bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking the unconscious: Neural evidence for the retention of unaware information in visual working memory
Authors: Gambarota Filippo , Luria Roy , Maffei Antonio , Dell'Acqua Roberto , Tsuchiya Naotsugu , Sessa Paola
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the retention of visual information in visual working memory (VWM)when individuals are unaware of it, aiming to provide clear-cut evidence for an unconsciousVWM effect. To explore the underlying neural mechanisms, we monitored one criticalevent-related potential (ERP) component, i.e., the contralateral delay activity (CDA), whichreflects specifically VWM maintenance. Participants performed a change detection task in whichto-be-memorized Gabor patches were presented at a visibility threshold determined to assesssubjective awareness using the perceptual awareness scale (PAS). Participants performed abovechance level in the change detection task even when the visibility of the Gabor patches wassubthreshold, indicating retention of visual information without conscious awareness. Notably, ina subsample of participants, a reliable CDA amplitude was observed during unaware trials inwhich participants performed correctly compared to trials with incorrect responses, indexingshort active maintenance of unaware visual information in VWM that could be used to performVWM-based tasks. In conclusion, the results of our study support the existence of an activeretention of unaware visual information in VWM. These findings challenge the notion of entirelyactivity-silent working memory by showing that unconscious information is maintained throughactive neural firing (CDA), potentially transitioning to activity-silent mechanisms in later phases.
Formal Description of Cross-Dimensional Proposition Transfer with Fractal Model Theory Framework
Authors: zhou changzheng , zhou ZIQING
Published: February 2025

With the increasing demand for multi-scale system analysis and high-dimensionaldata processing, cross-dimensional logical transfer has become a frontier area informal methods research. Traditional methods, such as topological embedding andquantum logic, face challenges in dimensionality limitations and measure preserva?tion when dealing with high-dimensional data. This paper proposes a novel theo?retical framework based on fractal model theory, which achieves semantic conserva?tion between dimensions through fractal self-similarity, overcoming the limitationsof traditional methods. We provide a detailed introduction to the constructionof fractal signatures, cross-dimensional transfer mechanisms, and measure invari?ance theorems, and validate the framework’s effectiveness through case studies ofthe Sierpinski triangle and Menger sponge. Experimental results demonstrate thatthe framework achieves high-precision measure-preserving transfer in polynomialtime, with good scalability. Future work will focus on extending the framework tonon-integer dimensional transfers and online transfers of dynamic fractal systems
Expression of concern regarding the notice of retraction of the article "Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as a treatment for COVID-19: results from an open-label, non-randomized clinical trial.
Authors: BROUQUI Philippe , RAOULT
Published: February 2025

In January 2025, a notice of retraction of the article that reported in a preliminary prospective clinical trial and for the first time, a better clearance of the SARS-CoV2 viral load in patients treated for at least 3 days with 200 mg three times a day of Hydroxychloroquine was published. Here is a point-by-point response to this retraction notice so that the reader can make up his own mind in a spirit of open science.
Higgs Mechanism, Fractal Geometry Modification, and Theoretical Integration Discussion
Authors: zhou changzheng , zhou ZIQING
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the relationship between FHEST (Fractal HolographicString Theory) and the traditional Higgs mechanism for mass generation, as wellas potential pathways for their theoretical integration. The Higgs mechanism relieson spontaneous symmetry breaking and the vacuum expectation value of the Higgsfield to endow particles with mass, whereas FHEST, grounded in fractal geometryand local curvature integration, suggests that particle mass is intrinsically tied tothe geometric structure of spacetime. First, this paper compares the fundamen?tal principles of the two mechanisms from a theoretical perspective, then proposesspecific methods for introducing fractal corrections into the Higgs potential andconstructing direct fractal-field coupling terms. Finally, the challenges faced intheory and experimentation, as well as future verification methods and researchprospects, are discussed. The results suggest that the two mechanisms may com?plement each other on different scales, providing a unified theoretical framework toexplain the hierarchy of particle masses and the deep connection between mass andspacetime geometry.
The Electoral Effects of State-Sponsored Homophobia
Authors: Haas Violeta Ines , Bogatyrev Konstantin , Abou-Chadi Tarik , Klüver Heike , Stoetzer Lukas
Published: February 2025

Do strategies of state-sponsored homophobia translate into electoral gains? While a growing body of literature documents the increasing politicization of LGBTQ- and gender-related issues by illiberal elites, little is known about the electoral effects of these strategies. We address this important question by studying whether anti-LGBTQ mobilization pays off electorally for the initiating party. Empirically, we study the adoption of anti-LGBTQ resolutions in many Polish municipalities prior to the 2019 parliamentary election. Using a synthetic difference-in-differences design, we find that these resolutions significantly depressed turnout in affected municipalities, with opposition parties showing less mobilization capacity. By contrast, turnout for the incumbent Law and Justice Party increased substantially. Overall, this study's findings are relevant for understanding the electoral consequences of both elite-led mobilization against stigmatized and discriminated groups, and policies of subnational democratic backsliding.
The Importance of Geospatial Technology in Monitoring Plant Health
Authors: Lutema Emmanuel
Published: February 2025

Solving the problems presented by climate change depends on geospatial technology in great measure. Through shifting pest and disease dynamics, increasing frequency of extreme weather events, and modifying growth circumstances, climate change aggravates problems with plant health. For example, remote sensing data and satellite-based climate models help one to forecast how variations in temperature and precipitation patterns can influence the distribution of plant diseases and pests. This predicting makes proactive adaption tactics possible (Beddington et al., 2012). Geospatial instruments also allow one to track crop performance under the influence of climate-induced stresses including heat waves and drenches. This tracking helps to create strong farming methods. Geospatial technology helps stakeholders to carry focused actions that preserve plant health and guarantee the stability of food systems in a changing environment by offering thorough understanding of how climate interacts with plant life. This capacity is particularly important in sensitive areas where smallholder farmers depend on agriculture for their food security and means of income.
Temporal properties of preparation phase for arm-pointing movements in various directions.
Authors: Okuuchi Soma , Tani Keisuke , Kushiro Keisuke
Published: February 2025

In this study, we investigated how the temporal properties of the preparation phase for upper limb movements are affected by the reaching direction. Twelve right-handed participants performed three motor tasks, two types of reaching movements, and one finger-lifting movement. Reaching movements were performed from the home position to 15 target locations (5 directions and 3 distances), as quickly and precisely as possible, under two conditions: with and without pre-cueing of the target. The finger lifting movement was performed by lifting the index finger (from the home position) upward in the air as quickly as possible. The reaction time (RT), movement time (MT), and temporal kinematics of the index finger were obtained for each condition. In addition, differential RTs (DRT) were induced, implicitly representing the time required for the motor planning process to execute reaching movements. The results showed that the anisotropy of the DRTs was largest in the left-forward direction, suggesting that the temporal costs of the motor planning process depended on the movement direction. For the kinematic analysis, the MT in the left-forward direction was the largest among all directions. In addition, the time from peak velocity to termination of movement (TFPV) was significantly longer in the left-forward direction when the target pre-cueing was not provided than when it was provided. These results suggest that if a reaching movement under no-cue condition is initiated with insufficient time for the motor planning process, especially in the direction requiring large temporal costs, it relies more heavily on the online control process to accomplish the intended performance. It is likely that humans achieve their intended movements by allocating the amount of time before and after movement initiation according to the difficulty of control that varies in relation to the movement direction.
Faster, Smarter, and More Attentive: The Control of Attention is About More Than Just Conflict Resolution
Authors: Tsukahara Jason S. , Mashburn Cody Anthony , Campbell Jessica E , Engle Randall W
Published: February 2025

Mental speed theories of intelligence suggest that people are smarter because they are faster. Weargue that attention control plays an important and fundamental role in mediating the relationshipbetween basic sensory processes and more complex cognitive processes such as fluidintelligence. One of the most successful paradigms for establishing a mental speed theory ofintelligence is the inspection time task. In this paper, we examine the mental speed and theattention control perspectives on the inspection time task and its relationship with fluidintelligence. Integrating experimental and correlational approaches, we find that attention controlexplains the inspection time task’s correlation with fluid intelligence and working memorycapacity. Attention control and inspection time are correlated beyond their relationship withother measures of processing speed. Further, while we find no evidence that selective attentionspecifically is related to inspection time performance, both attention control and inspection timepredicted declines in accuracy as participants sustained their attention over time; other measuresof processing speed did not predict sustained attention performance. Collectively, these resultsindicate that inspection time is related to the ability to control attention, especially the ability tosustain attention over time.
Intracranial Recording During TMS: A Practical Guide
Authors: Hassan Umair
Published: February 2025

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a powerful clinical tool for treating neuropsychiatric conditions, yet our understanding of how TMS modulates neural circuits in the human brain remains limited. While decades of research have established the therapeutic efficacy of TMS, fundamental questions persist about the spatial and temporal dynamics of TMS effects, including which brain regions are activated and modulated, how long neural changes persist, and the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effect. Combining transcranial magnetic stimulation and intracranial electroencephalography (TMS-iEEG) can fill this gap by providing important insights into how the human brain responds to non-invasive stimulation. TMS-iEEG enables investigation of both local cortical responses and network-level propagation with millisecond temporal resolution and precise spatial localization. This chapter provides an overview for conducting TMS-iEEG experiments. We first detail phantom validation procedures for evaluating potential heating, electrode displacement, and induced currents. We then outline safety monitoring protocols for human participants, including continuous electrophysiological monitoring for epileptiform activity. Finally, we outline procedures to perform TMS-iEEG experiments – from equipment setup through data collection and analysis. When properly implemented, TMS-iEEG can reveal both immediate local effects and network-level responses to TMS that are not accessible through conventional recording approaches, providing critical insights into the mechanisms of brain stimulation.
The way of thinking about depressive symptoms using exponential distribution
Authors: Yabu Takuya
Published: February 2025

So far, we have used stochastic differential equations to explain the process that leads to feelings and thoughts that assume a Wiener process. In reality, however, depressive symptoms may suddenly appear when one is feeling at ease. When a person is suffering from depression, the value of a group of curves, such as the person's similarity curve, is at a negative minimum if we consider the Wiener process. However, a person may go from being at ease to being depressed, i.e., the value of the similarity curve or other curve group may suddenly go from a positive value to a negative minimum. This cannot be explained by the conventional concept of curve group such as similarity curve using the Wiener process. Therefore, we considered depressive symptoms using an exponential distribution. We obtained an equation relating the number of times a person becomes depressed during a certain period of time and the time he or she is depressed, and described the importance of considering the time when a person becomes depressed. Next, we derived an equation giving the time of being depressed and showed that the time of being depressed has an exponential distribution. We also described the connection to similarity curve and other results in the previously discussed paper. Finally, we stated that placing oneself in an environment or state where one is less likely to become depressed is a way to cope with depression.
Clarifying the reliability paradox: poor test-retest reliability attenuates group differences
Authors: Karvelis Povilas , Diaconescu Andreea Oliviana
Published: February 2025

Cognitive sciences are grappling with the reliability paradox: measures that robustly produce within-group effects tend to have low test-retest reliability, rendering them unsuitable for studying individual differences. Despite the growing awareness of this paradox, its full extent remains underappreciated. Specifically, most research focuses exclusively on how reliability affects correlational analyses of individual differences, while largely ignoring its effects on studying group differences. Moreover, some studies explicitly and erroneously suggest that poor reliability does not pose problems for studying group differences, possibly due to conflating within- and between-group effects. In this short report, we aim to clarify this misunderstanding. Using both data simulations and mathematical derivations, we show how observed group differences get attenuated by measurement reliability. We consider multiple scenarios, including when groups are created based on thresholding a continuous measure (e.g., patients vs. controls or median split), when groups are defined exogenously (e.g., treatment vs. control groups, or male vs. female), and how the observed effect sizes are further affected by differences in measurement reliability and between-subject variance between the groups. Overall, we show that just as for correlational strength, observed standardized group differences are attenuated as a function of sqrt{reliability} for each measure. This has important implications for biomarker discovery, clinical translation, and other areas of group differences research that inform policy and real-world applications.
Impacts of allowing respondents to abstain in conjoint experiments
Authors: Brückmann G. , Stadelmann-Steffen Isabelle
Published: February 2025

Conjoint experiments have gained popularity in political science, accompanied by methodological discussions. We contribute to these by investigating the impact of (randomly) offering an abstention option alongside the usual forced choice dependent variable. We explore the usage of abstention employing data from a novel experiment with 4466 respondents. The findings reveal that a notable proportion of respondents abstain due to non-acceptance and unwillingness or inability to choose. Abstention from binary choice also impacts the subsequent rating tasks, suggesting binary choice may overestimate favorability deduced from conjoint experiments. Mirroring the real-world decision process, which often includes abstention options, improves our understanding of preferences and prevents biases in the analysis, highlighting the importance of considering offering an abstention option in conjoint experiments.
Dimensions of Support for Gender Ideologies: Gender and Migration Background Differences in Gender Role Attitudes
Authors: Acar Taylan , Becker Birgit , Grunow Daniela
Published: February 2025

Drawing on original data from a multifactorial survey experiment conducted in Germany, wedevelop a theoretical model to examine support for gendered divisions of work. Specifically,we ask whether women and men vary in their evaluations of the specific gendered division ofpaid and unpaid work. Additionally, we examine whether these gender-based differences existamong participants from different backgrounds, native East and West Germans, as well asthose with Turkish and Dutch origins. Our findings reveal notable gender differences inattitudes. In three out of five gender ideology profiles, these gender differences aresignificant: Women are more likely to prefer egalitarian arrangements, while men tend tofavor more essentialist ideologies such as secondary-earner and women’s second shiftprofiles. We observe gender differences in support for egalitarian division among WestGerman, Turkish and Dutch participants (not significant due to small sample size). However,no such difference exist among East Germans. Furthermore, we identify important differencesbetween East German and West German women in their support for the ambivalent profile of“egalitarian familism.” Turkish men, in particular exhibit the least support for egalitarianarrangements and the strongest support for less egalitarian ones. Our theoretical approachproves effective in answering our research questions. Our findings suggest historical thatgender regimes and varying levels of exposure to egalitarian ideas among different groupsplay a key role in the shaping gender role attitudes.
Impact of the Workplace Environment on Employee Productivity
Authors: K.C. Harendra
Published: February 2025

The working environment plays a crucial role in an organization and has many employee issues. Increasing productivity can be achieved by creating a conducive working environment within the organization. The study investigates the impact of the working environment on employee productivity in Birendranagar, Surkhet, focusing on supervisor support, good relations with coworkers, training and development, and incentives and recognition plans. Adopting a positivist approach, the research used a causal-comparative design and collected data through a survey questionnaire with 260 participants. The study uses SPSS software and uses a quantitative exploratory research technique. The research found strong relationships with colleagues, training and development programs, and reward and recognition plan significantly increase employee productivity. However, the support of the supervisors has little impact.
पाठ्यक्रमको उपयोगका सम्बन्धमा नेपाली भाषा शिक्षकका दृष्टिकोण
Authors: आचार्य  Acharya लक्ष्मीप्रसाद Laxmi Prasad
Published: February 2025

प्रस्तुत अध्ययनमा नेपाली भाषा शिक्षणका क्रममा पाठ्यक्रमको प्रयोग सन्दर्भमा शिक्षकहरूका दृष्टिकोणलाई केलाइएको छ । नेपाली भाषा कक्षामा पाठ्यक्रम प्रयोगको अवस्थालाई विश्लेषण गर्ने उद्देश्य यसमा राखिएको छ । गुणात्मक अध्ययन ढाँचाको अवलम्बन गरिएको यस अध्ययनमा आवश्यक तथ्याङ्क सङ्कलनका लागि कक्षाको अवलोकन र शिक्षकसँग खुला अन्तर्वार्ता लिइएको छ । यसरी सङ्कलित तथ्याङ्कको अभिलेखन, सारांश पहिचान, कोड निर्माण, कोडको वर्गीकरण तथा सामूहीकरण र नतिजा पहिचानको प्रक्रिया चरणबद्ध अपनाई विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । सङ्कलित तथ्याङ्कको विश्लेषण गर्दा नेपाली भाषा शिक्षकहरू पाठ्यक्रमको औचित्य र आवश्यकताबारे सैद्धान्तिक रूपमा जानकार छन् तर व्यवहारमा प्रयोग गरेका छैनन् । विद्यालयमा पाठ्यक्रम उपलब्ध भए तापनि तिनलाई प्रयोगमा ल्याइएको छैन । यसका लागि शिक्षकमा पेसागत इमान्दारिताको परिपालनाका साथै सामयिक रूपमा पाठ्यक्रम प्रबोधीकरणको आवश्यकता देखिएको छ । पाठ्यपुस्तकमा राखिएका विषयवस्तु र अभ्यास भाषा सिकाइका लागि पर्याप्त हुने गलत विश्वासका कारण पाठ्यक्रमको उपयोग नगरिएको निष्कर्ष प्राप्त भएको छ । यस अध्ययनले शिक्षकहरूलाई पाठ्यपुस्तकमा सीमित नभई पाठ्यक्रममा आधारित शिक्षण सिकाइतर्फ अभिप्रेरित गर्ने अपेक्षा राखिएको छ ।
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Zacky , Fadhli Ahmad Samhan Nur , Hidayatullah Ridwan , Puspita Putri Buana Della , Widiati Ina Sholihah
Published: February 2025

Technological advances in the financial sector have experienced significant developments. This allows the development of various financial applications and is able to facilitate financial management, especially in companies. The main objective of this project is to create and implement an effective and organized cash book system to help businesses monitor their income and expenses. The author uses the Rapid Application Development (RAD) development method. During this process, the team found specific problems and needs of the company through needs analysis techniques, followed by system design and testing. The new recording system is expected to increase transparency in financial management, reduce transaction recording errors, and produce more accurate and reliable financial reports. To make financial management better, this system is designed to be easy to use by the finance team and can be accessed anytime and anywhere.
Authors: Hutabarat Michael Oktavianus , Darmawan M. Hadid , Armanda Fadhil Hilmy , Agustina Nurtia
Published: February 2025

Dinas Komunikasi Informasi, Statistik, dan Persandian Kota Pekanbaru semakin menyadari pentingnya teknologi untuk meningkatkan efisiensi dan transparansi dalam berbagai aspek operasionalnya. Salah satu aspek yang dapat dioptimalkan adalah absensi pegawai. Kehadiran website absensi pada instansi ini berfungsi untuk memantau absensi pegawai, izin dan cuti, jadwal libur, serta memantau kinerja absensi secara efisien. Menciptakan sistem absensi yang sukses dapat dilakukan dengan berbagai cara, salah satunya melalui pemanfaatan teknologi komputer dan aplikasi absensi berbasis informasi pada website. Metode yang digunakan adalah waterfall yang meliputi investigasi, perencanaan, pengkodean, pengujian, dan pemeliharaan. Dengan membina aplikasi partisipasi pegawai secara elektronik, Dinas Komunikasi Informasi, Statistik, dan Persandian Kota Pekanbaru dapat mengefisiensikan proses absensi, mengurangi kehilangan data, dan menghilangkan kesalahan dalam pencatatan data absensi.
Comparative Analysis of Moora and Waspas Methods for Selecting the Best Supplier
Authors: Sartika Lina Mulani Sitio
Published: February 2025

Selecting the right supplier is an important element in the K-24 Pharmacy supply chain, as it directly impacts the availability and quality of drugs provided to customers. However, the supplier selection process is often faced with the complexity of various criteria that must be considered simultaneously. This creates problems in decision making that are often subjective and less than optimal. To overcome this problem, this study proposes a solution in the form of implementing the MOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis) and WASPAS (Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment) methods to support the best supplier selection process at K-24 Pharmacy. The purpose of this study is to develop a system that can provide objective and measurable supplier recommendations, based on various relevant criteria.  This study uses data from several potential suppliers considered by K-24 Pharmacy. Relevant criteria are weighted based on their level of importance through interviews with pharmacy management. The criteria used in this research are delivery speed, discounts, service, warranty, authenticity of goods, payment terms and return of goods. Furthermore, the MOORA method is used to conduct multi-objective ratio analysis, while the WASPAS method combines the weighted sum and weighted product approaches to evaluate the overall performance of each supplier. The results of the study indicate that both methods are effective in providing consistent recommendations for selecting the best supplier. However, the WASPAS method is superior in providing more accurate and comprehensive results because of its ability to combine various aspects of evaluation. The implementation of the MOORA and WASPAS methods is expected to help the management of Apotek K-24 in making more appropriate decisions and reducing the risks associated with supplier selection.
Хімія перехідних елементів
Authors:   Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Крикливий Р.
Published: February 2025

Навчально-методичний посібник містить стислий виклад теоретичногоматеріалу, задачі, вправи й запитання з усіх розділів хімії перехідних елементів, перелік навиків, які повинні одержати студенти при виконанні практичних робіт, а також методичні розробки лабораторних занять. Структура посібника допоможе студентам краще засвоїти номенклатуру, методику одержання та властивості d - елементів та їх найважливіших сполук.
Для студентів галузі знань 01 Освіта / Педагогіка, 10 Природничі науки спеціальностей 014.06 Середня освіта (Хімія), 102 Хімія.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ЗЕЛЕНОГО РЕКРЕАЦІЙНОГО ПРОСТОРУ В МЕДИЧНИХ ЗАКЛАДАХ НА ПРИКЛАДІ СВІТОВОГО ДОСВІДУ
Authors: Мілаш Т. О. , Ліпянін В. А. , Струк Ж. М.
Published: February 2025

У статті наведені результати досліджень зеленого рекреаційного простору в медичних закладах, що створюють сприятливіумови для відпочинку, лікування та фізичної реабілітації. Наведенні приклади зелених рекреаційних просторів в медичних закладах.
Planning: Supporting and Optimizing Clinical Guidelines Execution
Authors: Anselma Luca  , Montani Stefania
Published: February 2025

A crucial feature of computerized clinical guidelines (CGs) lies in the fact that they may be used not only as conventional documents (as if they were just free text) describing general procedures that users have to follow. In fact, thanks to a description of their actions and control flow in some semiformal representation language, CGs can also take advantage of Computer Science methods and Information Technology infrastructures and techniques, to become executable documents, in the sense that they may support clinical decision making and clinical procedures execution. In order to reach this goal, some advanced planning techniques, originally developed within the Artificial Intelligence (AI) community, may be (at least partially) resorted too, after a proper adaptation to the specific CG needs has been carried out.
Compliance with Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Quaglini Silvana
Published: February 2025

Compliance with clinical practice guidelines is a challenging topic because it depends on a variety of factors, some related to guidelines themselves, some related to users, and some to the implementation context. Among the former are guideline quality, purpose and implementation modality. Among the userrelated factors are attitude to behavioural changes, authority interventions to foster adherence and eventually the type of users (general practitioners, hospital professionals, home caregivers, patients, etc.). Context is also crucial because organisational issues, such as lack of resources, can hamper guideline implementation and sometimes the original guideline intention is overridden by the guideline adaptation to a certain setting. This chapter analyses these factors and discusses their implications for the development of computerised decision support systems. Moreover, it gives examples of non-compliance detection and analysis in a specific real-world computerised guideline implementation, facing both methodological and practical issues.
From Guidelines to Careflows: Modelling and Supporting Complex Clinical Processes
Authors: Fox John  , Black Elizabeth  , Chronakis Ioannis  , Dunlop Robert  , Patkar Vivek  , South Matthew  , Thomson Richard
Published: February 2025

Research on computer interpretable clinical guidelines has largely focused on individual points of care rather than processes of care. Whether we consider simple aids like clinical alerts and reminders or more sophisticated data interpretation and decision-making, guideline developers tend to focus on specific tasks rather than processes like care plans and pathways which are extended in time. In contrast, research on business process modelling has demonstrated notations and tools which deal directly with process modelling, but has not been concerned with problems like data interpretation and decision making. In this chapter we describe these two traditions, and compare some of their strengths and weaknesses. We also briefly discuss the distinct theoretical frameworks which have grown up around them, notably Petri nets for workflow modelling and mathematical logics for guidelines. We conclude that these offer complementary views of clinical processes and that a key research challenge is find a way of unifying them.We wish to thank Natalie Mulyar, Marco Montali, Annette ten Teije and Mor Peleg for their helpful comments on earlier drafts of this discussion.
Agent Standard Protocols for Building Multi-Robot Applications
Authors: Cervera Enric  , Gazi Veysel
Published: February 2025

A practical solution based on multi-agent protocols for the development of real-world multi-robot applications is presented. FIPA standard protocols implemented by the JADE library provide the standard functionality for a number of tasks. Robot behaviors are built upon the Player middleware. Such components provide off-the-shelf tools which allow a straightforward implementation of indoor localization and navigation tasks for a team of mobile robots. Such integration combines proven mobile robot algorithms with a distributed infrastructure, and extends the capabilities from a robot alone to a whole team of robots, thus allowing the development of cooperative applications. As a proof of concept, an auction-like goal assignment task is presented: the robot team is given a goal, and each robot proposes an estimated cost for achieving it, then the best proposal is selected. Most of the control flow is automated by the standard interaction protocols. Experimental evaluation demonstrates the advantages of combining both frameworks, for a practical yet sound development of multi-robot applications.
Coevolutionary modelling of a miniature rotorcraft
Authors: De Nardi Renzo  , Holland Owen E.
Published: February 2025

The paper considers the problem of synthesising accurate dynamic models of a miniature rotorcraft based on minimal physical assumptions, and using the models to develop a controller. The approach is based on the idea of building models that predict accelerations, and is implemented using evolutionary programming in a particularly efficient co-evolutionary framework. Both the structure and the parameters of the nonlinear models are jointly identified from real data. The modelling method is demonstrated and validated on a miniature quadrotor rotorcraft, and a controller based on the model is then developed and tested.
New clinical observations connected with “biomechanical aetiology of so called idiopathic scoliosis” (2006–2007)
Authors: Karski T.
Published: February 2025

Over the last few years, an etiological cause of scoliosis has been developed at Lublin, Poland. This is based on the findings of was limited adduction or abduction contracture of right hip, coupled to asymmetry of movements between right and left hip which influences growth of spine through “asymmetrical gait” and asymmetrical standing.
Are there sub-types in Lenke-1 curves?
Authors: Sangole A.P.  , Aubin C.-E.  , Stokes I.A.S.  , Labelle H.
Published: February 2025

Current classification systems of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are limited because they are based on visual assessments of two-dimensional (2D) clinical indices (e.g. Cobb angle, central sacral vertebral line) calculated from calibrated radiographs. This study presents a cluster analysis using three-dimensional characteristics of 172 pre-operative Lenke 1 thoracic curve cases that were reviewed by the 3-D Spine Classification Committee of the SRS. Cobb angles, orientation of the plane of maximum curvature (PMC) of the main thoracic segment and constrained thoracic kyphosis were evaluated using 3D reconstructions from postero-anterior (PA) and lateral standing radiographs. The ISOData unsupervised clustering algorithm was applied to the structural curve parameters. Three subgroups (1 non-surgical and 2 surgical) were identified, with the orientation of the PMC being the primary discriminator. The non-surgical group (G1=22 cases) had Cobb angles (12°–32°), PMC (10°–66°), and kyphosis (27°–43°). The two surgical groups (G2=79 cases, G3=71 cases) had similar Cobb angles (41°–61°; 26°–54°) but exhibited different PMC orientations (G2: 65°–81°; G3: 76°–104°) and kyphosis (G2: 23°–43°; G3: 7°–25°). Patients (G3) with higher PMC values also showed hypo-kyphosis characteristics. Patients with similar thoracic scoliosis curve characteristics in the coronal plane may exhibit very different characteristics in the sagittal plane, as evidenced by distinct PMC orientation. Classifying AIS using cluster analysis revealed structural differences characterizing inherent 3D complexities in the spine which are not clearly apparent in a single plane.
Enhancement of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Spinal Fusion augmented with Stem cell-Bioceramic Composite
Authors: Chan Chun Wai  , Hui Celine F.F.  , Pan Wei Man  , Lee Kwong Man  , Qin Ling  , Hu Yun Yu  , Leung Kwok Sui  , Cheng Jack C.-Y.
Published: February 2025

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) was reported to enhance autograft implanted spinal fusion in rabbit model but none reported its effect on bioengineered stem cell-bioceramics composite as bone substitute. Bone marrow was aspirated from proximal femur of 15 week old New Zealand white rabbits. The mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were then isolated and expanded in number with DMEM/osteogenic supplements/basic fibroblast growth factor. The MSC were impregnated on beta-tricalcium phosphate block (TCP). The bioengineered composite was implanted on L5 and L6 transverse processes of the same animal in posterior spinal fusion with decortication. LIPUS was applied for 20 min daily on the back of rabbit for 7 weeks (LIPUS group, n=6). The untreated animals acted as control group (n=6). The spinal segments were harvested at week 7 and assessed by manual palpation, microCT assessment. The volume of transverse processes was measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). By manual palpation, 67% of spinal segment in LIPUS group was found to be rigid but 0% in control group. The 3D microCT image of LIUPS group also showed inter-transverse process bony fusion beneath the TCP block whereas was not observed in the control group. In the pQCT result, the volume of transverse processes in LIPUS group was 28.2% greater than the control group. Non-invasive low intensity pulsed ultrasound enhanced tissue engineered stem cell-bioceramics implanted posterior spinal fusion. It will reduce the morbidity due to autograft harvesting.
A novel visualization scheme for monitoring and tracking of torso deformities in scoliosis
Authors: Ajemba P.O.  , Durdle N.G.  , Raso V.J.
Published: February 2025

The clinical application of torso deformity to scoliosis management depends on reliable monitoring and tracking of torso shape as well as convenient display of the information obtained. Most existing methods classify torso deformity either by severity or type. This usually results in a single-valued deformation score or a classification into a few discrete clusters such as mild, moderate, severe. With the advent of more complicated characterization of scoliosis by severity and type as well by regional deformation variation, there is a need for torso deformity visualizations schemes that can present the complex information obtained in an easy to understand form. This paper presents a new visualization scheme for monitoring and tracking torso deformities. The basic element of the scheme, the status map, represents information about the overall severity and class of the deformity, as well as the deformation variations in different regions of the torso. By combining simplified versions of status maps from multiple clinical visits, we obtain the status chart. An inspection of this chart summarizes the overall clinical history (vis-à-vis torso deformity) for any one patient. Both back surface images and full torso images can be represented using this visualization scheme. To demonstrate the application of the scheme to scoliosis management, we applied it to full torso and back shape images obtained retrospectively from 20 scoliosis patients. Each patient had information from at least five consecutive clinical visits. Aside from the improvements in presentation obtained by the use of the scheme deformity patterns over time and the effect of clinical intervention can clearly be observed. We plan to extend the method to incorporate other clinical data in the future.
Ultrasound femoral anteversion (FAV) relative to tibial torsion (TT) is abnormal after school screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): evaluation by two methods
Authors: Burwell R.G.  , Aujla R.K.  , Kirby A.S.  , Moulton A.  , Dangerfield P.H.  , Freeman B.J.C.  , Cole A.A.  , Polak F.J.  , Pratt R.K.  , Webb J.K.
Published: February 2025

In the scoliotic spine, torsion is generally evaluated in relation to axial rotation of the apical vertebra. In the lower limbs, the changes in torsion by age of femoral anteversion (FAV) relative to tibial torsion (TT) have been studied in dried bones, normal growing subjects and adults and subjects with osteoarthritis of the hip or the knee. This paper reports the application of real-time ultrasound to FAV and TT in normal children age 11–18 years and in scoliosis screening referrals with particular reference to how FAV relates to TT as 1) ratios, and 2) tibio-femoral index (TFI) of torsion, calculated as TT minus femoral FAV. The FAV/TT ratio findings show an abnormal normal relationship of FAV to TT both proximo-distally and in left-right asymmetry. These may express torsional abnormalities in femoral and/or tibial growth plates with left-right asynchrony suggesting the possibility of similar torsional abnormalities in vertebral end-plates and/or rib growth plates initiating the deformity of AIS. TFI of the right limb in the scoliosis girls is greater than in the normals that is interpreted as resulting from earlier skeletal maturation of FAV. FAV/TT ratios and TFI are unrelated to the spinal deformity (Cobb angle and apical vertebral rotation) except for boys where TFI is associated with apical vertebral rotation. FAV/TT ratios may be a more accurate method estimating the relationship of FAV to TT. than TFIs.
Intuitive Action Set Formation in Learning Classifier Systems with Memory Registers
Authors: Simões L.  , Schut M.C.  , Haasdijk E.
Published: February 2025

An important design goal in Learning Classifier Systems (LCS) is to equally reinforce those classifiers which cause the level of reward supplied by the environment. In this paper, we propose a new method for action set formation in LCS. When applied to a Zeroth Level Classifier System with Memory registers (ZCSM), our method allows the distribution of rewards among classifiers which result in the same memory state, rather than those encoding the same memory update action.
A Default Logic Based Framework for Argumentation
Authors: Santos Emanuel  , Pavão Martins João
Published: February 2025

We extend the logic-based framework of Besnard and Hunter for Default Logic. We present structural sound results that provide a natural extension and introduce new concepts that enable us to characterize an argument based on its use of incomplete information.
Runtime Properties of Mobile Systems
Authors: Gruhn Volker  , Schäfer Clemens
Published: February 2025

The emerging behavior of a mobile system–where hardware devices of different types interoperate–is determined by its software architecture (structure, dynamics, deployment), the underlying communication networks (topology, properties like bandwidth etc.) and interactions undertaken by the users of the system. In order to assess whether a mobile system fulfills its non-functional requirements like response times or availability already at design time, the emergent behavior of such a system can be simulated by using an architectural model of the system and applying an simulation approach where a network model and a user interaction model are used for providing the contextual information.
Comfort Conditions in Early Post-Colonial Architecture in Ghana
Authors: Kootin-Sanwu Victor
Published: February 2025

Introduction; The Building Design; The Auditorium; The Office Section; The Development of a Computer Model; Results; Residential Buildings; Conclusions; References
Building Policies for Scrabble
Authors: Gonzalez Romero Alejandro  , Alquezar René
Published: February 2025

Research to learn policies using Evolutionary Algorithms along with training examples has been done for the domains of the Blocks World and the KRKa2 chess ending in our previous work [1,2]. Although the results have been positive, we believe that a more challenging domain is necessary to test the performance of this technique. The game of Scrabble, played in Spanish, in its competitive form (one vs. one) intends to be used and studied to test how good evolutionary techniques perform in building policies that produce a plan. To conduct proper research for Scrabble a Spanish lexicon was built and a heuristic function mainly based on probabilistic leaves was developed recently [3]. Despite the good results obtained with this heuristic function, the experimental games played showed that there is much room for improvement. In this paper a sketch of how can policies be built for the domain of Scrabble is presented; these policies are constructed using attributes (concepts and actions) given by a Scrabble expert player and using the heuristic function presented in [3] as one of the actions. Then to evaluate the policies a set of training examples given by a Scrabble expert is used along with the evolutionary learning algorithm presented in [2]. The final result of the process is an ordered set of rules (a policy) which denotes a plan that can be followed by a Scrabble engine to play Scrabble. This plan would also give useful information to construct plans that can be followed by humans when playing Scrabble. Most of this work is still under construction and just a sketch is presented. We believe that the domain of games is well-suited for testing these ideas in planning.
Interactive Peritoneum in a Haptic Surgery Illustration Environment
Authors: Myles Ashish  , Yeo Young In  , Kim Minho  , Cendan Juan  , Kurenov Sergei  , Peters Jörg
Published: February 2025

We describe a fully interactive, low-overhead and robust peritoneum representation allowing for probing and cutting. The peritoneum implementation has been tested within a surgical illustration environment.
Designing Artificial Jaw Joints (AJJs) in VR Space for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ogawa Takumi  , Ikawa Tomoko  , Shigeta Yuko  , Hamada Yoshiki  , Hattori Asaki  , Suzuki Naoki
Published: February 2025

In this present study, we will report on a case of a patient with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). She suffered a condyle fracture that led to rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, we will review how we planned her treatment and designed her artificial jaw joints (AJJs) via 3D imaging in VR space.
Simulation of Osteotomy and Support for Surgery using VR Haptic Device
Authors: Sohmura Taiji  , Iida seiji  , Aikawa Tomonao  , Kogo Mikihiko  , Iguchi Yoshitaka  , Yamamoto Taku  , Takada Kenji
Published: February 2025

A novel computer-assisted 3-D simulation for osteotomy and CAD/CAM fabrication of surgical splints consider the relative inter-bone interference and space after bone translation were developed. CT image of a patient for osteotomy was operated and simulation of surgery for deformation, segmentation, displacement of the bone was processed effectively by virtual reality haptic device PHANTOM. CAD of a bite splint before surgery and after bone displacement was done in the process of simulation. CAM of resin bite splints was done by precise Rapid Prototyping CAM machine. All fabricated splint were sufficiently functioned to determine the position of jaws.
Developing and Evaluating Virtual Cardiotomy for Preoperative Planning in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Sørensen Thomas Sangild  , Beerbaum Philipp  , Mosegaard Jesper  , Greil Gerald Franz
Published: February 2025

Careful preoperative planning is of outmost importance – in particular when considering complex corrective surgery on congenitally malformed hearts. As an aid to such decision-making we describe a system for virtual reconstruction of patient-specific morphology from 3D-capable imaging modalities such as MRI and CT. We introduce and illustrate the concept of virtual cardiotomy as a new tool to preoperatively evaluate the feasibility of different surgical strategies by investigating the anatomical spatial relations through any number of virtual incisions. We review the technical and clinical implementation of the various components of the system, namely 3D imaging, segmentation and reconstruction, visualization, and simulation of tissue elasticity. Finally we summarize the main findings from a recent evaluation study on 42 infants and children.
Virtual Reality Simulation Training for Dental Surgery
Authors: Yoshida Yoshinori  , Yamaguchi Satoshi  , Wakabayashi Kazumich  , Nagashima Tadashi  , Takeshige Fumio  , Kawamoto Yusuke  , Noborio Hiroshi  , Sohmura Taiji
Published: February 2025

In dentistry the exquisite hand skill is required for daily treatments, However, dental students have little chance to treat patients in the clinical training So, present study constructed a process simulation to train the hand skill for tooth extraction, especially impacted wisdom tooth that was an example of the difficult case by using virtual reality haptic device
A System for 3-D Reconstruction of A Patient-Specific Surface Model from Calibrated X-ray Images
Authors: Zheng G.  , Schumann S.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a system for 3-D reconstruction of a patient-specific surface model from calibrated X-ray images. Our system requires two X-ray images of a patient with one acquired from the anterior-posterior direction and the other from the axial direction. A custom-designed cage is utilized in our system to calibrate both images. Starting from bone contours that are interactively identified from the X-ray images, our system constructs a patient-specific surface model of the proximal femur based on a statistical model based 2D/3D reconstruction algorithm. In this paper, we present the design and validation of the system with 25 bones. An average reconstruction error of 0.95 mm was observed.
Integrating Simulation Devices and Systems
Authors: Ellaway Rachel H.  , Topps David  , Lachapelle Kevin  , Cooperstock Jeremy
Published: February 2025

Simulators are typically standalone devices. The HSVO project is developing a network enabled platform control middleware and a number of integrated ‘edge device’ services to, among other outcomes, enable multi device and platform simulation support.