bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diseño e Implementación de una Plataforma Digital para la Gestión de Tutorías y su Impacto en la Deserción de Estudiantes de Nivel Superior - Design and Implementation of a Digital Platform for the Management of Tutorials and their Impact on the Desertion of Higher Level Students
Authors: Sánchez Miriam Zulma , Vega Flores Yaneth , Marín Christian Nivardy , Hernández Esquivel J. Omar
Published: September 2024

En este artículo se describe la implementación de una plataforma digital web para realizar la gestión tutorial en instituciones de educación superior, y muestra los resultados preliminares de su aplicación en estudiantes del Instituto Tecnológico de Morelia. La plataforma ha sido desarrollada con el objeto de contribuir a la disminución de los altos índices de reprobación y deserción, así como ampliar y facilitar el campo tutorial del docente, e incrementar la calidad y competitividad de los programas educativos. La implementación de esta herramienta digital de gestión tutorial pretende contribuir a mejorar la relación entre el docente y el estudiante a través de chats personalizados y públicos, de facilitar la obtención de información académica del estudiante para tener un uso eficiente de la misma, y lograr que el estudiante tenga una mejor experiencia educativa que lo formará no sólo como profesional altamente calificado, sino que también tendrá una asertividad para participar de manera activa, organizada y responsable en la dinámica que le establezca la sociedad.Abstract: This article describes the implementation of a digital web platform for tutorial management in institutions of higher education, and shows the preliminary results of its application in students of the Morelia Institute of Technology. The platform has been developed with the aim of contributing to the reduction of the high rates of failure and desertion, as well as to expand and facilitate the tutorial field of the teacher, and to increase the quality and competitiveness of educational programs. The implementation of this digital tutorial management tool aims to contribute to improving the relationship between the teacher and the student through personalized and public chats, to facilitate the obtaining of academic information of the student to have an efficient use of the same, and to achieve that The student has a better educational experience that will not only form as a highly qualified professional, but will also have an assertiveness to participate actively, organized and responsible in the dynamics established by society.Keywords: Digital Platform, Tutorial Management, Desertion, Students.
The discourse of denial: how white teacher candidates construct race, racism and ‘white privilege’
Authors: Solomon R. Patrick , Portelli John P. , Daniel Beverly-Jean , Campbell Arlene
Published: September 2024

This qualitative study focuses on a representative sample from 200 teacher candidates’ responses to Peggy McIntosh’s article, *“White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.”* The notion and understanding of whiteness and white privilege were explored, revealing several strategies that teacher candidates employed to avoid addressing whiteness and its attendant privileges in Canadian society. We analyze three primary strategies that the teacher candidates employed: ideological incongruence, liberalist notions of individualism and meritocracy, and the negation of white capital. Some implications of this study are that teacher education must help candidates understand their own racial identity formation and provide the learning space to work with the range of emotions and feelings of indignation that evolve from an exposure to white privilege and the “myth of meritocracy.”
Notes on the Practical Application of Nested Sampling: MultiNest, (Non)convergence, and Rectification
Authors: Dittmann Alexander
Published: September 2024

Nested sampling is a promising tool for Bayesian statistical analysis because it simultaneously performs parameter estimation and facilitates model comparison. MultiNest is one of the most popular nested sampling implementations, and has been applied to a wide variety of problems in the physical sciences. However, MultiNest results, like those of any sampling tool, can be unreliable, and accompanying convergence tests are a component of any analysis. Using analytically tractable test problems, I illustrate how MultiNest, when applied without rigorously chosen hyperparameters, (1) can produce systematically erroneous estimates of the Bayesian evidence, which are more significantly biased for problems of higher dimensionality; (2) can derive posterior estimates with errors on the order of ~100%; (3) can, particularly when sampling noisy likelihood functions, systematically underestimate posterior widths. Furthermore, I show how MultiNest, thanks to the advantageous speed at which it explores parameter space, can also be used to jump-start Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling or more rigorous nested sampling techniques, potentially accelerating more robust measurements of posterior distributions and Bayesian evidences, and overcoming the challenge of Markov chain Monte Carlo initialization.
Inova Lab Una - Economic Radar: Mobile Application to Enhance Investment Attractiveness in Small Cities
Authors: Souza Flavio H. B. d. , Couto Eduardo M. do , Nicacio Nayara dos A. , Melandes Clara V. , Azevedo Felipe A. C. , Cançado Rômulo T. , Santos Pedro H. F. S. dos , Oliveira João P. R. de , Silva Fernando V. N. , Paz Letícia P. da , Assis João V. F. , Carmo Pedro C. do , Godoy Emanuel F. N. , Fernandes Eduardo D. V. , Costa Luiza N. , Araujo Henrique V.
Published: September 2024

The process of investing in cities and their businesses is an extremely complex issue that directly impacts the daily lives of citizens. However, agile and consolidated information is not always available so that people with less market knowledge can assess the possibleattractiveness of investments in interior cities. Information often exists, but it is very widespread and fragmented. The general objective of this paper is to present a central platform to gather and make available fundamental information about the municipality and its surrounding region. The proposal is to create a robust and objective virtual environment, facilitating the analysis of companies that are considering possible investments in the area. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to promote the visibility of small cities, which are often neglected in the investment scenario. By providing detailed and updated information, our platform aims to highlight the economic, cultural and social potential of these locations, encouraging investors' interest in contributing to the sustainable development of these communities. The first experiment of this platform focuses on the city of Bom Despacho, a city with more than 50 thousand inhabitants, to provide accurate and relevant data, to not only attract investments, but also promote a more equitable distribution of economic opportunities, contributing to the construction of more resilient and prosperous communities. A Mobile application with interaction with public databases related to investments, with the ability to receive data and search in data available for access, was developed for experiments that can be used in other cities with the same profile.
CRIMINAL ANALYSIS OF PREMEDITATED BANKRUPTCY: ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRIME
Authors:   All-Russian State University of Justice (RLA of the Ministry of Justice of Russia), Moscow, Russia, YATSELENKO B.V. , GURBANOV K.V. ,   Law Firm "Odin k odnomu"
Published: September 2024

The article examines theoretical and applied problems of criminal liability for deliberate bankruptcy (Article 196 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) with an emphasis on the features of doctrinal interpretation and regulatory regulation. Scientific understanding of the stated problem pursued the goal of expanding the extensive fundamental knowledge already achieved by criminal legal thought about the essential features of the elements of its composition. Within the framework of the research objectives, through systemic, functional and logical-legal analysis, a systemic relationship between intentional bankruptcy in its contradiction and unity with the categories of bankruptcy legislation was identified. The conclusion is substantiated that those provided for in Art. 196 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, a socially dangerous act is a crime committed with the aim of illegally obtaining benefits in the form of the final liquidation of an organization, or avoiding liability for non-payment of debt.
PRACTICE OF MANAGING SOCIAL ROLE IN A SMART CITY USING MARKETPLACES AS AN EXAMPLE
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, GARAGANOV A.V.
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the study of social role management in the context of smart city development, where the integration of information and communication technologies and the Internet of Things transforms urban spaces and social interactions. The study emphasizes the importance of social roles that, by adapting to new technological conditions, improve the quality of life and sustainability of urban communities. Using the example of the growth of new residential complexes, it is shown how the introduction of intelligent technologies through the opening of marketplace order pick-up points redefines social roles, stimulating public participation and joint decision-making. Technological growth also gives rise to challenges related to social mobility and the convenience of technologies for citizens. The management of social roles requires strategies that create inclusiveness and sustainability. The role of citizen interaction platforms and the digitalization of urban infrastructure are noted, which optimizes the use of resources and reduces social tension. The need for an adaptive program of cooperation between local producers and institutions to introduce new social roles in the context of smart city development is emphasized.
ENSURING RUSSIA'S TECHNOLOGICAL SECURITY: GOALS, PROBLEMS, WAYS TO ACHIEVE
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, KAPRANOVA L.D. , ABDIKEEV N.M. , BEKULOVA S.R.
Published: September 2024

The purpose of the study: to analyze the possibilities of achieving technological security by the Russian economy, as well as to consider the system of effective mechanisms and measures applied by the state. It is noted that technological security in the context of sanctions pressure from the West has become an integral part of national economic security. It is aimed, first of all, at ensuring the safety of all technical and technological processes. Priority attention in the study is given to Industry 4.0 technologies, the development of which is necessary to achieve the country's competitiveness in world markets and achieve technological security. The approaches to defining technological security and technological sovereignty are analyzed, the main goals, conditions and problems of achieving it, as well as the economic mechanisms used by the state are determined. The theoretical basis of the scientific work was the use of general scientific methods of cognition to the processes and phenomena under study. The use of a logical approach made it possible to interpret the results obtained during the study, as well as draw conclusions and formulate proposals for the use of various mechanisms, tools and models to achieve the country's technological security.
OPTIMIZATION AND FORECASTING OF A SECURITIES PORTFOLIO BASED ON MACHINE LEARNING METHODS
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, DOBRINA M.V. , CHERNOV V.P. ,   Saint-Petersburg State University of Economics, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the demonstration and analysis of the possibilities of connecting the Markowitz model, which is a classical model for forming a portfolio of securities, and forecasting methods based on machine learning data. The relevance of the chosen topic is justified by the fact that the use of machine learning methods makes it possible to simplify the activities of financial sector workers and the work of professional stock market players, as well as reduce the complexity of interpreting mathematical models and methods of their construction for private investors. The purpose of this work is to use machine learning methods to solve the problem of building an optimal securities portfolio and predicting its behavior. Tasks: - build a Markowitz model based on the selected data; - to build an optimal portfolio based on the proposed optimality criterion; - offer a time series forecast; - to assess the adequacy of the constructed model; - combine the Markowitz model, which belongs to the class of widely known classical models, with the construction of a prediction based on machine learning. Methods and models: machine learning methods are used in the work, the Markowitz model is built based on the selected data, then the Markowitz model is combined with the construction of a forecast based on machine learning. Research results: the optimal portfolio for AXP has been built and its forecast has been fulfilled. The formation of the portfolio was based on the Markowitz model. The data obtained were tested for adequacy and showed fairly good results. A portfolio was built, the optimality criterion of which is the ratio of average profitability and volatility of profitability (maximizing average profitability while minimizing its volatility). The Markowitz model, which belongs to the class of widely known classical models, was combined with the construction of a prediction based on machine learning.
Representations of Economic Inequality and Redistribution in British Party Manifestos (2005 - 2024)
Authors: Walsh Daniel , Zmerli Sonja
Published: September 2024

Drawing on a corpus of mainstream party political manifestos from UK General Elections between 2005 and 2024 (655,528 words), we explored representations of ‘economic inequality’ and redistributive mechanisms within the British liberal welfare regime. Our results suggest the limited relationship between objective measures of inequality and the semantics of economic inequality stems from differences in underlying concepts. Specifically, political communicators focused on ‘equality of opportunity,’ voicing concerns about discrimination and social mobility rather than wealth and income distribution. Redistributive mechanisms were shaped by beliefs about which groups are valued or devalued in society. Additionally, political parties were not neutral on economic inequality or redistribution; rather, these concepts were politicized and tied to blaming alternative parties for challenges in achieving the ‘British dream.’
Is the Liberal Soft Power Use a Myth? Comparing Democracies and Non-democracies’ Soft Power Use
Authors: Trunkos Judit
Published: September 2024

Soft power literature has suggested that it is the liberal democracies that end up relying on soft power tools and not the non-democracies. The underlying theory advocates that soft power is an American concept that was created to support the spread of liberal ideology. This paper compares two groups of countries to test if the democracies and non-democracies actually use the same amount of soft power. The time-frame is 1995-2010. Using recoded events data, the findings indicate that non-democracies use a surprising amount of soft power. China uses 87% of soft power compared to the USA’s 83% and Russia’s 81%. Therefore, the results show that all countries use soft power, not just the liberal democracies.
The Aggressiveness of Institutionalized Minors Depending on the Type of Residence
Authors: FEDOR Cătălin-George , COJOCARU Daniela
Published: September 2024

This article presents the findings of a research study that sought to identify and compare the levels of aggression exhibited by institutionalised minors, contingent on the type of residence in which they are situated. To this end, the research was conducted on a sample of 200 minors residing in four different forms of care: foster care, traditional placement centre, and apartment. The Buss and Perry aggression questionnaire was employed to assess four dimensions of aggression: verbal, physical, anger and hostility. The results demonstrate the presence of all forms of aggression in the research subjects, albeit with varying levels contingent on the type of residence of the institutionalised minor. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the child protection system requires reform, with an emphasis on developing the maternal care component and reducing the proportion of traditional foster care centres.
Interventional Analysis of Music Therapy on Emotional Behavior in Children with Autism
Authors: ZHANG Lanqi , KIM Hyuntai
Published: September 2024

Music therapy, as an emerging field of rehabilitation, has been studied by many people. However, it only proves the effectiveness of music therapy in addressing emotional and behavioral issues in children with autism, and there are no specific strategies and methods applicable to special education schools for reference. This study attempts to address this issue. This study adopted a cross subject multi trial design in a single subject experimental method, with music therapy as the independent variable. Using the emotional behavior of these four autistic children who cried for no reason as the dependent variable, data was collected during the baseline, intervention, and maintenance periods to verify the intervention effect of music therapy on emotional behavior. The research results indicate that music therapy has immediate, sustained, and generalized effects on typical emotional and behavioral problems in children with autism. After music therapy intervention, the frequency of emotional and behavioral problems in each of the four autistic children decreased significantly, their self-control ability improved significantly, and language interaction was significantly prolonged. Based on the observation of student expressions and actions, participation statistics, and family interviews, it can be seen that students are interested in the environment of visual music, rhythm training, and situational music. The correct grasp of the core concepts of music therapy and timely feedback on intervention content play a crucial role in the treatment effect in this study.
Comparative Study and Analysis of Social Structure and Cultural Values in Chinese and Korean Movies
Authors: QU Tonghui
Published: September 2024

A comparative study of social structure and cultural values in Chinese and Korean films reveals the unique perspectives and profound differences between the two countries in reflecting social reality and conveying cultural values in their films. Chinese movies tend to depict harmonious and intimate family relationships when showcasing family structure, emphasizing the importance of the family as an individual's emotional support and spiritual sustenance. Korean movies, on the other hand, focus more on showcasing the complexity and conflicts within families, reflecting social reality and the depth of human nature through the entanglements among family members. This difference reflects the different emphasis on family values and social values between China and South Korea. In terms of social class, Chinese movies often focus on the survival status and struggle process of the lower class society, showcasing social injustice and contradictions by telling stories of ordinary people. This kind of attention reflects the humanistic care of Chinese films towards vulnerable groups and their profound reflection on social issues. Korean movies, on the other hand, tend to reveal and criticize the power and corruption of the upper class, reflecting the dark side of society by depicting social phenomena such as collusion between politics and business, and power and money transactions. This difference reflects the different orientations of social class concepts and social responsibility between China and South Korea.
The Social Intervention Function of Chinese Pop Music Performance and Its Macro Sociological Analysis
Authors: ZHANG Shiyue , KIM Hyuntai
Published: September 2024

Pop music is a product of human consciousness and widely exists in all known human cultures. Music is not a necessity for human survival, why is it so important to humans? For a long time, social connections have been considered an important function of music and a major factor influencing the evolution of human musicality. The recent hypothesis of music social connection provides a framework for understanding the biological and cultural evolution of music. It suggests that music can coordinate emotions, behaviors, and ideological perspectives among individuals, strengthen intimate relationships between individuals, and thus enhance social cohesion. Pro social behavior is a manifestation of human social connections, which refers to the beneficial behavior of individuals towards others, groups, and society, such as helping behavior. Although studies have shown that listening to prosocial songs and their associated prosocial emotions can promote individual prosocial behavior, it remains unclear whether the music itself and its corresponding emotional experiences are sufficient to influence prosocial behavior after excluding the influence of lyrics. In addition, although some studies suggest that prosocial behavior is related to factors such as individual psychological theory ability and cognitive ability, the mediating effect of music on prosocial behavior through psychological theory ability and cognitive ability has not been verified. Therefore, based on the classic two-dimensional emotional model, this study systematically examines whether music and its induced emotional experiences affect individual prosocial behavior decisions, and further explores the mediating role of psychological theory and cognitive ability.
Hållbara försörjningskedjor inom kris och räddning : en kunskapsöversikt
Authors: Matinrad Niki , Waldemarsson Martin , Steins Krisjanis , Andersson Granberg Tobias
Published: September 2024

Försörjningsberedskap handlar om att säkerställa nödvändiga resurser och tjänster för befolkningens överlevnad samt att upprätthålla samhällsviktiga funktioner vid kris och krig.I denna rapport presenteras en kunskapsöversikt om försörjningsberedskap och hållbara försörjningskedjor inom kris- och räddningsområdet, med syfte att identifiera kunskapsluckor och områden som kräver ytterligare forskning. Rapportens fokus ligger på tre av de tio definierade beredskapssektorerna: Hälsa, vård och omsorg, Räddningstjänst och skydd av civilbefolkningen samt Transporter. Därtill inkluderas klimatförändringarnas effekter på försörjningsberedskapen.Metoden för kunskapsöversikten innefattade en systematisk genomgång av internationell vetenskaplig litteratur och intervjuer med representanter från de tre beredskapssektorerna. Totalt analyserades 204 artiklar och 12 semi-strukturerade intervjuer genomfördes.Studien identifierade flera kunskapsluckor och resulterade i rekommendationer för framtida forskning som bland annat handlar om vårdkedjans robusthet, hemsjukvård vid samhällsstörningar, och mänskligt beteende under kris. Därtill identifierades vikten av att hantera integrationen av förnybara energikällor och elektromobilitet i försörjningskedjor, kopplingar och beroenden mellan olika sektorer, samt samarbete och samordning mellan olika aktörer involverade i försörjningsberedskapen, som viktiga aspekter. Andra rekommendationer omfattar även utveckling av cybersäkerhetsstrategier, kvantitativa modeller för att förbättra försörjningskedjor, och utbildningsprogram i krishantering för civila.
Why be moral?
Authors: Sundman Per
Published: September 2024

This article critically examines two different answers to the ancient question, why be moral. The first suggests that valid reasons refer to a specific relation between human beings and God. Here, being moral means to treat oneself and others with the respect that is the due of God’s closest friend. The second argues that we have good reasons for being moral when being moral makes us happy (realizes Eudaimonia). The investigation offers two results, one critical and the other constructive. The critical shows how and why both theistic accounts of bestowed human dignity and eudaimonistic accounts offer no relevant reasons for being moral. The constructive result builds on an observation; both accounts presuppose the inherent force of the obligation to act morally right. It shows that the reasons for being moral should be explicated as internal to the very meaning of being moral.
Enhancing catalytic pyrolysis of polypropylene using mesopore-modified HZSM-5 catalysts: insights and strategies for improved performance
Authors: He Qing , Akin Oguzhan , Ureel Yannick , Yazdani Parviz , Li Lingfeng , Varghese Robin John , Van Geem Kevin M.
Published: September 2024

Designing an active, selective, and stable catalyst for catalytic polyolefin pyrolysis is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency and economic viability in chemical processes. In this study, two synthesis methods—NaOH and NaOH/CTAB treatments—were employed to modify the physicochemical properties of CBV23, CBV55, and CBV80 zeolites. The catalytic performance of both parent and modified zeolites was evaluated for polypropylene pyrolysis using a two-stage micro-pyrolyzer coupled with two-dimensional GC-FID/MS. The NaOH/CTAB treatment preserved and enhanced strong acid sites while promoting a more uniform mesopore distribution. Among the catalysts tested, the hierarchical CBV80-ZM exhibited the best performance, achieving a propylene yield of 41 wt% and total light olefin and MA yields of 92 wt%. The improved catalytic performance was attributed to optimized acidity and larger pore size, which reduced the number of weak acid sites. These findings offer valuable insights for designing tailored zeolites based on specific target products for catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste, particularly in the production of propylene and other high-value chemicals.
Enhancing cardiac postoperative care: a smartwatch-integrated remote telemonitoring platform for health screening with ECG analysis
Authors: Monteiro Rosangela , Rabello Guilherme C. M. , Moreno Camila R. , Moitinho Matheus S. , Pires Fábio A. , Samesina Nelson , César Luiz Antônio M. , Tarasoutchi Flávio , Fernandes Fábio , Martins Pietro C. C. O. , Mariano Bruna M. , Soeiro Alexandre de M. , Palhares Adriana , Pastore Carlos Alberto , Jatene Fabio B.
Published: September 2024

Aims

The integration of smartwatches into postoperative cardiac care transforms patient monitoring, systematically tracking vital signs and delivering real-time data to a centralized platform. This study focuses on developing a platform for seamless integration, assessing reliability, and evaluating the impact on post-cardiac surgery. The goal is to establish a robust foundation for understanding the efficacy and dependability of smartwatch-based telemonitoring, enhancing care for this population.

Methods and results

A total of 108 cardiac surgery patients were divided into telemonitoring (TLM) and control (CTL) groups. The TLM group utilized smartwatches for continuous monitoring of vital parameters (SpO2, HR, BP, ECG) over 30 ± 3 days. Statistical analyses (Pearson, Intraclass Correlation, Bland-Altman, Tost Test) were employed to compare smartwatch measurements with traditional methods. Significant correlations and concordance were observed, particularly in HR and BP measurements. Challenges were noted in SpO2 measurement. The ECG algorithm exhibited substantial agreement with cardiologists (Kappa: 0.794; p > 0.001), highlighting its reliability. The telemonitoring platform played a crucial role in early detection of clinical changes, including prompt Emergency Department (ED) visits, contributing significantly to preventing outcomes that could lead to mortality, such as asymptomatic Atrioventricular block. Positive patient responses affirmed technological efficacy, especially in identifying cardiac arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

The integration of smartwatches into remote telemonitoring for postoperative cardiac care demonstrates substantial potential, improving monitoring and early complication detection, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. The FAPO-X Study (Assisted Digital Telemonitoring with Wearables in Patients After Cardiovascular Surgery; NCT05966857) underscores the promising role of telemonitoring in postoperative cardiac care.
Diagnostic utility of coronary artery calcium score percentiles and categories to exclude abnormal scans and relevant ischemia in rubidium positron emission tomography
Authors: Frey Simon M. , Huré Gabrielle , Leibfarth Jan-Philipp , Thommen Kathrin , Amrein Melissa , Rumora Klara , Schäfer Ibrahim , Caobelli Federico , Wild Damian , Haaf Philip , Mueller Christian E. , Zellweger Michael J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite clinical suspicion, most non-invasive ischemia tests for coronary artery disease (CAD) reveal unremarkable results. Patients with a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) of zero rarely have an abnormal positron emission tomography (PET) and could be deferred from further testing. However, most patients have some extent of coronary calcification.

Objectives

CACS percentiles could be useful to exclude abnormal perfusion in patients with CACS >0, but data from patients with 82Rb PET are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of CACS percentiles in comparison to zero calcium and absolute CACS classes.

Methods

Consecutive patients with suspected CAD (n = 1,792) referred for 82Rb PET were included and analyzed for abnormal PET (SSS ≥4) and relevant ischemia (>10% myocardium). Test characteristics were calculated.

Results

The mean age was 65 ± 11 years, 43% were female, and typical angina was reported in 21%. Abnormal PET/relevant ischemia (>10%) were observed in 19.8%/9.3%. Overall, the sensitivity/negative predictive value (NPV) of a <25th percentile CACS to rule out abnormal PET and relevant ischemia were 93.0%/95.7% and 98.2%/99.5%, respectively. The sensitivity/NPV of CACS 1–9 to rule out abnormal PET and relevant ischemia were 96.0%/91.8% and 97.6%/97.6%, respectively. Except for patients <50 years old, sensitivity for abnormal PET was >90.9% in all age groups.

Conclusion

In patients >50 years, the <25th percentile and CACS 1–9 had good test characteristics to rule out abnormal PET and relevant ischemia (>10%). They could be used to extend the scope of application of CACS 0 by 8%–10% to 32%–34% overall of patients who could be deferred from further testing.
Habitat type controls microarthropod community changes across a Magellanic sub-Antarctic elevation gradient
Authors: Bokhorst Stef , Contador Tamara , Mackenzie Roy , Convey Peter , Aerts Rien
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Elevation gradients are often used as a proxy for climate change as they allow comparisons of ecological responses over much larger temporal and spatial scales than is possible through experimental manipulations.

Methods

Here, we tested how microarthropod communities (Collembola and Acari) are affected by climatic differences between sea level and 600 m a.s.l. on Navarino Island, in the Magellanic sub-Antarctic ecoregion of southern Chile (mean annual temperatures of 5.6 vs 3.1°C, respectively). We quantified microarthropod abundance, richness and community trait characteristics in dominant moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum and Polytrichum strictum) and lichen (Usnea trachycarpa, Pseudocyphellaria freycinetii and Stereocaulon alpinum) vegetation growing at both elevations. These moss and lichen genera are characterized by large morphological differences and allow testing of how habitat characteristics affect microarthropod community response across elevation gradients.

Results

Collembola and Acari community composition differed between the low and high elevation sites. Total abundance levels of Acari were maintained in each habitat across elevation, whereas Collembola richness strongly declined (50%) at high elevation in the moss habitats. Acari community differences across elevation were driven by relative abundance changes whereas the Collembola community lost species at higher elevation. An anticipated decline of smaller eudaphic Collembola at high elevation was only observed in the moss Racomitrium, reflecting potentially lower temperature buffering capacity and shelter options compared to Polytrichum. Lichens mostly supported larger epigeic species irrespective of elevation. There were no consistent patterns linking microarthropod communities with habitat water holding capacity or water loss rates across the studied habitats and elevation.

Discussion

Habitat type and the genus of moss or lichen were associated with microarthropod community changes across elevation, including examples of declines, increases and no change. These findings highlight that community responses across gradients may not always relate to the generally hypothesized environmental variables (e.g. temperature variability) and that habitat characteristics should be taken into account when using elevation as a proxy for climate change.
MLFGCN: short-term residential load forecasting via graph attention temporal convolution network
Authors: Feng Ding , Li Dengao , Zhou Yu , Wang Wei
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Residential load forecasting is a challenging task due to the random fluctuations caused by complex correlations and individual differences. The existing short-term load forecasting models usually introduce external influencing factors such as climate and date. However, these additional information not only bring computational burden to the model, but also have uncertainty. To address these issues, we propose a novel multi-level feature fusion model based on graph attention temporal convolutional network (MLFGCN) for short-term residential load forecasting.

Methods

The proposed MLFGCN model fully considers the potential long-term dependencies in a single load series and the correlations between multiple load series, and does not require any additional information to be added. Temporal convolutional network (TCN) with gating mechanism is introduced to learn potential long-term dependencies in the original load series. In addition, we design two graph attentive convolutional modules to capture potential multi-level dependencies in load data. Finally, the outputs of each module are fused through an information fusion layer to obtain the highly accurate forecasting results.

Results

We conduct validation experiments on two real-world datasets. The results show that the proposed MLFGCN model achieves 0.25, 7.58% and 0.50 for MAE, MAPE and RMSE, respectively. These values are significantly better than those of baseline models.

Discussion

The MLFGCN algorithm proposed in this paper can significantly improve the accuracy of short-term residential load forecasting. This is achieved through high-quality feature reconstruction, comprehensive information graph construction and spatiotemporal features capture.
The role of impact on the meaning of generic sentences
Authors: Mirabile Patricia , van Rooij Robert , Schulz Katrin
Published: September 2024

Generic sentences (e.g., “Dogs bark”) express generalizations about groups or individuals. Accounting for the meaning of generic sentences has been proven challenging, and there is still a very lively debate about which factors matter for whether or not we a willing to endorse a particular generic sentence. In this paper we study the effect of impact on the assertability of generic sentences, where impact refers to the dangerousity of the property the generic is ascribing to a group or individual. We run three preregistered experiments, testing assertability and endorsement of novel generic sentences with visual and textual stimuli. Employing Bayesian statistics we found that impact influences the assertability, and endorsement, of generic statements. However, we observed that the size of the effect impact value may have been previously overestimated by theoretical and experimental works alike. We also run an additional descriptive survey testing standard examples from the linguistic literature and found that at least for some of the examples endorsement appears to be lower than assumed. We end with exploring possible explanations for our results.
Image restoration in frequency space using complex-valued CNNs
Authors: Shah Zafran Hussain , Müller Marcel , Hübner Wolfgang , Ortkrass Henning , Hammer Barbara , Huser Thomas , Schenck Wolfram
Published: September 2024

Real-valued convolutional neural networks (RV-CNNs) in the spatial domain have outperformed classical approaches in many image restoration tasks such as image denoising and super-resolution. Fourier analysis of the results produced by these spatial domain models reveals the limitations of these models in properly processing the full frequency spectrum. This lack of complete spectral information can result in missing textural and structural elements. To address this limitation, we explore the potential of complex-valued convolutional neural networks (CV-CNNs) for image restoration tasks. CV-CNNs have shown remarkable performance in tasks such as image classification and segmentation. However, CV-CNNs for image restoration problems in the frequency domain have not been fully investigated to address the aforementioned issues. Here, we propose several novel CV-CNN-based models equipped with complex-valued attention gates for image denoising and super-resolution in the frequency domains. We also show that our CV-CNN-based models outperform their real-valued counterparts for denoising super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) and conventional image datasets. Furthermore, the experimental results show that our proposed CV-CNN-based models preserve the frequency spectrum better than their real-valued counterparts in the denoising task. Based on these findings, we conclude that CV-CNN-based methods provide a plausible and beneficial deep learning approach for image restoration in the frequency domain.
ExTraCT – Explainable trajectory corrections for language-based human-robot interaction using textual feature descriptions
Authors: Yow J-Anne , Garg Neha Priyadarshini , Ramanathan Manoj , Ang Wei Tech
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In human-robot interaction (HRI), understanding human intent is crucial for robots to perform tasks that align with user preferences. Traditional methods that aim to modify robot trajectories based on language corrections often require extensive training to generalize across diverse objects, initial trajectories, and scenarios. This work presents ExTraCT, a modular framework designed to modify robot trajectories (and behaviour) using natural language input.

Methods

Unlike traditional end-to-end learning approaches, ExTraCT separates language understanding from trajectory modification, allowing robots to adapt language corrections to new tasks–including those with complex motions like scooping–as well as various initial trajectories and object configurations without additional end-to-end training. ExTraCT leverages Large Language Models (LLMs) to semantically match language corrections to predefined trajectory modification functions, allowing the robot to make necessary adjustments to its path. This modular approach overcomes the limitations of pre-trained datasets and offers versatility across various applications.

Results

Comprehensive user studies conducted in simulation and with a physical robot arm demonstrated that ExTraCT’s trajectory corrections are more accurate and preferred by users in 80% of cases compared to the baseline.

Discussion

ExTraCT offers a more explainable approach to understanding language corrections, which could facilitate learning human preferences. We also demonstrated the adaptability and effectiveness of ExTraCT in a complex scenarios like assistive feeding, presenting it as a versatile solution across various HRI applications.
Metabolic gene therapy in a canine with pulmonary hypertension secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease
Authors: Katz Michael G. , Ohad Dan G. , Putter Philip , Shtraizent Nataly , Shahar Ehud , Tal Smadar , Eliyahu Efrat
Published: September 2024

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) stands out as the most prevalent acquired canine heart disease. Its occurrence can reach up to 40% in small breed dogs and escalates in geriatric canine populations. MMVD leads to thickening and incomplete coaptation of valve leaflets during systole, resulting in secondary mitral valve regurgitation. Serious complications may arise concurrently with the worsening of mitral valve regurgitation, including left-and right-sided congestive heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Ultimately, the PH progression might contribute to the patient’s demise or to the owner’s decision of euthanasia. Most currently available FDA-approved therapies for PH are costly and aim to address the imbalance between vasoconstriction and vasodilation to restore endothelial cell function. However, none of these medications impact the molecular dysfunction of cells or impede the advancement of pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodeling. Recent evidence has showcased successful gene therapy approaches in laboratory animal models of PH. In this manuscript, we summarize the latest advancements in gene therapy for the treatment of PH in animals. The manuscript incorporates original data showcasing sample presentations, along with non-invasive hemodynamic assessments. Our findings demonstrate that the use of metabolic gene therapy, combining synthetic adeno-associated virus with acid ceramidase, has the potential to significantly reduce the need for drug treatment and improve spontaneously occurring PH in dogs.
Chicory supplementation improves growth performance in juvenile ostriches potentially by attenuating enteritis
Authors: Li Meng , Abouelfetouh Mahmoud M. , Salah Eman , Kiani Faisal Ayub , Nan Sha , Ding Mingxing , Ding Yi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Enteritis and dysbiosis are the major causes of high morbidity and mortality of juvenile ostriches. Chicory (CC) has been proven to have excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. However, it’s unclear whether CC could improve the survival rate of juvenile ostriches by relieving enteritis and correcting dysbiosis.

Materials and methods

South African ostrich hatchlings (Struthio camelus domesticus) were fed with and without a CC-supplemented diet, and the body weight gain and mortality were compared over 4 months of age. Fresh fecal samples of clinically healthy ostriches were collected, and 16S DNAs were analyzed. Moreover, ostrich chicks with LPS-induced enteritis were fed with different dosages (0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) of chicoric acid (CA), a major bioactive component of CC, for five consecutive days. The expression levels of tight junction (TJ)-related proteins and inflammatory mediators in the ilea were detected with western blot and immunofluorescence.

Results

The ostrich chicks fed on the CC-supplemented diet began to increase in weight at the 1st month of age and became remarkably heavier at the fourth month (p < 0.01) compared with those fed on the non-CC-supplemented diet. Additionally, the mortality percentage was lower in the chicks fed on the CC-supplemented diet than those fed on the non-CC-supplemented diet (19% vs. 36%, respectively). The diet with the CC supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Phascolactobacteria (linear discriminant analysis; LDA >4) and Bacteroidota (26.7% vs. 17.7%, respectively) as well as decreased the enrichment of Clostridium (5.0% vs. 9.1%, respectively) in the ostrich ilea compared to the diet without CC. The supplementation of CA at a dose of 80 mg/kg significantly increased the expression level of ZO-1 and claudin-3 (p < 0.0001) and suppressed the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (p < 0.0001) in ostriches with LPS-induced ileitis.

Conclusion

Our results substantiate that CC or CA supplementation in a diet could effectively improve growth performance and reduce mortality in juvenile ostriches via modulating the gut microbiota and attenuating enteritis.
Enhancing Tin Dioxide Anode Performance by Narrowing the Potential Range and Optimizing Electrolytes
Authors: Florez Gomez Jose Fernando , Domenech Fernando Camacho , Chang Songyang , Dorvilien Valerio , Oli Nischal , Weiner Brad R. , Morell Gerardo , Wu Xianyong
Published: September 2024

Tin dioxide (SnO2) is a low-cost and high-capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries, but the fast capacity fading significantly limits its practical applications. Current research efforts have focused on preparing sophisticated composite structures or optimizing functional binders, both of which increase material manufacturing costs. Herein, we utilize pristine and commercially available SnO2 nanopowders and enhance their cycling performance by simply narrowing the potential range and optimizing electrolytes. Specifically, a narrower potential range (0–1 V) mitigates the capacity fading associated with the conversion reaction, whereas an ether-based electrolyte further suppresses the volume expansion related to the alloy reaction. Consequently, this SnO2 anode delivers a promising battery performance, with a high capacity of ~650 mAhg−1 and stable cycling for 100 cycles. Our work provides an alternative approach to developing high-capacity and long-cycling metal oxide anode materials.
The Effects of Crystalline Admixtures on Concrete Permeability and Compressive Strength: A Review
Authors: Ammar Marah Ali , Chegenizadeh Amin , Budihardjo Mochamad Arief , Nikraz Hamid
Published: September 2024

The durability and strength of concrete in construction can be significantly compromised by permeability issues, which pose considerable challenges to its long-term effectiveness and reliability. By analyzing six selected articles from the Scopus database, this study meticulously synthesizes findings on the effectiveness of CAs in improving these essential properties of concrete. The research meticulously documents and analyzes key variables such as the CA dosage, water–cement ratio, evaluation duration, and treatment conditions, providing a thorough understanding of the factors that influence the performance of CAs in concrete. The results robustly indicate that CAs significantly reduce concrete permeability, thereby enhancing its resistance to water and other detrimental substances, and simultaneously boosts the compressive strength, leading to stronger and more durable concrete structures. However, the study also reveals that the impact of CAs can vary considerably depending on the specific conditions and methodologies employed in the individual studies. This underscores the importance of standardized testing procedures to ensure consistent and comparable results across different studies. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing the use of CAs in concrete formulations, ultimately aiming to improve the durability, performance, and sustainability of concrete in construction applications.