bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demography's Changing Intellectual Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Leading Anglophone Journals, 1950–2020
Authors: Merli M. Giovanna , Moody James , Verdery Ashton , Yacoub Mark
Published: May 2023

Much of what we know about the intellectual landscape of anglophone demography comes from two sources: subjective narratives authored by leaders in the field, whose reviews and observations are derived from their research experience and field-specific knowledge; and professional histories covering the field's foundational controversies, which tend to focus on individuals, institutions, and influence. Here we use bibliographic information from all articles published in the three leading journals of anglophone demography—Demography, Population Studies, and Population and Development Review—to survey the changing contours of anglophone demography's key research areas over the past 70 years. We characterize the field of demography by applying a two-pronged, data-grounded approach from the sociology of science. The first uses natural language processing that lets the substance of the field emerge from the contents of publication records and applies social network analyses to identify groups of papers that talk about the same thing. The second uses bibliometric tools to capture the “conversations” of demography with other disciplines. Our goals are to (1) identify the primary topics of demography since the discipline first gained prominence as an organized field; (2) assess changes in the field's intellectual cohesion and the topical areas that have grown or shrunk; and (3) examine how demographers place their work in relationship to other disciplines, the visibility and influence of demographic research in the broader scientific literature, and the cross-disciplinary translational reach of demographic research. Results provide a dynamic view of the field's scientific development in the second half of the twentieth century and the first two decades of the twenty-first century.
Adaptive echolocation behavior of bats and toothed whales in dynamic soundscapes
Authors: Moss Cynthia F. , Ortiz Sara Torres , Wahlberg Magnus
Published: May 2023

Journal of Experimental Biology has a long history of reporting research discoveries on animal echolocation, the subject of this Centenary Review. Echolocating animals emit intense sound pulses and process echoes to localize objects in dynamic soundscapes. More than 1100 species of bats and 70 species of toothed whales rely on echolocation to operate in aerial and aquatic environments, respectively. The need to mitigate acoustic clutter and ambient noise is common to both aerial and aquatic echolocating animals, resulting in convergence of many echolocation features, such as directional sound emission and hearing, and decreased pulse intervals and sound intensity during target approach. The physics of sound transmission in air and underwater constrains the production, detection and localization of sonar signals, resulting in differences in response times to initiate prey interception by aerial and aquatic echolocating animals. Anti-predator behavioral responses of prey pursued by echolocating animals affect behavioral foraging strategies in air and underwater. For example, many insect prey can detect and react to bat echolocation sounds, whereas most fish and squid are unresponsive to toothed whale signals, but can instead sense water movements generated by an approaching predator. These differences have implications for how bats and toothed whales hunt using echolocation. Here, we consider the behaviors used by echolocating mammals to (1) track and intercept moving prey equipped with predator detectors, (2) interrogate dynamic sonar scenes and (3) exploit visual and passive acoustic stimuli. Similarities and differences in animal sonar behaviors underwater and in air point to open research questions that are ripe for exploration.
City logistics (Εφοδιαστική πόλεων)
Authors: Μπακογιάννη Μαρία-Αριστέα
Published: May 2023

Η άνοδος του ηλεκτρονικού εμπορίου, ειδικά κατά τη διάρκεια της πανδημίας του COVID-19, επιδείνωσε τις επιπτώσεις των εμπορευματικών μεταφορών στην αστική βιωσιμότητα, με τις αστικές εμπορευματικές μεταφορές να ανταγωνίζονται καθημερινά ως προς τη χρήση του δημόσιου χώρου με τους δημότες που κινούνται με τα οχήματά τους, καθώς και με τα οχήματα δημόσιας και δημοτικής χρήσης (λεωφορεία, οδοκαθαριστικά οχήματα κ.α.). Επιπλέον, σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο, οι αστικές εμπορευματικές μεταφορές, τόσο σε επίπεδο σχεδιασμού όσο και υλοποίησης, αναμένεται να παίξουν σημαντικό ρόλο όσον αφορά στην αντιμετώπιση των προκλήσεων της νέας εποχής (πανδημία, επισιτιστική και ενεργειακή κρίση, κλιματική αλλαγή). Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματοποίησε εις βάθος μελέτη και των διαδικασιών των Αστικών Εμπορευματικών Μεταφορών και της προόδου που έχει συντελεστεί σε αστικά συγκροτήματα, μέσω λεπτομερούς βιβλιογραφικής επισκόπησης, μελέτης περιπτώσεων και εντοπισμού άριστων πρακτικών διεθνώς. Στη συνέχεια, χαρτογράφησε και ανέλυσε τους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν και επηρεάζονται από την απόδοση της λειτουργίας των Αστικών Εμπορευματικών Μεταφορών στο αστικό περιβάλλον, επικεντρώνοντας στην Εφοδιαστική Τελικού Μιλίου. Στο τελικό της στάδιο, η διατριβή ανέπτυξε Οδικό Χάρτη με σκοπό την καθοδήγηση των ελληνικών δήμων ως προς την εφαρμογή των μέτρων και που προκρίθηκαν ως το κατάλληλο μίγμα παρεμβάσεων για την ελληνική πραγματικότητα, ως αποτέλεσμα της πρωτογενούς έρευνας και συλλογής δεδομένων. Ως ζωτικής σημασίας πρώτο βήμα αποτελεί η αναγνώριση της σημασίας της Εφοδιαστικής Τελικού Μιλίου από τη Δημοτική Αρχή, γεγονός που βάσει των αποτελεσμάτων της έρευνας είναι ιδιαίτερα δύσκολο σε πολλές περιπτώσεις. Στη συνέχεια, προτείνεται η προσέγγιση όμορων Δήμων για τη διερεύνηση της δυνατότητας σύνταξης «συνεχιζόμενου-ενιαίου ΣΒΑΚ», με στόχο την επίτευξη οικονομιών κλίμακας όσον αφορά τις αναγκαίες επενδύσεις για τις απαιτούμενες παρεμβάσεις (π.χ. θυρίδες, κέντρα μικρο-ενοποίησης κλπ.). Απαραίτητη είναι και η δημόσια διαβούλευση τόσο με τους δημότες όσο και με τις επιχειρήσεις, έτσι ώστε να υπάρχει κοινή συναίνεση όσον αφορά την αποδοχή, συμμετοχή και εφαρμογή των παρεμβάσεων. Σε κεντρικό επίπεδο (π.χ. Υπουργείο Μεταφορών), θα πρέπει να εξεταστεί η δυνατότητα σύστασης ενός Ανεξάρτητου Φορέα διαχείρισης και ανάλυσης δεδομένων Εφοδιαστικής Τελικού Μιλίου, πρόταση που υποστηρίζεται από τις επιχειρήσεις ως απόλυτη προτεραιότητα για να δεχτούν να μοιραστούν εταιρικά δεδομένα με τις Δημοτικές Αρχές, γεγονός απαραίτητο για τον επαρκή σχεδιασμό και υλοποίηση παρεμβάσεων. Ο βασικός στόχος που υλοποίησε η παρούσα διατριβή ήταν να παραχθεί όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερη γνώση σχετικά με την Εφοδιαστική Τελικού Μιλίου και να καθοριστεί μια γενικά εφαρμόσιμη προσέγγιση, που θα συμπληρώνεται από ειδικές πρωτοβουλίες για πτυχές που αφορούν συγκεκριμένους δήμους, τοπικές επιχειρήσεις και τους κατοίκους, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη και τα τοπικά πολιτικά περιβάλλοντα.
Παιδαγωγικές πρακτικές στα αναλυτικά προγράμματα του νηπιαγωγείου (1896-1989). Μια ανάγνωση με βάση την κοινωνιολογική θεωρία του B. Bernstein
Authors: Μουμουλίδου Μαρία
Published: May 2023

Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας είναι η εξελικτική διερεύνηση των πτυχών των παιδαγωγικών πρακτικών σε τέσσερα αναλυτικά προγράμματα του ελληνικού νηπιαγωγείου (1896-1989), με βάση τη θεωρία του B. Bernstein για τους παιδαγωγικούς κώδικες και τον παιδαγωγικό λόγο, εστιάζοντας στη δόμηση της έγκυρης γνώσης, στις μεθόδους πρόσληψής της και στη σχέση διδάσκοντος-διδασκομένου. Η προσέγγιση του αντικειμένου μελέτης ήταν ποιοτική με χρήση θεματικής ανάλυσης των δεδομένων. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας έδειξαν την προοδευτική μετατόπιση των ορατών παιδαγωγικών πρακτικών σε αόρατες, την οργάνωση της έγκυρης γνώσης με ισχυρά σύνορα καταρχήν σε σταδιακή δόμηση με μη ευκρινή σύνορα, τη μετάβαση από ένα είδος γνώσης επικεντρωμένο στην καθημερινή εμπειρία του παιδιού στη γνώση ως αποτέλεσμα επιστημονικής πρακτικής, την αλλαγή της έγκυρης γνώσης από αποσπασματική σε συνολική, τη μεταβολή του ρυθμού μετάδοσης και πρόσληψης από αυστηρό σε χαλαρό και την προοδευτική μετάβαση του ελέγχου της επικοινωνίας και της σχολικής εργασίας από τη νηπιαγωγό στη διαπροσωπική επικοινωνία, με διατήρηση και κάλυψη της ασυμμετρίας της σχέσης διδάσκοντος-διδασκομένου.
Παιδαγωγικές σχέσεις και αλληλεπιδράσεις στη διάρκεια της τακτοποίησης της τάξης του νηπιαγωγείου. Μια προσέγγιση με βάση την κοινωνιολογική θεωρία του Bernstein
Authors: Μουμουλίδου Μαρία
Published: May 2023

Το άρθρο αυτό εξετάζει τις παιδαγωγικές σχέσεις και τις αλληλεπιδράσεις, όπως αναπτύχθηκαν σε μια τάξη νηπιαγωγείου, όταν η νηπιαγωγός απευθύνει τον λόγο στον/στην αρχηγό της τάξης και στα παιδιά και/ή όταν ο/η αρχηγός απευθύνει τον λόγο σε νηπιαγωγό και παιδιά, κατά τη διάρκεια της τακτοποίησης των γωνιών της τάξης. Η εργασία στηρίζεται στη θεωρία των κωδίκων του B. Bernstein και υιοθέτησε ποιοτική ανάλυση των εμπειρικών της δεδομένων. Αυτά συλλέχθηκαν στη διάρκεια πέντε συνεδριών με παρατήρηση και χρήση κάμερας σε μια τάξη νηπιαγωγείου με 22 παιδιά 4-6 ετών και συμπληρώθηκαν με δεδομένα από ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις με τη νηπιαγωγό. Τα συμπεράσματα έδειξαν ότι οι σχέσεις νηπιαγωγού-αρχηγού και νηπιαγωγού-παιδιών είναι ισχυρές, ασύμμετρες και ιεραρχικές, ενώ οι σχέσεις αρχηγού με παιδιά είναι ασθενείς˙ η νηπιαγωγός έχει τον συνολικό έλεγχο της θεμιτής επικοινωνίας και αλληλεπίδρασης, με καθοδήγηση, όταν οι ικανότητες αρχηγού και παιδιών δεν έχουν αποκτηθεί, και αυξημένη εξουσία στη γνώση σε σχέση με αυτήν του/της αρχηγού και των παιδιών. Όσον αφορά στις παιδαγωγικές πρακτικές –κυρίως της νηπιαγωγού προς τα παιδιά– η έρευνα έδειξε ότι εμπεριέχουν, εκτός από ρυθμιστικούς και διδακτικούς κανόνες (πρωτίστως κριτηρίων και δευτερευόντως βηματισμού/pacing) και μηνύματα σχετικά με τις αρμόζουσες συμπεριφορές των διδασκομένων, και ότι τα σύνορα στις πρακτικές επικοινωνίας και στο τι είναι και τι δεν είναι αποδεκτό είναι ισχυρά (περιχάραξη) στη σχέση νηπιαγωγού με αρχηγό και παιδιά, ενώ στη σχέση αρχηγού με παιδιά, όταν επισημαίνει ρητά η νηπιαγωγός τη μη αποδεκτή συμπεριφορά, τα σύνορα είναι ασθενή.
Κατασκευάζοντας μια νέα παιδαγωγική ατζέντα λήψης αποφάσεων: ο ρόλος της μαθητικής ηγεσίας σε συνθήκες πολιτισμικού πλουραλισμού
Authors: Σόρκος Γεώργιος , Χατζησωτηρίου Χριστίνα
Published: May 2023

Η σύγχρονη βιβλιογραφία έχει επανειλημμένα εστιάσει στον ποικίλο ρόλο των μαθητικών φωνών και στον τρόπο επίδρασής τους στις διαδικασίες της αλλαγής και της σχολικής βελτίωσης. Ωστόσο, δεν έχουν διερευνηθεί οι τρόποι με τους οποίους τα ίδια τα παιδιά ερμηνεύουν τους ρόλους τους ως ηγέτες, ιδιαίτερα σε περιβάλλοντα που χαρακτηρίζονται από πολιτισμικό πλουραλισμό. Η έρευνα που παρουσιάζουμε επικεντρώνεται στον αυτόβουλο χαρακτήρα της ανάληψης ηγεσίας εκ μέρους των μαθητών και μαθητριών, ώστε να μετεξελιχθούν σε ισότιμους συμπαραγωγούς μιας νέας παιδαγωγικής ατζέντας λήψης αποφάσεων. Το δείγμα μας αποτελούνταν από 36 μαθητές και μαθήτριες που φοιτούσαν σε τέσσερα επαρχιακά σχολεία δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης του Νομού Φθιώτιδας. Για τη συλλογή των ερευνητικών δεδομένων αξιοποιήθηκε η ποιοτική μέθοδος με τη χρήση ημιδομημένων συνεντεύξεων. Από την επεξεργασία του ερευνητικού υλικού αναδύονται οι αυτόβουλες κοινωνικο-ακτιβιστικές πρωτοβουλίες και δράσεις που αναλαμβάνουν οι μαθητές και οι μαθήτριες, που προοιωνίζουν αφενός την επίτευξη ενός κοινωνικού και εκπαιδευτικού μετασχηματισμού και αφετέρου τη μετατροπή τους από «πολίτες σε αναμονή» σε αυθεντικούς συνδιαμορφωτές των σχολικών πολιτικών. Τα αποτελέσματα που καταγράφει η παρούσα έρευνα δύνανται να έχουν πολλαπλές επιπτώσεις τόσο στο πεδίο της εκπαιδευτικής πολιτικής όσο και σε αυτό των σχολικών πρακτικών.
Edge computing for Vehicle to Everything: a short review
Authors: Abdullah Mohd. Fikri Azli , Yogarayan Sumendra , Abdul Razak Siti Fatimah , Azman Afizan , Muhamad Amin Anang Hudaya , Salleh Mazrah
Published: May 2023

Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communications and services have sparked considerable interest as a potential component of future Intelligent Transportation Systems. V2X serves to organise communication and interaction between vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle to infrastructure (V2I), vehicle to pedestrians (V2P), and vehicle to networks (V2N). However, having multiple communication channels can generate a vast amount of data for processing and distribution. In addition, V2X services may be subject to performance requirements relating to dynamic handover and low latency communication channels. Good throughput, lower delay, and reliable packet delivery are the core requirements for V2X services.  Edge Computing (EC) may be a feasible option to address the challenge of dynamic handover and low latency to allow V2X information to be transmitted across vehicles. Currently, existing comparative studies do not cover the applicability of EC for V2X. This review explores EC approaches to determine the relevance for V2X communication and services. EC allows devices to carry out part or all of the data processing at the point where data is collected. The emphasis of this review is on several methods identified in the literature for implementing effective EC. We describe each method individually and compare them according to their applicability. The findings of this work indicate that most methods can simulate the EC positioning under predefined scenarios. These include the use of Mobile Edge Computing, Cloudlet, and Fog Computing. However, since most studies are carried out using simulation tools, there is a potential limitation in that crucial data in the search for EC positioning may be overlooked and ignored for bandwidth reduction. The EC approaches considered in this work are limited to the literature on the successful implementation of V2X communication and services. The outcome of this work could considerably help other researchers better characterise EC applicability for V2X communications and services.
Local and long-distance migration among young people in rural Malawi: importance of age, sex and family
Authors: McLean Estelle , Dube Albert , Kalobekamo Fredrick , Slaymaker Emma , Crampin Amelia C , Sear Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, migration of young people is common and occurs for a variety of reasons. Research focus is often on international or long-distance internal migration; however, shorter moves also affect people’s lives and can reveal important information about cultures and societies. In rural sub-Saharan Africa, migration may be influenced by cultural norms and family considerations: these may be changing due to demographic shifts, urbanisation, and increased media access.

Methods: We used longitudinal data from a Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in rural northern Malawi to present a detailed description of short and long distance, independent and accompanied, migration in young people between 2004-2017. We further explore the family and household factors which are associated with these moves using multi-level multinomial logistic regression modelling.

Results & conclusions: We found two key periods of mobility 1) in very young childhood and 2) in adolescence/young adulthood. In this traditionally patrilocal area, we found that young women move longer distances, to live with their spouse. Despite the local patrilineal customs, we found evidence of the importance of the maternal family, and that female and male children may be treated differently from as young as age 4, with girls more likely to migrate long distances independently, and more likely to accompany their mothers in other moves. Young people living close to relatives tend to have lower chances of moving, and those from more advantaged families are more likely to move.
FEATURES OF THE RESOLUTION OF ESPORTS DISPUTES IN ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS
Authors: Guliyev Gasan Ismail ogly
Published: May 2023

The lack of a mechanism for consideration and resolution of esports disputes, as well as the imperfection of legal regulation of esports legal relations, cause the legal defenselessness of esports players.

Objective: to study problematic issues in the consideration of disputes related to the violation of the rights and legitimate interests of an esports athlete, to propose recommendations aimed at the need to define the concept of esports and the place of an esports athlete in the system of sports legislation, as well as to search for optimal solutions to improve the procedure for resolving esports disputes.

Methodological basis: general scientific and private scientific methods were used to achieve the purpose of the article. The general scientific method was used to analyze the current regulatory regulation of the Russian Federation in comparison with the legislation of Germany and USA. The private scientific method allowed to formulate the concept of an esports athlete, to establish the need for a definition of esports. Methods of analysis and synthesis and generalization of judicial practice were also used.

Results: the author’s position on the consolidation of the concept of esports and esports athlete, the recognition of technological doping as a type of doping, the involvement of esports athletes in rule-making activities and the need to improve the qualifications of arbitrators in the field of esports, as well as the importance of creating a centralized institution that considers esports disputes, is argued.

Conclusions: Today’s regulatory regulation of civil procedural legislation has caused a great need for lawmakers to take steps aimed at legislating cybersportsmen as subjects of cybersport disputes, as well as planned measures to establish a single body that resolves cybersport disputes.
BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE JUDGMENT OVER JESUS IN THE CONTEXT OF POLITICAL AND MANAGEMENT RELEVANCE
Authors: Kovalev Andrey A. , Katanandov Sergey L.
Published: May 2023

Despite the insufficient development of biblical archeology, on the basis of which it would be possible to build objective factual knowledge, the topic of the trial of Jesus, described in the Bible, is of great importance, including for the political life of the modern world. The study of Jesus’ sermons, his trial and execution is no longer the subject of research only in theology and ethics. This study attempts to explore the significance of the trial and execution of Jesus for modern government. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the significance of the teachings of Jesus and the consequences that followed (trial and execution), described in the Bible, for modern public administration. The following scientific methods were used in the work: analysis, description, comparison. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the author makes a transition to a new paradigm, studying the problem of the consequences of the trial of Jesus for the development of the public administration system, without relying on the previous paradigm of “search for the historical Jesus”, which was based on proven historical facts.

As a result of the study, it was concluded that the crucifixion of Jesus became possible due to the imperfection and viciousness of the government system of that time, and its main vice - the unwillingness of officials to bear personal responsibility for their decisions - was strongly condemned and rejected by Jesus. At the same time, the modern system of public administration is turned into the same vices that the sacrifice of Jesus and its political and administrative consequences, which are still relevant to this day, can help it get rid of.
Which Data Sets Are Preferred by University Students in Learning Analytics Dashboards? A Situated Learning Theory Perspective
Authors: Joseph-Richard Paul , Uhomoibhi James
Published: May 2023

Scholarly interests in developing personalized learning analytics dashboards (LADs) in universities have been increasing. LADs are data visualization tools for both teachers and learners that allow them to support student success and improve teaching and learning. In most LADs, however, a teacher-centric, institutional view drives their designs, treating students only as passive end-users, which results in LADs being less useful to students. To address this limitation, we used a card-sorting technique and asked 42 students at a university in Northern Ireland to construct dashboards that reflect their priorities. Using a situated theory of learning as a lens and with the help of multiple qualitative methods, we collected data on what constitutes useful dashboards. Findings suggest that situated learning data sets, such as information on how students learn by talking and listening to others in their communities, need to be integrated into LADs. Students preferred to see the inclusion of qualitative narratives, self-directed learning data and financial information (money spent versus resources utilized) in LADs. As well as raising new questions on how such LADs could be designed, this study challenges institutional overreliance on measurable digital footprints as proxies for academic success. We call for recognizing the wider social learning that happens in landscapes of practice so that LADs become more useful to students.
Early years education: Much more than childcare
Authors: Davies Emma
Published: May 2023

Emma Davies, early years teacher and founder of Is it Time to Play? argues that the term ‘childcare’ is damaging to perceptions of early years education and that instead our language should recognise the vital role practitioners play as educators.
Working in partnership with all our families
Authors: Hardwell Sarah
Published: May 2023

Sarah Hardwell, nursery director for Little Peanuts Day Nursery and Forest School in York, shares insights into how her nursery works with families to ensure the best outcomes for the children in their care.
Using museum visits to enhance CPD for early years professionals
Authors: Norman Amanda
Published: May 2023

In part two of this article series, senior lecturer at the University of Winchester and early years consultant, Dr Amanda Norman, discusses the evaluation of her project to use museum visits to enhance a community of practice and a sense of belonging between early years practitioners for continuing profesional development.
The practice of social movement unionism: COVID-19 and the Hong Kong medical workers’ strike
Authors: Chan Chris King-Chi , Tsui Wing Yin Anna , Tang Lynn
Published: May 2023

In this Theory into Practice article we discuss the collective agency of Hong Kong medical workers in COVID-19 in the context of social movement unionism (SMU). In particular, the article utilises Dhatt’s framework defining factors influencing health social movements (2019). We focus on the way the pro-democracy movement underpinned and shaped the five-day strike by 7000 healthcare workers that forced the government to close the Hong Kong–China border in February 2020. We argue that the strike was made possible by the political opportunities linked to collective fear arising from the SARS epidemic in 2003 and to revitalised civil society resulting from the Anti-Extradition Bill Movement in 2019. It illustrates that framing strategies and organisational capacity capitalised on the discursive power and solidarity linked to these political opportunities. However, the failure to achieve demands related to resource redistribution, occupational safety and union rights reflect professionals’ dilemma on fulfilling their duty of care and the limitations of SMU in Hong Kong.
Development of a multispectral fluorescence LiDAR for point cloud segmentation of plants
Authors: Zheng Kexin , Lin Hongze , Hong Xuekai , Che Hao , Ma Xiaorui , Wei Xiaopeng , Mei Liang
Published: May 2023

The accelerating development of high-throughput plant phenotyping demands a LiDAR system to achieve spectral point cloud, which will significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of segmentation based on its intrinsic fusion of spectral and spatial data. Meanwhile, a relatively longer detection range is required for platforms e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and poles. Towards the aims above, what we believe to be, a novel multispectral fluorescence LiDAR, featuring compact volume, light weight, and low cost, has been proposed and designed. A 405 nm laser diode was employed to excite the fluorescence of plants, and the point cloud attached with both the elastic and inelastic signal intensities that was obtained through the R-, G-, B-channels of a color image sensor. A new position retrieval method has been developed to evaluate far field echo signals, from which the spectral point cloud can be obtained. Experiments were designed to validate the spectral/spatial accuracy and the segmentation performance. It has been found out that the values obtained through the R-, G-, B-channels are consistent with the emission spectrum measured by a spectrometer, achieving a maximum R2 of 0.97. The theoretical spatial resolution can reach up to 47 mm and 0.7 mm in the x- and y-direction at a distance of around 30 m, respectively. The values of recall, precision, and F score for the segmentation of the fluorescence point cloud were all beyond 0.97. Besides, a field test has been carried out on plants at a distance of about 26 m, which further demonstrated that the multispectral fluorescence data can significantly facilitate the segmentation process in a complex scene. These promising results prove that the proposed multispectral fluorescence LiDAR has great potential in applications of digital forestry inventory and intelligent agriculture.
Omnidirectional optical communication system designed for underwater swarm robotics
Authors: Zhang Hao , Gao Yunhai , Tong Zhijian , Yang Xingqi , Zhang Yufan , Zhang Chao , Xu Jing
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an omnidirectional underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system is proposed, including six lens-free transceivers. An omnidirectional communication with a data rate of 5 Mbps in a 7-m underwater channel is experimentally demonstrated. The optical communication system is integrated into a self-designed robotic fish, and the signal is processed real-time through an integrated micro-control unit (MCU). In addition, it is experimentally demonstrated that the proposed system could establish a stable communication link between two nodes, regardless of the nodes’ locomotion and attitude, with a data rate of 2 Mbps and a communication range up to 7 m. In particular, the optical communication system features small footprint and low power consumption, which is suitable for integration in autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) swarms to achieve an omnidirectional information transmission with low latency, high security, and high data rate compared with its acoustic counterpart.
Gain-switched Fe:ZnSe laser pumped by a coupled-cavity Q-switched Er:ZrF4 fiber laser
Authors: Leonov Stanislav , Frolov Mikhail , Korostelin Yury , Skasyrsky Yan , Kozlovsky Vladimir
Published: May 2023

We report on a gain-switched operation of single-crystal Fe2+:ZnSe pumped by a coupled-cavity Q-switched Er3+:ZrF4 fiber laser. With this approach, we use a continuous wave Er-doped ZrF4 fiber laser whose cavity is coupled with the Fe:ZnSe laser cavity. A stable Q switching operation of the Er-doped fiber laser was achieved in this case and, as a result, a gain-switched operation of the Fe:ZnSe laser was obtained. The highest repetition rate was 79 kHz, the pulse duration of the pump Er-doped laser was ∼1.6 μs, and the pulse duration of the Fe:ZnSe was 62 ns. The maximum output power achieved from gain-switched Fe:ZnSe was 63 mW.
Temporal novelty detection and multiple timescale integration drive Drosophila orientation dynamics in temporally diverse olfactory environments
Authors: Jayaram Viraaj , Sehdev Aarti , Kadakia Nirag , Brown Ethan A. , Emonet Thierry
Published: May 2023

To survive, insects must effectively navigate odor plumes to their source. In natural plumes, turbulent winds break up smooth odor regions into disconnected patches, so navigators encounter brief bursts of odor interrupted by bouts of clean air. The timing of these encounters plays a critical role in navigation, determining the direction, rate, and magnitude of insects’ orientation and speed dynamics. Disambiguating the specific role of odor timing from other cues, such as spatial structure, is challenging due to natural correlations between plumes’ temporal and spatial features. Here, we use optogenetics to isolate temporal features of odor signals, examining how the frequency and duration of odor encounters shape the navigational decisions of freely-walking Drosophila. We find that fly angular velocity depends on signal frequency and intermittency–the fraction of time signal can be detected–but not directly on durations. Rather than switching strategies when signal statistics change, flies smoothly transition between signal regimes, by combining an odor offset response with a frequency-dependent novelty-like response. In the latter, flies are more likely to turn in response to each odor hit only when the hits are sparse. Finally, the upwind bias of individual turns relies on a filtering scheme with two distinct timescales, allowing rapid and sustained responses in a variety of signal statistics. A quantitative model incorporating these ingredients recapitulates fly orientation dynamics across a wide range of environments and shows that temporal novelty detection, when combined with odor motion detection, enhances odor plume navigation.
TORC1 regulation of dendrite regrowth after pruning is linked to actin and exocytosis
Authors: Sanal Neeraja , Keding Lorena , Gigengack Ulrike , Michalke Esther , Rumpf Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Neurite pruning and regrowth are important mechanisms to adapt neural circuits to distinct developmental stages. Neurite regrowth after pruning often depends on differential regulation of growth signaling pathways, but their precise mechanisms of action during regrowth are unclear. Here, we show that the PI3K/TORC1 pathway is required for dendrite regrowth after pruning in Drosophila peripheral neurons during metamorphosis. TORC1 impinges on translation initiation, and our analysis of 5’ untranslated regions (UTRs) of remodeling factor mRNAs linked to actin suggests that TOR selectively stimulates the translation of regrowth over pruning factors. Furthermore, we find that dendrite regrowth also requires the GTPase RalA and the exocyst complex as regulators of polarized secretion, and we provide evidence that this pathway is also regulated by TOR. We propose that TORC1 coordinates dendrite regrowth after pruning by coordinately stimulating the translation of regrowth factors involved in cytoskeletal regulation and secretion.
Bats as ecosystem engineers in iron ore caves in the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Piló Luis B. , Calux Allan , Scherer Rafael , Bernard Enrico
Published: May 2023

Ecosystem engineers are organisms able to modify their environment by changing the distribution of materials and energy, with effects on biotic and abiotic ecosystem components. Several ecosystem engineers are known, but for most of them the mechanisms behind their influence are poorly known. We detail the role of bats as ecosystem engineers in iron ore caves in the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazonia, an area with > 1,500 caves, some holding ~150,000 bats. We analyzed the chemical composition of guano deposits in bat caves, radiocarbon-dated those deposits, and elucidated the chemical mechanisms involved and the role the bat guano has on modifying those caves. The insect-composed guano was rich in organic matter, with high concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide and ferric oxide, plus potassium oxide, calcium and sulfur trioxide. Radiocarbon dating indicated guano deposits between 22,000 and 1,800 years old. The guano pH was mainly acid (from 2.1 to 5.6). Percolating waters in those bat caves were also acid (pH reaching 1.5), with the presence of phosphate, iron, calcium, nitrate and sulfate. Acid solutions due to guano decomposition and possible microbial activity produced various forms of corrosion on the caves´ floor and walls, resulting in their enlargement. Bat caves or caves with evidence of inactive bat colonies had, on average, lengths six times larger, areas five times larger, and volumes five times bigger than the regional average, plus more abundant, diversified and bigger speleothems when compared with other caves. In an example of bioengineering, the long-term presence of bats (> 22,000 years) and the guano deposits they produce, mediated by biological and chemical interactions over millennia, resulted in very unique ecological, evolutionary and geomorphological processes, whose working are just beginning to be better understood by science. However, the current expansion of mineral extraction activities coupled with the loosening of licensing and cave protection rules is a real conservation threat to the bat caves in Carajás. The destruction of those caves would represent an unacceptable loss of both speleological and biological heritage and we urge that, whenever they occur, bat caves and their colonies must be fully protected and left off-limits of mineral extraction.
Identification of potentially pathogenic variants for autism spectrum disorders using gene-burden analysis
Authors: Rihar Nika , Krgovic Danijela , Kokalj-Vokač Nadja , Stangler-Herodez Spela , Zorc Minja , Dovc Peter
Published: May 2023

Gene- burden analyses have lately become a very successful way for the identification of genes carrying risk variants underlying the analysed disease. This approach is also suitable for complex disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The gene-burden analysis using Testing Rare Variants with Public Data (TRAPD) software was conducted on whole exome sequencing data of Slovenian patients with ASD to determine potentially novel disease risk variants in known ASD-associated genes as well as in others. To choose the right control group for testing, principal component analysis based on the 1000 Genomes and ASD cohort samples was conducted. The subsequent protein structure and ligand binding analysis usingI-TASSER package were performed to detect changes in protein structure and ligand binding to determine a potential pathogenic consequence of observed mutation. The obtained results demonstrate an association of two variants–p.Glu198Lys (PPP2R5D:c.592G>A) and p.Arg253Gln (PPP2R5D:c.758G>A) with the ASD. Substitution p.Glu198Lys (PPP2R5D:c.592G>A) is a variant, previously described as pathogenic in association with ASD combined with intellectual disability, whereas p.Arg253Gln (PPP2R5D:c.758G>A) has not been described as an ASD-associated pathogenic variant yet. The results indicate that the filtering process was suitable and could be used in the future for detection of novel pathogenic variants when analysing groups of ASD patients.
Physical inactivity among corporate bank workers in Accra, Ghana: Implications for health promotion
Authors: Nketiah George Bediako , Odoi-Agyarko Kwasi , Ndanu Tom Akuetteh , Hayford Frank Ekow Atta , Amoh Gordon , Lawson Henry
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Any type of activity that results in caloric expenditure has the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases; nonetheless, most people, especially office workers, are physically inactive. This study sought to evaluate the extent of physical inactivity and its determinants among the staff of selected banks in Accra, Ghana.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 219 banking staff randomly selected from five commercial banking institutions in Accra, Ghana. Demographic data was collected with a structured questionnaire. Physical inactivity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Study associations were determined using univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen (219) participants were recruited, out of which 56.6% were males and 43.4% were females. The mean age (± SD) of the participants was 40.0±7.9 years. Physical inactivity was observed in 179 (81.7%) participants. The following were independently associated with physical inactivity: travel-related activities (AOR, 0.151; 95% CI, 0.059–0.384; p<0.001); working in the bank for 6–10 years (AOR, 4.617; 95% CI, 1.590–13.405; p = 0.005); and working in the bank for 11 years and above (AOR, 2.816; 95% CI, 1.076–7.368; p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Physical inactivity was very high among bankers. Travel-related activities reduced physical inactivity whiles working at the bank for more than six years increased physical inactivity. Thus, promoting regular physical activity, frequent monitoring, and implementation of other appropriate healthy lifestyle intervention strategies are vital to reduce risk of early onset disease conditions associated with physical inactivity in this population.
EEG signature of breaks in embodiment in VR
Authors: Porssut Thibault , Iwane Fumiaki , Chavarriaga Ricardo , Blanke Olaf , Millán José del R. , Boulic Ronan , Herbelin Bruno
Published: May 2023

The brain mechanism of embodiment in a virtual body has grown a scientific interest recently, with a particular focus on providing optimal virtual reality (VR) experiences. Disruptions from an embodied state to a less- or non-embodied state, denominated Breaks in Embodiment (BiE), are however rarely studied despite their importance for designing interactions in VR. Here we use electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor the brain’s reaction to a BiE, and investigate how this reaction depends on previous embodiment conditions. The experimental protocol consisted of two sequential steps; an induction step where participants were either embodied or non-embodied in an avatar, and a monitoring step where, in some cases, participants saw the avatar’s hand move while their hand remained still. Our results show the occurrence of error-related potentials linked to observation of the BiE event in the monitoring step. Importantly, this EEG signature shows amplified potentials following the non-embodied condition, which is indicative of an accumulation of errors across steps. These results provide neurophysiological indications on how progressive disruptions impact the expectation of embodiment for a virtual body.
Assessing the aesthetic attractivity of European butterflies: A web-based survey protocol
Authors: van Tongeren Elia , Sistri Ginevra , Zingaro Vincenzo , Cini Alessandro , Dapporto Leonardo , Portera Mariagrazia
Published: May 2023

Aesthetic attractivity stands as an underestimated yet fundamental feature of species in conservation biology, significantly driving disproportionate protection efforts towards charismatic species. Despite the evidence, few attempts sought to precisely quantify the impact of aesthetic attractivity in defining priority of species for conservation actions (e.g. inclusion in International Union for Conservation of Nature red lists and protection lists). This study protocol describes the setting of an online test (available from April 2022 to April 2023 at www.unveiling.eu) designed to i) quantify the aesthetic attractivity to humans of the 496 European butterfly species and ii) identify which features (both in the perceived animal and in the perceiver) influence the aesthetic attractivity of a given butterfly species. The test is divided in 5 sections (personal data, ranking, single morphological features, emotional engagement, dispositional variables) aimed at profiling the relation each participant has with the species examined. In the long-term, evaluating butterflies’ aesthetic attractivity could facilitate the critical assessment of current conservation strategies, such as the process of selection of flag and umbrella species by research institutions, environmental associations and Non Governative Organizations. This is expected to provide the much-needed evidence to set up unbiased biodiversity conservation strategies and counteract the selective anthropogenic pressure which favours the extinction of unattractive species, being no or less protected compared to charismatic species.
Productive and reproductive performance of Dawuro highland sheep managed under community-based breeding program in Ethiopia
Authors: Beshah Kebede Habtegiorgis , Jimma Adisu , Gemiyo Deribe , Abebe Ayele
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and reproductive performance of highland Dawuro sheep population managed under a community-based breeding program in Ethiopia. Records used in the study were collected over 6 years (2017–2022). In the current study, 3554 records were considered. Studied traits were birth weight (BWT), 3-month weight (WWT), 6-month weight (SMWT), daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG0-3), daily gains from weaning to 6-month age(ADG3-6), litter size(LS), lambing interval (LI), and annual reproductive rates(ARR). The data were analyzed using general linear models of SAS software. The overall least squares mean (LSM± SE) for BWT, WWT, SMWT, ADG0-3, and ADG3-6 were 2.69±0.02; 14.6±0.49, 22.8±0.22 kg, 128.05±2.27 gram (g), and 71.5±0.23 gram respectively. Site difference exerted significantly on BWT, WWT, and SMWT. The result of WWT and SMWT results of Dawuro sheep were comparable with previously reported known Ethiopian sheep breeds. The overall least squares mean ± standard error of LS, LI and, ARR were 1.67±0.04 lambs, 239±31.91 days, and 2.19±0.06 lambs, respectively. WWT and SMWT traits showed good responses to selection. The general implication of the result to future improvement program was continue selection, strengthening the existing breeder cooperatives, integration of full animal health, feed packages, conservation of prolific flocks, improving the management of animals, expanding the current CBBP to adjacent potential kebele, create market linkage and scaling out the existing best practice to a new sites.
Experimental study of synergistic reinforcement of silty clay with glutinous rice paste and MICP
Authors: Hu Qizhi , Chen Qian
Published: May 2023

The use of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology can improve the mechanical properties of silty clay, and glutinous rice paste can enhance microbial activity, improve the conversion rate of CaCO3 precipitation, and help increase soil strength. An MICP solidification test of silty clay was carried out by adding different concentrations of aged glutinous rice slurry and cementing liquid, and unconfined compressive strength tests and scanning electron microscope analysis of the solidified samples were carried out. The strength growth mechanism of the glutinous rice paste was investigated, and the results revealed that glutinous rice slurry can improve the enzymatic activity of microorganisms, that is, the microorganisms can produce more urease to decompose urea, and as the amount of urease increases, the concentration of the cementing solution increases, and the calcium carbonate generated by the MICP precipitates. When the concentration of the added cooked glutinous rice slurry was 5%, the unconfined compressive strength of the soil was the largest. In addition, the scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that cooled glutinous rice slurry can be used as a bridge to generate a large amount of ineffective carbonic acid. Calcium atoms are connected together to form effective calcium carbonate, which fills in the pores of the soil as a whole, increasing the compactness of the soil and greatly improving its macroscopic mechanical strength.
RWD-derived response in multiple myeloma
Authors: Xu Tao , Roose James , Williamson Mellissa , Sawas Ahmed , Hong Wan-Jen , Jin Huan , Maignan Kathleen , Rocci Alberto , Yousefi Kasra , Kumar Shaji , Tyanova Stefka
Published: May 2023

Real-world data (RWD) are important for understanding the treatment course and response patterns of patients with multiple myeloma. This exploratory pilot study establishes a way to reliably assess response from incomplete laboratory measurements captured in RWD. A rule-based algorithm, adapted from International Myeloma Working Group response criteria, was used to derive response using RWD. This derived response (dR) algorithm was assessed using data from the phase III BELLINI trial, comparing the number of responders and non-responders assigned by independent review committee (IRC) versus the dR algorithm. To simulate a real-world scenario with missing data, a sensitivity analysis was conducted whereby available laboratory measurements in the dataset were artificially reduced. Associations between dR and overall survival were evaluated at 1) individual level and 2) treatment level in a real-world patient cohort obtained from a nationwide electronic health record-derived de-identified database. The algorithm’s assignment of responders was highly concordant with that of the IRC (Cohen’s Kappa 0.83) using the BELLINI data. The dR replicated the differences in overall response rate between the intervention and placebo arms reported in the trial (odds ratio 2.1 vs. 2.3 for IRC vs. dR assessment, respectively). Simulation of missing data in the sensitivity analysis (-50% of available laboratory measurements and -75% of urine monoclonal protein measurements) resulted in a minor reduction in the algorithm’s accuracy (Cohen’s Kappa 0.75). In the RWD cohort, dR was significantly associated with overall survival at all landmark times (hazard ratios 0.80–0.81, p<0.001) at the individual level, while the overall association was R2 = 0.67 (p<0.001) at the treatment level. This exploratory pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of deriving accurate response from RWD. With further confirmation in independent cohorts, the dR has the potential to be used as an endpoint in real-world studies and as a comparator in single-arm clinical trials.
Henry gas solubility optimization double machine learning classifier for neurosurgical patients
Authors: Mosa Diana T. , Mahmoud Amena , Zaki John , Sorour Shaymaa E. , El-Sappagh Shaker , Abuhmed Tamer
Published: May 2023

This study aims to predict head trauma outcome for Neurosurgical patients in children, adults, and elderly people. As Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are helpful in healthcare field, a comparative study of various ML techniques is developed. Several algorithms are utilized such as k-nearest neighbor, Random Forest (RF), C4.5, Artificial Neural Network, and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Their performance is assessed using anonymous patients’ data. Then, a proposed double classifier based on Henry Gas Solubility Optimization (HGSO) is developed with Aquila optimizer (AQO). It is implemented for feature selection to classify patients’ outcome status into four states. Those are mortality, morbidity, improved, or the same. The double classifiers are evaluated via various performance metrics including recall, precision, F-measure, accuracy, and sensitivity. Another contribution of this research is the original use of hybrid technique based on RF-SVM and HGSO to predict patient outcome status with high accuracy. It determines outcome status relationship with age and mode of trauma. The algorithm is tested on more than 1000 anonymous patients’ data taken from a Neurosurgical unit of Mansoura International Hospital, Egypt. Experimental results show that the proposed method has the highest accuracy of 99.2% (with population size = 30) compared with other classifiers.
Time-dependent vaccine efficacy estimation quantified by a mathematical model
Authors: Loria Jennifer , Albani Vinicius V. L. , Coutinho Francisco A. B. , Covas Dimas T. , Struchiner Claudio J. , Zubelli Jorge P. , Massad Eduardo
Published: May 2023

In this paper we calculate the variation of the estimated vaccine efficacy (VE) due to the time-dependent force of infection resulting from the difference between the moment the Clinical Trial (CT) begins and the peak in the outbreak intensity. Using a simple mathematical model we tested the hypothesis that the time difference between the moment the CT begins and the peak in the outbreak intensity determines substantially different values for VE. We exemplify the method with the case of the VE efficacy estimation for one of the vaccines against the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.