bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifractal Analysis of Chinese Industry and Stock Markets Fluctuation Under the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liu Pan-Ting , Cao Xin-Bang , Wang Hong-Yong
Published: October 2023

Researchers and authorities have become increasingly interested in how the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the real economy and financial markets around the world since its outbreak in late 2019. Applying the methods of multifractal analysis, this paper investigates the fluctuation characteristics and market risks of Chinese industry and stock markets under the COVID-19 pandemic, and reveals the whole dynamics of industry and stock markets from the perspective of system theory. The empirical results show that the multifractal strength of the industry market has significantly increased during the pandemic with elevated systematic risk, while the situation is different for the stock market. Specifically, the Hurst surfaces generated using the multiscale technique intuitively visualize the dynamical behaviors of the systematic fluctuation of the Chinese industry and stock markets at various scales under the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it is found that the sources of multifractality of the two types of markets include long-range correlation and fat-tailed distribution, with the contribution of fat-tailed distribution being greater. The chi-square test is promoted in this paper to measure the contribution of the internal components of the multivariate system to the multifractality sources of the whole system, revealing that the real estate industry has a greater impact on the multifractality of the whole industry system, while the Shanghai Composite Index has a stronger influence on the whole stock system.
The structure of prime homogeneous ideals in graded amalgamated algebra along an ideal
Authors: Guissi Fatima-Zahra , Kim Hwankoo , Mahdou Najib
Published: October 2023

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be two commutative rings graded by an arbitrary commutative monoid [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] be a homogeneous ideal of [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] be a graded ring homomorphism. The amalgamation of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] along [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text] is a graded ring, where [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we first completely describe the prime homogeneous spectrum of the graded amalgamated algebra rooted in the form of the pullback. Then we answer the question of when the graded amalgamation [Formula: see text] is a graded von Neumann regular ring.
Monomial Isaacs π-partial characters and derived length
Authors: Dastouri Kaveh , Iranmanesh Ali , Ghasemi Mohsen
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study [Formula: see text]-separable groups that every irreducible Isaacs [Formula: see text]-partial character is monomial which we call [Formula: see text]-group. We show that every [Formula: see text]-group with solvable [Formula: see text], is solvable and we get an upper bound for derived length of these groups. Also, we prove that if [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-number, then [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-group.
Homogeneously t-linked extensions in graded integral domains
Authors: Kim Dong Kyu
Published: October 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a torsion-free cancellative commutative monoid, [Formula: see text] a graded integral domain and [Formula: see text] a graded subring of [Formula: see text]. Then we say that [Formula: see text] is homogeneously t-linked over [Formula: see text] if for any nonzero finitely generated homogeneous ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we introduce some examples of homogeneously [Formula: see text]-linked extensions and offer some equivalent conditions for homogeneously [Formula: see text]-linked extensions. More precisely, we provide some equivalent conditions such that every graded subring of [Formula: see text] containing [Formula: see text] is homogeneously [Formula: see text]-linked over [Formula: see text]; and offer some new characterizations of graded Krull domains.
A Methodology to Support Robotic Polishing of Molds Integrated with CAD/CAM
Authors: Wang K. , Ding L. , Dailami F. , Matthews J.
Published: October 2023

Typically, the final process in the manufacture of molds is mechanical polishing, a process predominantly conducted manually. This is an important process step to improve the surface quality of the mold without affecting the geometry of the cavity. Currently, the European mold manufacturing industry faces two challenges for the polishing phase of manufacture. Firstly, economics when compared to global low-cost production areas. Secondly, the industry is starting to suffer the loss of skilled benchmen specialized in performing such operations. To address these two problems, robotic polishing has been investigated as an alternative or supplement to the conventional manual polishing process in the manufacturing of molds because of its high efficiency, improved reliability, and robustness. This paper presented a new methodology that allows robotic polishing to replace majority of manual polishing work for the manufacture of molds and achieves complete information integration with current CAD/CAM systems. Based on a number of experimental works, the types of features that are suitable for robotic polishing have been identified and a new robotic polishing feature classification has been proposed. A new polishing process planning has been developed to be integrated with current CAD/CAM systems, which includes a robotic polishing process knowledge database; a polishing process selection method; and a polishing process sequencing using genetic algorithm aiming to combine minimum polishing time and the specific constraints and rules for polishing process sequencing. Finally, a case study based on the proposed methods has been given, which demonstrates the proposed methodology is able to be implemented in the practical environment to allow robotic polishing to take majority of manual polishing workloads for mold manufacturing and achieve information integration with current CAD/CAM systems.
Quantum detection problem for fusion frames
Authors: Rahimi A. , Ghasemzadeh A. , Daraby B. , Shah Firdous A.
Published: October 2023

A quantum injective frame is a frame whose measurements for density operators can be used as a distinguishing feature in a quantum system, and the frame quantum detection problem demands a characterization of all such frames. Very recently, the quantum detection problem for continuous as well as discrete frames in both finite and infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces received significant attention. The quantum detection problem pertaining to the characterization of informationally complete positive operator-valued measures (POVM) can be split into two cases: The quantum injectivity or state separability problem and the rang analysis or quantum state estimation problem. Building upon this notion, this note is aimed at the quantum detection problem for fusion frames. The injectivity of a family of vectors and a family of closed subspaces is characterized in terms of some operator equations in Hilbert–Schmidt and trace classes.
Magnetic spherical indicatrix of a ruled surface
Authors: Yıldırım Alperen , Kasap Emin
Published: October 2023

The spherical indicatrix of a ruled surface is the image curve of its rulings on the sphere [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we present Lorentz forces and magnetic curves produced by the Frenet frame [Formula: see text] of the spherical indicatrix of a ruled surface in a magnetic field. We calculate magnetic vector fields of magnetic curves for [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we define magnetic flux surfaces constructed by magnetic vector fields along magnetic spherical indicatrix. We obtain developability conditions for these surfaces. Finally, we give some examples to show magnetic flux surfaces.
Tangent complexes and the Diamond Lemma
Authors: Dotsenko Vladimir , Tamaroff Pedro
Published: October 2023

The celebrated Diamond Lemma of Bergman gives an effectively verifiable criterion of uniqueness of normal forms for term rewriting in associative algebras. We revisit that result in the context of deformation theory and homotopical algebra; this leads to a new proof using multiplicative free resolutions. Specifically, our main result states that every such resolution of an algebra with monomial relations gives rise to its own Diamond Lemma, where Bergman’s condition of “resolvable ambiguities” is precisely the first nontrivial component of the Maurer–Cartan equation in the corresponding tangent complex. The same approach works for many other algebraic structures, emphasizing the relevance of computing resolutions of algebras with monomial relations.
Modeling and Analysis of a Thermo-Electro-Magneto-Viscoelastic Actuator
Authors: Patra Asesh Kumar , Khurana Aman , Kumar Deepak
Published: October 2023

This study examines the dynamics of a smart actuator known as a thermo-electro-magneto-viscoelastic plate. This type of actuator is made of an electro-magneto-active polymer filled with suitably added fillers, which enhance its performance. An energy-based dynamic model is derived to analyze the behavior of the actuator, taking into account thermal, electrical, and mechanical factors. The study uses a well-known Euler–Lagrange equation to develop the governing dynamic equation of the actuator. In addition, the stability, periodicity, and resonant behavior of the actuator are evaluated through time-evolution diagrams, Poincaré plots, and phase portraits. The results indicate that the nonlinear behavior of the actuator changes when subjected to different modes of actuation such as DC and AC. Increasing particle reinforcement and reducing temperature change strengthens the polymer and depletes the level of deformation. The intensity of oscillation also decreases, and the excitation frequency increases as the temperature change reduces and the volume fraction increases. Lastly, this study provides important insights into the design of modern actuators, which have numerous potential applications in both engineering and medical industries.
On the Categorical Relationships Among L-G-Filters L-Fuzzy Grills, L-Closure Operators and L-Fuzzy Cotopologies
Authors: Jose Merin , Mathew Sunil C.
Published: October 2023

This paper studies the categorical relations among [Formula: see text]-G-filters, [Formula: see text]-fuzzy grills and [Formula: see text]-closure operators. The categorical connections between [Formula: see text]-G-filters and [Formula: see text]-fuzzy cotopologies are also investigated and a Galois correspondence between the categories of stratified [Formula: see text]-G-filter spaces and [Formula: see text]-fuzzy cotopological spaces is identified.
A lower bound on the proportion of modular elliptic curves over Galois CM fields
Authors: Feng Zachary
Published: October 2023

We calculate an explicit lower bound on the proportion of elliptic curves that are modular over any Galois CM field not containing [Formula: see text]. Applied to imaginary quadratic fields, this proportion is at least [Formula: see text]. Applied to cyclotomic fields [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], this proportion is at least [Formula: see text] with only finitely many exceptions of [Formula: see text], for any choice of [Formula: see text].
The Ostrowski quotient of an elliptic curve
Authors: Maarefparvar Abbas
Published: October 2023

For [Formula: see text] a finite Galois extension of number fields, the relative Pólya group [Formula: see text] is the subgroup of the ideal class group of [Formula: see text] generated by all the strongly ambiguous ideal classes in [Formula: see text]. The notion of Ostrowski quotient [Formula: see text], as the cokernel of the capitulation map into [Formula: see text], has been recently introduced in [E. Shahoseini, A. Rajaei and A. Maarefparvar, Ostrowski quotients for finite extensions of number fields, Pacific J. Math. 321 (2022) 415–429, doi: 10.2140/pjm.2022.321.415]. In this paper, using some results of [C. D. González-Avilés, Capitulation, ambiguous classes and the cohomology of the units, J. Reine Angew. Math. 613 (2007) 75–97], we find a new approach to define [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] which is the main motivation for us to investigate analogous notions in the elliptic curve setting. For [Formula: see text] an elliptic curve defined over [Formula: see text], we define the Ostrowski quotient [Formula: see text] and the coarse Ostrowski quotient [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] relative to [Formula: see text], for which in the latter group we do not take into account primes of bad reduction. Our main result is a nontrivial structure theorem for the group [Formula: see text] and we analyze this theorem, in some details, for the class of curves [Formula: see text] over quadratic extensions [Formula: see text].
Iwasawa theory of plus/minus Selmer groups with non-co-free plus/minus local conditions
Authors: Kim Byoung Du BD
Published: October 2023

We often use the plus/minus Selmer groups to study Iwasawa theory for elliptic curves with good supersingular reduction at [Formula: see text]. But, if the plus/minus local conditions are not co-free, it can be difficult to use them effectively. In this paper, we introduce some technical improvements so that we can use the plus/minus Selmer groups even when the plus/minus local conditions are not co-free. In particular, we show that the plus/minus Selmer groups have no proper submodule of finite index and also they satisfy algebraic functional equations even when the said local conditions are not co-free, thus improve our previous results [B. Kim, The algebraic functional equation of an elliptic curve at supersingular primes, Math. Res. Lett. 15(1) (2008) 83–94; The plus/minus Selmer groups for supersingular primes, J. Aust. Math. Soc. 95(2) (2013) 189–200].
An explicit Voronoĭ formula for SL3(ℝ) newforms underlying the symmetric lifts in the level aspect
Authors: Hou Fei , Lü GuangShi
Published: October 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a newform for [Formula: see text] underlying the symmetric square lift of a (either holomorphic or Hecke–Maaß) newform [Formula: see text] of square-free level and trivial nebentypus. In this paper, we present the classical level aspect version of the Voronoĭ formula for the symmetric square lift is established in an alternative way by tracing back to its geometric nature, compared with Zhou’s work [F. Zhou, The Voronoi formula on [Formula: see text] with ramification, preprint (2018), arXiv:1806.10786].
Determination of all imaginary cyclic quartic fields of prime class number p ≡ 3(mod4), and non-divisibility of class numbers
Authors: Ram Mahesh Kumar
Published: October 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a prime such that [Formula: see text]. Then, we show that there is no imaginary cyclic quartic extension [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] whose class number is [Formula: see text]. Suppose [Formula: see text] is a cyclic extension of number fields with an odd degree. Then, we show that [Formula: see text] does not divide the class number of [Formula: see text] if the class group of [Formula: see text] is cyclic. We also construct some families of number fields whose class number is not divisible by a fixed prime.
Enhancing Disinfection Efficiency of Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent: The Role of ZnO Nanoparticles in Ultrasonic and UV-C Processes
Authors: Mortezazadeh Fatemeh , Nejatzadeh Fatemeh , Eslamifar Masoumeh , Gholami-Borujeni Fathollah
Published: October 2023

Ultrasonic (US) and UV-C disinfection technologies have been successfully used in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for disinfection purposes. The US technology is typically used as a pre-treatment step to break down larger particles and make them more susceptible to disinfection. The UV-C technology is commonly used as a final disinfection step in many WWTPs. The study aimed to assess the potential of using Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the effectiveness of UV-C and US disinfection methods in treating wastewater effluent, offering a more comprehensive solution to wastewater treatment. In this experimental study, a Laboratory US Bath (40[Formula: see text]kHz) and a UV-C lamp (16[Formula: see text]W) were used. In order to investigate the effectiveness of ZnO NPs in the reduction of microbial load, 5[Formula: see text]mg/L of ZnO NPs was added to the effluent samples. Then, samples were examined for Total Coliform (TC) and Fecal Coliform (FC) reduction by the standard MPN/100[Formula: see text]mL test. The Chick‘s law was used to calculate the efficiency of microbial load. The relationship between variables was determined by regression analysis using Excel and SPSS-ver 21 software. In this study, the samples were examined in three groups: Samples that were only exposed to sonication or received UV-C radiation with Turbidity of 18 NTU (Group A) and Turbidity of 5 NTU (Group B), and Samples that received 5 mg/L of ZnO NPs (Group C). By increasing the time from 0.5 min to 10 min in the presence of UV-C, the amount of microbial population decreased, and 2 min was considered the optimal time. The maximum removal efficiencies by US for TC were 74.07,77.7, 85.1% (40∘C) and 92.5,100, and 100% (60∘C) in group A (in 30 min sonication), 85.7, 85.7, 100% (40∘C), respectively, and were 100% in other groups (B and C), respectively. The maximum removal efficiencies by US for FC were 76.4%, 88.2%, and 100% (40∘C) and 88.2%, 100%, and 100% (60∘C) in group A (in 30 min sonication), respectively, and were 100% in other groups (B and C). In this study, an important increase in the disinfection ability of ZnO NPs has been observed in the presence of US and UV-C. So, the ZnO NPs/UV-C and ZnO NPs/US processes are valuable alternatives to conventional disinfection processes by over 90% improvement of disinfection efficiency.
The rank of the semigroup of order-, fence-, and parity-preserving partial injections on a finite set
Authors: Sareeto Apatsara , Koppitz Jörg
Published: October 2023

The monoid of all partial injections on a finite set (the symmetric inverse semigroup) is of particular interest because of the well-known Wagner–Preston Theorem. Let [Formula: see text] be a positive natural number and [Formula: see text] be the semigroup of all fence-preserving partial one-to-one maps of [Formula: see text] into itself with respect to composition of maps and the fence [Formula: see text]. There is considered the inverse semigroup [Formula: see text] of all [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is regular in [Formula: see text], order-preserving with respect to the order [Formula: see text] and parity-preserving. According to the main result of the paper, it is [Formula: see text] the least of the cardinalities of the generating sets of [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. There is determined a concrete representation of a generating set of minimal size.
A simple and efficient preprocessing step for convex hull problem
Authors: Heydari Mohammad , Khalifeh Ashkan , Rathour Laxmi
Published: October 2023

This paper is concerned with a recursive algorithm as a preprocessing step to find the convex hull of [Formula: see text] random points uniformly distributed in the plane. For such a set of points, it is shown that eliminating all but [Formula: see text] of points can derive the same convex hull as the input set. Finally it will be shown that the running time of the algorithm is [Formula: see text].
Electrochemical Sensor Based on CuO Nanoparticles-Modified Graphite Electrode for the Detection of Malachite Green
Authors: Dasgupta Samhita , Nag Shreya , Das Debangana , Roy Runu Banerjee , Das Deepak Kumar , Pramanik Panchanan , Bandyopadhyay Rajib , Tudu Bipan
Published: October 2023

In this study, the development of a graphite paste electrode (GPE) modified by copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO@GP) to be used as a practical and economical sensor for the electrochemical sensing of malachite green (MG) has been elucidated. The sol–gel technique was applied for the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (NPS) from copper chloride (CuCl[Formula: see text], where the surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride (C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]NCl) played the role of a capping agent. The synthesized CuO NPS were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A bare GPE was modified using these CuO NPS and thus developed; the new electrode was used as a working electrode (WE) in a 3-electrode system for studying the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) responses of MG. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with a pH value of 6 was used as the optimum buffer. Using DPV, a widely linear operational range of 1–1000 [Formula: see text]M was obtained with a detection limit of 0.18 [Formula: see text]M. This CuO@GP provided excellent repeatability, reproducibility and prolonged stability for the MG molecule. For the selectivity study, various common interfering agents were used to observe MG’s corresponding peak current variation. Moreover, this electrode demonstrated a successful application for detecting MG in pond water and fish flesh. This method is effective for similar other applications.
Enhanced optoelectronic characteristics of MoS2-based photodetectors through hybridization with CdS0.42Se0.58 nanobelt
Authors: Liu Aimin , Zhao Jiyu , Tan Qiuhong , Yang Peizhi , Liu Yingkai , Wang Qianjin
Published: October 2023

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has weak light absorption due to its atomically-thin thickness, thus hindering the development of MoS2-based optoelectronic devices. CdSxSe[Formula: see text] has excellent photoelectric performance in the visible light range, and its nanostructure shows great potential in new nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, a composite photodetector device with the combination of monolayer MoS2 nanosheets and CdS[Formula: see text]Se[Formula: see text] nanobelts has been successfully prepared, which can not only maintain the inherent excellent properties of the two blocks, but also play a synergistic role between them, thus improving the photoelectric performance of the device. The monolayer MoS2 nanosheet /CdS[Formula: see text]Se[Formula: see text] nanobelt photodetector has a wide spectral response range (400–800[Formula: see text]nm), high responsivity (527.22[Formula: see text]A/W) and large external quantum efficiency (EQE) ([Formula: see text]%). Compared with the isolated monolayer MoS2 nanosheet, both the responsivity and EQE of the hybrid photodetector are increased by 117.4 times under 620[Formula: see text]nm illumination. This study provides a way to prepare hybrid photodetectors with wide spectral response and high responsivity.
Substitution of Pb with (Li1∕2Bi1∕2) in PbZrO3-based antiferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Liu Binzhi , Gaur Anand P. S. , Cui Jun , Tan Xiaoli
Published: October 2023

PbZrO3-based antiferroelectric (AFE) ceramics are promising dielectrics for high-energy-density capacitors due to their reversible phase transitions during charge–discharge cycles. In this work, a new composition series, [Pb[Formula: see text]La[Formula: see text](Li[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]][Zr[Formula: see text]Sn[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]]O3, with Li[Formula: see text] and Bi[Formula: see text] substitution of Pb[Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text], 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16 is investigated for the microstructure evolution, ferroelectric (FE) and dielectric properties. It is found that Li[Formula: see text] and Bi[Formula: see text] substitution can significantly reduce the sintering temperature and simultaneously enhance the dielectric breakdown strength. An ultrahigh energy efficiency (94.0%) and a large energy density (3.22[Formula: see text]J/cm[Formula: see text] are achieved in the composition of [Formula: see text] with a low sintering temperature (1075∘C).
Price Discovery in the CDS Market: Evidence from Corporate Acquisitions
Authors: Ismailescu Iuliana , Phillips Blake , Xu Xiaowei
Published: October 2023

This study examines the contribution of credit default swaps (CDS) to price discovery in the run-up period preceding an acquisition announcement. We find that the CDS market plays a significant role in price formation before cross-border acquisitions, especially when target firms are from emerging economies. Further, the information flow from the CDS to the equity market is more pronounced when the bidder has a higher risk of default and the target nation has greater information asymmetry, weaker governance, and lower creditor protections. Our results are consistent with preferential use of the CDS market by informed traders ahead of negative credit news to hedge increased default risk or speculatively front-run widening credit spreads.
The Effects of the Local Environment on a Compact Radio Interferometer I: Cross-Coupling in the Tianlai Dish Pathfinder Array
Authors: Kwak Juhun , Podczerwinski John , Timbie Peter , Ansari Réza , Marriner John , Stebbins Albert , Wu Fengquan , Cao Haotian , Chen Xuelei , He Kai , Li Jixia , Sun Shijie , Zhu Jiacong
Published: October 2023

The visibilities measured by radio astronomical interferometers include non-astronomical correlated signals that arise from the local environment of the array. These correlated signals are especially important in compact arrays such as those under development for 21[Formula: see text]cm intensity mapping. The amplitudes of the contaminated visibilities can exceed the expected 21[Formula: see text]cm signal and represent a significant systematic effect. We study the receiver noise radiated by antennas in compact arrays and develop a model for how it couples to other antennas. We apply the model to the Tianlai Dish Pathfinder Array (TDPA), a compact array of 16, 6-m dish antennas. The coupling model includes electromagnetic simulations, measurements with a network analyzer, and measurements of the noise of the receivers. We compare the model to drift-scan observations with the array and set requirements on the level of antenna cross-coupling for 21[Formula: see text]cm intensity mapping instruments. We find that for the TDPA, cross-coupling would have to be reduced by three orders of magnitude in order to contribute negligibly to the visibilities.
Robot Learning Incorporating Human Interventions in the Real World for Autonomous Surgical Endoscopic Camera Control
Authors: Ou Yafei , Zargarzadeh Sadra , Tavakoli Mahdi
Published: October 2023

Recent studies in surgical robotics have focused on automating common surgical subtasks such as grasping and manipulation using deep reinforcement learning (DRL). In this work, we consider surgical endoscopic camera control for object tracking e.g. using the endoscopic camera manipulator (ECM) from the da Vinci Research Kit (dVRK) (Intuitive Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) as a typical surgical robot learning task. A DRL policy for controlling the robot joint space movements is first trained in a simulation environment and then continues the learning in the real world. To speed up training and avoid significant failures (in this case, losing view of the object), human interventions are incorporated into the training process and regular DRL is combined with generative adversarial imitation learning (GAIL) to encourage imitating human behaviors. Experiments show that an average reward of 159.8 can be achieved within 1000 steps compared to only 121.8 without human interventions, and the view of the moving object is lost only twice during the training process out of 3 trials. These results show that human interventions can improve learning speed and significantly reduce failures during the training process.
Scattering From a Partially Coated Shell Immersed in Water Using a Subtractive Modelling Technique
Authors: Dumortier F. , Meyer V. , Maxit L.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we focus on the prediction of the pressure field scattered from an immersed cylindrical shell partially coated by a soft rubber, impacted by an acoustic plane wave. As the coating covers only a partial portion along the circumference of the shell, the considered system is not axisymmetric. As a result, a spectral (Fourier) resolution of the mathematical problem would induce the coupling of the different circumferential orders, which can lead to prohibitive computing times. To circumvent this issue, the reverse Condensed Transfer Function (rCTF) method has recently been developed to decouple vibroacoustic subsystems initially coupled along lines or surfaces. From an analytical model of the fully coated shell impacted by the acoustic plane wave and a finite element (FE) model of the missing coating material, the rCTF approach predicts the vibroacoustic behavior of the coated shell with a voided section instead of the removed part. This voided section can then be filled by a FE model of the water domain replacing the removed coating material, using the direct CTF approach. The principle of the rCTF approach, some numerical validations, and results for the scattering from the partially coated shell are presented in this paper.
Effect of laser energy density on transformation behavior and mechanical property of NiTi alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiang , Tao Yakun , Wen Shifeng , Zhou Yan , Shi Yusheng
Published: October 2023

This research investigated the influence of laser energy density on the phase transformation characteristics and structure, together with the mechanical property of NiTi shape memory alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Results showed that randomly oriented needle-shaped martensite was distributed in the B2 austenite matrix in samples with the higher energy density. In contrast, typical columnar grains were observed throughout multiple melt pools, showing obvious epitaxial growth characteristics in the samples with lower energy density. Besides, the martensite transformation temperature varied approximately linearly with the increasing laser energy density, showing a positive correlation. It can be explained that more intense evaporation of Ni element in the melt pool under higher energy density leads to a reduction in the Ni content of the matrix and contributes to a reduction in the lattice distortion of the B2 matrix. Finally, the samples with the energy density of 138.89 J/mm3 showed optimal tensile and compression strength of 648 and 2970 MPa, respectively. This work provides a novel approach to optimize the performance of LPBF NiTi sample by tailoring the phase composition and structure through the laser energy density.
Does a Positive Response to Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Identify Patients Who Can Avoid Surgery for Two Years?
Authors: Fujiwara Aki , Watanabe Keisuke , Shigematsu Hideki , Kimoto Katsuhiro , Ida Mitsuru , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kawaguchi Masahiko
Published: October 2023

Background. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is widely used to manage lumbar radiculopathy. In clinical settings, patients often undergo repeated transforaminal epidural injections with or without steroid administration. Objectives. To examine whether a positive response to TFESI at the first month, can in clinical settings, identify patients with radiculopathy who can avoid surgery for two years. Study Design/Setting. This prospective observational study was conducted at an academic medical center. Methods. Individuals aged ≥20 years who had been referred to our pain center by spine surgeons were enrolled. All patients were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline and 1 month after the first TFESI. Patients were divided into two groups according to the NRS decrement: the positive response (PR) group achieved a ≥2.0 decrease on the NRS 1 month after the first TFESI compared to baseline and the no response (NR) group achieved a <2.0 decrease on the NRS. The incidence rates of surgery over two years were compared between the two groups. In addition, we calculated the hazard ratio of the PR group to the NR group regarding the incidence of surgery over two years using the Cox proportional hazard model, adjusting for baseline NRS. Results. Seventy-six patients completed the two-year follow-up. In total, 8 and 68 patients had bilateral and unilateral radiculopathy, respectively. The PR and NR groups included 35 and 41 patients, respectively. The rate of surgery avoidance was 85.7% and 73.2% in the PR and NR groups, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (

p
=
0.26

). After adjusting for baseline NRS, the hazard ratio of the PR group to the NR group regarding the incidence of surgery within two years was 0.35 (95% confidence interval: 0.11–1.11,

p
=
0.08

). Conclusion. A positive response to TFESI may not identify patients who can avoid surgery for two years.
Antiobesity Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Fermented Barley Extracts via the Interactions with Gut Microbiota of the Obese Adult Humans
Authors: Pan Ruirong , Yuan Jie , Bai Juan , Zhang Jiayan , Zhang Jinfu , Gu Yaoguang , Xia Song , Qu Minye , Liu Qiang , Dong Ying , Xiao Xiang
Published: October 2023

Extracts of fermented barley with Lactiplantibacillus plantarumdy-1 (LFBE) have been reported to exert antiobesity activity in vivo and in vitro. However, whether it worked in clinical trials remained uncovered. In the current study, we conducted a single-blind experiment by enrolling on some obese adult humans with hyperlipemia to test the effects of products containing LFBE (No. ChiCTR1800019614 by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry). Results indicated that LFBE intervention could ameliorate the symptoms of the obese, characterized by the decrease of body fat percentage, visceral fat area, and serum lipid levels. More interestingly, products containing the β-glucan ingredients had similar antiobesity effects. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that LFBE modulated the community structure of the gut microbiota of the obese adults as shown by the diversity analysis. For gut microbiota composition, LFBE significantly increased the Bacteroides genus while decreasing Streptococcus and Haemophilus genus. At the species level, beneficial microorganisms such as Bifidobacterium_longum_subsp_longum, Alistipes_sp_AL-1, Bacteroides_plebeius, and Bacteroides_vulgatus were enriched by LFBE, which was different from the effects of β-glucan. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that LFBE particularly regulated the steroid biosynthesis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathways. Furthermore, correlation analysis suggested that body fat percentage and visceral fat area were significantly positively correlated with Desulfovibrio and Sutterella, the basal metabolic rate was negatively correlated with Haemophilus, and fasting blood glucose was positively correlated with Dialister. In all, this clinical study demonstrated the antiobesity function of LFBE in humans, probably via its interactions with the gut microbiota, and LFBE could be developed as a prebiotic ingredient with antiobesity effects for a healthy diet. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800019614.
First Annoted Checklist of Aquatic Diptera (Insecta) of Two Ramsar Sites (Ahançal and Aït Bouguemaz Rivers) at the Central High Atlas (Morocco): Families Ceratopogonidae, Chironomidae, Tipulidae, Empididae, and Tabanidae
Authors: Benka El-Mostafa , Dakki Mohamed , Ouibimah Abdessamad , Mounir Mohamed , Douini Ikram , Kettani Kawtar , Himmi Oumnia , Hammada Soumaya
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the first results of 1-year survey of aquatic Diptera, carried out in two Moroccan High Atlas rivers, Assif Ahançal and Assif n’Aït Bouguemaz, which are registered as Ramsar sites and drain a large part of the mountainous Geopark of Mgoun. This survey, which consists in a first study of the longitudinal distribution of these insects, occurs during the period September 2019–July 2020, at high and medium altitudes (1086–2408 m). Limited to immature stages, this study permitted to collect 561 specimens of Diptera from 16 river sections, mainly using a Surber-net sampler. Among the collected material, we were able to identify 38 genera and 11 species, belonging to five families. This fauna is relatively rich in new taxa for Morocco or for the High Atlas mountains. Indeed, two Chironomidae species, Macropelopia notata (Meigen, 1818) and Psectrocladius (Allopsectrocladius) flavus (Johannsen, 1905), and one Tipulidae, Tipula (Yamatotipula) pierrei, Tonnoir, 1921, are newly recorded in Morocco, as well as five genera: three Chironomidae (Krenopelopia, Fittkau; Natarsia, Fittkau; and Psilometriocnemus, Saether), one Empididae (Chelifera, Macquart), and one Ceratopogonidae (Atrichopogon, Kieffer). Two other species, Parachironomus frequens (Johannsen) and Heterotrissocladius marcidus (Walker), and seven genera are reported as new taxa in the High Atlas. The two rivers have similar richness (21 taxa each), mainly due to Chironomidae (94%), the most abundant and diversified family. The Empididae (4.8%) are relatively under-represented in the two rivers, as well as the other families (Ceratopogonidae, Tipulidae, and Tabanidae), which do not exceed 1% of the total dipteran abundance. The vertical distribution of the taxa revealed significant influence of the altitude on community compositions and distributions. In waiting to collect adults, immature dipteran stages prove the high abundance and diversity of the benthic entomological assemblages, which give hope that a more deep study of the dipteran fauna in the two Ramsar sites will provide remarkable novelties, in both systematic and ecological domains. It is also expected that this study will permit to assess the aquatic biodiversity of these ecosystems and its sensitivity to the increasing human disturbances.
Preparation of Chiral Epoxy Resins and the Optically Active Cured Products
Authors: Tang Xinyuan , Hu Ming , Liu Xiaoran , Li Yanyun , Zhang Junying , Cheng Jue
Published: October 2023

Chirality is one of the most common and significant phenomenon in nature, and epoxy resin is one of the most widely used and researched thermosetting resins, however the influences of chiral carbon in epoxy group on the performances of the cured epoxy resins have ever been hardly studied, therefore it is crucial and meaningful to explore the structure–function relationship of chirality and performance of epoxy resins. Herein, from the analysis of synthesis mechanism, the different chiral configuration with high percent enantiomeric excess (>99%) and racemic bisphenol A epoxy resins were simply prepared by controlling the chirality of epichlorohydrin. The apparent activation energy of the curing process with D230 was calculated by Kissinger method and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method, respectively, and both results indicate that chirality have no effect on the curing reaction. We found that the secondary structure of epoxy monomer is untouched by its chirality, and they are all right helix structure. For this reason, the thermal stability, glass transition temperature, and thermomechanical properties of diverse chiral epoxy resins cured by D230 have no significant difference. Nevertheless, it was found that the optical rotation activity of chiral epoxy resins can be partially maintained after curing reaction, it manifests the cured products of chiral epoxy resins possesses the possibility of application in the field of polarized materials.
Length-Weight Relationships and Condition Factor of Four Threatened Riverine Catfish Species in the Meghna River Estuary, Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdous Jerin Jannatul , Akther Shanaz , Debnath Joyoti , Saha Debasish
Published: October 2023

The current study examined the length-weight relationships (LWRs), length-length relationships (LLRs), and condition factor (K) of four threatened riverine catfish species (Pangasius pangasius, Rita rita, Sperata aor, and Bagarius bagarius) sampled from the Meghna River Estuary (MRE), Bangladesh. A total of 578 individuals were collected from contracted fishermen between January and October 2022. The length and weight of each species exhibited a highly positive correlation. The regression coefficient was 2.24 for P. pangasius, 2.90 for R. rita, 2.91 for S. aor, and 3.25 for B. bagarius. Furthermore, all species demonstrated a highly positive correlation between total length and standard length (r > 0.90). The calculated condition factor (K) values were 0.87 for P. pangasius, 1.18 for R. rita, 0.66 for S. aor, and 0.99 for B. bagarius indicating variations among the species. This study provides the first comprehensive documentation of all four major catfish species found in the MRE.
Class I Biocompatible DLP‐Printed Acrylate Impairs Adhesion and Proliferation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Indirect Cytotoxicity Assay
Authors: Alt Franziska , Heinemann Christiane , Kruppke Benjamin
Published: October 2023

The popular method of digital light processing 3D printing (DLP) for complex and individual laboratory equipment requires materials that are as inert as possible for use in contact with cells for subsequent investigations. However, the per se incomplete curing of acrylate resins by UV light leaves residuals that are not suitable for cell culture application. Therefore, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of four commercially available acrylate resins with bone marrow‐derived human mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐hMSC) in an indirect cytotoxicity test. This involved incubating the printed cylinders in Transwell™ inserts for 7 days. While the degree of crosslinking did not increase significantly between freshly printed and stored samples (3 weeks in ambient conditions), the storage improved the material’s performance in terms of cytocompatibility. The DNA amount and LDH activity showed a direct influence of the resin residuals on cell adhesion. The class I acrylate Surgical Guide™ left no adherent cells after 7 days, regardless of previous storage. In comparison, the Basic Ivory™ resin after storage allowed same amount of adherent cells after 7 days as the polystyrene reference. We conclude that resin residuals of certain materials are released, which allows the use of the resins in indirect contact with cells thereafter.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE-SMART URBAN DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF HYLLIE
Authors: TEKİN Ömer Faruk
Published: October 2023

Global climate change is one of the topics that the world is talking about more and more. It is accepted that the source of climate problems is human activities. So, the solution to the problem should start from the settlements where the population is concentrated. For this reason, the cities where most of the world's population live to stand out as the places where the problem and the solution begin. This study approaches the global climate change problem in terms of cities. The study primarily put emphasis on the role of cities in solving climate problems. The aim of the study is to define the concept of a climate-smart city and its components and to emphasize that climate-smart urban development and planning should rise on four components. The study focuses on an example of a climate-smart urban space project developed by the Municipality of Malmö in an area called Hyllie. In the study, the stages of a climate-smart urban development are analyzed by evaluating Malmö Municipality's policies, reports, plans, and programs regarding Hyllie.
Seasonal diets of two rhinolophid bats, Rhinolophus nippon and Rhinolophus cornutus, in the southern Japanese Alps
Authors: Takada Hayato , Sato Akiyoshi , Katsuta Setsuko
Published: October 2023

Knowledge of diets is important for understanding species ecology and the mechanism of coexistence of multiple closely related species. Two rhinolophid bats, the greater Japanese horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus nippon) and the little Japanese horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus cornutus), occur in Japan, but little is known about their diets and interspecific interactions regarding food resources. In this study, we examined the fecal contents of these two species in the Southern Japanese Alps by microscopic analysis over multiple seasons. R. cornutus, which have more skillful flight, consumed nonvolant insects (caterpillars and spiders), whereas R. nippon did not; this indicates that R. cornutus can glean prey better than R. nippon. The larger-bodied R. nippon more frequently consumed hard-bodied beetles, whereas the smaller-bodied R. cornutus more frequently consumed soft-bodied dipterans and neuropterans. Body size differences influenced flight ability and bite force, which resulted in food resource partitioning and enabled multispecies coexistence of these closely related bats. A R. nippon nursery colony consumed a wider variety of insects, such as beetles, moths, and dipterans, during the pregnancy and lactation periods; however, after lactation, they showed a beetle-dependent diet, and before hibernation they again consumed various food resources. A R. cornutus non-nursery colony frequently consumed dipterans and moths in spring; dipterans, moths, and neuropterans in autumn; and moths and neuropterans in winter. These seasonal changes in diet seemed to be related to food supply or reproductive status.
The Remote Self-Confrontation Interview Method: Gaining Insights into Users’ Perceptions of Digital Media Content from a Distance
Authors: Kristin Schmid Ursula , Kümpel Anna Sophie , Rieger Diana
Published: October 2023

For researchers interested in studying users’ perceptions and immediate reactions to digital media content—even from a distance—this article introduces the remote self-confrontation interview method. This adapted version of the self-confrontation interview method uses videoconferencing software and combines four interrelated steps: First, participants are observed scrolling through/using a stimulus, which allows the assessment of attention, emotional reactions, and the intensity of participants’ engagement. Second, self-confrontation interviews are conducted, discussing and re-evaluating participants’ observed behavior. Third, further research aims are addressed in semi-structured interviews, and fourth, in problem-focused tasks. Weighting up advantages and challenges for participants and researchers, we discuss the method as an effective and broadly applicable approach to examine digital media users’ perceptions and evaluations.
Fiscal Discipline and Its Relationship with Economic Growth in India: Evidence-based Policy Analysis
Authors: Dogga Satyanarayana Murthy , Tak Princy , Cheruku Jeevan Kumar
Published: October 2023

This study attempts to make an empirical analysis to evaluate the procedural progress of India in terms of public policy parameters. The study constructs a composite Fiscal Performance Index (FPI) for the period 1990–2018. The reported values show that the FPI has been significantly increasing over the last two-three decades. However, it is clearly evident that the fiscal discipline was slightly poor during the period 1998–1999 to 2003–2004. Since 2003–2004, there has been a consistent increasing trend in the fiscal discipline till 2007–2008 global financial crisis. The constructed index was further utilised to establish its relation with economic growth. The causal relationship from FPI to GDP growth is evident in the long run. The study suggests that, as a federal nation, the Central government should encourage governments at all levels to promote fiscal discipline by formulating macroeconomic policies in line with the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003.