bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Has the real rate of return “depreciated”?
Authors: Dalgaard Carl-Johan , Olsen Morten 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe average depreciation rate in the United States has increased since the 1970s, a pattern most likely matched in other advanced economies. We argue that a higher depreciation rate has reduced the risk-free interest rate. We do so in a quantitative overlapping-generations model which allows for risk-premia and market power. We show that the importance of the rate of depreciation on the risk-free interest rate depends crucially on the elasticity of intertemporal substitution as well as the size of market power. Our calibrated model shows that higher depreciation plausibly reduced the risk-free rate by 30 basis points over the past half century. We contrast our results with models using a representative-agent framework (Farhi and Gourio in Accounting for macro-finance trends: market power, intangibles, and risk premia. Brookings papers on economic activity, 147, 2019) which typically do not find a role for the rate of depreciation.
Self-Calibrating Stress Measurement System Based on Multidirectional Barkhausen Noise Measurements
Authors: Piotrowski Leszek , Chmielewski Marek 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe system presented in this paper enables automatization of the two-dimensional calibration process (determination of Barkhausen noise (BN) intensity dependence on in-plane components of strain). Then, using dedicated software created by the authors in LabVIEW environment, and with the help of two dimensional calibration data one can effectively determine strain and stress distribution i.e. magnitude and orientation of main strain/stress components relative to measurement direction. BN signal measurements are performed using an advanced, multidirectional Barkhausen noise (BN) measuring sensor and a measurement system dedicated for cooperation with it. The system uses a robust algorithm for the strain components determination based on calibration surfaces, instead of usually applied curves, thus taking the influence of normal strain component directly into account instead of treating it as a correction factor (if not completely neglecting). The originality of the system arises also from the fact that this is the first BN measurement system that is self-calibrating (i.e. automatically loads the calibration sample in a pre-programmed way, performs BN signal measurements and calculates calibration planes), provided that the user possesses enough of the investigated material for calibration sample preparation.
Enhancing Network Threat Detection with Random Forest-Based NIDS and Permutation Feature Importance
Authors: Abdelaziz Mohammed Tarek , Radwan Abdelrahman , Mamdouh Hesham , Saad Adel Saeed , Abuzaid Abdulrahman Salem , AbdElhakeem Ahmed Ayman , Zakzouk Salma , Moussa Kareem , Darweesh M. Saeed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) are critical for protecting computer networks from unauthorized activities. Traditional NIDS rely on rule-based signatures, which can be limiting in detecting emerging threats. This study investigates the effectiveness of the random forest classifier in advancing NIDS capabilities through machine learning. Using the CICIDS-2017 dataset, the data are preprocessed to enhance their quality by removing redundancies. feature selection and permutation importance were employed to identify the most relevant features. The methodology involves rigorous testing and analysis of the random forest classifier’s performance, focusing on f1-score rates compared to other machine learning models. Results demonstrate that by optimizing class weights, applying a custom prediction function and leveraging 26 key features, the random forest classifier achieves an outstanding 99.8% in the weighted f1-score and 93.31% in the macro f1-score in various attack types. This research highlights the potential of machine learning to significantly enhance NIDS effectiveness, offering a robust defense mechanism against evolving cybersecurity threats in modern networks.
Analytical Survival Analysis of the Non-autonomous Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Process
Authors: Giorgini L. T. , Moon W. , Wettlaufer J. S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe survival probability for a periodic non-autonomous Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process is calculated analytically using two different methods. The first uses an asymptotic approach. We treat the associated Kolmogorov Backward Equation with an absorbing boundary by dividing the domain into an interior region, centered around the origin, and a “boundary layer” near the absorbing boundary. In each region we determine the leading-order analytical solutions, and construct a uniformly valid solution over the entire domain using asymptotic matching. In the second method we examine the integral relationship between the probability density function and the mean first passage time probability density function. These allow us to determine approximate analytical forms for the exit rate. The validity of the solutions derived from both methods is assessed numerically, and we find the asymptotic method to be superior.
Dynamics of a knuckle crane carrying a load subjected to wind pressure
Authors: Urbaś Andrzej , Stadnicki Jacek 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe paper presents the authors’ model of a knuckle crane offshore type that takes into account the flexibility of boom and drives, which is used to analyze the effect of constant wind pressure or cyclical gusts on the dynamics of the crane and the load. The mathematical model of the crane is derived using a formalism of joint coordinates, homogeneous transformation matrices, and Lagrange equations. Using this model, the influence of wind pressure on the torques and forces in the crane drives and on the accuracy of load positioning is investigated. The results show that the influence of wind on the accuracy of load positioning should not be assessed by limiting the observation to the movement of its gravity center but by observing the movement of characteristic points, the corners of the load. Root mean squared (RMS) indicators are used to quantitatively assess this impact on the driving torque and forces, and appropriate indicators are proposed to assess the accuracy of load positioning.
Heat stress causes chromatin accessibility and related gene expression changes in crown tissues of barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Kiełbowicz-Matuk Agnieszka , Smaczniak Cezary , Mikołajczak Krzysztof , Kuczyńska Anetta , Xu Xiaocai , Braeuning Caroline , Krajewski Paweł 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPlant responses to stress caused by high temperatures involve changes occurring at the molecular, metabolic, and physiological levels. Understanding the mechanisms by which plants recognize signals to activate this response is a prerequisite for identifying key genes and signaling pathways and for obtaining heat-tolerant plants. We demonstrated the first implementation of an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin to identify open chromatin regions (OCRs) in crown tissues of barley using three genotypes carrying different allelic forms of the sdw1 gene encoding gibberellin 20-oxidase subjected to elevated temperatures. In parallel, we performed gene expression analysis, which allowed us to relate changes in chromatin state to changes in transcriptional activity. The obtained data revealed that the hypersensitive chromatin regions within the genes were more repeatable than those outside the gene intervals. We observed that prolonged exposure to high temperatures increased chromatin accessibility. Genes with OCRs in their regulatory regions were involved in stress signaling and tolerance, including calcium-dependent protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK3), receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLK), TIFY domain-containing transcriptional regulator, bZIP transcription factor, and regulatory protein NPR1. The effect of genotype on gene expression was not as pronounced as that of temperature. By combining results from the differential analysis of chromatin accessibility and expression profiles, we identified genes with high temperature-induced changes in chromatin accessibility associated with expression alterations. Importantly, our data revealed a relationship between the loss of chromatin accessibility in response to heat and the downregulation of genes related to gibberellin signaling.
Wigner state and process tomography on near-term quantum devices
Authors: Devra Amit , Glaser Niklas J. , Huber Dennis , Glaser Steffen J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe present an experimental scanning-based tomography approach for near-term quantum devices. The underlying method has previously been introduced in an ensemble-based NMR setting. Here we provide a tutorial-style explanation along with suitable software tools to guide experimentalists in its adaptation to near-term pure-state quantum devices. The approach is based on a Wigner-type representation of quantum states and operators. These representations provide a rich visualization of quantum operators using shapes assembled from a linear combination of spherical harmonics. These shapes (called droplets in the following) can be experimentally tomographed by measuring the expectation values of rotated axial tensor operators. We present an experimental framework for implementing the scanning-based tomography technique for circuit-based quantum computers and showcase results from IBM quantum experience. We also present a method for estimating the density and process matrices from experimentally tomographed Wigner functions (droplets). This tomography approach can be directly implemented using the Python-based software package .
Development of the Pulmonary Embolism Progression (PEP) score for predicting short-term clinical deterioration in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Ehret Jane , Wakefield Dorothy , Badlam Jessica , Antkowiak Maryellen , Erdreich Brett 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAccurate risk stratification in acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is essential. Current prediction scores lack the ability to forecast impending clinical decline. The Pulmonary Embolism Progression (PEP) score aims to predict short-term clinical deterioration (respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability within 72 h) in patients with intermediate-risk PE. This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed patients with intermediate PE. The outcome of interest was respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability within 72 h. A multivariate logistic regression identified five predictive variables for the final PEP score: use of > 4 L/min of supplemental oxygen above baseline, lactate > 2.0 mmol/L, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) > 40 ng/L, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 13 mm, and the combination of central and subsegmental clot. The derivation cohort included 117 patients, and the validation cohort included 70 patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve for the derivation cohort was 0.8671 (95% CI: 0.7946, 0.9292), and for the validation cohort, it was 0.9264 (95% CI: 0.8680, 0.9847). A PEP score of 4 points yielded the highest combination of sensitivity (93%) and specificity (65%). Each incremental point increase in the PEP score raised the probability of clinical deterioration by a factor of 1.933. The PEP score is a reliable tool for predicting the likelihood of clinical deterioration in intermediate-risk PE patients within 72 h, potentially aiding in timely clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes.
Graphical abstract
Neural Vector Fields for Implicit Surface Representation and Inference
Authors: Mello Rella Edoardo , Chhatkuli Ajad , Konukoglu Ender , Van Gool Luc 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNeural implicit fields have recently shown increasing success in representing, learning and analysis of 3D shapes. Signed distance fields and occupancy fields are still the preferred choice of implicit representations with well-studied properties, despite their restriction to closed surfaces. With neural networks, unsigned distance fields as well as several other variations and training principles have been proposed with the goal to represent all classes of shapes. In this paper, we develop a novel and yet a fundamental representation considering unit vectors in 3D space and call it Vector Field (VF). At each point in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

, VF is directed to the closest point on the surface. We theoretically demonstrate that VF can be easily transformed to surface density by computing the flux density. Unlike other standard representations, VF directly encodes an important physical property of the surface, its normal. We further show the advantages of VF representation, in learning open, closed, or multi-layered surfaces. We show that, thanks to the continuity property of the neural optimization with VF, a separate distance field becomes unnecessary for extracting surfaces from the implicit field via Marching Cubes. We compare our method on several datasets including ShapeNet where the proposed new neural implicit field shows superior accuracy in representing any type of shape, outperforming other standard methods. Codes are available at https://github.com/edomel/ImplicitVF.
New sesquiterpenes from the soft coral Litophyton arboreum
Authors: Mahmoud Amany Hamouda , Zidan Sabry A. H. , Samy Mamdouh Nabil , Alian Abdallah , Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Fouad Mostafa Ahmed , Kamel Mohamed Salah , Matsunami Katsuyoshi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Two new sesquiterpenes; 8α,11-dihydroxy-β-cyperon (2), and 5-epi-7α-hydroxy-( +)-oplopanone (3), were isolated from the soft coral Litophyton arboreum, together with nine known ones, including five sesquiterpenes; 11-hydroxy-8-oxo-β-cyperon (1), alismoxide (4), 5β,8β-epidioxy-11-hydroxy-6-eudesmene (5), chabrolidione B (6), 7-oxo-tri-nor-eudesm-5-en-4β-ol (7), two sterols; 7β-acetoxy-24-methyl-cholesta-5,24(28)-diene-3β,19-diol (8), nebrosteroid M (9), and two glycerol derivatives; chimyl alcohol (10) and batyl alcohol (11). The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic techniques, predominately HR-ESI–MS, 1D, 2D-NMR, and ECD analyses. Compounds 1–11 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against three human cancer-cell lines (A549, MCF-7 and HepG2), and anti-leishmanial potential against the causal parasite, Leishmania major. Compounds 4, 8, and 9 exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against the A549 cell line (IC50 = 17.0 ± 2.5, 13.5 ± 2.1, and 16.5 ± 1.3 μg/ml, respectively) as compared with the standard antitumor agent etoposide (IC50 28.4 ± 4.5 μg/ml). In addition, compound 9 exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 24.7 ± 2.1 μg/ml: 22.2 ± 4.2 μg/mL for etoposide).

Graphical abstract
Free surgery for CHD through philanthropy—a sustainable model?
Authors: Murthy Prabhatha Rashmi , Jandhyala Sowmya , Setty Shaun Prasanth , Chodagam Sreenivas 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAmong the multiple challenges faced by children from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with congenital heart disease (CHD), the economics of care remains foremost, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. This paper evaluates the four existing finance models available for healthcare systems and proposes a new model—the GIVE model (government, institutions and individuals, values, and engagements)—as the fifth model for global sustainable healthcare systems. The paper presents an evaluation of a chain of three paediatric cardiac hospitals in India to assess the sustainability of their philanthropy-based operational model, through which surgeries are offered completely free of cost to children with CHD. The three Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Centres for Child Heart Care in India have been proponents of this philanthropic model for over a decade. From February 2013 to January 2024, 19,684 patients with CHD received surgeries at no cost. The average cost of surgery was reported to be USD (United States Dollar) 1800. A case study of one of the Sanjeevani Centres showed that 23.8% of patients were in STAT Category 3 and above, as defined by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 2.08%. The evaluation highlighted the institution’s numerous strategies to enable sustainability in key aspects of operations, economics, and social impact. Despite challenges, the Sai Sanjeevani philanthropic model, which encompasses both economic and social impact, is dependable and can be replicated. The proposed GIVE model is recommended for adoption by LMICs as a global way forward to enable free CHD surgeries through sustained philanthropy, strengthened by a shared vision and collaborations.
Social Networks within the City: Remaking the City through Movement and Collecting Materials in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Rabbani Fehmida Qaddus , Wafer Alex , Moolla Raeesa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study examines the dynamics of networks among informal recyclers in Fietas, Johannesburg, South Africa, focussing on how these networks embody their struggle for the "Right to the City." By observing informal recycling activities across various Johannesburg suburbs, the study highlights how recycling not only provides livelihoods for the unemployed but also allows marginalised groups to assert their presence and rights within the cityscape. Building upon Adama's (2012) analysis of urban livelihoods and social networks, this research explores the interactions and spatial practices of informal recyclers in Johannesburg. Informal recyclers develop connections with city stakeholders that demonstrate interdependencies crucial for their survival and claiming space within the city. These networks are vital for accessing resources such as recyclable waste, which provides essential needs like food and shelter. These everyday practices underscore the importance of social connections in building networks that sustain livelihoods and assert a right to belong in the city. The nature of these networks varies by location, policies, and social relations. Some are shaped by power dynamics and monopolies, while others reflect interdependence and mutual support. This paper argues that recognising these diverse networks is key to understanding how informal recyclers navigate the urban landscape. In line with Harvey's (2003) "Right to the City," these networks reflect efforts to reshape urban spaces to meet recyclers' needs, despite structural challenges. As Sung (2021) shows, hierarchies and power dynamics influence access to resources, highlighting the contested nature of urban life for informal recyclers.
Identification of chemically altered cut marks: an experimental approach from Geometrics Morphometrics
Authors: Rodríguez de la Fuente David , Courtenay Lloyd A. , Herranz-Rodrigo Darío , Yravedra Jose , Pineda Antonio 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCut marks are striae accidentally produced by the contact made between the edge of a cutting tool and bone surfaces by anthropogenic activity, presenting evidence of hominin carcass processing and behaviour, butchery activities or diet. Post-depositional processes can cause the alteration (chemical or mechanical) of bones surfaces, changing their composition and causing the modification of bone surfaces. Previous research has addressed the problem of chemical alteration from a qualitative perspective, resulting in the loss of all diagnostic characteristics of the cut marks affected by these processes. Geometrics Morphometrics has led to great progress in the study of cut marks from a quantitative perspective and can be useful for the study of altered cut marks. In this study, an experiment was carried out in which 36 cut marks were reproduced and chemically altered. These marks were scanned and digitized before and after each phase of alteration. They were analyzed metrically as well as using Geometric Morphometrics, in order to study the evolution of modifications to cut mark morphology during the experiment. Results show clear morphological differences between the different phases of alteration with altered cut marks presenting a general tendency towards a decrease in both the width and depth over time. Research of this type opens up a new path for the study of the chemical alteration of cut marks, as well as other striae, through the application of Geometric Morphometrics.
Effects of royalty payment on petroleum profit tax evasion: evidence from the Nigerian non-renewable energy sector
Authors: Ya’u Abba , Umar Mohammed Abdullahi , Saad Natrah , Rengasamy Dhanuskodi , Mustapha Umar Aliyu , Bala Hussaini 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe impact of the tax regime on the non-renewable energy sector has been neglected in the current literature. The sector is reported to be at the heart of most oil and gas producing economies. Considering the immense contributions of this sector, the present study investigated the effects of royalty payments on petroleum profit tax evasion in Nigeria’s non-renewable energy sector. A survey, in the form of a questionnaire, was used to collect data from 312 oil and gas companies; while SPSS and PLS software were used to analyze the data. The results indicate that there is positive and significant relationship between tax rate, detection probability, and penalty, and petroleum profit tax evasion. Additionally, the result shows that there is a significantly negative relationship between royalty payment and petroleum profit tax evasion. The findings have significant policy implications for the non-renewable energy sector across the globe. The findings confirm the fact that higher tax rate, detection probability, and penalty, have a direct impact on petroleum tax evasion. The findings also call on policymakers to reconsider the level of royalty rates to a more reasonable level so as to reduce the extent of petroleum tax evasion among the oil and gas companies.
Femto-Laser Processed Metasurface With Fano Response: Applications to a High Performance Refractometric Sensor
Authors: Elshorbagy Mahmoud H. , San-Blas Alejandro , Sanchez-Brea Luis Miguel , Olaizola Santiago M. , del Hoyo Jesús , Soria-Garcia Angela , Andres-Porras Joaquin , Pastor-Villarrubia Verónica , Alda Javier 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe practical development of compact modern nanophotonic devices relies on the availability of fast and low-cost fabrication techniques applicable to a wide variety of materials and designs. We have engraved a split grating geometry on stainless steel using femtosecond laser processing. This structure serves as a template to fabricate efficient plasmonic sensors, where a thick gold layer is grown conformally on it. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirm the generation of the split laser-induced periodic spatial structures. The optical reflectance of our sensors shows two dips corresponding to the excitation of surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) at two different wavelengths. Furthermore, the asymmetric shape of these spectral responses reveals a strong and narrow Fano resonance. Our computational electromagnetism models accurately reproduce the reflectivity of the fabricated structure. The spectral responses of both the simulated and fabricated structures are fitted to the Fano model that coherently combines the narrow SPRs with the broad continuum background caused by diffraction. The parameters extracted from the fitting, such as the resonance wavelengths and line widths, are used to evaluate the performance of our device as a refractometric sensor for liquids. The maximum sensitivity and figure of merit are 880 nm/RIU and 80 RIU−1, respectively. Besides the compact design of our sensing device, its performance exceeds the theoretical maximum sensitivity of a classical Kretschmann setup.