bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysfunction of CYC2g is responsible for the evolutionary shift from radiate to disciform flowerheads in the Chrysanthemum group (Asteraceae: Anthemideae)
Authors: Shen Chu‐Ze , Chen Jie , Zhang Chu‐Jie , Rao Guang‐Yuan , Guo Yan‐Ping
Published: February 2021

Evolutionary shifts among radiate, disciform and discoid flowerheads have occurred repeatedly in a number of major lineages across the Asteraceae phylogeny; such transitions may also appear within evolutionarily young groups. Although several studies have demonstrated that CYC2 genes partake in regulating floral morphogenesis in Asteraceae, the evolution of capitulum forms within a recently diverging lineage has remained poorly understood. Here, we study the molecular regulation of the shift from a radiate to a disciform capitulum within the Chrysanthemum group. This is a recently radiating group mainly comprising two genera, Chrysanthemum and Ajania, that are phylogenetically intermingled but distinct in flowerhead morphology: Chrysanthemum spp. with radiate capitula and Ajania spp. with disciform capitula. We found that the morphogenesis of zygomorphy in the marginal floret in Ajania was disrupted soon after floral primordium emergence; CYC2g, one of the CYC2 copies that was expressed prominently in the ray floret of Chrysanthemum was not expressed in flowerheads of Ajania. Weakening the expression of ClCYC2g in Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium led to the gradual transition of a ray flower toward the disc‐like form. Molecular evolutionary analyses indicated that the disciform capitulum might have evolved only once, approximately 8 Mya, arising from dysfunction of the CYC2g orthologs. A 20‐nt deletion, including a putative TATA‐box of the Ajania‐type CYC2g promoter, appeared to inhibit the expression of the gene. Considering the divergent habitats of Chrysanthemum and Ajania, we propose that the shift from radiate to disciform capitulum must have been related to changes in pollination strategies under selective pressure.
Evaluation of the effect of disposable tonometer cover brand on performance of Tono‐Pen Vet in canine eyes
Authors: Yang Vanessa Y. , Seth Eaton J. , Hetzel Scott J. , Miller Paul E.
Published: February 2021

Primary Objective

To evaluate the effect of latex tip cover manufacturer on accuracy and repeatability of Tono‐Pen Vet™ in canine eyes.

Animal Studied

Twelve enucleated globes from six dogs.

Procedures

The anterior chamber was cannulated and connected to a calibrated manometer. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were obtained using the Tono‐Pen Vet and TONOVET Plus at manometric IOP ranging from 5 to 80 mmHg. At each IOP, the Tono‐Pen Vet was used with a new Ocu‐Film™ latex tip cover (the only manufacturer‐approved brand of cover) followed by a new Softips™ latex tip cover. For comparison, the TONOVET Plus was also used at each IOP with a new disposable rebound probe. Measured IOP values were analyzed by linear regression and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Tono‐Pen Vet accuracy was unaffected by tip cover manufacturer or by frequent change in cover. Using ICC analysis, repeatability of measurements using either tonometer was good to excellent at physiologic IOP levels but variably decreased with both devices at supraphysiologic IOP.

Conclusions

Neither tip cover manufacturer nor frequent changes in tip cover adversely affect Tono‐Pen Vet accuracy. Measurement repeatability with Tono‐Pen Vet and TONOVET Plus is widely variable at supraphysiologic IOP. Therefore, minor changes in IOP >25 mmHg should not be used to make clinical decisions without considering this variability.
Development of a Multiphase Flamelet Generated Manifold for Spray Combustion Simulations
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yi Ran , Chen C. P.
Published: February 2021

In this study, a model flame of quasi-one-dimensional (1D) counterflow spray flame has been developed. The two-dimensional (2D) multiphase convection-diffusion-reaction equations have been simplified to one dimension using similarity reduction under the Eulerian framework. This model flame is able to directly account for nonadiabatic heat loss, preferential evaporation, as well as multiple combustion regimes present in realistic spray combustion processes. A spray flamelet library was generated based on the model flame. To retrieve data from the spray flamelet library, the enthalpy was used as an additional controlling variable to represent the interphase heat transfer, while the mixing and chemical reaction processes were mapped to the mixture fraction and the progress variable. The spray flamelet generated manifolds (SFGM) approach was validated against the results from the direct integration of finite rate chemistry as a benchmark. The SFGM approach was found to give a better performance in terms of predictions of temperature and species mass fractions.
Sliding Dynamics of a Water Droplet on Silicon Oil Film Surface
Authors: Yilbas Bekir Sami , Mohammed Anwaruddin Siddiqui , Abubakar Abba Abdulhamid , Bahatab Saeed , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Al-Sharafi Abdullah
Published: February 2021

A sliding droplet over the silicon oil film is examined and the dynamics of droplet motion are explored. The solution crystallized wafer surfaces are silicon oil impregnated and the uniform thickness oil film is realized. A recording facility operating at high-speed and the tracker program are used to monitor and evaluate the droplet dynamics during droplet sliding. The sliding behavior and flow generated in the droplet fluid are predicted by adopting the experimental terms. Findings revealed that the crystallized surface possesses the texture composing of spherules and fibrils, which give rise to 132 ± 4 deg contact angle and 38 ± 4 deg hysteresis. Oil impregnation on the crystalized surface improves the optical transmittance by three times for 250–500 nm wavelength range and almost 1.5 times after 500–850 nm wavelengths of the optical spectrum. The oil rim and ridges are developed in sliding water droplet vicinity while influencing droplet motion; however, this influence is estimated as almost 12% of droplet gravitational energy change during sliding. A circulatory flow is developed inside the droplet fluid and the maximum velocity in the droplet fluid changes as the droplet location changes on the oil surface during its sliding.
Physiological and Mechanical Indices Serving the New Cross-Country Olympic Mountain Bike Performance
Authors: Hays Arnaud , Nicol Caroline , Bertin Denis , Hardouin Romain , Brisswalter Jeanick
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To identify relevant physiological, mechanical, and strength indices to improve the evaluation of elite mountain bike riders competing in the current Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) format. Methods: Considering the evolution of the XCO race format over the last decade, the present testing protocol adopted a battery of complementary laboratory cycling tests: a maximal aerobic consumption, a force–velocity test, and a multi-short-sprint test. A group of 33 elite-level XCO riders completed the entire testing protocol and at least 5 international competitions. Results: Very large correlations were found between the XCO performance and maximal aerobic power output (r = .78; P < .05), power at the second ventilation threshold (r = .83; P < .05), maximal pedaling force (r = .77; P < .05), and maximum power in the sixth sprint (r = .87; P < .05) of the multi-short-sprint test. A multiple regression model revealed that the normalized XCO performance was predicted at 89.2% (F3,29 = 89.507; r = .95; P < .001) by maximum power in the sixth sprint (β = 0.602; P < .001), maximal pedaling rate (β = 0.309; P < .001), and relative maximal aerobic power output (β = 0.329; P < .001). Discussion: Confirming our expectations, the current XCO performance was highly correlated with a series of physiological and mechanical parameters reflecting the high level of acyclic and intermittent solicitation of both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways and the required qualities of maximal force and velocity. Conclusion: The combination of physiological, mechanical, and strength characteristics may thus improve the prediction of elite XCO cyclists’ performance. It seems of interest to evaluate the ability to repeatedly produce brief intensive efforts with short active recovery periods.
A Qualitative Approach to Understanding the Impact of Partner Play in Doubles Racquet Sports
Authors: Deck Sarah , DeSantis Brianna , Kouali Despina , Hall Craig
Published: February 2021

In team sports, it has been found that team mistakes were reported as a stressor by both males and females, and at every playing level (e.g., club, university, national). The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of partners’ play on performance, emotions, and coping of doubles racquet sport athletes. Seventeen one-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted over the course of 6 months. Inductive and deductive analysis produced the main themes of overall impact on performance (i.e., positive, negative, or no impact), negative emotions (i.e., anger), positive emotions (i.e., excitement), emotion-focused coping (i.e., acceptance), and problem-focused coping (i.e., team strategy). These athletes acknowledge that how their partner plays significantly affects not only their emotions but also their own play and their choice of coping strategies. Future research should try to understand which forms of coping reduce the impact of partners’ play.
Are Coaches of Female Athletes Informed of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport? A Scoping Review
Authors: Hamer Jennifer , Desbrow Ben , Irwin Chris
Published: February 2021

In the last decade, there has been greater appreciation of the harmful consequences of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), particularly in adolescent female athletes. Coaches act as both important moderators in the development of the condition and as identifiers of athletes at risk. Research suggests that coaches lack knowledge on this topic. At present, it is unclear if RED-S education is incorporated into coach accreditation pathways. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the extent to which RED-S education is incorporated into the coach accreditation pathways of endurance sporting organizations. Five national sporting organizations (Cycling Australia, Athletics Australia, Swimming Australia, Triathlon Australia, and Rowing Australia) were contacted to participate. First, each sporting organization’s website was scoped, then semi-structured interviews were conducted online. One investigator transcribed each interview verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed for thematic content. Four of the sporting organizations provided little to no RED-S education. Rowing Australia delivered a program of RED-S content via an affiliated sports dietitian. The barriers identified for implementation of RED-S content were: limited time, resources, and coaches’ preexisting knowledge and beliefs. Based on these results, RED-S education is, indeed, lacking in some coach accreditation programs for endurance-based sporting organizations. Support for these organizations is required to overcome existing barriers and to facilitate inclusion of RED-S education within the coaching curriculum to support female athlete health.
The Impact of Government Subsidies and Retailer Contracts on Product Recovery
Authors: Zhang Pan , Lee Chien-Chiang , Wu Yongqi
Published: February 2021

Conducting product recovery and remanufacturing not only help manufacturers decrease the unit cost of production, but also benefit the environment. However, most manufacturers are hampered by the huge initial investment of related operations. In order to alleviate the manufacturers’ financial pressure of product recovery and remanufacturing, some governments implement the production subsidy (subsidy P) and recycling subsidy (subsidy I). Meanwhile, retailers can provide the revenue-sharing contract (contract S) and cost-sharing contract (contract C). Hence, this paper mainly studies the incentive designs of the government and retailer, and the effects of these incentives on the closed-loop supply chain. We first establish a Stackelberg game model consisting of a government, a manufacturer and a retailer, then investigate and compare the optimal decisions and payoffs of each member under each incentive combination of the government and retailer. Our results first show that, on the other hand, the government’s subsidy type cannot affect the retailer’s design of contract C, but subsidy I can induce the retailer to share a higher rate of sale revenue, comparing to subsidy P. On the other hand, the retailer’s contract S could induce the government to increase subsidy rate in most cases, comparing to contract C. Second, the subsidy P can always lead to a higher collection rate, lower wholesale and retail prices, and higher payoffs for the government, manufacturer and retailer, comparing to subsidy I. Besides, under subsidy I, contract S always leads to a higher collection rate, lower wholesale and retail prices, and higher payoffs for the government, manufacturer and retailer, comparing to contract C. However, under subsidy P, contract S can lead to a higher collection rate, a lower wholesale price, and higher payoffs for the manufacturer and retailer, comparing to contract C only when the manufacturer’s recovery efficiency is high. Moreover, the retail price is always higher and the government payoffs is always lower under contract C. Third, the government prefers to implement the subsidy P and then which contract is chosen by the retailer depends on the collection efficiency of the manufacturer. Therefore, subsidy P combining with contract S or C is the equilibrium incentive combination.
Charmonia production in W → (cc̄)Ds(∗) decays
Authors: Luchinsky A. V. , Likhoded A. K.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, production of charmonium state [Formula: see text] in exclusive [Formula: see text] decays is analyzed in the framework of both leading order Non-relativistic Quantum Chromodynamics (NRQCD) and light-cone (LC) expansion models. Analytical and numerical predictions for the branching fractions of these decays in both the approaches are given. The typical value of the branching fractions is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and it turns out that the LC results are significantly larger than NRQCD ones (approximately two or four times increase depending on the quantum numbers of the final particles), so the effect of internal quark motion should be taken into account. Some rough estimates of color-octet contributions are presented and it is shown that these contributions could be comparable with color-singlet results.
Closed-form representations of iterated Darboux transformations for the massless Dirac equation
Authors: Schulze-Halberg Axel
Published: February 2021

It is shown that first-order Darboux transformations for the two-dimensional massless Dirac equation with scalar potential and for the Schrödinger equation are the same up to a change of coordinates. As a consequence, we obtain a closed-form representation of iterated, higher-order Darboux transformations for our Dirac equation. We use the formalism to generate several new exactly-solvable Dirac systems through higher-order Darboux transformations.
Position, momentum, and wave spreading in curved space
Authors: Khorrami Mohammad
Published: February 2021

The effect of the geometry (deviation from the flat space) on the quantum evolution of the momentum and position of a free particle is discussed. It is shown that beginning with a wave-packet of minimum uncertainty (a Gaussian wave), there is a usual increase in the product of the volume uncertainties in the momentum and position space, as seen in the quantum mechanics on a flat spaces. But there is also a contribution from geometry. The leading order of this contribution is calculated.
Operational Transconductance Amplifier-Based Electronically Controllable Memcapacitor and Meminductor Emulators
Authors: Demir Eyyup , Yesil Abdullah , Babacan Yunus , Karacali Tevhit
Published: February 2021

In this paper, two simple circuits are presented to emulate both memcapacitor and meminductor circuit elements. The emulation of these components has crucial importance since obtaining these high-order elements from markets is difficult when compared to resistor, capacitor and inductor. For this reason, we proposed Multi-Output Operational Transconductance Amplifier (MO-OTA)-based electronically controllable memcapacitor and meminductor circuits. To operate the MOS transistor as a capacitor, drain and source terminals are connected to each other. The memcapacitor behavior is obtained by driving the connected terminals with suitable voltage values. Only a few active and grounded passive components which are found in markets easily are used to emulate meminductive behavior. Furthermore, all passive elements in the circuit are grounded. All simulation results for memcapacitor and meminductor emulators are obtained successfully when compared to previous studies. For all analyses, MO-OTA is laid using the Cadence Spectre Analog Environment with TSMC 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m process parameters and occupied a layout area of only 86.21[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m.
A Current Tunable Mixed Mode ZC-CCTAs Based Resistor Less Universal Filter
Authors: Singh Sajai Vir , Tomar Ravindra Singh , Goswami Manish
Published: February 2021

This paper introduces a novel current tunable biquad universal filter structure based on four Z-copy current conveyor transconductance amplifiers (ZC-CCTAs) and two capacitors. The proposed structure is a mixed mode topology that allows current and/or voltage signals at input and output terminals and can generate various biquad filtering responses namely all pass (APF), band pass (BPF), band reject (BRF), high pass (HPF) and low pass (LPF) in each of the four possible modes as current input current output (CICO), current input voltage output (CIVO), voltage input voltage output (VIVO) and voltage input current output (VICO) form. The proposed topology is resistor free and posses electronic tuning capability of filter characteristics by adjusting bias current(s) of the device. Besides, the proposed topology also offers reasonable total harmonic distortion (THD) up to 2.18% and leads to less sensitivity with respect to active-passive components. The simulation and design of the circuit is performed using 0.18-[Formula: see text]m CMOS technology environment in PSPICE.
Nilpotent endomorphisms of expansive group actions
Authors: Salo Ville , Törmä Ilkka
Published: February 2021

We consider expansive group actions on a compact metric space containing a special fixed point denoted by [Formula: see text], and endomorphisms of such systems whose forward trajectories are attracted toward [Formula: see text]. Such endomorphisms are called asymptotically nilpotent, and we study the conditions in which they are nilpotent, that is, map the entire space to [Formula: see text] in a finite number of iterations. We show that for a large class of discrete groups, this property of nil-rigidity holds for all expansive actions that satisfy a natural specification-like property and have dense homoclinic points. Our main result in particular shows that the class includes all residually finite solvable groups and all groups of polynomial growth. For expansive actions of the group [Formula: see text], we show that a very weak gluing property suffices for nil-rigidity. For [Formula: see text]-subshifts of finite type, we show that the block-gluing property suffices. The study of nil-rigidity is motivated by two aspects of the theory of cellular automata and symbolic dynamics: It can be seen as a finiteness property for groups, which is representative of the theory of cellular automata on groups. Nilpotency also plays a prominent role in the theory of cellular automata as dynamical systems. As a technical tool of possible independent interest, the proof involves the construction of tiered dynamical systems where several groups act on nested subsets of the original space.
Extending an established isomorphism between group rings and a subring of the n × n matrices
Authors: Dougherty Steven T. , Gildea Joe , Korban Adrian
Published: February 2021

In this work, we extend an established isomorphism between group rings and a subring of the [Formula: see text] matrices. This extension allows us to construct more complex matrices over the ring [Formula: see text] We present many interesting examples of complex matrices constructed directly from our extension. We also show that some of the matrices used in the literature before can be obtained by a direct application of our extended isomorphism.
Compact stellar models in modified gravity
Authors: Salako Ines G. , Ranjit Chayan , Khlopov M. , Ray Saibal , Mukhopadhyay Utpal
Published: February 2021

In the present investigation, compact stellar models are dealt with in the framework of the modified gravity theory, specifically of [Formula: see text] type. We have considered that the compact objects are following a spherically symmetric static metric and obtained the Einstein field equations in the spacetime of [Formula: see text]. To make the Einstein equations solvable, we employ the methodology of conformal Killing vectors. Thereafter by using the MIT bag equation of state to the compact stars, considering that the stars are formed by strange quark, we find the solutions set. The solutions are examined via several physical testings which exhibit viability of the model.
Elliptic classes on Langlands dual flag varieties
Authors: Rimányi Richárd , Weber Andrzej
Published: February 2021

Characteristic classes of Schubert varieties can be used to study the geometry and the combinatorics of homogeneous spaces. We prove a relation between elliptic classes of Schubert varieties on a generalized full flag variety and those on its Langlands dual. This new symmetry is motivated by 3D mirror symmetry, and it is only revealed if Schubert calculus is elevated from cohomology or K theory to the elliptic level.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method Based on a Weighted 2-Tuple Fuzzy Linguistic Representation Model
Authors: Wang Jia-Wen
Published: February 2021

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are used in the selection and evaluation of alternatives. However, too many decision criteria and numerical calculations will increase the computational complexity and make the calculation process difficult to understand. In this paper, a weighted 2-tuple fuzzy linguistic representation model is proposed. The contributions of this study are as follows: (1) Feature selection method was used to remove the redundant or irrelevant feature attributes, thereby simplifying calculations and reducing calculation complexities. (2) The integration of the 2-tuple linguistic representation model simplifies the complexity of numerical calculations. The calculation of qualitative scales can be closer to the human thinking model, and loss of information can be avoided during calculations through the appropriate model. (3) Information fusion technology, i.e., ordered weighted average operator (OWA), was used. The method simplifies the traditional OWA calculation and can be calculated according to the priority order of the indicators. (4) Four major shareholding companies in Taiwan 50 ETF stocks were selected as experimental cases. In total, 992 tuples were obtained and 29 technical indicators were analyzed. The results indicate that case A1 is the most stable among the four stocks considered under different decision-making situations, and it has the first priority ranking.
Compressive Sensing-Based Computed Tomography Imaging: An effective approach for COVID-19 Detection
Authors: Upadhyaya Vivek , Salim Mohammad
Published: February 2021

We know that COVID-19 has been considered a pandemic and various types of symptoms are analyzed by the doctors. Various cases belonging to COVID-19 are asymptomatic and due to this fact the disease is not analyzed at an initial stage and the condition of the patient will be critical. So, the purpose of this work is to provide a solution that will find out the highly precise test result of COVID-19. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CT Scan & Lung Ultrasound are some of the methods which can provide the exact results for the testing. But the problem associated with these imaging modalities is that they are time-consuming and the data provided by these modalities are large enough to store or transmit. A compression technique is required which can reduce the time as well as data size. Computed Tomography with Compressive Sensing (CS) Technique is used as an approach to tackle the above-stated problem. To analyze the fact that this technique is efficient, we consider the Computed Tomography-based Chest images of COVID-19 infected patients and apply the CS technique (Basis Pursuit) with Discrete Cosine Transform as a representation basis and Gaussian as a measurement matrix. As a result of this study, we find out three parameters, PSNR, SSIM & FSIM, to visualize the efficiency of the reconstruction strategy. This work concludes that the Computed Tomography approach with the help of CS can be used for fast and efficient imaging for COVID-19 as well as other diseases of the same kind.
A note on values of the Dedekind zeta-function at odd positive integers
Authors: Murty M. Ram , Pathak Siddhi S.
Published: February 2021

For an algebraic number field [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the associated Dedekind zeta-function. It is conjectured that [Formula: see text] is transcendental for any positive integer [Formula: see text]. The only known case of this conjecture was proved independently by Siegel and Klingen, namely that, when [Formula: see text] is a totally real number field, [Formula: see text] is an algebraic multiple of [Formula: see text] and hence, is transcendental. If [Formula: see text] is not totally real, the question of whether [Formula: see text] is irrational or not remains open. In this paper, we prove that for a fixed integer [Formula: see text], at most one of [Formula: see text] is rational, as [Formula: see text] varies over all imaginary quadratic fields. We also discuss a generalization of this theorem to CM-extensions of number fields.
Global stability of a SEIR epidemic model with infectious force in latent period and infected period under discontinuous treatment strategy
Authors: Zhao Yanjun , Li Huilai , Li Wenxuan , Wang Yang
Published: February 2021

We consider a SEIR epidemic model with infectious force in latent period and infected period under discontinuous treatment. The treatment rate has at most a finite number of jump discontinuities in every compact interval. By using Lyapunov theory for discontinuous differential equations and other techniques on non-smooth analysis, the basic reproductive number [Formula: see text] is proved to be a sharp threshold value which completely determines the dynamics of the model. If [Formula: see text], then there exists a disease-free equilibrium which is globally stable. If [Formula: see text], the disease-free equilibrium becomes unstable and there exists an endemic equilibrium which is globally stable. We discuss that the disease will die out in a finite time which is impossible for the corresponding SEIR model with continuous treatment. Furthermore, the numerical simulations indicate that strengthening treatment measure after infective individuals reach some level is beneficial to disease control.
Jordan and Lie ideals of inverse semirings
Authors: Shafiq Sara , Aslam Muhammad
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider the notion of Jordan ideals and the Lie ideals in inverse semirings. It includes generalization of some well-known results of Herstein, in the setting of inverse semirings.
Transmission dynamics of depression in socially connected population: A nonlinear modeling study
Authors: Tandon Abhinav , Mishra Arti , Banerjee Sankha
Published: February 2021

Human emotions are considered to be contagious that can be transmitted from one person to another during social interactions. However, interaction with people having excessive negative emotions may make other people depressed. Taking this aspect into consideration, a SIR nonlinear model is formulated to investigate the transmission dynamics of depression in social connections. Through qualitative analysis of the model, critical value of depression is determined. Two equilibria, viz. depression free and depression state, are obtained and their stability behaviors are analyzed. The stability analysis reveals the fact that both the equilibria are locally and globally stable, depending on critical value of depression. The sensitivity analysis of crucial parameters of critical value of depression is performed to point out the key parameters that can drastically influence the propagation of depression. The results demonstrate the importance of counselling for depressed persons in order to suppress the growth of depression in social connections. The model calibration has been done for the annual depression cases of Zimbabwe. The results of our study show that individuals will catch major depression disorders more quickly once they get initially (primary) depressed. For this, counselling rate for primary depressed population should be increased.
India–China Competition in South Asia Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Administration
Authors: NGA LE THI HANG , THUONG NGUYEN LE THY
Published: February 2021

South Asia is becoming one of the most fiercely competitive battlegrounds between India and China. Located at the center of South Asia and with its large geographical area, population, and economic size, superior military strength compared to other countries in the region, India has always been the most influential power in the region. But in the past decade, China’s intensified partnership with small countries in South Asia has threatened India’s number one position in the region. It is the challenges posed by China in South Asia, inter alia, that have forced India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make various important foreign policy adjustments. To interpret India–China competition in South Asia in aspects of diplomacy, economy, security and defense, the paper uses international relations theories including constructivism, neo-realism (particularly offensive realism) and the balance of threat theory. Although the paper analyzes India–China competition in all three areas of diplomacy, economy and military security, the authors are of the view that, the most fundamental motivation of China and India in this competition is to achieve power and security and not economic objectives. While China’s strategic calculation leans towards its ambitions to gain greater power in the geopolitical order, India’s strategic calculation leans towards ensuring its security. By using qualitative methods and utilizing secondary data including books, treatises, articles and policy briefs[Formula: see text], this paper analyzes the strategic calculations of India and China in South Asia. The paper argues that China’s intention is to emulate and then overtake India in the very region of India’s traditional influence, while India’s strategy is to maintain and strengthen its number one position in the region. Though China’s influence in the region seems to have overwhelmed over India, India with all its internal forces is also hindering China’s penetrating steps into South Asian region.
Repellent Effects of Selected Organic Leaf Extracts of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray and Vernonia lasiopus (O. Hoffman) against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Gitahi Stephen Maina , Piero Mathew Ngugi , Mburu David Nganga , Machocho Alex Kingori
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Sitophilus zeamais infestation is among the major setbacks to sustainable maize farming and availability. It causes an estimated annual loss of 5–10% and 20–30% of the total maize grains loss in the temperate and tropical zones, respectively. Although synthetic pesticides are quick and effective in managing crop pests, their overuse and misuse is discouraged due to their detrimental effects on human and environment. Natural pesticidal products that are extracted from plants are particularly gaining importance as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. They are available, easily biodegraded and have low toxicity to nontarget organisms. Most botanical pesticides act on insects by repelling them away from the crops in the field or in the stores. Therefore, this study aimed to determine repellency potential of organic leaf extracts of Tithonia diversifolia and Vernonia lasiopus on S. zeamais. Materials and methods. The phytochemical profile of T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus was determined using GC-MS. Laboratory-based experiments were carried out using area preference method to assess the efficacy of the extracts against weevils for a test period of 5 h. Six groups of experiments were set up with ten S. zeamais in each test: positive control (Actellic), negative control (solvent only), and four different experimental extract concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100%). Results. The results indicated that T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus leaf extracts possess potent repellency effect on weevils. All the extracts simply discouraged S. zeamais from the treated areas recording significantly good levels of repellent activities between 26 and 96%. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis manifested the presence of bioactive compound in the extracts which are associated with the repellency effects. Conclusion. The study scientifically confirms the traditional use of the T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus and provides important platform for further study on the extracts as bioresource of botanical repellent.
The Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review of Clinical Application and Mechanism
Authors: Jia Li-Yan , Feng Jia-Xing , Li Juan-Li , Liu Fang-Yuan , Xie Liang-zhen , Luo Shou-Juan , Han Feng-Juan
Published: February 2021

As a reproductive endocrine disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has influenced billions of women during childbearing age worldwide. Owing to its complex etiology and ambiguous pathogenesis, there is still not a specific method to cure it. Clinical treatments, such as hormone therapy and surgical treatment, have side effects. Therefore, it is essential and urgent to seek alternative treatment to solve these problems. The satisfactory efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), immunotherapy, medicinal foods, vitamin therapy, diet therapy, psychotherapy, spa, and oxygen therapy, in treating PCOS, has aroused an increasing number of medical workers’ concern and gradually become the mainstream. This paper reviews the application of CAM in the treatment of PCOS, especially from the perspective of TCM. Meanwhile, the limitations of the literature about CAM in the treatment of PCOS are mentioned and analyzed as well.
Improved CNN-Based Hashing for Encrypted Image Retrieval
Authors: Pan Wenyan , Wang Meimin , Qin Jiaohua , Zhou Zhili
Published: February 2021

As more and more image data are stored in the encrypted form in the cloud computing environment, it has become an urgent problem that how to efficiently retrieve images on the encryption domain. Recently, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) features have achieved promising performance in the field of image retrieval, but the high dimension of CNN features will cause low retrieval efficiency. Also, it is not suitable to directly apply them for image retrieval on the encryption domain. To solve the above issues, this paper proposes an improved CNN-based hashing method for encrypted image retrieval. First, the image size is increased and inputted into the CNN to improve the representation ability. Then, a lightweight module is introduced to replace a part of modules in the CNN to reduce the parameters and computational cost. Finally, a hash layer is added to generate a compact binary hash code. In the retrieval process, the hash code is used for encrypted image retrieval, which greatly improves the retrieval efficiency. The experimental results show that the scheme allows an effective and efficient retrieval of encrypted images.
Existence of Two Positive Solutions for Two Kinds of Fractionalp-Laplacian Equations
Authors: Wu Yong , Taarabti Said
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate the existence of two positive solutions to subcritical and critical fractional integro-differential equations driven by a nonlocal operatorLKp. Specifically, we get multiple solutions to the following fractionalp-Laplacian equations with the help of fibering maps and Nehari manifold.−Δpsux=λuq+ur,u>0 in Ω,u=0,in ℝN\Ω.. Our results extend the previous results in some respects.
The Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic on World Indices: The Entropy Approach
Authors: Karakaş Ayşe Metin , Doğan Mine , Çalik Sinan
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak started in December 2019 in Wuhan. The virus has spread around the whole world, and it has caused a strong and serious pandemic. Symptoms such as cough, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and fatigue associated with COVID-19 are typical clinical findings. Coronavirus infection has become an important public health concern because of its increasing prevalence, serious complications, and mortality. In light of this information, we examine different entropy methods for world indices (ISE 30, FTSE 100, NIKKEI 225, SP 500, and DAX 30) in the pre-COVID-19 period (02.01.2019–17.11.2019) and the post-COVID-19 period (18.11.2019–23.11.2020) in this article. Besides, we discuss the performances of entropies such as Shannon, Renyi, Tsallis, and approximate entropy (ApEn) in detail and perform the notion of entropy for volatility measure. As a result, we present the numerical results for the data set.
Research Progress on the Mechanism of Lumbarmultifidus Injury and Degeneration
Authors: Wang Xianzheng , Jia Rui , Li Jiaqi , Zhu Yibo , Liu Huanan , Wang Weijian , Sun Yapeng , Zhang Fei , Guo Lei , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2021

This review summarizes recent research progress in the clinical features, image manifestations, and pathological mechanism of multifidus injury. After a brief introduction to the fiber classification, innervation, blood supply, and multifidus function, some factors of multifidus injury, consisting of denervation, intraoperative incision selection and traction, and lumbar degenerative disease are overviewed. In addition, the clinical index of multifidus injury including myoglobin, creatine kinase, IL‐6, C‐reactive protein, the cross‐sectional area of multifidus, the degree of fat infiltration, and intraoperative biopsy are summarized. Furthermore, we recommend that patients with chronic low back pain should take the long‐term exercise of lumbodorsal muscles. Finally, some remaining issues, including external fixation and the imaging quantitative evaluation criteria of multifidus, need to be further explored in the future.
Effect of Different Bend Pipes on the Propagation Characteristics of Premixed Methane-Air Explosion in Confined Spaces
Authors: Qiu Jinwei , Jiang Bingyou , Tang Mingyun , Zhou Liang , Ren Bo
Published: February 2021

To explore the effect of different bend pipes on the propagation characteristics of premixed methane-air explosion, the experimental explosion pipe system and numerical model were established. By adopting the comparative analysis of experiments and numerical modeling, it conducted researches on the overpressure evolution of gas explosion shock wave in pipes with different bends and obtained the expressions of attenuation coefficient of shock wave overpressure. The results showed that the change of pipe direction accelerated the attenuation of gas explosion shock wave. The propagation attenuation of gas explosion in the bend pipe was mainly affected by the bending angle and initial peak overpressure before bending. With the increase of the bending angle, the attenuation coefficient of gas explosion shock wave gradually increased. For the same bending angle, the attenuation coefficient of gas explosion shock wave increased with the increase of gas volume. The obtained coupling relationships between attenuation coefficient, bending angle, and initial peak overpressure before bending were useful for estimating the overpressure value after the bend. The results presented in this paper have important significance for the assessment of structures that have been damaged in the mine laneway of gas exploration accidents, further enriching the gas exploration spread theory.
A System Identification‐Based Damage‐Detection Method for Gravity Dams
Authors: Mirtaheri Masoud , Salkhordeh Mojtaba , Mohammadgholiha Masoud
Published: February 2021

Dams are essential infrastructures as they provide a range of economic, environmental, and social benefits to the local populations. Damage in the body of these structures may lead to an irreparable disaster. This paper presents a cost‐effective vibration‐based framework to identify the dynamic properties and damage of the dams. To this end, four commonly occurred damage scenarios, including (1) damage in the neck of the dam, (2) damage in the toe of the structure, (3) simultaneous damage in the neck and the toe of the dam, and (4) damage in the lifting joints of the dam, are considered. The proposed method is based on processing the acceleration response of a gravity dam under ambient excitations. First, the random decrement technique (RDT) is applied to determine the free‐vibration of the structure using the structural response. Then, a combined method based on Hilbert–Huang Transform (HHT) and Wavelet Transform (WT) is presented to obtain the dynamic properties of the structure. Next, the cubic‐spline technique is used to make the mode shapes differentiable. Finally, Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) is applied to the residual values of mode shape curvatures between intact and damaged structures to estimate the damage location. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method in field condition, 10% noise is added to the structural response. Results show promising accuracy in estimating the location of damage even when the structure is subjected to simultaneous damage in different locations.
Multiauthority Attribute-Based Encryption with Traceable and Dynamic Policy Updating
Authors: Ling Jie , Chen Junwei , Chen Jiahui , Gan Wensheng
Published: February 2021

Ciphertext policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) is an encryption mechanism that can provide fine-grained access control and adequate cloud storage security for Internet of Things (IoTs). In this field, the original CP-ABE scheme usually has only a single trusted authority, which will become a bottleneck in IoTs. In addition, different users may illegally share their private keys to obtain improper benefits. Besides, the data owners also require the flexibility to change their access policy. In this paper, we construct a multiauthority CP-ABE scheme on prime order groups over a large attribute universe. Our scheme can support white-box traceability along with policy updates to solve the abovementioned three problems and, thus, can fix the potential requirements of IoTs. More precisely, the proposed scheme supports multiple authority, white box traceability, large attribute domains, access policy updates, and high expressiveness. We prove that our designed scheme is static secure and traceable secure based on the state-of-the-art security models. Moreover, by theoretical comparison, our scheme has better performance than other schemes. Finally, extensive experimental comparisons show that our proposed algorithm can be better than the baseline algorithms.
Second-Order Neutral Differential Equations: Improved Criteria for Testing the Oscillation
Authors: Moaaz Osama , Muhib Ali , Owyed Saud , Mahmoud Emad E. , Abdelnaser Aml
Published: February 2021

The main purpose of this study is to establish new improved conditions for testing the oscillation of solutions of second-order neutral differential equation

r

l

u

′

l

γ

′

+
q

l

x

β

σ

l

=
0
,

where

l
≥

l

0

and

u

l

≔
x

l

+
p
x

ϱ

l

. By optimizing the commonly used relationship

x
>

1
−
p

u

, we obtain new criteria that give sharper results for oscillation than the previous related results. Moreover, we obtain criteria of an iterative nature. Our new results are illustrated by an example.
What Radiologist Should Know about MRI Translational Forces and Hazard: An Ex-Vivo Simulation of Retained Metallic Shrapnel
Authors: Kanj Ali , Ghosn Ibrahim , Mohanna Assaad , Rouhana Georges
Published: February 2021

Background. In a country immersed in endless rounds of wars, retained metallic foreign bodies remain a significant dilemma in the daily practice of every Lebanese radiologist. When a shrapnel’s hazard is of concern, the decision between performing or refusing a justified MRI exam is not always straightforward. In this small trial, we aimed to better understand the shrapnel’s MRI safety by mimicking our daily practice. Methods. Five shrapnel with an incremental increase in their long axis were put in an animal flesh and then introduced into a 3 T magnetic field. The behavior of each shrapnel was concretely assessed by performing before and after magnetic field exposure CT acquisitions. Results. Translation along the z-axis ranged from 0.9 mm to 2.8 mm. Torque angle ranged between 2.8 and 54 degrees with an average of 15.62 degrees. Conclusions. Shrapnel’s movements in the magnetic field are not negligible during the acute phase of injury where there is no reinforcing fibroblastic reaction and invite us to reconsider the MRI safety of these metallic foreign bodies. Standard radiographs may be sufficient, but a targeted CT scan may be of better value for a confident decision for assessment of shrapnel position near viscera and major vessels.
Effect of Particle Size and Sintering Temperature on the Formation of Mullite from Kyanite and Aluminum Mixtures
Authors: Barrientos-Hernández F. R. , Pérez-Labra M. , Lobo-Guerrero A. , Reyes-Pérez M. , Juárez-Tapia J. C. , Hernández-Ávila J. , Cardoso-Legorreta E. , Hernández-Lara J. P.
Published: February 2021

The effect of particle size and sintering temperature of the mixtures of kyanite and metallic aluminum related to the thermal transformation of kyanite into primary mullite and free silica was studied. In addition, the reaction between α‐Al2O3 (in situ produced by aluminum oxidation) and the silica was obtained in cristobalite structure from kyanite to obtain secondary mullite. The kyanite powders were milled by 0.5, 3, 6, and 12 hours and then were mixed with aluminum powder, which were previously milled by 3 hours. After that, the powders were characterized by X‐ray diffraction technique (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the particle size was determined in a centrifugal analyzer particle size Shimadzu model SA‐CP4. The mixed powders were pressed uniaxially into cylindrical samples (compacts), and then sintering was conducted at 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, and 1600°C; these samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, and thermodilatometry analysis (TD); density and open porosity measurements were performed by the Archimedes method. The samples were thermally etched to observe the microstructure, which consisted of mullite equiaxial grains contained in a glassy phase. It was observed that the nonmilled kyanite mineral becomes into mullite plus silica at temperatures between 1400 and 1500°C. When the particle size was reduced at sizes less than 1 µm, the transformation temperature was low until 200°C; the X‐ray patterns of the sintered samples at 1400°C, ground for 6 hours, showed mullite peaks with small reflections of cristobalite and α‐Al2O3, and these samples exhibited high density and low open porosity.