bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-polarization strong nonreciprocal radiation by the 2D GaAs nanograting
Authors: Shi Xuantong , Wang Bo
Published: August 2024

Nonreciprocity has become a research hotspot in the field of thermal radiation. Nonetheless, the majority of current nonreciprocal thermal radiation is confined to TM polarization. This paper introduces a two-dimensional nanograting structure exhibiting strong dual-polarization nonreciprocal thermal radiation. The grating is composed of a GaAs-based periodic nanoarray, a magneto-optic medium layer (InAs), and a metallic reflective layer (Al). The impact of nonreciprocity under different polarizations was investigated using rigorous coupled-wave analysis. Additionally, the magnetic field energy distribution was studied, and an explanation for the observed phenomenon of the device's nonreciprocal thermal radiation was given for both TE and TM polarizations. The present study is expected to contribute insights for the study of nonreciprocal thermal radiation.
The future role of vaccination in prevention of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Wang Bing , Seib Kate L. , Marshall Helen
Published: August 2024

Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection presents a significant public health concern, with an increasing incidence and an escalating trend of antimicrobial resistance. The considerable morbidity of gonococcal infections primarily affects the reproductive and neonatal health of women and infants. This paper aims to consolidate the existing evidence concerning development and availability of N. gonorrhoeae vaccines and their potential to address the associated burden of disease. Furthermore, the review highlights the research gaps in discovery science and vaccine programs.
R-loop functions in
Brca1
-associated mammary tumorigenesis
Authors: Chiang Huai-Chin , Qi Leilei , Mitra Payal , Huang Yimeng , Hu Yanfen , Li Rong
Published: August 2024

Deleterious accumulation of R-loops, a DNA–RNA hybrid structure, contributes to genome instability. They are associated with
BRCA1
mutation-related breast cancer, an estrogen receptor α negative (ERα
−
) tumor type originating from luminal progenitor cells. However, a presumed causality of R-loops in tumorigenesis has not been established in vivo. Here, we overexpress mouse
Rnaseh1
(Rh1-OE) in vivo to remove accumulated R-loops in
Brca1
-deficient mouse mammary epithelium (BKO). R-loop removal exacerbates DNA replication stress in proliferating BKO mammary epithelial cells, with little effect on homology-directed repair of double-strand breaks following ionizing radiation. Compared to their BKO counterparts, BKO-Rh1-OE mammary glands contain fewer luminal progenitor cells but more mature luminal cells. Despite a similar incidence of spontaneous mammary tumors in BKO and BKO-Rh1-OE mice, a significant percentage of BKO-Rh1-OE tumors express ERα and progesterone receptor. Our results suggest that rather than directly elevating the overall tumor incidence, R-loops influence the mammary tumor subtype by shaping the cell of origin for
Brca1
tumors.
Structural basis for coupling of the WASH subunit FAM21 with the endosomal SNX27–Retromer complex
Authors: Guo Qian , Chen Kai-en , Gimenez-Andres Manuel , Jellett Adam P. , Gao Ya , Simonetti Boris , Liu Meihan , Danson Chris M. , Heesom Kate J. , Cullen Peter J. , Collins Brett M.
Published: August 2024

Endosomal membrane trafficking is mediated by specific protein coats and formation of actin-rich membrane domains. The Retromer complex coordinates with sorting nexin (SNX) cargo adaptors including SNX27, and the SNX27–Retromer assembly interacts with the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR homolog (WASH) complex which nucleates actin filaments establishing the endosomal recycling domain. Crystal structures, modeling, biochemical, and cellular validation reveal how the FAM21 subunit of WASH interacts with both Retromer and SNX27. FAM21 binds the FERM domain of SNX27 using acidic-Asp-Leu-Phe (aDLF) motifs similar to those found in the SNX1 and SNX2 subunits of the ESCPE-1 complex. Overlapping FAM21 repeats and a specific Pro-Leu containing motif bind three distinct sites on Retromer involving both the VPS35 and VPS29 subunits. Mutation of the major VPS35-binding site does not prevent cargo recycling; however, it partially reduces endosomal WASH association indicating that a network of redundant interactions promote endosomal activity of the WASH complex. These studies establish the molecular basis for how SNX27–Retromer is coupled to the WASH complex via overlapping and multiplexed motif-based interactions required for the dynamic assembly of endosomal membrane recycling domains.
Computational evolution of social norms in well-mixed and group-structured populations
Authors: Murase Yohsuke , Hilbe Christian
Published: August 2024

Models of indirect reciprocity study how social norms promote cooperation. In these models, cooperative individuals build up a positive reputation, which in turn helps them in their future interactions. The exact reputational benefits of cooperation depend on the norm in place, which may change over time. Previous research focused on the stability of social norms. Much less is known about how social norms initially evolve when competing with many others. A comprehensive evolutionary analysis, however, has been difficult. Even among the comparably simple space of so-called third-order norms, there are thousands of possibilities, each one inducing its own reputation dynamics. To address this challenge, we use large-scale computer simulations. We study the reputation dynamics of each third-order norm and all evolutionary transitions between them. In contrast to established work with only a handful of norms, we find that cooperation is hard to maintain in well-mixed populations. However, within group-structured populations, cooperation can emerge. The most successful norm in our simulations is particularly simple. It regards cooperation as universally positive, and defection as usually negative—unless defection takes the form of justified punishment. This research sheds light on the complex interplay of social norms, their induced reputation dynamics, and population structure.
Lorentzian distance on the Lobachevsky plane
*
Authors: Sachkov Yu L
Published: August 2024

Left-invariant Lorentzian structures on the 2D solvable non-Abelian Lie group are studied. Sectional curvature, attainable sets, Lorentzian length maximizers, distance, spheres, and infinitesimal isometries are described.
FCSSL: fusion enhanced contrastive self-supervised learning method for parallel MRI reconstruction
Authors: Ding Peng , Duan Jizhong , Xue Lei , Liu Yu
Published: August 2024

Objective. The implementation of deep learning in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significantly advanced the reduction of data acquisition times. However, these techniques face substantial limitations in scenarios where acquiring fully sampled datasets is unfeasible or costly. Approach. To tackle this problem, we propose a fusion enhanced contrastive self-supervised learning (FCSSL) method for parallel MRI reconstruction, eliminating the need for fully sampled k-space training dataset and coil sensitivity maps. First, we introduce a strategy based on two pairs of re-undersampling masks within a contrastive learning framework, aimed at enhancing the representational capacity to achieve higher quality reconstruction. Subsequently, a novel adaptive fusion network, trained in a self-supervised learning manner, is designed to integrate the reconstruction results of the framework. Results. Experimental results on knee datasets under different sampling masks demonstrate that the proposed FCSSL achieves superior reconstruction performance compared to other self-supervised learning methods. Moreover,the performance of FCSSL approaches that of the supervised methods, especially under the 2DRU and RADU masks, but no need for fully sample data. The proposed FCSSL, trained under the 3× 1DRU and 2DRU masks, can effectively generalize to unseen 1D and 2D undersampling masks, respectively. For target domain data that exhibit significant differences from source domain data, the proposed model, fine-tuned with just a few dozen instances of undersampled data in the target domain, achieves reconstruction performance comparable to that achieved by the model trained with the entire set of undersampled data. Significance. The novel FCSSL model offers a viable solution for reconstructing high-quality MR images without needing fully sampled datasets, thereby overcoming a major hurdle in scenarios where acquiring fully sampled MR data is difficult.
Inverse design method for tailoring the deflection of beams with functionally graded metamaterials
Authors: Ochoa Oscar , Cuan-Urquizo Enrique , Sandoval-Castro X Yamile , González Alejandro
Published: August 2024

Functionally graded metamaterials represent a cutting-edge approach to designing structures with cellular materials. By manipulating parameters in specific regions, a customized mechanical response is achieved, optimizing material utilization. Despite various proposed methods to generate functionally graded structures, the challenge of high computational costs persists. This study introduces a novel and computationally efficient inverse design method for beams featuring segment-wise graded metamaterials. Using a semi-analytical approach based on Castigliano’s second theorem, this method significantly reduces computational demands. The approach leverages prior experimental and computational characterizations of the transverse deflection in rectangular, reentrant, and hexagonal honeycombs. Validation through finite element models and experimental tests on additively manufactured beams confirms the adequate performance of the method. The proposed framework successfully generates beams with targeted deflections, demonstrating the method’s capability for inverse design under specific loading and boundary conditions. This approach not only optimizes material utilization but also broadens the application scope of functionally graded metamaterials in structural design.
An efficient hybrid approach for numerical study of two-dimensional time-fractional Cattaneo model with Riesz distributed-order space-fractional operator along with stability analysis
Authors: Derakhshan M H , Mortazavifar S L , Veeresha P , Gómez-Aguilar J F
Published: August 2024

In this article, we study and analyze the two-dimensional time-fractional Cattaneo model with Riesz space distributed-order. To obtain approximate solutions of this type of fractional model the combined and effective numerical approach based on the ADI Galerkin method and the Legendre spectral method used the ADI Galerkin numerical method uses the finite difference approach. The ADI Galerkin numerical method is used to approximate the proposed model in terms of the time variable, and the Legendre spectral method is applied to discretize the fractional model with respect to the space variable. Also, the convergence analysis and stability of the proposed method are discussed and reviewed in this manuscript. In the end, some numerical examples are tested for the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method. As well as, in the numerical examples section, the presented numerical approach is compared with two numerical methods and the results are reported in a table.
A comparative study of gas temperature determination in non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet by spectral analysis and scattering technique for plasma-catalyst measurements
Authors: Adress Wameedh , Graham W G
Published: August 2024

Comparison and validation of different methods for the measurements of plasma gas temperature were studied. The investigations depend on optical emission spectroscopy OES, laser scattering technique, and line-broadening mechanisms. The rotational temperature of the second positive system SPS (C3 ∏+
u - B3 ∏+
g) around 380 nm, second positive system SPS at 337.1 nm of nitrogen molecule (C3 ∏+
u - B3 ∏+
g), and first negative system FNS at 391.4 nm of nitrogen ion (B2Σu
+→X2Σg
+) were investigated. Moreover, Raman scattering spectra at 532 nm were used to measure the gas temperature in the plasma jet. Gas temperature from the emission line broadening method was also calculated. The role of non-thermal plasma in assisting NOx reduction over an Ag/Al2O3 catalyst at low temperatures using simulated diesel fuels (toluene) was confirmed. Importantly, a significant activity of both NOx and hydrocarbons oxidation was observed and obtained at low gas temperatures. It was found that there is a clear correlation between the gas temperature and the conversion efficiency of the catalyst under different operating conditions of the plasma reactor. The main objective of this investigation was to confirm the important role of the non-thermal plasma in catalyst activation at low gas temperatures compared to traditional thermal activation.
Study of changes in the pulsation period of six Cepheids variable
Authors: Abdel-Sabour Mohamed , Nouh Mohamed I , Elkholy Essam , Stevens Ian
Published: August 2024

We study the period change of six Cepheids using 19376 accurate flux observations of the Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) onboard the Coriolis spacecraft. All observations for the six Cepheids have been derived as templates for each star, independent of the specific sites utilized to establish and update the O–C values. Sometimes, sinusoidal patterns are superimposed on the star’s O–C changes, which cannot be regarded as random fluctuations in the pulsation period. Random period changes were detected and computed using Eddington’s and Plakidis’s approaches. A comparison of the observed and predicted period change reveals a good agreement with some published models and a very substantial divergence with others. Between the reported period change and that estimated by the current technique, a linear fit with a correlation coefficient of 90.08 percent was obtained. The temporal rate of period change in Cepheid stars might be connected to how well these stars’ mass losses are known today.
The corrections to the metric of Reissner-Nordström black hole from the generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: Sefiedgar A S , Jabbari Firoozjah H
Published: August 2024

The emergence of the minimal observable length is commonly accepted in most of the quantum gravitational candidates. The existence of such a minimal length in high energy physics necessitates some revisions to the standard uncertainty principle. The generalized uncertainty principle is particularly suitable for incorporating such a finite resolution of the space-time and may provide a useful phenomenological approach to study the physics of quantum gravity. It is possible to use the generalized uncertainty principle to modify the black hole thermodynamics straightforwardly. However, it is also possible to use the generalized uncertainty principle to modify the black hole metric itself. In this paper, we are going to modify the Reissner-Nordström metric in the presence of the quantum gravitational effects via the generalized uncertainty principle. Then, we use the modified charged black hole metric to study the black hole thermodynamics. The modified metric is also applied to study the light deflection angle.
Compressive behavior and deformation mechanisms of gradient microstructures in a dissimilar welded joint
Authors: Wang S Q , Zhang Y , Wen G D , Qi J L , Zhai W Y , Gao W
Published: August 2024

In this study TC4/TC17 titanium alloy dissimilar joints were obtained via vacuum electron beam welding. The compressive behavior of base metals and joint at different strain levels was studied, along with microstructural and fracture surface observations. The true stress–strain curves of base metals and joint at different strains demonstrated smooth and continuous plastic deformation characteristics. The compressive yield strength of the joint (1065 MPa) was basically equivalent to that of TC17 alloy (1196 MPa), which was significantly higher than that of TC4 alloy (920 MPa) for the failed samples. However, the compressive fracture strain of the joint was lower than that of base metals. Comparison of the microstructures of base metals and joint deformed at different strains, it revealed that the equiaxed α phase in TC4 alloy mainly underwent the deformation, while the TC17 alloy mainly relied on the rotation of lamellar grains to resist the deformation. In the dissimilar joint with a large microstructural gradient, the compressive deformation of several zones, including the weld zone, far heat-affected zone and the base metal, was also related to the rotation of finer grains.
The atmospheric Ekman spiral for piecewise-uniform eddy viscosity
Authors: Stefanescu Eduard
Published: August 2024

We investigate the boundary-value problem of atmospheric Ekman flows with piecewise-uniform eddy viscosity. In addition we present a method for finding more general solutions by considering eddy viscosity as an arbitrary step-function. We discuss the existence and uniqueness of the solutions obtained through this method, providing detailed proofs for cases with one and two ‘jumps’ in eddy viscosity. For scenarios with more ‘jumps,’ we establish results inductively. Furthermore, we examine the angle between the bottom surface of the Ekman layer and geostrophic winds by extremizing variables such as the eddy viscosity and its point of change. These calculations reveal how the angle can differ from 45°, demonstrating that the extreme values of 0° and 90° are achievable, indicating the potential range of the deflection angle.
Efficiency enhancement and optimization of lead-free Cs2PtI6 perovskite solar cell
Authors: Srivastava Anupam , Ullas A V , Roy Nirmal
Published: August 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are famous for their potential to produce efficient, flexible, and low-cost solar energy. This study explores the possibility of eco-friendly, lead-free, inorganic solar cells using Cs2PtI6 as the light-absorbing layer and NiO as the hole transport layer (HTL). It carefully optimizes various factors, including the thickness, doping concentration, defect density, and the effects of radiative recombination of the absorber layer, along with different hole and electron transport layers. The study also examines interfacial defects and resistances within the device. The density of defects at the interface between the HTL and the absorber layer is a crucial factor influencing the device’s performance. Additionally, the study evaluates different metal back contacts, changes in temperature, light intensity, and the spectrum of light. The optimized structure (FTO/ZnO/Cs2PtI6/NiO/Au) achieves an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.34 V, a short-circuit current (JSC) of 32.34 mAcm−2, a fill factor (FF) of 75.70%, and an excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 32.70%, showing great promise in solar cell technology.
Broadband third-order optical nonlinearities of layered franckeite towards mid-infrared regime
Authors: Xu 徐 Zhi-Qiang 志强 , Zhou 周 Tian-Tian 甜甜 , Li 李 Jie 洁 , Liu 刘 Dong-Yang 东阳 , He 何 Yuan 源 , Li 李 Ning 宁 , Liu 刘 Xiao 潇 , Miao 缪 Li-Li 丽丽 , Zhao 赵 Chu-Jun 楚军 , Wen 文 Shuang-Chun 双春
Published: August 2024

The study of nonlinear optical responses in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) regime is essential for advancing ultrafast mid-IR laser applications. However, nonlinear optical effects under mid-IR excitation are rarely reported due to the lack of suitable nonlinear optical materials. The natural van der Waals heterostructure franckeite, known for its narrow bandgap and stability in air, shows great potential for developing mid-IR nonlinear optical devices. We have experimentally demonstrated that layered franckeite exhibits a broadband wavelength-dependent nonlinear optical response in the mid-IR spectral region. Franckeite nanosheets were prepared using a liquid-phase exfoliation method, and their nonlinear optical response was characterized in the spectral range of 3000 nm to 5000 nm. The franckeite nanosheets exhibit broadband wavelength-dependent third-order nonlinearities, with nonlinear absorption and refraction coefficients estimated to be about 10−7 cm/W and 10−11 cm2/W, respectively. Additionally, a passively Q-switched fluoride fiber laser operating around a wavelength of 2800 nm was achieved, delivering nanosecond pulses with a signal-to-noise ratio of 43.6 dB, based on the nonlinear response of franckeite. These findings indicate that layered franckeite possesses broadband nonlinear optical characteristics in the mid-IR region, potentially enabling new possibilities for mid-IR photonic devices.
Robust entropy rate estimation for nonstationary neuronal calcium spike trains based on empirical probabilities
Authors: Ande Sathish , Avasarala Srinivas , Swain Sarpras , Karunarathne Ajith , Giri Lopamudra , Jana Soumya
Published: August 2024

Objective. Temporal patterns in neuronal spiking encode stimulus uncertainty, and convey information about high-level functions such as memory and cognition. Estimating the associated information content and understanding how that evolves with time assume significance in the investigation of neuronal coding mechanisms and abnormal signaling. However, existing estimators of the entropy rate, a measure of information content, either ignore the inherent nonstationarity, or employ dictionary-based Lempel–Ziv (LZ) methods that converge too slowly for one to study temporal variations in sufficient detail. Against this backdrop, we seek estimates that handle nonstationarity, are fast converging, and hence allow meaningful temporal investigations. Approach. We proposed a homogeneous Markov model approximation of spike trains within windows of suitably chosen length and an entropy rate estimator based on empirical probabilities that converges quickly. Main results. We constructed mathematical families of nonstationary Markov processes with certain bi/multi-level properties (inspired by neuronal responses) with known entropy rates, and validated the proposed estimator against those. Further statistical validations were presented on data collected from hippocampal (and primary visual cortex) neuron populations in terms of single neuron behavior as well as population heterogeneity. Our estimator appears to be statistically more accurate and converges faster than existing LZ estimators, and hence well suited for temporal studies. Significance. The entropy rate analysis revealed not only informational and process memory heterogeneity among neurons, but distinct statistical patterns in neuronal populations (from two different brain regions) under basal and post-stimulus conditions. Taking inspiration, we envision future large-scale studies of different brain regions enabled by the proposed tool (estimator), potentially contributing to improved functional modeling of the brain and identification of statistical signatures of neurodegenerative diseases.
Adaptive spatial attention dual-branch fishing boat detection network
Authors: Yang Jiaxuan , Liu Xiang
Published: August 2024

Aiming at the harbor environment, the target detection accuracy of fishing vessels is low, and it is prone to the problems of fishing vessel misdetection and omission detection. In this paper, we propose a fishing vessel target detection algorithm called ASDNet based on YOLOX. Firstly, an Adaptive Spatial Attention Module (ASAM) was designed and used to improve the detection of fishing vessel targets; secondly, a two-branch backbone network was designed for multidimensional fishing vessel feature extraction. Meanwhile, a bilateral enhanced fusion strategy (BFFS) is designed to fuse the branch features to improve the characterization ability of the network; finally, the loss function is improved by introducing the Focal-CIOU loss bounding box loss function to reduce the effects of the detection position deviation of the fishing vessel target and the overlap of the vessel hull to improve the detection performance. The above methods are validated using the homemade fishing vessel dataset, and the results show that the precision rate (P) and recall rate (R) are greatly improved. The average precision rate (mAP@50-95) value reaches 80.25%, which is 2.39% higher than that of the 77.86% of the YOLOX. It significantly improves the precision of the detection, meets the requirements of the performance of the target detection of the fishing vessel, and has certain practical significance in engineering.
A comprehensive analysis of evaluating robustness and generalization ability of models in AES
Authors: Liu Ruijie , Wang Xiaoyi , Liu Jie , Zhou Jianshe
Published: August 2024

Large language models are capable of impressive performance in standard benchmark testing, but are often fragile when deployed in real-world scenarios and cannot be deployed in many scenarios directly, such as navigation and autonomous driving. When some adversarial samples require continuous learning of new data distributions, the robustness and generalization abilities of the model require detailed evaluations and further mining. Therefore, it is very necessary to use tools to evaluate the robustness and generalization ability of the model before deploying models in real-world scenarios. The robustness and generalization capabilities of models were extensively assessed before their implementation in Automatic essay Scoring. This was achieved through a comprehensive series of experiments aimed at validating the efficacy of various models. Our findings underscored the significance of different models and their impact, providing valuable insights for practitioners seeking to forecast the performance of deployed models across diverse distributions.
(+)4-cholesten-3-one/sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel for full-thickness wound repair and skin regeneration
Authors: Yan Yu , You Aijia , Chen Xianxian , Huang Wenyi , Lu Xiaoting , Gu Cuijin , Ye Sen , Zhong Jun , Huang Haiting , Zhao Yao , Li Yu , Li Chun
Published: August 2024

(+)4-cholesten-3-one has been proved to have potential wound healing effect in the process of wound regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of (+)4-cholesten-3-one/sodium alginate/gelatin on skin injury and reveal its potential molecular mechanism. First, we prepared sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel (SA/Gel hydrogel) with different ratios and tested their characteristics. Based on these results, different concentrations of (+)4-cholesten-3-one were added into SA/Gel hydrogel. A full-thickness skin injury model was successfully established to evaluate wound healing activity in vivo. HE staining and Masson staining were used to evaluate the thickness of granulation tissue and collagen deposition level. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining were applied to detect the level of revascularization and proliferation in each group of wounds. Western blot, quantitative-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression of proteins related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in each group of wounds. In vitro results showed that the hydrogel not only created a 3D structure for cell adhesion and growth, but also exhibited good swelling ability, excellent degradability and favorable bio-compatibility. Most importantly, in vivo experiments further indicated that (+)4-cholesten-3-one/SA/Gel hydrogel effectively enhanced wound healing. The effectiveness is due to its superior abilities in accelerating healing process, granulation tissue regeneration, collagen deposition, promoting angiogenesis, tissue proliferation, as well as fibroblast activation and differentiation. The underlying mechanism was related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study highlighted that (+)4-cholesten-3-one/SA/Gel hydrogel holds promise as a wound healing dressing in future clinical applications.
Socially vulnerable US Pacific Northwest communities are more likely to experience wildfires
Authors: Reilley Caitlyn , Dunn Christopher J , Crandall Mindy S , Kline Jeffrey D
Published: August 2024

Quantitative wildfire risk assessments increasingly are used to prioritize areas for investments in wildfire risk mitigation actions. However, current assessments of wildfire risk derived from fire models built primarily on biophysical data do not account for socioeconomic contexts that influence community vulnerability to wildfire. Research indicates that despite accounting for only a small proportion of high wildfire hazard areas, communities with fewer socioeconomic resources to devote to wildfire prevention and response may experience outsized exposure and impacts. We examined the distribution of simulated wildfire risk versus observed wildfire experience relative to social vulnerability across communities in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Using three decades of wildfire occurrence data, we investigated whether socially vulnerable communities were more likely to experience ignitions, fires that escaped initial attack (hereafter ‘escaped fires’) (>121 hectares), and large fires (>404 hectares), reasoning that each may reveal key insights into the effectiveness of current wildfire risk mitigation and response efforts. We found that communities located in areas with higher wildfire risk or hazard tended to have lower social vulnerability, but that across landscapes east of the Cascade Range, communities with higher social vulnerability were more likely to be exposed to ignitions, escaped fires, and large fires. Our results draw into question whether the current reliance on biophysical data in wildfire risk assessments, absent consideration of community socioeconomic conditions, may perpetuate social inequities by leading to over-investment in well-resourced communities and under-investment in socially vulnerable communities subject to disproportionate wildfire exposure.
Model-free inference of memory in conformational dynamics of a multi-domain protein
Authors: Vollmar Leonie , Bebon Rick , Schimpf Julia , Flietel Bastian , Celiksoy Sirin , Sönnichsen Carsten , Godec Aljaž , Hugel Thorsten
Published: August 2024

Single-molecule experiments provide insight into the motion (conformational dynamics) of individual protein molecules. Usually, a well-defined but coarse-grained intramolecular coordinate is measured and subsequently analysed with the help of hidden Markov models to deduce the kinetics of protein conformational changes. Such approaches rely on the assumption that the microscopic dynamics of the protein evolve according to a Markov-jump process on some network. However, the manifestation and extent of memory in the dynamics of the observable strongly depends on the chosen underlying Markov model, which is generally not known and therefore can lead to misinterpretations. Here, we combine extensive single-molecule plasmon ruler experiments on the heat shock protein Hsp90, computer simulations, and theory to infer and quantify memory in a model-free fashion. Our analysis is based on the bare definition of non-Markovian behaviour and does not require any underlying model. In the case of Hsp90 probed by a plasmon ruler, the Markov assumption is found to be clearly and conclusively violated on timescales up to roughly 50 s, which corresponds roughly to ∼50% of the inferred correlation time of the signal. The extent of memory is striking and reaches biologically relevant timescales. This implies that memory effects penetrate even the slowest observed motions. We provide clear and reproducible guidelines on how to test for the presence and duration of memory in experimental single-molecule data.
Application of hybrid systems for sustainable energy consumption
Authors: Petrov V , Yordanov K
Published: August 2024

A hybrid system is generally a complex combination of different compounds which are connected in accordance with specific rules and controlled by specific algorithms and/or strategies. Indeed, any distribution and usage of the various components can be identified as a hybrid system. Moreover, any device in which different parts are properly combined to fulfill specific demands, even if they are not exchangeable and do not connect with each other, can be classified as a hybrid system. Due to its high energy consumption, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system often represents the main cause of the high energy requirements of many industries. Another field where hybrid concepts could be applied is related to the design of intelligent and custom applications, such as smart buildings. In this application, the current smart concepts, which are generally designed using different technologies configured in a stand-alone mode, are combined to obtain more efficient systems.
Performance of diffusion absorption refrigerators at variable power input
Authors: Stoyanov Y , Penkova N , Krumov K
Published: August 2024

Absorption refrigerators have been used in recent decades for utilization of waste or solar energy to produce heat or cold for industrial purposes or to condition the microclimate in buildings. Although these units are designed at nominal power input in the generator, they can also operate at variable parameters of the heat source, which is possible in the real situations.

An experimental determination of the operating range and the performance of a diffusion absorption refrigerator at heat pump and refrigeration mode were carried out in the present study. The results are useful for predicting the efficiency and the effectiveness of such systems at variable heat source capacities.
Microwave-assisted green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using pistia stratiotes for anticancer and antibacterial applications
Authors: M Abisha Meji , D Usha , B M Ashwin
Published: August 2024

Green synthesis techniques have recently become more popular due to the expanding interest in nanotechnology and the need for ecologically friendly synthesis processes. This work examines the environment friendly production of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by a microwave-assisted technique, utilizing Pistia Stratiotes leaf extract as a reducing agent. The optical and structural properties of the produced ZnO NPs were analyzed using UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and x-ray Diffraction (XRD). The findings indicated that the ZnO NPs displayed shapes consisting spherical, flower and sheet, with an average size of 35 nm which was verified by SEM and TEM. The XRD examination confirmed the presence of a hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure, while the FTIR analysis identified a distinct peak at 578 cm−1, which indicates the stretching mode of Zn-O bonds. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the substance were evaluated against Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli, and Candida Albicans. The results demonstrated notable effectiveness, as indicated by inhibition zones measuring 16–20.4 mm, 17–21.3 mm, and 13–17.2 mm correspondingly. In addition, the ZnO NPs exhibited specific anti-cancer effects on SK-MEL-28 melanoma cell lines, with an IC50 value of 51.05 μg ml−1, suggesting potential uses in therapy. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using microwave-assisted green synthesis to create ZnO NPs with favorable characteristics for biomedical purposes, with a particular focus on sustainable manufacturing of nanomaterials. The results indicate that these ZnO NPs show great potential for application in antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer therapies, leading to developments in the field of medical nanotechnology.
Introduction
Authors: Holmes Robyn M , Roopnarine Jaipaul L
Published: August 2024

As countries experience increasing cultural diversity both within and between their borders, contemporary researchers are exploring the connection between culture and children’s learning and academic experiences. One important goal is to provide all children with educational experiences that are culturally sensitive, relevant, and effective in helping them reach their maximum potential and preparing them for the future.

With over twenty-five contributing authors, this volume investigates the connection between culture and children’s schooling and learning experiences from multidisciplinary perspectives, diverse methodologies, and cross-cultural and culture-specific approaches. The common thread running through the chapters is the understanding that learning is an activity that takes place within cultural contexts. Together, the chapters highlight the forces that shape children’s everyday learning experiences.
Cultural Lens on Raising the Quality of Early Childhood Teachers in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Pei-Yu , Johnson James E
Published: August 2024

Quality early childhood education is a top priority across nations, and the central focus is teacher quality. Culture includes a shared system of meaning that provides a framework for values and ways of thinking and behaving. Confucian legacy plays a major role in shaping the purposes and methods of education and the goal of becoming a teacher in Taiwan. This chapter describes early childhood teacher training programs during the past decade in Taiwan. Stepping behind the policies, regulations, and operations, cultural impacts are discernable. By examining teacher education programs and practices, a critical understanding can be made to raise more awareness for empowering early childhood teachers worldwide. Pre- and in-service teacher education and professional development programs and their attributes and goals are discussed in relation to cultural contexts. Who is a quality teacher and how is culture reflected in this person, and this person reflected in the culture?
Cultural Influences on Early Childhood Education in India
Authors: Mathur Smita
Published: August 2024

India’s cultural heritage and linguistic diversity influence the availability and quality of childhood education and teacher preparation programs for early childhood educators. Government policies, political persuasions, socioeconomic conditions, and educational philosophies also play a role. This chapter explores ancient and contemporary educational philosophies and their impact on early childhood education. Access to quality early childhood education remains a concern, particularly in rural areas and marginalized communities. There is a need for trained and qualified teachers who can provide developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive education. Standardized teacher training programs for early childhood education still need to be improved. Additionally, the chapter explores areas that should be addressed to enhance the quality of teacher preparation programs for early childhood teachers.
Cultures of Play in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Lecusay Robert , Nilsson Monica
Published: August 2024

This chapter considers questions concerning how pedagogues in Swedish preschool settings conceive of and act with respect to play in early childhood. It surveys part of the history and research on the role of preschool pedagogues in children’s play, situating this history in relation to recent Swedish policy and research debates about if and how adults should understand and be involved in play in preschool. As an illustrative case, the survey is grounded in a discussion of the practice and research on playworlds, an early childhood play pedagogy developed by Swedish preschool education researcher Gunilla Lindqvist. The chapter concludes by discussing preliminary observations from an ongoing case-based research project characterizing the perspectives and practices of preschool pedagogues in Sweden as they voluntarily integrate the playworld approach into their everyday preschool activities. The data reveal the complexities and contradictions that Swedish pedagogues are negotiating as they define and work with the concepts of play, teaching, education, and bildung.
Nguyễn Mạnh Tường’s Montaignean Solace
Authors: Pham Kevin D
Published: August 2024

This chapter shows how Nguyễn Mạnh Tường (1909–1997), the first Vietnamese to receive two doctorates from France, had a very different vision of national dignity than Hồ Chí Minh. In the mid-1950s, Tường was excommunicated from society by the party for criticizing revolutionary leaders for becoming dogmatic and authoritarian. Tường turned to the sixteenth-century French essayist Michel de Montaigne for solace and developed a distinctly Montaignean understanding of dignity based on the individual (rather than the nation), and on skepticism and love of diversity. For him, national dignity required defending and celebrating the individual right to freedom of thought.
Nguyễn An Ninh’s Tagorean Call
Authors: Pham Kevin D
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines how a leading anticolonialist in the 1920s, Nguyễn An Ninh (1900–1943), argued that the Vietnamese should not revive Confucianism but should instead abandon it to create the Vietnamese identity anew. He believed that the Vietnamese had only badly parroted what they believed to be Confucianism, thus failing to nurture their national dignity through genuine, original efforts to be creative. Ninh drew on Rabindranath Tagore and other foreign thinkers to shame his fellow Vietnamese and to harness this shame for the productive purpose of creating a national identity from scratch.
Conclusions
Authors: Berruezo-Sánchez Diana
Published: August 2024

The conclusions follow on from the chapters above and challenge the established understanding about the cultural agency of black Africans in early modern Spain. The conclusions are twofold. First, black Africans contributed collectively, anonymously, and largely without acknowledgement to the literary texts of the period. Starting with the identification of a corpus of more than four hundred literary texts with black characters, this book has contested the traditional analysis of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Spanish literature and focused on how black Africans exerted cultural agency by collectively shaping and contributing to the literary texts of the period. Second, black Africans used creativity and innovation for their own benefit, particularly as musicians, dancers, and poets. Further expanding the notion of black cultural agency, this book has explored the role of black Africans as creators and spectators who navigated a restrictive, coercive slave society and negotiated their own physical and cultural spaces.
Small Islands in a Geopolitically Unstable Caribbean World
Authors: Bassi Ernesto
Published: August 2024

Small islands offer an unexplored vantage point from which the Caribbean can be interpreted anew. The small western Caribbean island of San Andrés can be a privileged site to launch this reinterpretation that shifts attention away from the dominant narrative of Caribbean history that centers on the establishment, development, destruction, and legacies of plantation societies. Comparing and connecting San Andrés with other small and historiographically neglected Caribbean islands makes possible an interpretation that highlights three ways in which these islands played a central role in Caribbean history: as dynamic commercial hubs, as pirates’ nests, and as imperial laboratories.
2226 Assessing quantitative sonographic changes in the muscle mass of geriatric patients hospitalised using point of care ultrasound
Authors: Reinoso-Párraga PP , Arain SJ , Perkisas S , Colino RM , Montalvo JIG , Deniz VM , Vilches-Moraga A
Published: August 2024

Introduction

One of the most important consequences of hospitalisation in older patients is sarcopenia. This study aims to determine the impact of hospitalisation on the muscle mass, functional status, nutritional status, and short-term clinical outcomes.

Methods

A prospective study of patients admitted to an Acute Geriatric Ward between 1st November and 30th December 2022. Muscle ultrasound, utilising Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) at bedside, was employed to estimate rectus femoris muscle thickness (MT), area (Ar), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL) at the time of hospital admission, 3 days post-admission, and at hospital discharge.

Results

30 patients included, with a median age of 84 years (SD 72–93), 63.3% male, and 70% Clinical Frailty Scale score ≥ 4. Barthel Index and Functional Ambulation Category revealed median values of 72.33 and 3.87 respectively. Global Deterioration Scale median was 2.47. Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA) and total serum protein showed median values of 7.40 and 6.35 respectively. The median length of hospital stay was 5.79 days, with inpatient mortality rate of 10% and 53.3% incidence of delirium. Ultrasound showed a decrease in PA by 36.31%, Ar by 34.30%, and MT by 24.50%, and increase in FL by 10.47%. Sarcopenia classification at admission and discharge revealed an increase in mean index from 5.04 to 7.74.

Conclusions

In our cohort of patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit, POCUS identified real-time decreases in MT, Ar, and PA at the muscular level before these manifested as functional changes. It demonstrated an inverse relationship between frailty and muscle morphology as living with frailty associated further decreases in muscle mass at discharge. The study also established a direct relationship between MNA, muscle thickness, PA, and fascicles length at discharge. POCUS assessment of muscle mass could indirectly predict outcomes and guide decisions to address muscle mass abnormalities.
2256 Assessing vision as part of the CGA in frail patients admitted with fractures
Authors: Knox R , Balakrishnan S
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Falls are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in frail patients, with visual impairment doubling the risk of falls. NICE advises a multifactorial approach to identify risk factors to be treated, improved and managed. This includes sensory/visual assessment, which is poorly done in practice. The aim is for 50% of relevant patients admitted with fractures following falls to have a vision assessment within 5 days of admission.

Methods

A modified RCP ‘Look out! Bedside vision check for falls prevention’ aid for healthcare professionals was utilised. Patients excluded were those with significant delirium/dementia or medically unwell. We regularly collected data on how many patients had a vision assessment performed whilst implementing interventions such as Teaching Sessions, Posters and including visual assessments in the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA).

Results

Initial results demonstrated poor rate of visual assessments in patients. With implementation of the modified tool, rates of visual assessments improved from 11%(n = 1) to an average of 22%(n = 4). Further interventions increased the overall average to 80%(n = 36). The most effective intervention was including a visual assessment checkbox in the CGA. This improved rates of visual assessment in a subgroup of patients considered to have had falls due to visual impairment, from 33% to consistent rates of 100%. Additionally, the average days to assessment greatly reduced from 10.2 days to consistently under 5 days.

Conclusion

Identification of visual impairment reduces recurrent falls and hospital admissions. The project demonstrated the clinical significance of vision assessments—aiding the diagnosis of PSP, prescribing eye drops, and optician follow-up. Utilisation of the modified ‘Look Out’ tool is a simple way to assess vision on the ward. Posters and teaching sessions improved clinicians’ confidence. However, implementing sensory impairment in the CGA proforma proved the most sustainable effort. Next steps include implementation in other Geriatric wards and Falls clinics.