bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of ruthenium chloride complexes in the coordination precursor Ruthenium Blue and its oxidation products
Authors: Boncheff Alexander G. , Monteiro Mario A.
Published: June 2024

The Ru xCl y compounds that make up the widely used Ru coordination precursor, Ruthenium Blue, have been difficult to identify due to fast air-driven oxidation. To explore the coordination between Ru and aminated polysaccharides, the reaction between reducing glucosamine (GlcN) and Ruthenium Blue was investigated. A blue vibrant solution, indistinguishable from that of Ruthenium Blue, was obtained after reflux of GlcN/RuCl3:3H2O in ethanol, but unlike Ruthenium Blue, the blue colour of the reaction product persisted after prolonged exposure to air. Mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS) of the blue solution did not detect GlcN-Ru ligands. Instead, isotope patterns for singly charged Ru xCl y clusters were observed for [RuCl4]−, [Ru2Cl6]−, [Ru2Cl7]−, [Ru3Cl8]−, [Ru3Cl9]−, [Ru4Cl11]−, and [Ru5Cl12]−. Extended exposure to air led to a colour change of the blue solution to green and finally to yellow. The MS spectrum of the green solution showed lower amounts of the higher order [Ru4Cl11]− and [Ru5Cl12]−, and that of the yellow solution displayed mostly [RuCl4]−. The compositions identified by MS allowed the determination of structures and corresponding electronic excitations by ab initio calculations using density functional theory. The excitation energies were matched to physically perceived colours with CIE1931 colour matching functions, with a noteworthy association of [Ru4Cl11]− to blue. We propose that the presence of the reducing monosaccharide slowed the oxidation of the Ru xCl y clusters in the blue solution and that the structures identified are, at least in part, constituents of Ruthenium Blue. These data may also be useful in the development of Ru-based reagents for catalysis and radiotherapy applications.
Coyotes take advantage of ungulate carrion subsidies as wolves recolonize Washington
Authors: Malesis Anna N. , Windell Rebecca M. , Vanbianchi Carmen M. , Prugh Laura R.
Published: June 2024

Apex predators exert suppressive effects on mesocarnivores; however, they also provide important carrion subsidies. Optimal foraging theory predicts that individuals respond to resource competition by using high-value resources, while competition theory predicts that individuals respond by partitioning resources. This study investigated how the return of wolves ( Canis lupus Linneas, 1758) to Washington state impacted the diet of a subordinate carnivore—the coyote ( Canis latrans Say, 1823). We collected coyote scats from two areas of northern Washington with differing wolf densities and used traditional analysis of undigested remains to infer diet. We tested for differences in the volumes of prey categories, the proportion of ungulate prey that was scavenged, and diet diversity between seasons, study sites, and inside and outside of wolf pack territories. Coyote scats contained more adult ungulate remains inside of wolf pack territories (27%) compared to outside (14%), while seeds and berries were more commonly consumed outside of wolf pack territories (23%) than inside of wolf pack territories (4%). These findings suggest that coyotes are taking advantage of wolf kills to increase ungulate carrion consumption, as predicted by optimal foraging theory, which may substantially affect plant and wildlife communities as wolves continue to recover and coyote diets shift in response.
Hair and entropy for slowly rotating quantum black holes
Authors: Feng Wenbin , Rocha Roldao da , Casadio Roberto
Published: June 2024

We study the quantum hair associated with coherent states describing slowly rotating black holes and show how it can be naturally related with the Bekenstein–Hawking entropy and with 1-loop quantum corrections of the metric for the (effectively) non-rotating case. We also estimate corrections induced by such quantum hair to the temperature of the Hawking radiation through the tunnelling method.
QCD effects in electroweak $$WZjj$$ production at current and future hadron colliders
Authors: Jäger B. , Karlberg A. , Reinhardt S.
Published: June 2024

We present an update of an existing implementation of WZjj production via vector-boson scattering in the framework of the program. In particular, previously unavailable semi-leptonic and fully hadronic decay modes of the intermediate vector bosons are provided, and operators of dimension six in an effective-field theory approach to account for physics beyond the Standard Model in the electroweak sector are included. For selected applications phenomenological results are provided to illustrate the capabilities of the new program. The impact of the considered dimension-six operators on experimentally accessible distributions is found to be small for current LHC energies, but enhanced in the kinematic reach of a potential future hadron collider with an energy of 100 TeV. The relevance of fully accounting for spin correlations and off-shell effects in the decay system is explored by a comparison with results obtained with the tool that are based on an approximate treatment of the leptonic final state resulting from vector boson scattering processes. For selected semi-leptonic and hadronic decay modes we demonstrate the sensitivity of realistic signal selection procedures on QCD corrections and parton-shower effects.
CARBON CREDITS: NEW INSIGHTS, PARADIGM SHIFTS AND DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
Authors: KUMAR PRAVEEN , KUMAR RAKESH , FIROZ MOHAMMAD
Published: June 2024

We identified the principal areas and momentum of the carbon credits research and proposed a future investigation course. Using a bibliometric examination, we analyze a sample of 546 research papers from the ISI Web of Science database to analyze research studies on carbon credits between 2000 and 2019. We found the most persuasive papers and authors based on their publications, citations, region and importance inside the carbon credit framework. We look at the present scenario, discover obstacles to development in the literature on carbon credits and recommend roads for future research. Even though carbon credits research happens universally, an absence of joint exertion exists across country lines, especially between the European and Asian economies.

Research on carbon credits centers around Emission trading/Carbon trading under clean development mechanisms and Cap and trade, with relatively less attention on certified emission reductions, emission rights and verified emissions. We conclude by recommending that the research scope of carbon credit research can be enhanced using five potential research headings. Finally, this research would help the firms and management handle “carbon credits” effectively and efficiently.
DOES IMPROVING TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY INCREASE FOOD PRODUCTION? AN ANALYSIS OF WHEAT FARMS IN AFGHANISTAN
Authors: SAMIM SAYED ALIM , DENG XIANGZHENG , AMINI SAYED YOUNUS , HU ZHIQUAN , CHENG WEI , YU ZIYUE , OLASEHINDE TOBA STEPHEN
Published: June 2024

Afghanistan faces serious challenges in terms of food security, which highlights the importance of agricultural productivity growth. This study assessed the impact of technical efficiency (TE) of wheat production on farmers’ household food security by improving food production using ex-post non-experimental data from Takhar Province, Afghanistan. Our empirical approach is based on the Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier model and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). We found that farmers’ TE significantly improved farmers’ households’ food security by improving food production. Furthermore, the average TE score of food-secure farmers was 72.0%, whereas that of food-insecure farmers was 66.2%, and the difference was statistically significant. In conclusion, our findings underscore the essential role of improving farmers’ TE in enhancing food security in farming households in Afghanistan.
THE SIGNALING EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF R&D GRANTS ON CORPORATE EXTERNAL FINANCING: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE LISTED FIRMS
Authors: JIN HAIZHEN , LEE JONGMIN
Published: June 2024

In this study, we investigate the heterogeneous signaling effects of government research and development (R&D) grants on corporate bank financing regarding various types of grants. While the literature primarily focuses on the information asymmetry between banks and receivers, this study focuses on the more fundamental aspect of disparate signals sent from various types of subsidies. We categorize public R&D subsidies into three types: project-based, special grants and general subsidies. By using data from Chinese listed firms between 2008 and 2018, we find that R&D projects have positive certification effects on corporate external financing, special funds do not have significant effects, and general subsidies send negative signals regarding firm quality, resulting in the reduction of long-term bank loans of recipients. However, the negative signaling effects of general subsidies are found to be counteracted by political connections, suggesting that the signal associated with political capital could be greater than that associated with firm quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL NON-TARIFF MEASURES AND TRADE IN APEC MEMBER ECONOMIES
Authors: HYUN HEA-JUNG
Published: June 2024

This study examines how environmental non-tariff measures (NTMs) affect trade in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies. Using product-level panel data spanning 2009–2020, we find that stringent environmental NTMs reduce trade in APEC member economies, whereas no significant effect exists when exporting is destined to non-APEC economies. The trade-impeding effect of NTMs is prominent in exports of dirty goods from economies with high-intensity greenhouse gas emissions through additional adaptation costs to meet environmental standards set by high-income importing countries with the high-intensity imposition of the measure. Results imply that APEC economies need to enhance effective environmental regulations by taking the heterogeneous effects of NTMs on trade across industries and types of measures into account.
Dynamical behavior of the fractional nonlinear Kadoma equation in plasma physics and optics
Authors: Mohammed Wael W. , Iqbal Naveed , Sidaoui Rabeb , Ali Ekram E.
Published: June 2024

The nonlinear Kadoma equation with M-truncated derivatives (NLKE-MTD) is taken into consideration here. By using generalized Riccati equation method (GRE method) and Jacobi elliptic function method, new hyperbolic, rational, trigonometric and elliptic solutions are discovered. Because the NLKE is widely employed in optics, fluid dynamics and plasma physics, the resulting solutions may be used to analyze a wide variety of important physical phenomena. The dynamic behaviors of the different derived solutions are interpreted using 3D and 2D graphs to explain the effects of M-truncated derivatives. We may conclude that the surface moves to the right as the order of M-truncated derivatives increases.
A novel chaotic oscillator with a half-line of unstable equilibria: Basins of attraction, chaos control, chaos synchronization, and encryption applications
Authors: Saeed Nasser A. , Saleh Hend A. , Hou Lei , Nasr Emad Abouel
Published: June 2024

A novel 3D chaotic oscillator that incorporates quadratic and absolute-function nonlinearities is introduced in this paper. The system dynamics are explored using the Lyapunov direct method, phase plane trajectories, time response, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams, and basins of attraction. The uniqueness and existence of the system solution have been proven. The analytical investigations show that the system has two stable equilibrium points along with one unstable equilibrium point and a line of equilibria. The positive half of this line represents unstable equilibria, while the negative half is associated with stable equilibria. Additionally, it is found that the oscillator exhibits a chaotic basin of attraction centered along the line of equilibria and surrounded by a fixed-point attractor. An electronic circuit using Multisim software is designed to demonstrate the possibility of physical implementation for the considered mathematical model. Chaos control is addressed using adaptive and sliding mode control strategies. The performance of both control methods is compared, with the sliding mode control demonstrating superior results in both fast response and small transient overshoot. Furthermore, a novel sliding mode controller for master–slave synchronization is introduced, showing high performance compared to other sliding-mode and adaptive control methods applied in the literature. Finally, the proposed oscillator is employed as a Pseudo Random Number Generator (PRNG) for image encryption applications using a new encryption model. The experimental results confirm the high security and robustness of the proposed encryption algorithm against various attack methods.
Spectral Analysis of a Sagged Cable with an Optimal Viscous Inertial Mass Damper under Random Wind in a Generalized State-Space Formulation
Authors: Duan Y. F. , Deng N. , Rao Y. X. , Dong S. H. , Yun C. B.
Published: June 2024

In this study, a spectral analysis method is proposed for a sagged cable with an optimal viscous inertial mass damper (VIMD) under random wind loads based on a generalized state-space formulation. The frequency response functions of the cable responses were evaluated for the wind force vector using complex modes orthogonal to the system matrices, from which the power spectral densities of the cable responses were readily obtained for the spectral matrix of the wind force. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method were verified by comparing the root mean square responses with those obtained from the time-domain and covariance analyses. The performance of two VIMDs optimized by the fixed-point method and the maximum damping ratio method was investigated for various cases of cable sag and wind properties. Serviceability failure probability analysis was also conducted using the first-passage problem. The results show that the proposed spectral method is computationally more efficient than the other two analysis methods. The VIMDs optimized for the first original cable mode were found to be highly effective in reducing cable vibration and the probability of serviceability failure.
Random Vibration Analysis of Double Deck Rocking Self-Centering Pier Under Seismic Excitation
Authors: Feng Yebao , Chen Lincong , Kang Jiajie , Hu Huiying
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates nonlinear random vibration of double deck rocking self-centering pier structure subjected to seismic excitation. First of all, a novel type of double deck rocking self-centering pier that offers better resilience is designed. The stochastic dynamical model of the system is then established, in which the seismic excitation is viewed as Kanai–Tajimi filtered white noise and the self-centering restoring force is characterized by classical flag-shaped hysteretic model. Subsequently, the self-centering restoring force is decomposed into equivalent quasi-linear elastic and damping forces by adopting the harmonic balance (HB) scheme. Following this, the stochastic averaging (SA) technique is implemented to derive the averaged Itô equation. The steady-state response probability density with respect to the amplitudes is solved from the averaged Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov (FPK) equation. Finally, the effects of system parameters on the stochastic response of the double deck rocking self-centering pier structure are performed, and validated by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). In addition, with the help of the Laplace transform, the transition function as well as conditional power spectral density are achieved, which are combined with the steady-state probability density to obtain the power spectral density response. This research will contribute to the optimal seismic design of double-deck rocking self-centering piers.
DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND HYBRID IMPEDANCE CONTROL OF AN ANKLE REHABILITATION ROBOT
Authors: YILDIRIM EMRE , EMİN AKTAN MEHMET , AKDOĞAN ERHAN , ÖZEKLİ MISIRLIOĞLU TUĞÇE , PALAMAR DENİZ
Published: June 2024

In this study, a hybrid impedance control-based portable ankle rehabilitation robot that can perform therapeutic exercises for the ankle has been developed. This 1-DOF robot can perform plantar flexion and dorsiflexion movements for the ankle. The capacity of the robotic system to perform therapeutic exercises was tested with subjects. Isotonic and resistive exercises were tested with 10 healthy subjects and stretching exercise was tested with a patient. The results showed that the hybrid impedance controlled robotic system can successfully perform passive stretching, active isotonic and active resistive exercises by providing a safe human-robot interaction. Especially when a sudden resistance increase occurs in the joint, the hybrid impedance controller acts like a physiotherapist and performs the movement without damaging the joint.
Evaluation and Screening of Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship Based on Improved BPNN Model
Authors: Zhou Yan
Published: June 2024

Aiming at the low success rate of incubation investment of China’s technology-based start-ups, how to scientifically evaluate technology-based start-ups has become an important issue that needs to be faced. Considering the expert consultation characteristics of the Delphi method is extremely suitable for decision-making problems in the field of uncertainty, as well as the strong nonlinear mapping ability and learning ability of the backpropagation neural network (BPNN). According to the characteristics of the evaluation object and following the principle of index selection, the study uses the Delphi method to determine the evaluation index system suitable for technology-based entrepreneurial enterprises in the current environment and obtain the scores of each index. Based on the established evaluation index system, the BPNN evaluation model is further constructed, and its parameters are optimised to improve its performance. Aiming at the problem that it is easy to fall into a local optimal, a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimise it, and a GA-BPNN model is constructed. The comprehensive capability of GA-BPNN is evaluated by using the excellent nonlinear characteristic analysis ability of GA-BPNN to provide a reference for important decisions such as investment. Using BPNN simulation, it was concluded that the correct rate of evaluation of qualified enterprises was between 23.32% and 89.99%, with an average correct rate of 58.32%. The average correct rate was 80.99%. The evaluation accuracy rate was unstable and the average accuracy rate was low. The optimised GA-BPNN model had an average evaluation accuracy rate of 80.32% for qualified enterprises and 93.66% for unqualified enterprises, and the average evaluation accuracy rate increased by 21.99% and 12.66%, respectively. The effectiveness of the model and algorithm was verified. It shows that the GA-BPNN model can be used as an effective tool for the evaluation and screening of technology-based entrepreneurial enterprises. The evaluation system of technology-based entrepreneurial enterprises established by research is scientific and can be applied in practice.
Bayesian estimation for mean vector of multivariate normal distribution on the linear and nonlinear exponential balanced loss based on wavelet decomposition
Authors: Batvandi Ziba , afshari Mahmoud , Karamikabir Hamid
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses the problem of Bayesian wavelet estimating the mean vector of multivariate normal distribution under a multivariate normal prior distribution based on linear and nonlinear exponential balanced loss functions. The covariance matrix of multivariate normal distribution is considered known. Bayes estimators of mean vector parameter of multivariate normal distribution are achieved. Then two soft shrinkage wavelet threshold estimators based on Stein’s unbiased risk estimate (SURE) and Bayes estimators are provided. Finally, the performance of the soft shrinkage wavelet estimators was checked through simulation study and Electrical Grid Stability Simulated data set. Simulation and real data results showed the better performance of SURE thresholds based on linear and nonlinear exponential balanced loss functions compared to other classical wavelet methods. Also, they showed better performance for SURE threshold based on nonlinear exponential balanced loss function in multivariate normal distribution with small dimensions.
A novel approach of visual image reconstruction from fMRI using Kohonen Network Information Maximizing Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Rathi K. , Gomathi V. , Raja S. P.
Published: June 2024

As neuroscience states, the ability of our brain to process visual information is similar to that of neurons. Our cognitive ability carries out this process using the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) profiles that it collects during the presentation of visual stimuli around us. However, this process poses its own set of challenges due to complexities like structure and noise levels. To address these challenges, high-quality computational approaches have been executed. This work proposes a hybrid computational approach, that combines feature extraction and conditional generative adversarial network techniques. This research suggests the use of the hybrid form incorporating Kohonen Network and Information Maximizing Generative Adversarial Networks (KNInfoGAN) to map the fMRI data to visual stimuli. For feature extraction, the Kohonen network is used, and the visual stimuli are reconstructed using the InfoGAN approach. A series of experiments were conducted on dual synthetic fMRI datasets using a KNInfoGAN model, and the results were obtained with an accuracy rate of 99% for handwritten numbers and 87% for handwritten English characters, approximately. An accuracy rate of 73% has been obtained upon utilizing the ImageNet database to examine the accomplishments of the suggested approach for highly complex natural stimulus. The suggested technique in this study outperforms the previously existing techniques in image reconstruction, with enhanced quality and a lower computational cost. The same has been verified based on the comparative examination of a wide range of tests conducted in this study.
A quantum secure multi-party summation protocol with quantum Fourier transform
Authors: Pan Hong-Ming
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a quantum secure multi-party summation scheme with a third party based on quantum Fourier transform (QFT) is put forward, where the third party cannot be permitted to cooperate with others but is allowed for all kinds of attacks. Under the help of third party, [Formula: see text] users can calculate the addition modulo [Formula: see text] of their private integer strings. The third party generates two-level single qubit and its product state as the initial quantum resource, produces the traveling particles with QFT and the controlled-not (CNOT) operations, and sends the traveling particles out to the first users; then, [Formula: see text] users encode their private integer sequences by performing the phase shifting operations on the travelling particles one after another; and finally, the third party decodes out the summation of the private integer sequences from [Formula: see text] users through CNOT operations and inverse quantum Fourier transform (IQFT). This protocol only adopts two-level single particle state and its product state as initial quantum resource, only needs [Formula: see text]-level single particle measurement and does not need to perform quantum entanglement swapping. Security analysis indicates that this protocol can overcome not only the outside attack but also the participant attack.
The Effect of Carbon Quantum Dots on the Growth of Aspergillus Oryzae
Authors: Zhu Gaiqin , Dan Jiangrong , Xiong Lina , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lei Yan , Yao Yitong , Liu Hua , Chen Zhong , Duo Shuwang , Li Deliang , Li Xiaoxia
Published: June 2024

Carbon quantum dots (C QDs) were synthesized using lemon juices as a precursor by hydrothermal method. The impact of C QDs on the biomass, density of spores, and morphology of Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) was studied for the first time. The results revealed that C QDs had a graphite structure, and their average size was about 4.25[Formula: see text]nm. As a carbon source, C QDs were more beneficial to A. oryzae growth than glucose. It has been observed that C QDs worked as an activator to improve the yield of A. oryzae, and the biomass and density of spores of A. oryzae cultured with 15[Formula: see text]mg C QDs were about 1.46 and 2.00 times higher than that in control medium (without C QDs). Our work can give a new idea for improving the yield of A. oryzae or microorganisms and satisfy industrial requirements.
Identification of pathological characteristics in pulmonary tuberculosis using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ding Yun , Yuan Zhuoqun , Zhao Xiaojiang , Gao Guozheng , Li Xin , Liang Yanmei
Published: June 2024

The low detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical practice leads to a high rate of missed diagnosis for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). As a noninvasive, high-resolution, real-time imaging technology, polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) may be feasible for the rapid identification of pathological feature. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using PS-OCT to identify pathological features of PTB. In the experiments, PTB samples containing some surrounding lung tissues were imaged using PS-OCT. It is demonstrated that PS-OCT images showed good consistency with the corresponding pathological images and were able to identify PTB-related characteristic pathological regions. We think PS-OCT can serve as an effective supplement for the diagnosis of PTB, enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis, and aiding in the understanding of the pathological characteristics and pathophysiological processes of PTB.
Distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks and mitigation method using logistic regression-based GoogLeNet for real time in security games
Authors: Yadav Ajit Kumar Singh , Radhika R. , Balaji V. R. , Sivaganesan D. , Cynthia J. , Thomas Jeyanth M.
Published: June 2024

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks remain a persistent and formidable threat in the ever-changing world of cyber security. These attacks have the potential to disrupt internet services and cause substantial financial and reputational concerns. The major challenge is developing an adaptable and real-time Intrusion Detection System (IDS) that can detect and neutralize DDoS attacks effectively and quickly, even when attackers use increasingly advanced ways to avoid detection. The problem concerns the development of a dynamic and real-time intrusion detection technique that combines the benefits of logistic regression for anomaly detection with GoogLeNet for deep learning-based network traffic analysis. This paper proposes a unique framework for intrusion detection that blends logistic regression-based anomaly detection with GoogLeNet deep learning capabilities. The combination of these technologies makes it easier to identify and mitigate DDoS attacks, hence improving the security of internet-based systems. The proposed IDS framework utility is proved through experimental evaluations, which highlight its capacity to effectively identify DDoS attacks while minimizing false positives. The use of this technology in real-time during security games demonstrates its potential to improve online service security infrastructure and reduce the impact of DDoS attacks on critical networks and data resources.
A Comprehensive Review on the Advances of Nanowires in Multidisciplinary Applications
Authors: Oliullah Md. Shah , Hasan Mehedi , Mimona Mariam Akter , Ahmed Emtiuz , Ahmed Iftekhar , Tasnim Rumana , Salma Umme , Mobarak Md Hosne
Published: June 2024

This review study examines the various possible applications of nanowires (NWs) across multiple fields, highlighting their unique optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. NWs, due to their elongated structure and high aspect ratio, are highly useful in many industries including electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemical detection, energy storage, and energy conversion. The research explores fundamental methods for synthesis and integration, including vapor–liquid–solid growth and template-assisted processes. Additionally, it examines methods for modifying attributes through the manipulation of composition. NWs are considered intriguing building blocks for cutting-edge electronics, showcasing benefits in high-frequency components, thermoelectric devices, photovoltaic cells, and flexible light-emitting diodes. The research emphasizes the wide array of potential uses for NW arrays in very sensitive sensing, particularly in integrating these arrays into small, energy-efficient sensors for diverse measurements. Furthermore, NWs demonstrate promise in energy harvesting, photovoltaics, and self-powered devices. The research focuses on overcoming challenges related to the ability to produce NWs on a large scale, ensuring consistent material quality, and addressing issues related to the compatibility of NWs with biological systems. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between different fields of study to fully utilize the promise of NWs in electronics, energy, and biomedicine. Despite these challenges, NWs’ adaptable properties and significant size make them well-suited to revolutionize multiple industries, enabling the advancement of flexible electronics, point-of-care diagnostics, efficient solar cells, and immersive virtual reality.
Adaptive Fuzzy Sliding-Mode Tracking Control for a VTOL Aircraft System Under Predefined Performance
Authors: Zhou Minglong , Deng Xiongfeng
Published: June 2024

The predefined performance tracking control issue of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft system is discussed in this work. Employing the presented control performance function, the constrained error signal of the aircraft is switched into an equivalent unconstrained signal. Moreover, fuzzy logic systems are introduced to address unknown nonlinear dynamics problems in aircraft system. Furthermore, in order to address the approximation errors and the external disturbances of aircraft system, parameter-adaptive update laws are proposed in the analysis process. Subsequently, adaptive fuzzy sliding-mode control laws are designed by combining fuzzy control method with sliding-mode control technique. By applying the redesigned sliding-mode functions and the Lyapunov stability method, the output of the VTOL aircraft system can track the desired trajectory, and the tracking errors are constrained in a predefined range. Finally, the availability of the proposed control laws is testified through simulation examples.
Unpacking Human-AI interactions: From Interaction Primitives to a Design Space
Authors: Tsiakas Konstantinos , Murray-Rust Dave
Published: June 2024

This article aims to develop a semi-formal representation for Human-AI (HAI) interactions, by building a set of interaction primitives which can specify the information exchanges between users and AI systems during their interaction. We show how these primitives can be combined into a set of interaction patterns which can capture common interactions between humans and AI/ML models. The motivation behind this is twofold: firstly, to provide a compact generalization of existing practices for the design and implementation of HAI interactions; and secondly, to support the creation of new interactions by extending the design space of HAI interactions. Taking into consideration frameworks, guidelines, and taxonomies related to human-centered design and implementation of AI systems, we define a vocabulary for describing information exchanges based on the model’s characteristics and interactional capabilities. Based on this vocabulary, a message passing model for interactions between humans and models is presented, which we demonstrate can account for existing HAI interaction systems and approaches. Finally, we build this into design patterns which can describe common interactions between users and models, and we discuss how this approach can be used toward a design space for HAI interactions that creates new possibilities for designs as well as keeping track of implementation issues and concerns.
Interdisciplinary Fairness in Imbalanced Research Proposal Topic Inference: A Hierarchical Transformer-based Method with Selective Interpolation
Authors: Xiao Meng , Wu Min , Qiao Ziyue , Fu Yanjie , Ning Zhiyuan , Du Yi , Zhou Yuanchun
Published: June 2024

The objective of topic inference in research proposals aims to obtain the most suitable disciplinary division from the discipline system defined by a funding agency. The agency will subsequently find appropriate peer-review experts from their database based on this division. Automated topic inference can reduce human errors caused by manual topic filling, bridge the knowledge gap between funding agencies and project applicants, and improve system efficiency. Existing methods focus on modeling this as a hierarchical multi-label classification problem, using generative models to iteratively infer the most appropriate topic information. However, these methods overlook the gap in scale between interdisciplinary research proposals and non-interdisciplinary ones, leading to an unjust phenomenon where the automated inference system categorizes interdisciplinary proposals as non-interdisciplinary, causing unfairness during the expert assignment. How can we address this data imbalance issue under a complex discipline system and hence resolve this unfairness? In this article, we implement a topic label inference system based on a Transformer encoder–decoder architecture. Furthermore, we utilize interpolation techniques to create a series of pseudo-interdisciplinary proposals from non-interdisciplinary ones during training based on non-parametric indicators, such as cross-topic probabilities and topic occurrence probabilities. This approach aims to reduce the bias of the system during model training. Finally, we conduct extensive experiments on a real-world dataset to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results demonstrate that our training strategy can significantly mitigate the unfairness generated in the topic inference task. To improve the reproducibility of our research, we have released accompanying code by Dropbox.

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Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening among Female Health Professionals in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Ziyad Yahya Abdi , Jemal Elias , Dheresa Merga , Usso Ahmedin Aliyi , Adem Hassen Abdi , Motuma Aboma , Komicha Mohammednur Abdo , Eyeberu Addis , Yuya Sherif Abdi
Published: June 2024

Background. Early screening for cervical cancer is a key life‐saving intervention in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. Despite the high burden of cervical cancer, the coverage of cervical cancer screening is low in developing countries, including Ethiopia. There is a paucity of information on the utilization of cervical cancer screening among female health professionals in eastern Ethiopia. This study aimedto assess the determinants of cervical cancer screening among female health professionals in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. Method. An institution‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 232 female health professionals in Harar town from September 01 to 30, 2022. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify significant factors for the level of cervical cancer screening. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to report the strength of association and statistical significance declared at p value < 0.05. Results. The prevalence of cervical cancer screening among female health professionals was 16.8% (95% CI: 11%, 22%). Higher education level (AOR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.68, 10.90), use of contraceptives (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.17, 6.23), training on cervical cancer screening (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.05, 6.08), good knowledge about cervical cancer screening (AOR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.44, 7.91), and positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening (AOR = 5.31, 95% CI: 2.04, 13.83) were independent factors that increased the utilization of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion. One in every six female health professionals was screened for cervical cancer. Education level, contraceptive use, cervical cancer screening training, cervical cancer screening knowledge, and attitude toward cervical cancer screening were the determinants of cervical cancer screening utilization among female health professionals. Improving the health professionals’ knowledge and attitude toward cervical cancer screening through upgrading their education level and training on cervical cancer screening would be essential to improving the level of cervical cancer screening.
Profiles of Permanent Supportive Housing Residents Related to Their Quality of Life and Community Integration
Authors: Fleury Marie-Josée , L’Espérance Nadia , Armoon Bahram
Published: June 2024

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is the main approach advocated in Western countries for eradicating homelessness. Considering that PSH residents are not a homogeneous group and that their quality of life (QoL) and community integration (CI) might differ in this setting, improving our understanding of these residents’ profiles may help stakeholders formulate informed recommendations to improve PSH. This study identified PSH resident profiles based on their QoL, CI, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and associated these profiles with housing features and service use. A total of 308 PSH residents were recruited in Montreal (Canada) in 2020–2022. Structured interviews were conducted. PSH resident profiles were produced with cluster analysis and subsequently compared using chi‐square, Fisher’s, and t‐tests, taking into account housing features and service use. Three PSH resident profiles were found. Profile 1 residents (22% of the sample) had low QoL and CI, were younger, and had major social and health issues and unmet needs. Showing moderate QoL and CI, Profile 2 residents (27%) were more educated, had little foster care history, were older on their first homelessness episode, and had few co‐occurring MD‐SUD. Profile 3 residents (51%) had the best QoL and CI and mostly included men with little education, affected by co‐occurring MD‐SUD and satisfied with services. More intensive housing support and care coordination may be recommended for Profile 1 PSH residents in response to their diverse needs. Work integration may be beneficial to Profile 2 residents, with programs such as Individual Placement and Support, along with increased rehabilitation activities. A better integration of MD‐SUD treatments may be promoted for Profile 3 residents. Considering most PSH residents had multiple health issues and unmet needs, satisfaction with care could be monitored better, as it was found to be a key variable in measuring care adequation.
Lycopene: A Potent Antioxidant with Multiple Health Benefits
Authors: Shafe Mercy Omoye , Gumede Nontobeko Myllet , Nyakudya Trevor Tapiwa , Chivandi Eliton
Published: June 2024

Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid predominantly found in tomatoes and tomato‐based products. Like other phytochemicals, it exhibits health beneficial biological activities that can be exploited when it is used as a dietary supplement. In vitro and in vivo, lycopene has been demonstrated to mitigate oxidative stress‐induced metabolic dysfunctions and diseases including inflammation, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Lycopene has been shown to alleviate metabolic diseases that affect the bone, eye, kidney, liver, lungs, heart, and nervous system. This review presents the state of the art regarding lycopene’s health benefits and its potential applications in health system delivery. Furthermore, lycopene’s protective effects against toxins, safety in its use, and possible toxicity are explored.
Early Enteral Nutrition Could Be Associated with Improved Survival Outcome in Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Duan Jingwei , Ren Jianjie , Li Xiaodan , Du Lanfang , Duan Baomin , Ma Qingbian
Published: June 2024

Background. Although the latest European and US guidelines recommend that early enteral nutrition (EN) be attempted in critically ill patients, there is still a lack of research on feeding strategies for patients after cardiac arrest (CA). Due to the unique pathophysiology following CA, it remains unknown whether evidence from other diseases can be applied in this condition. Objective. We aimed to explore the relationship between the timing of EN (within 48 hours or after 48 hours) and clinical outcomes and safety in CA. Method. From the MIMIC‐IV (version 2.2) database, we conducted this retrospective cohort study. A 1 : 1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was also conducted to prevent potential interference from confounders. Moreover, adjusted proportional hazards model regression models were used to adjust for prehospital and hospitalization characteristics to verify the independence of the association between early EN initiation and patient outcomes. Results. Of the initial 1286 patients, 670 were equally assigned to the early EN or delayed EN group after PSM. Patients in the early EN group had improved survival outcomes than those in the delayed EN group within 30 days (HR = 0.779, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.611‐0.994], p = 0.041). Similar results were shown at 90 and 180 days. However, there was no significant difference in neurological outcome between the two groups at 30 days (51% vs. 57%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.786, 95% CI [0.580–1.066], p = 0.070). Patients who underwent early EN had a lower risk of ileus than patients who underwent delayed EN (4% vs. 8%, OR = 0.461, 95% CI [0.233–0.909], p = 0.016). Moreover, patients who underwent early EN had shorter hospital stays. Conclusion. Early EN could be associated with improved survival outcomes for patients after CA. Further studies are needed to verify it. However, at present, we might consider early EN to be a more suitable feeding strategy for CA.
Coastal dolphins provide foraging opportunities to benthic-feeding seabirds in a tropical seagrass ecosystem
Authors: Ramos Eric A. , Kiszka Jeremy J. , Reiss Diana , Magnasco Marcelo O.
Published: June 2024

In marine ecosystems, predators can affect community and ecosystem dynamics through a variety of processes such as foraging facilitation. Here, we report evidence of foraging facilitation between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) in the Caribbean seagrass-dominated atoll of Turneffe, Belize using aerial drone observations conducted in 2015-2017. While dolphins exhibited occasional aggressive behaviours toward the cormorants, the latter frequently followed dolphin movements, suggesting opportunistic pursuit of dolphins for prey access during dolphin bottom foraging activity. Our observations underscore the intricate ecological relationships among marine predators and highlight the need to quantify the mutual benefits and costs of such interactions as coastal ecosystems are rapidly changing.
Disconnect: The International Criminal Court’s Engagement in the Situation in Bangladesh/Myanmar
Authors: Palmer Emma
Published: June 2024

The International Criminal Court (icc) Registry’s reports on information and outreach activities concerning Bangladesh and Myanmar speak of two worlds. One, of a public affairs-focused managerial institution, and another of diverse priorities, insecurity, and complicated interactions among communities, organisations and states. To meet their aims and purposes, international criminal mechanisms must engage with other actors. Researchers have identified ‘lessons’ for conducting effective communications, including outreach, for information dissemination, building support, and conducting legitimate and safe trials. This article analyses documents and draws on limited interviews to explore how, despite these insights being represented in icc strategies, disconnection between the icc and interested actors in the pre-trial Bangladesh/Myanmar situation persists. It argues that the icc’s continued failure to integrate experiences or its own strategies for two-way communication undermines its ability to fulfil its purposes.
Toxicity, transfer and metabolization of the pyrethroid insecticides cypermethrin and deltamethrin by reared black soldier fly larvae
Authors: Meijer N. , Zoet L. , Rijkers D. , Nijssen R. , Willemsen M. , Zomer P. , van der Fels-Klerx H.J.
Published: June 2024

Reared insects such as black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) are considered a potential alternative feed protein. However, dietary exposure to insecticide residues via the substrate could adversely affect performance indicators (yield/survival) and substance-transfer from substrate to larval biomass could result in non-compliance with low legal limits. Effects of pyrethroid insecticides cypermethrin and deltamethrin were tested at varying concentrations, with or without the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Concentration/response curves for yield were estimated and samples were analysed to determine concentrations of parent compounds and selected metabolites. Results suggest that deltamethrin is highly toxic to H. illucens larvae: the critical effect dose for 10% yield loss was estimated to be 0.04 mg/kg, compared to a legal limit in wheat of 2.0 mg/kg. Cypermethrin was comparatively less toxic, in line with prior studies, but may also cause significant adverse effects even for exposure levels below the legal limit – especially when combined with PBO. For both substances, transfer from substrate to larvae is a potential issue due to low limits, and transfer as well as toxicity are increased by presence of PBO. Some metabolites could be detected, but more research is needed to determine resistance mechanisms involved.
Reformatting a Traditional Image of the Qing Imperial Realm According to Modern Western Cartography
Authors: Dorofeeva-Lichtmann Vera
Published: June 2024

The Göttingen State and University Library in Germany possesses the only surviving copy of a general map of the Qing empire, which until early 2014 was considered to be lost. The map is a middle-format hand-coloured block print. All the place names and other textual elements in the map are given exclusively in Chinese. The map is authored by a known Chinese scholar, Li Mingche 李明徹 (1751–1832), but is undated. Yet the time of its creation can be reliably approximated to the mid-1820s, most likely 1825–1826. The map exhibits a clear stamp of Western mapmaking, primarily that of French cartography of the eighteenth century, yet its fine fusion with the system of traditional Chinese cartographic conventions and aesthetic preferences makes it an interesting hybrid cartographic specimen. This article proposes an initial analysis of the map providing a basis for future more detailed study.
The Dunn Map: An American and a Long-Forgotten Curio from Nineteenth-Century China
Authors: Po Ronald C.
Published: June 2024

Rediscovered in 2011 within the collection of the Library of Congress, the Fusheng quantu 福省全圖 (Complete Map of Fuzhou), a delicate nineteenth-century Chinese map, had lain unnoticed for over a century. Its anonymous creator and lack of dating impede a direct tracing of its origins, and it is only known to have arrived through a donation of manuscripts by the American businessman and diplomat Thomas Dunn. The map, with its artistic qualities, provides a window into the seascape of Fuzhou and the Qing dynasty’s coastal defences and maritime strategies. This study transcends the map’s physicality, delving into its associated life histories, including Dunn’s, and the broader context of China’s coerced entry into global trade and diplomacy during the age of high imperialism (c.1850–1900). More than a long-forgotten illustrative account, the map is a piece of evidence that reveals much about the times and places in which it was drawn and viewed.