bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propriedade Comunal: A Essencialidade Enquanto Critério Decisório À Luz Das Particularidades Do Instituto E Da Jurisprudência Nacional E Do Sistema Interamericano De Direitos Humanos
Authors: Carvalho Amorim Alcantara Rafael Einstein , Velten Pereira Paulo Sérgio
Published: May 2024

O artigo tem por objeto o instituto da propriedade comunal, seu tratamento pela jurisprudência da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos e a possibilidade de utilização do paradigma da essencialidade como critério decisório em casos que envolvam esta temática. O problema indaga se é possível a adoção da essencialidade como critério decisório judicial em causas que envolvam a propriedade comunal, notadamente pelas particularidades do instituto quando comparado às concepções tradicionais de propriedade e patrimônio. Tem-se por objetivo demonstrar como o maior peso existencial da propriedade comunal autoriza a aplicação do paradigma da essencialidade como critério decisório. Metodologicamente, utiliza-se o método hipotético-dedutivo; a pesquisa documental, jurisprudencial e bibliográfica; a abordagem qualitativa; e a técnica do estudo de caso. Entre os resultados estão: a demonstração das similitudes e diferenças entre a propriedade tradicional e a comunal; o levantamento do tratamento conferido pela Corte Interamericana à propriedade comunal; e a ilustração de diferentes posicionamentos adotados pelo Judiciário brasileiro ao tratar da matéria, ora se aproximando, ora se distanciando dos standars interamericanos. Conclui-se que a propriedade comunal merece tratamento mais cuidadoso quando se fizer objeto de litígio, ponderando-se o maior peso existencial que apresenta, sendo recomendada a aplicação do paradigma da essencialidade como critério decisório pelo Judiciário brasileiro em casos inerentes à matéria.
What is Legal Theory?
Authors: Executivo Comitê , Auer Marietta
Published: May 2024

In recent years, legal theory has developed into a generic term for multidisciplinary legal thinking. Under the heading of legal theory, scholars have explored novel pathways to legal research by using insights and methodologies from a multitude of research fields ranging from cultural studies and economics to genetics and neuroscience. This development stands in contrast to the classic field definition of 20th-century legal theory and 19thcentury general jurisprudence. The classic view conceived both legal theory and its precursor, general jurisprudence, as deliberately anti-philosophical approaches to theoretical reflection on the general structures of positive law. More recently, however, a shift in the internal structure as well as the epistemic aims of legal scholarship has taken place. The present article analyses this development within the framework of the history and philosophy of science. It suggests that interdisciplinar knowledge is a vital and indeed intrinsic part of legal scholarship. An unchartered space nevertheless remains between the disciplinary and the multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary forms of legal knowledge. The recent shift in the research agenda of legal theory highlights this theoretical vacuum, and it is precisely here that the present article situates the potential for a philosophically sophisticated legal theory. It argues that legal theory can best fulfil its goal if it provides tools for multidisciplinar theorising as well as categories for critical reflection on the preconditions of legal epistemology. This essay thus presents legal theory as a philosophical theory of multidisciplinary jurisprudence.
 
KEYWORDS: legal theory; general jurisprudence; multidisciplinarity; philosophy of science; history of science
A Propriedade e o Bem Comum
Authors: Jimenez Cantisano Pedro
Published: May 2024

Este artigo explora a relação entre o bem comum – enquanto saúde, segurança e equipamentos públicos necessários para promover o bem-estar das pessoas – e a propriedade no Brasil, do século XIX ao início do XX. O argumento central é de que reformas urbanas e de saúde pública do final do século XIX e início do XX impulsionaram debates e transformações na relação entre bem comum e propriedade privada. Com base em um levantamento historiográfico e múltiplas fontes primárias, como processos judiciais, legislação, doutrina jurídica e jornais, mostro a construção de uma noção excludente de bem comum, que tratava os pobres, em sua maioria negros, como obstáculos à realização de objetivos coletivos. Em seguida, demonstro a intensificação das restrições impostas à propriedade privada com base nesse bem comum e analiso as transformações dessa relação durante o final do século XIX e início do XX. Focando na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, mostro como as reformas urbanas e sanitárias do início do século XX criaram um terreno fértil para que proprietários, inquilinos, ativistas, advogados, procuradores, juízes e juristas debatessem essa relação. Concluo apontando a importância da relação entre propriedade e bem comum para a história da propriedade no Brasil.
Palavras-chave: história da propriedade, bem comum, história urbana, história do direito
Pelas Mãos do Tabelião
Authors: Nogueira de Freitas Joana Aymée , Machado Cabral Gustavo César
Published: May 2024

O presente artigo trata do instituto do aforamento, o qual consistia na concessão do domínio útil de terras para particulares, desde que alcançadas condições pré-estabelecidas, tendo em vista que o território das Vilas era de domínio real, administrado pelo Senado da Câmara. Assim, objetiva-se a melhor compreensão do aforamento, sob uma perspectiva jurídica, a partir de escrituras e termos elaborados por escrivães no século XVIII, na vila de Santa Cruz do Aracati, na Capitania do Ceará, a qual foi escolhida como espaço desta pesquisa, em razão da sua rápida expansão e da destinação de terras para oficinas de charqueadas e criação de gado. Metodologicamente, analisam-se livros notariais, nos quais estão 14 escrituras, para entender como o aforamento acontecia na prática e quais institutos jurídicos se relacionam a ele, partindo de uma perspectiva local. Ademais, utilizaram-se também as Ordenações Filipinas e livros de doutrina para compreender o tratamento jurídico do período. Como resultado, foram identificados conceitos como enfiteuse, laudêmio, direito de prelação, domínio útil, direta senhoria, condição do aforamento e vínculo capelar presente nas escrituras, além da possibilidade de isenção de tributo do aforamento e venda de terras foreiras. Conclui-se que o aforamento era mais um mecanismo a ser utilizado por agentes do Senado da Câmara, em razão do seu poder sobre a terra e sobre seu uso formalizado, garantindo a realização de seus interesses e a arrecadação monetária para a Fazenda Real.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Escrituras de Aforamento; Institutos jurídicos; Senado da Câmara; Vila de Santa Cruz do Aracati.
Towards a constitutional sociology of property rights:
Authors: Holmes Pablo
Published: May 2024

The article examines the emergence of modern social structures of property rights and their constitutional implications during the formation of world society. While European history has addressed this topic regionally, the process of modernization in colonial and postcolonial contexts, along with its global connections, remains underexplored. This work combines theoretical reflections from the literature on the sociology of constitutions with historiographical research on the formation of modern property rights in Europe and its colonies. It argues that the property structure of colonial Brazil is decisive for social cleavages and the social reproduction of exclusion in the later period. Due to the role land played in the constitution of power and privileges in the colonial times, postcolonial elites remain tied to the land. This results in no considerable and powerful sectors within postcolonial elites, unlike the Central and Northern European context, being interested (and strong enough) to break with the exclusionary social hierarchies inherited from the old regime. The old elite tied to land was also the new elite of independent Brazil.
On dynamically convex contact manifolds and filtered symplectic homology
Authors: Kwon Myeonggi , Oba Takahiro
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we are interested in characterizing the standard contact sphere in terms of dynamically convex contact manifolds, which admit a Liouville filling with vanishing symplectic homology. We first observe that if the filling is flexible, then those contact manifolds are contactomorphic to the standard contact sphere. We then investigate quantitative geometry of those contact manifolds focusing on similarities with the standard contact sphere in filtered symplectic homology.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the Internet at the USPTO website.
Flexural pulse wave velocity in blood vessels
Authors: Gregoire Sibylle , Laloy-Borgna Gabrielle , Aichele Johannes , Lemoult Fabrice , Catheline Stefan
Published: May 2024

Arteriosclerosis is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and results in arterial vessel stiffening. Velocity estimation of the pulse wave sent by the heart and propagating into the arteries is a widely accepted biomarker. This symmetrical pulse wave propagates at a speed which is related to the Young's modulus through the Moens Korteweg (MK) equation. Recently, an antisymmetric flexural wave has been observed in vivo. Unlike the symmetrical wave, it is highly dispersive. This property offers promising applications for monitoring arterial stiffness and early detection of atheromatous plaque. However, as far as it is known, no equivalent of the MK equation exists for flexural pulse waves. To bridge this gap, a beam based theory was developed, and approximate analytical solutions were reached. An experiment in soft polymer artery phantoms was built to observe the dispersion of flexural waves. A good agreement was found between the analytical expression derived from beam theory and experiments. Moreover, numerical simulations validated wave speed dependence on the elastic and geometric parameters at low frequencies. Clinical applications, such as arterial age estimation and arterial pressure measurement, are foreseen.
Multiple source direction-of-arrival estimation applicable under near-, far-, and mixed-field scenarios
Authors: Hu Yonggang , Mao Tianpeng , Wei Hewen , Niu Siliang , Wang Wei , Zhu Xuchen
Published: May 2024

Traditionally, direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimations under near- and far-field scenarios are treated as independent tasks based on the corresponding acoustic model, hence necessitating a proper soundfield detector as an upstream processing tool, whereas there may not be a distinct boundary between different soundfield types, especially the mixed-field scenarios where both near- and far-field sources coexist simultaneously. To handle this issue, this article investigates a multisource DOA estimator that equally localizes multiple near-, far-, and mixed-field sources, not requiring any specialized adjustments. We (i) define a signal-invariant multichannel feature denoted generalized relative harmonic coefficients in the spherical harmonics domain; (ii) derive the analytical expression of this feature and summarize its unique properties, exhibiting consistence for both near- and far-field sources; (iii) estimate source elevation and azimuth using the magnitude and phase parts of this feature, respectively; (iv) detect single-source dominated periods from the mixed measurements based on an investigated distance measure; and (v) count the number of sources and localize their DOAs by clustering the single-source dominated estimates. Extensive experimental results, in both simulated and real-life environments, finally confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm under diverse acoustic scenarios, and a superiority over baseline approaches in localizing mixed-field sources.
“We Love You, Katie”: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Stanford University’s Response to the Passing of Katie Meyer
Authors: Bunch Natalie , Beasley Lauren , Copple Janie
Published: May 2024

In 2022, Stanford University’s Katie Meyer and at least four other college athletes in the United States died by suicide. If used appropriately, social media is a potential platform to destigmatize mental health through initiating discussions and providing educational resources. The study explores how Stanford University’s athletic department utilized Twitter to address mental health in the year after Meyer’s passing. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and Fairclough’s approach to critical discourse analysis, this study examined 59 tweets posted across Stanford University’s athletic department and program platforms. The current study found that Stanford’s social media messaging reinforced mental health stigma and the sport ethic across the micro-, meso-, exo-, and macrosystem, which discourage sport consumers from changing their perceptions of mental health stigma in sport. Furthermore, the social media messaging does not demonstrate future institutional emphasis on mental health. We conclude with best practices for college sport administrators.
Effects of Physical Education on Preschool Children’s Physical Activity Levels and Motor, Cognitive, and Social Competences: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martinez-Merino Nagore , Rico-González Markel
Published: May 2024

The aim of this review was to systematically summarize the literature about physical education (PE) programs and their effects on preschool children’s physical activity levels and motor, cognitive, and social competences. A systematic search of relevant articles was carried out using four electronic databases up until February 16, 2022. The main findings were that the inclusion of PE in early childhood is a suitable alternative for improving development in three main areas. For motor competence, specific fundamental motor skill programs are a key opportunity to improve preschool children’s ability. Physical activity levels may be improved considering structured and regular PE programs (two to three classes per week). Regarding cognitive competence, PE classes are effective for improving creativity, attention, and mental abilities, and also, for reducing the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Finally, group-based activities are the most suitable alternative for boosting social competence in preschool children with or without motor disabilities. Improving these competences and physical activity levels in preschool is necessary for the children’s health and holistic development; the educators’ daily decisions have key importance.
Characterization of Ssc, an
N
-acetylgalactosamine-containing
Staphylococcus aureus
surface polysaccharide
Authors: Lei Mei G. , Jorgenson Matthew A. , Robbs Emily J. , Black Ian M. , Archer-Hartmann Stephanie , Shalygin Sergei , Azadi Parastoo , Lee Chia Y.
Published: May 2024

Whole genome sequencing has revealed that the genome of
Staphylococcus aureus
possesses an uncharacterized 5-gene operon (SAOUHSC_00088–00092 in strain 8325 genome) that encodes factors with functions related to polysaccharide biosynthesis and export, indicating the existence of a new extracellular polysaccharide species. We designate this locus as
ssc
for staphylococcal surface carbohydrate. We found that the
ssc
genes were weakly expressed and highly repressed by the global regulator MgrA. To characterize Ssc, Ssc was heterologously expressed in
Escherichia coli
and extracted by heat treatment. Ssc was also conjugated to AcrA from
Campylobacter jejuni
in
E. coli
using protein glycan coupling technology (PGCT). Analysis of the heat-extracted Ssc and the purified Ssc-AcrA glycoconjugate by tandem mass spectrometry revealed that Ssc is likely a polymer consisting of
N
-acetylgalactosamine. We further demonstrated that the expression of the
ssc
genes in
S. aureus
affected phage adsorption and susceptibility, suggesting that Ssc is surface-exposed.

IMPORTANCE

Surface polysaccharides play crucial roles in the biology and virulence of bacterial pathogens.
Staphylococcus aureus
produces four major types of polysaccharides that have been well-characterized. In this study, we identified a new surface polysaccharide containing N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). This marks the first report of GalNAc-containing polysaccharide in
S. aureus
. Our discovery lays the groundwork for further investigations into the chemical structure, surface location, and role in pathogenesis of this new polysaccharide.
Lignin degradation by a novel thermophilic and alkaline yellow laccase from
Chitinophaga
sp.
Authors: Buzzo Bárbara Bonfá , Lima Natália Sarmanho Monteiro , Pereira Pâmela Aparecida Maldaner , Gomes-Pepe Elisângela Soares , Sartini Camila Cesario Fernandes , Lemos Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo
Published: May 2024

Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are oxidoreductases that belong to the multicopper oxidase subfamily and are classified as yellow/white or blue according to their absorption spectrum. Yellow laccases are more useful for industrial processes since they oxidize nonphenolic compounds in the absence of a redox mediator and stand out for being more stable and functional under extreme conditions. This study aimed to characterize a new laccase that was predicted to be present in the genome of
Chitinophaga
sp. CB10 – Lac_CB10. Lac_CB10, with a molecular mass of 100.06 kDa, was purified and characterized via biochemical assays using guaiacol as a substrate. The enzyme demonstrated extremophilic characteristics, exhibiting relative activity under alkaline conditions (CAPS buffer pH 10.5) and thermophilic conditions (80–90°C), as well as maintaining its activity above 50% for 5 h at 80°C and 90°C. Furthermore, Lac_CB10 presented a spectral profile typical of yellow laccases, exhibiting only one absorbance peak at 300 nm (at the T2/T3 site) and no peak at 600 nm (at the T1 site). When lignin was degraded using copper as an inducer, 52.27% of the material was degraded within 32 h. These results highlight the potential of this enzyme, which is a novel yellow laccase with thermophilic and alkaline activity and the ability to act on lignin. This enzyme could be a valuable addition to the biorefinery process. In addition, this approach has high potential for industrial application and in the bioremediation of contaminated environments since these processes often occur at extreme temperatures and pH values.

IMPORTANCE

The characterization of the novel yellow laccase, Lac_CB10, derived from
Chitinophaga
sp. CB10, represents a significant advancement with broad implications. This enzyme displays exceptional stability and functionality under extreme conditions, operating effectively under both alkaline (pH 10.5) and thermophilic (80–90°C) environments. Its capability to maintain considerable activity over extended periods, even at high temperatures, showcases its potential for various industrial applications. Moreover, its distinctive ability to efficiently degrade lignin—demonstrated by a significant 52.27% degradation within 32 h—signifies a promising avenue for biorefinery processes. This newfound laccase's characteristics position it as a crucial asset in the realm of bioremediation, particularly in scenarios involving contamination at extreme pH and temperature levels. The study's findings highlight the enzyme's capacity to address challenges in industrial processes and environmental cleanup, signifying its vital role in advancing biotechnological solutions.
Antimony susceptible
Leishmania donovani
: evidence from
in vitro
drug susceptibility of parasites isolated from patients of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in pre- and post-miltefosine era
Authors: Ghosh Sushmita , Verma Aditya , Kumar Dhiraj , Deep Deepak Kumar , Ramesh V. , Salotra Poonam , Singh Ruchi
Published: May 2024

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) patients are a key source of
Leishmania donovani
parasites, hindering the goal of eliminating visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Monitoring treatment response and parasite susceptibility is essential due to increasing drug resistance. We assessed the drug susceptibility of PKDL isolates (
n
= 18) from pre-miltefosine (MIL) era (1997–2004) with isolates (
n
= 16) from the post-miltefosine era (2010–2019) and post-miltefosine treatment relapse isolates (
n
= 5) towards miltefosine and amphotericin B (AmB) at promastigote stage and towards sodium antimony gluconate (SAG) at amastigote stage. PKDL isolates were examined for mutation in gene-encoding AQP1 transporter, C26882T mutation on chromosome 24, and miltefosine-transporter (MT). PKDL isolates from the post-miltefosine era were significantly more susceptible to SAG than SAG-resistant isolates from the pre-miltefosine era (
P
= 0.0002). There was no significant difference in the susceptibility of parasites to miltefosine between pre- and post-miltefosine era isolates. The susceptibility of PKDL isolates towards AmB remained unchanged between the pre- and post-miltefosine era. However, the post-miltefosine era isolates had a higher IC
50
value towards AmB compared with PKDL relapse isolates. We did not find any association between AQP1 gene sequence variation and susceptibility to SAG, or between miltefosine susceptibility and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs in the MT gene. This study demonstrates that recent isolates of
Leishmania
have resumed susceptibility to antimonials
in vitro
. The study also offers significant insights into the intrinsic drug susceptibility of
Leishmania
parasites over the past two decades, covering the period before the introduction of miltefosine and after its extensive use.

IMPORTANCE

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) patients, a key source of
Leishmania donovani
parasites, hinder eliminating visceral-leishmaniasis. Assessment of the susceptibility of PKDL isolates to antimony, miltefosine (MIL), and amphotericin-B indicated that recent isolates remain susceptible to antimony, enabling its use with other drugs for treating PKDL.
Transport and deposition of the 39.8 ka Campanian Ignimbrite large-scale pyroclastic density currents (Italy)
Authors: Silleni Aurora , Giordano Guido , Ort Michael H. , Isaia Roberto
Published: May 2024

Processes of transport and deposition of large-scale pyroclastic density currents, which transport 102–103 km3 of material, are still poorly understood. The volcanic explosivity index (VEI) 7 Campanian Ignimbrite pyroclastic density current is one such poorly understood case that is subject to lively scientific debates about its origin and processes. The Campanian Ignimbrite is related to the 39.8 ka eruption that formed the partly submarine and active Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy. The related pyroclastic density current extended over an area of more than 6000 km2 on land around the caldera, with a final runout of ~75 km, and surmounted mountain ridges higher than 1000 m above sea level, even at distal reaches. We used physical characteristics of the ignimbrite to understand the transport and emplacement dynamics of the Campanian Ignimbrite pyroclastic density current. Thickness, mass, and clast-size distributions across paleotopography were used to infer that the main transport system was a dilute, density-stratified pyroclastic density current, which was at least 1.5 km thick, which was short-lived (possibly as short as ~20 min), and which had a mass flow rate of ~1011 kg/s. At its base, high-concentration undercurrents formed and interacted with the rough paleotopography, laying down a low-aspect-ratio ignimbrite sheet when on flat plains, but generating back-flows from ridges and channeling in paleovalleys. The deposit is predominantly a massive valley-pond ignimbrite facies, even across rough mountain terrains. The absence of veneer facies on steep slopes reflects the near-Newtonian rheology of the undercurrents, interpreted as fluidized dense granular flows. This work advances the interpretations of pyroclastic density current deposits, which do not necessarily directly reflect conditions in the transport system.
Factors influencing suffusion-induced delayed displacement of river bridge piers
Authors: Nishio Yoshihiro , Watanabe Kenji
Published: May 2024

In recent years, local scour has occurred on the pier foundations of river bridges during heavy rain and river flooding, often resulting in bridge collapse and outflow. This study focused on the characteristic displacement, called “delayed displacement”, of the river bridge pier. The critical displacement of the piers was first observed several days after the flood when the train passed and not immediately after the flood. The authors hypothesized that one of the possible reasons for the delayed displacement is the suffusion of the supporting ground beneath the pier foundation during the flood, followed by a compressive behavior due to the collapse of the soil skeleton under repeated traffic loads. Accordingly, this study performed erosion tests simulating flood and cyclic loading tests simulating train passage using a triaxial test apparatus to check the validity of this hypothesis. In some test cases, suffusion without any deformation occurred in the erosion test but deformed in the cyclic loading test just after the erosion test. This behavior matches the behavior of delayed displacement. It was also suggested that the risk of the delayed displacement becomes high when the soil skeleton was assumed to primarily comprise fine particles, and the void ratio and hydraulic gradient were high. By contrast, when the soil skeleton was assumed to primarily comprise coarse particles, suffusion occurred in the erosion test, but did not deform in the subsequent cyclic loading test. Thus, the risk of delayed displacement is considered to be low when coarse particles are dominant. Furthermore, clear relationship between suffusion and the consequent reduction in soil stiffness cannot be observed. This result indicates that no significant change in the stiffness occur in the supporting ground of the pier foundation at the stage immediately before the delayed displacement. Thus, identifying the deterioration in the stability of the piers through impact loading test, which is based on the concept that local scour reduces the natural frequency of the bridge pier, is difficult.
A novel consolidation analysis framework: universal function approximators regularized by physical principles
Authors: Zhang Pin , Sheil Brian , Girolami Mark , Yaji Kentaro , Yin Zhen-Yu
Published: May 2024

Analytical and numerical techniques are widely used to analyze and interpret soil consolidation problems. An important limitation is the requirement for significant geotechnical knowledge and expertise to derive “true” solutions. This study proposes an alternative: a universal function approximator regularized with known physical principles. The proposed approach here advances previous work to solve one-dimensional consolidation considering both self-weight and large strains, as well as two-dimensional consolidation by vertical drains. Initial and boundary conditions of the studied consolidation problems are first strongly and weakly enforced for comparison. A neural network is adopted here as the function approximator. To boost prediction accuracy, a novel strategy is proposed to adaptively sample data points for training. An estimate of epistemic uncertainty is achieved using the confidence interval of ensembled multiple outputs. The results show that the proposed approach accurately predicts the behaviors of complex consolidation processes. Results also indicate that regularization using weak physical constraints can alleviate the imbalance of back-propagated gradients of different loss terms and, in turn, achieve higher accuracy. The proposed method is generic, mesh-free, more robust, and can be applied to a wide range of geotechnical problems.
Evaluating the ATR-SEIRAS performance of electrodeposited copper CO2 reduction catalysts using a flow-through spectroelectrochemical cell
Authors: Tirado Ariel M. , Andvaag Ian R. , Burgess Ian J.
Published: May 2024

The attenuated total reflection-surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) activity of electrodeposited Cu nanoparticles on indium tin oxide-modified Si internal reflection elements is reported. The solution in the cell is easily, and repeatedly, exchanged between a copper deposition bath and a solution containing 4-methoxypyridine through the use of a flow-through spectroelectrochemical cell. 4-methoxypyridine is a convenient SEIRAS probe molecule exhibiting potential-dependent adsorption/desorption on the copper surface. Successive amounts of copper are deposited and then evaluated for electrochemical SEIRAS activity without the need to expose the Cu surface to ambient conditions. It is found that copper deposition charge densities of approximately 60 mC cm−2 exhibit the largest amplitude and most symmetric IR absorption peaks of the investigated electrodeposition conditions. Scanning electron microscopy images of the different Cu charge density films are correlated with the SEIRAS results and establish that close-packed two-dimensional, percolated arrays of oblate, ellipsoidal Cu nanoparticles are responsible for ideal SEIRAS performance and three-dimensional aggregates of larger particles should be avoided. Textured films of Cu nanoparticles are used to determine the adsorbed species present on the copper surface during CO2 electroreduction at low overpotentials. Evidence of adsorbed CO and COH is found at lower overpotentials than those described in previous reports.
Effects of commercial thinning on characteristics of naturally regenerated coniferous stands from Eastern North-America
Authors: Power Hugues , Tremblay Stéphane , Auger Isabelle , Duchateau Emmanuel
Published: May 2024

Commercial thinning is a silvicultural treatment that has been practiced for centuries in Europe. However, in Eastern Canada, its application to naturally regenerated stands is much more recent, and long-term monitoring of this treatment realized in an operational context is rare. We monitored 135 paired sample plots (thinned and control) over a 20-year period. The plots are in stands dominated by either black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), jack pine ( Pinus banksiana Lamb.), or balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and distributed throughout the boreal and temperate forests of Québec (Canada). Twenty years after treatment, thinning increased quadratic mean diameter (QMD) for balsam fir (1.7 cm) and jack pine (0.7 cm), while for black spruce the change in QMD varied according to the QMD before treatment. Periodic annual increment in gross merchantable volume of thinned and control plots was similar for balsam fir and jack pine but was less in thinned black spruce plots during the first 5 years. Thinning did not affect mortality, which remained low until 15 years after treatment. As commercial thinning should gain popularity over the next years, our study provides a benchmark of the expected effects when the treatment is performed in an operational context.
Vacuum stability in the one-loop approximation of a 331 model
Authors: Dorsch G. C. , Louzi A. A. , Sánchez-Vega B. L. , Viglioni A. C. D.
Published: May 2024

In this study, we analyze the vacuum stability of the economical 331 model at the one-loop level using the renormalization group equations and a single-scale renormalization method. By integrating these equations, we determine stability conditions up to the Planck scale, incorporating constraints from recent experimental data on new Higgs-like bosons, charged scalars, and charged and neutral gauge bosons. Our analysis uncovers intriguing relations between the mass of the heaviest scalar and the masses of exotic quarks, in order to ensure stability of the model up to the Planck scale. For the 331 energy scale used in this work, 18 TeV, we find an upper bound on the heaviest quark mass of the model, which is not so distant from future LHC runs, serving as bounds to be searched. Additionally, we explore relations between the scalar couplings coming stability and perturbativity conditions. These impose unprecedented constraints on the economical 331 model.
Exploring the Potential of Deep Learning and Blockchain for Intrusion Detection Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Nagarjun A. Venkata , Rajkumar Sujatha
Published: May 2024

Detecting intrusions in real-time within cloud networks presents a multifaceted challenge involving intricate processes such as feature representation, intrusion type classification and post-processing procedures. Distributed Intrusion Detection Systems (DIDSs) constitute a complex landscape characterized by diverse contextual nuances, distinct functional advantages and limitations specific to deployment scenarios. Despite these challenges, DIDS offers immense potential for addressing evolving intrusion detection challenges through tailored contextual adaptations and unique functional advantages. Moreover, exploring the limitations associated with different deployment contexts facilitates targeted improvements and refinements, unlocking new avenues for innovation in intrusion detection technologies. Notably, deep learning (DL) integrated with blockchain technology emerges as a superior approach in terms of security, while bioinspired models excel in Quality of Service (QoS). These models demonstrate higher accuracy across various network scenarios, underscoring their efficacy in intrusion detection. Additionally, edge-based models exhibit high accuracy and scalability with reduced delay, complexity and cost in real-time network environments. The fusion of these models holds promise for enhancing classification performance across diverse attack types, offering avenues for future research exploration. This text conducts a comprehensive comparison of performance metrics, including accuracy, response delay, computational complexity, scalability and deployment costs. The proposed Novel DIDS Rank (NDR) streamlines model selection by considering these metrics, enabling users to make well-informed decisions based on multiple performance aspects simultaneously. This unified ranking approach facilitates the identification of DIDS that achieves high accuracy and scalability while minimizing response delay, cost and complexity across varied deployment scenarios.
Global weak solutions to a nonlinear chemotaxis system with singular density-suppressed motility
Authors: Zhang Zhiguang , Li Yuxiang
Published: May 2024

In this work, we study the no-flux initial-boundary value problem for the migration-consumption taxis system involving singular density-suppressed motility [Formula: see text] in a bounded domain [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] generalizes the singular prototype given by [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. We prove that if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], then the model (⋆) possesses a global weak-strong solution.
Ranking of Different States in India Based on Sustainable Women Empowerment Using MCDM Methodology Under Uncertain Environment
Authors: Adhikari Doli , Gazi Kamal Hossain , Sobczak Anna , Giri Bibhas Chandra , Salahshour Soheil , Mondal Sankar Prasad
Published: May 2024

In this paper, women’s empowerment in different states of India is considered. Based on considered data sets, the states of India are ranked with Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology. Here, Generalized Triangular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers (GTIFNs) are considered. Here, GTIFNs are taken to deal with the uncertainty and we introduce a new de-fuzzification method for converting the GTIFNs to corresponding crisp values. Here, we have applied two MCDM techniques namely the Entropy-weighted method and Vlekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) method. The entropy-weighted method is used for evaluating the criteria weights and the VIKOR method is applied to rank the alternatives. Last, to verify the stability and vagueness of the system, we perform sensitivity and comparative analysis.
Naturalistic Digital Behavior Predicts Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Vuong Tung , Jacucci Giulio , Ruotsalo Tuukka
Published: May 2024

Individuals are known to differ in cognitive abilities, affecting their behavior and information processing in digital environments. However, we have a limited understanding of which behaviors are affected, how, and whether some features extracted from digital behavior can predict cognitive abilities. Consequently, researchers may miss opportunities to design and support individuals with personalized experiences and detect those who may benefit from additional interventions. To characterize digital behaviors, we collected 24/7 screen recordings, input behavior, and operating system data from the laptops of 20 adults for two weeks. We use cognitive test results from the same individuals to characterize their cognitive abilities: psychomotor speed, processing speed, selective attention, working memory, and fluid intelligence. Our results from regression analysis, path modeling, and machine learning experiments show that cognitive abilities are associated with differences in digital behavior and that naturalistic behavioral data can predict the cognitive abilities of individuals with small error rates. Our findings suggest naturalistic interaction data as a novel source for modeling cognitive differences.
Streaming Algorithms for Geometric Steiner Forest
Authors: Czumaj Artur , Jiang Shaofeng H.-C. , Krauthgamer Robert , Veselý Pavel
Published: May 2024

We consider a generalization of the Steiner tree problem, the
Steiner forest problem
, in the Euclidean plane: the input is a multiset

\(X\subseteq{\mathbb{R}}^{2}\)

, partitioned into

\(k\)

color classes

\(C_{1},\ldots,C_{k}\subseteq X\)

. The goal is to find a minimum-cost Euclidean graph

\(G\)

such that every color class

\(C_{i}\)

is connected in

\(G\)

. We study this Steiner forest problem in the streaming setting, where the stream consists of insertions and deletions of points to

\(X\)

. Each input point

\(x {\in} X\)

arrives with its color

\(\mathsf{color}(x) {\in} [k]\)

, and as usual for dynamic geometric streams, the input is restricted to the discrete grid

\(\{1,\ldots,\Delta\}^{2}\)

.

We design a single-pass streaming algorithm that uses

\(\operatorname{poly}(k\cdot\log\Delta)\)

space and time, and estimates the cost of an optimal Steiner forest solution within ratio arbitrarily close to the famous Euclidean Steiner ratio

\(\alpha_{2}\)

(currently

\(1.1547\leq\alpha_{2}\leq 1.214\)

). This approximation guarantee matches the state-of-the-art bound for streaming Steiner tree, i.e., when

\(k=1\)

, and it is a major open question to improve the ratio to

\(1+\varepsilon\)

even for this special case. Our approach relies on a novel combination of streaming techniques, like sampling and linear sketching, with the classical Arora-style dynamic-programming framework for geometric optimization problems, which usually requires large memory and so far has not been applied in the streaming setting.

We complement our streaming algorithm for the Steiner forest problem with simple arguments showing that any finite multiplicative approximation requires

\(\Omega(k)\)

bits of space.
Efficacy and Safety of Radiation Segmentectomy with 90Y Resin Microspheres for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sarwar Ammar , Malik M. Saad , Vo Nhi H. , Tsai Leo L. , Tahir Muhammad M. , Curry Michael P. , Catana Andreea M. , Bullock Andrea J. , Parker John A. , Eckhoff Devin E. , Nasser Imad A. , Weinstein Jeffrey L. , Ahmed Muneeb
Published: May 2024

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent radiation segmentectomy with yttrium 90 resin microspheres received a median tumor absorbed dose of 232 Gy, and 88% showed a per-lesion duration of response of 1 year or greater.
The fix is not yet in: recommendation for fixation of lungs within physiological/pathophysiological volume range in preclinical pulmonary structure-function studies
Authors: Perlman Carrie E. , Knudsen Lars , Smith Bradford J.
Published: May 2024

Quantitative characterization of lung structures by morphometrical or stereological analysis of histological sections is a powerful means of elucidating pulmonary structure-function relations. The overwhelming majority of studies, however, fix lungs for histology at pressures outside the physiological/pathophysiological respiratory volume range. Thus, valuable information is being lost. In this perspective article, we argue that investigators performing pulmonary histological studies should consider whether the aims of their studies would benefit from fixation at functional transpulmonary pressures, particularly those of end-inspiration and end-expiration. We survey the pressures at which lungs are typically fixed in preclinical structure-function studies, provide examples of conditions that would benefit from histological evaluation at functional lung volumes, summarize available fixation methods, discuss alternative imaging modalities, and discuss challenges to implementing the suggested approach and means of addressing those challenges. We aim to persuade investigators that modifying or complementing the traditional histological approach by fixing lungs at minimal and maximal functional volumes could enable new understanding of pulmonary structure-function relations.
Mitochondrial Calcium Regulation of Cardiac Metabolism in Health and Disease
Authors: Balderas Enrique , Lee Sandra H. J. , Rai Neeraj K. , Mollinedo David M. , Duron Hannah E. , Chaudhuri Dipayan
Published: May 2024

Oxidative phosphorylation is regulated by mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) in health and disease. In physiological states, Ca2+ enters via the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter and rapidly enhances NADH and ATP production. However, maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis is critical: insufficient Ca2+ impairs stress adaptation, and Ca2+ overload can trigger cell death. In this review, we delve into recent insights further defining the relationship between mitochondrial Ca2+ dynamics and oxidative phosphorylation. Our focus is on how such regulation affects cardiac function in health and disease, including heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion, arrhythmias, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, mitochondrial cardiomyopathies, Barth syndrome, and Friedreich’s ataxia. Several themes emerge from recent data. First, mitochondrial Ca2+ regulation is critical for fuel substrate selection, metabolite import, and matching of ATP supply to demand. Second, mitochondrial Ca2+ regulates both the production and response to reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the balance between its pro- and antioxidant effects is key to how it contributes to physiological and pathological states. Third, Ca2+ exerts localized effects on the electron transport chain (ETC), not through traditional allosteric mechanisms but rather indirectly. These effects hinge on specific transporters, such as the uniporter or the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and may not be noticeable acutely, contributing differently to phenotypes depending on whether Ca2+ transporters are acutely or chronically modified. Perturbations in these novel relationships during disease states may either serve as compensatory mechanisms or exacerbate impairments in oxidative phosphorylation. Consequently, targeting mitochondrial Ca2+ holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for a variety of cardiac diseases characterized by contractile failure or arrhythmias.
Causal Relationships between Homocysteine and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Lin Xianping , Jin Yaojuan , Hong Shihao
Published: May 2024

Background. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease attributed to multiple genetic variants and environmental factors. We aimed to find the causal association of homocysteine (Hcy) with PCOS. Methods. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed. We selected 14 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables to predict the risk of PCOS from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The summary statistics of PCOS were obtained from 3 large genome-wide association studies in the European population, involving 4,138 cases and 20,129 controls, 3,609 cases and 229,788 controls, 994 cases and 165,817 controls, separately. Results. The IVM analyses revealed that plasma Hcy levels were not causally associated with the risk of PCOS in the meta-analysis (combined effect = 1.032, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.885–1.203, p=0.688). Conclusions. There was no sufficient evidence to support the causal association of the Hcy with the risk of PCOS.
Two Extremely Preterm Infants Discharged with a Home High‐Flow Nasal Cannula for Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Kubo Yuichi , Tokuhisa Takuya , Ohashi Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Home high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use in the neonatal field has become prevalent as a noninvasive respiratory support, but its application in home care remains rare. We report two cases in which a home HFNC was effective in managing extremely low‐birth‐weight infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Case 1 was a male infant born at 22 weeks’ gestation weighing 435 g. Case 2 was a female infant born at 23 weeks’ gestation weighing 450 g. Both patients had mothers with chronic placental abruption or chorioamnionitis. They transitioned from invasive mechanical ventilation to nasal CPAP (nCPAP) at 45 days (case 1) and 50 days (case 2) old. Subsequently, at 324 days (case 1) and 90 days (case 2) old, they transitioned to a HFNC, demonstrating stable oxygenation and ventilation, but faced difficulty in removal. Considering the drawbacks of prolonged hospitalization, the patients were discharged using a home HFNC at 404 days (case 1) and 391 days (case 2) old. For case 1, the HFNC was set at 4 L/min of room air and 2 L/min of oxygen, whereas for case 2, it was set at 5 L/min of room air and 1 L/min of oxygen. These settings maintained an SpO2 above 90% and a pCO2 below 60 mmHg. An HFNC offers advantages over nCPAP owing to its lower invasiveness and reduced discomfort for long‐term use. However, reports on the use of a home HFNC for BPD are scarce. In recent years, while premature infant mortality has decreased worldwide, the incidence of BPD has risen, necessitating preparedness for prolonged ventilation in preterm infants. Home ventilators represent a strategy to prevent extended hospitalization, and based on our cases, home HFNC for BPD appears safe and effective, making it potentially useful for managing preterm infants requiring prolonged respiratory support in the future.