bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the mechanical characteristics of some tensile specimens, depending on the material and the printing position
Authors: Babiş C , Dimitrescu A , Fica S A , Stochioiu C , Vlăsceanu D , Baciu F , Chivu O R , Enache IC
Published: March 2024

3D printing is finding more and more applications in the industrial field and represents a modern additive manufacturing process based on a digital model. There are a number of advantages of additive manufacturing through 3D printing compared to classic manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing through 3D printing allows material savings compared to classic manufacturing processes. Material consumption is punctual according to the project, without unnecessary losses and excess material. Through additive manufacturing, the design can be optimized in the sense that rapid changes can be made to the prototype in the CAD file. Also, through additive manufacturing through 3D printing, the principle of sustainability is promoted. We can say that additive manufacturing through 3D printing ensures rapid prototyping, which leads to the development of new products, shortens the design and manufacturing cycle, improves the quality and precision of models, eliminates costly mistakes, and optimizes the way of collaboration between engineers, marketing departments and sales and management team. In addition to these advantages, it must be seen if the 3D printed elements can replace the elements manufactured by classical methods in terms of mechanical resistance. In this sense, an investigation of some mechanical properties of some samples manufactured by 3D printing from various types of materials is required. The samples will be subjected to tension and bending. In this paper, only the tensile tests of some specimens, obtained by 3D printing in three positions: horizontal, vertical and in height, using three categories of printing filaments of the type: ABS+, PETG, PLA+, are presented. They have been made 5 samples for each material and printing direction, resulting in a total of 45 samples. The samples made from the three categories of material and in the three printing positions were subjected to tension until breaking. The formulas that were the basis of the tests are presented and graphs are drawn that represent the average characteristic curves of the samples for each category of material and printing guidelines.
Kinematic analysis of the windshield wiper mechanism with two parallel rocker blades
Authors: Antonescu O , Antonescu D , Ionita A
Published: March 2024

The paper deals with a windshield wiper mechanism with two parallel rocker blades having a complex topological structure. In the first part of the paper, the mobility of the mechanism is analyzed by means of the simplest formula for planar linkages. Also, the topological structure consisting of adyad and a tetrad has been outlined. In the second part of the paper, a kinema-tic analysis of the multi-contour mechanism is performed, the angular displacements of the two rocker blades being obtained. In this regard the independent contour method has been used, the angular displacements of all kinematicelements of the mechanism being calculated. Moreover, the displacement systems have been derived in order to obtain the velocities and late-on the accelerations of the mechanism elements. Finally, the paper ends with the displaying of the kinematic charts of the mechanism elements of which those with themovement of the two parallel rocker blades are the most wanted. This is due to the requirement of maximization of the wiping surface which is a very important safety issue.
Contributions to the synthesis of the windshield wiper mechanism with one rocker-slider blade
Authors: Antonescu O , Antonescu D , Ionita A
Published: March 2024

The paper deals with synthesis of the windshield wiper mechanism with one rocker-slider blade. Starting from the kinematic scheme of the constructive model designed by Mercedes-Benz motor vehicle company, a structure analysis on this complex mechanism consisting of three kinematic chains, of which two are articulated bar mechanisms and one is planetary mechanism, has been accomplished. The novelty of this paper consists in the presentation of an optimum synthesis method of the planar bar mechanism in two variants for the wiper blade driving. The first variant is a planar 4-bar mechanism type crank-rocker where the cosines theorem has been applied in order to obtain the lengths of the coupler and the crank. The second analyzed variant is a bi-contour linkage consisting of two 4-bar mechanisms linked in series. Further, the calculation of the planetary gear angular velocity on the complex mechanism with dyadic kinematic chains has been achieved. In order to do this, the immobilization of the planetary carrier method has been applied. Finally, the geometry of the driven linkage of the wiper mechanism type crank-slider which has two mobilities has been studied. A vector equation has been written in order to obtain the length of the variable blade.
Tyre and Rim Dimensions through Statistical Estimation
Authors: Anghelache G , Ciobotaru T
Published: March 2024

Accurate vehicle dynamics calculations and simulations require robust estimations of the tyre and rim dimensions. This paper presents some findings on the estimation of tyre radii and rim width for passenger cars, mainly based on the statistical investigation of a large amount of data from tyre catalogues. The tyre free radius calculated with the data contained in the tyre marking code has, in principle, the same value as the tyre free radius obtained from catalogues. Thus, the classical equation is enough accurate for free radius estimation. This paper presents statistical investigations of the data in tyre catalogues and the simple equations found to estimate the static and rolling tyre radii. Moreover, numerical considerations on the proper match of tyre and rim widths are revealed. An important finding is the definition of the ratio between the rim and tyre width and the statistical calculation of this ratio vs. tyre aspect ratio. This method allows calculation of the nominal rim width.
Methodology for assessing the road traffic risk in urban areas
Authors: Costescu D , Bujor C R , Ifrim A M
Published: March 2024

In the assembly of concerns for reducing the negative effects of urban road traffic, special consideration is paid - both at the local and global level - to issues related to road traffic safety. Spotting urban zones vulnerable to traffic crashes, understanding the causes of crashes, identifying some directions of action to reduce the traffic risk and their application from the urban planning stage can improve road safety. In this framework, the paper presents a methodology for estimating the intrinsic risk linked to road traffic. The main objective is identifying the relationships between the crash frequency and the intrinsic factors contributing to their occurrence. The proposed methodology is particularized for Bucharest based on the disaggregated statistical data analysis on severe accidents recorded in 2017-2022. The resulting model allows the classification of risk levels and, further, identification, planning and scheduling measures to improve urban road safety.
Mathematical Modeling of the Normal Fuel Consumption of Certain Vehicles
Authors: Țîţu A M , Neamţu G , Țincu I , Boroiu A
Published: March 2024

The scientific paper introduces original research and unique perspectives on the technical and economic aspects of fuel consumption in motor vehicles. Numerous experts argue that conducting practical experiments, specifically through active determinations, can yield noteworthy outcomes in this domain. To substantiate this viewpoint, the paper includes practical examples of experiments and considerations related to the mathematical model used for validating objective functions. These functions encompass the average fuel consumption in liters per 100 kilometers and the quantity of CO2 emitted per kilometer by the thermal engine of motor vehicles. The research also articulates the authors’ stance, citing the World Health Organization’s recommendation to decrease urban traffic speed from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. This reduction aims to mitigate traffic accidents and curb chemical noise and vibration pollution. The study amalgamates results from tests conducted on both urban and extra-urban routes, incorporating eco-friendly driving practices for comparative purposes. The primary focus of the mathematical model is to validate fuel consumption under real driving conditions. The paper concludes with insights and future research directions in modeling.
Recent progress in photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications of coupled colloidal quantum dot solids: insights into charge transport fundamentals
Authors: Manna Aditi , Ray Nirat
Published: March 2024

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as transformative materials with diverse properties, holding tremendous promise for reshaping the landscape of photovoltaics and thermoelectrics. Emphasizing the pivotal role of surface ligands, ranging from extended hydrocarbon chains to intricate metal chalcogenide complexes, halides, and hybrid ligands, we underscore their influence on the electronic behavior of the assembly. The ability to tailor interdot coupling can have profound effects on charge transport, making colloidal QDs a focal point for research aimed at enhancing the efficiency and performance of energy conversion devices. This perspective provides insights into the multifaceted realm of QD solids, starting from fundamentals of charge transport through the coupled assemblies. We delve into recent breakthroughs, spotlighting champion devices across various architectures and elucidating the sequential advancements that have significantly elevated efficiency levels.
Wandering domains with nearly bounded orbits
Authors: Pardo-Simón Leticia , Sixsmith David
Published: March 2024

In this paper we construct a bounded wandering domain with the property that, in a sense we make precise, nearly all of its forward iterates are contained within a bounded domain.
Ergodic theorem for nonstationary random walks on compact abelian groups
Authors: Monakov Grigorii
Published: March 2024

We consider a nonstationary random walk on a compact metrizable abelian group. Under a classical strict aperiodicity assumption we establish a weak-* convergence to the Haar measure, Ergodic Theorem and Large Deviation Type Estimate.
An area theorem for harmonic mappings with nonzero pole having quasiconformal extensions
Authors: Bhowmik Bappaditya , Satpati Goutam
Published: March 2024

Let

Σ
H
k

(
p
)

\Sigma _H^k(p)

be the class of sense-preserving univalent harmonic mappings defined on the open unit disk

D

\mathbb {D}

of the complex plane with a simple pole at

z
=
p
∈
(
0
,
1
)

z=p \in (0,1)

that have

k
k

-quasiconformal extensions (

0
≤
k
>
1

0\leq k>1

) onto the extended complex plane. In this article, we obtain an area theorem for this class of functions.
An Obata-type formula and the Liouville-type theorem for a class of K-Hessian equations on the sphere
Authors: Shi Shujun , Wang Peihe , Wu Tian , Zhu Hua
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study a class of

k
k

-Hessian equations, we can deduce an Obata-type formula and a Liouville-type theorem by integration by parts.
Actions of finitely generated groups on compact metric spaces
Authors: Hamenstädt Ursula
Published: March 2024

Let

Γ
\Gamma

be a finitely generated group which admits an action by homeomorphisms on a metrizable space

X
X

. We show that there is a metric on

X
X

defining the original topology such that for this metric, the action is by bi-Lipschitz transformations.
Global dynamics of epidemic network models via construction of Lyapunov functions
Authors: Salako Rachidi , Wu Yixiang
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study the global dynamics of epidemic network models with standard incidence or mass-action transmission mechanism, when the dispersal of either the susceptible or the infected people is controlled. The connectivity matrix of the model is not assumed to be symmetric. Our main technique to study the global dynamics is to construct novel Lyapunov type functions.
MotGen: a closed-loop bacterial motility control framework using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Seo BoGeum , Lee DoHee , Jeon Heungjin , Ha Junhyoung , Suh SeungBeum
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Many organisms’ survival and behavior hinge on their responses to environmental signals. While research on bacteria-directed therapeutic agents has increased, systematic exploration of real-time modulation of bacterial motility remains limited. Current studies often focus on permanent motility changes through genetic alterations, restricting the ability to modulate bacterial motility dynamically on a large scale. To address this gap, we propose a novel real-time control framework for systematically modulating bacterial motility dynamics.

Results

We introduce MotGen, a deep learning approach leveraging Generative Adversarial Networks to analyze swimming performance statistics of motile bacteria based on live cell imaging data. By tracking objects and optimizing cell trajectory mapping under environmentally altered conditions, we trained MotGen on a comprehensive statistical dataset derived from real image data. Our experimental results demonstrate MotGen’s ability to capture motility dynamics from real bacterial populations with low mean absolute error in both simulated and real datasets. MotGen allows us to approach optimal swimming conditions for desired motility statistics in real-time. MotGen’s potential extends to practical biomedical applications, including immune response prediction, by providing imputation of bacterial motility patterns based on external environmental conditions. Our short-term, in-situ interventions for controlling motility behavior offer a promising foundation for the development of bacteria-based biomedical applications.

Availability and implementation

MotGen is presented as a combination of Matlab image analysis code and a machine learning workflow in Python. Codes are available at https://github.com/bgmseo/MotGen, for cell tracking and implementation of trained models to generate bacterial motility statistics.
FPLS-DC: functional partial least squares through distance covariance for imaging genetics
Authors: Pan Wenliang , Shan Yue , Li Chuang , Huang Shuai , Li Tengfei , Li Yun , Zhu Hongtu
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Imaging genetics integrates imaging and genetic techniques to examine how genetic variations influence the function and structure of organs like the brain or heart, providing insights into their impact on behavior and disease phenotypes. The use of organ-wide imaging endophenotypes has increasingly been used to identify potential genes associated with complex disorders. However, analyzing organ-wide imaging data alongside genetic data presents two significant challenges: high dimensionality and complex relationships. To address these challenges, we propose a novel, nonlinear inference framework designed to partially mitigate these issues.

Results

We propose a functional partial least squares through distance covariance (FPLS-DC) framework for efficient genome wide analyses of imaging phenotypes. It consists of two components. The first component utilizes the FPLS-derived base functions to reduce image dimensionality while screening genetic markers. The second component maximizes the distance correlation between genetic markers and projected imaging data, which is a linear combination of the FPLS-basis functions, using simulated annealing algorithm. In addition, we proposed an iterative FPLS-DC method based on FPLS-DC framework, which effectively overcomes the influence of inter-gene correlation on inference analysis. We efficiently approximate the null distribution of test statistics using a gamma approximation. Compared to existing methods, FPLS-DC offers computational and statistical efficiency for handling large-scale imaging genetics. In real-world applications, our method successfully detected genetic variants associated with the hippocampus, demonstrating its value as a statistical toolbox for imaging genetic studies.

Availability and implementation

The FPLS-DC method we propose opens up new research avenues and offers valuable insights for analyzing functional and high-dimensional data. In addition, it serves as a useful tool for scientific analysis in practical applications within the field of imaging genetics research. The R package FPLS-DC is available in Github: https://github.com/BIG-S2/FPLSDC.
Revisiting the Customary International Law Avenue: Immunity of State Officials of Non-Party States in the Enforcement Proceedings of the International Criminal Court
Authors: Liu Yunqing
Published: March 2024

The International Criminal Court usually must rely on the States Parties to the Rome Statute to arrest and surrender suspects. Since the Court can assume jurisdiction over Non-State Parties’ officials, a dilemma thus arises of their immunity when this occurs as it did in the recent arrest warrant for Putin. This article primarily examines one of the avenues explored by the Court to remove immunity, specifically the Customary International Law Avenue. First, under this Avenue, the Court removes “vertical immunity” by arguing that either (1) international courts gradually constitute exceptions to traditional customary immunity rules, or (2) traditional customary immunity rules are never applicable in international courts. However, this article contends that both approaches are difficult to justify. The former fails as relevant evidence does not meet the threshold of constituting exceptions to existing customary rules. The latter is similarly untenable as it does not provide a convincing definition of what is known as “international courts” which could legitimately justify the different application of immunity rules in these and in domestic courts. Second, this Avenue proceeds to remove “horizontal immunity” by recharacterizing States Parties as surrogates of international criminal jurisdiction rather than exercising domestic criminal jurisdiction which renders “horizontal immunity” irrelevant. This article argues instead that there is a difference between States Parties assuming an international obligations and implementing them domestically. Additionally, the Rome Statute grants considerable deference to States Parties for arrest and surrender within their own territory which makes it inappropriate to regard these as mere “jurisdictional surrogates” of international criminal jurisdiction. If the Customary International Law Avenue is ultimately adopted, it would have a profound impact on the practice of the International Criminal Court and beyond.
Interlaboratory Comparison of Antibody-Free LC-MS/MS Measurements of C-peptide and Insulin
Authors: Moradian Annie , Goonatilleke Elisha , Lin Tai-Tu , Hatten-Beck Maya , Emrick Michelle , Schepmoes Athena A , Fillmore Thomas L , MacCoss Michael J , Sechi Salvatore , Sobhani Kimia , Little Randie , Kabytaev Kuanysh , van Eyk Jennifer E , Qian Wei-Jun , Hoofnagle Andrew N
Published: March 2024

Background

The enhanced precision and selectivity of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) makes it an attractive alternative to certain clinical immunoassays. Easily transferrable work flows could help facilitate harmonization and ensure high-quality patient care. We aimed to evaluate the interlaboratory comparability of antibody-free multiplexed insulin and C-peptide LC-MS/MS measurements.

Methods

The laboratories that comprise the Targeted Mass Spectrometry Assays for Diabetes and Obesity Research (TaMADOR) consortium verified the performance of a validated peptide-based assay (reproducibility, linearity, and lower limit of the measuring interval [LLMI]). An interlaboratory comparison study was then performed using shared calibrators, de-identified leftover laboratory samples, and reference materials.

Results

During verification, the measurements were precise (2.7% to 3.7%CV), linear (4 to 15 ng/mL for C-peptide and 2 to 14 ng/mL for insulin), and sensitive (LLMI of 0.04 to 0.10 ng/mL for C-peptide and 0.03 ng/mL for insulin). Median imprecision across the 3 laboratories was 13.4% (inter-quartile range [IQR] 11.6%) for C-peptide and 22.2% (IQR 20.9%) for insulin using individual measurements, and 10.8% (IQR 8.7%) and 15.3% (IQR 14.9%) for C-peptide and insulin, respectively, when replicate measurements were averaged. Method comparison with the University of Missouri reference method for C-peptide demonstrated a robust linear correlation with a slope of 1.044 and r2 = 0.99.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that combined LC-MS/MS measurements of C-peptide and insulin are robust and adaptable and that standardization with a reference measurement procedure could allow accurate and precise measurements across sites, which could be important to diabetes research and help patient care in the future.
Comparative foraging behavior of 3 heron species in small standing-water ecosystems in the arid zone of Oman
Authors: Kasprzykowski Zbigniew , Golawski Artur
Published: March 2024

The composition of assemblages, diet and behavior of waterbird species with similar ecological features are important aspects in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Closely related animal species often share resources such as space and food in ways that reduce competition, but if the diets of different species strongly overlap, interspecific competition may intensify. This analysis examined behavioral data relating to Great Egret, Little Egret, and Squacco Heron to explore their foraging efficiencies in rich aquatic habitats in an arid zone during post-breeding movements. The fieldwork was carried out in small estuaries of a Wadi on the southern coast of Oman. The frequency of interactions was the highest in Squacco Heron and the lowest in Great Egret. However, the differences in the numbers of inter- and intra-specific interactions between the 3 species were significant. Activity indices calculated for a 5-min period, i.e., the number of interactions (interaction index) and times of flying and walking (movement index) differed among the 3 species. The number of successful attacks was the highest in Squacco Heron, while the foraging effectiveness of Great Egret and Little Egret was similar. GLM analysis showed that only the movement index was significant, as it had a positive impact on individual foraging success. Great Egret caught more fish than the other 2 heron species which, in turn, caught a greater number of smaller prey items, mostly invertebrates. This study shows that heron species in the same rich habitat employ different foraging tactics. In comparison to the other two heron species, the foraging tactics of Squacco Heron seem to be the most susceptible to competition. However, its greater mobility and using different foraging tactics, enhance its foraging success.
Predictors of Symptoms Trajectories in Newly Diagnosed Ulcerative Colitis: A 3-Year Follow-up Cohort Study
Authors: Van Den Houte Maaike , Guadagnoli Livia , Öhman Lena , Bergstedt Anders , Johansson Berndt , Simrén Magnus , Strid Hans , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Svedlund Jan
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Psychological symptoms are associated with poorer ulcerative colitis [UC]-related outcomes. However, the majority of research is cross-sectional. We aimed to identify subgroups based on the longitudinal evolution of GI symptom levels and health-related quality of life [HRQoL], and to disentangle the directionality of effects between GI symptom levels and psychological distress.

Methods

Self-reported gastrointestinal [GI] symptom severity, HRQoL, inflammatory biomarkers, and psychological distress were assessed in 98 newly diagnosed UC patients at disease onset and yearly for 3 consecutive years. Latent class growth analysis was used to determine subgroups based on longitudinal trajectories of symptom severity and HRQoL, and baseline predictors of trajectory group membership were determined. Cross-lagged structural equation models were used to disentangle temporal relationships between psychological functioning and symptom severity.

Results

Patients with higher initial psychological distress had increased probability of maintaining higher levels of diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Conversely, patients with lower initial levels of diarrhoea and abdominal pain had higher chances of maintaining lower levels of psychological distress. Higher levels of C-reactive protein at baseline predicted greater improvements in mental health after anti-inflammatory treatment. Reductions in diarrhoea and abdominal pain preceded reductions in psychological symptoms over time.

Conclusions

Baseline psychological distress is predictive of increased GI symptom severity and reduced mental HRQoL over time, suggesting early assessment of psychological symptoms may identify patients who may have worse disease trajectories. Abdominal pain predicted increased psychological distress, but not the other way around. Intervening on abdominal pain may help prevent or reduce future psychological distress.
Productivity costs of lifelong smoking—the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study
Authors: Rissanen Ina , Nerg Iiro , Oura Petteri , Huikari Sanna , Korhonen Marko
Published: March 2024

Background

Smoking is one of the leading causes of impaired health and mortality. Loss of paid and unpaid work and replacements due to morbidity and mortality result in productivity costs. Our aim was to investigate the productivity costs of lifelong smoking trajectories and cumulative exposure using advanced human capital method (HCM) and friction cost method (FCM).

Methods

Within the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966), 10 650 persons were followed from antenatal period to age 55 years. The life course of smoking behaviour was assessed with trajectory modelling and cumulative exposure with pack-years. Productivity costs were estimated with advanced HCM and FCM models by using detailed, national register-based data on care, disability, mortality, education, taxation, occupation and labour market. A two-part regression model was used to predict productivity costs associated with lifelong smoking and cumulative exposure.

Results

Of the six distinct smoking trajectories, lifetime smokers had the highest productivity costs followed by late starters, late adult quitters, young adult quitters and youth smokers. Never-smokers had the lowest productivity costs. The higher the number of pack-years, the higher the productivity costs. Uniform patterns were found in both men and women and when estimated with HCM and FCM. The findings were independent of other health behaviours.

Conclusions

Cumulative exposure to smoking is more crucial to productivity costs than starting or ending age of smoking. This suggests that the harmful effects of smoking depend on dose and duration of smoking and are irrespective of age when smoking occurred.
Salvage Logging and Secondary Succession Promote Spider Diversity in Post-disturbance Stands in Western Germany
Authors: Plath Eva , Fischer Denise , Glebsattel Selina , Näckel Lara , Fischer Klaus
Published: March 2024

Climate change and biodiversity loss strongly affect ecosystems. In recent years, forests have suffered substantially from climate-induced disturbances resulting in bark beetle outbreaks in coniferous forests. In forest plantations, such disturbances often cause large-scale diebacks, which are frequently salvage-logged. However, the consequences of natural disturbances and subsequent management for forest biodiversity and ecosystem services within plantations are largely unclear. Because they comprise good bioindicators for forest alterations, we here investigated epigeal spider diversity and community composition of three post-disturbance management approaches in former spruce plantations in western Germany. Taxonomic diversity of spiders was significantly enhanced on salvage-logged and secondary succession compared with standing deadwood sites. Nevertheless, the latter provided a refuge for forest specialists, moisture and shade-loving as well as smaller species, whereas the other two management categories were mostly inhabited by larger spiders associated with open habitats. Because all three post-disturbance management approaches harbored highly distinct spider communities and divergent functional guilds, we propose the application of a variety of management approaches for bark beetle-affected spruce plantations. The resulting habitat heterogeneity will likely enhance the biodiversity of spiders and other taxonomic groups.

Study Implications: Bark beetle outbreaks became severe disturbances in spruce plantations. The management of affected stands usually aims at mitigating economic losses, but within the current biodiversity crisis, it is increasingly important to consider ecological consequences. This study shows that salvage logging or secondary succession can increase spider taxonomic diversity, although forest species preferred standing deadwood sites. All management categories harbored highly distinct spider assemblages characterized by different ecological and functional guilds. Our results indicated that spider communities were influenced by canopy openness, microclimate, and competition rather than post-disturbance management. Therefore, management practices should include diverse approaches to foster many different spider assemblages.
An Accuracy Assessment of Field and Airborne Laser Scanning–Derived Individual Tree Inventories using Felled Tree Measurements and Log Scaling Data in a Mixed Conifer Forest
Authors: Sparks Aaron M , Corrao Mark V , Keefe Robert F , Armstrong Ryan , Smith Alistair M S
Published: March 2024

On-the-ground sample-based forest inventory methods have been the standard practice for more than a century, however, remote sensing technologies such as airborne laser scanning (ALS) are providing wall-to-wall inventories based on individual tree measurements. In this study, we assess the accuracy of individual tree height, diameter, and volume derived from field-cruising measurements and three ALS data-derived methods in a 1.1 ha stand using direct measurements acquired on felled trees and log-scale volume measurements. Results show that although height derived from indirect conventional field measurements and ALS were statistically equivalent to felled tree height measurements, ALS measured heights had lower root mean square error (RMSE) and bias. Individual tree diameters modeled using a height-to-diameter-at-breast-height model derived from local forest inventory data and the software ForestView had moderate RMSE (8.3–8.5 cm) and bias (-3.0 – -0.3 cm). The ALS-based methods underdetected trees but accounted for 78%–91% of the field reference harvested merchantable volume and 71%–99% of the merchantable volume scaled at the mill. The results also illustrate challenges of using mill-scaled volume estimates as validation data and highlight the need for more research in this area. Overall, the results provide key insights to forest managers on accuracies associated with conventional field-derived and ALS-derived individual tree inventories.

Study Implications: Forest inventory data provide critical information for operational decisions and forest product supply chain planning. Traditionally, forest inventories have used field sampling of stand conditions, which is time-intensive and cost-prohibitive to conduct at large spatial scales. Remote sensing technologies such as airborne laser scanning (ALS) provide wall-to-wall inventories based on individual tree measurements. This study advances our understanding of the accuracy of conventional field-derived and ALS-derived individual tree inventories by evaluating these inventories with felled tree and log scaling data. The results provide key insights to forest managers on errors associated with conventional field and ALS-derived individual tree measurements.
Temporal challenges in detecting balancing selection from population genomic data
Authors: Soni Vivak , Jensen Jeffrey D
Published: March 2024

The role of balancing selection in maintaining genetic variation remains an open question in population genetics. Recent years have seen numerous studies identifying candidate loci potentially experiencing balancing selection, most predominantly in human populations. There are however numerous alternative evolutionary processes that may leave similar patterns of variation, thereby potentially confounding inference, and the expected signatures of balancing selection additionally change in a temporal fashion. Here we use forward-in-time simulations to quantify expected statistical power to detect balancing selection using both site frequency spectrum- and linkage disequilibrium-based methods under a variety of evolutionarily realistic null models. We find that whilst site frequency spectrum-based methods have little power immediately after a balanced mutation begins segregating, power increases with time since the introduction of the balanced allele. Conversely, linkage disequilibrium-based methods have considerable power whilst the allele is young, and power dissipates rapidly as the time since introduction increases. Taken together, this suggests that site frequency spectrum-based methods are most effective at detecting long-term balancing selection (>25N generations since the introduction of the balanced allele) whilst linkage disequilibrium-based methods are effective over much shorter timescales (<1N generations), thereby leaving a large time frame over which current methods have little power to detect the action of balancing selection. Finally, we investigate the extent to which alternative evolutionary processes may mimic these patterns, and demonstrate the need for caution in attempting to distinguish the signatures of balancing selection from those of both neutral processes (e.g. population structure and admixture) as well as of alternative selective processes (e.g. partial selective sweeps).
Getting Rides From Others As a Coping Mechanism in the Transition to Non-Driving
Authors: Hansmann Kellia J , Gangnon Ronald , McAndrews Carolyn , Robert Stephanie A
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To characterize the effect of the actual and potential ability to get rides from others on older adults’ driving reduction at 3-year follow-up in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed National Health and Aging Trends Study data from community-dwelling drivers in 2015 (unweighted n = 5,102). We used weighted logistic regression models to estimate whether getting rides from others in 2015 was associated with older adults increasing the number of driving behaviors they avoided, decreasing the frequency with which they drove, or not driving at 3-year follow-up after adjusting for biopsychosocial variables. We also measured presence of social network members living nearby including household and non-household members and estimated associated odds of driving reduction at 3-year follow-up.

Results

Older adults who got rides from others in 2015 had greater odds of reporting no longer driving at 3-year follow-up compared to those who did not get rides (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.11). We found no statistically significant association between older adults living with others or having more nearby confidantes outside their household and their odds of reducing driving at 3-year follow-up.

Discussion

These findings suggest that getting rides from others plays an important role in the transition to non-driving for older adults. Future research should examine whether other aspects of social networks (e.g., type, quality, and closer proximity) might also be key modifiable coping factors for older adults transitioning to non-driving.
A systematic review of nanotechnology for electric vehicles battery
Authors: Kumar Pulkit , Channi Harpreet Kaur , Babbar Atul , Kumar Raman , Bhutto Javed Khan , Khan T M Yunus , Bhowmik Abhijit , Razak Abdul , Wodajo Anteneh Wogasso
Published: March 2024

Nanotechnology has increased electric vehicle (EV) battery production, efficiency and use. Nanotechnology is explored in this electric car battery illustration. Nanoscale materials and topologies research has increased battery energy density, charge time and cycle life. Nanotubes, graphene and metal oxides improve energy storage, flow and charging/discharge. Solid-state and lithium-air high-energy batteries are safer, more energy dense and more stable using nanoscale catalysts. Nanotechnology improves battery parts. Nanostructured fluids reduce lithium dendrite, improving batteries. Nanocoating electrodes may reduce damage and extend battery life. Nanotechnology benefits the planet. Nanomaterials allow battery parts to employ ordinary, safe materials instead of rare, harmful ones. Nanotechnology promotes battery recycling, reducing waste. Change does not influence stable, cost-effective or scalable items. Business opportunities for nanotechnology-based EV batteries need more research. High-performance, robust and environmentally friendly batteries might make electric cars more popular and transportation more sustainable with research and development. An outline of EV battery nanotechnology researchexamines the publication patterns, notable articles, collaborators and contributions. This issue was researched extensively, indicating interest. Research focuses on anode materials, energy storage and battery performance. A research landscape assessment demonstrates EV battery nanotechnology’s growth and future. A comprehensive literature review examined nanosensors in EVs. Our study provides a solid foundation for understanding the current state of research, identifying major trends and discovering nanotechnology breakthroughs in EV sensors by carefully reviewing, characterizing and rating important papers.
Evolutionary game of inland waterways LNG construction under government subsidy and carbon tax policy under fuzzy environment
Authors: Xu Changyan , Lu Chang , Song Jingyao
Published: March 2024

Since the pollution from inland waterways account for a great portion of urban pollutions, to use clean energy in inland waters has become an efficient means in combatting inland waterway pollution. With the increasing global demand for clean energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is increasingly favored by various countries, and its application in inland waterways transportation is becoming increasingly widespread. This paper focuses on the evolutionary game interaction mechanism between the government, energy company and shipping company as the main participants in inland waterways LNG construction, considering the costs as fuzzy variables. The impact of participating in LNG construction implementation on the evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) was discussed. The research result indicates the following: (1) If the government, energy company and shipping company all participate in inland waterways LNG construction, the conditions are that the profits of the government, energy company and shipping company that choose to participate in LNG construction exceed the costs of not participating. (2) The convergence rates of ESS of the government, energy company and shipping company are positively correlated with the initial values of each other’s choice strategies, negatively correlated with carbon tax, subsidy and the cost of implementing positive strategy. (3) The cooperation between the energy company and shipping company has no impact on the selection of government evolutionary game strategy. The premise for the energy company and shipping company to participate in LNG construction together is that both parties have excess returns. Therefore, to ensure the implement of LNG application in inland waterways, the government should carry out carbon tax and at the same time perform subsidy policy, with the common participation of the energy company and shipping company.
Cross-domain diversity effects: linking diatom species richness, intraspecific richness, and biomass production to host-associated bacterial diversity
Authors: Jacob Marrit , Thomas Patrick K , Giebel Helge-Ansgar , Billerbeck Sara , Simon Meinhard , Striebel Maren , Dlugosch Leon
Published: March 2024

Interactions between bacteria and microalgae are important for the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, yet interactions based on the biodiversity of these two taxonomic domains have been scarcely studied. Specifically, it is unclear whether a positive biodiversity–productivity relationship in phytoplankton is largely facilitated by niche partitioning among the phytoplankton organisms themselves or whether associated bacterial communities play an additional role in modifying these diversity effects. Moreover, the effects of intraspecific diversity in phytoplankton communities on bacterial community diversity have not been tested. To address these points, we factorially manipulated both species and intraspecific richness of three diatoms to test the effects of diatom species/strain diversity on biomass production and bacterial diversity in algae–bacteria communities. The results show that diatom intraspecific diversity has significant positive effects on culture biomass and the diversity of the associated free-living bacterial community (0.2–3 μm size fraction), which are comparable in magnitude to species diversity effects. However, there were little to no effects of diatom diversity on host-associated bacterial diversity (>3 μm size fraction), or of bacterial diversity on biomass production. These results suggest a decoupling of bacterial diversity from the diatom diversity-productivity relationship and provide early insights regarding the relations between diversity across domains in aquatic ecosystems.
Environment-specific virocell metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Howard-Varona Cristina , Lindback Morgan M , Fudyma Jane D , Krongauz Azriel , Solonenko Natalie E , Zayed Ahmed A , Andreopoulos William B , Olson Heather M , Kim Young-Mo , Kyle Jennifer E , Glavina del Rio Tijana , Adkins Joshua N , Tfaily Malak M , Paul Subhadeep , Sullivan Matthew B , Duhaime Melissa B
Published: March 2024

Viruses impact microbial systems through killing hosts, horizontal gene transfer, and altering cellular metabolism, consequently impacting nutrient cycles. A virus-infected cell, a “virocell,” is distinct from its uninfected sister cell as the virus commandeers cellular machinery to produce viruses rather than replicate cells. Problematically, virocell responses to the nutrient-limited conditions that abound in nature are poorly understood. Here we used a systems biology approach to investigate virocell metabolic reprogramming under nutrient limitation. Using transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and endo- and exo-metabolomics, we assessed how low phosphate (low-P) conditions impacted virocells of a marine Pseudoalteromonas host when independently infected by two unrelated phages (HP1 and HS2). With the combined stresses of infection and nutrient limitation, a set of nested responses were observed. First, low-P imposed common cellular responses on all cells (virocells and uninfected cells), including activating the canonical P-stress response, and decreasing transcription, translation, and extracellular organic matter consumption. Second, low-P imposed infection-specific responses (for both virocells), including enhancing nitrogen assimilation and fatty acid degradation, and decreasing extracellular lipid relative abundance. Third, low-P suggested virocell-specific strategies. Specifically, HS2-virocells regulated gene expression by increasing transcription and ribosomal protein production, whereas HP1-virocells accumulated host proteins, decreased extracellular peptide relative abundance, and invested in broader energy and resource acquisition. These results suggest that although environmental conditions shape metabolism in common ways regardless of infection, virocell-specific strategies exist to support viral replication during nutrient limitation, and a framework now exists for identifying metabolic strategies of nutrient-limited virocells in nature.
Development of a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method for the evaluation of maternal–fetal exposure to cocaine employing human umbilical cord tissue
Authors: de Paula Meirelles Gabriela , Pereira e Silva Jefferson , Paranhos Beatriz Aparecida Passos Bismara , Yonamine Mauricio
Published: March 2024

Illicit drug use is a serious and complex public health problem, not only due to the severity of the health damage but also to the social implications, such as marginalization and drug trafficking. Currently, cocaine (COC) is among the most abused drugs worldwide with about 22 million users. Drug abuse has also been found in women during the pregnancy period, which has shed light on a new group for epidemiology. The diagnosis of COC use in these cases usually depends largely on the mother’s reports, which in several cases omit or deny consumption. Therefore, considering physical–chemical methods of sample preparation and exposure biomarkers, the development of analytic toxicological methods can help to confirm drug use during pregnancy. Thus, the objective of the present work was to develop an analytical method based on dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of COC analytes, using umbilical cord tissue as an alternative biological matrix, and detection by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Therefore, after optimization, the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method was fully validated for quantification of COC, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, ecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester and norcocaine. The limits of detection were between 15 and 25 ng/g, the limits of quantification were 30 ng/g for ecgonine and 25 ng/g for the other analytes. Linearity ranged from the limits of quantification to 1,000 ng/g. Coefficients of variation for intra-assay precision were <18.5%, inter-assay was <8.75% and bias was <16.4% for all controls. The developed method was applied in 10 suspected positive samples, based on the mother’s report and maternal urine screening and confirmation. COC, benzoylecgonine, ecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester were quantified in four umbilical cords with concentrations that ranged from 39.6 to 420.5 ng/g.
A Preliminary Investigation into the Religious Profile of King Jitāmitramalla of Bhaktapur Through his Compositional and Scribal Works
Authors: Pangsrivongse Pongsit
Published: March 2024

This article aims to provide a preliminary investigation into the religious profile of a Malla-era Newar king, namely Jitāmitramalla (r. 1673–1696), by examining his scribal and compositional output. It does this by engaging with largely unstudied sources, chiefly (i) an unpublished poem written by King Jitāmitra known as the Siddhilakṣmīmantrayantroddhārastotra in which the monarch extols the goddess Siddhilakṣmī and lays out methods for her worship and (ii) the colophons of seven liturgical paddhatis copied by this king, which to my knowledge, are still undiscussed and untranslated in secondary literature. In doing so, we gain an insight into the King’s understanding of various aspects of his own religious identity, including his role as a tāntrika and his relationship with his chosen deities. The material studied will also uncover new information on the religious affiliations of the royal Bhaktapuri court and the medieval religious landscape of the Kathmandu Valley generally.