bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approximating Intermediate Feature Maps of Self-Supervised Convolution Neural Network to Learn Hard Positive Representations in Chest Radiography
Authors: Cho Kyungjin , Kim Ki Duk , Jeong Jiheon , Nam Yujin , Kim Jeeyoung , Choi Changyong , Lee Soyoung , Hong Gil-Sun , Seo Joon Beom , Kim Namkug
Published: February 2024

Recent advances in contrastive learning have significantly improved the performance of deep learning models. In contrastive learning of medical images, dealing with positive representation is sometimes difficult because some strong augmentation techniques can disrupt contrastive learning owing to the subtle differences between other standardized CXRs compared to augmented positive pairs; therefore, additional efforts are required. In this study, we propose intermediate feature approximation (IFA) loss, which improves the performance of contrastive convolutional neural networks by focusing more on positive representations of CXRs without additional augmentations. The IFA loss encourages the feature maps of a query image and its positive pair to resemble each other by maximizing the cosine similarity between the intermediate feature outputs of the original data and the positive pairs. Therefore, we used the InfoNCE loss, which is commonly used loss to address negative representations, and the IFA loss, which addresses positive representations, together to improve the contrastive network. We evaluated the performance of the network using various downstream tasks, including classification, object detection, and a generative adversarial network (GAN) inversion task. The downstream task results demonstrated that IFA loss can improve the performance of effectively overcoming data imbalance and data scarcity; furthermore, it can serve as a perceptual loss encoder for GAN inversion. In addition, we have made our model publicly available to facilitate access and encourage further research and collaboration in the field.
Breast cancer diagnosed after age 70 years in Israeli BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic sequence variant carriers: a single institution experience
Authors: Bufman Hila , Faermann Renata , Halshtok-Neiman Osnat , Shalmon Anat , Gotlieb Michael , Samoocha David , Yagil Yael , Feldman Dana Madorsky , Friedman Eitan , Sklair-Levy Miri
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A semi-annual surveillance scheme from age 25 to 30 years is offered to BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic sequence variants (PSVs) carriers for early detection of breast cancer (BC). There is a paucity of data on the yield of adhering to this scheme beyond 70 years of age.

Methods

Female BRCA1/BRCA2 PSV carriers followed at the Meirav high-risk clinic, Sheba Medical center, Israel were eligible. Type and frequencies if use of Imaging modalities, breast biopsies and histological outcomes for participants after age 70 years were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

Overall, the study encompassed 88 consenting participants (46 BRCA1 carriers) mean age ± SD 73.7 ± 3.3 years (range 70–90 years), followed for an average of 3.8 years (range 1–11 years). Ten carriers (11.3%) were diagnosed with BC after age 70 years (mean age at diagnosis 72 ± 2 years) and an additional case was diagnosed with breast lymphoma. The imaging modality that has led to most diagnoses was MRI (8/11 cases). Eight of these ten cases were previously diagnosed with BC prior to age 70 and in six, BC past 70 years was in the contralateral breast. The lesions size averaged 1.29 ± 0.75 cm, with IDC and DCIS diagnosed in five cases each, and none had lymph node involvement.

Conclusion

In ~10% of BRCA1/BRCA2 PSV carriers BC is diagnosed by breast imaging after age 70 years. If these results are validated in a larger study, the guidelines for the maximum age for BC surveillance in high risk women should be revisited and set at 75 years.
Event-Based Guidance and Incremental Control with Application to Fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Perched Landing Maneuvers
Authors: Song Yansui , Sun Shaoshan , Tao Chenggang , He Zhen , Xu Bin
Published: February 2024

Considering the nonlinearity and unknown dynamics of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles in perched landing maneuvers, an event-based online guidance and incremental control scheme is proposed. The guidance trajectory for perched landing must be dynamically feasible therefore an event-based trapezoidal collocation point optimization method is proposed. Introduction of the triggering mechanism for the rational use of computing resources to improve PL accuracy. Furthermore, a filter-based incremental nonlinear dynamic inverse (F-INDI) control with state transformation is proposed to achieve robust trajectory tracking under high angle of attack (AOA). The F-INDI uses low-pass filters to obtain incremental dynamics of the system, which simplifies the design process. The state transformation strategy is to convert the flight-path angle, AOA and velocity into two composite dynamics, which avoids the sign reversal problem of control gain under high AOA. The stability analysis shows that the original states can be controlled only by controlling the composite state. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme achieves high perched landing accuracy and a reliable trajectory tracking control.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye by Promising Zinc Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Abuzeyad Osama H. , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. , Tantawy Hesham , Gobara Mohamed , Elsayed Mohamed A.
Published: February 2024

In this work, crystalline copper-zinc ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method. Morphological characterization of produced samples was done using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A transmission electron microscope (TEM) was utilised for further identification and confirmation of the particle morphology and size. Moreover, Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to examine crystalline structure, chemical structure, and surface area respectively. Optical properties were examined by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results indicate that the Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles’ crystallite size was 28.5 nm. The experiments focused on the impact of various factors, such as pH levels, initial MB concentration, and nanocatalyst dosage, on the observed photocatalytic efficiency. The photocatalytic performance of Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles under UV light was evaluated by decolorization of Methylene Blue (MB) azo dye. Photocatalysis degradation of 10 ppm of MB adding 15 mg of Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles was 94% after 135 min at room temperature and pH value of 9. Further interpretation was carried out and a proposed mechanism for the MB photodegradation by Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles was suggested.
Coronary microthrombi in the failing human heart: the role of von Willebrand factor and PECAM-1
Authors: Kostin Sawa , Giannakopoulos Theodoros , Richter Manfred , Krizanic Florian , Sasko Benjamin , Ritter Oliver , Pagonas Nikolaos
Published: February 2024

The recognition of microthrombi in the heart microcirculation has recently emerged from studies in COVID-19 decedents. The present study investigated the ultrastructure of coronary microthrombi in heart failure (HF) due to cardiomyopathies that are unrelated to COVID-19 infection. In addition, we have investigated the role of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and PECAM-1 in microthrombus formation. We used electron microscopy to investigate the occurrence of microthrombi in patients with HF due to dilated (DCM, n = 7), inflammatory (MYO, n = 6) and ischemic (ICM, n = 7) cardiomyopathy and 4 control patients. VWF and PECAM-1 was studied by quantitative immunohistochemistry and Western blot. In comparison to control, the number of microthrombi was increased 7–9 times in HF. This was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in the number of Weibel–Palade bodies (WPb) in DCM and MYO compared to control. A fivefold increase in WPb in ICM was significantly different from control, DCM and MYO. In Western blot, VWF was increased twofold in DCM and MYO, and more than threefold in ICM. The difference between ICM and DCM and MYO was statistically significant. These results were confirmed by quantitative immunohistochemistry. Compared to control, PECAM-1 was by approximatively threefold increased in all groups of patients. This is the first study to demonstrate the occurrence of microthrombi in the failing human heart. The occurrence of microthrombi is associated with increased expression of VWF and the number of WPb, being more pronounced in ICM. These changes are likely not compensated by increases in PECAM-1 expression.
Classification of walnut dataset by selecting CNN features with whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Karadeniz Alper Talha , Başaran Erdal , Çelik Yüksel
Published: February 2024

Since many years ago, walnuts have been extensively available around the world and come in various quality varieties. The proper variety of walnut can be grown in the right area and is vital to human health. This fruit's production is time-consuming and expensive. However, even specialists find it challenging to differentiate distinct kinds since walnut leaves are so similar in color and feel. There aren't many studies on the classification of walnut leaves in the literature, and the most of them were conducted in laboratories. The classification process can now be carried out automatically from leaf photos thanks to technological advancements. The walnut data set was applied to the suggested deep learning model. There aren't many studies on the classification of walnut leaves in the literature, and the most of them were conducted in laboratories. The walnut data set, which consists of 18 different types of 1751 photos, was used to test the suggested deep learning model. The three most successful algorithms among the commonly utilized CNN algorithms in the literature were first selected for the suggested model. From the Vgg16, Vgg19, and AlexNet CNN algorithms, many features were retrieved. Utilizing the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), a new feature set was produced by choosing the top extracted features. KNN is used to categorize this feature set. An accuracy rating of 92.59% was attained as a consequence of the tests.
Development of an Automated Experimental System for Thermomechanical and Electrical Characterization of NiTi Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Rodinò S. , Siciliano M. , Curcio E. M. , Lamonaca F. , Carnì D. L. , Carbone G. , Maletta C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Comprehensive datasets quantifying the coupled thermo-mechanical and electrical properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) are lacking, as are standardized techniques for robust characterization. This hampers accurate modeling and design of SMA-based components. Objective: This work develops an automated experimental system to enable simultaneous measurement of stress-strain-temperature behavior and electrical resistivity evolution in NiTi SMA wires under controlled stress conditions. Methods: Customized test frames apply precise mechanical stresses while allowing for in situ electrical measurements and infrared imaging during complete thermal cycling protocols. Specialized instrumentation including a Keithley 2002 multimeter, Agilent E3631A programmable power supply, and FLIR A615 thermal camera are integrated with LabVIEW-based software routines for complete automation of the characterization process. Rigorous metrology principles are implemented throughout the measurement procedure to improve accuracy, repeatability, and consistency compared to prior manual techniques. Results: Extensive datasets are generated which reveal pronounced stress-dependencies in key SMA material parameters including transformation temperatures, recoverable strain, and electrical resistivity. A 3D regression model describes the comprehensive relationship between resistivity, temperature, and applied stress across the entire characterization domain. Conclusions: The automated measurement framework and methodology establishes a foundation for high-fidelity, reliable acquisition of coupled SMA property data. This will enable more accurate modeling and design of components and systems incorporating SMA actuation or sensing functions.
Taking adaptive learning in educational settings to the next level: leveraging natural language processing for improved personalization
Authors: Mejeh Mathias , Rehm Martin
Published: February 2024

Educational technology plays an increasingly significant role in supporting Self-Regulated Learning (SRL), while the importance of Adaptive Learning Technology (ALT) grows due to its ability to provide personalized support for learners. Despite recognizing the potential of ALT to be influential in SRL, effectively addressing pedagogical concerns about using ALT to enhance students’ SRL remains an ongoing challenge. Consequently, learners can develop perceptions that ALT is not customized to their specific needs, resulting in critical or dismissive attitudes towards such systems. This study therefore explores the potential of combining Natural Language Processing (NLP) to enhance real-time contextual adaptive learning within an ALT to support learners’ SRL. In addressing this question, our approach consisted of two steps. Initially, we focused on developing an ALT that incorporates learners’ needs. Subsequently, we explored the potential of NLP to capture pertinent learner information essential for providing adaptive support in SRL. In order to ensure direct applicability to pedagogical practice, we engaged in a one-year co-design phase with a high school. Qualitative data was collected to evaluate the implementation of the ALT and to check complementary possibilities to enhance SRL by potentially adding NLP. Our findings indicate that the learning technology we developed has been well-received and implemented in practice. However, there is potential for further development, particularly in terms of providing adaptive support for students. It is evident that a meaningful integration of NLP and ALT holds substantial promise for future enhancements, enabling sustainable support for learners SRL.
A Systematized Review on the Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging for Quality Control of Potatoes
Authors: Peraza-Alemán Carlos Miguel , López-Maestresalas Ainara , Jarén Carmen , Rubio-Padilla Niuton , Arazuri Silvia
Published: February 2024

The application of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has gained significant importance in the past decade, particulary in the context of food analysis, including potatoes. However, the current literature lacks a comprehensive systematic review of the application of this technique in potato cultivation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to conduct a systematized review by analysing the most relevant compounds, diseases and stress factors in potatoes using hyperspectral imaging. For this purpose, scientific studies were retrieved through a systematic keyword search in Web of Science and Scopus databases. Studies were only included in the review if they provided at least one set of quantitative data. As a result, a total of 52 unique studies were included in the review. Eligible studies were assigned an in-house developed quality scale identifying them as high, medium or low risk. In most cases the studies were rated as low risk. Finally, a comprehensive overview of the HSI applications in potatoes was performed. It has been observed that most of the selected studies obtained better results using linear methods. In addition, a meta-analysis of studies based on regression and classification was attempted but was not possible as not enough studies were found for a specific variable.
Power-to-X strategies for Smart Energy Regions: a vision for green hydrogen valleys
Authors: Battaglia Vittoria , Vanoli Laura
Published: February 2024

Future energy systems will have to face the challenge of managing surplus electricity from renewable sources. In this context, technologies like electrolyzers could play a key role since they can convert this surplus into hydrogen. The study aims to develop an energy strategy for the Campania region, in Italy, aligning with 2050 European CO2 reduction targets. It utilizes detailed bottom-up modeling and dynamic simulations to propose a scenario emphasizing extensive integration of renewable energy sources, particularly using Power-to-Gas technologies to convert surplus electricity into hydrogen for the transportation sector. This approach leads to abating the significant surplus of around 2.4 TWh/year produced by renewables and enables it to cover about 10% of transport sector consumption by hydrogen, boosting the overall share of renewable energy.
Applying Participatory Research in the Development of Clinical Practice Recommendations for Incorporating Mindfulness into Mental Health Treatment with Youth at Risk for Psychosis
Authors: O’Shea Melissa , Reich Daniel , Evans Subhadra
Published: February 2024

Mindfulness is a promising adjunct strategy that clinicians can use with individuals at risk for psychosis to help manage their distressing symptoms and difficulties with daily functioning. This article explores how mental health clinicians can support young people to safely engage with mindfulness practices as part of their overall recovery through the development of specific guidance for the implementation of mindfulness programs within routine clinical care. A collaborative approach was taken to the development of the recommendations through the adoption of participatory research principles across three phases. The first two phases were published elsewhere. In Phase 3, initial recommendations were formulated, in consideration of the findings of Phases 1 (evidence mapping) and 2 (qualitative analysis of the perspectives of practitioners with experience working with young people at risk for psychosis, and youth at risk for psychosis,﻿ regarding the use of mindfulness as an adjunct to usual treatment) and existing mindfulness intervention protocols for psychosis. Initial recommendations were fed back to the practitioner group used in Phase 2 in a validation cycle to ensure recommendations matched their views and for final endorsement. Eight key recommendation areas with corresponding clinical practice points were endorsed, highlighting the practical utility of the recommendations. Recommendations included the benefit of youth-relevant mindfulness content and adapting mindfulness to young people’s needs, the importance of trauma-informed principles, the utility of compassion-based practices, and key ways to address barriers to mindfulness uptake for youth at risk for psychosis. It is anticipated that through the implementation of these recommendations, safe and effective implementation of mindfulness interventions within early intervention practice will improve outcomes for young people experiencing attenuated psychotic symptoms and associated morbidity.
Quantum ontology without textbooks. Nor overlapping
Authors: Lopez Cristian
Published: February 2024

In this paper, I critically assess two recent proposals for an interpretation-independent understanding of non-relativistic quantum mechanics: the overlap strategy (Fraser & Vickers, 2022) and the textbook account (Egg, 2021). My argument has three steps. I first argue that they presume a Quinean-Carnapian meta-ontological framework that yields flat, structureless ontologies. Second, such ontologies are unable to solve the problems that quantum ontologists want to solve. Finally, only structured ontologies are capable of solving the problems that quantum ontologists want to solve. But they require some dose of speculation. In the end, I defend the conservative way to do quantum ontology, which is (and must be) speculative and non-neutral.
Spatio-temporal distribution of adults and eggs of the West Indian sweetpotato weevil Euscepes postfasciatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on sweet potato stems
Authors: Urasaki Kimiko , Matsumura Kentarou , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: February 2024

The West Indian sweetpotato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus, a serious pest of sweet potatoes, is being eradicated by sterile insect technique (SIT) in the south-western islands of Japan. Information on the diurnal movement of the target pests on host plants and where mating and egg-laying behavior occurs on the host is important for the application of SIT, which eradicates the target pest through mating of released sterile males and wild females. However, little such information is available on this species. In this study, male and female adults were released on host plants to examine the diurnal distribution on seedlings according to sex, as well as the sites where mounting behavior and egg laying occurs. The results showed that females left the host plant more frequently at night, whereas males were more likely to remain on the host plant at night. Both males and females stayed on the nodes of the host plant during the daytime. Mounting behavior also tended to occur more often at nodes. Furthermore, compared to unmated females, mated females stayed at the vertical top of the seedlings. However, it was found that eggs were often laid close to the roots rather than at the top of the vertical stems, even when the seedlings were placed upside down. The results of previous studies and this study will be discussed from the perspective of the application of SIT against E. postfasciatus.
An Overview of Office Hysteroscopy
Authors: Wright Kelly N. , Hamilton Kacey , Kosturakis Alyssa
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

Office hysteroscopy (OH) is safe and effective for diagnosing and managing intrauterine pathology. Newer technology like smaller cameras, improved tissue removal devices, and recommendations for pain control now make OH comfortable for both the physician and patient, with OH having a very high level of patient satisfaction. Despite these benefits, OH remains significantly underutilized in the United States. This review aims to outline the current capabilities, technology, and patient and physician factors associated with successful OH.

Recent Findings

OH aids in the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding, the most common reason for visits to the gynecologist, and can treat some causes in the same visit. Pathology most conducive to treatment with OH includes endometrial polyps, uterine septa, retained products of pregnancy, adhesions, and retained intrauterine devices (IUDs). When performing OH, equipment selection should be based on the type of procedure planned. Care should be taken to attempt to reduce pain and anxiety during OH, with recommended methods including preprocedural NSAIDs, vaginoscopy, and appropriate counseling and anxiety reduction.

Appropriate patient selection is essential for both patient and physician comfort when performing OH. Further research and technology improvement can continue to increase comfort and performance in the office.
Efficient bead-on-plate weld model for parameter estimation towards effective wire arc additive manufacturing simulation
Authors: Strobl Dominic , Unger Jörg F. , Ghnatios Chady , Klawonn Alexander , Pittner Andreas , Rethmeier Michael , Robens-Radermacher Annika
Published: February 2024

Despite the advances in hardware and software techniques, standard numerical methods fail in providing real-time simulations, especially for complex processes such as additive manufacturing applications. A real-time simulation enables process control through the combination of process monitoring and automated feedback, which increases the flexibility and quality of a process. Typically, before producing a whole additive manufacturing structure, a simplified experiment in the form of a bead-on-plate experiment is performed to get a first insight into the process and to set parameters suitably. In this work, a reduced order model for the transient thermal problem of the bead-on-plate weld simulation is developed, allowing an efficient model calibration and control of the process. The proposed approach applies the proper generalized decomposition (PGD) method, a popular model order reduction technique, to decrease the computational effort of each model evaluation required multiple times in parameter estimation, control, and optimization. The welding torch is modeled by a moving heat source, which leads to difficulties separating space and time, a key ingredient in PGD simulations. A novel approach for separating space and time is applied and extended to 3D problems allowing the derivation of an efficient separated representation of the temperature. The results are verified against a standard finite element model showing excellent agreement. The reduced order model is also leveraged in a Bayesian model parameter estimation setup, speeding up calibrations and ultimately leading to an optimized real-time simulation approach for welding experiment using synthetic as well as real measurement data.
The Assessment and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Autistic People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Quinton Alice M. G. , Ali Dorota , Danese Andrea , Happé Francesca , Rumball Freya
Published: February 2024

Adverse life events and mental health conditions are unfortunately common amongst autistic adults and children; this may present a vulnerability to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review provides an update of Rumball’s (Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 6, 294–324, 2019) systematic review of PTSD in autistic individuals and identifies 18 new studies published from 2017 to 2022, reflecting increased research interest in PTSD in autistic populations. Included literature suggests that autistic adults and children experience more severe PTSD symptoms compared to their non-autistic peers, with at least comparable rates of occurrence. We provide a comprehensive overview of this emerging field and identify the need for future research to validate PTSD symptom assessment tools and treatment strategies and investigate unique manifestations of trauma-related symptoms in autistic individuals.
A Modern Collaborative Behavior Analytic Approach to Incidental Naming
Authors: Gilmore Amanda , Barnes-Holmes Dermot , Sivaraman Maithri
Published: February 2024

An important distinction has been drawn within the behavior-analytic literature between two types of naming. Naming that is reinforced is referred to as bidirectional naming, and naming that is not reinforced is referred to as incidental bidirectional naming. According to verbal behavior development theory children who demonstrate incidental naming have developed a verbal behavioral cusp, and often learn new language more rapidly as a result. A growing body of research has assessed incidental naming using what is described as an incidental naming experience, in which novel stimuli are presented and named by a researcher but with no direct differential reinforcement for subsequent naming responses by the participant. According to relational frame theory, such studies on incidental naming have typically involved presenting contextual cues that likely serve to establish the name relations between an object and its name. As such, contextual cues may play a critical role in the emergence of incidental naming responses, but there are no published studies that have systematically tested the potential role of contextual cues in relation to incidental naming. The current article provides a narrative review of the incidental naming literature, highlighting variables that remain to be explored in future research.
La Sindrome Insulinica Autoimmune (Sindrome di Hirata): dalla clinica al trattamento
Authors: Verrienti Martina , Daniele Andrea , Lupo Sabrina , Franceschetti Paola , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria
Published: February 2024

Sommario

La Sindrome di Hirata è una forma rara di ipoglicemia iperinsulinemica endogena, caratterizzata da elevati livelli di autoanticorpi anti-insulina. La patogenesi prevede una combinazione tra predisposizione genetica ed elementi trigger (farmaci, virus); alcune forme sono idiopatiche. Non sono disponibili indicazioni terapeutiche codificate a causa della rarità della condizione. La dieta ultra-frazionata a basso contenuto di carboidrati, l’uso di immunosoppressori e la plasmaferesi possono essere considerati per favorire il controllo dei sintomi.
On the structure of the infinitesimal generators of scalar one-dimensional semigroups with discrete Lyapunov functionals
Authors: Fusco Giorgio , Rocha Carlos
Published: February 2024

Dynamical systems generated by scalar reaction-diffusion equations on an interval enjoy special properties that lead to a very simple structure for the semiflow. Among these properties, the monotone behavior of the number of zeros of the solutions plays an essential role. This discrete Lyapunov functional contains important information on the spectral behavior of the linearization and leads to a Morse-Smale description of the dynamical system. Other systems, like the linear scalar delay differential equations under monotone feedback conditions, possess similar kinds of discrete Lyapunov functions. Here we discuss and characterize classes of linear equations that generate semiflows acting on $$C^0[0,1]$$

C
0

[
0
,
1
]

or on $$C^1[0,1]$$

C
1

[
0
,
1
]

which admit discrete Lyapunov functions related to the zero number. We show that, if the space is $$C^1[0,1]$$

C
1

[
0
,
1
]

, the corresponding equations are essentially parabolic partial differential equations. In contrast, if the space is $$C^0[0,1]$$

C
0

[
0
,
1
]

, the corresponding equations are generalizations of monotone feedback delay differential equations.
Externally Provided Rewards Increase Internal Preference, but Not as Much as Preferred Ones Without Extrinsic Rewards
Authors: Zhu Jianhong , Katahira Kentaro , Hirakawa Makoto , Nakao Takashi
Published: February 2024

It is well known that preferences are formed through choices, known as choice-induced preference change (CIPC). However, whether value learned through externally provided rewards influences the preferences formed through CIPC remains unclear. To address this issue, we used tasks for decision-making guided by reward provided by the external environment (externally guided decision-making; EDM) and for decision-making guided by one’s internal preference (internally guided decision-making; IDM). In the IDM task, we presented stimuli with learned value in the EDM and novel stimuli to examine whether the value in the EDM affects preferences. Stimuli reinforced by rewards given in the EDM were reflected in the IDM’s initial preference and further increased through CIPC in the IDM. However, such stimuli were not as strongly preferred as the most preferred novel stimulus in the IDM (superiority of intrinsically learned values; SIV), suggesting that the values learned by the EDM and IDM differ. The underlying process of this phenomenon is discussed in terms of the fundamental self-hypothesis.
Risk in Ultimate Pit Selection
Authors: Holloway Edward
Published: February 2024

The basis for the selection of the ultimate pit for an open pit mining operation is generally opaque. Some form of value-based analysis will generally guide the final decision; however, the value will often gradually plateau whilst the ultimate pit size continues to increase. There is no established framework to guide specialists in the selection of the ultimate pit, with such decisions regularly made on a somewhat arbitrary basis. The key component that is missing from the analyses typically used to select the size of the ultimate pit is risk. Once risk is quantified within the analysis framework, the decision-making range is significantly reduced, and the process for selecting the ultimate pit becomes more consistent, replicable, and defensible. This paper provides an approach to including risk in the process used to select the ultimate pit.
The Human Digi-real Duality
Authors: Saggio Giovanni
Published: February 2024

Current technologies allow acquiring whatever amount of data (even big data), from whatever system (object, component, mechanism, network, implant, machinery, structure, asset, etc.), during whatever time lapse (secs, hours, weeks, years). Therefore, potentially it is possible to fully characterize any system for any time we need, with the possible consequence of creating a virtual copy, namely the digital twin (DT) of the system. When technology of DT meets an augmented reality scenario, the augmented digital twin (ADT) arises, when DT meets an artificial intelligence environment, the intelligent digital twin (IDT) arises. DTs, ADTs and IDTs are successfully adopted in electronics, mechanics, chemistry, manufacturing, science, sport, and more, but when adopted for the human body it comes out the human digital twin (HDT) or alternatively named virtual human simulator (VHS). When the VHS incorporates information from surroundings (other VHSs and environment), taking a cue from the particle-wave duality (the mix of matter and energy), we can name this super-VHS as the human digi-real duality (HDRD). This work is focused on defining the aforementioned acronyms, on evidencing their differences, advantages and successful case adoptions, but highlighting technology limits too, and on foreseeing new and intriguing possibilities.
Seeing is Learning in High Dimensions: The Synergy Between Dimensionality Reduction and Machine Learning
Authors: Telea Alexandru , Machado Alister , Wang Yu
Published: February 2024

High-dimensional data are a key study object for both machine learning (ML) and information visualization. On the visualization side, dimensionality reduction (DR) methods, also called projections, are the most suited techniques for visual exploration of large and high-dimensional datasets. On the ML side, high-dimensional data are generated and processed by classifiers and regressors, and these techniques increasingly require visualization for explanation and exploration. In this paper, we explore how both fields can help each other in achieving their respective aims. In more detail, we present both examples that show how DR can be used to understand and engineer better ML models (seeing helps learning) and also applications of DL for improving the computation of direct and inverse projections (learning helps seeing). We also identify existing limitations of DR methods used to assist ML and of ML techniques applied to improve DR. Based on the above, we propose several high-impact directions for future work that exploit the analyzed ML-DR synergy.
Pistol: Pupil Invisible Supportive Tool in the Wild
Authors: Fuhl Wolfgang , Weber Daniel , Eivazi Shahram
Published: February 2024

This paper is an in the wild evaluation of the eye tracking tool Pistol. Pistol supports Pupil Invisible projects and other eye trackers (Dikablis, Emke GmbH, Look, Pupil, and many more) in offline mode. For all eye tracking recordings, Pistol is able to compute pupil and iris ellipse, eye aperture, eye lids, 3D eye ball, optical vector estimation, and eye movement types. For Pupil Invisible projects, it also supports the detection of a special marker and allows the 2D and 3D gaze estimation mapped on the scene camera. In this extended journal paper for Pistol we focus on challenging in the wild situations, such as reflections on glasses, eye tracking during sport, changing lightning conditions, and this for two eye trackers. The tool Pistol can be downloaded here Link
Spatial distribution and transient responses of the thermal environment in an office space equipped with a standing-type air conditioner
Authors: Chan Jing Yik , Ahn Joon
Published: February 2024

Air conditioner (AC) systems are important for maintaining indoor thermal comfort, but discrepancies can exist between setpoints and the actual room temperature. In the present study conducted in a typical Korean office during summer, we identified differences of up to 2.77 °C between the AC setpoint and the average room temperature. This variation may have originated from the oscillatory cooling pattern, leading to moments of discomfort even though the overall thermal balance was maintained. While consistent initial cooling rates were observed for various setpoints, oscillations at 20 °C lowered the efficiency of the AC system. A bi-exponential model applied to the cooling pattern confirmed a two-phase cooling process. Interestingly, the coefficient of performance was highest at the lowest temperature setpoint, even though this led to greater energy consumption and possible overcooling. The weather strongly affected AC performance, with rainy conditions requiring less power than sunny conditions at the same setpoint. Furthermore, our experiment comparing the predicted mean vote (PMV) with actual human comfort revealed that the PMV often recommends a cooler ambient temperature than what occupants actually prefer.
The Challenges of Born-Digital Fiction
Authors: Grigar Dene , Pisarski Mariusz
Published: February 2024

The Challenges of Born-Digital Fiction: Editions, Translations, and Emulations addresses the growing concern about how best to maintain and extend the accessibility of early interactive novels and hypertext fiction or narratives. These forms of born-digital literature were produced before or shortly after the mainstreaming of the World Wide Web with proprietary software and on formats now obsolete. Preserving and extending them for a broad study by scholars of book culture, literary studies, and digital culture necessitate they are migrated, translated, and emulated – yet these activities can impact the integrity of the reader experience. Thus, this Element centers on three key challenges facing such efforts: (1) precision of references: identifying correct editions and versions of migrated works in scholarship; (2) enhanced media translation: approaching translation informed by the changing media context in a collaborative environment; and (3) media integrity: relying on emulation as the prime mode for long-term preservation of born-digital novels.
Aberrant Capitalism
Authors: Hastings Hunter , Denning Stephen
Published: February 2024

The corporation was a timely emergent phenomenon of the capitalist system. Under entrepreneurial ownership with customer value creation goals, corporations introduced new products and services, new capital structures and new management processes capable of improving customer experiences in every facet of their lives. After entrepreneurship, the organizational model transitioned to managerial capitalism, and from there into command-and-control and central planning. Then came further transition into the era of financialization, where shareholder value replaced customer value as the purpose of the corporation. Managers diverted resources to their own enrichment as well as that of shareholders, at the expense of investment in future innovation. Capitalism's reputation has become tarnished and its purpose distorted. This Element ends with the promise of another emergent era, via the corporations of the digital age.
Judaism in South India, 849-1489
Authors: Gamliel Ophira
Published: February 2024

Jewish presence in Malabar (also known as Kerala) is attested since the ninth century in various sources and diverse languages. Malabar Jewry emerged out of the medieval Indian Ocean maritime trade networks and in the context of intense inter-cultural contacts between West and South Asia. This book ventures to contextualize Malabar Jewish history in long-distance trade networks and their transition from the medieval Arab maritime trade (900s-1500s).
Music, Morality and Social Reform in Nineteenth-Century Britain
Authors: Watt Paul
Published: February 2024

A pioneering work which delves into and reveals the links between music, moral instruction and social reform.
Violence, Predation, and FDI Entry
Authors: Barry Colin M.
Published: February 2024

I present a theoretical framework that links different configurations of organized violence to global patterns in foreign direct investment (FDI). Insurgents, states, and rogue government agents all use violence for political purposes (i.e., incapacitating rivals), but they vary in how they use violence for economic purposes (i.e., generating income). Applying Olson’s (1993) concepts of “roving” and “stationary” banditry, I hypothesize that violence perpetrated by rebels and rogue agents indeed depresses a host country’s commercial appeal, but that violence perpetrated willfully by the state doesn’t. This claim is tested against data on FDI “entry” by several thousand multinational corporations between 1994 and 2018.
Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Pandemics: Pharmacy Students Impacting Pharmacy Practice in Puerto Rico Through Medication Therapy Management Services During Disasters
Authors: Arce Lillian , Hale Genevieve , Khanfar Nile , Pérez Ayala Nicolle , Aponte Torres Gabriela , Acosta Medina Harriel
Published: February 2024

Background:

Community-based medication therapy management advanced pharmacy practice experiences (MTM APPE) can engage pharmacy students in public health initiatives, including emergency response preparedness, to successfully impact patient care. This study aimed to evaluate pharmacy students’ perceptions of their experience on an MTM APPE during disasters in Puerto Rico.

Methods:

After completing the MTM APPE during times of hurricanes, earthquake or pandemic, pharmacy students were asked to voluntarily participate in a questionnaire about their perception of assisting during a disaster. The survey consisted of 5 questions. Four questions were based on a Likert scale with answers choices ranging from Agree, Not Sure, Disagree, or Not Applicable. One question requested free text comments from participants.

Results:

Sixteen students completed the survey. Pharmacy students agreed that the MTM APPE taught them the clinical skills needed to assist and educate individual patients and the community that suffered from a disaster, and that the role of the pharmacist is vital when a disaster disrupts a community’s health-care system.

Conclusions:

Training in emergency response to disasters should be a considered component of MTM APPE.
The Virtue of Humility: Interpreting the Summa Theologiae’s ‘Minimalist Approach’
Authors: Newgarden Emma
Published: February 2024

This paper argues, in response to scholarly criticism, that Thomas Aquinas’s account of the virtue of humility in the Summa Theologiae does not undermine the importance of humility in the Christian moral life. While the Summa’s classification of humility as a ‘potential part’ of temperance, which results from Thomas’s reliance on classical sources, has been blamed for this work’s perceived belittling of humility, an understanding of the Summa’s overall scope and Aquinas’s system of organizing virtues therein helps demonstrate that this categorization does not imply a lesser significance of humility either than other virtues in the Summa or than humility as treated in his Bible commentaries. Furthermore, even if the Summa’s structure creates limited space for an extensive discourse on humility, the establishment of humility’s reciprocity with magnanimity and absolute contradiction of pride leave no doubts as to the magnitude of this virtue. Thus, the ‘humble’ portrayal of humility in the Summa not only adequately but aptly expresses this uniquely Christian virtue, capturing the way it disposes human beings to ‘creaturely’ reverence before the Creator, and invites a more holistic understanding of Aquinas’s virtue ranking in the Secunda Secundae.
Using a fuzzy cognitive map to assess interventions to reduce antimicrobial resistance in a Swedish One Health system context under potential climate change conditions
Authors: Cousins Melanie , Parmley E Jane , Greer Amy L , Neiterman Elena , Lambraki Irene A , Graells Tiscar , Léger Anaïs , Henriksson Patrik JG , Wernli Didier , Søgaard Jørgensen Peter , Carson Carolee A , Majowicz Shannon E
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing One Health crisis that can be impacted by other challenges of sustainable development, such as climate change, but few interventions have been assessed with a systems-wide lens. The objectives of this study were to use a previously defined fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) of the Swedish One Health system to: 1) identify areas in the system to target interventions; and 2) test the potential ability and viability of interventions to reduce AMR under a changing climate.

Methods:

The FCM, based on participatory modelling workshops and literature scan, was used to assess the sustainability of eight interventions under potential climate change conditions. Network metrics were calculated to describe the system structure and identify highly impactful nodes.

Results:

The network metrics identified high-leverage nodes including alternative productions systems and good farming practices. None of the scenarios evaluated were able to adequately reduce AMR within the system.

Conclusions:

Overall, fuzzy cognitive mapping provides an innovative way to analyse the AMR system, identify high-leverage interventions, and examine potential impact of interventions using a broader systems lens.
Team–Work: The Olympics 1925 and 1931
Authors: Lehmann Ulrich
Published: February 2024

For the cultural history of industrialized nations, particularly in the economies of the Global North, the period between 1890 and 1930 is associated with modernisms, as successive cultural movements that were formally innovative, highly subjective, yet also self-reflexive of their institutional and social functions. These movements proclaimed themselves as avant-garde; as cultural vanguards that visualize, materialize, and sound out abstract ideas in new artistic forms and practices. Many modernisms, from Futurism to social realism, regarded the human body as a performative projection plane for expansive ideas about movement and mobility, often conflating social reform with physical freedom, and mass action with political agency.
Psychological Stress across the Lifespan and Cognitive Function among Older Adults: The Moderating Role of a Healthy Lifestyle
Authors: D’Amico Danielle , Amestoy Maya E. , Fiocco Alexandra J.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to (a) investigate the associations between indices of stress severity across the lifespan (early, middle, late life) and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults, and (b) examine whether a healthy lifestyle composite score comprised of physical activity, healthy diet adherence, social engagement, sleep quality, and mindful relaxation moderates the associations between lifespan stress severity and cognitive function. Participants (n = 226, Mage = 68.2 ± 6.5, 68.1% female) completed questionnaires to measure stress and lifestyle behaviours, and three online neurocognitive tasks. No direct associations between stress severity and cognition were found. The healthy lifestyle composite score moderated the associations between early, midlife, and late-life stress severity and inhibitory control. Exploratory analyses suggest that this moderating effect may be sex-dependent. Despite study limitations and the need for additional research, findings provide preliminary support for the role of lifestyle behaviours in enhancing older adults’ resilience to the effects of stress on cognitive health in a sex-specific manner.
System-Level Factors Affecting Long-Term Care Wait Times: A Scoping Review
Authors: Scott Erin L. , Rudoler David , Ferma Jana , Stylianou Helen , Peckham Allie
Published: February 2024

Waitlists for long-term care (LTC) continue to grow, and it is anticipated aging populations will generate additional demand. While literature focuses on individual-level factors, little is known about system-level factors contributing to LTC waitlists. We considered these factors through a scoping review. Inclusion/exclusion included publication year (2000–2022), language, paper focus, and document type. A total of 815 abstracts were identified, only 17 studies were included. Through qualitative content analysis, 10 key factors were identified: (1) waitlist management styles, (2) inconsistent standards of admission, (3) personnel shortage, (4) insufficient community-based care, (5) inequitable distribution of services, (6) lack of system integration, (7) unintended consequences of insurance plans, (8) ranking preferences, (9) the debate of supply and demand, and (10) financial incentives. Targeting interventions to address waitlist management, community-based care capacity, and demographic trends could improve access. More research is needed to address system-level barriers to timely LTC access.