Values In Time Research Articles

Transesterification reaction time impacts on oxidation stability and acid number of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil

The scarcity of fossil fuels, environmental concerns, and the sharp rise in fossil fuel prices have driven scientists to search for alternative fuels. The characteristics of biodiesel have made the quest for high-quality biodiesel production particularly appealing. The use of waste cooking oil is a key component in reducing biodiesel production costs by 60-90%. Researchers have employed various types of transesterification reactions with both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production; in this study, a 0.5% NaOH catalyst is used. The objectives of this study are to produce biodiesel fuel based on waste cooking oil, evaluate the impact of reaction time variation on the oxidation value and acid value of biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil, and statistically test the effects of reaction time on the oxidation value and acid value of biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum yield was obtained at a reaction time of 90 minutes, achieving 97%. The results for acid number and oxidation value for various reaction times complied with ASTM, EN, and SNI standards. Linear regression analysis of ANOVA for the acid number concluded that the P-value t3 is 0.399, which is greater than Alpha = 0.05, indicating that the variation in reaction time does not have a significant effect on the acid number. Linear regression analysis of ANOVA for the oxidation number concluded that the P-value t3 is less than Alpha (0.047 < 0.05), indicating that reaction time has a significant effect on the oxidation number.

EVALUASI SASARAN KINERJA PEGAWAI (SKP) PADA DINAS PERTANIAN DAN KETAHANAN PANGAN PROVINSI JAWA TIMUR

The evaluation of employees’ performance, specifically government employees, gives 2 (two) sides of benefit, namely both for the employees’ performance themselves and for the governmental instances where they work. The evaluation of Employees’ Performance Targets (EPT) on government employees is a form of performance valuation based on The Government Regulation Number 30 of Year 2019 about Performance Valuation which aims to ensure objectivity of guidance for government employees that is done based on the performance system and career system. This study uses the descriptive method along with qualitative approach. According to the study results, it is known that the implementation of EPT on government employees’ working performance focusing on quantity, quality, cost, and time valuation. The results of performance evaluation is also in good state, as indicated by the timely manner of performance reporting by the employees. The obstacling factors of EPT implementation are namely the uneven facilities and infrastructures, and the time-consuming coordination between related institutions. Evaluation of EPT on government employees performance has 3 points of view, namely evaluators, performance, and indicators, and is done periodically. Decision making on human resource management also is in good state, as indicated by obstacles where some employees has their performance level evaluated as below expectation. This study suggests that leaders should be closer to their employees in order to intensify their guidance for their omployees on implementing the EPT, as well asgrowing the sense of bounding with their employees. Therefore, the implementation of employees’ performance evaluation would not be mere formality.

The value of timing, frequency, and quantity: The effects of transshipments on inventory turnover and order fulfillment

Although the theoretical inventory literature has studied the impact of transshipments on inventory, the common assumptions of a small number of products and fixed fill rates in these analytical studies may limit our understanding of transshipments’ value. To complement these studies, we empirically evaluate the extent to which transshipments contribute to inventory turnover and order fulfillment. We develop empirical models and estimate them using proprietary data from the distribution centers of a distribution company. To alleviate the potential selection bias, we apply Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM) to match distribution centers with transshipments with those with no transshipments. Our analyses jointly evaluate multiple performance outcomes and provide empirical evidence for the theoretical value of transshipments. We find that on average, transshipments raise inventory turnover by 12.8% and improve fill rate by 0.8%. The counterintuitive findings imply that unlike transshipments between retail locations, transshipments between distribution centers may gain inventory and order fulfillment benefits. Furthermore, we analyze these contributions differently across three transshipment decisions: timing (proactive vs. reactive), frequency, and quantity. To explore the mechanism behind these changes, we investigate the variations in the inventory level and find that, on average, the inventory level remains unchanged with transshipments. However, the inventory level at distribution centers during the time periods when reactive transshipments occurred is lower than that in the time periods when proactive transshipments happened. Moreover, a higher transshipment frequency reduces the inventory level, but a larger transshipment quantity raises it.

Optimal timing of starting growing rod treatment for early-onset scoliosis

BACKGROUND CONTEXTGrowing rod (GR) systems require periodical surgical intervention and may cause associated complications, as well as worsened sagittal plane deformity. Generally, the risk of complications decreases with an increment in age at the time of the index surgery with GR construct placement. However, the optimal timing to begin GR treatment has not reached a consensus yet. PURPOSEThis study was performed to investigate the effect of age at the index GR surgery on the complication rates and formulate clinical guidelines for the optimal timing to begin GR treatment for EOS patients. STUDY DESIGNKaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine complication occurrence as a function of the age at the index surgery and to determine the survival rates for the procedures. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine optimal cut-off values for the optimal timing of index surgery based on whether complications occurred or not. PATIENT SAMPLE54 patients who met the criteria were enrolled in this study. OUTCOME MEASURESThe following spinal parameters were measured: major coronal Cobb angle, global kyphosis (GK), and coronal balance (CB). CB was defined as the horizontal distance from the C7 plumb line to the center sacral vertical line. METHODSAll patients had completed GR treatment and had a minimum 1-year follow-up duration after the final surgical intervention. Patient data were collected as follows: age at the index surgery, gender, diagnosis, type of GR construct, and the number of lengthening procedures. The standing full-spine radiographs were obtained before and after the index surgery, before and after each lengthening procedure, before and after the final surgical intervention, and at the latest follow-up. Complications were categorized as implant, alignment, and general. RESULTSKaplan-Meier analysis of complications demonstrated a declining trend in complication rates with increasing age at the index surgery. The absence of perioperative complications was targeted, we constructed the ROC curve and the cut-off value was 71.0 months. Age at the index surgery was therefore categorized into two groups: younger-age group (≤ 71.0 months) and advanced-age group (> 71.0 months). There was a higher complication rate for the younger-age group than versus the advanced-age group (61.5% vs 22.0%, p=.011). PJK as a major alignment-related complication, was more frequent in the younger-age group than in the advanced-age group (30.8% vs 4.9%, p=.025). But the advanced-age group exhibited significantly more severe deformities before GR surgery compared to the younger-age group. CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that the elevated risk of complications observed in the younger-age group, which can be attributed to the younger age at the index surgery and the increased number of lengthening procedures during treatment. We suggest deferring the initiation of GR treatment until after the age of six years for EOS patients. We hope it will serve as a basis for GR technique in the treatment of EOS, with the ultimate goal of enhancing treatment outcomes for this challenging disorder.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody titers by fixed cell-based assay: positive predictive value and impact of sample collection timing.

In January 2023, our laboratory began performing serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (anti-MOG) titers by fixed cell-based assay (CBA). As a quality assurance (QA) assessment, we evaluated titer positive predictive value (PPV) as well as impact of sample collection timing on titers. Among patients who underwent antibody titers to distinguish between low-positive (<1:100) and clear-positive (≥1:100) anti-MOG, records were reviewed to classify results as true-positive (TP) or false-positive (FP) and facilitate PPV calculation. Timing of sample collection relative to administration of immunotherapy and symptom onset was determined for TP results. Overall PPV of anti-MOG was 70/85 (82%). The PPV of low-positive anti-MOG was significantly lower than clear-positive anti-MOG (72% vs. 95%, p = 0.009). The difference in PPV between low-positive and clear-positive anti-MOG was significant among adults tested, but not children. Among patients with TP anti-MOG, the proportion who received immunotherapy prior to sample collection was significantly higher and median time from symptom onset to sample collection was significantly longer for low-positive compared to clear-positive results. Overall PPV of anti-MOG testing by fixed CBA was reasonably high. The PPV of low-positive anti-MOG was significantly lower than clear-positive anti-MOG. This was driven by the significantly lower PPV of low-positive anti-MOG in adults, possibly reflecting the lower prevalence of MOG antibody-associated disease among adults tested. Timing of sample collection relative to administration of immunotherapy and symptom onset may substantially impact titers, indicating that testing should ideally be performed prior to immunotherapy and close to time of attack.

Architectural Proposal for Low-Cost Brain–Computer Interfaces with ROS Systems for the Control of Robotic Arms in Autonomous Wheelchairs

Neurodegenerative diseases present significant challenges in terms of mobility and autonomy for patients. In the current context of technological advances, brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) emerge as a promising tool to improve the quality of life of these patients. Therefore, in this study, we explore the feasibility of using low-cost commercial EEG headsets, such as Neurosky and Brainlink, for the control of robotic arms integrated into autonomous wheelchairs. These headbands, which offer attention and meditation values, have been adapted to provide intuitive control based on the eight EEG signal values read from Delta to Gamma (high and low/medium Gamma) collected from the users’ prefrontal area, using only two non-invasive electrodes. To ensure precise and adaptive control, we have incorporated a neural network that interprets these values in real time so that the response of the robotic arm matches the user’s intentions. The results suggest that this combination of BCIs, robotics, and machine learning techniques, such as neural networks, is not only technically feasible but also has the potential to radically transform the interaction of patients with neurodegenerative diseases with their environment.

Follow-up Value of Hip Medial Ultrasound in Infants and Children With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Treated With Reduction and Spica Casting.

Closed or open reduction and spica casting are common treatments for children aged 6 to 18 months, as well as infants aged 0 to 6 months whose harness treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) was unsuccessful. The study aimed to quantify the distance between the femoral head and the acetabulum after closed or open reduction and evaluate the dynamic docking progression of the femoral head using serial hip medical ultrasound. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and hip medial ultrasound images of a consecutive series of patients with DDH who underwent spica casting after reduction and compared images obtained immediately after reduction and at follow-up. The first cast (stage I) was maintained for 2 to 3 months and scheduled for outpatient repeat ultrasound in 4 to 8 weeks. Then the second cast was placed (stage II), lasting for another 2 to 3 months. The triradiate cartilage-femoral head distance (TFD) was measured in the acetabulum coronal mid-sectional plane. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the TFD values. This study included 49 patients. All patients underwent hip medial ultrasound 0 to 3 days after stage I (time 1) and 4 to 8 weeks (time 2) postoperatively, with 24 patients reviewed again 0 to 7 days after stage II. The TFD values in time 1 and time 2 were 6.0 (5.0, 9.0) mm and 5.0 (3.6, 7.0) mm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between times 1 and 2 regarding TFD values in 49 close-reduction hips (6.0 vs 5.0mm, P < 0.001). Similar findings were also observed in 13 open-reduction hips (6.0 vs 5.0mm, P = 0.023). Hip medial ultrasonography during the period of cast immobilization after reduction in children with DDH can objectively and quantitatively show the dynamic change of the distance between the femoral head and the acetabulum, and can be used to assess reduction of the hip and progression of femoral head docking. Level II-prognostic study.

Sistem Pengering Biji Kakao dengan Menggunakan Metode Fuzzy Logic.

Monitoring system The cocoa bean dryer is a system created to make it easier for emping melinjo craftsmen to combine the cocoa bean drying process based on temperature, humidity, weight and drying status. This system was created in the form of an application called MONIBIK Iot, in this application there is data on Temperature, Humidity, Weight and Drying Status as well as graphic displays. MONIBIK IoT can be accessed anywhere and at any time, provided the device must be connected to an internet connection. The conclusion from the research carried out is that the test results in the process of sending data from the system to the server display data values ​​in real time. Based on the test results of the sensor in measuring the level of drying of cocoa beans, based on temperature, humidity and weight results that can be obtained in the measurement process, the sensor can work well. The test data shows that the temperature value has increased, while the humidity and weight values ​​have decreased. This shows that the cocoa bean dryer is operating properly.&#x0D; Keywords— Monitoring, Mikrokontroler, Cocoa bean, Fuzzy.

Adjustability in robust linear optimization

AbstractWe investigate the concept of adjustability—the difference in objective values between two types of dynamic robust optimization formulations: one where (static) decisions are made before uncertainty realization, and one where uncertainty is resolved before (adjustable) decisions. This difference reflects the value of information and decision timing in optimization under uncertainty, and is related to several other concepts such as the optimality of decision rules in robust optimization. We develop a theoretical framework to quantify adjustability based on the input data of a robust optimization problem with a linear objective, linear constraints, and fixed recourse. We make very few additional assumptions. In particular, we do not assume constraint-wise separability or parameter nonnegativity that are commonly imposed in the literature for the study of adjustability. This allows us to study important but previously under-investigated problems, such as formulations with equality constraints and problems with both upper and lower bound constraints. Based on the discovery of an interesting connection between the reformulations of the static and fully adjustable problems, our analysis gives a necessary and sufficient condition—in the form of a theorem-of-the-alternatives—for adjustability to be zero when the uncertainty set is polyhedral. Based on this sharp characterization, we provide two efficient mixed-integer optimization formulations to verify zero adjustability. Then, we develop a constructive approach to quantify adjustability when the uncertainty set is general, which results in an efficient and tight poly-time algorithm to bound adjustability. We demonstrate the efficiency and tightness via both theoretical and numerical analyses.

Соотношение правосознания с религиозными ценностями в истории и современности

The purpose of the article is to find out how religious values influenced the legal consciousness in different historical epochs and what role they play in the legal consciousness of modern people. Historical examples show that from ancient times until modern times, the sense of justice was closely connected with religion. The separation of religious values from law took place during the bourgeois revolutions and in connection with the liberation from colonial dependence. The secularization of the state and law was accompanied by the development of a positivist legal concept, the main value of which was proclaimed to be the state, and law was interpreted as a creation of power. Along with the process of «cleansing» the law from its religious shell, there was an identification and justification of values that began to be called universal. In the modern world, while maintaining the differentiation of religious and secular values, the assessment of the former as predominantly spiritual, and the latter as predominantly material, remains unchanged. The presence of a material and spiritual principle in a person has always made it necessary to correlate legal consciousness with an orientation to the temporal, earthly or eternal, heavenly.

Prognostic value of the timing of immune checkpoint inhibitors infusion in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

457 Background: Experimental and clinical data in melanoma and lung cancer suggest that the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may be influenced by circadian rhythms. However, similar findings are lacking in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of infusion timing of atezolizumab, an ICI, associated or not with bevacizumab, as first line systemic treatment in advanced HCC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients, who received, as first line systemic treatment, at least two cycles of atezolizumab +/- bevacizumab for advanced HCC in Paul Brousse Hospital, Villejuif, France, between January 2020 and October 2022. We split them in two groups: 1) patients receiving the first two cycles after 1 pm (afternoon group); 2) patients receiving at least one of the two first cycles before 1 pm (morning or mixed group). Cox regression models were used to assess the prognostic value of ICI infusion timing for the overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 131 patients were analyzed. 119 patients (90.8%) were male, with a median age of 70 years [35; 88]; 40 patients (31%) had performance status (PS) ≥ 1. 103 patients (79%) had cirrhosis; 61 patients (46.6%) had portal hypertension. 49 patients (37.4%) had metastatic HCC and 52 patients (40.6%) had portal vein thrombosis at diagnosis. The mean initial level of alpha-fetoprotein was 5,212.8 ng/mL (SD: 18,681.8). 36 patients (27.5%) received only atezolizumab. 41 patients were included in the first group and were compared to 90 patients included in the second group. There were no significant clinical differences between the two groups. The median OS was significantly lower in the afternoon group compared to the morning or mixed group (11.5 months vs 18.7 months, p = 0.015). In univariate analysis, PS ≥ 1 (p = 0.025), initial level of alpha-fetoprotein (p = 0.030), monotherapy by atezolizumab (p = 0.004) and the first two cycles of ICI infusion after 1 pm (p = 0.018) were significantly correlated with OS. The first two cycles of ICI infusion after 1 pm remains an independent factor significantly associated with OS in the multivariate Cox model, with HR 2.29, 95% CI: 1.27-4.14, p = 0.005 (Table). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the afternoon infusion of the first two cycles of ICI is associated with lower outcomes in patients with advanced HCC, independently of other prognostic factors. There may be confounding factors due to the variability of administration of further perfusions. Larger data are needed to confirm such findings. [Table: see text]

The value of time in a repeated and one-off setup

Some recent studies have highlighted the importance of considering the temporal context as a potential factor influencing time valuation estimates. However, in studies that compare shorter and longer-run choice settings, various elements tend to differ between the two settings, rendering it difficult to infer what drives short- and long-run estimates apart. This paper focuses on the comparison between time valuations associated with one-off vs. repeated events. We present the results of a lab experiment on the valuation of waiting time, which has been carefully designed such that the only element varying between the two treatments is whether the choice has a repetitive character or concerns a one-off event. We find no significant differences between the two treatments, and hence can conclude that the repetitive character of a choice situation is unlikely to drive differences between short- and long-run estimates, at least if the concerned travel or waiting times are relatively short (¡10 min).

Effect of Music and Lemon Aroma on Anaerobic Power and Balance of Athletes After Exhausting Activity

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lemon aroma (LA) and music on anaerobic power and balance in athletes following sporting activity. Recognizing the potential influence of sensory stimuli on performance, we sought to contribute valuable insights into optimizing recovery strategies for athletes. Objectives: The primary objective was to assess the effects of LA and music on anaerobic power and balance, employing a comprehensive set of physical fitness factors. Methods: Twelve male amateur athletes were randomly included in our study. These individuals were given LA, music, and with no supplementation (control) for 72 hours, followed by a standardized recovery phase using a Monarch ergometer, and lactic acid levels were measured after the intervention to assess the physiological effect. Balance analysis covering both static and dynamic conditions was performed using a specialized balance machine. Isometric dynamometer measurements and detailed assessments of Sargent's jumping performance were performed to analyze physical fitness factors. Results: Significant differences were observed in balance parameters, with both static balance (SB) and dynamic balance (DB) registering higher values in the control time (P = 0.006; P &lt; 0.001, respectively). Lemon aroma exposure resulted in the highest values for peak power (PP) and relative PP (RPP) (P &lt; 0.001; P &lt; 0.001, respectively). Conversely, in the control time exhibited the lowest values for relative anaerobic power (RAP) and vertical jump (VJ). Conclusions: The findings suggest a positive influence of stimulating aroma (lemon) and music elements on sportive performance. Lemon aroma was associated with enhanced anaerobic power, while the control group exhibited superior balance outcomes. These results underscore the potential benefits of incorporating sensory interventions into athletes' recovery protocols for optimized performance.

Board Gender Diversity and Firm Value in Times of Crisis: Evidence from the Covid-19 Pandemic

Board Gender Diversity and Firm Value in Times of Crisis: Evidence from the Covid-19 Pandemic

New Injection Controls Environment for the Taiwan Light Source

Taiwan Light Source (TLS) has been service for user service since 1993. Several legacy systems have recently been updated in order to remove obsolescent parts and provide higher operating efficiency. Proprietary designed timing modules were recently replaced by an event based timing system. The magnets of the booster synchrotron were configured as three White circuits and driven by resonance excitation. The original control of the White circuits, which included an analogue amplitude loop and digital phase loop for regulation, has been replaced by full digital regulation loops. The successful upgrade of both systems has led to easy and smooth injection control with enhanced functionality and flexibility. The injection control includes foreground and background processes that coordinate the operation of e-gun, linear accelerator, booster synchrotron, and storage ring with the help of timing system. The injection control GUI provides an intuitive operation interface that includes parameter setting and all necessary information displays, such as various timing value, stored beam current/lifetime, injection efficiency, filling pattern, kickers waveform and so on. Energy saving mode of White circuits operation are supported and embedded into injection control to save electricity. Lifetime calculation of the storage ring is also synchronized with the injection process. Implementation details and operation experience will be presented.

Validation of Inflammatory Prognostic Biomarkers in Pleural Mesothelioma.

Evoked from asbestos-induced inflammation, pleural mesothelioma represents a fatal diagnosis. Therapy ranges from nihilism to aggressive multimodality regimens. However, it is still unclear who ultimately benefits from which treatment. We aimed to re-challenge inflammatory-related biomarkers' prognostic value in times of modern immune-oncology and lung-sparing surgery. The biomarkers (leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP)) and clinical characteristics (age, sex, histology, therapy) of 98 PM patients were correlated to overall survival (OS). The median OS was 19.4 months. Significant OS advantages (Log-Rank) were observed in multimodal treatment vs. others (26.1 vs. 7.2 months, p < 0.001), surgery (pleurectomy/decortication) vs. no surgery (25.5 vs. 3.8 months, p < 0.001), a high hemoglobin level (cut-off 12 g/dL, 15 vs. 24.2 months, p = 0.021), a low platelet count (cut-off 280 G/L, 26.1 vs. 11.7 months, p < 0.001), and a low PLR (cut-off 194.5, 25.5 vs. 12.3 months, p = 0.023). Histology (epithelioid vs. non-epithelioid, p = 0.002), surgery (p = 0.004), CRP (cut-off 1 mg/dL, p = 0.039), and platelets (p = 0.025) were identified as independent prognostic variables for this cohort in multivariate analysis (Cox regression, covariates: age, sex, histology, stage, CRP, platelets). Our data verified the previously shown prognostic role of systemic inflammatory parameters in patients treated with lung-sparing surgery within multimodality therapy.

ADVANCED DEMOGRAPHIC SITUATIONS BASED ON LAG MODELS

Research and forecasting of time series based on models with lags is offered, as well as calculation of a reliable forecast based on data on birth rates in Ukraine. Economic modeling is one of the important modern tools for assessing the impact of technologies on the economic sector in order to obtain an optimal solution. Economic evaluations can be based on several different modeling approaches, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The relevance of the use of economic and mathematical models for the purpose of studying demography is connected with the need to study population and migration processes, as well as for further planning and implementation of the country's economic and social development. In every sphere of the economy, there are phenomena that are interesting and important to study in their development, as they evolve over time. Prices, economic conditions, industrial processes, and demographic data tend to change over time. The set of measurements of this kind of indicators depending on time is a time series. The goals of studying time series can be different. It is possible, for example, to try to predict the future on the basis of knowledge of the past, to control the process that generates the series, to try to find out the mechanism underlying the process, to clear the series of components that obscure its dynamics, or simply to briefly describe the characteristic features of the series. When studying the relationships between indicators or when analyzing their development over time, not only the current value of the variables, but also some previous values in time, as well as time itself, are used as explanatory variables. Models of this type are called dynamic. In economic analysis, dynamic models are used quite widely. This is quite natural, because in many cases the influence of some economic factors on others is not carried out immediately, but with some delay − a lag. The object of research is the mathematical model of the interdependence of the vector time series "Births in Ukraine for January 2005 − July 2012." The data are chosen quite relevantly, because without a preliminary demographic forecast it is impossible to imagine the prospects of industry and consumption of goods and services, housing construction, development of social infrastructure, health care and education, pension system and solutions to geopolitical problems.

Screening for Salt Tolerance in Chenopodium quinoa Genotype Seedlings through Germination in a Hydroponic System

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is poised to be a global life changer with its ability to adapt to a wide range of abiotic stresses and as a highly nutritious and sustainable food source. A trial on screening of salt tolerance was conducted at the germination and seedling stages of 69 quinoa genotypes in different concentrations of NaCl 0 (CK), 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mM for 21 days in the MS/2 mixture. This results in 16 genotypes with &gt;50% germination at 400 mM NaCl. These were reassessed in germination indices and relative growth. Results indicated that Chadmo had the highest germinability of 97% and 32.76% relative height among the 16 genotypes. Considering the germination indices, Chadmo had significantly different values (3.05±0.19 day-1) in mean germination time, coefficient of variation of the germination time (38.76±1.97%), the velocity of germination (0.23±0.01 day-1), the uncertainty of germination (0.54±0.08 bit), synchrony of germination (0.42±0.05 and Timson’s index (48.89) with significant differences (P&lt;0.05) among the genotypes. Moreover, Chadmo had the highest membrane stability index (MSI) (60.03±11.84) at 400 mM NaCl and the least relative change between the CK and 400 mM NaCl with 30.87±2.01%. Assessing the stress inhibitory effect of the 16 genotypes, Chadmo had the least relative difference between the CK and 400 mM NaCl with shoot length of 34.34%, root length of 25.57%, fresh weight of 22.05%, dry weight of 3.62% and moisture content of 1.99% with Tukey analyses identifying significant differences (p&lt;0.05). To select the salt-sensitive genotype, an assessment was done on five genotypes that exhibited the least germination at 200 mM NaCl. Kankolla had the least germinability with 12 and 4% at 100 and 200 mM NaCl, respectively. Considering all these parameters, Chadmo and Kankolla were selected as salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive for further analyses.

Parameter learning of delayed Boolean control networks with missing observations

In this paper, a new and effective parameter learning method for delayed Boolean control networks (DBCNs) with missing observations is presented in this paper, which can handle strong noise and converge to the true parameter values in finite times. Two types of noise that follow different time-varying Bernoulli distributions are considered in this paper: measurement noise and system noise. The concept of virtual nodes is introduced by the paper to cope with random missing observations, and the algebraic representation of DBCNs is obtained using the STP method. A parameter learning algorithm based on the forward and backward probability and EM algorithm is then proposed by the paper, which can estimate the model parameters from time series data. The performance and robustness of the proposed method are demonstrated by the paper through a numerical example.

The EU's Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Invoking Norms and Values in Times of Fundamental Rupture

AbstractThe European Union's response to the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has been widely perceived as unprecedented. This article examines how this could be, considering the long track record of disagreement amongst EU member states over foreign policy vis‐à‐vis Russia. It is argued that whilst the Russian invasion had a decisive impact on member states' security threat perceptions, realist explanations of the EU's forceful response encounter limitations: Germany and France, the EU's most influential powers, were not the drivers of the EU's joint actions during the first months following the invasion, as they struggled to redefine their national security interests. Against this background, this article takes a different perspective. It asks in what kind of intersubjective context the EU's initial response became meaningful and rational, allowing for agreement to emerge amongst the member states on a set of unprecedented measures. This article proposes a theoretical approach that takes into account the role of norms, rationalities and speech acts in a changing context and of social interaction therein. It is demonstrated that, given the dramatic rupture following the invasion, the EU's response in 2022 was embedded in, and structured by, a priori understandings and justifications generated by the EU in response to Russia's war against Ukraine starting in 2014, including normative considerations.