bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accident, scandal, disaster: the media framing of corporate crime
Authors: Horn Jana Macfarlane
Published: September 2023

Corporate crime is often misrepresented in crime media as individual wrongdoing with minor consequences. Despite considerable research on corporate crime in news, there has been no examination of quality media sources, upon which this paper focuses. This paper presents an exploratory study of the first week of framing corporate crime in UK-based online quality press outlets: The Guardian, The Independent, and The Telegraph. It does so by examining three major corporate crimes of the last decade: the Grenfell Tower fire, the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) manipulation, and Volkswagen emissions manipulation. Methodologically, the paper is based upon an adapted version of Robert Entman’s media theory of framing by using the framing elements of perpetrator, cause of crime, victimization and punishment to explore what and how frames are being used in each outlet. It is found that even the most critical mass media outlets resort to accidental narrative frames that fail to address criminal (in-)justice. I conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings for an understanding of the variance in quality press outlets’ frames of corporate crime that warrants further research.
Pollution Abatement and Lobbying in a Cournot Game: An Agent-Based Modelling Approach
Authors: Catola Marco , Leoni Silvia
Published: September 2023

The application of Agent-Based Modelling to Game Theory allows us to benefit from the strengths of both approaches, and to enrich the study of games when solutions are difficult to elicit analytically. Using an agent-based approach to sequential games, however, poses some issues that result in a few applications of this type. We contribute to this aspect by applying the agent-based approach to a lobbying game involving environmental regulation and firms’ choice of abatement. We simulate this game and test the robustness of its game-theoretical prediction against the results obtained. We find that while theoretical predictions are generally consistent with the simulated results, this novel approach highlights a few differences. First, the market converges to a green state for a larger number of cases with respect to theoretical predictions. Second, simulations show that it is possible for this market to converge to a polluting state in the very long run. This result is not envisaged by theoretical predictions. Sensitivity experiments on the main model parameters confirm the robustness of our findings.
Developing the concept of task substitution and transformation by defining own equivalences
Authors: Tirpáková Anna , Gonda Dalibor , Wiegerová Adriana , Navrátilová Hana
Published: September 2023

The presented article is dedicated to a new way of teaching substitution in algebra. In order to effectively master the subject matter, it is necessary for students to perceive the equal sign equivalently, to learn to manipulate expressions as objects, and to perceive and use transformations based on defining their own equivalences. According to the results of several researches, these changes do not occur automatically, and the neglect of their development leads to students’ insufficient adoption of substitution. The submitted contribution presents a new way of teaching substitution, the stages of which support the gradual development of the necessary competences of students, so that substitution becomes part of their computing apparatus. The effectiveness of the mentioned method of teaching substitution was also verified experimentally. By conducting a pedagogical experiment, it was confirmed that the application of the substitution teaching method developed by us led to more frequent use of substitution by students from the experimental group (47 students) compared to students from the control group (82 students) who learned substitution in the usual way. It emerged from the interview with experimental group students that they considered the proposed method suitable and that it encouraged them to learn substitution in depth.
Arrow of Time and Quantum Physics
Authors: Buchholz Detlev , Fredenhagen Klaus
Published: September 2023

Based on the hypothesis that the (non-reversible) arrow of time is intrinsic in any system, no matter how small, the consequences are discussed. Within the framework of local quantum physics it is shown how such a semi-group action of time can consistently be extended to that of the group of spacetime translations in Minkowski space. In presence of massless excitations, however, there arise ambiguities in the theoretical extensions of the time translations to the past. The corresponding loss of quantum information on states upon time is determined. Finally, it is explained how the description of operations in classical terms combined with constraints imposed by the arrow of time leads to a quantum theoretical framework. These results suggest that the arrow of time is fundamental in nature and not merely a consequence of statistical effects on which the Second Law is based.
Numerical Optimisation of Excavation Pit Design Using Finite Element Analyses
Authors: Jürgens Hauke , Henke Sascha
Published: September 2023

The present study focusses on optimising a single supported excavation pit to achieve a more economical design using finite element analyses. Two methods for automating the derivation of the excavation pit’s necessary embedment depth are presented, which involve either embedment depth reduction using additional calculation phases or adapting the entire model with renewed discretisation. The bending moments as well as the earth pressure distribution along the wall show good agreement, indicating that both methods are suitable for application. Subsequently, the feasibility of using optimisation algorithms (Particle Swarm Optimisation and Differential Evolution) for dimensioning the single supported excavation pit regarding stress analysis of the wall is investigated. Therefore, the embedment depth and the position of the strut are varied for five different sheet pile walls and three different strut profiles. The results demonstrate that both algorithms perform well, particularly with a higher number of calculation steps. After varying iteration steps and population size, the Differential Evolution approach shows better performance compared to Particle Swarm Optimisation by means of finding the optimal solution after a lower number of computational steps.
“The majority are left behind”: the promotion of bilingual education 2030 policy in Taiwan and its potential to widen horizontal inequalities
Authors: Huang Yi-Hsuan Irene
Published: September 2023

English as a medium of instruction (EMI) is commonly adopted as a strategy for higher education internationalisation. While there are numerous studies on the teaching practices of EMI programmes, the relationship between EMI and structural inequalities has been less investigated, especially in “universal” higher education systems. To address the research gap, this study investigates the EMI practices of two Taiwanese higher education institutions (HEIs) under current government initiatives. Qualitative data from policy documents and semi-structured interviews are analysed with an institutional logics approach and reflexive thematic analysis. The findings suggest that while state, managerial, and academic logics jointly shape EMI strategies in the public university case, EMI practices in the private university of technology case are predominantly driven by market and managerial logics and challenged by academic logic. Furthermore, this study reveals the structural “stuckness” encountered by the private case. In Taiwan’s hierarchical higher education system, the promotion of EMI could result in widening horizontal inequalities among HEIs. More specifically, under the EMI grading certification scheme for students and the tiered award system for HEIs, the majority may be left behind whereas the few with linguistic capital are spotlighted. Therefore, this study concludes that in light of organisational conditions, policymakers should allow greater flexibility for HEIs to develop performance indicators appropriate to their students’ needs.
X-rays and invisible sand: two new methods for designing burrowing behavioral experiments with juvenile unionoids
Authors: Skawina Aleksandra
Published: September 2023

Unionoids are in global decline, which may be associated with their complex life cycle. Their juveniles are unique because while hidden (burrowed deeply in bottom sediments) they undergo critical anatomical changes (also developing a characteristic juvenile shell sculpture). Currently, the juveniles’ period of life is believed to be both the least known and one of the most vulnerable—thus the possibility of obtaining any biological knowledge is essential for establishing conservation strategies and addressing functional or evolutionary questions. I propose two new methods for visualization of the burrowing behavior of unionoid juveniles within deposits that are cheap and easy: (1) laminated deposits of quartz–aragonite sand for time-stepped X-ray images of bivalve traces, and (2) silica gel serving as 'invisible sand' for direct observations and video recording of behavior within sediments. Both deposits in a pilot study were accepted by the juvenile unionoids—they were stable enough and penetrable, with no observable signs of harmful effects on animals’ behavior during trials. In both, juveniles were clearly visible, settled within the top 1 cm layer of deposits. Both methods are promising tools for future in situ within the deposits research on the biology of this much unexplored and vulnerable unionoids' life stage.
Patterns and drivers for benthic algal biomass in sub-Arctic mountain ponds
Authors: Heikkinen Janne M. , Niittynen Pekka , Soininen Janne , Pajunen Virpi
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the spatial variation in total benthic algal biomass and within cyanobacteria, green algae, and diatoms in sub-Arctic ponds. Additionally to more widely used explanatory variables, snowmelt and ice duration were considered as their importance on algal communities is poorly understood. The data comprised algal biomasses from 45 sub-Arctic ponds in the Finnish Lapland. A generalized linear model and hierarchical partitioning were used to identify the significantly influential variables. Cyanobacteria were the most abundant algal group. Trace elements (e.g. Fe, Al, and Mn) were the most significant explanatory variable group in explaining algal biomasses. Macronutrients apart from K were found insignificant in all models. There were positive relationships between some algal biomasses indicating no strong competition between them. Snow and ice variables were found insignificant for all models, but they could have an important secondary role on algal communities. The results highlight the importance of trace elements in shaping algal biomasses in sub-Arctic ponds and thus their wider use in research can be advocated to better understand the productivity of nutrient poor and acidic waters in sub-Arctic regions. Focussing on benthic algal biomasses and the chemical composition of sub-Arctic freshwaters provides important information on the aquatic primary production.
Antinociceptive and antiedema effects produced in rats by Brassica oleracea var. italica sprouts involving sulforaphane
Authors: Guadarrama-Enríquez Omar , Moreno-Pérez Gabriel Fernando , González-Trujano María Eva , Ángeles-López Guadalupe Esther , Ventura-Martínez Rosa , Díaz-Reval Irene , Cano-Martínez Agustina , Pellicer Francisco , Baenas Nieves , Moreno Diego A. , García-Viguera Cristina
Published: September 2023

Natural products are recognized as potential analgesics since many of them are part of modern medicine to relieve pain without serious adverse effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of an aqueous extract of Brassica oleracea var. italica sprouts (AEBS) and one of its main reported bioactive metabolites sulforaphane (SFN). Antinociceptive activity of the AEBS (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, i.p. or 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, p.o.) and SFN (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) was evaluated in the plantar test in rats to reinforce its analgesic-like activity at central level using the reference drug tramadol (TR, 50 mg/kg, i.p.). The anti-inflammatory-like response was determined in the carrageenan-induced oedema at the same dosages for comparison with ketorolac (KET, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or indomethacin (INDO, 20 mg/kg, p.o.). A histological analysis of the swollen paw was included to complement the anti-inflammatory response. Additionally, acute toxicity observed in clinical analgesics as the most common adverse effects, such as sedation and/or gastric damage, was also explored. As a result, central and peripheral action of the AEBS was confirmed using enteral and parenteral administration, in which significant reduction of the nociceptive and inflammatory responses resembled the effects of TR, KET, or INDO, respectively, involving the presence of SFN. No adverse or toxic effects were observed in the presence of the AEBS or SFN. In conclusion, this study supports that Brassica oleracea var. italica sprouts are a potential source of antinociceptive natural products such as SFN for therapy of pain alone and associated to an inflammation condition.
Can Dispositions Replace Laws in the Description of the Physical World?
Authors: Luc Joanna
Published: September 2023

In this paper, it is argued that, contrary to some suggestions in the philosophical literature, dispositions cannot replace laws in the description of the physical world. If for a certain type of physical situation a well-working law-based account is available, then it is not possible to describe that situation equally well in terms of dispositions. Using an example consisting of four laws (Coulomb’s law, Newton’s law of gravitation, the rule for the composition of forces and Newton’s second law), it is shown that when one attempts to replace a law-based account with a disposition-based account, the latter turns out to be either less informative or inferior with respect to theoretical virtues, such as simplicity, unification, non-triviality of predictions and explanatory power. Laws are also better suited to deal with interactions and their screening off. Using inference to the best explanation, one can conclude from this comparison that it is laws rather than dispositions that should be included in our ontological picture of nature.
Pitfalls and Opportunities of the Therapist’s Metacommunication: A Self-determination Perspective
Authors: Holmström Édua , Kykyri Virpi-Liisa , Martela Frank
Published: September 2023

Psychotherapy research identifies alliance ruptures and their resolutions as significant events in psychotherapy, influencing outcome. However, we know little about the process how such events influence outcomes, only assuming if clients stay in therapy that the rupture was resolved, and the outcome will be positive. The purpose of this paper is to problematize this assumption against the backdrop of self-determination theory, introducing motivation and relational positioning as relevant theoretical concepts for understanding rupture resolution and the effect on outcome. A therapeutic transcript demonstrating best practice for alliance rupture resolution in a brief integrative therapy is critically examined, calling the attention of both clinicians and researchers to the risk of prescribing and blindly following techniques during therapeutic impasses. Our analysis of metacommunication demonstrates how the therapist’s use of a certain technique for resolving threats to the therapeutic alliance can lead to the client’s external motivation and compliance, negatively influencing therapeutic outcome. Focusing on the therapist’s relational positioning we present two alternative courses of therapeutic action, ‘mindfulness in action’ and ‘embracing the patient’s ambivalence’, for supporting the client’s autonomous motivation for the therapy process.
A Scalar Approach to Vaccination Ethics
Authors: Kraaijeveld Steven R. , Gur-Arie Rachel , Jamrozik Euzebiusz
Published: September 2023

Should people get vaccinated for the sake of others? What could ground—and limit—the normative claim that people ought to do so? In this paper, we propose a reasons-based consequentialist account of vaccination for the benefit of others. We outline eight harm-based and probabilistic factors that, we argue, give people moral reasons to get vaccinated. Instead of understanding other-directed vaccination in terms of binary moral duties (i.e., where people either have or do not have a moral duty to get vaccinated), we develop a scalar approach according to which people can have stronger or weaker moral reasons to get vaccinated in view of the moral good of vaccination. One advantage of our approach is that it can capture why a person might have strong moral reasons to get vaccinated with Vaccine A, but only weak moral reasons to get vaccinated with Vaccine B. We discuss theoretical strengths of our approach and provide a case study of vaccination against COVID-19 to demonstrate its practical significance.
Looking at Sex Differences in Gambling Disorder: The Predictive Role of the Early Abandonment Schema, Gambling Motives and Alexithymia in Depression
Authors: Estévez Ana , Macía Laura , Macía Patricia
Published: September 2023

A growing body of research indicates differences between men and women with gambling disorder. However, although alexithymia, gambling motives or abandonment have been associated with GD, women’s clinical profile remains unexplored. This study aims, firstly, to explore mean differences in gambling motives (i.e. enhancement, coping and social [SOC]), the early maladaptive abandonment schema, alexithymia and depression in women and men with GD. Secondly, to analyse the correlation between the aforementioned variables as a function of sex. Thirdly, to examine the predictive role of gambling motives, early abandonment schema and alexithymia in depression as a function of sex. Lastly, to analyse the mediating role of COP between the early maladaptive abandonment schema and depression in women with GD, and the mediating role of ENH and the early maladaptive abandonment schema between alexithymia and depression in men with GD. The sample comprised 108 adults with GD diagnosis, of whom 60 were women and 48 were men. Regression and mediation analyses were carried out to explore possible sex differences in GD, through the SPSS programme. Results showed that depressive symptoms are predicted by alexithymia in men with GD and by the early maladaptive abandonment schema in women with GD. Regarding mediation analyses, the results suggest that COP mediated the relationship between early abandonment schema and depressive symptoms in females; and ENH and abandonment schema mediated the relationship between alexithymia and depressive symptoms in males. These results provide evidence of the relevance of considering sex differences when establishing therapeutic strategies in GD rehabilitation.
An income-distributional analysis of the rent control subsidy
Authors: Donner Herman , Kopsch Fredrik
Published: September 2023

Rent control measures are typically in place to assist low-income households and decrease segregation. Yet, there is little empirical research on the social impact of such policies and specifically the role of how rent-controlled apartments are allocated. This study analyzes the income-distributional effects of rent control with a novel dataset that includes characteristics of those who received rent-controlled apartments between 2011 and 2016 in central Stockholm, Sweden. Specifically, this paper provides analysis of the impact of allocating apartments through a centrally managed queue with apartments from both public and private landlords. To quantify the rent subsidy, we estimate hypothetical market rents by taking the owner-occupied market as a point of deviation. We find a positive relationship between the rent subsidy and time in que. Apartments in the fourth quartile of subsidy require on average 21 years in que, while those in the first quartile require 10 years on average. There is considerably heterogeneity in the level of rent subsidy, and tenant income. Even as allocating through queuing should benefit high-income households less than allocation based on landlord preferences, we find several regressive effects. Controlling for time in queue, we find that tenants in the fourth quartile of annual income receive monthly rent subsidies that are substantially higher than renters in the first quartile of income. Similarly, rental apartments in the fourth quartile of the subsidy have older tenants with substantially higher incomes compared to less subsidized apartments. The regressive effect is driven by high earners renting larger apartments with larger absolute subsidies and being able to wait longer in queue.
Micro-segregation and residential mobility: case study of two athenian apartment blocks
Authors: Myofa Nikolina
Published: September 2023

This article considers changes regarding the social physiognomy of apartment blocks in urban housing in the densely built neighbourhoods of Athens City Centre. The aim is to illuminate the changes that have been a main consequence of the residential mobility that began during the post-World War II period and continues today. Thus, I will provide evidence of two apartment blocks located in the Kypseli neighbourhood of the Municipality of Athens that I have thoroughly investigated. These blocks are among the 28 I have previously examined in a project about Athenian apartment blocks.
Stakeholder perceptions of the benefits and barriers of implementing environmental management systems in the Maldivian construction industry
Authors: Rasheed Aminath S. , Booth Colin A. , Horry Rosemary E.
Published: September 2023

Unprecedented increases in both tourism and population growth have put extreme pressure on the Republic of the Maldives, which has resulted in significant changes to the islands as a result of construction activities. This study is the first to investigate perceptions of the benefits and barriers of implementing environmental management systems (EMS) in the Maldivian construction industry, and what effective measures and strategies exist to drive environmental management practices. A subjectivist stance and deductive approach have been taken with an online survey adopting a quantitative strategy with a range of construction professions across the Maldivian construction sector. Using a central tendency measure of weighted average, the respondents’ opinions suggest that the primary benefits of having an EMS in the Maldives are perceived as the enhancement of corporate image and environmental protection; while the major barriers are lack of legal enforcement and the requirement for company structures and policies to change to accommodate an EMS. The findings also suggest that those companies who establish a waste management plan and where authorities enforce legal environmental requirements are believed to be the most effective means to encourage more widespread adoption. Based on these findings, it is recommended that managers, need to increasingly promote the principles of environmental management and sustainable practices/behaviours amongst construction industry stakeholders. Furthermore, policy makers within the Maldives should be exploring the viability of establishing financial incentive schemes (particularly for SMEs), in addition to encouraging wider adoption of EMSs across the Maldivian industry sectors.
The impact of negative gearing on the investment decisions of housing investors: the case of Greater Sydney
Authors: Bangura Mustapha , Lee Chyi Lin
Published: September 2023

To date, no empirical study has examined the impact of negative gearing and other factors on residential investors’ decisions using quantitative analysis. We applied a structural vector autoregression framework to trace the response of residential investors in Greater Sydney to shocks in its key drivers over the period 1991–2018. We discovered a residential investors’ profile in which negative gearing is being used to cushion any net rental loss during periods of low yield while expecting capital growth over their holding period. This supports the hypotheses of the study which posit that capital gains and negative gearing have a positive and negative relationship, respectively, with the number of residential investors. Additionally, a negative relationship between mortgage lending rate and number of investors is found, indicating a rising lending rate will increase expenses and contribute to low yield. We also found population growth and increased housing supply could increase the number of residential investors. These results could be used by tax and housing policy makers to recalibrate tax laws relating to negative gearing, especially for residential investment. Residential investors could potentially use this information for more informed decision making, particularly during periods of low yields.
Bioinks Functionalized with Natural Extracts for 3D Printing
Authors: Larraza Izaskun , Santamaria-Echart Arantzazu , Fernandes Isabel , Barreiro Filomena , Arbelaiz Aitor , Eceiza Arantxa
Published: September 2023

In the search of materials valid for direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing and with special interest for the biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, the development of bioactive inks for DIW is of great interest. For that purpose, in this work bioactive waterborne polyurethane–urea inks were prepared by addition of natural extracts (logwood, chestnut, and alder buckthorn) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The rheological behavior of the inks proved to be strongly dependent on the extract type and content, and the addition route used. Inks prepared by ex-situ incorporation of the extracts showed a strong gel-like behavior, as did inks prepared with chestnut and alder buckthorn extracts, which, in turn, hindered a continuous flow during the printing process, resulting in 3D printed parts with poor shape fidelity. On the other hand, inks prepared in-situ and with logwood extract showed more facility to flow and higher homogeneity, which translated in better printability and better shape fidelity, further enhanced for CNF containing inks. 3D printed composites showed reinforced mechanical behavior, as well as in materials with enhanced antibacterial behavior. Overall, the possibility to successfully prepare bioactive inks valid for 3D printing was proven.
Incremental permutation feature importance (iPFI): towards online explanations on data streams
Authors: Fumagalli Fabian , Muschalik Maximilian , Hüllermeier Eyke , Hammer Barbara
Published: September 2023

Explainable artificial intelligence has mainly focused on static learning scenarios so far. We are interested in dynamic scenarios where data is sampled progressively, and learning is done in an incremental rather than a batch mode. We seek efficient incremental algorithms for computing feature importance (FI). Permutation feature importance (PFI) is a well-established model-agnostic measure to obtain global FI based on feature marginalization of absent features. We propose an efficient, model-agnostic algorithm called iPFI to estimate this measure incrementally and under dynamic modeling conditions including concept drift. We prove theoretical guarantees on the approximation quality in terms of expectation and variance. To validate our theoretical findings and the efficacy of our approaches in incremental scenarios dealing with streaming data rather than traditional batch settings, we conduct multiple experimental studies on benchmark data with and without concept drift.
The role of miR-433-3p in vascular calcification in type 2 diabetic patients: targeting WNT/β-Catenin and RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathways
Authors: Elshamy Amira M. , Hafez Yasser Mostafa , Safa Mohamed A. E. , Ibrahim Hoda A. , Khalfallah Mohamed , Rizk Fatma H. , Eltabaa Eman F. , Ghafar Muhammad T. Abdel , Atef Marwa Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Background

Vascular calcification (VC) is a major predictor of cardiovascular diseases that represent the principal cause of mortality among type-2 diabetic patients. Accumulating data suggest the vital role of some microRNAs on vascular calcification as an epigenetic regulator. Thus, we assessed herein, the role of serum miR-433-3p in vascular calcification in type-2 diabetic patients.

Methods

Twenty healthy subjects (control group) and forty diabetic patients (20 without VC and 20 with VC) were involved in the study. miR-433-3p gene expression was measured. Runx2, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), β-catenin, Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in serum were assessed by ELISA technique.

Results

Diabetes patients had significantly lower levels of miR-433-3p expression in comparison to the control group, with the lowest levels being found in diabetic patients with VC. Furthermore, Runx2, β-catenin, and RANKL levels were significantly increased with concomitant lower DKK1 and OPG levels detected in the two diabetic groups especially those with VC.

Conclusion

Collectively, the study documented that down-regulation of miR-433-3p may contribute to the development of VC through activating WNT/β-Catenin and RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathways.
Improvement of Emission Monitoring System Accuracy in Aims of Increasing Air Quality of Smart City
Authors: Holubčík Michal , Jandačka Jozef , Nicolanská Miriam
Published: September 2023

Environmental pollution and air quality are increasingly important topics within the areas of Smart City and state regulations. The aim of the article is to present the progress in the design of the emission monitoring system intended for use in non-industry heating appliances in households. The article analyses potential opportunities in aims of improving the design of a monitoring system that was experimentally tested on small heat source. Geometry modifications, sensor placements and orientation were evaluated using Computational Fluid Dynamics in Ansys Fluent software 2022 R2 including both air and CO/CO2 dispersion models. The final geometry introduced a streamlined funnel along with a separation element, which distributed the air flow evenly between the sensors. The results showed more uniform air flow as the standard deviation of downstream velocity improved from ± 0,693 m/s to ± 0,297 m/s. In conclusion, these outcomes assist in the reduction of air pollution.
Foundations and knowledge clusters in TikTok (Douyin) research: evidence from bibliometric and topic modelling analyses
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , Appolloni Andrea , Treiblmaier Horst
Published: September 2023

The goal of this study is to comprehensively analyze the dynamics and structure of TikTok research since its initial development. The scholarly composition of articles dealing with TikTok was dissected via a bibliometric study based on a corpus of 542 journal articles from the Scopus database. The results show that TikTok research has flourished in recent years and also demonstrate that the authors’ collaboration networks are disjointed, indicating a lack of cooperation among TikTok researchers. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that research collaboration among academic institutions reflects the North-South divide, also highlighting a limited research collaboration between institutions in developed and developing countries. Based on the keyword co-occurrence network and topic modeling, TikTok research revolves mainly around five thematic areas, including public health, health communication and education, platform governance, body image, and its impact on children and students. Based on these findings, numerous suggestions for further research are offered. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first application of bibliometrics and topic modeling to assess the growth of TikTok research and reveal the intellectual base of this knowledge domain.
Explainable Enhanced Recurrent Neural Network for lie detection using voice stress analysis
Authors: Talaat Fatma M.
Published: September 2023

Lie detection is a crucial aspect of human interactions that affects everyone in their daily lives. Individuals often rely on various cues, such as verbal and nonverbal communication, particularly facial expressions, to determine if someone is truthful. While automated lie detection systems can assist in identifying these cues, current approaches are limited due to a lack of suitable datasets for testing their performance in real-world scenarios. Despite ongoing research efforts to develop effective and reliable lie detection methods, this remains a work in progress. The polygraph, voice stress analysis, and pupil dilation analysis are some of the methods currently used for this task. In this study, we propose a new detection algorithm based on an Enhanced Recurrent Neural Network (ERNN) with Explainable AI capabilities. The ERNN, based on long short-term memory (LSTM) architecture, was optimized using fuzzy logic to determine the hyperparameters. The LSTM model was then created and trained using a dataset of audio recordings from interviews with a randomly selected group. The proposed ERNN achieved an accuracy of 97.3%, which is statistically significant for the problem of voice stress analysis. These results suggest that it is possible to detect patterns in the voices of individuals experiencing stress in an explainable manner.
Mouth and oral disease classification using InceptionResNetV2 method
Authors: Rashid Javed , Qaisar Bilal Shabbir , Faheem Muhammad , Akram Arslan , Amin Riaz ul , Hamid Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Digital tools have greatly improved the detection and diagnosis of oral and dental disorders like cancer and gum disease. Lip or oral cavity cancer is more likely to develop in those with potentially malignant oral disorders. A potentially malignant disorder (PMD) and debilitating condition of the oral mucosa, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), can have devastating effects on one’s quality of life. Incorporating deep learning into diagnosing conditions affecting the mouth and oral cavity is challenging. Mouth and Oral Diseases Classification using InceptionResNetV2 Method was established in the current study to identify diseases such as gangivostomatitis (Gum), canker sores (CaS), cold sores (CoS), oral lichen planus (OLP), oral thrush (OT), mouth cancer (MC), and oral cancer (OC). The new collection, termed "Mouth and Oral Diseases" (MOD), comprises seven distinct categories of data. Compared to state-of-the-art approaches, the proposed InceptionResNetV2 model’s 99.51% accuracy is significantly higher.
Reirradiation versus systemic therapy versus combination therapy for recurrent high-grade glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survival and toxicity
Authors: Marwah Ravi , Xing Daniel , Squire Timothy , Soon Yu Yang , Gan Hui K. , Ng Sweet Ping
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This review compares reirradiation (reRT), systemic therapy and combination therapy (reRT & systemic therapy) with regards to overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), adverse effects (AEs) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (rHGG).

Methods

A search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Embase and CENTRAL. Studies reporting OS, PFS, AEs and/or QoL and encompassing the following groups were included; reirradiation vs systemic therapy, combination therapy vs systemic therapy, combination therapy vs reRT, and bevacizumab-based combination therapy vs reRT with/without non-bevacizumab-based systemic therapy. Meta-analyses were performed utilising a random effects model. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.

Results

Thirty-one studies (three randomised, twenty-eight non-randomised) comprising 2084 participants were included. In the combination therapy vs systemic therapy group, combination therapy improved PFS (HR 0.57 (95% CI 0.41–0.79); low certainty) and OS (HR 0.73 (95% CI 0.56–0.95); low certainty) and there was no difference in grade 3 + AEs (RR 1.03 (95% CI 0.57–1.86); very low certainty). In the combination therapy vs reRT group, combination therapy improved PFS (HR 0.52 (95% CI 0.38–0.72); low certainty) and OS (HR 0.69 (95% CI 0.52–0.93); low certainty). In the bevacizumab-based combination therapy vs reRT with/without non-bevacizumab-based systemic therapy group, adding bevacizumab improved PFS (HR 0.46 (95% CI 0.27–0.77); low certainty) and OS (HR 0.42 (95% CI 0.24–0.72; low certainty) and reduced radionecrosis (RR 0.17 (95% CI 0.06–0.48); low certainty).

Conclusions

Combination therapy may improve OS and PFS with acceptable toxicities in patients with rHGG compared to reRT or systemic therapy alone. Particularly, combining bevacizumab with reRT prophylactically reduces radionecrosis.

Registration: CRD42022291741.
Territorial vulnerability to natural hazards in Europe: a composite indicator analysis and relation to economic impacts
Authors: Navarro Daniel , Cantergiani Carolina , Abajo Beñat , Gomez de Salazar Izaskun , Feliu Efrén
Published: September 2023

This article presents an assessment of territorial vulnerability to natural hazards in Europe at the regional level (NUTS3). The novelty of the study lies in assessing vulnerability to natural hazards through a composite indicator analysis over a large extension (1395 territories in 32 different countries), and in analysing the relation between vulnerability and economic impacts of past disasters. For responding to the first goal, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed over 25 indicators, previously grouped into susceptibility and coping capacity, and subsequently combined to obtain the final vulnerability. The main result is the spatial distribution of vulnerability to natural hazards across Europe through a normalised and comparative approach, which indicates that 288 out of 1395 regions presented a high or a very high level of vulnerability. They are concentrated in Eastern and Southern Europe, and in the Baltic Region, and the sum of their population lives in territories with high or very high vulnerability level, representing 20% of the total sample, i.e. 116 out of 528 million inhabitants. Regarding the methodology for analysing the relation between vulnerability and economic impacts, a spatial regression model has been used to combine hazard, exposure and vulnerability. The outcomes indicate a high level of agreement between vulnerability and the distribution of past economic impacts, which confirm that the indicator-based approach is a good proxy for assessing vulnerability to natural hazards. Knowing the distribution of vulnerability is of high relevance for targeting disaster risk management and climate change adaptation actions to the highest priority regions.
Influence of small-scale spatial variability of soil properties on yield formation of winter wheat
Authors: Groß Jonas , Gentsch Norman , Boy Jens , Heuermann Diana , Schweneker Dörte , Feuerstein Ulf , Brunner Johannes , von Wirén Nicolaus , Guggenberger Georg , Bauer Bernhard
Published: September 2023

Background

With the increasing development of sophisticated precision farming techniques, high-resolution application maps are frequently discussed as a key factor in increasing yield potential. However, yield potential maps based on multiple soil properties measurements are rarely part of current farming practices. Furthermore, small-scale differences in soil properties have not been taken into account.

Methods

To investigate the impact of soil property changes at high resolution on yield, a field trial has been divided into a sampling grid of 42 plots. The soil properties in each plot were determined at three soil depths. Grain yield and yield formation of winter wheat were analyzed at two sites.

Results

Multiple regression analyses of soil properties with yield measures showed that the soil contents of organic carbon, silt, and clay in the top and subsoil explained 45–46% of the variability in grain yield. However, an increasing clay content in the topsoil correlated positively with grain yield and tiller density. In contrast, a higher clay content in the subsoil led to a decrease in grain yield. A cluster analysis of soil texture was deployed to evaluate whether the soil´s small-scale differences caused crucial differences in yield formation. Significant differences in soil organic carbon, yield, and yield formation were observed among clusters in each soil depth.

Conclusion

These results show that small-scale lateral and vertical differences in soil properties can strongly impact crop yields and should be considered to improve site-specific cropping techniques further.
MERCI: a simple method and decision-support tool to estimate availability of nitrogen from a wide range of cover crops to the next cash crop
Authors: Constantin Julie , Minette Sébastien , Vericel Gregory , Jordan-Meille Lionel , Justes Eric
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Cover crops can efficiently increase nitrogen (N) recycling in agroecosystems. By providing a green-manure effect for the next crop, they allow reduced mineral fertilisation. We developed a decision-support tool, called MERCI, to predict N available from cover crop residues over time, from a single measurement of fresh shoot biomass.

Methods

We coupled a large experimental database from France with a simulation experiment using the soil-crop model STICS. More than 25 000 measurements of 74 species of cover crops as a sole crop or bispecific mixtures were collected. Linear regression models, at the species, family or entire-database level depending on the data available, were built to predict dry biomass, N amount and C:N ratio. Dynamics of N mineralized and leaching from cover crop residues were predicted at 24 contrasting sites as a function of the biomass, carbon (C):N ratio and termination date.

Results

Correlations between fresh biomass, dry biomass and N amounts in experimental data were strong (r = 0.80-0.96), and predicted N amounts in fresh shoot biomass were relatively accurate. Percentages of N mineralized and leached simulated by STICS were explained mainly by the C:N ratio, site and number of months after termination, but to different degrees.

Conclusion

MERCI is an easy and robust decision-support tool for predicting N release in the field, and could thus be adopted by advisors and farmers to improve management of nutrient recycling in temperate arable cropping systems.
Increasing grain selenium concentration via genetic and agronomic innovations
Authors: Daud Mohammed Feizel Bin , Rempelos Leonidas , Cakmak Ismail , Leifert Carlo , Bilsborrow Paul
Published: September 2023

Aims

To evaluate the potential to enhance grain Selenium (Se) concentration in wheat through agronomic innovation practices and exploitation of existing genetic variation.

Methods

Grain samples from field experiments carried out as part of the EU projects Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE-CROPS), Healthy Minor Cereals (HMC) and Quality Low Input Food (QLIF) were analysed to identify the effects of wheat species/variety, fertiliser type and crop protection regime on grain yield, grain protein and selenium concentrations.

Results

Fertiliser type significantly affected grain Se concentration. In the NUE-CROPS and QLIF trials the use of farm-yard manure (FYM) resulted in significantly higher grain Se concentration when compared with mineral fertiliser applied at the same N input level. Similarly, in the HMC trial, FYM and cattle slurry resulted in a significantly higher grain Se concentration compared with biogas digestate and mineral fertiliser. In the QLIF trials, organic crop protection resulted in significantly higher grain Se concentration when compared with conventional crop protection. The NUE-CROPS and HMC trials detected significant differences between varieties of both common wheat (Triticum aestivum) and spelt (T. spelta). Correlation analyses across the trials identified a negative correlation between yield and grain Se concentration for spelt and positive correlation between plant height and Se concentration for both species.

Conclusions

Higher Se concentrations in the taller spelt varieties suggest that there is considerable potential to breed/select for high grain Se by exploiting traits/genetic variation present in older, traditional wheat species (e.g. spelt).
Sample Size Calculations for Stepped Wedge Designs with Treatment Effects that May Change with the Duration of Time under Intervention
Authors: Hughes James P. , Lee Wen-Yu , Troxel Andrea B. , Heagerty Patrick J.
Published: September 2023

The stepped wedge design is often used to evaluate interventions as they are rolled out across schools, health clinics, communities, or other clusters. Most models used in the design and analysis of stepped wedge trials assume that the intervention effect is immediate and constant over time following implementation of the intervention (the “exposure time”). This is known as the IT (immediate treatment effect) assumption. However, recent research has shown that using methods based on the IT assumption when the treatment effect varies over exposure time can give extremely misleading results. In this manuscript, we discuss the need to carefully specify an appropriate measure of the treatment effect when the IT assumption is violated and we show how a stepped wedge trial can be powered when it is anticipated that the treatment effect will vary as a function of the exposure time. Specifically, we describe how to power a trial when the exposure time indicator (ETI) model of Kenny et al. (Statistics in Medicine, 41, 4311–4339, 2022) is used and the estimand of interest is a weighted average of the time-varying treatment effects. We apply these methods to the ADDRESS-BP trial, a type 3 hybrid implementation study designed to address racial disparities in health care by evaluating a practice-based implementation strategy to reduce hypertension in African American communities.
Mapping the scientific and technological landscape: an analysis of Nobel Prize-producing institutions
Authors: Zhang Lingche , Zhang Qiuju
Published: September 2023

As a prestigious international accolade in science and technology, the Nobel Prize laureates gain significant attention from researchers. Scholars strive to distill patterns and insights from various aspects of this award. This article specifically examined the institutions generating Nobel Prize-winning work, discussed the distribution and mobility patterns of laureates among different types of institutions to roughly map the scientific and technological landscape. Our research findings indicate that universities are the primary generators of Nobel Prize-winning work, accounting for approximately 70% of the institutions, and demonstrate particular adeptness in “attracting” and “retaining” laureates in mobility analysis. The remaining 30% of institutions include governmental research institutions, enterprises, and non-profit organizations. Notably, North America and Europe lead the count with over 300 counts of prize-producing institutions each, establishing themselves as major centers for Nobel Prize production. However, over the past decade, there has been a slight decline in the aggregation effect of the distribution of these institutions.