bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leucine-Responsive Regulatory Protein in Acetic Acid Bacteria Is Stable and Functions at a Wide Range of Intracellular pH Levels
Authors: Ishii Yuri , Shige Yuki , Akasaka Naoki , Trinugraha Afi Candra , Higashikubo Haruka , Fukuda Wakao , Fujiwara Shinsuke
Published: July 2021

Lrp is a highly conserved transcriptional regulator found in bacteria and archaea and regulates transcriptions of various genes. The intracellular pH of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) changes accompanied by acetic acid production during cell growth.
Poor Competitiveness of
Bradyrhizobium
in Pigeon Pea Root Colonization in Indian Soils
Authors: Chalasani Danteswari , Basu Anirban , Pullabhotla Sarma V. S. R. N. , Jorrin Beatriz , Neal Andrew L. , Poole Philip S. , Podile Appa Rao , Tkacz Andrzej
Published: July 2021

Plant symbiosis with N
2
-fixing bacteria is key to sustainable, low-input agriculture. While there are ongoing projects aiming to increase yield of cereals using plant genetics and host-microbiota interaction engineering, the biggest potential lies in legume plants.
Replicative Fitness of a SARS-CoV-2 20I/501Y.V1 Variant from Lineage B.1.1.7 in Human Reconstituted Bronchial Epithelium
Authors: Touret Franck , Luciani Léa , Baronti Cécile , Cochin Maxime , Driouich Jean-Sélim , Gilles Magali , Thirion Laurence , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: July 2021

The emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 variants raised numerous questions concerning the future course of the pandemic. We are currently observing a replacement of the circulating viruses by the variant from the United Kingdom known as 20I/501Y.V1, from the B.1.1.7 lineage, but there is little biological evidence that this new variant exhibits a different phenotype.
An Open-Source Toolkit To Expand Bioinformatics Training in Infectious Diseases
Authors: Berry Alexander S. F. , Farias Amorim Camila , Berry Corbett L. , Syrett Camille M. , English Elise D. , Beiting Daniel P.
Published: July 2021

As access to high-throughput sequencing technology has increased, the bottleneck in biomedical research has shifted from data generation to data analysis. Here, we describe a modular and extensible framework for didactic instruction in bioinformatics using publicly available RNA sequencing data sets from infectious disease studies, with a focus on host-parasite interactions.
Combined structure–function analysis in glaucoma screening
Authors: Karvonen Elina , Stoor Katri , Luodonpää Marja , Hägg Pasi , Leiviskä Ilmari , Liinamaa Johanna , Tuulonen Anja , Saarela Ville
Published: July 2021

Aim

To assess the applicability of a structure–function (S-F) analysis combining spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and standard automated perimetry (SAP) in glaucoma screening in a middle-aged population.

Methods

A randomised sample of 3001 Caucasian participants aged 45–49 years of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Eye Study was examined. We performed an eye examination, including 24–2 SAP, optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) photography and SD-OCT of the peripapillary RNFL. The S-F report was generated by Forum Glaucoma Workplace software. OCT, SAP and the S-F analysis were evaluated against clinical glaucoma diagnosis, that is, the positive ‘2 out of 3’ rule based on the clinician’s evaluation of ONH and RNFL photographs and visual fields (VFs).

Results

At a specificity of 97.5%, the sensitivity for glaucomatous damage was 26% for abnormal OCT, 35% for SAP and 44% for S-F analysis. Estimated areas under the curve were 0.74, 0.85 and 0.76, and the corresponding positive predictive values were 8 %, 10% and 12%, respectively. By applying a classification tree approach combining OCT, SAP and defect localisation data, a sensitivity of 77% was achieved at 90% specificity. In a localisation analysis of glaucomatous structural and functional defects, the correlation with glaucoma increased significantly if the abnormal VF test points were located on borderline or abnormal OCT zones.

Conclusion

SAP performs slightly better than OCT in glaucoma screening of middle-aged population. However, the diagnostic capability can be improved by S-F analysis.
Reflections of methodological and ethical challenges in conducting research during COVID-19 involving resettled refugee youth in Canada
Authors: Salam Zoha , Nouvet Elysee , Schwartz Lisa
Published: July 2021

Research involving migrant youth involves navigating and negotiating complex challenges in order to uphold their rights and dignity, but also all while maintaining scientific rigour. COVID-19 has changed the global landscape within many domains and has increasingly highlighted inequities that exist. With restrictions focusing on maintaining physical distancing set in place to curb the spread of the virus, conducting in-person research becomes complicated. This article reflects on the ethical and methodological challenges encountered when conducting qualitative research during the pandemic with Syrian migrant youth who are resettled in Canada. The three areas discussed from the study are recruitment, informed consent and managing the interviews. Special attention to culture as being part of the study’s methodology as an active reflexive process is also highlighted. The goal of this article is to contribute to the growing understanding of complexities of conducting research during COVID-19 with populations which have layered vulnerabilities, such as migrant youth. This article hopes that the reflections may help future researchers in conducting their research during this pandemic by being cognizant of both the ethical and methodological challenges discussed.
Angular correlations in pA collisions from CGC: multiplicity and mean transverse momentum dependence of $$v_2$$
Authors: Altinoluk Tolga , Armesto Néstor , Kovner Alex , Lublinsky Michael , Skokov Vladimir V.
Published: July 2021

Within the dense-dilute Color Glass Condensate approach, and using the Golec–Biernat–Wuesthoff model for the dipole scattering amplitude, we calculate $$v_2^2$$

v
2
2

as well as the correlations between $$v_2^2$$

v
2
2

and both the total multiplicity and the mean transverse momentum of produced particles. We find that the correlations are generally very small consistent with the observations. We note an interesting sharp change in the value of $$v^2_2$$

v
2
2

as well as of its correlations as a function of the width of the transverse momentum bin. This crossover is associated with the change from Bose enhancement dominance of the correlation for narrow bin to HBT dominated correlations for larger bin width.
New class of exact solutions to Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton theory on four-dimensional Bianchi type IX geometry
Authors: Fahim Bardia H. , Ghezelbash Masoud
Published: July 2021

We construct new classes of cosmological solution to the five dimensional Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton theory, that are non-stationary and almost conformally regular everywhere. The base geometry for the solutions is the four-dimensional Bianchi type IX geometry. In the theory, the dilaton field is coupled to the electromagnetic field and the cosmological constant term, with two different coupling constants. We consider all possible solutions with different values of the coupling constants, where the cosmological constant takes any positive, negative or zero values. In the ansatzes for the metric, dilaton and electromagnetic fields, we consider dependence on time and two spatial directions. We also consider a special case of the Bianchi type IX geometry, in which the geometry reduces to that of Eguchi–Hanson type II geometry and find a more general solution to the theory.
State-space models reveal bursty movement behaviour of dance event visitors
Authors: Rutten Philip , Lees Michael H. , Klous Sander , Sloot Peter M. A.
Published: July 2021

Pedestrian movements during large crowded events naturally consist of different modes of movement behaviour. Despite its importance for understanding crowd dynamics, intermittent movement behaviour is an aspect missing in the existing crowd behaviour literature. Here we analyse movement data generated from nearly 600 Wi-Fi sensors during large entertainment events in the Johan Cruijff ArenA football stadium in Amsterdam. We use the state-space modeling framework to investigate intermittent motion patterns. Movement models from the field of movement ecology are used to analyse individual pedestrian movement. Joint estimation of multiple movement tracks allows us to investigate statistical properties of measured movement metrics. We show that behavioural switching is not independent of external events, and the probability of being in one of the behavioural states changes over time. In addition, we show that the distribution of waiting times deviates from the exponential and is best fit by a heavy-tailed distribution. The heavy-tailed waiting times are indicative of bursty movement dynamics, which are here for the first time shown to characterise pedestrian movements in dense crowds. Bursty crowd behaviour has important implications for various diffusion-related processes, such as the spreading of infectious diseases.
Planar generalized electrodynamics for one-loop amplitude in the Heisenberg picture
Authors: Montenegro David , Pimentel B. M.
Published: July 2021

We examine the generalized quantum electrodynamics as a natural extension of the Maxwell electrodynamics to cure the one-loop divergence. We establish a precise scenario to discuss the underlying features between photon and fermion where the perturbative Maxwell electrodynamics fails. Our quantum model combines stability, unitarity, and gauge invariance as the central properties. To interpret the quantum fluctuations without suffering from the physical conflicts proved by Haag’s theorem, we construct the covariant quantization in the Heisenberg picture instead of the Interaction one. Furthermore, we discuss the absence of anomalous magnetic moment and mass-shell singularity.
Multiple rogue and soliton wave solutions to the generalized Konopelchenko–Dubrovsky–Kaup–Kupershmidt equation arising in fluid mechanics and plasma physics
Authors: Ilhan Onur Alp , Abdulazeez Sadiq Taha , Manafian Jalil , Azizi Hooshmand , Zeynalli Subhiya M.
Published: July 2021

Under investigation in this paper is the generalized Konopelchenko–Dubrovsky–Kaup-Kupershmidt equation. Based on bilinear method, the multiple rogue wave (RW) solutions and the novel multiple soliton solutions are constructed by giving some specific activation functions for the considered model. By means of symbolic computation, these analytical solutions and corresponding rogue wave solutions are obtained via Maple 18 software. The exact lump and RW solutions, by solving the under-determined nonlinear system of algebraic equations for the specified parameters, will be constructed. Via various three-dimensional plots and density plots, dynamical characteristics of these waves are exhibited.
Finite groups with n-embedded subgroups
Authors: Guo Qinghong , He Xuanli , Huang Muhong
Published: July 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group. How minimal subgroups can be embedded in [Formula: see text] is a question of particular interest in studying the structure of [Formula: see text]. A subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is called [Formula: see text]-permutable in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] for all Sylow subgroups [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. A subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is called [Formula: see text]-embedded in [Formula: see text] if there exists a normal subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the subgroup of [Formula: see text] generated by all those subgroups of [Formula: see text] which are [Formula: see text]-permutable in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we investigate the structure of the finite group [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]-embedded subgroups.
From the Higgs–Boson to Molecular Radiology
Authors: Butler Anthony ,   The MARS Collaboration
Published: July 2021

This paper delves into the history of MARS photon-counting CT and its technology origins in particle physics at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). The story begins at CERN, a world-class facility for research into fundamental physics. In the 1960s, charged particle experiments at CERN involved the slow and labor-intensive work of examining millions of photographs from bubble or spark chambers. In the 1970s, semiconductor detector technology changed nuclear and particle physics, and the world at large. As its name implies, semiconductor material conducts current, but this current can be modified, especially by a quantum of light or other radiation. During the development of semiconductor detector technology, the potential benefit of detecting X-ray photons became evident, leading to the development of the Medipix family of imaging devices in the 1990s. In the early 2000s, researchers from New Zealand took the Medipix detector and began to research and develop spectral molecular imaging for the clinic. Their work produced the MARS photon-counting CT, which promises to significantly advance current CT, develop a new standard of care, and improve health outcomes for millions of patients world-wide. Taking MARS to the clinic will be discussed, including investigation of potential clinical applications and the future direction of MARS technology.
Matrix model: Emergence of a quantum number in the strong coupling regime
Authors: Fan Castaly , Zamick Larry
Published: July 2021

We continue here to study simple matrix models of quantum mechanical Hamiltonians. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions were associated energy levels and wave functions. Whereas previously, we considered the weak coupling limits of our models, we here address the more difficult strong coupling limits. We find that the wave functions fall into two classes and we can assign a quantum number to distinguish them. Implications for transition rates are also discussed.
Sparse phase retrieval via ℓp (0 < p ≤ 1) minimization
Authors: Cao Manxia , Huang Wei
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the [Formula: see text]-analysis model for the phase retrieval problem of sparse unknown signals in the redundant dictionary is extended to the [Formula: see text]-analysis model, where [Formula: see text]. It’s shown that if the measurement matrix [Formula: see text] satisfies the strong restricted isometry property adapted to D (S-DRIP) condition, the unknown signal [Formula: see text] can be stably recovered by analyzing the [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] minimization model.
Asymmetricallymeso-substituted porphyrin derivative containing the triazole group: Synthesis, characterization and photo-physicochemical properties
Authors: Harmandar Kevser , Tunç Gülenay , Küçük Tuğba , Gürek Ayşe Gül , Atilla Devrim
Published: July 2021

In this study, a novel asymmetrically meso-substituted AB3porphyrins derivative including one triazole group to enhance the anticancer activity of the molecule and three bromophenyl groups to improve photochemical properties has been synthesized and characterized. Our objectives were to generate a system with triazole and bromophenyl groups that enhance the singlet oxygen generation and exhibits an anti-cancer effect. Therefore, photophysical and photochemical properties of this asymmetric porphyrin derivative (AB[Formula: see text] and the symmetric derivative (B[Formula: see text] were investigated in THF. The substituent effect on fluorescence quantum yield and singlet oxygen generation was evaluated for efficiency in photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a photosensitizer. The molecules exhibited no aggregation tendency, solubility in common organic solvents and high singlet oxygen quantum yield in THF therefore these favorable properties make them good candidates as a photosensitizer for PDT.
The Impact of Outliers on Regression Coefficients: A Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Wang Dongyi
Published: July 2021

Empirical research analyzes real-life data that often do not conform to a normal distribution with statistical tools such as linear regressions that require the assumption of normality. The lack of conformity to a known statistical distribution requires researchers to handle outliers properly. Accounting studies typically treat outliers with a “delete-and-forget” approach, which assumes that extreme values are erroneous and results remain insensitive to the deletion of a small number of observations. Results in this study refute these assumptions by showing that the ambiguity in handling outliers and variable selection motivates researchers to explore various analytic alternatives, which in turn produce unstable regression coefficients and heightened false-positive rates.
A Rigorous Proof of Fundamental Theorem of Uncertain Calculus
Authors: Ye Tingqing
Published: July 2021

This paper revises the definition of the general Liu process via requiring its drift and diffusion to be sample-continuous. Then it is verified that almost all sample paths of the general Liu process are locally Lipschitz continuous. At last, a rigorous proof of fundamental theorem of uncertain calculus is given.
Gate-All-Around GaN Nanowire FET as a Potential Transistor at 5 nm Technology for Low-Power Low-Voltage Applications
Authors: Thakur Rajiv Ranjan , Chaturvedi Nidhi
Published: July 2021

In this paper, design and parameter optimization for the performance analysis of a Gate-All-Around GaN Nanowire Field Effect Transistor (GAA GaN NWFET) has been carried out based on the various quantum ballistic simulation models. The simulation results show a novel way to change the device mode of operation from Depletion-mode (D-Mode) to Enhancement mode (E-Mode) and vice-versa by varying the thickness of the nanowire channel ([Formula: see text], which has not been reported yet to the best of our knowledge. Also, the paper reveals novel approaches (i) threshold voltage ([Formula: see text] tuning using metal contact length ([Formula: see text], (ii) threshold voltage ([Formula: see text] tuning using metal electrode work functions ([Formula: see text] and (iii) threshold voltage ([Formula: see text] tuning using metal contact width ([Formula: see text]. The device has an [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio of 105, suppressed off-state leakage in the range of 10[Formula: see text]–10[Formula: see text]A. The simulation work has been carried out on a commercially available ATLAS device simulator from Silvaco.
Photocatalytic Activity of Ag@AgBr/Ag2CO3 Heterojunction Synthesized by in situ Reduction
Authors: Du Hanxiao , Ji Juan , Wang Luyi , Qin Chenwei , Zhang Ze , Li Fengfeng , Shen Yi
Published: July 2021

The poor stability of the silver-based semiconductor photocatalyst is an insurmountable problem. Coupling different proportions of AgBr and Ag2CO3 together by in situ reduction method produced a series of novel AgBr/Ag2CO3 composite photocatalysts, and was accompanied by the generation of Ag@AgBr/Ag2CO3 heterojunction. The effects of different ratios of AgBr and Ag2CO3 on the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation were studied by XRD, UV–Vis DRS, SEM, HRTEM, TEM and XPS characterization techniques. The best ratio and UV irradiation time were explored. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism of the photocatalyst was described. The Ag NPs formed on the surface of AgBr/Ag2CO3 may be one of the reasons for effectively improving the separation efficiency of electron–hole pairs (e[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text], accelerating dye degradation and improving photocatalytic stability.
Influence of Shape-Directing Agents on the Formation of Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Yuan Huanhuan , Liu Yunjie , Tong Ling , Wang Zhiwei
Published: July 2021

Understanding the role of shape-directing substances is crucial for the controllable preparation of anisotropic nanostructures through solution growths. Herein, we report a comparative investigation about the morphologies and structures of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) synthesized using two different capping agents (hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)) with/without the addition of iodide salts. The study manifests a synergistic effect of shape-directing agents on the growth pathways and shape formation. Depending on the specific use of surfactants/polymers, the iodide additives can promote the growth of prismatic anisotropic nanoparticles or lead to the shape evolution from irregular to quasi-spherical configurations.
Silver Nanocubes as a High-Performance Electrocatalyst for CO2 Reduction to CO
Authors: Zeng Li , Shi Jun , Chen Hanxin , Lin Chong
Published: July 2021

The mitigation of CO2 emission is an urgent issue to be addressed. CO2 electroreduction into carbon-neutral fuels renders an appealing strategy to settle the anthropogenic environmental problems. In this study, silver nanocubes with 43[Formula: see text]nm in length enclosed by {111} facet were synthesized for the CO2 electrocatalytic reduction to CO. The nanocubes exhibit excellent catalytic activity in regard to outstanding CO Faradaic efficiency with the maximum approximately 98% and eminent long-term stability. The enhanced catalytic activity may be attributed to stable low-index {111} facet of Ag nanocubes with low surface energy.
Gerald Edelman’s Steps Toward a Conscious Artifact
Authors: Krichmar Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2021

In 2006, during a meeting of a working group of scientists in La Jolla, California at The Neurosciences Institute (NSI), Gerald Edelman described a roadmap towards the creation of a Conscious Artifact. As far as I know, this roadmap was not published. However, it did shape my thinking and that of many others in the years since that meeting. This short paper, which is based on my notes taken during the meeting, describes the key steps in this roadmap. I believe it is as groundbreaking today as it was more than 15 years ago.
Transcrustal magmatic systems: evidence from andesites of the southern Taupo Volcanic Zone
Authors: Svoboda Christopher , Rooney Tyrone O. , Girard Guillaume , Deering Chad
Published: July 2021

Studies synthesizing field work, numerical simulations, petrology, geochemistry and geophysical observations indicate that the compositional diversity of arc lavas results from evolution of mantle-derived magmas by mixing, assimilation and fractional crystallization. This evolution occurs within complexes called transcrustal magmatic systems. The mafic lower parts of such zones, called hot zones, are difficult to probe. However, a satellite vent near the stratovolcano Ruapehu in the southern Taupo Volcanic Zone (New Zealand) comprises materials that may originate from a hot zone. Magnesian andesites (Mg#
60–65
) from the Ohakune scoria cone contain primitive olivine (Fo
85–91
), high-Mg# clinopyroxene (Mg#
81–88
) and orthopyroxene (Mg#
76–83
), but lack plagioclase. Disequilibrium of Ohakune crystals and groundmass suggests that the crystal cargo of Ohakune andesites was scavenged from deeper and more primitive levels of the magmatic system. Mineral constraints on temperature and pressure indicate that the hot zone initially formed at mid- to lower-crustal pressures (3.5–7.0 ± 2.8 kbar). We interpret the mafic mineralogy and presence of disequilibrium features as evidence that these andesites and their crystal cargo are products of a hot zone in the middle to lower crust. Products of the hot zone may appear before products of the systems that form the bases of mature stratovolcanoes such as Ruapehu.

Supplementary material:
Details of petrography, geochemical and arc olivine data, and MELTS modelling data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5494984
Diamondiferous lamproites of Ingashi field, Siberian craton
Authors: Kostrovitsky Sergey I. , Yakovlev Dmitry A. , Sharygin Igor S. , Gladkochub Dmitry P. , Donskaya Tatyana V. , Tretiakova Irina G. , Dymshits Anna M. , Sekerin Alexander P. , Malkovets Vladimir G.
Published: July 2021

Ingashi lamproite dykes are the only known primary sources of diamond in the Irkutsk district (Russia) and the only non-kimberlitic one in the Siberian craton. The Ingashi lamproite field is situated in the Urik-Iya graben within the Prisayan uplift of the Siberian craton. The phlogopite-olivine lamproites contain olivine, talc, phlogopite, serpentine, chlorite, olivine, garnet, chromite, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene as well as Sr-F-apatite, monazite, zircon, armolcolite, priderite, potassium Mg-arfvedsonite, Mn-ilmenite, Nb-rutile and diamond. The only ultramafic lamprophyre dyke is composed mainly of serpentinized olivine and phlogopite in the talc-carbonate groundmass and is similar to Ingashi lamproites accessory assemblage with the same major element compositions. Trace element and Sr-Nd isotopic relationships of the Ingashi lamproites are similar to classic lamproites. Different dating methods have provided the ages of lamproites: 1481 Ma (Ar-Ar phlogopite), 1268 Ma (Rb-Sr whole rock) and 300 Ma (U-Pb zircon). Ingashi lamproite ages are controversial and require additional study. The calculated pressure of 3.5 GPa
max
for clinopyroxenes indicates that lamproite magma originated deeper than 100 km. A Cr-in-garnet barometer shows a 3.7–4.3 GPa
min
and derivation of Ingashi lamproites deeper than 120 km in depth. Based on the range of typical cratonic geotherms and the presence of diamonds, the Ingashi lamproite magma originated at a depth greater than 155 km.
Novel Approach to Handling Microfiber‐Rich Dye Effluent for Sustainable Water Conservation
Authors: Dharmaraj R. , Karthick Alagar , Arunvivek G. K. , Gopikumar S. , Mohanavel V. , Ravichandran M. , Bharani Murugesan
Published: July 2021

The replacement of substances that favor the manufacturing of utility blocks ingredients is unpredictable in modern research. The experimental approach structured for the present investigation considered partial substitution of the cement mantle of a concrete matrix with dried fly ash sediment powder. As exploring innovation in being treated, dye wastewater is used in place of precious potable water for preparing mix ratio. The experimental outcomes were strongly supported by a regression representation at a macrolevel analysis and a scanning electron microscopy analysis at a microstructural level. The correlation coefficient of the developed mathematical models exhibited a dependable correlation of more than 90%. This shows the reliability of the developed regression equation for base strength predictions. Accordingly, the eventual safer and optimal limit of proportioning such a foreign matter like the dried fly ash sediment powder usage is controlled, not exceeding 9% by weight of cement mantle. However, due to the infused sediment particles within the treated effluents, the potable water is 100% replaced without sacrificing the basic quality. The administration of this dye effluent in artificially constructed wetland methods is designed for sustainable water conservation.
[Retracted] Review on the Application of Metalearning in Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Ma Pengfei , Zhang Zunqian , Wang Jiahao , Zhang Wei , Liu Jiajia , Lu Qiyuan , Wang Ziqi
Published: July 2021

In recent years, artificial intelligence supported by big data has gradually become more dependent on deep reinforcement learning. However, the application of deep reinforcement learning in artificial intelligence is limited by prior knowledge and model selection, which further affects the efficiency and accuracy of prediction, and also fails to realize the learning ability of autonomous learning and prediction. Metalearning came into being because of this. Through learning the information metaknowledge, the ability to autonomously judge and select the appropriate model can be formed, and the parameters can be adjusted independently to achieve further optimization. It is a novel method to solve big data problems in the current neural network model, and it adapts to the development trend of artificial intelligence. This article first briefly introduces the research process and basic theory of metalearning and discusses the differences between metalearning and machine learning and the research direction of metalearning in big data. Then, four typical applications of metalearning in the field of artificial intelligence are summarized: few‐shot learning, robot learning, unsupervised learning, and intelligent medicine. Then, the challenges and solutions of metalearning are analyzed. Finally, a systematic summary of the full text is made, and the future development prospect of this field is assessed.
Location and Layout of Common Storage and Multichannel Common Distribution considering Time Windows
Authors: Hu Biqin , Yang Bin , Jiang Wei , Yang Zhe , Kemal Mohammed Abdella
Published: July 2021

In the process of logistic activities of common storage and common distribution, due to problems such as urban traffic congestion period, parking restriction, working time restriction, and road restriction time, people often agree on the arrival time for customer orders, so that the receiving and delivering parties can connect in time and speed up unloading and distribution. Therefore, considering the actual distribution operation, it is necessary to consider the location and layout of common storage and multichannel common distribution in time windows. This paper takes multichannel common storage and common distribution as the research object, combines with the actual distribution situation, considers the location and distribution route optimization of the common storage and common distribution mode under the condition of time windows, takes the form of linking time windows with distribution time completion efficiency, and forms a reverse constraint on the objective function by time completion efficiency, thus realizing the double‐objective optimization of “minimizing the total cost and satisfying the time windows.” In addition, through the comparison of various intelligent algorithms, find that the squirrel search algorithm (SSA) has more stable performance and better solution results.
Role of RONS and eIFs in Cancer Progression
Authors: Salaheldin Yasmeen Ahmed , Mahmoud Salma Sayed Mohamed , Ngowi Ebenezeri Erasto , Gbordzor Vivian Aku , Li Tao , Wu Dong-Dong , Ji Xin-Ying
Published: July 2021

Various research works have piled up conflicting evidence questioning the effect of oxidative stress in cancer. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are the reactive radicals and nonradical derivatives of oxygen and nitrogen. RONS can act as a double‐edged weapon. On the one hand, RONS can promote cancer initiation through activating certain signal transduction pathways that direct proliferation, survival, and stress resistance. On the other hand, they can mitigate cancer progression via their resultant oxidative stress that causes many cancer cells to die, as some recent studies have proposed that high RONS levels can limit the survival of cancer cells during certain phases of cancer development. Similarly, eukaryotic translation initiation factors are key players in the process of cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. Dysregulation of such translation initiation factors in the form of overexpression, downregulation, or phosphorylation is associated with cancer cell’s altering capability of survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Nonetheless, eIFs can affect tumor age‐related features. Data shows that alternating the eukaryotic translation initiation apparatus can impact many downstream cellular signaling pathways that directly affect cancer development. Hence, researchers have been conducting various experiments towards a new trajectory to find novel therapeutic molecular targets to improve the efficacy of anticancer drugs as well as reduce their side effects, with a special focus on oxidative stress and initiation of translation to harness their effect in cancer development. An increasing body of scientific evidence recently links oxidative stress and translation initiation factors to cancer‐related signaling pathways. Therefore, in this review, we present and summarize the recent findings in this field linking certain signaling pathways related to tumorigeneses such as MAPK and PI3K, with either RONS or eIFs.
Descriptive Study of Some Osteological Parts of Rosy Stone Lapper (Garra rossica) from Mashkid Basin of Iran
Authors: Zamani-Faradonbe Mazaher , Keivany Yazdan
Published: July 2021

Since osteological structures of fishes provide important biological and ecological information, studying these structures is valuable. On the other hand, due to lack of data on the osteology of stone lappers, the present study was conducted to provide detailed descriptive osteology of Garra rossica from Mashkid basin, southeastern Iran, comparing it with those of G. typhlops from the Bagh-e Loveh cave, Iran, G. rossica from Nahang River, Mashkid Basin, and G. persica from Zahak River, Sistan basin. For this purpose, 15 specimens of G. rossica were captured from Ladiz River, Mashkid Basin, using an electrofishing device, and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Then, the specimens were cleared and stained with alcian blue and alizarin red for osteological investigations. A detailed description of the osteological features of G. rossica was provided. Based on the results, several differences were observed between the four species. G. rossica can be distinguished from G. typhlops, G. persica, and G. rossica based on the shape of suspensorium and opercular series, pharyngobranchial bones, ventral and pectoral girdles, caudal, dorsal, and anal fins skeleton, and shape and number of infraorbital elements.
Laboratory Investigations into the Bearing Capacity of Straw Bales for Low‐Rise Building Applications
Authors: Cao Baozhu , Hu Jun , Sun Yuansong , Nie Hongxin
Published: July 2021

Investigations were carried out to study the mechanical performance under uniaxial load of unplastered and plastered straw bales. Results from tests on 30 rice straw bales indicated nonlinear load‐bearing properties with large deformations and anisotropy. Since the deformations observed did not conform to the current building code requirements, the evaluation of ultimate bearing capacity through the maximum axial vertical load was not possible. To obtain the design strength of rice straw bales in composite walls, further 21 specimens of plastered straw bales were also tested in compression. The permissible deformation of the straw bales was evaluated. It is noteworthy that the large deformability of straw bales can reduce the damage to structures after an earthquake. Consequently, the straw bale use can widely enhance the seismic performance of low‐rise buildings.
The Effects of Multitasking and Tools Carried by Travelers Onboard on the Perceived Trip Time
Authors: Hamadneh Jamil , Esztergár-Kiss Domokos
Published: July 2021

Travelers conduct onboard activities while using the tools they bring with them onboard to convert part of their travel time to a productive time. Productive travel time contributes to the reduction in the disutility of travel time. This paper discusses the influence of travelers’ onboard activities and the tools carried by travelers on the perceived trip time. 10 onboard activities and 12 tools carried by travelers are introduced and studied in this work. A questionnaire focusing on the main trip of each respondent in urban areas is conducted, where a sample size of 525 participants is collected. Statistical methods such as central tendency, chi-square, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), rank-based nonparametric test, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) are applied. The main findings are the following: almost all of the onboard activities and the tools carried by travelers impact the trip time positively (i.e., the perception is enhanced). For each transport mode, the most frequent onboard activities that impact the trip time positively is obtained, and the connection between each onboard activity and each tool carried by travelers is found (i.e., moderate to strong association). EFA uncovers the underlying relationship between those onboard activities and those tools carried by travelers that influence travelers’ perception. In this case, instead of the full list, fewer onboard activities and tools carried by travelers are produced to simplify the finding of their impacts on the perceived trip time. The participation in onboard activity is ranked across certain groups, such as the tendency of women to be engaged in onboard activities is higher than men’s tendency. Regarding the positive impact on trip time, a statistical difference is demonstrated between groups, where the use of the tools carried by travelers is varied across the transport mode, trip purpose, and trip time, gender, age, education, and job variable. Besides, the involvement in onboard activities is statistically dependent across the transport mode, gender, income, and car ownership variable. The output of this study helps decision-makers and mobility planners in understanding the behavior of travelers onboard in more detail, such as the availability of onboard tools affecting the choice of transport mode.
Neutrosophic Function for Assessing the Scale Effect of the Rock Joint Surface Roughness
Authors: Yong Rui , Tan Shaonan , Ye Jun , Du Shigui
Published: July 2021

A new investigation method is proposed for recording large-sized joint profiles and making statistical analyses of the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) values of the 10–300 cm sized profiles. The mechanical hand profilograph is used for joint roughness measurement due to its advantage of easy operation and high accuracy in recording joint traces. Based on the proposed method, it provides sufficient samples from various positions on the large joint profile, which allows the statistical evaluation of JRC values. A neutrosophic number (NN) is employed for revealing determinate and/or indeterminate information as it consists of determinate and indeterminate parts. Due to the uncertainty of JRC in the real world, NN is chosen to represent the JRC value, which is not only random but also a fuzzy indefinite parameter. The neutrosophic function is used to analyze and express the scale effect of joint surface roughness, and its derivative is used to describe the changing trend of the scale effect. The results show that the JRC value of the joint profile is related to the scale and has a negative effect on the surface roughness of the rock joint. The indeterminate information about the scale effect on joint roughness is described by the neutrosophic functions, and the derivative indicated that the JRC values of small samples are more sensitive than those of large-sized examples. When the length of the sample exceeds the stationarity limit of 80 cm, the roughness appears to be almost scale independent.
Matrix Approach to Formulate and Search k-ESS of Graphs Using the STP Theory
Authors: Yue Jumei , Yan Yongyi , Deng He
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the structure of graphs in terms of k-externally stable set (k-ESS) is investigated by a matrix method based on a new matrix product, called semitensor product of matrices. By defining an eigenvector and an eigenvalue of the node subset of a graph, three necessary and sufficient conditions of k-ESS, minimum k-ESS, and k-kernels of graphs are proposed in a matrix form, respectively. Using these conditions, the concepts of k-ESS matrix, minimum k-ESS matrix, and k-kernel matrix are introduced. These matrices provide complete information of the corresponding structures of a graph. Further, three algorithms are designed, respectively, to find all these three structures of a graph by conducting a series of matrix operation. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the results are checked by studying an example. The proposed method and results may offer a new way to investigate the problems related to graph structures in the field of network systems.
Human-Machine Cooperation and Path Planning for Complex Road Conditions
Authors: Zhou Guanghong
Published: July 2021

With the rapid development of the information age, the development of industrial robots is also advancing by leaps and bounds. In the scenes of automobile, medicine, aerospace, and public service, we have fully enjoyed the convenience brought by industrial robots. However, with the continuous development of industrial robot-related concepts and technologies, human-computer interaction and cooperation have become the development trend of industrial robot. In this paper, the human-machine cooperation and path optimization of industrial robot in a complex road environment are studied and analyzed. At the theoretical modeling level, firstly, the industrial robot is modeled and obstacle avoidance is analyzed based on the kinematics of industrial robot; thus, an efficient and concise collision detection model of industrial robot is proposed. At the algorithm level, in view of the complex road conditions faced by industrial robots, this paper will study and analyze the obstacle avoidance strategy of human-computer cooperation and real-time path optimization algorithm of industrial robots. Based on the virtual target point algorithm, this paper further improves the problem that the goal of the traditional path planning algorithm cannot be fully covered, so as to propose the corresponding improved path planning algorithm of industrial robots. In the experimental part, based on the existing industrial robot system, the human-machine cooperation and path planning system proposed in this paper are designed. The experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper improves the accuracy of obstacle avoidance by about 10 points and the corresponding convergence speed by about 5% compared with the traditional algorithm and the experimental effect is remarkable.
[Retracted] Construction of Rural Financial Organization Spatial Structure and Service Management Model Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Liu Yan
Published: July 2021

Local credit cooperatives have long played an important role in local financial services. It has made a significant contribution to agricultural production, farmers’ incomes, and the economic development of rural areas. In particular, as a financial instrument serving farmers, microfinance management by local credit cooperatives plays a key role in pursuing profits and fulfilling social responsibility. It was therefore important to obtain effective instruments for combating poverty in rural areas from all walks of society. This paper first outlines the development of microfinance loans in Germany and other countries and describes the current situation and some of the challenges facing local credit cooperatives in financial management. Next, we present the basic concepts of data mining, describe the common methods and key techniques of data mining, analyze and compare the properties of the individual data, and show how the associated mining can actually be performed. Next, we will explain the basic model of microfinance for farmers and some risks in detail and analyze and evaluate the characteristics of these risks in the context of local credit cooperatives. As a result, this paper proposes an improved deep convolutional neural network. The optimized algorithm selects the optimal weight threshold value and different iteration times. The results are fewer errors, the results are closer to the correct data, and the efficiency is better than before. The algorithm is more efficient because errors have been greatly reduced and the time spent on them has been slightly reduced.
Risk Factors for Mortality in Melioidosis: A Single-Centre, 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Menon Raviraj , Baby Poornima , Kumar V. Anil , Surendran Sandeep , Pradeep Manu , Rajendran Aiswarya , Suju Gaayathri , Ashok Arathy
Published: July 2021

Melioidosis is a tropical infectious disease with diverse clinical presentations. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and mortality risk factors of patients diagnosed with melioidosis in the past 10 years. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a quaternary care centre in South India. Clinical, demographic, and biochemical data in patients diagnosed with melioidosis with cultures were collected between January 2011 and December 2020 from medical records. Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen mortality risk factors of melioidosis in addition to descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. Seventy-three melioidosis patients’ records were analysed, and the most common comorbidity was type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 53, 72.6%). The patients showed diverse presentations: pulmonary involvement, 30 (41.1%); splenomegaly, 29 (39.7%); abscesses and cutaneous involvement, 18 (24.7%); lymph node, 10 (13.7%); arthritis and osteomyelitis, 9 (12.3%); and genitourinary infection, 4 (5.4%). The mortality was noted to be 15 (20.5%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that chronic kidney disease (OR = 14.0), CRP >100 IU/L (OR = 6.964), and S. albumin <3 gm/dl (OR = 8.0) were risk factors associated with mortality and can guide in risk stratification. Hypoalbuminemia is a novel mortality risk factor, detected in this study, and requires further investigation to validate its utility as a prognostic marker and reveal possible therapeutic benefits in clinical correction.
Privacy Threats of Acoustic Covert Communication among Smart Mobile Devices
Authors: Duan Li , Zhang Kejia , Cheng Bo , Ren Bingfei
Published: July 2021

The emerging, overclocking signal‐based acoustic covert communication technique allows smart devices to communicate (without users’ consent) utilizing their microphones and speakers in ultrasonic side channels, which offers users imperceptible and convenient personalized services, e.g., cross‐device authentication and media tracking. However, microphones and speakers could be maliciously used and pose severe privacy threats to users. In this paper, we propose a novel high‐frequency filtering‐ (HFF‐) based protection model, named UltraFilter, which protects user privacy by enabling users to selectively filter out high‐frequency signals from the metadata received by the device. We also analyze the feasibility of using audio frequencies (i.e., ≤18 kHz) to the acoustic covert communication and carry out the acoustic covert communication system by introducing the auditory masking effect. Experiments show that UltraFilter can prevent users’ private information from leaking and reduce system load and that the audio frequencies can pose threats to user privacy.
Robust Normalized Subband Adaptive Filter Algorithm with a Sigmoid-Function-Based Step-Size Scaler and Its Convex Combination Version
Authors: Shen Zijie , Tang Lin , Yang Li
Published: July 2021

In this paper, by inserting the logarithm cost function of the normalized subband adaptive filter algorithm with the step-size scaler (SSS-NSAF) into the sigmoid function structure, the proposed sigmoid-function-based SSS-NSAF algorithm yields improved robustness against impulsive interferences and lower steady-state error. In order to identify sparse impulse response further, a series of sparsity-aware algorithms, including the sigmoid L0 norm constraint SSS-NSAF (SL0-SSS-NSAF), sigmoid step-size scaler improved proportionate NSAF (S-SSS-IPNSAF), and sigmoid L0 norm constraint step-size scaler improved proportionate NSAF (SL0-SSS-IPNSAF), is derived by inserting the logarithm cost function into the sigmoid function structure as well as the L0 norm of the weight coefficient vector to act as a new cost function. Since the use of the fix step size in the proposed SL0-SSS-IPNSAF algorithm, it needs to make a trade-off between fast convergence rate and low steady-state error. Thus, the convex combination version of the SL0-SSS-IPNSAF (CSL0-SSS-IPNSAF) algorithm is proposed. Simulations in acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) scenario have justified the improved performance of these proposed algorithms in impulsive interference environments and even in the impulsive interference-free condition.