bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Cohesion and Coupling: Integrating Control Flow in Software Modularization Process for Better Code Comprehensibility
Authors: Pourasghar Babak , Izadkhah Habib , Akhtari Maryam
Published: December 2024

As software systems evolve to meet the changing needs of users, understanding the source code becomes a critical step in the process. Clustering techniques, also known as modularization techniques, offer a solution to breaking down complex source code into smaller, more manageable parts. This facilitates improved analysis and understanding of the software’s structure. However, the effectiveness of clustering algorithms in code understanding heavily relies on the chosen criteria. While existing methods typically consider cohesion, coupling, and balance between clusters, we argue that these criteria alone may not fully satisfy one of the primary objectives of clustering, which is to enhance understanding. This is because spaghetti-like structures can be created even when these criteria are satisfied. To address this issue, we introduce two new criteria incorporating program control flow to regulate cluster dependencies. By controlling the uniformity of input and output directions, as well as the distribution of inputs and outputs, clustering algorithms can generate clusters that are more developer-friendly and easier to comprehend. We provide intuitive explanations and real-world projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, and also incorporate feedback from academics and expert programmers. This paper reveals that integrating these new criteria into existing clustering algorithms enables developers to gain deeper insights into the structure of software systems. This, in turn, leads to better design decisions and improved developer understanding of the source code.
Vulnerability Repair via Concolic Execution and Code Mutations
Authors: Shariffdeen Ridwan , Timperley Christopher S. , Noller Yannic , Le Goues Claire , Roychoudhury Abhik
Published: December 2024

Security vulnerabilities detected via techniques like greybox fuzzing are often fixed with a significant time lag. This increases the exposure of the software to vulnerabilities. Automated fixing of vulnerabilities where a tool can generate fix suggestions is thus of value. In this work, we present such a tool, called
CrashRepair
, to automatically generate fix suggestions using concolic execution, specification inference, and search techniques. Our approach avoids generating fix suggestions merely at the crash location because such fixes often disable the manifestation of the error instead of fixing the error. Instead, based on sanitizer-guided concolic execution, we infer desired constraints at specific program locations and then opportunistically search for code mutations that help respect those constraints. Our technique only requires a single detected vulnerability or exploit as input; it does not require any user-provided properties. Evaluation results on a wide variety of CVEs in the VulnLoc benchmark, show
CrashRepair
achieves greater efficacy than state-of-the-art vulnerability repair tools like Senx. The repairs suggested come in the form of a ranked set of patches at different locations, and we show that on most occasions, the desired fix is among the top-3 fixes reported by
CrashRepair
.
Electrochemistry of Pt and Pd Under Pulse Electrolysis Conditions
Authors: Kuriganova Alexandra , Leontyev Igor , Smirnova Nina
Published: December 2024

Platinum and palladium are the most suitable electrode materials for studying the kinetics and mechanism of various electrochemical processes. Consequently, their behavior in electrochemical systems has been the subject of extensive study. However, the effect of pulse alternating current (PAC) on Pt and Pd in aqueous electrolytes represents a relatively new area of research for electrochemical process technologies. It was demonstrated that employing PAC with a frequency of 50 Hz to platinum in NaOH electrolyte result in the formation of Pt particles (7.6 nm) containing a PtOx phase (0.25 ± 0.03 wt%). The dissolution of platinum in NaCl electrolyte resulted in the formation of only platinum chloride complexes. The palladium in the NaOH electrolyte was passivated when PAC was employing to Pd electrodes. In the NaCl electrolyte, the formation of Pd-PdO particles (42 ± 2 wt% of PdO) was observed. The crystallite size for Pd and PdO was 7.9 and 1.99 nm, respectively. The discrepancy in the chemical properties of two metals belonging to the transition metals of group VIII of the periodic system, which are characterized by the same space group (Fm3m), can be attributed to the combination of electronic and redox properties of Pt and Pd.
The Impact of the Trailer Microclimate on Some Physiological, Behavioral, and Meat pH of Fattening Pigs During Short‐Duration Journeys in Tropical Climate
Authors: Romero Marlyn H. , Ibañez-Jurado Daniel O. , Sanchez Jorge A.
Published: December 2024

Heat stress is a problem that negatively affects animal welfare, health, and the productive efficiency of pigs. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the trailer microclimate on some physiological, behavioral, and meat pH of fattening pigs during short‐duration journeys. Eight journeys (n = 216 pigs) of short duration (51.6 km and 1.5 h), originating from the same farm, were evaluated with a stocking density of 0.57 (±0.04) m2/100 kg (mean BW: 116.1 ± 7.52 kg). The thermal profile of the load (THI) was recorded in the four compartments of the truck. Upon arrival at the slaughterhouse, unloading was evaluated, and the percentage of nonambulatory pigs, mortality, and body temperature were recorded. Blood samples were obtained during exsanguination and the pH45 was measured. Overall, THI values recorded in all four compartments were below the threshold considered conducive to heat stress in pigs (23.9°C and THI ≤ 74). Serum concentrations of cortisol and the neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio were above concentrations considered normal for the species (p < 0.05) and no significant differences were observed in average meat pH45 values according to the truck compartment (p > 0.05). The planning of transport in the morning hours and the consideration of the thermal environment of the truck is essential to reduce heat stress, economic losses, and negative effects on meat quality.
Table S2 from Pan-Cancer Analysis of Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Cell Lines
Authors: Dodson Anne E. , Shenker Sol , Sullivan Pamela , Nayak Sumeet U. , Middleton Chris , McGuire Michael , Chipumuro Edmond , Mishina Yuji , Tobin Erica R. , Cadzow Louise , Wylie Andrew A. , Sangurdekar Dipen
Published: December 2024

CHORD predictions for cell lines.
Figure S8 from Pan-Cancer Analysis of Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Cell Lines
Authors: Dodson Anne E. , Shenker Sol , Sullivan Pamela , Nayak Sumeet U. , Middleton Chris , McGuire Michael , Chipumuro Edmond , Mishina Yuji , Tobin Erica R. , Cadzow Louise , Wylie Andrew A. , Sangurdekar Dipen
Published: December 2024

Additional analyses related to associations of HRD predictions with drug sensitivities
Figure S3 from Pan-Cancer Analysis of Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Cell Lines
Authors: Dodson Anne E. , Shenker Sol , Sullivan Pamela , Nayak Sumeet U. , Middleton Chris , McGuire Michael , Chipumuro Edmond , Mishina Yuji , Tobin Erica R. , Cadzow Louise , Wylie Andrew A. , Sangurdekar Dipen
Published: December 2024

CHORD predictions relative to BRCA1 expression state
Figure 3 from Pan-Cancer Analysis of Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Cell Lines
Authors: Dodson Anne E. , Shenker Sol , Sullivan Pamela , Nayak Sumeet U. , Middleton Chris , McGuire Michael , Chipumuro Edmond , Mishina Yuji , Tobin Erica R. , Cadzow Louise , Wylie Andrew A. , Sangurdekar Dipen
Published: December 2024

HRDsum scores in cell lines. A, HRDsum scores were calculated for three different datasets with different sources of SNP array/WES data and/or copy-number calls. B, Venn diagram showing the overlap in cell lines between the three different datasets. C, Scatter plots comparing HRDsum scores between pairs of datasets for cell lines that were in common. Pearson correlation coefficients (R) and P values are shown in gray. D, Occurrence of BRCA1/2 loss and CHORD-HRD predictions in relation to HRDsum scores. Top: Rolling frequency of BRCA1/2 deficiencies for every 20 cell lines, with cell lines ranked by HRDsum score. *The term “BRCA1/2 deficiency” includes both current deficiencies (biallelic loss of BRCA1/2 or likely epigenetic silencing of BRCA1) as well as historical deficiencies (BRCA1/2 reversions). A cutoff (orange line) was set at the fifth percentile of HRDsum scores for cell lines with BRCA1/2 deficiencies. Bottom: Colored bars indicate BRCA1/2 deficiency types, summary HRDsum scores, and BRCA1/2 subtype predictions for CHORD-HRD cell lines, in order from top to bottom.
Missense Mutant p53 Transactivates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Neighboring p53-Destabilized Cells through the COX-2/PGE2 Pathway
Authors: Nakayama Mizuho , Saito Hiroshi , Murakami Kazuhiro , Oshima Hiroko , Oshima Masanobu
Published: December 2024

Missense-type p53 mutations have shown to acquire novel oncogenic roles through a gain-of-function mechanism. However, there is intratumor heterogeneity in stabilization of mutant p53 protein, and it has not been well understood about the interaction between p53-stabilized and -destabilized cells in the same tumors. We established mouse intestinal tumor–derived organoids carrying ApcΔ716, KrasG12D, and Tgfbr2−/− mutations with Trp53R270H or Trp53Null mutation (AKTPR270H and AKTPNull, respectively). Using these organoids, we found that the activation level of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is significantly higher in AKTPR270H cells compared with AKTPNull cells. Notably, Wnt activation in the AKTPNull cells was significantly increased when co-cultured with AKTPR270H cells. Expression analysis revealed that COX-2 is significantly upregulated in AKTPR270H but not in AKTPNull cells, suggesting that mutant p53 induces the COX-2/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway. Importantly, Wnt activation in co-cultured AKTPNull cells with AKTPR270H was significantly suppressed when treated with the inhibitor of COX-2 or PGE2 receptors EP2/EP4. Furthermore, stimulation with PGE2 increased Wnt signaling activity in AKTPNull cells. These results indicate that the COX-2/PGE2 pathway is activated in the p53-stabilized cells in the missense-type p53-mutant cancer, and secreted PGE2 may transactivate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in neighboring p53-destabilized tumor cells in the intratumor microenvironment. Therefore, targeting stabilized mutant p53 or the COX-2/PGE2 pathway may suppress Wnt/β-catenin signaling of both mutant p53–stabilized and –destabilized cells; thus, this can be a possible preventive or therapeutic strategy.

Significance:

There is intratumor heterogeneity in the stabilization of missense mutant p53, and it has been thought that only cells with nuclear accumulation of mutant p53 have oncogenic function. However, using mouse intestinal tumor–derived organoids, we show that mutant p53–stabilized cells transactivate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in neighboring p53-destabilized cells through activating the COX-2/PGE2 pathway. These results suggest that both p53-stabilized cells and p53-destabilized cells contribute to malignant progression through interaction within the intratumor microenvironment.
The Complement System: An Important New Therapeutic Target in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Kalyanaraman Karshana J. , Thurman Joshua M.
Published: December 2024

Background: IgA nephropathy is the most common primary glomerular disease worldwide, and it is an important cause of end-stage kidney disease. Until recently, there were not any treatments of proven benefit, and care of patients with IgAN primarily involved supportive measures. Within the past few years, however, multiple new drugs have shown promise in clinical trials. Summary: Among the new drugs, several complement inhibitory drugs have demonstrated efficacy at reducing proteinuria, and there is a strong rationale for expecting that these agents will be effective at slowing progression of the disease. Furthermore, anticomplement drugs target a part of the immune system that is not directly blocked by other classes of immunosuppressive agents. One of the new drugs, iptacopan, is a selective inhibitor of the alternative pathway. Preliminary results from a phase 3 study of iptacopan in IgA nephropathy demonstrated that treatment is associated with a rapid reduction in proteinuria, and the drug recently received accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Additional drugs that have been tested in IgA nephropathy include agents that block the complement cascade at the levels of C3 and C5. Complement activation in the kidneys of IgA nephropathy patients generates biomarkers that can be detected in the blood, urine, and kidney biopsies. If multiple complement inhibitory drugs receive approval for IgA nephropathy, these biomarkers may be useful for selecting the most appropriate drug for an individual patient. Complement biomarkers may also be useful for monitoring a patient’s response to treatment. Key Messages: Several complement inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for IgAN. Iptacopan recently received accelerated approval for the indication and complement inhibitory drugs will likely become an integral part of the treatment for this disease in the near future. As these drugs become available in the clinic, it will be important to develop biomarkers that can guide clinicians to the best drug for an individual patient.
A loteria da Joelma
Authors: Maciel José Fabio Rodrigues
Published: December 2024

Trata-se de um conto urbano e contemporâneo que relata as dificuldades de uma migrante sonhadora que trabalha como caixa em um supermercado, mas sonha em ganhar na loteria ou tornar-se influencer, duas hipóteses que se confundem.
O verbo se fez classe: O trabalho e a exploração do homem em três poemas de Pedro Casaldáliga
Authors: Libardi Franciele Lucia , Polvani Rosely Sobral Gimenez , Oliveira Valdeci Batista de Melo
Published: December 2024

The present work aims to analyze and compare three poems contained in the book Versos adversos: Antologia (2006) by the bishop and activist Dom Pedro Casaldáliga, highlighting his focus on the marginalized and exploited, particularly concerning labor themes. It is a bibliographic research with a sociological approach, corroborated by the assumptions of Candido (2006), The Capital (Marx, 2023); Communist Manifesto (Engels; Marx, 2005), and How to Do Liberation Theology (Boff; Boff, 2001).
As passadas como moldura da prosa ficcional guineense
Authors: Valandro Letícia
Published: December 2024

Este ensaio analisa os recursos estilísticos e linguísticos que os autores guineenses lançam mão para criar a "ilusão de oralidade" (MATA, 2000, p. 7) reelaborada em suas narrativas escritas. As obras analisadas são: a trilogia Mistida (2002), de Abdulai Sila, assim como seu último romance, Memórias SOMânticas (2016); de Carlos-Edmilson Vieria, Contos de N'Nori (2000) e o romance Adormecer de um Sonho (2010) e Fogo Fácil (2006), de Marinho de Pina.
Inferring laminar origins of MEG signals with optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs): A simulation study
Authors: Helbling Saskia
Published: December 2024

We explore the potential of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) to non-invasively infer the laminar origins of neural activity. OPM sensors can be positioned closer to the scalp than conventional cryogenic magnetoencephalography (MEG) sensors, opening an avenue to higher spatial resolution when combined with high-precision source space modelling. By simulating the forward model projection of single dipole sources at deep and superficial cortical surfaces onto OPM sensor arrays with varying sensor densities and measurement axes, and employing sparse source reconstruction approaches, we find that laminar inference with OPM arrays is possible at relatively low sensor counts under moderate-to-high signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). We observe improvements in laminar inference with increasing spatial sampling densities and measurement axes and demonstrate the advantage of placing the sensors closer to the scalp for inferring the laminar origins of cortical sources. However, challenges remain, such as biases towards both the superficial and deep surfaces at very low SNRs and a notable bias towards the deep surface when combining empirical Bayesian beamformer (EBB) source reconstruction with a whole-brain analysis. Adequate SNR through appropriate trial numbers and shielding, as well as precise co-registration, is crucial for reliable laminar inference with OPMs.
Combination of resistant rootstock and non-fumigant nematicide for the management of Meloidogyne floridensis on tomato
Authors: Poudel Nabin , Nugraha Gema T. , Chowdhury Intiaz A. , Hajihassani Abolfazl
Published: December 2024

Meloidogyne floridensis is one of the emerging species of root-knot nematodes in vegetable production in the Southern USA. It can reproduce on commercial vegetable cultivars that have resistance to the common tropical root-knot nematode species (i.e., M. incognita, M. arenaria and M. javanica). The objective of this study was to evaluate the Solanum sisymbriifolium line Sis Syn II as rootstock, in combination with drench application of a non-fumigant nematicide, fluazaindolizine, for managing M. floridensis on tomato. This study was conducted in artificially infested microplots under field conditions at two different locations in Georgia, USA in 2021. Treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design with eight replications at one location and four replications at the other. The tomato cultivar ‘Roadster’ was used as the scion. Control treatments included non-grafted, and ‘Roadster’ grafted onto ‘Roadster’ rootstock (self-grafted). Our results showed that, in both experiments, Sis Syn II (reproduction factor: 0.07) significantly reduced the population of M. floridensis compared to the non-grafted (4.37) and self-grafted (6.86) controls. Similarly, the galling index was lower for Sis Syn II (0.61) compared to the non-grafted (4.13) and self-grafted (3.90) controls. Moreover, grafting onto Sis Syn II increased the average biomass and yield of the tomato in both experiments. However, fluazaindolizine drenching did not exhibit any effect on M. floridensis populations or the yield increment of tomato. Our study demonstrates that Sis Syn II is effective in management of M. floridensis. Grafting the desirable tomato cultivar onto this rootstock can significantly suppress M. floridensis population and increase crop yield.
Coup d’œil, Takt des Urteils and Verstand: The Cognitive Attributes of the Genius for War in Clausewitzian Thought
Authors: Rapin Ami-Jacques
Published: December 2024

As a cognitive component of the Verstand (intellect, mind or understanding), coup d’œil is regarded in Clausewitzian thought as more intuitive than tact of judgement. Although this concept is not unrelated to the tactical coup d’œil of 18th-century military writers, it differs in the breadth of the conceptual system into which Clausewitz integrates it. Within this system, the concept also differs from contemporary notions of “strategic intuition” or “battlefield coup d’œil”.
Linking Projected Changes in Seasonal Climate Predictability and ENSO Amplitude
Authors: Amaya Dillon J. , Maher Nicola , Deser Clara , Jacox Michael G. , Alexander Michael A. , Newman Matthew , Dias Juliana , Lou Jiale
Published: December 2024

Recent studies have shown that potential predictability and actual forecast skill have varied throughout the historical record, primarily due to natural decadal variability. In this study, we explore whether and how potential predictability is projected to change in the future as a distinct response to anthropogenic climate change. We estimate the potential predictability of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as well as global surface temperature, precipitation, and upper-atmospheric circulation anomalies from 1921 to 2100, within a perfect model framework, using five coupled model large ensembles. We find that historical and projected ENSO amplitude changes generate global-scale shifts in climate predictability via ENSO-driven changes in the signal-to-noise ratio of seasonal forecasts, with a 10% change in Niño-3.4 standard deviation leading to a 14% change in globally averaged forecast skill at 12-month lead. This relationship suggests that potential predictability changes across much of the globe in the coming decades could be linked to anthropogenic climate change of ENSO. However, since current models substantially disagree on the sign and intensity of projected ENSO change, the trajectory of future global predictability changes cannot yet be determined. This problem is demonstrated by widely varying predictability changes seen across the five large ensembles, with models exhibiting a robust increase, robust decrease, or no significant change in predictability, depending upon their respective projected ENSO amplitude trends. Our results highlight the need for climate model development aimed at better capturing past forced and unforced changes to ENSO variability, which is necessary (if not sufficient) to constrain projected changes to climate predictability worldwide.
Evaluating and Improving Snow in the National Water Model, Using Observations from the New York State Mesonet
Authors: Minder Justin R. , Letcher Theodore W. , RafieeiNasab Arezoo , Naple Patrick W. , Liotta Sierra , Enzminger Tom , Wang Junhong
Published: December 2024

This study leverages observations from the New York State Mesonet to evaluate and improve the representation of snow within the National Water Model (NWM) and its associated land surface model (Noah-MP). To do so, we run and analyze distributed NWM simulations, forced by gridded meteorological analyses, and Noah-MP point simulations, forced by New York State Mesonet (NYSM) observations. Distributed NWM runs, with a baseline configuration, show substantial SWE biases caused by biases in the meteorological forcing used, imperfect representation of snow processes, and mismatches between the land cover in the model and at NYSM station locations. Noah-MP point simulations, using the baseline configuration, reveal a systematic positive bias in SWE accumulation. Sensitivity experiments show that this bias can be mitigated by using an alternative precipitation phase partitioning method. Noah-MP point simulations, with improved precipitation phase partitioning, reveal a systematic negative bias in SWE ablation rates. Sensitivity experiments highlight uncertain parameters within Noah-MP that strongly affect ablation rates and show particularly large sensitivity to the snow albedo decay time-scale (TAU0) parameter, which modulates snow albedo decay rates. Reducing TAU0 improves ablation rates by reducing biases in surface albedo. Distributed NWM experiments, with precipitation phase partitioning and TAU0 adjusted based on Noah-MP point simulation results, show qualitatively similar sensitivities. However, the distributed experiments do not show clear improvements when compared to SWE and streamflow observations. This is likely due to some combination of the abovementioned sources of bias in the baseline-distributed run and (for streamflow) biases in other parameterized processes unrelated to snow in the NWM.

Significance Statement

Simulating snow on the ground is important for forecasting streamflow. This study compares snow simulations from a streamflow forecast model to observations from an advanced weather station network. Errors in simulated snow are caused by errors in the weather inputs to the model and errors in how the model represents complex physical processes. Some of these errors can be reduced by changing how the model classifies rain versus snow and how the model determines how much sunlight snow reflects. However, using these results to improve the forecast model is tricky, due to errors in the weather data inputs, errors in the representation of other complex processes, and differences between vegetation assumed in the model and that at the weather station locations.
Biological Age Affecting Attrition and Tooth Loss in a Follow-up Study
Authors: Meisel P. , Pink C. , Dörr M. , Nauck M. , Völzke H. , Kocher T.
Published: December 2024

In population-based longitudinal studies, bias caused by nonresponse among eligible participants and attrition during follow-up thwarts conclusions. As this issue is not commonly addressed in dental studies, it is the aim of this study to examine the consequences of attrition with respect to tooth loss and mortality in a 10-y follow-up study. From the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-0), a biological age (BA) score was constructed from 10 systemic biomarkers and related to one’s actual chronological age (CA). The 3,417 dentate participants were stratified according to their BA-CA scores into tertiles: individuals with younger BA than their CA, those with concurrent BA and CA, and those with older BA than their CA. Baseline characteristics and propensity of leaving or remaining in the study were compared across these tertiles. We compared the characteristics within BA strata in the remainers of SHIP-2 (10-y follow-up) and their impact on tooth loss. Besides dropout by those who died, the attrition propensity of baseline study participants was dose dependent as related to BA-CA scores and socioeconomic factors. BA younger participants were underrepresented in dropouts but overrepresented in remaining follow-up participants. BA younger participants had a more favorable risk profile, better oral health, and a lower mortality rate than BA older participants. For the BA older participants, the opposite was observed. Remainers attaining the follow-up SHIP-2 were healthier and more health conscious. After 10 y, their tooth retention was still directed by BA constructed at baseline. The results support the assumption that individual risk profiles aggregated in BA constitute characteristic susceptibility patterns affecting perseverance or attrition in long-term follow-up studies. Attrition, which is common to follow-up studies, changes the study composition of participants depending on their BA and hence the transferability of results to the baseline population. The baseline BA gradient persists even after a long time.
Sex Differences in Self-Perception of Academic Ability in Autistic Youth
Authors: Babb Ellen , Vandervoort Laura , Derby Brianne , de la Roche Laura , Kelley Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Autistic youth demonstrate an overestimation of competencies when compared with neurotypical (NT) peers. Research has also shown NT males/boys tend to overestimate their competencies more than NT females/girls. This study assessed sex differences in autistic youth’s overestimations on academic self-perception variables. Notably, 127 (70 male) autistic youth aged 9–18 years completed two academic tasks (one verbal and one mathematics) and estimated their performance pre- and post-task. Males overestimated their competencies to a higher degree than females on pre- and post-verbal task measures but not on mathematics measures. The results support the previous findings on sex differences in autistic self-perception patterns. Implications for special education are discussed.
Hometown Relations in WeChat Practice among Internal Migrants: Rethinking Social Capital Logic in Modernised China
Authors: Xiong Yutian , Zhu Yimei
Published: December 2024

This study explores how Chinese internal migrants utilise WeChat to sustain their hometown-based networks by rethinking the western concepts around social capital in the digitally driven modern Chinese society characterised by normalised population mobility. We highlight that WeChat is a highly converged digital tool that is embedded in Chinese people’s everyday life and acts effectively as the central hub of individuals’ overall social networks. This infrastructuralisation of WeChat allows migrants to leverage bonding, bridging and linking social capital from their multidimensionally overlapped hometown-based personal ties, both close and weak, along with institutional ties within a single platform. We redefine bridging social capital as migrants are able to access valuable information and perspectives beyond weak ties. We argue that Chinese socio-cultural norms influence individuals’ digital capital, aiding in network maintenance and the exchange for social, economic and cultural capital. This study further identifies the divides in the capital acquisition and exchange processes.
Model predictive control parameter optimization method for autonomous vehicles
Authors: Chang Tiangen , Tian Guofu , Zhang Sen , Zhang Jiaxin
Published: December 2024

Aiming at the problem of insufficient tracking accuracy and long computational time of model predictive control algorithm in trajectory tracking of autonomous vehicles, a model predictive control parameter optimization method based on a nondominated sorting whale optimization algorithm was proposed. In this method, the parameter optimization problem of the model predictive control algorithm was transformed into a multiobjective optimization problem, with the predictive horizon, control horizon, and sample time as optimized objectives and the sum of squared lateral trajectory errors and computational time as optimized variables. The multiobjective optimization problem was solved using the nondominated sort whale optimization algorithm, and then the Pareto optimal solution set was obtained. The best solution was determined using the expert scoring method, continuous order weighted average operator method, game theory combination weighting method, and technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution method. Finally, the phase plane method is used to analyze the vehicle handling stability. The experimental results show that compared with the initial method, the lateral trajectory errors of the proposed method are reduced by 66.09% on average, and the computational time is reduced by 54.68% on average. Therefore, the proposed method is considered to be an effective method for parameter optimization of model predictive control.
Do Editorial Members of Otorhinolaryngology Journals Publish Their Own Work? An Analysis of Editorial Self-Publication Practices in Otorhinolaryngology Journals
Authors: Bayram Ali , Kantekin Yunus , Erdağ Taner Kemal
Published: December 2024

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and other characteristics of editorial self-publication in general otorhinolaryngology journals. Methods: Among the otorhinolaryngology journals indexed in SCI-E in 2023, 12 met the inclusion criteria for the study. The editorial members of the journals were identified from the front matter of all issues published in 2023 and classified according to their editorial role. Original articles, review articles, and case reports were extracted from each journal’s archives and the prevalence and other characteristics of articles published by editorial members were investigated independently by 2 authors. Results: A total of 795 editorial members were identified across 12 journals and 185 (23.3%) had at least 1 instance of editor-as-author (EAA), ranging from 11.3% to 41.5%, depending on the journal. Editorial members were listed as an EAA in 290 of the 2106 articles (13.8%), with a range of 5.7% to 54.5%. Original articles were the most common type of editorial self-publication, accounting for 71.7%, followed by review articles (17.6%) and case reports (10.7%). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate editorial self-publishing practice in otorhinolaryngology journals and to demonstrate that the prevalence of being an EAA varies widely among otorhinolaryngology journals.
Will You Trust Me? Evidence from the Trust Game Between Groups of Friends and Strangers
Authors: Sylwestrzak Marta
Published: December 2024

We report the experimental results from a trust game that was played between friends and strangers. We invited subjects to the laboratory in groups of four friends, who were then assigned across different groups. Some groups of friends stayed together; others were mixed with strangers within their own group or in the opponent group; and some were in pairs of groups where everyone was a stranger to each other. Our results confirm the finding from the previous studies that a pair of friends is more willing to reciprocate a transfer from their friends than from a pair of strangers. We also show that trust and trustworthiness are undermined if the decision is made by a mixed group when compared to a group of friends who only have one friend in the other group. In general, our results suggest that the existence of between-group social ties is insufficient to build trust and trustworthiness. By revealing to a player that their co-player has a friend in the opponent, their group significantly increases trust but not trustworthiness.

JEL Codes: C92, D90
Reliability and validity of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia in patients with traumatic hand–forearm injuries
Authors: Eraslan Umut , Kitis Ali , Usta Ozdemir Hande , Senol Hande , Demirkan Ahmet Fahir , Ozcan Ramazan Hakan , Ozgur Emral
Published: December 2024

Objective

Fear of movement in patients with traumatic hand–arm injuries can negatively affect functional outcomes. Therefore, it is important to evaluate fear of movement in this patient population. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia in patients with traumatic hand–forearm injuries.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Hand rehabilitation unit in a university hospital.

Participants

The study included 170 patients with traumatic hand–arm injuries and a mean age of 37.57 (11.85) years.

Main measures

Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and pain severity rating (via Visual Analog Scale) were completed by interview in the first session. In addition, Modified Hand Injury Scoring System was used to determine severity of the injury. Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia was re-administered 15 days after the first session. Test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were evaluated. In addition, exploratory factor analysis was completed using baseline data.

Results

Cronbach's alpha for the scale was 0.604, and test–retest reliability was acceptable (ICC = 0.646). Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia had a significant relationship with Beck Anxiety Inventory ( r = 0.269, p < 0.001), Pain Catastrophizing Scale ( r = 0.457, p < 0.001) and pain severity at rest ( r = 0.168, p = 0.029). Factor analysis estimated the scale represented five subsections in this population.

Conclusions

Psychometric properties of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were acceptable in patients with hand–forearm injuries. However, since our results were weaker than those in the literature, this should be considered when interpreting the results.
Necrotizing fasciitis that led to unexpected and fulminant deterioration in less than 24 hours: a case report
Authors: Becker Deborah K. , Röder Meike , Wagenhäuser Johannes , Eichberger Sebastian , Herten Monika , Dudda Marcel
Published: December 2024

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing condition with a high mortality rate. The poor prognosis is often due to delayed diagnosis, which is typically made clinically or radiologically. This case report highlights a rare instance of fulminant NF with an atypical presentation—no initial clinical signs and an unusual radiological appearance. Both the localization and microbiological findings (non-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae) were uncommon for NF. The patient presented with no suspicious skin changes, pain, or medical history indicative of NF. A computed tomography scan revealed entrapped air, a pathognomonic sign of NF; however, the air was predominantly located in the abdomen, leading to an initial suspicion of hollow organ perforation because this is an unusual location for NF. Subsequently, NF was suspected based on the computed tomography findings combined with laboratory results. Despite prompt surgical intervention and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, the patient died of multi-organ failure within 16 hours. This case underscores the importance of recognizing the subtle and varied presentations of NF and using tools such as the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score. Healthcare providers must maintain a high index of suspicion for NF, even when clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings seem inconspicuous.
Effect of process parameters on the static recrystallisation and precipitation behaviours of V–Ti–N microalloyed steel
Authors: Zhao Baochun , Zhao Tan , Hao Weijie , Li Junbo
Published: December 2024

Hot rolling process often consisting of several successive deformation stages, static recrystallisation and precipitation may occur in microalloyed steels during the inter-pass periods between two stages, which have a great impact on the mechanical properties of the final products. To obtain the products with high performances, the process parameters must be controlled. In this study, static recrystallisation and precipitation in a vanadium titanium microalloyed steel was investigated by double compression method. Especially, the effect of process parameters, such as, temperature, pass time interval, strain and strain rate on the static recrystallisation and precipitation behaviours was discussed in details. The results showed that the static recrystallisation and precipitation behaviours of the tested steel could be affected by the process parameters significantly. At a higher temperature of 950 °C or 900 °C, static recrystallisation fraction increased with increasing time interval, while plateaus could be observed on softening curves due to the vanadium titanium carbonitride precipitated in the tested steel at a lower temperature of 850 °C or 800 °C. In addition, an increase in strain rate or an increase in strain could promote static recrystallisation. Especially, plateaus could not be observed on the softening curves obtained from the tested steel deformed at the strain rate of 1 s−1 and at the temperature of 850 °C or 800 °C. The prohibition on static recrystallisation was not recognisable as a larger strain of 35% was applied at 850 °C but it could still be observed at 800 °C.
The impact of lifestyle on environmental factors: An empirical analysis of French citizens’ behaviour towards environment
Authors: Mbongui-Kialo Sylvain , Ekouala Makala Ulrich
Published: December 2024

Several studies have been developed to show the importance of household carbon emissions and further investigate their sources and driving factors. These studies have paid attention to the impact of household behaviour with regard to energy use and introduced the concept of lifestyle into the study of personal carbon emissions including income, household size, and household structure. Despite the abundance of studies in the literature, it is quite surprising to note the scarcity of studies in France that address the impact of lifestyle on the environment and climate change. We use a nationwide dataset that provides a high-quality nationwide comprehensive survey of French lifestyle and their behaviour towards the environment. The results of this paper highlight the important and significant impact of the lifestyle of French citizens on transport, energy use, consumption, food waste, and clothing. Moreover, they allow assessing the impact of lifestyle on environmental factors in order to manage the harmful effect of climate change on French citizens. Therefore, this study provides decision-makers with extensive valuable information for promoting environmentally sustainable lifestyles and consumption.
Impulsivity and Cognitive Functioning in Inpatients with Concurrent Disorders: A Comparative Study with Healthy Controls and Evaluation of Treatment-Related Changes: Impulsivité et fonctionnement cognitif chez les patients hospitalisés présentant des troubles concomitants : étude comparative avec des témoins sains et évaluation des changements liés au traitement
Authors: Todesco Stefanie , Chao Thomas , Gorsuch Liam , Schütz Christian
Published: December 2024

Impairments in impulse control and related neurocognitive functioning have been well documented in both substance use and mental disorder populations. While high impulsivity and other executive dysfunction have been linked to negative treatment outcomes in these populations, no study to date has examined their clinical relevance among individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (or concurrent disorders [CD]).

Objective

This study investigated impulsivity and working memory among CD inpatients across treatment and compared to controls.

Methods

Patients ( N = 56, Mage = 38.2, SD = 11.7, 17F) and healthy controls ( N = 50, Mage = 31.9, SD = 10.0, 25F) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires and behavioural tasks assessing working memory and impulsivity (response inhibition, delay discounting, reflection, decision-making). Patients were assessed within 2 weeks of admission (baseline) and at 6 months (follow-up). Controls completed a single session at baseline. Patient demographics, diagnostic status, and treatment outcome (discharge with or without medical advice) were retrieved from medical records.

Results

Group differences in demographics were probed for inclusion as covariates. At baseline, patients had greater self-reported impulsivity on the UPPS-P (negative and positive urgency) and BIS (motor and non-planning), and greater delay discounting than controls. Among patients, there was no association between treatment adherence and working memory, self-report, or behavioural impulsivity, and no change in behavioural impulsivity was observed from baseline to follow-up.

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess impulsivity and working memory in the context of CD treatment. Patients exhibited greater impulsivity on choice-based and various self-report measures. The absence of treatment-related changes in impulsivity and working memory outcomes suggests that conventional treatments may be neglecting to target potentially key areas of functioning. Further research is needed to examine how treatment affects impulsivity and related functions in individuals with CD, and their impact on clinical outcomes.
Multiple Generative AI Pedagogical Agents in Augmented Reality Environments: A Study on Implementing the 5E Model in Science Education
Authors: Wei Xiaodong , Wang Lei , Lee Lap-Kei , Liu Ruixue
Published: December 2024

Notwithstanding the growing advantages of incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) in science education, the pedagogical use of AR combined with Pedagogical Agents (PAs) remains underexplored. Additionally, few studies have examined the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) into science education to create GAI-enhanced PAs (GPAs) that enrich the learning experiences. To address these gaps, this study designed and implemented a GPA-enhanced 5E model within AR environments to scaffold students’ science learning. A mixed-methods design was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed approach on students’ academic achievement, cognitive load, and their perceptions of GPAs as learning aids through using the 5E model. Sixty sixth-grade students from two complete classes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group engaged in AR science learning with a GPA-enhanced 5E approach or a control group that followed the traditional 5E method. The findings revealed that the GPA-enhanced 5E approach in AR environments significantly improved students’ academic achievement and decreased cognitive load. Furthermore, students in the experimental group reported positive perceptions of the GPA-enhanced 5E method during the AR science lessons. The findings offer valuable insights for instructional designers and educators who leverage advanced educational technologies to support science learning aligned with constructivist principles.
Canadian Association of Radiologists Pediatric Imaging Referral Guideline
Authors: Hamel Candyce , Avard Barb , Chow Roxanne , Davies Dafydd , Dixon Andrew , Eamer Gilgamesh , Garel Juliette , Grimbly Chelsey , Jamieson Lucy , Kovesi Tom , MacLean Jonathan , Mehta Vivek , Metcalfe Peter , Michaud Alan , Miller Elka , O’Brien Kathy , Otley Anthony , Pohl Daniela , Stein Nina , Abdeen Nishard
Published: December 2024

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Pediatric Expert Panel is made up of pediatric physicians from the disciplines of radiology, emergency medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, general surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, respirology, orthopaedic surgery, otolaryngology, urology, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. After developing a list of 50 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, a rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of these clinical/diagnostic scenarios. Recommendations from 32 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop 133 recommendation statements across the 50 scenarios. This guideline presents the methods of development and the referral recommendations for head, neck, spine, hip, chest, abdomen, genitourinary, and non-accidental trauma clinical scenarios.
Sexual Assault-Related Interactions and Social Reactions in the Initial Months Following Assault: A Daily Diary Study
Authors: Reeves Jonathan W. , Mohr Jenna , Dworkin Emily R.
Published: December 2024

Most sexual assault survivors disclose to informal supporters and receive both negative and positive social reactions. Converging evidence suggests that the first months after sexual assault are a period of increased support-seeking that may be uniquely important to survivors’ recovery, especially among survivors at risk of chronic post-traumatic stress and alcohol misuse. However, no research has examined when and how often survivors talk about their assault and what social reactions they receive during this time. As such, the goal of this study was to characterize the day-to-day assault-related interactions and social reactions received by a high-risk group of survivors during the first months following sexual assault. Adult female survivors of past-10-week sexual assault with elevated assault-related post-traumatic stress and alcohol use ( N = 41) completed a baseline assessment and daily diaries over 21 days as part of a larger mHealth clinical trial. Results demonstrated that assault-related interactions occurred on an average of 24.4% of days (range: 1–14 days), were more likely to occur earlier in the daily dairy period, and decreased in frequency over time. Across days, most survivors (75%) received both positive and negative reactions in these interactions, whereas fewer (20%) received only positive reactions and no one received only negative reactions. These findings suggest that survivors commonly have assault-related interactions with their supporters in the initial aftermath of the assault and that receiving both positive and negative social reactions is typical. Findings could inform future early interventions aiming to improve supporter reactions and better support survivors’ recovery.