bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One- and two-dimensional ring array formed by birefringence in tandem with conical refraction: theoretical analysis
Authors: Cao Weilin , Bin Xie , Zhang Dawei , Zhuang Songlin , Li Jianlang
Published: February 2025

This study proposes a method to create a ring array using birefringence (BR) and conical refraction (CR), where a circularly polarized beam is first divided into 2
m
sub-beams in m BR crystals and then transformed into 2
m
CR rings in a CR crystal. To validate the method, the propagation of a circularly polarized Gaussian beam in a sequence of two BR YVO4 crystals and a CR KGW crystal is simulated. The results show a parallelogram spatial structure formed by four sub-beams behind the BR crystals and four CR rings behind the CR crystal. By adjusting the relative orientation of two BR crystals and rotating a half-wave plate between them, either a linear or rectangular CR ring array can be formed. This method is applicable for particle trapping, space communication, and annular pumped solid-state lasers.
Motion deblurring and quality enhancement for compressive multimode fiber imaging using sparse Kalman filtering
Authors: Dan Mai , Zhao Pengpeng
Published: February 2025

Compressive multimode fiber (MMF) endoscopic imaging represents a promising technology that enables ultra-thin dimensions and ultra-high resolution with a reduced sampling rate. However, its dependence on static imaging conditions for the time-sequential measurements significantly constrains its applicability, as fiber probes and objects typically experience motion in practical operational scenarios. In this study, we present a approach for compressive MMF imaging aimed at mitigating motion blur. The proposed method begins by establishing a model for dynamic imaging objects undergoing translational or rotational motions. It then combines compressed sensing theory with Kalman filtering techniques to transform image reconstruction into the dynamic tracking of time-varying sparse signals, achieving an optimal solution through a sparse Kalman filtering algorithm. Extensive numerical simulations confirm that our approach effectively enhances image quality degraded by motion interference while exhibiting robust resistance to noise. Furthermore, this method allows for dynamically expanding the field of view, positioning it as a promising tool for achieving high-quality compressive MMF endoscopic imaging under realistic operating conditions.
Capacitive-loaded traveling wave electrodes on thin film lithium niobate for sub-terahertz operation
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Moller de Freitas Marco , Shi Shouyuan , Xue Ruidong , Yao Peng , Prather Dennis W.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the experimental demonstration of a capacitive-loaded traveling wave electrode (CLTWE) on a thin-film lithium niobate electro-optic modulator designed for ultra-wideband operation, up to the sub-terahertz region. The parametric structural analysis of the T-rail in the CLTWE and its periodicity were varied to evaluate its high-frequency loss and phase index behavior. Modulator designs having various T-rail periodicities were fabricated with the S-parameters and the optical response of the TFLN modulators was characterized up to 220 GHz. The measured results reveal that the cutoff frequency of the CLTWE strongly depends on the T-rail periodicity. The 20-mm long Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM) with 50 µm T-rail periodicity exhibits a half-wave voltage (Vπ) of 1 V with a corresponding 3-dB bandwidth of approximately 125 GHz, and 6-dB bandwidth of 180 GHz.
A tandem neural network-based controller for X-ray bimorph
mirrors
Authors: Zhang Runyu , Rebuffi Luca , Egly Christopher , Shi Xianbo , Assoufid Lahsen
Published: February 2025

Nanometer-scale optical imperfections challenge coherent X-ray beam applications, even with advancements in X-ray synchrotron facilities, such as the upgraded Advanced Photon Source. Piezoelectric bimorph mirrors offer adaptive control but face limitations from nonlinearities such as crosstalk, creep, and hysteresis. This work introduces a real-time, feedback-free controller inspired by the PID scheme and powered by tandem neural networks (TNN). Using task-specific datasets, the TNN-based system predicts actuator voltages with greater speed, accuracy, and stability than a single NN-based model. Ideal for real-time applications, such as adapting beam focus to dynamic sample sizes, it maintains precise control over radiation and wavefront quality. This advancement highlights artificial intelligence’s transformative potential for adaptive optics and nonlinear systems.
Early detection of disease outbreaks and non-outbreaks using incidence data: A framework using feature-based time series classification and machine learning
Authors: Gao Shan , Chakraborty Amit K , Greiner Russell , Lewis Mark A , Wang Hao
Published: February 2025

Forecasting the occurrence and absence of novel disease outbreaks is essential for disease management, yet existing methods are often context-specific, require a long preparation time, and non-outbreak prediction remains understudied. To address this gap, we propose a novel framework using a feature-based time series classification (TSC) method to forecast outbreaks and non-outbreaks. We tested our methods on synthetic data from a Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) model for slowly changing, noisy disease dynamics. Outbreak sequences give a transcritical bifurcation within a specified future time window, whereas non-outbreak (null bifurcation) sequences do not. We identified incipient differences, reflected in 22 statistical features and 5 early warning signal indicators, in time series of infectives leading to future outbreaks and non-outbreaks. Classifier performance, given by the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC), ranged from 0 . 99 for large expanding windows of training data to 0 . 7 for small rolling windows. The framework is further evaluated on four empirical datasets: COVID-19 incidence data from Singapore, 18 other countries, and Edmonton, Canada, as well as SARS data from Hong Kong, with two classifiers exhibiting consistently high accuracy. Our results highlight detectable statistical features distinguishing outbreak and non-outbreak sequences well before potential occurrence, in both synthetic and real-world datasets presented in this study.
A review analysis of the poaching and illegal trade of tortoises and freshwater turtles (TFTs) in Pakistan
Authors: Safi Amtyaz , Usman Ali Hashmi Muhammad , Ud Din Yousufzai Sultan , Karl Hans-Volker
Published: February 2025

Despite legal protection, illegal trade in turtles and freshwater turtles continues in Pakistan, with many trade species destined for foreign markets. Pakistan's tortoises and hard-shelled turtles are mainly used in the pet trade, while its soft-shelled turtles are used in the meat trade. Given different economic conditions, the economic conditions of different groups of turtles and freshwater turtles will be different and therefore require different interventions. However, a systematic review of the illegal trade in turtles and freshwater turtles that considers the differences between these markets is not currently available. This study uses media seizure data to examine tortoises/hard-shell turtles (in demand in the pet trade) and softshell turtle (meat trade) supply chains. The tortoise/hard-shell turtle network has a larger geographic area and more global trade connections than the soft-shell turtle network. Our current clinical research provides insight into the similarities and differences in illegal activity for different groups of turtles and freshwater turtles, addressing the needs of different markets and demonstrating the need for effective strategies to tackle illegal trade in each group.
Competency based primary education curriculum of Bangladesh: SDG
Authors: K M Obaydullah A , Jahan Nusrat
Published: February 2025

Education now is first time truly aiming to improve access to quality education on sustainable development to develop knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. Many countries in Asia are transforming institutions as â€˜Thinking Schoolsâ€™. The government of Bangladesh, just like other countries, because of the impact of globalization, it has continued to reform education sector to respond to more emerging issues towards sustainable development. It is on this premise that the introduction of new education system. However, there is too little which has been done in establishing the link between competencies based curriculum and sustainable development and their teething challenges. This article is purposed to link competency based learning curriculum to sustainable development, while bringing to the fore the challenges the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is contenting with from conception to its implementation phase and their possible panaceas. Specifically and chronologically, this reflective article attempts clarification of key operational terminologies used, link between competencies and sustainable development, Role of CBC in SDG, theoretical underpinnings of CBC, challenges of CBC, conclusions and recommendations. This reflective and theoretical article significantly contributes to the ongoing debates and reflections on the contribution of competency based curriculum on sustainable development, while addressing the teething challenges undermining the CBC implementation with a view of making it acceptable to all and providing apt strategies towards its successful implementation. Bangladesh is on its way to achieving a Middle Income Country (MIC) status in 2021 and will become a developed country by 2041.Â Â
Some aspects of morphometry, systematics and biogeography of the freshwater turtles, Pangshura (testudines: Geoemydidae) of Pakistan
Authors: Safi Amtyaz , Zaheer Khan Muhammad , Usman Ali  Hashmi Muhammad , Kanwal Roohi , Karl Hans-Volker
Published: February 2025

The present paper based on multivariate morpho-metry, systematics and biogeographically analyses of the hard-shell freshwater turtles of genus Pangshura found in Pakistan. Allo-metric changes in the size of body were examined in the live collected specimens. The morpho-metric measurements and comparative study of Pangshura clearly revealed sexual di-morphism and both the sexes can easily be differentiated. Females are larger in size than males in of this texon. The present study revealed that P. tecta are less common in distribution than P. smithii in in the studied area of Pakistan. The current study presents a morpho-metric relationship between extant and extinct species of Pangshura taxon for the first time. A holotype of this taxon, Pangshura tatrotia is described here, which is also considered a sister to P. tecta and a fifth species so far of this texon.Â Â Â Â
A review of environmental hazards and vertebrate biodiversity of upper San Marcos river, Texas, USA
Authors: Safi Amtyaz , Usman Ali Hashmi Muhammad
Published: February 2025

The San Marcos River arises in a series of springs in Hays County, Texas. This is the second largest and important spring system in Texas, which has more environmental stability and a diverse known biotic diversity of any other ecosystems in the southwestern United States of America. The upper San Marcos River contains a relatively larger number of protected biota, including the vertebrate fauna like San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana) and the fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola). Many environmental hazards are increasing day by day due to humanâ€™s development and groundwater extraction. This area receives a great deal of conservation efforts to protect/ enhance habitats, protect biodiversity and ecological condition of the river but still much more priority actions are needed.Â Â
INDONESIAN BANKRUPTCY LAW POLICY AFTER POLITICAL & MONETARY TURMOIL IN 1998
Authors: Pratama Gede Aditya , Putri Elfirda Ade , Imawan Arga Pribadi
Published: February 2025

The monetary turmoil that occurred in 1998 plunged Indonesia into an economic crisis that had an unfavorable impact on the national economy, which at the time was dependent on foreign investment. In the end, to help improve the economy in Indonesia, the Government at that time took action to ask for assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The injection of funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided conditions for the Government of Indonesia to establish new bankruptcy regulations from the commonly used Dutch Bankruptcy Law of 1905 (Faillissements-Verordening, Staatsblad 217/1905 and Staatsblad 348/1906) so that the Government issued Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 1 of 1998 concerning Amendments to the Bankruptcy Law. In PERPPU 1/1998, it provides easy bankruptcy application requirements where the conditions only require 2 creditors and one of the creditors has a debt that has matured. Until Law No. 37/2004 on Bankruptcy and PKPU was enacted, the requirements for bankruptcy applications remained unchanged, so this paper aims to analyze the requirements for filing bankruptcy applications, which tend to be pro-creditor, so that it is straightforward to put debtors in a state of bankruptcy or PKPU, where the existence of the Bankruptcy and PKPU Law should provide help for debtors to find a solution to the debt pressure that has hit the debtor.
K pojetí a obsahu nového obchodního zákoníku
Authors: Plíva Stanislav
Published: February 2025

An integral part of the recodification of private law is also the preparation of the new Commercial Code. Its conception as a special law in relation to the Civil Code should not be changed. It is the legal status of an entrepreneur that the Commercial Code should focus on. This article concentrates on those issues, which are unclear as to their inclusion in the Commercial Code or Civil Code provisions respectively. It is especially the regulation of the obligation relationships between entrepreneurs, the fundamental delimitation of the concept of an entrepreneur, the business accountancy and unfair competition regulations that are at stake. The Commercial Code should particularly regulate special legal concepts which are either exclusively or prevailingly interconnected with the entrepreneur’s position, such as the following: entrepreneur, enterprise and its organisational units, procuration, business property, business assets and the shareholders’ capital, the commercial secret, trade name, public tender and some types of contracts. Alongside the given issues the Commercial Code is to involve deviations and amendments to the general regulations in the Civil Code that are necessary for the entrepreneurs and their relationships.
Úvahy nad legislativním vývojem českého pracovního práva
Authors: Tröster Petr
Published: February 2025

In the introductory part of his contribution, the author deals with a special nature of the Czech Labour Law as a separate branch of law, its component parts, and its relation to European Law. In the forthcoming codification of the Czech private law, the Labour Code should preserve its nature of a separate code – interconnected, however, with the Civil Code. General issues, especially those relating to legal facts, representation, securing obligations, calculation of time etc. should be uniformly regulated, allowing for the application of the principal of subsidiarity with respect to the Civil Code. The author is of the opinion that in other issues, the principal of delegation should apply, i.e. the Civil Code provisions would only be used if the Labour Code stipulated so expressly. In the conclusion, the author gives his idea of the scope of the Labour Code and the specific contents of its individual parts in terms of individual as well as collective labour law. After the adoption of the new Labour Code, there should still be a separate regulation, namely in the areas of employment rate and protection of employees in case of employer’s insolvency.
Evaluating the impact of an organic nitrification inhibitor on nitrogen availability and its influence on microbial population in paddy soil
Authors: Sriram Lakshmanan , Sivasankari Devi Thambusamy , Maheshwari Muthunalliyappan , Rajkishore Subramani Krishnaraj , Ashok Raina , Sivakumar Uthandi
Published: February 2025

An incubation study was conducted to estimate the potential inhibition rates of nitrification using phytonim-coated fertilizers like urea and ammonium sulfate (AS) at different concentrations viz., 100 % and 65 % of the recommended dosage (RD) and additionally ammonifying bacteria (AB) was added with urea as one of the treatments. Samples were taken at 13 different intervals in a 45-day incubation experiment. Applying phytonim-coated fertilizers delayed the nitrification process for 35 days, improving the soils' available N. Ammonia oxidation and nitrite oxidation rates were reduced by 14 % and 35 % in phytonim-coated urea, 11 % and 23 % in phytonim-coated urea + AB and 24 % and 45 % in phytonim-coated AS, respectively over uncoated fertilizers. Nitrate reductase activity was reduced by 17 %, 16 % and 21 % in phytonim-coated fertilizers like urea, AS and urea + AB compared to uncoated fertilizers. Soil urease activity was inhibited in phytonim-coated urea (100 % RD and 65 % RD) of 9.6 % and 7.4 %, respectively, whereas 5.7 % and 6.7 % increased urease activity were observed in phytonim-coated urea + AB (100 % RD) and coated urea + AB (65 % RD). Increased soil dehydrogenase activity and FDA hydrolysis of 20 % and 15 % were observed in phytonim-coated urea, 15 % and 18 % in phytonim-coated urea + AB (100 % RD) and 17 % and 16 % in phytonim-coated AS over uncoated fertilizers. Results show that phytonim-coated AS (100 % RD) (T8) has inhibited nitrification most, followed by phytonim-coated urea (100 % RD) (T4) during the incubation period. This study concludes that applying organic nitrification inhibitors inhibited the nitrification and denitrification rates, affected the urea hydrolysis and positively affected the microbial population.
Kształt pamięci. Tatrzańskie doświadczenie przyrody w pomniku Władysława Hasiora „Prometeusz rozstrzelany”
Authors: Rolando Bianka
Published: February 2025

The aim of this article is to present the context of using materials naturally occurring in mountain nature: stone, water, wind, in the implementation of the monument by Władysław Hasior “Prometheus Executed” (1964). The monument commemorates twenty hostages shot in a clearing on the road to Kuźnice in 1944, today’s Aleja Przewodników Tatrzańskich in Zakopane. Hasior’s sculptural symbolism is based on a dialogue with nature, which loses its innocence, becoming the place where the crime took place. The article will describe the sculptor’s methodology of work towards the interpretation of nature, and its role in outlining the shape of the memory of the war crime and confronting it with the Tatra nature.
Dyplomacja naukowa w cieniu żelaznej kurtyny. Węgierskie religioznawstwo w latach 1950–1970
Authors: Kusiak Paweł
Published: February 2025

Valerio Severino, Documenting the History of Religions in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (1950–1970). Letters, Reports and Requests across the Iron Curtain, Brill, Leiden–Boston 2021, ss. 174.
Decoding Antisemitism in European Online Discourses: A Comparative Study on British, French and German Mainstream Social Media Channels
Authors: Becker Matthias J.
Published: February 2025

The emergence of interactive online spaces and the evolution of internet-based communication have dramatically changed the way the individual relates to the world and interacts with other web users. The specificities of online communication such as anonymity and mutual reinforcement of web users have led to an increase and normalisation of hate speech (Troschke and Becker 2019. “Antisemitismus im Internet. Erscheinungsformen, Spezifika, Bekämpfung.” In Das neue Unbehagen. Antisemitismus in Deutschland und Europa heute, edited by Günther Jikeli and Olaf Glöckner, 151–72. Glöckner Hildesheim: Olms; Becker and Troschke 2023. “Decoding Implicit Hate Speech: The example of antisemitism.” In Challenges and perspectives of hate speech analysis: An interdisciplinary anthology, edited by Christian Strippel, Sünje Paasch-Colberg, Martin Emmer and Joachim Trebbe. Berlin: Digital Communication Research). This paper presents the results of our qualitative analysis of antisemitic content on Facebook profiles of British, French and German mainstream media, generated in the framework of the Decoding Antisemitism research project. The online debates of interest were identified in the context of discourse events – real-world events that have the potential to trigger antisemitic reactions – such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, escalation phases in the Middle East conflict, including the events of October 2023, or scandals and instances of hate crime in Europe and beyond. The results of our analyses point to several commonalities in the three language communities in how Israel is conceptualised and evaluated through stereotypes in these comment sections. On the other hand, there are also consistent differences between the three corpora in the choice of stereotypes. Another significant difference concerns the verbal immediacy and frequency with which these mental concepts are communicated in online debates. This article will attempt to map the qualitative and quantitative patterns, compare and contrast the analyses for the three language communities and at the same time put forward for discussion possible socio-historical and -political reasons for this discursive behaviour (cf. Ascone et al. 2022. Decoding Antisemitism: An AI-driven Study on Hate Speech and Imagery Online. Discourse Report 4. Berlin: Technische Universität Berlin. Centre for Research on Antisemitism).
Border Control, Migration Pathways, and Social Inequality
Authors: Ball-Blakely Michael
Published: February 2025

Relational egalitarians have increasingly argued that immigration control facilitates social inequality. This ranges from Amy Reed-Sandoval’s account of the socially undocumented, to Désirée Lim’s criticisms of skill selection’s expressive disrespect, to Daniel Sharp’s claim that immigration control exercises power over would-be immigrants. I develop a novel extension of relational egalitarianism principles. Unlike other accounts, I argue that immigration control contributes to inegalitarian relationships that are not: (1) within the receiving state, (2) the result of discrimination, (3) simply the exercise of power-over, and (4) between the receiving state and would-be immigrants. I argue that immigration restrictions can, in the context of cultures of migration, create inegalitarian relationships in sending countries, harming both would-be immigrants and nonimmigrant populations. Cultures of migration respond to and help create changes in values. They lead to a dissatisfaction with local opportunities – including employment, consumption, and cultural practices. When borders are relaxed, these changes promote immigration. But when they are hardened, the changes persist while the dissatisfied are increasingly trapped in a society that they no longer find desirable. And nonimmigrants – who might still endorse local values and desire local opportunities – are left living amidst (often) more privileged compatriots who increasingly denigrate the lifestyles they endorse.
K[Hg(CN)2][H3CCOO]: a pseudo-double salt with mercury(II)-cyanide molecules imbedded into an ionic matrix of potassium acetate
Authors: Friedly Alexandra , Schleid Thomas
Published: February 2025

By dissolving triethylammonium dodecahydro-carba-closo-dodecaborate, mercury(II) acetate and potassium cyanide in an equimolar ratio in acetonitrile and subsequent isothermal evaporation of this solution, the new pseudo-double salt K[Hg(CN)2][H3CCOO] could be obtained. K[Hg(CN)2][H3CCOO] crystallizes monoclinically in the space group P21/c with the lattice parameters a = 954.25(6), b = 905.46(5), c = 904.12(5) pm and β = 90.697(3)° for Z = 4. The Hg2+ cations and the (CN)− anions are arranged in the crystal structure as quasi-linear molecular N≡C–Hg–C≡N units. The C≡N distances of the cyanide ligands are shorter as compared to the C≡N contacts in the pseudo-binary compound Hg(CN)2. These molecules reside between layers of K+ cations and [H3CCOO]− anions, in each of which every acetate group bridges three potassium atoms. This is achieved by both the bidentate coordination of each [H3CCOO]− anion to one K+ cation and the monodentate coordination to two further potassium ions. The coordination environment of K+ is complemented by one K–N contact to an end-on coordinated cyanide anion. In the second coordination sphere, there are additionally two side-on coordinated (C≡N)− units. The Raman spectrum of K[Hg(CN)2][H3CCOO] shows the three expected, well-known vibrations of the N≡C–Hg–C≡N molecule. These are the valence vibrations of the C≡N and the Hg–C bonds at 2171 and 383 cm−1 and the Hg–C≡N deformation vibration at 261 cm−1. From the valence vibrations of the [H3CCOO]− anion, the ν(C–H) vibration can be found at 2937 cm−1. In the range between 1300 and 1500 cm−1 both C–O/C=O valence vibrations and the H–C–H deformation vibration are visible. The intensity maximum at 904 cm−1 can be assigned to the C–C valence vibration of the acetate anion.
A Nuanced Perspective on How Item Features Are Associated With Different Forms of Agreement
Authors: Wessels Nele M. , Leising Daniel , Zimmermann Johannes
Published: February 2025

While personality research has repeatedly shown that self-, meta- and other-ratings of personality are correlated to a considerable degree, relatively little is known about how item features determine agreement between different perspectives, especially beyond observability and social desirability and at the level of personality nuances. The present study examines item features as predictors of different forms of agreement using two datasets (Study 1: targets N = 73, informants N = 549; Study 2: targets N = 189, informants N = 1352). Both studies used one-with-many designs in which each target was matched with several informants that differed in their attitudes toward the target. This matching was accomplished based on a first round robin assessment in larger groups. Targets then provided self- and meta-ratings, and informants provided other-ratings of personality on broad sets of items as markers of personality nuances. Items had been reliably rated with regard to five features: observability, social desirability, importance, stability and base rate. In both studies, we consistently found strong effects of item features on different types of inter-rater agreement. Inter-rater agreement was much higher for items referring to more observable target characteristics, and lower for more evaluative and (partially) for more important items. The important role of item features in future person perception research is discussed.
Development of School Exam Administration Based on LCDP with Scrum Method: An Innovation in Administrative Efficiency in Education
Authors: Anggraeni Lia , Dliyaul Haq Muh , Harliati Putri Pertiwi
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study aims to explore the potential benefits of integrating innovative technology and agile methodologies, precisely the Scrum method and the AppSheet platform, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of school exam administration. The research seeks to address the constraints of manual exam administration and investigate the role of technology in providing practical and efficient solutions.
Methods: The study was conducted at Sekolah Indonesia Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, utilizing the Scrum method with the AppSheet platform. The development of the school exam administration application with AppSheet, the low-code development platform (LCDP), using the Scrum method was carried out with a structured and adaptive approach. User stories and use case diagrams were employed to translate user insights into tangible visualizations, ensuring alignment with the intricate needs of the examination committee.
Result: Implementing the Scrum methodology in the development process has proven effective in creating a tailored and efficient application for school exam administration. The application's design and functionality have been carefully crafted to meet the specific requirements of exam administration, including form-filling, data entry, PDF report generation, and user feedback collection. The user survey conducted as part of the development process has provided valuable insights into user experiences, guiding areas for improvement and ensuring a user-centric approach to application development.
Novelty: This study contributes to the field by demonstrating the successful integration of agile methodologies and user-centric design principles in developing a comprehensive solution for school exam administration. The research highlights the potential of innovative technology to revolutionize exam administration for improved educational outcomes, emphasizing the significance of the Scrum methodology and the AppSheet platform in providing a structured yet adaptive approach to application development in the education sector.
An Exploration of TensorFlow-Enabled Convolutional Neural Network Model Development for Facial Recognition: Advancements in Student Attendance System
Authors: Irawati Anie Rose , Kurniawan Didik , Utami Yohana Tri , Taufik Rahman
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Face recognition has become an increasingly intriguing field in artificial intelligence research. In this study,   This study aims to explore the application of CNNs, implemented through TensorFlow, to develop a robust model for enhancing facial recognition accuracy in student attendance systems. The focus of this research is the development of a model capable of recognizing student faces under various lighting conditions and poses in an academic environment, using a multi-class dataset of student images collected from internship attendance records at the Computer Science Department.
Methods: The dataset, comprising facial images from 19 students, served as the foundation for training and validating the CNN model. The dataset, sourced from the computer science department's internship attendance records, included a total of 231 images for training and 59 images for validation. The preprocessing phase included facial area detection and categorization, resulting in a well-organized dataset for training and validation. The CNN architecture, consisting of seven layers, was meticulously designed to achieve optimal performance.
Result: The model exhibited exceptional accuracy, reaching 93% on the validation dataset after 300 training epochs. Precision, recall, and F1-score metrics were employed for a detailed evaluation across diverse classes, highlighting the model's proficiency in accurately categorizing facial images. Comparative analyses with a VGG-16-based model showcased the superiority of the proposed CNN architecture. Moreover, the implementation of a web service demonstrated the practical applicability of the model, providing accurate predictions with a remarkable response time of less than 0.3 seconds.
Novelty: This comprehensive study not only advances face recognition technology but also presents a model applicable to real-world scenarios, particularly in student attendance systems.
Unilateral Absence of Musculocutaneous Nerve and Unusual Supply of Median Nerve – A Case Report
Authors: Borthakur Dibakar , Kumar Rajesh , Jain Harshit , Poddar Pooja , Baxla Monica
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Anatomical variations of the brachial plexus and its branches are frequently encountered. Absent musculocutaneous nerve with complete or partial takeover of function by median nerve is known. Such variation creates confusion in the interpretation of a clinical or electro diagnostic test for evaluation of peripheral nerve injury.Methods: Institutional guidelines for the use of human cadaver were followed. Routine dissection of the upper limbs for undergraduate medical teaching was performed in a 67-years-old male cadaver following standard methods. Relevant gross anatomical features of the variations were photographed.Results: The musculocutaneous nerve was absent on the left side. A direct small branch arising from the lateral cord supplied the coracobrachialis muscle. Median nerve supplied the biceps brachii and brachialis muscle and further continued as lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm.Conclusion: The unilateral absence of musculocutaneous nerve with taking over of its function predominantly by the median nerve observed in the present case is indeed a unique situation to be aware of. Additionally the case exhibited independent supply to the coracobrachialis muscle directly from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. It is proposed that this variation should be placed in a new subcategory in the existing classification system of the classification for musculocutaneous nerve variations.
A Review of Open Access, No-Fee Journals Indexed in PubMed and Scopus for Publishing Image Reports in Medical Research
Authors: Gaggero Gabriele
Published: February 2025

Background: Aspects of medicine can be conveyed through paradigmatic images (anatomical-surgical, radiological, microscopic) in image reports, a type of article more immediate than case reports. The aim of this review is to find journals allowing the publication of image reports and that are free of charge, open access and indexed in the best databases.Methods: The search started with a Boolean string and followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligibility criteria were: English language, human medicine field, international DOI and ISSN codes applied, free of charge, open access, PubMed/Scopus indexed.Results: 15,504,000 items were retrieved; 102 met all criteria. Instructions to authors were screened to extract journals that allowed image reports: 39 (39/39 Scopus-indexed; 29/39 PubMed-indexed). Most were in oncology (6/39) and general medicine (5/39), followed by neuroscience, fetal/pediatric and nephrology (4/39 each), urology, dermatology, hematology (3/39 each), thoracic/pleural/peritoneal diseases (2/39), and finally endocrinology, cytology, rheumatology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology (1/39 each). 21/39 allowed a single image; word count ranged from 100 to 1500. 32/39 reported a maximum number of references (range: 0–20), while 15/39 reported a maximum number of authors (range: 2–6).Conclusions: Compared to the vast publishing landscape, there are very few English-language, open access, PubMed/Scopus-indexed medical journals that allow free of charge publication of image reports. The majority are in the fields of oncology and general medicine, but other specialties are also represented. Image reports are usually articles with a limited number of words, references and authors allowed, as their purpose is much more a practical/didactic take-home message rather than a broad research with many authors. The review shows that image reports, still important for their educational value in medical knowledge transfer, are freely publishable and consultable in journals with international visibility.
Thromboembolic Complications after Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery: A Single-Center Experience, Two Case Reports and a Literature Review
Authors: Juodeikis Žygimantas , Brimas Gintautas
Published: February 2025

Background: Bariatric and metabolic surgery has emerged as an effective intervention for morbid obesity, offering substantial and sustained weight loss along with improvements in various comorbidities. Among the diverse spectrum of potential postoperative complications, thromboembolic events have garnered increasing attention due to their significant morbidity and mortality.The aim of this study is to present a single-center experience of thromboembolic complications following bariatric and metabolic surgery. Additionally, we present two distinctive cases, highlighting the clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic interventions associated with postoperative thromboembolism.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with obesity who underwent various bariatric and metabolic operations at Republican Vilnius University Hospital from January 2018 to February 2024. All patients, regardless of the type of operation performed, were included. Two patients with thromboembolic complications are presented as illustrative cases.Results: A total of 633 patients were included in the analysis: 278 underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, 345 underwent sleeve gastrectomies, and 10 underwent gastric bypasses. Thromboembolic complications occurred in only two patients, with one developing portal vein thrombosis and the other developing pulmonary embolism.Conclusions: This single-center experience emphasizes the unpredictable nature of thromboembolic events in postbariatric surgery patients and highlights the critical role of vigilant monitoring, early detection, and individualized therapeutic interventions. Continued research efforts are warranted to refine risk stratification, enhance preventive measures, and improve overall patient outcomes in the landscape of bariatric surgery.
Agile requirement analysis approach using artificial intelligent technologies
Authors:   Instituto de Investigación en Inteligencia Artificial, Chebanyuk O.V.
Published: February 2025

An approach to requirements analysis using artificial intelligence technologies, taking into account the specifics of the AGILE methodology is proposed in this paper. The approach corresponds to the Model-Driven Methodology, in which the main artifacts of software development are software models represented by UML diagrams. The proposed approach corresponds to the key ideas of the AGILE manifesto, and is oriented towards the fact that AGILE has a priority to satisfy a customer when he changes requirements. Artificial intelligence technologies serve to prepare initial information for the “Text to Model Transformation” of the requirements specification into those types of UML diagrams (Use Case and Sequence), which are used for requirements analysis. The choice of the UML diagram visualization environment is substantiated.
Forecasting electrical energy consumption for 24 hours ahead at country scale
Authors:   Institute of Software Systems NAS of Ukraine, Doroshenko A.Yu. , Zhora D.V. ,   Institute of Software Systems NAS of Ukraine, Haidukevych V.O. ,   Institute of Software Systems NAS of Ukraine, Haidukevych Y.O. ,   Institute of Software Systems NAS of Ukraine, Yatsenko O.A. ,   Institute of Software Systems NAS of Ukraine
Published: February 2025

For a long period, Ukraine had only one market for electrical energy. That was the market of bilateral agreements that wasn’t flexible enough to balance the interests of consumers and suppliers of electricity. Such agreements could span weeks, months, or even years. Several years ago, Ukraine adopted the European mod el that assumes the following four markets: bilateral, day-ahead, intraday, and balancing. Despite the electricity market models in Europe having some differences, this was also a significant step forward in liberalizing electricity trading between countries. This work applies standard regression techniques to forecast the country-wide consumption of electrical energy. All considered machine learning algorithms are available as a part of the scikit-learn library. This article demonstrates that proper forecasting model selection is a multi-stage process that may involve data selection, data preprocessing, data augmentation, selection of machine learning algorithm, optimization of hyperparameters, etc. Besides the fine-tuning of regression hyperparameters, several data preparation techniques are employed to improve the forecasting accuracy. To measure the influence of input parameters we used the nearest neighbors regression model. This machine learning algorithm provides quite competitive results and has a sma ll number of hyperparameters to optimize. The comparison of regression algorithms with classic instruments like multi-layer perceptron, support vector machine, and linear regression was done. Two different training approaches were used for multi-layer perceptron: quasi-Newton optimizer and stochastic gradient descent. It is demonstrated that forecasting for 24 hours ahead is possible with good accuracy and has practical significance. While all computations for this work were done on a regular 8-core machine, the creation of the MLOps pipeline may require much more powerful computation resources.
Formal verification of deep neural networks
Authors:   Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics NAS of Ukraine, Panchuk B.O.
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a method for the formal verification of neural networks using a Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) solver. This approach enables the mathematical validation of specific neural network properties, enhancing their predictability. We propose a method for simplifying a neural network’s computational graph within certain input space regions. This is achieved by replacing neurons’ piecewise-linear activation functions with a subset of their linear segments. This optimization hypothesizes a simpler interpretation of a neural network over limited input data ranges. The simplified interpretation is derived from the incremental simplification of the neural network graph, achieved by solving local SMT tasks on a neuron-by-neuron basis. This optimization significantly speeds up the verification algorithm compared to solving a single SMT task over the entire unoptimized network graph. The method is applicable to any deep neural networks with piecewise-linear activation functions. The approach’s effectiveness was demonstrated by automatically verifying a network traffic classifier specializing in botnet activity detection. The classification model was tested for robustness against adversarial attacks, where attackers attempt to evade detection by introducing specially crafted disturbances into the network data. The verification procedure was conducted over regions in the feature-space near the classifier’s decision boundary. The results contribute to the prospects for more active application of artificial intelligence models in cybersecurity, where result predictability and interpretability are crucial. Additionally, the neuron - wise simplification technique proposed is a promising direction for further development in neural network verification.
Global open access resource aggregation services and their requirements for data providers
Authors: Proskudina G.Yu. , Kudim K.О.
Published: February 2025

The paper looks at the modern global aggregators of open access documents BASE, OpenAIRE and CORE. Their quantitative characteristics are analysed, such as the number of collected document descriptions and full texts, the number of data providers, and the availability of an application programming interface for data retrieval. The composition and types of their data providers, such as institutional repositories, open journals, publishing houses, scientific repositories of preprints, thematic digital libraries, as well as systems that are also aggregators, are considered. We also investigate what kind of information about documents these aggregators collect and how it is presented in the user interface, as well as what information is collected about data providers and how it is presented in the user interface. How the aggregator interacts with data providers, what data communication protocols are supported, and how often the collected data is updated. Also, modern aggregators based on collected data corpora, using machine learning methods, bibliometrics, webometrics, altmetrics, semantometrics, provide a range of useful services to researchers. As developers of a number of open access scientific digital libraries, we are already registered as data providers in these systems. Therefore, we are familiar with their requirements in practice. In this article, we have tried to summarise these requirements to some extent, namely: support for standard data transfer protocols, support for standard metadata sets, support for standard character encodings for content, and others.
Statistical Study on Domestic Gas Boiler Failures Using Various Software Platforms
Authors: Shcherban Pavel , Abu-Khamdi Reda
Published: February 2025

Modern public utilities require a high level of reliability, especially with regard to systems used for heating and hot water supply, such as gas boilers. This paper collected and studied statistical information on the failures of gas boilers of four brands. The data were provided by three service companies that repair gas equipment in Kaliningrad, in the Russian Federation. The specifics of these failures were studied, determining their possible causes, and they were stratified by severity. Service companies typically have to use existing platforms (supplementing them with add-ons) or develop their own software to analyze failure statistics. In this regard, they are interested in the emergence of simple and effective tools for monitoring the quality of gas boiler maintenance and repair work. In this study, we used both the publicly available Scikit-learn library of the Jupyter Notebook environment and a custom program to perform data clustering. The main goal was to conduct a comparative assessment of the reliability of gas boilers of various brands based on the analysis of their failure statistics, as well as to develop a software product that enables such an assessment.
Multi-objective Optimization of Window and Shading Systems for Enhanced Office Building Performance: A Case Study in Qom, Iran
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran, Abedini Mohammad Hassan , Gholami Hanieh ,   School of Architecture Technology, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Sangin Hamed ,   Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
Published: February 2025

Addressing the challenges of global warming and rising energy demands, this study explores fixed shading systems as passive and sustainable solutions to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and daylight performance in office buildings. Conducted in the hot desert climate of Qom, the research employs advanced simulation tools, including Rhino 8 integrated with Grasshopper, Honeybee, and Ladybug, to model and evaluate shading strategies. A multi-objective optimization (MOO) approach was applied to enhance four key metrics: Thermal Comfort Percent (TCP), Energy Use Intensity (EUI), Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), and Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA). Optimization and visualization were carried out using Colibri and Design Explorer to identify shading configurations that effectively balance energy savings, thermal comfort, and daylighting. The results highlight substantial improvements achieved through optimized shading designs. Fixed exterior shading systems reduced EUI by up to 14.95% for overhangs, with side fins, light shelves, and H-louvers achieving reductions of 7.28%, 13.45%, and 6.04%, respectively. ASE was effectively mitigated, with side fins and H-louvers achieving reductions of 36.25% and 9.38%. Optimal daylighting performance was observed, as sDA reached 100% for H-louvers, side fins, overhangs, and light shelves, and 98.25% for egg-crates and V-louvers. Regarding TCP, egg-crates exhibited the highest performance at 74.18%, followed by H-louvers at 70.21%. These findings demonstrate that integrating tailored shading systems into office buildings not only enhances occupant comfort and reduces energy consumption but also supports sustainable building practices, offering practical solutions for environmentally conscious architectural design.