Functional Point Research Articles

A Hierarchical Software Quality Model for Estimating Function Point Analysis

Research indicates that the method of scaling software according to the quantity of business functions an application needs to complete is called function point analysis (FPA). As a result, a model that guarantees the quality attributes of such systems is required. An information system's functional size can be determined using the Function Point Analysis (FPA) approach. While there are several quality methodologies now in use for estimating FPA in general, none of them are specifically focused on Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA). This contribution includes a study of an analysis carried out on multiple approaches for different function points: ISO/IEC 20926:2003 International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG), ISO/IEC 20968:2002 Software engineering Mk II Function Point Analysis, ISO/IEC 19761:2011 Common Software Measurement International Consortium (COSMIC), and ISO/IEC 29881:2010 Functional Size Measurement method (FiSMA 1.1). The study also lists the drawbacks of the current methodologies, including their propensity to overlook specific Non-Functional Requirements (NFR) features like Accuracy, Security, Time Behavior, and Recoverability or their omission of a description of the methods used for quality measurement. This investigation leads to the development of a new software quality model that includes newly defined sets of sub-characteristics that are associated with a standard set of quality characteristics that are acceptable for estimating FPA components. The new software quality model matches the right kind of stakeholders with related quality attributes, avoiding some of the drawbacks of the previous approaches. The Software Quality Model (SQM) aims to help companies with the process of creating systems for Function Point Analysis (FPA) estimation, which is essential to the success of Software Project Management (SPM).

Ide Copy Number Variant Does Not Influence Stroke Severity in 2 C57BL/6J Mouse Models nor in Humans: An Exploratory Study.

Contrary to the common belief, the most commonly used laboratory C57BL/6J mouse inbred strain presents a distinctive genetic and phenotypic variability, and for several traits, the genotype-phenotype link remains still unknown. Recently, we characterized the most important stroke survival factor such as brain collateral plasticity in 2 brain ischemia C57BL/6J mouse models (bilateral common carotid artery stenosis and middle cerebral artery occlusion) and observed a Mendelian-like fashion of inheritance of the posterior communicating artery (PcomA) patency. Interestingly, a copy number variant (CNV) spanning Ide locus was reported to segregate in an analogous Mendelian-like pattern in the C57BL/6J colonies of the Jackson Laboratory. Given IDE critical role in vascular plasticity, we hypothesized Ide CNV may have explained PcomA variability in C57BL/6J inbred mice. We applied a combination of techniques (T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, time-of-flight angiography, cerebral blood flow imaging, and histology) to characterize the collaterome in 77 C57BL/6J bilateral common carotid artery stenosis, middle cerebral artery occlusion, naive, and sham mice and performed on these Taqman genotyping, exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing. We then investigated the hypothesis that IDE structural variants (CNVs, gain/loss of function mutations) may have influenced the cerebrovascular phenotype in a large cohort of 454 040 cases and controls (UK Biobank, Genomics England). We detected an Ide CNV in a bilateral common carotid artery stenosis mouse with 2 patent PcomAs (minor allele frequency, 1.3%), not segregating with the PcomA patency phenotype. In addition, 2 heterozygous IDE CNVs, resulting in loss of function were found in 1 patient with hereditary ataxia, a patient with hereditary congenital heart disease, and 2 healthy individuals (minor allele frequency 9×10-6). Moreover, we report 4 IDE loss of function point mutations (p.Leu5X, p.Met394ValfsX29, p.Pro14SerfsX26, p.Leu889X, minor allele frequency 0.02%) present also in controls or inherited from healthy parents. Ide CNV and loss of function variants are rare, do not crucially influence PcomA variability in C57BL/6J inbred mice, and do not cause a vascular phenotype in humans.

Efficacy and safety of microsurgery in patients with Gustilo ⅢC open fractures

To analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of microsurgery in patients with Gustilo ⅢC open fractures. A total of 64 patients with Gustilo ⅢC open fractures who were admitted to the hospital bewteen September 2018 and March 2022 were included, and divided into the observation group and the control group, with 32 cases in each one. In the observation group, there were 24 males and 8 females, aged from 29 to 42 years with an average of (36.59±3.24) years. The tibial defect ranged from 2 to 5 cm with an average of (3.41±0.61) cm, and the soft tissue defect area ranged from 34 to 76 cm2 with an average of (58.50±9.44) cm2. This group received microsurgical treatment. In the control group, there were 25 males and 7 females, aged from 27 to 44 years with an average of (37.59±3.21) years. The tibial defect ranged from 2 to 6 cm with an average of (3.59±0.80) cm, and the soft tissue defect area ranged from 36 to 78 cm2 with an average of (59.09±9.53) cm2. This group received conventional staged surgery, with plaster or brace fixation after initial debridement and appropriate internal fixation at a later stage. The Anderson scores, motor ability Fugl-Meyer scale, perioperative indicators, rehabilitation outcomes, and complications were compared between the two groups. The patients were followed up for a duration from 2.5 to 5.5 months with an average of (3.15±1.11) months. In the observation group, 19 patients were rated as excellent, 12 patients as good, 1 patient as fair, and no patients as poor. In the control group, 11 patients were rated as excellent, 13 patients as good, 6 patients as fair, and 2 patients as poor. The difference in outcomes between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The operation time, the hospitalization time, and the hospitalization cost in the observation group(4.39±0.69) h, (30.22±4.58) d, and (23, 500±3, 300) yuan, respectively were significantly lower than those in the control group(5.01±0.75) h, (33.28±3.74) d, and(30, 200±5, 200) yuan, respectively (P<0.05). Revascularization time(134.25±14.76) h, wound healing time(11.34±1.56) d, and fracture healing time(3.09±0.42) months in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group(P<0.05) which were (189.36±22.17) h, (13.22±2.03) d and (4.02±0.57) months respectively. The motor ability(42.91±5.51) points, sensory function(46.19±3.53) points, and total Fugl-Meyer score(89.09±6.08) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05) which were(35.19±4.27), (34.03±3.79), (69.22±6.32) points respectivdy. In the observation group, there were 1 case of refractory wound and 3 cases of complete nerve injury, which were lower than those in the control group (8 cases and 10 cases, respectively, P<0.05). The number of complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Microsurgical technique can effectively shorten the wound and fracture healing time in patients with Gustilo Ⅲ C open fracture, improve limb movement ability, and reduce the risk of poor prognosis and complications.

Length-Minimizing LED Trees

In this paper, we introduce a previously not studied type of Euclidean tree called LED (Leaves of Equal Depth) tree. LED trees can be used, for example, in computational phylogeny, since they are a natural representative of the time evolution of a set of species in a feature space. This work is focused on LED trees that are length minimizers for a given set of leaves and a given isomorphism type. The underlying minimization problem can be seen as a variant of the classical Euclidean Steiner tree problem. Even though it has a convex objective function, it is rather non-trivial, since it has a non-convex feasible set. The main contribution of this paper is that we prove the uniqueness of a stationary point of the length function on the feasible set. Moreover, we prove several geometrical characteristics of the length minimizers that are analogous to the properties of Steiner minimal trees. We also explore some geometrical and topological properties of the feasible set. At the end, to demonstrate the applicability of our theoretical results, we show an example of an application in historical linguistics.

The membrane attack complex drives thrombotic microangiopathy in complement mediated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Introduction of complement (C) inhibition into clinical practice has revolutionized the treatment of patients with complement-mediated atypical hemolytic syndrome (aHUS). Our C3D1115N mouse model, engineered around a gain of function point mutation in C3, is associated with complement mediated aHUS in man, allowing us to study the clinical disease in a preclinical model. Backcrossing our model onto C7 deficient and C5aR1 deficient mice enabled further determination of the roles of the C5a-C5aR1 axis and C5b-9 (the membrane attack complex) on kidney disease. C7 deficiency completely abolished both clinical and histological evidence of disease. Removing C5aR1 (CD88) attenuated the risk of developing clinical disease, but mice still developed thrombotic microangiopathy. Therapeutic inhibition strengthened our genetic findings showing both anti-C7 therapy and an oral C5aR1 antagonist, when used before evidence of significant kidney injury, prevented mice from succumbing to disease. However, there was ongoing histological disease within mice treated with the C5aR1 antagonist. Our data suggest that both C5aR1 and C7 play a role in the development of the conditions required for thrombotic microangiopathy of the kidney. While disrupting the C5a-C5aR1 axis is beneficial, our genetic and therapeutic studies showed that thrombotic microangiopathy of the kidney can still develop and ultimately our data confirms that the membrane attack complex is required to develop thrombotic microangiopathy of the kidney. Overall, our study shows that in addition to requiring alternative pathway dysregulation, local generation of membrane attack complex within the kidney is also critical to drive disease pathology in complement-mediated aHUS.

Utilizing Serious Games as an Interactive Platform for Programming Learning in Informatics Students

Programming is a critical skill for informatics students, enabling them to design systems, develop software, and analyze user requirements. However, many students face significant challenges in understanding programming concepts and syntax, particularly during the initial stages of learning. These difficulties often stem from limited proficiency in reading, debugging, and writing code, coupled with low motivation and engagement in the learning process. To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt engaging and enjoyable instructional approaches. Serious games have proven to be an effective instructional method, enhancing students' motivation and engagement through game-based elements. This study introduces DolananCoding, a serious game developed as an interactive platform for teaching structured programming courses. DolananCoding incorporates two key features: live coding and a leaderboard, both designed to boost students' motivation and engagement in programming learning. The platform was rigorously evaluated through two testing methods: system testing and user testing. System testing validated the fulfillment of functional requirements, including modules, materials, and experience points, all of which met the expected standards. User testing assessed the platform's user satisfaction through a questionnaire administered to 76 students, yielding an average satisfaction score of 4.3 out of 5.0. These results indicate a positive reception among students, demonstrating the platform's readiness for integration into programming learning.

Single-atom vs. single-superatom as catalysts for ammonia production.

A new class of single-superatom catalyst (TiO, ZrO, and WC) supported on graphene is shown to outperform the stability and activity of their corresponding single-atom catalysts (Ni, Pd and Pt) for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction. The results based on density functional theory point to a paradigm shift in catalyst design.

Genetic and neurobiological aspects of psychosis in major neurocognitive disorder.

Psychiatric symptoms are frequent in neurocognitive disorders and dementias. Psychotic symptoms, mainly hallucinations and delusions, may appear in up to 50% of cases, influencing morbidity and mortality. Genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors are involved in their onset. We conducted a narrative review of primary articles developed in humans that analyzed the genetic and neurobiological basis of psychosis in dementias. Evidence suggests that there are genetic risk variants for presenting psychosis in dementia. How genetic variants are related to schizophrenia, dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders is under discussion. Candidate gene studies have found and genetic variants are associated with psychosis in dementia while genome-wide association studies have shown variants located in y . Epigenetic studies are scarce but have detected differences in the methylome of people with dementia and psychosis. On the other hand, alterations of the cholinergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and gabaergic neurotransmitter systems and the excitatory-inhibitory balance have been described in dementia. From a functional and anatomical point of view, there are alterations in several regions, mainly in the frontal area and other sensory processing and integration areas. Finally, we describe the influence of cognitive alterations in the genesis and maintenance of delusions and discuss the phenomenological overlap with confabulations. Multiple genetic, neurobiological, structural, and cognitive factors influence the occurrence of delusions and hallucinations in persons with dementia. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of psychosis in dementias. This approach would support the understanding of psychosis as a transdiagnostic entity.

Transitivity Patterns in English Native and Non-Native Students Research Articles: A Functional Analysis

This study explores the transitivity patterns in academic writing of English native and Pakistani non-native students by analyzing the process types from a functional point of view based on Halliday’s (1985) framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). The research describes and compares the process types used by English native and non-native students to transmit their experiences/ideations and fulfill intended purposes. A corpus of research articles written by English native and Pakistani non-native students was compiled and analyzed in terms of clauses and process types (material, mental, relational, verbal, existential, and behavior. The analysis reveals that both student groups prioritize material and relational processes, focusing on physical actions and linking them to associated actors with corresponding qualities. However, the subsequent processes show differences between the two groups. In the native research article corpus (NRAC), verbal, mental, and existential processes are prominent, while in the non-native research article corpus (NNRAC), mental, existential, and verbal processes prevail. Behavior processes are less frequently used in both corpora, indicating a minimal focus on physiological responses. Variation in process type rates reflects students' choices for conveying experiences. This study contributes to understanding how linguistic choices in research articles vary between native and non-native students, shedding light on differences in communication strategies and rhetorical approaches within academic discourse.

THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF THE PRINTING WORK OF ABGAR DPIR (SCRIBE) TOKHATETSI

In this article, we have examined the printing work of Abgar the Scribe Tokhatetsi and its educational value. Turning to his published books, we considered them a continuation of the printing work started by Hakob Meghapart. We have evaluated the activities of Abgar the Scribe Tokhatetsi from the point of cultural, educational, social, and political functionality, firstly emphasizing the main goal of our article, which is the highlighting of educational value. Unfortunately, the fact that most of the books published by Abgar the Scribe Tokhatetsi have not reached us or have done so with defects and shortcomings, or that we can form an idea about them only due to the descriptions of eyewitnesses and various testimonies, somewhat hinders some issues, especially the possibility of complete analysis of inclusions of Armenian literature. On the other hand, since Abgar the Scribe Tokhatetsi was the continuer of the printing work started by Hakob Meghapart, not only in terms of itself but also in the inclusion of various operational parts, from the ideological, educational point of view, by comparing the books printed by those two prominent figures of the dawn of Armenian printing, it is sometimes possible to ensure certain completeness of ideas from the point of insights and principles. It should be emphasized that the books printed or published in this period were first of all characterized by high functionality, no book was published just like that. In its turn, the printing work of Abgar Dpir Tokhatetsu further expanded the functionality of the Armenian book and increased its educational value. Therefore, almost every fact of Armenian printing during this period, regardless of whether they are preserved or just mentioned or described, can be observed in a broad cultural and operational context.

STATISTICAL CONVERGENCE IN TOPOLOGICAL SPACE CONTROLLED BY MODULUS FUNCTION

The notion of \(f\)-statistical convergence in topological space, which is actually a statistical convergence's generalization under the influence of unbounded modulus function is presented and explored in this paper. This provides as an intermediate between statistical and typical convergence. We also present many counterexamples to highlight the distinctions among several related topological features. Lastly, this paper is concerned with the notions of \(s^{f}\)-limit point and \(s^{f}\)-cluster point for a unbounded modulus function \(f\).

Fractal Dimension Through Numerical Integration of Fractal Interpolation Functions

The initial objective of the paper is to propose an explicit relationship between the fractal dimension and fractal numerical integration of curves approximated through fractal interpolation from a discrete set of data points. Once the proposed relation is established, it is shown to be accurate by considering the data points of certain functions. The conventionalbox-counting dimension method has several drawbacks including the proper positioning of the boxes and determining the size of the boxes. The proposed relation becomes significant for such situations in providing the accurate determination of fractal dimension. Secondly, the paper aims to apply the derived relationship in the evaluation of two integral transforms of fractal interpolation functions, namely, the Fourier transform and the Laplace transform. The two integral transforms have been provided with alternate expressions, primarily, using the fractal dimension of fractal interpolation functions. Finally, considering these newly derived expressions and the proposed relation between fractal dimension and fractal numerical integration, this paper provides another method for the evaluation of the two integral transforms. This newly introduced method calculates the two integral transforms, via the fractal numerical integration of fractal interpolation functions.

Functional Outcome Measures to Optimize Drug Development in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy: Results From a Meta-Analysis of the Global SBMA Dataset.

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a rare, slowly progressive, and debilitating disease without effective treatments available. Lack of reliable biomarkers and sensitive outcome measures makes clinical research conduct challenging. The primary objective of this study was to identify clinically meaningful and statistically sensitive outcome measures enabling the evaluation of therapeutic interventions in late-stage clinical trials. This study was a meta-analysis of SBMA patient-level data from 6 observational studies conducted in Italy, South Korea, Denmark, United Kingdom, Japan, and United States. Patients with confirmed SBMA genetic diagnosis and differing severity were enrolled following individual site protocols. Routine assessments were performed longitudinally for approximately 3 years, including one or more clinical outcomes, such as SBMA functional rating scale (SBMAFRS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), quantitative muscle testing (QMT), and Adult Myopathy Assessment Tool (AMAT). A modified scale, m-SBMAFRS, was derived by including only lower limb and trunk subscales having lower variability and larger effect size compared with the others. Changes from baseline at follow-up time points were calculated for all measures, and percent changes using random slope models were calculated to compare clinical measure performances. A survey conducted on 196 patients by the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS), elucidating the impact of specific disease aspects on patients' lives, was also evaluated to corroborate these research outcomes. This global SBMA dataset analyzed data from 278 men (mean age = 59.7 ± 10.8 years, mean disease duration = 17.7 ± 11.9 years). Patients progressed on SBMAFRS (-4.7 ± 6.2 points after 38 months with 1-year standard response mean [SRM] = 0.6) and 6MWT (distance walked decreased by -53.2 ± 87.0 meters after 26 months with 1-year SRM = 0.5). These measures showed lower variability and larger effect size than AMAT and QMT (1-year SRM = 0.1 and -0.2, respectively) and confirmed SBMA linear progression across a range of disease stages. The m-SBMAFRS also showed a significant yearly decline of 0.9 ± 1.5 points (SRM = 0.6) and more consistent performance with less variability across clinical sites. The CoRDS survey confirmed the relevance of lower limb strength and mobility, which correlated with higher quality-of-life metrics and were reported by patients as predominant disease issues. We generated a comprehensive global SBMA dataset, enabling the identification of sensitive functional end points for clinical trials. Possible limitations relate to data collection nuances across sites that a single study protocol could override.

Original Personalized Reconstruction Method for Certain Large Tumors of the Lower Lip (Not Including Oral Commissures).

Background/Objective: Surgical treatment of extensive tumors of the lower lip generates important defects in its structure and functions. Over time, a multitude of reconstruction options for these defects have been imagined. Unfortunately, the majority involve the use of both local and regional flaps, which either lack labial structure or disorganize the oral commissures as nodal oral function points. We set out to design a new reconstruction method that is not burdened by any of the above disadvantages, starting from the necessity to reconstruct large lower lip defects by exclusively using local and/or regional labial flaps belonging only to the healthy upper lip and the remaining structures of the lower lip after surgical tumor removal. In this way, the tissues involved in lower lip reconstruction will have a 100% labial structure and, supplementarily, the remaining oral commissures will not be damaged. Method: This new reconstruction method is based on the original association of WY-plasty to reduce the size of the large primary defect until it becomes congruent with the Abbe-Sabattini cross-lip flap. Results: Applied in a personalized manner, impressive results were obtained in several patients with lip tumors affecting about one-half of the lower lip length and in whom oncological surgical ablation produced defects in more than two-thirds of it. Conclusions: This new method is characterized by functional oral advantages, and can be applied in a personalized way to only certain categories of patients. Other disadvantages are characteristic and specific of Abbe-Sabattini cross-lip flap plasty.

Effect of acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis on spur morphology, foot pain and function in patients with calcaneal spur: A randomised controlled trial.

To investigate the effect of acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis on spur morphology, foot pain, and function in patients with calcaneal spurs. A double-blinded, randomised clinical trial. Outpatients physical therapy clinics. One hundred forty-seven patients with calcaneal spurs, 18-65 years old, were randomly allocated to three equal groups. The study group (A) received acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis plus conventional physical therapy. The study group (B) received shockwave therapy plus conventional physical therapy. The control group received conventional physical therapy programme only. Interventions were applied twice a week for 3 weeks. Calcaneal spur width, calcaneal spur length, pain intensity level, pain pressure threshold and foot and ankle ability measure activities of daily living subscale were measured at baseline, after 3 weeks of interventions and after 4 weeks of follow-up with no intervention. Between-group differences were observed for calcaneal spur width and length, pain intensity, pain pressure threshold and function after 3 weeks favouring Group A (p < 0.001). Mean differences (95% CI) between study groups were -1.11 mm (-1.46, -0.77) for spur width; -1.34 mm (-1.67, -1.01) for spur length; -20.71 mm (-24.66, -16.77) for pain; 1.45 kg/cm2 (1.05, 1.85) for pain pressure threshold; and 12.16 points (9.24, 15.09) for function after 3 weeks. Acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis combined with exercise clinically and statistically improves calcaneal spur width, length, pain intensity, pain pressure threshold and foot function more than shockwave therapy alone or conventional physical therapy. This method might be considered an effective, feasible, safe, non-invasive and locally applicable treatment for heel spurs.

Persistence of hyperbolic-type degenerate invariant tori with prescribed frequencies in reversible systems

Abstract In this paper, we focus on the persistence of hyperbolic-type degenerate lower-dimensional invariant tori with prescribed frequencies in reversible systems. The proof is based on the stability analysis of minimal points of real analytic functions and the non-degeneracy brought by higher-order terms.

A high-rate A2O bioreactor with airlift-driven circulation and anoxic hybrid growth for enhanced carbon and nutrient removal from a nutrient rich wastewater.

Within this research, a one-stage hybrid dual internal circulation airlift A2O (DCAL-A2O) bioreactor was designed and operated to simultaneously remove carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous (CNP) from milk processing wastewater (MPW) in different operational circumstances. The substantial operating variables monitored in this work were including hydraulic retention time (HRT), airflow rate (AFR) and aeration volume ratio (AVR) ranged from 7 to 15h, 1-3L/min and 0.324-0.464, respectively. From the view point of economics and process function, the optimum conditions were obtained at the HRT, AFR and AVR of 10h, 2L/min and 0.464, respectively. At the optimum conditions TCOD, TN, TP removal efficiencies and effluent turbidity were reported to be 97 %, 90 %, 92 % and 9 NTU, respectively. The impact of wastewater biodegradability (BOD5/COD) was evaluated on the bioreactor performance using two other wastewaters i.e. soft drink (SDW) and soybean oil plant wastewaters (SOW) in comparison with the MPW. Removal efficiencies for TCOD and TN exceeding 80 % were observed. The feeding location revealed a prominent impact on the TN and phosphorous removal efficiencies (both ≥80 %) related to the availability degree of the readily biodegradable organic substrate to denitrifiers and PAOs. The rise in HRT, AFR and AVR resulted in reducing microbial secretions as SMP present in sludge and bioreactor effluent as well as loosely bounded EPS (LB-EPS), reported to be 26, 28, 32.5 and 194.4mg/L TOC, respectively. Different bacteria species were present at optimum conditions confirming concurrent CNP removal in a single body. Finally, the operating cost evaluation verified the effectiveness of the hybrid airlift A2O treating the MPW.

Memantine-induced functional rewiring of the glutamate synapse in the striatum of dopamine transporter knockout rats.

Slow-acting biogenic amines, such as dopamine, are known to modulate fast neurotransmitters e.g. glutamate. In the striatum, dopamine (DA) interacts with glutamate, influencing neural excitability and promoting synaptic plasticity. The exact mechanism of such interaction is not fully understood. This study investigates, in detail, how dopamine overactivity in dopamine transporter knockout (DAT-/-) rats, alters the homeostasis of the striatal glutamate synapse from a molecular, behavioural and functional point of view. The expression, localisation, retention and electrophysiological properties of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors as well as dendritic spine density and morphology were investigated in the striatum of DAT-/- rats, at baseline and after treatment with the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine (30 mg kg-1). Dopamine overactivity dramatically reorganises the striatal glutamate synapse, redistributing NMDA receptors in the synapse as typified by reduced synaptic availability and reduced expression of NMDA scaffolding proteins, as well as by increased GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in the extra synapse. Such changes are accompanied by reduced spine density, suggesting dopamine-induced structural rearrangements. These results converge into a compromised plasticity, as shown by the impaired ability to promote long-term depression (LTD) in the striatum of DAT-/-rats. Notably, memantine counteracts hyperlocomotion, reverses spine alterations and abolishes the extrasynaptic movements of NMDA receptors in the striatum of DAT-/- rats, thus restoring functional LTD. A hyperdopaminergic condition seems to alter striatal homeostasis by increasing extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. These findings may be relevant to manipulate disorders characterised by elevated dopaminergic activity.

Features of the nomination of persons in descriptions of Moscow at the beginning of the 19th century (based on the articles of N. M. Karamzin in the magazine “Vestnik Evropy” [“Messenger of Europe”

The work determines the features of the nomination of persons in articles about Moscow by N.M. Karamzin, published in the magazine “Vestnik Evropy” [“Messenger of Europe”] in 1802–1803. It is established that the choice of lexemes is influenced by the topic of the articles, the temporal attribution of the object of description and its characteristics associated with the implementation of the concept “one’s own” vs. “stranger”. The articles regularly use agentive nouns of various semantic types, while the use of some of them from a functional point of view differs from the modern one. For texts by N.M. Karamzin is characterized by the regular use of agreed upon definitions, detailing the expressed meanings and in some cases used as substantives, as well as collective nouns naming class social groups. It is established that the main differences from modern word usage concern the use of archaisms, historicisms, as well as the use of lexemes in meanings that are not characteristic of them from the point of view of a modern native speaker. The principles of distribution of lowercase and capital letters used by N.M. Karamzin when naming persons are determined: capital letters are used when words belong to certain lexical-semantic groups (lexemes indicating nationality, citizenship, religion, etc.), as well as when expressing specific lexical meanings.

Optimizing Physics-Informed Neural Networks with hybrid activation functions: A comparative study on improving residual loss and accuracy using partial differential equations

Physics-informed neural networks have bridged the gap between traditional numerical and deep learning based approaches in scientific computing. However, they still face limitations regarding improving convergence, accuracy, and minimizing residual loss, where the activation function plays a crucial role. Traditional activation functions often undergo vanishing gradient problems during backpropagation, highlighting the need for better alternatives for efficient training of Physics Informed Neural Networks. In this paper, new hybrid activation functions were proposed which combine the salient characteristics of traditional activation functions. These activation functions were tested with different network hyperparameters on the Swift–Hohenberg equation, a leading tool for modeling pattern development and evolution in fields like thermal convection, fluid, and temperature dynamics, as well as the Burgers equation. Manual tuning of hyperparameters is employed to critically assess the behavior of new activation functions in different experimental settings. Results show that hybrid activation functions have better learning capabilities compared to traditional activation functions. The GaussSwish hybrid activation function, in particular, proved to be highly effective across different network settings, showing better learning ability in training models for complex problems. This research also reveals that not only activation function but residual points sampled through different Monte Carlo sequences also influence the performance of Physics Informed Neural Networks.