bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A brit birodalmi politika a közel-keleten 1902–1925
Authors: Székely Anna
Published: February 2025

Ibn Szaúd a kuvaiti száműzetésből 1902-től 1925-ig egyesítette az arábiai régiót. Először Rijádot foglalta el, majd Nedzsdet, aztán Hászát, az I. világháború után Dzsebel-Sammart szerezte vissza a Rasídoktól. Ekkor öltötte fel a szultán címet, végül 1925-ben elűzte Huszein ibn Ali mekkai sarífot. 1925-ben egyesíti a területeket, amelyet 1932 sikerült stabilizálnia, ekkor kiáltja ki a Szaúd-Arábiai királyságot. Ám ezt az egyesítési folyamatot brit fegyverek, brit támogatás és szubvenció nélkül nem tudta volna végrehajtani. Amikor Franciaország és Nagy-Britannia a mandátumrendszer keretében felosztotta az Oszmán Birodalom arab lakta területeit, Arábia az utóbbi befolyási övezetébe került, azonban a régió nem rendelkezett természeti erőforrásokkal, sem különösebb gazdasági és stratégiai előnnyel, ezért nem illesztették bele a mandátumrendszerbe. Meghagyták függetlenségét, viszont két fontos tényező miatt mégsem hagyhatták teljesen magára a félszigetet. Egyrészt a formálódó Irak és Transzjordánia belső stabilitásának megteremtése és déli határainak biztonsága érdekében fontos volt London számára, hogy Arábia ne süllyedjen belháborúba vagy anarchiába. Másrészt India belső nyugalmának megőrzése érdekében Angliának szavatolnia kellett a muszlim zarándokok zavartalan eljutását Mekkába és Medinába, amihez békére volt szükség a régióban. Nagy-Britannia a térségbeli érdekeinek és pozíciójának megerősítése érdekében stabil Közel-Keletet akart, amelynek szerves részét képezte Belső-Arábia is. Főleg, hogy régi riválisával, Franciaországgal a Nagy Háború után ismét kiújult a verseny a térség feletti uralomért. Mivel az 1920-as években Londonnak nem sikerült a két prominens vezetőnek, Huszeinnek és Ibn Szaúdnak a félsziget feletti uralomra vonatkozó igényeit összeegyeztetnie, így választania kellett kettőjük között. Huszein király háború utáni önsorsrontó britellenes politikája megerősítette Londont abban, hogy feláldozza az 1916-os arab felkeléssel létrehozott trónját Ibn Szaúd javára. Utóbbi brit jóváhagyással 1925-ben vette át a hatalmat Hidzsázban, végleg kiszorítva ezzel a Hásimita családot Arábiából, ami lehetőséget teremtett számára a harmadik szaúdi királyság megalapítására.
Non-contact intelligent detection technology for railway arch bridge performance degradation based on UAV Image recognition
Authors: Wang Shifu , Yang Shaopeng , Wang Qi , Luo Lingfeng , Wang Feng
Published: February 2025

Bridges are crucial components of high-speed railway projects, and their structural integrity significantly impacts the operational safety of high-speed railways. This paper introduces a non-contact intelligent detection technology for assessing the deterioration of high-speed railway bridges using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image recognition. The methodology involves collecting image data using a UAV and digital camera and processing them technically to generate consistent point-cloud data. Subsequently, these data are integrated into a unified point-cloud model through point-cloud alignment. Finally, a refined three-dimensional (3D) model of a high-speed railway bridge was developed by fusing heterogeneous data through live 3D reconstruction. The method has the advantages of high detection speed and fewer personnel requirements; this technology can be used for daily monitoring of the technical basis and can arrange a small number of personnel to complete the daily inspection. The empirical results demonstrate that this inspection method is not constrained by skylight points and provides a real-time and highly efficient reflection of the conditions of the bridge. The recognition accuracy and image acquisition range satisfy the inspection requirements for the operation and maintenance of high-speed railway bridges.
Influence of climate changes on railway superstructure
Authors: Vranešić Katarina , Haladin Ivo , Burnać Krešimir
Published: February 2025

Weather conditions significantly impact transportation systems, particularly in terms of safety, mobility, accessibility, economic efficiency, and infrastructure resilience. Currently, approximately 27 % of the world’s road and rail infrastructure is exposed to at least one type of damaging weather condition. The extent to which rail infrastructure is affected by climate change largely depends on its geographic location. Climate change poses a serious risk to rail transport, with the potential to disrupt operations or bring them to a complete standstill. This paper examines the effects of extreme weather conditions, including high and low temperatures, strong wind gusts, snow and ice, as well as flooding, on the superstructure of ballasted tracks. It also highlights measures that can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on railway infrastructure. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of regular track inspections, the adoption of advanced railway monitoring methods, and thorough track condition assessments following extreme weather events.
A turisztikai kereslet és az országmárkaérték összefüggéseinek vizsgálata – A látogatások hatásának statisztikai elemzése
Authors: Kálmán Botond Géza , Grotte Judit , Zugor Zsuzsanna , Malatyinszki Szilárd
Published: February 2025

Jelen tanulmány a turisztikai adatoknak az ország márkaértékével való kapcsolatát és arra gyakorolt hatását vizsgálja nyilvános adatbázisok felhasználásával, statisztikai módszerek alkalmazásával. Az országbrand egy országról a külföldiek szemében alkotott képpel kapcsolatos fogalom. Jelzi az ország értékét, azaz külföldi elfogadottságát, megbecsültségét. Ez az érték tükröződik az országba érkező turisták számának alakulásában is. Az érkezők száma azonban nem része a széles körben használatos brandindexeknek, ezek inkább az ország idegenforgalmi percepcióját vizsgálják. Számos tanulmány azonban igazolta, hogy a brand értékének növekedése növeli a külföldi látogatók számát is. Jóval kevesebben vizsgálták azt a kérdést, hogy az országba látogatók száma közvetlen befolyással van-e a brand értékére. A tanulmány eredményei igazolják a brand és az érkezők száma közötti szignifikáns korrelációt, továbbá az oksági kapcsolatot a két mutató között. Az oksági kapcsolat azonban tartalmaz némi bizonytalanságot, amelynek kezelését a jövőbeli kutatások fogják megoldani. A szerzők célja a jelenlegi tanulmánnyal egyfajta próbakutatás volt, tehát a kérdés megválaszolhatóságának felmérése.
Vývojové tendence právní úpravy pracovních podmínek
Authors: Novotná Eva
Published: February 2025

In the beginning of the paper the author defines the concept of “working conditions”, which in its narrowest sense means working hours, time for rest, the safety and protection of health at work, in a slightly wider sense it also includes wages and salaries, and in the broadest sense it covers all the terms regulated by labour law, i.e. the results of both the legislative process and contracts between employees and employers. Special attention in this area is devoted to the increased protection of certain categories of the labour farce (women, mothers, juveniles, disabled people). The general trend, drawn from the 19th century, is described in the paper as a gradual improvement of working conditions of employees. The author points out that the improvement is in the best interest of not only the employees, but also of the employers. This trend contributes to increased performance due to the positive effect of improved working conditions on both the physical capacity of people and their mentality, and their relationship to work and the work place. As far as developmental trends in the Czech Republic in this area are concerned, the author assumes that they feature the efforts to approximate Czech Labour Law to that of the European Union. She mentions the ways in which European rules regulate different aspects of working conditions (working hours, time for rest during the day, week and year, night shifts, employees’ health care, etc.) and she concludes that in many cases, in fact in the majority of cases, the European regulation is more generous towards employees and their rights, when compared to Czech legal rules. Naturally, the main direction of ideas follows the de lege ferenda – namely focusing on legal regulation that will be more in conformance with European law.
Genotoxicity of the Musi River (Hyderabad, India) Investigated with the VITOTOX® Test
Authors: Vijayashree B. , Ahuja Y. R. , Regniers L. , Rao V. , Verschaeve Luc
Published: February 2025

The bacterial VITOTOX® genotoxicity test was used to screen water samples collected from three different stations along the banks of the river Musi, in Hyderabad, India. Water was collected at three stations that differed from each other in the nature of the surrounding industrial and other activities. A number of different pollutants were also measured in water, soil and air samples. The three stations were found highly polluted and different with regard to the genotoxicity and toxicity of their samples. These results demonstrate the need for further biological studies in this area to generate valuable data on genomic instability, risk assessment of cancer, and to provide avenues for risk management.
Presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in the Artery Wall – Biomarker of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kirbiš J. , Keše D. , Petrovič Daniel
Published: February 2025

Many authors have shown an association between Chlamydia pneumoniae (CPn) infection and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, whether CPn infection demonstrated by CPn DNA presence in the artery wall plays an important role in pathogenesis of CAD and acute coronary events (i.e. unstable angina) remains to be elucidated. One hundred and fifteen consecutive patients with CAD (51 with unstable angina and 64 with stable angina) were compared with 52 control subjects with aortic valve disease without angiographic evidence of CAD. The presence of CPn DNA in the aortic wall was assessed with nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the IgM, IgG and IgA antiCPn titres were assessed with microimmunofluorescence test. CPn DNA presence in the artery (i.e. aortic) wall was associated with 3.7-fold increased risk of CAD (95% CI 1.2-11.3, P < 0.01); however, no statistically significant difference in CPn DNA presence was demonstrated between unstable and stable angina (17.6% vs. 25%). In the CPn DNA positive group more often than in the CPn DNA negative group, serological signs of chronic infection (55.2% vs. 27%, P = 0.004) were demonstrated, whereas no statistically significant differences were demonstrated in prevalence of either acute infection (9.3% vs. 0%) or reinfection (0% vs. 0%). In conclusion, CPn DNA presence in the artery (i.e. aortic) wall was associated with CAD, therefore may be used as a biomarker for CAD. Moreover, no statistically significant differences in CPn DNA presence in the artery wall and in serology were present between unstable and stable angina; therefore, CPn infection does not seem implicated in triggering an acute coronary event.
Market analysis on insecticide usage patterns for vegetable crops in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Lakshmi V R , Uma K , Selvanayaki S , Nirmala devi M , Gangai selvi R
Published: February 2025

This study examines insecticide usage patterns among vegetable farmers in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, reflecting the growing importance of insecticides in safeguarding crop health amidst increasing pest pressures. The global insecticide market is expanding rapidly, with India being the fourth-largest producer of agrochemicals and a significant exporter. Insecticides are essential for controlling pests such as thrips, whiteflies and various caterpillars, which can cause substantial yield losses. Using a stratified simple random sampling method, data were collected from 300 farmers across 25 villages in Hosur tehsil between May 2024 and June 2024. The research assessed socio-economic profiles, insecticide usage patterns and the sources of information for purchase decisions. Findings reveal that local agricultural dealers are the primary source of information, with a notable preference among farmers for brands such as BASF and IIL. Most farmers reported using insecticides primarily during the Kharif season, suggesting seasonal dependency. The study also highlights a tendency among farmers to favour specific brands over extended periods, reflecting brand loyalty and trust in local suppliers. Overall, the results provide valuable insights into the practices and challenges faced by vegetable farmers, which can help inform agricultural policies and marketing strategies for insecticide producers in the region.
Spatial yield estimation in rice using spectral indices derived from satellite datasets and DSSAT crop simulation model
Authors: Manikandan Singaram , Pazhanivelan Sellaperumal , Ragunath Kaliaperumal , Kumaraperumal Ramalingam , Sivamurugan A P , Raju Marimuthu
Published: February 2025

An inter-comparison of 2 rice yield estimation procedures namely, the Semi-Physical model and the Crop Simulation model, Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), was conducted for the Samba Season (August 2023 to January 2024). This study focused on the Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu. The Semi-Physical model utilized satellite-derived remote sensing data, including Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR), Water stress, Temperature stress and crop physiological parameters such as Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) and Harvest Index (HI), to estimate crop yield. The DSSAT crop simulation model estimated rice yield using inputs such as soil properties, weather data, genetic coefficients and crop management practices. The simulated yield was further integrated with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to generate spatial yield maps. The generated yields were validated with Crop Cutting Experiment (CCE) based yield estimates. The DSSAT model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an agreement of 88.2% in the Mayiladuthurai district and 86.8% in the Nagapattinam district.
A Potential-Robust WG Finite Element Method for the Maxwell Equations on Tetrahedral Meshes
Authors: Nie Yufeng , Ye Xiu , Zhang Shangyou
Published: February 2025

A potential-robust WG (weak Galerkin) method is introduced for the Maxwell equations. We obtain potential/magnetic-permeability independent error estimates. Optimal-order convergence rates are proved in both the energy norm and the

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2

{L^{2}}

norm. Numerical examples verify the theory.
Influence of siloxane content on the material performance and functional properties of polydimethylsiloxane copolymers containing naphthalene moieties
Authors: Kamble Riddhi , Ghanti Bholanath , Badri Rahul , Banerjee Susanta
Published: February 2025

Graphical abstract

Poly(imide siloxane) exhibits good thermal and mechanical properties with enhanced flexibility and hydrophobicity.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate Markets in Germany
Authors: Beze Eyayaw , Thiel Patrick
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted established urban patterns. The literature on the impact of the pandemic on the US housing market has shown a significant increase in the demand for suburban housing, resulting in a considerable increase in suburban prices compared to those in the city center (termed the “donut effect”). However, the German housing market did not experience such drastic changes. To examine price and rent adjustments during the pandemic, we analyze detailed housing data and find little evidence supporting the donut effect seen in the US. Apartment rents increase in suburban areas, while house prices do not change significantly. Examining the role of amenities, we find no explanation for price and rent differences between the central business district (CBD) and suburbs. The differences between the two markets may be attributed to cultural and structural distinctions. Our analysis, which includes data on population patterns and migration behavior, reveals that residents in Germany exhibit a slower-moving trend. Our findings remain robust across different settings and subsets of cities.
Using ATLAS.ti to interpret keyword co-occurrence analysis: a case study on the representation of vaccin* across pseudoscience and conspiracy websites
Authors: Sha Yuze , Clarke Isobelle
Published: February 2025

In this study we use ATLAS.ti to interpret the results of a keyword co-occurrence analysis (KCA) of fake vaccination news. Specifically, KCA is used to uncover the most dominant patterns of co-occurring keywords across a corpus of 37,676 texts from 235 pseudoscience and conspiracy websites that mention vaccin*. KCA enables researchers to examine linguistic patterns of fake news from multiple angles, including discourse, register, style, and attitude. Yet, the interpretation of KCA can be time-consuming, especially when texts are long. Consequently, in this study, we leverage ATLAS.ti’s code co-occurrence analysis functionality, which streamlines and accelerates the interpretation of KCA results by providing access to extended concordances that highlight the patterns of keyword co-occurrence. Taking the second most prominent dimension as a demonstration, we interpret this pattern of keyword variation across our vaccination corpus as distinguishing texts that are questioning the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in relation to higher power control, from texts that are discussing childhood vaccines, especially with respect to the dangers they pose. The implications of these linguistic repertoires in relation to fake news and anti-science strategies are discussed.
Sub-MHz homogeneous linewidth in epitaxial Y2O3: Eu3+ thin film on silicon
Authors: Serrano Diana , Harada Nao , Bachelet Romain , Blin Anna , Ferrier Alban , Tiranov Alexey , Zhong Tian , Goldner Philippe , Tallaire Alexandre
Published: February 2025

Thin films provide nanoscale confinement together with compatibility with photonic and microwave architectures, making them ideal candidates for chip-scale quantum devices. In this work, we propose a thin film fabrication approach yielding the epitaxial growth of Eu3+ doped Y2O3 on silicon. We combine two of the most prominent thin film deposition techniques: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). We report sub-megahertz optical homogeneous linewidths up to 8 K for the Eu3+ dopants in the film, and lowest value of 270 kHz. This result constitutes a ten-fold improvement with respect to previous reports on the same material, opening promising perspectives for the development of scalable and compact quantum devices containing rare-earth ions.
Die Mitgliedschaft des sanktionierten Anteilseigners
Authors: Haacke Elias
Published: February 2025

70„Smart sanctions“, also Wirtschaftssanktionen gegen gezielt ausgewählte Personen, haben sich zu einem wichtigen Instrument der Gemeinsamen Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik der Europäischen Union entwickelt. Der Beitrag untersucht die gesellschaftsrechtlichen Folgen von Sanktionsverordnungen, die der Rat der Europäischen Union gegen die Taliban, al-Qaida, die Islamische Republik Iran und gegen die Russische Föderation gerichtet hat, und arbeitet heraus, welche Konsequenzen das Einfrieren des Vermögens sanktionierter Personen allgemein für deren mitgliedschaftliche Rechtsposition hat.
Neurophysiology of perceptual decision-making and its alterations in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Biabani Mana , Walsh Kevin , Zhou Shou-Han , Wagner Joseph , Johnstone Alexandra , Paterson Julia , Matthews Natasha , Johnson Beth P. , Loughnane Gerard M. , O’Connell Redmond G. , Bellgrove Mark A.
Published: February 2025

Despite the prevalence of ADHD, efforts to develop a detailed understanding of the neuropsychology of this neurodevelopmental condition are complicated by the diversity of interindividual presentations and the inability of current clinical tests to distinguish between its sensory, attentional, arousal or motoric contributions. Identifying objective methods that can explain the diverse performance profiles across individuals diagnosed with ADHD has been a long-held goal. Achieving this could significantly advance our understanding of etiological processes and potentially inform the development of personalized treatment approaches. Here, we examine key neuropsychological components of ADHD within an electrophysiological (EEG) perceptual decision-making paradigm that is capable of isolating distinct neural signals of several key information processing stages necessary for sensory-guided actions from attentional selection to motor responses. Using a perceptual decision-making task (random dot motion), we evaluated the performance of 79 children (aged 8 to 17 years) and found slower and less accurate responses, along with a reduced rate of evidence accumulation (drift rate parameter of drift diffusion model), in children with ADHD (n = 37; 13 female) compared to typically developing peers (n = 42; 18 female). This was driven by the atypical dynamics of discrete electrophysiological signatures of attentional selection, the accumulation of sensory evidence, and strategic adjustments reflecting urgency of response. These findings offer an integrated account of decision-making in ADHD and establish discrete neural signals that might be used to understand the wide range of neuropsychological performance variations in individuals with ADHD.

Significance StatementThe efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic pathways in ADHD is limited by our incomplete understanding of its neurological basis. One promising avenue of research is the search for basic neural mechanisms that may contribute to the variety of cognitive challenges associated with ADHD. We developed a mechanistic account of differences in a fundamental cognitive process by integrating across neurocognitive, neurophysiological (i.e., EEG), and computational levels of analysis. We detected distinct neural changes in ADHD that explained altered performance (e.g., slowed and less accurate responses). These included changes in neural patterns of attentional selection, sensory information processing, and response preparation. These findings enhance our understanding of the neurophysiological profile of ADHD and may offer potential targets for more effective, personalized interventions.
Performance of Ensemble Learning in Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Classification
Authors: Nurizki Anisa , Fitrianto Anwar , Mohamad Soleh Agus
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study explores diabetic retinopathy (DR), a complication of diabetes leading to blindness, emphasizing early diagnostic interventions. Leveraging Macular OCT scan data, it aims to optimize prevention strategies through tree-based ensemble learning.
Methods: Data from RSKM Eye Center Padang (October-December 2022) were categorized into four scenarios based on physician certificates: Negative & non-diagnostic DR versus Positive DR, Negative versus Positive DR, Non-Diagnosis versus Positive DR, and Negative DR versus non-Diagnosis versus Positive DR. The suitability of each scenario for ensemble learning was assessed. Class imbalance was addressed with SMOTE, while potential underfitting in random forest models was investigated. Models (RF, ET, XGBoost, DRF) were compared based on accuracy, precision, recall, and speed.
Results: Tree-based ensemble learning effectively classifies DR, with RF performing exceptionally well (80% recall, 78.15% precision). ET demonstrates superior speed. Scenario III, encompassing positive and undiagnosed DR, emerges as optimal, with the highest recall and precision values. These findings underscore the practical utility of tree-based ensemble learning in DR classification, notably in Scenario III.
Novelty: This research distinguishes itself with its unique approach to validating tree-based ensemble learning for DR classification. This validation was accomplished using Macular OCT data and physician certificates, with ETDRS scores demonstrating promising classification capabilities.
Effect of Business Digitalization and Social Media on MSME Performance with Digital Competence as a Mediating Variable
Authors: Titin  , Sutrisno  , Mahmudah Henny , Muhtarom Abid , Syamsuri
Published: February 2025

Abstract.
Purpose: The advancement of digital technology has fundamentally transformed the business landscape. Business digitalization and social media utilization have emerged as key drivers in SME strategies to enhance performance. This research aims to assess the effect of business digitalization and social media utilization on SME performance and to examine the role of digital competence as a mediator in this relationship.
Method: This study employed a quantitative approach utilizing SEM-PLS methodology to explore the interrelationships among relevant variables. The study was conducted on 51 SMEs in Lamongan Regency, Indonesia, using an online questionnaire as the data collection tool.
Result: The study findings revealed that business digitalization, social media utilization, and digital competence have a significant and positive effect on SME performance in Lamongan Regency. Moreover, digital competence is a significant mediator between business digitalization, social media utilization, and SME performance. These findings underscore that digital competence enables SMEs to optimize the benefits of business digitalization and social media, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, expanding market reach, and adapting to market changes swiftly and effectively.
Novelty: In particular, the implementation of digital technology in production processes, integration of digital systems in business management, social media utilization for marketing and customer interaction, and the development of digital competence are key factors in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, increasing sales and revenue, and improving customer satisfaction and loyalty among MSMEs.
Modal logics of partial quasiary pradicates with equality and sequent calculi of this logics
Authors:   Kiev Taras Shevchenko National University, Shkilniak О.S. , Shkilniak S.S. ,   Kiev Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: February 2025

The aim of the work is to study new classes of program-oriented logical formalisms of the modal type – pure first-order modal logics of partial quasiary predicates without monotonicity condition and enriched with equality predicates. Modal logics can be used to describe and model various subject areas, artificial intelligence systems, information and software systems. The limitations of the classical predicate logic on which traditional modal logics are based determine the relevance of the problem of introducing new program-oriented logical formalisms. Such are composition-nominative modal logics, which synthesize facilities of traditional modal logics and logics of partial quasiary predicates. One of their important classes are transitional modal logics (TML), they reflect the aspect of change and evolution of subject areas. We denote pure first-order TML by TMLQ. In this paper two types of TMLQ with equality are considered: TMLQ (with strong equality predicates xy), and TMLQ= (with weak equality predicates =xy). For quantifier elimination in logics of non-monotonic predicates special predicates which indicate whether a component with a corresponding name has a value in the input data are required. The use of these predicates is a characteristic feature of both TMLQ and TMLQ=. Total indicator predicates determine the presence or absence of a component with a certain name, while partial indicator predicates signalize only the presence of such a component. Thus, total indicator predicates are introduced as special parametric 0-ary compositions Ez in TMLQ, and partial indicator predicates are represented in TMLQ= as predicates =xx. Another feature of TMLQ and TMLQ= is the use of the extended renomination compositions. In this paper we describe semantic models and languages of TMLQ and TMLQ=. Particular attention is paid to the properties related to equality predicates, substitution of equals in TMLQ and TMLQ= is described. A number of logical consequence relations for these logics are defined on sets of formulas specified with states. On this semantic basis, the corresponding sequent type calculi are proposed for the investigated logics.
Neuro-symbolic approach for the biological systems and processes research
Authors:   Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics NAS of Ukraine, Letychevskyi O.O. , Tarasich Yu.H. ,   Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics NAS of Ukraine
Published: February 2025

The current state and prospects for the application of neural network technology and systems built based on neural networks for studying biological systems and processes (in particular, the processes of virus-cell interaction) were considered in the article. In particular, the concept of the neuro-symbolic approach, which combines the use of neural networks and algebraic modelling, was described. The use of an algebraic approach in combination with neural networks allows us to obtain an effective formal proof of biological objects' properties (for example, cells' and viruses' properties) or processes, as well as to search for objects or the necessary values of their parameters that correspond to the specified properties. One of the experiments that we consider is applying the proposed approach to modelling and studying the process of programmed cell death (apoptosis) caused by certain types of viruses and considering the possibility of using the obtained results in medical practice (particularly in the treatment of oncological diseases). The main task of such experiments is to analyze and identify the properties of viruses capable of triggering tumour cell apoptosis and, in fact, to determine the possibility of reaching the final stage of this process under the given parameters of the virus and the cell.
Neural network application to pseudorandom sequence generation simulation
Authors:   Institute of Software Systems NAS of Ukraine, Lesyk V.O. , Doroshenko A.Yu. ,   Institute of Software Systems NAS of Ukraine
Published: February 2025

The article discusses the methodology of using neural networks to simulate pseudorandom sequences, which allows finding the hidden structure and sequence algorithms to reduce the observed processes to deterministic ones. To improve the quality of simulation of sequences of generated numbers, models of recurrent neural networks are used, taking into account their ability to adapt to the generated continuous sequences. The paper proposes a method for using and tuning recurrent neural networks and the influence of selected hyperparameters that determine the internal structure, size of the input sequence, and length of the resulting generated sequence, which ultimately affects the quality and accuracy of the matching neural pseudorandom generator sequences and the real program equivalent. The obtained results show a possibility of using neural methods in the processes of hashing, predicting sequences of statistically random data, cryptographic algorithms and data compression algorithms, or finding the original process of generating the sequence under study.
Formal verification of the properties of coreferent resolution model based on decision trees
Authors:   Kiev Taras Shevchenko National University, Pogorilyy S.D. , Slynko M. S. ,   Kiev Taras Shevchenko National University, Biletskyi P.V. ,   Kiev Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: February 2025

The paper examines the problem of coreference resolution, which involves identifying objects - words or phrases in a text, that refer to the same real or imaginary entity. The solution of this task is explored for Ukrainianlanguage texts using decision trees, which autonomously structure themselves based on training data. Unlike other machine learning algorithms such as neural networks, decision trees allow for analysis of their internal structure through graphical representation. This feature facilitates explaining individual results produced by the tree, significantly easing formal verification of their properties. To create decision trees, vector representations of words (such as Elmo) and other linguistic features are used. After formation, decision trees are employed for binary classification of input pairs potentially referring to the same coreferent objects. Based on the obtained binary classifier, coreferent objects are grouped into clusters, followed by an evaluation of the clustering accuracy using specialized metrics. The paper provides a detailed description of the implemented application and the structure of the formed decision tree, which serves as the basis for further analysis. Additionally, the use of transition systems is proposed to construct a high-level specification model for coreference resolution. The transition system-based model enables analysis of application behavior on infinite state sequences, ensuring errorfree execution. Formalization is carried out, and automata models along with linear-temporal logic are used to verify a set of properties of the obtained specification. Büchi automata are created to accept words confirming the properties, and examples as well as counterexamples of the analyzed properties are found. The method defined in the paper serves as the foundation for creating automated analyzers for coreference resolution applications based on decision trees.
Clinical management and Hospital experience in Black Widow Bites: Case Series in Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Authors: González-Sáenz Johana F. , Lozano Luz M. , Vásquez-Vado Vilma E. , González-Hidalgo Veraliz , Miranda Marlon M. Miranda , López-Delgado Darío S. , Reyes Gissell R. , Narváez Gaitán Carlos Alberto
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) envenomation is a medical challenge in regions with limited access to standardized treatments. This study analyzes a series of 10 cases that occurred in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, highlighting the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Description of the cases: Over a nine-year period 10 hospitalized patients, mostly adolescents (60%) and males (90%) from rural areas, were attended. Severe cases made up 30% of the total and included symptoms such as abdominal pain, neurogenic shock, and vomiting. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis and lymphopenia in 50% of the patients. In terms of management, 60% received Aracmyn Plus antivenom, in addition, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and non-steroidal analgesics were used in most cases. There were no adverse reactions to antivenom treatment. All patients were discharged with no mortality.
Discussion and conclusion: The lack of knowledge of this disease and the limited availability of antivenom, poses significant challenges to the effective management of latrodectism in the region. Although analgesic treatment was effective in most cases, some patients required intensive care. This highlights the need for studies that reflect local experience in managing this disease. Furthermore, this case series emphasizes the importance of publishing clinical reports in areas where latrodectism has been little investigated. These data are fundamental to generating evidence to optimize treatment and establish specific protocols in Nicaragua and similar regions.
Repo Rate Sensitivity to Treasury Issuance and Quantitative Tightening
Authors: Cordes Lucy , Infante Sebastian
Published: February 2025

Over the past six months, Treasury repo rates have risen, on average, relative to the rate on the overnight reverse repurchase agreement (ON RRP) facility and have become more volatile. Recent literature has argued that these trends have been driven, in part, by the cumulative effects of quantitative tightening (QT).2Specifically, during QT the Fed reduces its security holdings, which increases the amount of Treasury securities held by private investors. The reduction in securities holdings also results in a reduction in Federal Reserve (Fed) liabilities, which decreases the amount of Fed-provided liquidity. Both of these effects put upward pressure on repo rates. In this note, we study the sensitivity of repo rates to changes in Treasury securities outstandingâa proxy for net Treasury issuanceâover time and how the sensitivity changes with Fed-provided liquidity. We find that over the 2017â19 QT period, the sensitivity of repo rates to issuance generally increased as the Fed's balance sheet shrunk in size and continued to be high amid low levels of aggregate liquidity, which persisted until March 2020. During the current QT period, this sensitivity has mostly been small and statistically insignificant; however, it has been increasing over the past six months. Even so, the recent increase in sensitivity remains far below the sensitivity estimates for the prior QT period, suggesting that liquidity remains abundant. We interpret these findings as evidence that QT contributes to the relative tightness of supply and demand conditions in the repo market, making rates more sensitive to changes in Treasury supply. Looking ahead, as QT continues, we expect the sensitivity of repo rates to Treasury issuance to increase.
Clinical case of surgical treatment of a patient with ganglioneuroma of the posterior mediastinum
Authors: Romanikhin A.I. , Nikulin A.V. , Diduev G.I. , Polushkina T.V. , Malofey A.M. , Sotnikova T.N. , Surkov A.I. , Gallyamov E.A.
Published: February 2025

Background. Ganglioneuroma is a benign neoplasm of the peripheral nervous system originating from the tissue of the sympathetic ganglia or the adrenal medulla. Neurogenic tumors of the mediastinum account for up to 40% of all tumors of the posterior mediastinum in children and adolescents, and are an extremely rare pathology among young and mature people (up to 6% of all neoplasms of the posterior mediastinum). In women, this pathology is more common. Clinical case. Woman 39 years old. asked for medical help with non-specific complaints of shortness of breath. During the examination, based on the results of a CT scan, a diagnosis of a neoplasm of the posterior mediastinum of unclear etiology was established, in the differential diagnostic series — a neurogenic tumor of the posterior mediastinum. Surgical treatment was performed in the amount of right-sided videothoracoscopy, removal of the neoplasm of the posterior mediastinum. The surgical material was studied by morphological and immunohistochemical research methods. A diagnosis of Ganglioneuroma of the posterior mediastinum was established. Conclusion. Ganglioneuroma of the posterior mediastinum is a rare disease. Due to the peculiarities of the topographic features of the neoplasm, morphological verification is not always possible. The decision on surgical treatment of the patient should be made for each patient individually, taking into account all available data on the patient’s health, the topography of the neoplasm and its characteristics in CT of the chest organs. The histological picture of this disease is not always obvious, it is recommended to perform an immunohistochemical study (Synaptophysin, S100) of the surgical material for final verification. The clinical prognosis is favorable with radical surgical treatment and does not require chemo- or radiation therapy.
DNA barcoding of alien invertebrates and biological control agents in South Africa: a review
Authors: Pitcher Tristan , Ndaba Abusisiwe , Jacobs Adriaana , Hamer Michelle , Janion-Scheepers Charlene
Published: February 2025

The rate of human-induced spread of organisms is increasing with globalisation. In addition, climate change is altering ecosystems, enabling species to invade new environments. Invertebrates are particularly well-suited to invasion due to their generally small size and short generation time and their impacts can be extreme. Therefore, reliable species identification is a fundamental requirement for intercepting such alien organisms at borders and managing their populations, but traditional taxonomic identifications can be time-consuming and often require expertise. DNA barcoding is a molecular technique that is rapid, cost-effective and does not require taxonomic expertise. In this study, we compiled an updated checklist of all known alien invertebrate species in South Africa and their status on the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) using previous published records and literature. In total, 1013 alien invertebrate species, including 132 biocontrol agents, were found. Insects, predominantly hemipterans, comprised most of the alien species. Overall, 66.8% of alien species in the dataset were accessioned on BOLD. However, few of these alien invertebrate records were South African specimens (24.3%). This study marks the first comprehensive DNA barcoding checklist of alien and biocontrol agent invertebrates in South Africa. The findings are promising because many alien species can be identified to a Molecular Operational Taxonomic Unit (MOTU) or Barcode Index Number (BIN) on BOLD using their COI barcode. However, there is a gap in available barcodes for alien invertebrates. As climate change alters the biogeography of alien species, baseline molecular data such as COI barcodes will be invaluable in monitoring and limiting their spread.
Ambient PM2.5, soot, black carbon and organic carbon levels in Kimberley, South Africa
Authors: Becker Delene , Alfeus Anna , Molnár Peter , Boman Johan , Wichmann Janine
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Ambient air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a major threat to human health and the environment. South Africa faces a burden of PM2.5 exposure, leading to non-communicable diseases and premature mortality. International and national organisations have set air quality guidelines to protect public health. Although studies indicate that compliance with these guidelines carries some risk, meeting them can substantially reduce premature mortality rates. Several studies in different South African regions have highlighted the challenges of PM2.5 pollution, emphasising the importance of monitoring air quality and implementing mitigation measures. This study aims to provide valuable data on the air quality in Kimberley.
Results: 24-hour PM2.5 filter samples were collected manually every sixth day from 25 March 2021 to 25 January 2022 in Kimberley, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. The mean PM2.5 concentration recorded in Kimberley was 6.3 μg/m3 (range: 0.7 – 25 μg/m3), slightly exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 μg/m3. Additionally, the daily WHO guideline of 15 μg/m3 was exceeded on three occasions during the sampling period. The average soot (absorption coefficient), black carbon and organic carbon levels were 0.46 m-1 x 10-5, 0.6 μg/m3 and 0.4 μg/m3, respectively. Six geographic origins of air masses were identified after clustering 4476 generated 72-hour backward trajectories: North West (NW), North (N), East (E), South West (SW), South (S) and Long-range Indian Ocean (LRIO), suggesting diverse long-range transported air pollution from distant source areas.
Conclusions: This study is the first of its kind in Kimberley and provides valuable information on PM2.5, soot, black carbon and organic carbon levels and the geographic origin of air masses that passed the sampling site. The findings indicate that the city's PM2.5 pollution poses a risk to human health.
Self, Personhood and Self-Awareness: A Phenomenological Analysis of Dementia
Authors: Petherbridge Danielle
Published: February 2025

This paper takes a phenomenological approach to understanding self and personhood in dementia. The paper challenges the view that subjects with dementia can simply be understood in terms of diminished cognitive capacities or that they have lost all vestiges of self and personhood or the capacity for meaningful interaction. Instead, drawing on phenomenology, an alternative view is offered that can more adequately account for self and personhood, as well as self-awareness and self-experience in dementia. The view offered here is of a body-orientated and relational view of personhood and selfhood. It not only assumes that cognition is always already embodied but significantly that embodiment and embodied memory are central to personhood. It also highlights the ways in which persons are constituted and affirmed through relation with others and considers the way in which surrounding worlds or care environments might be more or less enabling in contexts of dementia and aging by attending to personhood in care.
Simultaneous Sleep Events Detection and Stages Classification Using a Multi-Task Deep-Learning Approach
Authors: Anido-Alonso Adriana , Alvarez-Estevez Diego
Published: February 2025

Accurate detection of sleep stages and sleep events is essential for the effective diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. However, current state-of-the-art methods often fall short in integrating these multiple tasks simultaneously. This study introduces a novel multi-task deep-learning approach for the joint detection of sleep events and hypnogram construction in a single pass. The proposed method adapts state-of-the-art single-shot object detection techniques to multi-channel time-series data, enabling simultaneous classification and detection of sleeping events.
Experiments were conducted using diverse input channel combinations, including electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), electromyogram (EMG), oxygen saturation, airflow, and thoracic-abdominal movements, as well as multiple output configurations regarding sleep stages, EEG arousals, and respiratory events, both individually and combined.
Results demonstrate improved accuracy in detecting respiratory events and sleep stages with additional channels. The multi-task approach enhanced overall performance, benefiting from shared knowledge across tasks.
Implementation in ROS2 of a Purposeful, Intrinsically Motivated Cognitive Architecture for Autonomous Robotics
Authors: Fallas Hernández Emanuel , Martínez Alonso Sergio , Becerra Permuy José A. , Romero Alejandro , J. Duro Richard
Published: February 2025

In the PILLAR-Robots project, a cognitive architecture has been designed to provide robots with Lifelong Open-ended Learning Autonomy (LOLA), which can be modulated to align with the requirements of the user across multiple domains. This architecture provides key functionalities such as perception, attention, self-motivation, and decision-making. For practical applications in robotics, a software implementation based on the Robotic Operating System (ROS2) has been developed to ensure ease of integration with robots, modularity, and interoperability. To achieve this, the system separates ROS2 execution from high-level cognitive processes via a specialized middleware. The capability of the architecture to complete tasks has been demonstrated by initial results in simulated environments.
Using FastSAM for Creating Custom Automatic Segmentation Models for Medicine and Biology
Authors: Paramés-Estévez Santiago , Pérez-Dones Diego , Rego-Pérez Ignacio , Oreiro-Villar Natividad , J. Blanco Francisco , Roca Pardiñas Javier , González Pazó Germán , G. Míguez David , P. Muñuzuri Alberto
Published: February 2025

FastSAM, a publicly available image segmentation model designed for general image segmentation, is turned into a highly adaptable and advanced segmentation tool that requires minimal training in two distinct scenarios. In the first case, we examine macroscopic X-ray images of the knee, in the second case, we focus on microscopic images of the zebra fish embryo retina, which have a significantly smaller spatial scale. We determine the minimum number of images needed to maintain state-of-the-art segmentation quality in each case. Finally, we evaluate the impact of image filtering and the unique considerations of segmenting 3D retinal volumes.