On the exact solutions of the Bianchi IX cosmological model in the proper time

It has recently been argued that there might exist a four-parameter analytic solution to the Bianchi IX cosmological model, which would extend the three-parameter solution of Belinskii et al. to one more arbitrary constant. We perform the perturbative Painlev\'e test in the proper time variable, and confirm the possible existence of such an extension.Comment: 8 pages, no figure, standard Latex, to appear in Regular and chaotic dynamics (1998

A lost sales inventory model with a compound poisson demand pattern.

Sales; Inventory; Model; Demand; University; Research;

Import Diversion under European Antidumping Policy

This paper is the first to study empirically the effects of European antidumping actions on import diversion from importers 'named' in an antidumping investigation, and potentially subject to protectionist measures, to countries not named' in the investigation. For this purpose we use a unique data set at the 8-digit product level. The amount of import diversion can be regarded as an indication of the effectiveness of antidumping policy which is used to protect the home industry from foreign imports. We find that -- in contrast to the US -- trade diversion in the European Union caused by antidumping actions is rather limited. This result holds even after controlling for selection-bias in the antidumping investigation procedure. We offer a number of explanations for the difference between Europe and the US regarding trade diversion.

Individual-based modelling of invasion in bioaugmented sand filter communities

Using experimental data obtained from in vitro bioaugmentation studies of a sand filter community of 13 bacterial species, we develop an individual-based model representing the in silico counterpart of this synthetic microbial community. We assess the inter-species interactions, first by identifying strain identity effects in the data then by synthesizing these effects into a competition structure for our model. Pairwise competition outcomes are determined based on interaction effects in terms of functionality. We also consider non-deterministic competition, where winning probabilities are assigned based on the relative intrinsic competitiveness of each strain. Our model is able to reproduce the key qualitative dynamics observed in in vitro experiments with similar synthetic sand filter communities. Simulation outcomes can be explained based on the underlying competition structures and the resulting spatial dynamics. Our results highlight the importance of community diversity and in particular evenness in stabilizing the community dynamics, allowing us to study the establishment and development of these communities, and thereby illustrate the potential of the individual-based modelling approach for addressing microbial ecological theories related to synthetic communities

Aminobacter sp MSH1 invades sand filter community biofilms while retaining 2,6-dichlorobenzamide degradation functionality under C- and N-limiting conditions

Aminobacter sp. MSH1 is of interest for bioaugmentation of biofiltration units in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) due to its ability to degrade the groundwater micropollutant 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM). Using a continuous flow chamber biofilm model, MSH1 was previously shown to colonize surfaces and degrade BAM at trace concentrations as low as 1 mu g/L under the oligotrophic conditions found in DWTPs. In DWTP filtration units, MSH1 has to compete with the resident biofilm microbiota for space and nutrients. Using the same model, we examined how a sand filter community (SFC) affects MSH1's BAM-degrading activity and biofilm formation under C-and N-limiting conditions when fed with trace concentrations of BAM. MSH1 was inoculated simultaneously with the SFC (co-colonization mode) or after the SFC formed a biofilm (invasion mode). MSH1 successfully established in the SFC biofilm showing growth and activity. In co-colonization mode, MSH1 decreased in number in the presence of the SFC and formed isolated colonies, while specific BAM-degradation activity increased. In the invasion mode, MSH1 also decreased in numbers in the presence of the SFC but formed mixed colonies, while specific BAM degradation was unaffected. Our results show that MSH1 invades and performs successfully in an SFC biofilm under the oligotrophic conditions of DWTPs

Трендсеттінг як ключовий фактор управління інноваційними ризиками індустрії моди

Індустрія моди нового тисячоріччя перетворилася в багатомільйонний сектор економіки, у котрому інноваційна діяльність грає ключову роль. Інновації в дизайні сучасного костюма з інструмента вдосконалювання характеристик об’єкта перетворюються в одну з основних його характеристик, тому фешн-проекти є інноваційними за своєю природою [2]

A Holistic AI Integration at BUAS: Education, Operations, and Research

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS) adopts a comprehensive approach to AI integration, harmonizing technology with education, operations, and research. Our presentation, A Holistic AI Integration at BUAS: Education, Operations, and Research, illustrates our innovative strategies across these domains. In education, we emphasize AI literacy, blending technical training with the application of AI in professional practices, fostering personalized learning and ethical innovation to enhance efficiency while maintaining empathy and accountability, ensuring AI complements rather than replaces human roles. In research, we align AI with educational goals and industry needs, promoting ethical, data-focused research that contributes to societal advancement. This presentation offers insights into our balanced approach to AI, highlighting practical applications, ethical considerations, and the synergy between technology and human elements, providing valuable takeaways for implementing AI in diverse educational settings

Highly potent HIV inhibition: engineering a key anti-HIV structure from PSC-RANTES into MIP-1β/CCL4

The HIV coreceptor CCR5 is a validated target for both the prevention and therapy of HIV infection. PSC-RANTES, an N-terminally modified analogue of one of the natural chemokine ligands of CCR5 (RANTES/CCL5), is a potent inhibitor of HIV entry into target cells. Here, we set out to engineer the anti-HIV activity of PSC-RANTES into another natural CCR5 ligand (MIP-1β/CCL4), by grafting into it the key N-terminal pharmacophore region from PSC-RANTES. We were able to identify MIP-1β/CCL4 analogues that retain the receptor binding profile of MIP-1β/CCL4, but acquire the very high anti-HIV potency and characteristic inhibitory mechanism of PSC-RANTES. Unexpectedly, we discovered that in addition to N-terminal structures from PSC-RANTES, the side chain of Lys33 is also necessary for full anti-HIV potenc