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Graphene/stainless steel (SUS) structures have received attention as an approach to enhancing the performance of SUS in various applications, such as energy storage and electrochemical devices. Despite many studies, the synthesis of graphene nanostructures with controllable growth orientation on SUS remains challenging. The present work demonstrates the selective synthesis of monolayer to bilayer graphene and vertical graphene (i.e., carbon nanowalls) on SUS by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and also explains the associated growth mechanisms. This study indicates that the graphene nucleation density can be tuned by varying the growth temperature and CH4/H2 ratio during synthesis. It is also evident that graphene growth occurs within a mixed phase of γ-Fe and Fe3C at high temperatures, and a high carbon supply of above 900 °C triggers the transition of growth orientation from planar to vertical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Through a systematic literature review of 42 recent peer‐reviewed empirical studies of international arms markets, this paper examines the determinants of supply and demand for manned fixed‐wing combat aircraft in the post–Cold War era. This literature review distinguishes more than 80 different determinants related to either the international system interaction, an international state or the aircraft offered. The determinants can be related to the main characteristics of the market, namely, security, economics and normative values. Measurable effects are only visible for security and economic determinants. Normative factors appear to play a rudimentary role across the board, although they can be found to be significant in individual studies. One conclusion that can be drawn is that the most commonly studied determinants are not those with the greatest impact. In addition, it is important to note that all but a few of the publications analysed do not address the difference in market power between a producing and a supplying (reselling) state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grandparents are an important source of childcare worldwide, but international patterns vary. We examine how demographic characteristics of parents, and of grandparents, factor into grandparent care provision considering the cultural assumptions and policy settings Australian families live within. Using the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, we identify determinants of both the demand for and the supply of grandparent childcare in Australia (4266 grandparents and 9822 parents). Results suggest that grandmothers and mothers, as much or more than fathers and mothers, balance their reciprocal participation in employment and childcare. University‐educated grandmothers are more likely to provide regular childcare (at least once a week) and university‐educated mothers are more likely to draw upon it, inconsistent with research in other countries. It appears grandparents are stepping in as both “mother savers” and “system savers,” suggesting a need for more public policy support for Australian working mothers to capitalise on their increasingly high educational attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This article examines the puzzle of why China's two policy banks, China Development Bank (CDB) and the Export‐Import Bank of China (Eximbank), have lending portfolios for power‐generation projects in Africa that have drastically different levels of carbon dioxide emissions. From the supplier side, Eximbank balances two imperatives: Beijing's ideational ambition as a new development provider to African recipients with sustainability commitments, and China's industrial goal to offshore non‐renewable capacity. In contrast, the CDB prioritizes its commercial interests, which results in the bank lending solely for coal projects. On the demand side, Eximbank's concessional capital has emerged as a second‐best option among international financial sources for renewable and hydropower generation projects. Conversely, CDB's market‐rate lending makes it the fiscal last resort for host countries seeking financial support for thermal‐power projects which are shunned by other financiers. This divergence can be understood through the polycentric development finance model, which captures the parallel decision‐making institutions governing Chinese energy financing in Africa. Specifically, the lending decisions of Eximbank are linked with institutionalized policy processes, translating priorities of Chinese and African state actors. Meanwhile, the loan origination processes of CDB are more independent of state actors, allowing greater autonomy for the financier to pursue commercial interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate leaf water potential (Ψw) determination is crucial in studying plant responses to water deficit. After excision, water potential decreases, even under low evaporative demand conditions, which has been recently attributed to the equilibration of pre-excision Ψw gradients across the leaf. We assessed the influence of potential re-equilibration on water potential determination by monitoring leaf Ψw and relative water content decline after excision using different storage methods. Results: Even though leaf Ψw declined during storage under low evaporative demand conditions, this was strongly reduced when covering the leaf with a hydrophobic layer (vaseline) and explained by changes in relative water content. However, residual water loss was variable between species, possibly related to morpho-physiological leaf traits. Provided water loss was minimized during storage, pre-excision leaf transpiration rate did not affect to the magnitude of leaf Ψw decline after excision, confirming that transpiration-driven Ψw gradients have no effect on leaf Ψw determination. Conclusions: Disequilibrium in water potentials across a transpiring leaf upon excision is dissipated very quickly, well within the elapsed time between excision and pressurization, therefore, not resulting in overestimation of leaf Ψw measured immediately after excision. When leaf storage is required, the effectiveness of a storage under low evaporative demand varied among species. Covering with a hydrophobic layer is an acceptable alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, meteorological drought in the western United States (WUS) has been driven primarily by precipitation deficits. However, our observational analysis shows that, since around 2000, rising surface temperature and the resulting high evaporative demand have contributed more to drought severity (62%) and coverage (66%) over the WUS than precipitation deficit. This increase in evaporative demand during droughts, mostly attributable to anthropogenic warming according to analyses of both observations and climate model simulations, is the main cause of the increased drought severity and coverage. The unprecedented 2020-2022 WUS drought exemplifies this shift in drought drivers, with high evaporative demand accounting for 61% of its severity, compared to 39% from precipitation deficit. Climate model simulations corroborate this shift and project that, under the fossil-fueled development scenario (SSP5-8.5), droughts like the 2020-2022 event will transition from a one-in-more-than-a-thousand-year event in the pre-2022 period to a 1-in-60-year event by the mid-21st century and to a 1-in-6-year event by the late-21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inter alia due to the high demand for lithium‐ion batteries, the required critical heavy metals have become a scarce resource. Consequently, effective recycling processes that enable the recovery of such materials are of high interest. A silica adsorbent functionalized with amino‐polycarboxylate derivate ligands (HSU331) was applied in order to selectively adsorb nickel(II) and cobalt(II). Subsequently, suitable parameters for a pH‐swing desorption were investigated. Maximum desorption efficiencies for Co(II) were achieved at pH = 2.7 (72 %) and for Ni(II) at pH = −0.5 (94 %). These results were used for the design of a pH‐shift desorption process in order to selectively recover Co(II) and regenerate the adsorbent after simultaneous adsorption of Co(II) and Ni(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to eliminate the adverse effects caused by power coupling of the isolated three‐port converter (ITPC), this paper proposes a three‐port resonant converter that uses a switch‐controlled‐capacitor (SCC) and an auxiliary inductor, which has resonant parameter compensation capability (RPC‐ITPC). The topology and operational principle of RPC‐ITPC are discussed in detail. To achieve resonant‐type power decoupling, it is usually necessary to ensure that the resonant frequency of the decoupling port resonant tank is consistent with the switching frequency, which puts high demands on the accuracy of the resonant components. To address the sensitivity of resonant‐type power decoupling to the parameters of resonant components, an SCC was adopted to solve the problem. The use of SCC enables the RPC‐ITPC to have resonant parameter compensation capability. In order to further optimize the performance of the RPC‐ITPC, a triple‐phase‐shift (TPS) modulation strategy is proposed to achieve the minimum RMS value of resonant current (MRMS‐TPSMS). Under the MRMS‐TPSMS, the switching devices of the power decoupling port have difficulty achieving ZVS turn‐on. To circumvent this problem, we realize ZVS of the decoupling port switching devices via auxiliary inductor current injection. Finally, a 1 kW experimental prototype was constructed to validate the theoretical propositions presented in this study. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MR-guided stereotaxy has emerged as a viable alternative to CT-guided frame-based or frameless approaches. By offering direct MR-guided navigation, this technique addresses most limitations inherent to CT navigation, enabling submillimeter precision. Method: We detail the workflow of using the ClearPoint® MR navigation system for laser catheter placement in the treatment of a hypothalamic hamartoma. Conclusion: MR-guided navigation is a precise and effective stereotactic method for laser ablation of targets with high demands for accuracy. However, compared to standard stereotactic techniques, MR-guided navigation is more time-consuming and costly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: RNA secondary structural alignment serves as a foundational procedure in identifying conserved structural motifs among RNA sequences, crucially advancing our understanding of novel RNAs via comparative genomic analysis. While various computational strategies for RNA structural alignment exist, they often come with high computational complexity. Specifically, when addressing a set of RNAs with unknown structures, the task of simultaneously predicting their consensus secondary structure and determining the optimal sequence alignment requires an overwhelming computational effort of O (L 6) for each RNA pair. Such an extremely high computational complexity makes these methods impractical for large-scale analysis despite their accurate alignment capabilities. Results: In this paper, we introduce REDalign, an innovative approach based on deep learning for RNA secondary structural alignment. By utilizing a residual encoder-decoder network, REDalign can efficiently capture consensus structures and optimize structural alignments. In this learning model, the encoder network leverages a hierarchical pyramid to assimilate high-level structural features. Concurrently, the decoder network, enhanced with residual skip connections, integrates multi-level encoded features to learn detailed feature hierarchies with fewer parameter sets. REDalign significantly reduces computational complexity compared to Sankoff-style algorithms and effectively handles non-nested structures, including pseudoknots, which are challenging for traditional alignment methods. Extensive evaluations demonstrate that REDalign provides superior accuracy and substantial computational efficiency. Conclusion: REDalign presents a significant advancement in RNA secondary structural alignment, balancing high alignment accuracy with lower computational demands. Its ability to handle complex RNA structures, including pseudoknots, makes it an effective tool for large-scale RNA analysis, with potential implications for accelerating discoveries in RNA research and comparative genomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited insights have been obtained regarding the flows and stocks of thulium, the scarcest rare earth element. Thus, this study quantifies the thulium material flow from 2011 to 2020 in China, the largest thulium producer and reserve holder. Dynamic material flow analysis method is used and the demand and supply pattern of China's thulium is clarified. Results reveal that the final demand for thulium grows at an annual rate of 6.2%, reaching from 121 tonnes in 2011 to 208 tonnes in 2020, driven mainly by laser‐related end‐use sectors. Accumulative 1506 tonnes (80.7%) of domestically produced thulium in China originates from illegal mining during 2011–2020. This, combined with imported thulium compounds, bridges the significant gap between final demand and domestic legal supply. Moreover, 1422 tonnes of thulium are stocked in end‐use sectors by 2020, with 30.8% in fiber‐optic communication sector. A supply–demand gap has emerged since 2016 with thulium demand surpassing its domestic supply, which is projected to further widen in the future. Measures like promoting recycling and recovery, optimizing the trade patterns, and exploring material and technology substitution are proposed to mitigate such a gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeders successfully increased US soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields over the past nearly 100 years and altered various plant characteristics underpinning the yield gains. However, the impact of breeding on plant‐level water‐use efficiency (WUEp) has not been examined yet. This study, conducted across eight environments using maturity group IV cultivars released between 1930 and 2005, aimed to (1) determine if soybean WUEp, assessed using C isotope composition (δ13C) measurements on shoot biomass sampled at early seed filling (R5), has changed with cultivar year of release (YoR), and (2) assess how canopy temperature (CT) and WUEp relate to each other and to seed yield. Across environments and cultivars, δ13C ranged from −27.52‰ to −28.24‰ and the correlation between cultivar YoR and WUEp was positive in four individual environments (p ≤ 0.07), as well as across the eight environments (p = 0.0083), with an average increase of shoot δ13C of 0.004‰ per year of soybean breeding. Lower average δ13C values for specific environments were associated with higher precipitation prior to biomass sampling, which is consistent with a lower WUEp when more water was available. Interestingly, across environments, midday CT at early seed filling was negatively correlated with YoR and WUEp, suggesting that intrinsic WUE of more recently released cultivars was lower during high demand periods. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these relationships between WUEp and CT and to identify physiological mechanisms that can be targeted for breeding high‐yielding cultivars while increasing or maintaining WUEp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage (ES) units are vital for the reliable and economical operation of the power system with a high penetration of renewable distributed generators (DGs). Due to ES's high investment costs and long payback period, energy management with shared ESs becomes a suitable choice for the demand side. This work investigates the sharing mechanism of ES units for low-voltage (LV) energy prosumer (EP) communities, in which energy interactions of multiple styles among the EPs are enabled, and the aggregated ES dispatch center (AESDC) is established as a special energy service provider to facilitate the scheduling and marketing mechanism. A shared ES operation framework considering multiple EP communities is established, in which both the energy scheduling and cost allocation methods are studied. Then a shared ES model and energy marketing scheme for multiple communities based on the leader–follower game is proposed. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) condition is used to transform the double-layer model into a single-layer model, and then the large M method and PSO-HS algorithm are used to solve it, which improves convergence features in both speed and performance. On this basis, a cost allocation strategy based on the Owen value method is proposed to resolve the issues of benefit distribution fairness and user privacy under current situations. A case study simulation is carried out, and the results show that, with the ES scheduling strategy shared by multiple renewable communities in the leader–follower game, the energy cost is reduced significantly, and all communities acquire benefits from shared ES operators and aggregated ES dispatch centers, which verifies the advantageous and economical features of the proposed framework and strategy. With the cost allocation strategy based on the Owen value method, the distribution results are rational and equitable both for the groups and individuals among the multiple EP communities. Comparing it with other algorithms, the presented PSO-HS algorithm demonstrates better features in computing speed and convergence. Therefore, the proposed mechanism can be implemented in multiple scenarios on the demand side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charging infrastructure is the backbone of electromobility. Due to new charging behaviors and power distribution and charging space constraints, the energy demand and supply patterns of electromobility and the locations of current refueling stations are misaligned. Infrastructure developers (charging point operators, fleet operators, grid operators, vehicle manufacturers, and real-estate developers) need new methodologies and tools that help reduce the cost and risk of investments. To this extent we propose a transport-energy-demand-centric, dynamic adaptive planning approach and a data-driven Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS). In the SDSS, with the help of a realistic digital twin of an electrified road transport system, infrastructure developers can quickly and accurately estimate key performance measures (e.g., charging demand, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) enablement) of a candidate charging location or a network of locations under user-specified transport electrification scenarios and constraints and interactively and continuously calibrate and/or expand their network plans as facts about the deep uncertainties about the supply side of transport electrification (i.e., access to grid capacity and real-estate and presence of competition) are gradually discovered/observed. This paper describes the components and the planning support of the SDSS and how these can be used in competitive and collaborative settings. Qualitative user evaluations of the SDSS with 33 stakeholder organizations in commercial discussions and pilots have shown that both transport-energy-demand-centric and dynamic adaptive planning of charging infrastructure planning are useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Arthroscopic Bankart repair combined with remplissage and autologous scapular spine bone grafting have been described as a treatment for off‐track Hill–Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone defects in the anterior shoulder instability. However, whether these two techniques can achieve satisfactory postoperative outcomes is unclear, and there are few comparative studies between them. Therefore, this study compared the postoperative efficacy of the two techniques for off‐track Hill–Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss. Method: Between June 2017 and December 2020, 62 patients with shoulder instability due to Off‐Track Hill–Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss underwent surgical treatment and were included in this regression study. Thirty‐two patients underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair combined with remplissage (B + R group), and 30 patients underwent additional autologous scapular glenoid bone grafting (additional bone grafting group). The general information of the patients was recorded. The patient's activity before and after surgery was recorded. The DASH score and Constant–Murley (CM) score were used to assess the patient's functional status; the Rowe score was used to evaluate the patient's shoulder stability. The shoulder function and stability before and after surgery were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The final DASH scores of the B + R group and the additional bone grafting group were significantly lower than those before surgery, with a statistically significant difference (9.76 ± 4.32 vs. 27.89 ± 6.63, 8.50 ± 3.32 vs. 28.0 ± 4.27, p = 0.000); the final CM scores of the two groups were significantly higher than those before surgery (88.71 ± 3.74 vs. 73.68 ± 3.74, 87.16 ± 2.29 vs. 71.37 ± 2.68, p = 0.000). There was no statistical difference in the final DASH score and final CM score between the two groups (p > 0.05). In terms of postoperative stability, the final Rowe scores of the two groups were significantly higher than those before surgery, with a statistically significant difference (89.06 ± 9.19 vs. 41.71 ± 4.13; 93.16 ± 4.99 vs. 42.33 ± 2.53, p = 0.000). Compared with the control group, the additional bone graft group achieved higher final Rowe scores (93.16 ± 4.99 vs. 89.06 ± 9.19, p = 0.032). Conclusion: For patients with anterior shoulder instability due to off‐track Hill–Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss, although Bankart and remplissage can achieve satisfactory clinical results, additional autogenous scapular spine bone grafting can provide better stability of the shoulder, especially for patients with high sports demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is a high demand in the food industry and in public health for rapid automated methods capable of high-volume sample processing. Objective In an unpaired study, Roka Atlas® System performance was compared with Health Canada reference method MFHPB-30 for Listeria spp. (LSP Roka assay) and Listeria monocytogenes (LmG2 Roka Assay) detection on plastic (PL), sealed concrete (SC), and stainless-steel (SS) surfaces (45 samples each per candidate or reference method). Methods Seeking shorter enrichment time for the candidate method, R2 medium pre-enrichment for 14, 16, and 24 h at 35°C was combined with the Roka assay. Listeria welshimeri , L. innocua , and L. monocytogenes were employed to individually inoculate each of the three surfaces, with two competing microorganisms within the 10–100-fold higher concentration range. Results False negative, false positive, sensitivity, and specificity were 0, 0, 100, and 100%, respectively, for the plastic, sealed concrete, and stainless-steel surfaces, regardless of inoculation level (high, low, and uninoculated) and enrichment time. Candidate method detected 10, 7, and 9 true positives, versus 10, 6, and 10 by the reference method in individually inoculated SS, PL, and SC, respectively. Conclusions Probability of detection for all the three surfaces for the Roka Atlas System was comparable to the reference method in this unpaired study. Highlights The Roka Atlas System detected targets after as little as 14 h enrichment. Surface type did not negatively affect assay sensitivity or specificity. The Roka Atlas System was comparable to the reference method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate variability influences renewable electricity supply and demand and hence system reliability. Using the hidden states of the sea surface temperature of tropical Pacific Ocean that reflect El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dynamics that is objectively identified by a nonhomogeneous hidden Markov model, we provide a first example of the potential predictability of monthly wind and solar energy and heating and cooling energy demand for 1 to 6 months ahead for Texas, United States, a region that has a high penetration of renewable electricity and is susceptible to disruption by climate-driven supply-demand imbalances. We find a statistically significant potential for oversupply or undersupply of energy and anomalous heating/cooling demand depending on the ENSO state and the calendar month. Implications for financial securitization and the potential application of forecasts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software process simulation (SPS) has become an effective tool for software process management and improvement. However, its adoption in industry is less than what the research community expected due to the burden of measurement cost and the high demand for domain knowledge. The difficulty of extracting appropriate metrics with real data from process enactment is one of the great challenges. We aim to provide evidence‐based support of the process metrics for software process (simulation) modeling. A systematic literature review was performed by extending our previous review series to draw a comprehensive understanding of the metrics for process modeling following our proposed ontology of metrics in SPS. We identify 131 process modeling studies that collectively involve 1975 raw metrics and classified them into 21 categories using the coding technique. We found product and process external metrics are not used frequently in SPS modeling while resource external metrics are widely used. We analyze the causal relationships between metrics. We find that the models exhibit significant diversity, as no pairwise relationship between metrics accounts for more than 10% SPS models. We identify 17 data issues may encounter in measurement and 10 coping strategies. The results of this study provide process modelers with an evidence‐based reference of the identification and the use of metrics in SPS modeling and further contribute to the development of the body of knowledge on software metrics in the context of process modeling. Furthermore, this study is not limited to process simulation but can be extended to software process modeling, in general. Taking simulation metrics as standards and references can further motivate and guide software developers to improve the collection, governance, and application of process data in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Disability Royal Commission (the Commission) investigated many issues, one of which was whether people with cognitive disabilities, including people with intellectual disabilities, faced systemic neglect in the Australian health system. Using a method of co-design with people with intellectual disabilities, we analysed the Commission's approach and recommendations about preventive health care. We identified how the Commission's recommendations can inform the achievement of the National Preventive Health Strategy (the Strategy) for people with intellectual disabilities. We found that a strength of the Commission's process was the multiple ways it inquired about the experience of accessing preventive health care. However, the inclusiveness of the invitations to participate in the Commission's work and the location of the public hearings were limitations for key stakeholders. Our analysis also noted that the Commission's public hearings focused on the supply side of healthcare access (health services) compared to the demand side of access (health users). This was a missed opportunity to learn from health users about their experiences. Two challenges to the implementation of the recommendations include the focus on cognitive disability instead of intellectual disability, and the focus on health care in general, rather than specifically on preventive health care. We also found that the Commission's recommendations mainly relate to the leadership, governance and funding elements in the Strategy, with a few actions relevant to prevention, partnerships, information, research, surveillance and preparedness. It is important that all the elements required to mobilise prevention systems are considered and actioned to achieve the Strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban land use is central to urban planning. With the emergence of urban big data and advances in deep learning methods, several studies have leveraged graph convolutional networks (GCNs) with local functional characteristics from points of interest data and spatial features from flow data to infer urban land use. However, these studies cannot distinguish spatial interaction and spatial dependence in terms of conceptualization and modeling mechanisms and overlook the inadequacy of GCNs in modeling spatial interaction. This study proposes a novel framework—a heterogeneous graph convolutional network (HGCN)—to explicitly account for the spatial demand and supply components embedded in spatial interaction data. Several experiments, including 19 different models and datasets from Shenzhen and London, were conducted to validate the proposed framework and its generalizability within the same and different spatial contexts. The HGCN can distinguish heterogeneous mechanisms in supply- and demand-related modalities of spatial interactions, incorporating both spatial interaction and spatial dependence for urban land-use inference. Empowered by HGCN, we found that spatial interaction features play a distinctively crucial role in urban land-use inference compared to local attributes and spatial dependence features. In addition, our findings highlight the superiority of HGCN-based models in boosting performance and enhancing model transferability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: An analysis of a single‐ended high‐efficiency broadband parallel‐circuit (PC) Class‐E power amplifier (PA) with a single reactance compensation technique (RCT) and low‐pass (LP) Chebyshev impedance transformer is first presented under low supply voltage. Analysis of the gate and drain voltage allows to determine the required optimum voltage values for the expected PA design objectives. Derivation and design procedure of the broadband matching network (MN) is provided, which can effectively filter out higher order harmonics and reduce circuit complexity. In addition, the load adaptability for this PA is studied, achieving higher than 67.87% drain efficiency (DE) in the case of load mismatch. A PC Class‐E PA based on NMOS transistor is designed and implemented to validate the analysis over a frequency band of 7–9.4 MHz. Experimental results show that the PA delivers 36.48–38.83 dBm output power with a DE of 84.91% to 86.91%, as well as achieves 83.98% to 86.28% power‐added efficiency (PAE), 19.48–21.83 dB gain with a low supply voltage of 12 V. It is also demonstrated that the experimental results exhibit good agreement with the simulation results, which prototype the radio frequency identification transmitter with broadband high‐efficiency and system compactness. To the author's knowledge, this study represents the first approach to design broadband PC Class‐E PA under low supply voltage for Internet of Things (IoT) applications at HF frequency band, such as electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud storage adoption has increased over the years given the high demand for fast processing, low access latency, and ever-increasing amount of data being generated by, e.g., Internet of Things applications. In order to meet the users' demands and provide a cost-effective solution, cloud service providers offer tiered storage; however, keeping the data in one tier is not cost-effective. In this respect, cloud storage tier optimization involves aligning data storage needs with the most suitable and cost-effective storage tier, thus reducing costs while ensuring data availability and meeting performance requirements. Ideally, this process considers the trade-off between performance and cost, as different storage tiers offer different levels of performance and durability. It also encompasses data lifecycle management, where data is automatically moved between tiers based on access patterns, which in turn impacts the storage cost. In this respect, this article explores two novel classification approaches, rule-based and game theory-based, to optimize cloud storage cost by reassigning data between different storage tiers. Four distinct storage tiers are considered: premium, hot, cold, and archive. The viability and potential of the proposed approaches are demonstrated by comparing cost savings and analyzing the computational cost using both fully-synthetic and semi-synthetic datasets with static and dynamic access patterns. The results indicate that the proposed approaches have the potential to significantly reduce cloud storage cost, while being computationally feasible for practical applications. Both approaches are lightweight and industry- and platform-independent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The saline and buffered environment in actual wastewater imposes higher demands on Fenton and Fenton‐like catalytic systems. This study developed a MoS2 co‐catalytic Fe2O3 Fenton‐like system with controllable Lewis acid‐base sites, achieving efficient treatment of various model pollutants and actual industrial wastewater under neutral buffered environment. The acidic microenvironment structured by the edge S sites (Lewis basic sites) in the MoS2/Fe2O3 catalyst is susceptible to the influence of Lewis acidic sites constructed by Mo and Fe element, affecting catalytic performance. Optimizing the ratio of precursor amounts ensures the stable presence of the acidic microenvironment on the surface of catalyst, enabling the beneficial co‐catalytic effect of Mo sites to be realized. Furthermore, it transcends the rigid constraints imposed by the Fenton reaction on reaction environments, thereby expanding the applicability of commonplace oxides such as Fe2O3 in actual industrial water remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on evaluating the perceptions of a group of call center operators in Quito regarding their work environment using Plithogenic statistics to address the complexity and ambiguity of the responses. The sample included 114 workers from three companies, assessed using the Battery of the Ministry of Social Protection of Colombia and a work stress questionnaire. The results revealed high job demands, perceived as stressful by employees, although satisfaction with the rewards received was shown. However, significant uncertainty was identified regarding control over work, leadership, and social relationships, suggesting critical areas for improvement. The use of Plithogenic logic allowed for an in-depth analysis of these phenomena, providing valuable information for future organizational interventions. It is recommended to implement stress management programs and improve communication and leadership to strengthen role clarity and increase job satisfaction and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows that the solution of the existing and expected and future shortage of health professionals is essential to protect the health of the population globally. In this regard, the international migration of health professionals and the shortage of skilled health workforce, as well as the growing disparity between population needs, health care supply and demand, is a topical problem for health systems.The mobility and shortage of highly qualified specialists are characteristic of the top of the pyramid. There is a significant shortage in the medium and low levels of the pyramid of healthcare professionals and some non-medical majors. In both cases, there are internal and external imbalances, most often caused by increased migration to economic centers in the country or countries with a high standard of living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Identifying the physiological mechanisms by which plants are adapted to drought is critical to predict species responses to climate change. We measured the responses of leaf hydraulic and stomatal conductances (Kleaf and gs, respectively) to dehydration, and their association with anatomy, in seven species of California Ceanothus grown in a common garden, including some of the most drought‐tolerant species in the semi‐arid flora. We tested for matching of maximum hydraulic supply and demand and quantified the role of decline of Kleaf in driving stomatal closure. Across Ceanothus species, maximum Kleaf and gs were negatively correlated, and both Kleaf and gs showed steep declines with decreasing leaf water potential (i.e., a high sensitivity to dehydration). The leaf water potential at 50% decline in gs was linked with a low ratio of maximum hydraulic supply to demand (i.e., maximum Kleaf:gs). This sensitivity of gs, combined with low minimum epidermal conductance and water storage, could contribute to prolonged leaf survival under drought. The specialized anatomy of subg. Cerastes includes trichomous stomatal crypts and pronounced hypodermis, and was associated with higher water use efficiency and water storage. Combining our data with comparative literature of other California species, species of subg. Cerastes show traits associated with greater drought tolerance and reliance on leaf water storage relative to other California species. In addition to drought resistance mechanisms such as mechanical protection and resistance to embolism, drought avoidance mechanisms such as sensitive stomatal closure could contribute importantly to drought tolerance in dry‐climate adapted species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and its negative effects are driving the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. To tackle the dependency on traditional energy sources in harsh winter regions and improve heating quality during periods of thermal demand fluctuations, this paper proposes a new distributed heating peak shaving system (DHPS). The system combines municipal heat and clean energy within the secondary network while reducing the return water temperature in the primary network. It comprises solar collectors, electric thermal storage tanks (ETST), and absorption heat pump (AHP) units, integrated into conventional heat exchange stations. The system operates in two modes to manage peak and off-peak loads respectively, with TRNSYS simulation used to evaluate performance across a range of peak-shaving gradients. A multidimensional comprehensive assessment is conducted between the DHPS under optimal peak shaving coefficient (θ) conditions and conventional peak clipping boiler (PCB). Results indicate that DHPS achieves a high primary energy ratio (PER) of 1.251 at θ = 0.5, reducing combustion emissions by nearly 40%. The static payback period (PBP) of the system is 3.5 years. When the electricity price drops to 0.275 CNY, its operational costs are comparable to PCB. DHPS caters to the energy characteristics of cold regions where electricity supply exceeds demand. It enables flexible peak shaving while ensuring the complete utilization of clean energy and effectively utilizing waste heat from power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMeasuring a variety of human characteristics in large databases has been invaluable for applied (e.g., epidemiology) and basic research (e.g., brain imaging). The sheer volume of data being collected can place high demands on participants. This raises the challenge of how to maximize the reliability of measures while minimizing the burden on participants. We examined the viability of a single item to measure trait boredom proneness by having participants respond to the question “I am easily bored.” Results indicated that this single item effectively captures relations typically observed when using longer state and trait boredom measures. Psychological network analyses suggested that the item accords well with models of trait boredom as a failure to launch. We discuss potential contexts in which deploying a single item of this kind may prove advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimum residential parking requirements exist in most European cities to regulate the number of off-street parking spaces built for new or converted residential buildings. As minimum parking requirements can have various negative impacts, they are controversially discussed and increasingly complemented or replaced by maximum requirements in several cities around the world. This paper evaluates the adequacy of residential minimum and maximum parking requirements in 12 mid-sized cities in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. By calculating the number of required parking spaces and by comparing this required supply to the estimated parking demand, we evaluate the impacts and possible steering effects of parking standards. We base our estimations on a hypothetical scenario, in which all existing residential buildings comply with the requirements and use the number of registered cars as a proxy for residential parking demand. Our results reveal great differences between the cities' parking standards. Some cities have minimum requirements, which would lead to a parking supply exceeding the current parking demand in large, mainly densely-populated and centrally located areas. These requirements would result in an oversupply of off-street parking at the place of residence of more than 50% of all residents, which in some areas would even exceed the parking demand by a factor of 2. In contrast to that, other cities have quite stringent requirements, which fall well below the current parking demand at the place of residence of 64 to 81% of all residents. Some of these restrictive cities complement their minimum parking requirements with additional measures by enforcing maximum requirements, limiting access to parking permits or reducing the overall parking capacity. Based on these findings, we discuss the adequacy of the parking requirements, their likely underlying objectives and their possible impacts on future urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive sediment concentration in water can cause damage to prefabricated concrete channels. This study evaluates the impact of sediment‐laden water flow on the mass loss of concrete after abrasion, incorporating scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM‐EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses to assess the effects of four steam‐curing parameters—delay time, heating rate, constant temperature duration, and steam curing temperature—on the abrasion resistance of concrete used in enterprise prefabricated water conveyance channels. The results indicate that the abrasion resistance of concrete for prefabricated channels improves gradually with increases in delay time and constant temperature duration. When the delay time exceeds 3 h and the constant temperature time exceeds 4 h, the concrete's abrasion resistance can reach more than 5 h(g/cm2)−1. Rapid heating rates and excessively high steam curing temperatures adversely affect the concrete's abrasion resistance. However, when the heating rate is controlled within 20°C/h and the steam curing temperature does not exceed 70°C, the concrete's abrasion resistance can achieve more than 5 h(g/cm2)−1. In compliance with the standard DL/T5201‐2021 requirements, it is recommended that concrete with high demands for abrasion resistance should preferentially select steam‐curing parameters within these ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implantable medical devices have revolutionized healthcare by providing continuous monitoring and therapeutic interventions within the human body. The overall performance of these devices is heavily dependent on the effectiveness and efficiency of integrated electronic components, such as transistors. This survey explores the growing utilization of Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (TFETs) in implantable devices, shedding light on their advantages and challenges in this specific application domain. TFETs, characterized by their unique tunnelling mechanism, offer several advantages that make them well suited for implantable devices. Their low-power consumption, reduced leakage current, and improved subthreshold swing make them ideal for energy-efficient, long-lasting operation within the constrained power budgets of implantable devices. Furthermore, TFETs exhibit excellent performance at low supply voltages, ensuring minimal tissue damage and heat generation. This survey also addresses the challenges associated with TFETs in implantable devices, including fabrication complexities, variability, and compatibility with existing technologies. It highlights recent advancements in TFET technology that address these concerns, such as improved material choices and manufacturing techniques. As technology continues to advance, TFETs are poised to play a pivotal role in improving the overall efficiency and reliability of life-saving technologies and medical devices. Overall, this survey provides valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of TFETs in implantable devices, guiding researchers and engineers in harnessing their potential for the benefit of healthcare and patient well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is exacerbated by rising water use and climate change, yet state-of-the-art Earth system models typically do not represent human water demand. Here we present an enhancement to the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and its land (CLM5) and river (MOSART) components by introducing sectoral water abstractions. The new module enables a better understanding of water demand and supply dynamics across various sectors, including domestic, livestock, thermoelectric, manufacturing, mining, and irrigation. The module conserves water by integrating abstractions from the land component with river component flows and dynamically calculates daily water scarcity based on local demand and supply. Through land-only simulations spanning 1971–2010, we verify our model against known water scarcity hotspots, historical global water withdrawal trends, and regional variations in water use. Our findings show that non-irrigative sectoral consumption has an insignificant effect on regional climate, while emphasizing the importance of including all sectors for water scarcity assessment capabilities. Despite its advancements, the model's limitations, such as its exclusive focus on river water abstractions, highlight areas for potential future refinement. This research paves the way for a more holistic representation of human–water interactions in ESMs, aiming to inform sustainable water management decisions in an evolving global landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of energy in the brain has garnered substantial attention in recent years due to its significant implications in various disorders and aging. The brain's energy metabolism is a dynamic and tightly regulated network that balances energy demand and supply by engaging complementary molecular pathways. The crosstalk among these pathways enables the system to switch its preferred fuel source based on substrate availability, activity levels, and cell state-related factors such as redox balance. Brain energy production relies on multi-cellular cooperation and is continuously supplied by fuel from the blood due to limited internal energy stores. Astrocytes, which interface with neurons and blood vessels, play a crucial role in coordinating the brain's metabolic activity, and their dysfunction can have detrimental effects on brain health. This review characterizes the major energy substrates (glucose, lactate, glycogen, ketones and lipids) in astrocyte metabolism and their role in brain health, focusing on recent developments in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing isolated industrial microgrids with wind power is beneficial for improving the economic benefits of high-energy-consuming production, such as the electrolytic aluminum industry. Due to the specialized structure of industrial microgrids and the unique characteristics of the electrolytic aluminum load (EAL), the common emergency frequency control methods do not apply to the specific operational requirements of isolated industrial microgrids. Since EALs have huge regulating capacities and fast responses, this paper proposes a coordinated emergency frequency control scheme to deal with power disturbances in isolated industrial microgrids. The coordinated frequency control model of an industrial microgrid considering demand-side participation is derived. With the help of output regulation theory, a practical, feasible coordinated frequency controller is designed by introducing frequency deviation and power disturbance as feedback control signals. The proposed control scheme achieves reserve power distribution between the generation and demand sides. The microgrid frequency can be maintained within a permitted range in the presence of large power imbalances. The simulation results conducted in an actual isolated industrial microgrid validate the effectiveness and dynamic performance of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be implemented in order to predict the energy needs of daily households using both multilinear regression (MLR) and single linear regression (SLR) methods. As a basic implementation, the SLR makes use of one input variable, which is the total amount of energy generated as an input. The MLR implementation involves multiple input variables being taken from various energy sources, including gas, coal, geothermal, wind, water, biomass, oil, etc. All of these variables are derived from detailed energy production data from the various energy sources. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that it is possible to analyze energy demand and supply directly together as a way to produce a more in-depth analysis. By analyzing energy production data from previous periods of time, a prediction of energy demand can be made. Compared to the SLR implementation, the MLR implementation is found to perform better because it is able to achieve a smaller error value. Furthermore, the forecasting pattern is carried out sequentially based on a periodic pattern, so this paper calls this method the recurrence multilinear regression (RMLR) method. This paper also creates a pre-clustering using the K-Means algorithm before the energy prediction to improve accuracy. Other models such as exponential GPR, sequential XGBoost, and seq2seq LSTM are used for comparison. The prediction results are evaluated by calculating the MAE, RMSE, MAPE, MAPA, and time execution for all models. The simulation results show that the fastest and best model that obtains the smallest error (3.4%) is the RMLR clustered using a weekly pattern period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rise of e-mobility applications, there is an increased demand to create more accurate control methods, which can reduce the loss in an e-drive system. The accurate modeling of the rotating machines needs to resolve a partial differential equation system that describes the thermal and mechanical behavior of the different parts in addition to the electromagnetic design. Due to these models' limited resources and high computation demand, they cannot be used directly for real-time control. Model order reduction methods have been of growing interest in the past decades and offer solutions for this problem. According to the processed literature, many model order reduction-based methods are used for a wide range of problems. However, a paper has not been published that discusses a model order reduction-based real-time control model that is actually used in the industry. This paper aims to summarize and systematically review the model order reduction methods developed for rotating electrical machines in the last two decades and examine the possible usage of these methods for a real-time control problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a two-level optimization scheduling method for multi-region integrated energy systems (IESs) that considers dynamic time intervals within the day, addressing the diverse energy characteristics of electricity, heat, and cooling. The day-ahead scheduling aims to minimize daily operating costs by optimally regulating controllable elements. For intra-day scheduling, a predictive control-based dynamic rolling optimization model is utilized, with the upper-level model handling slower thermal energy fluctuations and the lower-level model managing faster electrical energy fluctuations. Building on the day-ahead plan, different time intervals are used for fast and slow layers. The slow layer establishes a decision index for command cycle intervals, dynamically adjusting based on ultra-short-term forecasts and incremental balance corrections. Case studies demonstrate that this method effectively leverages energy network characteristics, optimizes scheduling intervals, reduces adjustment costs, and enhances system performance, achieving coordinated operation of the IES network and multi-energy equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humanitarian logistics face significant challenges during natural disasters due to operational uncertainties. Humanitarian logistics networks such as food banks must manage both regular operations and disaster-induced supply and demand. The study aims to develop and assess two-stage stochastic models that support decision-making under these dual operations. We evaluate various decisional strategies through extensive numerical experiments inspired in the operation of the food bank network Bancos de Alimentos de México (BAMX), highlighting the importance of suitable timeframes for reactive and anticipative decisions. The findings offer valuable insights for managers in balancing routine and emergency responses efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the stability and occurrence of Hopf bifurcation of a distributed delay differential cobweb model using the chain trick technique. This is a generalized form of the fixed delay cobweb model to which it is compared using the same parameter values. The results from the delay distribution showed that whenever less weight  (γ = 0.146)  is put on past prices, the current equilibrium price is adjusted upwards while the reverse is observed when a higher weight  (γ = 0.186)  is put on the previous price. It is also observed that if the initial price is set below/above the equilibrium price, the price adjustment either affects the consumers or benefits the suppliers. However, the fixed delay cobweb model does not display the consumers or suppliers benefits of the price dynamics in either direction. These are unique, underlying patterns in price dynamics discovered when using a distributed delay model compared to traditional fixed delay cobweb models. Furthermore, our model challenges the traditional cobweb model's requirement for divergence, as it is based on the weight assigned to past prices rather than the relationship between the elasticities of supply and demand, which is the determining factor in the classical model. Based on these insights, we recommend that future price adjustment models incorporate distributed delays, as they reveal more intricate price dynamics and provide a more comprehensive understanding of market behavior than fixed delay models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of multi-trait models in genomic selection, which considers the interactions between different traits to improve breeding accuracy. Using simulations based on data from 5000 individuals, we compared multi-trait models with single-trait models across varying population sizes and genetic correlation levels. Our findings show that multi-trait models generally offer better breeding accuracy, especially when the traits have sufficient heritability. However, they also require more modeling time and computational resources. Interestingly, the benefits for traits with low heritability are limited, regardless of genetic correlation. We suggest adopting customized breeding strategies to optimize both efficiency and accuracy. Conventional genomic selection models trait individually, neglecting complex trait interactions. Multi-trait models address this by considering genetic correlations, thus improving breeding value accuracy. Despite their theoretical benefits, quantifying these models' breeding advantages across genetic backgrounds is essential. This study evaluates the benefits of multi-trait models under varying population sizes and three levels of genetic correlations (low, medium, high) using simulations based on 50 K chip data from 5000 individuals. In equal heritability scenarios, the multi-trait GBLUP model consistently outperforms single-trait models, with breeding advantages increasing with heritability. For example, with a reference population of 4500, improvements range from 0.3% to 4.1%. Notably, trait combinations with low heritability are insensitive to changes in genetic correlation, with gains remaining ≤ 0.1% across different genetic correlations under low heritability conditions. In differing heritability scenarios, the multi-trait model's benefits vary, particularly enhancing low-heritability traits when paired with high-heritability ones. Additionally, modeling time increases as genetic correlation decreases. The results of this study indicate that multi-trait models improve breeding accuracy but require more modeling time and place higher demands on algorithms and software. We recommend breeding strategies tailored to different phenotypes and genetic backgrounds to balance efficiency and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating the state of a system by fusing sensor data is a major prerequisite in many applications. When the state is time-variant, derivatives of the Kalman filter are a popular choice for solving that task. Two variants are the square-root unscented Kalman filter (SRUKF) and the square-root cubature Kalman filter (SCKF). In contrast to the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and the cubature Kalman filter (CKF), they do not operate on the covariance matrix but on its square root. In this work, we modify the SRUKF and the SCKF for use on manifolds. This is particularly relevant for many state estimation problems when, for example, an orientation is part of a state or a measurement. In contrast to other approaches, our solution is both generic and mathematically coherent. It has the same theoretical complexity as the UKF and CKF on manifolds, but we show that the practical implementation can be faster. Furthermore, it gains the improved numerical properties of the classical SRUKF and SCKF. We compare the SRUKF and the SCKF on manifolds to the UKF and the CKF on manifolds, using the example of odometry estimation for an autonomous car. It is demonstrated that all algorithms have the same localization performance, but our SRUKF and SCKF have lower computational demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable and efficient deep‐blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are in high demand for display and lighting applications but are rarely reported due to their poor operational lifetimes. Herein, the study designs and synthesizes two novel N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐based tetradentate Pt(II) complexes PtON5‐dtb and PtON5N‐dtb, and thoroughly investigate their electrochemical and photophysical properties. Functionalization of the NHC moieties can increase the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (1/3MLCT) characters in their lowest triplet excited‐states, resulting in significantly shortened photoluminescent lifetimes and remarkably improved device performance. A deep blue OLED employing PtON5N‐dtb as an emitter exhibits a narrow spectral bandwidth with a full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) of 30 nm and a CIEy value of 0.17 and demonstrates a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 20.4% with a small efficiency roll‐off, which maintains a high EQE of 18.5% at 1000 cd m−2. Moreover, the deep blue OLED also realizes a long‐measured operational lifetime LT90 (time to 90% of the initial luminance) of 71 hours with an initial brightness of 1134 cd m−2, corresponding to an estimated device lifetime LT90 of 85 h at 1000 cd m−2. This represented an eightfold lifetime improvement for PtON5N‐dtb‐based deep blue OLED compared to PtON7‐dtb in the same device setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, there is a high demand and increasing trend for multifunctional composite materials and components due to the combination of a wide range of favorable properties. However, undesired deformation leading to delamination, curvature, cracks, or even complete fracture frequently occurs during the co‐sintering process of metal–ceramic laminates (MCLs). To solve these issues, experimental work highly relies on the time‐consuming trial‐and‐error principle. This work aims to develop a thermo‐mechanical‐metallurgical model capable of predicting the densification, deformation, and delamination of MCLs during the co‐sintering process. It is found that the developed model successfully considers the inhomogeneous relative density distribution and phase transformation of the steel tape. In addition, a thin interlayer formed by a mixed slurry in the MCLs is modeled as cohesive elements to simulate the delamination process. The developed model is systematically validated by the experimental measurements and observations in terms of densification, deformation, and delamination during the co‐sintering process of the investigated laminate variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does gender affect candidate selection and list placement under proportional representation (PR)? Existing research argues that PR systems have a positive effect on women's representation due to a more inclusive candidate selection process. However, analysing the actual process of candidate selection under PR before observing the final party list is challenging, and little is known about the preferences and strategies of party elites when selecting and ranking candidates. To address this lacuna, we conduct a novel two‐stage conjoint experiment with party elites in Austria, which allows us to differentiate between two distinct mechanisms in candidate nomination under PR: selection and ranking. Our findings indicate that women generally have an advantage with respect to selection but find themselves subject to same‐sex preferences when it comes to ranking on the list, for which they otherwise benefit from being low in supply. These findings have important implications for understanding patterns of female under‐representation in PR systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points Sensory hair cells of the inner ear utilize specialized ribbon synapses to transmit sensory stimuli to the central nervous system. This transmission necessitates rapid and sustained neurotransmitter release, which depends on a large pool of synaptic vesicles at the hair‐cell presynapse. While previous work in neurons has shown that kinesin motor proteins traffic synaptic material along microtubules to the presynapse, the mechanisms of this process in hair cells remain unclear. Our study demonstrates that the kinesin motor protein Kif1a, along with an intact microtubule network, is essential for enriching synaptic vesicles at the presynapse in hair cells. Through genetic and pharmacological approaches, we disrupt Kif1a function and impair microtubule networks in hair cells of the zebrafish lateral‐line system. These manipulations led to a significant reduction in synaptic‐vesicle populations at the presynapse in hair cells. Using electron microscopy, in vivo calcium imaging, and electrophysiology, we show that a diminished supply of synaptic vesicles adversely affects ribbon‐synapse function. Kif1aa mutants exhibit dramatic reductions in spontaneous vesicle release and evoked postsynaptic calcium responses. Furthermore, kif1aa mutants exhibit impaired rheotaxis, a behaviour reliant on the ability of hair cells in the lateral line to respond to sustained flow stimuli. Overall, our results demonstrate that Kif1a‐mediated microtubule transport is critical to enrich synaptic vesicles at the active zone, a process that is vital for proper ribbon‐synapse function in hair cells. Kif1a mRNAs are present in zebrafish hair cells. Loss of Kif1a disrupts the enrichment of synaptic vesicles at ribbon synapses. Disruption of microtubules depletes synaptic vesicles at ribbon synapses. Kif1aa  mutants have impaired ribbon‐synapse and sensory‐system function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ancient theatres as places of performance have outstanding universal value as ‘venues’ that have witnessed physical and socio-economical changes through time. Various scales of modern interventions have affected them and in Turkey the authorities mostly interprete them as a resource of socio-economic value. This paper aims to examine recent efforts to understand the cultural importance of the Smyrna theatre and to assess contemporary approaches to its conservation, reuse, and management. International documents on ancient places of performance, assessment of modern interventions are reviewed and the phases of discovery and rediscovery described. Four aspects describe its cultural significance: Understanding the Place, Interpreting the Place, Preserving the Spirit of the Place, and Managing the Place. Interpretation of the theatre is still in progress, though limited by a focus on its potential us by the local authorities. Its spirit as a place of performance has not been preserved but is in high demand, and its management has deficiencies, although to some extent this is being addressed by the local authorities of the port city of Izmir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid tumors are characterized by dysfunctional vasculature that limits perfusion and delivery of nutrients to the tumor microenvironment. Limited perfusion coupled with the high metabolic demand of growing tumors has led to the hypothesis that many tumors experience metabolic stress driven by limited availability of nutrients such as glucose, oxygen, and amino acids in the tumor. Such metabolic stress has important implications for the biology of cells in the microenvironment, affecting both disease progression and response to therapies. Recently, techniques have been developed to identify limiting nutrients and resulting metabolic stresses in solid tumors. These techniques have greatly expanded our understanding of the metabolic limitations in tumors. This review will discuss these experimental tools and the emerging picture of metabolic limitations in tumors arising from recent studies using these approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 has introduced new development opportunities and ideological guidance to the structural reform of the supply side, as well as new requirements and challenges for the warehousing industry. Building a smart and effective warehouse system has become a crucial point for enterprises to gain a competitive advantage in market competition. As a conduit and link connecting all aspects of logistics, smart warehouses are confronted with increasing digital information and higher complexity and variability than traditional paradigms. In light of this, we establish an edge-cloud-enabled smart warehouse system and model the large-scale time-sensitive tasks based on directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). Then, by analyzing the service procedure and the cost of the devised system, an adaptive computation offloading method is proposed, which employs the Gau-Angle fuzzy inference system (FIS) for adaptive updating operators and achieves precise population screening based on the improved Pareto front modeling algorithm for large-scale many-objective optimization (AGE-MOEA-II), named ACOL-ECW. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of ACOL-ECW are proved by comparative experiments conducted at various data scales and service scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on determining the level of inventory in a downstream supply chain for fuel products in Indonesian oil and gas company prespective. The variability in supply and demand is a problem in maintaining the stability of services to the consumers. High inventory costs that are completely borne by the company are also a problem that needs to be controlled. Therefore, determining inventory levels is very important to mitigate the variability of supply and demand that occurs with optimum inventory costs. This research designs a probabilistic model by considering variability in supply and demand to determine safety stock so that the correct level of Fuel Product inventory at each Storage Point can be determined. This research method is quantitative research based on empirical data. It is hoped that the research results will be able to obtain inventory control which can be taken into consideration by oil and gas company in managing the downstream supply chain of fuel products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electric vehicle (EV) technological supply chain progresses when demand (pull) aligns with supply (push) to perform as a technology delivery system. Actors, institutions, and networks interconnect the technological supply chain with innovation as responses to external pressures to produce and deliver technology products/services. The literature separately examined the progress from a delivery perspective (linking the demand and supply network) and a systems perspective that examines technological change as a socio-technical system. Technological progress requires changes aligning push and pull or one feeding into the other. The 'motors of innovation' that shape the innovation system are used in systems dynamics modeling linking technological changes and progress. This study uses 'motors of innovation' to combine the two perspectives and uses interconnectedness to examine the alignment of push and pull and the resulting delivery phenomena. The phenomena require studying it in its settings with diverse heuristic and analytic views. Therefore, this study uses case study methodology and selects multiple Indian EV cases comprising all vehicle segments in a government direct market scenario. It makes two contributions to technological progress: one defines the combined delivery and systems perspective and includes interconnectedness. The other is moving knowledge to a broad scope and expertise and striving for interconnectedness with other systems. Further insights are possible with cases that display better technological progress, as findings noted poor interconnectedness with limited technological capability and infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]