bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Zipfian distributions in three sign languages
Authors: Kimchi Inbal , Wolters Lucie , Stamp Rose , Arnon Inbal
Published: April 2024

One striking commonality between languages is their Zipfian distributions: A power-law distribution of word
frequency. This distribution is found across languages, speech genres, and within different parts of speech. The recurrence of
such distributions is thought to reflect cognitive and/or communicative pressures and to facilitate language learning. However,
research on Zipfian distributions has mostly been limited to spoken languages. In this study, we ask whether Zipfian distributions
are also found across signed languages, as expected if they reflect a universal property of human language. We find that sign
frequencies and ranks in three sign language corpora (BSL, DGS and NGT) show a Zipfian relationship, similar to that found in
spoken languages. These findings highlight the commonalities between spoken and signed languages, add to our understanding of the
use of signs, and show the prevalence of Zipfian distributions across language modalities, supporting the idea that they
facilitate language learning and communication.
Metaphtonymy and semio-cognitive de-legitimation of Donald Trump in the meme discourse of The Daily Show with
Trevor Noah (January 2016–December 2019)
Authors: Elyamany Nashwa , Hamed Maha SalahEldien Mohamed
Published: April 2024

The current research endeavor extends scholarship on political satire and digital memes proposing a more nuanced
semio-cognitive analytical framework for the innovative political image macro memes pertinent to The Daily Show with
Trevor Noah (January 2016–December 2019). Premised on Martynyuk and Melescchenko’s (2021) conceptualization of
metaphtonymy and van Leeuwen’s
(2007) (de)-legitimation strategies, a corpus of 159 image macro meme instances from
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah’s (January 2016 to December 2019) has been examined to show how the
semio-cognitive de-legitimation of Donald Trump and his administration is materialized through creative
meme-inherent metaphtonymies. Key findings include the dominance of four meme-specific metaphtonymic patterns. In tandem, the
overlapping semio-discursive de-legitimation strategies of authorization, moral evaluation, rationalization, and
mythopoeisis are metaphtonymically encoded in the image macro memes of the show’s monologue to: (a) function
as highly medium-specific expressions that respond to challenging events based on thematic and structural templates, and (b)
provide a timely (and even reactionary) response to political debates, creating a negative view of Donald Trump to reduce his
legitimacy as the US president.
France’s “drôle de guerre”
Authors: Augé Anaïs
Published: April 2024

This paper sheds light on the sociopolitical polarisation reflected in the responses to a political metaphor, in French public discourse about covid-19. The aim is to uncover how polarisation may influence metaphorical representation of a political issue. The study focuses on the French President’s metaphor “we are at war”, in his announcement of the national lockdown. Responses to this “war” metaphor in public discourse are analysed following a combination of metaphor theories and argumentation theories. Results show that such responses transformed the ”war” metaphor into the “phoney war” metaphor for covid-19. This yielded four main arguments which 1.established causals links between covid-19 and policies, 2.partially endorsed the metaphor, 3.focused on the President’s discursive pattern, and 4.focused on the President’s status. It is argued that more research is needed into public reception to political discourse, in view of the arguments derived from resistance to metaphor.
Afadin–nectin forces its way to the front
Authors: Sebbagh Michael , Schwartz Martin A.
Published: April 2024

Force transmission at cell–cell junctions critically regulates embryogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and diseases including cancer. The cadherin–catenin linkage has been considered the keystone of junctional force transmission, but new findings challenge this paradigm, arguing instead that the nectin–afadin linkage plays the more important role in mature junctions in the intestinal epithelium.
Quark star matter in the color-flavor-locked state with a density-dependent quark mass model
Authors: Chu Peng-Cheng , Liu He , Li Xiao-Hua , Ju Min , Wu Xu-Hao , Zhang Xiao-Min
Published: April 2024

The properties of strange quark matter (SQM) and color-flavor-locked (CFL) quark matter are investigated in quark stars (QSs) at zero temperature case within confined-isospin-density-dependent-mass (CIDDM) model. The mass–radius relation of QSs are also studied by considering newly proposed mass–radius constraints in CFL phase. Our results indicate that we can obtain more stable and stiffer equation of state (EOS) by considering CFL phase within CIDDM model at zero temperature. While the GW190814's secondary component with a mass around 2.6 M
⊙ cannot be QSs within CIDDM model in SQM case, it can be well described as QSs by considering CFL phase within CIDDM model in this work. In particular, we further construct a density-dependent pairing energy gap to connect the EOS of SQM and CFL quark matter with constant pairing energy gap Δ, and the results indicate that by extending the paring energy gap to include density dependence, the mass–radius lines within CIDDM model can satisfy most of the mass–radius region constraints in recent pulsar observations.
Hausdorff dimension of recurrence sets
Authors: Hu Zhang-nan , Persson Tomas
Published: April 2024

We consider linear mappings on the 2-dimensional torus, defined by

T
(
x
)
=
A
x
 
(

mod

 
1
)

, where A is an invertible

2
×
2

integer matrix, with no eigenvalues on the unit circle. In the case

det
A
=
±
1

, we give a formula for the Hausdorff dimension of the set

{

x
∈

T

2

:
d

(

T

n

(
x
)

,
x
)

<

e

−
α
n

 for infinitely many 
n

}

.
A privacy preserving quantum aggregating technique with simulation
Authors: Sutradhar Kartick , Venkatesh Ranjitha
Published: April 2024

Quantum aggregation is a basic operation of secure multiparty quantum computation. All the existing techniques are based on the (n,n) threshold, where n is the total number of players. If any of them is corrupted then these techniques cannot execute correctly. However, the proposed technique is based on the (t,n) threshold. If the players are honest then this technique can perform the aggregation. This technique is based on the monotone span program, access structure, linear secret sharing, control-NOT gate, quantum Fourier transform, blind matrix, and Pauli operator. The proposed technique can aggregate the secrets securely and efficiently. We also simulate the proposed technique using IBM quantum computer to verify the correctness and feasibility.
SDR implementation of a light deep learning model based CNN for joint spectrum sensing and AMC
Authors: Nesraoui O , Teguig D , Sadoudi S
Published: April 2024

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) aims to blindly recognize the modulation type of a received signal in wireless systems. It is also a critical component of non-cooperative communication systems after the detection of the presence of a signal. In this paper, we introduce a robust approach, termed DET-AMC (joint Detection and Automatic Modulation Classification), employing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) trained via transfer learning methodology. The main advantage of our approach is its ability to handle a wide range of modulation types, including 10 different schemes generated in Gnuradio and their detection using the same model. Through extensive experimentation, we evaluate the performance of our light CNN-based DET-AMC method across varying signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels, as well as in the presence of phase noise and frequency offset. We find that the CNN’s learned features, obtained through transfer learning, exhibit robustness, particularly in low SNR and various challenging conditions, leading to accurate modulation classification. In general, our approach outperforms existing methods by using the effectiveness of deep learning in capturing relevant discriminative features. Additionally, our model offers a robust solution for join detection and AMC by achieving an accurate probability of detection and modulation classification without the need for manual feature engineering or the consideration of frequency offset, phase noise or noise estimation. Our model achieves 100% accuracy for synthetic and real data at an SNR equal to -10 dB for detection, and 100% and 98% for classification of synthetic and real signals at −4 dB, respectively.
Physical adsorption of the Ba atom on Arn surfaces: spectroscopic and geometric properties
Authors: Slama Marwa , Issa Khaled , Ghalla Houcine , Issaoui Nourredine , Rhouma Mounir Ben El Hadj
Published: April 2024

Barium atoms cause several environmental and ecological dangers. Numerous techniques are employed to remove the Ba atom such as physisorption and solvation methods. In this work, we are interested in investigating and exploring the Ba atom’s physical adsorption on argon surfaces. We have tested several optimizations and we have found that the first range of Ar atoms (n = 1–12) presents more than 90% of the energy interaction between Ba and the adsorbent surface. Therefore, we started by computing and analyzing the potential energy surfaces (PESs) of BaArn molecules. Large basis sets and full Configurations Interaction (full-CI) with the pseudo-potential approach were used to perform the PES, the spectroscopic parameters, vibrational energy levels, and electric dipole moment (EDM) for the selected states. The structural properties and relative stability of Ba (6s2
1S)Arn (n = 1–13, 30, 44, and 54) clusters are determined using Monte Carlo simulation based on the Potential Model method (MC-PM). Several clusters (n > 4) were demonstrated to be stable using MC simulations, and the Ba atom is always present on the surface of the remaining Arn cluster. We have found a good concordance between our results and the available theoretical and experimental data. The spectroscopic information of these complexes can be used by experimental researchers for the investigation of optical mechanisms collision, especially the deformation of the Ba spectrum by collision with the argon surface.
S-box design based on logistic skewed chaotic map and modified Rabin-Karp algorithm: applications to multimedia security
Authors: Waheed Adil , Subhan Fazli
Published: April 2024

A substitution box (S-box) serves as the nonlinearity component in a symmetric key encryption scheme; it directly determines the performance and security level of ciphers. Thus, the construction of an S-box with superior performance and efficiency, specifically in terms of high cryptographic properties, is critical. This research proposes a novel method to construct the S-box using the skewed logistic chaotic map and modified Rabin-Karp rolling hash function without disturbing its mathematical structure. First, iterate the skewed logistic map by selecting a seed value and specifying the parameters to generate the chaotic values. The map’s sensitivity to initial conditions and parameters results in a seemingly random and unpredictable chaotic values. Second, hash the chaotic values using Rabin-Karp for generating sequences of numbers within a specific range (0–255 for an 8-bit S-box). Then an S-box is constructed using the hash values. Performance evaluations indicate that the S-box produced through our suggested approach exhibits superior performance, demonstrating robust resistance against various security threats, including but not limited to linear attacks, differential attacks, and others. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the constructed S-box, this paper goes on to employ it in an image encryption application. Security analyses reveal that the developed image encryption algorithm successfully encrypts diverse types of images, producing cipher images characterized by uniformly distributed histograms. Performance assessments illustrate its high-security level, surpassing several state-of-the-art encryption algorithms.
Sodium-based no-core fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor with high sensitivity and narrow FWHM
Authors: Zhang Zhibing , Li Shuguang , Yin Zhiyong
Published: April 2024

Since fiber-optic sensors using noble metal-excited surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects have encountered bottlenecks in improving performance, we propose a fiber-optic sensor using sodium in combination with a no-core fiber (NCF) to measure both refractive index (RI) and temperature. We deposited sodium thin films on the surface of NCF optical fibers and protected them with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for RI sensing or temperature sensing. We performed computational simulations and performance analyses of the sensors using the finite element method, and the results show that the sodium-based SPR sensors have higher sensitivity, wider detection range, and narrower full width at half-maximum (FWHM) than the noble metal SPR sensors. SPR sensors with different sodium film thicknesses have different sensing characteristics, so we can get optical fiber sensors with more flexible transmission characteristics, which helps us arrange sensors more conveniently in practical applications. The simulation and numerical results show that when the sensor is used to measure RI, the average sensitivity of the sensor can reach 7977 nm RIU−1, the maximum sensitivity can reach 23100 nm RIU−1, the narrowest FWHM is 14.23 nm, and the maximum figure of merit (FOM) is 719.42 RIU−1 under different thicknesses of sodium film. The corresponding RI ranges from 1.32 to 1.41. When the temperature measurement range is 0 °C ∼ 100 °C, the average sensitivity can reach 7.86 nm °C−1, the maximum temperature sensitivity can reach 21.1 nm °C−1, and the narrowest FWHM is 17.84 nm. In summary, the proposed sodium-based SPR sensor has flexible and high-performance sensing characteristics, and our research work provides more powerful theoretical support for the application of sodium-based plasma devices.
Synthesis and characterization of myristic acid - infused Al2O3/CuO/MWCNT nanocomposites for energy storage and cooling applications
Authors: Venkatakrishnan Prabakaran , Palanisamy Ponnusamy
Published: April 2024

Phase change materials are highly effective in improving the thermal efficiency of a heat exchanger, making them a choice for enhancing renewable energy to achieve a feasible environment. In this study, myristic acid (MA) was used as a phase change material and aluminium oxide (Al2O3), copper oxide (CuO) of 2.5, 5, 10 wt % and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) of 1.0, 1.5, and 2 wt % were used as the nanoparticles to produce MA-embedded nanocomposite phase change material (NCPCM). The characterization studies, namely x-ray diffraction, Thermal Conductivity, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed on nanocomposite phase change materials to ensure their homogeneous distribution and property enhancement of the fabricated samples. In addition, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis was conducted to assess the impact of NCPCM on the rates of solidification and melting. The field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis confirms the homogeneous distribution of micro/nanoparticles Al2O3, CuO, and MWCNT with MA. From the x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the homogeneous nature of the fabricated NCPCMs was identified. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy results confirmed the absence of new particle formation due to the physical interaction between nanocomposites and myristic acid. The fabricated NCPCM samples were undergone 500 thermal cycles to ensure their thermal reliability. It is evident from the test results that the addition of nanoparticles to base PCM enhances the thermal properties. The thermal performance of 2 wt% MWCNT-embedded MA was superior to that of aluminium oxide and copper oxide. DSC results revealed that the 2 wt% MWCNT added MA possessed the highest variation of 8.6% in its latent heat storage value compared to pure MA and had a significant variation compared to other fabricated NCPCM compositions. Adding 2 wt% MWCNT to MA has increased the thermal conductivity of pure PCM from 0.15 W mK−1 to 0.38 W mK−1.
Kinetic behavior of secondary electrons in a magnetized voltage-driven discharge using combined rf/dc sources
Authors: Wen Hui , Sun Jing-Yu , Zhang Quan-Zhi
Published: April 2024

This study employed particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo simulations, along with test particle methods, to examine the characteristics of secondary electrons (SEs) in a voltage-driven discharge using combined rf/dc sources and operates in the presence of a magnetic field. The behavior of SEs is significantly influenced by the magnetic field, leading to the emergence of complex branches in temporal electron energy probability distributions and spatiotemporal electron density distributions within the sheath. The number of branches is directly correlated to the cyclotron period. Moreover, the application of a direct current (dc) source thickens the sheath at the dc biased electrode while attenuating the sheath on the opposite side. This leads to an asymmetrical modulation of the kinetic behavior of SEs in the two sheaths, ultimately resulting in a substantial increase in electron energy on the side of the dc biased electrode.
A comprehensive analysis of the ‘coming and going’ phenomenon of the projectile motion of a sphere under air resistance
Authors: DaSilva Claudio J
Published: April 2024

We have analyzed the ‘coming and going’ phenomenon of the projectile motion of a sphere using experimental data correlations that span the entire range of Reynolds numbers. We have modeled the drag force using an analytical expression for the drag coefficient and performed a numerical analysis to compute the critical angle as a function of the sphere’s initial speed, radius, and mass. Our results indicate that the critical angle behaves analogously to the drag coefficient as a function of the Reynolds number. This study is significant as it deals with a drag force not limited to any specific flow regime and may help undergraduate students and science instructors delve deeper into the subject.
Comprehensive investigation of Li-based novel quaternary Heusler LiTiPdZ (Z = Al, Ga, In) compounds for thermoelectric performance
Authors: Suktel Lokanksha , Saini Sapan Mohan
Published: April 2024

In the present article, we used Density Functional Theory and the Boltzmann transport equation to study the structural, electronic, and thermoelectric (TE) properties along with phonon dynamics of recently discovered LiTiPdZ (Z = Al, Ga, In) quaternary Heusler (QH) compounds. We applied generalized gradient approximations (GGA) for band structure and density of states (DOS) calculations. Comprehensive investigations of electronic structure reveal that an indirect band gap of 0.77 eV, 0.793 eV and 0.611 eV for LiTiPdAl, LiTiPdGa, and LiTiPdIn, is there reflecting the semiconducting nature of these compounds. We find that Pd-4d states contribute to the conduction band DOS while Ti-3d states contribute significantly to DOS near Fermi energy (EF) in both valence and conduction band. Phonon dispersion spectra show that all the studied compounds are dynamically stable, as obtained frequency is only in positive range. We have calculated thermoelectric properties up to a fairly high temperature (1600 K), to check the compatibility of these compounds for high temperature TE application. A high value of ZT (∼0.60 1600K) proposes these compounds as potential candidates for high temperature TE applications.
Thin and thick bubble walls II: expansion in the wall width
Authors: Mégevand Ariel , Membiela Federico Agustín
Published: April 2024

We study the dynamics of a cosmological bubble wall beyond the approximation of an infinitely thin wall.
In a previous paper, we discussed the range of validity of this approximation
and estimated the first-order corrections due to the finite width.
Here, we introduce a systematic method to obtain the wall equation of motion and its profile at each order in the wall width.
We discuss in detail the next-to-next-to-leading-order terms.
We use the results to treat the growth of spherical bubbles and the evolution of small deformations of planar walls.
Experimental determination of axion signal power of dish antennas and dielectric haloscopes using the reciprocity approach
Authors: Egge J. , Ekmedžić M. , Gardikiotis A. , Garutti E. , Heyminck S. , Kasemann C. , Knirck S. , Kramer M. , Krieger C. , Leppla-Weber D. , Martens S. , Öz E. , Salama N. , Schmidt A. , Wang H. , Wieching G.
Published: April 2024

The reciprocity approach is a powerful method to determine the expected signal power of axion haloscopes in a model-independent way. Especially for open and broadband setups like the MADMAX dielectric haloscope the sensitivity to the axion field is difficult to calibrate since they do not allow discrete eigenmode analysis and are optically too large to fully simulate. The central idea of the reciprocity approach is to measure a reflection-induced test field in the setup instead of trying to simulate the axion-induced field. In this article, the reciprocity approach is used to determine the expected signal power of a dish antenna and a minimal dielectric haloscope directly from measurements. The results match expectations from simulation but also include important systematic effects that are too difficult to simulate. In particular, the effect of antenna standing waves and higher order mode perturbations can be quantified for the first time in a dielectric haloscope.
The ArgusSpec Prototype: Autonomous Spectroscopic Follow-up of Flares Detected by Large Array Telescopes
Authors: Galliher Nathan W. , Procter Thomas , Law Nicholas M. , Corbett Hank , Howard Ward S. , Vasquez Soto Alan , Gonzalez Ramses , Machia Lawrence , Carney Jonathan , Marshall William J.
Published: April 2024

ArgusSpec is a prototype autonomous spectroscopic follow-up instrument designed to characterize flares detected by the Argus Pathfinder telescope array by taking short exposure (30 s) broadband spectra (370–750 nm) at low resolutions (R ∼ 150 at 500 nm). The instrument is built from consumer off-the-shelf astronomical equipment, assembled inside a shipping container, and deployed alongside the Argus Pathfinder at a dark sky observing site in Western North Carolina. In this paper, we describe the hardware design, system electronics, custom control software suite, automated target acquisition procedure, and data reduction pipeline. We present initial on-sky test data used to evaluate system performance and show a series of spectra taken of a small flare from AD Leonis. The $35k prototype ArgusSpec was designed, built, and deployed in under a year, largely from existing parts, and has been operating on-sky since 2023 March. With current hardware and software, the system is capable of receiving an observation, slewing, performing autonomous slit acquisition, and beginning data acquisition within an average of 32 s. With Argus Pathfinder’s 1 s cadence survey reporting alerts of rising sources within 2 s of onset, ArgusSpec can reach new targets well within a minute of the start of the event. As built, ArgusSpec can observe targets down to a 20σ limiting magnitude of m

V
≈ 13 at 30 s cadence with an optical resolution of R ∼ 150 (at 500 nm). With automated rapid acquisition demonstrated, later hardware upgrades will be based on a clean-sheet optical design, solving many issues in the current system, significantly improving the limiting magnitude, and potentially enabling deep spectroscopy by the coaddition of data from an array of ArgusSpec systems. The primary science driver behind ArgusSpec is the characterization of the blackbody evolution of flares from nearby M-dwarfs. Large flares emitted by these stars could have significant impacts on the potential habitability of any orbiting exoplanets, but our current understanding of these events is in large part built on observations from a handful of active stars. ArgusSpec will characterize large numbers of flares from across the night sky, building a spectroscopic library of the most extreme events from a wide variety of stellar masses and ages.
Transferable non-invasive modal fusion-transformer (NIMFT) for end-to-end hand gesture recognition
Authors: Xu Tianxiang , Zhao Kunkun , Hu Yuxiang , Li Liang , Wang Wei , Wang Fulin , Zhou Yuxuan , Li Jianqing
Published: April 2024

Objective. Recent studies have shown that integrating inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals with surface electromyographic (sEMG) can greatly improve hand gesture recognition (HGR) performance in applications such as prosthetic control and rehabilitation training. However, current deep learning models for multimodal HGR encounter difficulties in invasive modal fusion, complex feature extraction from heterogeneous signals, and limited inter-subject model generalization. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an end-to-end and inter-subject transferable model that utilizes non-invasively fused sEMG and acceleration (ACC) data. Approach. The proposed non-invasive modal fusion-transformer (NIMFT) model utilizes 1D-convolutional neural networks-based patch embedding for local information extraction and employs a multi-head cross-attention (MCA) mechanism to non-invasively integrate sEMG and ACC signals, stabilizing the variability induced by sEMG. The proposed architecture undergoes detailed ablation studies after hyperparameter tuning. Transfer learning is employed by fine-tuning a pre-trained model on new subject and a comparative analysis is performed between the fine-tuning and subject-specific model. Additionally, the performance of NIMFT is compared to state-of-the-art fusion models. Main results. The NIMFT model achieved recognition accuracies of 93.91%, 91.02%, and 95.56% on the three action sets in the Ninapro DB2 dataset. The proposed embedding method and MCA outperformed the traditional invasive modal fusion transformer by 2.01% (embedding) and 1.23% (fusion), respectively. In comparison to subject-specific models, the fine-tuning model exhibited the highest average accuracy improvement of 2.26%, achieving a final accuracy of 96.13%. Moreover, the NIMFT model demonstrated superiority in terms of accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score compared to the latest modal fusion models with similar model scale. Significance. The NIMFT is a novel end-to-end HGR model, utilizes a non-invasive MCA mechanism to integrate long-range intermodal information effectively. Compared to recent modal fusion models, it demonstrates superior performance in inter-subject experiments and offers higher training efficiency and accuracy levels through transfer learning than subject-specific approaches.
Comparison of reduced model predictions for divertor detachment onset and reattachment timescales in ASDEX Upgrade and JET experiments
Authors: Henderson S.S. , Bernert M. , Brida D. , Cavedon M. , David P. , Dux R. , Février O. , Jacquet P. , Järvinen A. , Kallenbach A. , Karhunen J. , Kirov K. , Komm M. , Lennholm M. , Lomanowski B. , Lowry C. , McDermott R. , Meigs A. , Reimerdes H. , Sun H. , Thomas B. ,   the EUROfusion Tokamak Exploitation,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team,   JET Contributors
Published: April 2024

Building on prior analysis of ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) experiments (Henderson et al 2023 Nucl. Fusion
63 086024), this study compares simple analytical formula predictions for divertor detachment onset and reattachment timescales in JET experiments. Detachment onset primarily scales with divertor neutral pressure, impurity concentration, power directed to the targets, machine size, and integral perpendicular power decay length. JET experiments, focusing on seeding mixtures of Ne and Ar, align with the detachment onset predictions. Radiation efficiencies among the impurities show good agreement with the model predictions, contrasting with AUG observations which suggested higher efficiency for Ar and lower efficiency for Ne. The time taken to re-ionise the neutral volume in front of the outer target in fully detached divertor conditions was measured following both abrupt increases in injected neutral beam power and, separately, cutting of the impurity gas flow. Re-ionisation of the neutrals occurs within approximately 1 s on JET, which aligns with the simple model prediction derived from AUG data. While the AUG results are not new, their comparison with the JET results enhances understanding, reinforcing confidence in using simple models to predict future reactor scenarios.
Recent progress of flexible pressure sensors: from principle, structure to application characteristics
Authors: Liu Shimin , Liu Guilei , Qiu Jianlong , Yang Lei , Guo Yanjie
Published: April 2024

Due to its conformal capability, the flexible pressure sensor has a wide range of applications in wearable devices, health monitoring, human–machine interfaces, and other fields. Sensors designed according to various principles and application scenarios exhibit a variety of good characteristics such as high sensitivity, high transparency, a wide detection limit, and low crosstalk. However, achieving all these exceptional functions within a single sensor is evidently challenging. Therefore, it is prudent to emphasize specific advantageous features depending on the unique usage environments and application scenarios. This paper first describes the classification of flexible pressure sensors based on their working principle, then summarizes the commonly used materials and sensor characteristics, and finally reviews the application characteristics of flexible pressure sensors based on different application fields and scenarios. The bottleneck challenges encountered in the development of flexible pressure sensors are discussed, and the foreseeable development strategy is predicted.
Evaluation of models and drought-wetness factors contributing to predicting the vegetation health index in Dak Nong Province, Vietnam
Authors: Luong Van Viet , Bui Dang Hung
Published: April 2024

Monitoring and predicting vegetation health are essential for agricultural activities and food security. This study aimed to select a model and evaluate the factors contributing to predicting the vegetation health index (VHI) in the Dak Nong Province, Vietnam. Machine learning algorithms were evaluated, including multiple linear regression, xGBoost, and artificial neural networks (ANN). The input variables of the models included the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), soil moisture (SM), and VHI in the previous periods. Research results showed that the ANN model gave the best prediction results. The accuracy of prediction results depended on the season of the year, in which the dry season gave a result with high accuracy. The results also indicated that SM from one to two previous months, SPEI1 from one to three previous months, SPEI3 and SPEI5 from three to six previous months, and VHI from one previous month contributed mainly to the prediction model. The relative contribution of SM and SPEI ranged from 42% to 52% in the last 4 months of the dry season. In addition, land use type also affected prediction quality.
Behavioral carry-over effect and power consideration in crossover trials
Authors: Shi Danni , Ye Ting
Published: April 2024

A crossover trial is an efficient trial design when there is no carry-over effect. To reduce the impact of the biological carry-over effect, a washout period is often designed. However, the carry-over effect remains an outstanding concern when a washout period is unethical or cannot sufficiently diminish the impact of the carry-over effect. The latter can occur in comparative effectiveness research, where the carry-over effect is often non-biological but behavioral. In this paper, we investigate the crossover design under a potential outcomes framework with and without the carry-over effect. We find that when the carry-over effect exists and satisfies a sign condition, the basic estimator underestimates the treatment effect, which does not inflate the type I error of one-sided tests but negatively impacts the power. This leads to a power trade-off between the crossover design and the parallel-group design, and we derive the condition under which the crossover design does not lead to type I error inflation and is still more powerful than the parallel-group design. We also develop covariate adjustment methods for crossover trials. We evaluate the performance of cross-over design and covariate adjustment using data from the MTN-034/REACH study.
Development of a workforce self-assessment tool for public health emergency preparedness
Authors: Hayes Jessica S , Barreto Marta , Kalin-Mänttäri Laura , Mexia Ricardo , Connolly Máire A , Voutilainen Liina
Published: April 2024

Background

In collaboration with six European public health agencies as part of the PANDEM-2 consortium, we have developed and validated a self-assessment tool that captures the workforce capacities and capabilities needed at the institutional level within National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) to deal with public health emergencies.

Methods

The work carried out in this study included (i) a review of existing tools for workforce assessment, (ii) focus group discussions and interviews to map the experiences and needs of NPHI’s, (iii) the development of a tool for NPHI’s to assess their workforce capacity and capabilities in public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) and (iv) refinement of the assessment tool via a Delphi study.

Results

Capacity markers were identified to assess the workforce required for PHEP functions and the availability of surge capacity during a public health emergency. The tool also enables NPHIs to analyze gaps in PHEP staff competencies. The assessment scores can assist NPHI pandemic preparedness by identifying and prioritizing training and recruitment needs.

Conclusions

In line with EU Regulation 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health, article 11 Training of healthcare staff and public health staff, Member States (MS) are tasked with assessing current workforce capacity and capability gaps. The PANDEM-2 workforce self-assessment tool aligns with this requirement and will support effective planning and development to strengthen the public health workforce capacity in EU MS.
Nuclear factor Y-A3b binds to the SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS promoter and regulates flowering time in tomato
Authors: Zhang Dedi , Ji Kangna , Wang Jiafa , Liu Xinyu , Zhou Zheng , Huang Rong , Ai Guo , Li Yan , Wang Xin , Wang Taotao , Lu Yongen , Hong Zonglie , Ye Zhibiao , Zhang Junhong
Published: April 2024

The control of flowering time is essential for reproductive success and has a major effect on seed and fruit yield and other important agricultural traits in crops. Nuclear factors Y (NF-Ys) are transcription factors that form heterotrimeric protein complexes to regulate gene expression required for diverse biological processes, including flowering time control in plants. However, to our knowledge, there has been no report on mutants of individual NF-YA subunits that promote early flowering phenotype in plants. In this study, we identified SlNF-YA3b, encoding a member of the NF-Y transcription factor family, as a key gene regulating flowering time in tomato. Knockout of NF-YA3b resulted in an early flowering phenotype in tomato, whereas overexpression of NF-YA3b delayed flowering in transgenic tomato plants. NF-YA3b was demonstrated to form heterotrimeric protein complexes with multiple NF-YB/NF-YC heterodimers in yeast three-hybrid assays. Biochemical evidence indicated that NF-YA3b directly binds to the CCAAT cis-elements of the SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS (SFT) promoter to suppress its gene expression. These findings uncovered a critical role of NF-YA3b in regulating flowering time in tomato and could be applied to the management of flowering time in crops.
Prior Appendectomy Is Associated With a Milder Clinical Course in Crohn’s Disease: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Mark-Christensen Anders , Kristiansen Eskild Bendix , Laurberg Søren , Erichsen Rune
Published: April 2024

Background

Appendectomy may affect the clinical course of Crohn’s disease (CD), but rigorous evidence is sparse and contradicting. The aim of this study was to examine the association between appendectomy and the clinical course of CD.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with CD in Denmark in the period from 1977 to 2017 were identified from the Danish National Patient Registry. Patients with appendectomy were matched with up to 10 comparators with CD and no appendectomy; and rates of CD-related hospital admissions were compared between CD patients with and without appendectomy using incidence rate ratios (IRRs). We used stratified Cox regression analysis to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of initiating treatment with biologics or undergoing intestinal resections.

Results

In all, 21 189 CD patients (1936 with appendectomy and 19 253 without) were identified and followed for a median of 13.6 years. Crohn’s disease patients who had undergone appendectomy experienced a lower rate of CD-related hospital admissions (appendectomy before CD: IRR = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.85; appendectomy after CD: IRR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.81-0.88) compared with CD patients without appendectomy. For patients with appendectomy before CD diagnosis, the rate of initiating biologics was lower compared with CD patients with no appendectomy (aHR1-<5 years = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.81; aHR5-<10 years 0.47; 95% CI, 0.33-0.66; aHR10-20 years = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47-0.79), as was the risk of undergoing colorectal resections (aHR1-<5 years = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.77-1.15; aHR5-<10 years 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.85; aHR10-20 years = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.54-1.04). Rates of small bowel resections were comparable for CD patients with or without appendectomy prior to CD. Appendectomy performed after CD did not influence the rate of initiating treatment with biologics or undergoing intestinal resections.

Conclusion

The clinical course of CD is milder for those who have previously undergone appendectomy.
On the probable distribution of stock-recruitment resilience of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Hsu Jhen , Chang Yi-Jay , Brodziak Jon , Kai Mikihiko , Punt André E
Published: April 2024

Determining how resilient a stock-recruitment relationship is to environmental variation is crucial for fisheries management. Steepness is a key factor characterizing the resilience of a fish stock and, hence, for establishing management reference points. This study estimates the distribution of steepness for Pacific saury using a simulation approach based on evolutionary ecology and reproductive biology, and how it changes in response to environmental change. The median estimated steepness is 0.82 (80% probable range 0.59, 0.93) based on the best available biological information, which suggests that Pacific saury can produce a relatively high proportion of unfished recruitment when depleted to 20% of unfished spawning biomass. Elasticity analysis indicates that steepness for Pacific saury is most sensitive to the survival rate of early life stages, mean body weight, growth, and length-at-maturity. Environmental change could substantially impact steepness, with unfavorable conditions related to survival rates, length-at-maturity, mean body weight, and growth potentially leading to a reduction in resilience. Understanding these impacts is crucial for the assessment and management of Pacific saury. Our numerical simulation approach provides an analytical tool applicable for calculating the steepness distribution in other small pelagic fish influenced by increases in sea surface temperature due to global warming.
Resisting Domestic Violence
Authors: Briddick Catherine
Published: April 2024

This article analyses the jurisprudence on domestic violence in international refugee and human rights law. It identifies and offers an original response to shortcomings in both bodies of law. Drawing on the work of Michelle Madden Dempsey, its focus is on domestic violence in its ‘strong’ sense: violence that sustains or perpetuates patriarchy. Decisions on women’s claims for international protection from domestic violence have generated strands of case law which contradict each other, as well as the Refugee Convention’s object and purpose. Decision makers have delineated overly restrictive social groups and ignored, identified, or imputed a range of political opinions. A disproportionate focus on ‘private’ motives has also obscured the nexus between persecution and the Convention ground(s). Similarly, issues left unresolved by the European Court of Human Rights have resulted in the European Convention on Human Rights’ prohibition of discrimination being applied inconsistently, and recently, not at all, in cases involving domestic violence. These deficiencies are traced to a lack of conceptual and legal clarity as to the nature of domestic violence. A response is offered that understands such violence as political and discriminatory. The article concludes by arguing that victims of domestic violence, properly understood, have experienced unlawful discrimination and are members of the ‘simple’ particular social group of ‘women’. It also answers calls within the literature for gender-sensitive approaches to the political opinion ground, offering an analysis that recognizes women’s resistance to violence, including in cases where commitments to gender equality are not expressed. Overall, the article contributes an improved understanding of domestic violence that could be relied on to ground principled decision making on discrimination, persecution, and the Convention grounds.
Accelerated numerical solutions for discretized Black–Scholes equations
Authors: Saâdaoui Foued
Published: April 2024

Accepted by: Aris Syntetos

This study thoroughly investigates the efficiency of advanced numerical extrapolation methods aimed at enhancing the convergence of vector sequences in the realm of mathematical finance. Our focus lies in the application of polynomial extrapolation techniques to calculate finite difference solutions for the Black–Scholes (BS) equation—an indispensable model in options pricing. The performance of our algorithms undergoes rigorous evaluation through a comprehensive analysis involving both simulated and real-world data. Notably, our experiments uncover that a stochastic scheme, incorporating two extrapolation strategies and a random relaxation parameter, outperforms other proposed methods, excelling in both convergence and stability metrics. Our findings underscore the potential of this numerical extrapolation method to enhance the efficiency of financial calculations, particularly in the realm of option pricing. This innovation holds promise for refining financial models and addressing specific challenges within the field of mathematical programming, providing effective solutions to the primary computational bottlenecks commonly encountered in financial decision-making.
A Formalism of F-modules for Rings with Complete Local Finite F-Representation Type
Authors: Quinlan-Gallego Eamon
Published: April 2024

We develop a formalism of unit $F$-modules in the style of Lyubeznik and Emerton-Kisin for rings that have finite $F$-representation type after localization and completion at every prime ideal. As applications, we show that if $R$ is such a ring then the iterated local cohomology modules $H^{n_{1}}_{I_{1}} \circ \cdots \circ H^{n_{s}}_{I_{s}}(R)$ have finitely many associated primes, and that all local cohomology modules $H^{n}_{I}(R / gR)$ have closed support when $g$ is a nonzerodivisor on $R$.
Identification of two critical amino acid residues in short-chain aldehyde-responsive odorant receptors
Authors: Kanemaki Reina , Hayakawa Toshiya , Kudo Haruto , Yohda Masafumi , Fukutani Yosuke
Published: April 2024

Mammalian odorant receptors (ORs) are crucial for detecting a broad spectrum of odorants, yet their functional expression poses a significant challenge, often requiring Receptor-transporting proteins (RTPs). This study examines mouse Olfr733 and Olfr732, which, despite high homology, show different functional expression profiles in heterologous cell systems. Our research aimed to identify key amino acids impacting Olfr733's functional expression. We discovered that G112FBW3.40 and L148PBW4.49 (Ballesteros–Weinstein numbering in superscript) substitutions in Olfr732 markedly enhance its RTP-independent expression and ligand responsiveness, mirroring Olfr733. These substitutions, particularly Phe112 and Leu148, are crucial for aldehyde recognition and membrane localization in Olfr733, respectively. While Olfr732-type ORs are conserved across species, Olfr733-types, unique to specific rodents, appear to have evolved from Olfr732, with Pro148 enhancing membrane expression and aldehyde sensitivity. Mouse ORs with ProBW4.49 tend to exhibit improved membrane expression compared to their paralogs, especially when co-expressed with RTP1S. This study concludes that the Pro residue in the fourth transmembrane domain significantly contributes to the structural stability of certain olfactory receptors, highlighting the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying OR functionality and evolution.
Direct and spillover effects of a new tramway line on the commercial vitality of peripheral streets: a synthetic-control approach
Authors: Grossi Giulio , Mariani Marco , Mattei Alessandra , Lattarulo Patrizia , Öner Özge
Published: April 2024

In cities, the creation of public transport infrastructure such as light rails can cause changes on a very detailed spatial scale, with different stories unfolding next to each other within the same urban neighbourhood. We study the direct effect of a light rail line built in Florence (Italy) on the retail density of the street where it was built and its spillover effect on other streets in the treated street’s neighbourhood. To this aim, we investigate the use of the synthetic control group (SCG) methods in panel comparative case studies where interference between the treated and the untreated units is plausible, an issue still little researched in the SCG methodological literature. We frame our discussion in the potential outcomes approach. Under a partial interference assumption, we formally define relevant direct and spillover causal effects.