bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global consensus of second‐order unknown multi‐agent systems: A distributed fuzzy iterative learning scheme
Authors: Liu Qiongxiao , Huang Zhemin , Guo Xuan , Pan Xingbang , Xu Guohua
Published: October 2022

This article focuses on global fuzzy consensus control of unknown second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems based on adaptive iterative learning scheme. In order to achieve global consensus, a replacement idea is introduced, where fuzzy systems are used as feedforward compensators to model unknown nonlinear dynamics relying on tracking signals. Considering that the network communication is distributed, a kind of hybrid control protocol is designed to avoid the complete dependence on the tracking signals. In addition, considering the complexity of the external environment, this article extends the above distributed protocol to the case of unknown control directions to study global consensus. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed protocols is verified by Matlab numerical simulations.
Exploring the link between spectral variance and upper canopy taxonomic diversity in a tropical forest: influence of spectral processing and feature selection
Authors: Badourdine Colette , Féret Jean‐Baptiste , Pélissier Raphaël , Vincent Grégoire
Published: October 2022

The rapid loss of biodiversity in tropical rainforests calls for new remote sensing approaches capable of providing rapid estimates of biodiversity over large areas. Imaging spectroscopy has shown potential for the estimation of taxonomic diversity, but the link with spectral diversity has not been investigated extensively with experimental data so far. We explored the relationship between taxonomic diversity and visible to near infrared spectral variance derived from various spectral processing techniques by means of a labeled dataset comprising 2000 individual tree crowns from 200 species from an experimental tropical forest station in French Guiana. We generated a set of artificially assembled communities covering a broad range of taxonomic diversity from this experimental dataset. We analyzed the impact of various processing steps: spectral normalization, spectral transformation through principal component analysis, and feature selection. Correlation between taxonomic diversity and inter‐specific spectral variance was strong. Correlation was lower with total spectral variance, with or without normalization and transformation. Dimensionality reduction through feature selection resulted in dramatic improvement of the correlation between Shannon index and spectral variance. While airborne diversity mapping of tropical forest may not be at hand yet, our results confirm that spectral diversity metrics, when computed on properly preprocessed and selected spectral information can predict taxonomic diversity in tropical ecosystems.
Two different approaches to XPS quantitative analysis of polyelectrolyte adsorption layers
Authors: Ernstsson Marie , Dedinaite Andra , Rojas Orlando J. , Claesson Per M.
Published: October 2022

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to quantify adsorption of polyelectrolytes from aqueous solutions of low ionic strength onto mica, glass, and silica. Silica surfaces were conditioned in base or in acid media as last pre‐treatment step (silica‐base last or silica‐acid last, respectively). Consistency in the determined adsorbed amount, Γ, was obtained independent of the choice of XPS mode and with the two quantification approaches used in the data evaluation. Under the same adsorption conditions, the adsorbed amount, Γ, varied as Γmica > Γsilica‐base last ≈ Γglass > Γsilica‐acid last. In addition, the adsorbed amount increased with decreasing polyelectrolyte charge density (100% to 1% of segments being charged) for all substrates. Large adsorbed amount was measured for low‐charge density polyelectrolytes, but the number of charged segments per square nanometer was low due to steric repulsion between polyelectrolyte chains that limited the adsorption. The adsorbed amount of highly charged polyelectrolytes was controlled by electrostatic interactions and thus limited to that needed to neutralize the substrate surface charge density. For silica, the adsorbed amount depended on the cleaning method, suggesting that this process influenced surface concentration and fraction of different silanol groups. Our results demonstrate that for silica, a higher density and/or more acidic silanol groups are formed using base, rather than acid, treatment in the last step.
A Bayesian multilevel time‐varying framework for joint modeling of hospitalization and survival in patients on dialysis
Authors: Kürüm Esra , Nguyen Danh V. , Banerjee Sudipto , Li Yihao , Rhee Connie M. , Şentürk Damla
Published: October 2022

Over 782 000 individuals in the United States have end‐stage kidney disease with about 72% of patients on dialysis, a life‐sustaining treatment. Dialysis patients experience high mortality and frequent hospitalizations, at about twice per year. These poor outcomes are exacerbated at key time periods, such as the fragile period after transition to dialysis. In order to study the time‐varying effects of modifiable patient and dialysis facility risk factors on hospitalization and mortality, we propose a novel Bayesian multilevel time‐varying joint model. Efficient estimation and inference is achieved within the Bayesian framework using Markov chain Monte Carlo, where multilevel (patient‐ and dialysis facility‐level) varying coefficient functions are targeted via Bayesian P‐splines. Applications to the United States Renal Data System, a national database which contains data on nearly all patients on dialysis in the United States, highlight significant time‐varying effects of patient‐ and facility‐level risk factors on hospitalization risk and mortality. Finite sample performance of the proposed methodology is studied through simulations.
A Bifunctional Fully Integrated Wearable Tracker for Epidermal Sweat and Wound Exudate Multiple Biomarkers Monitoring
Authors: Pei Xinyi , Sun Mimi , Wang Jingjuan , Bai Jing , Bo Xiangjie , Zhou Ming
Published: October 2022

Fully integrated wearable electronics that combine the extraordinary feature of incessant and on‐body operation with the distinctive external equipment‐free trait are the ultimate goal of modern wearables. Epidermal sweat and wound exudate, as two noninvasively accessible biofluids on/surrounding the skin, reflect underlying health conditions. However, the design of universal wearable sensors with the bifunctional capability to monitor both epidermal secretions is still a challenge. Here, a single bifunctional fully integrated wearable tracker for wirelessly, simultaneously, and dynamically in situ measuring multiple epidermal sweat or wound exudate biomarkers is propos. Considering the electrolytes (e.g., Na+, K+, and H+) and metabolites (e.g., uric acid (UA)) levels in sweat or wound exudate may correlate with health or wound conditions, the dynamic and skin‐on tracking of the biomarkers of Na+, K+, pH, and UA levels in sweat under subjects’ exercise and in wound exudate during subjects’ wound healing are performed through the seamless integration of microfluidic, sensing, and electronic modules. Its applicability is evaluated for noninvasive hyperuricemia management in hyperuricemia/healthy subjects through a purine‐rich intake test and for wound management in subjects’ infected wounds through a control medical treatment.
Element Specific Atom Counting at the Atomic Scale by Combining High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy
Authors: De Backer Annick , Zhang Zezhong , van den Bos Karel H.W. , Bladt Eva , Sánchez‐Iglesias Ana , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. , Nellist Peter D. , Bals Sara , Van Aert Sandra
Published: October 2022

A new methodology is presented to count the number of atoms in multimetallic nanocrystals by combining energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM). For this purpose, the existence of a linear relationship between the incoherent HAADF STEM and EDX images is exploited. Next to the number of atoms for each element in the atomic columns, the method also allows quantification of the error in the obtained number of atoms, which is of importance given the noisy nature of the acquired EDX signals. Using experimental images of an Au@Ag core–shell nanorod, it is demonstrated that 3D structural information can be extracted at the atomic scale. Furthermore, simulated data of an Au@Pt core–shell nanorod show the prospect to characterize heterogeneous nanostructures with adjacent atomic numbers.
A context‐aware internet of things‐driven security scheme for smart homes
Authors: Khanpara Pimal , Lavingia Kruti , Trivedi Rajvi , Tanwar Sudeep , Verma Amit , Sharma Ravi
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become very popular as it has numerous applications in the industrial and research domain. Moreover, the features of IoT systems play a crucial role in the development of smart cities. It enables smart cities and their subsystems to monitor, control, and manage heterogeneous devices remotely by extracting and communicating real‐time data. However, automated IoT systems are vulnerable to many security threats like tempered protocols, device hijacking, and unauthorized access. Motivated by the aforementioned discussion, this paper addresses the security requirements of an essential subsystem of smart city architecture, that is, IoT‐based smart homes. Based on the features and functionalities of smart homes, the risk of security violations in the system behavior needs to be analyzed This paper explores various security threats in a smart home environment and proposes a context‐aware security‐based scheme to prevent and detect possible threats. Results show that the proposed scheme is superior compared to the traditional schemes considering parameters such as the performance, cost, and maintenance requirements.
Thresholding mean test for functional data with power enhancement
Authors: Wang Qingsong , Guo Shaojun , Yao Fang , Zou Changliang
Published: October 2022

We consider the two‐sample mean testing problem for infinite‐dimensional functional data and present a new testing procedure. The proposed hard‐thresholding test statistic is based on the normalized functional principal component scores and allows the number of components diverging with the sample size. The hard‐thresholding part is introduced for the power improvement. The asymptotic normality of the statistic is derived under both the null hypothesis and some local alternatives. We also design a power enhancement component based on
‐norm to further alleviate the power loss under certain alternatives. We conduct extensive numerical simulations and analyze a real example to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed test to several competitors.
Experimental and numerical investigations on large‐section rectangular CFT columns with distributive beam under axial compression
Authors: Guo Xiaonong , Zhang Chaozhong , Luo Jinhui , Zhang Yuanzhi , Chen Shaozhen , Gao Shuyu
Published: October 2022

In order to improve the co‐working performance between the core concrete and steel tube for large‐section rectangular concrete‐filled steel tubular (LSCFT) columns when a vertical load is directly applied to the steel tube, a distributive beam is proposed as a load transferring measure. Four scaled LSCFT column specimens with different details were tested under axial compression to investigate the mechanical behavior and load transferring mechanism of the LSCFT columns with a distributive beam. The experimental results indicated that the bearing capacity of the LSCFT columns without a distributive beam was close to the yield capacity of the steel tube and the load shared by the core concrete was negligible. In contrast, the specimen with a distributive beam and inner stiffeners could bear a much higher load. In addition, refined nonlinear finite element models were developed to further analyze the load‐transferring mechanism of LSCFT columns with different details. The numerical results showed that the ultimate load of the specimen with a distributive beam and inner stiffeners was much closer to the theoretical value calculated from Chinese code CECS159:2004. Setting a distributive beam and inner stiffeners simultaneously in LSCFT columns could ensure the cooperation between the core concrete and steel tube.
Blimp1 suppressed CD4+ T cells‐induced activation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes by upregulating IL‐10 via the rho pathway
Authors: Meng Qingliang , Wen Zhike , Meng Wanting , Bian Hua , Gu Huimin , Zuo Ruiting , Zhan Junping , Wang Huilian , Miao Xiyun , Fan Wei , Zhou Zipeng , Zheng Fuzeng , Wang Liying , Su Xiao , Ma Junfu
Published: October 2022

Background

B lymphocyte‐induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp1) is a risk allele for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its functional mechanism in RA remains to be further explored.

Methods

Flow cytometry was performed to detect CD4+ T cell differentiation. ELISA was used to measure inflammatory factor secretion. Lentivirus mediated Blimp1 overexpression vector (LV‐Blimp1) or short hairpin RNA (sh‐Blimp1) were used to infect CD4+ T cells stimulated by anti‐CD28 and anti‐CD3 mAbs. RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) were co‐cultured with CD4+ T cells or T cell conditioned medium (CD4CM), and cell proliferation, invasion, and expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines in FLSs were evaluated. Mice were injected intradermally with type II collagen to establish a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model, and the severity of CIA was evaluated with H&E and Safranin‐O staining.

Results

Blimp1 knockdown increased pro‐inflammatory factor secretion, but downregulated IL‐10 concentration in activated CD4+ T cells. Blimp1 overexpression promoted regulatory T cells (Treg) CD4+ T cell differentiation and hindered T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 17 (Th17) CD4+ T cell differentiation. Blimp1 overexpression suppressed the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors and adhesion molecules in CD4+ T cells by upregulating IL‐10. Moreover, Blimp1 overexpression impeded the enhanced effect of CD4+ T cells/CD4CM on cell adhesion, inflammation, proliferation, invasion and RhoA and Rac1 activities in FLSs by upregulating IL‐10. Additionally, administration with LV‐Blimp1 alleviated the severity of CIA.

Conclusion

Blimp1 restrained CD4+ T cells‐induced activation of FLSs by promoting the secretion of IL‐10 in CD4+ T cells via the Rho signaling pathway.
Clinical utility of serum fructosamine in long‐term monitoring of diabetes mellitus in dogs
Authors: Kuzi Sharon , Mazaki‐Tovi Michal , Ahmad Wiessam Abu , Ovadia Yael , Aroch Itamar
Published: October 2022

Background

Serum fructosamine (sFA) is used to assess glycaemic control in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM). Nevertheless, its interpretation is hindered by several limitations.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluates the long‐term diagnostic performance of sFA for monitoring clinical control of DM. sFA, bodyweight, appetite, presence of polyuria/polydipsia and clinical scores (CS; well‐controlled DM, CS‐0; uncontrolled DM, CS‐1) were recorded.

Results

The study included 75 dogs (321 visits; median 3 visits/dog; range 1–19). Mean sFA was higher (p < 0.001) on visits with CS‐1 (584 μmol/L; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 561–608) than on visits with CS‐0 (506 μmol/L; 95% CI 484–528). Increases in sFA increased   the odds ratio for CS‐1 (1.37; 95% CI 1.24–1.52, p < 0.001). sFA was moderately predictive of the CS (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.75; 95% CI 0.70–0.80; p < 0.0001), with a 486 μmol/L cutoff yielding 80% sensitivity and 59% specificity. Mean sFA was lower (p = 0.005) when hypoglycaemic episodes were suspected (496 μmol/L; 95% CI 450–541) than in their absence (572 μmol/L; 95% CI 548–596). sFA is moderately accurate for classifying CS in diabetic dogs. Decreasing sFA over follow‐ups indicates improved CS but might suggest occurrence of hypoglycaemic episodes.

Limitations

Retrospective design, variable treatments and comorbidities are limitations of this study.

Conclusion

sFA has a moderate clinical utility in the long‐term monitoring of diabetic dogs, but may serve as a first‐line, accessible diagnostic tool. Discordant CS and sFA evaluation, or decreased sFA, warrants additional monitoring (i.e., continuous glucose monitoring).
Notes on resonances and unitarity from celestial amplitudes
Authors: García-Sepúlveda Diego , Guevara Alfredo , Kulp Justin , Wu Jingxiang
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We study the celestial description of the O(N) sigma model in the large N limit as introduced by Coleman, Jackiw and Politzer. Focusing on three dimensions, we analyze the implications of a UV complete, all-loop order 4-point amplitude of pions in terms of correlation functions defined on the celestial circle. We find these retain many key features from the previously studied tree-level case, such as their relation to Generalized Free Field theories and crossing-symmetry, but also incorporate new properties such as IR/UV softness and S-matrix metastable states. In particular, to understand unitarity, we propose a form of the optical theorem that controls the imaginary part of the correlator based solely on the presence of these resonances. We also explicitly analyze the conformal block expansions and factorization of four-point functions into three-point functions. We find that summing over resonances is key for these factorization properties to hold. We end with some topics for future study.
Towards an “AdS1/CFT0” correspondence from the D(−1)/D7 system?
Authors: Aguilar-Gutierrez Sergio E. , Parmentier Klaas , Van Riet Thomas
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We argue that a type IIB Euclidean supergravity solution of the form ℝ × S1× 𝕋8 with imaginary self-dual F1 flux through ℝ × S1 belongs to the chain of AdSd× Sd× 𝕋10−2d vacua with (imaginary) self-dual Fd flux, where d ≤ 5. Such vacua come from the near-horizon of D(d − 2)/D(8 − d) branes and are supersymmetric for odd values of d. For d = 1 we speculate that the hallmark of conformal symmetry for the matrix model dual is a vanishing free energy. The matrix dual was recently constructed by [1] by adding matrix interactions coming from strings stretching between the D(−1) and D7 branes to the IKKT matrix model. We find that the corresponding supergravity solution indeed has vanishing on-shell action. Specific F5 fluxes need to be switched on as a consequence of (a T-dual version of) the Hanany-Witten effect.
Bisphenol A: Potential Factor of Miscarriage in Women in the Context of the Phenomenon of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Omeljaniuk Wioleta Justyna , Charkiewicz Angelika Edyta , Garley Marzena , Ratajczak-Wrona Wioletta , Czerniecki Jan , Jabłońska Ewa , Cechowska-Pasko Marzanna , Miltyk Wojciech
Published: October 2022

Humans are exposed to a number of environmental pollutants every day. Among them, endocrine disruptors are particularly harmful to human health. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen that has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system and cause reproductive toxicity. In this study, we aimed to verify the potential relationship between BPA and miscarriage involving the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Blood samples were collected from healthy women and women who had miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy. The serum levels of cytoplasmic anti-PR3 antibody and perinuclear anti-MPO antibody were determined using an immunoenzymatic method. The concentrations of key proinflammatory proteins TNF-α and MCP-1, as well as NADPH oxidase subunits NOX1 and NCF2, were also measured in the serum samples. The serum concentration of BPA was determined using gas chromatography. The results showed that the concentrations of BPA were significantly elevated in the serum of women who had miscarriage compared to the control group, with the highest concentration found in the “NETs-positive” group. The levels of MCP-1 and TNF-α were significantly higher in the “NETs-positive” group compared to the “NETs-negative” and control group. The levels of NOX1 and NCF2 were also higher in the “NETs-positive” group compared to the “NETs-negative” group. The study showed that BPA could play a role in the course of miscarriage through the formation of NETs. The results indicate the need to limit the exposure of women planning pregnancy to xenoestrogens, including BPA.
The emergence of artificial intelligence in European regions: the role of a local ICT base
Authors: Xiao Jing , Boschma Ron
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate how a regional knowledge base of information and communication technologies (ICTs) influences the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in European regions. Relying on patent data and studying the knowledge production of AI technologies in 233 European regions in the period from 1994 to 2017, our study reveals three results. First, ICTs are a major knowledge source of AI technologies, and their importance has been increasing over time. Second, a regional knowledge base of ICTs is highly relevant for regions to engage in AI inventing. Third, the effects of a regional knowledge base of ICTs are stronger for regions that have recently caught up regarding AI inventing. Our findings suggest that ICTs play a critically enabling role for regions to diversify into AI technologies, especially for regions’ catching up in terms of AI inventing.
Cut Locus on Compact Manifolds and Uniform Semiconcavity Estimates for a Variational Inequality
Authors: Générau François , Oudet Édouard , Velichkov Bozhidar
Published: October 2022

We study a family of gradient obstacle problems on a compact Riemannian manifold. We prove that the solutions of these free boundary problems are uniformly semiconcave and, as a consequence, we obtain some fine convergence results for the solutions and their free boundaries. More precisely, we show that the elastic and the $$\lambda $$
λ
-elastic sets of the solutions Hausdorff converge to the cut locus and the $$\lambda $$
λ
-cut locus of the manifold.
Stochastic Port-Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Cordoni Francesco , Di Persio Luca , Muradore Riccardo
Published: October 2022

In the present work we formally extend the theory of port-Hamiltonian systems to include random perturbations. In particular, suitably choosing the space of flow and effort variables we will show how several elements coming from possibly different physical domains can be interconnected in order to describe a dynamic system perturbed by general continuous semimartingale. Relevant enough, the noise does not enter into the system solely as an external random perturbation, since each port is itself intrinsically stochastic. Coherently to the classical deterministic setting, we will show how such an approach extends existing literature of stochastic Hamiltonian systems on pseudo-Poisson and pre-symplectic manifolds. Moreover, we will prove that a power-preserving interconnection of stochastic port-Hamiltonian systems is a stochastic port-Hamiltonian system as well.
The iliac stemmed cup in reconstruction of the acetabular defects secondary to tumor resection: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Zoccali Carmine , Giannicola Giuseppe , Zoccali Giovanni , Checcucci Elisa , Scotto di Uccio Alessandra , Attala Dario , Villani Ciro
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Stemmed acetabular cups are suitable for reconstruction in case of important bone loss. Nevertheless, their use is not so common, because generally judged very invasive and technically difficult to implant. The aim of the present review is to verify the results of their use and to evaluate indications and complications.

Materials and methods

Literature research was performed in the main healthcare databases; indications, surgical technique, related complications, functional results and implant survival were valued and analyzed for every selected paper.

Results

13 studies were selected, for a population of 424 patients and 428 hips. The main indication was reconstruction after tumor removal; the primary non-oncologic indication was revision for aseptic loosening. The most frequent complications were aseptic loosening and implant failure (16.2%), followed by deep infection (11.3%) and dislocation (9.8%). The average MSTS score was 65.9%; while data regarding functional results for degenerative cases are quite fragmented. The 5-years implant survival was 73.6%.

Conclusions

Data regarding SAC prostheses are quite rare in the literature; no prospective studies with comparisons with other reconstruction techniques are available so their use is mainly based on the experience of single centers. While data for tumors are more consistent and supported by studies, information on revisions of hip prosthesis implanted for degenerative problems is quite scarce. Preliminary results on the SAC prosthesis as a valid alternative both for tumoral and degenerative revision cases are encouraging. Prospective randomized studies are advocated to value results compared to alternative techniques.
Laparoscopic surgery in 3D improves results and surgeon convenience in sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity
Authors: Martínez-Ubieto Fernando , Aragón-Benedí Cristian , Barranco-Dominguez Ignacio , Tardós-Ascaso Lucía , Jiménez-Bernadó Teresa , Pascual-Bellosta Ana , Ramírez-Rodriguez José Manuel , Martínez-Ubieto Javier ,   Research Group in Anesthesia, Resuscitation, Perioperative Medicine of Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Ortega-Lucea Sonia , Gil-Bona Jesús , Muñoz-Rodríguez Luis Alfonso , Pérez-Navarro Guillermo , Quesada-Gimeno Natividad , Perez-Otal Berta , Heredia-Coca Carmen , Ojeda-Cabrera Jorge Luis
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Advanced laparoscopic procedures are still challenging. One critical issue is the lack of stereoscopic vision. The aim of this surgical study is to evaluate whether 3D vision offers any advantages for surgical performance over 2D vision during sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity using a laparoscopic system that allows changing between 2D and 3D optics.

Methods

A total of 78 patients were analyzed, with 37 in the 2D group and 41 in the 3D group. Performance time, hospital stay, complications, and early outcomes were collected. To assess the quality of the 2D and 3D techniques, visual analog scales from 0 to 10 were designed, and image quality, depth of field, precision in performing tasks, and general ergonomics were measured.

Results

According to the vision system used, the mean duration of surgery was 85 ± 16.8 min for patients operated on with the 2D system and 69 ± 16.9 min for those operated on with the 3D system. There were no significant differences between the overall percentages of complications according to the type of vision used. However, postoperative complications were more severe in the 2D laparoscopy group. The average length of stay was shorter for patients in the 3D group. Regarding the differences perceived by the surgeon, the depth of field and the precision of tasks were better in the 3D vision group.

Conclusion

The 3D system provided greater depth perception and precision in more complex tasks, enabling safer surgery. This led to a reduction in the operative time and hospital stay. Moreover, the severity of complications was less.
Time reproduction, bisection and doubling: a novel paradigm to investigate the effect of the internal clock on time estimation
Authors: Momi Davide , Prete Giulia , Di Crosta Adolfo , La Malva Pasquale , Palumbo Rocco , Ceccato Irene , Bartolini Emanuela , Palumbo Riccardo , Mammarella Nicola , Fasolo Mirco , Di Domenico Alberto
Published: October 2022

Time perception is not always veridical, but it can be modulated by changes in internal and external context. The most-acknowledged theory in this regard hypothesises the existence of an internal clock allowing us to subjectively estimate time intervals. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible effect of such an internal clock, measured as the ability to reproduce a target duration, in the mental manipulation of time: 63 healthy participants were asked to Bisect and to Double reference time intervals, besides Reproducing them. Moreover, to investigate whether time processing might be predicted by individual differences, handedness, anxiety, and personality traits were also assessed by means of standardized questionnaires. Results show that participants correctly Reproduce time intervals (internal clock), but they overestimate time intervals during Bisection and underestimate them during Doubling. We explain this unexpected pattern of results as a kind of aftereffect, due to the short-term retention (adaptation) to the subjective representation of shorter (Bisection) vs longer (Doubling) intervals, respectively. Moreover, hierarchic regression models reveal that some personality traits can predict Bisection accuracy, but they clearly show that the best predictor for both Bisection and Doubling is the accuracy in Reproducing time intervals, confirming the fundamental role of the internal clock in time estimation. We conclude that time estimation is a unique skill, mostly independent from inter-individual differences, and the new paradigms introduced here (bisection vs doubling) reveal that the correct functioning of the internal clock also explains the ability to mentally manipulate the time.
A CT-based radiomics nomogram for the differentiation of pulmonary cystic echinococcosis from pulmonary abscess
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Yaohui , Liu Qian , Qi Haicheng , Li Shan , Xin Juan , Xing Yan
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to establish a clinical prediction model for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary cystic echinococcosis (CE) and pulmonary abscess according to computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics signatures and clinical indicators. This is a retrospective single-centre study. A total of 117 patients, including 53 with pulmonary CE and 64 with pulmonary abscess, were included in our study and were randomly divided into a training set (n = 95) and validation set (n = 22). Radiomics features were extracted from CT images, a radiomics signature was constructed, and clinical indicators were evaluated to establish a clinical prediction model. Finally, a model combining imaging radiomics features and clinical indicators was constructed. The performance of the nomogram, radiomics signature and clinical prediction model was evaluated and validated with the training and test datasets, and then the three models were compared. The radiomics signature of this study was established by 25 features, and the radiomics nomogram was constructed by using clinical factors and the radiomics signature. Finally, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) for the training set and test set were 0.970 and 0.983, respectively. Decision curve analysis showed that the radiologic nomogram was better than the clinical prediction model and individual radiologic characteristic model in differentiating pulmonary CE from pulmonary abscess. The radiological nomogram and models based on clinical factors and individual radiomics features can distinguish pulmonary CE from pulmonary abscess and will be of great help to clinical diagnoses in the future.
Size-selective mortality fosters ontogenetic changes in collective risk-taking behaviour in zebrafish, Danio rerio
Authors: Roy Tamal , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: October 2022

Size-selective mortality is common in fish populations and can operate either in a positive size-selective fashion by harvesting larger-than-average fish or be negatively size-selective by harvesting smaller-than-average fish. Through various mechanisms (like genetic correlations among behaviour and life-history traits or direct selection on behaviour co-varying with growth rate or size-at-maturation), size-selection can result in evolutionary changes in behavioural traits. Theory suggests that both positive and negative size-selection without additional selection on behaviour favours boldness, while evolution of shyness is possible if the largest fish are harvested. Here we examined the impact of size-selective mortality on collective boldness across ontogeny using three experimental lines of zebrafish (Daniorerio) generated through positive (large-harvested), negative (small-harvested) and random (control line) size-selective mortality for five generations and then relaxed selection for 10 generations to examine evolutionarily fixed outcomes. We measured collective risk-taking during feeding (boldness) under simulated aerial predation threat, and across four contexts in presence/absence of a cichlid. Boldness decreased across ontogeny under aerial predation threat, and the small-harvested line was consistently bolder than controls. The large and small-harvested lines showed higher behavioural plasticity as larvae and developed personality earlier compared to the controls. The large-harvested line showed increased variability and plasticity in boldness throughout ontogeny. In the presence of a live predator, fish did not differ in boldness in three contexts compared to the controls, but the large-harvested line showed reduced behavioural plasticity across contexts than controls. Our results confirmed theory by demonstrating that size-selective harvesting evolutionarily alters collective boldness and its variability and plasticity.
Empirical validation of ELM trained neural networks for financial modelling
Authors: Novykov Volodymyr , Bilson Christopher , Gepp Adrian , Harris Geoff , Vanstone Bruce James
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this work is to compare predictive performance of neural networks trained using the relatively novel technique of training single hidden layer feedforward neural networks (SFNN), called Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), with commonly used backpropagation-trained recurrent neural networks (RNN) as applied to the task of financial market prediction. Evaluated on a set of large capitalisation stocks on the Australian market, specifically the components of the ASX20, ELM-trained SFNNs showed superior performance over RNNs for individual stock price prediction. While this conclusion of efficacy holds generally, long short-term memory (LSTM) RNNs were found to outperform for a small subset of stocks. Subsequent analysis identified several areas of performance deviations which we highlight as potentially fruitful areas for further research and performance improvement.
Enhanced hybrid multi-objective workflow scheduling approach based artificial bee colony in cloud computing
Authors: Zeedan Maha , Attiya Gamal , El-Fishawy Nawal
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a hybrid approach based Binary Artificial Bee Colony (BABC) and Pareto Dominance strategy for scheduling workflow applications considering different Quality of Services (QoS) requirements in cloud computing. The main purpose is to schedule a given application onto the available machines in the cloud environment with minimum makespan (i.e. schedule length) and processing cost while maximizing resource utilization without violating Service Level Agreement (SLA) among users and cloud providers. The proposed approach is called Enhanced Binary Artificial Bee Colony based Pareto Front (EBABC-PF). Our proposed approach starts by listing the tasks according to priority defined by Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time (HEFT) algorithm, then gets an initial solution by applying Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure (GRASP) and finally schedules tasks onto machines by applying Enhanced Binary Artificial Bee Colony (BABC). Further, several modifications are considered with BABC to improve the local searching process by applying circular shift operator then mutation operator on the food sources of the population considering the improvement rate. The proposed approach is simulated and implemented in the WorkflowSim which extends the existing CloudSim tool. The performance of the proposed approach is compared with Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time (HEFT) algorithm, Deadline Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time (DHEFT), Non-dominated Sort Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and standard Binary Artificial Bee Colony (BABC) algorithm using different sizes of tasks and various benchmark workflows. The results clearly demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach in terms of makespan, processing cost and resources utilization.
Fairness in graph-based semi-supervised learning
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhu Tianqing , Han Mengde , Chen Fengwen , Li Jing , Zhou Wanlei , Yu Philip S
Published: October 2022

Machine learning is widely deployed in society, unleashing its power in a wide range of applications owing to the advent of big data. One emerging problem faced by machine learning is the discrimination from data, and such discrimination is reflected in the eventual decisions made by the algorithms. Recent study has proved that increasing the size of training (labeled) data will promote the fairness criteria with model performance being maintained. In this work, we aim to explore a more general case where quantities of unlabeled data are provided, indeed leading to a new form of learning paradigm, namely fair semi-supervised learning. Taking the popularity of graph-based approaches in semi-supervised learning, we study this problem both on conventional label propagation method and graph neural networks, where various fairness criteria can be flexibly integrated. Our developed algorithms are proved to be non-trivial extensions to the existing supervised models with fairness constraints. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets exhibit that our methods achieve a better trade-off between classification accuracy and fairness than the compared baselines.
A machine and deep learning analysis among SonarQube rules, product, and process metrics for fault prediction
Authors: Lomio Francesco , Moreschini Sergio , Lenarduzzi Valentina
Published: October 2022

Background

Developers spend more time fixing bugs refactoring the code to increase the maintainability than developing new features. Researchers investigated the code quality impact on fault-proneness, focusing on code smells and code metrics.

Objective

We aim at advancing fault-inducing commit prediction using different variables, such as SonarQube rules, product, process metrics, and adopting different techniques.

Method

We designed and conducted an empirical study among 29 Java projects analyzed with SonarQube and SZZ algorithm to identify fault-inducing and fault-fixing commits, computing different product and process metrics. Moreover, we investigated fault-proneness using different Machine and Deep Learning models.

Results

We analyzed 58,125 commits containing 33,865 faults and infected by more than 174 SonarQube rules violated 1.8M times, on which 48 software product and process metrics were calculated. Results clearly identified a set of features that provided a highly accurate fault prediction (more than 95% AUC). Regarding the performance of the classifiers, Deep Learning provided a higher accuracy compared with Machine Learning models.

Conclusion

Future works might investigate whether other static analysis tools, such as FindBugs or Checkstyle, can provide similar or different results. Moreover, researchers might consider the adoption of time series analysis and anomaly detection techniques.
Static test flakiness prediction: How Far Can We Go?
Authors: Pontillo Valeria , Palomba Fabio , Ferrucci Filomena
Published: October 2022

Test flakiness is a phenomenon occurring when a test case is non-deterministic and exhibits both a passing and failing behavior when run against the same code. Over the last years, the problem has been closely investigated by researchers and practitioners, who all have shown its relevance in practice. The software engineering research community has been working toward defining approaches for detecting and addressing test flakiness. Despite being quite accurate, most of these approaches rely on expensive dynamic steps, e.g., the computation of code coverage information. Consequently, they might suffer from scalability issues that possibly preclude their practical use. This limitation has been recently targeted through machine learning solutions that could predict the flakiness of tests using various features, like source code vocabulary or a mixture of static and dynamic metrics computed on individual snapshots of the system. In this paper, we aim to perform a step forward and predict test flakiness only using static metrics. We propose a large-scale experiment on 70 Java projects coming from the iDFlakies and FlakeFlagger datasets. First, we statistically assess the differences between flaky and non-flaky tests in terms of 25 test and production code metrics and smells, analyzing both their individual and combined effects. Based on the results achieved, we experiment with a machine learning approach that predicts test flakiness solely based on static features, comparing it with two state-of-the-art approaches. The key results of the study show that the static approach has performance comparable to those of the baselines. In addition, we found that the characteristics of the production code might impact the performance of the flaky test prediction models.
The CUBES science case
Authors: Evans Chris , Cristiani Stefano , Opitom Cyrielle , Cescutti Gabriele , D’Odorico Valentina , Alcalá Juan Manuel , Alencar Silvia H. P. , Balashev Sergei , Barbuy Beatriz , Bastian Nate , Battino Umberto , Cambianica Pamela , Carini Roberta , Carter Brad , Cassisi Santi , Vaz Castilho Bruno , Christlieb Norbert , Cooke Ryan , Covino Stefano , Cremonese Gabriele , Cunha Katia , da Silva André R. , D’Elia Valerio , De Cia Annalisa , De Silva Gayandhi , Diaz Marcos , Di Marcantonio Paolo , Ernandes Heitor , Fitzsimmons Alan , Franchini Mariagrazia , Gänsicke Boris T. , Genoni Matteo , Giribaldi Riano E. , Grazian Andrea , Hansen Camilla Juul , La Forgia Fiorangela , Lazzarin Monica , Marcolino Wagner , Marconi Marcella , Migliorini Alessandra , Noterdaeme Pasquier , Pereira Claudio , Pilecki Bogumil , Quirrenbach Andreas , Randich Sofia , Rossi Silvia , Smiljanic Rodolfo , Snodgrass Colin , Stürmer Julian , Trost Andrea , Vanzella Eros , Ventura Paolo , Wright Duncan , Zafar Tayyaba
Published: October 2022

We introduce the scientific motivations for the development of the Cassegrain U-Band Efficient Spectrograph (CUBES) that is now in construction for the Very Large Telescope. The assembled cases span a broad range of contemporary topics across Solar System, Galactic and extragalactic astronomy, where observations are limited by the performance of current ground-based spectrographs shortwards of 400 nm. A brief background to each case is presented and specific technical requirements on the instrument design that flow-down from each case are identified. These were used as inputs to the CUBES design, that will provide a factor of ten gain in efficiency for astronomical spectroscopy over 300-405 nm, at resolving powers of $$R~\sim$$

R

∼

24,000 and $$\sim$$
∼
7,000. We include performance estimates that demonstrate the ability of CUBES to observe sources that are up to three magnitudes fainter than currently possible at ground-ultraviolet wavelengths, and we place its predicted performance in the context of existing facillities.
Exploring the Links Between Parental Attachment Style, Child Temperament and Parent-Child Relationship Quality During Adolescence
Authors: Walsh Geraldine , Zadurian Natalie
Published: October 2022

Linked with a myriad of developmental outcomes, the parent-child relationship serves an important function, and it is therefore important that determinants of this relationship are elucidated so that optimal outcomes can be promoted. This study investigated links between parental attachment style and child temperament in the prediction of parent-child relationship quality during early adolescence. One hundred parents of 12–15-year-olds completed an online survey. Findings indicated that when examining parent attachment style alone, attachment-related anxiety but not avoidance predicted parent-child relationship quality. When examining child temperament alone, negative affect and affiliation predicted parent-child relationship quality. When examining both parental attachment style and child temperament in the same model, child temperament was uniquely predictive of the parent-child relationship quality. No moderation effects were detected. More precise models and expanded measures of parental attachment style, child temperament and parent-child relationship quality are recommended to fully capture the transactional and dynamic nature of the parent-child relationship.
Composite Nanoarchitectonics of Magnetic Silicon Dioxide-Modified Chitosan for Doxorubicin Delivery and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay
Authors: Nassar Mostafa Y. , El-Salhy Hamed I. , El-Shiwiny W. H. , Abdelaziz Gamal , El-Shiekh R.
Published: October 2022

Developing drug delivery carriers for highly selective, controlled, and sustained release of the anti-cancer drugs is one of the crucial issues in the cancer strive. We herein report the synthesis of Fe3O4 (M) and SiO2 (S) nanoparticles and their nanocomposites with chitosan (CS) for high loading efficiency and subsequent release potentiality of Doxorubicin (DOX) anticancer drug. The as-synthesized nanostructures were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and thermal analysis techniques. The average crystallite sizes of the as-prepared M, S, CS/M, CS/S, and CS/M/S nanostructures were found to be 5, 15, 70, 22, and 29 nm, respectively. The loading and cumulative release of Doxorubicin for the produced nanostructures were examined, and the results exhibited loading efficacy of 71%, 95%, 96%, 79%, 17%, and 42% for M, S, CS, CS/M, CS/S, and CS/M/S nanostructures, respectively. The Doxorubicin releasing results revealed a promising cumulative release percentages at pH 4.2 and pH 5 compared with those at pH 7.4. At pH 4.2, the cumulative release percentages for DOX-M, DOX-S, DOX-CS, DOX/M, and DOX/CS/M/S were 94%, 96%, 92%, 95%, and 98%, respectively. While the corresponding percentages at pH 5 were 97%, 90%, 46%, 43%, and 70%. The percentage for DOX-CS/S was 60% at pH 5, though. The in-vitro cytotoxicity of M-DOX, CS-DOX, and M/CS-DOX was explored against two human cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and Hep-G2) using SRB (Sulforhodamine B) assay. The DOX-loaded M/CS exhibited the highest cytotoxicity and its IC50 values were 2.65 and 2.25 μg/mL against Hep-G2 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively, compared to the corresponding values of 5.1 and 4.5 μg/mL for free DOX. The results indicated that M/CS nanocomposite is a good candidate as drug delivery nano-carrier for the Doxorubicin anti-cancer drug.