Functional Point Research Articles

Bond-selective effect for the dissociative chemisorption of HOD on the Ni(100) surface revealed at the full-dimensional quantum dynamical level.

We present a comprehensive investigation into the dissociative chemisorption of HOD on a rigid Ni(100) surface using an approximate full-dimensional (9D) quantum dynamics approach, which was based on the time-dependent wave-packet calculations on a full-dimensional potential energy surface obtained through neural network fitting to density functional theory energy points. The approximate-9D probabilities were computed by averaging the seven-dimensional (7D) site-specific dissociation probabilities across six impact sites with appropriate relative weights. Our results uncover a distinctive bond-selective effect, demonstrating that the vibrational excitation of a specific bond substantially enhances the cleavage of that excited bond. The product branching ratios are substantially influenced by which bond undergoes excitation, exhibiting a clear preference for the product formed through the cleavage of the excited bond over the alternative product.

Model for surface topography prediction in the ultra-precision grinding of silicon wafers considering volumetric errors

Ultra-precision grinding machine is widely used for thinning silicon wafers. The wafer surface quality is considerably affected by volumetric errors at the functional point of the ultra-precision grinding machine. Therefore, a volumetric error model is established based on the homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM) method. The model is, then, optimized by considering Abbe and Bryan errors induced volumetric errors during the error measurements process. A prediction model for the wafer surface topography is established by combining the manufacturing mechanism of the ultra-precision grinding and the optimized volumetric error model of the ultra-precision grinding machine. Volumetric errors are detected using an author’s group developed laser measurement system and a commercial spindle error analyzer. The model enables to predict the topography and total thickness variation (TTV) of the wafer surface. A group of grinding experiments are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed models.

Effects of damage initiation points of depth-damage function on flood risk assessment

The flood depth in a structure is a key factor in flood loss models, influencing the estimation of building and contents losses, as well as overall flood risk. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of determining the damage initiation point (DIP) of depth-damage functions, where the flood damage is assumed to initiate with respect to the first-floor height of the building. Here we investigate the effects of DIP selection on the flood risk assessment of buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. We characterize flood using the Gumbel extreme value distribution’s location (μ) and scale (α) parameters. Results reveal that average annual flood loss (AAL) values do not depend on μ, but instead follow an exponential decay pattern with α when damage initiates below the first-floor height of a building (i.e., negative DIP). A linear increasing pattern of the AAL with α is achieved by changing the DIP to the first-floor height (i.e., DIP = 0). The study also demonstrates that negative DIPs have larger associated AAL, thus contributing substantially to the overall AAL, compared to positive DIPs. The study underscores the significance of proper DIP selection in flood risk assessment.

Activity-driven synaptic translocation of LGI1 controls excitatory neurotransmission

The fine control of synaptic function requires robust trans-synaptic molecular interactions. However, it remains poorly understood how trans-synaptic bridges change to reflect the functional states of the synapse. Here, we develop optical tools to visualize in firing synapses the molecular behavior of two trans-synaptic proteins, LGI1 and ADAM23, and find that neuronal activity acutely rearranges their abundance at the synaptic cleft. Surprisingly, synaptic LGI1 is primarily not secreted, as described elsewhere, but exo- and endocytosed through its interaction with ADAM23. Activity-driven translocation of LGI1 facilitates the formation of trans-synaptic connections proportionally to the history of activity of the synapse, adjusting excitatory transmission to synaptic firing rates. Accordingly, we find that patient-derived autoantibodies against LGI1 reduce its surface fraction and cause increased glutamate release. Our findings suggest that LGI1 abundance at the synaptic cleft can be acutely remodeled and serves as a critical control point for synaptic function.

Determination of the Fixed Point of Lotka-Volterra Function

The paper focuses on the Lotka-Volterra function in its discrete form. The purpose of the study was to determine the fixed points of the function. The study employs the Banach Fixed Point Theorem and Contraction Mapping in Metric Space on the function to demonstrate the uniqueness of the fixed points and its continuous stability after several iterations, using the fixed points as the initial conditions. The study has shown that $(0,0),\left(0,\frac{\alpha-1}{\beta}\right),\left(\frac{1+\gamma}{\delta},0\right)$ and $\left(\frac{1+\gamma}{\delta},\frac{\alpha-1}{\beta}\right) $are the fixed points of the function, with the initial pair serving as a trivial one and the other three solely depending on the parameter values for the behavior of the function. The outcome of the limit points of the function as the fixed points after several iterations forms a fixed orbit structure of the function, irrespective of the value of the parameter. The study also showed the uniqueness of the fixed points, demonstrating the stability and continuity of the function in its steady state.

Estimation of IT-project efforts for information system creation in the conditions of re-use of its functions

The object of this study is the process of estimation and control of an IT project. During the study, the problem of increasing the accuracy of estimating the efforts of an IT project to build an information system (IS) was solved. Research in this area is aimed at simplifying the original assessment methods or at applying elements of artificial intelligence to these methods. The task of the impact of the features of IS development methodology on effort assessment remains unexplored. During the study, the method of functional point analysis was modified. The proposed modification makes it possible to increase the accuracy of estimating efforts to build an IS under the conditions of re-using its individual functions. These conditions allow the construction of new system functions by reusing a previously developed function of the same system. The developed method was tested during the evaluation of efforts of an IT project to form the functional task "Forming and executing an individual plan for a research and teaching staff member of the department." The option of re-using one of the functions of a task during the construction of two other functions of the same task is considered. For this option, the estimate was 72 function points (the estimate using the standard method was 144 function points). The use of the results allows us to increase the accuracy in assessing the efforts of IT projects to construct IS under the conditions of applying the methodology of reuse of previously developed system elements. This, in turn, makes it possible to improve the accuracy of estimating time costs, personnel requirements, and financial costs for the implementation of IT projects for constructing IS. The results obtained are used to solve the task of estimating efforts during the planning of IT projects for developing information systems and their software

THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS IN CALCIFIC ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY OF THE SHOULDER

Calcific tendinopathy in the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder is an increasingly common and disabling pathology. Calcific tendinopathy is a common disease that mainly affects people aged between 40 and 60. Women seem to be more affected than men. It has been suggested that various factors play a role in the condition, such as abnormal thyroid gland activity, metabolic diseases (e.g. gout, diabetes) and genetic predisposition. Various aetiological hypotheses have been put forward: the degenerative and multiphasic theories are the two most widely accepted. Clinically, calcific tendonitis is characterised by severe, disabling pain, often occurring spontaneously, usually in the morning or following exertion disproportionate to subsequent symptoms. There may be concomitant stiffness, giving rise to a clinical picture resembling frozen shoulder or hyperalgesic painful shoulder. Conventional radiography of the shoulder is the most appropriate imaging approach, but perfectly complemented by soft tissue ultrasound. Most acute painful episodes resolve spontaneously symptomatically. Numerous conservative treatments have been reported in the literature with varying levels of evidence of efficacy. In the present study we tried to evaluate which therapeutic option could give superior results both from a functional, lesional architectural and causal point of view in terms of reduction of callus size, but also from an imaging point of view. The use of various therapeutic protocols have shown a significant benefit of the association of ESWT with conventional FKT, and intra-articular infiltration, with a plus for the association of Corticosteroids and Sodium Hyaluronate regarding the speed of achieving the desired results. Similar results were obtained with the intra-articular shoulder PRP technique, but with slower achievement of the desired results. Arthroscopic surgery is the orthopaedic specialist's last option. Keywords: Calcific tendinopathy, rotator cuff muscles, shoulder, intra-articular infiltration.

Topological defects and boundary states in four-dimensional topological insulator

We show the connection between the second Chern number and topological defects, in a (4+1)-dimensional time-reversal invariant Dirac lattice model. It is discovered that two types of topological defects, the five-dimensional (5D) and four-dimensional (4D) point defects arise from the singular points of wave functions together with the geometric meaning of the second Chern number. We demonstrated that the 5D point defects appear at the band crossing positions with a topological transition, leading to a jump of the second Chern number. The 4D point defects exist in an insulating bulk, whose topological charges can give the evaluations of the second Chern number of energy bands. Finally, we discussed the possible structures of the boundary states in the light of the realization way of the 4D model. Our theory provides not only a new perspective to grasp the second Chern number, but also a simple approach to derive its values without calculating any integrals.

An AFD-based adaptive impulse response model of time series

In this paper, an adaptive impulse response model of time series is proposed based on adaptive Fourier decomposition (AFD), which characterizes the data-driven impulse response model with “energy-resolution” and is applied to the effect analysis of shocks on time series. First, according to the observed time series, the frequency points of impulse response function are estimated, and the approximate expression of impulse response function in frequency domain is given. Second, AFD is carried out on the approximate impulse response function level by level, and the poles and coefficients of basis function of each level are obtained adaptively by using the criterion of energy maximization. Third, when the goodness of fit is greater than a certain threshold, all decomposition levels are determined and the adaptive impulse response model is established. Each decomposition level depicts the energy-based resolution characteristics of the impulse response model. Based on gold price return and US dollar index return in daily frequency from 2017 to 2022, this paper carried out AFD-based effect analysis with energy-resolution year by year. Results show that the proposed AFD-based adaptive impulse response model in this paper can describe the persistence effect of shocks of gold price on the US dollar index, and further measure the plainness of linkage relationship between these two time series. Decomposing impulse response to each decomposition level reveals consistence, convergency, and sufficiency of the impulse response model. The AFD-based adaptive data-driven model provides a new way for the analysis of time series in time-frequency domain.

Rapid conversion of heterotrophic denitrification to autotrophic denitrification in mariculture wastewater treatment: Denitrification performance and microbial communities under antibiotic stress

Mariculture wastewater, characterized by a low COD/Nitrogen (C/N) ratio and the occurrence of antibiotics, is commonly treated by a heterotrophic denitrification (HD) process with supplying substantial carbon sources. Compared to HD, sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification (AD) requires less external carbon sources and is more favorable for low-carbon wastewater treatment. However, the AD process often consumes more startup time. Thus, the present study was designed to explore a rapid startup strategy for the AD process by switching from HD to AD, treating mariculture wastewater. A rapid transformation from HD to AD was achieved by inoculating mixotrophic denitrifying sludge, reducing carbon sources and adding sulfur sources under the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX). From the functional microbial community point of view, our results showed that autotrophic bacteria exhibited greater adaptability to sulfamethoxazole than heterotrophic bacteria. During the transition from HD to AD, nitrate removal improved from 53.13 % to 68.57 %, and the secretion of tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS) increased by 29.94 mg/g VSS. Meanwhile, in the heterotrophic phase, the presence of sulfate in mariculture wastewater maintained a high abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Desulfuromusa (0.8 %) and sulfur-based autotrophic denitrifying bacteria such as Sedimenticola (36.7 %) and Thiogranum (15.2 %). This increases the activity of sulfur metabolism during the heterotrophic phase and ensures a rapid transition from HD to AD. The rapid shift from HD to AD in seawater under antibiotic stress provides theoretical support for the improvement of mariculture wastewater treatment processes.

High-Dimensional Multivariate Linear Regression with Weighted Nuclear Norm Regularization

We consider a low-rank matrix estimation problem when the data is assumed to be generated from the multivariate linear regression model. To induce the low-rank coefficient matrix, we employ the weighted nuclear norm (WNN) penalty defined as the weighted sum of the singular values of the matrix. The weights are set in a nondecreasing order, which yields the non-convexity of the WNN objective function in the parameter space. Although the objective function has been widely applied, studies on the estimation properties of its resulting estimator are limited. We propose an efficient algorithm under the framework of the alternative directional method of multipliers (ADMM) to estimate the coefficient matrix. The estimator from the suggested algorithm converges to a stationary point of an augmented Lagrangian function. Under the orthogonal design setting, the effects of the weights for estimating the singular values of the ground-truth coefficient matrix are derived. Under the Gaussian design setting, a minimax convergence rate on the estimation error is derived. We also propose a generalized cross-validation (GCV) criterion for selecting the tuning parameter and an iterative algorithm for updating the weights. Simulations and a real data analysis demonstrate the competitive performance of our new method. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.

Oligomerization states of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase core and holoenzymes.

During the past few decades, a wealth of knowledge has been made available for the transcription machinery in bacteria from the structural, functional and mechanistic point of view. However, comparatively little is known about the homooligomerization of the multisubunit M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase (RNAP) enzyme and its functional relevance. While E. coli RNAP has been extensively studied, many aspects of RNAP of the deadly pathogenic M. tuberculosis are still unclear. We used biophysical and biochemical methods to study the oligomerization states of the core and holoenzymes of M. tuberculosis RNAP. By size exclusion chromatography and negative staining Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies and quantitative analysis of the TEM images, we demonstrate that the in vivo reconstituted RNAP core enzyme (α2ββ'ω) can also exist as dimers in vitro. Using similar methods, we also show that the holoenzyme (core + σA) does not dimerize in vitro and exist mostly as monomers. It is tempting to suggest that the oligomeric changes that we see in presence of σA factor might have functional relevance in the cellular process. Although reported previously in E. coli, to our knowledge we report here for the first time the study of oligomeric nature of M. tuberculosis RNAP in presence and absence of σA factor.

Some properties of subclass of multivalent functions associated with a generalized differential operator

In this paper, the new subclass Sb,λ,δ,pn(α)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {S}^n_{b,\\lambda ,\\delta ,p} ({\\alpha })$$\\end{document} of a linear differential operator’s Nλ,δ,pnf(ζ)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {N}_{\\lambda ,\\delta ,p}^{n}f(\\zeta )$$\\end{document} associated with multivalent analytical function has been introduced. Further, the coefficient inequalities, extreme points for the extremal function, sharpness of the growth and distortion bounds, partial sums, starlikeness, and convexity of the subclass is investigated.

Dielectric function and interband critical points of compressively strained ferroelectric K0.85Na0.15NbO3 thin film with monoclinic and orthorhombic symmetry

The dielectric function and interband critical points of compressively strained ferroelectric K0.85Na0.15NbO3 thin film grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) are studied in broad spectral and temperature ranges by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The temperature dependence of the measured pseudodielectric functions is strongly affected by a structural phase transition from the monoclinic Mc-phase to the orthorhombic c-phase at about 428 K. Using a parametric optical constant model, the corresponding dielectric functions as well as the interband optical transitions of the film are determined in the spectral range of 0.73–6.00 eV. Standard critical point (SCP) analysis of the 2nd derivatives of the dielectric functions identified three and four critical points for monoclinic and orthorhombic symmetries, respectively. A systematic redshift of the threshold energies with increasing temperatures was observed.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Infrastructure and Resources in Schools in Belize during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021-2023.

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources in schools is critical for disease prevention and control, especially during public health emergencies. In Belize, systematic, national data on WASH in schools are needed to inform public health decisions and interventions. From December 2021 to January 2022, a national survey was sent electronically to government and government-aided primary and secondary schools in Belize (N = 308) to gather information on WASH services. From the survey, 12 pilot schools were selected based on the highest self-reported need for WASH resources to participate in additional evaluation and intervention, which included environmental nudges, supplemental supply provision, and hand hygiene education. To understand how the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced hand hygiene, facility assessments to evaluate access to hand hygiene resources were conducted in person when most schools reopened for face-to-face learning during the pandemic (March 2022) and 15 months later (June 2023). Among the schools participating in the national survey (N = 221), 55% reported times when water was not available at the schools. Almost 9 in 10 schools (89%) had a functional handwashing station, and 47% reported always having soap for handwashing. Between baseline and follow-up at the 12 pilot schools, we observed decreases in the proportion of functional handwashing access points (-11%), functional handwashing access points accessible for individuals with disabilities (-17%) and small children (-29%), and functional alcohol-based hand rub dispensers (-13%). Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we observed gaps in WASH resources in schools in Belize during the onsite assessments at the pilot schools. Schools should be encouraged and provided with WASH resources to maintain vigilance for disease control measures.

A statistical model for estimating size and productivity ratio in SDLC

During a software development life cycle, one has to estimate the effort and schedule required to produce a software unit. Estimates for The effort and schedule are derived from other measurements such as size and productivity Ratio. Size may be estimated using methods such as Function Point, WBS, LOC, etc., and the Productivity Ratio is expressed as Size / Time to complete the Unit of Software. Such estimates are static and do not consider real-time Parameters which cause variations from the estimate. In this paper, a statistical model for Size and Productivity Ratios is derived using Historical values after considering several factors influencing the size and the productivity ratio of produced software. Typically, an estimate of the effort and schedule is required to complete. A software work product an enhancement request or a software fix. We use Function Points or WBS to estimate the size of the software in consideration. We use baseline values for estimating productivity Ratios. Real-time values however differ from Baseline values as they are influenced by several factors. Here are some factors which would influence the Actual Size of the software Later on we will use Statistical techniques of Multivariable Parameter estimation and logistic Regression to derive run time equations of Size and Productivity Ratio.

EFFECTS OF ANTI-PREDATOR BEHAVIOR ON A STOCHASTIC PREDATOR-PREY SYSTEM

An ecosystem with anti-predator behavior is established in both deterministic and stochastic environments. This means that adult prey could attack weak predators. Bifurcation diagrams are used to analyze the deterministic case, while a tool called the most probable trajectory, defined by the spatial extreme point of the probability density function (PDF), is employed to explore the stochastic case. The Fokker-Planck equation is solved using the stochastic averaging method of energy envelope, which provides an analytical expression for the PDF. The results show that in the deterministic case, effective anti-predator behavior can dampen predator-prey oscillations and mitigate negative effects caused by the time delay. Additionally, it can accelerate the transient solution to reach a steady state and reduce the ratio of predator-to-prey densities in coexistence. In the stochastic case, effective anti-predator behavior can raise the noise threshold that leads to population extinction. Furthermore, it can also reduce the randomness of solutions. It’s worth noting that appropriate anti-predator behavior can ensure that the most probable solution in the stochastic system approximates the solution in the deterministic system. Monte Carlo simulations verify the accuracy of these analytical results.

UAV-based solution for extending the lifetime of IoT devices: efficiency, design and sustainability

Internet of Things technology is named as a key ingredient in the evolution towards digitization of many applications and services. A deployment based on battery-powered remote Internet of Things (IoT) devices enables easy installation and operation, yet the autonomy of these devices poses a crucial challenge. A too short lifespan is undesirable from a functional, economical, and ecological point of view. This paper presents a unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based approach to recharge remote Internet of Things (IoT) nodes. An in-depth study of the charging efficiency and optimization of key parameters, and measurements-based verification, is reported on. An actual corresponding design and implementation of the full UAV-based charging system and its proof-of-concept validation are presented. Finally, the sustainability of the proposed solution is discussed. The results presented in this paper hence confirm that the proposed UAV-based approach and design are functionally successful and efficient charging can be achieved, provided the constraints and challenges coming with the approach are adequately dealt with. Moreover, it comes with an overall reduction in ecological footprint for IoT applications relying on battery-powered nodes in need of medium energy and/or considerable lifetime expectation (5 years or more).

Structural and functional analysis of the active cow rumen’s microbial community provides a catalogue of genes and microbes participating in the deconstruction of cardoon biomass

BackgroundRuminal microbial communities enriched on lignocellulosic biomass have shown considerable promise for the discovery of microorganisms and enzymes involved in digesting cell wall compounds, a key bottleneck in the development of second-generation biofuels and bioproducts, enabling a circular bioeconomy. Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) is a promising inedible energy crop for current and future cellulosic biorefineries and the emerging bioenergy and bioproducts industries. The rumen microbiome can be considered an anaerobic “bioreactor”, where the resident microbiota carry out the depolymerization and hydrolysis of plant cell wall polysaccharides (PCWPs) through the catalytic action of fibrolytic enzymes. In this context, the rumen microbiota represents a potential source of microbes and fibrolytic enzymes suitable for biofuel production from feedstocks. In this study, metatranscriptomic and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to profile the microbiome and to investigate the genetic features within the microbial community adherent to the fiber fractions of the rumen content and to the residue of cardoon biomass incubated in the rumen of cannulated cows.ResultsThe metatranscriptome of the cardoon and rumen fibre-adherent microbial communities were dissected in their functional and taxonomic components. From a functional point of view, transcripts involved in the methanogenesis from CO2 and H2, and from methanol were over-represented in the cardoon-adherent microbial community and were affiliated with the Methanobrevibacter and Methanosphaera of the Euryarchaeota phylum. Transcripts encoding glycoside hydrolases (GHs), carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), carbohydrate esterases (CEs), polysaccharide lyases (PLs), and glycoside transferases (GTs) accounted for 1.5% (6,957) of the total RNA coding transcripts and were taxonomically affiliated to major rumen fibrolytic microbes, such as Oscillospiraceae, Fibrobacteraceae, Neocallimastigaceae, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Treponemataceae. The comparison of the expression profile between cardoon and rumen fiber-adherent microbial communities highlighted that specific fibrolytic enzymes were potentially responsible for the breakdown of cardoon PCWPs, which was driven by specific taxa, mainly Ruminococcus, Treponema, and Neocallimastigaceae.ConclusionsAnalysis of 16S rRNA and metatranscriptomic sequencing data revealed that the cow rumen microbiome harbors a repertoire of new enzymes capable of degrading PCWPs. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using metatranscriptomics of enriched microbial RNA as a potential approach for accelerating the discovery of novel cellulolytic enzymes that could be harnessed for biotechnology. This research contributes a relevant perspective towards degrading cellulosic biomass and providing an economical route to the production of advanced biofuels and high-value bioproducts.

Network traffic recovery from link-load measurements using tensor triple decomposition strategy for third-order traffic tensors

Network traffic data is the pivot of input in many network tasks but its direct measurement can be insufferably costly. In this paper, we propose a network traffic recovery method which only requires the conveniently measurable link-load traffics. We arrange the traffic data as a third-order tensor and utilize the triple decomposition technique proposed very recently by Qi et al. (2021). The studied model is a differentialble unconstrained minimization problem, which can be efficiently solved by a Barzilai–Borwein (BB) gradient algorithm. We prove that the generated iteration sequence can globally converge to a certain stationary point of the objective function. The numerical simulations on three open-source traffic datasets demonstrate the superiority of our method in comparison with other state-of-the-art algorithms.