Group Size Research Articles

An Algorithm Based on An Efficient Cost Model to Form Learning Groups

The purpose of this research is to form learning groups that are intra-homogeneous (a high level of similarity across student GPAs inside a group), inter-homogeneous (similarity or balance in the degree of homogeneity between groups), and balanced in size. The algorithm proposed for this purpose treats the learning group formation as an assignment-type optimization problem where it seeks to find a feasible least-cost assignment of a given set of students to a given set of learning groups. It is referred to as GAGF (Generalized Assignment Strategy for Group Formation). It is based on an efficient cost model, which performs three tasks: measuring the cost of assigning students to a learning group, relating each improvement in assignment cost to increased intra-group homogeneity and group size balance, and bringing the intra-homogeneity of the groups to a reference value (a specific level of homogeneity), which improves inter-homogeneity. Experimental results have shown that the GAGF algorithm is effective at constructing intra- and inter-homogeneous learning groups with balanced sizes. It was found that using GAGF attained an improvement of more than 29% in intra-group homogeneity when compared to both related work and self-formation methods. It significantly improved inter-group homogeneity, outperforming related works by 79.75%.

Social and seasonal variation in dwarf mongoose home-range size, daily movements, and burrow use.

When making decisions about resource use, social species must integrate not only environmental factors but also the influence of opportunities and costs associated with group living. Bigger groups are expected to move further and to need access to larger areas for adequate food acquisition, but the relationships with group size can vary seasonally and with reproductive stage. Shelters are often more consistent in availability than food, but their use relates to factors such as predator defense and parasite transmission that are themselves influenced by group size and seasonality. Here, we used long-term data to investigate resource use and associated movement in a wild population of dwarf mongooses (Helogale parvula). We found that bigger groups occupied larger home ranges, moved larger daily distances and covered more daily area than smaller ones, while environmental greenness (measured by normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) influenced daily movements in the breeding season but not the non-breeding season. Both assessed axes of seasonality also had pronounced effects on shelter use: mongoose groups used more unique sleeping burrows, and switched between burrows more often, in the breeding season, but also switched more when environmental greenness was higher. By investigating specific periods within the breeding season, we revealed the constraints that vulnerable, poorly mobile offspring impose on both group movements and burrow use, highlighting a potentially overlooked cost of reproduction. Our results show how both social and environmental factors can affect key resource-use decisions, demonstrating potential costs and benefits to group living within distinctly seasonal geographic areas.

Petrochemical industry as a source for microplastics; abundance and characteristics of pollution in soil, sewage, and bay

Petrochemical industries can potentially be sources of microplastics. This is the first report that studies the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in different parts of a petrochemical site, and process of changes in microplastics from the place of production to reaching open waters. Samples were taken from 10 points. In order to identify the microplastics, NaCl and ZnCl2 solutions were used for extraction and then H2O2 was used for cleaning and with using different filters, two groups of size were divided. Then, using a stereomicroscope and ATR-FTIR their abundance, color and shape and the type of polymers were determined. The number of microplastics in the soil samples varied from 1483 ± 475 items/Kgdws to 4620 ± 983 items/kgdws, the industrial WWTP sludge, the number of microplastics detected varied from 1233 ± 225 items/L to 1433 ± 372 items/L and in WWTP effluent was determined to be 276 ± 76 items/10 L. on average, 66.38 % and 33.62 % of the detected microplastic particles were in the size range of 0.45μ-20μ and 20μ-2mm, respectively. Also on average, 75.89 % and 24.11 % of the particles were in the density range of 1.2–2 g/cm3 and less than 1.2 g/cm3, respectively. On average, 68.33 %, 14.35 %, 10.55 %, and 6.77 % of the microplastics were in the form of fiber, film, pellet and other, respectively. On average, 29.84 %, 56.27 %, 1.02 %, 2.88 %, 0.97 %, and 8.99 % of the microplastics were black, white, red, blue, green and other respectively. 61 %, 23 %, 8 %, 4 % and 4 % of the investigated particles were classified as PES, PET, PE, PE and unknown, respectively. The results indicate that by moving away from the place of production of PES fibers, microplastics have undergone physical and chemical changes and their nature is changing. Results showed that the petrochemical industries can be potentially a microplastic source. It is a warning that if not taken into consideration will be a serious threat to environmental health.

7769 Natural plant extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity through enhancing PLIN5 expression

Abstract Disclosure: S. Shin: None. H. Jang: None. E. Kwon: None. Obesity is one of the metabolic diseases caused by excessive differentiation and excessive accumulation of adipose tissue due to an imbalance between energy intake and consumption. Various drugs have been developed to effectively treat obesity, but the side effects often outweigh the benefits. Therefore, alternative weight loss supplements that can minimize side effects are needed. In this study, the effects of natural plant extract (NPE) on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice were confirmed to discover new anti-obesity material.After acclimating C57BL/6J mice for 1 week, they were divided into two groups: a normal diet (ND) group and an HFD group. After inducing obesity over 4 weeks, the HFD group was divided into HFD and HFD+NPE and reared together with the ND group for an additional 10 weeks. After a 12-hour fasting period, observations were made on weight, adipose tissue mass, morphological changes in adipocytes, and the expression differences in genes and proteins related to fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in the epididymal white adipose tissue, particularly focusing on the PLIN5 protein.The increase in body weight and epididymal fat mass induced by the HFD was reduced by the administration of NPE. Morphological analysis of the epididymal fat revealed a significant increase in adipocyte size in the HFD group, whereas the NPE group showed a reduction in adipocyte size. The expression of FAO-related genes (PPARa, PGC1a, CPT1, and CPT2) and TCA cycle-related genes (PDHb, ACO, DIST, SUCLG, SDHC, and MDH2) decreased in the epididymal fat due to the HFD, but significantly increased with the administration of NPE. The NPE induced the breakdown of intracellular stored triglycerides by upregulating ATGL, LIPE, and MGL mRNA expression. The resulting liberated fatty acids were translocated to the mitochondria and oxidized through the TCA cycle, ultimately leading to a reduction in body fat. Furthermore, PLIN5 expression exhibited a significantly higher level in the NPE group compared to the other two groups. In other words, elevation in PLIN5 expression, induced by the NPE, appears to enhance lipid breakdown, activate FAO pathways, and stimulate the TCA cycle. Consequently, lipid combustion is increased, improving the weight gain and fat accumulation induced by the HFD.If additional experimental results on human application align with the above findings, NPE holds the potential as a low-side-effect ingredient for weight loss supplements. Presentation: 6/1/2024

6376 Wnt/beta-catenin Pathway is Associated with Cell Proliferation in Growth Hormone-producing Pituitary Tumors

Abstract Disclosure: S. Kuwabara: None. H. Kameda: None. H. Nomoto: None. K. Cho: None. A. Nakamura: None. Y. Ishi: None. H. Motegi: None. M. Fujimura: None. T. Atsumi: None. Objective: It has been well recognized that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates cell proliferation, and that translocation of β-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus promotes cell proliferation. There have been, however, limited reports on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in growth hormone-producing pituitary tumors (GHomas), and we aimed to investigate the impact of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway on cell proliferation in GHomas. Methods: We performed three types of experiments with patient pathological specimens, disease model cell lines, and primary culture of GHoma cells. 1.The intracellular localization of β-catenin was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining of pathological specimens from GHoma patients and subsequently its association with clinical data was analyzed. 2.The Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor iCRT14 was administered to rat GHoma cells GH1, using the WST-1 assay to measure cell viability and real-time PCR to assess GH and cell cycle genes expression. 3. The Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor iCRT14 was added to cultured cells obtained from GHoma patients to evaluate cell viability and gene expression. Results: 1. Samples from 26 cases (42%) exhibited strong dot-like expression of β-catenin in the nucleus (dot pattern (DP) group), and samples from 36 cases (58%) showed β-catenin expression in the cytoplasm or cell membrane (non-DP group). Tumors in the DP group had a larger size than non-DP group (diameters 18.3±9.2 vs. 13.4±7.4 mm, p<0.05), and the postoperative remission rate was lower (23 vs. 50%, p<0.05). 2. Viability evaluation using WST-1 assay showed a maximum decrease of 25%. Gene expression showed concentration-dependent reduction in GH gene expression by up to 40% (p<0.05) and cyclin D1 gene up to 50% (p<0.05) following iCRT14 administration. 3. Among 6 cases, 3 showed a tendency toward cell growth inhibition, and 4 showed a tendency toward decreased cyclin D1 gene expression. Conclusion: It is suggested that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is activated in the DP group because of the nucleus accumulation of β-catenin, and given the larger tumor size and lower postoperative remission rate in DP group, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway may stimulate cell proliferation in GHomas. In addition, cyclin D1-mediated effects were considered. Wnt/β-catenin pathway could play a role in GHomas growth, therefore this pathway would be a potential therapeutic target for treating affected patients. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Our experience with a modified prying-up technique for closed reduction of irreducible supracondylar humeral fractures

Satisfactory reduction of some displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures is not achievable via closed reduction, thus necessitating open procedure, which increases the incidence of complications. Using percutaneous prying-up technique to assist closed reduction may reduce the requirement for transform to an open operation. We retrospectively reviewed displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures treated by the same surgeon from September 2021 to January 2024,with 134 subjects meeting criteria for inclusion. These children were divided into two groups. In Group A(n = 61),the prying-up technique was used to assist with closed reduction of fractures. Group B(n = 73) included fractures treated with conventional manual traction. To balance group size,12 fractures from group A were randomly removed, leaving a final 61 patients in each group. Demographics, operative time, the rate of failed closed reduction, complications and radiographic results were analyzed. The operative time was significantly less in Group A as compared with Group B(mean difference, − 7.22; [95% confidence interval (CI), − 8.49 to − 5.94]; p < 0.001). The rate of failed closed reduction were significantly lower in Group A as compared to Group B(2 of 61 vs. 10 of 61, p = 0.015).However, we found no difference in terms of the radiographic results and complications between the two groups(p > 0.05). percutaneous prying-up technique significantly improves the efficiency of surgery and reduces rate of failed closed reduction of supracondylar humeral fractures in pediatric patients. Level III, retrospective comparative study.See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Mobile People in Closed Networks? Complementary Methods of Studying Social Simultaneity in Transnational Settings

ABSTRACTSocial simultaneity describes individuals active in multiple social contexts. Migrant networks serve as a case study where social network analysis (SNA) has recently been applied to evaluate their assimilation and transnationality. Yet, networks are sometimes insubstantial, as all nominated nodes and bridges are part of the network graph except they are not part of the social grouping. This research attempts to look beyond the social networks metaphor as it reviews critical group size theory and complements SNA with network survey and ethnographic interpretation. The article questions the structural approach and argues that interaction among alters may not be accurately recorded by this method. A respondent‐driven sampling method was used to select and survey 55 egocentric networks out of some 248 Romanian migrant networks in Spain. Results endorse precautions of critical group size theory that do not fit prescriptions of SNA. Resilient social networks and strong reciprocity and exchanges support the moderate transnational space types within the surveyed case. The article concludes that smooth social embeddedness and neoteric cultural diversity eventually reveal characteristics of third‐generation migration in Europe. Despite this, the number of Romanians in Spain decreased at the end of COVID‐19 pandemic.

Evaluation of the performance of a machine learning based atrial fibrillation screening algorithm using an oscillometric blood pressure monitor

Blood pressure monitors (BPMs) with atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection function can be used to detect AFib early. However, conventional algorithms require multiple BP measurements. Here, the feasibility of a machine-learning-based approach for AFib detection through single BP measurement was evaluated. First, a custom AdaBoost-based software, which analyzes the pulse-to-pulse interval (PPI) pattern and classifies it based on AFib detection, was created. Then, its classification performance was validated. For the validation study, PPI and standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) datasets were collected from 79 and 92 Japanese participants with and without AFib, respectively. PPI data were obtained using two different BPMs. All ECG results were interpreted by cardiologists. The custom software output for the PPI dataset and ECG interpreted results was compared, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. A sensitivity and specificity for PPI from main device were 97.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91.2–99.3%) and 98.9 (95% CI 94.1–99.8), respectively. No significant differences in sensitivity and specificity were observed in the subgroup analysis between different devices, age groups, and arm size groups. These results reflect the high accuracy and robustness of this AFib algorithm using a single BP measurement and supports its use for widespread AFib screening.

Advantages, disadvantages and optimization of organ-sparing methods for uterine fibroids treatment

Introduction. Uterine fibroids (UF) are benign monoclonal hormone-depended tumors originating from smooth myocytes of cervix or body uterus affecting up to 29 % of women aged 15–45 years worldwide. Taking into account the current demographic situation and annually increasing tendency for pregnancy planning at older reproductive age, an organ-sparing strategy is becoming a first-priority approach for UF treatment.Aim: to investigate efficiency of selective progesterone receptors modulators (SPRM) for UF treatment in women of reproductive age.Materials and Methods. A prospective cohort study involved 40 patients with UF at average age of 39.3 ± 5.8 years. Using simple randomization, the patients were divided into 2 groups per 20 subjects in each. The average age of the patients was comparable and comprised 38.15 ± 5.65 and 40.5 ± 5.8 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.203). In both groups, after assessing liver function tests in accordance with the instructions, a treatment course with SPRM group drug (ulipristal acetate) was used at a daily dose of 5 mg for 84 days (1 course) with an interval until the onset of second menstruation after drug withdrawal. Group 1 and group 2 subjects received 2 and 3 therapy courses, respectively. After each course, patients underwent control ultrasound examinations (UE) by analyzing uterus volume and diameter of dominant myomatous node along with liver tests. A temporal quantitation of the difference between UF and dominant node two sizes as well as the maximum uterine volume size and effect size assessment was expressed as the difference of means (Δ) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI).Results. Based on UE data, the uterus size in group 1 was enlarged to an average of 129.49 ± 75.57 cm3, the maximum size of dominant node was 38.9 ± 17.38 mm; in group 2, the uterus was as large as 294.83 ± 161.37 cm3 with maximum size of the dominant node of 53.33 ± 25.48 mm. After therapy in group 1, dominant node size was significant regressed: after therapy course 1 an effect size of quantitated difference between UF two sizes and the dominant node (Δ) was 8.70 (4.11; 13.29) mm (p &lt; 0.001). After therapy course 2 vs. therapy course 1, a size stabilization (Δ) was noted comprising 1.00 (–1.39; 3.39) mm (p = 0.390); the total effect (Δ) was 9.67 (–14.59; –4.75) mm (p &lt;0.001). In group 2, after therapy course 1, the dominant node also regressed, with effect size (Δ) of 9.49 (7.08; 11.89) mm (p = 0.001). The effect (Δ) after therapy course 2 vs. therapy course 1 in group 2 was more prominent reaching 10.74 (5.86; 15.61) mm (p = 0.001). However, after therapy course 3, a larger node size was observed compared to therapy course 2 – (Δ) 8.25 (0.67; 15.83) mm (p = 0.329). Despite the lack of pronounced negative dynamics, based on medical indications 9 patients in group 2 underwent uterine artery embolization to prevent disease relapse.Conclusion. SPRM therapy can be used both as an independent means for MM therapy and in combination with surgical interventions. Such an approach allows for some women to become pregnant without preceding myomectomy, whereas for those approaching age-related menopause to avoid surgical treatment and gently enter natural postmenopause. Currently, conservative and surgical treatment methods for leiomyomas should complement each other to achieve the best clinical outcomes.

Robust dynamic contracts with multiple agents

We develop a continuous-time dynamic multi-agent contracting model in which the principal is unsure about the distributions of the project's terminal payoffs and worries about model misspecification. With model uncertainty, workers' wages depend on the outputs of other unrelated projects and the optimal contracts exhibit overdetermination. We demonstrate an inverse U-shaped relationship between the extent of overdetermination and group size. Moreover, model uncertainty induces wage compression, especially in small firms as the empirical evidence demonstrates. Finally, expanding the group size increases the average project value by mitigating the negative impacts of ambiguity.

Energetically costly weaponry in the large morph of male stag beetles

AbstractMales of many species develop disproportionately large weapons, and frequently the weapon size increases more quickly with body size in small than in large males—a trend often considered to result from the depletion of developmental resources limiting male weapon exaggeration. Based on the cost‐minimization hypothesis, a shallower weapon‐body size allometric slope in large than in small males could be selected for if the energetic maintenance costs of having oversized weapons increase faster in large than in small males. Whether males of different size groups that differ in the weapon‐body size allometric relationship also differ in the energetic costs of maintaining their weapons has not yet been investigated. Consequently, we studied this using the stag beetle (Cyclommatus mniszechi), in which males are larger in size and have larger mandibles than do females and are divided into two morphs: majors are larger and have longer mandibles than minors. In both male morphs, mandible size increases disproportionately with their body size, but it increases more quickly in minors than in majors. We measured the standard metabolic rate (SMR) of the three types of these beetles (the two male morphs and females) to investigate whether the energetic maintenance cost of carrying weapons differs among them. Body weight explained 80% of the variation in the SMR in the three types of beetles, and SMR increased more quickly with body weight in major males than in minor males or females. Weapon and body size also jointly explained approximately 80% of the variation in the SMR. Whereas SMR increased with body size in all three types of beetles (with a higher rate of increase in major males than in minor males or females), only the major males' SMR increased with weapon size. Overall, being heavier and larger and carrying oversized weapons are energetically costly in major males, something which could constrain the exaggeration of their weapons.

A scoping review of preclinical intensive care unit-acquired weakness models.

Animal models focusing on neuromuscular outcomes are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) and exploring potential innovative prevention and treatment strategies. To analyse and evaluate preclinical ICU-AW models. We manually searched five English and four Chinese databases from 1 January 2002, to 1 February 2024, and reviewed related study references. Full-text publications describing animal models of muscle weakness and atrophy in critical illness were included. Detailed information about model types, animal species, sex, age, induction methods, outcome measures, drawbacks and strengths was extracted from each included study. A total of 3,451 citations were initially retrieved, with 84 studies included in the final analysis. The most frequently studied animal model included rodents (86.9%), 64.3% of which were male animals. ICU-AW animal models were mostly induced by comprehensive intensive care unit (ICU) interventions (38.1%) and sepsis (51.2%). Most studies focused on limb muscles (66.7%), diaphragm muscles (21.4%) or both (9.5%). Reported outcomes primarily included muscular pathological changes (83.3%), electrophysiological examinations of muscles (57.1%) and animal grip strength (16.6%). However, details such as animal age, mortality data, experimental design, randomisation, blinding, sample size and interventions for the experimental group and/or control group were inadequately reported. Many preclinical models are used to study ICU-AW, but the reporting of methodological details is often incomplete. Although current ICU animal models can mimic the characteristics of human ICU-AW, there is no standard model. Future preclinical studies should develop a standard ICU-AW animal model to enhance reproducibility and improve scientific rigor in exploring the mechanisms and potential treatment of ICU-AW.

Peripheral Population Status and Habitat Suitability Assessment of the Kiang (Equus kiang) on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau

Shiqu County, Sichuan Province, forms the eastern edge of the distribution area of the kiang (Equus kiang). It is important to assess the population and habitat status of peripheral populations, as these play a significant role in the development of conservation strategies for kiangs. Based on field transect data collected from July to August 2023, this study predicted the suitable habitat distribution of kiangs in Shiqu County using a MaxEnt model and estimated the population size and density using the ‘Distance’ package. Additionally, it analyzed the responses of the group size of kiangs to environmental factors in Shiqu County. The results showed that the area of suitable habitat for kiangs is 3402.45 km2, accounting for 13.51% of the total area of Shiqu County. The estimated population was 1395.00 ± 272.20, with a population density of 0.41 ± 0.08/km2. Additionally, the group size of kiangs was significantly positively correlated with the distance from the road and grazing site. The distance from the grazing site, elevation, and temperature annual range are the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of kiangs. This study initially revealed the peripheral population Status and suitable habitat of the kiang on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, and the potential threat of grazing interference and road obstruction. The research results can provide a scientific reference for the population and habitat protection of kiangs in this area.

INVESTIGATING THE INHERITANCE PATTERNS AND POTENTIAL ASSOCIATIONS OF SELECTED HUMAN MORPHOGENETIC TRAITS

This research analyses the distribution, inheritance patterns, and potential associations between various physical characteristics(Handedness, Hand-clasping, Tongue-rolling, tongue folding and Hitchhiker’s thumb, Mid-phalangeal hair, bent little finger, Cleft chin, Widow’s peak, earlobe attachment &amp; Dimpled cheeks) in students from the Faculty of Agriculture Sciences. The Chi-square was used of independence to assess inheritance patterns and potential links. The findings reveal interesting patterns: some recessive traits viz; Mid-phalangeal hair, bent little finger, Cleft chin, Widow’s peak, earlobe attachment &amp; Dimpled cheeks were more common than their dominant counterparts. In contrast, dominant features such as handedness, hand-clasping, tongue-rolling, tongue folding, and hitchhiker's thumb were found more frequently. There is also a significant relationship between morphogenetic features (tongue rolling, mid-phalangeal hair, and widow's peak) and gender. This investigation has implications for several disciplines, including human genetics, forensics, and anthropology. Establishing a baseline for this specific population size group allows for future investigation into human variety and the intriguing realm of inheritance.

Post-harvest loss assessment of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) along the value chain in Bangladesh

Hilsa, the national fish of Bangladesh, contributes more than 12 % of the country's total fish production. Considering the species' importance, this study assessed the post-harvest loss (PHL) of Hilsa across the value chain. Data were collected at the landing and distribution chain from 200 fisherman, 40 aratdars (Aratdar-I), 40 wholesalers at landing sites of the Chandpur district, 40 aratdars (Aratdar-II), and 70 retailers at the distribution sites of the Jamalpur district. The results revealed 12.56 % post-harvest losses in the value chains, most of which were caused by quality losses (8.41 %). Along the value chain, fishermen faced the highest losses 5.291 %, followed by 3.813 % in the retailers. These findings suggest fishermen and retail markets are hotspots of spoilage and fish loss. The OLS regression model indicated that inappropriate age and lack of experience of stakeholders, prolonged harvesting time, inadequate washing facilities, fishermen small size group, longer distances between fishing locations and landing sites, lack of proper education and training, delaying auctioning, insufficient infrastructure facilities, longer selling time, and insufficient cooling facilities were the significant factors causing PHL in the value chain. Nutritional analysis revealed substantial changes across the value chain. Moisture content increased steadily, which accelerated the spoilage. A significant decrease in protein, lipid and ash indicated the substantial loss of nutrients after harvesting up to the retail market. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for nutritional composition analyses demonstrated that after the catch, aratdar-I, and boat had higher nutrient levels, while aratdar-II, local wholesaler, and post-transportation had higher moisture and lower nutrient levels. The PC1 accounted 95.92 % of the variation, indicating that handling and storage had significant influences in maintaining nutritional quality. To reduce post-harvest losses, the government must implement standardized practices throughout the Hilsa value chain to ensure food security and sustainability in the Hilsa fishery and boost the economy.

When multi-group selection meets mystery of cooperation in structured public goods games.

Cooperation is the cornerstone of social stability and human development. In order to promote mutual cooperation among individuals, some researchers analyzed the important factors influencing individual behavior from the perspective of group selection, while others revealed the evolutionary mechanism of cooperative behavior in groups from the perspective of network reciprocity. However, group selection and network reciprocity actually work together and simultaneously drive individuals to cooperate with each other. Analyzing each mechanism in isolation provides an incomplete understanding of the interaction process. Inspired by this, we integrate the coupled effects of both group selection and network reciprocity on the behavior of individuals. We develop a structured public goods game model to study the evolution of individual cooperative behavior in multiple groups, where each individual can interact not only with intra-group individuals but also with inter-group individuals. Based on the fixed probabilities of multi-group selection, including intra-group and inter-group selection, we derive a general condition that promotes cooperation among individuals. Besides, we discuss the effects of the number of neighbors in a group, group size, and group size on the selection of cooperative behavior. Finally, we systematically compare our model with the well-mixed case, and the results show that a structured population enhances cooperation. Increasing the number of populations boosts the fixation probability of cooperation. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to study the cooperative evolutionary dynamics of multi-group selection in structured populations through public goods games.

Causal evidence for social group sizes from Wikipedia editing data.

Human communities have self-organizing properties in which specific Dunbar Numbers may be invoked to explain group attachments. By analysing Wikipedia editing histories across a wide range of subject pages, we show that there is an emergent coherence in the size of transient groups formed to edit the content of subject texts, with two peaks averaging at around for the size corresponding to maximal contention, and at around as a regular team. These values are consistent with the observed sizes of conversational groups, as well as the hierarchical structuring of Dunbar graphs. We use a model of bipartite trust to derive a scaling law that fits the data and may apply to all group size distributions when these are based on attraction to a seeded group process. In addition to providing further evidence that even spontaneous communities of strangers are self-organizing, the results have important implications for the governance of the Wikipedia commons and for the security of all online social platforms and associations.

Therapeutic Angiogenesis for Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia: Promising or Hoax?

Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI) is a critical end-stage disease that leads to high amputation rates. Over the past few decades, therapeutic angiogenesis has attracted a lot of attention as a means to reduce the necessity for amputations. Especially gene- and cell therapy are regarded to as possible treatment modalities to restore the hampered blood flow. So far, early phase clinical trials often fail to prove significant clinical improvement in mortality, amputation rate and ulcer healing, but still conclude that therapeutic angiogenesis might be promising as therapy. The subsequent phase III clinical trials based on these indecisive early trials fail consistently to demonstrate clinical benefits leaving the promising early results unvalidated. In this review we will illustrate that designing good trials for CLTI patients is challenging, not in the last place since patients are often not eligible due to strict inclusion criteria. Moreover, in this review we advocate that clinical trials should be conducted with a low risk of bias and that it is of utmost importance to publish results, regardless of the outcome. It is definitely very concerning that many studies of a lower quality (due to small groups size or high chance for bias) reporting positive outcomes are published while good quality trials (often with larger group sizes) are stopped prematurely due to lack of effects and remain unpublished. This keeps the 'promising but not yet proven' image of these therapeutic neovascularization studies needless alive, with still new groups starting similar trials.

Determination of body length regression formulas for the golden grey mullet (Chelon auratus, Risso 1810) based on otoliths found in the feces of the Caspian Seal (Pusa caspica Gmelin, 1788)

The Caspian Seal, the sole mammal endemic to the Caspian Sea, is listed in the IUCN Red List as a species facing the threat of extinction, a status similarly recognized and/or assigned in all countries in the Caspian region.The study of seal nutrition using caprological methods is of great interest for understanding animal adaptation to deteriorating habitat conditions and assessing the adequacy of their food base in the sea. This method involves analyzing the contents of feces from ichthyophages to detect undigested fish otoliths.The results of studying the seal's diet during periods of haulout on breeding grounds showed that the frequency of occurrence of Chelon auratus otoliths ranged from 2-3% to 27.7% of all fish otoliths detected in feces.This study aims to assess changes in Chelon auratus otoliths as they pass through seals' gastrointestinal tracts and estimate formulas for recovering the linear dimensions of fish consumed by these seals.The research indicates that otolith growth slows with fish growth but does not cease entirely. Allometry is evident in the different ratios of otolith length and width to fish length in various size groups and the change in otolith shape as fish grow.To recover the body length of fish consumed by seals based on otoliths found in their feces, applying inverse calculation formulas obtained when studying the relationship between otolith growth and fish body growth using collection material obtained directly from fish is possible.Further research should focus on refining the recovery formula for the length of large fish by dividing the length into several segments, each described by separate formulas describing the relationship between fish body length and otolith length and width growth.

Effects of carbon nanoparticle insertion on stress reduction in hydrogenated amorphous carbon films using plasma chemical vapor deposition

Stress reduction in hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) films is of considerable interest for improving their performance as protective films. Herein, we reduced the compressive stress of the films by inserting carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) between two a-C:H layers to form an a-C:H/CNP/a-C:H sandwich structure using a system of plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We measured the deposition features of the CNPs via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and assessed the dependence of the stress on the thickness of the second a-C:H layer as a parameter of surface coverage, Cp. We represented the stress reduction as a function of Cp; mean size of large CNPs, and thickness of the first and second a-C:H layers. In addition, the surface and film morphologies were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared with films without CNPs, those containing CNPs with 8.9 % Cp showed 36 % lower stress when the thickness of the second a-C:H layer was similar to that of the first (154 nm). The deposited CNPs exhibited two size groups, with mean sizes of the small and large CNPs of 5 and 16 nm, respectively. Stress reduction was strongly correlated with the distance between large CNPs. The insertion of CNPs between a-C:H films affects the surface morphology of the second layer, and the stress decreases when the growth stage of the film starts transitioning from three-dimensional (3D) to two-dimensional (2D).