bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nexus between renewable energy, FDI, oil prices, oil rent and CO2 emission: panel data evidence from G7 economies
Authors: Royal Saransh , Singh Kamaljit , Chander Ramesh
Published: February 2022

Volatile energy prices, supply chain vulnerability and ecological implications of depleting fossil fuels have obligated the nations to swap carbon energy resources with sustainable and consumption energy choices. The study aims to investigate the sustaining connection of renewable energy consumption with trade openness, oil rent (OR), oil prices (OP) and carbon dioxide emissions of the G7 nations over the period 1971–2019. Using FMOLS and DOLS approach to panel data for analysing the long‐run elasticity, and SUR for estimating the short‐run elasticities. The analysis outcomes suggested that in the long run, a rise in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) incursion and OP and OR are found to be major drivers of renewable energy consumption. The long‐term elasticity was estimated from a panel co‐integrated FMOLS and DOLS model are mostly alike and present an encouraging association among different variables. Surprisingly, the average number of years to return to equilibria turned out to be 16 years, which is precisely in line with the voluntary commitment by G7 for overall net‐zero electricity emission by 2035. The findings reported in the study suggest the oil‐producing countries should be compensated to diversify energy production. Higher OR is desired to further strengthen the renewable energy generation and consumption as implied by the findings reported. FDI may also further be welcomed in greener know‐hows for sustainable green energy choices.
Mechanisms of xylem hydraulic recovery after drought in Eucalyptus saligna
Authors: Gauthey Alice , Peters Jennifer M. R. , Lòpez Rosana , Carins‐Murphy Madeline R. , Rodriguez‐Dominguez Celia M. , Tissue David T. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Brodribb Tim J. , Choat Brendan
Published: February 2022

The mechanisms by which woody plants recover xylem hydraulic capacity after drought stress are not well understood, particularly with regard to the role of embolism refilling. We evaluated the recovery of xylem hydraulic capacity in young Eucalyptus saligna plants exposed to cycles of drought stress and rewatering. Plants were exposed to moderate and severe drought stress treatments, with recovery monitored at time intervals from 24 h to 6 months after rewatering. The percentage loss of xylem vessels due to embolism (PLV) was quantified at each time point using microcomputed tomography with stem water potential (Ψx) and canopy transpiration (Ec) measured before scans. Plants exposed to severe drought stress suffered high levels of embolism (47.38% ± 10.97% PLV) and almost complete canopy loss. No evidence of embolism refilling was observed at 24 h, 1 week, or 3 weeks after rewatering despite rapid recovery in Ψx. Recovery of hydraulic capacity was achieved over a 6‐month period by growth of new xylem tissue, with canopy leaf area and Ec recovering over the same period. These findings indicate that E. saligna recovers slowly from severe drought stress, with potential for embolism to persist in the xylem for many months after rainfall events.
Cutaneous mastocytosis in a child with a de novo GNB1 mutation
Authors: Lattanzio Katherine , Larijani Mary , Treat James R.
Published: February 2022

In the last few years, de novo mutations in the GNB1 gene have been found to cause a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by global developmental delay and hypotonia. Only 4 cases of maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis in children with GNB1 mutations have been reported to date. Here, we describe another case of the condition with concomitant cutaneous mastocytosis.
Seasonal variation of leaf thickness: An overlooked component of functional trait variability
Authors: Schmitt S. , Trueba S. , Coste S. , Ducouret É. , Tysklind N. , Heuertz M. , Bonal D. , Burban B. , Hérault B. , Derroire G.
Published: February 2022

The dry and wet seasons in the Neotropics have strong effects on soil water and nutrient availability, as well as on forest dynamics. Despite these major effects on forest ecology, little is known on how leaf traits vary throughout the seasons in tropical rainforest trees.

Here, we investigated the influence of seasonal variations in climate and soil characteristics on leaf trait variation in two tropical tree species. We measured two leaf traits, thickness and water mass per area, in 401 individuals of two species of Symphonia (Clusiaceae) in the Paracou research station in French Guiana tropical lowland rainforest.

We found a significant effect of seasonal variation on these two leaf traits. Soil relative extractable water was a strong environmental predictor of leaf trait variation in response to seasonal variation. Reduced soil water availability during the dry season was associated with increased leaf thickness and water mass per area, possibly as a result of stomatal closure.

Our findings advocate the need to account for environmental seasonality when studying leaf traits in seasonal ecosystems such as tropical forests.
Mini‐Mental State Examination predicts mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Pepe Gilda , Antocicco Manuela , di Stasio Enrico
Published: February 2022

Background

No available and easy to administer cognitive test has been evaluated for the prediction of mortality in prevalent patients on chronic hemodialysis. The aim of the present study was to determine if the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) was predictor of mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐seven prevalent patients on chronic hemodialysis were studied. All patients underwent assessment of cognitive function through the MMSE. The MMSE was administered during a midweek hemodialysis session, avoiding the beginning and the end of each treatment to minimize the effects of fluctuations in uremic syndrome or blood pressure in accordance with a previous study. An MMSE score ≤23 was used as indicative of cognitive impairment. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were recorded for each patient.

Results

Mean (SD) MMSE was 23.2 ± 4.1. Median MMSE was 24 (min–max: 2–30). MMSE was ≤23 in 72 patients and >23 in 55. With data updated in March 2021, after a mean follow‐up of 58.8 ± 41 months (range: 2–156 months), 75 patients died, and 17 were transplanted. None was lost to follow‐up or was transferred to another unit. Dead participants, as compared with alive ones, were significantly older, had a higher Charlson Index score, had lower Activities daily living and Instrumental activities daily living, and had a lower MMSE score and lower serum albumin levels. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that survival was significantly lower in patients with MMSE ≤23 than in those with MMSE >23 (log‐rank χ2: 8.825, p = 0.003). According to Cox regression analysis, mortality was associated with age and inversely associated with MMSE.

Conclusion

We show that the MMSE predicts mortality in prevalent patients on chronic hemodialysis.
Peer interactions and performance in a high‐skilled labour market*
Authors: Pazzona Matteo
Published: February 2022

It is not clear whether interactions among superstar employees lead to an increase in productivity. Such interactions are relatively rare, and measuring productivity is challenging. In this paper, it is suggested that these difficulties can be overcome by analysing changes in the performance of elite National Basketball Association (NBA) players who participate in the Olympic Games. By using advanced individual performance measures, the study finds that these athletes experience an increase in performance of 7.1 percent in the season after the Games, compared with similar non‐Olympic athletes. The sharp discontinuity in peer quality experienced by the players is the most likely explanation for this increase.
Cemeteries as sources of Aedes aegypti and other mosquito species in southeastern Puerto Rico
Authors: Otero Luisa M. , Medina‐Martinez Gisela , Sepúlveda Manuel , Acevedo Verónica , Toro Mayra , Barrera Roberto
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the presence and abundance of mosquito species in containers found in different types of cemeteries in Puerto Rico to assess their importance and make control recommendations.

Methods

We conducted surveys of containers with water in 16 cemeteries in southeastern Puerto Rico to detect the presence of larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti and other mosquitoes; to identify the most common and productive containers and to study their variation in relation to the type of cemetery.

Results

The most common containers with water were flowerpots, followed in abundance by a variety of discarded containers and open tombs. We found a positive relationship between density of containers with water and rainfall. There was a rich community of mosquito species developing in containers of the inspected cemeteries: nine mosquito species belonging to four genera with Ae. aegypti and Ae. mediovittatus being the most frequent and abundant. We sampled 13 cement‐type cemeteries, 2 mixed and only 1 lawn cemetery, consequently, we could not draw any conclusion regarding container productivity and cemetery type.

Conclusions

Surveyed cemeteries were important sources of Ae. aegypti and other mosquitoes in flowerpots, discarded containers and open tombs. We recommend conducting further studies to establish how frequently inspections should occur; and mosquito control by emptying aquatic habitats and larviciding to reduce mosquito productivity and protect workers and visitors from mosquito bites and possible transmission of arboviruses.
Normas internacionales de formación para contadores. Bases conceptuales y doctrinarias
Authors: Kwan Chung Chap Kau , Alegre Brítez Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2022

La formación de los profesionales contables es una necesidad básica para los países que quieren desarrollar su estructura económica y social. El objetivo general del trabajo es evaluar las bases conceptuales y doctrinarias de las Normas Internacionales de Formación para Contadores. Como técnica de recolección de datos, se realizaron entrevistas a 6 expertos en contabilidad y docencia en el área contable de la ciudad de Asunción, Paraguay. Se utilizó como instrumento la guía de entrevistas compuesta por 10 preguntas abiertas cualitativas, el procesamiento de datos se realizó con Atlas. Ti. Los resultados fueron: 1) El aspecto conceptual de las Normas Internacionales de Formación para Contadores, se puede definir mediante: concepto, objetivo, problemática, metodología y resultados que se obtienen en la formación profesional. 2) La base conceptual comienza con el concepto contable y los principios del sistema contable, que al final sirven como una guía para la formación profesional. Las conclusiones fueron: 1) Los conceptos que se pueden desarrollar en la formación profesional son: compromiso, conciencia moral, competencia y comunicación. 2) Los objetivos conceptuales de las Normas Internacionales de Formación profesional son: formar un contador integrado a las normas internacionales, así como un proceso de aprendizaje basado en el pensamiento científico.
Deterministic and Probabilistic Evaluation of Seismic Loads on Reactor Pressure Vessel Internals Including Nonlinear Effects
Authors: Schmidl Johannes , Pellissetti Manuel , Fuetterer Eugen , Hilpert Roland , Nykyforchyn Andrii , Staeuble-Akcay Sunay
Published: February 2022

The paper presents analytical results for the dynamic analysis of the control rod drive mechanisms (CRDM) and selected reactor pressure vessel (RPV) internals, i.e., core barrel (CB) upper flange and upper core plate centering, as well as resulting stresses. The model for the dynamic analysis of the RPV Internals with CESHOCK consists of springs and lumped masses, combined with beam elements. The model is taking into account material nonlinearities, sliding, friction, and gap/impact effects inside the RPV. Refined finite element modeling of contact regions is used to calibrate the force–displacement relationship used in the dynamic model. Both deterministic and probabilistic analyses are presented. The excitations are based on upstream time history (TH) analyses with a coupled model of the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) and the reactor building. Variability of ground motion parameters (shear modulus and damping) and building parameters (Young's modulus and damping) is taken into account. The deterministic analyses confirm that the CB upper flange is the most highly stressed part of the RPV internals in case of seismic excitations. The probabilistic analyses show that there is a robust correlation between the spectral acceleration at the fundamental frequency of the CB and the maximum load on the CB flange. This is in agreement with one of the standard assumptions adopted for fragility analysis in the nuclear industry and is confirmed for the CB flange in the present analysis.
Introduction to the special issue on supersonic jet noise
Authors: Wall Alan T. , Gee Kent L. , Morris Philip J. , Colonius Tim , Lowe K. Todd
Published: February 2022

This editorial's goals are (1) to highlight a few key developments in supersonic jet and launch vehicle noise research over the past several decades while describing some of the critical modern requirements facing government and industry organizations and (2) to summarize the contributions of the articles in this Supersonic Jet Noise special issue in the context of these developments and requirements.
Left-Right ambiguity resolution for coprime sparse arrays
Authors: Nair Baiju M , Peter Rubin Jose , Kumar Arun , Bahl Rajendar
Published: February 2022

Coprime Sparse Arrays (CSA) with two collocated uniform linear arrays are used to estimate O(MN) direction of arrivals for a narrow band source with only O(M+N) sensors. The CSA cannot discriminate the azimuth and its complementary angles due to the symmetry along the array-axis. The bearing ambiguity, also referred to as a Left-Right (LR) ambiguity, is addressed in this paper using CSA. We design Left-Right resolved Coprime Sparse Arrays (LRCSA) to produce a null that is electronically steered to the complementary angle of the desired direction. LRCSA twin array achieves higher spatial resolution than the conventional fully populated LR array with same number of sensors, much like the collocated CSA. Three methods, namely, Null Constrained Beamformer (NCB), two-dimensional Direct Beamformer (2DDB), and LRCSA are studied. The bound on the detection gain is analytically established for the LRCSA under correlated noise scenarios modeled by the first-order autoregressive process. Twin array processing using the LRCSA method results in narrow mainlobe beam width along with a higher rejection ratio (RR) compared to 2DDB and NCB. Data obtained from a sea experiment using a towed array is analyzed. The results confirm that the CSA based cardioid processing resolved LR ambiguity along with a higher RR and narrower beams.
A Multisegmental Approach to Dry Needling Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Study
Authors: Hortz Brian V. , Falsone Sue
Published: February 2022

Context: Plantar heel pain is a common problem affecting foot function, causing pain in the foot under the heel. Plantar fasciitis is commonly treated with conservative treatment, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, self-stretching home programs, foot orthoses, and night splinting or booting. Dry needling (DN) has shown to be an effective method of treating plantar fasciitis (PF) in multiple randomized control trials. Dry needling is a technique that has been reported to be beneficial in managing pain and dysfunction after PF. Still, there is limited published literature on DN, a myofascial sequence as part of the treatment of PF. Case Presentation: The patient was a 38-year-old female runner referred by a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment to include DN and therapy for persistent PF in the right foot. She was treated 4 times over 3 weeks with a home exercise program. Management and Outcomes: The DN intervention was beyond the local plantar fascia and incorporated 11 locations from the foot up the posterior chain and 2 electric stim channels. The patient had reduced pain as measured by a visual analog scale, increased function as measured by the functional ankle disability index, and range of motion increases. Conclusions: This case illustrates the use of DN and a home exercise program to provide a favorable outcome in a patient with PF.
Necklace-structured high-harmonic generation for low-divergence, soft x-ray harmonic combs with tunable line spacing
Authors: Rego Laura , Brooks Nathan J. , Nguyen Quynh L. D. , Román Julio San , Binnie Iona , Plaja Luis , Kapteyn Henry C. , Murnane Margaret M. , Hernández-García Carlos
Published: February 2022

The extreme nonlinear optical process of high-harmonic generation (HHG) makes it possible to map the properties of a laser beam onto a radiating electron wave function and, in turn, onto the emitted x-ray light. Bright HHG beams typically emerge from a longitudinal phased distribution of atomic-scale quantum antennae. Here, we form a transverse necklace-shaped phased array of linearly polarized HHG emitters, where orbital angular momentum conservation allows us to tune the line spacing and divergence properties of extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray high-harmonic combs. The on-axis HHG emission has extremely low divergence, well below that obtained when using Gaussian driving beams, which further decreases with harmonic order. This work provides a new degree of freedom for the design of harmonic combs—particularly in the soft x-ray regime, where very limited options are available. Such harmonic beams can enable more sensitive probes of the fastest correlated charge and spin dynamics in molecules, nanoparticles, and materials.
Genomic basis for skin phenotype and cold adaptation in the extinct Steller’s sea cow
Authors: Le Duc Diana , Velluva Akhil , Cassatt-Johnstone Molly , Olsen Remi-Andre , Baleka Sina , Lin Chen-Ching , Lemke Johannes R. , Southon John R. , Burdin Alexander , Wang Ming-Shan , Grunewald Sonja , Rosendahl Wilfried , Joger Ulrich , Rutschmann Sereina , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Fritsch Guido , Estes James A. , Kelso Janet , Dalén Love , Hofreiter Michael , Shapiro Beth , Schöneberg Torsten
Published: February 2022

Steller’s sea cow, an extinct sirenian and one of the largest Quaternary mammals, was described by Georg Steller in 1741 and eradicated by humans within 27 years. Here, we complement Steller’s descriptions with paleogenomic data from 12 individuals. We identified convergent evolution between Steller’s sea cow and cetaceans but not extant sirenians, suggesting a role of several genes in adaptation to cold aquatic (or marine) environments. Among these are inactivations of lipoxygenase genes, which in humans and mouse models cause ichthyosis, a skin disease characterized by a thick, hyperkeratotic epidermis that recapitulates Steller’s sea cows’ reportedly bark-like skin. We also found that Steller’s sea cows’ abundance was continuously declining for tens of thousands of years before their description, implying that environmental changes also contributed to their extinction.
Dynamic structural evolution of iron catalysts involving competitive oxidation and carburization during CO
2
hydrogenation
Authors: Zhu Jie , Wang Peng , Zhang Xiaoben , Zhang Guanghui , Li Rongtan , Li Wenhui , Senftle Thomas P. , Liu Wei , Wang Jianyang , Wang Yanli , Zhang Anfeng , Fu Qiang , Song Chunshan , Guo Xinwen
Published: February 2022

Identifying the dynamic structure of heterogeneous catalysts is crucial for the rational design of new ones. In this contribution, the structural evolution of Fe(0) catalysts during CO
2
hydrogenation to hydrocarbons has been investigated by using several (quasi) in situ techniques. Upon initial reduction, Fe species are carburized to Fe
3
C and then to Fe
5
C
2
. The by-product of CO
2
hydrogenation, H
2
O, oxidizes the iron carbide to Fe
3
O
4
. The formation of Fe
3
O
4
@(Fe
5
C
2
+Fe
3
O
4
) core-shell structure was observed at steady state, and the surface composition depends on the balance of oxidation and carburization, where water plays a key role in the oxidation. The performance of CO
2
hydrogenation was also correlated with the dynamic surface structure. Theoretical calculations and controll experiments reveal the interdependence between the phase transition and reactive environment. We also suggest a practical way to tune the competitive reactions to maintain an Fe
5
C
2
-rich surface for a desired C
2+
productivity.
The trouble with TRIBbles: TRIB3 blocks CD8 T cell homing to colorectal cancers
Authors: Clark Rachael A.
Published: February 2022

Colon cancer–derived TRIB3 reduced CXCL10 transcription and impaired CD8 T cell homing into tumors; reduction of TRIB3 levels increased CD8 T cell infiltration and rendered tumors responsive to immune checkpoint blockade.
Mass extinction or extirpation: Permian biotic turnovers in the northwestern margin of Pangea
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Shi G.R. , Nakrem Hans A. , Woo Jusun , Tazawa Jun-Ichi
Published: February 2022

The Capitanian (Middle Permian) mass extinction event, prior to and separate from the end-Permian mass extinction, has been suggested as a severe biotic crisis comparable to the big five mass extinctions of the Phanerozoic. However, there is still controversy about its global significance. In particular, this purportedly disastrous event in the Capitanian was mostly documented in the eastern Tethys, especially South China and Japan, whereas its extent in higher latitudinal regions remains unclear. A few recent studies have reported biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic evidence for the Capitanian extinction at the northwestern marginal shelf of Pangea, including in the Kapp Starostin Formation in Spitsbergen. However, we here report a different result from these previous studies based on a study of abundant brachiopod fossils collected from eight geological sections that represent the same formation in western and central Spitsbergen, Arctic Norway. Our biostratigraphic investigation recognizes a total of five brachiopod assemblages from the type section of the Kapp Starostin Formation at Festningen in Spitsbergen. The most striking biotic change in species composition is observed at the interval between the lowermost Vøringen Member (late Artinskian) and its overlying member (Kungurian) of the Kapp Starostin Formation in Spitsbergen, which makes it much earlier than the Capitanian. A similar faunal shift at the same stratigraphic interval is also observed from bryozoan-based biostratigraphic data. This faunal turnover could be linked to a significant climatic shift (cooling) along the northwestern margin of Pangea during the Artinskian−Kungurian. Specifically, it is inferred that a climatic perturbation (cooling) likely drove the extirpation (emigration) of marine faunas out of Spitsbergen and dispersal eastward into some lower latitudinal and climatically more habitable areas. Our result indicates that the Capitanian interval in Spitsbergen does not record a catastrophic event that corresponds to the Capitanian mass extinction in Tethyan regions but rather marks gradual faunal transitions throughout the Middle to Late Permian. This faunal transition, driven by continuous cooling, was accompanied by major changes in regional lithology, which suggest a degree of local environmental control, especially in the changes of substrate and water depth, on the composition of the benthic faunas. The Wegener Halvø and Schuchert Dal Formations (Lopingian) in central East Greenland contain a diverse brachiopod fauna that is comparable to that of the post-Vøringen Member in Spitsbergen. This implies that the brachiopods in the northwestern marginal shelf of Pangea did not suffer a severe mass extinction in the Capitanian; instead, many of them migrated southward with the development of the Zechstein seaway.
Integrating an early child development intervention into an existing primary healthcare platform in rural Lesotho: a prospective case–control study
Authors: Ndayizigiye Melino , McBain Ryan , Whelley Collin , Lerotholi Rorisang , Mabathoana Joalane , Carmona Merida , Curtain Joe , Birru Ermyas , Stulac Sara , Miller Ann C , Shin Sonya , Rumaldo Nancy , Mukherjee Joia , Nelson Adrianne Katrina
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study evaluated a novel early childhood development (ECD) programme integrated it into the primary healthcare system.

Setting

The intervention was implemented in a rural district of Lesotho from 2017 to 2018.

Participants

It targeted primary caregivers during routine postnatal care visits and through village health worker home visits.

Intervention

The hybrid care delivery model was adapted from a successful programme in Lima, Peru and focused on parent coaching for knowledge about child development, practicing contingent interaction with the child, parent social support and encouragement.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures

We compared developmental outcomes and caregiving practices in a cohort of 130 caregiver–infant (ages 7–11 months old) dyads who received the ECD intervention, to a control group that did not receive the intervention (n=125) using a case–control study design. Developmental outcomes were evaluated using the Extended Ages and Stages Questionnaire (EASQ), and caregiving practices using two measure sets (ie, UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), Parent Ladder). Group comparisons were made using multivariable regression analyses, adjusting for caregiver-level, infant-level and household-level demographic characteristics.

Results

At completion, children in the intervention group scored meaningfully higher across all EASQ domains, compared with children in the control group: communication (δ=0.21, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.26), social development (δ=0.27, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.8) and motor development (δ=0.33, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.31). Caregivers in the intervention group also reported significantly higher adjusted odds of engaging in positive caregiving practices in four of six MICS domains, compared with caregivers in the control group—including book reading (adjusted OR (AOR): 3.77, 95% CI 1.94 to 7.29) and naming/counting (AOR: 2.05; 95% CI 1.24 to 3.71).

Conclusions

These results suggest that integrating an ECD intervention into a rural primary care platform, such as in the Lesothoan context, may be an effective and efficient way to promote ECD outcomes.
Glossary: economics and health
Authors: McCartney Gerry , McMaster Robert , Shipton Deborah , Harding Oliver , Hearty Wendy
Published: February 2022

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increasing focus on how the economy is rebuilt and the impact this will have on population health. Many of the economic policy proposals being discussed have their own vocabulary, which is not always understood in the same way within or between disciplines. This glossary seeks to provide a common language and concise summary of the key economic terminology relevant for policymakers and public health at this time.
Influence of specimen nonuniformity and end restraint conditions on drained triaxial compression test results in sand
Authors: Mozaffari Mohammad , Liu Wei , Ghafghazi Mason
Published: February 2022

Drained triaxial compression tests on sand are common in geotechnical engineering due to their application in determining strength and critical state properties, and calibration of constitutive models. However, questions around reliability of test results due to strain localization and specimen nonuniformity have sparked debate around the adequacy of various specimen preparation techniques and configuration of top cap and bottom pedestal, among other variables. A rigorously calibrated and validated three-dimensional finite element model using an advanced constitutive model, NorSand, was used to address some of these concerns. The results generally confirmed that common specimen preparation techniques, moist tamping, and (air or water) pluviation, if done properly, can reasonably estimate the properties of a perfectly uniform specimen with the same density. Unsurprisingly, it was also confirmed that the post-peak response of dense specimens is by far the most sensitive part of sand behaviour characterized by these tests. It was suggested that for two-to-one height-to-diameter ratio specimens, end platen lubrication does not necessarily improve test results and can cause concentration of localized deformations near the platens. A fixed cap appeared to enforce a better boundary condition than a free-to-rotate one by preventing cap rotation driven by the formation of a single failure plane.
Extreme variability in European eel growth revealed by an extended mark and recapture experiment in southern France and implications for management
Authors: Panfili Jacques , Boulenger Clarisse , Musseau Camille , Crivelli Alain J.
Published: February 2022

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is endangered due to its peculiar life-history cycle, fishing pressure and difficulty in global population management. To improve our understanding of the population dynamics and refine conservation policies, an extended mark and recapture experiment and glass eel stocking were conducted in the River Rhône Delta (France) over 8 years. Around 1100 yellow eels were PIT-tagged and released in 2007, 2.5 kg of glass eels were released each year from 2008 to 2012, and the population was monitored using fishing between 2007 and 2015. After capture or recapture, the body parameters, sex and maturity were assessed. Age was estimated from otolith growth rings. At the end of the experiment, silver eels were between 352 and 875 mm long (age 17 to 185 months) and yellow eels between 170 and 868 mm long (age 12 to 123 months). Age estimates were validated using mark and recapture and showed 16% age underestimates and 5% inaccurate ages. The growth rates were extremely variable with lengths ranged by 2-fold at a given age. These results highlight the difficulty of eel population management, at least in the Mediterranean area.
Using an ensemble learning approach in digital soil mapping of soil pH for the Thompson-Okanagan region of British Columbia
Authors: Zhang Jin , Schmidt Margaret G. , Heung Brandon , Bulmer Chuck E. , Knudby Anders
Published: February 2022

Information on the spatial distribution of soil pH is essential for assessing soil quality and soil productivity. Digital soil mapping (DSM) is commonly used to predict soil characteristics over various types of landscapes. Over the past decade, researchers have made progress using machine learning techniques to provide reliable predictions of soil properties with limited data. DSM studies often use a single learning approach, which is constructed with a machine learner that systematically extracts soil–environment relationships from a large database, whereby a fitted model is used to predict soil information in an unmapped area. The practice of using an ensemble learning approach, especially one that combines several base learners, has rarely been tested in DSM. We developed a workflow for using an ensemble learning algorithm to predict soil properties for the Thompson-Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. Here, we focused on soil pH and tested a variety of base learners. Base learners with high prediction accuracies were then used to construct a SuperLearner (SL) to extract the complex relationships between soil properties and environmental variables. The fitted SL was then used to predict soil properties at 25 m spatial resolution at three depth intervals (0–5, 5–15, and 15–30 cm). Prediction accuracies were assessed using an independent test dataset, which indicated that the SL had a similar prediction accuracy to the best individual base learners. Using the heterogeneous ensemble learning approach with a weighted average stacked generalization process eliminated the need to choose the best base learner.
Proapoptotic Effect of Icariin on Human Ovarian Cancer Cells via the NF-κB/PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway: A Network Pharmacology-Directed Experimental Investigation
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Fu Yanjin , Song Linliang , Long Mengsha , Zhang Yiyao , Qin Jiajia , Liu Haiquan
Published: February 2022

Based on network pharmacology tools and public bioinformatics databases, the pharmacodynamic target and key mechanism of icariin (ICA) in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) were identified and experimentally verified. Our previous research showed that TNF, MMP9, STAT3, PIK3CA, ERBB2, MTOR, IL2, PTGS2, KDR and F2 are important targets of ICA in the treatment of OC. TNF, as a hub gene in tumor tissues, was associated with poor prognosis. ICA acted on OC mainly through the biological functions of various kinases, and the pathway with the highest accuracy ([Formula: see text]-value) was PI3K. Meanwhile, we observed a close upstream and downstream relationship between NF-[Formula: see text]B and the Pl3K-AKT pathway. This study further verified the mechanism of ICA in promoting apoptosis of SKOV3 cells through the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway and the tandem relationship between NF-[Formula: see text]B and the Pl3K-AKT pathway. The assay results demonstrated that ICA can promote the apoptosis of SKOV3 cells as indicated by the proapoptotic markers Bax, Bcl-xl and Caspase-3 and the key factors of the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway (NF-[Formula: see text]Bp65, p-NF-[Formula: see text]Bp65, p-I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text] and I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text]. ICA can block the classical NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway by inhibiting I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text] phosphorylation and consequently blocking the activation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway in SKOV3 cells. ICA can also promote apoptosis by blocking the activation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway in SKOV3 cells via inhibition of NF-[Formula: see text]Bp65 nuclear translocation. After using a PI3K pathway inhibitor, we further discovered that ICA may reduce AKT signal transduction by inhibiting the level of Akt phosphorylation, resulting in a loss of PI3K/Akt-dependent activation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway.
Fermionic construction in the supersymmetric coset model
Authors: Ahn Changhyun , Hong Jaesung , Kim Man Hea
Published: February 2022

It is known previously that the operator product expansion (OPE) between the first [Formula: see text] multiplet and itself contains the second [Formula: see text] multiplet in the supersymmetric coset model. In this paper, by using their realizations in terms of various fermions, we compute the four kinds of OPEs between the first and the second [Formula: see text] multiplets for fixed [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where the group of the coset contains [Formula: see text]. By supersymmetrizing the above OPEs in [Formula: see text] superspace and using the various Jacobi identities between the currents, we determine the [Formula: see text] supersymmetric OPE between the first and the second [Formula: see text] multiplets completely. The right-hand side of this OPE contains the various [Formula: see text] multiplets: the [Formula: see text] singlet [Formula: see text] multiplets of superspin-[Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text] triplet [Formula: see text] multiplets of superspin-[Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text] superspace description and the decoupling of the spin-[Formula: see text] current of the [Formula: see text] superconformal algebra are also described.
Self-organization collective dynamics of heterogeneous neurons with memristive and plastic chemical synapses
Authors: Cheng Xinhong , Song Xinlin , Wang Rong
Published: February 2022

Hybrid synapses widely exist in the brain neural system, but how memristive and plastic chemical synapses cooperatively modulate the collective dynamics of neurons remains largely unknown. Here, we constructed self-organized networks with two heterogeneous FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) neurons coupled with memristive and chemical synapses, wherein the chemical synapse is modulated by the spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) rule. Additionally, three kinds of network models involving excitatory–excitatory ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] neurons, high excitatory–inhibitory (high [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) neurons and low excitatory–inhibitory (low [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) neurons were constructed. The modulation of memristive synapses on the structure and dynamics of self-organized neuronal networks is greatly dependent on model selection. Stronger coupling of memristive synapses induces consistently more stable network structure and enhanced network synchronization in the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and high [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] models but has complex effects on the low [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] neuronal network. In contrast, increasing the closing rate of memristive synapses has little effect on the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and high [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] networks but can accelerate the self-organization process and result in more complex firing patterns and weaker synchronization in the low [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] network. These results provide further understanding of the mechanism of the self-organized neuronal network dynamics underlying hybrid synapses and neuronal excitation.
On fully decoupled MSAV schemes for the Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes model of two-phase incompressible flows
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Shen Jie
Published: February 2022

We construct first- and second-order time discretization schemes for the Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes system based on the multiple scalar auxiliary variables (MSAV) approach for gradient systems and (rotational) pressure-correction for Navier–Stokes equations. These schemes are linear, fully decoupled, unconditionally energy stable, and only require solving a sequence of elliptic equations with constant coefficients at each time step. We carry out a rigorous error analysis for the first-order scheme, establishing optimal convergence rate for all relevant functions in different norms. We also provide numerical experiments to verify our theoretical results.
Magnetic black holes with generalized ModMax model of nonlinear electrodynamics
Authors: Kruglov S. I.
Published: February 2022

Recently, Bandos, Lechner, Sorokin and Townsend [Phys. Rev. D 102 (2020) 121703] proposed Modified Maxwell (ModMax) model of nonlinear duality-invariant conformal electrodynamics. Here, Generalized ModMax (GenModMax) model of nonlinear electrodynamics coupled to general relativity is studied. The metric and mass functions and their asymptotic as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of a magnetic black hole are obtained. Corrections to the Reissner–Nordström solution are found and we show that for some model parameters the black hole is regular. The Hawking temperature and heat capacity of black holes are calculated and phase transitions are investigated. We demonstrate that black holes are not stable for certain model parameters.
ABUNDANT EXACT TRAVELING WAVE SOLUTIONS TO THE LOCAL FRACTIONAL (3+1)-DIMENSIONAL BOITI–LEON–MANNA–PEMPINELLI EQUATION
Authors: WANG KANG-JIA , WANG GUO-DONG , SHI FENG
Published: February 2022

Based on the local fractional derivative, we develop a new local fractional (3+1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli equation. With the help of the traveling wave transform of the nondifferentiable type, we convert the local fractional equation into a nonlinear local fractional ordinary differential equation (ODE). Then the Mittag-Leffler function-based method is presented here for the first time to construct the abundant nondifferentiable exact traveling wave solutions, and three families (six sets) of the exact solutions are obtained. In addition, the performances of different solutions on the Cantor set are presented via numerical results in the form of 3D plots. It reveals that the proposed method is simple and straightforward, which can be used to study the local fractional partial differential equations (PDEs).
LIGHTING THE POPULATIONAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 VACCINES IN BRAZIL
Authors: ARAÚJO FERNANDO H. A. , FERNANDES LEONARDO H. S.
Published: February 2022

This paper examines the populational impact of the COVID-19 vaccinations for Brazil. Therefore, our analysis takes into account the time series of the daily number of deaths related to COVID-19 from March 17, 2020 until October 19, 2021 with 582 observations. Specifically, we apply the permutation entropy ([Formula: see text]), statistical complexity ([Formula: see text]) and Fisher information measure ([Formula: see text]) to investigate the predictability of the daily deaths for COVID-19 considering two pandemic scenarios (until and after the extreme day). Based on these complexity measures, we construct the Complexity-Entropy causality plane (CECP) and Shannon–Fisher causality plane (SFCP), which allows us to assess the disorder and estimate randomness inherent to the time series of the daily deaths for COVID-19 concerning these two pandemic scenarios. Our empirical results indicate that after the extreme day, the increase in the vaccinated population contingent led to a lower entropy, higher predictability, and lower death cases. Given this, we conclude that the COVID-19 vaccines in Brazil were a highly effective public health action. In the most extreme situation, Brazil had 4249 records of daily deaths on April 8, 2021, approximately 3.5 months after the first dose of the vaccine. After this extreme situation on April 9, 2021, the daily records of deaths decrease to a minimum of 130 deaths on October 19, 2021. Thus, there is a percentage variation of −96.44% in records of daily deaths. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to provide empirical evidence for the populational impact related to COVID-19 vaccines.
A FRACTAL MODEL OF POWER-LAW FLUID THROUGH CHARGED FIBROUS POROUS MEDIA BY USING THE FRACTIONAL-DERIVATIVE THEORY
Authors: XIAO BOQI , LI YUPENG , LONG GONGBO
Published: February 2022

The study characterizes power-law fluid through charged fibrous porous media with spatial fractional-derivative and fractal geometry. Seepage flow of power-law fluid across fractal fibrous porous media in the presence of electric double layers (EDLs) is investigated based on the capillary bundle model. The acquired velocity distribution equation in a narrow capillary is then transformed into the form of series with appropriate Taylor approximation. After that, an analytical formula for dimensionless permeability is derived based on the generalized Darcy’s law. The effects of diverse parameters, including the fractal dimension of pore area, porosity, fractional order and Zeta potential on dimensionless permeability, are discussed. It can be seen from the results that lower fractional order has an amplification effect on dimensionless permeability with the change in Zeta potential. The results provide some theoretical guidance for revealing the seepage mechanism of a power-law fluid in charged porous media.
A Note on Linearly Many Faults of Interconnection Networks
Authors: Cheng Eddie , Lipták László , Qiu Ke , Shen Zhizhang
Published: February 2022

Connectivity type measures form an important part of network analysis, in particular, in analyzing vulnerability and resiliency of interconnection networks. One such measure is to consider the structure of the resulting graph when “many” vertices are deleted. In this short note, we study a way to extend some known results on this topic.
A New Multi-Level Semi-Supervised Learning Approach for Network Intrusion Detection System Based on the ‘GOA’
Authors: Madhuri A. , Jyothi Veerapaneni Esther , Praveen S. Phani , Sindhura S. , Srinivas V. Sai , Kumar D. Lokesh Sai
Published: February 2022

One of the important technologies in present days is Intrusion detection technology. By using the machine learning techniques, researchers were developed different intrusion systems. But, the designed models toughness is affected by the two parameters, in that first one is, high network traffic imbalance in several categories, and another is, non-identical distribution is present in between the test set and training set in feature space. An artificial neural network (ANN) multi-level intrusion detection model with semi-supervised hierarchical [Formula: see text]-means method (HSK-means) is presented in this paper. Error rate of intrusion detection is reduced by the ANN’s accurate learning so it uses the Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA) which is analysed in this paper. Based on selection of important and useful parameters as bias and weight, error rate of intrusion detection system is reduced in the GOA algorithm and this is the main objective of the proposed system. Cluster based method is used in the pattern discovery module in order to find the unknown patterns. Here the test sample is treated as unlabelled unknown pattern or the known pattern. Proposed approach performance is evaluated by using the dataset as KDDCUP99. It is evident from the experimental findings that the projected model of GOA based semi supervised learning approach is better in terms of sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy than the intrusion systems which are existed previously.
West Nile Virus Prediction Based on Data Mining
Authors: Meng Wei
Published: February 2022

This paper performed some exploratory data visualization on this data set. The nature and representation of input data was found out and the preliminary feature selection was conducted in this step. And this paper performed data preprocessing and feature engineering on this data set, which had critical importance of the accuracy of prediction results. The paper built multiple regression models on the missing values prediction in the testing set. The paper implemented various data mining algorithms to build predictive models, including Gaussian Naive Bayes classifier, K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) algorithm, Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), Logistic regression, random forest and XGBoost. After the experiments, XGBoost classifier could give the best result among all the models.
On the quaternionic osculating direction curves
Authors: Kızıltuğ Sezai , Erişir Tülay , Mumcu Gökhan
Published: February 2022

Quaternions are widely used in physics. Quaternions, an extension of complex numbers, are closely related to many fundamental concepts (e.g. Pauli matrices) in physics. The aim of this study is the geometric structure underlying the quaternions used in physics. In this paper, we have investigated a new structure of unit speed associated curves such as spatial quaternionic and quaternionic osculating direction curves. For this, we have assumed that the vector fields [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] for the spatial quaternionic curve [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] for the quaternionic curve [Formula: see text]. Then, we have given the relationship between (spatial) quaternionic (OD)-curves and Mannheim curve pair. Moreover, we have examined in which cases the (spatial) quaternionic (OD)-curve can be helix or slant helix. So, considering that helices also take place in electron physics, it is thought that this study will create a bridge between physics and geometry. Finally, we have given the examples and draw the figures of curves in the examples.
Klein–Gordon oscillator under the effects of violation of Lorentz symmetry
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the behavior of a Klein–Gordon oscillator under Lorentz symmetry breaking determined by a tensor [Formula: see text] out of the Standard Model Extension (SME) is analyzed. We choose a scenario of Lorentz-violating with an electric field inversely proportional to the radial and/or axial distance, and a constant magnetic field along [Formula: see text]-direction. In this analysis, we see that the Lorentz-violating terms modified the energy spectrum and the wave function of an oscillator field in comparison to the known standard Landau levels. Furthermore, we note that the oscillation frequency [Formula: see text] of a scalar particle depends on quantum numbers [Formula: see text] as well as on Lorentz-violating parameters in the quantum system which shows a quantum effect.