bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditional probability table limit-based quantization for Bayesian networks: model quality, data fidelity and structure score
Authors: Rodrigues Mendes Ribeiro Rafael , Natal Jordão , Polpo de Campos Cassio , Dias Maciel Carlos
Published: April 2024

Bayesian Networks (BN) are robust probabilistic graphical models mainly used with discrete random variables requiring discretization and quantization of continuous data. Quantization is known to affect model accuracy, speed and interpretability, and there are various quantization methods and performance comparisons proposed in literature. Therefore, this paper introduces a novel approach called CPT limit-based quantization (CLBQ) aimed to address the trade-off among model quality, data fidelity and structure score. CLBQ sets CPT size limitation based on how large the dataset is so as to optimize the balance between the structure score of BNs and mean squared error. For such a purpose, a range of quantization values for each variable was evaluated and a Pareto set was designed considering structure score and mean squared error (MSE). A quantization value was selected from the Pareto set in order to balance MSE and structure score, and the method’s effectiveness was tested using different datasets, such as discrete variables with added noise, continuous variables and real continuous data. In all tests, CLBQ was compared to another quantization method known as Dynamic Discretization. Moreover, this study assesses the suitability of CLBQ for the search and score of BN structure learning, in addition to examining the landscape of BN structures while varying dataset sizes and confirming its consistency. It was sought to find the expected structure location through a landscape analysis and optimal BNs on it so as to confirm whether the expected results were actually achieved in the search and score of BN structure learning. Results demonstrate that CLBQ is quite capable of striking a balance between model quality, data fidelity and structure score, in addition to evidencing its potential application in the search and score of BN structure learning, thus further research should explore different structure scores and quantization methods through CLBQ. Furthermore, its code and used datasets have all been made available.
Physics-informed deep learning to quantify anomalies for real-time fault mitigation in 3D printing
Authors: Uhrich Benjamin , Pfeifer Nils , Schäfer Martin , Theile Oliver , Rahm Erhard
Published: April 2024

In 3D printing processes, there are many thermal stress related defects that can have a significant negative impact on the shape and size of the structure. Such anomalies in the heat transfer of the printing process need to be detected at an early stage. Understanding heat transfer is crucial, and simulation models can offer insights while reducing the need for costly experiments. Traditional numerical solvers for heat transfer can be complex to adapt to diverse printed part geometries, and their reliance on predefined mathematical models limits their flexibility. Our physics-informed deep learning (PIDL) approach eliminates the need for discretization, simplifying the analysis of complex geometries and enabling automation. The drawback of parametric PIDL is their scalability for high-dimensional problems. Computational time, energy and cost of training prevent real-time analysis. It often takes only a few seconds to print a single layer. We can show an energy efficient transfer and training strategy to reduce the computational effort of PIDL significantly. The approach is able to quantify relevant effects of thermal stresses and mitigate errors during selective laser melting (SLM). To this end, heat transfer is modelled, simulated and analysed using high-dimensional data obtained from printing experiments with different geometries of metal components. The proposed method is applied to the solving forward problem of heat transfer prediction. The governing results are based on the heat equation, which is integrated into a deep neural network (DNN).
Artificial cover objects as a tool for the survey and conservation of herpetofauna
Authors: Liberman Yan-Ronen , Ben-Ami Frida , Meiri Shai
Published: April 2024

Artificial cover objects, made of various materials, have been used for decades for reptile and amphibian surveys, as well as in habitat restoration programs. Their low cost and maintenance demands make them a cost effective and efficient survey method. Since flipping covers does not require special skills, and covers can be uniform in size and material, they can be used as a standardized survey method to negate observer biases. We surveyed the literature in search of studies describing the use of artificial cover objects in situ as part of surveys or habitat restoration efforts of reptiles and amphibians in the twenty-first century. We found 490 studies conducted in 31 countries. Our results show that artificial cover objects are an effective method to sample reptiles and amphibians in terms of both labor and cost. Overall, artificial cover objects used in the studies we surveyed enabled the detection of 357 species belonging to 47 families. Only one study reported animal mortality caused by artificial covers and it also suggested a way to prevent it. No other studies reported direct or indirect injuries or deaths caused by artificial covers. We discuss the efficacy of artificial cover objects in surveying for reptiles and amphibians, and examine their effectiveness when used as part of habitat restoration programs.
Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter (MCU) is Involved in an Ischemic Postconditioning Effect Against Ischemic Reperfusion Brain Injury in Mice
Authors: Sasaki Hiromitsu , Nakagawa Ichiro , Furuta Takanori , Yokoyama Shohei , Morisaki Yudai , Saito Yasuhiko , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: April 2024

The phenomenon of ischemic postconditioning (PostC) is known to be neuroprotective against ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury. One of the key processes in PostC is the opening of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium (mito-KATP) channel and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, triggering the release of calcium ions from mitochondria through low-conductance opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is known as a highly sensitive transporter for the uptake of Ca2+ present on the inner mitochondrial membrane. The MCU has attracted attention as a new target for treatment in diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and ischemic stroke. We considered that the MCU may be involved in PostC and trigger its mechanisms. This research used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique on hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from C57BL mice and measured changes in spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs), intracellular Ca2+ concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) currents under inhibition of MCU by ruthenium red 265 (Ru265) in PostC. Inhibition of MCU increased the occurrence of sEPSCs (p = 0.014), NMDAR currents (p < 0.001), intracellular Ca2+ concentration (p < 0.001), and dead cells (p < 0.001) significantly after reperfusion, reflecting removal of the neuroprotective effects in PostC. Moreover, mitochondrial depolarization in PostC with Ru265 was weakened, compared to PostC (p = 0.004). These results suggest that MCU affects mitochondrial depolarization in PostC to suppress NMDAR over-activation and prevent elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations against I/R injury.

Graphical Abstract
Determining Drivers of Private Equity Return with Computational Approaches
Authors: Lamothe-Fernández Prosper , García-Argüelles Eduardo , Fernández-Miguélez Sergio Manuel , Hassani-Zerrouk Omar
Published: April 2024

Private equity (PE) represents the acquisition of stakes in non-listed companies, often long-term, with the objective of improving the performance and value of the company to obtain significant benefits at time of disinvestment. PE has gained particular importance in the global financial system for delivering superior risk-adjusted returns. Knowing the PE return drivers has been of great interest among researchers and academics, and some studies have developed statistical models to determine PE return drivers. Still, the explanatory capacity of these models has certain limitations related to their precision levels and exclusive focus on groups of countries located in Europe and the EE.UU. Therefore, in the current literature, new models of analysis of the PE return drivers are demanded to provide a better fit in worldwide scenarios. This study contributes to the accuracy of the models that identify the PE return drivers using computational methods and a sample of 1606 PE funds with a geographical focus on the world’s five regions. The results have provided a unique set of PE return drivers with a precision level above 86%. The conclusions obtained present important theoretical and practical implications, expanding knowledge about PE and financial forecasting from a global perspective.
Effect of blended learning approach on secondary school learners’ mathematics achievement and retention
Authors: Egara Felix Oromena , Mosimege Mogege
Published: April 2024

The study investigated how blended learning affected secondary school students’ achievement and retention in mathematics. The study used a non-equivalent control group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental design. The participants in the study were learners drawn from two secondary schools purposively chosen. Using a simple random sampling technique, the SS 1 classes from each school were then divided into experimental and control groups. Learners in the experimental group utilised the blended learning approach, whereas those in the control group utilized the conventional method. The groups received a pretest in week 1, followed by a 4-week intervention period. A posttest was administered in week 6, and a retention test (post-post-test) occurred 4 weeks after the posttest. The Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT), which has a reliability score of 0.86, was used for data collection. Data were analysed and the study questions were reported using the mean and standard deviation, and the hypotheses were tested using analysis of covariance. Results revealed that learners tutored mathematics utilising blended learning improved their mathematics achievement and retention scores more than learners tutored utilising the conventional means. Results indicated no significant gender disparity in the mean achievement scores of learners tutored mathematics utilising blended learning. Results also showed a significant gender difference in the mean retention scores of learners who learnt mathematics using blended learning, favouring female students. Based on the findings, recommendations were made.
Optimising decision support tools for the agricultural sector
Authors: Iakovidis Dimitrios , Gadanakis Yiorgos , Campos-Gonzalez Jorge , Park Julian
Published: April 2024

Several challenges threaten the viability of agriculture in the Mediterranean region, for instance, climate change and variability, land degradation and desertification, environmental and social pressures in rural areas, and the arrangement and extent of properties. These challenges require the attention of farm managers and effective decision-making that can safeguard the natural resource base, enhance resilience and food security, and promote sustainable production landscapes. Decision Support Tools (DSTs) offer valuable assistance in addressing these challenges by improving the decision-making process for both farmers and advisors. They enable data-informed decisions that can enhance the sustainability performance of agricultural businesses in the region. A crucial component of designing a proficient DST is the prompt involvement of stakeholders using a participatory approach to define the needs and requirements of end users. In this study, we engaged twenty-nine stakeholders, including farmers, advisors, extension officers, policy makers, and industry representatives from the Argolida regional unit and the Greek National Ministry of Rural Development and Food. This engagement was aimed at conducting a comprehensive analysis of user needs. To achieve this, we employed the Q-methodology approach to gain a thorough comprehension of the viewpoints and requirements of these diverse stakeholder groups. The results illustrated factors such as the need for user-friendly interfaces, the importance of data accuracy and reliability, the benefit of flexibility and adaptability, and the need for appropriate training and support. These findings can aid the effective development of DSTs so that emerging challenges can be framed in a manner that will facilitate solutions.
Classification of cyclic groups underlying only smooth skew morphisms
Authors: Hu Kan , Kovács István , Kwon Young Soo
Published: April 2024

A skew morphism of a finite group A is a permutation $$\varphi $$
φ
of A fixing the identity element and for which there is an integer-valued function $$\pi $$
π
on A such that $$\varphi (ab)=\varphi (a)\varphi ^{\pi (a)}(b)$$

φ

(
a
b
)

=
φ

(
a
)

φ

π
(
a
)

(
b
)

for all $$a, b \in A$$

a
,
b
∈
A

. A skew morphism $$\varphi $$
φ
of A is smooth if the associated power function $$\pi $$
π
is constant on the orbits of $$\varphi $$
φ
, that is, $$\pi (\varphi (a))\equiv \pi (a)\pmod {|\varphi |}$$

π
(
φ
(
a
)
)
≡
π
(
a
)

(
mod

|
φ
|
)

for all $$a\in A$$

a
∈
A

. In this paper, we show that every skew morphism of a cyclic group of order n is smooth if and only if $$n=2^en_1$$

n
=

2
e

n
1

, where $$0 \le e \le 4$$

0
≤
e
≤
4

and $$n_1$$

n
1

is an odd square-free number. A partial solution to a similar problem on non-cyclic abelian groups is also given.
Fast screening method to identify salinity tolerant strains of foliose Ulva species. Low salinity leads to increased organic matter of the biomass
Authors: Simon Clara , Fort Antoine , Jouanneau Diane , McHale Marcus , Sulpice Ronan
Published: April 2024

Sea lettuce (Ulva) is recognised for its potential in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, biorefinery and bioremediation industries and is increasingly being cultivated. The requirements of those industries vary widely in terms of biomass composition. Ulva biomass composition and growth is known to be directly influenced by environmental factors, e.g., temperature, light, salinity, nutrient availability as well as by genetic factors and likely by microbiome composition. In order to select for the highest yielding strains in a given environment, we tested the suitability of common-garden experiments, i.e., the co-cultivation of different strains grown under shared conditions. Fifteen strains from six different foliose Ulva species were grown together under two different salinities, 35 ppt and 15 ppt. After 32 days, only U. australis strains remained at both salinities. If selection at low salinity was mostly based on survival, the selection process at seawater salinity was driven by competition, largely based on growth performance. Growth rates after a month were very similar at both salinities, suggesting the U. australis strains cope equally well in either condition. However, the composition of the biomass produced in both environments varied, with the content of all organic compounds being higher at low salinity, and the ash content being reduced in average by 66%. To summarize, this study provides an established bulk-selection protocol for efficiently screening large numbers of locally-sourced strains and highlights the potential of low salinity treatments for increased organic matter content, particularly in carbohydrates.
Computational peptide discovery with a genetic programming approach
Authors: Scalzitti Nicolas , Miralavy Iliya , Korenchan David E. , Farrar Christian T. , Gilad Assaf A. , Banzhaf Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

The development of peptides for therapeutic targets or biomarkers for disease diagnosis is a challenging task in protein engineering. Current approaches are tedious, often time-consuming and require complex laboratory data due to the vast search spaces that need to be considered. In silico methods can accelerate research and substantially reduce costs. Evolutionary algorithms are a promising approach for exploring large search spaces and can facilitate the discovery of new peptides. This study presents the development and use of a new variant of the genetic-programming-based POET algorithm, called POETRegex, where individuals are represented by a list of regular expressions. This algorithm was trained on a small curated dataset and employed to generate new peptides improving the sensitivity of peptides in magnetic resonance imaging with chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The resulting model achieves a performance gain of 20% over the initial POET models and is able to predict a candidate peptide with a 58% performance increase compared to the gold-standard peptide. By combining the power of genetic programming with the flexibility of regular expressions, new peptide targets were identified that improve the sensitivity of detection by CEST. This approach provides a promising research direction for the efficient identification of peptides with therapeutic or diagnostic potential.
A Longitudinal Examination of Direct and Indirect Influences of Parental Behaviors on Child Physical Activity
Authors: Saunders Ruth P. , Dowda Marsha , Dishman Rod K. , Pate Russell R.
Published: April 2024

Many children do not realize the physical health, mental health, cognitive, and academic benefits of physical activity because they are insufficiently active. Effectively promoting physical activity in children requires understanding the determinants of physical activity. Parent physical activity and support for physical activity have emerged as central influences, but few studies have applied longitudinal designs and device-based measures of child physical activity. The purposes of this cohort study were to examine direct associations between parent physical activity and child physical activity, parent physical activity and parent support for physical activity, and parent support and child physical activity; and to examine indirect associations between parent physical activity and child physical activity, mediated through parent support behaviors. We used structural equation modeling with panel analysis to examine direct and indirect influences of parent physical activity and support on 7th grade children’s physical activity, adjusted for 5th grade levels. Parent surveys were administered at the 5th grade time-point. Parent physical activity indirectly affected child physical activity, mediated through the parent support behavior of providing transportation for physical activity. Parent physical activity was also directly related to four parent support behaviors. Increasing parent support for child physical activity, and possibly parent physical activity, may be effective approaches to increasing child physical activity.
Addition of Selected Plant-Derived Semiochemicals to Yellow Sticky Traps Does Not Improve Citrus Psyllid Captures
Authors: Pullock Dylan A. , Krüger Kerstin , Manrakhan Aruna , Yusuf Abdullahi A. , Weldon Christopher W.
Published: April 2024

Fast and effective monitoring and surveillance techniques are crucial for the swift implementation of control methods to prevent the spread of Huanglongbing, a devastating citrus disease, and its invasive psyllid vector, Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, into South Africa, as well as to control the native vector, African citrus triozid, Trioza erytreae. Monitoring for citrus psyllid pests can be improved by using semiochemical odorants to augment already visually attractive yellow sticky traps. However, environmental variables such as temperature and humidity could influence odorant release rates. Five field cages were used to test the ability of a selection of odorants to improve yellow sticky trap efficacy in capturing citrus psyllids. Environmental effects on odorant loss from the dispensers were also investigated. The odorants that most improved yellow sticky trap captures in field cages were then tested under open field conditions alongside lower concentrations of those same lures. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to calculate odorant release rates as well as to determine if any contamination occurred under field conditions. None of the odorants under field cage or field conditions significantly improved psyllid capture on yellow sticky traps. Temperature influenced odorant loss, and release rate from polyethylene bulbs decreased over time. Based on these results, the use of unbaited yellow sticky traps seems to be the most effective method for monitoring of Huanglongbing vectors.
Floods, droughts, and environmental circumscription in early state development: the case of ancient Egypt
Authors: Mayoral Laura , Olsson Ola
Published: April 2024

What explains the origins and survival of the first states around 5000 years ago? In this research, we focus on the role of weather-related productivity shocks for early state development in ancient Egypt. We present a framework of extractive state consolidation predicting that political stability should be high whenever environmental circumscription is high, i.e., whenever there is a large gap between the productivity of the area under state control (core) and that of the surrounding areas (hinterland). In such periods, the elite can impose high levels of taxation that the population will be forced to accept as exit to the hinterland is not a feasible option. In order to test this hypothesis, we develop novel proxies for both the historical productivity of the Nile banks and of the Egyptian hinterland on the basis of high-resolution paleoclimate archives. Our empirical analysis then investigates the relationship between these proxies for environmental circumscription and political outcomes such as ruler and dynastic tenure durations, the area under state control and pyramid construction during 2685–1140 BCE. Our results show that while extreme Nile floods are associated with a greater degree of political instability, periods with a greater rainfall in the hinterland (i.e., a lower effective environmental circumscription) causes a decline in state capacity and a delayed increase in political instability.
Mapping Youth Awareness of Sports Betting Advertising During the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Di Censo Gianluca , Delfabbro Paul , King Daniel L.
Published: April 2024

Young people are known to be highly engaged in sports betting and therefore may be particularly susceptible to the effects of gambling-related advertising. The purpose of the present study was to examine young people’s recall of sports betting advertising during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The sample consisted of 190 UK residents aged 18–24 who had watched at least one 2022 World Cup match. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on participants' recall of sports betting advertisements across several media types and for different bets and betting offers, as well as their problem gambling scores. The findings indicated that young people were able to recall a high amount of advertising for various types of bets (95.6%) and betting inducements (89.5%). A high proportion of young people recalled advertising for risky bet types and promotions, such as 64.2% for in-play betting and 68.1% for sign-up offers. Overall, higher-risk gamblers recalled encountering more advertising than lower-risk gamblers. Participants recalled encountering sports betting advertisements on social media the most (10–14 ads per week), then on internet banners and television (5–9 ads per week, respectively). Less than half (46.3%) of respondents were aware of advertising for responsible gambling tools. This study underscores the need for policy measures that limit young people's exposure to gambling advertising, particularly for products that may contribute to gambling-related harm, and that increase the promotion of responsible gambling tools.
Monte Carlo tree search control scheme for multibody dynamics applications
Authors: Tang Yixuan , Orzechowski Grzegorz , Prokop Aleš , Mikkola Aki
Published: April 2024

There is considerable interest in applying reinforcement learning (RL) to improve machine control across multiple industries, and the automotive industry is one of the prime examples. Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) has emerged and proven powerful in decision-making games, even without understanding the rules. In this study, multibody system dynamics (MSD) control is first modeled as a Markov Decision Process and solved with Monte Carlo Tree Search. Based on randomized search space exploration, the MCTS framework builds a selective search tree by repeatedly applying a Monte Carlo rollout at each child node. However, without a library of available choices, deciding among the many possibilities for agent parameters can be intimidating. In addition, the MCTS poses a significant challenge for searching due to the large branching factor. This challenge is typically overcome by appropriate parameter design, search guiding, action reduction, parallelization, and early termination. To address these shortcomings, the overarching goal of this study is to provide needed insight into inverted pendulum controls via vanilla and modified MCTS agents, respectively. A series of reward functions are well-designed according to the control goal, which maps a specific distribution shape of reward bonus and guides the MCTS-based control to maintain the upright position. Numerical examples show that the reward-modified MCTS algorithms significantly improve the control performance and robustness of the default choice of a constant reward that constitutes the vanilla MCTS. The exponentially decaying reward functions perform better than the constant value or polynomial reward functions. Moreover, the exploitation vs. exploration trade-off and discount parameters are carefully tested. The study’s results can guide the research of RL-based MSD users.
Genome-wide identification and in-silico expression analysis of CCO gene family in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) against abiotic stress
Authors: Sami Adnan , Haider Muhammad Zeeshan , Shafiq Muhammad , Sadiq Saleh , Ahmad Farooq
Published: April 2024

Carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs) enzymes play an important role in plant growth and development by producing a wide array of apocarotenoids and their derivatives. These compounds are vital for colouring flowers and fruits and synthesizing plant hormones such as abscisic acid and strigolactones. Despite their importance, the gene family responsible for CCO enzymes in sunflowers has not been identified. In this study, we identify the CCO genes of the sunflower plant to fill this knowledge gap. Phylogenetic and synteny analysis indicated that the Helianthus annuus CCO (HaCCO) genes were conserved in different plant species and they could be divided into three subgroups based on their conserved domains. Analysis using MEME tool and multiple sequence alignment identified conserved motifs in the HaCCO gene sequence. Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) analysis of the HaCCO genes indicated the presence of various responsive elements related to plant hormones, development, and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. This implies that these genes may respond to plant hormones, developmental cues, and drought stress, offering potential applications in the development of more resistant crops. Genes belonging to the 9-cis-epoxy carotenoid dioxygenases (NCED) subgroups predominantly exhibited chloroplast localization, whereas the genes found in other groups are primarily localized in the cytoplasm. These 21 identified HaCCOs were regulated by 60 miRNAs, indicating the crucial role of microRNAs in gene regulation in sunflowers. Gene expression analysis under drought stress revealed significant up-regulation of HaNCED16 and HaNCED19, genes that are pivotal in ABA hormone biosynthesis. During organ-specific gene expression analysis, HaCCD12 and HaCCD20 genes exhibit higher activity in leaves, indicating a potential role in leaf pigmentation. This study provides a foundation for future research on the regulation and functions of the CCO gene family in sunflower and beyond. There is potential for developing molecular markers that could be employed in breeding programs to create new sunflower lines resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Between-word processing and text-level skills contributing to fluent reading of (non)word lists and text
Authors: van Viersen Sietske , Altani Angeliki , de Jong Peter F. , Protopapas Athanassios
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have shown that fluent reading of word lists requires additional skills beyond efficient recognition of individual words. This study examined the specific contribution of between-word processing (sequential processing efficiency, indexed by serial digit RAN) and subskills related to text-level processing (vocabulary and syntactic skills) to a wide range of reading fluency tasks, while accounting for within-word processes (i.e., those involved in phonological recoding, orthographic decoding, and sight word reading). The sample included 139 intermediate-level (Grade 3, n = 78) and more advanced (Grade 5, n = 61) readers of Dutch. Fluency measures included simple and complex lists of words and nonwords, and a complex text. Data were analyzed through hierarchical regressions and commonality analyses. The findings confirm the importance of between-word processing for fluent reading and extend evidence from simple word lists and texts to complex word lists and texts, and simple and complex lists of nonwords. The findings hold for both intermediate-level and more advanced readers and, as expected, the contribution of between-word processing increased with reading-skill level. Effects of vocabulary were generally absent, aside from a small effect on text reading fluency in Grade 3. No effects of syntactic skills were found, even in more advanced readers. The results support the idea that once efficient individual word recognition is in place, further fluency development is driven by more efficient between-word processing. The findings also confirm that vocabulary may be less prominent in processing mechanisms underlying fluent word identification in transparent orthographies, across reading levels.
Reliabilist epistemology meets bounded rationality
Authors: Dusi Giovanni
Published: April 2024

Epistemic reliabilism holds that a belief is justified if and only if it is produced by a reliable or truth-conducive process. I argue that reliabilism offers an epistemology for bounded rationality. This latter concept refers to normative and descriptive accounts of real-world reasoning instead of some ideal reasoning. However, as initially formulated, reliabilism involves an absolute, context-independent assessment of rationality that does not do justice to the fact that several processes are reliable in some reasoning environments but not in others, as is widely reported in the cognitive sciences literature. I consider possible solutions to this problem. Resorting to ‘normality reliabilism’, a variant of the theory, is one; but I find it insufficient. Therefore, in addition, I propose to relativise the reliability assessment to reasoning environments. This novel version of reliabilism fits bounded rationality better than the original one does.
Reduction of the received signal strength variation with distance using averaging over multiple heights and frequencies
Authors: Obeidat Huthaifa , Al-Sadoon Mohammed , Zebiri Chemseddine , Obeidat Omar , Elfergani Issa , Abd-Alhameed Raed
Published: April 2024

As a simple and inexpensive channel characteristic, received signal strength (RSS) finds extensive usage in localization applications. However, the quick changes in signal strength impact the localization precision. By averaging over access points (APs) with multiple frequencies and/or heights, this article suggests a novel approach to lowering RSS fluctuation. Initially focused on the plane-earth loss model, the study was later extended to include a multipath indoor propagation scenario that was simulated. We used ray-tracing software to model the indoor propagation situation. This research takes into account the results of three distinct methods for averaging RSS: height averaging, frequency averaging, and hybrid frequency and height (FH) averaging, which combines the two. We discovered that the Height-only strategy considerably decreased the RSS variation with distance for both settings we looked at. Using the frequency-only method even further reduced the variation. Using the Hybrid FH technique greatly enhances the results. Root mean square error values of 4.427 dB, 3.70 dB, and 3.5 dB, respectively, are provided for the averaging approaches and the ideal scenario in which no variance occurs. Another finding is that averaging with APs that have double the height or frequency will not improve the RSS distance variation.
Investigating impacts of the mycothiazole chemotype as a chemical probe for the study of mitochondrial function and aging
Authors: Dutta Naibedya , Gerke Joe A. , Odron Sofia F. , Morris Joseph D. , Hruby Adam , Kim Juri , Torres Toni Castro , Shemtov Sarah J. , Clarke Jacqueline G. , Chang Michelle C. , Shaghasi Hooriya , Ray Marissa N. , Averbukh Maxim , Hoang Sally , Oorloff Maria , Alcala Athena , Vega Matthew , Mehta Hemal H. , Thorwald Max A. , Crews Phillip , Vermulst Marc , Garcia Gilberto , Johnson Tyler A. , Higuchi-Sanabria Ryo
Published: April 2024

Small molecule inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) hold significant promise to provide valuable insights to the field of mitochondrial research and aging biology. In this study, we investigated two molecules: mycothiazole (MTZ) - from the marine sponge C. mycofijiensis and its more stable semisynthetic analog 8-O-acetylmycothiazole (8-OAc) as potent and selective chemical probes based on their high efficiency to inhibit ETC complex I function. Similar to rotenone (Rote), MTZ, a newly employed ETC complex I inhibitor, exhibited higher cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines compared to certain non-cancer cell lines. Interestingly, 8-OAc demonstrated greater selectivity for cancer cells when compared to both MTZ and Rote, which has promising potential for anticancer therapeutic development. Furthermore, in vivo experiments with these small molecules utilizing a C. elegans model demonstrate their unexplored potential to investigate aging studies. We observed that both molecules have the ability to induce a mitochondria-specific unfolded protein response (UPRMT) pathway, that extends lifespan of worms when applied in their adult stage. We also found that these two molecules employ different pathways to extend lifespan in worms. Whereas MTZ utilizes the transcription factors ATFS-1 and HSF1, which are involved in the UPRMT and heat shock response (HSR) pathways respectively, 8-OAc only required HSF1 and not ATFS-1 to mediate its effects. This observation underscores the value of applying stable, potent, and selective next generation chemical probes to elucidate an important insight into the functional roles of various protein subunits of ETC complexes and their regulatory mechanisms associated with aging.

Graphical Abstract
Expanding China’s Influence via Membership: Examining the Influence of Chinese-Led International Institutions on Responses to Human Rights Issues in China
Authors: Kim Hyunkyu , Park Sanghoon
Published: April 2024

Do Chinese-led international institutions influence human rights discourse in China? Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has spearheaded the establishment of various international institutions, attracting numerous member states. States that participate in Chinese-led international institutions tend to be swayed by China's influence and are more cautious when addressing sensitive issues concerning China. Additionally, they are more likely to adopt a favorable stance towards Chinese human rights issues compared to those that are not affiliated with these institutions. This paper examines how membership in international institutions led by China affects state responses to human rights issues in China. We leverage recommendations on Chinese human rights made in the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UN UPR) between 2009 and 2018 in two steps. First, we utilize multinomial logistic regression models to determine which choices the reviewers prefer with respect to the UN UPR recommendations: not sending, sending praising, neutral, or shaming. Second, using ordinal logistic regression models, we investigate which types of recommendations reviewers are more likely to send to China if they decide to send them. Our findings show that reviewers with greater involvement in Chinese-led international institutions are more likely to send recommendations to China, which contradicts our first hypothesis. However, reviewers are more prone to make praising recommendations, aligning with our second hypothesis.
Overdose from Unintentional Fentanyl Use when Intending to Use a Non-opioid Substance: An Analysis of Medically Attended Opioid Overdose Events
Authors: Bazazi Alexander R. , Low Patrick , Gomez Bryson O. , Snyder Hannah , Hom Jeffrey K. , Soran Christine S. , Zevin Barry , Mason Michael , Graterol Joseph , Coffin Phillip O.
Published: April 2024

Fentanyl-mixed and substituted heroin is well-documented, but less is known about unintentional fentanyl use among people using stimulants. To determine the prevalence of and racial and ethnic disparities in unintentional fentanyl use among people experiencing a medically attended opioid overdose, we reviewed 448 suspected non-fatal overdose cases attended by a community paramedic overdose response team in San Francisco from June to September 2022. We applied a case definition for opioid overdose to paramedic records and abstracted data on intended substance use prior to overdose. Among events meeting case criteria with data on intended substance use, intentional opioid use was reported by 57.3%, 98.0% of whom intended to use fentanyl. No intentional opioid use was reported by 42.7%, with most intending to use stimulants (72.6%), including methamphetamine and cocaine. No intentional opioid use was reported by 58.5% of Black, 52.4% of Latinx, and 28.8% of White individuals (p = 0.021), and by 57.6% of women and 39.5% of men (p = 0.061). These findings suggest that unintentional fentanyl use among people without opioid tolerance may cause a significant proportion of opioid overdoses in San Francisco. While intentional fentanyl use might be underreported, the magnitude of self-reported unintentional use merits further investigation to confirm this phenomenon, explore mechanisms of use and disparities by race and ethnicity, and deploy targeted overdose prevention interventions.
Five new species of Pseudosperma (Inocybaceae, Agaricales) from Benin and Turkey based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic evidence
Authors: Kaygusuz Oğuzhan , Bandini Ditte , Rühl Adrian , Sarawi Sepas , Yorou Nourou S. , Piepenbring Meike
Published: April 2024

Species of Pseudosperma (Inocybaceae) are widely distributed from temperate to tropical regions. In this study, we describe and illustrate five new species of Pseudosperma: P. beninense, P. cremeo-ochraceum, P. squarrosofulvum, P. stramineum, and P. tiliae, based on comprehensive analyses of morphological and molecular data derived from specimens collected in Benin (West Africa) and Turkey (Western Eurasia). These new species have been found in forests with Isoberlinia spp. and other ectomycorrhizal tree species in Benin and in association with Tilia platyphyllos in Turkey. The phylogenetic relationships of the new species were inferred through analyses of nuclear rDNA sequences, encompassing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S rDNA, and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) region. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. beninense, P. cremeo-ochraceum, P. squarrosofulvum, and P. stramineum from Benin cluster with species from Australia, China, and India within a clade formed exclusively by species known from the palaeotropics and Australia, whereas P. tiliae from Turkey clustered with P. mediterraneum from Italy. Detailed descriptions are provided, supplemented by illustrations and line drawings of key micromorphological features. In addition, a comparative analysis with morphologically similar and phylogenetically closely related species is presented and discussed in detail.
Characteristics of phthalate concentrations in propellant- and trigger-type consumer spray products
Authors: Hwang Sung Ho , Oh Gi Taek , Park Jeung Yeon , Lee Kiyoung , Zho Kyung-Duk , Yoon Chungsik
Published: April 2024

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the bulk sample concentration and airborne concentrations of phthalate in different types of propellent and triggers in consumer spray products and estimate health risk assessment via inhalation. First, the phthalate concentrations were analyzed in the solutions of all products 174 from markets. Then, among 64 products containing phthalates, 10 propellant-type products were selected that contained high phthalate concentrations; airborne concentrations were measured at distances of 1, 3, and 5 m from the spray nozzle in a clean room. Four phthalates were detected in spray products: diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Among propellant-type products, repellents contained the highest mean concentrations (3.90 ppm), whereas sterilized products contained the lowest mean concentrations (0.59 ppm). Among trigger-type products, cleaning products contained the highest mean concentrations (4.54 ppm), whereas coating products contained the lowest mean concentrations (0.73 ppm). In both propellant- and trigger-type products, DnBP and DEHP exceeded the standard set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea. No significant patterns were observed for the airborne DiBP, DnBP, and DEHP concentrations at 1, 3, and 5 m (p > 0.05). Children were one of the population groups most susceptible to health risks. Overall, phthalates were detected in both product solutions and the air in consumer spray products; some even exceeded safe limits. Therefore, consumer spray products should be used in well-ventilated areas to avoid respiratory exposure.
Investigation of accumulation of element contents in some wild and cultivated dried fruits
Authors: AlJuhaimi Fahad , Kulluk Duygu Akçay , Ahmed Isam Ali Mohamed , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Karrar Emad
Published: April 2024

In this study, the moisture and biogenic element quantities of most wild and cultivated edible dried fruits were investigated. Macroelements found in highest amounts in fruits were K, P, Ca, and Mg. While K quantities of the fruits are recorded between 5212.77 (“white myrtle”) and 25550.60 mg/kg (“black nightshade”), P amounts of the fruits were characterized to be between 949.08 (black myrtle) and 4420.75 mg/kg (“black nightshade”). Ca and Mg amounts of the fruits were assessed to be between 359.83 (plum) and 4330.89 mg/kg (“yellow hawthorn”) to 214.98 (plum) and 1852.04 mg/kg (“black nightshade”), respectively. Fe and B quantities of the fruitss were established to be between 2.69 (“black myrtle”) and 60.13 mg/kg (cherry) to 3.76 (“black myrtle”) and 76.25 mg/kg (sour cherry), respectively. In general, except for white and black myrtle fruits, it is thought that other fruits can be good sources of P, K, and Fe. P contents of “laurel cherry,” “cherry,” “black nightshade,” and “Fragrant black grapes” were found partly high than those of other fruits. “Cherry laurel,” “sour cherry,” “cherry,” “pear,” “black nightshade,” “black fig,” and “hawthorn (yellow)” fruits contain more K than other fruits.

Graphical Abstract

In this study, the degree of accumulation of macro-, micro element contents of some wild and culktivated fruits was investigated.
Spatio-temporal evaluation of physico-chemical parameters of snow-fed River Poonch in Northwest Himalayan region of India
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Ahmed Imtiaz , Dar Nazir Ahmad , Farah Mohammad Abul
Published: April 2024

The rapid deterioration of freshwater ecosystems, particularly rivers, has threatened many living organisms, including human beings. In order to comprehend and maintain the well-being of a river ecosystem, it is important to assess the spatial and temporal variations in its physico-chemical parameters. The aim of the present study was to examine spatial and temporal physico-chemical parameters of snow-fed River Poonch in the Northwest Himalayas from July 2021 to June 2023. In order to generate precise and reliable data, one-way ANOVA, Duncan's multiple range test, Pearson correlation, linear regression, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used to analyse a total of fifteen physico-chemical parameters of the river. Significant (p < 0.05) differences spatio-temporally in physico-chemical parameters were found through one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test. Pearson correlation revealed that majority of the examined physico-chemical parameters exhibited a robust positive association (r > 0.70) in most cases, apart from DO (r ≥  − 0.80). Linear regression indicated significant (p < 0.05) associations among various physico-chemical parameters, which were substantial both in nature and size, with a coefficient of determination (r2 > 0.70) in most of the cases. PCA showed that physico-chemical parameters such as AT, WT, EC, TDS, FCO2, TA, TH, NO2-N, NO3-N, TP, SO42− and F− were significant for the determination of qualitative characteristics of River Poonch. In CA, two distinct clusters, viz. Cluster-I consisting of Site-III, downstream site prone to pollution and Cluster-II consisting of Site-II and Site-I, mid and upstream sites, respectively, less prone to pollution were obtained. The results of the study revealed that the water quality parameters were found well within the recommended ranges, suggesting that they are conducive for the existence of inhabitant fish species, which influence the local economy of the region.
Retrospective observational cohort study of laparoscopic surgical strategies for gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Enomoto Takeharu , Mikami Shinya , Otsubo Takehito , Hiwatari Masaki , Tsukamoto Yoshitsugu , Hisatsune Yasuhito , Shimada Jin , Matsushita Tsunehisa
Published: April 2024

Laparoscopic surgery has been used to treat gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs). Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) has been used when subtotal resection has been difficult, which enabled resection of these tumors. In this study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with gastric SMTs who underwent laparoscopic surgery in our hospital with the aim of reporting the surgical indications, procedures (especially for LECS), and outcomes of surgery. This study involved 55 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between April 2014 and March 2021. We classified the patients into two groups: laparoscopy-assisted surgery group (non-LECS group, n = 30) and LECS group (n = 25). LECS was performed in the upper stomach, in the greater curvature of the lower stomach, and in both intraluminal and intramural locations in the middle stomach. Non-LECS was selected for extraluminal and intramural tumors in the greater curvature of the upper stomach. There were no severe complications associated with the operation. There was one postoperative complication in the LECS group. The length of postoperative hospital stay did not significantly differ between the LECS and non-LECS groups. We reported the surgical procedures for gastric SMTs in our hospital. It is essential to make full use of the multiple techniques reported in this article and examine the location of the tumor to avoid excess or insufficient resection. Our review of the present case series allowed us to select the appropriate surgical approach for gastric SMTs based on the lesion location and type of development.