bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of the Mating-Type Genes and Mating Systems of Verpa bohemica and Verpa conica (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina)
Authors: Sun Wenhua , Liu Wei , Cai Yingli , Shi Xiaofei , Wu Liyuan , Zhang Jin , Er Lingfang , Huang Qiuchen , Yin Qi , Zhao Zhiqiang , He Peixin , Yu Fuqiang
Published: December 2023

Verpa spp. are potentially important economic fungi within Morchellaceae. However, fundamental research on their mating systems, the key aspects of their life cycle, remains scarce. Fungal sexual reproduction is chiefly governed by mating-type genes, where the configuration of these genes plays a pivotal role in facilitating the reproductive process. For this study, de novo assembly methodologies based on genomic data from Verpa spp. were employed to extract precise information on the mating-type genes, which were then precisely identified in silico and by amplifying their single-ascospore populations using MAT-specific primers. The results suggest that the MAT loci of the three tested strains of V. bohemica encompassed both the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes, implying homothallism. On the other hand, amongst the three V. conica isolates, only the MAT1-1-1 or MAT1-2-1 genes were present in their MAT loci, suggesting that V. conica is heterothallic. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis reveals that the three tested V. bohemica strains and one V. conica No. 21110 strain include a MAT1-1-10 gene in their MAT loci, while the other two V. conica strains contained MAT1-1-11, exhibiting high amino acid identities with those from corresponding Morchella species. In addition, MEME analysis shows that a total of 17 conserved protein motifs are present among the MAT1-1-10 encoded protein, while the MAT1-1-11 protein contained 10. Finally, the mating type genes were successfully amplified in corresponding single-ascospore populations of V. bohemica and V. conica, further confirming their life-cycle type. This is the first report on the mating-type genes and mating systems of Verpa spp., and the presented results are expected to benefit further exploitation of these potentially important economic fungi.
Functional Study of cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase A in Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Sun Qiuyan , Xu Gen , Li Xiaobei , Li Shuai , Jia Zhilei , Yan Mengdi , Chen Wenchao , Shi Zhimin , Li Zhonghai , Chen Mei
Published: December 2023

Signaling pathways play a crucial role in regulating cellulase production. The pathway mediated by signaling proteins plays a crucial role in understanding how cellulase expression is regulated. In this study, using affinity purification of ClrB, we have identified sixteen proteins that potentially interact with ClrB. One of the proteins, the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PoPKA-C), is an important component of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Knocking out PoPKA-C resulted in significant decreases in the growth, glucose utilization, and cellulose hydrolysis ability of the mutant strain. Furthermore, the cellulase activity and gene transcription levels were significantly reduced in the ΔPoPKA-C mutant, while the expression activity of CreA, a transcriptional regulator of carbon metabolism repression, was notably increased. Additionally, deletion of PoPKA-C also led to earlier timing of conidia production. The expression levels of key transcription factor genes stuA and brlA, which are involved in the production of the conidia, showed significant enhancement in the ΔPoPKA-C mutant. These findings highlight the involvement of PoPKA-C in mycelial development, conidiation, and the regulation of cellulase expression. The functional analysis of PoPKA-C provides insights into the mechanism of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in cellulase expression in filamentous fungi and has significant implications for the development of high-yielding cellulase strains.
Risky Indebtedness Behavior: Impacts on Financial Preparation for Retirement and Perceived Financial Well-Being
Authors: Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Matheis Taiane Keila , Maciel Ana Maria Heinrichs
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to verify the impact of financial preparation for retirement and risky indebtedness behavior on perceived financial well-being. A survey was carried out with 2290 individuals from diverse sociodemographic and economic profiles who resided in Brazil. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used as data analysis techniques. The results obtained indicate that risky indebtedness behavior negatively impacts financial preparation for retirement and perceived financial well-being and that there is a positive impact of financial preparation for retirement on perceived financial well-being. These findings highlight the importance of financial planning and savings behavior so that future expectations are achieved, and individuals may enjoy life with financial well-being. Thus, it is essential that public policies that promote new behaviors and healthy financial habits to the population, in addition to incentives for financial preparation for retirement, are built. Brazil needs to review the new credit concessions so that the individual does not acquire the behavior of using a financial resource that they do not have and that compromise financial well-being in the short and long term, negatively affecting retirement.
Predicting the Profitability of Directional Changes Using Machine Learning: Evidence from European Countries
Authors: Belesis Nicholas D. , Papanastasopoulos Georgios A. , Vasilatos Antonios M.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we follow the suggestions of past literature to further explore the prediction of the profitability direction by employing different machine learning algorithms, extending the research in the European setting and examining the effect of profits mean reversion for the prediction of profitability. We provide evidence that simple algorithms like LDA can outperform classification trees if the data used are preprocessed correctly. Moreover, we use nested cross-validation and show that sample predictions can be obtained without using the classic train–test split. Overall, our prediction results are in line with previous studies, and we also found that cash flow-based measures like Free Cash Flow and Operating Cash Flow can be predicted more accurately compared to accrual-based measures like return on assets or return on equity.
Digital Transformation of Health Professionals: Using the Context Optimisation Model for Person-Centred Analysis and Systematic Solutions (COMPASS) Implementation Model Use Case
Authors: Mather Carey Ann , Bailey Joshua Fraser , Almond Helen Mary
Published: December 2023

In today’s demanding healthcare landscape, the use of theoretical frameworks is paramount for navigating the complexities of digital health challenges. The Context Optimisation Model for Person-centred Analysis and Systematic Solutions (COMPASS) theoretical framework and implementation model serves as an invaluable direction tool in planning, implementing, and evaluating digital healthcare initiatives. This paper showcases the tangible value of the COMPASS implementation model through a use case scenario involving an accredited exercise physiologist and a healthcare user with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who seeks credible information via a mobile digital device. Within this example, the COMPASS model demonstrates the ability to enhance systematic processes, streamline the workflow of health professionals and develop their capabilities to actively contribute to the transformative realm of digital health. Through exploration of the use case and the significance of the systematic processes as a research direction, the empowerment of health professionals to play pivotal roles in ongoing digital health transformation is emphasised. The COMPASS model emerges as a powerful tool, guiding health professionals and organisations towards innovative and sustainable solutions in the dynamic landscape of digital healthcare.
Impact of Land Use Changes on Ecosystem Services Supply: A Meta Analysis of the Italian Context
Authors: Marino Davide , Barone Antonio , Marucci Angelo , Pili Silvia , Palmieri Margherita
Published: December 2023

Changes in land use and land cover (LULC) are caused by several factors, including climate change, socio-demographic dynamics, human pressures and urban sprawl. These factors alter the structure and functionality of ecosystems and their capacity to provide ecosystem goods and services to society. The study of LULC changes is important for understanding the dynamics of relationships between environmental, social and economic components and for analyzing the factors affecting natural capital. Including ecosystem services (ES) in spatial planning tools and sectoral policies is useful for improving governance. In this paper, the impact of LULC changes on ES provision has been estimated. To this end, we carried out a literature review (Step 1) to select the biophysical and economic coefficients of ES supply by land cover classes and collect them in a database (Step 2). We subsequently aggregated the economic and biophysical coefficients by macro classes (Step 3) and, using the benefit transfer approach, we estimated the change in the supply of ESs concerning permanence and transition phenomena in Italy from 1990 to 2018 (Step 4). The transition phenomena analysis also allowed us to evaluate the consequences of urbanization and urban green space governance on ES supply. Indeed, these urban green spaces can help reduce risks to people’s health and safety and mitigate the effects induced by climate change. In total, approximately 800 coefficients (biophysical and economic) of ESs supplied by Corine Land Cover classes were acquired. The results show a reduction in the annual supply of ecosystem services of EUR 927 million (2022) caused by LULC changes between 1990 and 2018. This research proposes a methodology to improve knowledge of ESs concerning anthropogenic impacts and to support land-use planning policies regarding Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals.
“The Urban Poor and Vulnerable Are Hit Hardest by the Heat”: A Heat Equity Lens to Understand Community Perceptions of Climate Change, Urban Heat Islands, and Green Infrastructure
Authors: Meenar Mahbubur , Rahman Md Shahinoor , Russack Jason , Bauer Sarah , Kapri Kul
Published: December 2023

As the global temperature and rapid urbanization continue to rise, urban heat islands (UHIs) also continue to increase across the world. Following the heat equity concept, UHIs disproportionately impact disadvantaged or overburdened communities. Green infrastructure (GI) has been at the forefront of UHI mitigation efforts, including nature-based solutions like parks, pervious open spaces, wooded areas, green roofs, rain gardens, and shade trees. In this paper, we use a heat equity lens to analyze community perceptions of the intersection of climate change, UHI, and GI in Camden, New Jersey—a post-industrial city with a history of environmental injustices. Based on a mixed-methods analysis of survey responses (n = 107), 11 years of relevant X (formerly Twitter) posts (n = 367), and geospatial data, we present community perceptions of and connections between climate change, UHI, and GI and discuss major themes that emerged from the data: perceived heat inequity in Camden triggers negative emotions; a public knowledge gap exists regarding climate change-UHI-GI connections; and perceived inequitable distribution of GI and certain GI planning and maintenance practices may negatively impact UHI mitigation strategies. We argue these themes are useful to urban planners and relevant professionals while planning for heat equity and mitigating UHI effects in disadvantaged urban communities like Camden.
Consistency Analysis of Multi-Source Remote Sensing Land Cover Products in Arid Regions—A Case Study of Xinjiang
Authors: Liu Shen , Xu Zhonglin , Guo Yuchuan , Yu Tingting , Xu Fujin , Wang Yao
Published: December 2023

Arid regions are considered to be among the most ecologically fragile and highly sensitive to environmental change globally, and land use and land cover conditions in the region directly influence large-scale ecosystem processes. Currently, thanks to diverse remote sensing platforms, geographers have developed an array of land cover products. However, there are differences between these products due to variations in spatio-temporal resolutions. In this context, assessing the accuracy and consistency of different land cover products is crucial for rationalizing the selection of land cover products to study global or regional environmental changes. In this study, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) is taken as the study area, and the consistency and performance (type area deviation, spatial consistency, accuracy assessment, and other indexes) of the five land cover products (GlobeLand30, FROM_GLC30, CLCD, GLC_FCS30, and ESRI) were compared and analyzed. The results of the study show that (1) the GlobeLand30 product has the highest overall accuracy in the study area, with an overall accuracy of 84.06%, followed by ESA with 75.57%, while CLCD has the lowest overall accuracy of 70.05%. (2) The consistency between GlobeLand30 and CLCD (area correlation coefficient of 0.99) was higher than that among the other products. (3) Among the five products, the highest consistency was found for water bodies and permanent snow and ice, followed by bare land. In contrast, the consistency of these five products for grassland and forest was relatively low. (4) The full-consistency area accounts for 49.01% of the total study area. They were mainly distributed in areas with relatively homogeneous land cover types, such as the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, which are dominated by bare land and cropland. In contrast, areas of inconsistency make up only 0.03% and are mostly found in heterogeneous areas, like the transitional zones with mixed land cover types in the Altai Mountains and Tianshan Mountains, or in areas with complex terrain. In terms of meeting practical user needs, GlobeLand30 offers the best comprehensive performance. GLC_FCS30 is more suitable for studies related to forests, while FROM_GLC30 and ESRI demonstrate greater advantages in identifying permanent ice and snow, whereas the performance of CLCD is generally average.
Research on the Governance of Rural Living Environments in China: A Perspective of “System-Life” Based on Field Research Conducted in Village A, Xiangtan County, Hunan Province
Authors: Liang Yunjuan , Shi Qiyu , Fuller Anthony
Published: December 2023

This research focuses on the governance of rural living environments in China from the perspective of “System-Life”. The objective of improving rural living environments is to construct a beautiful countryside, which is an important part of China’s rural revitalization strategy. Through a literature review, a field study, and quantitative analysis, this paper explores the tensions and interactions between local governments and social demand by investigating four elements of the village improvement program: the village’s appearance, sewage treatment, domestic garbage disposal, and the sanitation of toilets. We also examine the interactions between the main participants involved in the governance of rural living environments, including the primary-level governments, village committees, and the villagers themselves. It was found that there is a path toward constructing a benign interaction between “system” and “life”. In terms of “system”, the primary-level governments play a decisive role in the implementation of policies, offering a creative interpretation and flexible implementation of a policy. From the perspective of “life”, the village committee is the bridge between the primary-level governments and villagers. The villagers have their own understanding of policy and the logic of life. This probe leads us to suggest that primary-level governments need to respect the perceptions and priorities of villagers in order to improve the performance of this well-intentioned program.
A Geospatial Approach to Identify and Evaluate Ecological Restoration Sites in Post-Fire Landscapes
Authors: Dosis Stefanos , Petropoulos George P. , Kalogeropoulos Kleomenis
Published: December 2023

Wildfires are a pervasive natural phenomenon in Mediterranean forest ecosystems, causing significant ecological imbalances that demand immediate restoration efforts. The intricacy of reinstating the ecological balance necessitates a proactive approach to identifying and assessing suitable restoration sites. The assessment and investigation of the most suitable restoration sites is of particular importance both for the relevant authorities and for planning and decision making by the state. This study proposes the development of a user-friendly model for evaluating and identifying the most suitable restoration sites immediately after a fire, using geoinformation technologies. For the purposes of demonstrating the method’s applicability, the 2016 fire of “Prinos”, Thasos, Greece, an area that has been repeatedly affected by forest fires, was chosen as a case study. The methodology evaluation was carried out by applying the weighted multicriteria decision analysis method (MCDAM) and was based on a number of variables. The analysis, processing and extraction of the results were performed using primarily remote sensing datasets in a geographical information system (GIS) environment. The methodology proposed herein includes the classification of the individual criteria and their synthesis based on different weighting factors. In the final results, the restoration suitability maps are presented in five suitability zones based on two different scenarios. Based on this study, the integration of geospatial and remote sensing data offers a valuable and cost-effective means for promptly assessing post-fire landscapes, with the aim of identifying suitable restoration sites.
Brazil’s Return to the Hunger Map: An Analysis of Public Policies and Effective Measures for Food Security
Authors: Domingos Ana Tereza Souza , Mesquita Carolina Oliveira , de Godoi Emiliano Lobo , Mendes Thiago Augusto
Published: December 2023

The planning and application of public policies in the panorama of the right to adequate food stands out for the development of the food supply of the Brazilian population. However, it is questionable whether these public policies have been effective in contributing to adequate nutrition. The aim of this article is to study the effectiveness of public food security policies in Brazil between 2012 and 2022. Also, urban agriculture is analyzed as an alternative food policy that can be carried out by the population, and contributes to the use of urban space. To understand the country’s food security situation and the effectiveness of public policies in avoiding a scenario of hunger and insecurity, the hypothetical-deductive method and the technique of bibliographical and documentary research are used, together with the theoretical framework in the theory of the cycle of public policies. It is concluded that the public policies developed were gradually weakened, and that between 2019 and 2022, the Brazilian government took measures discouraging the implementation of food policies. Brazil, with disjointed policies, facing the pandemic and an economic crisis, is in a situation of food insecurity and has portions of the population in a situation of hunger.
First Molecular Evidence of Seewis Virus in Croatia
Authors: Svoboda Karić Petra , Anđelić Dmitrović Barbara , Mrmić Stella , Paić Antonia , Bjedov Linda , Štritof Zrinka , Margaletić Josip , Kurolt Ivan-Christian
Published: December 2023

Orthohantaviruses are mainly carried and transmitted by wild rodents, although during the last decade, they have also been identified in multiple species of shrews and moles. Orthohantavirus, Orthohantavirus seewisense (Seewis virus, SWSV), first detected in Switzerland in a single Sorex araneus (Eurasian common shrew) specimen, has been further described in several European countries, including Croatia’s neighboring Slovenia and Hungary. Croatia is a well-known endemic region for several zoonotic agents including three different orthohantaviruses: Orthohantavirus puumalaense (PUUV), Orthohantavirus dobravaense (DOBV), and Orthohantavirus tulaense (TULV). In this study, nine shrews were tested and SWSV RNA was detected in liver, lung, and kidney belonging to two shrews (22.22%), one collected on Medvednica mountain in Zagreb County, and the other in the Stara Gradiška area in lowland Croatia. The phylogenetic analysis of the complete S segment’s open reading frame (ORF) and partial L-segment revealed that the Croatian sequences, when compared to sequences from the adjacent geographic regions, form a specific genetic lineage. Two SWSV-positive shrew species—Sorex araneus and Neomys milleri (Mediterranean water shrew)—were identified using barcode-based sequence analysis. Therefore, the SWSV detection in N. milleri throughout the course of this study is seen as a rare find in this shrew species. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular and phylogenetic analysis of SWSV in Croatia.
Utilization of High-Zn Content Ferrous Landfill Sludge with the Use of Hydrogen
Authors: Bernasowski Mikolaj , Migas Piotr , Ślęzak Marta , Gondek Łukasz , Cieniek Łukasz
Published: December 2023

Sludge, due to its form and significant moisture and zinc content, is the most problematic metallurgical waste. Near the site of a disused steelworks plant in Krakow (Poland) there is an estimated 5 million tonnes of landfill sludge that consists of more than 90% iron and other metal oxides. There is a global tendency to switch steel production towards carbonless technologies, which is why the presented work investigates the possibility of simultaneous waste liquidation and recovery of valuable metals with the use of hydrogenous reduction. Direct reduced iron (DRI) production was selected as the targeted technology, so the sludge was lumped and bound with cement or CaO addition. The obtained lumps were reduced in a hydrogenous atmosphere with gradual heating to 950 °C, after which their phase structure was analyzed and elemental analysis was performed. It was found that zinc evaporated during the experiment, but mostly thanks to the carbon contained in the sludge. The increased addition of binder to the sludge resulted in the enhancement of the lumps, but also limited the reduction range. The products obtained were mostly wustite and less pure iron. Taking into account the degree of reduction and the lumps’ compression strength, the best binding was achieved by adding cement at a quantity of 5% mass.
Frequency Response Evaluation as Diagnostic and Optimization Tool for Pulsed Unipolar Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Process and Resultant Coatings on Zirconium
Authors: Parfenov Evgeny , Farrakhov Ruzil , Aubakirova Veta , Stotskiy Andrey , Nagumothu Rameshbabu , Yerokhin Aleksey
Published: December 2023

This study aims to bridge various diagnostic tools for the development of smart plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technologies. PEO treatments of commercially pure Zr were carried out using the pulsed unipolar polarisation (PUP) regime with frequency sweep in an alkaline phosphate-silicate electrolyte. Methods of in situ impedance spectroscopy and electrical transient analysis were used for the process diagnostics under the video imaging of the PEO. Two cutoff frequencies, 170–190 Hz and 620–650 Hz, were identified for the PEO-assisted charge transfer process. An equivalent circuit for the metal–oxide–electrolyte system under PUP PEO conditions was developed; from the capacitance values, two geometrical dielectric barriers were evaluated: a thinner 0.5–1 µm inner layer of the coating and a thicker 4–6 µm outer layer. These estimates were in agreement with the coating cross-sectional morphology. Based on comparing the results obtained using different techniques, the frequencies at which the uniform coatings with the best protective properties were formed were identified. For the selected electrolyte system and polarisation regime, these frequencies ranged from 2 to 5 kHz where the overall circuit reactance was minimal; therefore, the power factor was as close to one as possible. This opens the possibilities for the optimization of the pulsed PEO process and online control of unobservable surface characteristics, e.g., the thickness of the coating layers, thus contributing towards the development of smart PEO technologies.
Effect of Size-Distribution Environment on Breakage Parameters Using Closed-Cycle Grinding Tests
Authors: Petrakis Evangelos
Published: December 2023

The so-called population balance model (PBM) is the most widely used approach to describe the grinding process. The analysis of the grinding data is carried out using—among others—the one-size fraction BII method. According to the BII method, the breakage parameters can be determined when a narrow particle size fraction is used as feed material to the mill. However, it is commonly accepted that these parameters are influenced by changing the particle size distribution in the mill. Thus, this study examines the breakage parameters through kinetic testing in different natural-size distribution environments generated by closed-cycle grinding tests that simulate industrial milling conditions. The differentiation of the milling environments was accomplished using various reference sieves in the closed-cycle tests. The experimentally determined breakage parameters were back-calculated and then used to simulate the closed-cycle tests using the MODSIMTM software. Additionally, the energy efficiency was evaluated based on the specific surface area of the grinding products and the energy consumption. The results of the kinetic tests showed that the breakage rate of the coarse particles increases as the aperture size of the reference sieve decreases, and consequently, the content of fines in the mill increases. The back-calculated breakage parameters can be reliably used to simulate closed-cycle circuits, thus helping control industrial milling operations.
Effects of Mode Mixity and Loading Rate on Fracture Behavior of Cracked Thin-Walled 304L Stainless Steel Sheets with Large Non-Linear Plastic Deformation
Authors: Bidadi Jamal , Saeidi Googarchin Hamed , Akhavan-Safar Alireza , da Silva Lucas F. M.
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the mixed-mode I/II fracture behavior of O-notched diagonally loaded square plate (DLSP) samples containing an edge crack within the O-notch. This investigation aims to explore the combined effects of loading rate and mode mixity on the fracture properties of steel 304L, utilizing DLSP samples. The DLSP samples, made from strain-hardening steel 304L, were tested at three different loading rates: 1, 50, and 400 mm/min, covering five mode mixities from pure mode I to pure mode II. Additionally, tensile tests were performed on dumbbell-shaped specimens at the same loading rates to examine their influence on the material’s mechanical properties. The findings revealed that stress and strain diagrams derived from the dumbbell-shaped samples were largely independent of the tested loading rates (i.e., 1–400 mm/min). Furthermore, experimental results from DLSP samples showed no significant impact of the loading rates on the maximum load values, but did indicate an increase in the ultimate displacement. In contrast to the loading rate, mode mixity exhibited a notable effect on the fracture behavior of DLSP samples. Ultimately, it was observed that the loading rate had an insignificant effect on the fracture path or trajectory of the tested DLSP samples.
Evaluation of Feasibility on Dental Zirconia—Accelerated Aging Test by Chemical Immersion Method
Authors: Tian Ju-Mei , Ho Wen-Fu , Hsu Hsueh-Chuan , Song Yi , Wu Shih-Ching
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the low-temperature degradation (LTD) kinetics of tetragonal zirconia with 3 mol% yttria (3Y-TZP) dental ceramic using two degradation methods: hydrothermal degradation and immersed degradation. To study transformation kinetics, we prepared 3Y-TZP powders. We pressed these powders uniaxially into a stainless mold at 100 MPa. We then sintered the compacted bodies at intervals of 50 °C between 1300 °C and 1550 °C and immersed the specimens at various temperatures from 60 °C to 80 °C in 4% acetic acid or from 110 °C to 140 °C for the hydrothermal method. We used a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm crystalline grain size and used X-ray diffraction to analyze the zirconia phase. As the sintering temperature increased, the calculated crystalline grain size also increased. We confirmed this change with the SEM image. The higher sintering temperatures were associated with more phase transformation. According to the Mehl–Avrami–Johnson equation, the activation energies achieved using the hydrothermal method were 101 kJ/mol, 95 kJ/mol, and 86 kJ/mol at sintering temperatures of 1450 °C, 1500 °C, and 1550 °C, respectively. In addition, the activation energies of the specimens immersed in 4% acetic acid were 60 kJ/mol, 55 kJ/mol, 48 kJ/mol, and 35 kJ/mol, with sintered temperatures of 1400 °C, 1450 °C, 1500 °C, and 1550 °C, respectively. The results showed that a lower sintering temperature would restrain the phase transformation of zirconia because of the smaller crystalline grain size. As a result, the rate of LTD decreased.
Effect of Aspect Ratio of Ferroelectric Nanofilms on Polarization Vortex Stability under Uniaxial Tension or Compression
Authors: Jiang Wenkai , Wang Sen , Yang Xinhua , Yang Junsheng
Published: December 2023

Mastering the variations in the stability of a polarization vortex is fundamental for the development of ferroelectric devices based on polarization vortex domain structures. Some phase field simulations were conducted on PbTiO3 nanofilms with an initial polarization vortex under uniaxial tension or compression to investigate the conditions of vortex instability and the effects of aspect ratio of nanofilms and temperature on them. The instability of a polarization vortex is strongly dependent on aspect ratio and temperature. The critical compressive stress increases with decreasing aspect ratio under the action of compressive stress. However, the critical tensile stress first decreases and then increases with decreasing aspect ratio, then continues to decrease. There are two inflection points in the curve. In addition, an elevated temperature makes both the critical tensile and compressive stresses decline, and will also cause the aspect ratio corresponding to the inflection point to decrease. These are very important for the design of promising nano-ferroelectric devices based on polarization vortices to improve their performance while maintaining storage density.
La2O3-CeO2-Supported Bimetallic Cu-Ni DRM Catalysts
Authors: Putanenko Pavel K. , Dorofeeva Natalia V. , Kharlamova Tamara S. , Grabchenko Maria V. , Kulinich Sergei A. , Vodyankina Olga V.
Published: December 2023

The present work is focused on nickel catalysts supported on La2O3-CeO2 binary oxides without and with the addition of Cu to the active component for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). The catalysts are characterized using XRD, XRF, TPD-CO2, TPR-H2, and low-temperature N2 adsorption–desorption methods. This work shows the effect of different La:Ce ratios (1:1 and 9:1) and the Cu addition on the structural, acid base, and catalytic properties of Ni-containing systems. The binary LaCeOx oxide at a ratio of La:Ce = 1:1 is characterized by the formation of a solid solution with a fluorite structure, which is preserved upon the introduction of mono- or bimetallic particles. At La:Ce = 9:1, La2O3 segregation from the solid solution structure is observed, and the La excess determines the nature of the precursor of the active component, i.e., lanthanum nickelate. The catalysts based on LaCeOx (1:1) are prone to carbonization during 6 h spent on-stream with the formation of carbon nanotubes. The Cu addition facilitates the reduction of the Cu-Ni catalyst carbonization and increases the number of structural defects in the carbon deposition products. The lanthanum-enriched LaCeOx (9:1) support prevents the accumulation of carbon deposition products on the surface of CuNi/La2O3-CeO2 9:1, providing high DRM activity and an H2/CO ratio of 0.9.
On Some Formulas for the Lauricella Function
Authors: Ryskan Ainur , Ergashev Tuhtasin
Published: December 2023

Lauricella, G. in 1893 defined four multidimensional hypergeometric functions FA, FB, FC and FD. These functions depended on three variables but were later generalized to many variables. Lauricella’s functions are infinite sums of products of variables and corresponding parameters, each of them has its own parameters. In the present work for Lauricella’s function FA(n), the limit formulas are established, some expansion formulas are obtained that are used to write recurrence relations, and new integral representations and a number of differentiation formulas are obtained that are used to obtain the finite and infinite sums. In the presentation and proof of the obtained formulas, already known expansions and integral representations of the considered FA(n) function, definitions of gamma and beta functions, and the Gaussian hypergeometric function of one variable are used.
Comparative Sensitivity Analysis of Some Fuzzy AHP Methods
Authors: Vinogradova-Zinkevič Irina
Published: December 2023

A precise evaluation of the actual situation is a significant aspect of making a correct and informed decision. Due to the bounded accuracy and elements of uncertainty in the data itself, a point estimate may be less adjusted and rough than an estimate based on fuzzy set theory. The stability of the Fuzzy AHP Arithmetic mean, Geometric mean, Extent analysis, and Lambda Max methods, widely used in practice, is verified. Three stages of verification are considered, investigating the impact of the following: (a) the scale applied; (b) methods of aggregation of the AHP matrices into the FAHP matrix; and (c) methods of combining several FAHP judgments. Slight changes in experts’ estimates are programmatically simulated tens of thousands of times to track changes in ranking and deviations of results from the initial estimate. This continues the study of FAHP’s stability due to the ambiguous results of such verification by the method of extent analysis. As a result of a comparative analysis of the listed evaluation methods, their specific features and advantages are identified.
Diffusion Simulation on Mammograms: A Technique for Analyzing and Monitoring Breast Tumors
Authors: Borjas Jonas , Tucci Kay , Alvarez-Llamoza Orlando , Echeverria Carlos
Published: December 2023

We have developed an imaging biomarker for quantitatively monitoring the response to clinical treatment in cancer patients. Similar to other diffusion-weighted imaging DWI techniques, our method allows for the monitoring of breast cancer progression based on the diffusion coefficient values in the affected area. Our technique has the advantage of using images from mammograms and mesoscopic multiparticle collision MPC simulation, making it more affordable and easier to implement compared to other DWI techniques, such as diffusion-weighted MRI. To create our simulation, we start with the region of interest from a mammogram where the lesion is located and build a flat simulation box with impenetrable cylindrical obstacles of varying diameters to represent the tissue’s heterogeneity. The volume of each obstacle is based on the intensity of the mammogram pixels, and the diffusion coefficient is calculated by simulating the behavior of a point particle fluid inside the box using MPC. We tested our technique on two mammograms of a male patient with a moderately differentiated breast ductal carcinoma lesion, taken before and after the first cycle of four chemotherapy sessions. As seen in other DWI studies, our technique demonstrated significant changes in the fluid concentration map of the tumor lesion, and the relative values of the diffusion coefficient showed a clear difference before and after chemotherapy.
Protecting Infrastructure Networks: Solving the Stackelberg Game with Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Number Payoffs
Authors: Dong Yibo , Liu Jin , Ren Jiaqi , Li Zhe , Li Weili
Published: December 2023

Critical infrastructure is essential for the stability and development of modern society, and a combination of complex network theory and game theory has become a new research direction in the field of infrastructure protection. However, existing studies do not consider the fuzziness and subjective factors of human judgment, leading to challenges when analyzing strategic interactions between decision makers. This paper employs interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFN) to depict the uncertain payoffs in a Stackelberg game of infrastructure networks and then proposes an algorithm to solve it. First, we construct IVIFN payoffs by considering the different complex network metrics and subjective preferences of decision makers. Next, we propose a lexicographic algorithm to solve this game based on the concept of a strong Stackelberg equilibrium (SSE). Finally, we conduct experiments on target scale-free networks. Our results illustrate that in an SSE, for the defender in a weak position, it is better to defend nodes with high degrees. The experiments also indicate that taking fuzziness into account leads to higher SSE payoffs for the defender. Our work aims to solve a Stackelberg game with IVIFN payoffs and apply it to enhance the protection of infrastructure networks, thereby improving their overall security.
Optimal Joint Path Planning of a New Virtual-Linkage-Based Redundant Finishing Stage for Additive-Finishing Integrated Manufacturing
Authors: Yu Jiwon , Jeon Haneul , Jeong Hyungjin , Lee Donghun
Published: December 2023

This paper describes the optimal path planning of a redundant finishing mechanism developed for joint space-based additive-finishing integrated manufacturing (AFM). The research motivation results from an inevitable one-sided layout of a finishing stage (FS) with regard to the additive stage (AS) in the AFM. These two stages share a 2-dof bed stage (BS), and the FS can lightly shave off the rough-surfaced 3D print on the bed. Since the FS located at the side of the AS cannot reach all the target points of the 3D print, the bed should be able to rotate the 3D print about the z-axis and translate it in the z-axis. As a result, the AS has 4-dof joints for 2P and 1P1R during the additive process with AS-BS, and FS has 4-dof and 2-dof integrated joints for 2P2R and 1P1R during the finishing process with FS-BS, respectively. For the kinematic modeling of the FS part and the BS, the virtual linkage connecting the bed frame origin and the FS’s joint frame for approaching the BS is considered to realize seamless kinematic redundancy. The minimum Euclidian norm of the joint velocity space is the objective function to find the optimal joint space solution for a given tool path. To confirm the feasibility of the developed joint path planning algorithm in the proposed FS-BS mechanism, layer-by-layer slicing of a given 3D print’s CAD model and tool path generation were performed. Then, the numerical simulations of the optimal joint path planning for some primitive 3D print geometries were conducted. As a result, we confirmed that the maximum and mean pose error in point-by-point only, with the developed optimal joint path planning algorithm, were less than 202 nm and 153 nm, respectively. Since precision and general machining accuracies in tool path generation are in the range of ±10 μm and 20 μm, the pose error in this study fully satisfies the industry requirements.
Plane Partitions and a Problem of Josephus
Authors: Merca Mircea
Published: December 2023

The Josephus Problem is a mathematical counting-out problem with a grim description: given a group of n persons arranged in a circle under the edict that every kth person will be executed going around the circle until only one remains, find the position L(n,k) in which you should stand in order to be the last survivor. Let Jn be the order in which the first person is executed on counting when k=2. In this paper, we consider the sequence (Jn)n⩾1 in order to introduce new expressions for the generating functions of the number of strict plane partitions and the number of symmetric plane partitions. This approach allows us to express the number of strict plane partitions of n and the number of symmetric plane partitions of n as sums over partitions of n in terms of binomial coefficients involving Jn. Also, we introduce interpretations for the strict plane partitions and the symmetric plane partitions in terms of colored partitions. Connections between the sum of the divisors’ functions and Jn are provided in this context.
Approximation Properties of Parametric Kantorovich-Type Operators on Half-Bounded Intervals
Authors: Dong Hui , Qi Qiulan
Published: December 2023

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce a new family of parametric Kantorovichtype operators on the half-bounded interval. The convergence properties of these new operators are investigated. The Voronovskaja-type weak inverse theorem and the rate of uniform convergence are obtained. Furthermore, we obtain some shape preserving properties of these operators, including monotonicity, convexity, starshapeness, and semi-additivity preserving properties. Finally, some numerical illustrative examples show that these new operators have a better approximation performance than the classical ones.
Non-Stationary Helical Flows for Incompressible Couple Stress Fluid
Authors: Ershkov Sergey V. , Prosviryakov Evgeniy Yu. , Artemov Mikhail A. , Leshchenko Dmytro D.
Published: December 2023

We explored here the case of three-dimensional non-stationary flows of helical type for the incompressible couple stress fluid with given Bernoulli-function in the whole space (the Cauchy problem). In our presentation, the case of non-stationary helical flows with constant coefficient of proportionality α between velocity and the curl field of flow is investigated. In the given analysis for this given type of couple stress fluid flows, an absolutely novel class of exact solutions in theoretical hydrodynamics is illuminated. Conditions for the existence of the exact solution for the aforementioned type of flows were obtained, for which non-stationary helical flow with invariant Bernoulli-function satisfying to the Laplace equation was considered. The spatial and time-dependent parts of the pressure field of the fluid flow should be determined via Bernoulli-function if components of the velocity of the flow are already obtained. Analytical and numerical findings are outlined, including outstanding graphical presentations of various types of constructed solutions, in order to elucidate dynamic snapshots that show the timely development of the topological behavior of said solutions.
The Inverse Weber Problem on the Plane and the Sphere
Authors: Rubio-López Franco , Rubio Obidio , Vidaurre Rolando Urtecho
Published: December 2023

Weber’s inverse problem in the plane is to modify the positive weights associated with n fixed points in the plane at minimum cost, ensuring that a given point a priori becomes the Euclidean weighted geometric median. In this paper, we investigate Weber’s inverse problem in the plane and generalize it to the surface of the sphere. Our study uses a subspace orthogonal to a subspace generated by two vectors X and Y associated with the given points and weights. The main achievement of our work lies in determining a vector perpendicular to the vectors X and Y, in Rn; which is used to determinate a solution of Weber’s inverse problem. In addition, lower bounds are obtained for the minimum of the Weber function, and an upper bound for the difference of the minimal of Weber’s direct and inverse problems. Examples of application at the plane and unit sphere are given.
Transition to Multicellularity and Peto Paradox
Authors: Vakulenko Sergey
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to explain the transition to multicellularity as a consequence of the evolutionary response to stress. The proposed model is composed of three parts. The first part details stochastic biochemical kinetics within a reactor (potentially compartmentalized), where kinetic rates are influenced by random stress parameters, such as temperature, toxins, oxidants, etc. The second part of the model is a feedback mechanism governed by a genetic regulation network (GRN). The third component involves stochastic dynamics that describe the evolution of this network. We assume that the organism remains viable as long as the concentrations of certain key reagents are maintained within a defined range (the homeostasis domain). For this model, we calculate the probability estimate that the system will stay within the homeostasis domain under stress impacts. Under certain assumptions, we show that a GRN expansion increases the viability probability in a very sharp manner. It is shown that multicellular organisms increase their viability due to compartment organization and stem cell activity. By the viability probability estimates, an explanation of the Peto paradox is proposed: why large organisms are stable with respect to cancer attacks.
Six Undescribed Capnosane-Type Macrocyclic Diterpenoids from South China Sea Soft Coral Sarcophyton crassocaule: Structural Determination and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Peng Hanyang , Zeng Yanbo , Wang Hao , Chang Wenjun , Chen Huiqin , Zhou Fengjuan , Dai Haofu , Wang Xiachang
Published: December 2023

Six undescribed capnosane-type macrocyclic diterpenes sarcocrassolins A–F (1–6) and one related known analog pavidolide D (7) were isolated from Sarcophyton crassocaule, a soft coral collected off the Nansha Islands, in the South China Sea. Their complete structures, relative configurations and absolute configurations were established through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, quantum mechanical nuclear magnetic resonance (QM-NMR) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Sarcocrassolins D (4) and E (5) showed inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 76.8 ± 8.0 μM and 93.0 ± 3.8 μM, respectively.
Exploring the Multifaceted Potential of Sildenafil in Medicine
Authors: Pușcașu Ciprian , Zanfirescu Anca , Negreș Simona , Șeremet Oana Cristina
Published: December 2023

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is pivotal in cellular signalling, regulating cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels crucial for smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. By targeting cGMP for degradation, PDE5 inhibits sustained vasodilation. PDE5 operates in diverse anatomical regions, with its upregulation linked to various pathologies, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Sildenafil, a selective PDE5 inhibitor, is prescribed for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, considering the extensive roles of PDE5, sildenafil might be useful in other pathologies. This review aims to comprehensively explore sildenafil’s therapeutic potential across medicine, addressing a gap in the current literature. Recognising sildenafil’s broader potential may unveil new treatment avenues, optimising existing approaches and broadening its clinical application.