Recent Advances on Deep Learning for Sign Language Recognition

Sign language,a visual-gestural language used by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community,plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and promoting inclusivity.Sign language recognition(SLR),the process of automatically recognizing and interpreting sign language gestures,has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to bridge the communication gap between the hearing impaired and the hearing world.The emergence and continuous development of deep learning techniques have provided inspiration and momentum for advancing SLR.This paper presents a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the advancements,challenges,and opportunities in deep learning-based sign language recognition,focusing on the past five years of research.We explore various aspects of SLR,including sign data acquisition technologies,sign language datasets,evaluation methods,and different types of neural networks.Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN)and Recurrent Neural Networks(RNN)have shown promising results in fingerspelling and isolated sign recognition.However,the continuous nature of sign language poses challenges,leading to the exploration of advanced neural network models such as the Transformer model for continuous sign language recognition(CSLR).Despite significant advancements,several challenges remain in the field of SLR.These challenges include expanding sign language datasets,achieving user independence in recognition systems,exploring different input modalities,effectively fusing features,modeling co-articulation,and improving semantic and syntactic understanding.Additionally,developing lightweight network architectures for mobile applications is crucial for practical implementation.By addressing these challenges,we can further advance the field of deep learning for sign language recognition and improve communication for the hearing-impaired community.

Optimal dispatching strategy for residential demand response considering load participation

To facilitate the coordinated and large-scale participation of residential flexible loads in demand response(DR),a load aggregator(LA)can integrate these loads for scheduling.In this study,a residential DR optimization scheduling strategy was formulated considering the participation of flexible loads in DR.First,based on the operational characteristics of flexible loads such as electric vehicles,air conditioners,and dishwashers,their DR participation,the base to calculate the compensation price to users,was determined by considering these loads as virtual energy storage.It was quantified based on the state of virtual energy storage during each time slot.Second,flexible loads were clustered using the K-means algorithm,considering the typical operational and behavioral characteristics as the cluster centroid.Finally,the LA scheduling strategy was implemented by introducing a DR mechanism based on the directrix load.The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed DR approach can effectively reduce peak loads and fill valleys,thereby improving the load management performance.

Coupling Sb_(2)WO_(6)microflowers and conductive polypyrrole for efficient potassium storage by enhanced conductivity and K^(+) diffusivity

Although metal oxide compounds are considered as desirable anode materials for potassium-ion batteries(PIBs)due to their high theoretical capacity,the large volume variation remains a key issue in realizing metal oxide anodes with long cycle life and excellent rate property.In this study,polypyrroleencapsulated Sb_(2)WO_(6)(denoted Sb_(2)WO_(6)@PPy)microflowers are synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method followed by in-situ polymerization and coating by pyrrole.Leveraging the nanosheet-stacked Sb_(2)WO_(6)microflower structure,the improved electronic conductivity,and the architectural protection offered by the PPy coating,Sb_(2)WO_(6)@PPy exhibits boosted potassium storage properties,thereby demonstrating an outstanding rate property of 110.3 m A h g^(-1)at 5 A g^(-1)and delivering a long-period cycling stability with a reversible capacity of 197.2 m A h g^(-1)after 500 cycles at 1 A g^(-1).In addition,the conversion and alloying processes of Sb_(2)WO_(6)@PPy in PIBs with the generation of intermediates,K_(2)WO_(4)and K_(3)Sb,is determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,transmission electron microscopy,and exsitu X-ray diffraction during potassiation/depotassiation.Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the robust coupling between PPy and Sb_(2)WO_(6)endues it with a much stronger total density of states and a built-in electric field,thereby increasing the electronic conductivity,and thus effectively reduces the K^(+)diffusion barrier.

Selective photosynthesis of Z-olefins through crystalline metal-organic cage-initiated expeditious cascade reactions

The semi-hydrogenation of alkyne to form Z-olefins with high conversion and high selectivity is still a huge challenge in the chemical industry.Moreover,flammable and explosive hydrogen as the common hydrogen source of this reaction increases the cost and danger of industrial production.Herein,we connect the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction and the semihydrogenation reaction of alkynes in series and successfully realize the high selective production of Z-alkenes using low-cost,safe,and green water as the proton source.Before the cascade reaction,a series of isomorphic metal–organic cage catalysts(Co_(x)Zn_(8−x)L_(6),x=0,3,4,5,and 8)are designed and synthesized to improve the yield of the photocatalytic hydrogen production.Among them,Co_(5)Zn_(3)L_(6) shows the highest photocatalytic activity,with a H_(2) generation rate of 8.81 mmol g^(−1) h^(−1).Then,Co_(5)Zn_(3)L_(6) is further applied in the above tandem reaction to efficiently reduce alkynes to Z-alkenes under ambient conditions,which can reach high conversion of>98%and high selectivity of>99%,and maintain original catalytic activity after multiple cycles.This“one-pot”tandem reaction can achieve a highly selective and safe stepwise conversion from water into hydrogen into Z-olefins under mild reaction conditions.

Strong synergy between physical and chemical properties:Insight into optimization of atomically dispersed oxygen reduction catalysts

Atomically dispersed catalysts exhibit significant influence on facilitating the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)kinetics with high atom economy,owing to remarkable attributes including nearly 100%atomic utilization and exceptional catalytic functionality.Furthermore,accurately controlling atomic physical properties including spin,charge,orbital,and lattice degrees of atomically dispersed catalysts can realize the optimized chemical properties including maximum atom utilization efficiency,homogenous active centers,and satisfactory catalytic performance,but remains elusive.Here,through physical and chemical insight,we review and systematically summarize the strategies to optimize atomically dispersed ORR catalysts including adjusting the atomic coordination environment,adjacent electronic orbital and site density,and the choice of dual-atom sites.Then the emphasis is on the fundamental understanding of the correlation between the physical property and the catalytic behavior for atomically dispersed catalysts.Finally,an overview of the existing challenges and prospects to illustrate the current obstacles and potential opportunities for the advancement of atomically dispersed catalysts in the realm of electrocatalytic reactions is offered.

LncRNA pol-lnc78 as a ceRNA regulates antibacterial responses via suppression of pol-miR-n199-3p-mediated SARM down-regulation in Paralichthys olivaceus

Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)function as key modulators in mammalian immunity,particularly due to their involvement in lncRNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)crosstalk.Despite their recognized significance in mammals,research on lncRNAs in lower vertebrates remains limited.In the present study,we characterized the first immune-related lncRNA(pol-lnc78)in the teleost Japanese flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus).Results indicated that pol-lnc78 acted as a ceRNA for pol-miR-n199-3p to target the sterile alpha and armadillo motif-containing protein(SARM),the fifth discovered member of the Toll/interleukin 1(IL-1)receptor(TIR)adaptor family.This ceRNA network regulated the antibacterial responses of flounder via the Toll-like receptor(TLR)signaling pathway.Specifically,SARM acted as a negative regulator and exacerbated bacterial infection by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Pol-miR-n199-3p reduced SARM expression by specifically interacting with the 3’untranslated region(UTR),thereby promoting SARM-dependent inflammatory cytokine expression and protecting the host against bacterial dissemination.Furthermore,pol-lnc78 sponged pol-miR-n199-3p to ameliorate the inhibition of SARM expression.During infection,the negative regulators pol-lnc78 and SARM were significantly down-regulated,while pol-miR-n199-3p was significantly up-regulated,thus favoring host antibacterial defense.These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying fish immunity and open new horizons to better understand ceRNA crosstalk in lower vertebrates.

Effects of carrier density and interactions on pairing symmetry in a t_(2g) model

By utilizing the fluctuation exchange approximation method,we perform a study on the superconducting pairing symmetry in a t_(2g) three-orbital model on the square lattice.Although the tight-binding parameters of the model are based on Sr_(2)RuO_(4),we have systematically studied the evolution of superconducting pairing symmetry with the carrier density and interactions,making our findings relevant to a broader range of material systems.Under a moderate Hund’s coupling,we find that spin fluctuations dominate the superconducting pairing,leading to a prevalent spin-singlet pairing with a d_(x^(2)-y^(2))-wave symmetry for the carrier density within the range of n=1.5-4 per site.By reducing the Hund’s coupling,the charge fluctuations are enhanced and play a crucial role in determining the pairing symmetry,leading to a transition of the pairing symmetry from the spin-singlet d_(x^(2)-y^(2))-wave to the spin-triplet p-wave.Furthermore,we find that the superconducting pairings are orbital dependent.As the carrier density changes from n=4 to n=1.5,the active orbitals for superconducting pairing shift from the quasi-two-dimensional orbital dxy to the quasi-one-dimensional orbitals d_(xz) and d_(yz).

A Survey on Chinese Sign Language Recognition:From Traditional Methods to Artificial Intelligence

Research on Chinese Sign Language(CSL)provides convenience and support for individuals with hearing impairments to communicate and integrate into society.This article reviews the relevant literature on Chinese Sign Language Recognition(CSLR)in the past 20 years.Hidden Markov Models(HMM),Support Vector Machines(SVM),and Dynamic Time Warping(DTW)were found to be the most commonly employed technologies among traditional identificationmethods.Benefiting from the rapid development of computer vision and artificial intelligence technology,Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN),3D-CNN,YOLO,Capsule Network(CapsNet)and various deep neural networks have sprung up.Deep Neural Networks(DNNs)and their derived models are integral tomodern artificial intelligence recognitionmethods.In addition,technologies thatwerewidely used in the early days have also been integrated and applied to specific hybrid models and customized identification methods.Sign language data collection includes acquiring data from data gloves,data sensors(such as Kinect,LeapMotion,etc.),and high-definition photography.Meanwhile,facial expression recognition,complex background processing,and 3D sign language recognition have also attracted research interests among scholars.Due to the uniqueness and complexity of Chinese sign language,accuracy,robustness,real-time performance,and user independence are significant challenges for future sign language recognition research.Additionally,suitable datasets and evaluation criteria are also worth pursuing.

Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Multilayer pH-Sensitive Films Based on Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Intelligent Packaging

The abuse of plastic food packaging has brought about severe white pollution issues around the world.Developing green and sustainable biomass packaging is an effective way to solve this problem.Hence,a chitosan/sodium alginate-based multilayer film is fabricated via a layer-by-layer(LBL)self-assembly method.With the help of superior interaction between the layers,the multilayer film possesses excellent mechanical properties(with a tensile strength of 50 MPa).Besides,the film displays outstanding water retention property(blocking moisture of 97.56%)and ultraviolet blocking property.Anthocyanin is introduced into the film to detect the food quality since it is one natural plant polyphenol that is sensitive to the pH changes ranging from 1 to 13 in food when spoilage occurs.It is noted that the film is also bacteriostatic which is desired for food packaging.This study describes a simple technique for the development of advanced multifunctional and fully biodegradable food packaging film and it is a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Searching for plant NLR immune receptors conferring resistance to potyviruses

To fight against invasion by pathogens,plants have evolved an elaborate innate immune system,of which the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat-containing receptor(NLR)acts as the sensor and immune executor.Potyviruses,comprising one of the largest genera of plant viruses,cause severe crop yield losses worldwide.Inherited crop resistance to potyviruses can be used in breeding and plant transgenesis to control disease development.This review summarizes achievements in mapping and cloning NLR genes conferring dominant resistance against potyvirus in the families Fabaceae,Solanaceae,Brassicaceae,and Cucurbitaceae.It compares mechanisms of potyviral protein recognition and downstream signaling employed by NLRs and discusses strategies for exploiting NLRs to better control diseases caused by potyviruses.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of the social structure of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins(Sousa chinensis)in Xiamen waters from 2007 to 2019

As highly social animals,Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins(Sousa chinensis)exhibit community differentiation.Nevertheless,our understanding of the external and internal factors influencing these dynamics,as well as their spatiotemporal variations,is still limited.In the present study,variations in the social structure of an endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin population in Xiamen Bay,China,were monitored over two distinct periods(2007–2010 and 2017–2019)to analyze the effects of habitat utilization and the composition of individuals within the population.In both periods,the population demonstrated a strikingly similar pattern of social differentiation,characterized by the division of individuals into two main clusters and one small cluster.Spatially,the two primary clusters occupied the eastern and western waters,respectively,although the core distribution area of the eastern cluster shifted further eastward between the two periods.Despite this distribution shift,the temporal stability of the social structure and inter-associations within the eastern cluster remained unaffected.A subset of 16individuals observed in both periods,comprising 51.6%and 43.2%of the population in each respective period,emerged as a foundational element of the social structure and may be responsible for sustaining social structure stability,especially during the 2007–2010 period.These observations suggest that the composition of dominant individuals,an internal factor,had a more substantial influence on the formation of the social network than changes in habitat use,an external factor.Consequently,the study proposes distinct conservation measures tailored to each of the two main clusters.

Highly Thermoconductive,Strong Graphene‑Based Composite Films by Eliminating Nanosheets Wrinkles

Graphene-based thermally conductive composites have been proposed as effective thermal management materials for cooling high-power electronic devices.However,when flexible graphene nanosheets are assembled into macroscopic thermally conductive composites,capillary forces induce shrinkage of graphene nanosheets to form wrinkles during solution-based spontaneous drying,which greatly reduces the thermal conductivity of the composites.Herein,graphene nanosheets/aramid nanofiber(GNS/ANF)composite films with high thermal conductivity were prepared by in-plane stretching of GNS/ANF composite hydrogel networks with hydrogen bonds andπ-πinteractions.The in-plane mechanical stretching eliminates graphene nanosheets wrinkles by suppressing inward shrinkage due to capillary forces during drying and achieves a high in-plane orientation of graphene nanosheets,thereby creating a fast in-plane heat transfer channel.The composite films(GNS/ANF-60 wt%)with eliminated graphene nanosheets wrinkles showed a significant increase in thermal conductivity(146 W m^(−1)K^(−1))and tensile strength(207 MPa).The combination of these excellent properties enables the GNS/ANF composite films to be effectively used for cooling flexible LED chips and smartphones,showing promising applications in the thermal management of high-power electronic devices.

A novel strain of Levilactobacillus brevis PDD-5 isolated from salty vegetables has beneficial effects on hyperuricemia through anti-inflammation and improvement of kidney damage

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder caused by abnormal purine metabolism,resulting in abnormally high serum uric acid.In this study,a novel Levilactobacillus brevis PDD-5 isolated from salty vegetables was verified with the function of alleviating hyperuricemia.The relevant effects of L.brevis PDD-5 in lowering uric acid were analyzed by in vitro and in vivo experiments.The results showed that the L.brevis PDD-5 has(68.86±15.46)%of inosine uptake capacity and(95.75±3.30)%of guanosine uptake capacity in vitro.Oral administration of L.brevis PDD-5 to hyperuricemia rats reduced uric acid,creatinine,and urea nitrogen in serum,as well as decreased inosine and guanosine levels in the intestinal contents of rats.Analysis of relevant markers in the kidney by ELISA kits revealed that L.brevis PDD-5 alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation.Moreover,the gene expression of uric acid transporter 1(URAT1)and glucose transporter 9(GLUT9)was down-regulated,and the gene expression of organic anion transporter 1(OAT1)was up-regulated after treatment with L.brevis PDD-5.Western blot analysis showed that L.brevis PDD-5 alleviated hyperuricemia-induced kidney injury through the NLRP3 pathway.The se findings suggest that L.brevis PDD-5 can lower uric acid,repair kidney damage,and also has the potential to prevent uric acid nephropathy.

Bird specimen number linked with species trait and climate niche breadth

Biological specimens are fundamental for taxonomy and flora/fauna research.More importantly,they also play crucial roles in recording environmental impacts on morphology and behavior,which is vital for biodiversity research and conservation.However,there are few systematic studies on the patterns and drivers of bird specimen number at regional scales.This study is the first attempt to examine the relationships between bird specimen number and species traits as well as climate niche breadth in China,aiming to answer two questions:1)how do species’temperature niche breadth and precipitation niche breadth influence specimen number?2)which trait is most associated with bird specimen number?The associations between bird specimen number and explanatory variables were examined using ordinary least squares,generalized linear models,phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models,and multiple comparisons.The results showed that Muscicapidae was the family with the highest specimen number,and Passeriformes was the order with the highest specimen number.Bird specimen number significantly increased with larger temperature niche breadth and precipitation niche breadth.Specimen number was also positively associated with geographic range size,habitat specificity,hunting vulnerability and clutch size,but negatively associated with body size.These findings suggest that future bird specimen collection should pay more attention to birds with limited ecological niches,large body sizes,and small clutch sizes.This research enhances the use of bird specimen data to study and preserve biodiversity.

Weak Merging Scenario of CLASH Cluster A209

We study the structural and dynamical properties of A209 based on Chandra and XMM-Newton observations.We obtain detailed temperature,pressure,and entropy maps with the contour binning method,and find a hot region in the NW direction.The X-ray brightness residual map and corresponding temperature profiles reveal a possible shock front in the NW direction and a cold front feature in the SE direction.Combined with the galaxy luminosity density map we propose a weak merger scenario.A young sub-cluster passing from the SE to NW direction could explain the optical subpeak,the intracluster medium temperature map,the X-ray surface brightness excess,and the X-ray peak offset together.

Associations between Social Media Use and Sleep Quality in China:Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Media Addiction

Sleep quality is closely linked to people’s health,and during the COVID-19 pandemic,the sleep patterns of residents in China were notably poor.The lockdown in China led to an increase in social media use,prompting questions about its impact on sleep.Therefore,this study investigates the association between social media use and sleep quality among Chinese residents during the COVID-19 outbreak,highlighting the potential mediating role of social media addiction.Data were collected via questionnaires through a cross-sectional survey with 779 valid responses.Variance analysis was used to test for differences in social media use among different demographic variables.Bivariate correlation analysis was employed to explore the relationships between variables,while regression analysis investigated the correlations between various media factors and sleep quality.Additionally,Bootstrap sampling was utilized to analyze the potential mediating influence of social media addiction in the relationship between social media use and sleep.The study's findings reveal a significant correlation between social media use,particularly before bedtime,and sleep quality(p<0.01),with pre-sleep activity notably linked to poorer overall sleep scores(β=0.141,p=0.004).Although the daily use of social media did not directly impact most individuals’sleep quality,specific platforms like news apps,short video apps,dating apps,and content community platforms were associated with higher levels of social media addiction,subsequently negatively affecting sleep quality.Specifically,the use of news apps(B=0.068,95%CI[0.000,0.019]),short video apps(B=0.112,95%CI[0.001,0.031]),dating apps(B=0.147,95%CI[0.000,0.028]),and content community platforms(B=0.106,95%CI[0.001,0.028])was found to increase the risk of social media addiction,subsequently leading to adverse effects on sleep quality.The study underscores a notable link between social media use and sleep quality,suggesting that mindful social media habits,particularly before bedtime,and reducing addiction-associated apps could enhance sleep quality.

Population genomic data reveal low genetic diversity,divergence and local adaptation among threatened Reeves's Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii)

Population genomic data could provide valuable information for conservation efforts;however,limited studies have been conducted to investigate the genetic status of threatened pheasants.Reeves’s Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii)is facing population decline,attributed to increases in habitat loss.There is a knowledge gap in understanding the genomic status and genetic basis underlying the local adaptation of this threatened bird.Here,we used population genomic data to assess population structure,genetic diversity,inbreeding patterns,and genetic divergence.Furthermore,we identified candidate genes linked with adaptation across the current distribution of Reeves’s Pheasant.The present study assembled the first de novo genome sequence of Reeves’s Pheasant and annotated 19,458 genes.We also sequenced 30 individuals from three populations(Dabie Mountain,Shennongjia,Qinling Mountain)and found that there was clear population structure among those populations.By comparing with other threatened species,we found that Reeves’s Pheasants have low genetic diversity.Runs of homozygosity suggest that the Shennongjia population has experienced serious inbreeding.The demographic history results indicated that three populations experienced several declines during the glacial period.Local adaptative analysis among the populations identified 241 candidate genes under directional selection.They are involved in a large variety of processes,including the immune response and pigmentation.Our results suggest that the three populations should be considered as three different conservation units.The current study provides genetic evidence for conserving the threatened Reeves’s Pheasant and provides genomic resources for global biodiversity management.

Manipulating d-d orbital hybridization induced by Mo-doped Co_(9)S_(8) nanorod arrays for high-efficiency water electrolysis

Precisely refining the electronic structure of electrocatalysts represents a powerful approach to further optimize the electrocatalytic performance.Herein,we demonstrate an ingenious d-d orbital hybridization concept to construct Mo-doped Co_(9)S_(8) nanorod arrays aligned on carbon cloth(CC)substrate(abbreviated as Mo-Co_(9)S_(8)@CC hereafter)as a high-efficiency bifunctional electrocatalyst toward water electrolysis.It has experimentally and theoretically validated that the 4d-3d orbital coupling between Mo dopant and Co site can effectively optimize the H_(2)O activation energy and lower H^(*)adsorption energy barrier,thereby leading to enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)activities.Thanks to the unique electronic and geometrical advantages,the optimized Mo-Co_(9)S_(8)@CC with appropriate Mo content exhibits outstanding bifunctional performance in alkaline solution,with the overpotentials of 75 and 234 mV for the delivery of a current density of 10 mA cm^(-2),small Tafel slopes of 53.8 and 39.9 mV dec~(-1)and long-term stabilities for at least 32 and 30 h for HER and OER,respectively.More impressively,a water splitting electrolylzer assembled by the self-supported Mo-Co_(9)S_(8)@CC electrode requires a low cell voltage of 1.53 V at 10 mA cm^(-2)and shows excellent stability and splendid reversibility,demonstrating a huge potential for affordable and scalable electrochemical H_(2) production.The innovational orbital hybridization strategy for electronic regulation herein provides an inspirable avenue for developing progressive electrocatalysts toward new energy systems.

Monitor and Acceptance among Couples in Romantic Relationships:Actor-Partner Interdependence Models Based on the Monitor and Acceptance Theory

Communication could be an essential part of couples in their daily life.Based on Monitor and Acceptance Theory(MAT),the present study explored the mediating role of communication in the relationship between mindfulness and relationship quality among college-student couples.The research examined the dynamic relationship of monitoring and acceptance to relationship satisfaction in the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model(APIM),and the mediating effect of positive or negative communications in these relationships.A total of 96 pairs of couples in the universities in Nanjing,China participated in the research.Momentary measurements were used to measure the momentary levels of their monitor,acceptance,positive/negative communication,and relationship satisfaction.A Hierarchical Linear Model(HLM)was used to deal with the APIM.Results showed that the women’s monitor facet of state mindfulness negatively predicted men’s relationship satisfaction through women’s negative communication,and the women’s acceptance facet of state mindfulness positively predicted women’s relationship satisfaction through women’s positive and negative communication at the within-person level.The study highlights the importance of cooperation in monitoring and acceptance for couples to own and hold high levels of relationship satisfaction.

Ovarian function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus:Pathogenesis,drug application and prospective therapies

Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is a chronic autoimmune disease in which multiple organs are damaged that prevails in fertile women.Currently,glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are widely used to treat SLE patients.However,ovarian dysfunction occurs following the use of these drugs in women with SLE.Here,we summarize recent progress in terms of understanding ovarian injury,the effects of drug application and strategies to improve ovarian function in women with SLE.This review could be helpful to precisely cure SLE in women desiring to have offspring.