bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Categorical Torelli theorems for Gushel–Mukai threefolds
Authors: Jacovskis Augustinas , Lin Xun , Liu Zhiyu , Zhang Shizhuo
Published: February 2024

We show that a general ordinary Gushel–Mukai (GM) threefold can be reconstructed from its Kuznetsov component together with an extra piece of data coming from tautological subbundle of the Grassmannian . We also prove that determines the birational isomorphism class of , while determines the isomorphism class of a special GM threefold if it is general. As an application, we prove a conjecture of Kuznetsov–Perry in dimension 3 under a mild assumption. Finally, we use to restate a conjecture of Debarre–Iliev–Manivel regarding fibers of the period map for ordinary GM threefolds.
On straightening for Segal spaces
Authors: Nuiten Joost
Published: February 2024

The straightening–unstraightening correspondence of Grothendieck–Lurie provides an equivalence between cocartesian fibrations between $(\infty, 1)$-categories and diagrams of $(\infty, 1)$-categories. We provide an alternative proof of this correspondence, as well as an extension of straightening–unstraightening to all higher categorical dimensions. This is based on an explicit combinatorial result relating two types of fibrations between double categories, which can be applied inductively to construct the straightening of a cocartesian fibration between higher categories.
Multidisciplinary Design Methodology for Micro-Gas-Turbines—Part I: Reduced Order Component Design and Modeling
Authors: Badum Lukas , Schirrecker Felix , Cukurel Beni
Published: February 2024

Ultramicrogas turbines (UMGTs) for electric power generation up to 1 kW are a viable replacement technology for lithium batteries in drones due to their high energy density. Previous research has shown that small-scale effects disqualify conceptual design practices applied to larger gas turbines owing to highly coupled, nonlinear component interactions. To fill this gap, we propose an interdisciplinary conceptual design and analysis framework based on reduced order models. To this end, the current work is divided into two parts covering component design and system integration, analysis, and optimization. In Part I, automated conceptual design of all engine subcomponents is elaborated facilitating interdependent reduced order models for compressor, turbine, combustor and high-speed generator while also considering additive manufacturing constraints. In a second step, the reduced order performance models are compared to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Reynolds-averaged-Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations of various turbomachinery geometries as well as experimental data of combustor and high-speed generator prototypes, showing good agreement and thus validating the component modules. In conclusion, the first part of this work elaborates an automated and efficient method to conceptual design of all components required for a functional UMGT. Since the strategy is applicable independent of component arrangement and engine layout, the proposed methods offer a universal framework for small gas turbine generators.
Transient Thermal Spreading From a Circular Heat Source in Polygonal Flux Tubes
Authors: Goudarzi Sahar , Lam Lisa S. , S. Muzychka Yuri , Naterer Greg F.
Published: February 2024

This study develops a numerical simulation to assess transient constriction resistance in various semi-infinite flux channel geometries, including circle on circle, triangle, square, pentagon, and hexagon, which are derived from various heat source arrangements in a large domain. Using both isothermal and isoflux circular heat sources in polygonal flux channels, and employing a finite volume method, the study evaluates transient constriction resistance. The research confirms that for different geometries, similar nondimensionalized constriction resistance results are obtained, particularly when using the square root of the source area as the characteristic length and the square root of the constriction area ratio. The study reveals that flux tube shape has a minimal impact on thermal spreading resistance, with the circle-on-triangle configuration displaying the largest deviation from a simple circle-on-circle model. These insights advance our understanding of thermal spreading resistance in polygonal flux channels and their applications in thermal engineering, especially in contact heat transfer problems.
Thermal Spreading/Constriction From an Isothermal Source Into a Multilayer Orthotropic Semi-Infinite Flux Tube
Authors: Jain Ankur
Published: February 2024

Thermal spreading and constriction have been widely studied due to relevance in heat transfer across interfaces with imperfect contact and problems such as microelectronics thermal management. Much of the past work in this field addresses an isoflux source, with relatively lesser work on the isothermal source problem, which is of much relevance to heat transfer across rough interfaces. This work presents an analytical solution for thermal spreading/constriction resistance that governs heat flow from an isothermal source into a multilayer orthotropic semi-infinite flux tube. The mixed boundary condition due to the isothermal source is accounted for by writing a convective boundary condition with an appropriately chosen spatially-varying Biot number. A series solution for the temperature field is derived, along with a set of linear algebraic equations for the series coefficients. An expression for the nondimensional thermal spreading resistance is derived for Cartesian and cylindrical problems. It is shown that, depending on the values of various nondimensional parameters, heat transfer in either the thin film or the flux tube may dominate and govern the overall thermal spreading resistance. Results for a single-layered isotropic flux tube are derived as a special case of the general result, for which, good agreement with past work is demonstrated. An easy-to-use polynomial fit for this special case is presented. This work contributes a novel technique for solving mixed boundary problems involving an isothermal source, and may also help solve practical problems related to interfacial heat transfre and thermal management.
Turbine Cavity Mainstream Ingestion Assessing Method Based on Penetration Depth Analysis
Authors: Xie Lei , Du Qiang , Liu Guang , Lian Zengyan , Xie Yaguang , Luo Yifu
Published: February 2024

The turbine cavity faces challenges from external mainstream ingestion, mitigated by sealing flow from the compressor side. Despite these efforts, achieving complete sealing remains difficult. This study focuses on introducing the ingress penetration depth δp as a novel perspective for evaluating the consequences of external ingestion in turbine cavities. Penetration depth describes how deeply the mainstream ingestion can affect the turbine cavity. The study commences with an examination of the flow within the turbine cavity, specifically highlighting the radial stratification resulting from external ingestion. The examination is grounded in detached eddy simulation (DES) results, which are subsequently validated through experimental data. The radial stratification characteristics observed lay the foundation for introducing the concept of penetration depth. Subsequently, the study proposes a criterion for assessing penetration depth, utilizing the radial distribution pattern of the swirl ratio. To incorporate the penetration depth into the evaluation of sealing effectiveness, a one-dimensional correlation of sealing effectiveness based on turbulent diffusion assumption is established and validated using experimental data from both the current study and existing literature. Based on the correlation method and the penetration depth, the study proposes a series-connected model. The series-connected model is segmented by the penetration depth δp: in regions where r>δp, the one-dimensional correlation is applicable, while in regions where r<δp, the lumped parameter models from existing literature remain valid. The series-connected model can be applied in future turbine cavity investigations and secondary air system reduced-order modeling.
Reward-based option competition in human dorsal stream and transition from stochastic exploration to exploitation in continuous space
Authors: Hallquist Michael N. , Hwang Kai , Luna Beatriz , Dombrovski Alexandre Y.
Published: February 2024

Primates exploring and exploiting a continuous sensorimotor space rely on dynamic maps in the dorsal stream. Two complementary perspectives exist on how these maps encode rewards. Reinforcement learning models integrate rewards incrementally over time, efficiently resolving the exploration/exploitation dilemma. Working memory buffer models explain rapid plasticity of parietal maps but lack a plausible exploration/exploitation policy. The reinforcement learning model presented here unifies both accounts, enabling rapid, information-compressing map updates and efficient transition from exploration to exploitation. As predicted by our model, activity in human frontoparietal dorsal stream regions, but not in MT+, tracks the number of competing options, as preferred options are selectively maintained on the map, while spatiotemporally distant alternatives are compressed out. When valuable new options are uncovered, posterior β
1
/α oscillations desynchronize within 0.4 to 0.7 s, consistent with option encoding by competing β
1
-stabilized subpopulations. Together, outcomes matching locally cached reward representations rapidly update parietal maps, biasing choices toward often-sampled, rewarded options.
Waning immunity and IgG4 responses following bivalent mRNA boosting
Authors: Lasrado Ninaad , Collier Ai-ris Y. , Miller Jessica , Hachmann Nicole P. , Liu Jinyan , Anand Trisha , A. Bondzie Esther , Fisher Jana L. , Mazurek Camille R. , Patio Robert C. , Rodrigues Stefanie L. , Rowe Marjorie , Surve Nehalee , Ty Darren M. , Wu Cindy , Chicz Taras M. , Tong Xin , Korber Bette , McNamara Ryan P. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: February 2024

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines were highly effective against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain, but the efficacy of bivalent mRNA boosters against XBB variants was substantially lower. Here, we show limited durability of neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses against XBB variants and isotype switching to immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) responses following bivalent mRNA boosting. Bivalent mRNA boosting elicited modest XBB.1-, XBB.1.5-, and XBB.1.16-specific NAbs that waned rapidly within 3 months. In contrast, bivalent mRNA boosting induced more robust and sustained NAbs against the ancestral WA1/2020 strain, suggesting immune imprinting. Following bivalent mRNA boosting, serum antibody responses were primarily IgG2 and IgG4 responses with poor Fc functional activity. In contrast, a third monovalent mRNA immunization boosted all isotypes including IgG1 and IgG3 with robust Fc functional activity. These data show substantial immune imprinting for the ancestral spike and isotype switching to IgG4 responses following bivalent mRNA boosting, with important implications for future booster designs and boosting strategies.
HSP90 inhibition suppresses tumor glycolytic flux to potentiate the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Chen Fanghui , Tang Chris , Yang Fan , Ekpenyong Asari , Qin Richard , Xie Jin , Momen-Heravi Fatemeh , Saba Nabil F. , Teng Yong
Published: February 2024

Glycolytic metabolism may account for antitumor immunity failure. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and platelet phosphofructokinase (PFKP), two key enzymes involved in the glycolytic pathway, are hyperactivated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Using ganetespib as a drug model for heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibition and combining results from clinical trials and animal treatment, we demonstrated that HSP90 inhibition leads to a blockade of glycolytic flux in HNSCC cells by simultaneously suppressing PKM2 and PFKP at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Down-regulation of tumor glycolysis facilitates tumor infiltration of cytotoxic T cells via suppression of glycolysis-dependent interleukin-8 signaling. The addition of ganetespib to radiation attenuates radiation-induced up-regulation of PKM2 and PFKP and potentiates T cell–mediated antitumor immunity, resulting in a more potent antitumor effect than either treatment alone, providing a molecular basis for exploring the combination of HSP90 inhibitors with radiotherapy to improve outcomes for patients with HNSCC.
An orally active entry inhibitor of influenza A viruses protects mice and synergizes with oseltamivir and baloxavir marboxil
Authors: Gaisina Irina , Li Ping , Du Ruikun , Cui Qinghua , Dong Meiyue , Zhang Chengcheng , Manicassamy Balaji , Caffrey Michael , Moore Terry , Cooper Laura , Rong Lijun
Published: February 2024

Seasonal or pandemic illness caused by influenza A viruses (IAVs) is a major public health concern due to the high morbidity and notable mortality. Although there are several approved drugs targeting different mechanisms, the emergence of drug resistance calls for new drug candidates that can be used alone or in combinations. Small-molecule IAV entry inhibitor, ING-1466, binds to hemagglutinin (HA) and blocks HA-mediated viral infection. Here, we show that this inhibitor demonstrates preventive and therapeutic effects in a mouse model of IAV with substantial improvement in the survival rate. When administered orally it elicits a therapeutic effect in mice, even after the well-established infection. Moreover, the combination of ING-1466 with oseltamivir phosphate or baloxavir marboxil enhances the therapeutic effect in a synergistic manner. Overall, ING-1466 has excellent oral bioavailability and in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity profile, suggesting that it can be developed for monotherapy or combination therapy for the treatment of IAV infections.
Biological characteristics of mechanosensitive channels MscS and MscL in
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Wan Jiajia , Dai Lu , Xiao Huasong , Zhang Wendie , Zhang Rui , Xie Tingting , Jia Yizhen , Gao Xuejun , Huang Jing , Liu Feng
Published: February 2024

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
is an important respiratory pathogen that can cause porcine contagious pleuropneumonia (PCP), resulting in significant economic losses in swine industry. Microorganisms are subjected to drastic changes in environmental osmolarity. In order to alleviate the drastic rise or fall of osmolarity, cells activate mechanosensitive channels MscL and MscS through tension changes. MscL not only regulates osmotic pressure but also has been reported to secrete protein and uptake aminoglycoside antibiotic. However, MscL and MscS, as the most common mechanosensitive channels, have not been characterized in
A. pleuropneumoniae
. In this study, the osmotic shock assay showed that MscL increased sodium adaptation by regulating cell length. The results of MIC showed that deletion of
mscL
decreased the sensitivity of
A. pleuropneumoniae
to multiple antibiotics, while deletion of
mscS
rendered
A. pleuropneumoniae
hypersensitive to penicillin. Biofilm assay demonstrated that MscL contributed the biofilm formation but MscS did not. The results of animal assay showed that MscL and MscS did not affect virulence
in vivo
. In conclusion, MscL is essential for sodium hyperosmotic tolerance, biofilm formation, and resistance to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, penicillin, and oxacillin. On the other hand, MscS is only involved in oxacillin resistance.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial resistance to the external environment is a critical function that ensures the normal growth of bacteria. MscL and MscS play crucial roles in responding to changes in both external and internal environments. However, the function of MscL and MscS in
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
has not yet been reported. Our study shows that MscL plays a significant role in osmotic adaptation, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation of
A. pleuropneumoniae
, while MscS only plays a role in antibiotic resistance. Our findings provide new insights into the functional characteristics of MscL and MscS in
A. pleuropneumoniae
. MscL and MscS play a role in antibiotic resistance and contribute to the development of antibiotics for
A. pleuropneumoniae
.
Genome sequence of
Alteromonas macleodii
strain OCN004 isolated from the extracellular mucus of an apparently healthy rice coral (
Montipora capitata
)
Authors: Weatherup Elizabeth F. , Videau Patrick , Ushijima Blake
Published: February 2024

Alteromonas macleodii
strain OCN004, a marine gammaproteobacterium in the
Alteromonadaceae
family, has primarily been studied as a non-pathogenic negative control bacterium during laboratory infection trials to test the virulence of bacterial coral pathogens. The draft genome sequence of
A. macleodii
strain OCN004 is presented here.
Reconciling plate motion and faulting at a rift-rift-rift triple junction
Authors: Maestrelli Daniele , Sani Federico , Keir Derek , Pagli Carolina , Rosa Alessandro La , Muluneh Ameha Atnafu , Brune Sascha , Corti Giacomo
Published: February 2024

Rift-Rift-Rift triple junctions are regions where three plates interact, generating complex networks of variably oriented faults. While the geometry of the fault networks is easily constrained from their surface expression, what remains unclear is how the kinematics of faults and their interactions vary spatially, and how these relate to the unusual crustal motions that result from three plates diverging from each other. The Afar depression lies at the triple junction between the African, Arabian, and Somalian plates (in the Horn of Africa), where the unique combination of observational data from structural mapping, seismicity, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) allows us to understand the link between fault kinematics and plate motions. We complement these observations with an analog model to gain insights into how the patterns and directions of faults relate to overall plate motions. A key finding in both the model and nature is that some adjacent normal faults form at high angles and generate T-shaped structures. These purely normal faults are synchronously active, which means that the extension direction varies ~90° locally. These kinematic contrasts in our model and in nature occur despite the relatively smooth pattern of overall surface motions. The results indicate that normal faults interacting at high angles to form the T-shaped structures can evolve synchronously within a stress field that varies gently in magnitude but dramatically in orientation over a few kilometers.
Genetic disenhancement and xenotransplantation: diminishing pigs’ capacity to experience suffering through genetic engineering
Authors: Rodger Daniel , Hurst Daniel J , Bobier Christopher A , Symons Xavier
Published: February 2024

One objection to xenotransplantation is that it will require the large-scale breeding, raising and killing of genetically modified pigs. The pigs will need to be raised in designated pathogen-free facilities and undergo a range of medical tests before having their organs removed and being euthanised. As a result, they will have significantly shortened life expectancies, will experience pain and suffering and be subject to a degree of social and environmental deprivation. To minimise the impact of these factors, we propose the following option for consideration—ethically defensible xenotransplantation should entail the use of genetic disenhancementifit becomes possible to do so and if that pain and suffering cannot be eliminated by other means. Despite not being a morally ideal ‘solution’, itismorally better to prevent unavoidable pain until a viable non-animal alternative becomes available.
Fetuses are not adult humans: a response to Miller on abortion
Authors: Saunders Ben
Published: February 2024

Miller has recently argued that fetuses have the same inherent value as non-disabled adults. However, we do not need to postulate some property possessed equally by all humans, including fetuses, in order to explain the equality of non-disabled adults. It would suffice if there were some property possessed by all non-disabled adults, but not by fetuses.
‘Who Sanitizes the Sanitizer?’: COVID Comics and Sanitisers
Authors: Joshi Ishani Anwesha , Venkatesan Sathyaraj
Published: February 2024

Much like face masks, hand sanitisers have become a household item and a prominent symbol since the COVID-19 pandemic. As sanitisers began to be widely used, contingent issues related to toxic ingredients in sanitising products, heightened pandemic-related anxiety, unscrupulous profiteering through inflated sanitiser prices, obsessive sanitisation, contamination fear, stockpiling, panic buying, and concerns regarding the overall effectiveness of hand sanitisers emerged. Building on these themes, the present article investigates the various issues related to sanitisers after a brief review of the history of sanitisers. To do so, the present article analyses sequential comics and single-panelled cartoons from comic artists such as Randall Munroe, Sarah Morrisette, Shivesh Shrivastava and Dan McConnell. This essay extends its inquiry beyond examining sanitisation practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated cultural implications. Drawing on insights from Object Oriented Ontology, this article brings to relief how sanitisers have evolved into objects that hold, govern and shape our modern existence. Furthermore, the present article highlights how the comic medium visually enunciates the lived experiences of the pandemic, rituals of sanitising and associated issues.
Effects of pre-exercise intake of plant- and animal-based foods on arterial function and aerobic exercise capacity in healthy young men: a randomized cross-over trial
Authors: Ishiwata Maho , Hata Urara , Hashimoto Yuto , Okamoto Takanobu
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plant- versus animal-based food intake before exercise on arterial function and subsequent aerobic exercise capacity. Eleven healthy adult males (mean age, 22.6 ± 1.8 years) participated in this study. A plant- or animal-based randomized meal type crossover comparison was conducted on separate days with a uniform protein, fat, and carbohydrate balance. Both carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), femoral–ankle pulse wave velocity (faPWV), and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) were measured as indexes of aortic and peripheral arterial stiffness and vascular endothelial function, respectively, before and at 120 min after the meal. After these measurements, maximal oxygen uptake was assessed using a graded power test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. The results revealed that cfPWV was significantly lower, whereas FMD was significantly higher, at 120 min after compared with before the plant-based meal ( p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). By contrast, cfPWV and FMD did not change at 120 min after compared with before the animal-based meal. In addition, faPWV did not change at 120 min after compared with before the meal for either meal type. Maximal oxygen uptake was higher in the plant- than in the animal-based meal type ( p = 0.02). These results suggest that pre-exercise plant-based food intake may improve central arterial stiffness and vascular endothelial function, which may have favorable implications for aerobic exercise capacity.
Development and application of whole-chromosome painting of chromosomes 7A and 8A of Arachis duranensis based on chromosome-specific single-copy oligonucleotides
Authors: Li Chenyu , Fu Liuyang , Wang Qian , Liu Hua , Chen Guoquan , Qi Feiyan , Zhang Maoning , Jia Yaoguang , Li Xiaona , Huang Bingyan , Dong Wenzhao , Du Pei , Zhang Xinyou
Published: February 2024

For peanut, the lack of stable cytological markers is a barrier to tracking specific chromosomes, elucidating the genetic relationships between genomes and identifying chromosomal variations. Chromosome mapping using single-copy oligonucleotide (oligo) probe libraries has unique advantages for identifying homologous chromosomes and chromosomal rearrangements. In this study, we developed two whole-chromosome single-copy oligo probe libraries, LS-7A and LS-8A, based on the reference genome sequences of chromosomes 7A and 8A of Arachis duranensis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis confirmed that the libraries could specifically paint chromosomes 7 and 8. In addition, sequential FISH and electronic localization of LS-7A and LS-8A in A. duranensis (AA) and A. ipaensis (BB) showed that chromosomes 7A and 8A contained translocations and inversions relative to chromosomes 7B and 8B. Analysis of the chromosomes of wild Arachis species using LS-8A confirmed that this library could accurately and effectively identify A genome species. Finally, LS-7A and LS-8A were used to paint the chromosomes of interspecific hybrids and their progenies, which verified the authenticity of the interspecific hybrids and identified a disomic addition line. This study provides a model for developing specific oligo probes to identify the structural variations of other chromosomes in Arachis and demonstrates the practical utility of LS-7A and LS-8A.
Volume functionals on pseudoconvex hypersurfaces
Authors: Donaldson Simon , Lehmann Fabian
Published: February 2024

The focus of this paper is on a volume form defined on a pseudoconvex hypersurface [Formula: see text] in a complex Calabi–Yau manifold (that is, a complex [Formula: see text]-manifold with a nowhere-vanishing holomorphic [Formula: see text]-form). We begin by defining this volume form and observing that it can be viewed as a generalization of the affine-invariant volume form on a convex hypersurface in [Formula: see text]. We compute the first variation, which leads to a similar generalization of the affine mean curvature. In Sec. 2, we investigate the constrained variational problem, for pseudoconvex hypersurfaces [Formula: see text] bounding compact domains [Formula: see text]. That is, we study critical points of the volume functional [Formula: see text] where the ordinary volume [Formula: see text] is fixed. The critical points are analogous to constant mean curvature submanifolds. We find that Sasaki–Einstein hypersurfaces satisfy the condition, and in particular the standard sphere [Formula: see text] C[Formula: see text] does. The main work in the paper comes in Sec. 3 where we compute the second variation about the sphere. We find that it is negative in “most” directions but non-negative in directions corresponding to deformations of [Formula: see text] by holomorphic diffeomorphisms. We are led to conjecture a “minimax” characterization of the sphere. We also discuss connections with the affine geometry case and with Kähler–Einstein geometry. Our original motivation for investigating these matters came from the case [Formula: see text] and the embedding problem studied in our previous paper [S. Donaldson and F. Lehmann, Closed 3-forms in five dimensions and embedding problems, preprint (2022), arXiv:2210.16208]. There are some special features in this case. The volume functional can be defined without reference to the embedding in [Formula: see text] using only a closed “pseudoconvex” real [Formula: see text]-form on [Formula: see text]. In Sec. 4, we review this and develop some of the theory from the point of the symplectic structure on exact [Formula: see text]-forms on [Formula: see text] and the moment map for the action of the diffeomorphisms of [Formula: see text].
Higgs bundles twisted by a vector bundle
Authors: Gallego Guillermo , García-Prada Oscar , Narasimhan M. S.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we consider a generalization of the theory of Higgs bundles over a smooth complex projective curve in which the twisting of the Higgs field by the canonical bundle of the curve is replaced by a rank [Formula: see text] vector bundle. We define a Hitchin map and give a spectral correspondence. We also state a Hitchin–Kobayashi correspondence for a generalization of Hitchin’s equations to this situation. In a certain sense, this theory lies halfway between the theories of Higgs bundles on a curve and on a higher-dimensional variety.
Numerical investigation of heat transfer in wire and tube-based phase change material heat exchanger
Authors: Dandotiya Devendra , Banker Nitin. D. , Jaiswal Anil , Patil Naveen G.
Published: February 2024

The utilization of latent heat storage units with their high energy density and isothermal heat transfer behavior can enhance the performance of thermal energy systems. This study aims to investigate the effect of fin placement on the melting time of a wire and tube-based Phase Change Material (PCM) heat exchanger using numerical simulations. The study introduces a new complex geometry for the heat exchanger, and numerical analysis of heat transfer was conducted in Ansys Fluent software using an established solidification and melting model. The numerical results were validated against experimental data, and it was found that the position of the tubes and fins had a significant impact on heat transfer within the PCM. The model was able to predict temperature data with a maximum discrepancy of 3%.
How Does Queueing Information in Pre-Sales Call Centers Affect Customer Repurchase Behavior
Authors: Dai Tao , Lu Yidan , Zivlak Nikola , Lalic Danijela Ciric , Lalic Bojan
Published: February 2024

With the growth of mobile e-business, it has become common for customers to experience an explosion of instant desire to consume in a short period of time. Companies are harnessing this momentum, hoping to better capture, retain and convert these consumer desires into actual sales orders. Consequently, companies also need to use pre-sales call centers to provide the satisfied service and motivate more customers to repurchase, thereby increasing the revenue. The function of the call centers is updated from providing post-sales service to providing pre-sales consultation. In this regard, this paper examines the impact of delayed announcements consisting of queue information on customer repurchase behavior in pre-sales call centers. We classify the queuing information into no-information, part-information and full-information according to the level of information by constructing a simulation model. In the simulation experiments, some application scenarios are set up to describe the load of the call center. In all the given scenarios, we find out the full-information, which provides the delay time, is always the best. Moreover, the different methods for estimating the delay time to provide the full-information, namely LES, EA, EA2 and WA–LES, are compared. We find optimal announcements for the application scenarios set out in the time-varying scenario as well. Consequently, considering there exists certain cost for the company to make WA–LES announcements, while some call centers can only provide part-information instead, this paper investigates the impact of estimate bias on customer repurchase behavior and company revenue. Subsequently, the company revenue is further investigated in two extended experiments, where repurchase influence power and repurchase number are limited. The analysis ideas and simulation logic of this paper have good reference significance for e-commerce pre-sales call centers, and the suggestions for setting information levels in practice while considering customer repurchase behavior are also clearly given in the conclusion of the paper.
Plane-fronted electromagnetic waves and an asymptotic limit of Liénard–Wiechert fields
Authors: Hogan Peter A. , Puetzfeld Dirk
Published: February 2024

Colliding or noncolliding plane-fronted electromagnetic or gravitational waves are the asymptotic limit of Robinson–Trautman spherical electromagnetic or gravitational waves. Noncolliding plane-fronted waves contain no information about their sources whereas colliding waves contain information about possibly the motion of their sources. As a first step to investigate the latter phenomenon, we construct an asymptotic limit of Liénard–Wiechert electromagnetic fields in the context of Minkowskian spacetime. This has the advantage that the source is well known and the calculations can be carried out in full detail. The final result is an algebraically general Maxwell field which consists of colliding plane-fronted waves in a subregion of Minkowskian spacetime and an interesting byproduct is a novel perspective on a Maxwell field originally discovered by Bateman.
Optimal Bivariate Order-Replacement Policies for a Multi-State Repairable System with Reliability Constraint
Authors: Dong Wenjie , Liu Chenyu , Zhang Jingru , Xie Naiming
Published: February 2024

A bivariate order-replacement policy for a multi-state repairable system with imperfect repair is put forward in this paper, where the decisions on when to order a spare part and when to place a replacement are based on the number of failures. The geometric processes are generalized to depict the characteristics that the successive working times are shorter and shorter while the consecutive repair times are longer and longer. According to the renewal reward theorem, a constrained optimization model for the order-replacement policy is formulated, in which the aim is to minimize the expected long-run cost rate (ELRCR) under the constraint that system availability is not less than a predetermined availability requirement. General representations of the ELRCR and system availability are derived and an approximation result of the optimization model is given under certain assumptions. Illustrative examples are provided to validate the applicability of the proposed order-replacement model and show the advantage of the order-replacement policy for the multi-state repairable system.
Cellular automaton ontology, bits, qubits and the Dirac equation
Authors: Elze Hans-Thomas
Published: February 2024

Cornerstones of the Cellular Automaton Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics are its ontological states that evolve by permutations, in this way never creating would-be quantum mechanical superposition states. We review and illustrate this with a classical Ising spin chain. It is shown that it can be related to the Weyl equation in the continuum limit. Yet, the model of discrete spins or bits unavoidably becomes a model of qubits by generating superpositions, if only slightly deformed. We study modifications of its signal velocity which, however, do not relate to mass terms. To incorporate the latter, we consider the Dirac equation in 1+1 dimensions and sketch an underlying discrete deterministic “necklace of necklaces” automaton that qualifies as ontological.
Quantum multi-secret sharing scheme with access structures and cheat identification
Authors: Rathi Deepa , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: February 2024

This work proposes a [Formula: see text]-dimensional quantum multi-secret sharing scheme with a cheat-detection mechanism. The dealer creates multiple secrets and distributes the shares of these secrets using multi-access structures and a monotone span program. The dealer detects the cheating of each participant using the black box’s cheat-detection mechanism. To detect the participants’ deceit, the dealer distributes secret shares’ shadows derived from a randomly invertible matrix [Formula: see text] to the participants, stored in the black box. The black box identifies the participant’s deceitful behavior during the secret recovery phase. Only honest participants authenticated by the black box acquire their secret shares to recover the multiple secrets. After the black box cheating verification, the participants reconstruct the secrets by utilizing the unitary operations and quantum Fourier transform. The proposed protocol is reliable in preventing attacks from eavesdroppers and participants. The scheme’s efficiency is demonstrated in different noise environments: dit-flip noise, [Formula: see text]-phase-flip noise and amplitude-damping noise, indicating its robustness in practical scenarios. The proposed protocol provides greater versatility, security and practicality.
A narrative review on quantum finance theory
Authors: Dong Youde , Zheng Haoran , Zhu Jiehua
Published: February 2024

This paper systematically reviews the historical development trajectory and current situation of quantum financial theory research through an in-depth review of relevant literature. This paper summarizes the history of the concept of quantum finance, elaborates on the development stages of quantum finance, and explains the contributions of representative work in different periods in various aspects, such as theoretical frameworks, mathematical models, and algorithmic tools, which is of great significance to the research path of quantum finance. In addition, the paper introduces in detail the research progress of domestic and foreign body problems, such as quantum algorithm optimization of investment portfolios, quantitative pricing of derivatives, quantum neural networks, etc., laying a good foundation for future in-depth study of this interdisciplinary subject. Overall, this paper systematically reviews the development history of quantum finance research, provides readers with a macro understanding framework by sorting out the progress in different research fields, and has significant reference value for interdisciplinary exchanges.
Electronic properties of individual CsPbI2Br nanocrystals investigated by LT-STM
Authors: Li Jianmin , Zhao Han , Ma Kang , Fu Yikai , Dai Haitao , Sun Zhixiang , Gao Hong-Ying
Published: February 2024

Solution-processed metal halide perovskite nanocrystals show promise for various potential optoelectronic applications and the exploration of the fundamental physics underlying them. However, the electronic properties of individual nanocrystals have not been thoroughly studied. Here, we applied low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy to investigate the properties of metal halide perovskite CsPbI2Br nanocrystals with a diameter in the range of 10–20 nm. Sub-monolayer dispersions of the nanocrystal on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and gold thin film substrates were achieved. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we resolved topographies of individual nanocrystals on the gold film, and their electronic properties were probed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. In our experiment, no obvious dependence of the extracted energy gap on the nanocrystal size and shape was found, which is consistent with the reported small exciton Bohr radius in metal halide perovskite materials. Additionally, we observed that the energy gaps of some nanocrystals are smaller than that of the bulk, suggesting the influence of factors such as deep-level defects/traps, ion migration, etc. on the electronic structure.
Bogdo–Baskunchak Nature Reserve as a geoheritage site
Authors: Vtorov Ivan P.
Published: February 2024

The Bogdo–Baskunchak Nature Reserve is a geoheritage site in the Caspian Depression, near the Lower Volga River. The Salt Lake Baskunchak and the Mount Big Bogdo with the gypsum field are the main objects of interest. Local legends about this place and the history of salt mining and trading, as well as geological exploration, make this geoheritage site special. This natural landscape is intact, as seen by the first scientific expeditions of the eighteenth century organized by the Imperial Academy of Sciences and Arts in St Petersburg. Reports and papers about this area are associated with Pallas, Humboldt, Murchison, Eichwald, Auerbach, Pravoslavlev, Efremov and other scientists and expeditions. Extensive research and important discoveries were made in this area, mostly in mineralogy, stratigraphy, palaeontology, sedimentology, salt tectonics, and mining. This area reflects its long history of exploration and could be a good example of organizing the protection of geological landmarks and monuments in arid regions. In 1916, a Russian law was passed giving the government rights to organize reserves (
zapovednik
) for scientific and cultural purposes in the most remarkable natural areas. Only in recent decades have geological monuments in Russia become specially protected sites.
Twelve 'No Skips' Approaches for Developing Social Presence Literacy in Virtual Education
Authors: Dyer Thomas , Mandernach Jean
Published: February 2024

Online education's success hinges greatly on the implementation of a robust social presence, akin to a perfect "no skip" music album, fostering an interactive and connected learning community. These 12 strategies--being authentic, recognizing students as individuals, ensuring availability, fostering higher-order thinking, intending social presence, creating community cohesion, acknowledging the reciprocity of social presence, strategically implementing technology, leveraging curiosity through gamification, promoting immediacy and intimacy, focusing on affective association, and understanding chronemics--offer a comprehensive guide for educators to improve online engagement, thereby improving the student's learning experience and reducing feelings of isolation.
Citation Forecasting with Multi-Context Attention-Aided Dependency Modeling
Authors: Ji Taoran , Self Nathan , Fu Kaiqun , Chen Zhiqian , Ramakrishnan Naren , Lu Chang-Tien
Published: February 2024

Forecasting citations of scientific patents and publications is a crucial task for understanding the evolution and development of technological domains and for foresight into emerging technologies. By construing citations as a time series, the task can be cast into the domain of temporal point processes. Most existing work on forecasting with temporal point processes, both conventional and neural network-based, only performs single-step forecasting. In citation forecasting, however, the more salient goal is
n
-step forecasting: predicting the arrival of the next
n
citations. In this article, we propose Dynamic Multi-Context Attention Networks (DMA-Nets), a novel deep learning sequence-to-sequence (Seq2Seq) model with a novel hierarchical dynamic attention mechanism for long-term citation forecasting. Extensive experiments on two real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed model learns better representations of conditional dependencies over historical sequences compared to state-of-the-art counterparts and thus achieves significant performance for citation predictions.
Performance of the Gittins Policy in the G/G/1 and G/G/k, With and Without Setup Times
Authors: Hong Yige , Scully Ziv
Published: February 2024

We consider the classic problem of preemptively scheduling jobs in a queue to minimize mean number-in-system, or equivalently mean response time. Even in single-server queueing models, this can be a nontrivial problem whose answer depends on the information available to the scheduler. The simplest case is when the scheduler knows each job's size, for which the optimal policy is Shortest Remaining Processing Time (SRPT) [9]. In the more realistic case of scheduling with unknown or partially known job sizes, people consider the Gittins policy [1-3, 12]. Roughly speaking, Gittins assigns each job a scalar rank based on an estimate of its remaining work, then serves the job of least rank.
Heavy Traffic Joint Queue Length Distribution withoutResource Pooling
Authors: Raj Jhunjhunwala Prakirt , Theja Maguluri Siva
Published: February 2024

This paper studies the Heavy Traffic (HT) joint distribution of queue lengths in an Input-queued switch (IQ switch) operating under the MaxWeight scheduling policy. IQ switchserve as representative of SPNs that do not satisfy the socalled Complete Resource Pooling (CRP) condition, and consequently exhibit a multidimensional State Space Collapse (SSC). Except in special cases, only mean queue lengths of such non-CRP systems is known in the literature. In this paper, we develop the Transform method to study the joint distribution of queue lengths in non-CRP systems. The key challenge is in solving an implicit functional equation involving the Laplace transform of the HT limiting distribution. For the general n x n IQ switch that has n2 queues, under a conjecture on uniqueness of the solution of the functional equation, we obtain an exact joint distribution of the HT limiting queue-lengths in terms of a non-linear combination of 2n iid exponentials.
POBO: Safe and Optimal Resource Management for Cloud Microservices
Authors: Guo Hengquan , Cao Hongchen , He Jingzhu , Liu Xin , Shi Yuanming
Published: February 2024

Resource management in microservices is challenging due to the uncertain latency-resource relationship, dynamic environment, and strict Service-Level Agreement (SLA) guarantees. This paper presents a Pessimistic and Optimistic Bayesian Optimization framework, named POBO, for safe and optimal resource configuration for microservice applications. POBO leverages Bayesian learning to estimate the uncertain latency-resource functions and combines primal-dual and penalty-based optimization to maximize resource efficiency while guaranteeing strict SLAs. We prove that POBO can achieve sublinear regret and SLA violation compared with the optimal resource configuration in hindsight. We have implemented a prototype of POBO and conducted extensive experiments on a real-world microservice application. Our results show that POBO can find the safe and optimal configuration efficiently, outperforming Kubernetes' built-in auto-scaling module and the state-of-the-art algorithm.
Robust fake-post detection against real-coloring adversaries
Authors: Agarwal Khushboo , Kavitha Veeraruna
Published: February 2024

We design warning mechanisms for detecting fake-post on online social networks using crowd signals without significantly affecting the real-post propagation. Building on a recent algorithm where all users assign a real or fake tag to any post, we now consider that users can exhibit adversarial or non-cooperative behavior while tagging. To analyze this system, we introduce and study the total-current population-dependent branching process with multiple death types. We highlight the limitations of the existing mechanism in handling adversaries and propose improved mechanisms that perform effectively even with limited user-specific parameter knowledge. Our theoretical findings are validated through Monte-Carlo simulations.
Queueing analysis of imbalance between multiple server pools with an application to 3-phase EV charging
Authors: Ferragut Andres , Paganini Fernando
Published: February 2024

We consider systems where multiple servers operate in parallel, with a particular feature: servers are classified into d classes, and we wish to keep approximate balance between the load allocated to each class. We introduce a relevant imbalance metric, and study its behavior under stochastic demands with different task routing policies. For random routing, we analyze two cases of interest, depending on whether capacity constraints are operative: we obtain expressions for the stationary distribution and analyze the scaling behavior of our metric as a function of system size. Subsequently, we analyze active routing to the least loaded class, obtaining sharp bounds for the imbalance metric. As a practical application, we study the problem of imbalance between d = 3 phases, for the service of electrical vehicle charging. We show the engineering relevance of our imbalance metric in this context, and validate the theoretical results with simulations and real traces from EV charging data.
Cerebral sympatholysis: experiments on in vivo cerebrovascular regulation and ex vivo cerebral vasomotor control
Authors: Luchkanych Adam M. S. , Morse Cameron J. , Boyes Natasha G. , Khan M. Rafique , Marshall Rory A. , Morton Jude S. , Tomczak Corey R. , Olver T. Dylan
Published: February 2024

The present study demonstrates that the cerebrovascular conductance index decreases during sympathoexcitation and this response can be positively and negatively modulated by the application or withdrawal of a nonexercise cognitive task. Furthermore, isolated vessel experiments reveal that cerebral α1-adrenergic agonism potentiates adenosine-mediated vasorelaxation and ATP attenuates α1-adrenergic-mediated vasocontraction.