Continuous Increase Research Articles

Device-Performance-Driven Heterogeneous Multiparty Learning for Arbitrary Images.

Multiparty learning (MPL) is an emerging framework for privacy-preserving collaborative learning. It enables individual devices to build a knowledge-shared model and remaining sensitive data locally. However, with the continuous increase of users, the heterogeneity gap between data and equipment becomes wider, which leads to the problem of model heterogeneous. In this article, we concentrate on two practical issues: data heterogeneous problem and model heterogeneous problem, and propose a novel personal MPL method named device-performance-driven heterogeneous MPL (HMPL). First, facing the data heterogeneous problem, we focus on the problem of various devices holding arbitrary data sizes. We introduce a heterogeneous feature-map integration method to adaptively unify the various feature maps. Meanwhile, to handle the model heterogeneous problem, as it is essential to customize models for adapting to the various computing performances, we propose a layer-wise model generation and aggregation strategy. The method can generate customized models based on the device's performance. In the aggregation process, the shared model parameters are updated through the rules that the network layers with the same semantics are aggregated with each other. Extensive experiments are conducted on four popular datasets, and the result demonstrates that our proposed framework outperforms the state of the art (SOTA).

Densification, microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics: Effect of Y2Si4N6C and MgSiN2 content

The rapid development of third-generation semiconductors urgently requires ceramic substrates with excellent performance. In this work, silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics were successfully prepared via gas-pressure sintering (GPS) using Y2Si4N6C and MgSiN2 as additives. The influence of Y2Si4N6C–MgSiN2 content on the liquid phase properties and microstructure of Si3N4 ceramics was clarified. The use of Y2Si4N6C–MgSiN2 not only did not introduce additional oxygen but also consumed SiO2 and purified the β-Si3N4 lattice. The increase in N/O formed a nitrogen-rich liquid phase, which led to the microstructure of Si3N4 ceramics having a bimodal distribution. The relationship between different degrees of bimodal microstructure and properties was explored. When the Y2Si4N6C–MgSiN2 content was 9 wt%, Si3N4 ceramics obtained excellent thermal and mechanical properties due to lattice purification, Si3N4/Si3N4 continuity increase, the largest average grain diameter, and a bimodal distribution microstructure with moderate grain size distribution. The thermal conductivity was 116.7 W m−1 K−1, the fracture toughness was 10.7 ± 0.35 MPa m1/2, and the bending strength was 767 ± 29.6 MPa.

Abstract 1181: Therapeutic efficacy by Streptococcus salivarius as a probiotic in a preclinical model of oropharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract Streptococcus salivarius is a gram-positive, non-pathogenic bacteria found in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. This bacterium has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties with the potential to cause activation of natural killer (NK) cells and induction of anti-tumorigenic cytokines such as interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 (IL-12). There is a high abundance of this bacteria in the saliva in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Moreover, Streptococcus-reactive cytotoxic T cells were associated with recurrence-free survival. Nevertheless, there is a considerable lack of information regarding the impact of S. salivarius on intratumoral immune responses and its potential as a cancer therapeutic. This study aimed to characterize the immune responses in the tumor microenvironment by S. salivarius in combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) therapy and its therapeutic efficacy. We expect that S. salivarius will cooperate with immune checkpoint inhibitors, activating antitumor immune responses. For this project, we used a preclinical murine model where an HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer cell line named mEER was implanted subcutaneously or in the tongue of the mice. We treated with or without S. salivarius and/or anti-PD-1. First, S. salivarius was administered intratumorally on subcutaneous tumors and treated or not with anti-PD-1 therapy administered intraperitoneally. We measured tumor volume and quantified different immune cells by flow cytometry. While anti-PD-1 treated mice showed a continuous increase in tumor volume, the ones treated with anti-PD-1 and S. salivarius reduced the growth rate starting at day 20. Mice treated with anti-PD1 and S. salivarius showed increased CD4+ T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) compared to anti-PD-1 treatment alone. Secondly, we implanted the mice with tongue tumors and applied S. salivarius topically in the oral cavity with or without anti-PD-1. The use of S. salivarius contributed to an increase in CD4+T cells and activation of CD8+T cells and NK cells. The combination of anti-PD-1 with S. salivarius did not further enhance the activation of these cells. Nevertheless, 80% of mice receiving anti-PD-1 with S. salivarius responded to the therapy, whereas 63% responded while receiving only anti-PD-1. In conclusion, Streptococcus salivarius as a probiotic, affected tumor development and immune cell infiltration in oropharyngeal cancer. Future analyses will allow us to explore the effect of the probiotic on the tumor microenvironment and improve colonization in the oral cavity. Citation Format: Jennifer Diaz, Michael Rivera, Kamila A. Del Valle, Edna E. Piñero, Filipa Vitorino, Jorge R. Ortiz, Stephanie M. Estremera. Therapeutic efficacy by Streptococcus salivarius as a probiotic in a preclinical model of oropharyngeal carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1181.

Hydration behavior and cementitious properties of steel slag: From an early age to a long-term

In China, steel slag as a solid waste caused land occupation and environmental pollution, and its utilization ratio is relatively low. To increase the utilization field and ratio of steel slag, hydration behavior and cementitious properties of three types of steel slag were investigated and compared based on test results from an early age to a long-term via multiple techniques. Experimental results suggested that steel slag showed a strong latent hydraulic activity at a later age, and the mechanical strength of steel slag paste specimens (w/b=0.3) could reach 15 MPa at 360 days. Cementitious properties of steel slag were primally depended on the hydration of calcium silicate (C3S and C2S), calcium aluminate (ferrite), glassy phase in steel slag, especially for calcium silicate. The sum amount of calcium silicate in used steel slag was approximately from 21% to 28%, and the amount of C2S was significantly greater than that of C3S. The hydration of C2S and glassy phase resulted in the continuous increase in bound water content of steel slag, and a certain content of C2S still existed in pastes at 360 days. The mechanical strength of steel slag pastes markedly increased at a later age due to more hydrates formed in the microstructure.

Mathematical Modeling of PI3K/Akt Pathway in Microglia.

The motility of microglia involves intracellular signaling pathways that are predominantly controlled by changes in cytosolic Ca2+ and activation of PI3K/Akt (phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B). In this letter, we develop a novel biophysical model for cytosolic Ca2+ activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in microglia where Ca2+ influx is mediated by both P2Y purinergic receptors (P2YR) and P2X purinergic receptors (P2XR). The model parameters are estimated by employing optimization techniques to fit the model to phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) experimental modeling/in vitro data. The integrated model supports the hypothesis that Ca2+ influx via P2YR and P2XR can explain the experimentally reported biphasic transient responses in measuring pAkt levels. Our predictions reveal new quantitative insights into P2Rs on how they regulate Ca2+ and Akt in terms of physiological interactions and transient responses. It is shown that the upregulation of P2X receptors through a repetitive application of agonist results in a continual increase in the baseline [Ca2+], which causes the biphasic response to become a monophasic response which prolongs elevated levels of pAkt.

Increased connections among soil microbes and microfauna enhances soil multifunctionality along a long‐term restoration chronosequence

Abstract The functional role of soil microbes in the restoration of degraded lands is greatly influenced by interactions within and between microbial communities, as well as by soil organisms at higher trophic levels (microfauna). However, little is known about how changes in connection patterns among soil microbes and their co‐existing microfauna contribute to associated changes in soil function over the ecosystem restoration process. In this study, the effects of afforestation and natural regeneration approaches on connection patterns among soil microbes and their co‐existing microfauna were assessed in ex‐arable lands on the Loess Plateau in China along a 50‐year restoration chronosequence. The relationships between soil network connections, microbial functional associations, and multiple soil functions (e.g. multifunctionality) were assessed quantitatively. Although both afforestation and natural regeneration approaches enhance connections among soil microbes and their co‐existing microfauna compared to recently abandoned sites, connection trends were opposed between these two approaches across the restoration chronosequence. Afforestation resulted in a higher number of soil microbial and microfauna species with a unimodal connection pattern, while natural regeneration resulted in a continuous increase in soil network connections over the progress of succession. These increases in soil network connections, particularly those of soil microfauna‐microbe and microbial inter‐kingdom connections, corresponded to enhanced microbial functional associations. This result is corroborated by significant correlations between microbial functional genes encoding different central functional pathways, which, in turn, were positively correlated with soil multifunctionality. Synthesis and applications. Changes in the connections among soil microbes and their co‐existing microfauna were positively associated with changes in soil multifunctionality, mediated by microbial functional associations. While in the early restoration stages, soil networks following afforestation contained more connections than those following natural regeneration, in later restoration stages, the number of connections of the afforestation network declined and was eventually surpassed by those following natural regeneration. These findings raise concerns about the ecological sustainability of afforestation measures in historic grasslands on the Loess Plateau, suggesting that natural regeneration is the preferred approach to achieve long‐term ecological restoration success.

THE ADVANTAGES OF SYDNONIMINES COMPARED TO NITRATES IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE AND CORONARY INSUFFICIENCY

One of the primary challenges in treating patients with coronary artery disease and coronary insufficiency using nitrates is the development of tolerance. Nitrate tolerance is a condition in which the duration and intensity of anti-anginal and anti-ischemic effects decrease, despite maintaining a high concentration of the drug in the blood. In cases of developing tolerance, a continual increase in the nitrate dose is necessary to achieve the previous effect. To eliminate developed nitrate tolerance, discontinuing nitrates for 3-5 days is typically sufficient. Currently, molsidomine is employed as an alternative to nitrates, with sydnonimines emerging as a noteworthy substitute. Among sydnonimines, molsidomine (marketed as Sydnopharm, Dilasidom, Corvaton) stands out as the most effective. Despite its chemical distinction from nitrates, molsidomine operates through a similar mechanism. Functioning as a nitric oxide donor, this antianginal drug avoids the development of tolerance even with prolonged use. Molsidomine, akin to nitrates, acts as a vasodilator, exhibiting efficacy as an anti-ischemic and anti-anginal medication when administered in appropriate doses. Upon entering the human body, molsidomine undergoes hepatic metabolism, transforming into an active derivative compound known as SIN-1. This metabolite, upon entering the bloodstream, further converts into an active form (SIN-1A). From this active metabolite, the nitric oxide (NO) group is released, influencing the activation of guanylate cyclase. This activation prompts guanosine triphosphate to convert into cyclic guanosine triphosphate, ultimately contributing to the synthesis of proteins that bind calcium. This cascade of events results in the vasodilatory effect of molsidomine. Indications for molsidomine include stable angina pectoris, acute coronary syndrome, early post-infarction angina, congestive heart failure, portal hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and Aerz's disease. Possible side effects following the therapy with molsidomine (dizziness, headache, and diplopia) occur much less frequently compared to nitrates. After using nitrates, such a side effect as methemoglobinемia may occur. Therapy with molsidomine does not lead to the development of this side effect.

Development of coordination abilities of young badminton players by means of the BWF Shuttle time international program

The purpose of the work is to scientifically substantiate the methodology for the development of coordination abilities at the stage of initial training of young badminton players by means of the BWF Shuttle Time international program. The following research methods were used in the study: theoretical - systematic analysis of special scientific literature; praximetric - study of statistical, educational and methodical documentation, programs and activity results. The scientific novelty of the research results is as follows: the types of coordination abilities most significant for the success of competitive activities in badminton will be revealed; the age specific features of the level of development of general and specific coordination abilities of young badminton players aged 8-11 will be clarified. Summarizing the above, we note that the method of developing the coordination abilities of young badminton players at the stage of initial training using the tools of the BWF Shuttle Time international program should be aimed at solving the tasks of developing general and specific coordination abilities, which are significant for the success of competitive activities in badminton. The development of coordination abilities should be carried out taking into account the specific principles of the organization of the educational and training process: a comprehensive approach to the development and diagnosis of coordination abilities; unity of development of mental and motor components of motor abilities; the unity of educational and developmental influences on athletes; variability of these influences; continuity and gradual increase of developmental and training activities.

Evaluating the Effects of Fertilizers and Bio-stimulants on Field Performance of Amaranthus dubius

Aims: The continuous increase in human population warrants more food production. Amaranthus spp. is one of the most consumed leafy vegetables globally. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekit Nigeria to assess the effects of fertilizers and bio-stimulants on the growth and performance of Amaranthus dubius. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The Amaranthus dubius seeds were sown under open field conditions and the treatments included aqueous moringa leaf extract (AMLE), NPK 15:15:15, poultry manure, grand humus, and super gro which were applied at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after sowing WAS. Data were collected 7 days after each application on on leaf area (cm3), plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), and total fresh biomass (g). The collected data were analysed using IRRI STAR 2.0. Results: The result revealed that all the treatments were significantly different (P>0.05) for all the parameters studied. AMLE recorded the highest value for all the parameters studied while control had the lowest values. For the total fresh biomass, AMLE recorded the highest mean value (1981.33) followed by NPK 15:15:15 (1535.00) and poultry manure (140.67) respectively while control had the least mean value (640.33). Conclusion: Amaranthus dubius was a short live plant response to AMLE and NPK 15:15:15 than the other treatment applied. It is therefore recommended that AMLE should be applied to boost the performance of Amaranthus dubius.

Assessing and predicting changes of ecosystem service values in response to land use/land cover dynamics in Ibb City, Yemen: a three-decade analysis and future outlook

ABSTRACT Assessing ecosystem services values (ESV) within land use/land cover (LULC) changes is crucial for promoting human well-being and sustainable development of regional ecosystems. Yet, the spatial relationship between LULC changes and ecosystem services is still unclear in Yemen. This study aimed to assess the impacts of LULC changes on ESV in Ibb City, over three decades (1990–2020), and to predict the ESV changes in 2050. The hybrid land use classification technique for classifying Landsat images, the CA-Markov model for LULC prediction, and the benefit transfer method (BTM) for assessment ESV were employed. Our findings revealed that there was a continuous increase in built-up areas and barren land, with a decrease in cultivated land and grassland, which are predicted to continue for the next 30 years. Consequently, the total ESV has decreased from US$ 68.5 × 106 in 1990 to US$ 65.2 × 106 in 2020 and is expected to further reduce to US$ 61.2 × 106 by 2050, reflecting the impact of urban expansion and socio-economic activities on ESV. The study provides insights for future ESV monitoring, which will contribute to the formulation of effective land-use strategies for more sustainable ecosystem services, particularly in rapidly urbanizing data-limited regions.

Two decades of dune slack restoration in North Wales: diversity, community and habitat specialists

Humid dunes slacks are a highly threatened habitat, listed as vulnerable in the EU habitat red list. Accelerated successional processes in dune systems have resulted in the loss and degradation of ideal conditions for specialist dune slack species, hence the need for conservation management. We investigated the restoration of a dune slack in North Wales, UK, where vegetation and soil removal to 10 cm depth was undertaken to reinstate nutrient‐poor, open and damp conditions. We assessed the outcomes of the management for dune slack communities over the 18 years since restoration. We also assessed the differences between restored and unrestored areas of dune slacks. The dunes were restored in the winter of 2004/2005, after which we conducted vegetation surveys in fixed quadrats for most years in the restored and adjacent, un‐restored dune slacks. Species diversity and plant community composition changes over time were assessed using Shannon's index, multivariate analysis and indicator species analysis. Comparisons between the restored and unrestored areas of the dune slacks were also made. Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs) were examined to identify potential environmental drivers of post management successional changes. After 18 years the restored dune slacks developed a species‐rich and diverse community. compared to the unrestored slacks. The establishment of species occurred rapidly in the first three years, followed by continued but slower increases in species richness and diversity. This is due to the addition of new species without losses of established species. EIVs show no significant difference over time suggesting the restored areas are still at an early stage of succession. Distinct stages of community change since restoration are characterised by different indicator species. Plants are likely to be largely recruited from an existing seed bank. Restoration by turf removal may be suitable for other low nutrient, species rich habitats dependent upon fluctuating groundwater levels.

Dental shape evolution of the giant panda (Ailuropoda, Ursidae) during the Quaternary

ABSTRACT The giant panda is well known to have unique dentition, adapted to bamboo exclusive diet. The teeth are used to cut and grind the bamboo. However, it is unclear how these teeth evolved through geographical time. Here, we present the first geometric morphometric analysis of all cheek teeth of the giant panda, based on the large fossil collection of the giant panda teeth found from the Pleistocene deposits of southern China. Our analyses reveal the substantial intraspecific variation of the giant panda teeth, but no significant interspecific differences in Ailuropoda, supporting the basic function of the giant panda teeth has already formed since the Early Pleistocene. Among the cheek teeth, the premolars show the highest interspecific variation, suggesting a continuous increase in the feeding efficiency of the bamboo diet, which may facilitate the giant panda to grow a larger body size from Early Pleistocene species to A. melanoleuca. The Late Pleistocene A. m. baconi and two modern two subspecies show largely overlapped morphospace for all teeth, and the variation ranges are also similar, suggesting a fully established feeding apparatus and implying a similar diet. Our analyses provide new information on the giant panda evolution and adaptation.

Particulate Nitrate Photolysis as a Possible Driver of Rising Tropospheric Ozone

AbstractTropospheric ozone is an air pollutant and a greenhouse gas whose anthropogenic production is limited principally by the supply of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from combustion. Tropospheric ozone in the northern hemisphere has been rising despite the flattening of NOx emissions in recent decades. Here we propose that this sustained increase could result from the photolysis of nitrate particles (pNO3−) to regenerate NOx. Including pNO3− photolysis in the GEOS‐Chem atmospheric chemistry model improves the consistency with ozone observations. Our simulations show that pNO3− concentrations have increased since the 1960s because of rising ammonia and falling SO2 emissions, augmenting the increase in ozone in the northern extratropics by about 50% to better match the observed ozone trend. pNO3− will likely continue to increase through 2050, which would drive a continued increase in ozone even as NOx emissions decrease. More work is needed to better understand the mechanism and rates of pNO3− photolysis.

Reviewing Voltage Stability: A Comprehensive Classification and Evolution of Improvement Methods

Voltage stability has become a foremost concern for researchers in recent years. Nowadays, the system always operates at its maximum limits due to the continuous increase in its load. Therefore, any disturbance or overloading can create instability or voltage collapse. Voltage stability can be classified based on disturbances and sustaining time. This paper explains the different classifications of voltage stability and presents a review analysis and benefits of numerous methodologies such as FACT devices, distribution generation (DG), and load shedding to enhance the voltage profile of the system.

Targeting lipid nanoparticles to the blood-brain barrier to ameliorate acute ischemic stroke

Effective delivery of mRNA or small molecule drugs to the brain is a significant challenge in developing treatment for acute ischemic stroke. To address the problem, we have developed targeted nanomedicine to increase drug concentrations in endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) of the injured brain. Inflammation during ischemic stroke causes continuous neuronal death and increase of the infarct volume. To enable targeted delivery to the inflamed BBB, we conjugated lipid nanocarriers with antibodies that bind cell adhesion molecules expressed at the BBB. In the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion mouse model, nanocarriers targeted to VCAM achieved the highest level of brain delivery, nearly 2 orders of magnitude higher than untargeted ones. VCAM-targeted lipid nanoparticles with luciferase-encoding mRNA and Cre-recombinase showed selective expression in the ischemic brain. Anti-inflammatory drugs administered intravenously after ischemic stroke reduced cerebral infarct volume by 62% (IL-10 mRNA) or 35% (dexamethasone) only when they were encapsulated in VCAM-targeted nanocarriers. Thus, VCAM-targeted lipid nanocarriers represent a new platform for strongly concentrating drugs within the compromised BBB of penumbra, thereby ameliorating acute ischemic stroke.

First Detection of International High-Risk blaKPC-2-Harbouring Escherichia coli Pandemic Lineage ST648 in Pet Food Packages

The continued worldwide increase in pet ownership has significantly boosted the growth of the pet food industry accompanied by new food safety risks and challenges. This study was designed to determine the occurrence and molecularly characterize multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales in pet food. Eighty-six (86) packages of dry and wet pet food purchased in different retail stores were screened for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by agar dilution technique using EUCAST/BrCAST recommendations. Blue-Carba test was further used to screen for carbapenemase-producing isolates. Isolated CRE strains were identified at the species level using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Detection of carbapenemase-encoding genes was carried out by PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 15 (17.4%) MDR-CRE (Escherichia coli (n = 2), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 10), Leclercia adecarboxylata (n = 2), and Cronobacter spp. (n = 1)) were isolated from 86 pet food samples. In addition to being resistant to beta-lactams, the Gram-negative bacterial isolates were also resistant to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tigecycline. Interestingly, two carbapenem-resistant E. coli isolates harboured blaKPC-2 gene. WGS analysis of the two blaKPC-2-producing E. coli isolates revealed that they both belong to ST648 and serotype O153:H2 group. The genetic context of the blaKPC-2 showed that they were carried by an IncN plasmid on a Tn4401b transposon element. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of blaKPC-2-harbouring E. coli ST648 pathogens in pet food. The detection of blaKPC-2-harbouring E. coli ST648 pandemic high-risk lineage in pet food is worrisome and a serious “One Health” issue. Therefore, pet food should be considered as a potential vehicle for the transmission of MDR pathogens to companion animals, and a risk factor for the dissemination of these bacterial pathogens to pet animals and their human guardians.

Contribution of High Body Mass Index to the Global Burden of Esophageal Cancer: A Population-Based Study from 1990 to 2019.

The changing patterns of obesity have had a significant impact on the epidemiology of esophageal cancer (EC). This study aimed to investigate the specific burden of EC associated with high body mass index (BMI) across different geographical and Sociodemographic Index (SDI) regions, using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Mortality, age-standardized death rates (ASDR), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed for 204 countries and territories. Decomposition analysis, frontier and health inequality analyses, and age-period-cohort models were employed to examine the factors driving disease burden and to predict future trends. High BMI contributed to 89,903.9 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 27,878.9-171,254.6] EC-related deaths, an ASDR of 1.1 (95% UI 0.3-2.1) per 100,000 population, and 2,202,314.1 (681,901.4-4,173,080.3) DALYs in 2019. There was an increasing trend in these figures over the 29-year period. The middle SDI region (31,023.8, 95% UI 9,180.4-62,631.5) and East Asia (36,939.9, 95% UI 9,620.5-81,495) carried the highest burden of EC-related deaths. Disease burden increased across all age groups and genders globally. Population growth was a major factor driving EC deaths across all SDI quintiles. Disparities in disease burden were observed across countries at all development levels. Predictive models indicated a continued increase in EC-related deaths in the next decade. The study provided a comprehensive understanding of the global burden of EC associated with high BMI over the past decades. Opportunities exist to reduce this burden at all SDI levels through targeted interventions and policies.

Industrial-scale fabrication of FeSiBC cores with balanced soft magnetic properties by transverse magnetic field annealing and mixing of carbonyl iron powder

In this study, the effects of transverse magnetic field annealing and mixing fine powder on the soft magnetic properties of FeSiBC soft magnetic powder cores (SMPCs) are investigated. The results show that with the increase of transverse magnetic field intensity, the core loss of FeSiBC SMPCs decreases and then increases with a continuous increase in permeability compared to the zero magnetic field treatment. Wherein, the effective permeability of the powder cores is increased from 58.07 to 59.63 after transverse magnetic field annealing at a magnetic field intensity of 900 Gs and annealing temperature of 430 ℃. It shows that mixing the FeSiBC amorphous crushed powder with fine powder and transverse magnetic field annealing are effective ways to further promote amorphous SMPCs to meet the requirements of the development of electronic devices, and the prepared high-performance SMPCs also have a certain prospect of industrial application.

Potential yield of world maize under global warming based on ARIMA-TR model

With continuous increase of population and demand for nutritional food, analyzing potential yield of world maize affected by global warming is of great significance to direct the crop production in the future. Thus, in this paper both average and top (national) yields of world maize between 2021 and 2030 are projected creatively using ARIMA-TR (Auto-regressive Integrated Moving Average and Trend Regression) model based on historic yields since 1961. The impact of global warming on the yields of world maize from 1961 to 2020 was analyzed using unary regression model. Our study concludes that between 2021 and 2030, average yield of world maize is projected to be from 5989 kg ha-1 to 6703 kg ha-1 while the top yield from 36530 kg ha-1 to 44271 kg ha-1, or the average ranging from 16.39% decreasingly to 15.14% of the top; from 1961 to 2020 global warming exerts positive effect on average yield of world maize less than on the top, which partly drives the gap between these two yields widened gradually; for world maize by 2030, the opportunities for improving global production should be mainly dependent on the advantage of high-yield countries.

Designing an Optical Router Based on a Multimode-Interference Silicon-On-Insulator Coupler with Tunable Power Transmittance

The demand on fast and high-bandwidth data transmission is in continuous increase. These demands are highly dependent on optical signal manipulation, including switching, modulation, and routing. We demonstrate a two-port silicon optical router based on the multimode interferometer (MMI) configuration. The same MMI structure was used for both inward and backward waveguiding to reduce the total length of the device. A phase shifter consisting of two ring-like waveguides made of silicon p-n junctions was used to introduce the phase shift needed for optical routing upon voltage application. Two designs for the MMI optical router were studied: Firstly, a conventional MMI with a crosstalk ratio of 15.1 dB was investigated. Finally, an angled MMI reaching a crosstalk ratio of 18.2 dB at a wavelength of 1.55 μm was investigated.