Search Results (802)

The level of detail (LOD) differentiates multi-scale representations of virtual 3D city models; however, the LOD tends to relay primarily the geometric details of buildings. When the LOD extends to other datasets, such as vegetation, transportation, terrain, water bodies, and city furniture, their LODs are not as clearly defined. Despite the general acceptance of this categorization, existing LOD formats also neglect non-geometric attributes. Integrating geometric and attribute data enables geometrically accurate and data-rich 3D models, ensuring that representations are as accurate as possible and that analyses contain as much information as possible. This paper proposes a family of LOD definitions considering both geometric and attribute data based on the geometric complexity and difficulty of obtaining, archiving, processing, and distributing the data. These definitions are intended to apply to all datasets by determining divisions in the LOD typically experienced across urban 3D model elements and their associated datasets, including buildings, vegetation, roads, relief, water bodies, and city furniture. Universally applicable definitions for datasets allow individuals to recreate studies or representations of 3D models to ensure the relevant data are present. These definitions also assist data providers in evaluating their data infrastructure and further strategizing and prioritizing updates or upgrades. Full article

This research focuses on biological systems with sexual reproduction in which female and male individuals coexist together, forming female–male couples with the purpose of procreation. The couples can originate new females and males according to a certain probability law. Consequently, in this type of biological systems, two biological phases are involved: a mating phase in which the couples are formed, and a reproduction phase in which the couples, independently of the others, originate new offspring of both sexes. Due to several environmental factors of a random nature, these phases usually develop over time in a non-predictable (random) environment, frequently influenced by the numbers of females and males in the population and by the number of couples participating in the reproduction phase. In order to investigate the probabilistic evolution of these biological systems, in previous papers, by using a methodology based on branching processes, we had introduced a new class of two-sex mathematical models. Some probabilistic properties and limiting results were then established. Additionally, under a non-parametric statistical framework, namely, not assuming to have known the functional form of the offspring law, estimates for the main parameters affecting the reproduction phase were determined. We now continue this research line focusing the attention on the estimation of such reproductive parameters under a parametric statistical setting. In fact, we consider offspring probability laws belonging to the family of bivariate power series distributions. This general family includes the main probability distributions used to describe the offspring dynamic in biological populations with sexual reproduction. Under this parametric context, we propose accurate estimates for the parameters involved in the reproduction phase. With the aim of assessing the quality of the proposed estimates, we also determined optimal credibility intervals. For these purposes, we apply the Bayesian estimation methodology. As an illustration of the methodology developed, we present a simulated study about the demographic dynamics of Labord’s chameleon populations, where a sensitivity analysis on the prior density is included. Full article

The Na, K–ATPase generates an asymmetric ion gradient that supports multiple cellular functions, including the control of cellular volume, neuronal excitability, secondary ionic transport, and the movement of molecules like amino acids and glucose. The intracellular and extracellular levels of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions are the classical local regulators of the enzyme’s activity. Additionally, the regulation of Na, K–ATPase is a complex process that occurs at multiple levels, encompassing its total cellular content, subcellular distribution, and intrinsic activity. In this context, the enzyme serves as a regulatory target for hormones, either through direct actions or via signaling cascades triggered by hormone receptors. Notably, FXYDs small transmembrane proteins regulators of Na, K–ATPase serve as intermediaries linking hormonal signaling to enzymatic regulation at various levels. Specifically, members of the FXYD family, particularly FXYD1 and FXYD2, are that undergo phosphorylation by kinases activated through hormone receptor signaling, which subsequently influences their modulation of Na, K–ATPase activity. This review describes the effects of FXYD2, cardiotonic steroid signaling, and hormones such as angiotensin II, dopamine, insulin, and catecholamines on the regulation of Na, K–ATPase. Furthermore, this review highlights the implications of Na, K–ATPase in diseases such as hypertension, renal hypomagnesemia, and cancer. Full article

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a family of materials that, because of their particular characteristics and possible uses in a variety of industries, have garnered a lot of interest recently. One such promising HEA is the MoNbTaTiZr high-entropy alloy, which displays excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility alongside good mechanical properties. Another promising HEA that has attracted researchers for its potential applications in various fields is FeMoTaTiZr. Exchanging one of the elements may result in important variation of properties of a material. This work studies two different samples of high-entropy alloys, MoNbTaTiZr (named NbHEA) and FeMoTaTiZr (named FeHEA), both generated in a laboratory context using electric-arc remelting technology, keeping similar atomic percentage of the elements in both alloys. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the microstructure of the alloys. Replacing Nb for Fe affects the distribution proportion of the other four elements, since Fe has a higher tendency than Nb to form part of the inter-dendrite region. An evaluation of the properties related to the corrosion process was accomplished using the polarization method along with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), performed under a simulated biological environment. As a result, FeHEA showed a higher corrosion rate in simulated body fluid than NbHEA. Full article

Danaus genutia, commonly known as the tiger butterfly, is a visually appealing species in the Danaidae family. As it is not currently classified as endangered, it is excluded from key protected species lists at national and local levels, limiting focus on its population and habitat status, which may result in it being overlooked in local butterfly conservation initiatives. Yunnan, characterized by high butterfly diversity, presents an ideal region for studying habitat suitability for D. genutia, which may support the conservation of regional biodiversity. This study employs the MaxEnt ecological niche model, predictions regarding suitable habitat distribution, and trends for D. genutia and identifying primary environmental factors influencing their distribution. The results indicate that the niche model that includes interspecies relationships provides a distribution prediction closely aligned with the observed range of D. genutia. Under current climatic conditions, highly suitable habitats for both D. genutia and its host plant, Cynanchun annularium, are located predominantly in the Yuanjiang River Valley. Optimal conditions occur at average annual temperatures of 19.80–22 °C for D. genutia and 22–24 °C for C. annularium. The distribution range of C. annularium is a vital biological factor limiting D. genutia’s habitat. By 2040, projections under four future climate scenarios indicate a potential increase in the total area of suitable habitats for D. genutia, with a general trend of northward expansion. Full article

The widespread use of the term “foster fail” in animal rescue suggests that it happens often, but no research has explored the prevalence of volunteers adopting their foster animals or whether the phenomenon is really a “failure”. This survey-based study focused on the following questions: 1. How common are foster fails among volunteers on shelter and rescue lists and why do they occur? 2. What types of volunteers are most likely to adopt their foster animals? 3. Do different attachment styles to pets affect foster adoption? 4. Is the adoption of foster animals a way to deal with the potential grief of letting them go to adoption? 5. What are the impacts of foster fails on animal shelters in terms of longevity of volunteers and satisfaction with the volunteer experience? Data were collected through surveys of foster volunteers. Two nonprofit organizations, the Pedigree Foundation and Shelter Animals Count, distributed information about the survey and shelter directors distributed the survey link to their population of foster volunteers. Nine hundred and forty-seven individuals responded. To address the research questions, frequency, correlation, and regression analyses were employed. A total of 38% of volunteers had not adopted a foster in the past ten years, and another 38% had adopted one or two; 90 (11%) and 103 (13%) had adopted three to four or more than four, respectively. Volunteers that had significantly higher numbers of foster fails were those that were older (r = 0.22, p < 0.001), retired (chi-squared = 9.05, p = 0.029), lower on educational attainment (r = −0.13, p < 0.001), female with their own cats (r = 0.16, p < 0.001), and part of a fostering family (r = 0.08, p = 0.043). Volunteers that expressed higher levels of both people-substituting (r = 0.16, p = 0.003) and general (r = 0.13, p = 0.017) attachment to their fosters were more likely to adopt them, as were those that more frequently fostered animals with special medical or behavioral needs (r = 0.25, p < 0.001). Volunteers that had longer tenures (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), fostered more frequently (r = 0.24, p < 0.001), and reported greater resilience (r = 0.10, p = 0.009) had adopted significantly more animals. Finally, there was a significant and positive relationship between satisfaction with fostering and adopting more foster animals (r = 0.16, p < 0.001). The findings indicated that instead of being a “failure,” foster adoptions can be a positive force for the animal in question, their adopters, and shelters and rescues because they have more resilient, satisfied, and active volunteers. Full article

Wildfire is a type of disturbance that plays a critical role in affecting forest ecosystems. Wildfires also have a significant effect on shaping arthropods communities. Carabids (family Carabidae) are often used as a bioindicator group of altered biocenoses. Methods: For carabid sampling, pitfall traps were used in three habitats, healthy-edge-burnt, fifteen days after the suppression of wildfire. Seven traps were evenly placed on each transect. In total, twenty-one traps were used for the study. Aim of the study: (i) evaluate the overall diversity of carabids, (ii) sex change and distribution within the studied habitats, (iii) dynamics of pyrophilous carabids. Results: In total, 1051 individuals within 42 species were recorded. The total number of species was higher in the edge and burnt habitats and differed from the healthy habitat. The abundance of carabids did not differ significantly across the three habitats. However, the healthy habitat exhibited both lower species numbers and abundance. Communities, species richness, and diversity indices were similar in the edge and burnt habitats, while the healthy habitat had lower species richness, diversity indices, and more homogenized communities. The overall sex ratio was nearly equal, with females comprising 519 individuals (49.4%) and males 532 individuals (50.6%), showing nonsignificant differences among study habitats. Among the nine most dominant species, a general trend of female dominance was observed. Many species showed different patterns in sex distribution in relation to the study habitats. Pyrophilous species accounted for the majority of individuals, comprising 55% of all carabids in the burnt habitat, predominantly represented by Pterostichus quadrifoveolatus. The rare species Sericoda quadripunctata was observed infrequently with only twenty-three individuals recorded. These two species are highly correlated, potentially indicating their near-habitat requirements. Males of pyrophilous species in general colonize the area in the earliest post-fire period. Conclusions: The immediate response of carabids to forest wildfire is significant, primarily influencing species richness and communities. While wildfire did not affect overall sex distribution, it shaped interspecies sex distribution across the study habitats. Full article

Coastal wetlands deliver essential ecosystem services, including cultural services, which provide non-material benefits such as recreation, education, and spiritual enrichment that are crucial for human well-being. This study investigates the cultural ecosystem services provided by a 40 ha coastal wetland in the Gulf of Manfredonia, southern Italy, within the Gargano National Park. By integrating an ecological survey of the bird community with a social survey of visitors to the King’s Lagoon Nature Reserve, the content of tailored planning strategies and management tools for the conservation of wetland biodiversity was developed. An ecological analysis of the bird community was carried out on the assumption that it could be representative of the total biodiversity observed in the wetland. On the other hand, a questionnaire was used to collect information from visitors to the reserve, highlighting the aspects of the wetland that they found most interesting and attractive according to their judgement and beliefs, and thus targeting a specific set of cultural ecological services. The two approaches were then combined to develop a comprehensive strategy. The bird community analysis led to the identification of the mixed biotope category (a combination of wetlands, aquatic/riparian ecosystems, semi-natural vegetated areas, and meadows together with agricultural areas) as the reference biotope for prioritizing wetland management. The Ardeidae family was chosen as a bird flagship group because of its high visibility, ease of identification, attractiveness to visitors, wide local distribution, and fairly constant presence in the study area throughout the year. Flagship species have a dual function: to guide conservation measures and actions by wetland managers, and to attract the interest, curiosity and active participation of potential visitors to the wetland. Based on the results, a list of guidelines for improving the birds’ habitats and providing them with resources (feeding, breeding, shelter, roosting, etc.) has been proposed. The aim of these measures is to optimize the presence and abundance of Ardeidae as flagship species, thereby preserving the biodiversity heritage in general and increasing the provision of cultural ecosystem services in the wetland. The resulting dynamic interplay ensures that both natural and cultural resources are fully and appropriately valued, protected, and maintained for the benefit of present and future generations. Full article

We study the algebraic connectivity for several classes of random semi-regular graphs. For large random semi-regular bipartite graphs, we explicitly compute both their algebraic connectivity as well as the full spectrum distribution. For an integer $d\in \left[3,7\right]$, we find families of random semi-regular graphs that have higher algebraic connectivity than random d-regular graphs with the same number of vertices and edges. On the other hand, we show that regular graphs beat semi-regular graphs when $d\ge 8$. More generally, we study random semi-regular graphs whose average degree is d, not necessarily an integer. This provides a natural generalization of a d-regular graph in the case of a non-integer $d$. We characterize their algebraic connectivity in terms of a root of a certain sixth-degree polynomial. Finally, we construct a small-world-type network of an average degree of 2.5 with relatively high algebraic connectivity. We also propose some related open problems and conjectures. Full article

The symmetric Kullback–Leibler centroid, also called the Jeffreys centroid, of a set of mutually absolutely continuous probability distributions on a measure space provides a notion of centrality which has proven useful in many tasks, including information retrieval, information fusion, and clustering. However, the Jeffreys centroid is not available in closed form for sets of categorical or multivariate normal distributions, two widely used statistical models, and thus needs to be approximated numerically in practice. In this paper, we first propose the new Jeffreys–Fisher–Rao center defined as the Fisher–Rao midpoint of the sided Kullback–Leibler centroids as a plug-in replacement of the Jeffreys centroid. This Jeffreys–Fisher–Rao center admits a generic formula for uni-parameter exponential family distributions and a closed-form formula for categorical and multivariate normal distributions; it matches exactly the Jeffreys centroid for same-mean normal distributions and is experimentally observed in practice to be close to the Jeffreys centroid. Second, we define a new type of inductive center generalizing the principle of the Gauss arithmetic–geometric double sequence mean for pairs of densities of any given exponential family. This new Gauss–Bregman center is shown experimentally to approximate very well the Jeffreys centroid and is suggested to be used as a replacement for the Jeffreys centroid when the Jeffreys–Fisher–Rao center is not available in closed form. Furthermore, this inductive center always converges and matches the Jeffreys centroid for sets of same-mean normal distributions. We report on our experiments, which first demonstrate how well the closed-form formula of the Jeffreys–Fisher–Rao center for categorical distributions approximates the costly numerical Jeffreys centroid, which relies on the Lambert W function, and second show the fast convergence of the Gauss–Bregman double sequences, which can approximate closely the Jeffreys centroid when truncated to a first few iterations. Finally, we conclude this work by reinterpreting these fast proxy Jeffreys–Fisher–Rao and Gauss–Bregman centers of Jeffreys centroids under the lens of dually flat spaces in information geometry. Full article

This paper presents a new methodology for generating continuous statistical distributions, integrating the exponentiated odds ratio within the framework of survival analysis. This new method enhances the flexibility and adaptability of distribution models to effectively address the complexities inherent in contemporary datasets. The core of this advancement is illustrated by introducing a particular subfamily, the “Type 2 Gumbel Weibull-G family of distributions”. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the mathematical properties of these distributions, including statistical properties such as density functions, moments, hazard rate and quantile functions, Rényi entropy, order statistics, and the concept of stochastic ordering. To test the robustness of our new model, we apply five distinct methods for parameter estimation. The practical applicability of the Type 2 Gumbel Weibull-G distributions is further supported through the analysis of three real-world datasets. These real-life applications illustrate the exceptional statistical precision of our distributions compared to existing models, thereby reinforcing their significant value in both theoretical and practical statistical applications. Full article

Background: Argyrosomus japonicus, a member of the Sciaenidae family, is widely distributed across the sea areas near China, Japan, Australia, and South Africa. The aim of this study is to provide a high-quality genome with new technology and to understand the sex determination mechanism of this species. Methods: We generated a high-quality chromosome-level genome for Argyrosomus japonicus using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing technologies. To map the sex determination region, we employed re-sequencing data from 38 A. japonicus and conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on sex phenotypes. Results: Utilizing Hifiasm, we assembled a 708.8 Mb genome with a contig N50 length of 30 Mb. Based on Hi-C data, these contigs were organized into 24 chromosomes. The completeness of the assembly was assessed to be 99% using BUSCO, and over 98% according to Merqury. We identified a total of 174.57 Mb of repetitive elements and annotated 24,726 protein-coding genes in the genome. We mapped a 2.8 Mb sex determination region on chromosome 9, within which we found two sex-linked markers. Furthermore, we confirmed that the XX-XY sex determination system is adopted in A. japonicus. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide significant insights into genetic breeding, genome evolution research, and sex control breeding in A. japonicus. Full article

The multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family is the latest class of novel secondary transporters discovered in plants. However, there is currently no comprehensive analysis of the MATE gene family in the tea plant. In this study, 68 CsMATE genes were identified from the tea plant genome using bioinformatic methods. In general, we analyzed the evolutionary relationships, intron–exon structure, distribution in chromosomes, conserved domains, and gene expression patterns in different tissues and stresses of the CsMATE gene family. The 68 CsMATEs were phylogenetically divided into four major clusters (Class I to Class IV). The CsMATE genes within the same class exhibit similar structural features, while displaying certain distinctions across different classes. Evolutionary analysis indicated that the CsMATE gene family expanded mainly through gene duplication events, in addition to proximal duplication. Through the analysis of cis-acting elements, it was found that CsMATE genes may be involved in the growth, development, and stress response. Furthermore, we observed that certain CsMATE genes could be induced to exhibit expression under abiotic stress conditions such as low temperature, high salinity (NaCl), osmotic stress (PEG), and methyl jasmonate treatment (MeJA). The findings presented herein offer a crucial theoretical foundation for elucidating the biological functions of CsMATE genes, particularly in response to abiotic stress, and furnish valuable potential genetic resources for tea plant resistance breeding. Full article

In this article, we introduce a new three-parameter distribution called the discrete Weibull exponential (DWE) distribution, based on the use of a discretization technique for the Weibull-G family of distributions. This distribution is noteworthy, as its probability mass function presents both symmetric and asymmetric shapes. In addition, its related hazard function is tractable, exhibiting a wide range of shapes, including increasing, increasing–constant, uniform, monotonically increasing, and reversed J-shaped. We also discuss some of the properties of the proposed distribution, such as the moments, moment-generating function, dispersion index, Rényi entropy, and order statistics. The maximum likelihood method is employed to estimate the model’s unknown parameters, and these estimates are evaluated through simulation studies. Additionally, the effectiveness of the model is examined by applying it to three real data sets. The results demonstrate that, in comparison to the other considered distributions, the proposed distribution provides a better fit to the data. Full article

Heat shock proteins (Hsps), acting as molecular chaperones, play a pivotal role in plant responses to environmental stress. In this study, we found a total of 192 genes encoding Hsps, which are distributed across all 12 chromosomes, with higher concentrations on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, and 5. These Hsps can be divided into six subfamilies (sHsp, Hsp40, Hsp60, Hsp70, Hsp90, and Hsp100) based on molecular weight and homology. Expression pattern data indicated that these Hsp genes can be categorized into three groups: generally high expression in almost all tissues, high tissue-specific expression, and low expression in all tissues. Further analysis of 15 representative genes found that the expression of 14 Hsp genes was upregulated by high temperatures. Subcellular localization analysis revealed seven proteins localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, while others localized to the mitochondria, chloroplasts, and nucleus. We successfully obtained the knockout mutants of above 15 Hsps by the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. Under natural high-temperature conditions, the mutants of eight Hsps showed reduced yield mainly due to the seed setting rate or grain weight. Moreover, the rice quality of most of these mutants also changed, including increased grain chalkiness, decreased amylose content, and elevated total protein content, and the expressions of starch metabolism-related genes in the endosperm of these mutants were disturbed compared to the wild type under natural high-temperature conditions. In conclusion, our study provided new insights into the HSP gene family and found that it plays an important role in the formation of rice quality and yield. Full article