Search

In this study, we propose a model called LFSPN, which serves as an extension of stochastic Petri nets dedicated to the multi-agent systems paradigm. The main objective is to specify, verify, validate, and evaluate the flow of materials within an automated production chain. We illustrate the practicality of our model by engaging in a systematic process of modeling and simulation of a production chain involving material flow. To evaluate the performance, we employ a mobile learning agent, which has distinct characteristics, namely mobility and learning. So, the distinctive characteristics of the learning agent are manifested in two key behaviors: mobility and learning. Notably, the learning agent is equipped with a flexible learning algorithm that integrates stochastic elements based on transitions. We suggest using a MATLAB simulation to determine the firing time of each transition within a sequence, guided by three different probability laws (exponential, normal, and log-normal). This sequence is designed to optimize the production process objective while facilitating learning cycles through agent rewards, specified by a production and consumption of tokens in our evolving model. We validate the effectiveness of our model by performing a comparative analysis with similar existing works. The advantages of our LFSPN model are twofold. Firstly, it offers a representation with two levels of abstraction: a graph representing the classic components of an SPN, and an additional layer encompassing the learning and migration aspects inherent to a mobile learning agent. Secondly, our model stands out for its flexibility and simulation simplicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiciliated cells (MCCS) form bundles of cilia and their activities are essential for the proper development and physiology of many organ systems. Not surprisingly, defects in MCCs have profound consequences and are associated with numerous disease states. Here, we discuss the current understanding of MCC formation, with a special focus on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of MCC fate choice and differentiation. Furthermore, we cast a spotlight on the use of zebrafish to study MCC ontogeny and several recent advances made in understanding MCCs using this vertebrate model to delineate mechanisms of MCC emergence in the developing kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1980s, New Zealand famously adopted a high-specification view of performance management. Departments and ministers would agree ex-ante to the quantity and quality of goods and services to be produced in the coming year. This change helped inspire an international "performance movement," but no country ever went as far as New Zealand in reducing all activities to specifiable outputs. What has happened since? Successive efforts to refine the model reached a peak in 2004, but requirements were significant relaxed in 2013 without replacement, with a variety of possible explanations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are complex systems that integrate information control devices with physical resources, which can be automatically and formalized verified by model checking according to the expected requirements in the formal specification. The counterexamples in model checking are witnesses to the violation of the specification properties of the system and can provide important diagnostic information for debugging, controlling, and synthesizing CPS. Designing a rational specification language for CPS and generating effective counterexamples allows security vulnerabilities to be detected and addressed early in the system development. However, CPS involve frequent interactions between cyber and physical systems and often operate in unreliable environments, which poses new challenges for comprehensive modeling and designing specification languages for CPSs with discrete, continuous, time, probabilistic, and concurrent behaviors. Moreover, finding the smallest counterexample of CPS with probabilistic behavior in the shortest possible time has been identified as a Non-Deterministic Polynomial-complete (NP-complete) problem. Although a number of heuristics have been devised to address this challenge, the accuracy and efficiency of the solved counterexamples need to be improved due to the difficulty in determining the heuristic functions. We first provide a comprehensive model for CPS by introducing the Hybrid Probabilistic Time Labeled Transition System (HPTLTS). Subsequently, we design a specification language HPTLTS Temporal Logic (HPTLTS-TL) that can describe the properties of CPS. In addition, we propose an optimization algorithm CACO-A, which combines the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm and the A-algorithm to efficiently generate the counterexample of CPS, which is represented as the diagnostic subgraph. Finally, we discuss a typical CPS example to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background /Aims De-implementation, including the removal or reduction of unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing, is crucial to ensure patients receive appropriate evidence-based health care. The utilization of de-implementation efforts is contingent on the quality of strategy reporting. To further understand effective ways to de-implement medical practices, specification of behavioural targets and components of de-implementation strategies are required. This paper aims to critically analyse how well the behavioural targets and strategy components, in studies that focused on de-implementing unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing in secondary healthcare settings, were reported. Methods A supplementary analysis of studies included in a recently published review of de-implementation studies was conducted. Article text was coded verbatim to two established specification frameworks. Behavioural components were coded deductively to the five elements of the Action, Actor, Context, Target, Time (AACTT) framework. Strategy components were mapped to the nine elements of the Proctor’s ‘measuring implementation strategies’ framework. Results The behavioural components of low-value prescribing, as coded to the AACTT framework, were generally specified well. However, the Actor and Time components were often vague or not well reported. Specification of strategy components, as coded to the Proctor framework, were less well reported. Proctor’s Actor, Action target: specifying targets, Dose and Justification elements were not well reported or varied in the amount of detail offered. We also offer suggestions of additional specifications to make, such as the ‘interactions’ participants have with a strategy. Conclusion Specification of behavioural targets and components of de-implementation strategies for prescribing practices can be accommodated by the AACTT and Proctor frameworks when used in conjunction. These essential details are required to understand, replicate and successfully de-implement unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing. In general, standardisation in the reporting quality of these components is required to replicate any de-implementation efforts. Trial registration Not registered.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of licorice processing of different Evodiae Fructus (EF) specifications on liver inflammation and oxidative stress associated with the intestinal mucosal microbiota. Materials and methods: The 25 Kunming mice were divided into control (MCN), raw small-flowered Evodiae Fructus (MRSEF), raw medium-flowered EF (MRMEF), licorice-processed small-flowered EF (MLSEF), and licorice-processed medium-flowered EF (MLSEF) groups. The EF intervention groups were given different specifications of EF extract solutions by gavage. After 21 days, indices of liver inflammation and oxidative stress and intestinal mucosal microbiota were measured in mice. Results: Compared with the MCN, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly increased in the MRMEF. Although the trends of oxidative stress and inflammatory indexes in the MLSEF and MLMEF were consistent with those in the raw EF groups, the changes were smaller than those in the raw EF groups. Compared to the raw EF groups, the MLSEF and MLMEF showed closer approximations of metabolic function to the MCN. The abundance of Corynebacterium in MRMEF was significantly lower than that in the MCN, and it was not significantly different from the MCN after licorice processing. The probiotic Candidatus Arthromitus was enriched in the MLSEF. The probiotic Lactobacillus was enriched in the MLMEF. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between IL-1b, some metabolic functions and Corynebacterium. Conclusion: The effects of medium-flowered EF on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in the liver of mice were stronger than those of small- flowered EF. The licorice processing can reduce this difference by modulating the abundance of Corynebacterium and intestinal mucosal metabolic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: /Aims De-implementation, including the removal or reduction of unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing, is crucial to ensure patients receive appropriate evidence-based health care. The utilization of de-implementation efforts is contingent on the quality of strategy reporting. To further understand effective ways to de-implement medical practices, specification of behavioural targets and components of de-implementation strategies are required. This paper aims to critically analyse how well the behavioural targets and strategy components, in studies that focused on de-implementing unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing in secondary healthcare settings, were reported. Methods: A supplementary analysis of studies included in a recently published review of de-implementation studies was conducted. Article text was coded verbatim to two established specification frameworks. Behavioural components were coded deductively to the five elements of the Action, Actor, Context, Target, Time (AACTT) framework. Strategy components were mapped to the nine elements of the Proctor's 'measuring implementation strategies' framework. Results: The behavioural components of low-value prescribing, as coded to the AACTT framework, were generally specified well. However, the Actor and Time components were often vague or not well reported. Specification of strategy components, as coded to the Proctor framework, were less well reported. Proctor's Actor, Action target: specifying targets, Dose and Justification elements were not well reported or varied in the amount of detail offered. We also offer suggestions of additional specifications to make, such as the 'interactions' participants have with a strategy. Conclusion: Specification of behavioural targets and components of de-implementation strategies for prescribing practices can be accommodated by the AACTT and Proctor frameworks when used in conjunction. These essential details are required to understand, replicate and successfully de-implement unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing. In general, standardisation in the reporting quality of these components is required to replicate any de-implementation efforts. Trial registration: Not registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DEPS (design problem specification) is a new modeling language designed to pose and solve system design problems. DEPS addresses problems of sizing, configuration, resource allocation and of architecture generation for systems. Unlike system modeling languages, which are dedicated to the representation of a defined system for evaluation or analysis, we propose a problem modeling language for representing the design problem with a view to its automatic resolution. Compared with other declarative problem modeling languages, DEPS is a declarative structured and property-based language that combines structural modeling features specific to object-oriented languages with problem specification features from constraint programming. The mathematical nature of the problems is described by formal properties encapsulated in models organized according to the architecture of the studied system. The main features of the language are presented in details and are illustrated with examples in different domains. An integrated modeling and solving environment called DEPS Studio allows the designer to express its models in DEPS, to compile the models and to compute automatically the solutions. The validation of the approach is done through two case studies. Finally, we will conclude with the studies and developments in progress which will be integrated into the next version of DEPS Studio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Guangdong Architecture Civil Engineering is the property of Guangdong Architecture Civil Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Modern constitutional rights law is often criticised for delineating rights too broadly while resolving their regular conflicts with competing considerations through open-ended balancing procedures. A basic theme underlying criticisms of this expansionist trend is that it expresses utilitarian ideas, foreign to the domain of rights. This article replies to two main critiques: that rights can only extend to cases in which they defeat all competing considerations; and that conflicts involving rights should be resolved with categorial rules. The article builds on contractualist moral theory and the interest theory of rights to present an account of constitutional rights as relational value-based reasons to recognise duties. This account goes beyond central justifications of the expansionist trend, that erode the action-guiding and relational aspects of constitutional rights. It shows that including in their scopes defeasible reasons is not only conceptually possible but also morally desirable as it can better realise their underlying values by providing systematic guidance to state agents as part of the basic structure of society; and that while rights-based duties are peremptory and categorical, constitutional rights-based reasons for regulation invite a dynamic and incremental comparison of claims on a social scale, of the kind that proportionality analysis structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the set of eventually always hitting points for symbolic dynamics with specification. The measure and Hausdorff dimension of such fractal set are obtained. Moreover, we establish the stronger metric results by introducing a new quantity L N (ω) which describes the maximal length of string of zeros of the prefix among the first N iterations of ω in symbolic space. The Hausdorff dimensions of the level sets for this quantity are also completely determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On December 31, 2023, World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) officially issued Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Filiform Needle. This technical benchmark clarifies terms and definitions, operating procedures and requirements, safety requirements, etc. The promulgation and implementation of this technical benchmark would provide a standard for acupuncture practitioners to apply filiform needle in clinical practice, and may play a positive role in the safe use and promotion of filiform needle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is established that any effectively separable many-sorted universal algebra has an enrichment that is the only (up to isomorphism) model constructed from constants for a suitable computably enumerable set of sentences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Applied Linguistics Journal is the property of Brill Academic Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In vitro dissolution testing is a regulatory required critical quality measure for solid dose pharmaceutical drug products. Setting the acceptance criteria to meet compendial criteria is required for a product to be filed and approved for marketing. Statistical approaches for analyzing dissolution data, setting specifications and visualizing results could vary according to product requirements, company's practices, and scientific judgements. This paper provides a general description of the steps taken in the evaluation and setting of in vitro dissolution specifications at release and on stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vagus nerve, with its myriad constituent axon branches and innervation targets, has long been a model of anatomical complexity in the nervous system. The branched architecture of the vagus nerve is now appreciated to be highly organized around the topographic and/or molecular identities of the neurons that innervate each target tissue. However, we are only just beginning to understand the developmental mechanisms by which heterogeneous vagus neuron identity is specified, patterned, and used to guide the axons of particular neurons to particular targets. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the complex topographic and molecular organization of the vagus nerve, the developmental basis of neuron specification and patterned axon guidance that supports this organization, and the regenerative mechanisms that promote, or inhibit, the restoration of vagus nerve organization after nerve damage. Finally, we highlight key unanswered questions in these areas and discuss potential strategies to address these questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tolerance intervals from quality attribute measurements are used to establish specification limits for drug products. Some attribute measurements may be below the reporting limits, that is, left‐censored data. When data has a long, right‐skew tail, a gamma distribution may be applicable. This paper compares maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and Bayesian methods to estimate shape and scale parameters of censored gamma distributions and to calculate tolerance intervals under varying sample sizes and extents of censoring. The noninformative reference prior and the maximal data information prior (MDIP) are used to compare the impact of prior choice. Metrics used are bias and root mean square error for the parameter estimation and average length and confidence coefficient for the tolerance interval evaluation. It will be shown that Bayesian method using a reference prior overall performs better than MLE for the scenarios evaluated. When sample size is small, the Bayesian method using MDIP yields conservatively too wide tolerance intervals that are unsuitable basis for specification setting. The metrics for all methods worsened with increasing extent of censoring but improved with increasing sample size, as expected. This study demonstrates that although MLE is relatively simple and available in user‐friendly statistical software, it falls short in accurately and precisely producing tolerance limits that maintain the stated confidence depending on the scenario. The Bayesian method using noninformative prior, even though computationally intensive and requires considerable statistical programming, produces tolerance limits which are practically useful for specification setting. Real‐world examples are provided to illustrate the findings from the simulation study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hippo pathway plays a central role in tissue development and homeostasis. However, the function of Hippo in pancreatic endocrine development remains obscure. Here, we generated novel conditional genetically engineered mouse models to examine the roles of Hippo pathway-mediated YAP1/TAZ inhibition in the development stages of endocrine specification and differentiation. While YAP1 protein was localized to the nuclei in bipotent progenitor cells, Neurogenin 3 expressing endocrine progenitors completely lost YAP1 expression. Using genetically engineered mouse models, we found that inactivation of YAP1 requires both an intact Hippo pathway and Neurogenin 3 protein. Gene deletion of Lats1 and 2 kinases (Lats1&2) in endocrine progenitor cells of developing mouse pancreas using Neurog3Cre blocked endocrine progenitor cell differentiation and specification, resulting in reduced islets size and a disorganized pancreas at birth. Loss of Lats1&2 in Neurogenin 3 expressing cells activated YAP1/TAZ transcriptional activity and recruited macrophages to the developing pancreas. These defects were rescued by deletion of Yap1/Wwtr1 genes, suggesting that tight regulation of YAP1/TAZ by Hippo signaling is crucial for pancreatic endocrine specification. In contrast, deletion of Lats1&2 using β-cell-specific Ins1CreER resulted in a phenotypically normal pancreas, indicating that Lats1&2 are indispensable for differentiation of endocrine progenitors but not for that of β-cells. Our results demonstrate that loss of YAP1/TAZ expression in the pancreatic endocrine compartment is not a passive consequence of endocrine specification. Rather, Hippo pathway-mediated inhibition of YAP1/TAZ in endocrine progenitors is a prerequisite for endocrine specification and differentiation.

Acinar cells are the principal secretory units of multiple exocrine organs. A single-cell, layered, lumenized acinus forms from a large cohort of epithelial progenitors that must initiate and coordinate three cellular programs of acinar specification, namely, lineage progression, secretion, and polarization. Despite this well-known outcome, the mechanism(s) that regulate these complex programs are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that neuronal-epithelial cross-talk drives acinar specification through neuregulin (NRG1)-ERBB3-mTORC2 signaling. Using single-cell and global RNA sequencing of developing murine salivary glands, we identified NRG1-ERBB3 to precisely overlap with acinar specification during gland development. Genetic deletion of Erbb3 prevented cell lineage progression and the establishment of lumenized, secretory acini. Conversely, NRG1 treatment of isolated epithelia was sufficient to recapitulate the development of secretory acini. Mechanistically, we found that NRG1-ERBB3 regulates each developmental program through an mTORC2 signaling pathway. Thus, we reveal that a neuronal-epithelial (NRG1/ERBB3/mTORC2) mechanism orchestrates the creation of functional acini.

Object Constraint Language (OCL) plays a pivotal role in Model Driven Architecture (MDA), an important applied software engineering concept created over a quarter of a century ago. The expressiveness and precision of the primary specification language in MDA, Unified Modeling Language (UML), significantly stems from its joint use with the OCL. The semantic content of OCL has undergone a significant evolution over the past two decades, leading to the creation of eight versions of language specifications defined by the Object Management Group (OMG) standardization process. Despite the undeniable importance of OCL, there is a substantial void in literature that presents the issues of OCL semantics in a comprehensive and detailed way. This paper aims to summarize the available knowledge about definitions of OCL semantics and computational properties of the language. Using systematic review methodology, we created and answered questions about the properties of OCL definitions and the results of the computational properties of the whole language and its fragments. Based on newly synthesized information, the paper discusses the root causes of the issues found and proposes a course of action to address them collectively in the future. The presented summary encapsulates knowledge about two foundational themes of OCL that will help practitioners use it effectively and support researchers in its evolution and standardization.

Glutamatergic projection neurons generate sophisticated excitatory circuits to integrate and transmit information among different cortical areas, and between the neocortex and other regions of the brain and spinal cord. Appropriate development of cortical projection neurons is regulated by certain essential events such as neural fate determination, proliferation, specification, differentiation, migration, survival, axonogenesis, and synaptogenesis. These processes are precisely regulated in a tempo-spatial manner by intrinsic factors, extrinsic signals, and neural activities. The generation of correct subtypes and precise connections of projection neurons is imperative not only to support the basic cortical functions (such as sensory information integration, motor coordination, and cognition) but also to prevent the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders (such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and depression). This review mainly focuses on the recent progress of transcriptional regulations on the development and diversity of neocortical projection neurons and the clinical relevance of the failure of transcriptional modulations.

Translating work by authors who were forced to leave their original cultural context, which provided them with a unique position of viewing their own, but also other identities – now has a new, more interesting function. Translation thus does not only search for a common space for universal recognition and understanding based on common experiences but rather communicates differences and specific local qualities as opposed to the global context. In the English translation of the collection of stories by Miljenko Jergović, Sarajevo Marlboro, a book about the lives of common people from Sarajevo before and during the siege in the nineties, a translator is in a different relation toward the readers, due to the very need to use a translation for communication. In this process, the specification can be seen as not only a translation technique but a strategy for explicitation and explanation of Bosnian & Herzegovinian cultural elements, especially those which are invisible, under the surface of the text, coded in our cultural identities. This paper analyses the translation of cultural elements of Bosnian identity, and the techniques used in their translation.

Purpose: This article aimed to present a description for inter-organizational learning essence. Methodology: Phenomenological method was applied to analyze data which were acquired from semi-structured interviews with the individuals experienced in The Shared Project of Anti-Contraband and Currency Smuggling. Findings: Results show that the substance of a phenomenon is perceived when the following factors are present: 1) sharing, optimizing, and localizing, 2) the perception of the success of a project, 3) collecting feedback, and monitoring and modifying the process. The specifications of a phenomenon include trust building, reducing resistance, and strengthening a perception based on public interest. The pervasive factors of a phenomenon include developing virtual collaboration and developing informal communication. The outcomes of a phenomenon include utilizing unused potentials and improving effectiveness as well as efficiency. Finally, the deficiencies of a phenomenon include evading, and lack of systematic relationships, challenges of shared responsibilities, and no regard for long-term planning. Originality: Using quantitative investigations in the private sector organizations, former studies in this domain have only led to the evaluation of the impacts of scattered factors, which in turn, have created limited understanding of the essence of the phenomenon and even the generalization of the factors presented in the causal relationship of the phenomenon. However, by analyzing content and conceptual aspects of inter-organizational learning phenomenon in state organizations with various lines of service and by presenting rich descriptions and a comprehensive conceptual framework, the present study has provided a vaster and more suitable range for the understanding of this phenomenon.

The vertebrate nervous system is composed of a wide range of neurons and complex synaptic connections, raising the intriguing question of how neuronal diversity is generated. The spinal cord provides an excellent model for exploring the mechanisms governing neuronal diversity due to its simple neural network and the conserved molecular processes involved in neuron formation and specification during evolution. This review specifically examines two distinct progenitor domains present in the zebrafish ventral spinal cord: the lateral floor plate (LFP) and the p2 progenitor domain. The LFP is responsible for the production of GABAergic Kolmer–Agduhr neurons (KA″), glutamatergic V3 neurons, and intraspinal serotonergic neurons, while the p2 domain generates V2 precursors that subsequently differentiate into three unique subpopulations of V2 neurons, namely glutamatergic V2a, GABAergic V2b, and glycinergic V2s. Based on recent findings, we will examine the fundamental signaling pathways and transcription factors that play a key role in the specification of these diverse neurons and neuronal subtypes derived from the LFP and p2 progenitor domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective As an important way to achieve energy measurement by obtaining the average heat value of natural gas, the study of performance evaluation methods for the cumulative sampling system is of great significance for ensuring the normal operation of the cumulative sampling system and obtaining representative samples. Methods According to the requirements of GB/T 13609-2017 Natural gas sampling guidelines and GB/T 30490-2014 The method for automatic sampling of natural gas, and combined with the on-site application of the cumulative sampling system, a performance evaluation method has been established, including the integrity of the sampling system configuration, compliance, airtightness and consistency of the sampling system, and compliance with preset parameters. Results Through specific evaluation experimental examples, it is verified that this performance evaluation method has good operability and adaptability. Conclusion The performance evaluation method of the cumulative sampling system can meet the current on-site usage needs. In the future, relevant method standards will be further established to provide standard guarantees for the promotion and implementation of natural gas energy metering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative Model-based Systems Engineering between companies is becoming increasingly important. The utilization of the modeling possibilities of the standard language SysML v2 and the multilateral data exchange via Dataspaces open new possibilities for efficient collaboration. Based on systemic approaches, a modeling concept for decomposing the system into sub-systems is developed as a basis for the exchange. In addition, based on the analysis of collaboration processes in the context of Systems Engineering, an architectural approach with a SysML editor and Dataspace for the exchange is elaborated. The architecture is implemented on the basis of open-source solutions. The investigations are based on an application example from precision engineering. The potential and challenges are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to develop the concept of training students - mechanical engineers in the variable formatting of design documents in accordance with national and international standards and to create a set of educational and methodological materials for its implementation. The concept envisages the development and implementation of two simultaneously taught courses covering Ukrainian and international requirements for the development and execution of design documents. It is the simultaneous teaching of these courses that makes it possible to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills and to have a unique opportunity to compare different standardisation systems for the same type of design documents in accordance with different stages of the machine life cycle. The didactic foundations of the pedagogical process and modern principles of organising the learning process have been applied to involve the higher education seekers in mastering professional experience in the field of mechanical engineering and creating positive changes in the formation and development of the individual. New courses have been created and teaching materials have been prepared for mechanical engineering students to study national and international regulatory frameworks and master the practical skills of their use in future professional activities related to the formatting of design documents. The work applies a systematic approach that combines elements of the pedagogical system in conjunction with the integrity of the evolutionary development of the applicant, taking into account the dynamic state of development of the modern engineering industry at the national and international levels. Acquiring relevant knowledge and skills by higher education seekers in design documents following national and international standards ensures an increase in their professional status and competitiveness in the Ukrainian labor market and accelerates the adaptation of Ukrainian specialists to the current conditions of globalization in mechanical engineering [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial panel model is commonly used to specify more complicated behaviour of economic agent distributed in space, at an individual-spatial unit level. There are several spatial panel models which can be adapted based on certain assumptions. A package called splm in R has several functions, ranging from the estimation procedure, specification tests and model selection tests. In the absence of prior assumptions, a comprehensive procedure which utilizes the available functions in splm, must be formed, which is the objective of this study. In this way, the best specification and model can be fitted based on data. The implementation of the procedure works well. It specifies SARAR-FE as the best model for agricultural productivity growth of the 38 East Java’s Regencies/Municipalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let (X, G) be a G-action topological system, where G is a countable infinite discrete amenable group and X a compact metric space. We prove a variational principle for topological entropy of saturated sets for systems which have the specification property and uniform separation property. We show that certain algebraic actions satisfy these two conditions. We give an application in multifractal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper surveys the existing landscape of standards relevant to heliostats, identifies their gaps, and proposes a path forward to a comprehensive set of heliostat guidelines, technical specifications, and standards under the framework of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC 117. Gaps in existing guidelines and standards are surveyed using a three-tiered taxonomy: component-level, heliostat-level, and field-level. At each level, the gap analysis is followed by a proposal for a coordinated path forward on the development of standards. At the component level, advances in the understanding of wind loading should inform a technical specification for drives and structures. Reflectors require consolidation of measurement guidelines into existing standards documents. Communications & controls require technical standards to inform their selection and secure implementation. At the heliostat level, IEC 62817 (solar trackers) adequately characterizes drive systems, structures, and electronics, but requires adaptation to heliostats’ use patterns, operating modes, and expected life cycles. IEC 62817 does not address heliostat beam quality and pointing accuracy, but the process for determining both is elaborated in the SolarPACES Guideline for Heliostat Performance Testing. This SolarPACES document requires two main modifications: adaptation to IEC language and inclusion of testing after heliostats which have undergone accelerated weathering and mechanical cycling (to understand performance degradation). At the field level, IEC 62862-4-2 addresses the function and control of heliostat fields but does not cover the statistically rigorous testing of heliostat groups, or field performance factors like security and soiling. The addition of documents under IEC-62862-4 is proposed to address this gap.

Neural crest (NC) cells are a dynamic population of embryonic stem cells that create various adult tissues in vertebrate species including craniofacial bone and cartilage and the peripheral and enteric nervous systems. NC development is thought to be a conserved and complex process that is controlled by a tightly-regulated gene regulatory network (GRN) of morphogens, transcription factors, and cell adhesion proteins. While multiple studies have characterized the expression of several GRN factors in single species, a comprehensive protein analysis that directly compares expression across development is lacking. To address this lack in information, we used three closely related avian models, Gallus gallus (chicken), Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail), and Pavo cristatus (Indian peafowl), to compare the localization and timing of four GRN transcription factors, PAX7, SNAI2, SOX9, and SOX10, from the onset of neurulation to migration. While the spatial expression of these factors is largely conserved, we find that quail NC cells express SNAI2, SOX9, and SOX10 proteins at the equivalent of earlier developmental stages than chick and peafowl. In addition, quail NC cells migrate farther and more rapidly than the larger organisms. These data suggest that despite a conservation of NC GRN players, differences in the timing of NC development between species remain a significant frontier to be explored with functional studies.

Abstract Background Systematic approaches are needed to accurately characterize the dynamic use of implementation strategies and how they change over time. We describe the development and preliminary evaluation of the Longitudinal Implementation Strategy Tracking System (LISTS), a novel methodology to document and characterize implementation strategies use over time. Methods The development and initial evaluation of the LISTS method was conducted within the Improving the Management of SymPtoms during And following Cancer Treatment (IMPACT) Research Consortium (supported by funding provided through the NCI Cancer MoonshotSM). The IMPACT Consortium includes a coordinating center and three hybrid effectiveness-implementation studies testing routine symptom surveillance and integration of symptom management interventions in ambulatory oncology care settings. LISTS was created to increase the precision and reliability of dynamic changes in implementation strategy use over time. It includes three components: (1) a strategy assessment, (2) a data capture platform, and (3) a User’s Guide. An iterative process between implementation researchers and practitioners was used to develop, pilot test, and refine the LISTS method prior to evaluating its use in three stepped-wedge trials within the IMPACT Consortium. The LISTS method was used with research and practice teams for approximately 12 months and subsequently we evaluated its feasibility, acceptability, and usability using established instruments and novel questions developed specifically for this study. Results Initial evaluation of LISTS indicates that it is a feasible and acceptable method, with content validity, for characterizing and tracking the use of implementation strategies over time. Users of LISTS highlighted several opportunities for improving the method for use in future and more diverse implementation studies. Conclusions The LISTS method was developed collaboratively between researchers and practitioners to fill a research gap in systematically tracking implementation strategy use and modifications in research studies and other implementation efforts. Preliminary feedback from LISTS users indicate it is feasible and usable. Potential future developments include additional features, fewer data elements, and interoperability with alternative data entry platforms. LISTS offers a systematic method that encourages the use of common data elements to support data analysis across sites and synthesis across studies. Future research is needed to further adapt, refine, and evaluate the LISTS method in studies with employ diverse study designs and address varying delivery settings, health conditions, and intervention types.

While neural crest development is known to be transcriptionally controlled via sequential activation of gene regulatory networks (GRNs), recent evidence increasingly implicates a role for post-transcriptional regulation in modulating the output of these regulatory circuits. Using available single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets from avian embryos to identify potential post-transcriptional regulators, we found that Elavl1, which encodes for an RNA-binding protein with roles in transcript stability, was enriched in the premigratory cranial neural crest. Perturbation of Elavl1 resulted in premature neural crest delamination from the neural tube as well as significant reduction in transcripts associated with the neural crest specification GRN, phenotypes that are also observed with downregulation of the canonical Wnt inhibitor Draxin. That Draxin is the primary target for stabilization by Elavl1 during cranial neural crest specification was shown by RNA-sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA decay measurement, and proximity ligation assays, further supporting the idea that the downregulation of neural crest specifier expression upon Elavl1 knockdown was largely due to loss of Draxin. Importantly, exogenous Draxin rescued cranial neural crest specification defects observed with Elavl1 knockdown. Thus, Elavl1 plays a critical a role in the maintenance of cranial neural crest specification via Draxin mRNA stabilization. Together, these data highlight an important intersection of post-transcriptional regulation with modulation of the neural crest specification GRN.