bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive investigation of electronic and optical features in two-dimensional MoS2/WS2-SnO2 van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Shehzad Nasir , Iqbal Imad , Ahmad Younas , Cai Meng-Qiu , Zhang Xiaoliang , Shahid Ismail
Published: December 2024

First-principles calculations have been employed here to investigate the optical and electrical properties of experimentally synthesized Mo(W)S2-SnO2 vdW heterostructures [J. Phys. Chem. C 2020, 124, 1, 647–652, Chem. Phys. 2019, 525, 110398]. Rigorous dynamical stability assessments confirm structural robustness, evident in phonon dispersion and AIMD simulations at 500 K. The interfacial binding energy values reflect the stability of our simulated heterostructures. With intrinsic type-II band alignment and direct band gaps of 1.21[Formula: see text]eV (MoS2-SnO[Formula: see text] and 1.003[Formula: see text]eV (WS2-SnO[Formula: see text], these heterostructures emerge as promising candidates for high-efficiency optical devices. Higher static dielectric constants in comparison with numerous heterostructures signify low charge carrier recombination rates, enhancing practical appeal. Optical analyses reveal substantial visible and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum absorption, while MoS2-SnO2 and WS2-SnO2 heterostructures exhibit photoelectric conversion efficiencies of 15.08% and 13.65%. A thorough examination of optical characteristics provides a comprehensive understanding of positioning Mo(W)S2-SnO2 vdW heterostructures for advanced optoelectronic devices.
Weighted Fuzzy C-Means: Unsupervised Feature Selection to Realize a Target Partition
Authors: Sarkar Kaushik , Mudi Rajani K. , Pal Nikhil R.
Published: December 2024

We introduce an unsupervised feature selection method based on regularized weighted Fuzzy C-Means (WRFCM) clustering. When the target task is clustering, our objective should be to select a subset of features that can generate the same/similar partition matrix to the partition matrix obtained from the original high dimensional data by a clustering algorithm. To achieve this we propose a novel objective function keeping in view the Fuzzy-C-Means (FCM) clustering algorithm. This approach realizes feature selection within the WRFCM framework, emphasizing features to maintain the FCM-based target partition. We evaluate our method using Normalized Mutual Information (NMI), Adjusted Rand Index (ARI) and Kuhn-Munkres index (KM-index). NMI, and ARI measure the agreement between clusters, i.e, the partition in the lower dimension and the partition of the original data. On the other hand, KM-index measures the disagreement between the two partitions. Experimental results on synthetic and real datasets showcase our method’s efficacy in selecting informative features. This approach fills a crucial gap in unsupervised feature selection, making it valuable for real-world applications. The approach is very general in the sense that the target partition can be generated by any clustering algorithm or even by the actual class labels of the data, when they are available.
Abstractive Text Summarization Based on Improved LSTM with Transfer Learning Methods
Authors: Deo Satya , Banik Debajyoty , Pattnaik Prasant Kumar
Published: December 2024

Recently, there has been an increasing need for artificial text summarizing algorithms that attempt to automatically condense a document into a shorter form due to the rapid and exponential growth of textual data. As a result, automated text summarization is utilized by an extensive wide range of companies to help people find the most significant information. But still, there is a challenge in creating a brief and short summary of the original material that contains the key concepts. This paper intends to propose an abstractive text summarization based on LSTM with transfer learning methods. Initially, the long text-based document summarization process includes two phases. In the first phase, the input text is preprocessed for stop word removal and stemming techniques to reduce the document size. Then features like improved bag of words, TF-IDF, aspect term extraction and average word length-based features are extracted from the preprocessed text. In the second phase, the knowledge extraction has been performed. In the knowledge extraction, tokens are generated using BERT tokenization and the co-occurrence is utilized using improved co-occurrence matrix generation. The proposed method achieves the highest recall in 80% of learning which is 1.75% 1.39%, 2.58%, 1.19%, 0.30%, and 2.28% better than the other models such as Bi-GRU, RNN, LSTM, SVM-LR, CNN, LSTM-GRU and GRU respectively. Further, the knowledge extraction and the extracted features are subjected to the improved LSTM network, where the features are trained as the pre-trained model via transfer learning. This is the phase, where the final summary is produced.
A DPLL Procedure with Dichotomous Branching for Propositional Product Logic
Authors: Guller Dušan
Published: December 2024

The propositional product logic is one of the basic fuzzy logics with continuous t-norms, employing the product t-norm on the unit interval [Formula: see text]. Our aim is to combine well-established automated deduction (theorem proving) with fuzzy inference. As a first step, we devise a modification of the procedure of Davis, Putnam, Logemann, and Loveland (DPLL) with dichotomous branching for inference in the product logic. We prove that the procedure is refutation sound and finitely complete. As a consequence, solutions to the deduction, satisfiability, and validity problems will be proposed for the finite case. The presented results are applicable to a design of intelligent systems, exploiting some kind of multi-step fuzzy inference.
RELYING ON PARTNERS OR ITSELF? HOW A CENTRALLY POSITIONED FIRM CAN PURSUE TECHNOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: THE USE OF NETWORK DENSITY OR R&D RESOURCES
Authors: LAI HSIEN-CHE , LEE TAI-YU
Published: December 2024

This study examines the benefits of network centrality (NC) in creating technological diversity. Given the role of NC in access to external technological knowledge (TK), this study uses network density and R&D resources as moderators to explore the consequences of using TK for technological diversity. The results show that NC alone does not have a positive effect on technological diversity. However, network density and R&D resources, respectively, moderate the positive relationship between NC and technological diversity. Additionally, when influenced by these two moderators simultaneously, the creation of technological diversity heavily depends on the extent to which centrally positioned firms invest in R&D resources. In this study, R&D resources play a stronger complementary role in NC than network density does.
Holographic Quantum Theory of Consciousness
Authors: Sha Zhi Gang , Xiu Rulin
Published: December 2024

There are two important questions in the science of quantum. One is how a physical object such as brain has conscious experience. The other is how the consciousness affects or even creates the observed phenomena. In this paper, we presume and demonstrate how human consciousness manifests observed natural laws and phenomena. The basic constituents of human consciousness are proposed to be two basic pairs of duality consciousness: change–unchange duality consciousness and inclusion–exclusion duality consciousness. The mathematic action to describe the maximum amount of information created by human consciousness is derived as the holographic action. From this action, one can obtain the mathematic formula expressing the hologram which describes the possible information, energy and matter that can be manifested by human consciousness. In this way, one can study all the possible natural laws and phenomena observed by human consciousness. This holographic quantum theory of consciousness has five predictions: (1) The existence of grand unification theory which can use one mathematic formula to describe the observed natural laws and phenomena; (2) universality of space and time scale invariance; (3) the emergence of the observed phenomena from a hologram described by holographic action; (4) the one-way direction of conscious time and its relation to the total information of the system and (5) The possibility to transcend currently observed natural laws when one can go beyond duality consciousness and emerge into emptiness. This work demonstrates mathematically how the observed natural laws and phenomena are manifested from human’s conscious activities. It reveals the profound connection between the observed natural laws and human consciousness. This insight can lead to deep insight about the greater human potential and abilities. It also provides a new physical foundation and mathematical tool to study DNA, the brain, life, cosmology, grand unified theory, and all scientific and spiritual disciplines.
ConverSearch: Supporting Experts in Human Behavior Analysis of Conversational Videos with a Multimodal Scene Search Tool
Authors: Arakawa Riku , Maeda Kiyosu , Yakura Hiromu
Published: December 2024

Multimodal scene search of conversations is essential for unlocking valuable insights into social dynamics and enhancing our communication. While experts in conversational analysis have their own knowledge and skills to find key scenes, a lack of comprehensive, user-friendly tools that streamline the processing of diverse multimodal queries impedes efficiency and objectivity. To address this gap, we developed
ConverSearch
, a visual-programming-based tool based on insights for effective interface and implementation design derived from a formative study with experts. The tool allows experts to integrate various machine learning algorithms to capture human behavioral cues without the need for coding. Our user study, employing the System Usability Scale (SUS) and satisfaction metrics, demonstrated high user preference, reflecting the tool’s ease of use and effectiveness in supporting scene search tasks. Additionally, through a deployment trial within industrial organizations, we confirmed the tool’s objectivity, reusability, and potential to enhance expert workflows. This suggests the advantages of expert-AI collaboration in domains requiring human contextual understanding and demonstrates how customizable, transparent tools yielding reusable artifacts can support expert-driven tasks in complex, multimodal environments.
Effects of Macrobrachium nipponense on Phytoplankton Communities and Water Environmental Factors in Macrobrachium rosenbergii Culture
Authors: Xu Ye , Feng Yaming , Zhang Shuanglin , Yang Zhijing , Xu Wentao , Gong Jinhua , Gu Hailong
Published: December 2024

Excessive feed input led to eutrophication and Cyanobacterial blooms in the culture of giant freshwater prawn (GFP, Macrobrachium rosenbergii). In order to improve the water quality and control the Cyanobacterial blooms, we tried the mixed culture of oriental river prawn (ORP, Macrobrachium nipponense), which can feed on plant and organic debris. In this study, the culture trial began on June 20th and ended on September 10th. The control group (CG) was GFPs monoculture, while the experimental group (EG) cultured GFPs and ORPs. Water samples were collected from the ponds for five times to compare the changes of water environmental factors and phytoplankton communities in CG and EG. Phosphate, nitrite, sulfide, and ammonia nitrogen in CG were significantly higher than those in EG at the end of culture (p < 0.05). In the middle stage of culture, the Margalef index, Pielou index, and Shannon–Wiener index of EG were significantly higher than those of CG (p < 0.05). The biomass and density of phytoplankton in EG were lower than those in CG, and the occurrence of Cyanobacterial blooms in EG was later. The results indicated that ORPs in the mixed culture model effectively transformed and stored part of the energy by consuming the residual bait, which reduced the degree of eutrophication and Cyanobacterial blooms.
A Cluster‐Based Data Aggregation in IoT Sensor Networks Using the Firefly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Alshehri Hassan Sh. , Bajaber Fuad
Published: December 2024

Data are typically collected from sensors distributed across the network and transmitted for analysis and processing to a central base station (BS). However, a significant challenge in Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks is the efficient aggregation of data from multiple sensors to increase network longevity and reduce the consumption of energy. During the aggregation of data, sensor nodes often transmit redundant data due to multiple factors, including overlapping distribution. The network should gather redundant packets and convert them into aggregated data. Aggregation is necessary to remove duplicate data and convert it into unified data, a task that requires large amounts of energy. In this research paper, we suggest a technique for aggregating data in IoT sensor networks, using clustering with an optimized firefly algorithm (FA), taking into consideration both energy consumed and distance. In this approach, a particular number of nodes are identified in each round. These nodes have a proximate node with a distance less than the threshold. After that cluster heads (CHs) are elected strategically based on brighter fireflies (nodes with higher fitness). The FA is employed for this purpose, where fireflies represent the sensor nodes, and their attractiveness is determined by their fitness, representing the quality of their solutions. The simulation outcomes, executed in MATLAB 2023b, indicated that the suggested method, the firefly optimization algorithm (FOA), outperformed the FA and LEACH in improving the quality‐of‐service parameters. Furthermore, the ANOVA testing of the simulation result demonstrated the superiority of the proposed approach as well.
Optimization of the Fermentation Conditions for Producing Antioxidant Peptides From Yak (Bos grunniens) Casein by Bacillus cereus (XBMU‐SK‐01)
Authors: Gao Dandan , Guo Xingchen , Chen Ying , Li Huaxin , Yang Xuankang , Song Li , Ke Yiqiang , Yang Jutian , Ma Zhongren
Published: December 2024

Antioxidant peptides could interact with free radicals and excess reactive oxygen species to avoid the organism from oxidative harm; at the same time, antioxidant peptides have the characteristics of high safety, good stability, and wide application. In this study, a strain named XBMU‐SK‐01 with high proteinase activity was isolated and identified from fermented bean curd. The results showed that the strain (XBMU‐SK‐01) with protease activity of 96.2 ± 1.3 U/mL was identified as Bacillus cereus based on 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The yak casein antioxidant peptide was prepared through fermentation using Bacillus cereus (XBMU‐SK‐01), and the fermentation conditions were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken design, using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) radical scavenging rate and the degree of hydrolysis (DH) as indicators. It was found that the optimal fermentation conditions for the preparation of antioxidant peptides from yak casein by Bacillus cereus (XBMU‐SK‐01) were as follows: pH of 7.96, temperature of 32.5°C, and inoculation amount of 6.99%. Under these conditions, the DPPH free radical scavenging rate could reach 78.19% ± 0.21%, and DH is 19.8% ± 0.15%. Following the sequence analysis of antioxidant peptides, 11 distinct polypeptide sequences were identified: FPP, AFK, GILF, PAAP, VIGP, TIPT, IEQI, FPFF, IPLLP, KPWIQP, and EAGPPGP. This study is aimed at establishing a preparation pathway for peptides with high antioxidant activity and proposes a novel method for producing high‐value products from yak milk.
Experimental Investigation on the Extraction and Characterization of Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Oil (WPPO) Obtained From Polypropylene Plastic Waste
Authors: Patel Abdulbasit I. , Das Lala Sumit , Molvi Imran , Deb Payel , Bhowmik Abhijit
Published: December 2024

Plastics are basically long‐chain hydrocarbon compound synthesizes from nonrenewable liquid petroleum products. Since plastics have special and variety of features such as easy availability and handling, light weight, energy efficiency, nondegradable nature, cheap, faster production, and design flexibility, it has gained wide popularity in short time period and has become indispensable part of day‐to‐day life. The increasing usage and production of plastic with exponential rate have resulted in increasing plastic waste disposal problems which may cause adverse effect on environment and human health. Moreover, fast exhaustion of nonrenewable fossil fuel has also become a major problem. To encounter both the problem at a same time, plastic waste conversion method has come into picture. Several plastic waste conversion methods such as landfills, plastic incineration, and recycling are available out of which recycling has gained a lot of interest. One of the important recycling methods is pyrolysis, which is referred as most suitable method due to its advantages such as flexible, easy in handling, less intense sorting, less labor intensive, and high‐quality liquid oil extraction. The gaseous by‐product also has high calorific value. In the present study, an attempt has been made to produce alternative fuel from waste polypropylene plastic. The study further aims to compare the properties of the obtained WPPO with diesel and blend of WPPO and diesel to ascertain its feasibility for engine runs.
Development and Validation of a Model Predicting Malignant Potential of Adnexal Masses in Areas with Scarcity of Ultrasound Resources
Authors: Cui Guangxia , Guo Yu , Bai Wenpei
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Appropriately stratifying the risk of adnexal masses is of great importance. Many diagnostic algorithms have been devised, most of which rely on ultrasound features. However, some remote areas lack trained sonographers. This study aimed to develop an alternative model to distinguish between malignant and benign adnexal masses in resource-constrained settings using clinical information rather than ultrasound data.
Methods: The study included women diagnosed with an adnexal tumor and scheduled for surgery between 2020 and 2023. Participants were divided into two groups based on histopathology reports: those with malignant adnexal masses and those with benign ones. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of adnexal mass malignancy. The training set yielded a nomogram model, which was then validated in the validation set. The model's effectiveness was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and clinical decision analysis (DCA) curves.
Results: We randomly assigned 550 participants to the training and the validation sets in an 8:2 ratio. Logistic regression analyses identified age (OR = 1.044, P = 0.003), abdominal distension (OR = 0.139, P < 0.001), serum CA125 (OR = 1.007, P < 0.001), and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (OR = 1.291, P = 0.004) as independent risk factors for predicting malignant adnexal tumors. A nomogram was constructed using these factors. The ROC curve showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.846 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.783, 0.908) in the training set and 0.817 (95% CI: 0.668, 0.966) in the validation set. The calibration curve showed good consistency between model predictions and actual outcomes. The DCA curve demonstrated a considerable clinical advantage afforded by the model.
Conclusions: The logistic regression model can aid gynecologists—particularly those in areas with limited access to skilled sonographers—in identifying patients at high risk and implementing appropriate management strategies.
Cryoablation for the treatment of post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis in neurological patients
Authors: Ley Lukas , Klingenberger Pascal , Hetzel Jürgen , Schlitter Tamara , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Allendoerfer Jens , Bandorski Dirk
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis is a clinically relevant late complication of tracheostomy. To date there is no standardized treatment strategy for post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis. Contact cryoablation is one of the applicable methods. The aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy and safety of contact cryoablation for the treatment of post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis.
Methods: A total of 63 consecutive patients were included in this unicentre, combined retro- and prospective observational study in an intensive care unit of a German neurological specialist hospital from 30.04.2020 to 21.03.2024. Post tracheostomy tracheal stenoses were confirmed by tracheoscopy. All eligible patients were primarily treated with contact cryoablation. Primary endpoint was the rate of successful removal of the tracheostomy tube (decannulation) until hospital discharge. Technical success was defined as absence of an endoscopically relevant residual post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis and clinical success was defined as the absence of symptoms e.g. dyspnea and stridor, both at discretion of the endoscopist and treating physician.
Results: A total of 78 interventions were performed (median: 1 per patient). Cryoablation was applied in 67% of patients at least once. 70% of patients could be decannulated after treatment. Technical success and clinical success were achieved in 88% and 70% of patients, and in only 5% of patients surgical treatment was performed. No complications were observed.
Conclusion: Contact cryoablation appears to be an effective, complication-free, simple and non-surgical treatment option for patients with post tracheostomy tracheal stenosis. It could be an excellent option for every patient with suitable stenosis morphology. However, other endoscopic modalities must be available or complementarily used for non-suitable stenosis morphologies.
Does time matter in early radical cystectomy? Comparing outcome, clinical and pathological characteristics of immediate versus deferred radical cystectomy
Authors: Yang Yushan , Holbach Sonja , Haas Maximilian , Engelmann Simon Udo , Gossler Christopher , Mayr Roman , Burger Maximilian , Breyer Johannes , Gierth Michael
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Early radical cystectomy (eRC) can be performed for high or very high risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Whether immediate eRC is beneficial is still unclear. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes between immediate eRC, delayed eRC and radical cystectomy (RC) at diagnosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).
Methods: The single-center cohort consisting of patients with RC between 2008 and 2020 was divided into four populations: patients who received immediate eRC within three months of diagnosis of NMIBC (IEC), patients who received eRC at recurrence of NMIBC (REC), patients who underwent RC after primary diagnosis of MIBC (primMIBC) and patients with the initial diagnosis of NMIBC who received RC after progression to MIBC (progMIBC).
Results: Among the 463 patients included, 39 had IEC, 58 had REC, 314 had primMIBC and 53 had progMIBC. No statistically significant differences for OS, CSS and RFS between the two groups receiving eRC were found. Patients with pT1 tumors (p=0.003) and tumor size ≥3cm (p=0.012) were more likely to receive immediate RC.
Conclusion: Immediate and delayed eRC show comparable survival outcomes. The present study emphasizes the need for accurate risk stratification of patients with NMIBC to identify the most advantageous therapy for individual patients.
A case of complete remission of glucocorticoid-dependent nephrotic syndrome after TRF-budesonide treatment in a patient with mild mesangial proliferative IgA nephropathy.
Authors: Mitsopoulos Efstathios , Pateinakis Panagiotis , Keskinis Christodoulos , Papadopoulou Dorothea
Published: December 2024

The combination of nephrotic syndrome with mild histopathological lesions of IgA nephropathy is considered by some as a special form of IgA nephropathy with superimposed minimal change disease (MCD) while by others as coincidental deposition of IgA in patients with MCD (MCD-IgAN). We present the first case of complete remission of nephrotic syndrome in a 55-year-old man with MCD-IgAN after the administration of targeted-release formulation of budesonide (TRF-budesonide). The patient's treatment with TRF-budesonide, even though methylprednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclophosphamide had been previously tried, is of particular importance because it not only suggests that TRF-budesonide appears to be a promising treatment for MCD-IgAN but may also provide a new therapeutic option for patients with podocytopathies.
What Does 'φ-Scientificity' Mean? II. Measure
Authors:   University of Tartu, Mets Ave
Published: December 2024

Following the first part of this article series, I will examine the notion of φ-sciences’ φ-ness on the example of Vihalemm’s early chemical studies on affinity and both early and later accounts of the periodic table. I analyse these cases as instances where he applies the term ‘measure’ or
‘qualitative quantity’ to denote a numerical assignment, presumably attained by some measurement procedures, that capture the essence of the studied phaenomenon. I will draw conclusions about measurement scales, the numericity and mathematicity of these case studies and, more generally,
make a further attempt to theoretically clarify measurement in φ-sciences.
The Being of Science in Al-Farabi’s Philosophy
Authors:   Tallinn University of Technology, Müürsepp Peeter , Azerbayev Aslan ,   Toraighyrov University, Nurysheva Gulzhikhan ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Published: December 2024

The purpose of the article is to identify the forms of being of science in the philosophy of the Muslim thinker Abū Naṣr Muhammad al-Fārābī, who lived in the 9th–10th centuries. In this regard, the article first addresses the problem of the origin of science. The enumeration of sciences is manifested in al-Farabi’s research as “divine science,” that is, metaphysics and individual sciences, with a Muslim specificity. Science as a process of cognition is an ascent from the
imperfect to the perfect. The First Cause (the First Being) of everything is the absolute perfection. It is also a deity and the “cause” of the origin of sciences. The comprehensive encyclopedism of al-Farabi’s predetermined science is a kind of worldview. In this context, he distinguished between the science of language, logic, mathematics, physics, metaphysics, and civil science, which explains the essence of real happiness. Only members of the ideal community (“the inhabitants of a virtuous city”) are able to achieve happiness. Therefore, the study of sciences in totality creates the respective “virtuous” worldview.
In Memoriam: Professor Yurii Duplenko (1935–2024)
Authors:   Scientific Institute “G. M. Dobrov Institute for Scientific and Technological Potential and Science History Studies NAS of Ukraine,”, Gamaliia Vira , Vasyliev Kostiantyn , Vasylkivskyi Borys ,   National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”
Published: December 2024

Professor Yurii Duplenko passed away on October 18, 2024, at the age of 89.
Leptilostis, a replacement name for Tetillopsis Hong, 1982 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), junior homonym of Tetillopsis Schrammen, 1910 (Porifera: Tetillidae)
Authors: PONTING JOHN
Published: December 2024

Schrammen (1910) described a genus of fossil tetillid sponge, naming it Tetillopsis Schrammen, 1910, and described two species from north-western Germany, viz., T. doeringi Schrammen and T. longitridens Schrammen. Tetillopsis doeringi was later designated as the type species of the genus (de Laubenfels, 1955); and this name is still used in current taxonomic practice (https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicTaxonInfo?taxon_no=2987 The Paleobiology Database 2024).
Oribatid mites (Acarina, Oribatida) from French Guyana III. A new subgenus and its type species, Sternoppia (Luisternoppia) subiasi sp. nov. from family Sternoppiidae Balogh et Mahunka, 1969
Authors: MIKO LADISLAV
Published: December 2024

The first recorded finding of a species belonging to the oribatid mite family Sternoppiidae is reported from French Guyana. Sternoppia (Luisternoppia) subgen. nov., is characterised by a developed transcostula, long notogastral setae and strongly modified epimeral setae 3a and 4a, and its type species, S. (L.) subiasi sp. nov. is described based on individuals collected from leaf litter and upper soil of the tropical rainforest in the Kaw Mountains. A subgeneric diagnosis, type species description and an identification key to the subgenera of Sternoppia are provided.
Subiasiana indica gen. nov., sp. nov., a new remarkable representative of Uropodina mites from India (Acari: Mesostigmata: Uropodidae)
Authors: KONTSCHÁN JENŐ
Published: December 2024

A new genus, Subiasiana gen. nov. (Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Uropodidae), with Subiasiana indica sp. nov. as type species, is described based on one female and four males in soil samples from India. The new genus is similar to the Neotropical genus Clausiadinychus Sellnick, 1930 (family Clausiadinychiidae Kontschán, Ermilov & Fridrich, 2023), but its gnathosomal appendages and the ventral setation are different from those of the new genus. The new genus resembles the Afrotopical genus Spinosissuropoda Hirschmann, 1979, but the new genus differs from the previously described one in the shape of idiosoma, dorsal setation, and anterior gnathosoma process.
Hybrid Numerical Weather Prediction: Downscaling GraphCast AI Forecasts for Downslope Windstorms
Authors: Brewer Matthew J. , Fovell Robert G. , Capps Scott B.
Published: December 2024

Preemptively managing electrical circuits during periods of elevated wildfire risk, such as downslope windstorms in complex terrain, necessitates accurate, high-resolution forecasts days in advance. Currently available high-resolution operational guidance is limited with respect to the forecasting period and/or spatial detail it can provide. As a consequence, many public utilities support their own NWP systems, primarily WRF-based, with initial conditions and boundary forcings supplied by operational global models such as the GFS. This study demonstrates pairing Google’s artificial intelligence (AI)-based GraphCast (GC) model, which operates on a 0.25° grid and produces global forecasts every 6 h, with a “last mile” WRF (WRF-LM) downscaling framework to refine GC’s spatial and temporal resolution for utility forecasting needs. We illustrate the potential of this system through a case study involving the December 2021 Marshall Fire windstorm in the Boulder, Colorado, area. Our results suggest that GC-initialized WRF forecasts are competitive with those guided by NCEP and ECMWF operational products, offering a promising hybrid approach for utility weather forecasting.

Significance Statement

Downslope windstorms are difficult to forecast with small errors potentially affecting the timing, magnitude, and location of concerning winds. Due to the elevated wildfire danger caused by these windstorms, accurate forecasts with lead times greater than 48 h are often needed to allow utilities time to prepare for the de-energization of transmission lines to reduce ignition risk. This paper examines methods of downscaling coarse synoptic-scale forecasts using the downslope windstorm associated with the 2021 Marshall Fire as our case study. A novel aspect of this work is the incorporation of machine learning weather prediction models and downscaling their forecasts using a high-resolution numerical model.
The impact of measurement techniques and common effectors on red blood cell aggregation
Authors: Chien Kaitlyn , Liu Honglei , Suriany Silvie , Detterich Jon A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Red blood cell aggregation is largely influenced by hematocrit and plasma protein content with aggregation increasing as hematocrit and fibrinogen increase. Aggregation measurement techniques include light-transmission or laser-backscatter, and the impact of measurement technique on aggregation measurements with respect to changes in hematocrit and plasma protein is not well understood.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate aggregation measurement techniques with respect to common effectors of red blood cell aggregation.

Methods

We obtained whole blood samples from 10 healthy participants and varied hematocrit, plasma albumin, and plasma fibrinogen concentration in a sample of healthy male and female participants. We then measured red blood cell aggregation using a Myrenne Aggregometer (light-transmission aggregometer) and a Laser Optical Rotational Red Cell Analyzer (laser-backscatter aggregometer).

Results

For Myrenne, aggregation increased from 30% to 40% hematocrit, then declined at 50% hematocrit. Measurement in the LORRCA demonstrated an increase as hematocrit increased from 30% to 40%, and again increased at 50%, which differed from the light transmission method. Red blood cell aggregation increased with increased fibrinogen concentration, but did not change significantly as albumin concentration increased.

Conclusions

Red blood cell aggregation is expected to increase as hematocrit increases, but when light transmission aggregometry is used, aggregation decreases as hematocrit increases past 40%. Each measurement technique has its own set of methodological strengths and weaknesses.
On the (im)possibility of state apologies for the colonial past in French and German memory politics
Authors: Rausch Sahra
Published: December 2024

State apologies and the related expression of emotions, such as guilt and repentance, are seen as an essential part of dealing with atrocious pasts. Against this view, the article analyzes from a postcolonial perspective the impact of emotions in the negotiation of state apologies in postcolonial memory politics. In a transnational comparative discourse analysis, I examine the conditions of the (im)possibility under which state apologies are discussed in public and media debates in 2021, focusing on the Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962) in France and the OvaHerero and Nama Genocide (1904–1908) in Germany. In France, public opinion rejects apologies as an act of “repentance.” In Germany, the planned apology becomes impossible because the government equals the “historical and moral responsibility” with development cooperation. Through a transnational comparison that analyzes the structuring effects of emotional discourses in memory politics, the article shows that dealing with the colonial past primarily follows the interests of the European nation-states, thus leaving the postcolonial power imbalances intact.
An attempt to integrate information from young children into parent/teacher-based mental health evaluation of child internalizing disorders in epidemiological surveys
Authors: Kovess-Masfety Viviane , Motreff Yvon , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Otten Roy , Mihova Zlatka , Monnier-Besnard Stéphanie , Regnault Nolwenn
Published: December 2024

Background:

To date, most large surveys on the mental health of children under 11 years old have relied exclusively on data collected from parents and teachers, with no information from children themselves. However, these children are valuable informants despite their young age.

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of adding young children’s self-evaluation of internalizing disorders to a combined teacher/parent-based algorithm using data from a European survey carried out in Italy, Bulgaria, and in the Netherlands.

Method:

Comparing concordances with the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA; considered as the gold standard) of a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire’s (SDQ) parent/teacher-based predictive algorithm, with and without integrating a child self-evaluation. The child self-evaluation was using the Dominic Interactive (DI), a computerized, pictorial, self-administered questionnaire for young children, which followed DSM 5 diagnoses definitions for internalized disorders. The concordance comparisons concerned 238 children, 5 to 12 years old from out-patient clinics, double evaluated, using kappa concordance test . Subsequent variations in disorder prevalence were evaluated in cross-sectional surveys in the general populations of the three study countries ( n = 3,442).

Results:

Adding self-evaluated child DI-based ‘probable’ internalizing disorder diagnoses to the SDQ parent/teacher algorithm increased concordance with gold standard: kappa increased from .25 (.14–.37) to .36 (.23–.49). In terms of population-based data, this addition increased the prevalence of ‘probable’ emotional disorders from 2.00 % (1.56–2.53) to 3.63 % (3.03–4.31) and revealed an expected gender difference.

Conclusion:

The inclusion of young children’s self-reported data on internalizing disorders is a valuable addition to the generally used combined parent/teacher-based SDQ algorithm, and therefore better reflects the true prevalence of these disorders in these children. Further evaluation on larger validation samples is required.
Induction of Oral Lichen Planus–like Histopathology in Mice
Authors: Phuc V.T.-D. , Kang M.G. , Kim H. , Ko Y.K. , Acharya S. , Kim E.B. , Park J.-Y. , Chang S.-H. , Kim H.-J. , Yoon H.-J. , Choi Y.
Published: December 2024

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic T cell–mediated inflammatory mucosal disease of unknown etiology. The lack of suitable animal models has hampered understanding of its etiopathogenesis. This study aimed to clarify the contribution of bacterial infection and zinc deficiency (ZD) in OLP pathogenesis by developing a murine model. Infection of human oral keratinocytes with OLP-isolated Escherichia coli 7.2 in the presence of a zinc chelator increased the intracellular survival of E. coli, likely due to the mitigation of zinc poisoning. C57BL/6 female mice were subjected to either a standard diet or a zinc-deficient diet for 1 mo. Their labial mucosa was then microdamaged through scratching, followed by oral administration of E. coli 7.2. Scratching alone triggered bacterial translocation to the epithelium and lamina propria, upregulated Mmp9, increased immune responses in the cervical lymph nodes, and amplified CD4+ T-cell recruitment to labial mucosae. All these responses were intensified by E. coli infection, showing a strong synergism with ZD that shifted the Th cells infiltrating the labial mucosa in response to E. coli infection from Th1 to Th17 dominance. Repeated scratching plus E. coli infection amplified T-cell recruitment, even without ZD, leading to patchy lymphocytic infiltration, characterized by the presence of colloid bodies and disrupted basement membranes. Interestingly, Th1 blockade with anti-IFNγ and anti–IL-12 antibodies during E. coli infection hindered bacterial clearance in the epithelium and caused intense T-cell infiltration, epithelial degeneration and necrosis with colloid bodies, basement membrane destruction, and epithelial detachment, similar to erosive OLP lesions. This suggests that the Th1/IFNγ pathway may not be a suitable therapeutic target for OLP. In conclusion, OLP-like histopathology in the oral mucosa was induced through E. coli infection when combined with ZD, repeated epithelial microdamage, or Th1 blockade. This animal model provides a valuable platform for exploring specific hypotheses related to OLP pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Promoting Skill Development and Positive Change: An Organizational Development Project for Industrial-Organizational Psychology Courses
Authors: Semanko Anna M. , Wasner Candace J. , Dunaski Bailey M. , Phiri Elshaddai H.
Published: December 2024

Background

Organizational development is necessary for maintaining and promoting a positive work environment.

Objective

We present a unique organizational development project emphasizing understanding and applying industrial-organizational psychology concepts to resolve workplace issues and motivate organizational improvement.

Method

The design of the organizational development project follows both project- and problem-based learning methods. As such, the organizational development project asked students in an industrial-organizational psychology course to critically examine multifaceted workplace problems and provide evidence-based solutions.

Results

Students reported that the organizational development project helped them meet course learning objectives and stimulated skill development in important areas like problem-solving, professional communication, and consideration of diverse ideas.

Conclusion

The content and skill development associated with the organizational development project can contribute to students’ personal and professional success.

Teaching Implications

Instructors can use this project to foster students’ comprehension of organizational development. The opportunity to practice analyzing complicated organizational situations can enhance skill development and workforce readiness. As a result, students may be better prepared to understand how industrial-organizational principles can contribute to productive, inclusive, safe, and meaningful organizational climates.
Maximum sensitivity constrained active disturbance rejection control based on reduced-order observer for DC–DC boost converter
Authors: Kumar Priyanshu , Ajmeri Moina
Published: December 2024

A reduced-order observer-based active disturbance rejection control (RADRC) is suggested to regulate the output of the boost converter in the presence of unwanted disturbance including input voltage fluctuations and changes in the load side. The proposed control system is protected from unnecessary amplification of high-frequency noise signals as the derivative term is eliminated from the control laws. The extra phase lag introduced by the derivative term of ADRC is avoided, which further enhances the overall system’s stability and performance. The design parameters such as observer and controller bandwidths are selected by specifying the maximum sensitivity value of the control loop such that the desired robustness level is obtained. The proposed control strategy is experimentally validated and its superiority over contemporary techniques is justified under different scenarios. The suggested control strategy has the least settling time of 0.02 seconds and a minimum integral absolute error (IAE) value of 0.025 for the servo performance. For the regulatory performances also, the RADRC technique proves to be better than the other control methods.
After the Expansion: The Japanese University Crisis and a Vision of the Post-University
Authors: Yoshimi Shunya
Published: December 2024

The university is in a state of crisis. This crisis has both quantitative and qualitative, or structural, aspects. Additionally, there are predicaments unique to Japanese universities as well as difficulties being faced by universities worldwide. The main focus of this paper is to explain the dire situation that contemporary Japanese universities are confronting and to suggest ways to overcome it. However, it will also touch upon the broader crisis facing universities in the 21st century.
The role of health librarians in combating misinformation: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Borji Samira , Panahi Sirous , Razmgir Maryam
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in numerous human and financial losses. During this period, a great deal of information about the disease was disseminated; resulting in the emergence of a high volume of misinformation, which posed a threat to public health. Many organizations and healthcare professionals, including health librarians, were involved in managing misinformation. The present study aimed to investigate the role of health librarians in combating misinformation.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative research method using a content analysis approach in 2022. The data collection method was semi-structured interviews, and sampling was done purposively. A total of 25 library professionals participated in the interviews including health librarians, library science academic staff, and library managers. The data were collected through mobile phones and face-to-face interactions and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The results showed that “lack of reliable information” and “lots of gossip” are the main reasons for spreading misinformation. Medical librarians were recognized as key players in combating health misinformation. The study led to the identification of 4 roles for health librarians that significantly influence managing misinformation. These roles were “educational role”, “evaluation role”, “information counseling role”, and “research role”. The “educational role” was the most frequent role revealed.

Conclusion

It is recommended to establish secure channels for sharing accurate information. Moreover, systematically documenting libraries’ experiences and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic or similar crises is essential for improving their preparedness for any future crisis.
Parental Factors Moderate the Association Between COVID-19 Disruption and Adolescent Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
Authors: Van Kessel Kate , Aitken Charlotte , Nilsen Elizabeth S.
Published: December 2024

Past work shows that COVID-19 impacted adolescent mental health, but the moderating role of parental factors remains unclear. Ninety-one parent-adolescent dyads (ages 12–15) completed online surveys. Parents reported on COVID-19 disruption within their household, their mental health, parental reflective functioning (i.e., ability to consider the mental state of their child), and their adolescent’s emotional and behavioural difficulties. Adolescents rated their own emotional and behavioural difficulties and perception of parental support. Positive associations between household COVID-19 disruption and adolescent difficulties emerged, regardless of informant. However, parental factors linked to adolescent difficulties varied by informant. Parental reflective functioning moderated the association between COVID-19 disruption and adolescent difficulties (parent-report). COVID-19 disruption showed some stronger associations with adolescent difficulties than other parental stress measures, but not consistently. Findings replicate and extend prior work, emphasizing the negative association between COVID-19 disruption and adolescent mental health, while highlighting parental reflective functioning’s potential for mitigating adolescent difficulties.
Generative AI’s Impact on Critical Thinking: Revisiting Bloom’s Taxonomy
Authors: Gonsalves Chahna
Published: December 2024

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT in education has raised concerns that students may become dependent on AI-generated solutions, potentially stifling the development of critical thinking skills. Compounding this issue is the fact that Bloom’s Taxonomy—the widely used framework for designing educational goals—fails to address the cognitive demands of AI-assisted learning. This exploratory study presents a revised framework that incorporates AI-specific competencies, offering a more relevant model for nurturing critical thinking in an AI-driven environment. Using a conceptual approach supported by empirical evidence from MSc Marketing students’ interactions with AI tools over 4 weeks, the study found that AI can both enhance and challenge critical thinking across cognitive, affective, and metacognitive domains. Key elements such as melioration, ethical reasoning, collaboration, and reflective thinking were identified as critical for developing deeper engagement with AI-generated content. The framework proposes 12 propositions that inform future research and pedagogical strategies. This study outlines a research agenda for examining AI’s impact on cognitive development, serving as a resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to adapt teaching methods for AI-assisted education.