bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of programmed frameshifting during translation ofprfBinFlavobacterium johnsoniae
Authors: Naeem Fawwaz M. , Gemler Bryan T. , McNutt Zakkary A. , Bundschuh Ralf , Fredrick Kurt
Published: November 2023

Ribosomes of Bacteroidia fail to recognize Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequences due to sequestration of the 3′ tail of the 16S rRNA on the 30S platform. Yet in these organisms, theprfBgene typically contains the programmed +1 frameshift site with its characteristic SD sequence. Here, we investigateprfBautoregulation inFlavobacterium johnsoniae, a member of the Bacteroidia. We find that the efficiency ofprfBframeshifting inF. johnsoniaeis low (∼7%) relative to that inEscherichia coli(∼50%). Mutation or truncation of bS21 inF. johnsoniaeincreases frameshifting substantially, suggesting that anti-SD (ASD) sequestration is responsible for the reduced efficiency. The frameshift site of certain Flavobacteriales, such asWinogradskyella psychrotolerans, has no SD. InF. johnsoniae, thisW. psychrotoleranssequence supports frameshifting as well as the native sequence, and mutation of bS21 causes no enhancement. These data suggest thatprfBframeshifting normally occurs without SD–ASD pairing, at least under optimal laboratory growth conditions. Chromosomal mutations that remove the frameshift or ablate the SD confer subtle growth defects in the presence of paraquat or streptomycin, respectively, indicating that both the autoregulatory mechanism and the SD element contribute toF. johnsoniaecell fitness. Analysis ofprfBframeshift sites across 2686 representative bacteria shows loss of the SD sequence in many clades, with no obvious relationship to genome-wide SD usage. These data reveal unexpected variation in the mechanism of frameshifting and identify another group of organisms, the Verrucomicrobiales, that globally lack SD sequences.
EXPERIMENTAL-COMPUTATIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FIBER-TO-FIBER INTERACTIONS IN GLASS MACRO FIBER COMPOSITES
Authors: GIRARD HUGO , HAZAVEH ZAYNAB , KOOHBOR BEHRAD , DOITRAND AURÉLIEN
Published: November 2023

Effects of inter-fiber distance and angular orientation on the fiber-matrix interface debonding are investigated using a hybrid experimental-computational approach. Model composite samples are fabricated using two glass macro fibers embedded in a clear epoxy resin and then subjected to remote tensile loads. The distance and angular position between the two fibers in the epoxy are varied systematically to cover a wide range of inter-fiber distances and orientations. Specifically, the model composites are designed to include fiber-to-fiber angles ranging from 0° to 90° in 15° increments. Displacement and strain fields developed in the vicinity of the fiber-matrix interface are measured by high-magnification digital image correlation (DIC). The initiation and propagation of debonding at the fiber-matrix interface are characterized as a function of far-field stress, inter-fiber distance and angle. A finite element simulation framework is established and calibrated by the experimental measurements first. Correlations between local and global stress-strain fields are then identified from the experimental measurements supplemented by finite element simulations. Results obtained herein indicate that the spacing and angular orientation between adjacent fibers affect the interface debonding initiation and propagation. However, the interfiber distance has a more consequential effect on the debonding process, i.e., the smaller the distance the larger the fields intensity. The results obtained from the hybrid approach here are further analyzed to identify the sources of uncertainty quantification. The hybrid approach proposed and discussed in this work provides a systematic methodology for the quantitative analysis of fiber-matrix interface debonding mechanisms leading to transverse cracking in unidirectional composites.
Virtual Collaboration Technology and International Business Coaching: Examining the Impact on Marketing Strategies and Sales
Authors: Anderson Stephen J. , Chintagunta Pradeep K. , Vilcassim Naufel
Published: November 2023

This paper studies the impact of international business coaching via virtual collaboration technology on the strategies and sales of emerging market entrepreneurs.
Let’s Chat… When Communication Promotes Efficiency in Experimental Asset Markets
Authors: Corgnet Brice , DeSantis Mark , Porter David
Published: November 2023

The growing prevalence of stock market chat rooms and social media suggests that communication between traders may affect market outcomes. Using data from a series of laboratory experiments, we study the causal effect of trader communication on market efficiency. We show that communication allows markets to convey private information more effectively. This effect is robust to a wide range of information settings. The presence of insiders limits the impact, whereas posted reputation scores in the communication platform magnify it. These findings illustrate the need to consider social interactions when designing market institutions to leverage the social motives that foster information aggregation.

This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, behavioral economics & decision analysis.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4967 .
The Solow-Swan theories: An empirical evidence in various Indonesian Provinces
Authors: Vikia Yahya Mahda
Published: November 2023

The digital ecosystem is a collection of integrated information technologies and entities. The development of the digital ecosystem in Indonesia has shown a positive trend and has significant impacts on the national economy. The penetration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought positive effects such as increased accessibility, business growth, and digital economic transformation. To assess the progress of this technology, the Solow-Swan approach is employed. This research aims to examine how investment, labor force, and technology, represented by the level of mobile phone usage and Base Transceiver Station (BTS) infrastructure, can influence the economy through Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in the 34 provinces of Indonesia. This paper aims to examine how investment, labor, and technology can affect the economy through the GRDP in 34 provinces in Indonesia. The data used is panel data from 2018 to 2021 for 34 provinces in Indonesia. The research results show that investment and technological progress have a significant positive impact. On the other hand, the labor force has no effect on the economy in 34 provinces in Indonesia. Overall, this research has not been able to validate the Solow-Swan theory in the context of 34 provinces in Indonesia for the 2018-2021 period.
The role of social capital for the development of women's enterprises: A case study of MSMEs in Padang City
Authors: Widia Elsa , Octafia Sri Mona
Published: November 2023

Dominantly, women's SMEs in the city of Padang claim to experience capital problems. But basically, capital is not only related to financial issues but also social issues, including social capital. In general, research tends to focus on the overall performance of MSMEs without specific studies on social capital and women. This research aims to analyze the role of social capital resources in women-owned MSMEs in Padang City using qualitative analysis methods such as Descriptive Crosstabs and Binary Logistic Regression Analysis. The social capital variables raised are the level of trust, norms or customs, mutual help and participation of MSMEs in every activity. Data will be collected through questionnaires, interviews and observations in all districts in the city of Padang. The research results reveal that social capital is considered to be able to build strong networks and has the potential to improve the performance of women-owned MSMEs in Padang City. Through surveys and interviews, this research can conclude that the variables of mutual help/cooperation and trust have been proven to be able to build their business relationships, which ultimately affect their productivity.
Angular width and beam quality of a partially coherent standard Laguerre–Gaussian vortex beam in turbulent plasma
Authors: Alkelly Abdu A. , Khaled M. A. H. , Hassan Labiba F.
Published: November 2023

Analytical formulas for the angular width and propagation factor of a partially coherent standard Laguerre–Gaussian (sLG) vortex beam through anisotropic turbulent plasma were derived based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel integral and the second-order moments of the Wigner distribution function. The evolution properties of the angular width and propagation factor of partially coherent sLG vortex beams propagating in anisotropic turbulent plasma were investigated numerically. The numerical results demonstrate the influence of the source and turbulence parameters on the normalized angular width and normalized propagation factor of the partially coherent sLG vortex beams. It can be observed that in a partially coherent sLG vortex beam with a lower beam order, topological charge, and wavelength, or a higher correlation coefficient of the source plane, and with increasing propagation distance and refractive index fluctuation variance or decreasing anisotropy parameters, the outer and inner scales of the turbulent plasma have a large angular width and propagation factor (i.e., the beam quality is worse). The results of this study will be beneficial for applications in remote sensing and optical communications.
Transverse mode distribution in multimode diode-pumped Raman fiber laser
Authors: Sidelnikov O. S. , Kuznetsov A. G. , Kharenko D. S. , Gervaziev M. D. , Podivilov E. V. , Fedoruk M. P. , Wabnitz S. , Babin S. A.
Published: November 2023

Raman lasers based on multimode graded-index fibers may generate high-quality (M2∼2) Stokes beams when pumped by highly multimode (M2>30) laser diodes. Here we, examine, both experimentally and theoretically, the energy distribution of the output Stokes beam across the principal quantum mode number n in a bent multimode fiber operating well above the Raman threshold. In contrast to Kerr spatial beam cleaning, leading to a Rayleigh–Jeans mode power distribution, in a multimode Raman fiber laser, we find that the output mode powers approach an exponential distribution. We introduce a coupled-mode equations model, including random linear coupling between neighboring mode groups, and obtain a good agreement between numerical simulations and experimental results. The model shows that, for typical mode coupling coefficients, the randomization of the mode power distribution is compensated by both nonlinear (Raman and Kerr) effects and linear filtering from the fs-inscribed fiber Bragg grating, both acting on the Stokes beam over successive round trips. When random coupling becomes the dominating factor, the mode power distribution of the Stokes beam tends to equipartition, similar to what is observed with large-size highly multimode beams of low intensity (and nonlinearity) in the absence of any filtering.
Hyperspectral measurement of dispersion in aqueous solution and its effect on ultra-sensitive interferometer
Authors: Zhang Haotian , Li Xiaoping , Cao Hongzhong , Pan Yue , Wu Wendi , Xia Yunjie , Ma Rende
Published: November 2023

Since the reported Sellmeier equation of water is fitted with sparse sampling points in the near-infrared region, the simulated refractive index sensitivity of dispersion enhanced interferometers deviates from the true value. Here, we measure the refractive index of aqueous sample based on hyperspectra, and research the effect of dispersion on ultra-sensitive interferometer. A piece of quartz plate is used to generate hyperspectra in the near-infrared region by building a wavefront splitting fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (WFSF-MZIs). The refractive index of saline water is tested after measuring the thickness of the quartz plate. By taking the wavelength of 1450 nm as break-point, the empirical dispersion equations of saline water are piecewise fitted. When the normal and abnormal dispersion are taken into account, the theoretical sensitivity of phase compensated WFSF-MZI is in good agreement with the experimental results. Our methodology provides a good reference in designing dispersion sensitized optical refractive index sensor for detecting aqueous samples.
Coupled waveguide model for computing phase and transmission through nanopillar-based metasurfaces
Authors: Poulton C. G. , Zeisberger M. , Schmidt M. A.
Published: November 2023

Dielectric metasurfaces are important in modern photonics due to their unique beam shaping capabilities. However, the standard tools for the computation of the phase and transmission through a nanopillar-based metasurface are either simple, approximating the properties of the surface by that of a single cylinder, or use full 3D numerical simulations. Here we introduce a new analytical model for computing metasurface properties which explicitly takes into account the effect of the lattice geometry. As an example we investigate silicon nanopillar-based metasurfaces, examining how the transmission properties depend on the presence of different modes in the unit cell of the metasurface array. We find that the new model outperforms the isolated cylinder model in predicting the phase, and gives excellent agreement with full numerical simulations when the fill fraction is moderate. Our model offers a waveguide perspective for comprehending metasurface properties, linking it to fiber optics and serving as a practical tool for future metasurface design.
10 kW tandem pumping fiber amplifier with good beam quality based on tapered ytterbium-doped fiber
Authors: Wang Chongwei , Xiao Hu , Xi Xiaoming , Liu Wei , Li Ruixian , Pan Zhiyong , Yang Huan , Yan Zhiping , Chen Zilun , Huang Liangjin , Wang Meng , Yang Baolai , Wang Xiaolin , Ma Pengfei , Wang Zefeng
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we established a high power tandem pumped fiber amplifier based on tapered ytterbium-doped fiber (TYDF). The TYDF is developed in-house with a core/inner cladding diameter of 30/250 µm at the small-core region and 48/400 µm at the large-core region. The key parameters of the amplifier in a co-pumped and counter-pumped configuration are experimentally investigated, such as slope efficiency, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) threshold, and beam quality evolution. Up to 10.28 kW laser free of SRS or transverse mode instability is obtained from the counter-pumped amplifier, and the beam quality factor M2 is 2.29, which is significantly improved compared with the 48/400 µm uniform YDF. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest average output power achieved so far based on the TYDF. This work could provide a solution for balancing the SRS suppression and high order modes control in high power tandem pumped YDF lasers.
Adjustable rotation of multiple vortices produced by diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 lasers using intracavity second harmonic generation
Authors: Tung J. C. , Chen B. H. , Sung C. K.
Published: November 2023

The criteria for achieving adjustable rotation of optical vortices are analyzed and used to design a diode-pumped solid-state laser that incorporates intracavity second harmonic generation within a concave-flat cavity to produce frequency-doubled Hermite–Gaussian (FDHG) modes. These FDHG modes are subsequently employed to generate various structured lights containing 2, 4, and 6 nested vortices using an external cylindrical mode converter. Through theoretical exploration, we propose that increasing the radius of curvature of the concave mirror and extending the cavity length can enhance the rotational angles of multiple vortices by expanding the adjustable range of phase shift for FDHG modes. Moreover, theoretical analyses assess vortex rotation concerning the positions of a nonlinear medium, successfully validating the experimental observations and elucidating the phase structures of the transformed beams.
Controlled light energy and perfect absorption in twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Halterman Klaus
Published: November 2023

We theoretically study the components of the dynamical optical conductivity tensor and associated finite-frequency dielectric response of bilayer graphene (BLG), where one graphene layer can slide in-plane or commensurably twist on top of the other. Our results reveal that even slight deviations from the conventional AA, AB, or AC stacking orders yield a finite transverse conductivity. Upon calculating the optical conductivity of the BLG at any arbitrary interlayer displacement, Δ, and chemical potential, µ, it is utilized for a layered device with an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) insert and metallic back plate. We find that both Δ and µ can effectively control the polarization, energy flow direction, and absorptivity of linearly polarized incident light. By appropriately tailoring Δ and µ, near-perfect absorption and tunable dissipation can be accessible through particular angles of incidence and a broad range of ENZ layer thicknesses. Our findings can be applied to the design of programmable optoelectronics devices.
Immobilization of photorefractive solitons by charge anchoring on conductive walls
Authors: Tari Hamed , Bile Alessandro , Nabizada Arif , Fazio Eugenio
Published: November 2023

Spatial solitons have shown great promise for various applications, but their limited stability in terms of beam movement has been a significant hindrance. This limitation is especially prominent in the conventional configuration where the bias electric field is oriented perpendicular to the soliton propagation direction, leading to instability caused by the drift–diffusion processes. To address this issue, we explore a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach where solitons are propagated from one bias plate to the other, with a tilted angle with respect to the field and to the optical axis of the photorefractive crystal. By directing the solitons toward the bias electrodes, we observe an intriguing anchoring effect that immobilizes the soliton beam, resulting in reduced self-bending. The charge distribution on the conductive walls is numerically investigated as a function of the crystallographic orientation of the c-axis. The immobilization of the soliton beams is a fundamental issue for their technological applications as waveguides in integrated photonic circuits, which would result in an addressable but perfectly stable waveguide over time.
Architecture of the brain’s visual system enhances network stability and performance through layers, delays, and feedback
Authors: Velarde Osvaldo Matias , Makse Hernán A. , Parra Lucas C.
Published: November 2023

In the visual system of primates, image information propagates across successive cortical areas, and there is also local feedback within an area and long-range feedback across areas. Recent findings suggest that the resulting temporal dynamics of neural activity are crucial in several vision tasks. In contrast, artificial neural network models of vision are typically feedforward and do not capitalize on the benefits of temporal dynamics, partly due to concerns about stability and computational costs.

In this study, we focus on recurrent networks with feedback connections for visual tasks with static input corresponding to a single fixation. We demonstrate mathematically that a network’s dynamics can be stabilized by four key features of biological networks: layer-ordered structure, temporal delays between layers, longer distance feedback across layers, and nonlinear neuronal responses. Conversely, when feedback has a fixed distance, one can omit delays in feedforward connections to achieve more efficient artificial implementations.

We also evaluated the effect of feedback connections on object detection and classification performance using standard benchmarks, specifically the COCO and CIFAR10 datasets. Our findings indicate that feedback connections improved the detection of small objects, and classification performance became more robust to noise. We found that performance increased with the temporal dynamics, not unlike what is observed in core vision of primates.

These results suggest that delays and layered organization are crucial features for stability and performance in both biological and artificial recurrent neural networks.
The limitations of phenotype prediction in metabolism
Authors: Yubero Pablo , Lavin Alvar A. , Poyatos Juan F.
Published: November 2023

Phenotype prediction is at the center of many questions in biology. Prediction is often achieved by determining statistical associations between genetic and phenotypic variation, ignoring the exact processes that cause the phenotype. Here, we present a framework based on genome-scale metabolic reconstructions to reveal the mechanisms behind the associations. We calculated a polygenic score (PGS) that identifies a set of enzymes as predictors of growth, the phenotype. This set arises from the synergy of the functional mode of metabolism in a particular setting and its evolutionary history, and is suitable to infer the phenotype across a variety of conditions. We also find that there is optimal genetic variation for predictability and demonstrate how the linear PGS can still explain phenotypes generated by the underlying nonlinear biochemistry. Therefore, the explicit model interprets the black box statistical associations of the genotype-to-phenotype map and helps to discover what limits the prediction in metabolism.
RET enhancer haplotype-dependent remodeling of the human fetal gut development program
Authors: Chatterjee Sumantra , Fries Lauren E. , Yaacov Or , Hu Nan , Berk-Rauch Hanna E. , Chakravarti Aravinda
Published: November 2023

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is associated with deficiency of the receptor tyrosine kinase RET, resulting in loss of cells of the enteric nervous system (ENS) during fetal gut development. The major contribution to HSCR risk is from common sequence variants in RET enhancers with additional risk from rare coding variants in many genes. Here, we demonstrate that these RET enhancer variants specifically alter the human fetal gut development program through significant decreases in gene expression of RET, members of the RET-EDNRB gene regulatory network (GRN), other HSCR genes, with an altered transcriptome of 2,382 differentially expressed genes across diverse neuronal and mesenchymal functions. A parsimonious hypothesis for these results is that beyond RET’s direct effect on its GRN, it also has a major role in enteric neural crest-derived cell (ENCDC) precursor proliferation, its deficiency reducing ENCDCs with relative expansion of non-ENCDC cells. Thus, genes reducing RET proliferative activity can potentially cause HSCR. One such class is the 23 RET-dependent transcription factors enriched in early gut development. We show that their knockdown in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells reduces RET and/or EDNRB gene expression, expanding the RET-EDNRB GRN. The human embryos we studied had major remodeling of the gut transcriptome but were unlikely to have had HSCR: thus, genetic or epigenetic changes in addition to those in RET are required for aganglionosis.
Benefits and risks: Views of humanitarian organizations in Lebanon on corporate assistance
Authors: Makhoul Jihad , El Ashkar Catherine , Mialon Melissa , Levy Anna , Sabbagh Diana , Nakkash Rima
Published: November 2023

Compounding humanitarian and political crises within and across countries have been met with shrinking public resources for coordination, recovery, and mitigation. This resource constrained humanitarian environment presents opportunities for multinational corporations to supplement budgets and actively participate in new markets through connecting with humanitarian work. Given the well-established influence of corporations on public health, an assessment of industry funding to humanitarian assistance is necessary especially in the fragile context of Lebanon with a substantial refugee population and multiple compounding crises. This paper examines three aspects of corporate assistance in humanitarian crises in Lebanon. It investigates the modality of corporate assistance to humanitarian agencies, the extent to which humanitarian agency staff are aware of implications of this assistance along with any ethical considerations related to it, and both the risks and benefits for corporations and people. This study explores the views of 14 local and international humanitarian agencies in Lebanon) through in-depth interviews conducted between 2020 and 2022. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and subject to thematic analysis. All agencies participating in the study provided social and health assistance as well as education, vocational training, and other services to refugees or Lebanese. Findings indicate that the majority of them receive corporate funding in varying amounts and in-kind contributions to support various projects. Despite imposed conditions by the corporations, such as posting logos and stories, the agencies perceived the benefits of partnering, mentioning financial assistance in time of need, and flexible agendas that outweigh the risks of conflicts of interest of corporate branding on the populations they serve. Benefits to the corporations themselves relate to corporate social responsibility, increased market reach and visibility. Challenges in partnering with for-profits include ethical considerations and programmatic issues, however no guidelines were reported to exist to detect corporate conflicts of interest, instead most of the agencies rely on their value systems for screening.
Glucose metabolism sustains heme-induced Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote growth in vitro
Authors: Silva Dias Vieira Carolina , Pinheiro Aguiar Ramon , de Almeida Nogueira Natalia Pereira , Costa dos Santos Junior Gilson , Paes Marcia Cristina
Published: November 2023

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite alternates between an insect vector and a mammalian host. T. cruzi epimastigotes reside in the insect vector and coexist with the blood components of the vertebrate host. The metabolic profile of T. cruzi has been extensively studied; however, changes in its metabolism in response to signaling molecules present in the vector are poorly understood. Heme acts as a physiological oxidant that triggers intense epimastigote proliferation and upregulates the expression of genes related to glycolysis and aerobic fermentation in vitro. Here, heme-cultured epimastigotes increased D-glucose consumption. In fact, heme-cultured parasites secreted more succinate (the end product of the so-called succinic fermentation) followed by glucose intake. Increased succinate levels reduced the extracellular pH, leading to acidification of the supernatant. However, the acidification and proliferation stimulated by heme was impaired when glycolysis was inhibited. Otherwise, when glucose amount is enhanced in supernatant, heme-cultured parasites increased its growth whereas the glucose depletion caused a delay in proliferation. Heme supplementation increased epimastigote electron transport system-related O2 consumption rates, while glucose addition reduced both the electron transport system-related O2 consumption rates and spare respiratory capacity, indicating a Crabtree-like effect. These results show that glycolysis predominated in heme-cultured epimastigotes over oxidative phosphorylation for energy supply when glucose is present to sustain its high proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, it provided an insight into the parasite biology in the vector environment that supply glucose and the digestion of blood generates free heme that can lead to the growth of T. cruzi epimastigotes.
Innovation network, knowledge absorption ability, and technology innovation performance——An empirical analysis of China’s intelligent manufacturing industry
Authors: Wang Yawei , Zhou Yuan
Published: November 2023

Based on the social network theory, this study utilizes knowledge absorption capacity as the mediating variable and technology turbulence as the moderating variable; furthermore, it focuses on China’s intelligent manufacturing industry data to explore the effect of the intelligent manufacturing enterprise innovation network on technology innovation performance and the regulating mechanism of technology turbulence. Based on the patent data obtained from Derwent Database (survey period: 2016–2020), the empirical analysis indicates the following: (1) Network relationship, network location, and network density are significantly and positively correlated with technology innovation performance; however, network size exerts no significant effect on technology innovation performance. (2) Network relationship strength, network location, and network density exert significantly positive effects on the two dimensions of knowledge absorption capacity, namely the In-degree and the Out-degree. Network size exerts no significant effect on knowledge absorption capacity. (3) Knowledge absorption capacity exerts a partial mediating effect on the relationship between innovation network and technology innovation performance. (4) The three dimensions of innovation network that exert a significant effect on technology innovation performance are positively correlated with the interaction terms of technology turbulence, which indicates that the interaction terms, namely innovation network and technology turbulence, exert a positive impact on technology innovation performance through knowledge absorption capacity, and that the moderating effect of technology turbulence exerts a role through knowledge absorption capacity. Finally, this study postulates implementations and policy proposals for enhancing the innovation performance of intelligent manufacturing enterprises.
A data-driven framework to assess population dynamics during novel coronavirus outbreaks: A case study on Xiamen Island, China
Authors: Wang Peng , Huang Jinliang
Published: November 2023

The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly influenced daily life, necessitating the understanding of the relationship between the epidemic’s progression and population dynamics. In this study, we present a data-driven framework that integrates GIS-based data mining technology and a Susceptible, Exposed, Infected and Recovered (SEIR) model. This approach helps delineate population dynamics at the grid and community scales and analyze the impacts of government policies, urban functional areas, and intercity flows on population dynamics during the pandemic. Xiamen Island was selected as a case study to validate the effectiveness of the data-driven framework. The results of the high/low cluster analysis provide 99% certainty (P < 0.01) that the population distribution between January 23 and March 16, 2020, was not random, a phenomenon referred to as high-value clustering. The SEIR model predicts that a ten-day delay in implementing a lockdown policy during an epidemic can lead to a significant increase in the number of individuals infected by the virus. Throughout the epidemic prevention and control period (January 23 to February 21, 2020), residential and transportation areas housed more residents. After the resumption of regular activities, the population was mainly concentrated in residential, industrial, and transportation, as well as road facility areas. Notably, the migration patterns into and out of Xiamen were primarily centered on neighboring cities both before and after the outbreak. However, migration indices from cities outside the affected province drastically decreased and approached zero following the COVID-19 outbreak. Our findings offer new insights into the interplay between the epidemic’s development and population dynamics, which enhances the prevention and control of the coronavirus epidemic.
Early modelling of the effects and healthcare costs of the Dutch citizen-rescuer system for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests
Authors: Ahmed Anam , Mewes Janne C. , Lepage-Nefkens Isabelle , Tan Hanno L. , Vrijhoef Hubertus J. M. ,   for the ESCAPE-NET Investigators
Published: November 2023

Objectives

1) to analyse the total average healthcare costs of a patient with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), as well as estimating the operational costs of the citizen-rescuer system (CRS); 2) to conduct an early modelling of the effects and healthcare costs of the Dutch CRS in comparison to no CRS.

Methods

A health economic modelling study was conducted. Adult patients with OHCA from cardiac causes in the province of Limburg (the Netherlands) were included. The time horizon was from OHCA occurrence up to one year after hospital discharge. First, the total average healthcare costs of OHCA patients were analysed as well as the yearly operating costs of the CRS. Second, an early modelling was conducted to compare from the healthcare perspective the healthcare costs of OHCA patients with the CRS being activated but no responders attended (CRS-NV) versus the CRS being activated with attendance of ≥1 responder(s) (CRS-V).

Results

The total average healthcare costs per patient are €42,533. The yearly operating costs for the CRS are approximately €1.5 million per year in the Netherlands. The early modelling of costs and effects showed that the incremental healthcare costs per patient thus were €4,131 in the CRS-V versus the CRS-NV group (€25,184 in the CRS-V group and €21,053 in the CRS-NV group). Incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was 5 per 100 patients (16 per 100 patients in the CRS-V group versus 11 per 100 patients in the CRS-NV group). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was €79,662 per QALY for the CRS-V group.

Conclusion

This study shows that patients in the CSR-V group had additional health care costs of €4,131 per patient compared to patients in the CRS-NV group. This increase is caused by patients surviving more often, who then continue to utilise health services, which results in a (logic) increase in healthcare costs. For future research, accurate and up-to-date data on effectiveness and costs of the CRS needs to be collected.
Estrogen inhibits colonic smooth muscle contractions by regulating BKβ1 signaling
Authors: Wen Jing , Zhao Yu , Huang Cheng , Li Shengjie , Li Peidong , Zhou Yu , Yan Zaihua , Zhang Guangjun
Published: November 2023

The estrogen inhibits colonic smooth muscle contractions, which may lead to constipation. However, the mechanisms of inhibition are poorly understood. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of estrogen on rat colonic smooth muscle contractions and its potential association with the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels β1 (BKβ1) subunit. Twenty-four female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups. After 2 weeks of intervention, the contraction activity of isolated colonic smooth muscle and the expression of BKβ1 in colonic smooth muscle of rats were detected. Additionally, in order to investigate the effects of estrogen on BKβ1 expression and calcium mobilization, in vitro experiments were conducted using rat and human colonic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). BKβ1 shRNA was used to investigate whether calcium mobilization is affected by BKβ1 in colonic SMCs. To explore the relationship between ERβ and BKβ1, serial deletions, site-directed mutagenesis, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were employed. In response to E2, colonic smooth muscle strips showed a decrease in tension, while IBTX exposure transiently increased tension. Furthermore, in these muscle tissues, BKβ1 and α-SMA were found to be co-expressed. The E2 group showed significantly higher BKβ1 expression. In cultured colonic SMCs, the expression of BKβ1 was found to increase in the presence of E2 or DPN. E2 treatment reduced Ca2+ concentrations, while BKβ1 shRNA treatment increased Ca2+ concentrations relative to the control. ERβ-initiated BKβ1 expression appears to occur via binding to the BKβ1 promoter. These results indicated that E2 may upregulate BKβ1 expression via ERβ and inhibit colonic smooth muscle contraction through ERβ by directly targeting BKβ1.
Exam stress and the metacognitive strategies of reading in students with dyslexia: The role of motivational mechanisms and educational support
Authors: Kuracki Kamil , Dłużniewska Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

Despite numerous studies on dyslexia, there is still a lack of empirical data on the factors determining the functioning of students with dyslexia in the context of written exams. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify the relationship between sources of stress in an exam situation and the reported use of reading strategies by dyslexic students in terms of motivation and therapeutic interventions in the educational environment. This descriptive-analytical study used data from a larger project focused on children with and without dyslexia. The research sample (n = 640) included girls (n = 280) and boys (n = 360) aged between 14 and 15 years (M = 14.40, SD = 0.55), attending the 7th or 8th grade in Polish mainstream primary schools. Random and intentional sampling was used. All students completed four questionnaires. The results were analyzed using regression analysis in Model templates for PROCESS v4 for SPSS by Hayes. The study showed significant weak and moderate positive correlations between the sources of exam stress and the reading strategies reported by students, ranging from 0.186 to 0.570, as well as significant moderate and strong correlations between reading strategies and experienced educational support, ranging from 0.229 to 0.505, and between reading strategies and motivation to read, ranging from 0.582 to 0.701. The type of stress source significantly influenced the selection of specific reading strategies. Motivation acted as a mediator, while educational support was a moderator in the relationship between exam stress and the reported use of reading strategies. Based on our results, the source of stress may be perceived as factors activating metacognitive mechanisms aimed at selecting appropriate strategies for working with texts. Researchers and teachers should be aware of the need to undertake activities to support students with dyslexia focused on developing the ability to recognize the sources of exam stress and select effective coping strategies.
HSP70 via HIF-1 α SUMOylation inhibits ferroptosis inducing lung cancer recurrence after insufficient radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Peng Bin , Ling Xiean , Huang Tonghai , Wan Jun
Published: November 2023

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective and feasible therapy for lung cancer, but accelerated progression of residual non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after incomplete radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has frequently been reported. A previous study reported that HSP70 and HIF-1α were highly expressed in areas with incomplete RFA. Therefore, we sought to elucidate the regulatory effect of the HIF-1α/HSP70 pathway on lung cancer recurrence after incomplete radiofrequency ablation. In this study, we found that knockdown of HSP70 can reduce sumo 1, sumo 2/3 (marker of SUMOylation) of HIF-1α and inhibit A549 cell proliferation and migration under heat stress conditions (used to simulate incomplete RFA in vitro). We observed that knockdown of HSP70 altered the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins and genes (SLC7A11 and ACSL3), and the RNA-seq results showed that knockdown of HSP70 activated the ferroptosis pathway, further confirming that HSP70 regulates ferroptosis. In summary, HSP70, via HIF-1α SUMOylation, inhibited ferroptosis, inducing lung cancer recurrence after radiofrequency ablation. The study reveals a new direction for further research on therapeutic targets to suppress lung cancer recurrence and provides a theoretical foundation for further clinical studies.
Physical exertion worsens symptoms in patients with post-COVID condition
Authors: Breedveld Ellen , Charlton Braeden , Appelman Brent , Biere-Rafi Sara , Janssen Kasper , van Vugt Michèle , Wüst Rob C.I.
Published: November 2023

Patients with post-COVID
condition suffer from fatigue, limited exercise capacity, and post-exertional malaise. Post-exertional malaise is the worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion, which reduces the efficacy of most forms of rehabilitation. This article presents the current understanding in the pathophysiology of post-COVID condition, particularly the underlying causes of post-exertional malaise.
Fault Tolerant Brushless DC Motor Drive for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Johar Harminder Singh , Bhattacharya Abhijit , Rao S. Srinivasa
Published: November 2023

This article brings out a Fault-tolerant BLDC motor drive for aerospace applications using the redundancy concept. In a way, it brings out a fault-tolerant strategy that can be used to continue the regular operation of a BLDC motor drive even after the occurrence of faults. As BLDC motors are used in critical and dangerous control areas like military services and space vehicles, a fault-tolerant drive is essential to maintain drive operation and provide desirable output. This article compares fault simulation results in the software model of a BLDC motor drive to those of fault simulation results in hardware for three main types of faults. Fault simulation is carried out for three types of faults, viz. inverter device open circuit fault, motor winding open circuit fault, and rotor position sensor (hall sensor) open-circuited fault. Fault tolerance is ensured by introducing a redundant drive (drive-2), which operates the complete drive at the advent of any of the faults mentioned above in the main (healthy) drive-1. A fault-tolerant (redundant) hardware comprising dual stator BLDC motor and redundant controllers is realized and operationalized. Fault simulation is carried out in this hardware, and these results are validated with the results of fault simulation in the MATLAB SIMULINK model. Software and hardware results are comparable and form a basis for developing fault-tolerant electro-mechanical actuation systems for high-reliability, high-cost applications, mainly aerospace.
ENABLING FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE NAVIGATION OF GROUND ROBOTS IN DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS WITH LIVE LEARNING
Authors:   MIREA – Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russia, Al-Khafaji I.M.A. ,   Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, Alisawi W.Ch. ,   MIREA – Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russia; Al-Qadisiyah University, Diwaniyah, Iraq, Ibraheem M.Kh. ,   Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Moscow, Russia, Djuraev Kh.A. ,   MIREA – Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russia, Panov A.V. ,   MIREA – Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russia
Published: November 2023

Federated learning is utilized for automated ground robot navigation, enabling decentralized training and continuous model adaptation. Strategies include hardware selection, ML model design, and hyperparameter fine-tuning. Real-world application involves optimizing communication protocols and evaluating performance with diverse network conditions. Federated learning shows promise for machine learning-based life learning systems in ground robot navigation. Research objective: to explore the use of federated learning in automated ground robot navigation and optimize the system for improved performance in dynamic environments. Materials and methods. The research utilizes federated learning to train machine learning models for ground robot navigation. Hardware selection, ML model design, and hyperparameter fine-tuning are employed. Communication protocols are optimized, and performance is evaluated using multiple gaming machine algorithms. Results. The results show that decreasing the learning rate and increasing hidden units improve model accuracy, while batch size has no significant impact. Communication protocols are evaluated, with Protocol A providing high efficiency but low security, Protocol B offering a balance, and Protocol C prioritizing security. Conclusion. The proposed approach using federated learning enables ground robots to navigate dynamic environments effectively. Optimizing the system involves selecting efficient communication protocols and fine-tuning hyperparameters. Future work includes integrating additional sensors, advanced ML models, and optimizing communication protocols for improved performance and integration with the control system. Overall, this approach enhances ground robot mobility in dynamic environments.
Online Counseling through the Eyes of University Students
Authors: BARUTÇU-YILDIRIM Funda , ONAYLI Selin , TAŞKESEN Nureda
Published: November 2023

This study examined university students' knowledge levels, experiences, opinions, preferences, and suggestions for improving online psychological counseling services with a phenomenological qualitative research design. The data were collected in two stages using the Online Counseling Interview Form (OCIF) developed by the researchers. In the pre-COVID-19 period, researchers interviewed ten university students, and during COVID-19, they reached out to 11 more students. Descriptive analysis showed that students' knowledge levels and experiences increased, and most students were eager to use online counseling services. Moreover, students provided worth-stressing information about their preferences and suggestions regarding the announcement, design, and implementation of online counseling to improve online counseling services in universities.
The Connection Between Forest School and Preschool Programs: A Comparison Study
Authors: AYDEMİR FİLİZ , YİĞİT GENÇTEN Vahide
Published: November 2023

The forest school approach, implemented in an increasing number of schools globally, offers opportunities for children to explore and engage in activities in natural settings. In the preschool period, considered critical for children's overall development at the beginning of their lives, being intertwined with nature supports children’s becoming active learners. In early years education, in this manner, programs are formed based on children's developmental and individual needs through the Preschool Education Program developed by the Ministry of National Education and implemented in 2013 to engage students actively. As all early-year institutions in Turkey are required to follow the guidelines in this program, this study aims to examine the connection between the program and the forest school approach to highlight similarities and differences so that the place of the forest school approach in the program can be understood. The data consisted of program documents and an extensive literature review on the forest school approach. In addition, in order to analyze the data, we engaged in document analysis. Results showed that the preschool program and the forest school approach coincided. Therefore, it is suggested that preschool programs in early years classrooms should include more nature-related activities.