bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic regulation of N‐hydroxypipecolic acid biosynthesis by the AIPP3‐PHD2‐CPL2 complex
Authors: Lan Jiameng , Chen Siyu , Pico Joana , Ao Kevin , Xia Shitou , Wang Shucai , Li Xin , Castellarin Simone D. , Zhang Yuelin
Published: October 2023

N‐Hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP) is a signaling molecule crucial for systemic acquired resistance (SAR), a systemic immune response in plants that provides long‐lasting and broad‐spectrum protection against secondary pathogen infections. To identify negative regulators of NHP biosynthesis, we performed a forward genetic screen to search for mutants with elevated expression of the NHP biosynthesis gene FLAVIN‐DEPENDENT MONOOXYGENASE 1 (FMO1). Analysis of two constitutive expression of FMO1 (cef) and one induced expression of FMO1 (ief) mutants revealed that the AIPP3–PHD2–CPL2 protein complex, which is involved in the recognition of the histone modification H3K27me3 and transcriptional repression, contributes to the negative regulation of FMO1 expression and NHP biosynthesis. Our study suggests that epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in controlling FMO1 expression and NHP levels in plants.
Pushed Out and Drawn In: Exclusionary Discipline, Mental Health, and Protective Factors Among Youth in Public Schools
Authors: So Marvin , Freese Rebecca L. , Barnes Andrew J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Exclusionary discipline (ED) has long been an educational equity concern, but its relationship with student health and protective factors is less understood.

Methods

Using population‐based public school student data (N = 82,216), we examined associations between past‐month ED and positive depression and anxiety screening instrument results. We also assessed whether each of 9 potential protective factors moderated the ED‐mental health relationship by testing interaction effects.

Results

Over 1 in 10 youth experienced past‐month ED, with variation by sex, gender identity, special education status, poverty, region, race/ethnicity, and adverse childhood experiences. Net of sociodemographic factors, youth who experienced ED had higher likelihood for current depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55, 1.73) and anxiety (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.41, 1.58) symptoms. Significant associations were robust across 5 racial/ethnic groups, except for anxiety among American Indian/Alaska Native youth. Individual, interpersonal, and school‐level protective factors appeared to mitigate depression and anxiety regardless of disciplinary experience.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

Our findings document ED disproportionality and possible ramifications for emotional well‐being.

Conclusions

In concert with structural efforts to reduce reliance on ED, strategies that bolster protective factors may support youth already impacted by ED and/or mental health problems.
Dietary sulfated polysaccharides extracted fromCaulerpasp. andPadinasp. modulated physiological performance, antibacterial activity and ammonia challenge test in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Jahaniyan Bahnamiri Ahmad , Abedian Kenari Abdolmohammad , Babaei Sedigheh , Banavreh Akbar , Soltanian Siyavash
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, the use of seaweed derivatives in aquaculture has drawn attention for their potential as an immunostimulant and growth promotor. The sulfated polysaccharide extracted (SPE) from green (Caulerpasp.; SPC) and brown (Padinasp.; SPP) seaweeds with two concentrations (0.05% and 0.1%); nominated in four groups: SPC0.05, SPC0.1, SPP0.05, SPP0.1and control group (free of SPE) were used for juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diet. Fish (N: 150; 8.5 ± 0.2 g) were selected aleatory distributed in 15 circular tanks (triplicate for the group) and fed test diets for 56 days. The outcomes revealed that the supplementation of SPEup to 1 g kg−1failed to show significant differences in the organosomatic indices as compared to the control group. The most inferior protein value of dress‐out fish composition was observed in the fish fed the control diet, which was statistically lower than the SCP0.1group (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in other macronutrient composition among the treatments. Total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) had lower trend in the carcass of fish fed SPEsupplemented diets, so that lowest MUFA were observed in SPC0.05group (p < 0.05; 25.22 ± 4.29%). The lowest value of docosahexaenoic acid was observed in the control diet compared to the SPE‐supplemented diets (p < 0.05). The serum alternative complement pathway levels in all treatments tend to promote compared to the control treatment. A similar trend was observed for lysozyme activity. According to the results, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) value were highest in SPC0.05and SPC0.1compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05), while a further elevation of the SPEPadinasp. extracted level (SPP0.1) leads to a decrease in SOD value. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of plasma was indicated not to influence by sulfated polysaccharide extracts in the refrigerated storage. The lowest serum stress indicators were observed in fish fed SPP0.05group postchallenge test. Taken together, our outcomes revealed that SPEof two species of seaweeds bestows benefits in some of the immunity and antioxidant system. Also, notable elevations in HUFA were observed in juvenile rainbow trout fed supplemented with SPE.
Can the annual bycatch per unit effort of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) be used to index the species' relative abundance in the East Sea of Korea?
Authors: Yoo Joon‐Taek , Park Kyum Joon
Published: October 2023

Visual line‐transect surveys are widely used to estimate the abundance of cetacean populations; however, this method can be prohibitively expensive. Thus, a less expensive alternative method was investigated in the present study, i.e., whether temporal changes in the bycatch per unit effort (BPUE) of cetaceans could be used to index the changes in their abundance. Specifically, the relationship between the annual BPUE of two main bycatch fisheries and the relative abundance of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) was examined in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017 when vessel‐based line‐transect surveys were conducted in the coastal region of the East Sea of Korea. The encounter rate (individuals/km) by study year was significantly correlated with the annual BPUE of set nets. An increase in the density (individuals/km2) of common dolphins, estimated according to a hazard‐rate key function by study year, was associated with an increase in the BPUE of set nets. These results suggest that the annual BPUE of common dolphins could be used to index the species' relative abundance. The BPUE of set nets, which are fixed in coastal regions, reflect the densities of common dolphins in the coastal regions better than that of gill nets used in coastal and offshore regions.
Brassinosteroid enhances salt tolerance via S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase and nitric oxide signaling pathway in mangrove Kandelia obovata
Authors: Zeng Lin‐Lan , Song Ling‐Yu , Wu Xuan , Ma Dong‐Na , Song Shi‐Wei , Wang Xiu‐Xiu , Zheng Hai‐Lei
Published: October 2023

Brassinosteroid (BR) has been shown to modulate plant tolerance to various stresses. S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) is involved in the plant response to environment stress by fine‐turning the level of nitric oxide (NO). However, whether GSNOR is involved in BR‐regulated Na+/K+ homeostasis to improve the salt tolerance in halophyte is unknown. Here, we firstly reported that high salinity increases the expression of BR‐biosynthesis genes and the endogenous levels of BR in mangrove Kandelia obovata. Then, salt‐induced BR triggers the activities and gene expressions of GSNOR and antioxidant enzymes, thereafter decrease the levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, BR‐mediated GSNOR negatively regulates NO contributions to the reduction of reactive oxygen species generation and induction of the gene expression related to Na+ and K+ transport, leading to the decrease of Na+/K+ ratio in the roots of K. obovata. Finally, the applications of exogenous BR, NO scavenger, BR biosynthetic inhibitor and GSNOR inhibitor further confirm the function of BR. Taken together, our result provides insight into the mechanism of BR in the response of mangrove K. obovata to high salinity via GSNOR and NO signaling pathway by reducing oxidative damage and modulating Na+/K+ homeostasis.
Causal decision theory, context, and determinism
Authors: McNamara Calum
Published: October 2023

The classic formulation of causal decision theory (CDT) appeals to counterfactuals. It says that you should aim to choose an option that would have a good outcome, were you to choose it. However, this version of CDT faces trouble if the laws of nature are deterministic. After all, the standard theory of counterfactuals says that, if the laws are deterministic, then if anything—including the choice you make—were different in the present, either the laws would be violated or the distant past would be changed. And as several authors have shown, it's easy to transform this upshot of the standard theory of counterfactuals into full‐blown counterexamples to CDT. In response to these counterexamples, I argue here that the problem lies, not so much with CDT's guiding idea—that it's the expected causal consequences of your actions that matter for rational decision‐making—but with the fact that the classic formulation of CDT doesn't pay sufficient attention to the context‐sensitivity of counterfactuals. I develop a contextualist version of CDT which better accounts for this context‐sensitivity. And I show that my theory avoids the problems faced by the classic formulation of CDT in determinstic worlds.
Gender and moral language on the presidential campaign trail
Authors: Redlawsk David P. , Nam Jiwon , Walter Annemarie S.
Published: October 2023

Political candidates choose to highlight morality in their campaign speeches in various ways. In particular, we expect presidential candidates to highlight moral principles in introducing themselves to voters early in the campaign. However, usage may not be the same across candidates. Existing research suggests that, in general, women focus on different moral values than men. The question is whether such findings in the mass public translate into rhetorical differences between men and women presidential candidates. We know little about whether such gender differences exist, and if so, how they might influence voters. We examine a unique data set of presidential candidate speeches given in Iowa in the 2016 and 2020 nomination campaigns, developing and testing hypotheses about gender, the use of moral language, and its effects on vote outcomes. Using automated text analysis, we find that all else equal, while women candidates do not use more moral language overall, they do emphasize care and fairness more than men, and in doing so, they may be disadvantaging themselves, especially when using language related to fairness.
Holding out for a hero: Linking hiring duration and managerial fit
Authors: Wightman G. Breck
Published: October 2023

Although prolonged executive vacancies are often viewed negatively, decision‐makers often extend the hiring duration in an attempt to identify the right fit. What is the relationship between the hiring duration and the level of fit in the new hire? Using the presidential hires of elite colleges and universities in the United States between 2005 and 2019, this study identifies the effects of executive search and vacancy durations on managerial fit. Findings indicate a nonlinear relationship between search duration and fit; longer searches lead to less fit in the short‐term, but this effect diminishes after roughly 77 weeks. Surprisingly, this effect is also dampened over time by longer vacancy duration, which acts as a moderator between search duration and fit. Thus, to the extent that decision‐makers are concerned about fit and short‐term performance, steps should be taken to reduce search duration as much as possible, unless a long vacancy is likely to be incurred.
The dynamics of new sharing economy ventures strategies and ecosystem legitimacy: the case of Airbnb
Authors: Kashanizadeh Zahra , Khanagha Saeed , Alexiou Andreas , Volberda Henk
Published: October 2023

While new ventures strive to align with prevailing demand and expectations to gain and maintain legitimacy and successfully overcome the liability of newness, sharing economy ventures face additional legitimacy pressure before and after they achieve scale. Based on an inductive single case study approach, using the example of Airbnb Inc., this study investigates how digital platform‐based ventures navigate the tension between remaining legitimate yet distinctive throughout the organizational lifecycle. Adopting a processual perspective, our findings reveal the strategies used by Airbnb to navigate the temporal dynamics of entering established industries. With a particular focus on the digital platform's efforts to achieve and maintain cognitive and sociopolitical legitimacy, this study aims to enhance knowledge regarding the formation and adjustment of organizational strategy and identity over time. Our proposed model of digital platform development reveals three distinct stages of strategy shifts, including demonstrating a sense of novelty, establishing dominant positioning in a broader market, and competitive differentiation to create value for customers. Furthermore, we show the primary triggers for change and the organizational identity change process in different stages of the organizational lifecycle.
Elevational clines predict genetically determined variation in tropical forest seedling performance in Borneo: implications for seed sourcing to support reforestation
Authors: Axelsson E. Petter , Ilstedt Ulrik , Alloysius David , Grady Kevin C.
Published: October 2023

While much research has focused on genetic variation in plants in relation to abiotic clines in temperate and boreal forests, few studies have examined similar relationships in tropical forests. Genetic variation in desirable performance traits of trees, such as drought tolerance, fast‐growth, and carbon sequestration rates, is widely used to improve reforestation efforts in nontropical systems. However, evolutionary processes such as local adaptation are poorly understood in tropical forests making it difficult to locate desired phenotypes. To test for genetic variation in growth rate in relationship to climatic clines, we conducted a common garden study over 18 months in a nursery using four dipterocarp tree species, represented by 9–12 half‐sib families, sourced across an elevational gradient ranging from lowland to hill forests (circa 130–470 m above sea‐level) in Malaysian Borneo. We found genetic variation in growth for all four species with fast‐growing half‐sib families growing 42–88% faster than poorly performing half‐sib families. Furthermore, in three species we found that elevation of seedling origin predicted seedling performance; in Shorea fallax and S. johorensis, half‐sib families originating from low elevations performed the best. In S. argentifolia half‐sib families' seedlings from low elevations grew slowly. Because elevation is a good proxy for climate, the finding of elevational clines predicting genetic variation in growth provides evidence of evolution affecting the function of tropical tree species. Our research highlights opportunities to better understand evolutionary processes in tropical forests and to use such information to improve seed source selection in reforestation.
Impact of soil residual auxin herbicide on seedling emergence and biomass differs between soil types, water pulse event, and seedling species
Authors: Schroeder Ryan W. R. , Reichenborn Molly M. , Lehnhoff Erik A. , Hooper David , Velasco‐Cruz Ciro , Weinstein Joshua , Faist Akasha M.
Published: October 2023

Synthetic‐auxin herbicides are often used to control woody plants and aid in grassland restoration. Seed‐based restoration is common alongside herbicide applications and there may be unintended effects of these herbicides on dryland plants at the seed and seedling stages. Additionally, abiotic conditions at the time of herbicide application may influence herbicide–soil–plant interactions. We conducted a greenhouse study to examine the effects of a common shrub‐control herbicide mix and its interaction with soil type and a post‐herbicide water pulse on common desert plant seeds and seedlings. In this greenhouse study, we found that a subset of species responded negatively to soil residual herbicide activity of a mixture of aminopyralid, clopyralid, and triclopyr at the seed and seedling stages. Species sensitive to soil herbicide residues were primarily shrub and forb species that are often the target species of herbicide applications for woody plant control, such as honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). However, two shrub species (four‐wing saltbush [Atriplex canescens], soaptree yucca [Yucca elata]) and one perennial grass species (Arizona cottontop [Digitaria californica]), which are used in dryland restoration projects, were found to be particularly sensitive to soil residual herbicide activity. Thus, if using these herbicides to control woody plants and restore herbaceous vegetation via active seeding or relying on the in situ seed bank, considerations should be given to what species are used in the seed mix, what species are already present in the soil seed bank, and other details of the circumstances of herbicide application.
Characterisation of topographical, biomechanical and maturation properties of corneocytes with respect to anatomical location
Authors: Évora Ana S. , Zhang Zhibing , Johnson Simon A. , Adams Michael J.
Published: October 2023

Background

The Stratum Corneum (SC) is the first barrier of the skin. The properties of individual cells are crucial in understanding how the SC at different anatomical regions maintains a healthy mechanical barrier. The aim of the current study is to present a comprehensive description of the maturation and mechanical properties of superficial corneocytes at different anatomical sites in the nominal dry state.

Materials and methods

Corneocytes were collected from five anatomical sites: forearm, cheek, neck, sacrum and medial heel of 10 healthy young participants. The surface topography was analysed using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The level of positive‐involucrin cornified envelopes (CEs) and desmoglein‐1 (Dsg1) were used as indirect measures of immature CEs and corneodesmosomes, respectively. In addition, AFM nanoindentation and stress‐relaxation experiments were performed to characterise the mechanical properties.

Results

Volar forearm, neck and sacrum corneocytes presented similar topographies (ridges and valleys) and levels of Dsg1 (13–37%). In contrast, cheek cells exhibited circular nano‐objects, while medial heel cells were characterized by villi‐like structures. Additionally, medial heel samples also showed the greatest level of immature CEs (32–56%, p < 0.001) and Dsg1 (59–78%, p < 0.001). A large degree of inter‐subject variability was found for the Young's moduli of the cells (0.19–2.03 GPa), which was correlated with the level of immature CEs at the cheek, neck and sacrum (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It is concluded that a comprehensive study of the mechanical and maturation properties of corneocytes may be used to understand the barrier functions of the SC at different anatomical sites.
Framing, responsiveness, serviceability, and normativity: Categories of perception teachers use to relate to students' mathematical contributions in problem‐based lessons
Authors: Herbst Patricio , Brown Amanda , Chazan Daniel , Boileau Nicolas , Stevens Irma
Published: October 2023

We contribute to the understanding of teacher noticing by focusing on what a teacher may notice in students' mathematical contributions in the context of problem‐based lessons. Complementing approaches to research on noticing that focus on individual teachers' perceptual, cognitive, or situated skills, this conceptual article offers four categories of perception as examples of affordances available in the practice of teaching mathematics through problems. These include (1) the familiar instructional situations available to frame the problem, and the possibility to see student's work as (2) responsive to the problem, (3) serviceable for the knowledge at stake, and (4) normative with respect to the instructional situation used to frame the problem. The article shows examples of how teachers recognize responsiveness, serviceability, and normativity of student contributions and calls for research that can further uncover how such recognition may matter in the practice of teaching.
MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION MODELLING FOR THE COMPACTION CHARACTERISTICS OF SEDIMENTARY SOIL MIXED BENTONITE AS COMPACTED LINER
Authors: Khalid Norazlan , Mukri Mazidah , Md Zain Norhazwani , Razak Zakiah , Mohamed Jais Ismacahyadibagus
Published: October 2023

This paper attempts to develop a prediction model for compaction characteristics such as maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) of sedimentary residual soil mixed with bentonite as compacted liner. This prediction model was based on the laboratories testing data such as compaction testing and Atterberg limit testing of residual soil mixed with bentonite. Meanwhile, compaction testing was conducted at the different compaction energies. The Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis method was selected to develop a model in determining the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC). The predicted compaction model developed in this study was validated in accordance with the statistical validation steps and conditions. It was found from the modelling analysis, the significant relationship between the compaction energies (E) and OMC for MDD model. Meanwhile, it shows the significant relationship between liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), percentage bentonite (B) and compaction energies (E) for OMC model. The fitted regression model shows the reasonably good regression coefficient for MDD model is (R2 = 78.5%) and for OMC model is (R2 = 71.9%). The models were validated by comparing between the predicted model with measured model data from published study data. It was found, the determination coefficient and mean square error (MSE) for validated model between the predicted model and the measured models gave a value of R2 = 88.7% with MSE = 0.12% for MDD model and R2 = 88% with MSE = 4.3% for OMC model.
Virtual Model Development of the Load Application System of a Wind Turbine Nacelle Test Bench for Hybrid Test Applications
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Omer , Nejad Amir R. , Pedersen Eilif
Published: October 2023

The existing nacelle testing methods require continuous improvements to satisfy the ever-increasing demands for testing modern wind turbines. One way to achieve this goal is to use advanced simulation techniques to undertake hybrid testing, in which experiments and simulations are combined to push the boundaries of nacelle testing even further. To do so requires the development of a virtual model of the test bench featuring the true test bench dynamics and functionalities. This contribution presents the development of a virtual model of the complete nontorque load application system of a nacelle test bench at Fraunhofer IWES. The model development methodology is explained and the impact of different levels of modeling depth of the hydraulic system model is investigated. It is concluded that modeling of friction and valve dynamics is necessary as they have significant influence on the generated loads. These findings can help in the development of virtual models of nacelle test benches and pave the way for performing hybrid testing for wind turbine nacelles.
Effect of Power-Law Fluids Flow Structures on Germicides Disinfection Through Taylor–Couette Configuration
Authors: Hasballaoui Feriel , Khali Samir , Nebbali Rachid , Zidane Abderrahmane
Published: October 2023

Fluid disinfection involving ultraviolet (UV) rays is a promising method due to its easy implementation and low cost compared to other methods. In the present work, fluid disinfection in a Taylor–Couette configuration operating with power-law fluids with different absorbance coefficients, and fluence rates were simulated using the lattice Boltzmann Method. The effects of operating parameters such as Taylor and axial Reynolds numbers, power-law index behavior, and fluence rate were analyzed. Results show that the required UV dose decreases for an increase in absorbance coefficient, while it grows for increasing power-law indexes. For Ta = 120 and Re = 3, the disinfection reaches 82.3% for pseudo-plastic fluids and is complete for dilatant fluids. Considering different absorbance coefficients, it was observed that α=0.4 leads to complete disinfection regardless of the fluid. For α=0.5, fluid disinfection is complete for the dilatant fluid only. A value of 0.6 leads to partial disinfection (≈90%) for all fluids.
Fe2O3-graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposites analyzed by XPS
Authors: Benedet Mattia , Barreca Davide , Rizzi Gian Andrea , Maccato Chiara , Wree Jan-Lucas , Devi Anjana , Gasparotto Alberto
Published: October 2023

Nanocomposite systems based on iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) and graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) possess a great potential as photo(electro)catalysts for environmental remediation and energy generation. In this field, a key issue is the fabrication of supported materials directly grown onto suitable substrates and possessing tailored features. In the present study, Fe2O3–gCN nanomaterials are prepared by an innovative two-step strategy, consisting of initial plasma assisted-chemical vapor deposition of iron(III) oxide on conducting glass substrates and subsequent functionalization with low amounts of gCN by a facile electrophoretic deposition process. Attention is dedicated to the use of two different forms of carbon nitride, obtained from melamine or melamine + cyanuric acid, in order to finely tune the resulting material composition. In this work, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the pristine Fe2O3 deposit as well as two Fe2O3–gCN composite materials prepared starting from different gCN powders. A detailed analysis of the obtained spectroscopic data reveals the occurrence of a direct electronic interplay between single constituents, dependent on material characteristics. The related results may act as useful guidelines for the design of photo(electro)catalysts endowed with specific properties, of importance for sustainable applications.
Mutations in S2 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike strongly influence its conformation, fusogenicity, and neutralization sensitivity
Authors: Kumar Sahil , Delipan Rathina , Chakraborty Debajyoti , Kanjo Kawkab , Singh Randhir , Singh Nittu , Siddiqui Samreen , Tyagi Akansha , Jha Vinitaa , Thakur Krishan G. , Pandey Rajesh , Varadarajan Raghavan , Ringe Rajesh P.
Published: October 2023

SARS-CoV-2 has a remarkable ability to respond to and evolve against the selection pressure by host immunity exemplified by the emergence of Omicron lineage. Here, we characterized the functional significance of mutations in Omicron (BA.1 and BA.5) spike. By systematic transfer of mutations in wild type (WT) spike, we assessed neutralization sensitivity, fusogenicity, and TMPRSS2-dependence for entry. The data revealed that the mutations in both S1 and S2 complement to make Omicron a highly resistant variant. Strikingly, the mutations in Omicron S2 modulated the neutralization sensitivity to N-terminal domain and receptor binding domain antibodies, but not to S2-specific neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that the mutations in S2 were primarily acquired to gain resistance to S1-antibodies. Although all six mutations in S2 appeared to act in concert, D796Y showed the greatest impact on neutralization sensitivity and rendered the WT virus >100-fold resistant to S309, COVA2-17, and 4A8. The S2 mutations greatly reduced the antigenicity to neutralizing antibodies due to reduced exposure of epitopes. In addition to the effect on potency, S2 mutations increased antigenic heterogeneity of Omicron spike protein and neutralization of pseudoviruses plateaued below 100%. In terms of the entry pathway, S1 or S2 mutations only partially altered the entry phenotype of WT, and both sets of mutations were required for a complete switch to the endosomal route and loss of syncytia formation. In particular, N856K and L981F in Omicron BA.1 compromised fusion capacity which helps explain why subsequent Omicron variants lost them in order to regain fusogenicity.

IMPORTANCE

The Omicron subvariants have substantially evaded host-neutralizing antibodies and adopted an endosomal route of entry. The virus has acquired several mutations in the receptor binding domain and N-terminal domain of S1 subunit, but remarkably, also incorporated mutations in S2 which are fixed in Omicron sub-lineage. Here, we found that the mutations in the S2 subunit affect the structural and biological properties such as neutralization escape, entry route, fusogenicity, and protease requirement.
In vivo
, these mutations may have significant roles in tropism and replication. A detailed understanding of the effects of S2 mutations on Spike function, immune evasion, and viral entry would inform the vaccine design, as well as therapeutic interventions aiming to block the essential proteases for virus entry. Thus, our study has identified the crucial role of S2 mutations in stabilizing the Omicron spike and modulating neutralization resistance to antibodies targeting the S1 subunit.
Observation of a quality improvement initiative to contextually adapt and use Robson classification in real time to collect data around CS delivery and to develop strategies to reduce CS rate
Authors: Kumari Prabha , Singh Mahtab , Sinha Shailja , Ranjan Rajeev , Sharma Parul , Maitra Camelia , Bansal Shalini
Published: October 2023

The rising trend in caesarean section (CS) rate is a global concern and, in this hospital too, it rose from 21.5% in 2010 to 32.6% in 2018. The team followed the point of care quality improvement methodology and conducted a series of Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles to contextually modify and adapt Robson classification into the existing workflow to improve the process of documentation and data collection for CS in the first 6 months (January 2019–June 2019) and then to use these data to develop strategies to reduce CS rate below 30% in the next 18 months.

To evaluate the impact of developed strategies, the team plotted the data on Statistical Process Control (XmR) chart. The baseline mean CS rate was 32.6%. The team observed a shift in the CS rate data twice, between April 2020 and December 2020 and between August 2021 and February 2021 with the mean 27.8% and 28.9%, respectively. October 2021 onwards, the team also observed a sustained reduction in the CS rate in women undergoing CS who had one previous CS. The mean CS rate reduced from 94% to 86%.

The reductions in the CS rate were not sustained and followed by an increase again. The project highlighted the complexity of the factors related to CS delivery and the multidimensional barriers of sustaining the reduction in the CS rate. This is a well-sustained ongoing QI intervention and the team is further working on identifying the underlying factors to improve the efficacy of the interventions to sustain the reduction in the CS rate.

This hospital represents the general population of North India seeking care in public healthcare facilities. Therefore, despite being a single-centre study, the population served and interpretations drawn from this study are generalisable to other hospitals with similar settings.
Shadow, quasinormal modes, greybody bounds, and Hawking sparsity of loop quantum gravity motivated non-rotating black hole
Authors: Jha Sohan Kumar
Published: October 2023

We consider loop quantum gravity (LQG) motivated 4D polymerized black hole and study shadow, quasinormal modes, and Hawking radiation. We obtain analytical expressions of photonsphere radius and shadow radius and study their qualitative and quantitative nature of variation with respect to the LQG parameter $$\alpha $$
α
. We also show shadows of the black hole for various values of $$\alpha $$
α
. Our study reveals that both radii increase with an increase in the parameter value. We, then, study quasinormal modes for scalar and electromagnetic perturbations using the 6th order WKB method. Our study reveals that the LQG parameter impacts quasinormal modes. We observe that the oscillation of gravitational wave (GW) and decay rate decrease as $$\alpha $$
α
increases. At the same time, the error associated with the 6th order WKB method increases with an increase in $$\alpha $$
α
. The ringdown waveform for electromagnetic and scalar perturbations is shown. We also study greybody bounds, power spectrum, and sparsity of Hawking radiation. Greybody bounds for electromagnetic perturbations do not depend on $$\alpha $$
α
. For scalar perturbation, greybody bounds increase as the LQG parameter increases, but the variation with $$\alpha $$
α
is very small. The peak of the power spectrum as well as total power emitted decrease as we increase the value of $$\alpha $$
α
. Also, the sparsity of Hawking radiation gets significantly impacted by quantum correction. Finally, we obtain the area spectrum of the black hole. It is found to be significantly different than that for the Schwarzschild black hole.
EXPORT LIBERALIZATION AND EXPORTERS’ LEVERAGE: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA’S WTO ACCESSION
Authors: ZHAO XIAOTAO , CHEN XIAOPING
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the effect of export liberalization on exporters’ financial leverage. With the data on Chinese exporter leverage around World Trade Organization (WTO) China’s accession, we identify a negative causal effect of export liberalization, removal of the trade policy uncertainty as an exogenous shock, on exporter’s leverage using a difference-in-difference approach. The results are robust under a series of tests. We also examine the heterogeneous effects across firm types and across locations. These effects primarily concentrate on private enterprises, foreign-invested enterprises, companies located in the eastern regions and processing trade enterprises. State-owned enterprises, businesses in western regions and general trade enterprises are not significantly affected. Further analyses reveal that export liberalization also reduces the industry financial leverage dispersion across firms. The main mechanism is that export liberalization reduces exporters’ financing constraints.
The dynamical study and analysis of diverse bright-dark and breathers wave solutions of nonlinear evolution equations and their applications
Authors: Shehzad Khurrem , Seadawy Aly R. , Wang Jun , Arshad Muhammad
Published: October 2023

In this work, we establish novel solitary wave solutions of three nonlinear evolution dynamical models, namely, Boussinesq model, [Formula: see text]-dimensional generalized shallow water wave (SWW) and [Formula: see text]-dimensional Fokas dynamical models by applying two-variable [Formula: see text]- expansion technique. The SWW equations are usually appropriate when the fluid is in a state where the vertical length scale is significantly smaller than the length of horizontal scale. In computer simulations for ocean engineering, Boussinesq-type models are frequently used to represent water waves in harbors and shallow seas. In order to understand the physical processes of waves inside and on the surface of water, the Fokas dynamical model plays a crucial part in wave theory. Analytical solutions in different forms such as solitons, solitary waves, trigonometric, hyperbolic, rational function solutions, breathers-type waves and more wave solutions are devised through using the proposed method. The exact solutions are also presented in graphical form having applications in engineering and other areas of applied sciences. The obtained results show that the given technique is universal and efficient. In addition, this technique can also be applied on lots of other nonlinear dynamical wave models occurring in many scientific real-world application domains, including engineering sciences, mathematics physics, and many more.
Fractal dimension and Quark–Gluon plasma
Authors: Bhattacharya A. , Dhara P. , Pal S. , Chakrabarti B.
Published: October 2023

The properties of quark–gluon plasma (QGP) have been studied considering it as fractal fluid where configuration space shows a noninteger dimension. The fractal dimension for the QGP droplet is suggested. The thermodynamic properties like radial distribution function, packing fraction, excess entropy and susceptibility are studied. The viscosity of the QGP phase has also been investigated and fluid is found to behave like a superfluid. Some interesting observations are made.
Gorenstein AC-projective and AC-injective representations of quivers
Authors: Wu Dejun , Zhou Hui , Wang Yongduo
Published: October 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite acyclic quiver and Rep[Formula: see text] be the category of representations of [Formula: see text] with values in category of [Formula: see text]-modules. It is shown that a representation [Formula: see text] is a Gorenstein AC-projective representation if and only if [Formula: see text] is a Gorenstein AC-projective [Formula: see text]-module, [Formula: see text] is injective, and Coker [Formula: see text] is a Gorenstein AC-projective [Formula: see text]-module for each vertex [Formula: see text]. It is also proven that a representation [Formula: see text] is a Gorenstein AC-injective representation if and only if [Formula: see text] is a Gorenstein AC-injective [Formula: see text]-module, [Formula: see text] is surjective, and [Formula: see text] is a Gorenstein AC-injective [Formula: see text]-module for each vertex [Formula: see text].
Open Creativity: Increased Creativity Due to Network Relationships in Coworking Environments
Authors: Muzzio Henrique , Sotero Caio Gonçalves Bárbara , Costa Carlos
Published: October 2023

Positing that creativity is bolstered by greater levels of social relations with external agents, that arise through weak ties termed “open creativity,” we sought to advance knowledge of this process in coworking environments by placing emphasis on creativity as a phenomenon prior to innovation. In such an environment, creativity is then expanded through network relationships, through four increasing levels of interaction with external agents. In this qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research, undertaken through the investigation of multiple cases, primary data were collected by observation and semi-structured interviews of users from three coworking environments located in a city in a developing country in Latin America. Open creativity emerges from the coworking environment’s characteristics and the actions and activities undertaken by users at the different levels of the establishment of open creativity. The implications of these findings for academics and managers are discussed.
Triple-path feature transform network for ring-array photoacoustic tomography image reconstruction
Authors: Ma Lingyu , Qin Zezheng , Ma Yiming , Sun Mingjian
Published: October 2023

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a noninvasive emerging imaging method based on the photoacoustic effect, which provides necessary assistance for medical diagnosis. It has the characteristics of large imaging depth and high contrast. However, limited by the equipment cost and reconstruction time requirements, the existing PAI systems distributed with annular array transducers are difficult to take into account both the image quality and the imaging speed. In this paper, a triple-path feature transform network (TFT-Net) for ring-array photoacoustic tomography is proposed to enhance the imaging quality from limited-view and sparse measurement data. Specifically, the network combines the raw photoacoustic pressure signals and conventional linear reconstruction images as input data, and takes the photoacoustic physical model as a prior information to guide the reconstruction process. In addition, to enhance the ability of extracting signal features, the residual block and squeeze and excitation block are introduced into the TFT-Net. For further efficient reconstruction, the final output of photoacoustic signals uses ‘filter-then-upsample’ operation with a pixel-shuffle multiplexer and a max out module. Experiment results on simulated and in-vivo data demonstrate that the constructed TFT-Net can restore the target boundary clearly, reduce background noise, and realize fast and high-quality photoacoustic image reconstruction of limited view with sparse sampling.
Ton-scale preparation of single-crystal Ni-rich ternary cathode materials for high-performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Cui Yongfu , Man Jianzong , Meng Leichao , Wang Wenjun , Fan Xueping , Yuan Jing , Peng Jianhong
Published: October 2023

Single-crystal nickel (Ni)-rich cathode materials (Li[Ni [Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]]O2, (NCMs)) of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have displayed promising application potential due to the merits of stable structure, minor side reaction, and high energy density. The Ni[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text](OH)2 as the precursor of single-crystal NCM faces the issues of tedious preparation process and serious pollutant emission for traditional preparation methods during the industrial preparation. Herein, an improved continuous two-step spray pyrolysis strategy is adopted to prepare the precursor of single-crystal NCM. Combining with the industrial devices, ton-scale preparation of single-crystal NCM is realized after dynamic lithiation post-treatment. This improved strategy not only shortens the preparation process, but also reduces metal segregation and sintering temperature, effectively balancing the cost control and production efficiency. The samples sintering at 850[Formula: see text]C show uniform morphology with a diameter of 4.5 [Formula: see text]m and delivers an initial discharge capacity of 169 mAh/g at 0.1 C after 100 cycles. This work provides a new route for the industrial preparation single-crystal NCM cathode materials of LIBs.
Local multiset dimension of corona product on tree graphs
Authors: Alfarisi Ridho , Susilowati Liliek , Dafik  , Kristiana Arika Indah
Published: October 2023

One of the topics of distance in graphs is resolving set problem. This topic has many applications in science and technology namely navigation robots, chemistry structure, and computer sciences. Suppose the set [Formula: see text], the vertex representations of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the length of the shortest path of the vertex [Formula: see text] and the vertex in [Formula: see text] together with their multiplicity. The set W is called a local [Formula: see text]-resolving set of graphs G if [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. The local [Formula: see text]-resolving set having minimum cardinality is called the local multiset basis and its cardinality is called the local multiset dimension of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text]. In our paper, we determine the establish bounds of local multiset dimension of graph resulting corona product of tree graphs.
Real-Time Change Detection with Convolutional Density Approximation
Authors: Ha Synh Viet-Uyen , Nguyen Tien-Cuong , Phan Hung Ngoc , Ha Phuong Hoai
Published: October 2023

Background Subtraction (BgS) is a widely researched technique to develop online Change Detection algorithms for static video cameras. Many BgS methods have employed the unsupervised, adaptive approach of Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) to produce decent backgrounds, but they lack proper consideration of scene semantics to produce better foregrounds. On the other hand, with considerable computational expenses, BgS with Deep Neural Networks (DNN) is able to produce accurate background and foreground segments. In our research, we blend both approaches for the best. First, we formulated a network called Convolutional Density Approximation (CDA) for direct density estimation of background models. Then, we propose a self-supervised training strategy for CDA to adaptively capture high-frequency color distributions for the corresponding backgrounds. Finally, we show that background models can indeed assist foreground extraction by an efficient Neural Motion Subtraction (NeMos) network. Our experiments verify competitive results in the balance between effectiveness and efficiency.
Scrambled Features for Breakfast: Concepts of Agile Language Development
Authors: Cazzola Walter , Favalli Luca
Published: October 2023

Describing a framework to support simpler development of languages best suited to express the problems and solutions of each particular domain.
Surveying Emerging Network Approaches for Military Command and Control Systems
Authors: Gomes João Eduardo Costa , Ehlert Ricardo Rodrigues , Boesche Rodrigo Murillo , Santosde Lima Vinicius , Stocchero Jorgito Matiuzzi , Barone Dante A. C. , Wickboldt JulianoAraujo , de Freitas Edison Pignaton , dos Anjos Julio C. S. , de Araujo Fernandes Ricardo Queiroz
Published: October 2023

This survey paper examines emerging network approaches for military Command and Control (C2) systems. An extensive literature review is provided along the text on network-centric C2 systems. Also, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the paradigm based on C2 concepts, mapping the significant requirements of networked C2 systems to emerging approaches. Likewise, the paper explores ways to simulate networked battle scenarios realistically, leveraging the support of multi-agent systems and network simulations. The article offers a trend analysis of combining network approaches to design innovative solutions and a promising usage of multi-agent systems for realistic simulations. In conclusion, it discusses future implementations emphasizing advanced networking solutions to integrate different technologies and to drive technology boundaries to improve the effectiveness of networked military C2 systems.