bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing automatic license plate recognition in Indian scenarios
Authors: Samaga Abhinav , Lobo Allen Joel , Nasreen Azra , Pattar Ramakanth Kumar , Trivedi Neeta , Raj Peehu , Sreelakshmi Koratagere
Published: November 2024

Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology has gained widespread use in many countries, including India. With the explosion in the number of vehicles plying over the roads in the past few years, automating the process of documenting vehicle license plates for use by law enforcement agencies and traffic management authorities has great significance. There have been various advancements in the object detection, object tracking, and optical character recognition domain but integrated pipelines for ALPR in Indian scenarios are a rare occurrence. This paper proposes an architecture that can track vehicles across multiple frames, detect number plates and perform optical character recognition (OCR) on them. A dataset consisting of Indian vehicles for the detection of oblique license plates is collected and a framework to increase the accuracy of OCR using the data across multiple frames is proposed. The proposed system can record license plate readings of vehicles averaging 527.99 and 2157.09 ms per frame using graphics processing unit (GPU) and central processing unit (CPU) respectively.
Automation of 5G network slicing security using intent-based networking
Authors: Islam Md. Zahirul , Galib Syed Md. , Kabir Md. Humaun
Published: November 2024

Network slicing is a fundamental technological advancement that facilitates the provision of novel services and solutions within the realm of 5G and the forthcoming 6G communications. Numerous challenges emerge when implementing network slicing on a large-scale commercial level since it necessitates comprehensive control and automation of the entire network. Cyberattacks, such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) and address resolution protocol (ARP) spoofing, can significantly disrupt the performance and accessibility of slices inside a multi-tenant virtualized networking infrastructure due to the shared utilization of physical resources. This article employs intent-based networking (IBN) to identify and address diverse threats through automated methods. A conceptual framework is presented in which the IBN manager is integrated into the network-slicing architecture to facilitate the implementation of automated security controls. The proposed work is assessed using an experimental test bed. The study's findings indicate that the network slice's performance exhibits improvement when successful detection and mitigation measures are implemented. This improvement is observed in various metrics: availability, packet loss, response time, central processing unit (CPU) and memory utilization.
Pyramidal microwave absorbers: leveraging ceramic materials for improved electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Rosli Nur Shafikah , Abdullah Hasnain , Kasim Linda Mohd , Abdullah Samihah , Taib Mohd Nasir , Kasim Shafaq Mardhiyana Mohamat , Noor Norhayati Mohd , Ahmad Azizah
Published: November 2024

This study presents the development and optimization of pyramidal microwave absorbers designed for efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction in anechoic chambers. Based on prior research, this work transitions from conventional flat cement-carbon absorbers to a novel pyramidal design, incorporating silicon carbide (SiC) as ceramic materials. Introducing ceramic materials into the cement-carbon composite aims to enhance absorption across a broader frequency range while maintaining structural integrity. The study evaluates five sets of pyramidal absorbers with varying SiC content within the 1–12 GHz frequency range. Reflectivity performance was assessed using the naval research laboratory (NRL) Arch free space method at a 0° incidence angle. Among the tested absorbers, the set containing 10% SiC demonstrated superior performance, achieving minimum and maximum reflectivity values of -26.6215 and -55.2752 dB, respectively, particularly in the C-band. The findings highlight the significant impact of material composition and porosity on the absorber's effectiveness, providing valuable insights for the future design of high-performance EMI absorbers.
Real-time paddy grain drying and monitoring system using long range-internet of things
Authors: Hiendro Ayong , Syaifurrahman Syaifurrahman , Wigyarianto F. Trias Pontia , Husin Fitriah
Published: November 2024

Grain drying environmental parameters are an important issue throughout the paddy grain production process. A real-time monitoring system requires rapid, online, and accurate measurement results. In the paddy grain drying process, the heated air velocity, temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content have to be carefully monitored and maintained to ensure product quality and safety. This study aimed to propose a real-time paddy grain drying and monitoring system using a long-range internet of things (LoRa-IoT). The real-time monitoring system consisted of sensors, LoRa, and IoT platforms. The LoRa end node and gateway were utilized as a wireless radio communication platform of IoT for long-distance signal transmission. From the experiment, the gateway received data from the end node at a distance of 2 km with a time on air (ToA) of 981 ms. As a result, the proposed monitoring system succeeded in measuring and recording the heated air velocity, temperature, and relative humidity data during the paddy grain drying process from 25% moisture content down to 14%. Regarding moisture content, the accuracy of real-time monitoring information was confirmed with a direct measurement method, resulting in a root mean square error (RMSE) of 6.17%.
Human motion classification by micro-doppler radar using intelligent algorithms
Authors: Ballen Andres Felipe Arias , Cuesta Edith Paola Estupiñan , Quintero Juan Carlos Martinez
Published: November 2024

This article introduces a technique for detecting four human movements using micro-doppler radar and intelligent algorithms. Micro-doppler radar exhibits the capability to detect and measure object movements with intricate detail, even capturing complex or non-rigid motions, while accurately identifying direction, velocity, and motion patterns. The application of intelligent algorithms enhances detection efficiency and reduces false alarms by discerning subtle movement patterns, thereby facilitating more accurate detection and a deeper understanding of observed object dynamics. A continuous wave radar setup was implemented utilizing a spectrum analyzer and radio frequency (RF) generator capturing signals in a spectrogram centered at 2,395 MHz. Six models were assessed for image classification: VGG-16, VGG-19, MobileNet, MobileNet V2, Xception, and Inception V3. A dataset comprising 500 images depicting four movements-running, walking, arm raising, and jumping-was curated. Our findings reveal that the most optimal architecture in terms of training time, accuracy, and loss is VGG-16, achieving an accuracy of 96%. Furthermore, precision values of 96%, 100%, and 98% were obtained for the movements of walking, running, and arm raising, respectively. Notably, VGG-16 exhibited a training loss of 4.191E-04, attributed to the utilization of the Adam optimizer with a learning rate of 0.001 over 15 epochs and a batch size of 32.
Determination of biomass energy potential based on regional characteristics using adaptive clustering method
Authors: Alvianingsih Ginas , Hashim Haslenda , Jamian Jasrul Jamani , Senen Adri
Published: November 2024

Determining the energy potential of biomass is the first step in selecting the most suitable and efficient energy conversion technology based on regional characteristics. The approach to estimating and determining biomass potential generally uses geospatial technology related to collecting and processing data about mapping an area. Unfortunately, this method is inadequate for simulating the interaction between variables, nor can it provide accurate predictions for the biomass supply chain. As a result, the results obtained from this method tend to be biased and macro, particularly in regions experiencing rapid land-use development. In this paper, the author has developed a clustering methodology with a fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm to determine biomass energy potential based on regional characteristics to produce data clusters with high accuracy. Grouping the characteristics of clustering-based areas involves grouping physical or abstract objects into classes or similar objects.
Modelling and controlling outputs of nonlinear systems using feedback
Authors: Bahadirova Gulnaz , Tasbolatuly Nurbolat , Akanova Akerke , Muratova Gulzhan , Sadykova Anar
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to analyze methods for modeling and controlling the output of nonlinear systems using feedback, analytical methods, mathematical modeling, and differential equation theory. Key findings include the mathematical characterization of equations and the analysis of system stability and asymptotic behavior. The study explored various methods for addressing problems in nonlinear systems, emphasizing the importance of identifying effective solutions. The research highlights the significance of developing effective approaches to solving complex problems involving nonlinear systems. Feedback is essential for controlling and correcting dynamic processes in systems with nonlinearities. The study’s key finding is the mathematical characterization of equations describing nonlinear systems, providing insight into system structure and behavior under different parameters. Analyzing stability and asymptotic behavior allows for assessing system reliability and predicting long-term stability. This study contributes to the scientific understanding and development of methods for modeling and controlling nonlinear systems using feedback.
Hierarchical Bayesian optimization based convolutional neural network for chest X-ray disease classification
Authors: Gowru Bharath Kumar , Giduturi Appa Rao , Sesetti Anuradha
Published: November 2024

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs, caused by bacteria or viruses inhaled through the air, leading to respiratory problems. The previous researches on this subject have limitations of high dimensional feature subspace and overfitting which minimize the classifier performance. In this research, hierarchical Bayesian optimization based convolutional neural network (HBO-CNN) method is proposed to effectively classify chest X-ray diseases. The proposed HBO algorithm optimizes hyperparameters of CNN which minimizes the overfitting issue and enhances the performance of classification. The hybrid Mexican axolotl optimization (MAO) and tuna swarm optimization (TSO) based feature selection method is used for selecting relevant features for classification that minimizes the high dimensional features. The ResNet 50 method is used for feature extraction to extract hierarchical features from the pre-processed images to differentiate the classes. The proposed HBO-CNN technique is estimated with performance metrics of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The proposed method attains the highest accuracy 97.95%, precision 92.00%, recall 89.00% and F1-score 92.00%, as opposed to the conventional methods, deep convolutional neural network (DCNN).
Discrete optimization model for multi-product multi-supplier vehicle routing problem with relaxed time window
Authors: Firdaus Muliawan , Mawengkang Herman , Tulus Tulus , Sawaluddin Sawaluddin
Published: November 2024

This study examines the complicated logistics optimization issue known as the vehicle routing problem for multi-product and multi-suppliers(VRP-MPMS), which deals with the effective routing of a fleet of vehicles to convey numerous items from multiple suppliers to a set of consumers. In this problem, products from various suppliers need to be delivered to different customers while considering vehicle capacity constraints, time windows, and minimizing transportation costs. We propose a hybrid approach that combines a generalized reduced gradient method to identify feasible regions with a feasible neighborhood search to achieve optimal or near-optimal solutions. The aim of the exact method is to get the region of feasible solution. Then we explore the region using feasible neighborhood search, to get an integer feasible optimal (suboptimal) solution. Computational experiments demonstrate that our model and method effectively reduce transportation costs while satisfying vehicle capacity constraints and relaxed time windows. Our findings provide a viable solution for improving logistics operations in real-world scenarios.
Quadratic multivariate linear regressive distributed proximity feature engineering for cybercrime detection in digital fund transactions with big data
Authors: Paulraj Arul Jeyanthi , Thalaimalai Balaji
Published: November 2024

Digital fund transactions involve the electronic transfer of funds between parties through digital channels such as online banking platforms, mobile applications, and electronic payment systems. However, the rapid advancement of digital transactions has also directed cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities, engaging in money laundering and other illegal activities, resulting in substantial financial losses. The improve accuracy of cybercriminal detection by lesser time consumption, a novel technique called quadratic multivariate linear regressive distributed proximity feature engineering (QMLRDPFE) is developed. The proposed QMLRDPFE technique comprises two primary steps namely data preprocessing and feature engineering. Analyzed results prove that the QMLRDPFE technique outperforms existing methods in attaining superior accuracy and precision. Furthermore, QMLRDPFE method shows effective in reducing time utilization and space complexity for fraudulent transaction detection compared to existing approaches. Results to provide effective in reducing time utilization and space complexity for fraudulent transaction detection than the conventional methods.
Method of undetermined coefficients for circuits and filters using Legendre functions
Authors: Manbetova Zhanat , Dunayev Pavel , Yerzhan Assel , Imankul Manat , Zhazykbayeva Zhazira , Seitova Zhadra , Dzhanuzakova Raushan , Karnakova Gayni
Published: November 2024

This article presents a new way to implement matching networks and filters using the method of undetermined coefficients. A method is proposed for approximating the transmission coefficient of the synthesized filter, taking into account the required amplitude-frequency characteristics. To synthesize the filter, an approximating function (AF) was used using orthogonal Legendre polynomials, which is a mathematical description using a system of equations. Filter properties whose implementation is based on modified Legendre approximating functions usually depend on the interval on which they are defined and have the property that they are orthogonal on this interval. An example of seventh order filter synthesis using modified Legendre approximating functions is given. The filter circuit is implemented, the elements of the filter circuit are calculated based on the selected approximating modified function. The criteria used were minimization of the unevenness of the group delay time (GDT) and minimization of the complex approximation error for given values of the AF parameters. As a result, the number of filter elements, the group delay value and the complex approximation error are significantly reduced.
Timed concurrent system modeling and verification of home care plan
Authors: Taryana Acep , Adzkiya Dieky , Mufid Muhammad Syifa'ul , Mukhlash Imam
Published: November 2024

A home care plan (HCP) can be integrated with an electronic medical records (EMR) system, serving as an example of a real-time system with concurrent processes. To ensure effective operation, HCPs must be free of software bugs. In this paper, we explore the modeling and verification of HCPs from the perspective of scheduling data operationalization. Specifically, we investigate how patients can obtain home services while preventing scheduling conflicts in the context of limited resources. Our goal is to develop and verify robust models for this purpose. We employ formalism to construct and validate the model, following these steps: i) develop requirements and specifications; ii) create a model with concurrent processes using timed automata; and iii) verify the model using UPPAAL tools. Our study focuses on HCP implementation at a regional general hospital in Banyumas District, Central Java, Indonesia. The results include models and specifications based on timed automata and timed computation tree logic (TCTL). We successfully verified a concurrent model that utilizes synchronized counter variables and a sender-receiver approach to analyze collision constraints arising from the synchronization of patient and resource plans.
Os historiadores e as histórias em quadrinhos
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Silva de
Published: November 2024

A resenha destaca o livro História e Quadrinhos: Contribuições ao Ensino e à Pesquisa (2021), organizado por Victor Callari e Márcio dos Santos Rodrigues, obra essencial para um exame das historias em quadrinhos como fontes acadêmicas e pedagógicas. Dividida entre pesquisa e ensino, a obra chama a atenção para abordagens mais contextualizadas, questiona a ideia de pioneirismo e o conceito de "reflexo do real" e defende uma análise teórica rigorosa, especialmente no uso educativo, visando a evitar simplificações históricas.
Effects of Tirzepatide on the Clinical Trajectory of Patients with Heart Failure, a Preserved Ejection Fraction, and Obesity
Authors: Zile Michael R. , Borlaug Barry A. , Kramer Christopher M. , Baum Seth J. , Litwin Sheldon E. , Menon Venu , Ou Yang , Weerakkody Govinda J. , Hurt Karla C. , Kanu Chisom , Murakami Masahiro , Packer Milton
Published: November 2024

Background: Patients with heart failure, a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and obesity have significant disability and suffer frequent exacerbations of heart failure. We hypothesized that tirzepatide, a long-acting agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, would improve a comprehensive suite of clinical endpoints, including measures of health status, functional capacity, quality of life, exercise tolerance, patient well-being, and medication burden in these patients.

Methods: 731 patients in class II-IV heart failure, ejection fraction ≥50%, and body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
were randomized(double-blind) to tirzepatide(titrated up to 15mg subcutaneously weekly)(n=364) or placebo(n=367), added to background therapy for a median of 104 weeks (Q1=66, Q3=126 weeks). Primary endpoints: tirzepatide reduced the combined risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure and improved Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score(KCCQ-CSS). The current expanded analysis included sensitivity analyses of the primary endpoints, 6-minute walk distance(6MWD), EQ-5D-5L health state index, Patient Global Impression of Severity Overall Health(PGIS), NYHA class, use of heart failure medications, and a hierarchical composite based on all-cause death, worsening heart failure, and 52-week changes in KCCQ-CSS and 6MWD.

Results: Patients were aged 65.2±10.7, 53.8%(n=393) were female; BMI 38.2±6.7kg/m
2
, KCCQ-CSS 53.5±18.5, 6MWD 302.8±81.7meters, and 53%(n=388) had a worsening heart failure event in the prior 12 months. Compared with placebo, tirzepatide produced a consistent beneficial effect across all composites of death and worsening heart failure events, analyzed as time-to-first-event (hazard ratios 0.41-0.67). At 52 weeks, tirzepatide increased KCCQ-CSS 6.9 points (95%CI, 3.3, 10.6, P<0.001), 6MWD 18.3 meters (95%CI, 9.9, 26.7, P<0.001) and EQ-5D-5L 0.06 (95%CI, 0.03, 0.09, P<0.001). The tirzepatide group shifted to a more favorable PGIS (proportional odds ratio 1.99 (95%CI, 1.44, 2.76) and NYHA class (proportional odds ratio 2.26 (95%CI, 1.54, 3.31), both P<0.001 and required less heart failure medications (P=0.015). The broad spectrum of effects was reflected in benefits on the hierarchical composite (win ratio 1.63, 95%CI, 1.17, 2.28;P=0.004).

Conclusions: Tirzepatide produced a comprehensive, meaningful improvement in heart failure across multiple complementary domains; enhanced health status, quality of life, functional capacity, exercise tolerance and well-being; and reduced symptoms and medication burden in patients with HFpEF and obesity.
Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Acoramidis in ATTR-CM: Initial Report From the Open-Label Extension of the ATTRibute-CM Trial
Authors: Judge Daniel P. , Gillmore Julian D. , Alexander Kevin M. , Ambardekar Amrut V. , Cappelli Francesco , Fontana Marianna , García-Pavía Pablo , Grodin Justin L. , Grogan Martha , Hanna Mazen , Masri Ahmad , Nativi-Nicolau Jose , Obici Laura , Hvitfeldt Poulsen Steen , Sarswat Nitasha , Shah Keyur , Soman Prem , Lystig Ted , Cao Xiaofan , Wang Kevin , Pecoraro Maria Lucia , Tamby Jean-François , Katz Leonid , Sinha Uma , Fox Jonathan C. , Maurer Mathew S.
Published: November 2024

Background: In the phase 3 randomized controlled study, ATTRibute-CM, acoramidis, a transthyretin (TTR) stabilizer, demonstrated significant efficacy on the primary endpoint. Participants with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) who completed ATTRibute-CM were invited to enroll in an open-label extension study (OLE). We report efficacy and safety data of acoramidis in participants who completed ATTRibute-CM and enrolled in the ongoing OLE.

Methods: Participants who previously received acoramidis through Month 30 (M30) in ATTRibute-CM continued to receive it (continuous acoramidis), and those who received placebo through M30 were switched to acoramidis (placebo to acoramidis). Participants who received concomitant tafamidis in ATTRibute-CM were required to discontinue it to be eligible to enroll in the OLE. Clinical efficacy outcomes analyzed through Month 42 (M42) included time to event for all-cause mortality (ACM) or first cardiovascular-related hospitalization (CVH), ACM alone, first CVH alone, ACM or recurrent CVH, change from baseline in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), serum TTR, and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary score (KCCQ-OS). Safety outcomes were analyzed through M42.

Results: Overall, 438 of 632 participants in ATTRibute-CM completed treatment and 389 enrolled in the ongoing OLE (263 continuous acoramidis, 126 placebo to acoramidis). The hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) for ACM or first CVH was 0.57 (0.46, 0.72) at M42 based on a stratified Cox proportional hazards model (
P
-value < 0.0001) favoring continuous acoramidis. Similar analyses were performed on ACM alone and first CVH alone, with HRs (95% CI) of 0.64 (0.47, 0.88) and 0.53 (0.41, 0.69), respectively, at M42. Treatment effects for NT-proBNP and 6MWD also favored continuous acoramidis. Upon initiation of open-label acoramidis in the placebo-to-acoramidis arm there was a prompt increase in serum TTR. Quality of life assessed by KCCQ-OS was well preserved in continuous acoramidis participants compared with the placebo to acoramidis participants. No new clinically important safety issues were identified in this long-term evaluation.

Conclusions: Early initiation and continuous use of acoramidis in the ATTRibute-CM study through M42 of the ongoing OLE study was associated with sustained clinical benefits in a contemporary ATTR-CM cohort, with no clinically important safety issues newly identified.
Projected Changes of Kuroshio in a Warming Climate
Authors: Huang Jo-Hsu , Tseng Yu-Heng , Kuo Yi-Chun
Published: November 2024

The projected changes in the Kuroshio and the associated mechanisms in response to future warming scenarios remain unclear. While some studies propose a negative midlatitude wind stress curl (WSC) tendency could expedite Kuroshio recirculation, others suggest that the isopycnal transport of warmer subtropical mode water (STMW) to the east of the Kuroshio enhances only the velocity in the upper ocean. In the future projections under the shared socioeconomic pathways 5-8.5 (SSP5-8.5) within phase 6 of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) model ensemble, a consistent enhancement of the Kuroshio along the Japanese coast (JP-Kuroshio) is observed. Particularly, the response of the JP-Kuroshio to WSC changes is more pronounced in high-resolution (HR) models than low-resolution (LR) ones. However, diverse results emerge in the East China Sea (ECS-Kuroshio). While most CMIP6 HR models indicate a reduction of Kuroshio within the upper 1000 m in the ECS-Kuroshio, the ensemble of CMIP6 LR models shows an intensification of Kuroshio within the upper 300 m and a deceleration below, suggesting a consistent baroclinic feature in ECS-Kuroshio. Additional ocean model sensitivity experiments confirm that the WSC influences the Kuroshio throughout the entire water column, particularly below 300 m. Within the upper 300 m, the primary driver of Kuroshio changes is the surface warming, aligning with the STMW mechanism. Moreover, the surface salinity flux may also play an important role in the dynamics of Kuroshio changes.
The effects of controlled acute psychological stress on serum cortisol and plasma metanephrine concentrations in healthy subjects
Authors: Vage Aaron , Gormley Gerard , Hamilton Paul K
Published: November 2024

Background

As cortisol and metanephrine are involved in the stress response, it is often recommended that individuals are relaxed at the time of venepuncture, however, evidence behind these recommendations is lacking. We investigated the effects of acute psychological stress on serum cortisol and plasma metanephrine concentrations in healthy individuals exposed to varying levels of psychological stress and compared these results to self-reported measures of stress.

Methods

Ten medical students completed two medical in-person simulations (one low-complexity, one high-complexity) in a random order. At four times, participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and serum cortisol and plasma metanephrine/normetanephrine were tested.

Results

Median (interquartile range) STAI prior to the low-complexity simulation was 44 (18) versus 33 (13) afterwards ( P = 0.050). STAI prior to the high-complexity simulation was 33 (10) versus 48 (17) afterwards ( P = 0.007). Cortisol prior to the low-complexity simulation was 272 nmol/L (115) versus 247 (115) afterwards ( P = 0.333). Prior to the high-complexity simulation, cortisol was 246 (70) versus 261 (137) afterwards ( P = 0.859). Metanephrine prior to the low-complexity simulation was 242 pmol/L (79) versus 247 (93) afterwards ( P = 0.515). Metanephrine prior to the high-complexity simulation was 220 (81) versus 251 pmol/L (120) afterwards ( P = 0.074). Normetanephrine prior to the low-complexity simulation was 593 pmol/L (247) versus 682 (281) afterwards ( P = 0.047 for the difference). Normetanephrine prior to the high-complexity simulation was 696 (123) versus 705 pmol/L (224) afterwards ( P = 0.169).

Conclusions

The trend in cortisol levels largely reflected changes in STAI. We outline some implications of these findings for current practice and future research.
Deepening and Practical Application of Sentiment Analysis: Through Exploration of Public Interest and Sentiment on “Biodiversity” From Twitter
Authors: Ohtani Shimon
Published: November 2024

With the evolution of information technology, dramatic innovations in computerized mining techniques and opinion mining from SNS, especially sentiment analysis, have been gaining attention in predicting the feasibility of global environmental policy implementation. However, discussions on how to more effectively apply analytical results to strategy building for global biodiversity governance have yet to progress. This paper proposes a strategy-building framework for promoting pro-environmental behaviors on biodiversity conservation and attempts to extract sentiment information (especially fear, sadness, and anticipation) from posts on Twitter (X) in 2021 and 2022 using natural language processing (NLP). The results showed that sentiments of fear, sadness, and anticipation were prominent in both years regarding topics related to species extinction and decline, as well as the 30by30 initiative. Furthermore, based on the information on the sentiment-inducing factors identified from the analysis results, we presented practical examples of strategy building for pro-environmental behavior promotion, according to the framework.
The Lampadophorous: Paolo Milano, Nicola Chiaromonte and the politics of friendship
Authors: Angeletti Valerio , Swain Amanda
Published: November 2024

Compared to the scholarly attention dedicated to mid-20th-century Germanic or French transatlantic intellectual migration and its impact on thought and culture in the USA, the influence of Italian exiles and refugees has been relatively neglected. In the political context, only a few Italian exiles with public or institutional roles in the USA have been studied (e.g. Ascoli, Salvemini, Borgese), while the contributions of others remain overlooked. This article addresses two such neglected figures: Paolo Milano and Nicola Chiaromonte. It highlights how the politics of friendship they brought to 1940s New York, premised in utopian socialism, constituted a vehicle for transatlantic exchange. Though Milano and Chiaromonte did not have strong institutional affiliations during this period, their connections to US literary and radical circles helped circulate an account of Italy and an interpretation of Italian antifascist resistance strongly informed by their vision of friendship.
Co-designing digital mental health interventions with young people: 10 recommendations from lessons learned in low-and-middle-income countries
Authors: Gonsalves Pattie P , Ansari Salik , Berry Clio , Gonsalves Faith , Iyengar Sonaksha , Kashyap Priyambada , Mittal Dhriti , Pal Sweta , Razdan Eshita , Michelson Daniel
Published: November 2024

Background:

Youth-focused co-design, involving active collaboration between researchers, designers, clinicians and end users, is essential for enhancing the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). However, most literature on co-design comes from high-income countries and offers limited contextually relevant guidance to programme and intervention developers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Aims:

This paper presents 10 recommendations drawn from the co-authors’ experiences of co-designing youth-focused DMHIs as researchers, public engagement specialists and youth advisors.

Methods:

The recommendations emphasise key aspects of the co-design process including the use of conceptual frameworks, the involvement of diverse youth groups, contextual considerations, and the promotion of young people’s safety and well-being.

Results:

The recommendations highlight strategies and examples for involving young people, the importance of acknowledging young people’s contributions and evaluating experiences of co-design to improve the overall effectiveness and relevance of DMHIs in LMICs.

Conclusion:

By implementing these recommendations, DMHI developers can foster more effective and inclusive co-design processes that better meet the needs of young people in LMIC contexts.
Interrogating the Impact of the Use of WhatsApp on the Voting Behaviour of University of Nigeria, Nsukka Students During the 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election
Authors: Ngoka Ruth Obioma , Ezeani Emmanuel Onyebuchi , Ugwuozor Ifeanyi Samuel , Ezeani Ugochukwu Kingsley
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the influence of WhatsApp on the voting behaviour of University of Nigeria, Nsukka students during the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. The agenda setting theory guided the study and ex post facto cum survey research design was adopted. Data were collected through questionnaire administered to 400 students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The data for the research were analysed using frequency counts and percentage. Findings indicate that political campaign on WhatsApp influenced voter turnout among University of Nigeria, Nsukka students during the 2023 presidential election. The study recommends that voter education on various student WhatsApp platforms could enhance voter turnout during elections.
Strength prediction of nanoparticle-reinforced adhesive and hybrid joints under unaged and hygrothermal conditions using machine learning and experimental methods
Authors: Zhang Ying , Karimi Sajjad
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the effects of adding fullerene and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) on the strength and durability of bonded and bonded/bolted joints, specifically for composite-to-composite (CTC) and composite-to-aluminum (CTA) substrates under three-point bending, both before and after hygrothermal aging. Samples were categorized into neat specimens, specimens with added fullerene, specimens with added SWCNT, and specimens with a combination of 50% SWCNT and 50% fullerene. Results show that the optimal nanoparticle ratio differs for bonded versus bonded/bolted joints. Nanoparticles significantly reduced degradation from hygrothermal exposure, preventing interfacial debonding and slowing strength loss. Mixed formulations improved cohesive strength and shifted failure from the adhesive interface to within the adhesive layer, enhancing joint performance and durability under both unaged and aged conditions. Furthermore, six machine learning models—ridge regression, decision tree, random forest regressor, gradient boosting regressor, support vector regression, and neural networks—were applied to predict the static strength of joints. The support vector regression and decision tree models demonstrated superior performance for bonded joints, while ridge regression and gradient boosting regressor were most effective for bonded/bolted joints. The analysis highlights that joint type, substrate, nanoparticle type and percentage, and environmental aging significantly influence adhesive performance. This study offers valuable insights into the aging and durability of bonded and dissimilar joints, providing a framework to enhance joint performance and reduce the risk of failure during operational use.
Addressing gender inequality issues in Australia: An annual review of developments
Authors: Ressia Susan
Published: November 2024

Addressing issues of gender inequality is ongoing and important in the context of broader employment relations at work. Scholars within the Australian industrial relations community work toward the continuance of research and analysis that highlights the perennial issues impacting women in the labor market, to address historical and systemic barriers and identified inequalities. This article provides a review of the major developments and activities undertaken toward addressing gender inequality based on recent changes to industrial relations legislation. The article focuses on the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 and the amendments made via the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) 2023 Bill. The Fair Work Act 2009 amendments via the Secure Jobs, Better Pay 2022 and Closing Loopholes 2023 are also discussed. This article reviews these recent changes in answer to this special issue's call for a review of the key issues and developments made toward addressing gender inequality, useful for both academics and practitioners of employment relations.
Language Teachers Actualising Their Vision: An Identity-Focused Approach to Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development
Authors: Nguyen Mai Xuan Nhat Chi , Dao Phung , Nguyen Huy Van , Tran Phuong Thi Thao , Hoang Suong Thi Thu
Published: November 2024

This study investigated language teachers’ visions for professional self-development, drawing on a central argument that there is an inherent connection between teacher identity and their professional vision. Eighty-six in-service Vietnamese English-language teachers participated in a guided six-stage procedure in which they articulated their visions for professional self-development, created and implemented action plans to actualise these visions and reflected on the impact of this vision-based practice on their identity and ongoing professional development. Findings show that teachers targeted four main aspects for development: refining teaching methods, enhancing English language competence, cultivating specific teacher traits and understanding and supporting learners. They also employed diverse strategies to actualise their teaching visions, falling into cognitive, affective, social and practice-based categories. Participants perceived the vision-based practice positively, citing benefits such as opportunities for self-reflection, increased professional confidence and more defined language teaching directions and goals. Some also pointed out challenges to actualising visions, mainly time constraints and their own lack of efforts to follow their action plans. These findings provide implications for language teachers and teacher educators regarding implementing and sustaining vision-based practices for language teachers’ continuous professional development.
Descriptive analysis of MC4R gene variants associated with obesity listed on ClinVar
Authors: Bayhaghi Giti , Karim Zubair A. , Silva Jeane
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The most recent version of ClinVar was utilized to filter variants of the MC4R gene based on location, condition, and clinical significance with the goal of obtaining benign and disease-associated variants of the MC4R gene. MC4R gene variants can lead to dysregulation of energy expenditure and appetite control, which prompted this study to delineate the distinctive features of MC4R gene variants submitted to the ClinVar repository regarding their association with obesity and related phenotypes.

Method

A thorough search was conducted in the ClinVar repository for clinically significant MC4R variants through the utilization of the gene name MC4R[gene] and MeSH terms “MC4R[gene]” and “single gene"[properties]” in the search box. Leading to the identification of clinically significant genetic variants associated with obesity.

Results

Utilizing the ClinVar clinical significance ranking system, the MC4R variants were categorized into six groups based on ClinVar/ClinGen's ranking system: pathogenic (P), likely pathogenic (LP), variant of uncertain significance (VUS), benign (B), likely benign (LB), and conflicting classifications (CC). A total of 103 pathogenic variants were observed. These variants have different clinical significance that are associated with monogenic obesity, monogenic diabetes, and body mass index quantitative traits. It was observed that over 80% of the mutations were single nucleotide variants, with nearly half being missense mutations spread throughout the topological and transmembrane domains. Furthermore, TM7 had the highest number of single nucleotide missense mutations.

Conclusion

Further analysis of the relationships between monogenic obesity and diabetes requires additional investigation to discover the underlying causes of these conditions. The study findings imply that mutations in MC4R's topological and transmembrane regions may significantly influence receptor activation and signaling. As more MC4R variants are discovered and their correlation with obesity is established, there is potential to definitively establish a strong connection between MC4R pathogenic variants and the development of obesity.
Access to Network Social Capital and Health Outcomes in Later Life: Understanding the Role of Tie Strength
Authors: Jung Jong Hyun , Kim Harris Hyun-soo
Published: November 2024

Our study contributes to the scholarship by examining the concrete ways in which two distinct types of interpersonal connection—strong/close versus weak/distant—are independently related to self-rated health and life satisfaction cross-nationally. In addition, we explore whether and how the two types of interpersonal connection modify the magnitude of the associations between subjective social status (SSS) and health and well-being of older populations cross-nationally. According to results from our multilevel analysis, social capital available through strong ties (family and friends) is positively associated with both outcomes. On the other hand, social capital via weak ties (acquaintances) is positively related to health but negatively related to well-being. We also find that social capital mediated by strong ties significantly buffers the harmful implications of status disadvantage or low SSS on health and well-being of older adults. In comparison, weak tie-mediated social capital provides buffering against status disadvantage only for well-being.
Substance Use Service Utilization and Barriers to Access Among Homeless Veterans: A Scoping Review
Authors: Babando Jordan , Levesque Justine , Quesnel Danika A. , Laing Stephanie , Loranger Nathaniel , Lomness Arielle , McCristall Philip
Published: November 2024

The high prevalence of military veteran substance use (SU) when compared to their nonveteran counterparts has been described as an urgent public health issue. The commonality of severe mental and physical health comorbidities in this population affects their ability to recover and relates to the onset and maintenance of homelessness. While veteran-targeted housing and SU interventions exist, they are being underutilized. This scoping review synthesizes published peer-reviewed articles from 1990 to 2021 at the intersections of housing, substance abuse, and service utilization by homeless veterans. Qualitative thematic analysis of 119 retained peer-reviewed articles revealed five key themes: (1) the association between SU and housing stability, (2) gendered comparisons with service needs and provision, (3) consideration for comorbidities, (4) social support and relationship-centered interventions, and (5) barriers to health care services. This review offers a series of concerns, outcomes, and recommendations that might be valuable for practitioners, health care providers, and community stakeholders when implementing or re-evaluating new or existing homeless veteran treatment programs.
Synchronous current suppression of active magnetic bearing system based on a nonlinear variable step-size least mean square (LMS) algorithm
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Xue Jiaqi , Yuan Hang , Ji Miaoxin , Liu Jianjuan
Published: November 2024

Aiming at the problem of synchronous current suppression of active magnetic bearing (AMB) system, a novel nonlinear variable step-size least mean square (NVSLMS) algorithm is improved by using the exponential function and Marr function, and then the step size factor could be adaptively adjusted within the whole speed range. In order to effectively suppress the synchronous current generated by the rotor unbalance, the coil current is viewed as the controlled variable, and a compound controller is designed by combining the proposed NVSLMS algorithm with the original controller of the AMB system. According to the root locus analysis, the strategy of switching step size factor is adopted to ensure the stability of the closed-loop system within the whole speed range. Finally, the magnetically suspended flywheel (MSFW) is used as the experimental object, and the performance of the proposed method is validated by simulation and experiment. The results illustrate that the proposed NVSLMS has good tracking speed and that the performance of the current attenuation is superior to those of the traditional variable step size least mean square methods.
PEERS® for School-Based Professionals via Zoom as a Pre-Employment Transition Service
Authors: Howorth Sarah K. , Lee Joo Young , Stone-Sterling Libby
Published: November 2024

Previous research has shown that conversational language predicts vocational independence and friendship development. This study investigated the efficacy of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for School-Based Professionals delivered via Zoom as a pre-employment transition service on the social competence of teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The program was administered weekly by vocational rehabilitation counselors via telehealth. A Quasi-experimental pilot design using pre/post-test analysis was used because all students in the vocational rehabilitation case management telehealth group indicated a desire to participate in the PEERS® training, leaving none available to form a comparison group. Results indicate a decrease in the severity of ASD symptomatology regarding social communication and an increase in conversational skills associated with vocational independence. They were invited to and hosted more get-togethers with peers who shared their interests, a measure of future collegiality. Implications for individuals on the autism spectrum and employment transition service providers are discussed.
How Do Immigration Policies Affect Voter Support for Low-Skilled Immigrants? Evidence from a Survey Experiment
Authors: Hopkins Vincent , Lawlor Andrea , Paquet Mireille
Published: November 2024

Countries depend on both high- and low-skilled immigration to meet economic needs. But most voters prefer high-skilled immigrants, despite the fact that multiple economic sectors structurally depend on low-skilled immigrants. In this paper, we examine voter preferences toward low-skilled immigrants as one barrier to effective immigration policy, even in political regimes where immigration is the consequence of highly coordinated or “planned” policies. Specifically, we consider whether government communication around the benefits of low-skilled immigration can increase favorability of such policies. We are particularly interested in the ways in which government communicates immigration messages and whether the scope or concentration of the proposed benefits will move individual preferences. In an online survey experiment, we present Canadians ( N=2,023) with a policy brief that manipulates immigrant skill level (high vs. low), economic outcomes of migration (positive vs. mixed), and the geographic scope of benefits (concentrated vs. sociotropic). Employing two measures of policy support, we find some evidence that positive framing can increase overall support for low-skill migrants. We also find that manipulating framing around high-skilled workers has little effect on support for low-skill workers, even when that framing presents countervailing evidence as to the benefit of high-skilled labor. In sum, our findings suggest that elite level communication around the benefits of low-skill labor may have the ability to disrupt longstanding antipathy for low-skilled labor, even in regimes with longstanding support for high-skilled labor.
Animal Cultures at the Edge of Extinction
Authors: van Dooren Thom , Chrulew Matthew , Oakey Myles , Widin Sam , Rooke Drew
Published: November 2024

Over the course of the latter part of the 20th century the notion that some animals might partake in a cultural form of life has gained growing support in the natural sciences. Iconic examples of tool using chimpanzees, sweet potato washing macaques, and milk bottle opening birds have captured scientific and popular interest alike. But at the same time that this effort to describe, define, and study animal cultures was developing, the global ecological crisis was deepening. This article explores this strange juxtaposition. It offers a critical overview of the concept of animal culture as it has taken shape in the natural sciences. Building on this foundation, the article explores how and why animal cultures matter at the edge of extinction, exploring possible roles for the environmental humanities, extinction studies, and philosophical ethology, in developing new approaches to the question of animal culture in a time of escalating biodiversity loss.