bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Eimeria acervulina (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) infecting the broiler chicken Gallus gallus domesticus through morphology and molecular analyses
Authors: Mohammed Osama B. , Al‐Shaebi Esam M. , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Omer Sawsan A. , Abdel‐Gaber Rewaida
Published: December 2023

Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan disease that affects the poultry industry worldwide. The severity of this disease varies depending on the identity of the infectious agents. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the Eimeria species that affect broiler chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus, through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Twenty‐five faecal samples were collected from the broiler chickens in a commercial poultry farm in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Using the floatation technique, faeces were examined microscopically for the Eimeria occurrence. Identification of Eimeria species was performed based on morphological criteria and molecular tools (DNA amplification for the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐1, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes. In this study, 32% (8 out of 25) of collected samples were found to be positive for coccidiosis. After sporulation in potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), the sporulated oocysts were observed as ovoid and measured 18.37–23.19 µm (19.87) long and 15.07–18.67 µm (16.46) wide, with the anterior location of a polar granule and absence of micropyle. These Eimeria oocysts were assumed to size and shape characteristics of Eimeria acervulina. Molecular analysis was conducted on the sequences of the polymerase chain reaction products from the three genes studied (18S rRNA, ITS‐1, and COI). At the three genes, results showed that the resultant sequences clustered with E. acervulina from different regions confirming morphological description. This study highlighted the importance of molecular techniques to detect avian Eimeria species more than the traditional morphology‐based tool to optimise the appropriate anticoccidial strategies for long‐term control in the studied area.
The minimally important difference for the Xerostomia Inventory among Sjögren's disease patients
Authors: Assy Zainab , Thomson William Murray , Brand Henk S. , Cha Seunghee , Susam Merve M. , Weisman Gary A. , Vissink Arjan , Bikker Floris J. , Jager Derk Hendrik Jan
Published: December 2023

Objective

Until now, the clinically relevant improvement for the Xerostomia Inventory (XI) has not been defined. Therefore, our aim was to determine the Minimally Important Difference (MID) of the XI for improvement in dry‐mouth symptoms in SjD patients.

Method

The study recruited 34 SjD patients who underwent sialendoscopy of major salivary glands and 15 SjD patients in a nonintervention control group. XI scores were assessed at several time points. The MID was determined from the mean difference in XI scores between the groups with and without improvement.

Results

In the control group, no significant XI score changes were seen. In the sialendoscopy group, a clinically relevant XI score change of four scale points was identified after 1 week. For a prolonged duration (≥16 weeks), a minimum reduction of seven scale points in the XI score was required to indicate clinically relevant improvement.

Conclusion

In SjD patients, a minimum change of four points in the XI score indicates a clinically relevant improvement for evaluating short‐term effects. For prolonged effects, a clinically relevant improvement requires a MID of seven points. The determination of the MID in XI could assist in future studies that evaluate changes in xerostomia.
Liver transplantation in patient with Berardinelli–Seip syndrome: A literature review and case report
Authors: Aliyev Altay , Samadov Elgun , Ibrahimli Arturan , Hajiyev Akbar , Allahverdiyeva Gunay , Ahmadov Eldar
Published: December 2023

Background

Berardinelli–Seip syndrome is an infrequently seen and potentially fatal genetic disorder characterized by the absence of adipose tissue. Herein, we report a first‐in‐literature liver transplant done on a 7‐year‐old girl because of liver cirrhosis caused by the Berardinelli–Seip syndrome.

Case Report

Physical examination showed prominent subdermal fat tissue loss and mild muscle hypertrophy, giving her a slim appearance, hirsutism, thick hair, a large head in contrast to the body, low anterior hairline, icterus, prominent facial contours, prominent mandibula, loss of buccal fat, low set ears, and large limbs. After the diagnosis, she admitted to our clinic because of variceal esophageal bleeding and increasing liver enzymes. Transplantation decision was made and orthothopic liver transplantation done by the surgery team.

Discussion

Common causes of death in Berardinelli–Seip syndrome patients are infections and liver cirrhosis. The mean age of the patients was 27.1 at the time of death. There is no any established cure for congenital lipodystrophies so far. However, some symptomatic treatment methods are found to be helpful. The main point of the case report to be discussed is the liver transplantation done by our surgical team. There are no examples of any transplantation in Berardinelli–Seip syndrome patients, but several reports can be found of patients with kidney or liver failure.

Conclusion

Berardinelli–Seip syndrome is a rare disorder with no cure but a chance of improving lifestyle and life expectancy. The transplantation option should be considered in young patients after a multidisciplinary review.
Heart disease symptoms and health‐related quality of life in pediatric heart transplant recipients: A serial multiple mediator analysis
Authors: Varni James W. , Uzark Karen
Published: December 2023

Background

A serial multiple mediator analysis was conducted to test the predictive effects of heart disease symptoms on pediatric heart transplant recipients health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) from their perspective with patient‐perceived cognitive problems, patient health communication, and treatment anxiety as hypothesized mediators.

Methods

One hundred and nineteen pediatric heart transplant recipients aged 8–18 completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales and the PedsQL Cardiac Module Heart Disease Symptoms Scale, Cognitive Problems Scale, Communication Scale and Treatment Anxiety Scale. The serial multiple mediator analysis tested the hypothesized sequential mediation of the cross‐sectional association between patient‐perceived heart disease symptoms and their perceived HRQOL.

Results

Heart disease symptoms indirect effects on HRQOL were sequentially mediated through cognitive problems, with cognitive problems' indirect effects mediated through patient health communication and treatment anxiety. A predictive analytics analysis consisting of age, gender, and time since transplant demographic covariates, demonstrated that heart disease symptoms, cognitive problems, patient health communication, and treatment anxiety accounted for 66 percent of the variance in patient‐perceived HRQOL (p < .001), representing a large effect size.

Conclusions

Patient‐perceived heart disease symptoms indirect effects on HRQOL in pediatric heart transplant recipients was explained by patient‐perceived cognitive problems, patient health communication, and treatment anxiety. Delineating heart disease symptoms indirect effects on HRQOL from the perspective of pediatric patients may inform targeted clinical interventions to improve daily functioning in pediatric heart transplant recipients.
A short staff training system for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in care facilities, based on functional analysis and positive behaviour support: a single‐arm pre‐ and post‐comparative study
Authors: Noguchi Dai , Kazui Hiroaki , Yamanaka Katsuo
Published: December 2023

Background

Work schedules can make it challenging for professional care workers to participate in long‐term training programs on managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Simultaneously, it is necessary to prevent caregivers' negative responses to BPSD, provide a positive environment for people with dementia, and create a system for new management plans, since the initial one is often unsuccessful. Therefore, we developed a short manual‐based training system for functional analysis including positive behaviour support and strategies when management plans do not function well. This study aimed to preliminarily examine the usefulness of this system.

Methods

Thirty‐five staff members from 12 care facilities participated in the training. For each facility, off‐the‐job training was performed in two 120‐min sessions held over 2 days. Then, care plans were implemented by staff members for a month, during which on‐the‐job training was provided. The study included 14 people with dementia and BPSD. This was a single‐arm study without a control group. Pre‐ and post‐tests were conducted to examine the effects of the training system using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory–Nursing Home Version.

Results

The results of the pre‐ and post‐tests for the total scores on severity and occupational disruptiveness significantly improved, with large effect sizes. Regarding symptom domains, delusions, agitation/aggression, and aberrant motor behaviour significantly improved in both severity and occupational disruptiveness. Depression/dysphoria and anxiety significantly improved in severity; however, there were trends of improvement in occupational disruptiveness. In addition, the effect sizes for severity and occupational disruptiveness of delusions and agitation/aggression were large.

Conclusions

This preliminary study suggests that the training system is promising. A randomised controlled trial with a larger sample size is necessary to confirm the findings.
Log‐density gradient covariance and automatic metric tensors for Riemann manifold Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Kleppe Tore Selland
Published: December 2023

A metric tensor for Riemann manifold Monte Carlo particularly suited for nonlinear Bayesian hierarchical models is proposed. The metric tensor is built from symmetric positive semidefinite log‐density gradient covariance (LGC) matrices, which are also proposed and further explored here. The LGCs generalize the Fisher information matrix by measuring the joint information content and dependence structure of both a random variable and the parameters of said variable. Consequently, positive definite Fisher/LGC‐based metric tensors may be constructed not only from the observation likelihoods as is current practice, but also from arbitrarily complicated nonlinear prior/latent variable structures, provided the LGC may be derived for each conditional distribution used to construct said structures. The proposed methodology is highly automatic and allows for exploitation of any sparsity associated with the model in question. When implemented in conjunction with a Riemann manifold variant of the recently proposed numerical generalized randomized Hamiltonian Monte Carlo processes, the proposed methodology is highly competitive, in particular for the more challenging target distributions associated with Bayesian hierarchical models.
Making Representative Politics Work: Cross‐Segmental Parties in Consociations
Authors: Agarin Timofey , Jarrett Henry
Published: December 2023

Cross‐segmental parties are outliers in consociations dominated by ethnic parties. While they often receive comparatively limited electoral support, they have the ability to make representative politics work. Cross‐segmental parties can successfully represent cross‐communal interests and encourage governments to focus on non‐segmental issues by bringing their ‘second policy dimension’ to the attention of segmental parties and encouraging ‘issue seepage’. To demonstrate this, we draw on evidence from these parties in cases including Northern Ireland, Belgium, Bosnia‐Herzegovina, Lebanon and South Tyrol, and argue that we need to look beyond election results to gauge their ‘success’. We identify three key areas – electoral dynamics, interactions in legislatures and contribution to government – where cross‐segmental, not segmental, parties can make representation work in consociations. This is true not only in liberal consociations that (can) explicitly accommodate cross‐segmental interests in legislative and executive arrangements but also in corporate consociations where formal accommodation does not exist.
Elevated expression of miR‐301a and its functional roles in canine oral melanoma
Authors: Hasan MD Nazmul , Rahman Md. Mahfuzur , Husna Al Asmaul , Arif Mohammad , Iwanaga Tomoko , Tsukiyama‐Kohara Kyoko , Jasineviciute Indre , Kato Daiki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Miura Naoki
Published: December 2023

miR‐301a is one of numerous dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in canine oral melanoma (COM), one of which is miR‐301a (upregulated). Its biological role has been described in various human cancer types, including malignant melanoma, but not in COM. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated miR‐301a expression in COM in greater detail to ascertain whether it could serve as a diagnostic biomarker, elucidate its functional roles in this cancer, and predict the possible pathways by which it exerts its effects. Relative expression of miR‐301a was investigated in clinical oral tissue and plasma samples and COM cell (KMeC and LMeC) lines using qRT‐PCR. Knockdown of miR‐301a was also validated for KMeC and LMeC cells using qRT‐PCR. We performed CCK‐8 assays to assess cell proliferation, monolayer wound‐healing, and transwell migration assays to assess cell migration, a colony‐formation assay to assess clonogenicity, a TUNEL assay and flow cytometry to assess apoptosis‐related effects, and gene enrichment analyses to predict possible related pathways. miR‐301a was markedly upregulated in COM oral tissue and plasma clinically, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for COM diagnosis. In vitro assays demonstrated that miR‐301 significantly inhibited apoptosis in COM cells while promoting cell migration, proliferation, and clonogenicity. We also predicted that miR‐301 exerts cancer‐promoting effects through the Wnt signalling pathway for COM. Our findings suggest that miR‐301a is a COM oncomiR that regulates several oncogenic phenotypes with the potential to be a diagnostic biomarker.
Design and Modeling of a Non-Flat Foldable Tubular Kirigami With Compliant Joints
Authors: Ye Siyuan , Zhao Pengyuan , Li Shiyao , Kavousi Fatemeh , Hao Guangbo
Published: December 2023

This paper applies the kirigami technique to a non-rigid foldable tubular origami to make a rigid foldable tubular design, i.e., a radially closable kirigami (RC-kiri). The laminar emergent torsional (LET) compliant joint is applied to surrogate the crease, which makes the design applicable in practical engineering applications. By incorporating a non-flat folding design, the folding angles of each crease are minimized, leading to a reduction in the strain exerted on engineering materials. The kinetostatic theoretical model is constructed using the principle of virtual work, and its results are compared with those obtained from a simulation model in finite element analysis (FEA). A 3D printed physical model is tested to obtain the relationship between forces and displacements. FEA and experimental results match with theoretical findings. This study builds a bridge between origami and kirigami and expands the application of LET joints to the fabrication of tubular kirigami.
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix
Authors: Qin Qianyu , Yu Zhen , Tang Ying
Published: December 2023

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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings of gallbladder tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Yang Ping , Zhang Chao , Zhang Yaping , Liu Qingsong , Shi Hong
Published: December 2023

Preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder tuberculosis (TB) is difficult, and the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) pattern has never been reported before. We present a case of TB in which CEUS had some special findings that were helpful for early diagnosis. The thickened gallbladder wall presented in the arterial phase of CEUS the “sandwich biscuit” sign with no enhancement in the middle layer and hyperenhancement in the inner and outer layers
Performance comparison of conventional and striation-based beamformers for underwater bearing detection of pulse sources
Authors: Liu Changpeng , Zhou Shihong , Qi Yubo
Published: December 2023

The multi-path and dispersion properties of shallow water waveguides make conventional beamforming (CBF) face issues such as beam shift, broadening, splitting, output distortion, and array gain reduction. In this paper, the striation-based beamforming (SBF) is investigated to address these issues. SBF differs from CBF by utilizing frequency-shift processing along interference striations. The performance difference between CBF and SBF is compared. It demonstrates that under ideal waveguide modeling with pulse sources, SBF can achieve a beam output response that is close to the plane wave condition. The speed term of SBF's response is approximately independent of modal indexes, which equips SBF to form a unique beam output and guarantee the beam resolution. The processing of consistent signals along the striation maintains the optimal signal correlation, which makes SBF ensure the output fidelity and array gain. To shift the mainlobe of SBF to the source azimuth, the time delay related to the waveform truncation point can be introduced to pre-compensate the array signals. There exist two theoretical accuracy limits to using the truncation. First, truncation time corresponds to the waveform point at r0/c (r0 is the source range), and the mainlobe of SBF is directed to the source azimuth. Second, truncation corresponds to the pulse peak point, and the azimuth estimation accuracy of SBF gets close to CBF. Simulations and experimental results are given as illustrations.
Conceptualizing the Social Inclusion Potential of Esport to Support Future Sport for Development Agendas: A Capabilities Perspective
Authors: Hayday Emily Jane , Collison-Randall Holly , Loat Richard
Published: December 2023

Drawing on the capabilities approach to position esport within the Sport for Development (SfD) context, this paper highlights the social inclusion drivers of virtual engagement through esport as an innovative approach to progress current SfD methodologies. We present a new conceptual model in response to calls for enhanced theoretical understanding within SfD and specifically expose how esport can be used as a mechanism to support human development and inclusion outcomes. We focus specifically on gender equality as an exemplar of a prominent development objective; however, the model has applicability to any social inclusion related development aim. This paper proposes that esport should be welcomed as a new digital mechanism by policy makers, funders, and practitioners, as we indicate how this new conceptual model could be operationalized to aid SfD policy and practice.
The Effect of Extended Reality Exercise on Physical Activity and Physical Performance in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review
Authors: Schaerz Simon , Boyes Morgan , Mohamed Amanda
Published: December 2023

Physical activity is vital for children’s and youth’s healthy growth and development. Despite the physical, psychological, and social benefits, many children and youth are not physically active enough. Extended reality exercise (XRE), which incorporates virtual, augmented, and mixed reality exercise-based gaming, has been touted as a possible tool for not only promoting physical activity but also developing physical performance. Accordingly, we conducted a five-stage scoping review to identify themes and gaps in the literature pertaining to the application of XRE in physical activity-related research. We identified a positive impact of XRE on physical activity and performance in children and youth, including those with and without impairments, with a predominant preference for nonimmersive virtual reality in the majority of studies. There is a paucity of studies that specifically investigate the effects of XRE on physical activity in impaired children and youth. Likewise, more research is needed to determine how XRE can be leveraged to develop physical performance in nonimpaired children and youth. There is also a need for more large-sample studies that incorporate fully immersive XRE.
Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial of fecal microbiota transplantation in severe obesity: a study protocol
Authors: Hanssen Hege Marie , Fjellstad Maria Serafia , Skjevling Linn , Johnsen Peter Holger , Kulseng Bård , Goll Rasmus , Almå Kristin Helen , Valle Per-Christian
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Obesity is one of the main threats to public health in western countries and increases the risk of several diseases, overall morbidity and mortality. Sustained weight loss will reduce risk factors and improve several obesity comorbidities. Options are conservative treatment such as lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery or medications. Conservative treatment has a low success rate, and bariatric surgery is typically not reversible, with the risk of complications and recurrences. Treatment of obesity with medications has in recent years shown great promise, but the side effects are many, and the long-term effect is unknown. There is also a need for an option for patients where surgery has contraindications and conservative follow-up does not succeed.

The research on obesity and gut microbiota has yielded promising results regarding weight reduction and metabolic health, but more research is needed to better understand the relationship between gut microbiota and severe obesity. This study could show proof of concept that gut microbiota from a lean donor could, in addition to lifestyle intervention, contribute to weight reduction in people suffering from severe obesity.

Method and analysis

This study aims to investigate if a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from a lean donor leads to weight reduction in participants suffering from severe obesity. The study is a single-centre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study with 60 participants. Participants will be randomised 1:1 for FMT from a lean donor or placebo. FMT or placebo will be delivered once by enema.

We will include participants from the outpatient clinic for severe obesity, at the Medical Department, University Hospital of North Norway, Harstad, by invitation only. The study has a follow-up period of 12 months, with study visits of 3, 6 and 12 months post FMT. The primary endpoint is a weight reduction of ≥10%, 12 months after intervention.

The results of the study will be published in open access journals. At the end of the study, the participants will receive information on which treatment group they belong to.

Ethics and dissemination

The Regional Ethical Committee in North Norway (REK) approved the study protocol (2017/1655/REK Nord). We plan to present the results from the study at (inter)national conferences and publish in open-access general peer-reviewed journals. The enema method for FMT administration used in this study was developed by our study team.

Trial registration number

NCT03273855.
Multi-Objective Self-Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization for Large-Scale Feature Selection in Classification
Authors: Zhang Chenyi , Xue Yu , Neri Ferrante , Cai Xu , Slowik Adam
Published: December 2023

Feature selection (FS) is recognized for its role in enhancing the performance of learning algorithms, especially for high-dimensional datasets. In recent times, FS has been framed as a multi-objective optimization problem, leading to the application of various multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) to address it. However, the solution space expands exponentially with the dataset’s dimensionality. Simultaneously, the extensive search space often results in numerous local optimal solutions due to a large proportion of unrelated and redundant features [H. Adeli and H. S. Park, Fully automated design of super-high-rise building structures by a hybrid ai model on a massively parallel machine, AI Mag. 17 (1996) 87–93]. Consequently, existing MOEAs struggle with local optima stagnation, particularly in large-scale multi-objective FS problems (LSMOFSPs). Different LSMOFSPs generally exhibit unique characteristics, yet most existing MOEAs rely on a single candidate solution generation strategy (CSGS), which may be less efficient for diverse LSMOFSPs [H. S. Park and H. Adeli, Distributed neural dynamics algorithms for optimization of large steel structures, J. Struct. Eng. ASCE 123 (1997) 880–888; M. Aldwaik and H. Adeli, Advances in optimization of highrise building structures, Struct. Multidiscip. Optim. 50 (2014) 899–919; E. G. González, J. R. Villar, Q. Tan, J. Sedano and C. Chira, An efficient multi-robot path planning solution using a* and coevolutionary algorithms, Integr. Comput. Aided Eng. 30 (2022) 41–52]. Moreover, selecting an appropriate MOEA and determining its corresponding parameter values for a specified LSMOFSP is time-consuming. To address these challenges, a multi-objective self-adaptive particle swarm optimization (MOSaPSO) algorithm is proposed, combined with a rapid nondominated sorting approach. MOSaPSO employs a self-adaptive mechanism, along with five modified efficient CSGSs, to generate new solutions. Experiments were conducted on ten datasets, and the results demonstrate that the number of features is effectively reduced by MOSaPSO while lowering the classification error rate. Furthermore, superior performance is observed in comparison to its counterparts on both the training and test sets, with advantages becoming increasingly evident as the dimensionality increases.
GREEN TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY MISMEASUREMENT WITHOUT CONSIDERING INTANGIBLES: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: LI QING , YU KEXING , WU YANRUI
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to re-estimate green total factor productivity (GTFP) with the consideration of intangible capital in Chinese provinces between 2003 and 2017. Intangible capital is broadly defined and categorized into computerized information, innovative property and economic competency property. The finding suggests that the conventional GTFP is underestimated especially during the post-financial crisis period in China. It is also found that technical efficiency, which shows the trend of deterioration without capitalizing intangibles, improves steadily and jointly with technological progress contributing to the improvement of productivity. The mismeasurement of GTFP is more severe in developed regions in China where intangible investment is more emphasized. Furthermore, regional GTFP shows the trend of convergence after intangible capital is incorporated and the rate of convergence turns to be faster in coastal regions than that in the interior.
Gravitational wave: Generation and detection techniques
Authors: Ray Saibal , Bhattacharya R. , Sahay Sanjay K. , Aziz Abdul , Das Amit
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we review the theoretical basis for generation of gravitational waves and the detection techniques used to detect a gravitational wave. To materialize this goal in a thorough way, we first start with a mathematical background for general relativity from which a clue for gravitational wave was conceived by Einstein. Thereafter, we give the classification scheme of gravitational waves such as (i) continuous gravitational waves, (ii) compact binary inspiral gravitational waves and (iii) stochastic gravitational wave. Necessary mathematical insight into gravitational waves from binaries is also dealt with which follows detection of gravitational waves based on the frequency classification. Ground-based observatories as well as space borne gravitational wave detectors are discussed in a length. We have provided an overview on the inflationary gravitational waves. In connection to data analysis by matched filtering there are a few highlights on the techniques, e.g. (i) random noise, (ii) power spectrum, (iii) shot noise and (iv) Gaussian noise. Optimal detection statistics for a gravitational wave detection is also in the pipeline of the discussion along with detailed necessity of the matched filter and deep learning.
Effective potential in non-perturbative gauge theories
Authors: Calcagni Gianluca , Frasca Marco , Ghoshal Anish
Published: December 2023

We consider a formalism to describe the false-vacuum decay of a scalar field in gauge theories in non-perturbative regimes. We find that the larger the gauge coupling with respect to the self-coupling of the scalar, the shallower the local minimum of the unstable vacuum, to the point where it disappears. This offers the possibility to obtain a consistent picture of early universe cosmology: at high temperatures, a false-vacuum decay is strongly favored and the universe naturally evolves towards a stable state.
A comparison principle for a doubly singular quasilinear anisotropic problem
Authors: Montoro Luigi , Sciunzi Berardino , Trombetta Alessandro
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we prove a comparison principle for sub-supersolutions to a singular quasilinear problem that involves the anisotropic Finsler operator [Formula: see text] As a main consequence, we obtain a uniqueness result for weak solutions to the problem (𝒫). The proof is carried out also proving a sharp regularity result of the solutions up to the boundary. Our results are new even in the euclidean case.
Wave Propagation in the Semi-Infinite Functionally Graded Porous Plates Reinforced with Graphene Platelets
Authors: Zhu Jun , Wang Zhengzheng , Zhang Liqiang , Wu Helong , Zhao Li , Zhang Han , Wu Huaping
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the wave propagation in the graphene platelets (GPLs)-enhanced functionally graded porous plates. The governing equations of motion are obtained using the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT). Subsequently, the equations are transformed into the state-space form. The wave dispersion relation is derived by solving the state space equation by means of the method of reverberation-ray matrix and the accuracy of this approach is validated through a comparative analysis with the results from relevant literature. In addition, parametric analyses are carried out, including boundary conditions, porosity coefficient, GPL mass fraction, porosity distribution, GPL distribution, and thickness-to-width ratio, on the dispersion behavior of functionally graded GPLs-reinforced porous plates. The use of GPLs in these composites is particularly promising, and the findings offer valuable insights into the design of composites with tailored properties for specific engineering applications.
Photodynamic antimicrobial activities of a series of meso-substituted 2,6-dibrominated 1,3,5,7-tetramethylBODIPY dyes
Authors: May Aviwe K. , Ngoy Bokolombe P. , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: December 2023

The photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) activities of seven 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,6-dibromoBODIPY dyes with 4-acetamidophenyl (2a), 2-iodophenyl (2b), 3-iodophenyl (2c), 4-iodophenyl (2d), 2-bromophenyl (2e), 5-bromothien-2-yl (2f), and methylphenyl ester (2g) meso-substituents were studied against Staphylococcus aureus through irradiation with a 530 nm Thorlabs M530L3 light emitting diode (LED) (110 mW.cm[Formula: see text] to identify structure-property relationships related to modifying the meso-substituent. Significant differences are observed in the log[Formula: see text] reduction values obtained with 1 [Formula: see text]M of 2a exhibiting the highest PACT activity with a value of 9.60 after 15 min of photoirradiation. In contrast, log[Formula: see text] reduction values < 1.20 were obtained after 60 min of photoirradiation for iodophenyl dyes 2b-2d. The data demonstrate that the singlet oxygen quantum yield of the dye is not the most important factor determining the PACT activity properties.
Nonlinear Analysis of an Extended Heterogeneous Lattice Hydrodynamic Model Considering on/off-Ramps
Authors: Cheng Rongjun , An Xudong , Cheng Yumin
Published: December 2023

To study the impact of on/off-ramps on traffic stability in heterogeneous traffic flow, a novel lattice hydrodynamic model was presented. The new model’s stability condition was determined using the linear stability analysis method. The theoretical results reveal that traffic flow stability is influenced by the proportion of vehicles with different maximum speeds and safe headway, as well as the presence of on-ramps and off-ramps to a certain degree. Through the approximate perturbation method, the mKdV equation and the kink–antikink solution of the traffic density at the jam area are obtained. In order to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the new model, numerical simulations were conducted to demonstrate on/off ramp effect and different proportions of vehicles which possess bigger maximum velocity or safe space headway affect the traffic stability. The numerical results indicate that in heterogeneous traffic flow scenarios, increasing the ratio of vehicles which possess bigger maximum velocity or bigger safe space headway can lead to a deterioration of traffic stability. The effect of on-ramp could cause traffic instability, while the effect of off-ramp is beneficial for easing traffic congestion.
Graphic lattice constructed by graceful-difference total colorings
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Shumin , Ye Chengfu , Yao Bing
Published: December 2023

Lattice cryptosystem is a kind of public key cryptosystem which is resistant to quantum computing attacks. Cryptanalysis is involved in the study of lattice cryptanalysis. There are many problems such as the interdisciplinary characteristics are obvious and the research methods tend to be diversified. This paper defines new graph total colorings: graceful-difference total coloring, odd-edge graceful difference total coloring. It is proven that (1) if a connected bipartite graph [Formula: see text] recognizes ordered graceful-difference labeling, the bipartite graph [Formula: see text] obtained by adding [Formula: see text] leaves to connected bipartite graph [Formula: see text] recognizes a graceful-difference total coloring, (2) in order to establish a random coloring graphic lattice, two operations are given to design the graphic lattice. The proof of the theorem can be transformed into a feasible and effective algorithm.
Universal adjacency spectrum of the cozero-divisor graph and its complement on a finite commutative ring with unity
Authors: Bajaj Saraswati , Panigrahi Pratima
Published: December 2023

For a finite simple undirected graph [Formula: see text], the universal adjacency matrix [Formula: see text] is a linear combination of the adjacency matrix [Formula: see text], the degree diagonal matrix [Formula: see text], the identity matrix [Formula: see text] and the all-ones matrix [Formula: see text], that is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The cozero-divisor graph [Formula: see text] of a finite commutative ring [Formula: see text] with unity is a simple undirected graph with the set of all nonzero nonunits of [Formula: see text] as vertices and two vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study structural properties of [Formula: see text] by defining an equivalence relation on its vertex set in terms of principal ideals of the ring [Formula: see text]. Then we obtain the universal adjacency eigenpairs of [Formula: see text] and its complement, and as a consequence one may obtain several spectra like the adjacency, Seidel, Laplacian, signless Laplacian, normalized Laplacian, generalized adjacency and convex linear combination of the adjacency and degree diagonal matrix of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in an unified way. Moreover, we get the universal adjacency eigenpairs of the cozero-divisor graph and its complement for a reduced ring and the ring of integers modulo [Formula: see text] in a simpler form.
A PAY-FOR-CUTS CARBON TREATY
Authors: SEIDMAN LAURENCE , YAN XIN
Published: December 2023

This paper describes and analyzes a proposal for a pay-for-cuts carbon treaty and illustrates how it would work with numerical simulations for 186 countries. A treaty board would pay each country’s government an amount P for each CO2 ton the country cuts by any method. Each government would decide how to get its firms and households to cut CO2 emissions; the board would encourage a carbon tax or cap-and-trade but not require it. [Formula: see text] is the number of tons that country i reduces its CO2 emissions. [Formula: see text] equals country i’s base emissions minus its actual emissions which are publicly available data. Country i’s government would receive [Formula: see text] from the board. The board’s [Formula: see text] payments would be financed by country government contributions to the board. A formula would give each country’s government the amount it must contribute each year. The formula would aim to make government contributions equal to the board’s [Formula: see text] payments and equitably distribute the burdens from cutting world emissions. Representatives of the countries would have to approve the board’s most important decisions.
Development of ZnWO4crystal scintillators for rare events search
Authors: Belli P. , Bernabei R. , Caracciolo V. , Cerulli R. , Leoncini A. , Merlo V. , Borovlev Yu. A. , Shlegel V. N. , Tkachev D. S. , Tkachev S. V. , Cappella F. , Incicchitti A. , Cherubini N. , Piccinelli E. , Danevich F. A. , Kasperovych D. V. , Polischuk O. G. , Tretyak V. I. , Zhdankov V. N.
Published: December 2023

The ZnWO4crystal scintillator is a promising detector for low counting experiments thanks to the high level of radiopurity and reasonably high optical and scintillation properties. In particular, ZnWO4scintillators can be utilized in the searches for double beta processes, in the investigation of rare alpha decays and Dark Matter. In fact, one of its main characteristics is to be an anisotropic detector. In the case of interaction of heavy particles or nuclear recoils, the light output and the time profile of the scintillation pulse depend on the direction of the particles with respect to the crystal axes; no difference is observed for [Formula: see text] radiation. These anisotropic features can offer a unique possibility to exploit the so-called directionality approach in order to investigate the presence of the Dark Matter candidates which induces nuclear recoils. In fact, their use can overcome the difficulty of detecting extremely short nuclear recoil traces.
Annihilation and nuclear elastic scattering of low-energy antiprotons
Authors: Bianconi Andrea , Costantini Giovanni , Gosta Giulia , Leali Marco , Mascagna Valerio , Migliorati Stefano , Venturelli Luca
Published: December 2023

We perform a fitting procedure to differential elastic scattering cross section data of antiproton at intermediate energy on three different nuclei to evaluate parameters of a six-parameters Woods-Saxon optical potential. Then, with these values, we calculate the reaction cross sections at different momenta and evaluate the differential elastic cross sections for low-momenta antiproton ([Formula: see text]). We find that our analysis underestimates the reaction cross sections for data over the momentum-range 50 MeV/c to 1000 MeV/c. We predict measurable effect for antiprotons with momentum above 50 MeV/c at large angles ([Formula: see text]), in agreement with other recent results. Finally, we consider possible improvements to the model and the analysis.
Photon angular distribution of radiative electron capture into high-Z projectiles: A brief review
Authors: Zhu Binghui
Published: December 2023

With the revolutionary development in the design of heavy-ion cooler storage rings and detectors, increasing interest is being focused on ion-atom collisions, in which the projectiles with a velocity comparable to the speed of light and the electronic transitions in inner shells of high-[Formula: see text] ions are involved. For this purpose, a fundamental interaction mechanism between a photon and an atomic electron in the presence of a strong Coulomb field is reviewed from the perspective of radiative electron capture into highly-charged ions. This is followed by the discussions of photon-electron interactions beyond the dipole approximation, which can be unambiguously visible in the photon angular distributions. In addition, the interference between the leading electric dipole transition [Formula: see text] and the magnetic multipole transition [Formula: see text] for the case of Lyman-[Formula: see text] radiation in hydrogen-like projectiles is also discussed.
Deep Learning Workload Scheduling in GPU Datacenters: A Survey
Authors: Ye Zhisheng , Gao Wei , Hu Qinghao , Sun Peng , Wang Xiaolin , Luo Yingwei , Zhang Tianwei , Wen Yonggang
Published: December 2023

Deep learning (DL) has demonstrated its remarkable success in a wide variety of fields. The development of a DL model is a time-consuming and resource-intensive procedure. Hence, dedicated GPU accelerators have been collectively constructed into a GPU datacenter. An efficient scheduler design for a GPU datacenter is crucially important to reduce operational cost and improve resource utilization. However, traditional approaches designed for big data or high-performance computing workloads can not support DL workloads to fully utilize the GPU resources. Recently, many schedulers are proposed to tailor for DL workloads in GPU datacenters. This article surveys existing research efforts for both training and inference workloads. We primarily present how existing schedulers facilitate the respective workloads from the
scheduling objectives
and
resource utilization manner
. Finally, we discuss several promising future research directions including emerging DL workloads, advanced scheduling decision making, and underlying hardware resources. A more detailed summary of the surveyed paper and code links can be found at our project website:
https://github.com/S-Lab-System-Group/Awesome-DL-Scheduling-Papers
Real-World Evidence for Risk Factors of Bruises and Fractures from Falls in Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Medical Record Analysis
Authors: Miyajima Shigero , Omaru Taisei , Ishii Tatsu , Arima Hisatomi , Shibata Yozo , Izaki Teruaki , Haga Nobuhiro
Published: December 2023

Aim. To identify the risk factors for bruises and fractures from falls in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). Methods. We evaluated 1136 patients with OAB and aged ≥50 years who visited our hospital. Age, sex, frequency of nocturnal urination, and urinary incontinence type were investigated in the 360 eligible patients. Patients were divided into three groups: those patients without falls (no-fall group), those with fall bruises (bruise group), and those with fall fractures (fracture group). The risk factors for bruises and fractures in patients with OAB were evaluated using the logistic regression analysis. In addition, association between the bruises or fractures from falls and the behavior around urination during the night was investigated. Results. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female sex (odds ratio (OR) 2.888, p = 0.030) and nocturnal urination frequency ≥3 times/night (OR vs. ≤2 times/night, 2.940; p = 0.040) were significantly associated with bruises. Nocturnal urination frequency ≥3 times/night (OR vs. ≤2 times/night, 2.835; p = 0.026) and urge incontinence (OR 3.415, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with fractures. Behavior around urination during the night was significantly associated with fractures (p = 0.009). Conclusion. In the real-world clinical setting, increasing nocturnal urination frequency is a common risk factor for bruises and fractures. Also, female sex and urge incontinence were the risk factors for bruises and fractures, respectively. OAB patients with urge incontinence would especially require aggressive intervention to prevent fractures during night-time voiding.
A Modified Horse Herd Optimization Algorithm and Its Application in the Program Source Code Clustering
Authors: Arasteh Bahman , Gunes Peri , Bouyer Asgarali , Soleimanian Gharehchopogh Farhad , Alipour Banaei Hamed , Ghanbarzadeh Reza
Published: December 2023

Maintenance is one of the costliest phases in the software development process. If architectural design models are accessible, software maintenance can be made more straightforward. When the software’s source code is the only available resource, comprehending the program profoundly impacts the costs associated with software maintenance. The primary objective of comprehending the source code is extracting information used during the software maintenance phase. Generating a structural model based on the program source code is an effective way of reducing overall software maintenance costs. Software module clustering is considered a tremendous reverse engineering technique for constructing structural design models from the program source code. The main objectives of clustering modules are to reduce the quantity of connections between clusters, increase connections within clusters, and improve the quality of clustering. Finding the perfect clustering model is considered an NP-complete problem, and many previous approaches had significant issues in addressing this problem, such as low success rates, instability, and poor modularization quality. This paper applied the horse herd optimization algorithm, a distinctive population-based and discrete metaheuristic technique, in clustering software modules. The proposed method’s effectiveness in addressing the module clustering problem was examined by ten real-world standard software test benchmarks. Based on the experimental data, the quality of the clustered models produced is approximately 3.219, with a standard deviation of 0.0718 across the ten benchmarks. The proposed method surpasses former methods in convergence, modularization quality, and result stability. Furthermore, the experimental results demonstrate the versatility of this approach in effectively addressing various real-world discrete optimization challenges.
Quantitative MR Analysis of Changes in the Radius Bone Marrow in Osteoporosis
Authors: De-Levie Tamar K. , Schiffenbauer Yael S. , Druckmann Ido , Rouach Vanessa , Stern Naftali , Binderman Itzhak , Nevo Uri
Published: December 2023

Purpose. This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility of scanning the human distal radius bone marrow in vivo to detect osteoporosis-related changes using magnetic resonance and evaluate whether the radius may serve as an accessible probing site for osteoporosis. This may lead in the future to the use of affordable means such as low-field MRI scanners for the monitoring of disease progression. Methods. A clinical trial was performed using a 3T MR scanner, including 26 women assigned into three study groups: healthy-premenopausal (n = 7; mean age 48.6 ± 3.5 years), healthy-postmenopausal (n = 10; mean age 54.5 ± 5.6 years), and osteoporotic-postmenopausal (n = 9; mean age 61.3 ± 5.6 years). Marrow fat composition was evaluated using T2 maps, a two-compartment model of T1, and a Dixon pulse sequence. Results. The osteoporotic group exhibited higher fat content than the other two groups and lower T2 values than the healthy-premenopausal group. Conclusions. Osteoporosis-related changes in the composition of the distal radius bone marrow may be detected in vivo using MRI protocols. The scanning protocols chosen here can later be repeated using low-field MRI scanners, thus offering the potential for early detection and treatment monitoring, using an accessible, affordable means that may be applied in small clinics. This trial is registered with MOH_2018-05-23_002247, NCT03742362.
Figure S3 from SHP2 Inhibition with TNO155 Increases Efficacy and Overcomes Resistance of ALK Inhibitors in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Valencia-Sama Ivette , Kee Lynn , Christopher Gabriella , Ohh Michael , Layeghifard Mehdi , Shlien Adam , Hayes Madeline N. , Irwin Meredith S.
Published: December 2023

Figure S3. TNO155 and ALK-TKI treatments increase apoptosis, reduce PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, and decrease growth of ALK mutant cells.