Limited Influence Research Articles

Evidence of habitat specificity in sponge microbiomes from Antarctica

BackgroundMarine sponges and their microbiomes are ecosystem engineers distributed across the globe. However, most research has focused on tropical and temperate sponges, while polar regions like Antarctica have been largely neglected. Despite its harsh conditions and geographical isolation, Antarctica is densely populated by sponges. In this study, we explored the extent of habitat specificity in the diversity, community composition, and microbial co-occurrence within Antarctic sponge microbiomes, in comparison to those from other marine environments. We used massive sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and integrated multiple databases to incorporate Antarctic sponges as a habitat in global microbiome analyses.ResultsOur study revealed significant differences in microbial diversity and community composition between Antarctic and non-Antarctic sponges. We found that most microorganisms present in Antarctic sponges are unique to the South Shetland Islands. Nitrosomonas oligotropha, Candidatus Nitrosopumilus, Polaribacter, SAR116 clade, and Low Salinity Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria (LS-NOB) are microbial members characterizing the Antarctic sponge microbiomes. Based on their exclusivity and presence across different sponges worldwide, we identified habitat-specific and habitat-generalist bacteria associated with each habitat. They are particularly abundant and connected within all the Antarctic sponges, suggesting that they may play a crucial role as keystone species within these sponge ecosystems.ConclusionsThis study provides significant insights into the microbial diversity and community composition of sponges in Antarctica and non-Antarctic ecoregions. Our findings provide evidence for habitat-specific patterns that differentiate the microbiomes of Antarctic sponges from elsewhere, indicating the strong influence of environmental selection and dispersal limitation wrapped into the Antarctic ecoregions to shape more similar microbial communities in distantly related sponges. This study contributes to understanding signatures of microbial community assembly in the Antarctic sponges and has important implications for the ecology and evolution of these unique marine environments.

Comprehensive analysis of the Apertif fast radio burst sample. Similarities with young energetic neutron stars

Understanding the origin of energetic fast radio bursts (FRBs) has become the main science driver of recent dedicated FRB surveys powered by real-time instrumentation. Between July 2019 and February 2022, we carried out ALERT, an FRB survey at 1370\,MHz using the Apertif Radio Transient System (ARTS) installed at the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT). Here we report the detection of 18 new FRBs. We studied the properties of the entire 24-burst sample that were detected during the survey. For five bursts, we identified host galaxy candidates within their error regions with >50<!PCT!> probability association. We observed an average linear polarisation fraction of $ and an average circular polarisation fraction consistent with 0<!PCT!>. One-third of the FRBs display multiple components. These burst structures and the polarisation fractions are strikingly similar to those observed in young energetic pulsars and magnetars. The Apertif FRBs next reveal a population of highly scattered bursts. Given the observing frequency and time resolution, the scattering of most FRBs is likely to have been produced in the immediate circumburst environment. Furthermore, two FRBs show evidence of high rotation measure values which could reach RM in the source reference frames. This corroborates that some source environments are dominated by magneto-ionic effects. Together, the scattering and rotation measures that ALERT has found prove that a large fraction of FRBs are embedded in complex media such as star-forming regions or supernova remnants. Through the discovery of FRB\,20200719A, the third most dispersed FRB so far, we further show that one-off FRBs emit at frequencies in excess of 6\,GHz, the highest known to date. We compare this to the radio-bright high-frequency emission seen in magnetars. Finally, we determine an FRB all-sky rate of above a fluence limit of 4.1\ and a fluence cumulative distribution with a power-law index pm0.2 $, which is roughly consistent with the Euclidean Universe predictions. Through the high resolution in time, frequency, polarisation, and localisation that ALERT featured, we were able to determine the morphological complexity, polarisation, local scattering and magnetic environment, and high-frequency luminosity of FRBs. We find all of these parameters strongly resemble those seen in young, energetic, highly magnetised neutron stars.

Predictive risk models for COVID-19 patients using the multi-thresholding meta-algorithm

This study aims to develop a Machine Learning model to assess the risks faced by COVID-19 patients in a hospital setting, focusing specifically on predicting the complications leading to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission or mortality, which are minority classes compared to the majority class of discharged patients. We operate within a multiclass framework comprising three distinct classes, and address the challenge of dataset imbalance, a common source of model bias. To effectively manage this, we introduce the Multi-Thresholding meta-algorithm (MTh), an innovative output-level methodology that extends traditional thresholding from binary to multiclass classification. This methodology dynamically adjusts class probabilities using misclassification costs, making it highly effective in imbalanced datasets. Our approach is further enhanced by integrating the simplicity, transparency, and effectiveness of Bayesian networks to create a robust predictive model. Using patient admission data, the model accurately identifies key risk and protective factors for COVID-19 outcomes. Our findings indicate that certain patient characteristics, such as high Charlson Index and pre-existing conditions, significantly influence the risk of ICU admission and mortality. Moreover, we introduce an explanatory model that elucidates the interrelationships among these factors, demonstrating the influence of therapeutic limits on the overall risk assessment of COVID-19 patients. Overall, our research provides a significant contribution to the field of Machine Learning by offering a novel solution for multiclass classification in the context of imbalanced datasets. This model not only enhances predictive accuracy but also supports critical decision-making processes in healthcare, potentially improving patient outcomes and optimizing clinical resource allocation.

Influence of Credit Limitations on the Growth of Small Enterprises in Fragile States: The case of Bosaso, Somalia

In recent years, the development of small enterprises has emerged as a vital component of economic growth and poverty alleviation in many countries. This study aimed to investigate the influence of credit limitations on the growth of Small Enterprises in Bosaso, Somalia. To achieve this objective primary data was collected and analyzed employing content analysis and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that a majority of small enterprises in Bosaso have access to credit, with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and banks being the primary sources. However, a significant minority still lacks access to credit, mainly due to weak banking infrastructure and insufficient collateral. Small enterprises face numerous challenges when seeking loans, including insufficient guarantor, Political instability, limited financial infrastructure, high interest rates, and limited collateral. These challenges hinder their ability to access credit, limiting their growth potential. Also, the regression analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between credit availability and small enterprise growth. Conversely, the access to loan and the cost of credit were found to have negative impacts on growth. On the other hand, Small Enterprises in Bosaso employ various coping strategies to overcome credit limitations, including informal financing, asset-based financing, diversification of income streams, cost reduction measures, and seeking grants or donor funding. Based on these findings, the authors made several recommendations to address the challenges and enhance the growth prospects of small enterprises in Bosaso, Somalia.

Enhancing retention of biological fluid transport of magnetized thermal radiative pseudoplastic nanofluid with double diffusion convection, viscous dissipation and boundary slips

This study investigates how thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, double-diffusive convection, and slip boundaries collectively affect the peristaltic movement of a magneto-pseudoplastic nanofluid within a uniform channel. The inclusion of slip boundary conditions at the channel walls helps to accurately represent the flow behavior of the nanofluid near these boundaries. The magneto-pseudoplastic nanofluid exhibits peculiar rheological features to flow dynamics due to pseudoplastic characteristics of nanoparticles in its composition and exposure to magnetic force. The mathematical formulation of motion equations is done through appropriate technique combining the properties of heat radiation, magnetic flux, double diffusion convection, and rheological features. The equation is further simplified by suitable method. The current study aims to evaluate the peristaltic movement under influence of slip boundaries characteristics, sort of concentration, heat radioactivity, flux properties, and temperature profile. Moreover, it will assess the flow dynamics with ratio of mass and heat exchange under the effect of critical parameters which include Prandtl number, Grashof number, slip limitations, and Hartmann number. So, the research will widen the theoretical underpinning of complex fluid transportation of magneto-pseudoplastic nanofluids under peristaltic flux and explicate the practical outcomes in terms of slip boundary settings in such systems. The results and conclusions are imperative for restructuring and devising biomedicine engineering, microfluidic equipment and gadgets, manufacturing techniques for complex fluid with peristaltic flow under the influence of slip limitations and magnetic force.

The Influence Of Ankle Dorsiflexion Limitation On Injury Risks Among Volleyball Athletes

The Influence Of Ankle Dorsiflexion Limitation On Injury Risks Among Volleyball Athletes

Cooperative energy interaction for neighboring multiple distribution substation areas considering demand response

With the growing integration of renewable energy into medium- and low-voltage distribution networks, the distribution substation area (DSA) has emerged, encompassing energy storage and loads. This paper introduces an energy interaction framework for multiple DSAs aimed at enhancing local renewable energy consumption. The energy interaction issue among various DSAs is modeled as a Nash bargaining problem to encourage energy exchanges. However, the variability in pricing and internal demand response may influence scheduling decisions, necessitating further investigation. To address price forecast errors, scenarios are developed using a stochastic programming approach to represent price uncertainties while adjusting the DSA’s load accordingly. Optimal power flow constraints are integrated into the model to bolster power system operation security. Additionally, the transmission capacity can impact scheduling outcomes and operational costs. The influence of transmission limitations on operational strategies is examined within the allowable capacity. To solve this issue, the bargaining model is divided into two subproblems, and an enhanced alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) is used to maintain the privacy of DSAs. The simulation results obtained using the IEEE-33 bus system indicate that energy interaction among multiple DSAs significantly lowers operating costs and facilitates the integration of renewable energy.

Optimizing Inventory Model for Negative Exponential and Linear Split Demand and Gompertz Distribution Deterioration with Shortages

This article introduces a mathematical model for optimizing total profit by considering various complex factors, including time-dependent shortages, split demand, Gompertz distribution degradation, a linear holding cost function, and partial backlog issues. The two stages of demand, which are time-dependent linear demand and price-dependent exponential demand, occur when there are no shortages. A comprehensive approach to inventory management decision-making is illustrated through a sensitivity analysis and numerical example, highlighting the influence of system limitations on the optimization outcomes. This model is an effective tool for improving inventory management practices and assessing concavity while maximizing profitability. With MATLAB, relationships between model parameters are graphically represented.

Research on the limit theoretical model and influence rules of multiphase RMI mixing zone width under the influence of particle density and radius

Research on the limit theoretical model and influence rules of multiphase RMI mixing zone width under the influence of particle density and radius

Exploration of sulfamethoxazole removal triggered by copper slag-based geopolymer: Radical versus nonradical contributions

The advanced oxidation processes based on sulfate radicals offer environmental sustainability and exhibit potential for effectively breaking down antibiotics. Among various iron-based materials for activating peroxydisulfate, copper slags are iron-rich raw material and can serve as an excellent catalyst. In this study, acid-activated copper slag-based geopolymers were successfully synthesized using a 1:1 mass ratio of copper slag and metakaolin as raw materials. In the geopolymer based electrocatalytic system, the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was 99.1 % within 60 mins under the optimized operating conditon of initial pH 3.0, current density of 20 mA/cm2, inter-electrode distance of 3 cm, geopolymer dosage of 1 g/L, and electrolytic concentration of 75 mM/L. The presence of GP provided surface Fe(II) to further activate H2O2 and peroxydisulfate and hence promote the degradation of SMX. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, quenching experiments, electrochemical techniques, and probe analysis, were employed to investigate the radical and nonradical pathways within the system. The reactive oxygen species identified in the proposed system included hydroxyl radicals (·OH), sulfate radicals (SO4·-), and singlet oxygen (1O2). SO4·- was the predominant reactive oxygen species, playing a crucial role in the radical pathway with a contribution of 62.1 %. 1O2 was the sole nonradical pathways involved, exerting limit influence on SMX degradation. Additionally, six potential intermediate pathways for SMX degradation were identified. This research not only systematically offers a comprehensive understanding of the oxidation mechanisms in heterogeneous electro-catalytic systems but also demonstrates a high-value utilization strategy of metallurgical industrial solid waste for resource recycling.

Unleashing stock volatility and its implications for stock crash risk: Evidence from China’s price limit policies

This study investigates the causal effects of increased daily stock volatility on the stock price crash risk. We examine the 2020 adjustment of price limits in the Chinese stock market, which significantly increased stock volatility, using it as a quasi-natural experiment. We employed a difference-in-differences approach, and our findings reveal that firms listed on the ChiNext board experienced reduced crash risk following the relaxation of price limits. This reduction is attributed to the influence of price limits on corporate governance, in which a more pronounced effect is observed in firms with less efficient governance structures. Further, we note that wider price limits prompt reduced information asymmetry between firms and investors, which subsequently mitigates stock price crash risk. Reduced crash risk is notably more evident in state owned firms and in firms inside the high technology industry. Our study illuminates how daily price limit relaxation affects the withholding of adverse news and offers significant policy implications for emerging financial markets.

Enhanced catalytic performance of ferrierite zeolites via finned morphology for carbonylation of dimethyl ether

The carbonylation of dimethyl ether (DME) to produce methyl acetate (MA) has a promising prospect in industry. FER zeolites have high MA selectivity and considerable stability but suffer from low activity due to diffusion limitation. Enhancing the diffusion properties of FER zeolites can improve their competitiveness in the DME carbonylation. This study proposed the synthesis of finned FER zeolites with low Si/Al ratio by a secondary growth method. Based on NH3-TPD and FTIR, the amount and distribution of acid sites in FER with fins were determined. Combining the normalized MA formation rates on the BASs in 8-MR and diffusion kinetic studies of DME, the influence of diffusion limitation was quantitatively discussed. The results showed that the acidity and diffusion properties were significantly improved on the finned FER, which boosted the DME conversion. This work illustrated the importance of the acidity and diffusion properties in FER catalyzed DME carbonylation. It inspires the rational design of zeolite catalysts by constructing morphology and optimizing compositions.

Maximum Operational Fluence Limits for Temporally Shaped Nanosecond Long Pulses

The maximum energy at which a laser can be operated safely is a matter of paramount importance. This is patently related to laser induced damage. In the nanosecond regime, this poses a unique challenge, as it is not solely influenced by laser intensity or thermal load. Instead, it arises from the cumulative effects that includes those two factors. While extensive research has explored this dependence for various pulse lengths, the exploration of different longitudinal modes and temporal shapes is relatively limited. Our study aims to fill this gap by determining the safe operational fluence for any pulse shape, leveraging established dependencies on pulse duration. We propose a straightforward and adaptable method to ascertain these operational limits, independent of the type or origin of laser damage. This approach allows us to derive fluence limits for diverse pulse shapes.

Dynamics of energy transport on hydromagnetic Casson slippery nanoflow over curved surface

The study of fluid flow over curved surfaces is crucial in various engineering applications, such as designing aircraft wings, turbines, and submarines. Curved surfaces are being explored in various biomedical applications, such as designing stents for blood vessels and implants for bones and joints. Concerning the present applications of curved stretching sheets on fluid dynamics along with trihybrid nanofluids, this study is unique and fills the research gaps and offers solutions to several issues. This work looks at the flow through the boundary layer of an electrically conductive trihybrid nanofluid and the convection heat exchange of a Casson fluid across a curved stretched surface encircled within a circle of radius R. The study considers the effects of thermal radiation using the non-linearized Rosseland approximation, as well as a magnetic field, and hydromagnetic slip. The flow as well as the transfer of heat problem is mathematically described by curvilinear coordinates. Using the combination of the shooting technique and the Runge-Kutta method, similar solutions to the modeled partial differential equations are produced, and the set of non-linear ordinary differential equations with a boundary value solver is implemented through the MATLAB program. The study finds the influence of several limits on critical characteristics such as fluid velocity, coefficient of skin friction, pressure, temperature, and rate of heat exchange over a surface. The findings are shown in tables and graphs. Additionally, a comparative analysis between the current findings and those found in the literature is provided. Blood-containing nanoparticles (GO-SWCNTs-MWCNTs) on curved surfaces could improve drug delivery effectiveness, growth of synthetic tissues or organs with complex structures and effective cancer therapy treatment.

Social support in maintaining mental health and quality of life among community-dwelling older people with functional limitations in Malaysia: a population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the mediation role of perceived social support in the relationship between functional limitations, depressive symptoms and quality of life among older people in Malaysia.SettingThe Malaysian...

Spatio-temporal changes of rice cropping system in Anhui Province from 2010 to 2020

Monitoring changes in rice production is of significant importance for addressing food security concerns in China. However, obtaining long-term, high-resolution rice planting maps is challenging due to the influence of cloud cover and temporal resolution limitations. This study, conducted on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, utilizes Landsat and Sentinel data and employs the difference in normalized difference vegetation index method (dNDVI) to extract the distribution in rice cultivation systems in Anhui Province over the past decade. The results indicate that, between 2010 and 2020, the area of single cropping rice cultivation in Anhui Province increased by 12513.612 km², while the area of double cropping rice cultivation decreased by 13527.892 km². The rice replanting index declined by 31%. With a notable shift observed in 2015, where a substantial area of double cropping rice was replaced by single cropping rice cultivation. Consequently, over the past decade, there has been a gradual decrease in the rice cultivation area in Anhui Province, accompanied by a significant shift from double to single cropping cultivation, and a continuous decline in the replanting index. This research provides vital clues for a deeper understanding of the rice planting pattern, offering scientific support for the sustainability of food production.

Social Media Use and Political Engagement in Polarized Times. Examining the Contextual Roles of Issue and Affective Polarization in Developed Democracies

ABSTRACT Studies addressing the normative questions of whether social media use positively or negatively affects citizens’ levels of democratic engagement and satisfaction with democracy have produced mixed findings. This study tests the proposition that political polarization plays an important contingent role in explaining these relationships. Combining Varieties of Democracy (VDEM) and World Values Survey (WVS) data, this study examines how issue polarization and affective polarization at the country level shape the relationships between social media use for political information and democratic outcomes in 27 developed democracies. The findings show divergent consequences of social media use contingent on affective polarization. In the countries with high affective polarization, social media use increased democratic engagement (i.e. participation and voting) and decreased satisfaction with democracy (i.e. political satisfaction and perceived quality of democracy), which may have implications for democratic erosion and backsliding. In the countries with low affective polarization, social media use increased the perceived quality of democracy but had no effect on political satisfaction. Issue polarization had a limited contingent influence. The findings contribute to the literature by explicating the dynamics of country-level affective polarization that can shape and contextualize the relationship between social media use and democratic engagement in democracies across the world.

Collision avoidance behaviours of luggage-laden pedestrians

Understanding how pedestrians move and avoid collisions is essential for ensuring safety in crowded environments. In this study, we conducted detailed experiments, focusing on variables such as movement type (walking and running), encounter angles (90 and 180 degrees), and pedestrian characteristics. We analyzed a total of 168 trajectories to gain insights into the collision avoidance strategies employed by luggage-laden pedestrians. Our study highlights the significant impact of luggage on the minimum avoidance distance in vertical encounters, while head-on approaches show limited influence. We use the minimum predicted distance to evaluate time avoidance time, with particular focus on the presence of luggage as a pivotal determinant. Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive categorization on pedestrian behaviors when carrying luggage, taking into account their speed and trajectory. Our findings reveal distinct strategies adopted by luggage-laden pedestrians when avoiding from the left and right sides. Interestingly, pedestrians employ more efficient conflict mitigation tactics when interacting with luggage-laden individuals approaching from the left compared to the right side. These insights are valuable for optimizing crowd management strategies, particularly in transportation hubs with luggage-laden crowds.

Organizational Commitment and Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis in the United States and New Zealand

ABSTRACT This study examined the link between organizational commitment (OC) and burnout during COVID-19 in New Zealand and the United States. Results revealed OC and burnout differed between the U.S. and New Zealand. In addition, the correlations between OC and the dimensions of burnout differed between the nations, particularly on issues linked with emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment. These results point to the influence of lockdowns and other physical limitations on burnout and commitment in organizations. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, as well as areas for future research.

Microbial Nutrient Limitation of Different Tea Cultivars: Evidence from Five Representative Cultivars

Soil microbial activity is generally limited by the availability of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), or phosphorus (P) in agricultural ecosystems. Soil ecoenzymatic activity (EEA), ecoenzymatic stoichiometry (EES), and vector characteristics were examined to assess microbial nutrient limitation. Investigating soil microbial nutrient limitation can provide insight into nutrient cycling in tea plantations with different tea cultivars. However, the dynamics of different tea cultivars on soil microbial nutrient limitations and their effect on tea quality remains poor. To address this issue, soil and plant samples were collected from a tea plantation cultivating five representative tea cultivars in Hunan Province, China. Baojing Huangjincha No. 1 (HJC1) and Huangjincha No. 2 (HJC2) were the extra early-sprouting cultivars, Zhuyeqi (ZYQ) and Zijuan (ZJ) were the middle-sprouting cultivars, and Zhenghedabai (ZHDB) was the late-sprouting cultivar, respectively. The results indicated that differences in EEA and EES were significant among five treatments. Notably, ZYQ and ZJ exhibited markedly lower activities of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) acquiring enzymes compared to HJC1 and HJC2, whereas ZHDB showed significantly higher ecoenzymatic activities. Despite a general limitation in C and P for soil microorganisms across all cultivars (VL ranging from 1.42 to 1.59 and VA ranging from 58.70° to 62.66°), the degree of microbial nutrient limitation varied. Specifically, ZYQ experienced a pronounced P limitation (VA = 62.66°, N:P enzyme = 0.52), as evidenced by increased vector angles and decreased N:P enzyme values. Although C limitation was most pronounced in ZYQ (VL = 1.59), it did not significantly differ among the cultivars. These findings suggest that tea cultivars can influence the P limitation of microbial communities. Further analysis revealed that microbial nutrient limitations might adversely affect tea quality via impeding enzyme secretion. This study highlights the critical role of nutrient cycling within the soil-microorganism-plant ecosystem and emphasizes the influence of soil microbial nutrient limitations on tea quality within tea plantations. It is recommended that in the management of tea plantation fertilization, managers need to consider the influence of cultivars and develop specialized cultivar fertilizers.