Barabanov norms, Lipschitz continuity and monotonicity for the max algebraic joint spectral radius

We present several results describing the interplay between the max algebraic joint spectral radius (JSR) for compact sets of matrices and suitably defined matrix norms. In particular, we extend a classical result for the conventional algebra, showing that the JSR can be described in terms of induced norms of the matrices in the set. We also show that for a set generating an irreducible semigroup (in a cone-theoretic sense), a monotone Barabanov norm always exists. This fact is then used to show that the max algebraic JSR is locally Lipschitz continuous on the space of compact irreducible sets of matrices with respect to the Hausdorff distance. We then prove that the JSR is Hoelder continuous on the space of compact sets of nonnegative matrices. Finally, we prove a strict monotonicity property for the max algebraic JSR that echoes a fact for the classical JSR

Multi-site monitoring of heat stresses and micrometeorological conditions in the rice plants communities under various climates. The micrometeorological measurements system for a common measure of the paddy environments

Rice yield can be reduced substantially when the crop is exposed to excessive hest, which will likely occur more frequently under future climates, but the magnitudes of yield losses under open-field conditions are still difficult to predict, despite many efforts being conducted to detennine temperature response in the closed environments. To better understand the occurrence of heat stress under field conditions. we need thermal conditions of rice canopy under heat conditions, which can be very much different depending on other environmental factors, but taking correct measurements of canopy micrometeorology needs careful considerations. In this study, we will distribute a simple but well-designed system for measuring thermal environments of the canopy to different rice growing regions covering continental and coastal climates in low and mid latitude regions. With them, we attempt to establish a monitoring network of canopy thermal environments in the paddy fields that will help to bridge gaps between chamber and open-field and to better assess potential impacts of climate change on rice production. Keyword.: Canopy heat budget, Climate change, Micrometeorology, Multi-lateral research network, Rice. (Résumé d'auteur

Simultaneous mesoscopic and two-photon imaging of neuronal activity in cortical circuits.

Spontaneous and sensory-evoked activity propagates across varying spatial scales in the mammalian cortex, but technical challenges have limited conceptual links between the function of local neuronal circuits and brain-wide network dynamics. We present a method for simultaneous cellular-resolution two-photon calcium imaging of a local microcircuit and mesoscopic widefield calcium imaging of the entire cortical mantle in awake mice. Our multi-scale approach involves a microscope with an orthogonal axis design where the mesoscopic objective is oriented above the brain and the two-photon objective is oriented horizontally, with imaging performed through a microprism. We also introduce a viral transduction method for robust and widespread gene delivery in the mouse brain. These approaches allow us to identify the behavioral state-dependent functional connectivity of pyramidal neurons and vasoactive intestinal peptide-expressing interneurons with long-range cortical networks. Our imaging system provides a powerful strategy for investigating cortical architecture across a wide range of spatial scales

The Application of Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Promotes Soil Remediation While Negatively Affecting Soil Microbial Biomass and Activity

The use of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles for soil remediation is gaining increased attention. However, there are concerns about the potential adverse effects of nZVI on soil microbial communities and, hence, soil quality. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the application of nZVI on soil microbial parameters (as bioindicators of soil quality) during the nanoremediation of soil artificially contaminated with lindane (10 mg gamma-HCH kg(-1) DW soil) and zinc (1,500 mg Zn kg(-1) DW soil). nZVI particles were also applied to non-contaminated soil. The following nZVI doses were applied twice: 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg nZVI g(-1) DW soil. Nine weeks after nZVI application, the following parameters were determined in soil samples: lindane concentration, extractable Zn concentration, microbial biomass carbon (C-MB), bacterial and fungal abundance (gene copy numbers by qPCR), enzyme activities (beta-glucosidase, beta-glucosaminidase, xylosidase, acid phosphatase, arylsulphatase, and Leu-aminopeptidase) and bacterial richness by ARISA profiles. The application of nZVI reduced lindane and extractable Zn concentrations following a dose-dependent pattern. The presence of contaminants reduced soil microbial biomass and activity. The application of nZVI negatively affected the microbial quality of the contaminated soil but not of the non-contaminated soil. This observation might reflect a "stress-on-stress" effect, i.e., the already stressed microbial populations present in the contaminated soil were more sensitive to the application of nZVI (a second stress) than those present in the non-contaminated soil.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness through NANORRIZORREM-2 Project (AGL2016-76592-R)

The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Max Algebra and Multi-objective Optimisation

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is widely used for decision making involving multiple criteria. Elsner and van den Driessche introduced a max-algebraic approach to the single criterion AHP. We extend this to the multi-criteria AHP, by considering multi-objective generalisations of the single objective optimisation problem solved in these earlier papers. We relate the existence of globally optimal solutions to the commutativity properties of the associated matrices; we relate min-max optimal solutions to the generalised spectral radius; and we prove that Pareto optimal solutions are guaranteed to exist.Comment: 1 figur

An ISS Small-Gain Theorem for General Networks

We provide a generalized version of the nonlinear small-gain theorem for the case of more than two coupled input-to-state stable (ISS) systems. For this result the interconnection gains are described in a nonlinear gain matrix and the small-gain condition requires bounds on the image of this gain matrix. The condition may be interpreted as a nonlinear generalization of the requirement that the spectral radius of the gain matrix is less than one. We give some interpretations of the condition in special cases covering two subsystems, linear gains, linear systems and an associated artificial dynamical system.Comment: 26 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Mathematics of Control, Signals, and Systems (MCSS

Repeated exposure to multiple concurrent stressors alters visual processing in the adult posterior parietal cortex

Chronic stress is well known to erode cognitive functions. Yet, our understanding of how repeated stress exposure impacts one of the fundamental bases of cognition: sensory processing, remains limited. The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is a high order visual region, known for its role in visually guided decision making, multimodal integration, attention, and working memory. Here, we used functional measures to determine how repeated exposure to multiple concurrent stressors (RMS) affects sensory processing in the PPC in adult male mice. A longitudinal experimental design, repeatedly surveying the same population of neurons using in vivo two-photon imaging, revealed that RMS disrupts the balanced turnover of visually responsive cells in layer 2/3 of the PPC. Across the population, RMS-induced changes in visual responsiveness followed a bimodal distribution suggesting idiosyncratic stress effects. In cells that maintained their responsiveness across recording sessions, we found that stress reduced visual response magnitudes and feature selectivity. While we did not observe stress-induced elimination of excitatory synapses, noise correlation statistics indicated that RMS altered visual input to the neuronal population. The impact of RMS was restricted to visually evoked responses and was not evident in neuronal activity associated with locomotion onset. Together, our results indicate that despite no apparent synaptic reorganization, stress exposure in adulthood can disrupt sensory processing in the PPC, with the effects showing remarkable individual variation

Altruism and javanese wisdom as the basic values of the millennial da’i personality: Indigenous counseling perspective

Purpose - This research explores and interprets the altruistic values embedded in K.H. Sa'dullah Majdi's Sun Ngawiti and Bulughotut Thulab texts, and relates them to the behavioral traits of the millennial generation. Method - This research uses a qualitative methodology. It relies on data interpretation through a literature-based approach to comprehensively analyse the texts. Result  -  The research findings reveal that the texts emphasize core altruistic values, including diligence in learning, self-reflection, virtuous character, and compassion. In Islamic teachings, altruism is aligned with the concept of itsar - prioritizing the needs of others over personal interests. Implication –This study underscores the importance of indigenous knowledge in shaping ethical and culturally responsive counseling approaches. Originality/Value - These values are highly relevant for millennials, especially da'wahists, offering a basic framework for becoming agents of social change who champion justice, equality and moderation. *** Tujuan - Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi dan menafsirkan nilai-nilai altruistik yang terkandung dalam teks Sun Ngawiti dan Bulughotut Thulab karya K.H. Sa'dullah Majdi, serta mengaitkannya dengan ciri-ciri perilaku generasi milenial. Metode - Penelitian ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif. Penelitian ini mengandalkan interpretasi data melalui pendekatan berbasis literatur untuk menganalisis teks secara komprehensif. Hasil - Temuan penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa teks-teks tersebut menekankan nilai-nilai altruistik inti, termasuk ketekunan dalam belajar, refleksi diri, karakter yang berbudi luhur, dan kasih sayang. Dalam ajaran Islam, altruisme disejajarkan dengan konsep itsar - memprioritaskan kebutuhan orang lain di atas kepentingan pribadi. Implikasi -Studi ini menggarisbawahi pentingnya pengetahuan asli dalam membentuk pendekatan konseling yang etis dan responsif secara budaya. Orisinalitas/Nilai - Nilai-nilai ini sangat relevan bagi generasi milenial, terutama para pendakwah, yang menawarkan kerangka kerja dasar untuk menjadi agen perubahan sosial yang memperjuangkan keadilan, kesetaraan, dan moderasi