bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing social networks from automated telemetry data: A worked example using within‐ and across‐group associations in cooperatively breeding birds
Authors: Shizuka Daizaburo , Barve Sahas , Johnson Allison E. , Walters Eric L.
Published: October 2021

Advances in data‐logging technologies have provided a way to monitor the movement of individual animals at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. When used in conjunction with social network analyses, these data can provide deep insight into the structure and dynamics of animal social systems. Emergence of these new technologies demands concomitant progress in workflows to translate data streams from automated systems to social networks, based on biologically relevant metrics.

Here we outline key considerations for constructing social networks from automated telemetry data. We highlight the need for paying particular attention to the spatial arrangement of receiver stations with respect to the ecology of study system and developing appropriate criteria for quantifying associations.

We provide a case study for constructing social networks from automated telemetry data collected over 1 month during a study of acorn woodpeckers Melanerpes formicivorus, a cooperatively breeding bird. The data consisted of detections of known birds near receiver stations placed within core areas of group territories. We use this system to demonstrate how to build social networks to investigate biological questions about patterns of associations between group members and territory visitors across the landscape.
Inheritance of the SLICK1 allele of PRLR in cattle
Authors: Sosa F. , Carmickle A. T. , Jiménez‐Cabán E. , Ortega M. S. , Dikmen S. , Negrón‐Pérez V. , Jannaman E. A. , Baktula A. , Rincon G. , Larson C. C. , Pagán‐Morales M. , Denicol A. C. , Sonstegard T. S. , Hansen P. J.
Published: October 2021

The slick‐hair phenotype in cattle is due to one of a series of mutations in the prolactin receptor (PRLR) that cause truncation of the C‐terminal region of the protein involved in JAK2/STAT5 activation during prolactin signaling. Here we evaluated whether the inheritance of the SLICK1 allele, the first slick mutation discovered, is inherited in a fashion consistent with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. It was hypothesized that any deleterious effect of inheriting the allele on embryonic or fetal function would result in reduced frequency of the allele in offspring. A total of 525 Holstein and Senepol cattle produced from matings involving one or both parents with the SLICK1 allele were genotyped. The observed frequency of the SLICK1 allele (0.247) was not significantly different than the expected frequency of 0.269. These results support the idea that inheritance of the SLICK1 allele does not act in the embryo or fetus to modify its competence to complete development to term.
Systemic risk and centrality: The role of interactions
Authors: Asgharian Hossein , Krygier Dominika , Vilhelmsson Anders
Published: October 2021

We analyze to what extent the contribution of banks to systemic risk depends on their centrality in financial networks. We find that centrality is an important determinant of systemic risk, but not primarily by its direct effect. Its main influence is to make other risk measures, such as probability of default, more important for highly connected banks. Neglecting the indirect effect of centrality may severely underestimate or overestimate the systemic risk of banks. We also show that, even though size and centrality are related, the inclusion of centrality provides valuable information when assessing the systemic importance of banks.
International migration, work, and cultural values: A mixed‐method exploration among Latino adolescents in U.S. agriculture
Authors: Carlos Chavez Fiorella L. , Gonzales‐Backen Melinda A. , Perez Rueda Alberto M.
Published: October 2021

Objective

The objective of this research is to understand the factors contributing to Latino adolescents' migration and entrance into U.S. agriculture.

Background

Adolescent Latino migrants pursuit of work in the United States could be considered a family strategy to generate income. However, little is known regarding the degree to which the decision to migrate for work depends on family financial need.

Method

In Study 1, a transcendental‐phenomenological approach explored views on migration and work choice among 20 (Mage = 17.75 years) adolescent Guatemalan and Mexican migrants in the southeastern United States. Based on Study 1 findings and in a separate sample (N = 36; Mage = 17.81 years), Study 2 examined migration decisions, farmwork, and their associations with cultural values, frequency of remittances, and family's financial dependency.

Results

Study 1 highlighted four major themes: “It was the best thing I could do,” “It was my decision,” “Farmwork just made sense,” and “This is just temporary.” Study 2 showed significant relationships between the decision to migrate to the United States and the decision to work in U.S. agriculture with Latino and U.S. mainstream values.

Conclusion

Adolescent Guatemalan and Mexican migrant farmworkers endorsed a bicultural orientation wherein temporary U.S. agricultural work contributed to family well‐being and getting ahead in life.

Implications

Adolescents' international migration for work is a complex reality wherein family and individual cultural values come together for family survival and prosperity. Future research should consider family interdependence among Latino parents and adolescents.
Legal status history, gender, and the health of Latino immigrants in the US
Authors: León‐Pérez Gabriela , Patterson Evelyn J. , Coelho Larissa
Published: October 2021

Legal status is a social determinant of health and also a dynamic characteristic that can change over time. Using longitudinal data from the New Immigrant Survey, this study examines whether prior legal status is related to Latino immigrants’ self‐rated health (SRH) at the time of gaining US lawful permanent residence and if the relationship remains years later. Findings show that legal status history interacts with gender to shape the health of new legal immigrants and that the relationship changes over time. Male new arrivals exhibited better initial SRH than those with prior US experience, but the disparity disappeared by the follow‐up interview (3–6 years later). Women who were previously documented reported better follow‐up SRH than their counterparts, suggesting a process of cumulative advantage. In sum, different starting points on new legal immigrants’ migration histories can impact their health outcomes in the short‐ and long‐term.
Social support as a mediator of stress and life satisfaction for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fisher Marisa H. , Sung Connie , Kammes Rebecca R. , Okyere Christiana , Park Jiyoon
Published: October 2021

Introduction

This study examined factors that predict stress level and life satisfaction among adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the role of social support.

Method

From a larger study about the experiences during the pandemic of 2028 individuals with and without disabilities, 181 adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (or proxy) responded.

Results

Most respondents with intellectual or developmental disabilities (92.8%) reported negative impacts from the pandemic, with 55.2% of the 96 employed pre‐pandemic reporting impacted employment, including job loss. The negative impact of the pandemic was a significant predictor of stress level; social support was related to reduced stress. Stress level and the negative impact of the pandemic were inversely related to life satisfaction; social support was positively related to life satisfaction. Social support partially mediated the association between stress level and life satisfaction.

Discussion

Comprehensive services and social support systems are needed to combat the impact of the pandemic.
Criminal to Civil Reforms on Stalking: A History and Recommendations for Model Responses
Authors: Jordan Carol E. , Singleton LaKeysha , Shea Fleming Jason
Published: October 2021

As awareness about stalking has grown, so has an understanding that the justice system has not effectively protected victims from that unique crime. In 1990, California implemented reforms in stalking criminal laws, and by the end of the 1990s all states had done so. In 1994, federal anti‐stalking laws were passed. Early research found limited success with new stalking laws as most did not result in conviction. Civil rights of action and protective orders for stalking victims have also been passed by states. This manuscript reviews the history legal reforms to address stalking and offers select recommendations for future reform.
Djulis supplementation against oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation‐induced cell damage: The influence of antioxidant status and aging of skin in healthy subjects
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Yi , Lin Rong‐Jyh , Liu Cheng , Tseng Ya‐Ping , Chan Leong‐Perng , Liang Chia‐Hua
Published: October 2021

Background

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) is a cereal food and its antioxidant and pigment constituents may protect skin from photoaging, but conclusive experiments have not been carried out.

Objective

This investigation evaluates the effects of djulis extract as a functional supplement.

Patients/Methods

In this study, the effects of djulis functional drinks on the free radical scavenging activities, promotion of collagen synthesis and protection against oxidative stress and the effects of ultraviolet B (UVB)‐irradiated of pUC119 DNA were explored. Thirty healthy subjects (aged 35–55 years old) were randomly allocated to djulis or placebo drinks groups (50 ml of a djulis/placebo drink daily for 8 weeks for each subject) in a double‐blind crossover study.

Results

The regular consumption of the djulis functional drinks significantly increased levels of the serum biochemical superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (+9.5% and +124.8%) after 8 weeks, relative to baseline controls. The improvements in skin moisture, brightness, elasticity, crow's feet, texture, wrinkles, pores, and collagen content after 8 weeks in the djulis group were +13.3%, +3.8%, +13.2%, −21.8%, −12.1%, −11.0%, −1.4%, and +33.7%, respectively, relative to the baseline without treatment.

Conclusions

These work findings suggest the daily consumption of djulis drinks can protect the skin against oxidative stress‐induced damage, delay skin aging and improve skin conditions.
Experiences and Effects of Food Insecurity Among Recently Resettled Refugees from the Congo Wars
Authors: Baer Roberta D. , Holbrook Emily , Obure Renice , Mahoney Dillon
Published: October 2021

Recently resettled refugees from the Congo Wars continue to struggle with food insecurity that, in many cases, extends to before their camp and war‐time experiences. Beginning in 2016, a team from the University of South Florida has studied dietary adaptation and nutritional status among refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Population census data, in‐depth interviews with household heads, anthropometric measurements, dietary recalls, and focus groups—with youth and adults—allowed a look at cross‐generational experiences of food insecurity and dietary transition within recently resettled refugee families. These experiences are linguistically mediated, involve cultural adaptation, and are embodied through health effects such as stunted growth, leaving both youth and adults at risk of obesity and related health complications. We found that many families are not utilizing available food‐assistance benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) because of confusion or difficulty accessing the online system and lack of instructional materials in an appropriate language or format. Refugee service organizations and community‐based nonprofits need to be aware of the specific needs of and challenges for these refugees. Public health programming should be framed around refugee‐specific needs and be cognizant of refugees’ assets and skills as visual learners to avoid a one‐size‐fits‐all (refugees) approach.
From Dominican to Dominican: Osmund Lewry on Robert Kilwardby
Authors: Silva José Filipe
Published: October 2021

In this text, I explore the contribution of the Dominican, Osmund Lewry, to medieval scholarship by focusing on his work on the medieval Dominican, Robert Kilwardby (1215-1279). I examine in some detail one area of Kilwardby's thought that was first noted by Lewry: the question of how the principles of scientific knowledge are acquired. In order to do so, I will briefly connect Kilwardby's answer to this question with those of his two more famous Dominican contemporaries, Albert the Great (ca. 1200-1280) and Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274). The aim of this paper is to give to provide a glimpse of the outstanding contribution of both Kilwardby and Lewry to the development of medieval philosophy and the scholarship on medieval philosophy.
Is identity non‐contingent?
Authors: Roberts Alexander
Published: October 2021

I present a novel argument against the non‐contingency of identity. I first argue that the necessity of distinctness is intimately connected with numerous paradoxes of recombination. In particular, I argue that those who reject the necessity of distinctness have natural solutions to various paradoxes of recombination which have plagued the metaphysics of modality. Moreover, I argue that adding the necessity of distinctness to modest, paradox‐free assumptions is sufficient to reinstate the paradoxes. Given that identity is non‐contingent only if distinctness is necessary, I suggest this constitutes new evidence against the non‐contingency of identity.
Psychophysiological effects of slow‐paced breathing at six cycles per minute with or without heart rate variability biofeedback
Authors: Laborde Sylvain , Allen Mark S. , Borges Uirassu , Iskra Maša , Zammit Nina , You Min , Hosang Thomas , Mosley Emma , Dosseville Fabrice
Published: October 2021

Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, referring to slow‐paced breathing (SPB) realized while visualizing a heart rate, HRV, and/or respiratory signal, has become an adjunct treatment for a large range of psychologic and medical conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms explaining the effectiveness of HRV biofeedback still need to be uncovered. This study aimed to disentangle the specific effects of HRV biofeedback from the effects of SPB realized alone. In total, 112 participants took part in the study. The parameters assessed were emotional (valence, arousal, and control) and perceived stress intensity as self‐report variables and the root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) as a physiologic variable. A main effect of condition was found for emotional valence only, valence being more positive overall in the SPB‐HRVB condition. A main effect of time was observed for all dependent variables. However, no main effects for the condition or time x condition interaction effects were observed. Results showed that for PRE and POST comparisons (referring, respectively, to before and after SPB), both SPB‐HRVB and SPB‐NoHRVB conditions resulted in a more negative emotional valence, lower emotional arousal, higher emotional control, and higher RMSSD. Future research might investigate psychophysiological differences between SPB‐HRVB and SPB‐NoHRVB across different time periods (e.g., long‐term interventions), and in response to diverse psychophysiological stressors.
Development and validation of a risk score to prioritize patients for evaluation of access stenosis
Authors: Astor Brad C. , Hirschman Kim , Kennedy John , Frinak Stan , Besarab Anatole
Published: October 2021

Background

Access flow dysfunction, often associated with stenosis, is a common problem in hemodialysis access and may result in progression to thrombosis. Timely identification of accesses in need of evaluation is critical to preserving a functioning access. We hypothesized that a risk score using measurements obtained from the Vasc‐Alert surveillance device could be used to predict subsequent interventions.

Methods

Measurement of five factors over the preceding 28 days from 1.46 million hemodialysis treatments (6163 patients) were used to develop a score associated with interventions over the subsequent 60 days. The score was validated in a separate dataset of 298,620 treatments (2641 patients).

Results

Interventions in arteriovenous fistulae (AVF; n = 4125) were much more common in those with the highest score (36.2%) than in those with the lowest score (11.0). The score also was strongly associated with interventions in patients with an arteriovenous graft (AVG; n = 2,038; 43.2% vs. 21.1%). There was excellent agreement in the Validation datasets for AVF (OR = 2.67 comparing the highest to lowest score) and good agreement for AVG (OR = 1.92).

Conclusions

This simple risk score based on surveillance data may be useful for prioritizing patients for physical examination and potentially early referral for intervention.
Cold‐stored whole blood and platelet counts in severe acute injury: A comparison of four retrospective cohorts
Authors: Asif Maryam , Hasan Rida A. , Liu Zhinan , Stansbury Lynn G. , Hess John R.
Published: October 2021

Background

Low‐titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) is attractive for acute trauma care as it delivers concentrated and balanced hemostatic resuscitation in single large bags. Whether cold‐stored LTOWB can sustain platelet counts is unclear.

Study Design and Methods

Four cohorts of trauma patients—three historic, one retrospective—were identified by their urgency of blood use. Admission and all subsequent platelet counts over the first 24 h of care were compared with t‐tests. The cohorts were as follows: 1292 patients at Maryland Shock Trauma as described by Stansbury and colleagues in 2013; 35 patients enrolled locally in the 1:1:2 arm of the pragmatic randomized optimal plasma and platelet ratios (PROPPR) trial; 34 patients enrolled locally in the 1:1:1 arm of PROPPR; and 59 patients receiving more than 3 units of LTOWB enroute to or at our Level 1 trauma center, 2019–2020.

Results

Mean age of LTOWB units transfused was 9 ± 5 days and mean dose was 5 ± 2 units. All four cohorts were profoundly injured (mean Injury Severity Score ≥ 31), with mean first platelet counts 204–228 K/μ and subsequent counts approximately 100 k/μl lower. Through the first 24 h of care, mean platelet counts decreased least, 79 and 83 103/μl, in the 1:1:1 PROPPR and LTOWB cohorts. Mean platelet counts in patients transfused with LTOWB remained stable after the third hour of care.

Discussion

LTOWB transfusion was associated with lesser mean decrease in platelet counts during the first 24 h after injury, similar to those observed among patients receiving components 1:1:1 component in the PROPPR study.
Hong Kong scientists protest, but also forge mainland ties
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: October 2021

Cross-border research collaborations expand, even as conflict continues over city's semiautonomous status.
Fractionating a COVID-19 Ad5-vectored vaccine improves virus-specific immunity
Authors: Sanchez Sarah , Palacio Nicole , Dangi Tanushree , Ciucci Thomas , Penaloza-MacMaster Pablo
Published: October 2021

Reducing the priming dose of an SARS-CoV-2 Ad5-based vaccine improves cellular and humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2.
Complete Circular Genome Sequences of Three Bacillus cereus Group Strains Isolated from Positive Blood Cultures from Preterm and Immunocompromised Infants Hospitalized in France
Authors: Ben Khedher Mariem , Nindo Fredrik , Chevalier Alicia , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Dubourg Gregory , Fenollar Florence , Casagrande Florence , Lotte Romain , Boyer Laurent , Gallet Armel , Rolain Jean-Marc , Croce Olivier , Ruimy Raymond
Published: October 2021

We report here the complete genome sequences of three
Bacillus cereus
group strains isolated from blood cultures from premature and immunocompromised infants hospitalized in intensive care units in three French hospitals. These complete genome sequences were obtained from a combination of Illumina HiSeq X Ten short reads and Oxford Nanopore MinION long reads.
Supplemental Material: Zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronology of Grand Canyon resolves 1250 Ma unroofing at the Great Unconformity and <20 Ma canyon carving
Authors: Thurston Olivia G. , al. et
Published: October 2021

All geologic and thermochronologic constraints used in the forward models, major forward model results from the zircon radiation damage accumulation and annealing model (ZRDAAM) of Guenthner et al. (2013), and alternative HeFTy forward model result using different sample inputs.
Supplemental Material: Centennial to millennial variability of greenhouse climate across the mid-Cenomanian event
Authors: Ma Chao , al. et
Published: October 2021

Background of the studied interval, time series analysis of the grayscale of the marls, micropaleontology, and supplemental figures and tables.
Identifying priority and bright spot areas for improving diabetes care: a geospatial approach
Authors: Topmiller Michael , Mallow Peter J , Shaak Kyle , Kieber-Emmons Autumn M
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to describe a novel geospatial methodology for identifying poor-performing (priority) and well-performing (bright spot) communities with respect to diabetes management at the ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) level. This research was the first phase of a mixed-methods approach known as the focused rapid assessment process (fRAP). Using data from the Lehigh Valley Health Network in eastern Pennsylvania, geographical information systems mapping and spatial analyses were performed to identify diabetes prevalence and A1c control spatial clusters and outliers. We used a spatial empirical Bayes approach to adjust diabetes-related measures, mapped outliers and used the Local Moran’s I to identify spatial clusters and outliers. Patients with diabetes were identified from the Lehigh Valley Practice and Community-Based Research Network (LVPBRN), which comprised primary care practices that included a hospital-owned practice, a regional practice association, independent small groups, clinics, solo practitioners and federally qualified health centres. Using this novel approach, we identified five priority ZCTAs and three bright spot ZCTAs in LVPBRN. Three of the priority ZCTAs were located in the urban core of Lehigh Valley and have large Hispanic populations. The other two bright spot ZCTAs have fewer patients and were located in rural areas. As the first phase of fRAP, this method of identifying high-performing and low-performing areas offers potential to mitigate health disparities related to diabetes through targeted exploration of local factors contributing to diabetes management. This novel approach to identification of populations with diabetes performing well or poor at the local community level may allow practitioners to target focused qualitative assessments where the most can be learnt to improve diabetic management of the community.
Primary Blast Injury: Pathophysiology and Implications for Treatment Part III: Injury to the Central Nervous System and the Limbs
Authors: Guy R J , Glover M A , Cripps N P J
Published: October 2021

There are some structures in which changes consistent with primary blast may be found despite secondary and tertiary blast being the most frequent sources of injury. The Central Nervous System for example, especially the brain, is well protected yet there are historical and experimental accounts of damage which cannot be attributed to secondary or tertiary blast or even air embolism resulting from pulmonary disruption. Similarly, analysis and experimental simulation of specific skeletal injuries has shown that primary blast alone can fracture bones and that it is likely to be responsible for limb avulsions in victims exposed to stress waves of sufficiently high intensity.
Restorative Proctocolectomy in UK Servicemen
Authors: Guy R J , Blake S , Cripps N P J
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the outcome of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) in UK Servicemen and to determine the compatibility of this procedure with Service life.

Patients

All Servicemen undergoing restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) up to December 31st 2000 were identified from Service records. Patients were reviewed by direct or telephone interview. Pouch function, military duties, medical category or reasons for discharge from the Service were recorded. Results: Fifteen Servicemen (6 Royal Navy, 6 Army, 3 RAF), mean age 30 years, underwent RPC for UC (14) or FAP (1) with a median follow-up of 74 months. Eight remain in their Service, five of whom carry out full duties and three restricted duties. Of the seven who have left the Services only one was medically unfit to continue due to poor pouch function whilst six left voluntarily to pursue active civilian careers. Fourteen patients have acceptable pouch function; one pouch has been excised for intractable pouchitis.

Conclusions

Restorative proctocolectomy is compatible with Service life and most individuals are capable of fulfilling active unrestricted military duties.
The impact of COVID-19 on the learning and achievement of vulnerable Canadian children and youth
Authors: Whitley Jess , Beauchamp Miriam H. , Brown Curtis
Published: October 2021

Many children and youth in Canada are identified as vulnerable due to educational, environmental, and social factors. They are more likely to be negatively affected by events that cause significant upheaval in daily life. The changes imposed by COVID-19, such as physical distancing, school closures, and reductions in community-based services all have the potential to weaken the systems of support necessary for these children to learn and develop. Existing inequities in educational outcomes experienced by vulnerable children prior to the pandemic have been greatly exacerbated as cracks in our support structures are revealed. Many children and youth have experienced disengagement, chronic attendance problems, declines in academic achievement, and decreased credit attainment during the pandemic, with the impact far deeper for those already at-risk. This chapter examines what is known to date regarding the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable children and youth and provides recommendations to guide postpandemic planning. Vulnerable children, youth, and their families require access to reliable high-speed internet, effective and inclusive learning spaces, and a range of coordinated social services. All stakeholders need to develop and fund initiatives that address these critical areas to ensure that educational opportunities for all children and youth can be realized.
Twisted light, a new tool for general relativity and beyond — Revealing the properties of rotating black holes with the vorticity of light —
Authors: Tamburini F. , Feleppa F. , Thidé B.
Published: October 2021

We describe and present the first observational evidence that light propagating near a rotating black hole is twisted in phase and carries orbital angular momentum. The novel use of this physical observable as an additional tool for the previously known techniques of gravitational lensing allows us to directly measure, for the first time, the spin parameter of a black hole. With the additional information encoded in the orbital angular momentum, not only can we reveal the actual rotation of the compact object, but we can also use rotating black holes as probes to test general relativity.
An OLG Differential Game of Pollution Control with the Risk of a Catastrophic Climate Change
Authors: Wrzaczek Stefan
Published: October 2021

This paper studies an overlapping generations (OLG) differential game on optimal emissions with continuous age structure and different types of individuals. At the (stochastic) arrival of a catastrophic climate change, the utility and the damage to the stock of pollution change for the rest of the time horizon. We derive the open-loop (OL) Nash equilibrium and show that it is subgame perfect and moreover equal to the feedback Stackelberg one. We compare the solution to the cooperative one (using the social welfare as objective function) and show the different dynamic evolutions of optimal emissions over time. Finally, we derive a time-consistent tax scheme that reaches the cooperative optimal solution in the OL Nash equilibrium. The tax scheme turns out to be heterogeneous with respect to age and type (anticipating and nonanticipating the catastrophic climate change). Setting taxes that are homogeneous across the individual type leads to an OL Nash solution that produces socially optimal total emissions, but lower individual utilities.
EFFECTS OF FUNCTIONAL GAMES USING NEUROFEEDBACK ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS AND ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Authors: KONG MARIA , SONG BYUNG-SEOP
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of functional games using neurofeedback on cognitive function and changes in brain waves of people with developmental disabilities. Toward this goal, the MiND RACER program developed by Minders Co., Ltd. in 2018 was used for 5 people with developmental disabilities enrolled in the continuing education course at D University in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. It was carried out once a week from October 13 to December 15, 2020; pre- and post-tests were conducted one week before the program execution and one week after the program execution. Electroencephalography measurements were performed 3 times as pre, intermediate, and posttest. As a result, the functional game using neurofeedback showed a remarkable change in the cognitive function of the person with developmental disabilities and significant changes in [Formula: see text] waves.
The minimum vertex–vertex dominating Laplacian energy of a graph
Authors: Sayinath Udupa N. V. , Bhat R. S.
Published: October 2021

Let [Formula: see text] denote the set of all blocks of a graph [Formula: see text]. Two vertices are said to vv-dominate each other if they are vertices of the same block. A set [Formula: see text] is said to be vertex–vertex dominating set (vv-dominating set) if every vertex in [Formula: see text] is vv-dominated by some vertex in [Formula: see text]. The vv-domination number [Formula: see text] is the cardinality of the minimum vv-dominating set of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we introduce new kind of graph energy, the minimum vv-dominating Laplacian energy of a graph denoting it as LE[Formula: see text]. It depends both on the underlying graph of [Formula: see text] and the particular minimum vv-dominating set of [Formula: see text]. Upper and lower bounds for LE[Formula: see text] are established and we also obtain the minimum vv-dominating Laplacian energy of some family of graphs.
Low-field 1H NMR relaxometry of water molecules confined in microporous UiO-66
Authors: Fan Xinxin , Lu Xindi , Wu Qianhong , Deng Yajun , Zeng Yi , Wang Xiaomeng , Lu Hailong
Published: October 2021

Water molecules confined in a microporous metal–organic framework (MOF) UiO-66 are characterized by a low-field 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Measurements are performed of the longitudinal ([Formula: see text] and transverse ([Formula: see text] relaxation times as a function of water content from fully saturated to incomplete coverage of the first-adsorbed monolayer. The results obtained indicate that the relaxation of water molecules confined in UiO-66 is within the fast-exchange regime. When the amount of water exceeds filling ratio [Formula: see text] = 0.4, the averaged relaxation time is approximately linearly dependent on water filling ratio in pore. When the water amount cannot support a full coverage of surface monolayer, the relaxation rate increases with less filling ratio, illustrating that the mobility of water molecules is more restricted. Analysis of the measured values and the simulated ones leads to the conclusion that the surface-affected zone in UiO-66 is not confined to the surface monolayer.
Ethnic Identity in American History and America’s Exceptional Religiosity: Theory and Some Evidence
Authors: Eswaran Mukesh
Published: October 2021

Why is religiosity in contemporary America exceptionally high relative to those in other rich countries? I develop a simple theory that hinges on the sense of security of immigrant-identity, which is informed by both religion and ethnicity. Commitments to religion and to ethnicity are complementary in the determination of identity, and immigrants consciously invest in the endogenous component of their sense of identity through the actions they choose (like socialising with an ethnic group or performing religious activities). I demonstrate that the level of religiosity increases with the extent of ethnic fractionalisation in the society. I offer some empirical evidence for the theory using contemporary cross-sectional data from the 50 states of the US. I test this theory against two alternative theories that have been offered to explain the high American religiosity. I find a robust positive and statistically significant correlation between religiosity and state-level ethnic fractionalisation. When tested with world data, the model is rejected — lending further support for the claim that America’s religiosity derives from its unique history of exceptionally high and ethnically diverse immigration.
Robust Flatness Tracking Control for the “DC/DC Buck Converter‐DC Motor” System: Renewable Energy‐Based Power Supply
Authors: Silva-Ortigoza Ramón , Roldán-Caballero Alfredo , Hernández-Márquez Eduardo , García-Sánchez José Rafael , Marciano-Melchor Magdalena , Hernández-Guzmán Victor Manuel , Silva-Ortigoza Gilberto
Published: October 2021

The design of a robust flatness‐based tracking control for the DC/DC Buck converter‐DC motor system is developed in this paper. The design of the control considers the dynamics of a renewable energy power source that plays the role of the primary power supply associated with the system. The performance and robustness of the control is verified through simulations via MATLAB‐Simulink when abrupt changes in some parameters of the system are taken into account. Also, experiments are performed by using a built prototype of the DC/DC Buck converter‐DC motor system, a TDK‐Lambda G100‐17 programmable DC power supply, MATLAB‐Simulink, and the DS1104 board from dSPACE. In this regard, the TDK‐Lambda G100‐17 is implemented with the aim of emulating photovoltaic panels through the solar array mode for generating the power supply of the system. Thus, both simulations and experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
On-Demanding Information Acquisition in Multi-UAV-Assisted Sensor Network: A Satisfaction-Driven Perspective
Authors: Yang Hua , Yang Jungang , Zhao Wendong , Liu Cuntao
Published: October 2021

When multiple heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide service for multiple users in sensor networks, users’ diverse priorities and corresponding priority-related satisfaction are rarely concerned in traditional task assignment algorithms. A priority-driven user satisfaction model is proposed, in which a piecewise function considering soft time window and users’ different priority levels is designed to describe the relationship between user priority and user satisfaction. On this basis, the multi-UAV task assignment problem is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem with multiple constraints, where the objective is maximizing the priority-weighted satisfaction of users while minimizing the total energy consumption of UAVs. A multipopulation-based cooperation genetic algorithm (MPCGA) by adapting the idea of “exploration-exploitation” into traditional genetic algorithms (GAs) is proposed, which can solve the task assignment problem in polynomial time. Simulation results show that compared with the algorithm without considering users’ priority-based satisfaction, users’ weighted satisfaction can be improved by about 47% based on our algorithm in situations where users’ information acquisition is tight time-window constraints. In comparison, UAVs’ energy consumption only increased by about 6%. Besides, compared with traditional GA, our proposed algorithm can also improve users’ weighted satisfaction by about 5% with almost the same energy consumption of UAVs.
On Time Effect of Preschool Education: Social Analysis Based on CUCDS
Authors: Yan Bohan , Feng Yongjun , Cai Ning
Published: October 2021

Cognitive ability is an important aspect of children’s development, but there is still room for discussion about the impact of preschool education on children’s cognitive ability. Based on the data of China Urbanization and Children Development Survey (CUCDS) of Tsinghua University, this paper categorizes cognitive ability into Chinese language cognition and mathematical cognition. It is discovered that the impact of preschool education on children’s cognitive development differs depending on the cognitive ability and the length of time. In particular, preschool education has both short‐term and long‐term effects on children’s Chinese cognitive ability, while there is only a short‐term effect on the development of children’s mathematical cognitive ability without long‐term effect.
Effect of Deposition Conditions on Phase Content and Mechanical Properties of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Thin Films Deposited by Sol-Gel/Dip-Coating
Authors: Cano Francisco J. , Castilleja-Escobedo Orlando , Espinoza-Pérez L. J. , Reynosa-Martínez Cecilia , Lopez-Honorato Eddie
Published: October 2021

The effect of yttria concentration (0-33.4 mol%), extraction rates (0.17, 0.33, 0.50, and 0.67 mm s-1), and the number of layers (up to four) on the phase content, surface defects, thickness, hardness, adhesion strength, and wear rate of yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings produced by sol-gel/dip-coating were studied for its use on thermolabile substrates. At 700°C, a metastable tetragonal phase (

t

″

) was obtained even with 33.4 mol% yttria when heat treated for 24 hours; however, a fully cubic structure was attained by extending the heat treatment up to 48 hours as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, it was necessary to use withdrawal speeds of at least 0.67 mm s-1 to produce defect-free coatings. Although the coatings were produced at low temperature, they showed 41% lower wear rate than steel and an adhesion strength of 30 MPa. Our work stresses the importance of the heat treatment history on the stabilization of the cubic phase in sol-gel YSZ coatings.
Signal Modulation Identification Based on Deep Learning in FBMC/OQAM Systems
Authors: Chen Jing , Guo Jianzhong , Shan Xin , Kong Dejin
Published: October 2021

Signal modulation identification (SMI) has always been one of hot issues in filter-bank multicarrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (FBMC/OQAM), which is usually implemented by the machine learning-based feature extraction. However, it is difficult for conventional methods to extract the signal feature, resulting in a limited probability of correct classification (PCC). To tackle this problem, we put forward a novel SMI method based on deep learning to identify FBMC/OQAM signals in this paper. It is noted that the block repetition is employed in the FBMC/OQAM system to achieve the imaginary interference cancelation. In the proposed deep learning-based SMI technique, the in-phase and quadrature samples of FBMC/OQAM signals are trained by the convolutional neural network. Subsequently, the dropout layer is designed to prevent overfilling and improve the identification accuracy. To evaluate the proposed scheme, extensive experiments are conducted by employing datasets with different modulations. The results show that the proposed method can achieve better accuracy than conventional methods.
Early Prediction of Sepsis Based on Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Xin , Shen Wenqian , Wang Guanjun
Published: October 2021

Sepsis is an organ failure disease caused by an infection resulting in extremely high mortality. Machine learning algorithms XGBoost and LightGBM are applied to construct two processing methods: mean processing method and feature generation method, aiming to predict early sepsis 6 hours in advance. The feature generation methods are constructed by combining different features, including statistical strength features, window features, and medical features. Miceforest multiple interpolation method is applied to tackle large missing data problems. Results show that the feature generation method outperforms the mean processing method. XGBoost and LightGBM algorithms are both excellent in prediction performance (AUC: 0.910∼0.979), among which LightGBM boasts a faster running speed and is stronger in generalization ability especially on multidimensional data, with AUC reaching 0.979 in the feature generation method. PTT, WBC, and platelets are the key risk factors to predict early sepsis.
Antioxidant Potential of Adiponectin and Full PPAR-γ Agonist in Correcting Streptozotocin-Induced Vascular Abnormality in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Afzal Sheryar , Sattar Munavvar Abdul , Johns Edward James , Eseyin Olorunfemi A. , Attiq Ali
Published: October 2021

Oxidative stress, which is associated with metabolic and anthropometric perturbations, leads to reactive oxygen species production and decrease in plasma adiponectin concentration. We investigated pharmacodynamically the pathophysiological role and potential implication of exogenously administered adiponectin with full and partial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists on modulation of oxidative stress, metabolic dysregulation, and antioxidant potential in streptozotocin-induced spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Group I (WKY) serves as the normotensive control, whereas 42 male SHRs were randomized equally into 7 groups (

n
=
6

); group II serves as the SHR control, group III serves as the SHR diabetic control, and groups IV, V, and VI are treated with irbesartan (30 mg/kg), pioglitazone (10 mg/kg), and adiponectin (2.5 μg/kg), whereas groups VII and VIII received cotreatments as irbesartan+adiponectin and pioglitazone+adiponectin, respectively. Diabetes was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Plasma adiponectin, lipid contents, and arterial stiffness with oxidative stress biomarkers were measured using an in vitro and in vivo analysis. Diabetic SHRs exhibited hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and increased arterial stiffness with reduced plasma adiponectin and antioxidant enzymatic levels (

P
<
0.05

). Diabetic SHRs pretreated with pioglitazone and adiponectin separately exerted improvements in antioxidant enzyme activities, abrogated arterial stiffness, and offset the increased production of reactive oxygen species and dyslipidemic effects of STZ, whereas the blood pressure values were significantly reduced in the irbesartan-treated groups (all

P
<
0.05

). The combined treatment of exogenously administered adiponectin with full PPAR-γ agonist augmented the improvement in lipid contents and adiponectin concentration and restored arterial stiffness with antioxidant potential effects, indicating the degree of synergism between adiponectin and full PPAR-γ agonists (pioglitazone).
Automatic Evaluation System for Piano Performance Based on the Internet of Things Technology under the Background of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Yu Jianan
Published: October 2021

Ubiquitous sensors cover many areas of modern society. As the sensor network matures, various applications based on the Internet of Things are setting off a new revolution in all aspects of social life. In order to in-depth study whether the Internet of Things technology can be used in the automatic evaluation of piano performance, this article uses artificial system comparison method, database establishment method, and model construction method to collect samples, analyze the automatic evaluation model, and streamline the algorithm, and based on these foundations, a practical automatic evaluation system for piano performance was created. However, the role of this article does not stop there. There are also a variety of algorithm-like models and the construction of technical models. First, the practicality of the created model is studied, and it is found that the traditional manual recognition rate is about 52%, while the recognition rate of the system in this paper is more than 90%, and the average recognition time of the system is 1.1 s. The start-up process and recognition process time of other systems are all no more than 6 s, indicating the superior performance of the system. On this basis, select the classic piano textbook: Thompson’s Simple Piano Tutorial. From it, select representative pieces as test samples. We can find that the overall F-measure value is above 90%, and the average F-measure value is 96.8%; the system performance test is good and can provide accurate evaluation results for piano learners. The results show that the number of identifications and missing numbers of the system are not much different from those of manual identification, which further proves its superiority. It is basically realized that starting from the Internet of Things technology, a system model that can automatically evaluate most piano repertoires has been designed.
Antisense RNAs Influence Promoter Usage of Their Counterpart Sense Genes in Cancer
Authors: Bellido Molias Fernando , Sim Andre , Leong Ka Wai , An Omer , Song Yangyang , Ng Vanessa Hui En , Lim Max Wei Jie , Ying Chen , Teo Jasmin Xin Jia , Göke Jonathan , Chen Leilei
Published: October 2021

Multiple noncoding natural antisense transcripts (ncNAT) are known to modulate key biological events such as cell growth or differentiation. However, the actual impact of ncNATs on cancer progression remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified a complete list of differentially expressed ncNATs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Among them, a previously undescribed ncNAT HNF4A-AS1L suppressed cancer cell growth by regulating its sense gene HNF4A, a well-known cancer driver, through a promoter-specific mechanism. HNF4A-AS1L selectively activated the HNF4A P1 promoter via HNF1A, which upregulated expression of tumor suppressor P1-driven isoforms, while having no effect on the oncogenic P2 promoter. RNA-seq data from 23 tissue and cancer types identified approximately 100 ncNATs whose expression correlated specifically with the activity of one promoter of their associated sense gene. Silencing of two of these ncNATs ENSG00000259357 and ENSG00000255031 (antisense to CERS2 and CHKA, respectively) altered the promoter usage of CERS2 and CHKA. Altogether, these results demonstrate that promoter-specific regulation is a mechanism used by ncNATs for context-specific control of alternative isoform expression of their counterpart sense genes.

Significance:

This study characterizes a previously unexplored role of ncNATs in regulation of isoform expression of associated sense genes, highlighting a mechanism of alternative promoter usage in cancer.