke social enhancement in general, nor did it affect social approach‐avoidance tendencies. Possibly ceiling performances in facial emotion processing might have hampered further improvement.
The debt crisis, austerity measures, and suicide in Greece
Authors: Kubrin Charis E. , Bartos Bradley J. , McCleary Richard
Published: February 2022

Background

How are economic downturns and suicide related?

Objective

This study examines the link between economically driven austerity measures implemented during a recent economic downturn—the Greek debt crisis—and suicide for the population as a whole, as well as for men and women separately.

Methods

Utilizing a 50‐nation panel containing annual suicide counts and population demographics for the years 1995–2015 from the World Health Organization's Mortality archive, the analysis employs a synthetic control design, a quasi‐experimental approach that allows us to causally model the relationship between Greece's International Monetary Fund‐imposed austerity measures and suicide, something that has hampered prior research efforts.

Results

Findings show austerity policies corresponded with increased suicide rates in Greece for the population as a whole and for men and women. Robustness tests confirm these results.

Conclusions

We discuss the implications of the findings for the current economic crisis associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Protests in Russia's regions: The influence of regional governance
Authors: Clardie Justin
Published: February 2022

This study addresses the question of what accounts for variation in the number of protests across Russia's regions. The article argues that protests in Russia are best framed as acts of political communication, in which the protestors are making claims against local government entities as opposed to the national government. Viewed in this way, protest can be viewed as accountability mechanisms directed toward local and regional governments. Examining protests across 82 Russian regions from 2007 to 2010 finds that the quality of local governance is a significant factor in explaining the variation of the number of protests, whereas support for the national government is not significant.
Context and the Perceived Fairness of Price Increases Coming out of COVID‐19
Authors: Chavanne David , Danz Zak , Dribssa Jitu , Powell Rachel , Sambor Matthew
Published: February 2022

Objective

As the U.S. economy responds to prolonged COVID‐19 disruptions, it is important to understand what factors affect the perceived fairness of pandemic‐driven price increases.

Methods

Participants read a vignette and rated how fair they found a pandemic‐driven price increase. Versions vary (1) the source (hardware‐store products or bus fare), (2) the magnitude of the price increase (6 percent or 18 percent), and (3) the tone of an initial description of COVID (positive or negative).

Results

The price increase was perceived to be fairer when it involved the hardware store or when it was smaller. The relationship between fairness and magnitude was context‐specific, as fairness perceptions were insensitive to the magnitude of the price increase in the bus scenario or when the initial description of COVID had a positive tone.

Conclusion

Retailers and municipalities may face different fairness constraints as they consider pandemic‐driven price increases. The tone of COVID information may affect price fairness through its impact on sensitivity to magnitude.
Highly sensitised patients awaiting deceased donor renal transplants are disadvantaged by the presence of denatured HLA antibody detected in routine HLA antibody testing
Authors: Battle Richard K. , Rennie Trijntje J. W. , Phelan Paul J. , Abel Angela A. , McConnell Sylvia , Turner David M.
Published: February 2022

Luminex single antigen bead (SAB) assays used to detect HLA antibodies may artificially increase sensitisation in highly sensitised patients (HSP). The presence of denatured HLA (dHLA) within the assay enables antibodies specific to cryptic HLA epitopes to bind, such antibodies are not clinically relevant. We sought to exclude dHLA reactivity in a cohort of very HSP, calculated reaction frequency (cRF) 95%–100% and determine the effect upon sensitisation. Such patients have limited access to suitable donors and small changes in their HLA antibody profile, particularly where their cRF is 100%, can increase their opportunity of a transplant. We determined the presence of dHLA by aligning antibody reactivity which did not correspond to known HLA class I epitope mismatches with the results of assays modified to detect class I dHLA. 130 class I dHLA reactions were identified within 11 HSP, all of whom had clear sensitising events. cRF was corrected for dHLA, mean cRF 98.2% (93–100) pre and 95.5% (87–100) post correction (p = 0.0156). An increase in the number of predicted compatible donors (p = 0.0078) after dHLA correction was demonstrated. Two manufacturers SAB assays were used. A reduction of patients with 100% cRF was observed for both manufactures. dHLA is contributing to sensitisation in HSP and is detrimental to their chances of receiving a compatible transplant. The observed dHLA reactivity varied according to kit manufacturers (p = 0.0001), this is potentially a useful finding for laboratories wishing to discriminate between nHLA and dHLA, but without the resources required to regularly perform dHLA assay and epitope analyses.
Fluid–Structure Interaction Model for Assessing Aneurysm Initiation at the Circle of Willis
Authors: SR Shine , Saha Shantanu , E Harshavardhan , BJ Sudhir
Published: February 2022

Hemodynamics associated with the arteries of the circle of Willis (CoW) is analyzed to identify possible cerebral aneurysm initiation locations using computational methods. A numerical fluid–structure interaction model is developed using an idealized geometry with the linear elastic, isotropic arterial wall. Blood flow is assumed to be laminar, incompressible, and modeled using Navier–Stokes equations, non-Newtonian viscosity, and sinusoidal boundary conditions. Available analytical and experimental results are used for the validation of the model. The highest wall shear stress (WSS) and von Mises stress (VMS) are identified for understanding the most vulnerable sites. The WSS distribution in the entire CoW region shows that ACoA junction has the highest value and risk of aneurysm initiation. The flow patterns created due to the geometrical features of the CoW seem to be the significant factor in the distribution of WSS. It is noticed that a decrease in wall elasticity will reduce the magnitude of WSS, both the temporal and spatial averaged value. The wall weakening effects are more pronounced for the posterior communicating artery. The wall weakening creates changes in core velocity and WSS. Changes in Von Mises stress are also noticed due to wall weakening effects. Highly localized VMS is noticed at ACoA and could possess a higher risk for aneurysm initiation and rupture. Despite the simplifications involved in developing the fluid–structure interaction model, this work demonstrates the critical locations at the CoW region regarding aneurysm initiation.
Asymptotic Crack Size of a Prototype Sized Pipe Bend and Comparison With A16 Master Curve
Authors: R Suresh Kumar , Rao B. N. , Velusamy K.
Published: February 2022

In the design of a fast breeder reactor (FBR) piping system, asymptotic crack size (2Cs) is traditionally estimated using the leak-before-break (LBB) master curve given in RCC MRx A16. The current approach is seen not to be sufficiently efficient in the LBB demonstration of FBR piping systems. Numerical crack growth studies have received much attention in the past decade. Deployment of fracture mechanics based numerical crack growth studies on prototype-sized pipe geometries generates considerable interest in estimating asymptotic crack size. This paper outlines the advantages of numerical finite element based crack growth studies to estimate the Cs on a prototype-sized pipe bend. The numerical procedure has resulted in an accurate and more realistic estimate of Cs than the traditional LBB Master curve as per A16. Considering the economic advantages of a relatively lower value of Cs for LBB demonstration, it is recommended to adopt the numerical method to estimate Cs for the FBR piping system.
Benchmark of a multi-physics Monte Carlo simulation of an ion guide for neutron-induced fission products
Authors: Gao Z. , Al-Adili A. , Cañete L. , Eronen T. , Gorelov D. , Kankainen A. , Lantz M. , Mattera A. , Moore I. D. , Nesterenko D. A. , Penttilä H. , Pohjalainen I. , Pomp S. , Rakopoulos V. , Rinta-Antila S. , Vilén M. , Äystö J. , Solders A.
Published: February 2022

To enhance the production of medium-heavy, neutron-rich nuclei, and to facilitate measurements of independent yields of neutron-induced fission, a proton-to-neutron converter and a dedicated ion guide for neutron-induced fission have been developed for the IGISOL facility at the University of Jyväskylä. The ion guide holds the fissionable targets, and the fission products emerging from the targets are collected in helium gas and transported to the downstream experimental stations. A computer model, based on a combination of MCNPX for modeling the neutron production, the fission code GEF, and GEANT4 for the transport of the fission products, was developed. The model will be used to improve the setup with respect to the production and collection of fission products. In this paper we benchmark the model by comparing simulations to a measurement in which fission products were implanted in foils located at different positions in the ion guide. In addition, the products from neutron activation in the titanium foil and the uranium targets are studied. The result suggests that the neutron flux at the high-energy part of the neutron spectrum is overestimated by approximately 40$$\%$$
%
. However, the transportation of fission products in the uranium targets agrees with the experiment within 10$$\%$$
%
. Furthermore, the simulated transportation of fission products in the helium gas achieves almost perfect agreement with the measurement. Hence, we conclude that the model, after correction for the neutron flux, is well suited for optimization studies of future ion guide designs.
Estimating tidal Love number of a class of compact stars
Authors: Das Shyam , Parida Bikram Keshari , Sharma Ranjan
Published: February 2022

Tidal deformability of a star in the presence of an external tidal field provides an important avenue to our understanding about the structure and properties of neutron stars. The deformation of the star is characterized by the tidal Love number (TLN). In this paper, we propose a technique to measure the TLN of a particular class of compact stars. In particular, we analyze the impact of anisotropy and compactness on the TLN.
Bianchi type I cosmology with a Kalb–Ramond background field
Authors: Maluf R. V. , Neves Juliano C. S.
Published: February 2022

An effect of the Lorentz symmetry breaking is pointed out in the cosmological context. Using a Bianchi I geometry coupled to the Kalb–Ramond field, a consequence of the Lorentz symmetry violation is indicated by a different rate of expansion in a given spatial direction. This article focuses on the coupling constant $$\xi _1$$

ξ
1

, which generates, from the Kalb–Ramond field, all three coefficients that give rise to the Lorentz violation in the gravity sector of the minimal Standard Model Extension. The coupling constant $$\xi _1$$

ξ
1

increases the rate of expansion of the universe in a given direction during a dark energy era. As a consequence, a range of validity of that coupling constant is also obtained.
Newly developed analytical method and its applications of some mathematical models
Authors: Yan Li , Yel Gulnur , Baskonus Haci Mehmet , Bulut Hasan , Gao Wei
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a newly developed method, namely, the rational sine-Gordon expansion method to find novel exact solutions to nonlinear differential equations. This method is based on the sine-Gordon expansion method. To generalize the approach, we utilize the ansatz, which is a rational function as different to a polynomial function. In this way, we have more general wave solutions for nonlinear dynamic systems. We apply this method to the ([Formula: see text])-dimensional conformable Zakharov–Kuznetsov modified equal width (ZK-MEW) equation and the modified regularized long wave (MRLW) equation. Some new solutions are reported. Consequently, we submit the new soliton solutions to the literature.
Obtaining exact solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations via two different methods
Authors: Akbulut Arzu , Islam S. M. Rayhanul , Rezazadeh Hadi , Taşcan Filiz
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we obtained the exact solutions of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional nonlinear dispersive modified Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (DMBBM) and the seventh-order Sawada–Kotera–Ito (S-K Ito) equations with the help of the [Formula: see text]-expansion method specially the [Formula: see text]-expansion and [Formula: see text]-expansion methods. Soliton solutions found for the given equations are in the form of hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational solutions. All obtained solutions were checked. 3D and 2D graphs of some solutions were given and discussed.
Study of RSSI Accuracy for Outdoor Sensor Localization
Authors: Dong Qian , Xia Jinbao , Zhu Feng , Lai Zhao-Rong , Cai Yanning , Fang Liangda , Lu Mi
Published: February 2022

The movement characteristics that nodes exhibit will bring serious problems in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) because most of the protocols do not adapt to node movement. This requires a mobility-aware evaluation technique to locate nodes, forecast communication quality, trace the movement trajectory and formulate thresholds to initiate future handover. One off-the-shelf technology using the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of wireless radio is extensively adopted because of the small expense. A node can compute the relative distance between it and its partner by using RSSI readings. However, the measurement results of RSSI fluctuate significantly due to the effects of shadowing and fading. This paper is oriented to investigate the localization accuracy of RSSI in an outdoor ambient condition. To do this, some dynamic and stationary tests are carried out, a calibration line displaying the one-to-one match between RSSI and distance is mapped, five filtering approaches are developed to alleviate the fluctuation of movement curves, and the alleviation effect is measured by calculating the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values and by converting the time-domain filtering results into the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum. Although the optimized RMSE is reduced to 0.86 and the noise FFT amplitude is less than 1[Formula: see text]dBm, it may still have a single RSSI value corresponding to more than one distance. Moreover, these distances can differ as much as 2.8[Formula: see text]m. Since the evaluation error is not acceptable for most cases, it is inaccurate for a mobile node to measure the distance from its partner rely on RSSI readings under outdoor scenarios.
Deep CNN–LSTM-Based DSTATCOM for Power Quality Enhancement in Microgrid
Authors: Kandasamy Prabaakaran , Chandrasekaran Kumar , Natarajan Rajesh , Selvaraj Jaisiva
Published: February 2022

Power quality issues and their effective mitigation invariably play a crucial role in a microgrid system. Such power quality problems are often resolved by employing multiple power electronics-based components in the utility grid. This paper is focused on the optimal enhancement of power quality under islanded mode of operation in a microgrid, with a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) algorithm using distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM). The objective of the research is centered on the reactive power control in DSTATCOM using deep CNN with LSTM for voltage enhancement, minimization of current distortion and reduction of harmonics on a microgrid. This objective can be achieved by the proposed Simulink design model of DSTATCOM intended for improving the power quality in a microgrid. The renewable energy-based power compensator is used for an enhanced and effective control strategy like voltage and current control of the microgrid circuit and uses LSTM-based deep CNN for achieving superior time consumption indicators. Due to varying loads in the microgrid, the reactive power and harmonic voltage and current may be distorted. This problem can be rectified by controlling the microgrid using the LSTM-based deep CNN. This approach consequently reduces the negative-sequence frequency range with the aid of this filtering method in the proposed microgrid circuit. The microgrid is thereafter subjected to different testing conditions and the corresponding simulation results are discussed in relation to existing approaches. The proposed framework was observed to have successfully accomplished harmonic substance and voltage profile enhancement.
Construction of non-Hopfian groups as direct limits of relatively hyperbolic groups
Authors: Kim Jan , Lee Donghi
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we construct a family of two types of finitely generated non-Hopfian groups with explicit presentations, where the first type satisfies small cancellation conditions C(4) and T(4), and interpret these groups as direct limits of relatively hyperbolic groups and ordinary hyperbolic groups, respectively.
The Bondi problem revisited: A spectral domain decomposition code
Authors: Alcoforado M. A. , Barreto W. O. , De Oliveira H. P.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we present a simple domain decomposition code based on the Galerkin-Collocation method to integrate the field equations of the Bondi problem. The algorithm is stable, exhibits exponential convergence when considering the Bondi formula as an error measure, and is computationally economical. We have incorporated features of both Galerkin and Collocation methods along with the establishment of two nonoverlapping subdomains. We have further applied the code to show the decay of the Bondi mass in the nonlinear regime and its power-law late-time decay. Another application is the determination of the waveforms at the future null infinity connected with distinct initial data.
Comparative Dynamics and Envelope Theorems of Open-Loop Stackelberg Equilibria in Differential Games
Authors: Ling Chen
Published: February 2022

A direct proof of the envelope theorems and intrinsic comparative dynamics of locally differentiable open-loop Stackelberg equilibria (OLSE) is given using an extended primal-dual method. It is shown that the follower’s envelope and comparative dynamics results agree in form with those of any player in an open-loop Nash equilibrium, while those of the leader differ. This difference allows, in principle, an empirical test of the leader–follower role in a differential game. Separability conditions are identified on the instantaneous payoff and transition functions under which, for certain parameters, the intrinsic comparative dynamics of the leader’s time-inconsistent OSLE and those in the corresponding optimal control problem are qualitatively identical. However, similar conditions do not exist for time-consistent OSLE.
Stochastic Analysis of Fatigue Damage of Transmission Tower-Line System Using Kriging and Bayesian Updated Probability Density Evolution Methods
Authors: Yang Xiaoyang , Fan Wenliang , Li Zhengliang
Published: February 2022

The wind-induced fatigue damage is an important reason for the structural deterioration of transmission tower-line systems. The study of the fatigue damage of transmission towers is a basic requirement to ensure their normal service. To simulate the fatigue damage evolution occurring in the joints of the tower, a verified hybrid multiscale finite element (FE) model is first developed by concurrent modeling and substructuring techniques. Second, a fatigue damage model based on continuum damage mechanics is calibrated by conducting a fatigue crack initiation experiment and integrated into the FE material model by subroutines technique. Third, an improved Bayesian updated probability density evolution method (BUPDEM) with higher efficiency is proposed based on the Kriging method. Finally, based on the multiscale FE model and the damaged material model, the strategies for stochastic analysis of fatigue damage of transmission tower-line systems are proposed together with a numerical example for illustration. The results of the example show a good accuracy of the proposed BUPDEM.
Reflective Structural Color Tunability of Inorganic Electrochromic Devices by Interferometric Modulation
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Zheng Luyi , Lv Yong , Niu Chunhui , Yang Mingqing , Wang Lei , Jiang Zikang , Zhang Ruixian , Liu Tongyu , Lin Kai
Published: February 2022

In the multicolor regulation of visible-light band, the inorganic electrochromic multicolor modulation has always been the bottleneck of expanding the application of inorganic electrochromic reflection display. An electrochromic device (ECD) based on an ultracompact unsymmetric Fabry–Perot resonator was designed. Electrochromic oxides such as tungsten oxide, offer the possibility to tune their refractive index and extinction coefficient upon ion insertion, allowing active control over resonance conditions for Fabry–Perot cavity-type devices. The spectrum colors of red, yellow, green and blue can be obtained by adjusting the thickness of tungsten oxide in the W/(WO[Formula: see text]H2O) electrode. The optical constants of tungsten oxide can be adjusted reversibly by using electrochemical ion insertion/stripping, and the reflection peak of W/(WO[Formula: see text]H2O) electrode in the visible-light band can be adjusted. The dynamic color control of the ECDs can be achieved finely.
Dynamic Crushing Behaviors of Multi-Layered Gradient Honeycombs with Different Poisson’s Ratios: A Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Zhang Xin-Chun , Dong Si-Jie , An Chao-Chao , Wu He-Xiang , Niu Xiao-Yan
Published: February 2022

In this work, a new multi-layered gradient honeycomb (MGH) design was proposed by filling structure layer with different Poisson’s ratio configurations (e.g., positive, zero and negative Poisson’s ratio) from the perspective of coupling the deformation characteristics with each other to improve in-plane dynamic properties and control energy absorption capacities. The dynamic behaviors and energy-absorbing characteristics of the MGHs under in-plane impact loadings were investigated by using explicit dynamic finite element (FE) simulation. This paper mainly focused on the effects of multi-layered gradient arrangements and impact velocities on the dynamic Poisson’s ratios, dynamic plateau stresses, crushing load uniformities and specific energy absorption of the MGHs. A semi-empirical formula for the plateau stresses of the MGHs was presented. It was shown that through the proper choice of multi-layered arrangements, the MGHs can effectively improve the dynamic crushing behaviors and control energy absorption capacities. In addition, the dynamic shock enhancement of the MGHs was also investigated by introducing the uniformity index.
Improved Differential Quadrature Finite Element Method for Free Vibration of Mindlin Plates with Arbitrary Elastic Boundaries
Authors: Xiang Wei , Li Xin , He Lina
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes an improved differential quadrature finite element method (DQFEM) by combining the virtual boundary spring technique with the standard DQFEM, in order to deal with free vibration of Mindlin plates with arbitrary elastic constraints. The incorporation of the virtual boundary spring technique makes it easy to impose general elastic constraints including some classical boundary conditions and avoids the deficiencies of the classical elimination method, which is widely used to process boundary conditions.

The improved DQFEM formulation for rectangular and curvilinear quadrilateral elements is established. Convergence characteristics of the present approach are discussed, and the minimum number of nodes to derive convergent results and the appropriate value of the boundary spring stiffness to simulate classical boundary are obtained. Numerical examples are carried out for Mindlin plates with various boundary conditions and thickness ratios, covering both rectangular and irregular geometries. By numerical comparisons, the high accuracy and the remarkable efficiency of the present method are demonstrated. Additionally, adopting the virtual spring boundary can improve the efficiency to some extent compared with the standard DQFEM.
Bi4Ti3O12/CdS Nanocomposites Enhance the Photocatalytic Degradation Performance
Authors: Wang Yan , Zheng Zhanshen , Li Yuanliang , Cao Liguo , Jia Pengwei , Ye Zebin
Published: February 2022

Semiconductor materials used in the field of photocatalysis have been attracting much attention. Due to the advantages of green, pollution-free and sustainable development of solar energy, it is an ideal strategy to explore excellent semiconductor materials as high light photocatalysts for energy conversion. Herein, Bi4Ti3O[Formula: see text]/CdS composites were synthetized by coprecipitation method, which CdS particles selectively deposited on Bi4Ti3O[Formula: see text] nanosheets. The phase structure and optical properties of the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, N2 adsorption–desorption and UV-visible diffuse spectra (UV-DRS). The results showed that the Bi4Ti3O[Formula: see text]/CdS composites had the highest photocatalytic activity against RhB under visible light, and the degradation rate of RhB was 98.8% after 120[Formula: see text]min of simulated light, 2.14 times that of pure Bi4Ti3O[Formula: see text], and the Bi4Ti3O[Formula: see text]/CdS-10[Formula: see text]wt.% composites also showed good stability. UV-DRS demonstrated that the optical absorption range of the composite extends to visible regions, and photocurrent tests also showed that the composite enhances the separation and migration of photoogenic electron–hole pairs, mainly due to the formation of 2D nanosheets/0D particles heterojunctions between the bronzn CdS of the perovskite BTO and hexagonal fibers. Furthermore, free radical assays confirmed that both [Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text], h[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]OH have effects in the degradation of RhB, and thus suggested a possible mechanism for the photodegradation process of the Bi4Ti3O[Formula: see text]/CdS-10[Formula: see text]wt.% composite photocatalyst.
Total outer connected vertex-edge domination
Authors: Senthilkumar B. , Kumar H. Naresh , Venkatakrishnan Y. B.
Published: February 2022

A vertex [Formula: see text] of a graph is said to [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] dominate every edge incident with [Formula: see text], as well as every edge incident to vertices adjacent to [Formula: see text]. A subset [Formula: see text] is a total outer connected vertex-edge dominating set of a graph [Formula: see text] if every edge in [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] dominated by a vertex in [Formula: see text], the subgraph induced by [Formula: see text] has no isolated vertices and the subgraph induced by [Formula: see text] is connected. We initiate the study of total outer connected vertex-edge domination in graphs. We show that the decision problem for total outer-connected vertex-edge domination problem is [Formula: see text]-Complete even for bipartite graphs. We prove that for every tree of order [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] leaves, [Formula: see text] and characterize the trees attaining the lower bound. We also study the effect of edge removal, edge addition and edge subdivision on total outer connected vertex-edge domination number of a graph.