bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic and prognostic performance of the SAFE score in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Li Guanlin , Lin Huapeng , Sripongpun Pimsiri , Liang Lilian Y. , Zhang Xinrong , Wong Vincent W.S. , Wong Grace L.H. , Kim W. Ray , Yip Terry C.F.
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims

The steatosis‐associated fibrosis estimator (SAFE) score was developed to detect clinically significant liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD in the United States. We compare the performance of the SAFE score and other non‐invasive tests to diagnose liver fibrosis and to correlate the scores with liver‐related outcomes in patients with NAFLD in Hong Kong.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study involving two data sets. The first cohort was a biopsy cohort of NAFLD patients (n = 279), and the second was a territory‐wide cohort of NAFLD patients (n = 4603) retrieved from a territory‐wide electronic healthcare database in Hong Kong.

Results

In detecting significant fibrosis, liver stiffness measured by transient elastography had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) (.844), followed by SAFE score (.773). SAFE score had the highest AUROC among blood‐based algorithms (.773 vs. .746 for FIB‐4, .697 for APRI). Based on cut‐off values of SAFE score (0 and 100 points), 854 (18.6%), 1596 (34.6%) and 2153 (46.8%) were in the low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups, respectively, in the territory‐wide cohort. Six (.7%), 15 (.9%) and 59 (2.7%) developed liver‐related events in those three groups respectively. Among patients who had liver‐related events at 5 years, using the high cut‐off, SAFE score could predict 84.9% of patients accurately, compared to 40.9% for FIB‐4 and 27.2% for APRI.

Conclusion

The SAFE score performed well and better than other blood‐based markers in diagnosing significant fibrosis and predicting liver‐related events in Asian patients with NAFLD.
Clinician and education researcher: Ships passing in the night?
Authors: Sturman Nancy Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Sturman outlines the problem of cross‐talk, arguing that It is important for practitioners, educators and researchers to reclaim a shared language if they are to address problems that matter.
Spermine deficiency shifts the balance between jasmonic acid and salicylic acid‐mediated defence responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Chi , Atanasov Kostadin E. , Murillo Ester , Vives‐Peris Vicente , Zhao Jiaqi , Deng Cuiyun , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Alcázar Rubén
Published: August 2023

Polyamines are small aliphatic polycations present in all living organisms. In plants, the most abundant polyamines are putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm). Polyamine levels change in response to different pathogens, including Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000). However, the regulation of polyamine metabolism and their specific contributions to defence are not fully understood. Here we report that stimulation of Put biosynthesis by Pst DC3000 is dependent on coronatine (COR) perception and jasmonic acid (JA) signalling, independently of salicylic acid (SA). Conversely, lack of Spm in spermine synthase (spms) mutant stimulated galactolipids and JA biosynthesis, and JA signalling under basal conditions and during Pst DC3000 infection, whereas compromised SA‐pathway activation and defence outputs through SA–JA antagonism. The dampening of SA responses correlated with COR and Pst DC3000‐inducible deregulation of ANAC019 expression and its key SA‐metabolism gene targets. Spm deficiency also led to enhanced disease resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea and stimulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signalling in response to Pst DC3000. Overall, our findings provide evidence for the integration of polyamine metabolism in JA‐ and SA‐mediated defence responses, as well as the participation of Spm in buffering ER stress during defence.
Relationships between xylem embolism and tree functioning during drought, recovery, and recurring drought in Aleppo pine
Authors: Wagner Yael , Volkov Mila , Nadal‐Sala Daniel , Ruehr Nadine Katrin , Hochberg Uri , Klein Tamir
Published: August 2023

Recent findings suggest that trees can survive high levels of drought‐induced xylem embolism. In many cases, the embolism is irreversible and, therefore, can potentially affect post‐drought recovery and tree function under recurring droughts. We examined the development of embolism in potted Aleppo pines, a common species in hot, dry Mediterranean habitats. We asked (1) how post‐drought recovery is affected by different levels of embolism and (2) what consequences this drought‐induced damage has under a recurring drought scenario. Young trees were dehydrated to target water potential (Ψx) values of −3.5, −5.2 and −9.5 MPa (which corresponded to ~6%, ~41% and ~76% embolism), and recovery of the surviving trees was measured over an 8‐months period (i.e., embolism, leaf gas‐exchange, Ψx). An additional group of trees was exposed to Ψx of −6.0 MPa, either with or without preceding drought (Ψx of −5.2 MPa) to test the effect of hydraulic damage during repeated drought. Trees that reached −9.5 MPa died, but none from the other groups. Embolism levels in dying trees were on average 76% of conductive xylem and no tree was dying below 62% embolism. Stomatal recovery was negatively proportional to the level of hydraulic damage sustained during drought, for at least a month after drought relief. Trees that experienced drought for the second time took longer to reach fatal Ψx levels than first‐time dehydrating trees. Decreased stomatal conductance following drought can be seen as “drought legacy,” impeding recovery of tree functioning, but also as a safety mechanism during a consecutive drought.
Rhizobacteria‐enhanced drought tolerance and post‐drought recovery of creeping bentgrass involving differential modulation of leaf and root metabolism
Authors: Errickson William , Huang Bingru
Published: August 2023

Rhizobacteria that produce 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase (ACCd) that inhibits ethylene production may mitigate stress damages. The objectives of this study were to examine whether a novel strain of ACCd‐producing bacteria, Paraburkholderia aspalathi “WSF23,” promotes plant tolerance to drought stress and post‐stress recovery and determine changes in metabolic profiles in leaves and roots associated with the positive ACCd‐bacteria effects in cool‐season perennial grass species. Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis Stolonifera L. cv. “Penncross”) plants were inoculated with P. aspalathi “WSF23” and exposed to drought by withholding irrigation for 35 days, followed by re‐watering for 15 days in growth chambers. Inoculated plants demonstrated increased turf quality, canopy density, and root growth during drought stress and more rapid re‐growth upon re‐watering. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated that inoculation with P. aspalathi “WSF 23” increased the content of metabolites in the metabolic pathways related to stress defense, including osmoregulation, cell wall stability, and antioxidant protection in both leaves and roots, as well as nitrogen metabolism in roots of creeping bentgrass exposed to drought stress. The promotion of post‐stress recovery by P. aspalathi “WSF 23” was mainly associated with enhanced carbohydrate and pyrimidine metabolism and zeatin biosynthesis pathways in leaves and increased carbohydrates, biosynthesis of DNA and proteins, cellular metabolism, and TCA cycle activity in roots. These results provide insights into the metabolic pathways regulated by “WSF23,” with the PGPR conferring improvements in drought stress tolerance and post‐drought recovery in a perennial grass species.
Continuous positive airway pressure versus high‐flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nagata Kazuma , Yokoyama Toshiki , Tsugitomi Ryosuke , Nakashima Harunori , Kuraishi Hiroshi , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Mori Yoshihiro , Sakuraya Masaaki , Kagami Ryogo , Tanigawa Motoaki , Tobino Kazunori , Kamo Tetsuro , Kadowaki Toru , Koga Yasutaka , Ogata Yoshitaka , Nishimura Naoki , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Taniuchi Satsuki , Shintani Ayumi , Tomii Keisuke ,   the JaNP‐Hi Study Investigators
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective

The relative effectiveness of initial non‐invasive respiratory strategies for acute respiratory failure using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is unclear.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, open‐label, parallel‐group randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of CPAP and HFNC on reducing the risk of meeting the prespecified criteria for intubation and improving clinical outcomes of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. The primary endpoint was the time taken to meet the prespecified criteria for intubation within 28 days.

Results

Eighty‐five patients were randomly assigned to the CPAP or HFNC group. Eleven (28.9%) in the CPAP group and twenty (42.6%) in the HFNC group met the criteria for intubation within 28 days. Compared with HFNC, CPAP reduced the risk of meeting the intubation criteria (hazard ratio [HR], 0.327; 95% CI, 0.148–0.724; p = 0.006). There were no significant between‐group differences in the intubation rates, in‐hospital and 28‐day mortality rates, ventilator‐free days, duration of the need for respiratory support, or duration of hospitalization for respiratory illness. Pulmonary oxygenation was significantly better in the CPAP group, with significantly lower pH and higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide, but there were no differences in the respiratory rate between groups. CPAP and HFNC were associated with few possibly causal adverse events.

Conclusion

CPAP is more effective than HFNC at reducing the risk of meeting the intubation criteria in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Pollution haven or pollution halo? The role of global value chains in Belt and Road economies
Authors: Ali Muhammad Uzair , Wang Ying
Published: August 2023

“Global value chains” (GVCs) participation brings countless economic and environmental benefits to “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) economies. As the nations associated with BRI are crucial members of GVCs, analyzing the influence of GVCs on environmental quality in BRI economies is of great significance. By joining regression models with “multi‐region input–output” analyses, current study inspects the influence of GVCs on environmental quality in 82 BRI economies from 2002 to 2018. This study considered different GVCs participation modes and national heterogeneity to check “pollution haven hypothesis and pollution halo hypothesis” theories. The GVC position worsened environmental quality in the full BRI panel and validated the pollution haven hypothesis theory. Forward and backward participation improves environmental quality and confirms the pollution halo hypothesis. Moreover, income‐specific outcomes showed divergent patterns related to GVCs and environmental quality. GVCs' position of GVCs promotes the environmental quality of developed and emerging countries and exacerbates that of developing and underdeveloped economies. Moreover, the links of forward and backward participation with environmental quality showed mixed results for the pollution haven and halo theories in all subpanels. The results propose that the BRI should focus on upgrading GVCs and adopting region‐specific green policies to ensure a sustainable environment.
Heat Transfer Improvement of Prismatic Lithium-Ion Batteries via a Mini-Channel Liquid-Cooling Plate With Vortex Generators
Authors: Xu Huanwei , Xiong Shizhe , Li Wei , Wu Lingfeng , Wang Zhonglai
Published: August 2023

Temperature is a critical factor affecting the performance and safety of battery packs of electric vehicles (EVs). The design of liquid cooling plates based on mini-channels has always been the research hotspots of battery thermal management systems (BTMS). This paper investigates the effect of adding vortex generators (VGs) to the liquid cooling channel on the heat dissipation capacity and temperature uniformity of the battery. The shape of the vortex generators (triangle, trapezoid, and semicircle), placement position (middle, inlet, and outlet of the channel), different flowrates, and different numbers of channels on the heat dissipation of the battery are systematically analyzed. The research results indicate that (1) compared to the triangular and trapezoidal vortex generators, the semicircular vortex generators have a lower cost in terms of pressure drop while maintaining the same heat dissipation efficiency. The pressure drop of the semicircular vortex generators is 15.89% less than that of the trapezoidal vortex generators and 20.49% less than that of the triangular vortex generators. (2) The effect of adding vortex generators is more obvious when the flowrate is small in the cooling channels. When the flow velocity is 0.025 m/s, the heat dissipation performance can be increased by 7.4%. (3) When the cross-sectional area of the inlet is fixed, the heat dissipation effect of more channels is better. The average temperature of three and seven cooling channels decreases from 311.23 K to 310.07 K, with a decrease of 8.87%. (4) The temperature difference can be effectively reduced when the vortex generators are concentrated near the outlet of the flow outlet. Its temperature difference is 1.8 K lower than that when the vortex generators are placed near the inlet, with a decrease of 10.5%.
Physics-Informed Deep Learning-Based Proof-of-Concept Study of a Novel Elastohydrodynamic Seal for Supercritical CO2 Turbomachinery
Authors: Lyathakula Karthik Reddy , Cesmeci Sevki , DeMond Matthew , Hassan Mohammad Fuad , Xu Hanping , Tang Jing
Published: August 2023

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) power cycles show promising potential of higher plant efficiencies and power densities for a wide range of power generation applications such as fossil fuel power plants, nuclear power production, solar power, and geothermal power generation. sCO2 leakage through the turbomachinery has been one of the main concerns in such applications. To offer a potential solution, we propose an elastohydrodynamic (EHD) seal that can work at elevated pressures and temperatures with low leakage and minimal wear. The EHD seal has a very simple, sleeve-like structure, wrapping on the rotor with minimal initial clearance at micron levels. In this work, a proof-of-concept study for the proposed EHD seal was presented by using the simplified Reynolds equation and Lame’s formula for the fluid flow in the clearance and for seal deformation, respectively. The set of nonlinear equations was solved by using both the conventional Prediction–Correction (PC) method and modern Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN). It was shown that the physics-informed deep learning method provided good computational efficiency in resolving the steep pressure gradient in the clearance with good accuracy. The results showed that the leakage rates increased quadratically with working pressures and reached a steady-state at high-pressure values of 15∼20 MPa, where Q = 300 g/s at 20 MPa for an initial seal clearance of 255 μm. This indicates that the EHD seal could be tailored to become a potential solution to minimize the sCO2 discharge in power plants.
Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of crystalline GaN thin films on quartz substrates with sharp interfaces
Authors: Liu Sanjie , Li Yangfeng , Liu Qing , Tao Jiayou , Zheng Xinhe
Published: August 2023

Polycrystalline hexagonal GaN films were deposited directly on amorphous quartz (fused glass) substrates at 250 °C by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. An atomically sharp GaN/quartz interface is observed from transmission electron microscopy images, which is further demonstrated by x-ray reflectivity measurements. The atomic force microscopy image reveals a smooth surface of GaN. The concentrations of oxygen and carbon impurities in GaN are 6.3 and 0.64%, respectively, according to x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The electron mobility measured by Hall is 1.33 cm2 V−1 s−1. The results show that high-quality GaN films are obtained on amorphous quartz substrates, and GaN/quartz can be used as a template for the fabrication of GaN-based devices.
Temperature dependent correlation of Hall effect and optical measurements of electron concentration in degenerate InN thin film
Authors: de Oliveira Fernando M. , Li Chen , Ghosh Pijush K. , Kuchuk Andrian V. , Ware Morgan E. , Mazur Yuriy I. , Salamo Gregory J.
Published: August 2023

In this work, we study the thermal evolution of the optical and electrical features of an InN thin film. By correlating photoluminescence (PL) and Hall effect results, we determine the appropriate values of the correlation parameter to be used in the empirical power law that associates the electron concentration with the linewidth of the PL spectrum, in the scope of the Burstein–Moss effect across a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, by associating Raman and PL results, we observe the thermally induced compressive strain widening of the bandgap of the InN film. Our findings demonstrate the reliability of optical methods in providing contactless measurements of electrical and structural features of semiconductors.
Temporary threshold shift in bottlenose dolphins exposed to steady-state, 1/6-octave noise centered at 0.5 to 80 kHz
Authors: Finneran James J. , Schlundt Carolyn E. , Mulsow Jason
Published: August 2023

Temporary threshold shift (TTS) was measured in bottlenose dolphins after 1-h exposures to 1/6-octave noise centered at 0.5, 2, 8, 20, 40, and 80 kHz. Tests were conducted in netted ocean enclosures, with the dolphins free-swimming during noise exposures. Exposure levels were estimated using a combination of video-based measurement of dolphin position, calibrated exposure sound fields, and animal-borne archival recording tags. Hearing thresholds were measured before and after exposures using behavioral methods (0.5, 2, 8 kHz) or behavioral and electrophysiological [auditory brainstem response (ABR)] methods (20, 40, 80 kHz). No substantial effects of the noise were seen at 40 and 80 kHz at the highest exposure levels. At 2, 8, and 20 kHz, exposure levels required for 6 dB of TTS (onset TTS exposures) were similar to previous studies; however, at 0.5 kHz, onset TTS was much lower than predicted values. No clear relationships could be identified between ABR- and behaviorally measured TTS. The results raise questions about the validity of current noise exposure guidelines for dolphins at frequencies below ∼1 kHz and how to accurately estimate received noise levels from free-swimming animals.
Managing Organizational and Media Stress: The Case of Elite Norwegian Skiers
Authors: Kristiansen Elsa , Houlihan Barrie , Stubberud Hans Anton
Published: August 2023

This case study focuses on how Norwegian ski jumpers performed in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the following FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) ski flying World Championships 2022 in Vikersund, Norway, despite organizational conflict at the management level and intense and sustained media coverage the entire season. Five athletes (one third of the elite squad) were interviewed about how they coped with the stressors. The results revealed two main responses: One group avoided, as far as possible, hearing or reading about the conflicts and tried to stay in their “bubble” and focus on preparing for competition. The other group chose to follow the conflicts and was more willing to interact with the media, therefore experienced a higher degree of perceived stress, and consequently needed to employ a wider range of coping strategies. The findings highlight the importance of a consistent and effective management strategy in helping athletes to focus on training and competition preparation and insulate them from stressors generated by organizational turbulence and conflicts.
An mTRAN-mRNA interaction mediates mitochondrial translation initiation in plants
Authors: Tran Huy Cuong , Schmitt Vivian , Lama Sbatie , Wang Chuande , Launay-Avon Alexandra , Bernfur Katja , Sultan Kristin , Khan Kasim , Brunaud Véronique , Liehrmann Arnaud , Castandet Benoît , Levander Fredrik , Rasmusson Allan G. , Mireau Hakim , Delannoy Etienne , Van Aken Olivier
Published: August 2023

Plant mitochondria represent the largest group of respiring organelles on the planet. Plant mitochondrial messenger RNAs (mRNAs) lack Shine-Dalgarno-like ribosome-binding sites, so it is unknown how plant mitoribosomes recognize mRNA. We show that “mitochondrial translation factors” mTRAN1 and mTRAN2 are land plant–specific proteins, required for normal mitochondrial respiration chain biogenesis. Our studies suggest that mTRANs are noncanonical pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR)–like RNA binding proteins of the mitoribosomal “small” subunit. We identified conserved Adenosine (A)/Uridine (U)-rich motifs in the 5′ regions of plant mitochondrial mRNAs. mTRAN1 binds this motif, suggesting that it is a mitoribosome homing factor to identify mRNAs. We demonstrate that mTRANs are likely required for translation of all plant mitochondrial mRNAs. Plant mitochondrial translation initiation thus appears to use a protein-mRNA interaction that is divergent from bacteria or mammalian mitochondria.
Supplemental Material: Subduction initiation recorded in the Dadeville Complex of Alabama and Georgia, southeastern United States
Authors: Becker Naomi A. , al. et
Published: August 2023

Item A: Word file detailing the complete methods for mineral separation and chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS) analysis. Item B: Excel file containing all raw data presented in the manuscript. 
Report from the society of magnetic resonance angiography: clinical applications of 7T neurovascular MR in the assessment of intracranial vascular disease
Authors: Sui Binbin , Sannananja Bhagya , Zhu Chengcheng , Balu Niranjan , Eisenmenger Laura , Baradaran Hediyeh , Edjlali Myriam , Romero Javier M , Rajiah Prabakhar Shantha , Li Rui , Mossa-Basha Mahmud
Published: August 2023

In recent years, ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications have been rapidly increasing in both clinical research and practice. Indeed, 7-Tesla (7T) MRI allows improved depiction of smaller structures with high signal-to-noise ratio, and, therefore, may improve lesion visualization, diagnostic capabilities, and thus potentially affect treatment decision-making. Incremental evidence emerging from research over the past two decades has provided a promising prospect of 7T magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the evaluation of intracranial vasculature. The ultra-high resolution and excellent image quality of 7T MRA allow us to explore detailed morphological and hemodynamic information, detect subtle pathological changes in early stages, and provide new insights allowing for deeper understanding of pathological mechanisms of various cerebrovascular diseases. However, along with the benefits of ultra-high field strength, some challenges and concerns exist. Despite these, ongoing technical developments and clinical oriented research will facilitate the widespread clinical application of 7T MRA in the near future. In this review article, we summarize technical aspects, clinical applications, and recent advances of 7T MRA in the evaluation of intracranial vascular disease. The aim of this review is to provide a clinical perspective for the potential application of 7T MRA for the assessment of intracranial vascular disease, and to explore possible future research directions implementing this technique.
Tobacco purchasing in Australia during regular tax increases: findings from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project
Authors: Cho Ara , Scollo Michelle , Chan Gary , Driezen Pete , Hyland Andrew , Shang Ce , Gartner Coral E
Published: August 2023

Objective

We examined Australian tobacco purchasing trends, the average self-reported price paid within each purchase type and the association between type of tobacco product purchased and participant characteristics, including quit intentions, between 2007 and 2020.

Methods

We analysed data collected from adults who smoked factory-made and/or roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes in nine waves (2007–2020) of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project Australia Survey (nsample=5452, nobservations=11 534). The main outcome measures were type of tobacco products purchased: RYO, carton, pack or pouch size and brand segment. Logistic regression, fit using generalised estimating equations, was estimated the association between the outcome and participant characteristics.

Results

The reported price-minimising purchasing patterns increased from 2007 to 2020: any RYO (23.8–43.9%), large-sized pack (2007: 24.0% to 2016: 34.3%); shifting from large-sized to small-sized packs (2020: 37.7%), and economy brand (2007: 37.2% to 2020: 59.3%); shifting from large (2007: 55.8%) to small economy packs (2014: 15.3% to 2020: 48.1%). Individuals with a lower income, a higher nicotine dependence level and no quit intention were more likely to purchase RYO and large-sized packs.

Conclusion

RYO, large-sized packs and products with a low upfront cost (eg, small RYO pouches and small-sized economy brand packs) may appeal to people on low incomes. Australia’s diverse tobacco pack and pouch sizes allow the tobacco industry to influence tobacco purchases. Standardising pack and pouch sizes may reduce some price-related marketing and especially benefit people who have a low income, are highly addicted and have no quit intention.
Evolution of the dynamics of Airdrop Glacier, western Axel Heiberg Island, over a seven-decade-long advance
Authors: Lauzon Benoît , Copland Luke , Van Wychen Wesley , Kochtitzky William , McNabb Robert
Published: August 2023

Various remotely sensed data, including historical aerial photographs, declassified intelligence satellite photographs, optical satellite imagery, and synthetic aperture radar data, were used to undertake the first comprehensive reconstruction of the dynamics of Airdrop Glacier on Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut. Observations show a continuous terminus advance totalling ∼6 km since 1950 and notably less variability in its surface velocities in comparison to adjacent Iceberg Glacier. This advance is concurrent with relatively high flow rates over its entire surface, resulting in significant thickening near the terminus and thinning at higher elevations. Velocities have more than halved from the mid-2000s to 2021, but without any definitive evidence of previous flow instabilities, we cannot confirm whether Airdrop's behaviour is cyclic in nature and therefore characteristic of a surge. Instead, Airdrop Glacier could be experiencing a delayed response to the positive mass balance conditions of the Little Ice Age, which could also explain the advance of other nearby glaciers. Its recent slowdown could then be indicative of a gradual adjustment to recent climatic conditions. This study highlights the need for comprehensive studies of glacier dynamics in the Canadian Arctic to improve our understanding of the factors triggering dynamic instabilities and causing the observed variety of behaviours.
On torsion axial vector and gravitational energy in Lewis–Papapetrou space-time in the theory of teleparallel gravity
Authors: Alofi A.S. , Gad Ragab M.
Published: August 2023

The teleparallel version of Lewis–Papapetrou space-time is investigated. For this space-time, the true discussion of the geometric and physical properties is given. We show that the value of the space-like torsion-axial vector does not depend on the choice of tetrad field. Consequently, the spin procession of the Dirac particle and the corresponding Hamiltonian have physical meaning. The energy and momentum densities for such space-time are calculated. We show that when choosing two sets of tetrad fields, the dependence and independence of the aforementioned quantities on the tetrad field depend on the Lorentz factor, which links the two sets of tetrad fields.
Considering the implications of climate-induced species range shifts in marine protected areas planning
Authors: Whitney Charlotte K. , Cheung William W.L. , Ban Natalie C.
Published: August 2023

Climate change is affecting the ocean, altering the biogeography of marine species. Yet marine protected area (MPA) planning still rarely incorporates projected species range shifts. We used the outputs of species distribution models fitted with biological and climate data as inputs to identify trends in occurrence for marine species in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We assessed and compared two ways of incorporating climate change projections into MPA planning. First, we overlaid 98 species with modelled distributions now and by the mid-21st century under two contrasting (“no mitigation” and “strong mitigation”) climate change scenarios with existing Provincial marine parks in BC, to ask which species could overlap with protected areas in the future. Second, we completed a spatial prioritization analysis using Marxan with the projected future species ranges as inputs, to ask where priority regions exist for the 98 marine species. We found that many BC marine parks will lose species in both climate scenarios that we analyzed, and that protecting 30% of important marine species will be challenging under the “no mitigation” climate change scenario. Challenges included the coarse resolution of the data and uncertainty in projecting species range shifts.
Pionic and radiative transitions from $$T_{c\bar{s}0}^+(2900)$$ to $$D_{s1}^+(2460)$$ as a probe of the structure of $$D_{s1}^+(2460)$$
Authors: Yue Zi-Li , Xiao Cheng-Jian , Chen Dian-Yong
Published: August 2023

In this work, we evaluated the widths of the pionic and radiative transitions from the $$T_{c\bar{s}0}^{+}(2900)$$

T

c

s

¯

0

+

(
2900
)

to the $$D_{s1}^{+}(2460)$$

D

s
1

+

(
2460
)

in the $$D_{s1}^{+}(2460)$$

D

s
1

+

(
2460
)

molecular frame and the $$D_{s1}^{+}(2460)$$

D

s
1

+

(
2460
)

charmed-strange meson frame. Our estimations demonstrate that the transition widths in the $$D_{s1}^{+}(2460)$$

D

s
1

+

(
2460
)

molecular frame are much larger than those in the the $$D_{s1}^{+}(2460)$$

D

s
1

+

(
2460
)

charmed-strange meson frame. Specifically, the ratio of the widths of $$\Gamma (T_{c\bar{s}0}^{+}(2900)\rightarrow D_{s1}^{+} \pi ^{0})$$

Γ
(

T

c

s

¯

0

+

(
2900
)

→

D

s
1

+

π
0

)

and $$\Gamma (T_{c\bar{s}0}^{+}(2900)\rightarrow D^{+(0)}K^{0(+)})$$

Γ
(

T

c

s

¯

0

+

(
2900
)

→

D

+
(
0
)

K

0
(
+
)

)

is estimated to be around 0.1 in the $$D_{s1}^{+}(2460)$$

D

s
1

+

(
2460
)

charmed-strange meson frame, whereas the lower limit of this ratio is 0.67 in the $$D_{s1}^{+}(2460)$$

D

s
1

+

(
2460
)

molecular frame. Thus, the aforementioned ratio could be employed as a tool for testing the nature of the $$D_{s1}^{+}(2460)$$

D

s
1

+

(
2460
)

.
The effect of Cu doping on the piezoelectric properties of ZnO systems: First-principles calculations
Authors: Liu Lin , Yu Wentao , Zhao Yujie , Zhu Wensheng , Li Jing , Wu Lingkang , Wang Hao
Published: August 2023

First-principles calculations are performed, revealing a significant enhancement of the piezoelectric properties of wurtzite Zn[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] upon the incorporation of a single Cu atom. Research has demonstrated that the piezoelectric constant [Formula: see text] reaches its maximum value at a doping concentration of 1.4% for Cu atoms. The lattice parameters a and c of Zn[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] are decreased and the piezoelectric strain coefficient [Formula: see text] is increased by replacing one Cu atom in Zn[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]. It is found that elastic softening is the primary factor responsible for the increase of [Formula: see text] in Zn[Formula: see text]Cu1O[Formula: see text]. By differential charge density analysis, it is found that the covalency between Cu–O bonds is lower than that of Zn–O bonds, and the covalent bonding characteristics are weakened. Bader charge analysis shows that the charge of Cu is higher than that of Zn, indicating a more significant ionic bonding feature than that of Zn. Thus, a weaker covalent and stronger ionic bond are considered to play an essential role in promoting elastic softening for ZnO, which eventually promotes a significant enhancement in piezoelectric properties.
Modeling of molecular logic circuits using switching property of bipyridine–biborinine molecular diodes
Authors: Safapour Saleh , Sabbaghi-Nadooshan Reza , Shokri Aliasghar
Published: August 2023

Many researchers have focused on molecular electronics, and this field can progress faster by applying semiconductors to molecular modeling. In this work, two middle rings of a bipyridine–biborinine molecular diode are rotated from 25∘ to 90∘ such that the current along the molecule is reduced. The current is minimum and almost zero at 90∘, while it is maximum at 25∘. Accordingly, considering these two angles, the molecule can act as a switching device when the two middle rings are rotated. The bipyridine–biborinine molecular diode is modeled considering the effect of rotation by including two resistors in the model. Two parallel diodes are used in this modeling for pyridine and borinine rings. The ideality factors of these diodes are varied based on the electronegativity of pyridine and borinine rings. This model is then applied to consider different molecular logic gates such as NAND, NOR, NOT, OR and AND gates, as well as molecular logic circuits (half adder and full adder), using the unique capabilities of the LTspice software.
Identifying Rashba–Dresselhaus splittings from first-principle calculations: A brief overview
Authors: Ghosh Swarup , Chowdhury Joydeep
Published: August 2023

The present review is aimed to understand the Rashba and Dresselhaus effects from the first-principle calculations. A brief overview of first-principle density functional theory (DFT) and its global acceptance have been discussed. The discussions of the Rashba–Dresselhaus splittings, spin textures and understanding the effects from first-principle DFT calculations have been highlighted. Rashba and Dresselhaus effects have gained much attention in recent era for their highly promising applications in spintronics. In the presence of spin-orbit coupling and inherent non-centrosymmetry, while BiTeCl, TiS2Se, rhombohedral CsPbF3 and BiCoO3 compounds show large values of Rashba parameter ([Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], 1.10, 1.05 and 0.74[Formula: see text]eVÅ, respectively, the single-layered semiconductor nanostructure InSb, rhombohedral BiFeO3 and Ag2BiO3 systems however depict promising values of Dresselhaus parameter ([Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], 0.50 and 0.15[Formula: see text]eVÅ, respectively. The future of Rashba–Dresselhaus effects and their advancements in spintronics have also been enlightened in this paper. We believe that this study will not only help to understand the Rashba–Dresselhaus effects from first-principle calculations, but can also augment their applications in next generation spintronic devices.
Impact of Cr–O hybridization in ACrO3 (A = La, Y): A theoretical investigation
Authors: Swami Jeel , Dixit Ambesh , Tiwari Brajesh
Published: August 2023

Electronic properties of spin polarized antiferromagnetic ACrO3 (A = La, Y) are explored with Hubbard model using density functional theory (DFT). These two isostructural systems are investigated using the different Hubbard energy and analyzed the hybridization of chromium 3d orbitals and oxygen 2p orbitals and the change in energy bandgaps against the Hubbard energy. The bond length and bond angle affect significantly the orbital contributions of Cr-3d and O-2p electrons for both the system. We noticed that the Cr–O hybridization affects the orbital degeneracy and is substantiated with partial density of states. These results emphasize the contribution of Hubbard energy in correlated electron systems.
Mixed convective thermally radiative viscoelastic hybrid nanofluid flow in a vertical channel: Entropy generation analysis
Authors: Ummeda Padma , Ontela Surender
Published: August 2023

The utilization of a new category of nanofluids, termed hybrid nanofluid, has recently been adopted to elevate the heat transfer rate. This research aims to analyze the significance of thermal radiative flux and entropy generation on the flow of hybrid nanofluid within a vertical channel. Specifically, the Al2O3–TiO2/CMC-water hybrid nanofluid is assumed to be produced by suspending hybrid nanoparticles of alumina (Al2O3) and titanium oxide (TiO2) in CMC-water (0.0–0.4%). The equations governing the problem are converted into a set of ordinary differential equations by utilizing appropriate similarity conversions, which are then solved through the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The Brinkman number’s significant influence on the Bejan number and the regulation of entropy in the system is discovered. The results of the skin friction coefficient, heat transfer rate, entropy generation, and Bejan number are depicted through graphical representation, covering a wide range of parameter values.
Limits of a non-local quantum spacetime
Authors: Kothawala Dawood
Published: August 2023

A generic implication of incorporating gravitational effects in the analysis of quantum measurements is the existence of a zero-point length of spacetime. This requires an inherently non-local description of spacetime, beyond the usual one based on metric [Formula: see text] etc. The quantum spacetime should instead be reconstructed from non-local bi-tensors of the form [Formula: see text]. A deeper look then reveals a subtle interplay between non-locality and the limit [Formula: see text]. In particular, the so-called emergent gravity paradigm — in which gravitational dynamics/action/spacetime are emergent and characterized by an entropy functional — arises as the Cheshire grin of a fundamentally non-local quantum spacetime. This paper describes the flow of metric with respect to Planck length, and proposes a novel action for the same.
A NOVEL ECG AND EEG CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM BASED ON NONLINEAR STATISTICAL FEATURES
Authors: WANG JIAN , JIANG WENJING , KIM JUNSEOK
Published: August 2023

Accurate classification of the medical signals is urgently needed in clinical medicine. This paper aims to create a classifier to shorten the time of the classification and ensure the sorting accuracy, which assists physicians in saving diagnostic time and formulating the treatment plans. We create the classifier based on Kolmogorov complexity, Shannon entropy, Higuchi’s Hurst exponent and multifractal features. We obtain a feature value from Kolmogorov complexity, Shannon entropy and Higuchi’s Hurst exponent, and three feature values based on multifractal features to compose a vector and analyze it. Furthermore, we study a vector composed of six multifractal features as a control group. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are applied to examine the performance of the classifier by support vector machine (SVM). The accuracy of ECG signals based on mixed classification (MC–ECG–SVM) reaches 94.17%, which is approximately 15% higher than that of ECG signals only based on multifractal features classification (UC–ECG–SVM). The sensitivities of MC–ECG–SVM and UC–ECG–SVM are 86.09% and 64.54%, respectively. The specificities of MC–ECG–SVM and UC–ECG–SVM are 98.26% and 93.65%, respectively. Analogously, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of EEG signals based on mixed classification (MC–EEG–SVM) reach 95.29%, 96.28%, and 94.55%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of EEG signals based on multifractal features classification (UC–EEG–SVM) are 87.40%, 89.28%, and 88.11%, respectively. Therefore, the mixed classification method is more accurate than the classification method only based on multifractal features.
On the classification of codes over non-unital ring of order 4
Authors: Deb Sourav , Kikani Isha , Gupta Manish K.
Published: August 2023

In the last 60 years coding theory has been studied a lot over finite fields [Formula: see text] or commutative rings [Formula: see text] with unity. Although in [Formula: see text], a study on the classification of the rings (not necessarily commutative or ring with unity) of order [Formula: see text] had been presented, the construction of codes over non-commutative rings or non-commutative non-unital rings surfaced merely two years ago. In this letter, we extend the diverse research on exploring the codes over the non-commutative and non-unital ring [Formula: see text] by presenting the classification of optimal and nice codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text], along with respective weight enumerators and complete weight enumerators.
The Floquet–Magnus and Fer Expansions: Application to Control the Spin Dynamics During the Phase Modulated Lee–Goldburg Radiation in Solid-State NMR
Authors: Mananga Eugene Stephane
Published: August 2023

Floquet–Magnus and Fer expansion (FE) schemes are used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for the calculation of effective Hamiltonians and propagators. This work focuses on applying the Floquet–Magnus and FE approaches to control the spin system evolution during the phase modulate Lee–Goldburg radiation experiment. Until now, the Frequency switched Lee–Goldburg and its variant called the Phase module Lee–Goldburg have been treated by only the average Hamiltonian theory and the bimodal Floquet approach. In this paper, we use the two developing expansion schemes in solid-state NMR for the calculation of the effective Hamiltonian and propagator during the spin dynamics. Our work unifies and generalizes existing results of the Floquet–Magnus and FEs and delivers illustrations of novel springs that boost previous applications that are based on the classical information. The generality of this work points to potential applications in problems related to solid-state NMR and theoretical developments of spectroscopy as well as interdisciplinary research areas whenever they include spin dynamics concepts.
Possible Factors Related to Mortality of Pregnant Women with COVID-19: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Tran Thuy Thi-Thanh , Tran Huy Phuong , Vu Sang Ngoc-Thanh , Tran Tam Thi-Ngoc , Nguyen Thoai Ngoc , Ho Nuong Thi-Xuan , Pham Linh Thi-My , Pham Bao The , Hoang Tuyet Thi-Diem
Published: August 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people of all ages and backgrounds, but pregnant women are a particularly vulnerable group. They are at increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, yet there is limited and conflicting data about the factors that contribute to mortality in this population. In this study, we sought to use machine learning (ML) to predict the possible factors associated with mortality in pregnant women with COVID-19.

Methods: We collected data from a large cohort of pregnant women who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 at Hung Vuong Hospital. We included a range of demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables in our analysis, such as age, gestational age, comorbidities, symptoms, and laboratory test results. Our goal was to identify the critical factors that could be used to predict mortality in this vulnerable population. We applied several ML models and analyzed the results to determine the most useful predictors.

Results: We analyzed a cohort of 550 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19, comprising 525 survivors and 25 deaths. Using ML algorithms, we identified key clinical and patient factors that correlated with mortality risk, such as infection severity, pulse rate, breathing patterns, SpO2 levels, rapid diagnostic tests, internal pathology, breathing difficulties, and changes in consciousness. Additionally, several medical test factors were found to be significant, including white blood cells, neutrophils, platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and chest X-ray abnormalities. Our analysis revealed that the Gaussian Naive Bayes (NB) model was the most accurate, with an AUC score of 0.79, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool for identifying high-risk patients.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the available data can capture the relationship between COVID-19 symptoms and mortality in pregnant women. More studies are needed to improve the accuracy and generalizability of models for predicting mortality risk in this population.
A First Look into Software Security Practices in Bangladesh
Authors: Shrestha Ankit , Sharma Tanusree , Saha Pratyasha , Ahmed Syed Ishtiaque , Al-Ameen Mahdi Nasrullah
Published: August 2023

Software security practices are critical in minimizing vulnerabilities and protecting unauthorized access to the code and the system. However, software security practices outside Western countries need to be better understood. This need for understanding security practices is further necessitated by the increased outsourcing of software development that can result in vulnerabilities on a global scale. This article addresses this gap, focusing on Bangladesh, a country that represents a booming software industry in the Global South. In this study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 developers to understand their security perceptions and identify the factors influencing software security practices in Bangladesh. Our findings unpack how security fits in the local software development life cycle and shed light on the challenges deterring security practices in Bangladesh. Based on our results, we provide recommendations for developing situated and sustainable strategies to support software security practices in the local context.
User Cold-Start Learning in Recommender Systems using Monte Carlo Tree Search
Authors: Rajapakse Dilina , Leith Douglas
Published: August 2023

We consider the cold-start task for new users of a recommender system, whereby a new user is asked to rate a few items with the aim of quickly discovering the user’s preferences. This is a combinatorial stochastic learning task, and so it is difficult in general. In this paper we study the use of Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) to dynamically select the sequence of items presented to a new user. We find that the MCTS-based cold-start approach is able to consistently quickly identify the preferences of a user with significantly higher accuracy than with either a decision tree or a state-of-the-art bandit-based approach without incurring higher regret, i.e., the learning performance is fundamentally superior to that of the state of the art. This boost in recommender accuracy is achieved in a computationally lightweight fashion. The MCTS approach is flexible in the sense that it can be readily extended to incorporate different types of user feedback including explicit ratings, ranked comparisons and missing not at random data.
Novel Vertical Fin-Based NiO/β-Ga2O3 Heterojunction Field-Effect Transistor with a Low Ron,sp
Authors: Huang Jiaweiwen , Chen Wensuo , Yu Qisheng , Zhang Aohang , Zhu Kunfeng , Li Jian
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a novel vertical fin-based NiO/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction field-effect transistor (Fin-HJFET) is proposed and studied by TCAD. Theoretically high conduction band offset (

Δ

E

C

) enables Ga2O3 Fin-HJFET to produce electron confinement effect at certain gate bias voltage. According to the simulation results, this effect makes Ga2O3 Fin-HJFET can not only form surface-conducting fin channels that are not available in conventional fin-based junction field-effect transistor (Fin-JFET) but also have a stronger electron accumulation capability than Ga2O3 vertical FinFET due to the deep potential well, which leads to a lower specific on-resistance (

R

on
,
sp

). In addition, Ga2O3 Fin-HJFET inherits the advantages of Ga2O3 FinFET as a vertical normally-off device and has a higher breakdown voltage compared to FinFET without field plates due to the protection of the highly doped NiO layer. Particularly, Fin-HJFET with different heterojunction band alignments are also considered and discussed. At last, the parameter influence and future optimization space of this highly promising device are explored, providing guidance for actual device fabrication and future device improvement.