bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of combining sensory-motor exercises with transcranial direct current stimulation on cortical processing and clinical symptoms in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy: An exploratory randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qanbari Soheila , Khanmohammadi Roya , Olyaei Gholamreza , Hosseini Zohreh , Hejazi Hanie Sadat
Published: December 2024

Background

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is linked to reduced excitability in the primary motor (M1) and sensory (S1) cortices. Combining sensory-motor exercises with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to boost M1 and S1 excitability may improve treatment outcomes. This combined approach aligns with the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying CLBP and may target the neuroplastic changes induced by low back pain. This study aimed to assess whether enhancing M1 and S1 excitability via tDCS, alongside sensory-motor exercises, offers additional benefits for CLBP patients.

Method

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either real or sham tDCS alongside sensory-motor exercises. Outcome measures included pain intensity, disability level, motor control ability, amplitudes of N80 and N150, and the amplitude of motor-evoked potential (MEP) and active motor threshold (AMT) for the multifidus (MF) and transversus abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO) muscles. A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) analyzed group, time, and interaction effects, while Spearman’s correlation assessed relationships between neurophysiological and clinical outcomes.

Results

The results showed significant reductions in pain intensity and disability levels (P < 0.001) and improved motor control (P < 0.001) in both groups. Both groups also exhibited increase in MF MEP amplitude (P = 0.042) and N150 amplitude (P = 0.028). The tDCS group demonstrated a significant decrease in AMT of MF and TrA/IO muscles (P < 0.05) and an increase in N80 amplitude (P = 0.027), with no significant changes in the control group. Additionally, the tDCS group had significantly lower AMT for the TrA/IO muscle in the post-test compared to the sham group (P = 0.001). Increased N150 amplitude was correlated with improved motor control.

Conclusions

The findings showed that sensory-motor exercises combined with either tDCS or sham tDCS effectively reduced pain intensity, decreased disability, and improved lumbar motor control in lumbosacral radiculopathy patients. No significant differences were observed between groups, indicating no added clinical benefit from tDCS over exercises alone. However, both groups demonstrated increased N150 and MF MEP amplitudes, suggesting enhanced cortical excitability in motor and sensory regions. While clinical outcomes were similar, neurophysiological data indicate that sensory-motor exercises play a central role in boosting cortical excitability, with tDCS further amplifying this effect, as evidenced by a significant AMT reduction in MF and TrA/IO muscles and an increase in N80 amplitude.
Extended DEMATEL method with intuitionistic fuzzy information: A case of electric vehicles
Authors: Ye Qiwen
Published: December 2024

The Decision-Making Trial and Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology excels in the analysis of interdependent factors within complex systems, with correlation data typically presented in crisp values. Nevertheless, the judgments made by decision-makers often possess a degree of fuzziness and uncertainty, rendering the sole reliance on precise values inadequate for representing real-world scenarios. To address this issue, our study extends the DEMATEL approach to more effectively and efficiently handle intuitionistic fuzzy information, which denotes the factor correlation information from decision-makers in the form of intuitionistic fuzzy terms. The paper aggregates the intuitionistic fuzzy correlation information from each decision-maker, employing operators designed for managing intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. The significance and categorization of factors are determined through intuitionistic fuzzy matrix operations. Additionally, a causal and effect diagram is constructed to elucidate the distinct roles of these factors. Finally, this study illustrates the applicability of our proposed method with a real-world case in the context of electric vehicles (EVs). The study’s results identify four cause factors and six effect factors within EV battery technology. The identification and categorization of these factors will assist EV companies in implementing targeted measures to foster the advancement of the battery technology.
A handheld fiber-optic tissue sensing device for spine surgery
Authors: Losch Merle S. , Visser Benjamin E. , Dankelman Jenny , Hendriks Benno H. W.
Published: December 2024

The demographic shift has increased the demand for surgical interventions to address age-related degenerative diseases, such as spinal fusion. Accurate placement of pedicle screws, crucial for successful spinal fusion, varies widely with physician experience. Integrating tissue sensing into spine surgical instruments allows intraoperative examination of tissue properties, providing surgeons with additional information to prevent screw misplacement. This paper introduces a handheld fiber-optic tissue sensing device for real-time bone tissue differentiation during spine surgery using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS). Our prototype employs laser diodes at two distinct wavelengths for tissue illumination, eliminating the need for a spectrometer and enabling direct light collection with a photodiode. The device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with driver circuits that are adjustable for varying laser diode output power, and signal amplification to convert the photodiode current to a measurable voltage signal. Controlled by a microcontroller, the device computes a reflectance ratio from both laser diode signals to provide real-time audio feedback to surgeons across various healthcare settings. Despite challenges in coupling efficiencies from manual fiber-coupling of the diodes, our prototype is able to emit and collect light to distinguish bone tissues with DRS, demonstrating feasibility. It is compact, made of low-cost and readily available components, and offers fast, real-time feedback, thus serving as a successful proof-of-concept for enhancing surgical accuracy during spinal fusion procedures.
Supplemental online resources improve data literacy education: Evidence from a social science methods course
Authors: Alcocer Marco , Falabella Leonardo , Lange Alexandra , Smith Nicholas , Feeley Maureen
Published: December 2024

Despite the importance of data literacy skills for academic and professional careers, learning these skills is a source of stress and difficulty for undergraduate students. This study first introduces an online supplemental instruction resource to support student learning in an introductory data analysis course at a large public university. To evaluate its impact, we conduct a pre-registered double-blind within-subject experiment. Each student is randomly assigned to a subset of the online supplemental instruction modules and takes an exam assessing concepts covered by the course material and supplemented by the modules. Access to the online supplemental instruction modules improves student performance on exam questions, and students who engage with the modules improve exam scores even more. We find no differential impacts based on pre-treatment GPA or underrepresented status, and a post-experiment survey suggests that the online supplemental instruction modules are also well-received by students. This study shows that asynchronous online supplemental instruction resources are a promising way to support student learning in data literacy.
The Phonological Mapping Negativity (PMN) as a language-specific component: Exploring responses to linguistic vs musical mismatch
Authors: Lewendon Jen , Britton James , Politzer-Ahles Stephen
Published: December 2024

The Phonological Mismatch Negativity (PMN) is an ERP component said to index the processing of phonological information, and is known to increase in amplitude when phonological expectations are violated. For example, in a context that generates expectation of a certain phoneme, the PMN will become relatively more negative if the phoneme is switched for an alternative. The response is comparable to other temporally-proximate components, insofar as it indicates a neurological response to unexpected auditory input, but remains considered distinct by the field on the basis of its proposed specific sensitivity to phonology. Despite this, reports of the PMN overlap notably, both in temporal and topographic distribution, with the Mismatch Negativity (MMN) and the N400, and limited research to date has been conducted to establish whether these extant distinctions withstand testing. In the present study, we investigate the PMN’s sensitivity to non-linguistic mismatches so as to test the response’s specific language sensitivity. Participants heard primes—three-syllable words—played simultaneously to three-note tunes, with the instructions to attend exclusively to either the linguistic or musical content. They were then tasked with removing the first syllable (phoneme manipulation) or note (music manipulation) to form the target. Targets either matched or mismatched primes, thus achieving physically identical note or phoneme mismatches. Results show that a PMN was not elicited during the musical mismatch condition, a finding which supports suggestions that the PMN may be a language-specific response. However, our results also indicate that further research is necessary to determine the relationship between the PMN and N400. Though our paper probes a previously unstudied dimension of the PMN, questions still remain surrounding whether the PMN, although seemingly language-specific, is truly a phonology-specific component.
Multibranch semantic image segmentation model based on edge optimization and category perception
Authors: Yang Zhuolin , Cao Zhen , Cao Jianfang , Chen Zhiqiang , Peng Cunhe
Published: December 2024

In semantic image segmentation tasks, most methods fail to fully use the characteristics of different scales and levels but rather directly perform upsampling. This may cause some effective information to be mistaken for redundant information and discarded, which in turn causes object segmentation confusion. As a convolutional layer deepens, the loss of spatial detail information makes the segmentation effect achieved at the object boundary insufficiently accurate. To address the above problems, we propose an edge optimization and category-aware multibranch semantic segmentation network (ECMNet). First, an attention-guided multibranch fusion backbone network is used to connect features with different resolutions in parallel and perform multiscale information interaction to reduce the loss of spatial detail information. Second, a category perception module is used to learn category feature representations and guide the pixel classification process through an attention mechanism to optimize the resulting segmentation accuracy. Finally, an edge optimization module is used to integrate the edge features into the middle and the deep supervision layers of the network through an adaptive algorithm to enhance its ability to express edge features and optimize the edge segmentation effect. The experimental results show that the MIoU value reaches 79.2% on the Cityspaces dataset and 79.6% on the CamVid dataset, that the number of parameters is significantly lower than those of other models, and that the proposed method can effectively achieve improved semantic image segmentation performance and solve the partial category segmentation confusion problem, giving it certain application prospects.
Effect of slope position on the spatial distribution of soil preferential flow paths based on point pattern analysis
Authors: Li Mingfeng , Yao Jingjing , Yan Ru , Fan Yingxu , Liu Shuqin
Published: December 2024

The mechanisms of soil preferential flow occurrence and development are influenced by topographic and geomorphological factors. However, the complex distribution patterns of soil preferential flow paths on different slopes remain unclear. Therefore, taking the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest area of Simian Mountain as the study area, this study conducted a quantitative analysis of the spatial distribution characteristics and spatial association of soil preferential flow at different slope positions (slope shoulder (SS), mid-slope (SM) and slope foot (SF)) using field staining tracer tests and spatial point pattern analysis. Results showed that the maximum infiltration depth, the depth of matrix flow, average dye coverage, preferential flow fraction and length index of the SM plot were all greater than those of the SS and SF plots. The number of preferential flow paths in different slope positions decreases with soil depth, with most preferential flow paths measuring 2.5–5.0 mm in each soil layer. The total number of preferential flow paths in SM plot was approximately twice that of the SS and SF plots, and the preferential flow paths in SM plot, regardless of pore size, were all in an aggregated distribution. These findings indicated that differences in soil physical properties and vegetation coverage at different slope positions lead to variations in the spatial distribution and association of soil preferential flow paths. Accordingly, strategies must be modified for the distribution, storage and utilisation of soil water resources. This study provides a theoretical basis for the effective management and protection of water resources in the Simian Mountain area and a scientific basis for exploring the mechanisms of the occurrence and development of the water cycle in forested watersheds.
Looking, pointing, and talking together: How dyads of differential expertise coordinate attention during conversation
Authors: Haraped Lucas , Huber Stefan E. , Bischof Walter F. , Kingstone Alan
Published: December 2024

When people discuss something that they can both see, their attention becomes increasingly coupled. Previous studies have found that this coupling is temporally asymmetric (e.g., one person leads and one follows) when dyads are assigned conversational roles (e.g., speaker and listener). And while such studies have focused on the coupling of gaze, there is also evidence that people use their hands to coordinate attention. The present study uses a visual task to expand on this past work in two respects. First, rather than assigning conversational roles, participants’ background knowledge was manipulated (e.g., expert and novice) to elicit differential roles inherent to the conversation. Second, participants were permitted to gesture freely while interacting. Cross Recurrence Quantification Analysis with data from mobile eye trackers and manually coded pointing gestures revealed that although more knowledgeable participants dominated the dialogue by talking and pointing more, the symmetry of coupled behaviors (gaze and pointing) between participants remained fixed. Asymmetric attentional coupling emerged, although this was dependent on conversational turn taking. Specifically, regardless of background knowledge, the currently speaking participant led attention, both with the eyes and with the hands. These findings suggest stable, turn-dependent interpersonal coupling dynamics, and highlight the role of pointing gestures and conversational turn-taking in multimodal attention coordination.
Association study of depressive symptoms and periodontitis in an obese population: Analysis based on NHANES data from 2009 to 2014
Authors: Li Shuning , Liu Jilun , Zhang Rui , Dong Jianfeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Obesity, depressive symptoms, and periodontitis are major worldwide health concerns. Despite separate studies on both illnesses, no research has directly examined the link between depressive symptoms and periodontitis in obese people. Given the close correlation between obesity and chronic illnesses, as well as the possibility of a bidirectional impact between depressive symptoms and periodontitis, this study aims to investigate the link between depressive symptoms and periodontitis in an obese population.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the NHANES database (2009–2014), including 4,820 persons aged 30 years or older with a BMI over 30. The severity of periodontitis was assessed by clinical attachment loss and probing depth, while symptoms of depressive symptoms were measured using the PHQ-9 questionnaire. After gender, age, race, education, ratio of family income to poverty, sleep duration, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses were controlled for, the independent connection between depressive symptoms and periodontitis was investigated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The modified models indicated a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and periodontitis (effect size: -0.13, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.01, p = 0.0266), indicating that depressive symptoms may operate as a protective factor against periodontitis. Interaction studies did not indicate substantial impact modification by factors like age, gender, or education level.

Conclusion

This study is the first investigation demonstrating a negative link between depressive symptoms and periodontitis in obese persons, indicating a significant interaction between mental health and dental health in this demographic. The results highlight the importance of comprehensive psychological and oral health care in obese individuals, providing a new avenue for future research and therapeutic applications.
An investigation into the zoning of ecosystem sensitivity control areas in Mentougou District (Beijing, China)
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Tao Haoyu , Li Jing , Liu Zhen , Liu Zhiping
Published: December 2024

To achieve a more precise delineation of ecosystem sensitivity control areas, this study examines the Mentougou District in Beijing and introduces the Ecosystem Sensitivity Control Area Classification Method (ESCACM). This novel approach combines single-factor sensitivity analysis, multi-factor comprehensive sensitivity assessments, and strategies for zoning based on various ecological scenarios. The study categorizes the region into three specific zones: first-level management and control areas, second-level management and control areas, and non-management and control areas. The key findings are: (1) By systematically categorizing relevant factors, the method creates independent, non-overlapping groups, effectively reducing dimensionality. (2) After conducting a comprehensive sensitivity assessment using multiple factors, scientifically quantified values are assigned to each zone. These values are processed through mathematical overlay algorithms, which generate composite results with different sensitivity levels. This method places a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis, thereby enhancing the objectivity and precision of the results. (3) The use of multi-scenario ecosystem sensitivity zoning strategies enhances the adaptability and flexibility of the zoning process. This method significantly improves the accuracy and scientific credibility of ecosystem sensitivity zoning, providing a versatile approach to meet the varied zoning needs of different regions. This model serves as a valuable framework for promoting ecological protection efforts in support of sustainable urban development objectives.
Macrophage MST1 protects against schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis by promoting the PPARγ-CD36 pathway and suppressing NF-κB signaling
Authors: Li Jianyang , Cai Xinyuan , Yang Yan , Mao Yulin , Ding Lin , Xue Qian , Hu Xunhao , Huang Yan , Sui Cong , Zhang Yuxia
Published: December 2024

Schistosomiasis is characterized by egg-induced hepatic granulomas and subsequent fibrosis. Monocyte-derived macrophages play critical and plastic roles in the progression and regression of liver fibrosis, adopting different polarization phenotypes. Mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1 (MST1), a serine/threonine kinase, has been established to act as a negative regulator of macrophage-associated inflammation. However, the specific role of MST1 in Schistosoma-induced liver fibrosis has not been fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that macrophage MST1 functions as an inhibitor of inflammation and fibrosis following infection with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum). Mice with macrophages-specific Mst1 knockout (termed Mst1△M/△M) mice developed exacerbated liver pathology, characterized by larger egg-induced granulomas, and increased fibrosis post infection. This was accompanied by enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6, IL23, TNFA and TGFB) and a shift in macrophage phenotype towards Ly6Chigh. Mechanistically, MST1 activation by soluble egg antigen (SEA) promoted PPARγ-mediated CD36 expression, enhancing phagocytosis and consequently upregulation of fibrolytic genes such as Arg1 and Mmps. Conversely, MST1 deletion leads to up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes instead of fibrolytic genes in macrophages, accompanied by decreased expression of CD36 and impaired phagocytosis. Furthermore, the ablation of MST1 enhances NF-κB activation in S. japonicum-infected and SEA-stimulated macrophages, resulting in increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Overall, our data identified MST1 as a novel regulator for egg-induced liver fibrosis via modulation of macrophage function and phenotype by CD36-mediated phagocytosis and suppression of NF-κB pathway.
A Biblioteca Joanina de Coimbra. História e construção, arquitetura e arte
Authors: Ferreira Sílvia
Published: December 2024

A presente publicação revela a obra inédita do historiador de arte norte­?americano Robert C. Smith (1912-1975) dedicada à Biblioteca Joanina de Coimbra, nas vertentes da sua história, arquitetura e arte. Estabelece a cronologia das obras da Biblioteca desde os seus primórdios até às intervenções de restauro da antiga DGEM, entre 1943-45, desvenda os artistas que nela laboraram e procura a autoria do seu projeto. Apresenta-se em edição crítica bilíngue da obra original, datável de 1974, no âmbito da atualização dos seus conteúdos.
La relación ética como relación religiosa. perspectivas levinasianas para una sociedad post-secular
Authors: Pérez Espigares Pablo
Published: December 2024

El presente trabajo se pregunta qué puede aportar la obra de Levinas a una sociedad post-secular como la nuestra. Para ello se analiza qué entiende el pensador francés por religión. A partir de ahí se desarrolla su crítica al pensamiento mítico y a la teología. En este recorrido veremos cómo nuestro autor entiende la trascendencia como un «acontecimiento ético». Eso permitirá ver la pertinencia de una racionalidad o una inteligibilidad diferente a la ontológica, como aportación de la tradición bíblica que es posible traducir al griego.
La idea de religiosidad en Krause desde el contexto del Idealismo alemán: claves para pensar la religión en la era postsecular
Authors: Pinilla Burgos Ricardo
Published: December 2024

Desde el marco de los avatares de la religión en la secularización y desde el contexto concreto de la filosofía de la religión en el idealismo alemán y sus posibles aportes para nuestra actualidad, se planteará, como una voz singular, la relevancia de la idea de religiosidad como intimidad con Dios en la obra de Krause y sus implicaciones antropológicas, sociales y en la relación del hombre con el resto de los seres. Desde ahí se analizará la articulación de la dimensión religiosa tanto en la filosofía social como en la metafísica krausiana así como su reflexión sobre el legado y la pluralidad de las religiones en la historia, especialmente del cristianismo. Se extraerán propuestas desde el planteamiento de Krause para pensar nuestro presente, de un lado mucho más complejo, en el que una secularización presuntamente cumplida, con innegables cierres en falso, ha dado paso a una vuelta polarizada y a veces muy poco reflexiva de la cuestión de las relaciones entre religión y política, o religión y racionalidad.
Sentido (meaning) y propósito (purpose) en la sociedad postsecular: ¿qué añade la religión?
Authors: Espinosa Zárate Zaida
Published: December 2024

Este texto considera dos componentes o aspectos centrales de la identidad personal, el sentido (meaning) y el propósito/vocación (purpose) como constructos relacionados, pero distintos, para indagar cómo las religiones contribuyen a ellos. Desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar que bebe de los aportes de la psicología de la religión, la educación y la filosofía, en primer lugar, se examinan ambos términos —sentido y propósito— por separado, y se presentan analíticamente sus componentes o elementos constitutivos con vistas a aclarar su relación y distinción. En segundo lugar, se aborda la relación que la religión tiene con cada uno de ellos, de acuerdo con investigaciones empíricas recientes. Por último, se señala una posible dirección para ahondar en la contribución que las instituciones religiosas, como actores educativos clave, pueden prestar a su construcción y discernimiento como vía para el desarrollo espiritual del sujeto, y los beneficios de tal aporte en un mundo postsecular en el que religión y espiritualidad no se identifican.
Trascendencia y acontecimiento: la crítica de Maldiney a Heidegger
Authors: Viñas Vera Ángel
Published: December 2024

Henri Maldiney, fenomenólogo francés está aún por descubrir en la investigación hispana. Analizar su diálogo crítico con Heidegger es una manera adecuada de entrar en sus obras. Abordar el diálogo sobre temas como el acontecimiento y el ser humano es decisivo porque estos son temas centrales en la obra de ambos. Al hacerlo, mostraremos que para Maldiney la analítica existenciaria es insuficiente para comprender la apertura radical que es el ser humano. El acontecimiento y lo pático son categorías decisivas para él, que se comprenden desde la transpossibilité y la transpassibilité. Estas permiten comprender el acontecimiento más allá del proyecto, del destino y la inherencia del ser humano en el mundo.
La secularización del cristianismo en la posmodernidad. Desafíos y oportunidades en un nuevo contexto
Authors: Porcel Moreno Manuel
Published: December 2024

La pretensión de este artículo consiste en mostrar cómo el nihilismo que subyace bajo los diferentes modos en los que se presenta la secularización posmoderna no sólo conduce a la desnuclearización de lo religioso precisamente por el vaciamiento de sus contenidos específicos, sino, además, relega toda experiencia religiosa al ámbito privado de la conciencia individual. Este contexto nihilista propio de la posmodernidad impondría el tiempo de la religión sin religión, que consiste en vivir aparentemente como si fuésemos sujetos religiosos cuando, en realidad, no lo somos. Sin duda, este nuevo horizonte posmoderno supone un reto para el cristianismo. Por ello, trataremos de indicar los tres mayores desafíos que debe afrontar el cristianismo, para que la lógica nihilista de la secularización posmoderna no termine contagiando también la lógica de lo religioso, y vislumbrar qué oportunidades prometedoras se le presentan hoy al cristianismo, para pensar su propia esencia y mostrar su praxis fundada en la caridad en este tiempo en el que nos toca vivir.
Age-dependent variations in carbon sequestration in mango orchards on alfisols in tropical climates
Authors: Mohapatra S , Acharya GC , Swain SC , Rupa TR , Kar DS , Dash A , Ganeshamurthy AN , Mohapatra S , Gautam D
Published: December 2024

Understanding carbon fluxes from land-use transitions is vital for climate change mitigation, as activities like deforestation and urban expansion alter carbon storage and emissions. These alterations impact the carbon cycle, affecting the balance between carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption and its emission into the atmosphere. A thorough understanding of land use and land-use change dynamics in a specific region is essential for this analysis. Notably, the growing cultivation of fruit crops on agricultural land greatly enhances carbon sequestration potential. This study found that carbon sequestration in mango orchards increased with age of the trees. On average, 115.57 t C/ha was sequestered in Dhenkanal and 130.48 t C/ha in Rayagada. In these orchards, above-ground carbon constituted 24.45% in Dhenkanal and 27.69% in Rayagada of the total carbon sequestered per hectare, using the recommended 8 m x 8 m tree spacing. Collecting fundamental data on the carbon content of various land-use and land-use change categories at the regional level is crucial for effective climate change mitigation. This study provides novel insights into carbon stocks in mango orchards relative to tree age, enhancing our understanding of the carbon cycle within mango cultivated systems. Subsequent research should encompass mango orchards from many regions around the country, employing higher sample sizes to more accurately measure carbon sequestration in farmed mango orchards countrywide.
Influence of various establishment techniques, spacings, and fertilizer levels on leaf traits, yield, and nutrient dynamics of brown top millet (Brachiaria ramosa L.) under different cropping seasons of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Abhigna D , Kalpana R , Janaki P , Geetha P , Radhamani S , Ravichandran V
Published: December 2024

A field trial was carried out during the Summer 2023, Kharif 2023, and Rabi 2023-2024 seasons to assess the performance of brown top millet under two sowing methods (direct sowing and transplanting), three plant spacings (20 x 10 cm, 30 x 10 cm, and 45 x 10 cm), and three fertilizer doses (75% of the recommended dose (RDF) at 45N:20P:15K kg ha-1, 100% RDF at 60N:30P:20K kg ha-1, and 125% RDF at 75N:40P:25K kg ha-1) using a factorial randomized block design. The study examined leaf morphological and physiological traits, yield, nutrient content, and uptake by straw. The results indicated that the summer season was more favorable compared to the Kharif and Rabi seasons. The direct sown crop (E1) exhibited significantly higher total chlorophyll content (7.5%, 9.3%, and 8.8%) and grain yield (8.6%, 6.5%, and 9.2%) during the Summer, Kharif, and Rabi seasons, respectively, over the transplanted crop (E2). 45 x 10 cm spacing (S3) registered its superiority in total chlorophyll content (21.2%, 26%, and 31%) and grain yield (21.3%, 24.7%, and 25% across the same seasons) over 20 x 10 cm spacing (S1). Application of 125% RDF (N3) recorded significantly higher chlorophyll content (41.7%, 46%, and 51%) and grain yield (33.6%, 35.2%, and 41%) compared to 75% RDF (N1). In terms of interactions, the combination of direct sowing, wider spacing, and 125% RDF (E1 x S3 x N3) showed elevated leaf traits, chlorophyll content, grain yield, and nutrient dynamics, though the differences in parameters among these treatment combinations were statistically non-significant. These findings provide a strong foundation for future research and for optimizing agricultural practices to maximize the potential of brown top millet.
Education policy assessment of countries using an integrated decision-making approach
Authors:   Galatasaray University, Turkey, Karsak E. Ertugrul ,   Galatasaray University, Turkey, Ucar Ece
Published: December 2024

As governments strive to provide flawless and unbiased education to students while using resources in an efficient and sustainable manner, assessing countries' educational performance has become a prevailing topic, and the rising relevance of achieving this aim encourages the use of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools. This article presents an integrated approach using the Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) method in combination with the Best-Worst Method (BWM) to compare the educational performance in European Union member states. The performance assessment criteria are derived from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 database and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics 2018 database. The research takes into account not only PISA test results but also further crucial features, including the teachers/students ratio, learning time, and government expenditure on primary education as a proportion of GDP, with the criteria weights computed using the linear version of BWM. The proposed approach, which uses EDAS in combination with BWM weights, produces a complete ranking of the evaluated EU nations, and also determines the best-performing country in terms of education. In order to illustrate the robustness of the proposed decision framework, a comparative analysis of the obtained rankings with the outcomes of other well-established distance-based MCDM methods is provided.
ESP students’ attitudes towards using digital dictionaries and AI-based tools in language learning
Authors:   University of Osijek, Croatia, Božić Lenard Dragana ,   University of Osijek, Croatia, Šokčević Katarina
Published: December 2024

The importance of dictionaries in learning a foreign language is indisputable, and the emergence of digital dictionaries and artificial intelligence (AI) has noticeably influenced the way students learn a foreign language, providing fertile ground for implementing AI in education (AIEd). This paper aims to examine the attitudes and experiences of English for Specific Purposes students in the use of digital dictionaries and AI-based tools. The students were anonymously surveyed during the winter semester of the 2023/2024 academic year on the types and frequency, reasons for using digital dictionaries, advantages and disadvantages of using digital dictionaries, as well as potential suggestions for improving digital dictionaries. They also provided their opinion on and experience in using AI tools in learning a foreign language and translations. The findings suggest that the students prefer using bilingual digital dictionaries for checking the meaning of unknown words, and they heavily rely on Google Translate as the most convenient option. The students recognise the potential of AIEd, although they believe AI tools should only be used as supplementary material in language learning. On the other hand, AI-based translation tools can be used as primary translation tools. The study sheds light on the characteristic behaviour of ESP students regarding their digital dictionaries and AI-based tools used for language learning and translating. It points to the need of developing students’ digital competence in the realm of digital dictionary use, as well as encourage them to embrace the technology's full potential.
Study pace reveals differences in online learning using R-squared analysis
Authors:   The University of Texas at El Paso, United States of America, Kolitsky Michael A.
Published: December 2024

Highly-enrolled fully online lectures and laboratory classes in Anatomy and Physiology, and higher-level Histology courses, were used to calculate R-squared values that could be linked to how the study method chosen by students impacted their exam grades. Student performance on major exams containing only T/F and multiple-choice questions exhibited better exam results, as did the R-squared values for those who studied using tiny quizzes at a slow pace rather than those who studied with them at a fast pace, indicating that learning was done using the flashcard method. There was a difference in grade distribution, with a peak in the A category for the slow pace quiz group, to a peak in the B category for the fast pace group. The use of Respondus with Blackboard also permitted video observation of students following the submission of exams, which did not indicate that any major cheating efforts or use of AI had taken place during major exams. The lack of evidence for cheating or AI usage makes the observation of higher R-squared values from the slow-paced quiz method a significant factor in future online course design.
Stroop-like Effects in Pitch Identification Training and Generalization to Untrained Timbres
Authors: Henry Williams , Schmidt James R.
Published: December 2024

Absolute pitch is the ability to automatically identify and name the pitches of tones without the help of a reference tone. Contrary to the common idea that absolute pitch is almost impossible to acquire after a critical period, some research suggests possible improvements in pitch identification in adulthood. Recently, using a simple incidental contingency learning approach, rapid and robust learning of associations between pitches and note names was observed. In the current work, we explored the item specificity of this learning. In our new task, we used three types of instrument tones (i.e., three timbres). For two timbres, contingencies between tones and notes names were directly manipulated. We then tested whether learning transferred (generalized) to tones from a third timbre, for which contingencies were not directly manipulated. Our results indicate clear automatic response biases in response times due to the learned contingencies that transferred from trained to untrained tones. Explicit identification of tones also increased at post-test for both trained and untrained tones. These results demonstrate that learning is not purely instrument specific and that learning of the pitch class is observed. Our results also shed light on the possible underlying representations that participants learn in our paradigm.
Affordances and Experiential Dimensions of Digital Concerts
Authors: Modestini Pietro , Weining Christian
Published: December 2024

Live-streamed and recorded concerts have increased the possibilities for attending live performances. In this study, our goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the qualities of the aesthetic experience in digital concerts of Western classical music. We thematically analyzed the free-form comments left by 341 participants of an online experiment after they viewed a digital concert. With an inductive approach, we developed a thematic framework focusing on medium-related affordances and their influence on the participants’ experiences. The camerawork has a particular potential to affect sensory perception; for example, through close-ups and offering different visual perspectives. Additionally, the peculiarity of viewing the concert from one’s living room creates a situation that can both foster and inhibit aspects of the experience and produce a constrained kind of social connectedness. Hence, specific experiential dimensions—such as closeness and immersion—are developed by the digital medium in distinctive ways. At the same time, participants’ previous live experiences induced expectations conditioning the whole experience. Overall, this study contributes to understanding how an audience’s aesthetic experience acquires specific qualities through the digitization of the concert. The findings also indicate possibilities for triggering specific dimensions of the audience’s experience in future digital or hybrid concert design.
Physiological and biochemical responses of a wide range of quinoa accessions to accelerated ageing conditions
Authors: Zahid Sania , Afzal Irfan , Ahmed Zaheer , Shakeel Amir
Published: December 2024

Quinoa is known as a nutrient-enriched and climate-resilient crop, but its seed longevity is challenging for seed enterprises, farmers and germplasm preservation. In this study, 291 quinoa accessions were exposed to 30 or 60% relative humidity (RH) and then stored at ambient and high
temperature (50°C) environments for three months. Of seeds equilibrated at 60% RH and stored at 50°C, only 120 accessions survived with 50% germination after 15 days, but these accessions completely lost their germination after one month. The accessions exposed to low RH (30%), maintained
germination within the range of 50-100%, which decreased to 40 and 25% after 45 and 60 days, respectively. After 90 days, only 25 accessions maintained their germination above 98% at low RH. The quinoa accessions stored after equilibration at 30% RH also retained the seed crude protein, α-amylase
activity and total soluble sugars, while high RH and temperature accelerated seed malondialdehyde contents, electrolyte leakage and reduced antioxidant activities, resulting in either decrease or completely loss in seed viability. Five quinoa accessions maintained seed viability due to better
membrane integrity and antioxidant defense system.
Učinci prelijevanja kratkotrajnih šokova egzogenih makroekonomskih odrednica na mirovinske fondove: modeliranje na uzorku Hrvatske
Authors: Bašić Luka
Published: December 2024

U radu se preispituju učinci prelijevanja šokova egzogenih makroekonomskih varijabli na mirovinski sustav Hrvatske u kratkom roku (vremenski presjek do jedne godine). Primjenjuje se ekonometrijska metodologija temeljena na strukturnom VAR modelu i dekompoziciji varijance (određenje varijacija šokova) kako bi se ustanovila snaga djelovanja kratkotrajnih šokova. Rezultati istraživanja upućuju na heterogenost i asimetričnost djelovanja kratkotrajnih šokova na putanju korisnika te imovinsku vrijednost uplata kod obveznih i dobrovoljnih (otvorenih) mirovinskih fondova Iz toga proizlaze dva ključna zaključka. Prvo, postoji statistička značajnost u korelaciji prelijevanja učinaka šokova uglavnom u većini neovisnih varijabli na ovisne u modelima, s posebnim naglaskom na šokove porasta kamatnih stopa iz okvira restriktivne monetarne politike. Za produbljenje negativnog jaza šoka potreban je određeni vremenski ciklus uglavnom tek od trećeg mjeseca. Na svaki postotni poen šoka dolazi do promjene u deltama u rasponu od -1,2 do + 1,4 p.p. Drugo, ciklus restriktivne monetarne politike iz okvira porasta kamatnih stopa heterogeno i asimetrično odražava utjecaj na strukturu osoba i imovine/uplata kod obveznih i dobrovoljnih mirovinskih fondova. Kod obveznih  mirovinskih fondova uglavnom postoji negativan utjecaj samo na imovinu, dok kod dobrovoljnih mirovinskih fondova postoji negativan utjecaj i na putanju korisnika/štediša i na imovinu fondova. Porast kamatnih stopa iz okvira restriktivne monetarne politike dovodi do pada vrijednosti postojećih obveznica u portfeljima fondova zbog inverznog odnosa između kamatnih stopa i cijena obveznica, što u kratkom roku dovodi do pada vrijednosti imovine fondova. U dugom roku isti taj ciklus monetarne politike očekivano bi trebao dovesti do viših prinosa na nove obveznice, stabilizirajući imovinu diversifikacijom portfelja. Obvezni mirovinski fondovi u okviru svojih investicijskih strategija pokazuju manju volatilnost u putanji korisnika, dok su s druge strane osjetljiviji na promjene u vrijednosti imovine. Otvoreni dobrovoljni mirovinski fondovi sa svojom fleksibilnijom investicijskom strategijom imaju veću osjetljivost na šok promjene u kamatnim stopama i inflaciji.
Modeling Investment Strategies in Contemporary Art in the Context of the Yugoslav Wars
Authors: Ramasauskaite Ornela
Published: December 2024

This research advances a methodological framework for developing predictive models to guide investment strategies in contemporary art across the post-Yugoslav Wars Balkan region. The study examines key determinants of artwork valuation and risk profiles in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia using a mixed-methods approach that synthesizes meta-analysis, expert Q-sort analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. The empirical findings demonstrate the enduring influence of the Yugoslav Wars on art market dynamics, underscoring the significance of sustainable intelligence principles and technological innovation in risk mitigation strategies. The analysis identifies critical valuation determinants, including artistic recognition, sociopolitical stability, and cultural significance, while establishing distinct market segments characterized by differentiated risk-reward profiles. The proposed framework incorporates geopolitical risk indicators, artwork and artist attributes, sustainable investing criteria, and technological enablers, emphasizing machine learning algorithms for market forecasting and portfolio optimization. While this framework constitutes a substantial advancement in modelling art investment strategies within post-conflict contexts, limitations persist regarding data availability, model interpretability, and ethical considerations. The study demonstrates the framework's potential to generate value while contributing to cultural heritage preservation and socioeconomic development in the Balkan region, establishing a foundation for subsequent scholarly inquiry into art market analysis within post-conflict societies.
Green Organization - Arrived in companies or still a vision? An exploratory study based on an expert survey on the significance of sustainability and the implementation of sustainability management in companies
Authors: Ludin Daniela , Arngold Christina , Balli Meltem , Mueller Erika , Wellbrock Wanja
Published: December 2024

Scientists and activists have been taking part in the sustainability debate for decades and calling for a rethink in politics and society. A change is becoming noticeable that is also having an impact on companies. They cannot avoid dealing with the issue of sustainability, as internal and external stakeholders exert pressure on them due to their interests. Based on an online survey, this explorative empirical study identifies and analyses what companies understand by the term "sustainability" and what importance is currently attached to sustainability management in companies. In addition, the main advantages of sustainable management for companies and obstacles to the implementation of sustainability in companies are also identified. The results of the study show that sustainability is of great importance to the companies surveyed. For the most part, companies have an understanding of sustainability. Reasons for "sustainable entrepreneurship" are based in particular on economic and "green" motives; the main reason is therefore to improve the image of the companies. The main obstacles to implementing "sustainable entrepreneurship" are the time required, the high costs and uncertainty about the economic benefits. The sustainability requirements are hardly or only partially perceived as a burden. Corporate goals and guidelines together form an important factor in establishing sustainability in the organizational culture. Companies voluntarily align themselves partially or completely with standardized environmental management norms.
Integrating Circular Economies: Enhancing Border Regions Environment and Public Health
Authors: Hari Kristianto Aloysius , Yuliana  , Suratman Eddy , Yani Akhmad , Dewata Indang
Published: December 2024

The circular economy represents a groundbreaking economic model that transforming waste into valuable products, potentially benefiting regional and national economies. This research explores the correlation between household waste management and its impact on environmental degradation and public health. Employing the System Dynamics method, the study delves into the intricacies of real-world system behavior, examining causal links and interrelationships within a system of interconnected sub-systems. Utilizing mental data, including scientific publications, mass media news, and expert opinions, alongside quantitative time series, the research focuses on the limitations of household waste management in addressing air and water pollution, posing potential health risks. Findings indicate a connection between population growth and increased waste generation, predominantly from residential sources. Unmanaged waste creation threatens air and water quality, emphasizing the importance of waste management in minimizing pollutants for improved public health. Aligning with the circular economy's 3R concept, effective waste management not only mitigates environmental impact but also holds the potential to enhance income generation. The circular economy's recycling and green entrepreneurship promotion can stimulate investments, fostering job creation. Collaborative efforts between governments and business owners can further support distribution and marketing channels, encouraging local self-sufficiency