We investigate the behavior of the partial derivative approach to the change of scale formula and prove relationships among the analytic Wiener integral and the analytic Feynman integral of the partial derivative for the function space integral.

Financial system is essentially chaotic and unstable if there is not any external inputs. By means of Lyapunov function method, design of switching law, novel fuzzy assumption, $L^p$ estimation technique and Laplace semigroup theory, the author presents the boundedness and LMI-based (globally) asymptotical input-to-state stability criteria of financial systems. Particularly, the globally asymptotical stability in the meaning of switching implies that when the time $t$ is big enough, the dynamic of any subsystem must approach its unique equilibrium point. Besides, the global financial crisis often erupts periodically, which illuminates that the global stability in the classical sense is actually meaningless. So the stability in the meaning of switching proposed in this paper is suitable and appropriate. Numerical examples illuminate the effectiveness of the obtained results.

Kim(2015) introduced the degenerate Cauchy numbers of the second kind and gave some identities of them. In this paper, by using the modified polyexponential functions which are introduced by Kim-Kim(2019), we define the degenerate poly-Cauchy polynomials of the second kind and investigate some properties of them. Furthermore, we consider the degenerate unipoly-Cauchy polynomials of the second kind and discuss some properties of them.

This work investigates centered polygonal lacunary functions restricted from the unit disk onto symmetry angle space which is defined by the symmetry angles of a given centered polygonal lacunary function. This restriction allows for one to consider only the p-sequences of the centered polygonal lacunary functions which are bounded, but not convergent, at the natural boundary. The periodicity of the $p$-sequences naturally gives rise to a convergent subsequence, which can be used as a grounds for decomposition of the restricted centered polygonal lacunary functions. A mapping of the unit disk to the sphere allows for the study of the line integrals of restricted centered polygonal that includes analytic progress towards closed form representations. Obvious closures of the domain obtained from the spherical map lead to four distinct topological spaces of the "broom topology'' type.

That form and function relates, is the maxim to anatomy and physiology. Yet form-function relations can be difficult to establish. Human subjects with excessive trabeculated myocardium in the left ventricle, for example, are diagnosed with non-compaction cardiomyopathy, but the extent of trabeculations may be without relation to ejection fraction. Rather than rejecting a relation between form and function, we may ask whether the salient function is assessed; is there a relation to electrical propagation, mean arterial blood pressure, propensity to form blood clots, or all? And how should extent of trabeculated muscle be assessed? While reviewing literature on trabeculated muscle, we applied Tinbergen’s four types of causation - how does it work, why does it work, how is it made, and why did it evolve - to better parse what is meant by form and function. The paper is structured around cases that highlight advantages and pitfalls of applying Tinbergen’s questions. It further uses the evolution of lunglessness in amphibians to argue lung reduction can impact on chamber septation, and it considers the evolution of an arterial outflow in fishes to argue that reductions in energy consumption may drive structural changes with little consequences to function. Concerning trabeculations, we argue they relate to pump function in the embryo in the couple of weeks before the onset of coronary circulation. In fetal and postnatal stages, a spectrum of trabeculated-to-compact myocardium makes no difference to cardiac function and in this period form and function may appear unrelated.

Porous structures and micropatterning surfaces play a crucial role in the development of highly sensitive force sensors. However, achieving these two conductive architectures typically requires complex materials synthesis and expensive manufacturing processes. In this study, we introduce a novel conductive composite film featuring a porous/micropyramid hybrid conductive architecture, which is achieved through a straightforward process of materials mixing and one-step screen printing. By utilizing a deep eutectic solvent in the ink component, micropores are induced in the printed composite, while the mesh of the screen mask acts as a template, resulting in a micropyramid film surface. We have successfully realized highly sensitive flexible force sensors with multifunctional capabilities for perceiving normal force and shear force.

The cuttlebone-like structure is a complex porous bionic structure with asymmetric sinusoidal S-shaped wall structure connecting laminar septa, and studies have shown that the cuttlebone-like structure has light weight, high strength and excellent energy absorption capability. It has become an important research to investigate the mechanical mechanism of cuttlebone-like structure and to design a bionic structure beyond nature structure based on it. In order to investigate the mechanical properties of the static compression and shearing processes of the cuttlebone-like structure, this paper establishes theoretical formulas and analyzes the influence of dimensionless parameters such as height-to-thickness ratio $\lambda$, period-to-thickness ratio $\xi$ and amplitude to period ratio $\eta$ on the compression and shearing processes with the help of ABAQUS finite element software.The parameter sensitivity analysis method was used to compare the important influence degree of each dimensionless parameter on the mechanical properties of the structure and to determine the relative optimal parameters of the structural mechanical properties under compression and shearing. Based on the relatively optimal parameter of the cuttlebone-like structure, the cross-sectional geometry of the structure is improved to build a new cuttlebone-like structure.The experimental results showed that the new cuttlebone-like structure with revised cross-section improved the mechanical properties of the cuttlebone-like structure.The study results are of theoretical guidance to enhance the mechanical properties and geometric design of cuttlebone-like structures.

Most fully developed galaxies have vivid spiral structure, but the formation and evolution of spiral structure is still a mystery that is not fully understood in astrophysics. We find that the currently used equations of galactic dynamics contain some unreasonable components. In this paper, the following three working assumptions are introduced to simplify the galactic structural equations. 1. In the research of large-scale structure, the retarded potential of the gravitational field should be taken into account. The propagating time of the gravitational field from center to border is longer than the revolution periods of the stars near the center of galaxy. Newton's gravitational potential is unreasonable for such case, and the weak field and low velocity approximation of Einstein's field equation should be adopted. 2. The stars in a fully developed galaxy should be zero-pressure and inviscid fluid, and the equation of motion is different from that of ordinary continuum mechanics. Stars move along geodesics. 3. The structure of the galaxy is only related to the total mass density distribution. The equation of state of dark halo is different from that of ordinary luminous interstellar matter, so their trajectories are also very different. Dark halo and ordinary matter in galaxy are automatically separated. The total mass density distribution can be presupposed according to the observation data, and then it can be determined by comparing the solution of the equations with the observed data. These assumptions and treatments are supported by theory and observation. The variables of the equations of simplified galactic dynamics are separated from each other, and the equations are well-posed and can be solved according to a definite procedure. Therefore, this simplified dynamic equation system provides a more reasonable and practical framework for the further study of galactic structure, and can solve many practical problems. Besides, it is closely related to the study of dark energy and dark matter.

This study examines the prospective association of egg consumption with multiple domains of cognitive function in older, community-dwelling men and women followed 16.3 years. Participants were 617 men and 898 women from the Rancho Bernardo Cohort aged 60 and older who were surveyed about egg intake/week in 1972-74, and attended a 1988-91 research visit when cognitive function was assessed with 12 tests. Analyses showed that egg intake ranged from 0-24/week (means: men=4.23.2, women=3.52.7, p<0.0001). In men, covariate-adjusted regressions showed egg intake was associated with better performance on Buschke total (p=0.04), long-term (p=0.02) and short-term (p=0.05) recall. No significant associations were observed in women (p’s>0.05). Analyses in those <60y at in 1972-74 showed egg intake was positively associated with scores on Heaton copying(p<.04) and the Mini-Mental Status Exam(MMSE;p<.02) in men, and category fluency(p<0.05) in women. Egg intake was not significantly associated with odds of poor performance on MMSE, Trails B, or category fluency in either sex. These reassuring findings suggest there are no long-term detrimental effects of egg consumption on multiple cognitive function domains, and for men, there may be beneficial effects for verbal episodic memory. Egg consumption in middle-age may also be related to better cognitive performance later in life.

Spectral calibration consists of the calibration of wavelengths and the measurement of the instrument's spectral response function (SRF). Unlike conventional slits, the absorbed aerosol sensors (AAS) are used as a slit homogenizer, in which the spectral response function (SRF) is not a conventional Gaussian curve. To be more precise, the SRF is the convolution of the slit function of the spectrometer, the line spread function of the optical system, and the detector response function. The SRF of the slit homogenizer is a flat-topped multi-Gaussian function. Considering the convenience of fitting, a super-Gaussian function, which looks like a similar distribution to the flat-topped multi-Gaussian function, is used to fit the measured data in a spectral calibration. According to the results, the SRF’s shapes, due to the Earth port, resemble a Gaussian curve with a flatted top could be concluded, which contains an FWHM of 1.78–1.82 nm for the AAS. The results show that the correlation coefficients are about 0.99, which proves that the fitting function could better characterize the SRF of the instrument.

In this paper, we have established some new bounds of Fejér type Hermite-Hadamard inequality for k−fractional integrals involving r−times differentiable preinvex functions. It is noteworthy that in the past there was no weighted version of left and right sides of the Hermite-Hadamard inequality for k-fractional integrals for generalized convex functions available in literature.

This paper addresses a variant of the product for the Dirichlet $L$--functions. We propose a completely detailed proof for the truth of the generalized Riemann conjecture for the Dirichlet $L$--functions, which states that the real part of the nontrivial zeros is $1/2$. The Wang and Hardy--Littlewood theorems are also discussed with removing the need for it. The results are applicable to show the truth of the Goldbach's conjecture.

In this study, we investigate the performance of the saddlepoint approximation of the probability mass function and the cumulative distribution function for the weighted sum of independent Poisson random variables. The goal is to approximate the hazard rate function for this complicated model. The better performance of this method is shown by numerical simulations and comparison with a performance of other approximation methods.

Riemann’s method is one of the definitive ways of solving Cauchy’s problem for a second order linear hyperbolic partial differential equation in two variables. The first review of Riemann’s method was published by E. T. Copson in 1958. This study extends that work. Firstly, three solution methods were overlooked in Copson’s original paper. Secondly, several new approaches for finding Riemann functions have been developed since 1958. Those techniques are included here and placed in the context of Copson’s original study. There are also numerous equivalences between Riemann functions that have not previously been identified in the literature. Those links are clarified here by showing that many known Riemann functions are often equivalent due to the governing equation admitting a symmetry algebra isomorphic to $SL(2,R)$. Alternatively, the equation admits a Lie-Bäcklund symmetry algebra. Combining the results from several methods, a new class of Riemann functions is then derived which admits no symmetries whatsoever.

We study the existence or absence of non-Shannon inequalities for variables that are related by functional dependencies. Although the power-set on four variables is the smallest Boolean lattice with non-Shannon inequalities there exist lattices with many more variables without non-Shannon inequalities. We search for conditions that excludes the existence of non-Shannon inequalities. It is demonstrated that planar modular lattices cannot have non-Shannon inequalities. The existence of non-Shannon inequalities is related to the question of whether a lattice is isomorphic to a lattice of subgroups of a group.

In recent decades, perovskite-type compounds (ABB′O3) have been exhaustively studied due to their unique ferroelectric properties. In this work, a systematic study aiming to prepare fine particles in the binary system SrZrO₃–SrTiO₃ was conducted under hydrothermal conditions in a KOH (5 M) solution at 200 °C for 4 h under a constant stirring speed of 130 rpm. The precursors employed were SrSO₄ powder (&lt; 38 μm size) and coprecipitated hydrous gels of Zr(OH)₄•9.64 H₂O (Zr-gel) and Ti(OH)₄•4.5H₂O (Ti-gel), which were mixed according to the stoichiometry of the SrZr_1-xTixO₃ in the compositional range of 0.0&gt;x&gt;100.0 mol% Ti⁴⁺. The XRD results revealed the formation of two crystalline phases rich in Zr⁴⁺, an orthorhombic structured SrZr0.93Ti0.07O3 and a cubic structured SrZr0.75Ti0.25O3 within the compositional range of 0.1–0.5 mol of Ti4+. A cubic perovskite-structured solid solution, SrTi1-xZrxO3, was preferentially formed within the compositional range of 0.5&gt;x&gt;0.1 mol% Ti⁴⁺. The SrZrO₃ and SrZr_0.93Ti_0.07O₃-rich phases had particle sizes averaging 3 m with a cubic morphology. However, a remarkable reduction in the particle size occurred on solid solutions prepared with hydrous Ti-gel over contents of 15 mol% Ti⁴⁺ in the reaction media, resulting in the formation of nanosized particles agglomerates with cuboidal shape self-assembled via a 3D hierarchical architecture, the sizes of these particles varied in the range between 141.0–175.5 nm. The limited coarsening of the particles is discussed based on the Zr-gel and Ti-gel dehydration capability differences that occurred under hydrothermal processing.

Alunogen, Al2(SO4)3·17H2O, occurs as an efflorescent in acid mine drainage, low-temperature fumarolic or pseudofumarolic (at coal fires) terrestrial environments. It is considered as one of the main Al-sulfates of Martian soils demanding comprehensive crystal chemical data of natural terrestrial samples. However, structural studies of natural alunogen were carried out in 1970s without localization of H atoms and have not previously been performed for samples from geothermal fields, despite the fact that these environments are considered as proxies of the Martian conditions. The studied alunogen sample comes from Verkhne-Koshelevsky geothermal field (Koshelev volcano, Kamchatka, Russia). Its chemical formula is somewhat dehydrated, Al2(SO4)3×15.8 H2O. The crystal structure was solved and refined to R1 = 0.068 based on 5112 unique observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). Alunogen crystalizes in P-1 space group, a = 7.4194(3), b = 26.9763(9), c = 6.0549(2) Å, α = 90.043(3), β = 97.703(3), γ = 91.673(3) °, V = 1200.41(7) Å3, Z = 2. The crystal structure consists of isolated SO4 tetrahedra, Al(H2O)6 octahedra and H2O molecules connected by hydrogen bonds. The structure refinement includes Al, S and O positions that are similar to previous structure determinations and thirty-four H positions localized for the natural sample first. The study also shows the absence of isomorphic substitutions in the composition of alunogen despite the iron-enriched environment of mineral crystallization. The variability of the alunogen crystal structure is reflected in the number of “zeolite” H2O molecules and their splitting. The structure complexity of alunogen and its modifications ranges from 333-346 bits/cell for models with non-localized H atoms to 783-828 bits/cell for models with localized H atoms. The higher values correspond to higher hydration state of alunogen.

Utilization of Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) model parameters obtained from the multi-angular remote sensing is one of the approaches for the retrieval of vegetation structural information. In this research, the potential of multi-angular vegetation indices, formulated by the combination of multi-spectral reflectance from different view angles, for the retrieval of forest above ground biomass was assessed. This research was implemented in the New England region with the availability of a high quality forest inventory database. The multi-angular vegetation indices were generated by the simulation of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) BRDF/Albedo Model Parameters Product (MCD43A1 Version 6) based BRDF parameters. The effects of seasonal (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) composites of the multi-angular vegetation indices on above ground biomass, angular relationship of the spectral reflectance with above ground biomass, and the interrelationships between the multi-angular vegetation indices were analyzed. Among the existing multi-angular vegetation indices, only the Nadir BRDF-adjusted NDVI ( and Hot-spot incorporated NDVI ( showed significant relationship (more than 50%) with the above ground biomass. This research proposed two more sensitive vegetation structural indices, Fore-scattering Back-scattering NDVI and Vegetation Structure Index (VSI). The Fore-scattering Back-scattering NDVI showed higher sensitivity (R² = 0.62, RMSE = 52.46) towards the above ground biomass than existing multi-angular vegetation indices. Furthermore, the VSI performed in the most efficient way explaining 64% variation of the above ground biomass, suggesting that the right choice of the spectral channel and observation geometry should be considered for improving the estimates of the above ground biomass. In addition, the right choice of seasonal data (summer) was found to be important for estimating the forest biomass while other seasonal data were either insensitive or pointless. The promising results shown by the VSI suggest that it could be an appropriate candidate for monitoring vegetation structure from the multi-angular satellite remote sensing.

In this paper, we introduce the (ρ,q)-analogue of the p-adic factorial function. By utilizing some properties of (ρ,q)-numbers, we obtain several new and interesting identities and formulas. We then construct the p-adic (ρ,q)-gamma function by means of the mentioned factorial function. We investigate several properties and relationships belonging to the foregoing gamma function, some of which are given for the case p = 2. We also derive more representations of the p-adic (ρ,q)-gamma function in general case. Moreover, we consider the p-adic (ρ,q)-Euler constant derived from the derivation of p-adic (ρ,q)-gamma function at x = 1. Furthermore, we provide a limit representation of aforementioned Euler constant based on (ρ,q)-numbers. Finally, we consider (ρ,q)-extension of the p-adic beta function via the p-adic (ρ,q)-gamma function and we then investigate various formulas and identities.

Different notions of entropy can be identified in different communities: (i) the thermodynamic sense, (ii) the information sense, (iii) the statistical sense, (iv) the disorder sense, and (v) the homogeneity sense. Especially the “disorder sense” and the “homogeneity sense” relate to and require the notion of space and time. One of the few prominent examples relating entropy to geometry and to space is the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy of a Black Hole. Although being developed for the description of a physics object—a black hole—having a mass, a momentum, a temperature, a charge etc. absolutely no information about these attributes of this object can eventually be found in the final formula. In contrast, the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy in its dimensionless form is a positive quantity only comprising geometric attributes like an area A—which is the area of the event horizon of the black hole-, a length L_P—which is the Planck length - and a factor ¼. A purely geometric approach towards this formula will be presented. The approach is based on a continuous 3D extension of the Heaviside function, with this extension drawing on the phase-field concept of diffuse interfaces. Entropy enters into the local, statistical description of contrast respectively gradient distributions in the transition region of the extended Heaviside function definition. The structure of the Bekenstein-Hawking formula eventually is derived for a geometric sphere based on mere geometric-statistic considerations.

This paper considers a nonlinear model for population dynamics with age structure. The fertility rate with respect to age is non constant and has the form proposed by . Moreover, its multiplicative structure and the multiplicative structure of mortality makes the model separable. In this setting it is shown that the number of births in unit time is given by a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The steady state solution together with the equilibrium solution is found explicitly.

Using the method of the beta function, Sun has recently evaluated some series of the type $\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}(ak+b)x^k/\binom{mk}{nk}$. By factorization of the polynomial $t^{m-n}(1-t)^n-x$, we will give a general method to find new $\pi$-series.

This paper presents a theorem in factorial functions with the sum of any two nonnegative integers that is equal to multiple of the product of factorial of the same two nonnegative integers.

Abstract: Background: Of the many side effects suffered by cancer patients, those related to cognitive performance have become increasingly prominent in clinical practice. We know that chemotherapy generates a series of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and so on, which can be counteracted by complementary medication. However, in the case of post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, or chemo brain, these cannot be controlled with drug therapies. However, before any intervention can be considered, it is necessary to know exactly what cognitive impairment is being triggered. For this reason, we decided to study the cognitive status of breast cancer patients. Methods: analytical, prospective, three-measure longitudinal, intrasubject unifactorial, non-probabilistic and accidental assignment study. The sample came from the Medical Oncology Department at Hospital de Salamanca, in Spain. Cognitive function (Trail Making Test and Stroop Test) was established as the primary variable; the presence of sleep disorders (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI) and anaemia (haemoglobin levels in blood) were analysed as secondary variables, in addition to sociodemographic variables (age, stage, type of carcinoma, radiotherapy, menopause, social support network, marital status, years of schooling and employment status). Results: We recruited 151 individuals according to the selection criteria. We can confirm that factors including anaemia, menopause, patient support network and marital status, years of schooling, and employment status did affect the cognitive performance of the patients in active chemotherapy treatment in the study. In contrast, sleep disorders, age, radiotherapy treatment, stage of disease, and type of carcinoma did not affect the cognitive performance of the cancer patients. Conclusions: Chemotherapy does impact the cognitive performance of breast cancer patients.

Let $f(t)$ be a characteristic function. The question on infinite divisibility of $g_{2k}(t)=f^{(2k)}(t)/f^{(2k)}(0)$ is considered. There are given the condition for that function not to be infinite divisible. Some examples of infinite divisibility of $g_{2k}(t)$ are given.

Background: Of the many side effects suffered by cancer patients, those related to cognitive performance have become increasingly prominent in clinical practice. We know that chemotherapy generates a series of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and so on, which can be counteracted by complementary medication. However, in the case of post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, or chemo brain, these cannot be controlled with drug therapies. However, before any intervention can be considered, it is necessary to know exactly what cognitive impairment is being triggered. For this reason, we decided to study the cognitive status of breast cancer patients. Methods: analytical, prospective, three-measure longitudinal, intrasubject unifactorial, non-probabilistic and accidental assignment study. The sample came from the Medical Oncology Department at Hospital de Salamanca, in Spain. Cognitive function (Trail Making Test and Stroop Test) was established as the primary variable; the presence of sleep disorders (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI) and anaemia (haemoglobin levels in blood) were analysed as secondary variables, in addition to intervening variables (age, stage, type of carcinoma, radiotherapy, menopause, social support network, marital status, years of schooling and employment status). Results: We recruited 151 individuals according to the selection criteria. We can confirm that factors including anaemia, menopause, patient support network and marital status, years of schooling, and employment status did affect the cognitive performance of the patients in the study. In contrast, sleep disorders, age, radiotherapy treatment, stage of disease, and type of carcinoma did not affect the cognitive performance of the cancer patients. Conclusions: Chemotherapy does impact the cognitive performance of breast cancer patients.

Background: Of the many side effects suffered by cancer patients, those related to cognitive performance have become increasingly prominent in clinical practice. We know that chemotherapy generates a series of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and so on, which can be counteracted by complementary medication. However, in the case of post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, or chemo brain, these cannot be controlled with drug therapies. However, before any intervention can be considered, it is necessary to know exactly what cognitive impairment is being triggered. For this reason, we decided to study the cognitive status of breast cancer patients. Methods: analytical, prospective, three-measure longitudinal, intrasubject unifactorial, non-probabilistic and accidental assignment study. The sample came from the Medical Oncology Department at Hospital de Salamanca, in Spain. Cognitive function (Trail Making Test and Stroop Test) was established as the primary variable; the presence of sleep disorders (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI) and anaemia (haemoglobin levels in blood) were analysed as secondary variables, in addition to intervening variables (age, stage, type of carcinoma, radiotherapy, menopause, social support network, marital status, years of schooling and employment status). Results: We recruited 151 individuals according to the selection criteria. We can confirm that factors including anaemia, menopause, patient support network and marital status, years of schooling, and employment status did affect the cognitive performance of the patients in the study. In contrast, sleep disorders, age, radiotherapy treatment, stage of disease, and type of carcinoma did not affect the cognitive performance of the cancer patients. Conclusions: Chemotherapy does impact the cognitive performance of breast cancer patients.

This paper attempts to propose a Riemann spring model via an analogy between the Riemann Zeta function of a complex number and the elastic spring in series.

This paper attempts to extend the Riemann Zeta function of a complex number to a function of a matrix and/or a tensor $A$, namely $$\zeta (A)=\sum _{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{A}}= \sum _{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=1}^n\lambda_k A^k$$ and inverse $$A=\sum _{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=1}^n \mu(n)\lambda_k \zeta(A^k)$$ where $\mu(n)$ is the M\"obius function, $A$ is a complex matrix or tensor with any order, and $\lambda_k$ is eigenvalue of the matri/tensor $A$. This kind of calculations on the Riemann Zeta function has never been seen in the literature. Some examples are provided.

To address the problems of poor recognition, low detection accuracy, a large number of model parameters and computation, complex network structure, and unfavorable portability to embedded devices in traditional tennis ball detection algorithms, this study proposes a lightweight tennis ball detection algorithm YOLOv5s-Z based on Robomater EP. The main work is as follows: Firstly, constructing lightweight G-Backbone and G-Neck network layers to reduce the number of parameters and computation of the network structure. Secondly, the convolutional coordinate attention is incorporated in G-Backbnone to embed the location information into the channel attention, which makes the network obtain the location information in a larger area through multiple convolutions and enhances the expression ability of the mobile network learning features. In addition, the Concat module in the original feature fusion is modified into a weighted bi-directional feature pyramid W-BiFPN with settable learning weights to improve the feature fusion capability and achieve efficient weighted feature fusion and bi-directional cross-scale connectivity. The EIOU loss is introduced to split the influence factor of aspect ratio and calculate the length and width of the target frame and anchor frame respectively, combined with Focal-EIOU Loss to solve the problem of imbalance between difficult and easy samples. The activation function Meta-ACON is introduced to achieve an adaptive selection of whether to activate the neurons and improve the detection accuracy. Finally, the experimental results show that compared with the original algorithm, the YOLOv5s-Z algorithm reduces the number of parameters and computation by 42$\%$ and 44$\%$, the model size by 39$\%$, and 2$\%$ improvement in average accuracy mean value, which verifies the effectiveness of the improved algorithm and the light weight of the model to meet the deployment requirements of embedded devices, and adapts Robomaster EP for accurate detection and real-time recognition of tennis balls.

In this work, we investigate the behaviour of relativistic quantum oscillator under the effects of Lorentz symmetry violation determined by a tensor $(K_F)_{\mu\nu\alpha\beta}$ out of the Standard Model Extension. We analyze this relativistic system under an inverse radial electric field and a constant magnetic field induced by Lorentz symmetry violation. We see that the presence of Lorentz symmetry breaking terms modified the energy spectrum of the system, and a quantum effect arise due to the dependence of the linear charge density on the quantum numbers of the system

In this work, we investigate the behaviour of a relativistic scalar particle in the background of the Lorentz symmetry violation determined by a tensor (KF)µναβ out of the Standard Model Extension. A linear electric field and a uniform magnetic can be induced by the violation of the Lorentz symmetry breaking effects, and analyze the behaviour of the scalar particle. We see that the analytical solution to the KG-equation can be achieved, and a quantum effect characterized by the dependence of the magnetic field on the quantum numbers is observed

We present a method using contour integration to derive definite integrals and their associated infinite sums which can be expressed as a special function. We give a proof of the basic equation and some examples of the method. The advantage of using special functions is their analytic continuation which widens the range of the parameters of the definite integral over which the formula is valid. We give as examples definite integrals of logarithmic functions times a trigonometric function. In various cases these generalizations evaluate to known mathematical constants such as Catalan’s constant and π

Resveratrol is one of the most investigated natural polyphenolic compounds and is contained in more than 70 types of plants and in red wine. The widespread interest in this polyphenol derives from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Several studies have established that resveratrol regulates animal reproduction. However, the mechanisms of action and the potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of resveratrol in the male and female reproductive functions, with a focus on animals of veterinary interest. In the female, resveratrol has been considered a phytoestrogen due to its capacity to modulate ovarian function and steroidogenesis via sirtuins, SIRT1, in particular. Resveratrol has also been used to enhance aged oocyte quality, and as a gametes cryo-protectant with mainly antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. In the male, resveratrol enhanced testes function and spermatogenesis through activation of AMPK pathway. Furthermore, resveratrol has been supplemented to semen extenders improving the preservation of sperm quality. In conclusion, resveratrol has potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function. However, due to unclear data, further studies are necessary to consolidate these findings.

In this study, we define new classes of convexity called of h-Godunova-Levin and h-Godunova-Levin preinvexity, through which some new inequalities of Hermite-Hadamard type were established. These new classes are the generalisation of several known convexity including the s-convex, P-function, Godunova-Levin. Further, the properties of h-Godunova-Levin function were also discussed. Meanwhile, the applications of h-Godunova-Levin Preinvex function are given

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major medical health burden and leading cause of chronic liver disease and cancer worldwide. More than 58 million people are chronically infected with HCV, with 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. An effective HCV vaccine is a major public health and medical need as recognized by the World Health Organization. However, due to the high variability of the virus and its ability to escape the immune response, HCV rapidly accumulates mutations making a vaccine a formidable challenge. An effective vaccine must elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) in a consistent fashion. After decades of studies from basic research through clinical development, the antigen of choice is considered to be the E1E2 envelope glycoprotein due to conserved, broadly neutralizing antigenic domains located in the constituent subunits of E1, E2, and the E1E2 heterodimeric complex itself. The challenge has been elicitation of robust humoral and cellular responses leading to broad virus neutralization due to the relatively low immunogenicity of this antigen. In view of this challenge, structure-based vaccine design approaches to stabilize key antigenic domains have been hampered due to the lack of E1E2 atomic-level resolution structures to guide them. Another challenge has been development of a delivery platform in which a multivalent form of the antigen can be presented in order to elicit a more robust anti-HCV immune response. Recent nanoparticle vaccines are gaining prominence in the field due to their ability to facilitate a controlled multivalent presentation and trafficking to lymph nodes, where they can interact with both the cellular and humoral components of the immune system. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the E1E2 heterodimeric structure to facilitate a rational design approach and the potential for development of a multivalent nanoparticle-based HCV E1E2 vaccine. Both aspects are considered important in the development of an effective HCV vaccine that can effectively address viral diversity and escape.

Soil structure is a sensitive and dynamic soil physical property which responds rapidly to different tillage systems, and thus it requires constant monitoring and evaluation. The visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) and subsoil visual evaluation of soil structure (SubVESS) methods were used to assess the soil structure quality of clayey soils subjected to different tillage systems. The tillage systems were no-tillage (NT), conventional tillage (CT) and virgin land (VG). The study was conducted at Tshivhilwi and Dzingane in Thohoyandou, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The NT system was practised for 8 and 40+ years at Tshivhilwi and Dzingahe, respectively. The results showed no impact of tillage system on both VESS and SubVESS at Tshivhilwi. The soil structure quality at Tshivhilwi as determined by VESS and SubVESS were found to be poor. However, at Dzingahe, both the VESS and SubVESS responded to the impact of tillage. At Dzingahe VESS showed a fair (Sq = 2.25) soil structural quality in the NT system, poor (Sq = 3.57) in the CT system and moderately poor (Sq = 3.05) in the VG. Similarly, at the same location the SubVESS scores were moderately good in the NT system, moderately poor for CT system and fair in the VG. The differences in the response of the VESS and SubVESS at the two locations were attributed to the differences in the duration at which the NT systems were practised. The VESS and SubVESS results were supported by selected measured soil physicochemical properties such as bulk density and porosity. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed that the VESS and SubVESS were able to effectively differentiate the impact of tillage systems on soil structural quality in clayey soils where NT was practised for a long period (40+ years) while it could not where NT was practised for a few years (8 years).

Multipactor is a common discharge phenomenon occurred in space microwave systems. The surface microstructure has been verified to be effective to mitigate multipactor. In this work, we design a square coaxial low-pass filter (SCLPF) with dielectric sheets loaded to check the multipactor dependence on the structure parameters of the loaded dielectric sheets, and further model groove structures on the sensitive area surface to lower the risk of multipactor. Simulation results indicate that the SCLPF loaded with alumina and PTFE exhibits good operational characteristics, and the multipactor threshold is significantly improved after introducing the surface grooves. Then we investigate the effects of three typical groove parameters, groove depth, groove number, and aspect ratio, on the multipactor threshold of the SCLPF device. The results show that the multipactor threshold raise at first as the groove number and groove depth increase, and then the threshold reaches a saturation status. For a deeper analysis of multipactor, we discuss how the grooves shelter the secondary electrons, and further mitigate the electron avalanche. Furthermore, the mechanisms of threshold saturation under the effect of groove parameters are analyzed in detail, and a contour map for the multipactor threshold of PTFE-loaded SCLPFs is given, which makes significant sense for predicting the multipactor threshold of the devices with its sensitive surface being grooved. The regularity of modulating the multipactor threshold by the groove structures obtained in this study is of engineering significance for suppressing multipactor in microwave devices in practical applications.

With the rapid development of the Internet industry, the problem of information overload has arisen due to the abundance of information available online. Recommendation algorithms, as the core of recommendation systems, have been attracting much attention and are a hot topic of research for many experts and scholars. The classical recommendation algorithms are mainly divided into three major categories: collaborative filtering recommendation algorithms, content-based recommendation algorithms, and hybrid-based recommendation algorithms. Although these algorithms are widely used in various fields, with the proliferation of information, these traditional recommendation algorithms are no longer able to meet the needs of the times. To address this issue, recommendation systems have been developed to provide users with personalized and relevant information or products. Despite the wide use of recommendation algorithms, such as collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and hybrid approaches, traditional recommendation algorithms have limitations and are no longer suitable for meeting the demands of the times. This paper proposes a new recommendation algorithm, SFRRG, that fuses structure and feature information in graph neural networks to improve the performance of the recommendation system in rating prediction. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through experiments on various data sets and compared with existing recommendation algorithms.

The determination of the three-dimensional structure is a key step for the identification of new targets as well as the rational design of bioactive compounds. Herein, we report the synthesis and the structural elucidation of novel tetrameric macrocycles. Measurements were taken in solid and solution states with the help of X-ray scattering and NMR spectroscopy. The investigations made will help to find diverse applications for this new, promising compound class.

In this paper we introduce the New/Generalized two parameter Gamma function and Pochhammer symbol. We named them, as Generalized p - k Gamma Function and Generalized p - k Pochhammer symbol and denoted as $ _{p}^{a}\Gamma_{k}(x) $ and $ _{p}^{a}(x)_{n,k} $ respectively. We prove the several identities for $ _{p}^{a}\Gamma_{k}(x) $ and $ _{p}^{a}(x)_{n,k} $ those satisfied by the classical Gamma function. Also we provide the integral representation for the $ _{p}^{a}\Gamma_{k}(x) $

Due to the vast conformational space proteins can adopt, accurate and efficient prediction of protein structure remains still a challenging task, coupled with the intricacies of interatomic interactions and the limitations of current computational models in effectively navigating this complex molecular landscape. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive experimental data for all protein structures further exacerbates the difficulty in reliable machine learning-based prediction of the three-dimensional conformations of the proteios building block of life. Geometrically, Cartesian coordinate system (CCS, X, Y and Z) and spherical coordinate system (SCS, ρ, θ and φ) are two interconvertible coordinate systems, and are like two sides of one coin. Since the beginning of Protein Data Bank (PDB) in 1971, CCS has been the default approach to specify atomic positions with X, Y and Z in PDB. In this manuscript, therefore, I present a novel method for the reversible spherical geometric conversion of protein backbone structure coordinate matrices to three independent vectors: ρ, θ and φ. This reversible conversion facilitates lossless extraction of essential structural features from protein backbone structural data, enabling the development of advanced novel algorithms for protein structure prediction in future. In short, this inter-atomic SCS approach offers a comprehensive yet efficient means of representing protein backbone geometry, leveraging spherical coordinates to capture spatial relationships in a compact and intuitive inter-atomic manner, and to provide a robust framework for reversible feature extraction for the ongoing efforts in advancing the field of protein structure prediction, the holy grail of computational structural biology.

This paper introduces an innovative approach to numerically model Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction (SSSI) by integrating the Boundary Element Method (BEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) in a coupled manner. To assess the accuracy of the proposed method, a comparative study is undertaken, comparing its outcomes with those generated by the conventional FEM technique. Alongside accuracy, the computational efficiency aspect is crucial for the analysis of large-scale SSSI problems. Hence, the computational performance of the coupled BEM-FEM method undergoes a thorough examination and is compared with that of the standalone FEM method. The results from these comparisons illustrate the superior capabilities of the proposed method in comparison to the FEM method. The novel approach provides more reliable results compared to traditional FEM methods, serving as a valuable tool for engineers and researchers involved in structural analysis and design.

This paper investigates the hydroelastic responses of offshore floating solar photovoltaic farms (OFPVs) to minimize structural motion. The OFPV usually occupies a large sea space in the order of hectares and due to its huge structural length-to-thickness ratio, the structural deformation under wave action has to be taken into consideration. The flexible deformation of the structure under hydrodynamic loading is termed the hydroelastic response. Due to the relatively long structural length with respect to the encountering wavelength, the diffraction and radiation of waves have to be taken into account to accurately represent the hydrodynamic loadings on the floating platform. The numerical model is first validated by comparing the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the OFPV obtained from the proposed numerical scheme with their counterparts obtained from an established finite element software. This is followed by the investigation of the hydroelastic response of various OFPVs designed in varying layout configurations. The various layout configurations are obtained by altering the floating modular units’ dimensions as well as the spacing of the OFPVs when deployed adjacent to each other. The optimal configuration that gives the best performance in terms of the overall smallest response, known as compliance, is then suggested. The results suggest that a longish OFPV layout has a lower hydroelastic response and the motion could be further reduced by increasing the global flexural stiffness via layout arrangement.

In this research, a design method for the graded triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures with lightweight, high-strength, and high sound absorption properties is proposed. The graded TPMS structures are controlled by linear, quadratic, and sine functions. Uniform TPMS and graded TPMS were manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) with AlSi7Mg powder, and an acoustic impedance tube test, compression test, and digital image correlation (DIC) test were ap-plied to obtain the sound absorption and compression properties. The sound absorption coefficient of a uniform Gyroid increases as the number of layers and surface thickness increase, and it in-creases as element size decreases. The sound absorption peak shifts to low frequencies as the number of layers increases. The sound absorption property of Type-Ⅰ graded TPMS is superior to the Type-Ⅱ, and the G-LinearⅠ has the highest sound absorption properties among the three functions. It reveals that the graded TPMS has superior sound absorption performance at low and medium frequencies. The compression and DIC results of graded TPMS also show excellent mechanical properties and energy absorption characteristics.

By taking advantage of a stability criterion established recently, the critical temperature T_c is reckoned with help of the microscopic parameters, characterising the normal and superconducting electrons, namely the independent-electron band structure and a repulsive two-electron force. The emphasis is laid on the sharp T_c dependence upon electron concentration and inter-electron coupling, which might offer a practical route toward higher T_c values and help to understand why high-T_c compounds exhibit such remarkable properties.

In the Standard Model of elementary particles, the rest mass, magnetic moment and electric charge of the electron are considered to be natural constants. In this article it is proposed that these properties can be calculated in a simple way from the corresponding Planck units using the well-known period doubling phenomenon in nonlinear dynamical systems. Periods corresponding to the values of the electron and positron properties belong to a subset of stable periods. The periodic structures of the rest energy and magnetic moment consist of three internal degrees of freedom, whereas the Coulomb energy of the electric charge consists of four. The number of period doublings for the elementary charge determines the value of the fine structure constant alpha.

Transient flows result in unbalanced forces and high pressure in pipelines. Under these conditions, the combined effects of flow-induced forces along with sudden pipe displacements can create cracks in the pipeline, especially at the junctions. This situation consequently results in water leakage and reduced operational efficiency of the pipeline. In this study, displacements and stresses in a buried pressurized water transmission pipe installed by pipe jacking method are investigated using numerical modeling and considering interactions between fluid, pipe, and soil. The analyses were performed consecutively under no-flow, steady flow, and transient flow conditions, in order to investigate the effects of flow conditions on displacements and stresses in the system. Analyses of the results show that displacements and stresses in the jointed concrete pipes are significant under transient flow conditions. Moreover, because of pressure transient effects, maximum tensile stresses exceed the tensile strength of concrete at the junctions, leading to cracks and consequent water leakage.

In this paper, the functional variable method is used to establish solitary wave solutions and periodic wave solutions of the loaded quadratic non-linear Klein-Gordon equation, the loaded cubic non-linear Klein-Gordon equation and the loaded coupled non-linear Klein-Gordon equation. All solutions of these equations have been examined and three dimensional graphics of the obtained solutions have been drawn by using the Matlab software. The main advantage of the proposed functional variable method over other methods is that it provides more new exact traveling wave solutions along with additional free parameters. The graphical representations of the soliton solutions and the periodic wave solutions by using distinct values of random parameter are demonstrated to better understand their physical features. The exact solutions have its great importance to reveal the internal mechanism of the physical phenomena.

Activation Functions are crucial parts of the Deep Learning Artificial Neural Networks. From the Biological point of view, a neuron is just a node with many inputs and one output. A neural network consists of many interconnected neurons. It is a “simple” device that receives data at the input and provides a response. The function of neurons is to process and transmit information; the neuron is the basic unit in the nervous system. Carly Vandergriendt (2018) stated the human brain at birth consists of an estimated 100 billion Neurons. The ability of a machine to mimic human intelligence is called Machine Learning. Deep Learning Artificial Neural Networks was designed to work like a human brain with the aid of arbitrary choice of Non-linear Activation Functions. Currently, there is no rule of thumb on the choice of Activation Functions, “Try out different things and see what combinations lead to the best performance”, however, sincerely; the choice of Activation Functions should not be Trial and error. Jamilu (2019) proposed that Activation Functions shall be emanated from AI-ML-Purified Data Set and its choice shall satisfy Jameel’s ANNAF Stochastic and or Deterministic Criterion. The objectives of this paper are to propose instances where Deep Learning Artificial Neural Networks are SUPERINTELLIGENT. Using Jameel’s ANNAF Stochastic and or Deterministic Criterion, the paper proposed four classes where Deep Learning Artificial Neural Networks are Superintelligent namely; Stochastic Superintelligent, Deterministic Superintelligent, and Stochastic-Deterministic 1^st and 2^nd Levels Superintelligence. Also, a Normal Probabilistic-Deterministic case was proposed.

In this paper, some convexity properties and some inequalities for the (p,k)-analogue of the Gamma function, Г_p,k(x) are given. In particular, a (p,k)-analogue of the celebrated Bohr-Mollerup theorem is given. Furthermore, a (p,k)-analogue of the Riemann zeta function, ζ_p,k(x) is introduced and some associated inequalities are derived. The established results provide the (p,k)-generalizations of some known results concerning the classical Gamma function.

Prolonged high-intensity grinding can modify the crystal structure of solid substances and/or induce chemical reaction, which is referred to as mechanochemical reaction. Such reactions can exert positive influences on hydrometallurgical processes, therefore, many researchers have applied mechanochemical reactions for metals dissolution from minerals. The mechanism of mechanochemical reaction has been investigated using solid analyses and simulations. Structural changes caused by mechanochemical reaction are not yet sufficiently clarified because the ground samples are amorphous. The objective of this study was to analyze structural changes of cerianite in weathered residual rare earth ore by mechanochemical reduction. Structural change was analyzed by x-ray absorption near-edge structure and extended x-ray absorption fine structure analysis at the cerium L_III- and K-edges. These analyses revealed that the structural change of cerianite in this ore induced by mechanochemical reduction involved oxygen vacancy production. The process of the oxygen vacancy formation was closely coupled with the quantum effect of localization–delocalization of the 4f electron of cerium.

We have proposed a data-driven approach for designing mesoscale porous structures of Li-ion battery electrode with three-dimensional virtual structures and machine learning techniques. Over 2,000 artificial 3D structures assuming positive electrode composed of random packed spheres as active material particles are generated, and charge/discharge resistance has been evaluated using simplified Physico-chemical model. In this model, resistance from Li diffusion in active material particles (diffusion resistance), transfer resistance of Li+ in electrolyte (electrolyte resistance) and reaction resistance on the interface between active material and electrolyte are simulated based on mass balance of Li, Ohm’s law in and linearized Butler-Volmer equation, respectively. Using these simulation results, regression models via Artificial Neural Network (ANN) have been created in order to predict charge/discharge resistance from porous structure features. In this study, porosity, active material particle size and volume fraction, pressure in the compaction process, electrolyte conductivity, and binder volume fraction are adopted as features, associated with controllable process parameters for manufacturing battery electrode. As results, the predicted electrode resistance by ANN regression model is good agreement with the simulated values. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis and optimization of the process parameters have been carried out. The proposed data-driven approach could be a solution as a guiding principle for manufacturing battery electrode.

The aim of this article is to establish a new class of unified integrals associated with the generalized Lommel-Wright functions, which are expressed in terms of Wright Hypergeometric function.Some integrals involving trigonometric,generalized Bessel function and Struve functions are also indicated as special cases of our main results.further, with the help of our main results and their special cases, we obtain two reduction formulas for the Wright hypergeometric function.

In the paper, by induction and recursively, the author proves that the generating function of multivariate logarithmic polynomials and its reciprocal are a Bernstein function and a completely monotonic function respectively, establishes a Lévy-Khintchine representation for the generating function of multivariate logarithmic polynomials, deduces an integral representation for multivariate logarithmic polynomials, presents an integral representation for the reciprocal of the generating function of multivariate logarithmic polynomials, computes real and imaginary parts for the generating function of multivariate logarithmic polynomials, derives two integral formulas, and denies the uniform convergence of a known integral representation for Bernstein functions.

In combustor systems, thermoacoustic instabilities may occur and must be avoided for reliable op-eration. An acoustic network model can be used to predict the eigenfrequencies of the instabilities and the growth rate by incorporating the combustion dynamics with a Flame Transfer Function (FTF). The FTF defines the interconnection between burner aerodynamics and the rate of combus-tion. In the current study, the method to measure the FTF in a pressurized combustor is explored. A siren unit, mounted in the fuel line, induced a fuel flow excitation of variable amplitude and high maximum frequency. This was done here for pressurized conditions at 1.5 bar and 3 bar and at thermal power of 125 kW and 250 kW. In addition to the experimental investigation, a 1-D acoustic network model approach is used. In the model, thermo viscous damping effects and reflection coefficients are incorporated. The model results compare well with experimental data, indicating the proposed method to determine the FTF is reliable. In the approach, a combination of a FTF with a band stop approach and a network modeling approach was applied. The method provides a good match between experimentally observed behavior and analytical approach and can be used for instability analysis.

Prime period sequences can serve as the fundamental tool to construct arbitrary composite period sequences. This is a review study of prime period perfect Gaussian integer sequence (PGIS). When cyclic group {1,2,…,N−1} can be partitioned into k cosets, where N=kf+1 is an odd prime number, the construction of a degree-(k+1) PGIS can be derived from either matching the flat magnitude spectrum criterion or making the sequence with ideal periodic autocorrelation function (PACF). This is a systematic approach of prime period N=kf+1 PGIS construction, and is applied to construct PGISs with degrees 1, 2, 3 and 5. However, for degrees larger than 3, matching either the flat magnitude spectrum or achieving the ideal PACF encounters a great challenge of solving a system of nonlinear constraint equations. To deal with this problem, the correlation and convolution operations can be applied upon PGIS of lower degrees to generate new PGIS with degree-4 and other higher degrees, e.g., 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 20 and 21 in this paper. In this convolution based scheme, both degree and pattern of a PGIS vary and can be indeterminant, which is rather nonsystematic compared with the systematic approach. The combination of systematic and nonsystematic schemes contributes the great efficiency for constructing abundant PGISs with various degrees and patterns for the associated applications.

We present a precise and universal method for anticipating the thermodynamic characteristics of polyatomic molecules. Unlike conventional computational approaches that rely on numerous experimental spectroscopy or calorimetry data, our model only utilizes a small number of molecular constants. We accurately predicted the values of entropy, enthalpy, specific heat, and Gibbs free energy for boron trifluoride, which were in excellent accordance with the available experimental data. This investigation introduces a new approach to deal with the anharmonic vibrations of polyatomic molecules

In this article, it is demonstrated that if the zeta function does not have a sequence of zeros whose real part converges to 1, then it cannot have any zeros in the critical strip, showing that the Riemann Hypothesis is false.

In this paper, an analytical form of Rump Function is presented. This seminal function constitutes a fundamental concept of digital signal processing theory and is also involved in many other areas of applied mathematics. In particular, Rump Function is performed in a simple manner as the limit of a sequence of real functions letting ? tend to infinity. This limit is zero for strictly negative values of the real variable ? whereas it coincides with the independent variable ? for strictly positive values of the variable ?. The novelty of this work compared to other research studies concerning analytical expressions of the Ramp Function, is that the proposed formula is not exhibited in terms of miscellaneous special functions, e.g. Gamma Function, Biexponential Function or any other special functions such as Error Function, Hyperbolic Function, Orthogonal polynomials etc. Hence, this formula may be much more practical, flexible and useful in the computational procedures which are inserted into digital signal processing techniques and other engineering practices.

Neptunea cumingii is an economically important marine shellfish found in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea areas of China. However, due to environmental factors, such as global warming, Neptunea cumingii resources are in decline along the coast of China. In this study, samples of Neptunea cumingii were collected in Zhangzidao and Yantai during spring, summer， autumn, and winter to clarify the gene expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms in the gills in different seasons. Transcriptome analysis was conducted using Neptunea cumingii gill tissues and genes with significantly different expression levels were extracted for functional verification. The most genes with differences in expression（DEGs） were found in comparisons of the winter and summer samples. Gene enrichment analysis based on Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes terms showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in immune and metabolic pathways, and they had significant effects on oxidative stress, body metabolism, and protein synthesis in Neptunea cumingii. Further screening of DEGs identified 34 genes related to temperature regulation comprising 13 genes with roles in innate immunity in shellfish, 12 genes related to oxidative stress, and nine genes related to protein synthesis and energy metabolism. Eleven DEGs were randomly selected for qPCR verification and the results were consistent with the transcriptome analysis results. In summary, the transcriptome results differed significantly between seasons in the gill tissues of Neptunea cumingii. The expression levels of immune regulatory genes could be promoted in Neptunea cumingii during the high temperature season, whereas the expression of these genes may be inhibited in the low temperature season. The results obtained in this study provide insights into the molecular defense mechanisms that might allow Neptunea cumingii to adapt to climate change.

Mathematical models across the applied sciences often utilize a standard methodological representation called a state variable formulation more commonly referred to as state space form. Recent research in unmanned underwater vehicle motor turbine blade thermal modeling for fatigue-life is generalized here permitting the proposed novel state space from to be applied to electrodynamics, motion mechanics, and many other disciplines. Proposed here is a very compact form inherently representing time variance, with a convenient presentation of dynamic variables applicable to all proper transfer functions, where all the distinct, real poles, zeros and gain of the transfer function appear as explicit components in the state space. The resulting manifestation simplifies utilization of the state space methods broadly across the applied sciences.

We study the propagation of a particular field that we call Gaussian-top-hat that presents self-focusing and maintains its shape for some propagation distances.

Semantic segmentation is a very popular topic in modern computer vision and it has applications to many fields. Researchers proposed a variety of architectures over time, but the most common ones exploit an encoder-decoder structure that aims to capture the semantics of the image and it low level features. The encoder uses convolutional layers, in general with a stride larger than one, to extract the features, while the decoder recreates the image by upsampling an using skip connections with the first layers. In this work, we use DeepLab as architecture to test the effectiveness of creating an ensemble of networks by randomly changing the activation functions inside the network multiple times. We also use different backbone networks in our DeepLab to validate our findings. We manage to reach a dice coefficient of 0.888, and a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 0.825, in the competitive Kvasir-SEG dataset. Results in skin detection also confirm the performance of the proposed ensemble, which is ranked first with respect to other state-of-the-art approaches (including HardNet) in a large set of testing datasets. The developed code will be available at https://github.com/LorisNanni.

Evidence supports an association between low magnesium (Mg) intake and coronary heart disease and between Mg intake and endothelial function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of one week of Mg supplementation on endothelial function, assessed by flow mediated dilatation (FMD). Nineteen healthy men and women completed this cross-over pilot study in which participants were randomised to take an over-the-counter magnesium supplement for one week or to follow their usual diet. Weight, FMD and blood pressure (BP) were taken on completion of each intervention and 24hour urine collections and blood samples were taken to assess compliance. Baseline serum Mg was within normal range for all participants. Urinary Mg and urinary magnesium-creatinine ratio (Mg/Cr) significantly increased between interventions, (p = 0.03, p = 0.005 respectively). No significant differences in FMD or BP were found between the interventions. A significant negative correlation was seen between age and FMD (r = -0.496, p = 0.031). When adjusted for age, saturated fat was negatively associated with FMD (p = 0.045). One week of Mg supplementation did not improve FMD in a healthy population.

Development and engineering of protein crystals regarding mechanical stability and crystallizability occurs on a small scale. Later in the process chain of industrial production however, filtration properties are important to separate the crystals from mother liquor. Many protein crystals are sensitive to mechanical stress which is why it is important to know the filtration behavior early on. In this study we analyze settling and filtration behavior of isometric, rod-like and needle shaped lysozyme and rod-like alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) crystals on a small scale using an optical analytical centrifuge. Needle shaped lysozyme and rod-like ADH crystals show compressible material behavior. With the results from settling and filtration experiments the flux density function is calculated and modeled which can be used to describe the whole settling and permeation process in dependency of the solids volume fraction. This is also an issue for simulations of industrial processes.

Evidence supports an association between low magnesium (Mg) intake and coronary heart disease and between Mg intake and endothelial function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of one week of Mg supplementation on endothelial function, assessed by flow mediated dilatation (FMD). Nineteen healthy men and women completed this cross-over pilot study in which participants were randomised to take an over-the-counter magnesium supplement for one week or to follow their usual diet. Weight, FMD and blood pressure (BP) were taken on completion of each intervention and 24hour urine collections and blood samples were taken to assess compliance. Baseline serum Mg was within normal range for all participants. Urinary Mg and urinary magnesium-creatinine ratio (Mg/Cr) significantly increased between interventions, (p = 0.03, p = 0.005 respectively). No significant differences in FMD or BP were found between the interventions. A significant negative correlation was seen between age and FMD (r = -0.496, p = 0.031). When adjusted for age, saturated fat was negatively associated with FMD (p = 0.045). One week of Mg supplementation did not improve FMD in a healthy population.

In this article, we set up some adequate conditions for analytic functions associated with cosine hyperbolic function. We determine conditions on α such that 1+α (ϰ^(2+P(j-1) ) g^' (ϰ))/(Pg^j (ϰ)),for each j=0,1,2,3 are subordinated by Janowski function, then (g(ϰ))/ϰ^P <cosℏ⁡(ϰ),(ϰ∈C). By choosing specific values of functions g we get some adequate conditions for multivalent starlike function related with cosine hyperbolic.

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency may be a catalyst in the process of endothelial dysfunction, an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim was to determine the acute effect of an oral Mg supplement compared to control on endothelieal function assessed by flow-mediated-dilatation (FMD). Nineteen participants (39 years, body mass index (BMI) 22.9kg/m2) completed this randomised cross-over study. Blood pressure (BP) and FMD were measured and blood samples taken before participants drank 200ml water with or without an over the counter Mg supplement (450mg and 300mg for men and women). Measurements were repeated at 60 and 120 minutes. There was a statistically significant two-way interaction between treatment and time on serum Mg (p = .037). A difference of -0.085mm in FMD was observed 60 minutes post drink in the control group compared to baseline FMD, and no difference was observed in the supplement group compared to baseline. Despite the non-significant interaction between treatment and time on FMD, the difference seen in the control group and the lack of change in the supplement group at 60 minutes post-drink suggests that Mg may attenuate the reduction in FMD post-prandially.

Background: obese pre-diabetics have altered expression of cytokines, and sirtuin-1, that might influence myocardial function via microRNAs (miRs) expression. Objectives: to evaluate inflammatory/oxidative stress, miRs’ expression and cardiovascular function in obese pre-diabetics randomly assigned to metformin therapy vs. placebo vs. normo-glycemics at 12 months of follow-up. Materials and methods: eighty-three obese patients enrolled for abdominoplastic surgery, were divided in pre-diabetics (n 55), normo-glycemics (n 28), and assigned to hypocaloric diet. Pre-diabetics were randomly assigned to metformin (n 23) or to placebo (n 22) plus hypocaloric diet. Results: at enrollment, pre-diabetics obese vs. normo-glycemic presented higher values of glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), inflammatory/oxidative stress markers, miR-195 and miR-27, and lower values of sirtuin-1 (p<0.05). At 12 months of follow up, obese pre-diabetics with metformin vs. placebo experienced significant reduction of glucose values, HOMA-IR, and inflammatory/oxidative stress markers, with significant reduction of intima-media thickness (IMT), septum and posterior wall thickness, and left ventricle mass (LVM), (p <0.05). At 12 months of follow-up, obese pre-diabetics with placebo vs. normo-glycemics had higher values of inflammatory/oxidative stress markers, higher values of IMT, septum and posterior wall thickness, LVM, and myocardial performance index (MPI), (p<0.05). Obese pre-diabetics in metformin vs. placebo, and obese pre-diabetics with placebo vs. normoglycemics, had significant differences about IMT, MPI, and LVM (p<0.05). Obese pre-diabetics in metformin vs. placebo showed significant reduction of serum miR-195 and miR-27 (p<0.05). Obese pre-diabetics in metformin vs. normoglycemics showed higher expression of serum miR-195 and miR-27 ( p<0.05). Finally, we found inverse relation between IMT and insulin (R -0.351), HOMA-IR (R -0.340), miR-195 (R -0.355), miR-27 (R -0.181); between LVEF and Insulin (R -0.332), HOMA-IR (R -0.142), miR-195 (R -0.297) and miR-27 (R -0.163). We found inverse correlation between LVM and sirtuin-1 (R -0.272), Insulin (R -0.810), HOMA-IR (R-0.183), miR-195 (R -0.446) and miR-27 (R-0.433), and direct correlation with interleukin-6 (R 0.195). MPI inversely linked to miR-195 (R -0.260) and miR-27 (R -0.591). Conclusion: in obese pre-diabetics metformin therapy significantly reduces inflammation/oxidative stress, circulating miR-195 and miR-27, causing reduction of LVM, IMT and amelioration of cardiac performance.

House is the haven that keeps people from natural and human conditions, it gives them trust, safety, and steadiness. It is one of the most basic human needs this became a serious function which cities offer, and became one of the most important aspects which caught urban researchers interest, they take into consideration a wide range of architectural, social, and economic indicators. The study aims to provide an overall conception of Rwandz residential functions, using a collection of parameters and some GIS and statistical techniques, to help establish plans and future projects to improve the growth of this city and other towns and cities in that area. The study found that the old parts of Rwandz city which are located in the core, differ from the outer parts which are relatively newer in many properties, generally, the core is more densely populated than the outer, bigger family size, more illiteracy, and unemployment, few incomes, older houses, smaller houses, in the opposite of the outer parts. Besides, the study tested the correlation coefficient between the criteria; it found some strong statistical relationships between them, which reflected some real-life properties of the residential function. Lastly, the study designed a regression model to predict the main residential function criteria.

In this paper we introduce the Umbrella function and its recurrence relations. Also we provide the integral representation for the this newly defined function.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) commonly causes increase in the patients’ disability and reduce their function because it causes pain, limitation in knee range of motion and decrease in muscle power.AIM: This study investigated the effect of three different physical therapy programs on knee range of motion , pain level, muscle strength and functional condition in patients with knee OA. DESIGN: Randomized comparative study.SETTING: Outpatient Rehabilitation clinic of Tongji Hospital (Wuhan, China).POPULATION: Seventy-two patients of Knee OA (aged 40-70) enrolled and randomly allocated into three groups. Group A (n=24) received physical agents and isometric quadriceps exercises, group B (n=24) received same physical agents as group A in addition to open kinetic chain exercises and group C (n=24) received physical agents as group A in addition to closed kinetic chain exercises.METHODS: knee range of motion (by electro goniometer), knee pain level (by VAS), quadriceps muscle strength (by isokinetic dynamometer) and functional condition (by WOMAC) were assessed before and after 5 weeks of treatment.RESULTS: In between group analysis, there were significant differences (P<0.05) between the three groups for all outcome measure. In within-group analysis, group C was the only group that showed significant differences (P<0.05) in all the outcomes. Group A and B showed significant differences (P<0.05) in quadriceps muscle strength and knee pain and no significant differences (P>0.05) in knee ROM and functional condition.CONCLUSIONS: After the study, our solid conclusion is that in physical therapy programs or protocols, closed kinematic chain exercise is very effective, it improves knee ROM, and help in reducing knee pain, muscle strength, function and disability for patients with knee osteoarthritis.CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Comparison between different physical therapy programs provides the rehabilitation team with the best treatment intervention that is more effective in treating the problems associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Background and Aim: Zinc plays a pivotal role in various zinc enzymes, resulting in the maintenance of liver function. Patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) usually have lower concentrations of zinc, which decrease further as liver fibrosis progresses. It remains unknown whether long-term zinc supplementation improves liver function and reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Patients and Methods: Two hundred sixty-seven patients with CLDs who received a zinc preparation (Zn-group; 196 patients), or who did not receive zinc (no Zn-treatment group; 71 patients) were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The Zn-group was divided into 4 groups according to their serum Zn concentrations at 6 months after the start of Zn treatment. Results: Liver function significantly deteriorated in the no Zn-treatment group, while no notable change was observed in the Zn-group. The cumulative incidence rates of events and HCC at 3 years were lower in the Zn-group (9.5%, 7.6%) than in the no Zn-treatment group (24.9%, 19.2%) (p<0.001). According to the serum Zn concentrations, the cumulative incidence rates of events and HCC were significantly decreased in patients with Zn concentrations ≥ 70 µg/dl (p<0.001). Conclusion: Zinc supplementation appears to be effective at maintaining liver function and suppressing events and HCC development, especially among patients whose Zn concentration is greater than 70 µg/dl.

This research was aimed to study the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production among smallholder farmers in Damot Gale and Humbo Woredas. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in order to determine the sample respondents. By using simple random sampling techniques four sample Kebeles were selected. Cross sectional data were collected from 182 farmer households who were chickpea producers in 2016 production season. Primary data were collected from sample households using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and econometric model were employed to analyze the data. To identify the production function of chickpea crops Cobbe-Douglas production function was employed. The study suggest interventions such as intensification strategies which increase yields through proper management and use of inputs, rural infrastructure improvement increases the likelihood of production of chickpea.

In this paper, we generalize the concept of I-statistical convergence, which is a recently introduced summability method, with an infinite matrix of complex numbers and a modulus function. Lacunary sequences will also be included in our definitions. The name of our new method will be A^{I}-lacunary statistical convergence with respect to a sequence of modulus functions. We also define strongly A^{I}-lacunary convergence and we give some inclusion relations between these methods.

The statistical bundle is the set of couples $(Q,W)$ of a probability density Q and a random variable W such that $\mathbb{E}$_Q [W] = 0. On a finite state space, we assume Q to be a probability density with respect to the uniform probability and give an affine atlas of charts such that the resulting manifold is a model for Information Geometry. Velocity and accelleration of a one-dimensional statistical model are computed in this set up. The Euler-Lagrange equations are derived from the Lagrange action integral. An example of Lagrangian using minus the entropy as potential energy is briefly discussed.

In this work, we introduce the class of h-MN-convex functions by generalizing the concept of MN-convexity and combining it with h-convexity. Namely, let M : [0, 1] → [a, b] be a Mean function given by M (t) = M (t; a, b); where by M (t; a, b) we mean one of the following functions: A_t (a, b) := (1 − t) a + tb, G_t (a, b) = a^1−tb^t and H_t (a, b) := $\frac{ab}{ta+\left(1-t\right)b}=\frac{1}{A_t\left(\frac{1}{a},\frac{1}{b}\right)}$ with the property that M (0; a, b) = a and M (1; a, b) = b. Let I, J be two intervals subset of (0, ∞) such that (0, 1) ⊆ J and [a, b] ⊆ I. Consider a non-negative function h : J → (0, ∞), a function f : I → (0, ∞) is said to be h-MN-convex (concave) if the inequality f (M (t; x, y)) ≤ (≥) N (h(t); f (x), f (y)), holds for all x, y ∈ I and t ∈ [0, 1]. In this way, nine classes of h-MN-convex functions are established, and therefore some analytic properties for each class of functions are explored and investigated. Characterizations of each type are given. Various Jensen’s type inequalities and their converses are proved.

In this work, several inequalities of Popoviciu type for h-MN-convex functions are proved, where M and N are denote to Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic means and h is a non-negative superadditive or subadditive function.

A simple approach was developed to predict corn yields using the MoDerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data product from two geographically separate major corn crop production regions: Illinois, USA and Heilongjiang, China. The MOD09A1 data product, which are 8-day interval surface reflectance data, were obtained from day of the year (DOY) 89 to 337 to calculate the leaf area index (LAI). The sum of the LAI from early in the season to a given date in the season [end of DOY (EOD)] was well fitted to a logistic function and represented seasonal changes in leaf area duration (LAD). A simple phenology model was derived to estimate the dates of emergence and maturity using the logistic function parameters b1 and b2, which represented the rate of increase in LAI and the date of maximum LAI, respectively. The phenology model predicted emergence and maturity dates fairly well, with root mean square error (RMSE) values of 6.3 and 4.9 days for the validation dataset, respectively. Two simple linear regression models (YP and YF) were established using LAD as the variable to predict corn yield; the yield model (YP) used LAD from predicted emergence to maturity, and the yield model (YF) used LAD for a predetermined period from DOY 89 to a particular EOD. When state/province corn yields for the validation dataset were predicted at DOY 321, near completion of the corn harvest, the YP model performed much better than the YF model, with RMSE values of 0.68 t/ha and 0.66 t/ha for Illinois and Heilongjiang, respectively. The YP model showed a similar or better performance, even for the much earlier yield prediction at DOY 257, compared to that of the YF model. In conclusion, the phenology and yield models were developed based only on logistic changes in remote sensing-derived LAD, and predicted phenological dates and corn yields with considerable accuracy and precision for the two regions selected for this study. However, these models must be examined for spatial portability in more diverse agro-climatic regions.

In this work, we studied the Green’s functions of the second order differential operators with involution. Uniform equiconvergence of spectral expansions related to the second-order differential operators with involution is obtained. Basicity of eigenfunctions of the second-order differential operator operator with complex-valued coefficient is established.

GIGANTEA (GI) is a gene involved in multiple biological functions, which were analysed and are partially conserved in a series of mono- and dicotyledonous plant species. The identified biological functions include control over the circadian rhythm, light signalling, cold tolerance, hormone signalling and photoperiodic flowering. The latter function is a central role of GI, as it involves a multitude of pathways, both dependent and independent of the gene CONSTANS(CO) as well as on the basis of interaction with miRNA. The complexity of gene function of GI increases due to the existence of paralogs showing changes in genome structure as well as incidences of sub- and neofunctionalization. We present an updated report of the biological function of GI, integrating late insights into its role in floral initiation, flower development and flower volatile production.

In this study, we actually want to explore the time-fractional Phi-four equation via two methods, the exp _a function method and the hyperbolic function method. We transform a fractional order dierential equation into an ordinary differential equation using a wave transformation and the fractional derivative in conformable form. Then, the resulting equation has successfully been explored for new explicit exact solutions. The procured solutions are simply showed the effectiveness and plainness of the projected methods.

Grape dehydration is practiced widely in the food industry with large yields of sultanas produced globally. This paper proposes an investigation into grape microstructure changes as it is dried by imaging specimens at intervals during dehydration at two temperatures using scanning electron microscopy. Detailed images of the microstructure were obtained, and a unique image processing algorithm was developed to quantitatively analyse the properties of this microstructure. Two main methods were developed to obtain the complex boundaries of cells present in the grape tissue in over 36 SEM images. Segmentation of the binary image using an adapted watershed function obtained the most consistent and accurate morphological shape. This was compared to a secondary method which used Canny’s edge detection function, morphological closing and skeletonizing to outlines the cellular microstructure. MATLAB was utilised to convert these boundaries into measurable areas so that quantitative data on average cell area, perimeter and cell axis lengths was acquired. It was found that over drying time cell area and perimeter reduced as expected. Some variability in the data was clear due to only single samples being analysed for each temperature and time combination. The development of automatic image processing techniques will enable quantitative data to be extracted from these images. Trends in cell perimeter, diameter and shape will be used to demonstrate relationships between morphological structure, drying temperature, and duration.

In this study we have investigated the effect of the addition of Nb2O5 (up to 5 mol%) on the structure and luminescent properties of ZnO-B2O3 glass doped with 0.5 mol % Eu2O3 by using of infrared (IR), Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Physical properties as molar volume, oxygen packing density and glass transition temperature were determined using the results of differential thermal analyisis (DTA) and Archimedes principle for density. IR and Raman spectra revealed that niobium ions incorporate into the base zinc borate glass as NbO4 trtraherda and NbO6 octahedra. A strong red emission from the 5D0 level of Eu3+ ions was registered under near UV (392 nm) excitation using the sharp 7F0 - 5L6 transition of Eu3+. The integrated fluorescence intensity ratio R (5D0 → 7F2/5D0 → 7F1) was calculated to estimate the degree of asymmetry around the active ion, suggesting a location of Eu3+ in non-centrosymmetric sites. The higher Еu3+ luminescence emission observed in zinc borate glasses containing 1÷5 mol% Nb2O5 compared to the Nb2O5-free zinc borate glass evidences that Nb2O5 is suitable component for modification of host glass structure and improving the emission intensity.

In this paper, the sol−gel method was used to synthesize powders of LaMnO3 (LMO), La0.85Ca0.15MnO3 (LCM), and La0.85Sr0.15MnO3 (LSM). We investigated the impact of substituting Ca and Sr at the A−site on the perovskite crystal structure and electrochemical capabilities of LMO. LCM retained its orthogonal structure in comparison to the parent LMO components, whereas LSM transitioned to a rhombic structure. At 0.5 A/g, the specific capacitance of LCM and LSM electrodes is 185.5 F/g and 248 F/g, respectively.The specific capacitance of LCM was more three times than that of the LMO electrode. Among the three samples (LMO, 22.25 m2 g−1; LSM, 31.56 m2 g−1), the LCM sample exhibited the highest specific surface area of 38.79 m2 g−1. The charge transfer resistances of the LMO, LCM, and LSM are 0.48 Ω, 0.36 Ω, and 0.38 Ω, correspondingly. The LCM electrode exhibits the greatest capacitance performance due to its more refined morphology, increased concentration of oxygen vacancy, and more complete utilization of the perovskite bulk structure. The above results demonstrate that Ca or Sr substitution of A−site compounds has great potential for supercapacitor applications.

Herpesviridae is a family of enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses that cause a wide range of diseases in hosts. Among the various components of herpesvirus particles, tegument proteins residing between the envelop and nucleocapsid play crucial roles in viral replication, immune evasion, and modulation of host cellular pathways. Understanding the three-dimensional structure of herpesvirus tegument proteins help to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the crosstalk with other viral and cellular components, and thus is crucial for the investigation of their biological and pathological functions. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the structural features of herpesvirus tegument proteins, highlighting the structure-based functional implications, including the potential as targets for antiviral drug development.

Hong Kong was under strike from Super Typhoon Saola (2309), necessitating the issuance of the highest tropical cyclone warning signal. Saola skirted past the south-southwest of Hong Kong, bringing hurricane force winds and significant storm surge. Saola had its closest approach to Hong Kong on 1 September 2023, posing a unique challenge in forecasting and early warning for the commencement date of the new school term, where higher impact to traffic and public safety was anticipated. This paper covers the challenges on the forecasting aspect of the super typhoon. The predicted tropical cyclone track, intensity and wind structure are reviewed. Experience in this case showed that while there was not a perfect numerical weather prediction model in terms of the forecast track, intensity and wind structure of Saola, multi-model approach provided very use-ful and crucial information for operational weather warning services.

Ethylene is an ideal CO2 product in an electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), which has high economic value. In this paper, Al–doped octahedral Cu2O (Al–Cu2O) catalyst was synthesized by a simple wet chemical method. The selectivity of CO2RR products was improved by doping Al onto the surface of octahedral Cu2O by regulating the Al content. The Al–Cu2O was used as an efficient electrocatalyst for CO2RR with selective ethylene production. The Al–Cu2O exhibited a high Faradic efficiency (FEC2H4) of 44.9% at -1.23 V (vs. RHE) in CO2 saturated 0.1 M KHCO3 electrolyte. Charge transferring from Al atom to Cu atom take place after Al doping in Cu2O, thereby optimizing the electronic structure, which facilitates CO2RR to ethylene production. The DFT calculation showed that the Al–Cu2O catalyst can effectively reduce the adsorption energy of the *CHCOH intermediate and promote the mass transfer of charges, thus improving the FEC2H4. After Al doping into Cu2O, the center of d orbitals shift positively, which makes the d–band closer to the Fermi level. Furthermore, the density of electronic states increases, which was conducted to the interaction between Cu atoms and intermediates, thus accelerating the electrochemical CO2 reduction process. This work proved that the metal doping strategy can effectively improve the catalytic properties of Cu2O, thus providing a useful way for CO2 cycling and green production of C2H4.

The composition, structure and functionalities of prolamins from highland barley was investigated. These parameters of was compared with the widely applied prolamins (zein). There are more charged and hydrophilic amino acids in prolamins from highland barley than zein. The molecu-lar weight of prolamins from highland barley were between 30 to 63 kDa, which was larger than zein (20 to 24 kDa). β-turn helices is the main secondary structure in prolamins from highland barley, while α-helical structure is the main secondary structure in zein. The water holding capacity, thermal stability, emulsifying capacity and stability of prolamins from highland barley is quite lager than zein, while opposite results can be observed for oil absorption capacity. The diameter of fibers prepared with prolamins from highland barley was almost 6 times that of zein, while ribbon structures rather than fibers were formed by prolamins from highland barley. The results would provide the guidance for application of prolamins from highland barley.

Montes de María is the best-preserved tropical dry forest fragment in the Colombian Caribbean, making it an ideal location for studying the impacts of human disturbance on local ecosystems. This study analyzed the ecological structure of diurnal butterflies in both forested and disturbed areas using 16 circular plots to identify relationships between alpha and beta diversity, and the geographic distance between disturbed areas and native forests, using a range of metrics, including range-abundance and rarefaction curves, nonlinear models, and the Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index. Results revealed three distinct species assemblages associated with forest, intermediate disturbed areas (IDA), and disturbed areas (DA). Nonlinear models show that IDA are more diverse than forest and DA. However, forests have more beta diversity among plots than IDA and DA. Indicator species for each butterfly assemblage were also identified. Thus, although new butterfly species assemblages emerge from a new human land-scape, it is clear that species that only occur within dry forest fragments are lost when forest fragments disappear. Overall, these findings have important implications for conservation efforts and understanding how human disturbance affects biodiversity in tropical ecosystems.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded RNAs (EBERs) are structurally conserved small, noncoding RNAs constitutively expressed in EBV infection. Although primarily localised in the nucleus, EBERs are found in the cytoplasm and exosomes. However, the mechanism(s) of EBERs transport is not known. This study aimed to investigate the structural impact of EBER1 on its transport. EBER1 stem-loop (SL) deletion mutants (ΔSL1, ΔSL3 and ΔSL4) were created and stably transfected into HEK293T cells. The expression of EBER1 was quantified in total cell, nuclear, cytoplasmic and exosomal fractions. The quantification was performed in the presence of physiological expression of RPL22 and La, and after silencing them. These proteins are believed to be involved in EBER1 transport and secretion. Compared to the wildtype EBER1 transfectants, the expression level of EBER1 gene in all mutants was significantly lower in the total cell, cytoplasmic and exosomal fractions. However, ΔSL3 mutant showed significant nuclear retention. Silencing RPL22 resulted in increased nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of EBER1. Silencing La protein did not affect EBER1 secretion. Alternatively, the store-operated intracellular Ca2+ was found to correlate with EBER1 expression in exosomes. Taken together, EBER1 structure and its interaction with RPL22 appeared to be important in the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of the RNA.

Bunyaviruses represent the largest group of RNA viruses, and are the causative agent of a variety of febrile and hemorrhagic illnesses. Originally characterized as a single serotype in Africa, the number of described bunyaviruses now exceeds over 500, with its presence detected around the world. These predominantly tri-segmented, single-stranded RNA viruses are transmitted primarily through arthropod and rodent vectors, and can infect a wide variety of animal and plants. Although encoding for a small number of proteins, these viruses can inflict potentially fatal disease outcomes, and have even developed strategies to suppress the innate antiviral immune mechanisms of the infected host. This short review will attempt to provide an overall description of the order Bunyavirales, describing the mechanisms behind their infection, replication and their evasion of the host immune response. Furthermore, the historical context of these virus will be presented, starting from their original discovery almost 80 years ago, to the most recent research pertaining to viral replication and host immune response.

The present work reports on the calculated electronic and magnetic structure of the binary Co-Ga system at high Co content. β-CoGa adopts a simple cubic CsCl type structure. Well-ordered CoGa does not exhibit collective magnetism but is a paramagnetic, metallic compound. Neither Co nor Ga deficiency induces magnetic order, however, ferromagnetism is observed for Co-Ga anti-site disorder. The magnetic moment per cell increases up to about 1.2 μB in the completely disordered body centered cubic structure. With increasing Co content, Co1+xGa1−x maintains the CsCl type structure and becomes ferromagnetic. Most important, a discontinuity of the magnetic order with composition is observed at about 10% excess Co, where a change from a low magnetic moment state to a high moment state is observed. This is accompanied by a change in the electronic structure and transport properties. The discontinuity is forced by the increasing exchange splitting related to the localized moment of the additional Co atoms that replace Ga. Subsequently, the magnetic moment increases continuously up to 2.5 μB for x=0.6. For x≳0.6, the structure changes to face centered cubic with random site occupation and the magnetic moment further increases. Above the magnetic discontinuity, the Curie temperature increases linearly with the Co content from the onset of ferromagnetism, until it reaches its maximum in pure Co.

A model for parasitic motility has been proposed in which parasite filamentous actin (F-actin) is attached to surface adhesins by a large component of the glideosome, known as the glideosome-associated connector protein (GAC). This large 286 kDa protein interacts at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane with the phosphatidic acid-enriched inner leaflet and cytosolic tails of surface adhesins to connect them to the parasite actomyosin system. GAC is observed initially to the conoid at the apical pole and re-localised with the glideosome to the basal pole in gliding parasite. GAC presumably functions in force transmission to surface adhesins in the plasma membrane and not in force generation. Proper connection between F-actin and the adhesins is as important for motility and invasion as motor operation itself. This notion highlights the need for new structural information on GAC interactions, which has eluded the field since its discovery. We have obtained crystals that diffracted to 2.6-2.9 Å for full-length GAC from Toxoplasma gondii in native and selenomethionine-labelled forms. These crystals belong to space group P212121, cell dimensions are roughly a=119 Å, b=123Å, c=221Å, α=90, β=90, γ=90 with 1 molecule per asymmetric unit, suggesting a more compact conformation than previously proposed.

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) were produced from flake graphite that had been immersed in isopropyl alcohol solution (70%) and converted to powder form in an ultrasonic bath (5 h, room temperature). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and Raman spectroscopy identified 120-nm-thick GNP crystallites and 0.5–21 µm plates with different areas and shapes. Extensive exfoliation was observed by transmission electron microscopy with abundant multilayer and some monolayer GNPs. X-ray diffractometry confirmed 43 GNP layers along the c-axis. Raman spectroscopy indicated well-defined GNPs with few defects and no oxide content. Rietveld analysis indicated a GNP crystal lattice with stacks of parallel two-dimensional graphene layers and tightly bound hybridized carbon atoms stacked in a translational …ABAB… sequence in hexagonal rings.

Spike protein is the surface glycoprotein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) necessary for the entry of the virus via the transmembrane receptors of the human endothelial cells of the respiratoty system for the virus to be engulfed causing COVID-19 disease after priming by type II transmembrane protease TMPRSS2 and then binding with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Therefore, mutations and amino acid variants analysis are essential in understanding the mechanism of binding of spike protein with its receptor to have an insights on possibilities to design a peptide or nucleotide-based vaccine for COVID-19. Here, we employed Iterative Threading Assembly Refinement (I-TASSER) and Multiple Alignment using Fast Fourier Transform (MAFFT) to predict the three-dimensional monomer structure of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and to analyze the amino acid variants for protein sequences from GISAID database for samples collected from Jordan in a try to find an explanation for the low confirmed number of COVID-19 in Jordan. Our Protein Homology/analogY Recognition Engine V 2.0 (Phyre2) findings showed four single amino acid variants (SAV) found in 20 samples of SARS-CoV-2. What is equal to 5% of samples showed tyrosine deletion at Y144 located in the SARS-CoV-like_Spike_S1_NTD (N terminal domain), 62% showed aspartate substitution to glycine at D614G located in the SARS-CoV-2_Spike_S1_RBD (spike recognition binding site), 5% showed aspartate substitution to tyrosine at D1139Y and 5% showed glycine substitution to serine at G1167S both located in the Corona_S2 domain. The findings have shown lower mutational sensitivity in all variants that might not affect the function of spike glycoprotein except for D614G, which has the highest mutational sensitivity score (5 out of 9) indicating a higher likelihood to affect the function of the spike protein. This might suggest, in general, a reduced transmitability of SARS-CoV-2 in Jordan.

Through history, particular attention has been paid of the study of the relationship between the energy use and the city structure. Improving energy efficiency in modern agglomerations is the most promising means to mitigate climate change and its impacts. In this current context of globalisation, European Union proposes initiatives and policy targets to rethink the urban development strategies towards the ‘zero energy objectives’. Providing a methodological approach with a simulation district analysis, the present article summarizes how the ‘zero energy’ challenge is analyzed in an existing district (Epinlieu) to articulate the users’ requirements in energy. This study contributes to the scientific discussion of the districts’ urban structure and energy planning by establishing a linkage among the beneficial influence of the KPIs of the districts’ form to increase their energy efficiency and its application in a real case study in Belgium.

Untranslated regions (UTRs) of flaviviruses contain a large number of RNA structural elements involved in mediating the viral life cycle, including cyclisation, replication, and encapsidation. Here we report on a comparative genomics approach to characterize evolutionarily conserved RNAs in the 3'UTR of tick-borne, insect-specific and no-known-vector flaviviruses in silico. Our data support the wide distribution of previously experimentally characterized exoribonuclease resistant RNAs xrRNAs within tick-borne and no-known-vector flaviviruses and provide evidence for the existence of a cascade of duplicated RNA structures within insect-specific flaviviruses. On a broader scale, our findings indicate that viral 3'UTRs represent a flexible scaffold for evolution to come up with novel xrRNAs

The dark proteome as we define it, is the part of the proteome where 3D structure has not been observed either by homology modeling or by experimental characterization in the protein universe. From the 550.116 proteins available in Swiss-Prot (as of July 2016) 43.2% of the Eukarya universe and 49.2% of the Virus universe are part of the dark proteome. In Bacteria and Archaea, the percentage of the dark proteome presence is significantly less, with 12.6% and 13.3% respectively. In this work, we present the map of the dark proteome in Human and in other model organisms. The most significant result is that around 40%- 50% of the proteome of these organisms are still in the dark, where the higher percentages belong to higher eukaryotes (mouse and human organisms). Due to the amount of darkness present in the human organism being more than 50%, deeper studies were made, including the identification of ‘dark’ genes that are responsible for the production of the so-called dark proteins, as well as, the identification of the ‘dark’ organs where dark proteins are over represented, namely heart, cervical mucosa and natural killer cells. This is a step forward in the direction of the human dark proteome.