bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma-based area selective deposition for extreme ultraviolet resist defectivity reduction and process window improvement
Authors: Lutker-Lee Katie , Church Jennifer , Miller Eric , Raley Angelique , Meli Luciana
Published: May 2022

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography has overcome significant challenges to become an essential enabler to the logic scaling roadmap. However, it remains limited by stochastically driven defects, such as line breaks and line bridges for aggressive pitches. This is especially relevant for the back end of line, which requires the most aggressive scaling. Stochastic defects reduce device yield and may push device manufacturers to move to EUV multipatterning beyond 36 nm pitch single exposure, which is a costly option. While the lithography and patterning stack can be optimized to provide the largest process window with the lowest number of defects, process margins decrease as smaller pitches are required. Currently, for some lithography stacks, especially spin-on glass based trilayer stacks, the defect-free process window beyond 36 nm pitch is limited by line collapse. Reduction in resist thickness may mitigate pattern collapse, but it may also increase the number of line breaks—trading one killer defect for another. In this paper, we expand on an area selective deposition (ASD) process in situ of an etch chamber to selectively deposit material on the EUV photoresist prior to transferring the pattern downstream. We demonstrate mitigation of resist line notching and breaks while maintaining deposition-free open areas and clear alignment marks. Due to the inherent chemical selectivity of the deposition process as opposed to a purely aspect ratio driven deposition process, thinner resists that, with a normal etch condition would result in line breaks, can now be considered. This drives down flopover defect issues seen with thicker EUV resists and enables several underlayer systems that could otherwise not be considered. Finally, we demonstrate that defectivity levels measured by e-beam inspection post lithography and post pattern transfer and yield are both improved at 30 nm pitch when this ASD process is used.
Energy storage performance in lead-free antiferroelectric 0.92(Bi0.54Na0.46)TiO3-0.08BaTiO3 ultrathin films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Serralta-Macías José de Jesús , Rodriguez-Davila Rodolfo Antonio , Quevedo-Lopez Manuel , Olguín Daniel , Castillo Santos Jesús , Young Chadwin D. , Yáñez-Limón José Martin
Published: May 2022

In this study, we report the recoverable energy density (Urec) of lead-free antiferroelectric perovskite 0.92(Bi0.54Na0.46)TiO3-0.08BaTiO3 (BNT-BT) ultrathin films deposited directly on highly boron-doped silicon (p-Si) by a pulsed laser deposition method. Two pressure values were used in the growing conditions, 4.67 × 10−5 and 13.3 Pa, at a fixed substrate temperature of 700 °C. After that, the films were subjected to postannealing under an oxidizing atmosphere at 700 °C for 1 h. A conventional lithography process was used to define vertical metal–ferroelectric–p-Si structures and evaluate the energy storage characteristics. Cross-sectional SEM images showed achieved thicknesses of about 11–13 nm. The high electric field strengths of 3.8 and 4.5 MV/cm supported for BNT-BT ultrathin films deposited at 4.67 × 10−5 and 13.3 Pa, respectively, imply a high-quality perovskite thin-film growth on p-Si. The 11-nm ultrathin film grown at 13.3 Pa showed higher Urec, efficiency (η), and a maximum applied electric field of 30 J/cm3, 83%, and 4.5 MV/cm, respectively.
Modification of β-gallium oxide electronic properties by irradiation with high-energy electrons
Authors: Dang T.-Huong , Konczykowski M. , Jaffrès H. , Safarov V. I. , Drouhin H.-J.
Published: May 2022

We present a study of the modifications of the electronic properties of β-gallium oxide crystals by 2.5-MeV electron irradiation. This type of irradiation produces exclusively local point defects in Ga2O3, predominantly gallium vacancies, which act as acceptor centers. Starting with a highly n-doped sample, we establish a quantitative linear relation between the irradiation dose and the concentration of generated acceptor centers. This gives the possibility to tune the Fermi level position within the bandgap by choosing an appropriate irradiation dose. At high doses, with a very deep position of the Fermi level, the n-type sample becomes compensated, reaching a semi-insulating state. The downward shift of the Fermi level with irradiation allows us to reveal the presence of latent impurities of transition metals (like Cr and Fe), which are inactive in electron paramagnetic resonance and luminescence spectra of pristine samples. This study confirms the potential of electron irradiation as a tool for tailoring the electronic properties of gallium oxide.
Analysis of the sound field above finite absorbers in the wave-number domain
Authors: Brandão Eric , Fernandez-Grande Efren
Published: May 2022

This study examines the edge diffraction effect when a sound wave impinges and reflects off finite porous absorbers, flush-mounted in an infinite hard baffle. A theoretical analysis of the diffraction is given by taking a two-dimensional spatial Fourier transform of a plane wave impinging on a finite absorber. Numerical experiments are also presented to simulate the sound field above infinite and finite locally reactive absorbers and the measurement with an array of pressure sensors. In such cases, a regularized solution is used to separate the incident and reflected plane wave components, in the wave-number domain, including both propagating and evanescent waves. The properties of the wave-number spectrum are associated either with the specular reflection or with the diffracted components, caused by the interaction of the sound wave with the finite absorber. From the regularized solution, it is possible to reconstruct the surface impedance and the absorption coefficient of the sample. The influence of Gaussian noise on such measurements is also investigated. The use of propagating and evanescent waves on the sound field model led to an estimation of the absorption coefficient that depends just slightly on the size of the sample, which is a desired feature for in situ measurement methods.
Longitudinal Associations Between Athletes’ Psychological Needs and Burnout Across a Competitive Season: A Latent Difference Score Analysis
Authors: Shannon Stephen , Prentice Garry , Brick Noel , Leavey Gerard , Breslin Gavin
Published: May 2022

Participation in sport can paradoxically be a source of psychological needs satisfaction and psychological needs frustration. Self-determination theory was applied to explain temporal relationships of athletes’ psychological needs satisfactions and psychological needs frustrations with burnout through a two-wave longitudinal study. Participants included 184 athletes (Mage = 24.04 years, SD = 5.56, 67.9% male) representing a range of competitive levels. A latent difference score model specifying longitudinal relationships between burnout and needs satisfactions and needs frustrations was tested. Significant within-variable changes were observed for all needs-satisfaction and needs-frustration variables. Longitudinal associations were found in Models 3 (autonomy frustration) and 6 (relatedness satisfaction). Higher burnout at baseline predicted an increase in autonomy frustration (β = 0.13, p < .05), whereas higher relatedness satisfaction at baseline reduced burnout levels later in the season (β = −0.22, p < .001). To conclude, continuous tracking of athlete burnout levels and fostering of needs-supportive climates that minimize autonomy-controlling behaviors are recommended for the burnout prevention in athletes.
A stronger role for long-term moisture change than for CO
2
in determining tropical woody vegetation change
Authors: Gosling William D. , Miller Charlotte S. , Shanahan Timothy M. , Holden Philip B. , Overpeck Jonathan T. , van Langevelde Frank
Published: May 2022

Anthropogenically elevated CO
2
(eCO
2
) concentrations have been suggested to increase woody cover within tropical ecosystems through fertilization. The effect of eCO
2
is built into Earth system models, although testing the relationship over long periods remains challenging. Here, we explore the relative importance of six drivers of vegetation change in western Africa over the past ~500,000 years (moisture availability, fire activity, mammalian herbivore density, temperature, temperature seasonality, CO
2
) by coupling past environmental change data from Lake Bosumtwi (Ghana) with global data. We found that moisture availability and fire activity were the most important factors in determining woody cover, whereas the effect of CO
2
was small. Our findings suggest that the role of eCO
2
effects on tropical vegetation in predictive models must be reconsidered.
Highly efficient catalytic production of oximes from ketones using in situ–generated H
2
O
2
Authors: Lewis Richard J. , Ueura Kenji , Liu Xi , Fukuta Yukimasa , Davies Thomas E. , Morgan David J. , Chen Liwei , Qi Jizhen , Singleton James , Edwards Jennifer. K. , Freakley Simon J. , Kiely Christopher J. , Yamamoto Yasushi , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: May 2022

The ammoximation of cyclohexanone using preformed hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) is currently applied commercially to produce cyclohexanone oxime, an important feedstock in nylon-6 production. We demonstrate that by using supported gold-palladium (AuPd) alloyed nanoparticles in conjunction with a titanium silicate-1 (TS-1) catalyst, H
2
O
2
can be generated in situ as needed, producing cyclohexanone oxime with >95% selectivity, comparable to the current industrial route. The ammoximation of several additional simple ketones is also demonstrated. Our approach eliminates the need to transport and store highly concentrated, stabilized H
2
O
2
, potentially achieving substantial environmental and economic savings. This approach could form the basis of an alternative route to numerous chemical transformations that are currently dependent on a combination of preformed H
2
O
2
and TS-1, while allowing for considerable process intensification.
The critically endangered vaquita is not doomed to extinction by inbreeding depression
Authors: Robinson Jacqueline A. , Kyriazis Christopher C. , Nigenda-Morales Sergio F. , Beichman Annabel C. , Rojas-Bracho Lorenzo , Robertson Kelly M. , Fontaine Michael C. , Wayne Robert K. , Lohmueller Kirk E. , Taylor Barbara L. , Morin Phillip A.
Published: May 2022

In cases of severe wildlife population decline, a key question is whether recovery efforts will be impeded by genetic factors, such as inbreeding depression. Decades of excess mortality from gillnet fishing have driven Mexico’s vaquita porpoise (
Phocoena sinus
) to ~10 remaining individuals. We analyzed whole-genome sequences from 20 vaquitas and integrated genomic and demographic information into stochastic, individual-based simulations to quantify the species’ recovery potential. Our analysis suggests that the vaquita’s historical rarity has resulted in a low burden of segregating deleterious variation, reducing the risk of inbreeding depression. Similarly, genome-informed simulations suggest that the vaquita can recover if bycatch mortality is immediately halted. This study provides hope for vaquitas and other naturally rare endangered species and highlights the utility of genomics in predicting extinction risk.
A dynamic saline groundwater system mapped beneath an Antarctic ice stream
Authors: Gustafson Chloe D. , Key Kerry , Siegfried Matthew R. , Winberry J. Paul , Fricker Helen A. , Venturelli Ryan A. , Michaud Alexander B.
Published: May 2022

Antarctica’s fast-flowing ice streams drain the ice sheet, with their velocity modulated by subglacial water systems. Current knowledge of these water systems is limited to the shallow portions near the ice-bed interface, but hypothesized deeper groundwater could also influence ice streaming. Here, we use magnetotelluric and passive seismic data from Whillans Ice Stream, West Antarctica, to provide the first observations of deep sub–ice stream groundwater. Our data reveal a volume of groundwater within a >1-kilometer-thick sedimentary basin that is more than an order of magnitude larger than the known subglacial system. A vertical salinity gradient indicates exchange between paleo seawater at depth and contemporary basal meltwater above. Our results provide new constraints for subglacial water systems that affect ice streaming and subglacial biogeochemical processes.
Giving entangled photons new colors
Authors: Sokolov Alexei V.
Published: May 2022

A fiber-based modulator shifts photon frequency while preserving quantum correlations
Taught to the test
Authors: Hutson Matthew
Published: May 2022

AI software clears high hurdles on IQ tests but still makes dumb mistakes. Can better benchmarks help?
Making Sense of Sensitivity: Using Candy and Anthropometric Data to Visually and Manipulatively Illustrate Sensitivity, Positive Predictive Value, and Related Terms
Authors: Bowman Brooke K. , Furrer Jason L. , Hart Hannah C. , Wescott Emily R. , Milanick Mark A.
Published: May 2022

The classic concepts of sensitivity and specificity are commonly taught by definition only, often with discipline-specific jargon and without any tangible relation to their use in the real world. Yet, the COVID pandemic and the spotlight on diagnostic screening tests have brought a need for science and health care students, health professionals, and the general public to have improved understanding of sensitivity and specificity and how they connect to further interpretive values. These understandings are critical for correct communications and explanations to those outside the sciences.
Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Phage Philippe
Authors: Vallavanatt Iris G. , Bartz Mariah , Clark James , Le Tram , Burrowes Ben , Liu Mei
Published: May 2022

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is emerging as an opportunistic multidrug-resistant pathogen.
S. maltophilia
podophage Philippe has a 74,717-bp genome which is related broadly to the N4-like phage group, including
Stenotrophomonas
phage Pokken. The low sequence identity to other described phages suggests that Philippe is an unclassified member of the N4-like subfamily
Rothmandenesvirinae
.
Mycothiol Peroxidase Activity as a Part of the Self-Resistance Mechanisms against the Antitumor Antibiotic Cosmomycin D
Authors: Castillo Arteaga Roger D. , Garrido Leandro M. , Pedre Brandán , Helmle Irina , Gross Harald , Gust Bertolt , Padilla Gabriel
Published: May 2022

Anthracycline compounds are DNA intercalating agents widely used in cancer chemotherapeutic protocols. This work focused on the self-resistance mechanisms developed by the cosmomycin-producing bacterium
Streptomyces olindensis
.
Single-Cell Profiling of Latently SIV-Infected CD4
+
T Cells Directly
Ex Vivo
to Reveal Host Factors Supporting Reservoir Persistence
Authors: Tokarev Andrey , Machmach Kawthar , Creegan Matthew , Kim Dohoon , Eller Michael A. , Bolton Diane L.
Published: May 2022

Effective combination antiretroviral therapy controls HIV-1 infection but fails to eliminate latent viral reservoirs that give rise to viremia upon treatment interruption. Strategies to eradicate latently infected cells require a better understanding of their biology and distinguishing features to promote their elimination.
Compositional and metamorphic controls on tectonic erosion along a continental subduction-collision zone: Implications from mafic granulites in the northern Sulu orogen
Authors: Liu Lishuang , Liu Fulai , Kohn Matthew J. , Guo Jinghui
Published: May 2022

Subduction erosion has been reported recently in continental subduction-collision zones, and the response of the upper plate remains enigmatic. The Dabie-Sulu orogen is considered to have formed by deep northward subduction of the Yangtze block (lower plate) beneath the North China block (upper plate). However, within the northern Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) belt, the Haiyangsuo complex has intriguingly been accepted as Neoarchean–Paleoproterozoic metamorphic basement from the North China block, implying subduction-erosion could have occurred. Here, we examined new petrographic, mineral chemical, and published geochronological data from the Haiyangsuo mafic granulites to decipher their multiphase metamorphic evolution. Pressure-temperature (P-T) estimates from pseudosection modeling and geothermobarometry show two major metamorphic events: a medium-pressure granulite-facies event (7.3–8.3 kbar and 830–895 °C) and a later high-pressure granulite-facies event (12.2–16.6 kbar and 800–875 °C). Geochronology and mineral geochemistry link these events to Paleoproterozoic and Triassic metamorphism, respectively. Peak Triassic high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism was followed by near-isothermal decompression and then near-isobaric cooling. These rocks derive from the upper plate and were metamorphosed at the same time as UHP eclogites, but maximum pressures were substantially lower, and P-T paths did not converge until late-stage exhumation. Evidently, metamorphic basement from the North China block was dragged to lowercrustal to upper-mantle depths (50–60 km) while that from the Yangtze block was subducted deeply, and then they were tectonically juxtaposed during exhumation. These data corroborate thermal-mechanical models that predict tectonic erosion as a major process during continental subduction and collision.
Supplemental Material: Compositional and diagenetic control of bed- to formational-scale deformation in siliceous sedimentary rocks, Santa Maria Basin, California
Authors: Wirtz Yannick , Behl Richard
Published: May 2022

Map scale strain analysis results table and constructed cross sections used for strain quantification in the Lompoc–Santa Rosa fold belt and Lompoc-Purisima
Energy Density of Adamantane-Containing Hydrocarbons in Condensed Phases
Authors: Kabo G. Ya. , Kazarina Zh. A. , Stepurko E. N. , Blokhin A. V.
Published: May 2022

This paper provides an evaluation of the energy densities of adamantane-containing liquid hydrocarbons using an additive procedure we developed previously. Structural effects on the energy densities in these hydrocarbons are also discussed. The evaluated energy densities are compared to those for high-performance hydrocarbon jet fuels.
CXCR2 inhibition enables NASH-HCC immunotherapy
Authors: Leslie Jack , Mackey John B G , Jamieson Thomas , Ramon-Gil Erik , Drake Thomas M , Fercoq Frédéric , Clark William , Gilroy Kathryn , Hedley Ann , Nixon Colin , Luli Saimir , Laszczewska Maja , Pinyol Roser , Esteban-Fabró Roger , Willoughby Catherine E , Haber Philipp K , Andreu-Oller Carmen , Rahbari Mohammad , Fan Chaofan , Pfister Dominik , Raman Shreya , Wilson Niall , Müller Miryam , Collins Amy , Geh Daniel , Fuller Andrew , McDonald David , Hulme Gillian , Filby Andrew , Cortes-Lavaud Xabier , Mohamed Noha-Ehssan , Ford Catriona A , Raffo Iraolagoitia Ximena L , McFarlane Amanda J , McCain Misti V , Ridgway Rachel A , Roberts Edward W , Barry Simon T , Graham Gerard J , Heikenwälder Mathias , Reeves Helen L , Llovet Josep M , Carlin Leo M , Bird Thomas G , Sansom Owen J , Mann Derek A
Published: May 2022

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). HCC immunotherapy offers great promise; however, recent data suggests NASH-HCC may be less sensitive to conventional immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). We hypothesised that targeting neutrophils using a CXCR2 small molecule inhibitor may sensitise NASH-HCC to ICI therapy.

Design

Neutrophil infiltration was characterised in human HCC and mouse models of HCC. Late-stage intervention with anti-PD1 and/or a CXCR2 inhibitor was performed in murine models of NASH-HCC. The tumour immune microenvironment was characterised by imaging mass cytometry, RNA-seq and flow cytometry.

Results

Neutrophils expressing CXCR2, a receptor crucial to neutrophil recruitment in acute-injury, are highly represented in human NASH-HCC. In models of NASH-HCC lacking response to ICI, the combination of a CXCR2 antagonist with anti-PD1 suppressed tumour burden and extended survival. Combination therapy increased intratumoural XCR1+dendritic cell activation and CD8+T cell numbers which are associated with anti-tumoural immunity, this was confirmed by loss of therapeutic effect on genetic impairment of myeloid cell recruitment, neutralisation of the XCR1-ligand XCL1 or depletion of CD8+T cells. Therapeutic benefit was accompanied by an unexpected increase in tumour-associated neutrophils (TANs) which switched from a protumour to anti-tumour progenitor-like neutrophil phenotype. Reprogrammed TANs were found in direct contact with CD8+T cells in clusters that were enriched for the cytotoxic anti-tumoural protease granzyme B. Neutrophil reprogramming was not observed in the circulation indicative of the combination therapy selectively influencing TANs.

Conclusion

CXCR2-inhibition induces reprogramming of the tumour immune microenvironment that promotes ICI in NASH-HCC.
The impact of a plant-based diet on indices of cardiovascular health in African Americans: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Martin Zachary T. , Olvera Guillermo , Villegas Christian A. , Campbell Jeremiah C. , Akins John D. , Brown Kyrah K. , Brothers R. Matthew
Published: May 2022

African-American (AA) individuals are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular diseases. Plant-based diets (PBD) may be cardioprotective in part through their high antioxidant capacity and low inflammatory load. We tested the hypothesis that AA individuals adhering to a 100% PBD would have better vascular health than AA individuals following a typical American diet (TAD). Eighteen AA individuals participated; 9 (24 ± 4 years; 6 females) were following a PBD for 2.4 ± 0.8 years and 9 (21 ± 2 years; 5 females) were following a TAD. Blood lipids and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. Peripheral and central blood pressure (BP) were measured, and vascular function tests included cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and reactive hyperemia, and local heating-induced cutaneous hyperemia. Total (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL‐C) serum cholesterol was lower (TC: 142 ± 30 vs. 174 ± 36 mg/dL; LDL‐C: 76 ± 17 vs. 106 ± 33 mg/dL; p < 0.05 and d > 0.80 for both) and serum CRP tended to be lower (0.38 ± 0.18 mg/L vs. 0.96 ± 0.89 mg/L; p = 0.05, d = 0.91) in the PBD cohort. Brachial (b) and central (c) mean arterial BP (MAP) were lower in the PBD cohort (bMAP: 86 ± 5 vs. 91 ± 7 mm Hg; cMAP: 81 ± 5 vs. 87 ± 7 mm Hg; p < 0.05 and d > 0.80 for both). All indices of vascular function were similar between groups ( p > 0.05 for all). A PBD was associated with more optimal blood lipid concentrations and decreased peripheral and central BP in AA individuals, but this association was not present in the various indices of vascular function. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05344287.
Sequential markerless genetic manipulations of species from the Neisseria genus
Authors: Nyongesa Sammy , Chenal Martin , Bernet Ève , Coudray Florian , Veyrier Frédéric J.
Published: May 2022

The development of simple and highly efficient strategies for genetic modifications is essential for postgenetic studies aimed at characterizing gene functions for various applications. We sought to develop a reliable system for Neisseria species that allows for both unmarked and accumulation of multiple genetic modifications in a single strain. In this work, we developed and validated three-gene cassettes named RPLK and RPCC, comprising of an antibiotic resistance marker for positive selection, the phenotypic selection marker lacZ or mCherry, and the counterselection gene rpsL. These cassettes can be transformed with high efficiency across the Neisseria genus while significantly reducing the number of false positives compared with similar approaches. We exemplified the versatility and application of these systems by obtaining unmarked luminescent strains (knock-in) or mutants (knock-out) in different pathogenic and commensal species across the Neisseria genus in addition to the cumulative deletion of six loci in a single strain of Neisseria elongata.
On the individual and organizational capacities supporting impact assessment: the case of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board
Authors: Darling Samantha , Harvey Blane , Hickey Gordon M.
Published: May 2022

Impact assessment (IA) processes rely on the ability of assessment boards and their assessors to gather, synthesize, and interpret knowledge from a variety of sources, making IA a knowledge-based activity. IA boards in northern Canada operate in a context that prioritizes pluralism, where Indigenous knowledge is a key element of decision-making and the ability of practitioners to interact with knowledge—research capacity—affects process effectiveness, credibility, and legitimacy. Drawing on common principles from existing research capacity frameworks, we identify the dimensions of capacity most relevant to more fully realizing inclusive impact assessment processes. We then examine the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board (YESAB) as a specialized environmental governance organization with assessors whose research capacity directly impacts process outcomes. Results show that while common dimensions across knowledge-based disciplines, such as sufficient resources (e.g., financial support), are often addressed in the YESAB context, others unique to IA, like contextual understanding, require further examination. The interaction between individual and organizational research capacity is a complex balance between investing in individuals and investing in organizational supports. The proposed framework facilitates multi-scalar supports for individual assessors and assessment bodies alike to navigate balancing technical and value-driven knowledge in assessments.
Testing alternative theories of gravity by fitting the hot-spot data of Sgr A*
Authors: Shahzadi Misbah , Kološ Martin , Stuchlík Zdeněk , Habib Yousaf
Published: May 2022

We are fitting dynamics of electrically neutral hot-spot orbiting around Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) source in Galactic center, represented by various modifications of the standard Kerr black hole (BH), to the three flares observed by the GRAVITY instrument on May 27, July 22, July 28, 2018. We consider stationary, axisymmetric, and asymptotically flat spacetimes describing charged BHs in general relativity (GR) combined with nonlinear electrodynamics, or reflecting the influence of dark matter (DM), or in so called parameterized dirty Kerr spacetimes, and test them using the hot-spot data. We show that the orbital frequencies as well as positions of the hot-spots orbiting the considered BHs fit the observed positions and periods of the flare orbits, and give relevant constraints on the parameters of the considered BH spacetimes and the gravity or other theories behind such modified spacetimes.
Surface plasmon-polaritons in anisotropic hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Quynh Anh Nguyen Pham , Hieu Nguyen N.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, features of generation of two types of surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs) in optical anisotropic hyperbolic metamaterials formed by a periodic lattice of metal nanocylinders embedded in a dielectric matrix are considered. The dependencies of the group velocity and the penetration depth inside metamaterial of the generated plasmon-polaritons on filling ratio are established and analyzed. Based on the effective medium theory, the surface plasmon-polaritons generation at interface of hyperbolic metamaterials is analytically calculated and discussed.
Nonlinear optical properties of the tartrazine
Authors: Liu Ziyi , Wu Feng , Zhang Siwen , Liu Chang , Zeng Xianshun
Published: May 2022

Tartrazine is one of the food dyes with [Formula: see text] conjugated bond. The optical nonlinear properties of tartrazine in aqueous solution were investigated by Z-scan technique at the different input intensities of picosecond laser pulse. It was found that the tartrazine exhibits strong nonlinear optical behavior at the low input intensity. The experimental results show the nonlinear refractive indices reach the order of 10[Formula: see text] esu and their TPA cross sections are up to several hundreds of GM in the experimental condition. The strong optical nonlinearity perhaps allows them to be widely applied in the photoelectric and biological field.
On simulation and modeling in economics
Authors: Kolev Mikhail , Georgiadou Sevasti
Published: May 2022

This paper is devoted to a description of the modeling of economics and in particular, of business processes. More specifically, it describes the process and the conditions of creating a user-friendly and correct models, as well as the advantages, disadvantages and problems in applying the method of business process simulation. The process of simulation in the field of queueing systems and stock management, which are two of the most basic decision-making areas for all enterprises, is described in more detail. Nowadays, technology offers many solutions for every researcher with hi-end simulation tools, like simulation languages and other software packages. Simple examples are given and commented from computational and economical points of view.
Comparison methods of estimating missing data in real data time series
Authors: Milo Tasho Eljona , Margo Zeqo Lorena
Published: May 2022

Missing data are encountered in many researches and they are also found in well-conducted and controlled studies. Missing data can reduce the statistical strength of a study and may produce biased estimates, leading to invalid conclusions. This study is focused on the problems and types of missing data, together with the techniques for their approach. The mechanisms by which the missing data are obtained and the methods to study these data are illustrated. We have dealt with the multiple imputations as a very efficient method of imputing the missing data and applying these methods in some simulation cases and in real data time series. We have also prepared and adapted the scripts in the programming language R to conduct the simulations. The proposed mice and Amelia packages for imputing the missing values provide fairly good approximations even in the case of real data.
Constructing an optimal portfolio on the Bulgarian stock market using hybrid genetic algorithm for pre- and post-COVID-19 periods
Authors: Ivanova Miroslava , Dospatliev Lilko
Published: May 2022

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, global financial markets have seen growing uncertainty and volatility and as a consequence, precise prediction of stock price trend has emerged to be extremely challenging. In this background, we propose two time frameworks wherein the Hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) is used to set up an optimal portfolio included ten stocks traded in Bulgarian stock market during pre and post COVID-19 periods. The fitness function values of constructed HGA during pre- and post-COVID-19 periods were −7.194e[Formula: see text] and −7.014e[Formula: see text], respectively. The estimated nonzero portfolio weights during pre-COVID-19 period were ALCM (0.025), HNVK (0.253), HVAR (0.378), MSH (0.204), NEOH (0.038), and SFT (0.102) while during post-COVID-19 period were AGH (0.003), ALCM (0.015), HNVK (0.272), HVAR (0.460), MSH (0.142), NEOH (0.057), SFT (0.031), and SPH (0.021). The corresponding expected portfolio return and portfolio risk during pre-COVID-19 period were 9.825e[Formula: see text] and 7.163e[Formula: see text] while during post-COVID-19 period were 9.656e[Formula: see text] and 6.895e[Formula: see text], respectively.
Bootstrapping the coefficients of multiple logistic regression model in medicine data
Authors: Zeqo Lorena Margo , Tasho Eljona Milo , Karanxha Juliana
Published: May 2022

Bootstrap is becoming a useful and very popular tool for obtaining estimations and confidence intervals for coefficients in many researches in different scientific fields without making assumptions about the population. Our goal is to apply bootstrap technique in parameter estimation and confidence intervals for the coefficients in Multiple Logistic Regression model in a study using medical records. We will use R programming language and SPSS software to obtain the coefficients of the model and the estimations using non-parametric bootstrap and we will also make a comparison of the results emphasizing the importance of using resampling methods even in a study with real data.
CAN HIGH-TECH INVESTMENTS IMPROVE BANKING EFFICIENCY?
Authors: BORELLO GIULIANA , PAMPURINI FRANCESCA , QUARANTA ANNA GRAZIA
Published: May 2022

This study examines the high-tech investment activity of the banking system in the period following the Global Financial Crisis, from 2009 to 2020. To gain an understanding of the effect of the increasing interest of banks in high-tech investments, this research provides evidence of the relationship between the level of efficiency achieved by Euro Area banking groups and their high-tech investment aptitude. This paper is purely exploratory given that, to the best of our knowledge, it is one of the first to address this specific research question. We analyze in detail the association between bank efficiency (measured using a stochastic frontier approach) and different high-tech investment indicators, as well as the direction of this connection to provide an explanation for the relationship. We find a stable and overall significant relationship between banks’ efficiency and their high-tech investment aptitude. Moreover, we find that only medium efficiency banking groups that adopt a more diversified investment acquisition strategy have a positive relationship with high-tech investment aptitude; otherwise, the relationship between bank efficiency and high-tech investment indicators seems to be negative. Regulators should be aware of this bank acceleration in the enhancement of high-tech investment because it can reduce the stability of banking groups and because an increase in intangibles assets (e.g. patents) could also be motivated by an interest rather than an earnings management strategy.
Teamwork Visualization for Team Reflection Based on Changes in Communication Patterns
Authors: Peng Sixiong , Amakasu Takashi , Horii Hideyuki
Published: May 2022

Teamwork visualization is a promising method for improving situational awareness, enhancing teamwork reflexivity, monitoring and intervening teams, and analyzing team processes. This paper aims to introduce a new method of teamwork visualization specifically for team reflection. Our method detects a time span where the communication pattern is stable and visualizes time-to-time changes of communication pattern with related features over teamwork in a small group. We applied our method to the teamwork of four teams in an idea generation workshop and checked whether our visualization could visualize meaningful characteristics of teamwork in terms of within-team and between-team differences. We summarize the practical and theoretical contributions and limitations of our study.
DANCE: DAta-Network Co-optimization for Efficient Segmentation Model Training and Inference
Authors: Li Chaojian , Chen Wuyang , Gu Yuchen , Chen Tianlong , Fu Yonggan , Wang Zhangyang , Lin Yingyan
Published: May 2022

Semantic segmentation for scene understanding is nowadays widely demanded, raising significant challenges for the algorithm efficiency, especially its applications on resource-limited platforms. Current segmentation models are trained and evaluated on massive high-resolution scene images (“data-level”) and suffer from the expensive computation arising from the required multi-scale aggregation (“network level”). In both folds, the computational and energy costs in training and inference are notable due to the often desired large input resolutions and heavy computational burden of segmentation models. To this end, we propose DANCE, general automated
DA
ta-
N
etwork
C
o-optimization for
E
fficient segmentation model
training and inference
. Distinct from existing efficient segmentation approaches that focus merely on light-weight network design, DANCE distinguishes itself as an automated
simultaneous
data-network
co-optimization
via both input data manipulation and network architecture slimming. Specifically, DANCE integrates automated data slimming which adaptively downsamples/drops input images and controls their corresponding contribution to the training loss guided by the images’ spatial complexity. Such a downsampling operation, in addition to slimming down the cost associated with the input size directly, also shrinks the dynamic range of input object and context scales, therefore motivating us to also adaptively slim the network to match the downsampled data. Extensive experiments and ablating studies (on four SOTA segmentation models with three popular segmentation datasets under two training settings) demonstrate that DANCE can achieve
“all-win”
towards efficient segmentation (reduced training cost, less expensive inference, and better mean Intersection-over-Union (mIoU)). Specifically, DANCE can reduce ↓25%–↓77% energy consumption in training, ↓31%–↓56% in inference, while boosting the mIoU by ↓0.71%–↑ 13.34%.
AI Compliance – Challenges of Bridging Data Science and Law
Authors: Hacker Philipp , Naumann Felix , Friedrich Tobias , Grundmann Stefan , Lehmann Anja , Zech Herbert
Published: May 2022

This vision article outlines the main building blocks of what we term
AI Compliance
, an effort to bridge two complementary research areas: computer science and the law. Such research has the goal to model, measure, and affect the quality of AI artifacts, such as data, models, and applications, to then facilitate adherence to legal standards.
A Privacy Frequent Itemsets Mining Framework for Collaboration in IoT Using Federated Learning
Authors: Wu Jimmy Ming-Tai , Teng Qian , Huda Shamsul , Chen Yeh-Cheng , Chen Chien-Ming
Published: May 2022

Rapid advancement of industrial internet of things (IoT) technology has changed the supply chain network to an open system to meet the high demand for individualized products and provide better customer experiences. However the open-system supply chain has forced many small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) to adopt vertical integration by being divided into smaller companies with a distinctive business for each SME but a central alliance to produce a range of products and gain competencies. Therefore, existing models do not guarantee the protection of data privacy of individual SMEs. Moreover, especially for the IoT environment, collecting data in a secure way and revealing valuable knowledge in an IoT network is difficult. How to share data in a secure framework is of paramount importance in the internet of behavior field. In this article, a privacy-preserving data-mining framework is proposed for joint-venture industrial collaborative activities by combining federated learning and a “pre-large concept” of data-mining techniques. The novelty of the proposed approach is that, while mining high-utility itemsets (HUIs) from multiple datasets, it does not require direct data sharing. In the proposed method, the federated-learning framework can learn from aggregated learning parameters without scanning all data from different sets. The pre-large concept in this approach reduces the amount of scanning into different datasets. Thus, the approach makes it possible to train federated learning more quickly while protecting the privacy of individual data owners. The approach has been tested on real industrial datasets in a collaborative environment. Extensive experimental results show that the approach achieves high accuracy compared with conventional data-mining techniques while preserving the privacy of datasets.
Structural Transformation of the Agricultural Sector In Low- and Middle-Income Economies
Authors: Deininger Klaus , Jin Songqing , Ma Meilin
Published: May 2022

Movement of labor from agriculture to nonagriculture and the associated increase in farm size through structural transformation are at the core of economic development. We conduct a comprehensive review of the literature exploring the causes and consequences of the transformation. We discuss ( a) the size and determinants for the persisting wage gap between agriculture and nonagriculture, ( b) policy-induced barriers to structural changes, ( c) the role of trade costs and technical change in shaping the nature of structural transformation and comparative advantage of regions, and ( d) how the overall development of an economy affects the relationship between farm size and farm productivity and hence changes competitiveness of different scales of farms. We also identify questions for policy and research and the ways in which new sources and interoperability of data can help answer these questions.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Importance of IRF1/FSTL1 in Synovial Fibroblast Subsets for the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yu Xia , Gong Mingzhi
Published: May 2022

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of synovial fibroblasts (SFs) in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to identify potential molecular targets and provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of RA. Methods. GSE109449, a fibroblast transcriptome dataset of synovial tissue from RA and osteoarthritis (OA), were obtained from the GEO database. After standard cell quality control, this single-cell transcriptome data was used to perform routine single-cell analysis processes. After completing dimensionality reduction, clustering, and cell subset identification of fibroblasts, the SCENIC analysis helped calculate the significant gene regulatory networks in fibroblasts and their subsets. From these computed gene regulatory networks, the regulon in which follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) resides was extracted and used to analyze the transcriptional regulatory status of fibroblasts. Finally, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to calculate the respective enriched gene sets of IRF1 and FSTL1. Results. Three SF subgroups were identified from the single-cell transcriptome analysis; SF subset 3 was more abundant in RA than in OA (

p
<
0.001

). From the SCENIC analysis, we obtained 269 regulons and the corresponding gene regulatory networks in SF from the RA datasets. Next, we screened and obtained a regulon-containing FSTL1, where IRF1 was the major transcription factor. The top five regulons in SF subset 3 were TWIST1, MECOM, KLF6, MAFB, and RUNX1. Among the 3 SF subsets, IRF1 regulon was ranked the highest in SF subset 3. Differential analysis of pseudobulk RNA-seq showed that IRF1 was up-regulated in RA compared to OA. Between the three SF subgroups, IRF1 and FSTL1 expression was more up-regulated in SF subset 3 compared to the other two subgroups. Conclusions. IRF1 was found to regulate the invasiveness of SFs by regulating FSTL1, which may influence the disease progression of RA.
lncRNA–mRNA Expression Patterns in Invasive Pituitary Adenomas: A Microarray Analysis
Authors: Peng Chao , Wang Shuaikai , Yu Jinxiu , Deng Xiaoyi , Ye Huiyu , Chen Zhishan , Yao Hongru , Cai Hanjia , Li Yanli , Yuan Yong
Published: May 2022

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of various cancer types; however, their roles in the development of invasive pituitary adenomas (PAs) remain to be investigated. Methods. lncRNA microarray analysis was performed for three invasive and three noninvasive PAs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed, and coexpression networks between lncRNA and mRNA were constructed. Furthermore, three differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected for validation in PA samples by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The diagnostic values of these three lncRNAs were further evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results. A total of 8872 lncRNAs were identified in invasive and paired noninvasive PAs via lncRNA microarray analysis. Among these, the differentially expressed lncRNAs included 81 that were upregulated and 165 that were downregulated. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that these differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with the posttranslational modifications of proteins. Furthermore, we performed target gene prediction and coexpression analysis. The interrelationships between the significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified. Additionally, three differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected for validation in 41 PA samples by qRT‐PCR. The expression levels of FAM182B, LOC105371531, and LOC105375785 were significantly lower in the invasive PAs than in the noninvasive PAs (P < 0.05). These results were consistent with the microarray data. ROC curve analysis suggested that the expression levels of FAM182B and LOC105375785 could be used to distinguish invasive PAs from noninvasive PAs. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrated the expression patterns of lncRNAs in invasive PAs. FAM182B and LOC105375785 may be involved in the invasiveness of PAs and serve as new candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of invasive PAs.
Perception of Individuals with Diabetes about Efficacy and Safety of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Meraya Abdulkarim M. , Ahsan Waquar , Albratty Mohammed , Alhazmi Hassan A. , Najmi Asim
Published: May 2022

Background. CAM is widely accepted for the management of diabetes, and CAM users from many countries showed positive perception towards its use. However, little is known about the perception of individuals with diabetes in Saudi Arabia. Objectives. This study was aimed to assess the perception of the individuals with diabetes of Jazan region in Saudi Arabia towards CAM. Methods. An online, anonymous cross-sectional survey was designed and conducted between September 5 and December 31, 2021. Data were collected using 19-item self-report survey from the individuals with diabetes of the Jazan region. Results. A total of 359 validated responses were received. Approximately, 34% of the participants reported using CAM with modern medicine to control diabetes. Most of the participants reported that CAM is affordable, accessible, acceptable, and effective. Of the study sample, 28% reported using herbal medicine to control diabetes. Significantly, higher percentages of CAM users reported media (42% vs 27%) and friends/family (31% vs 27%) as the primary sources of information about CAM as compared to non-CAM users. Individuals who used CAM for diabetes showed significantly more positive perception (β = 2.386;

p
=
0.001

) than those who did not use CAM in the adjusted analysis. Similarly, students had a significantly higher positive perception towards CAM (β = 4.121;

p
=
0.013

) compared to employed individuals. Conclusion. A quarter of the sample of individuals with diabetes used herbal medicine to control diabetes. Individuals who ever used CAM for diabetes showed positive perception towards CAM. However, there is a need of healthcare workers to be involved in educating the individuals with diabetes and the general public in order to use CAM more effectively and safely.