bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From CNNs to Transformers in Multimodal Human Action Recognition: A Survey
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Bilal , Chai Douglas , Islam Syed Muhammad Shamsul , Akhtar Naveed
Published: May 2024

Due to its widespread applications, human action recognition is one of the most widely studied research problems in Computer Vision. Recent studies have shown that addressing it using multimodal data leads to superior performance as compared to relying on a single data modality. During the adoption of deep learning for visual modelling in the past decade, action recognition approaches have mainly relied on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). However, the recent rise of Transformers in visual modelling is now also causing a paradigm shift for the action recognition task. This survey captures this transition while focusing on Multimodal Human Action Recognition (MHAR). Unique to the induction of multimodal computational models is the process of ‘fusing’ the features of the individual data modalities. Hence, we specifically focus on the fusion design aspects of the MHAR approaches. We analyze the classic and emerging techniques in this regard, while also highlighting the popular trends in the adaption of CNN and Transformer building blocks for the overall problem. In particular, we emphasize on recent design choices that have led to more efficient MHAR models. Unlike existing reviews, which discuss Human Action Recognition from a broad perspective, this survey is specifically aimed at pushing the boundaries of MHAR research by identifying promising architectural and fusion design choices to train practicable models. We also provide an outlook of the multimodal datasets from their scale and evaluation viewpoint. Finally, building on the reviewed literature, we discuss the challenges and future avenues for MHAR.
Take the Blue Pill: Pursuing Mobile App Testing Fidelity, Efficiency, and Accessibility with Virtual Device Farms
Authors: Lin Hao , Qiu Jiaxing , Wang Hongyi , Li Zhenhua , Gong Liangyi , Gao Di , Liu Yunhao , Qian Feng , Zhang Zhao , Yang Ping , Xu Tianyin
Published: May 2024

For more than a decade, researchers have been extensively exploring mobile app testing on virtual devices [1-9], which are software-emulated mobile devices running on commodity servers, in a similar vein as virtual machines (VM) in the cloud. Building on server virtualization, virtual devices naturally inherit the benefits of VM, such as scalability, elasticity, and cost efficiency. Moreover, virtualization enables useful features not offered by physical devices, such as service instrumentation [3], whole-system snapshot [9], and memory introspection [1,2], atop which a series of advanced testing and debugging techniques are developed.
Distributed Ledger Standards for 6G Mobile Networks
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Chonggang , Gazda Robert
Published: May 2024

Distributed ledger technology, with its multitude of advantages including immutability, transparency, decentralization, and security, has excellent potential to promote and even revolutionize future 6G mobile networks. Large-scale distributed ledger deployment within or for mobile networks relies on distributed ledger-focused standards to facilitate and ensure interoperability. The European Telecommunications Standards (ETSI) Industry Specification Group (ISG) on Permissioned Distributed Ledger (PDL) develops PDL-related standards, targeting various application verticals, especially within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) domain. This article aims to give an overview of ETSI ISG PDL and describes selected PDL standards, which have synergies with future 6G mobile networks.
AgriTera: Accurate Non-Invasive Fruit Ripeness Sensing via Sub-Terahertz Wireless Signals
Authors: Saad Afzal Sayed , Kludze Atsutse , Karmakar Subhajit , Chandra Ranveer , Ghasempour Yasaman
Published: May 2024

The potential to transform the agriculture sector and reduce food waste significantly lies in the ability to assess the quality of fruits and vegetables on a large scale. This article introduces AgriTera, an innovative solution that utilizes sub-terahertz wireless signals for accurate and non-invasive fruit ripeness sensing, without the need for physical contact. The underlying idea is that sugar and water concentrations in fruits, linked to ripening, create distinctive patterns in the wideband spectrum of reflected signals from the fruit body. AgriTera leverages the sub-THz bands due to their wide bandwidth, sensitivity to water, millimeter-scale penetration depth, and non-ionizing features. This enables high-resolution inferences from both the peel and pulp underneath. A chemometric model is developed to translate reflection spectra into well-known ripeness metrics like Dry Matter and Brix. Extensive over-the-air experiments using commercial sub-THz transceivers are conducted and compared with ground truth values from specialized sensors and a vision-based scheme.
Understanding Wireless ChannelsThrough NeRF2
Authors: Zhao Xiaopeng , An Zhenlin , Pan Qingrui , Yang Lei
Published: May 2024

Despite Maxwell's formulation of the electromagnetic wave laws over a century and a half ago, accurately modeling the transmission of RF signals within electrically complex environments continues to be a formidable challenge. This complexity arises from intricate interactions of RF signals with various obstacles, such as reflections and diffractions. Inspired by the effective utilization of neural networks in computer vision for representing optical fields, this paper introduces NeRF2, a novel neural radio-frequency radiance field. NeRF2 conceptualizes a continuous, volumetric scene function to interpret RF signal propagation. Uniquely, NeRF2, once trained with limited signal measurements, can predict the characteristics and reception of a signal at an arbitrary point, given the transmitter's location. Functioning as a physical-layer neural network, NeRF2 amalgamates learned statistical models with physical ray tracing to create synthetic datasets, tailored for the training needs of application-layer artificial neural networks (ANNs). This integration, termed "turbo-learning," combines authentic and synthetic datasets, significantly augmenting ANNs' training efficacy. Experimental results illustrate that turbo-learning can substantially improve performance, with an estimated 50% enhancement. The efficacy of NeRF2 is further underscored in its applications in indoor localization and 5G MIMO systems.
Lysosome dynamics during human endometrial stromal cells decidualization: effect of para-nonylphenol
Authors: Passaponti Sofia , Manzan Martins Camilla , Cresti Laura , Romagnoli Roberta , Paulesu Luana , Ietta Francesca , Ermini Leonardo
Published: May 2024

Endocrine disruptors, such as para-nonylphenol, affect the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells with an impact on decidualization itself, lysosome biogenesis and exocytosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. All these alterations may negatively impact embryo implantation with the success of reproduction and the establishment of pregnancy.
Comparative analysis of circulating metabolomic profiles identifies shared metabolic alterations across distinct multistressor military training exercises
Authors: Daniels Michael , Margolis Lee M. , Rood Jennifer C. , Lieberman Harris R. , Pasiakos Stefan M. , Karl J. Philip
Published: May 2024

The extent to which metabolomic responses are shared across diverse military training environments is unknown. Global metabolomic profiling across three distinct military training exercises identified shared metabolic responses with the largest changes observed for metabolites related to fatty acids, acylcarnitines, ketone metabolism, and oxidative stress. These changes also correlated with alterations in markers of tissue damage, inflammation, and anabolic signaling and comprise a potential common metabolomic signature underlying the unique physiological demands of military training.
A Novel Protein Sourced from Chinese Medicine Residue for Golden Pompano Feed: Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli Residue (ECGGR)
Authors: Wang Ziqiao , Yao Rong , He Xuanshu , Cui Xin , Liao Zhihong , Liu Yantao , Wei Hanlin , Zhuang Zhenxiao , Chen Mengdie , Niu Jin
Published: May 2024

Fishmeal is an important protein source in aquafeed. However, due to the limited natural resources, fishmeal is in short supply, resulting in a price surge for fishmeal. Here, we reported a kind of Chinese medicine residue, endothelium corneum gigeriae galli residue (ECGGR), as a fishmeal substitute in the diets of Trachinotus ovatus. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated, substituting fishmeal at 0%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 18.75%, 25%, and 31.25%. There was no significant difference in the growth performance when the fishmeal substitution level was no more than 25%. The smallest FCR was obtained at the 18.75% substitution level. Furthermore, substituting ECGGR for fishmeal had no effect on whole‐body and muscle proximate compositions, except when the replacement level exceeded 25%, which led to a decrease in whole‐body moisture and an increase in whole‐body crude protein. The contents of Gly, Cys, Ile, Tyr, Pro, and EAAs/TAAs were altered as the substitution level varied. However, dietary replacement of fishmeal with ECGGR did not degrade muscle protein quality, according to a nutritional evaluation of muscle essential amino acid composition. In terms of hepatic antioxidant capacity, neither the overall antioxidant status nor the expression of genes in the Nrf2‐ARE pathway was altered by dietary ECGGR. Moreover, the expressions of p65, TNF-α, and IL-8 in the intestine were upregulated at the 31.25% substitution level. Also, more goblet cells were observed in the intestine at substitution levels of 25% and 31.25%. In conclusion, ECGGR can substitute for fishmeal at the optimal level of 18.75% without adversely affecting the growth performance, protein quality, or hepatic and intestinal health of golden pompano.
Experimental Analysis of Spiral Finishing Process on EDM Drilled Hole in Titanium
Authors: Hossain Md Farid , Bhowmik Abhijit , Alam Samim , Gajghate Sameer Sheshrao , Kibria Golam , Prakash Chander , Majumder Himadri
Published: May 2024

It is quite evident that some of the experimental research works have been carried out by researchers in the area of spiral polishing using abrasive for surface finishing improvement but most of the experiment has been employed on Steel or Alloy Steel as a material. Very few number of research works have been performed by researchers across the globe on the Spiral Polishing Method of Titanium holes made by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). Therefore, experimental investigations were carried out in the area of Spiral Polishing and Finishing of EDM‐drilled holes of various materials to meet the desired goal of demands on the surface quality. This experimentation aims to develop a novel method with spiral polishing using abrasive flow finishing. To explore the search investigation and find out the better surface finishing for through holes made on EDM, the process parameters have been designed using the Taguchi L16 orthogonal array with input parameters such as Current (I), Pulse on time (Ton), and Pulse off time (Toff). The addition of Boron Carbide Powder with Handwash, Glycerine, Shampoo, and Liquid Soap is used to decrease the Surface Roughness (Ra) with a ratio of 5 : 1. The Taguchi technique is used to assess the P/M process parameter setting for a given signal to noise (S/N) ratio.
The Role of Obesity in the Poor Prognosis of COVID-19 Infection: A Review of 192 Patients
Authors: Feghaly Ziad , Aoun Rany , Mouawad Christian , Chamaa Bilal , Dahboul Houssam , Kassar Serge , Osseis Michael , Noun Roger , Chakhtoura Ghassan
Published: May 2024

Context. COVID-19 pandemic affects the whole world and continues to impact the health system daily. It also led to a high rate of hospitalizations, some of which required admission to the intensive care units. At the same time, obesity has been a major health problem for many years and continues to worsen. These two pandemics appear to be converging since obesity increasingly appears to be a poor prognostic factor for COVID-19 infection. Methods. We performed a retrospective study on all patients having COVID-19 infection and admitted to our institution between March 2020 and June 2021. Inclusion criteria included any patient over the age of 18 admitted to our institution’s COVID-19 unit, or intensive care unit, with a positive COVID-19 PCR or positive COVID-19 serology (IgM). Results. 192 patients met the inclusion criteria, with an average age of 62.68 years and a slight male predominance (64.58%). 76.04% of hospitalized patients and 80% of those admitted to the ICU were either overweight or obese. No statistically significant difference was found regarding the risk of in-hospital mortality and invasive ventilation. The same applies to the length of stay, admission to intensive care, O2 needs, and for the various complications (all p values were >0.05). Patients with obesity type II and III have an increased risk of cardiac arrests and need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Conclusion. Obesity tends to be a major risk factor for a pejorative evolution in the COVID-19 infection.
Exposed Embolic Coils Observed in a 64-Year-Old Male With Head and Neck Cancer Following Transarterial Embolization for Carotid Blowout Syndrome
Authors: Huang Jia-Zheng , Lu Wei-Chen , Lee Bo-Ching
Published: May 2024

Background: Delayed migration and exposure of embolic coils is a rare complication of endovascular therapy for carotid blowout syndrome.Methods: A 64-year-old man with recurrent tongue cancer noticed the presence of foreign body in the malignant wound on the right side of his neck. He had undergone transarterial embolization on his right vertebral artery, right common carotid artery (CCA), and internal carotid artery (ICA) for carotid blowout syndrome 1 month prior. On physical examination, exposed spring-like metallic coils were observed, covered in brownish granulation tissue, at the bottom of the malignant wound. Neck radiograph and computed tomography confirmed the extrusion and migration of the embolic coils.Results: In this case, the patient was managed by transection of the exposed coils at the wound surface with close monitoring.Conclusions: Computed tomography angiography is essential for assessing the condition of the remaining embolic coils. In cases with thrombosed parent arteries, a conservative approach, like the transection of exposed coils, can be employed as part of the management strategy.
Influence of Biomass‐Modified Asphalt Binder on Rutting Resistance
Authors: Arabani Mahyar , Ebrahimi Mohadeseh , Shalchian Mohammad Mahdi , Majd Rahimabadi Maryam
Published: May 2024

Biomasses are environmentally friendly additives that lower pollution in pavement engineering because of their biodegradability. On the other hand, to build a safe, long‐lasting pavement, rutting prevention is crucial. This study provides a comprehensive review of the efficacy of biomass as recyclable materials in reducing rutting and enhancing characteristics of asphalt mixtures. According to findings, the hydrocarbon polymer properties of lignin and biomass ash improve asphalt binder consistency, hardness, and function at high temperatures. The results showed that biochar, due to its solid shape, enhances the stiffness and viscosity of the mixtures. The high‐temperature performance of asphalt binder is improved by bioshell waste, which increases rutting parameters. Thus, biomass like ash, lignin, and biochar can increase asphalt binder rheology and rutting resistance due to chemical forces such as Van der Waals and hydrogen ions. The macroscopic and microscopic investigation also shows higher interaction and better adhesion in bioasphalt. However, asphalt binders containing bio‐oil exhibited no unique behaviors due to their lubricant impact. Based on the estimation of the life cycle assessment (LCA), it was determined that biomass utilization has the potential to decrease the cost and CO2 emissions of pavement engineering by as much as 10% and more than three times, respectively. An examination of recyclability revealed that biomass utilization can decrease the requirement for additional stabilizers by as much as 20%.
Abstract 100: The Non-Conserved Long Noncoding RNA, RP11-184M15.1, Regulates Macrophage Phenotype and Associates with Human Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cynn Esther , Wang Ying , Zhang Hanrui , Xue Chenyi , Shi Jianting , Li Daniel Y , Reilly Muredach
Published: May 2024

Macrophage activation and dysfunction promote atherosclerosis and its clinical complications. Functional long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important modulators of macrophage biology. The human genome, however, encodes thousands of lncRNAs that are yet to be characterized, most of which are not conserved in mouse. Through RNA-seq of human monocyte-derived macrophages, we identified 2,776 multi-exon long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs), and found
RP11-184M15.1
, a non-conserved, macrophage-specific lncRNA, to be highly induced during M2 (IL-4) activation, but suppressed in the M1 (LPS/IFNγ) phenotype (
Figure
), suggesting that
RP11-184M15.1
may regulate macrophage activation and metabolic functions. 5’ and 3’ RACE revealed a single 2-exon isoform, and ChIP-seq showed PU.1 and C/EBPβ binding at the
RP11-184M15.1
TSS.
RP11-184M15.1
was localized primarily in macrophage cytoplasm. To test roles of
RP11-184M15.1
in macrophage activation, we induced knockdown (KD) or overexpression (OE) of
RP11-184M15.1
in THP1 human macrophages by transfection of siRNAs and transduction of full-length
RP11-184M15.1
packaged lentivirus respectively, and then stimulated with IL-4. In preliminary studies, OE of
RP11-184M15.1
reduced expression of
CCL13
,
MMP12
, and
MRC1
while KD increased levels of
MMP12
. Given its cytoplasmic localization, we used DIANA lncBase tool and identified miR-5088-3p, miR-6516-5p and miR-16-5p, known to modulate inflammatory macrophages, as top miRNAs predicted to interact with
RP11-184M15.1.
Of clinical relevance,
RP11-184M15.1
was expressed in healthy human coronary arteries, but suppressed in coronary atherosclerotic lesions. In summary,
RP11-184M15.1
is a human, non-conserved, macrophage-specific lncRNA that modulates macrophage phenotype and is suppressed in atherosclerosis.
Abstract 101: Single-cell Profiling of Atherosclerotic Tissue Identifies T Cell Subsets Associated with Cerebrovascular Events
Authors: Fernandez Dawn , Rahman Adeeb , Fernandez Nicolas , Chudnovskiy Aleksey , Amir El-ad David , Amadori Letizia , Kahn Nayaab , Shamailova Roza , Faries Christopher , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Mocco J , Faries Peter , Merad Miriam , Giannarelli Chiara
Published: May 2024

Atherogenesis is driven by the infiltration of immune cells into the arterial wall where inflammation occurs and promotes plaque growth. While some plaques are stable, others are vulnerable and may rupture and lead to stroke or myocardial infarction. The contribution of specific immune cell types to plaque stability is obscure. In our present study, we aim to characterize the immune cell repertoire of human atherosclerosis using innovative single cell methods. We used mass cytometry (CyTOF) to study plaque tissue and paired blood from symptomatic (TIA or stoke < 6 months) or asymptomatic (no TIA or stroke) patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Using unbiased MetaLouvain clustering analysis, we characterized cell populations from two independent cohorts to (1) define major immune populations (cohort1; n=15), and (2) detail the adaptive immune compartment (cohort2; n=23), which was predominant in cohort 1. Moreover, we used single cell RNAseq to obtain the transcriptional signatures of immune infiltrates of atherosclerotic tissue. We found that T cells dominate advanced plaques. Atherosclerotic tissue was enriched in CD8
+
Effector Memory (EM) T cells that were CD69
hi
, CCR5
hi
and PD-1
hi
vs. their blood counterparts. Our transcriptional profiling confirmed that T cells were the majority of all immune populations, and that T cells expressed genes that represented an activated and largely exhausted phenotype. Our CyTOF results identified differences in T cell subsets between patient types. Symptomatic patients had a higher frequency of a subset of CD4
+
EM T cells (CD69
hi
CCR5
hi
PD1
hi
CD27
lo
CD28
lo
), and displayed a more differentiated phenotype of CD27
lo
GZMB
lo
CD38
lo
CD8
+
EM T cells. Our study is the first to provide a single cell immune atlas of advanced atherosclerotic lesions and to identify specific subsets associated with clinical outcomes of atherosclerotic disease. This study will be valuable for the future design of precise tissue-targeted immunotherapies.
Abstract 103: Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell PGC1alpha Deletion is Atheroprotective
in vivo
Authors: Quintana Raymundo A , Sellak Hassan , Okwan-Duodu Derick , Joseph Giji , Williams Holly C , Paredes Felipe , San Martin Alejandra , Lassegue Bernard , Taylor W R
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
In vivo studies found H
2
O
2
leads to lipid oxidation in the arterial wall and atherosclerosis formation. Catalase overexpression was found to reduce the development of aortic atherosclerosis. In vitro studies demonstrated effective transcriptional control of catalase expression through a PPARgamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α)-mediated signaling cascade in the setting of ANG II exposure. Here we sought to characterize in vivo the role of PGC1α as a regulator in atherosclerosis formation.

Methods:
All mice were homozygous for floxed PGC1α. In addition, littermates were either knockin for SM22-Cre (PGC1α
SMC-/-
) or Cre-negative (PGC1α
SMC+/+
). A retro-orbital injection of rAAV8 vectors carrying gain-of-function PCSK9 was given to 10-week-old PGC1α
SMC-/-
(7 M) and PGC1α
SMC+/+
(9 M) mice. Mice were fed with high-fat diet and received SQ ANG II at 0.75 mg/kg/day over 6 weeks. Descending thoracoabdominal and ascending thoracic aorta atherosclerotic lesions were assessed en face and with microscopy, respectively. Catalase expression was assessed by WB in isolated MASMs and IHC staining of aortic cross-sections. Statistical significance was determined by t test.

Results:
When comparing PGC1α
SMC-/-
and PGC1α
SMC+/+
mice, we found no significant difference in baseline SBP, hypertensive response to Ang II and serum LDL levels. PGC1α
SMC-/-
mice had significantly less thoracoabdominal aorta atherosclerosis formation (Figure A and B). PGC1α
SMC-/-
MASMs showed increased catalase protein expression (Figure C) but no difference in ROS production at baseline. After ANG II stimulation, PGC1α
SMC-/-
MASMs were noted to have decreased ROS production. IHC confirmed increased catalase staining in the tunica media of PGC1α
SMC-/-
mice, which was more evident after ANG II infusion for 14 days (Figure D).

Conclusion:
Vascular SMC PGC1α deletion leads to increased expression of catalase with a subsequent decrease in ANG II-induced atherosclerosis formation in vivo.
Abstract 106: Long Noncoding RNA (
ECAL-1
) Acting as a miR-23a Sponge Protects its Target Tight Junction Protein Cldn5b to Regulate Zebrafish Cerebral Vascular Integrity
Authors: Li Fang-Fang , Liang Yu-Lai , Jing Qing
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in cardiovascular diseases and have been applied as potential biomarkers for the diseases’ diagnosis and treatment. However, its role in vascular integrity have not been explored. Here we identified an endothelial connection associated lncRNA (
ECAL-1
) in zebrafish, and tried to unravel the role of
ECAL-1
in vascular development, especially in vascular integrity, and further demonstrate its cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Approach and Results:
Loss-of-function studies showed that ECAL-1 deficiency embryos mediated by morpholino (MO) knockdown or cas9 knockout displayed cranial hemorrhage. Angiography study demonstrated the vascular integrity was disrupted. Confocal imaging revealed that the morphology of central arteries was abnormal and cell proliferation was reduced in
ECAL-1
morphants. Ultrastructure observation by transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that the connection of vascular endothelial cells was severely disturbed in
ECAL-1
morphants and short mutants. Immuno-fluorescence assay and rescue experiment confirmed that tight junction protein Cldn5b was a downstream effector of
ECAL-1
. Bioinformatics analysis and
in vivo
fluorescence protein assay identified miR-23a regulated Cldn5b by targeting Cldn5b 3’UTR, which indicated
ECAL-1
may regulate Cldn5b as a sponge of miR-23a in maintaining vascular integrity.

Conclusions:
Our study presented here revealed the function of
ECAL-1
in cerebral vascular integrity. We demonstrated that
ECAL-1
regulate Cldn5b by acting as a sponge of miR-23a to maintain vascular integrity. These findings extended the gene regulation of vascular integrity to lncRNA, and provided new theoretical basis for brain vasculature development and its related diseases.
Recent Translational Research Models of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Prochilo Grace , Pfeffer Alissa , Du Stephanie , Kaneko Naoki , Liebeskind David S. , Hinman Jason D.
Published: May 2024

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a leading cause of ischemic stroke worldwide. However, research on the pathophysiology of ICAD is scarce due to the relative inaccessibility of histology samples and the lack of comprehensive experimental models. As a result, much of the current understanding of ICAD relies on research on extracranial atherosclerosis. This approach is problematic as intracranial and extracranial arteries are anatomically, structurally, physiologically, and metabolically distinct, indicating that intracranial and extracranial atherosclerosis likely develop through different biologic pathways. The current standard of care for ICAD treatment relies predominantly on therapeutics developed to treat extracranial atherosclerosis and is insufficient given the alarmingly high risk of stroke. To provide a definitive treatment for the disease, a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology underlying ICAD is specifically required. True mechanistic understanding of disease pathogenesis is only possible using robust experimental models. In this review, we aim to identify the advantages and limitations of the existing in vivo and in vitro models of ICAD and basic atherosclerotic processes, which may be used to inform better models of ICAD in the future and drive new therapeutic strategies to reduce stroke risk.
Model Virtues in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
Authors: Heijnen Saskia , Sleutels Jan , de Kleijn Roy
Published: May 2024

There is an abundance of computational models in cognitive neuroscience. A framework for what is desirable in a model, what justifies the introduction of a new one, or what makes one better than another is lacking, however. In this article, we examine key qualities (“virtues”) that are desirable in computational models, and how these are interrelated. To keep the scope of the article manageable, we focus on the field of cognitive control, where we identified six “model virtues”: empirical accuracy, empirical scope, functional analysis, causal detail, biological plausibility, and psychological plausibility. We first illustrate their use in published work on Stroop modeling and then discuss what expert modelers in the field of cognitive control said about them in a series of qualitative interviews. We found that virtues are interrelated and that their value depends on the modeler's goals, in ways that are not typically acknowledged in the literature. We recommend that researchers make the reasons for their modeling choices more explicit in published work. Our work is meant as a first step. Although our focus here is on cognitive control, we hope that our findings will spark discussion of virtues in other fields as well.
Performing a Motor Action Enhances Social Reward Processing and Modulates the Neural Processing of Predictive Cues
Authors: Di Bernardi Luft Caroline , Atchoum Iman , Beyer Frederike
Published: May 2024

Associative learning affects many areas of human behavior. Recently, we showed that the neural response to monetary reward is enhanced by performing an action, suggesting interactions between neural systems controlling motor behavior and reward processing. Given that many psychiatric disorders are associated with social anhedonia, a key open question is whether such effects generalize to social rewards, and in how far they affect associative learning. We developed a novel task in which participants (n = 66) received social reward feedback and social punishment either by pressing a button or waiting. Predictive cues were linked to feedback valence with 80% accuracy. Using EEG, we measured the neural response to both predictive cues and social feedback. We found enhanced reward positivity for social reward preceded by an action, and an enhanced N2 for cues predicting negative feedback. Cue-locked P3 amplitude was reduced for cues associated with negative feedback in passive trials only, showing a modulation of outcome anticipation by performing a motor action. This was supported by connectivity analyses showing stronger directed theta synchronization, in line with increased top–down modulation of attention, in active compared with passive trials. These findings suggest that actively obtaining social feedback enhances reward sensitivity and modulates outcome anticipation.
An integrated study of Atopobathynella (Parabathynellidae, Bathynellacea) species reveals restricted distributions in a complex hydrogeological setting: two new species from the Pilbara (Australia)
Authors: Perina Giulia , Camacho Ana I. , White Nicole E. , Callan Shae K. , Abello Jenny S. , Morgan Liesel , Guzik Michelle T.
Published: May 2024

The Pilbara bioregion (Western Australia) has become a hotspot for subterranean fauna as a consequence of many surveys conducted to comply with Western Australian environmental regulation requirements. In this bioregion, mining developments can have major implications for subterranean fauna and their conservation. However the diversity and species distributions of most taxa are still poorly known, including the crustacean family Parabathynellidae. Recent studies on a widespread genus of this family (Atopobathynella) from the Pilbara highlighted several undescribed taxa with interesting patterns of distribution. In the Gudai Darri locality, the northern flank of the Hamersley Range occurs as a stepped escarpment intersected by dykes and gullies, with groundwater occurring within fractured rocks abutting the Fortescue River valley, where a separate regional aquifer occurs. This investigation aimed to observe whether stygofauna species distributions (1) reflected the separation between the two major aquifers within the Hamersley Range and the Fortescue Valley; and (2) were influenced by the presence of dykes. We examined the Atopobathynella species occurring in the study area using morphological and molecular data. The results reflected the hydrogeological complexity of the study area with six new lineages of Atopobathynella, recorded mainly in different gullies, that do not share a most recent common ancestor. Two species are described here A. pagetae sp. nov. and A. lythei sp. nov., and four additional species are delineated through preliminary morphological analyses and molecular data. This study will improve future environmental impact assessments and the understanding of Parabathynellidae taxa distribution in hydrogeological complex areas.
Two new species of Riethia Kieffer, 1917 from Chile and Ecuador (Chironomidae: Chironominae, Pseudochironomini)
Authors: ANDERSEN TROND , SANZ-LAPARRA ANNUI MALLA , GIŁKA WOJCIECH
Published: May 2024

Two new species of Riethia Kieffer, 1917, R. chilensis sp. nov. (Chile) and R. ecuadoriensis sp. nov. (Ecuador) are described and figured as adult males. The two species differ from the presumable closest relative, R. truncatocaudata (Edwards, 1931), by uniformly coloured legs, without bands, and stout curved hypopygial superior volsellae; they can be separated from all other Riethia by the shape and setation pattern of the inferior volsella. The two new species differ from each other in body colouration, including abdomen, and in the presence/absence of microtrichia on superior volsellae.
Lefua hoffmanni Herre 1932, a junior synonym of Oreonectes platycephalus Günther 1868 (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: ITO TAIKI
Published: May 2024

Lefua hoffmanni Herre 1932 has been regarded as a valid species. However, Zheng (1989) suggested that L. hoffmanni may be a junior synonym of Oreonectes platycephalus Günther 1868. The validity of L. hoffmanni based on observations of type specimens has not been thoroughly examined in previous studies. This study comprised detailed observations and comparisons of the type specimens of L. hoffmanni and O. platycephalus to verify its validity. As a result of this investigation, it was confirmed that L. hoffmanni is indeed a junior synonym of O. platycephalus. A re-description of O. platycephalus is also provided on the basis of the syntypes.
Demand of Imported Rice in Mozambique (2011 - 2020)
Authors: Macia Sandre , Macuacua Júlio , Vilanculos Alfeu , Mahaluça Filipe
Published: May 2024

Rice plays an important role in the food and nutrition security of the Mozambican population and has been importing rice to meet growing consumption needs. There are several studies regarding demand of imported rice worldwide. However, it is noted that despite the importance of imported rice in national consumption, the empirical and quantitative studies on the demand for imported rice in Mozambique are scarce. This study results from the need to contribute to filling the information gap by providing the quantification of the impact of income and price on the consumption of imported rice. Based on monthly rice import data from 2011 to 2020, obtained from INE, the Source Differentiated Almost Ideal Demand System (SDAIDS) model and the Seemingly Unrelated Rules (SUR) approach are applied to estimate demand systems for imported rice. The period was chosen due to availability of data. The results of this study show that the national production of rice still does not cover internal needs, so the country resorts to imports to fill the deficit. The elasticities of demand for rice imported into Mozambique show that all income elasticities of demand are statistically significant, except for “other countries” or Rest of the World. The results also show that when income increases by 1%, the demand for rice increases by 1.2% when coming from “Pakistan”, and by 1.1% when coming from “Singapore”, by 1.03% for “Vietnam”; and in for those from “Myanmar” (1.1%), which suggests that rice from these countries can be classified in the luxury goods category. The results also illustrate that when the price increases by 1%, the quantities demanded decrease, on average, by 1.06% for rice coming from “Pakistan”; by 1.06% for those from “Singapore”; 1.22% for those from “Myanmar”; 0.96% for those from “Vietnam”; by 0.89% for “India”; by 0.79% for “China”; in 0.974% for “Thailand” and in 0.56% for those coming from “other countries”. The low levels of production and productivity show that it is still a challenge to guarantee rice self-sufficiency in Mozambique, and efforts to improve supply must continue, since the country's dependence on imported rice can potentially create conditions of vulnerability and insecurity and adverse market effects have competitive advantages.
Analysis of Antibiotics in Milk from Smallholder Farmers from Kenya Shows Traces Above the Recommended Maximum Residue Limits
Authors: Odeny Bonnita , Asudi George , Omwenga George , Oduor Richard , Karau Geoffrey
Published: May 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rising globally and is likely to cause more deaths because of antibiotic-resistant microbial infections and antibiotic residues in animal foods and products as a result of misuse of antibiotics in dairying. Thus, we determined the presence and quantities of sulfonamide, tetracycline, and beta-lactam drug residues in milk sampled in Nyandarua, Meru, and Kiambu counties in Kenya using the Charm TRIO® test kit and liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to the triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy (MS) (LC-MS/MS). The TRIO® test kit showed dicloxacillin as the most prevalent at 9.3%, followed by penicillin and cloxacillin at 3.7% each, and nafcillin at 0.9% among the beta-lactams. Among the tetracyclines, demeclocycline and tigecycline were the most prevalent at 10.3% each, followed by oxytetracycline at 9.3%, chlortetracycline at 7.5%, and doxycycline at 3.7%, while sulfaquinoxaline was the only sulfonamide drug detected at 4%. The LC-MS/MS detected the presence of all the tested β-lactam and tetracycline antimicrobial traces and all sulfonamide drugs except sulfamerazine in all three counties. All the tetracycline antibiotics recorded between 3 and 10.5% of antibiotic residues above the recommended Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in milk across all three counties, with beta-lactam antibiotics recording between 2 and 33.3%, indicating their misuse in the three counties. Sulfaquinoxaline was the only sulfonamide detected in milk samples above the recommended MRLs, indicating sulfonamides are less used in those counties. Therefore, it is important to enforce a regulatory framework to control antibiotic use in livestock to minimize potential health risks related to their traces in the foods.
Customer-Care Initiatives of Service Providers and the Uptake of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Services in Mutare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Kureya Tinashe , Mushonga Alex , Masese Thomas , Mhlanga Maxwell , Mukuzunga Munyaradza
Published: May 2024

Social marketing globally promotes social mobilization to increase uptake of recommended health services. The Ministry of Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe markets breast and cervical cancer screening for reproductive-age women. Despite efforts, uptake remains low, particularly in Mutare district. To address this, an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Dangamvura suburb to explore the relationship between service providers' customer-care initiatives and screening uptake. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected via interviews with 96 women aged 18 to 49, randomly selected from Dangamvura Poly-Clinic departments. Of these women, 13.5% were screened for breast cancer, 30.3% for cervical cancer, and 78.8% expressed intent to screen. 90.3% had accurate knowledge of breast and cervical cancer, but only 30.3% could identify screening sites. Among those screened, 75.8% intended to retest. Primary motivations for screening included a desire for health status knowledge (39.2%) and reproductive system issues (32.1%). Main barriers for non-screened women were lack of motivation (56%) and fear of positive results (16.7%). Logistic regression indicated protective factors for screening uptake: history of reproductive issues (AOR: 9.0678, p: 0.0029), prior breast cancer screening (AOR: 21.4347, p: 0.0006), and age 31 to 49 (AOR: 0.1754, p: 0.0066). Overall, uptake was low, influenced by customer factors (age, reproductive issues, prior breast cancer screening) and cost factors (perceived wait times, screening duration, perceived costs). Future interventions aimed at improving uptake of screening services should be tailored to address fears, misconceptions, and lack of motivation to screen among women of reproductive age.
A Surface Topographical Analysis of Lithium Disilicate Ceramics Pretreated With Rose Bengal, Er:YAG Laser, and Ceramic Primer on Bond Integrity, Surface Roughness, and Bond Failure to Composite Resin
Authors: Almutairi Basil , Al-Qahtani Amal Saeed , Shabbir Tooba , Leemani Manisha Jagdesh , Unar Javaid , Manzar Neha , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: May 2024

To evaluate adhesive bond integrity and surface roughness (Ra) of LDS ceramics following various surface modification treatments. Forty LDS ceramic disks were manufactured and allocated into distinct groups according to the pretreatment procedure. Group 1 samples were treated with HF
(hydrofluoric acid) and S (silane). Group 2 uses RBe (Rose Bengal photosensitizer) S. Group 3 utilizes SECP (self-etch ceramic primer), while Group 4 employs Er:YAG laser. The Ra, shear bond strength (SBS), and surface topography of the conditioned LDS ceramic were evaluated. The bonding of
all LDS ceramics was assessed with a universal testing machine. Debonded samples were analyzed using a stereomicroscope. The Ra and bond integrity values were assessed through the utilization of a two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey post hoc testing. The samples prepared with HF+S displayed the
highest Ra and bond values. However, group 2 (RBe+S) exhibited the least bond strength. There were no notable disparities in the results regarding the strength of the bonds among group 1, group 3 (SECP), and group 4 (Er:YAG laser+S). Er:YAG and SECP show promise as potential substitutes for
hydrofluoric acid (HFA) in conditioning LDS ceramics, yielding satisfactory bond scores by positively altering the surface morphology.
Study on the Catalytic Activity Modification of Pr and Nd Doped Ce0.7Zr0.3O2 Catalysts for Simultaneous Removal of PM and NOX
Authors: Guo Leyang , Guo Junwu
Published: May 2024

Cerium-zirconium composite oxides (Ce0.7Zr0.3O2) have a remarkable effect on catalytic removal of carbon particles (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emitted from diesel engine, in order to further improve the thermal stability, oxygen storage
capacity and low temperature catalytic REDOX performance of cerium zirconium composite oxides (Ce0.7Zr0.3O2), a small amount of Pr and Nd rare earth elements are doped to improve the catalytic activity of cerium zirconium composite oxides. In this paper, the
composite oxide of Pr6O11–Nd2O3–CeO2–ZrO2 is prepared by unsteady co-precipitation method, and the physicochemical properties of the composite oxide catalyst are analyzed by BET, SEM, XRD and ICP. The gas adsorption
capacity and catalytic activity of composite oxide catalysts are measured by temperature programmed reaction technology (TPR). The results show that the composite oxide of Pr0.05Nd0.05Ce0.6Zr0.3O2 prepared by using rare earth elements
Pr and Nd inhibits the growth process of grain, refining the grain, and improving the sintering phenomenon at high temperature. The addition of Pr and Nd causes lattice defects, increases the number of oxygen vacancies, and improves the mobility of lattice oxygen, namely promotes oxide oxygen
storage property, gas adsorption and catalytic oxidation reduction ability. After modification, Pr0.05Nd0.05Ce0.6Zr0.3O2 has good resistance to high temperature aging performance, prolongs the service life, reduces the PM lowest ignition
temperature and minimum catalytic activity temperature of nitrogen oxide, and promotes the NOX reduction rate. For Pr0.05Nd0.05Ce0.6Zr0.3O2, the lowest ignition temperature of PM is about 150 °C, and the lowest catalytic
activity temperature of NO is about 130 °C. The maximum CO2 production rate is 68.3%, and the maximum NO reduction rate is 45%.
Land and technology requirements for economically prosperous smallholder farming in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Harris D. , Mausch K. , Chamberlin J.
Published: May 2024

Making a living from a small farm is difficult in sub-Saharan Africa. In this paper, we quantify how difficult, using a simple, robust, relation between per capita daily income from farming (FPDI), land per capita and whole-farm net profitability per hectare. This relation allows the calculation of the land area required to generate various levels of household income as a function of farm performance. We use nationally representative household data for Tanzania to investigate the range of whole-farm profitability and to estimate an upper limit for it. For 6818 cases where households with land reported figures for gross crop and livestock revenues and for costs in any of the three years 2009, 2011 or 2013, actual median whole-farm net profitability was only $454/ha/y even without including the opportunity cost of family labour. When those were considered, median net profitability was negative $238/ha/y, i.e. a net loss. The maximum whole-farm profitability achieved was $4485/ha/y without family labour costs and $2742/ha/y with it. We evaluated actual and potential farm performance for their ability to generate a range of values of FPDI up to $10 per person per day. Most farms are not very profitable, particularly when household labour costs are considered, and few would be considered economically prosperous. Our analysis underscores the fact that improving their operations or adopting new technologies alone is unlikely to lift many smallholder farmers out of poverty in developing countries, given typical farm size distributions and reasonable assumptions about the realized economic returns to adoption of currently available agricultural technologies. While continued agricultural R&D investments are certainly worthwhile, such efforts alone will be insufficient to meaningfully address welfare needs of the world's rural poor. This suggests that agricultural development programs should expand their attention to incorporate off-farm and non-farm components of the rural economy.
A Comparison of the Functioning and Disability Levels of Children With Hemiplegic and Diplegic Cerebral Palsy Based on ICF-CY Components
Authors: Bingöl Hasan , Demirtaş Karaoba Dilan
Published: May 2024

We compared children with hemiplegic and diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) using the conceptual framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Child and Youth version (ICF-CY). We enrolled 42 children with CP aged 5 – 13 years old ( M age = 9.57, SD = 2.8 years). We assessed their trunk control and dynamic balance with the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and we used ABILHAND-Kids and Assessment of Life Habits (Life-H) to assess their manual ability and participation with activities of daily living. We administered the European Child Environment Questionnaire (ECEQ) to identify relevant environmental factors. We employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify specific factors contributing to potential differences between these CP groups. Children with hemiplegic CP demonstrated significantly better outcomes in terms of trunk control, dynamic balance, and environmental factors compared to those with diplegic CP ( p < .05). In contrast, children with diplegic CP demonstrated superior outcomes regarding manual ability, compared to those with hemiplegic CP ( p < .001). In our structural equation models, trunk control strongly predicted both dynamic balance (0.75) and environmental factors (0.74). Moreover, the relationships between trunk control and participation in daily and social activities were 0.54 and 0.47, respectively. Impaired trunk control and dynamic balance were significant contributors to increased activity restrictions and environmental barriers in children with diplegic CP. This suggests that improving disability and functioning in children with diplegic CP requires a focus on trunk control training and dynamic balance exercises.