bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irreversibility and response functions in the turbulent energy cascade
Authors: Cocciaglia Niccolò , Cencini Massimo , Vulpiani Angelo
Published: September 2024

The statistical properties of turbulent flows are fundamentally different from those of systems at equilibrium due to the presence of an energy flux from the scales of injection to those where energy is dissipated by the viscous forces: a scenario dubbed “direct energy cascade”. Here, we aim at characterizing the non-equilibrium properties of turbulent cascades in a shell model of turbulence by studying an asymmetric time-correlation function and the relaxation behavior of an energy perturbation, measured at scales smaller or larger than the perturbed one. We shall contrast the behavior of these two observables in both non-equilibrium (forced and dissipated) and equilibrium (inviscid and unforced) cases. Finally, we shall show that equilibrium and non-equilibrium physics coexist in the same system, namely at scales larger and smaller, respectively, of the forcing scale.
Complexity Measures in the Tight-Binding Model
Authors: Atenas Boris , Curilef Sergio
Published: September 2024

The deformation of a wave packet is a significant topic in classical and quantum mechanics. Understanding this phenomenon is relevant in the study of various physical systems. In this work, we characterize the evolution of a highly localized wave packet in a tight-binding lattice. We investigate the behavior of the probability distribution associated with the wave packet and the accompanying complexity measures. We take information entropy, disequilibrium, disorder, and complexity measures to describe the localization-delocalization process from a highly localized initial pulse, showing the particles moving in a lattice. The main result is obtained from the entropy definition (Logarithmic and Linear) and the inverse of the participant ratio to describe the expected localization-delocalization process, evoking two definitions of Complexity: CLMC
and CSDL
.
Generalised Lyapunov stretching in a weakly chaotic open dynamical system
Authors: Brevitt Samuel , Klages Rainer
Published: September 2024

Chaotic dynamical systems may be characterised by a positive Lyapunov exponent, which measures the exponential rate of separation of nearby trajectories. However in a wide range of so-called weakly chaotic systems, the separation of nearby trajectories is sub-exponential, for example stretched exponential, in time; and therefore in such cases the Lyapunov exponent vanishes. When a hole is introduced in chaotic systems, the Lyapunov exponent on the system’s fractal repeller can be related to the generation of entropy and the escape rate from the system via the escape rate formalism, but no suitable generalisation exists to weakly chaotic systems. In this work we show that in a paradigmatic one-dimensional weakly chaotic iterated map, the Pomeau-Manneville map, the generation of generalised Lyapunov stretching is completely suppressed in the presence of a hole. These results are shown based on numerical evidence, and explained with a fully analytic stochastic model.
Entanglement in Bound States of Two Particles with a Localized Center-of-Mass Wave-Function
Authors: Nogales B. , Curilef S. , Plastino A.R.
Published: September 2024

We explore some entanglement-related features of systems consisting of two particles coupled through a central potential. We consider two types of systems, constituted by particles in one spatial dimension interacting through an attractive Dirac Delta potential, or through a harmonic quadratic potential. The degree of freedom corresponding to the system’s center of mass is either regarded as confined within a one dimensional box, or described by a localized Gaussian wave-packet. As a quantitative indicator of the degree of entanglement between the particles, we use the linear entropy of the one-particle marginal density matrix. In general, this quantity cannot be calculated analytically (except in some special cases related to the Harmonic interaction). Consequently, the linear entropy has to be evaluated numerically. Since the concomitant numerical problem consist in evaluating a multi-dimensional integral in four dimensions, the Monte Carlo integration method is an appropriate one for this task. We explore numerically how the system’s entanglement depends on the different interaction potentials, on the different types of confinement for the system’s center of mass, and on the associated parameters describing the size and geometry of the system.
Quantitative analysis of student learning progress in online curses during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tabilo Felipe , Velazquez L.
Published: September 2024

The pandemic of COVID-19 forced the transition of education to online platforms. This shift allowed for a more in-depth study of the learning process of students, as it provided access to information about their activities and interactions with the course’s contents [1-3]. In this work, we apply quantitative methods to analyze the student learning progress of students for two first year courses of the B.Sc. degree in Physics (Universidad Católica del Norte). The data are collected from activity logs of digital platforms during Academic year 2021, which were employed to characterize the student learning habits along these processes (experience, selectivity and workflow). Statistical analysis is based on the distribution of the time spent on learning activities, such as the daily time distribution and the cumulative attention per online materials. The results show that the learning process of students in online courses is complex and adaptive. We report statistical patterns similar to those found in financial markets. These empirical results provide evidence about the importance of economic principles and methods in the understanding of the teaching-learning process.
Energy efficiency evaluation of wind turbines based on entropy weight method and stacked autoencoder
Authors: Ma Jinke , Lu Nana , Sun Qitao , Liang Hao
Published: September 2024

To solve the problems of complex operating conditions of wind turbines and difficult to measure and evaluate energy efficiency, a quantitative evaluation method of energy efficiency of wind turbines based on the entropy weight method (EWM) and stacked automatic encoder (SAE) was proposed. Firstly, based on the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) data of wind turbines, key evaluation indicators are extracted through preprocessing and feature extraction of wind turbine data. The EWM is used to determine the weights, and deep learning is combined with SAE to comprehensively obtain the energy efficiency value of wind turbines. Subsequently, the quartile method was used to determine the discrimination threshold for inefficient units, and the effectiveness of this method on SCADA data of a 5.5MW offshore wind farm was verified through numerical examples. The results show that this method can evaluate the energy efficiency level of wind turbines in real time and achieve 100% accuracy in identifying inefficient units, providing a reference for the maintenance and technical improvement of wind turbine energy efficiency performance.
Electricity theft detection model based on the CEEMDAN-CNN-ViT
Authors: Yang Hang , Yang Runkai , Li Xiang , Zhou Wenyuan
Published: September 2024

Most of the traditional power theft detection methods construct the model directly on the basis of the original power sequences, and do not simultaneously consider the long-period dependencies in the long-time sequences and the local connectivity features between periods, which limits the deep excavation of the behavioral laws of power users. In order to further improve the accuracy of power theft detection, this paper proposes a high-precision power theft detection model that integrates local anomaly filtering, energy consumption decomposition, and multi-feature fusion strategies. First, local anomaly filtering is used to eliminate local anomalies in the normalized energy consumption data to avoid the misleading effect of short-term abnormal behavior on the model. Then, the energy consumption decomposition based on CEEMDAN selects specific frequency band data that can accurately characterize the pattern of power theft users to improve the accuracy of power theft detection. Next, the long-time periodic features in the two-dimensional data and the short-time local features in the one-dimensional sequences are integrated by multi-feature fusion to enhance the adaptability of the model. The results show that the proposed model can effectively improve the detection accuracy, detection completeness, F1 score, and accuracy compared with the existing methods.
Convolutional neural networks-based multi-sensor data fusion analysis for transmission lines
Authors: Ye Jiang , Chen Yonghua , Xia Yunfeng , Liang Qishuai , Xia Zhongchen , Yang Jie
Published: September 2024

With the development of the power system, accurate assessment and fault diagnosis of the health status of transmission lines have become increasingly important. However, the standard data fusion algorithms do not fully exploit the correlation and weight disparity among multiple sensors. This study proposes a technique for analyzing transmission lines using a convolutional neural network-based approach to address this issue. By fusing data collected from multiple sensors in different directions, it can more accurately capture key information about transmission lines and conduct comprehensive analysis to evaluate their health status.
Reliability assessment of grid-connected microgrid based on sequential Monte Carlo simulation method
Authors: Ban Yongshuang , Li Chunhua , Wang Benke , Zhao Zeming , Wang Zengxu
Published: September 2024

A reliability evaluation model for grid-connected microgrid (MG) on the basis of sequential Monte Carlo simulation (SMCS) method is put forward, and factors affecting the reliability of power distribution network containing distribution generation (DG) and MG in grid-connected paradigm are studied. According to the research results, the reliability of the power distribution system can be heightened effectively by microgrid connection; increasing DG capacity can improve system reliability, and DG with constant output has a better improvement effect. Meanwhile, properly increasing the capacity of the energy storage system (ESS) or reducing its failure rate can improve the probability of steady operation (POSO) of the microgrid, but the effect of the failure rate is small.
Frequency stability control of sending-end power grid with multiple resources
Authors: Ye Xi , Ouyang Xuetong , Chen Baorui , Wang Xi , Zhu Tong , Zhou Shichen , Zhong Zuhao
Published: September 2024

High shares of renewables and power electronics (“double-high”) have become the main development trends for future power systems. In this context, power systems will face the practical problem of insufficient inertia and frequency regulation capability. This paper investigates frequency stability enhancement of the sending-end power grid by incorporating regulation capabilities of multiple resources. Based on power flow and transient calculation data, an equivalent model of frequency response for a practical power grid is established and validated. The frequency response under different scenarios considering various disturbance and renewable output scenarios is conducted, taking into account the simultaneous participation of resources such as direct current frequency limit control, energy storage, and renewables of different scales in frequency regulation to improve frequency stability and mitigate the risk of renewables trippings. Simulation results indicate that incorporating the potential frequency regulation capabilities of multiple resources into “double-high” frequency control strategy plays an important role in improving transient frequency response, reducing the risk of renewable tripping, and enhancing frequency stability margins.
Research on the state monitoring system and low-temperature performance degradation of PEMFC
Authors: Tian Tao , Dou Yinke , Wang Jin , Lin Zekun
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the design and implementation of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) condition monitoring system. The system is capable of real-time monitoring of key parameters of the fuel cell, including voltage, current, temperature, and humidity, and transmits data to the upper computer through a microcontroller. The upper computer software utilizes the LabView platform, which not only parses and processes the data but also visually displays parameter changes through graphical interfaces such as waveform diagrams and circular instruments. The experiment verified that the system can accurately evaluate the output performance and life attenuation of fuel cells. A fuel cell status monitoring system for low temperatures can provide important data for the application and performance optimization of fuel cells in extreme environments. This research is of great significance in promoting the application of hydrogen energy technology and the development of the hydrogen energy industry.
Research on energy storage capacity planning based on AGC strategy of new energy power station
Authors: Wang Zhenyi , Ye Hua , Lu Xuegang , Shen Li
Published: September 2024

With the rapid development of emerging energy technologies, the percentage of clean energy in the power system has increased. However, the uncertainty surrounding the output of new energy sources contributes to the need for further analysis and evaluation, and its grid supply point will bring challenges to the network frequency. This paper studies this issue. First, different frequency response models are established. Secondly, it proposes a frequency response fuzzy control strategy to the frequency response capability of new energy power stations for the generation control of the collaborative wind energy and energy storage system. Meanwhile, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the optimal configuration of energy storage capacity. The actual case is analyzed to verify that the AGC strategy is effective.
Research on monitoring and energy management systems for energy storage stations on the power generation side
Authors: Zhang Juan , Ma Shuli , Zhou Zhenzhen , Guan Yingying
Published: September 2024

Addressing the challenges of limited operational efficiency, inadequate battery safety, inflexible system scalability, inadequate AGC/AVC functionality, and low levels of intelligent operation and maintenance encountered by energy storage power stations integrated with new energy generation sources, this article delves into the pivotal role of these power stations on the generation side. It meticulously examines the network architecture, functional framework, and pivotal technologies underpinning the system. Furthermore, the article proposes a comprehensive monitoring and energy management system tailored specifically for energy storage on the generation side. The system uses micro-service architecture and container technology to realize the processing and storage of massive data. Through complete isolation of the information network and control network and millisecond communication with GOOSE, the charging and discharging response speed of the energy storage station is greatly improved. The power allocation algorithm based on device status recognition completes the system’s high-precision power control of PCS, and this system uses big data analysis and data mining technology to conduct a comprehensive statistical analysis of battery health status, power station operation efficiency, and equipment operation status and energy consumption. The design of the system has favorable technical and application guidance for the subsequent energy management design and engineering application of the energy storage power station.
Agile in Automotive: A Literature Review
Authors: Bence Venczel Tamás , Hriczó Krisztián , Berényi László
Published: September 2024

The automotive industry faces increasing pressure to adapt to rapidly changing market demands while maintaining efficiency and quality standards. Agile methodologies have gained attention to enhance flexibility, responsiveness, and innovation in automotive manufacturing and software development. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent research trends and gaps in the application of agile methodologies within the automotive sector. We analyzed a dataset comprising articles from Scopus, Google Scholar, and Crossref, identifying key themes, such as hybrid lean-agile manufacturing, supply chain management, and automotive software development. Furthermore, we highlight emerging trends and potential areas for future research, including resilience in the automotive industry, integration of green practices, and cross-cultural perspectives.
Effects of Tool Geometry Parameters on Clinched Joint Strength Using FEM
Authors: Shukurea Rahmato Abdulhakim , Zoltán Kovács Péter
Published: September 2024

Clinching joining is one of the predominant techniques used to join aluminium alloys in the automotive industry. Although the technique can be easily automated, cost-effective, and not affect the material’s mechanical properties during the joining process, the tool geometry parameters significantly affect the strength of the clinched joint. Therefore, a precise finite element model is critical to improve the strength and reduce the cliched joint’s production cost. This study investigated the effect of the punch fillet radius, the punch angle, the die diameter and the die depth on the strength of the clinched joint of 5754 aluminium alloys. The clinched joint was produced with different geometry parameters. The cross-section of the clinched joints was observed. In the meantime, the interlocking value, the neck thickness, and tool parameters were measured to investigate the joinability of the aluminium alloys. The static tensile shear tests were also conducted using the universal tensile machine. Numerical studies have been conducted to analyse the influence of the geometrical parameters using a 2D axisymmetric model. As a result, the numerical results agreed with the experimental results. Additionally, the result showed that the tool geometry significantly impacted the strength of the clinched joint of aluminium alloys. The study concluded that the neck thickness and the interlocking value have played a vital role in the enhancement of the cliched joint strength.
n-γ discrimination in low energy region using Artificial Neural Network based on improved traditional methods
Authors: Hu Xinyi , Yuan Wanghui , Wang Xuanxi , Jiang Xiaofei
Published: September 2024

The n-γ signals in low energy region are difficult to be discriminated because of the ambiguous energy loss, partial overlapping of energy spectra and the presence of noise. In this paper, an n-γ discrimination method combining the improved traditional methods with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in low energy region is proposed. Firstly, this paper improves the Charge Comparison Method (CCM) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). With respect to the original method, the discrimination parameter of Improved CCM adds different charge time distributions, and the discrimination parameter of Improved DWT adds the second smallest scale. Then, the n-γ data co-screened by Improved CCM and Improved DWT are used as the dataset of ANN. These low-energy data co-screened by Improved CCM and Improved DWT are more discriminant, which is conducive to improving the reliability and generalization ability of the ANN model. Finally, elastic net regularization technique is added to the ANN model, different ANNs are compared using F1 score (F
1) and Discrimination Error Ratio (DER). In this paper, the pulse waveforms generated by the EJ301 liquid scintillator detector in a real environment are processed. The experimental results indicate that, compared to traditional methods, the FoM values of Improved CCM and Improved DWT increased by 7.7% and 76% respectively in 0–25 keV, 2.8% and 28.7% respectively in 25–50 keV. The comparison results of F
1 and DER demonstrate that the ANN using the n-γ dataset determined by Improved CCM and Improved DWT has higher F
1 and lower DER. Therefore, the ANN proposed in this paper, based on improved traditional methods and elastic net regularization, exhibits higher reliability and generalization ability in low energy region. Additionally, increasing the batch size of model is beneficial for higher efficiency.
Development of chitosan/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-based polyelectrolyte complex of dexamethasone for treatment of anterior uveitis
Authors: Mujtaba Md Ali , Desai Harita , Ambekar Anju , Fule Ritesh , Pande Shriya , Warsi Musarrat Husain , Elhassan Gamal Osman , Taha Murtada , Anwer Khalid , Golghate Tarkeshwar devidas
Published: September 2024

Anterior uveitis is one of the most prevalent forms of ocular inflammation caused by infections, trauma, and other idiopathic conditions if not treated properly, it can cause complete blindness. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate and evaluate dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) loaded polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of anterior uveitis. DSP-loaded PEC-NPs were formed through complex coacervation by mixing low molecular weight chitosan and the anionic polymer carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). The formulations were optimized using Box–Behnken design and evaluated the effect of independent variables: Chitosan concentration, CMC concentration, and pH of chitosan solution on the dependent variables: particle size (PS), Polydispersity Index (PDI), pH of the formulation, and % entrapment efficacy (%EE). The PS, PDI, zeta potential, and pH of the optimized formulation were found 451 ± 82.0995 nm, 0.3807 ± 0.1862, +20.33 ± 1.04 mV and 6.8367 ± 0.0737 respectively. The %EE and drug loading of formulation were 61.66 ± 4.2914% and 21.442 ± 1.814% respectively. In vitro drug release studies of optimized formulation showed the prolonged release up to 12 h whereas, the marketed formulation showed the burst release 85.625 ± 4.3062% in 1 h and 98.1462 ± 3.0921% at 6 h, respectively. Fourier transform infrared studies suggested the effective incorporation of the drug into the PEC-NPs formulation whereas differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction studies showed the amorphized nature of the drug in the formulation. Transmission electron microscopy study showed self-assembled, nearly spherical, core–shell nanostructures. The corneal permeation study showed higher permeation of the drug from PEC-NPs compared to the marketed formulation. Hen’s Eggs test-Chorioallantoic Membrane test of the optimized formulation revealed non-irritant and safe for ocular administration. Therefore, DSP-loaded PEC-NPs are an effective substitute for conventional eye drops due to their ability to increase bioavailability through longer precorneal retention duration and sustained drug release.
The antifungal activity of Andrographis paniculata and its effects on Oryza sativa germination and growth
Authors: Ghazali A H , Zain W Z W M , Kalit S N D M , Wahab M Z A , Ramli N W , Hamid N A , Musa S A N C , Aziman N
Published: September 2024

Rice cultivation is severely affected by fungal diseases such as blasts, stunted growth, and Bakanae disease, leading to reduced production and consumption problems. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal properties of Andrographis paniculata crude methanol, hexane, and dichloromethane extracts against Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium proliferatum. Additionally, the effects of these botanical extracts on seed germination and seedling development Oryza sativa were examined. The antifungal activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion test, minimal inhibitory concentration, and minimal fungicidal concentration. The results revealed that the A. paniculata methanol extract exhibited the highest antifungal activity at 0.5% concentration, with mycelial inhibition percentages of 42.85% and 38.46% against F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum, respectively. The hexane and dichloromethane leaf extracts also showed antifungal properties, with mycelial inhibition percentages of (28.57, 30.76%) and (39.28%, 34.61%) against the two fungi, respectively. Furthermore, A. paniculata extract (0.5%) enhanced the growth of O. sativa infected with F. proliferatum, resulting in a significant increase in plant height (66.7cm) by day 30 compared to other treatments. These findings suggest that A. paniculata extracts can be used as seed treatment for limiting fungal infections in O. sativa and promoting seed germination and seedling growth in O. sativa.
Development of disease detection mobile application for pineapple
Authors: Sophan P N A S , Ismail S A , Sadikan S F N
Published: September 2024

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit that is widely distributed throughout the world. The cultivation of pineapples, which holds great economic importance in the field of agriculture, encounters ongoing difficulties regarding the detection and control of diseases that affect both the quantity and quality of the yield. Manual disease detection in pineapple crops is challenging due to subjective evaluations, laborious processes, and financial losses. Manual methods can lead to delayed disease identification and specialised knowledge, limiting precise disease diagnosis. The need for effective disease detection tools has prompted the investigation of mobile applications as an ideal solution. To address these issues, automated disease scanning technology systems utilising computer vision and machine learning are essential. The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) was used for instructional design that emphasises a rapid and iterative development process. The development process involves three phases: design, development, and evaluation. The developed mobile application was then evaluated using a questionnaire to get user’s feedback and evaluate the accuracy of information provided by the application. Reporting on the result from Likert Scale, most of the score showed values four and above which indicated positive response on the usability and accuracy of disease detection by the mobile application. As a conclusion, the development of this mobile application gives a positive response to users to promptly detect and control diseases, thereby reducing the possibility of crop damage.
Effects of ageing on the chemical composition and instrumental tenderness of swamp buffalo meat reared under an open grazing system
Authors: Amin F M , Aminudin D , Idris L H , Hassim H A , Bakar M Z A
Published: September 2024

Meat ageing has been widely used to improve the palatability and acceptance of meat among consumers. In Malaysia, swamp buffalo are frequently used as labour and may cause toughness and reduce meat quality. Meat ageing is highly debated, and consumers worry about the deterioration of nutritive value. Six males reared under open grazing system, aged 18-24 months, and weighing at 290 ± 2.90 kg were slaughtered. 300g meat samples each from Longissimus dorsi (LD), Supraspinatus (SS) and Semitendinosus (ST) were collected. The ageing was determined at 1 day, 7 days and 14 days period. The proximate analysis for moisture, ash, crude fat, crude protein, cholesterol, and energy as well as the Warner-Bratzler shear force for tenderness was conducted. The moisture content of SS and ST was significantly reduced (p≤0.05) following ageing. However, the moisture content of LD remained unchanged (p≥0.05). Ageing also significantly lowered (p≤0.05) the crude fat content in SS and ST. Surprisingly, the crude fat content in LD showed the lowest among all the muscles (p≤0.05) only on day 1, while at other ageing periods, the difference was not significant (p≥0.05). The gross energy of LD and SS showed a significant reduction from day 1 to day 14 (p≤0.05). The tenderness of all muscles improved (p≤0.05) as the ageing increased, however, the comparative tenderness of all muscles was only observed at day 14 of ageing. It is firmly established that meat ageing improved tenderness but did not affect all the major nutritional compositions.
Exploring the challenges faced by the harvester in oil palm plantation in Semporna, Sabah; A qualitative study
Authors: Mohd Asnan N F F , Azizan A , Saili A R , Wan Yusuf S M , Syahlan S , Francis F , Dahlan L D , Kulai D , Youlla D , Ekawati
Published: September 2024

Malaysia is the second-largest global producer of palm oil, providing about one-third of the world’s supply. Currently, the country’s palm oil industry heavily depends on foreign labor, especially for the strenuous task of harvesting. Local workers often avoid such jobs labeled as Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous (3D) work due to their challenging and hazardous nature. Harvesting plays a crucial role in the oil palm production process. It is essential to promptly harvest the Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) when it ripens to ensure high-quality oil extraction. An average oil palm bunch weighs between 20 to 25 kilograms and contains roughly 1,000 to 3,000 fruitlets. To understand the difficulties faced by harvesters, a qualitative study was conducted in a Semporna, Sabah oil palm plantation. Six seasoned harvesters were interviewed to gain valuable insights. The study highlighted issues like strenuous physical labor, harsh weather conditions, injuries, and health concerns arising from the demanding nature of the job. To address these challenges, the plantation adheres to OSHA standards, requiring all harvesters to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as helmets and boots. Additionally, the plantation provides training for new employees, overseen by their staff. In contrast, experienced workers do not undergo further training but focus on mentoring new harvesters on proper harvesting techniques.
Playgoers
Authors: Watt Gary
Published: September 2024

This chapter proposes early modern playgoers as a sort of jury with power to pass judgment on a play. It focuses especially upon the ways in which sounds, and sound effects, attuned them to be a judicial audience, to render a fair hearing, and to reach a sound judgment. Judgment on the quality of a performance is made in the critical faculty (the factory) of the beholder, but the operation can work to tragic effect if the judgment of the ear is seduced by misleading sounds or indeed if the ear is ignored entirely because of the overriding seductions of sight. Othello is offered as an extended case study of this sort, noting that Othello is depicted as if he were a judge in the ecclesiastical consistory court (the so-called bawdy court) where cases of slander and fornication were common.
Phryne of Thespiae
Authors: McClure Laura
Published: September 2024

Phryne of Thespiae: Courtesan, Muse, and Myth attempts to reconstruct the life of an Athenian courtesan who lived and worked in fourth-century Athens. Although considered the most famous of the many Greek courtesans who flocked to Athens during this period, Phryne became even more popular in the later literary tradition, which continually reimagined and embellished her stories. They recounted again and again how she served as the model for the Praxiteles’ Cnidian Aphrodite, the first monumental female nude in Western art, and how the sight of her naked body won acquittal when she was prosecuted for impiety. But she left no writings in her own words and only a handful of fragments related to her have survived from her time. The primary evidence for her life comes down to us from texts composed hundreds of years after her death, all of them written by men, whose works reflect the changing tastes, experiences, and values of Greeks living under Roman rule. Through a close analysis of the evidence for Athenian sexual labor in classical Athens and drawing on parallels with other Greek courtesans, this book argues that key aspects of her biography, even those that have been dismissed as male fantasies, could have plausibly originated in historical events. The portrait that emerges is that of a powerful and socially consequential woman whose wealth and connections helped to shape the society in which she lived.
Phryne’s Receptions in Greek Art
Authors: McClure Laura
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores various links between Phryne and artworks and artists in antiquity, focusing on her portrait statues, the most famous of which was dedicated at Delphi, and her associations with Praxiteles and his Eros and Cnidian Aphrodite statues. It argues that the portraits were probably authentic and thus help to make the case that a fourth-century hetaera named Phryne from Thespiae plausibly existed. For this reason, the first part of the chapter considers the form and meaning of both private and public portrait dedications of women in Greek sanctuaries during the late classical period. It then turns to Praxiteles’ Thespian triad, which placed Phryne’s image between two deities, Eros and Aphrodite, followed by discussions of the two other portrait statues, the Happy Hetaera and the portrait statue at Delphi. In the second half, it briefly examines constructions of idealized, “respectable” female nudity in Greek art and literature as precedents for the historical emergence of the Cnidian Aphrodite, particularly the so-called kneeling bather scenes found on late fifth-century Attic red-figure vase painting and how Phryne came to be associated with this artistic milieu.
The Concept of Alignment
Authors: Stephanopoulos Nicholas O
Published: September 2024

This chapter lays the theoretical foundation for the rest of the book. Alignment—congruence between governmental outputs and popular preferences—can be analyzed along three dimensions. These are (1) the applicable political unit (a specific district or an entire jurisdiction); (2) the method by which popular preferences are summarized (majoritarian or collective); and (3) the type of governmental output (partisanship, representation, or policy). Under this framework, alignment should be analyzed in the aggregate, not issue by issue. Alignment should be conceived dynamically, not statically. And the relevant dêmos must be selected based on factors other than alignment. So understood, alignment is both supported by several models of democracy and normatively appealing in its own right. The public choice critique of alignment also fails because popular preferences are sufficiently meaningful to serve as the benchmark for representation and policy. Important as alignment is, though, it need not be sought single-mindedly since it hardly exhausts societies’ pragmatic and democratic objectives.
Political Parties
Authors: Stephanopoulos Nicholas O
Published: September 2024

This chapter applies the alignment framework to regulations of political parties. Parties are vitally important entities, the very building blocks of mass democracy. Nevertheless, alignment within parties has no democratic value. Parties are distinct from the polity itself, and intraparty congruence can undermine the polity-level alignment that really does matter, democratically speaking. Parties can be regulated in many ways, but only some of these rules have aligning implications. Rules about how parties choose their general election nominees generally don’t have such effects. Alignment therefore shouldn’t be a factor in the debate between more inclusive and more exclusive primaries. Ballot access restrictions can influence alignment both by changing the likelihood of minor party spoilers and by creating centrifugal or centripetal incentives for the major parties. But these impacts are relatively minor and hinge on the use of a plurality winner rule. Finally, plurality rule itself is quite misaligning compared to alternative electoral systems. Other single-winner systems mostly or fully prevent misalignment from minor party spoilers. More dramatically, the election of multiple winners per district using proportional representation leads to better partisan and representational—though maybe not policy—alignment.
Aligning Alternatives
Authors: Stephanopoulos Nicholas O
Published: September 2024

This chapter discusses the role of actors other than the federal judiciary in promoting alignment. Fortuitously, there’s no shortage of other actors with the legal ability and, sometimes, the political will to take aligning measures. At the federal level, Congress has sweeping regulatory authority over elections both horizontally (across different types of elections) and vertically (on different substantive grounds). Congress has also repeatedly used this vast power to promote alignment, and almost did so again through the omnibus election law bills of 2021–22. At the state level, the independent state legislature theory now poses few, if any, problems for aligning efforts undertaken by nonlegislative state actors with respect to federal elections. All these actors—governors, other executive officials, the people via direct democracy, state courts—and state legislatures, too, advance alignment on certain occasions, at least in the redistricting context. Finally, private actors have some capacity to boost alignment on their own, independent of public policy. These private aligning channels operate on the informational environment of politicians, the informational environment of voters, and the campaign finance ecosystem. In sum, these aligning alternatives to federal litigation make clear that our anti-alignment Court doesn’t condemn us to an anti-alignment fate.
Seeing Like a Firm
Authors: Néron Pierre-Yves
Published: September 2024

This book proposes a political theory of the business firm, and by doing so, it offers new perspectives on social justice, neoliberalism, and conservatism. It challenges usual interpretations of neoliberalism by reconstructing the philosophical grounds of a form of conservatism of commerce based on a powerful aesthetics of inequality. More precisely, this book makes two key claims. First, it argues that corporations “see” in a conservative way. From this point of view, the “normative tunnel vision” of the corporation is that of hierarchy and inequality, and the great simplification of the corporate optic is to set aside the demands for equal standing. Second, it argues that we need a relational conception of equality and justice to think about corporations. From a relational perspective, a commitment to equality implies more than advocating the fair distribution of goods and resources, it aims to build a true society of equals and to fight against unjust hierarchies, various forms of subordination and social stratification. Consequently, the key normative claim of the relational approach regarding the corporation is this: what is so unique about the firm, and worrisome given its centrality within our societies, is precisely its capacity to undermine the very foundations of a society of equals. It does so because the big normative simplification of the corporate “optic” is to set aside the demands for equal standing. Relational egalitarians should try to deconstruct it, argue against it, and find ways to tackle it.
The Aesthetics of Inequality
Authors: Néron Pierre-Yves
Published: September 2024

This chapter aims to take seriously the claim that firms “see” in a conservative way. The normative tunnel vision of the corporation is that of hierarchy, and the great simplification of the corporate optic is to set aside the demands for equal standing. To make sense of this conclusion, two things are necessary. First, it is necessary to clarify the relationship conservatives have with inequality, which is one of approval, appreciation, celebration: what the chapter conceptualizes as an aesthetics of inequality. In the end, conservatism is the only political philosophy that proposes us an authentic celebration of inequality. Second, it is necessary to understand the key movement that characterizes contemporary conservatism, namely the shift from a conservatism of values to a conservatism of commerce, which embarks on the celebration of economic activity as the new locus of aristocratic politics.
For Economic Democracy, Against CSR
Authors: Néron Pierre-Yves
Published: September 2024

This chapter aims to clarify some of the implications of the approach defended in this book by articulating two claims that can be drawn from it, a positive one, and a negative one. Positively, it argues that a relational approach to equality can provide the theoretical grounds for a defense of economic democracy. Drawing on a conception of democracy as a society of equals, it argues that a genuine defense of social equality should go hand in hand with the defense of economic democracy, understood as a broad theoretical framework to think about issues of economic justice. To sum up, relational egalitarians should be economic democrats. Negatively, it makes the case against CSR. The political theory of the firm should help us by providing the grounds for a radical critique of a label that significantly limits our intellectual and political imagination.
Why the UK is vaccinating its older adult population against RSV—what geriatricians should know
Authors: Naylor Johnny , Ho Antonia , Soiza Roy L
Published: September 2024

The UK is launching a new free vaccination programme against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults aged 75 or over. This follows the development of safe and effective vaccines against RSV and the growing realisation of the burden of RSV-related disease in older adults—estimated at circa 8000 deaths and 175 000 GP episodes every year in the UK. It is likely that the full burden of RSV-related illness is under-appreciated and under-reported due to a lack of testing and awareness of its dangers in older adults. Healthcare professionals working with older people should be aware of the evidence base and be in a position to advise patients on the risks and benefits of vaccination and nonvaccination. We briefly review the evidence for the safety and effectiveness of the two licensed vaccines against RSV with a special focus on what geriatricians and others working with frailer, older people need to know.
Epidermal growth factor induces the initiation of epithelial mesenchymal transition in high-density colorectal cancer cell culture
Authors: Take Yuuri , Yoshida Fumi , Tanaka Ryo , Nakanishi Yusuke , Takahashi Kyoko
Published: September 2024

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a step in the process through which colorectal cancer cells metastasize by gaining the cellular mobility associated with mesenchymal cells. However, whether the EMT occurs in cells tightly bound to each other remains largely unknown. In this study, we examined the dual influence of intercellular contact and epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling on the induction of EMT in SW480 human colon carcinoma cells. Stimulation of densely cultured SW480 cells with EGF initiated partial EMT, following which E-cadherin levels were reduced. In these cells, the transcriptional repression of E-cadherin was caused by ZEB1 binding to its promoter region. EGF signaling did not directly induce ZEB1 mRNA upregulation but contributed to ZEB1 protein stability by regulating proteasomal degradation. Our findings indicate that EGF can induce EMT in colorectal cancer cells in the presence of cell-cell contact and may be a potential therapeutic target for metastasis.
Current computational tools for protein lysine acylation site prediction
Authors: Qin Zhaohui , Ren Haoran , Zhao Pei , Wang Kaiyuan , Liu Huixia , Miao Chunbo , Du Yanxiu , Li Junzhou , Wu Liuji , Chen Zhen
Published: September 2024

As a main subtype of post-translational modification (PTM), protein lysine acylations (PLAs) play crucial roles in regulating diverse functions of proteins. With recent advancements in proteomics technology, the identification of PTM is becoming a data-rich field. A large amount of experimentally verified data is urgently required to be translated into valuable biological insights. With computational approaches, PLA can be accurately detected across the whole proteome, even for organisms with small-scale datasets. Herein, a comprehensive summary of 166 in silico PLA prediction methods is presented, including a single type of PLA site and multiple types of PLA sites. This recapitulation covers important aspects that are critical for the development of a robust predictor, including data collection and preparation, sample selection, feature representation, classification algorithm design, model evaluation, and method availability. Notably, we discuss the application of protein language models and transfer learning to solve the small-sample learning issue. We also highlight the prediction methods developed for functionally relevant PLA sites and species/substrate/cell-type-specific PLA sites. In conclusion, this systematic review could potentially facilitate the development of novel PLA predictors and offer useful insights to researchers from various disciplines.
Interacting trends of colorectal cancer incidence: the combined effects of screening and birth cohort
Authors: Kuo Chih-Lin , Jhuang Jing-Rong , Su Shih-Yung , Chiang Chun-Ju , Yang Ya-Wen , Lin Li-Ju , Hsieh Pei-Chun , Hsu Tsui-Hsia , Lee Wen-Chung
Published: September 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer remains a major global public health challenge. Its incidence is shaped by a complex interplay of screening programmes and age, period and cohort factors.

Methods

We introduce a novel Age-Period-Cohort-Screening (APCS) model to analyse trends in colorectal cancer incidence in Taiwan from 2000 to 2019.

Results

In 2010, the incidence of colorectal cancer in Taiwan increased by 19.2% (95% CI: 13.5%, 25.3%) for men and 15.6% (95% CI: 9.2%, 22.4%) for women. This was followed by annual declines of 3.4% (95% CI: 2.8%, 4.1%) and 3.1% (95% CI: 2.4%, 3.9%), respectively. By 2015 for men and 2014 for women, the age-standardized incidence had fallen below the levels projected in a no-screening scenario. By 2019, the incidence had further declined by 12.4% (95% CI: 11.8%, 13.1%) for men and 11.6% (95% CI: 10.7%, 12.6%) for women, compared with the no-screening scenario. Cohort effects have shown a persistent rise from 1920 to 1980: incidence increased 5.8-fold for men and 3.1-fold for women. The trend began to plateau after 1980, with a noticeable decline in women.

Conclusion

Through its screening programme, Taiwan has successfully reduced colorectal cancer incidence by 10% as of 2019. Furthermore, the incidence due to cohort effects has plateaued and even begun to decline. However, continued monitoring remains crucial. The advanced APCS model could serve as a robust analytical tool for other researchers and policy makers evaluating the impacts of cancer screening programmes on incidence trends.
Backward Uniqueness for 3D Navier–Stokes Equations With Non-Trivial Final Data and Applications
Authors: Lei Zhen , Yang Zhaojie , Yuan Cheng
Published: September 2024

Presented is a backward uniqueness result of bounded mild solutions of 3D Navier–Stokes Equations in the whole space with non-trivial final data. A direct consequence is that a solution must be axi-symmetric in $[0, T]$ if it is so at time $T$. The proof is based on a new weighted estimate that enables to treat terms involving Calderon–Zygmund operators. The new weighted estimate is expected to have certain applications in control theory when classical Carleman-type inequality is not applicable.