bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Units, zero-divisors and idempotents in rings graded by torsion-free groups
Authors: Öinert Johan
Published: January 2024

The three famous problems concerning units, zero-divisors and idempotents in group rings of torsion-free groups, commonly attributed to Kaplansky, have been around for more than 60 years and still remain open in characteristic zero.
In this article, we introduce the corresponding problems in the considerably more general context of arbitrary rings graded by torsion-free groups.
For natural reasons, we will restrict our attention to rings without non-trivial homogeneous zero-divisors with respect to the given grading.
We provide a partial solution to the extended problems by solving them for rings graded by unique product groups.
We also show that the extended problems exhibit the same (potential) hierarchy as the classical problems for group rings.
Furthermore, a ring which is graded by an arbitrary torsion-free group is shown to be indecomposable, and to have no non-trivial central zero-divisor and no non-homogeneous central unit.
We also present generalizations of the classical group ring conjectures.
Crystal structure of 2-bromo-1-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyloxy)-9H-xanthen-9-one, C18H15BrO4
Authors: Mzozoyana Vuyisa , Zamisa Sizwe J. , van Heerden Fanie R.
Published: January 2024

C18H15BrO4, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 14.616(2) Å, b = 14.657(2) Å, c = 7.3864(12) Å, β = 103.627(7)°, V = 1537.8(4) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0315, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0935, T = 100 K.
The crystal structure of N1,N3-bis(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)\ propanediamide hydrate, C25H26N6O4, 2(H2O)
Authors: Smith Mark G. , Lemmerer Andreas
Published: January 2024

C25H26N6O4, 2(H2O), triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 9.8423(6) Å, b = 11.2923(7) Å, c = 13.3810(8) Å, α = 69.053(3)°, β = 73.926(4)°, γ = 68.979(3)°, V = 1277.49(14) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0757, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.2364, T = 173 K.
AI in Indian Libraries: Prospects and Perceptions from Library Professionals
Authors: Subaveerapandiyan A. , Gozali Alfian Akbar
Published: January 2024

This study explores the perspectives of Indian library professionals on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries. It aims to understand their knowledge, awareness, and views on AI and its challenges and opportunities. The research adopts a quantitative approach, using a closed-ended survey to collect data from 386 library professionals in academic institutions across India. The survey covers various aspects, including socio-demographic information, AI knowledge, perspectives on AI in libraries, ethical considerations, and adopting AI tools and services. The findings indicate that Indian library professionals are generally aware of AI and its potential benefits in libraries. They believe that AI can enhance library activities, improve accessibility, and support decision-making. However, there are concerns about AI replacing human intelligence within libraries. Factors such as user privacy, funding, staff expertise, and alignment with institutional goals are essential when implementing AI applications. Ethical considerations, including bias and discrimination, intellectual freedom, and transparency, are also significant concerns. AI tools like smart shelving and optical character recognition are among the technologies already adopted in Indian libraries.
Describing smell: A comparative analysis of active smell lexicon in Estonian and German
Authors: Zurbuchen Karin , Vainik Ene
Published: January 2024

This article reports on smell lexicon in two genetically unrelated languages, Estonian and German with the primary aim to compare cognitively salient and actively used smell terms and preferred lexical strategies. Two consecutive field experiments were carried out by interviewing 43 native speakers of both languages. The results are discussed against the background of anthropologically and cognitively oriented linguistics, where both languages can be told to share the typical features of WEIRD languages. The results of comparisons demonstrate that despite the genetic unrelatedness of Estonian and German, the active and cognitively salient smell vocabulary of the speakers of the two languages occurred as structured by the same principles of evaluative connotations and multisensoriality of odour lexicon.
Return To Work Programs for Disabled Workers: Dynamic Tendencies of Personal and Professional Determinants
Authors:   ,   PTE ETK Egészségtudományi Doktori Iskola, Arie Arizandi Kurnianto
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the factors influencing the effectiveness of return-to-work (RTW) programs and provides new insights into their implementation. The research highlights the importance of thorough monitoring and evaluation, which are critical for achieving positive outcomes for workers and employers. The study also demonstrates the positive impact of RTW programs on the quality of life and employment opportunities of workers with disabilities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that RTW programs effectively improve the physical and psychological health of participants, leading to enhancements in various quality of life domains. However, it is crucial to address the emotional and psychological challenges faced by case managers involved in the RTW program. Interventions focusing on workload management, stress management, and access to mental health support are necessary to ensure their well-being and the overall success of the program. Importantly, this study evaluates the economic consequences of RTW programs in a developing country, specifically Indonesia. The results demonstrate that implementing RTW programs can lead to higher success rates, reduced workdays lost, and potential cost savings in medical care, reinforcing the importance of such programs in improving outcomes for injured workers. The findings of this study have significant implications for policy makers and practitioners in developing countries seeking to implement similar initiatives to mitigate the economic consequences of work injuries. It underscores the beneficial impact of RTW programs in reducing medical costs and provides valuable guidance for improving the well-being and outcomes of injured workers.
A comparative analysis of multivariate approaches for data analysis in management sciences
Authors: Ahmed Rizwan Raheem , Streimikiene Dalia , Streimikis Justas , Siksnelyte-Butkiene Indre
Published: January 2024

The researchers use the SEM-based multivariate approach to analyze the data in different fields, including management sciences and economics. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) are powerful data analysis techniques. This paper aims to compare both models, their efficiencies and deficiencies, methodologies, procedures, and how to employ the models. The outcomes of this paper exhibited that the PLS-SEM is a technique that combines the strengths of structural equation modeling and partial least squares. It is imperative to know that the PLS-SEM is a powerful technique that can handle measurement error at the highest levels, trim and unbalanced datasets, and latent variables. It is beneficial for analyzing relationships among latent constructs that may not be candidly witnessed and might not be applied in situations where traditional SEM would be infeasible. However, the CB-SEM approach is a procedure that pools the strengths of both structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis. The CB-SEM is a dominant multivariate technique that can grip multiple groups and indicators; it is beneficial for analyzing relationships among latent variables and multiple manifest variables, which can be directly observed. The paper concluded that the PLS-SEM is a more suitable technique for analyzing relations among latent constructs, generally for a small dataset, and the measurement error is high. However, the CB-SEM is suitable for analyzing compound latent and manifest constructs, mainly when the goal is to generalize results to specific population subgroups. The PLS-SEM and CB-SEM have specific efficiencies and deficiencies that determine which technique to use depending on resource availability, the research question, the dataset, and the available time.
Foreign Policy Orientation without Party Cues
Authors: Tsai Chia-hung , Johnston Alastair Iain , Yin George
Published: January 2024

The central issue in Taiwan’s politics revolves around the island’s relationship with China. The three major parties—the Kuomintang, Democratic Progressive Party, and Taiwan People’s Party—take different positions on this, and their supporters align with these respective positions. However, there is a scarcity of research on the foreign policy inclinations of individuals who do not align with any political party. We find empirically that self-reported independents in Taiwan exhibit a preference for bandwagoning, driven by concerns for tangible material benefits; cultural similarity, economic interests, and the power dynamics between the US and China also play substantial roles here. These findings shed light on the unique role and dynamics of independents in Taiwan’s political landscape. Our theoretical innovation lies in showing that in a democracy, different factors come into play in the formation of the foreign policy preferences of different groups.
Sex-based differences in insulin resistance
Authors: Gado Manuel , Tsaousidou Eva , Bornstein Stefan R , Perakakis Nikolaos
Published: January 2024

Sexual dimorphism in energy metabolism is now established and suggested to affect many aspects of metabolic diseases and in particular diabetes and obesity. This is strongly related to sex-based differences in whole-body insulin resistance. Women are more insulin sensitive compared to men, but this metabolic advantage gradually disappears after menopause or when insulin resistance progresses to hyperglycemia and diabetes. In this narrative review, first, we describe the pathophysiology related to insulin resistance and then we present the epidemiological evidence as well as the important biological factors that play a crucial role in sexual dimorphism in insulin sensitivity. We focus particularly on the differences in body fat and muscle mass distribution and function, in inflammation and in sex hormones between males and females. Most importantly, we describe the significant mechanistic differences in insulin sensitivity as well as glucose and lipid metabolism in key metabolic organs: liver, white adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. Finally, we present the sex-based differences in response to different interventions and discuss important open research questions.
The central role of pyruvate metabolism on the epigenetic maturation and transcriptional profile of bovine oocytes
Authors: Alcantara da Silva João Vitor , Ispada Jessica , Nociti Ricardo Perecin , da Fonseca Junior Aldcejam Martins , de Lima Camila Bruna , dos Santos Erika Cristina , Chiaratti Marcos Roberto , Milazzotto Marcella Pecora
Published: January 2024

In brief

Pyruvate metabolism is one of the main metabolic pathways during oocyte maturation. This study demonstrates that pyruvate metabolism also regulates the epigenetic and molecular maturation in bovine oocytes.

Pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis, undergoes conversion into acetyl-CoA within the mitochondria of oocytes, serving as a primary fuel source for the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The citrate generated in the TCA cycle can be transported to the cytoplasm and converted back into acetyl-CoA. This acetyl-CoA can either fuel lipid synthesis or act as a substrate for histone acetylation. This study aimed to investigate how pyruvate metabolism influences lysine 9 histone 3 acetylation (H3K9ac) dynamics and RNA transcription in bovine oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM). Bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes were cultured in vitro for 24 h, considering three experimental groups: Control (IVM medium only), DCA (IVM supplemented with sodium dichloroacetate, a stimulant of pyruvate oxidation into acetyl-CoA), or IA (IVM supplemented with sodium iodoacetate, a glycolysis inhibitor). The results revealed significant alterations in oocyte metabolism in both treatments, promoting the utilization of lipids as an energy source. These changes during IVM affected the dynamics of H3K9ac, subsequently influencing the oocyte's transcriptional activity. In the DCA and IA groups, a total of 148 and 356 differentially expressed genes were identified, respectively, compared to the control group. These findings suggest that modifications in pyruvate metabolism trigger the activation of metabolic pathways, particularly lipid metabolism, changing acetyl-CoA availability and H3K9ac levels, ultimately impacting the mRNA content of in vitro matured bovine oocytes.
On the use of evolutionary and swarm intelligence algorithms in transfer learning approaches: a review
Authors: Xavier Rita , Castro Leandro Nunes de
Published: January 2024

Transfer Learning (TL) utilizes pre-trained models to solve similar problems. The knowledge from the original model is transferred to a new model during training, aiming to leverage previous knowledge in a new task. Natural Computing (NC) algorithms, such as Evolutionary Computation (EC) and Swarm Intelligence (SI), draw inspiration from nature, adapting more easily to new computational problems. This bio-inspired adaptation can enhance the performance of TL techniques, improving generalization and reducing computational costs. We investigate how evolutionary and swarm-intelligence algorithms are applied in TL, their contributions, the addressed problems, and the conducted experiments. We employ a systematic review following the PRISMA protocol, PICOS strategy, and START software to analyze primary studies.
Cost-effectiveness of Improved WIC Food Package for Preventing Childhood Obesity
Authors: Kenney Erica L. , Lee Matthew M. , Barrett Jessica L. , Ward Zachary J. , Long Michael W. , Cradock Angie L. , Williams David R. , Gortmaker Steven L.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) prevents food insecurity and supports nutrition for more than 3 million low-income young children. Our objectives were to determine the cost-effectiveness of changes to WIC’s nutrition standards in 2009 for preventing obesity and to estimate impacts on socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequities.

METHODS:

We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to estimate impacts from 2010 through 2019 of the 2009 WIC food package change on obesity risk for children aged 2 to 4 years participating in WIC. Microsimulation models estimated the cases of obesity prevented in 2019 and costs per quality-adjusted-life year gained.

RESULTS:

An estimated 14.0 million 2- to 4-year old US children (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 13.7–14.2 million) were reached by the updated WIC nutrition standards from 2010 through 2019. In 2019, an estimated 62 700 (95% UI, 53 900–71 100) cases of childhood obesity were prevented, entirely among children from households with low incomes, leading to improved health equity. The update was estimated to cost $10 600 per quality-adjusted-life year gained (95% UI, $9760–$11 700). If WIC had reached all eligible children, more than twice as many cases of childhood obesity would have been prevented.

CONCLUSIONS:

Updates to WIC’s nutrition standards for young children in 2009 were estimated to be highly cost-effective for preventing childhood obesity and contributed to reducing socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequities in obesity prevalence. Improving nutrition policies for young children can be a sound public health investment; future research should explore how to improve access to them.
Performa Pertumbuhan Populasi Daphnia sp. Yang Dikultur Pada Media Berbeda
Authors: Ernawati Ernawati , Puspitasari Asthervina Widyastami , Abadi Agung Setia , Saidin Saidin , La Nuhu Hajirun
Published: January 2024

Daphnia sp. merupakan salah satu jenis pakan alami yang termasuk dalam kelompok zooplankton air tawar yang dominan berperan sebagai konsumen herbivora dan tergolong dalam krustacea kecil yang memiliki ukuran 0,2 – 3,0 mm. Pemanfaatan pakan ini banyak digunakan pada kegiatan pembenihan khususnya stadia larva atau benih. penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui performa pertumbuhan kepadatan populasi Daphnia sp pada media yang berbeda. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan mulai bulan Mei sampai Juli 2023 dengan metode rancangan acak lengkap yang terdiri dari 3 perlakuan dan 4 kali ulangan diantaranya perlakuan A (Air Pemeliharaan Ikan Nila 50% + Air Bersih 50%), B (Air Pemeliharaan Ikan Nila 75% + Air Bersih 25%) dan C (Air Pemeliharaan Ikan Nila 100%). Wadah yang digunakan berupa akuarium dengan ukuran 30x30x20 cm dengan volume 18 Liter dan padat tebar awal Daphnia sebanyak 500 individu. Pemeliharaan dilakukan selama 21 hari dan disampling setiap 3 hari sekali. Berdasarkan hasil analisis one way anova  diperoleh bahwa penggunaan media pemeliharaan ikan nila memberikan pengaruh yang nyata terhadap kepadatan populasi Daphnia dengan kepadatan tertinggi diperoleh pada perlakuan B yaitu sebesar 18.458,40 individu
Samodzielność gminy w zakresie wykonywania zadań z zakresu edukacji publicznej a uprawnienia kuratora oświaty
Authors: Śwital Paweł
Published: January 2024

Celem artykułu jest wykazanie, że jednostki samorządu terytorialnego posiadają kompetencje w zakresie zadań oświatowych. Analiza stanu prawnego skłania do postawienia tezy, że odpowiedzialności za działanie systemu oświaty nie towarzyszy realna samodzielność jednostek samorządu terytorialnego w zakresie wykonywania zadań oświatowych. Wprowadzane regulacje prawne ograniczają samodzielność samorządu w zakresie realizacji jej zadań własnych, które jednostki samorządu terytorialnego wykonywać powinny na własną odpowiedzialność. W aktualnym stanie prawnym dochodzi jednak do ograniczenia samodzielności jednostek samorządu terytorialnego przy wykonywaniu zadań poprzez wydawanie wiążących opinii o charakterze pozytywnym przez kuratora oświaty.
Biaxial mechanical characterization and constitutive modelling of sheep sclera soft tissue
Authors:   College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Ndlovu Zwelihle ,   Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Nemavhola Fulufhelo ,   College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Desai Dagwood ,   Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology
Published: January 2024

Constant exposure to the environment, head trauma and shaking of ocular tissues result in damage and disorders of the eye. In the United States, trauma alone causes about 30 000 people each year to lose vision in one eye. The sclera soft tissue plays a vital role in protecting, maintaining the shape of the eye and regulating the intraocular pressure, and is closely linked with glaucoma. The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the mechanical response of sheep sclera soft tissue under equibiaxial tension as data from such studies are limited. The material parameters describing the mechanical behaviour were determined using the Fung and Choi–Vito models. Sheep eyes were transported in ice and tested in saline solution at a temperature 37° C using within 4 to 6 hours after slaughter. Sheep sclera tissue was found to be nonlinear and anisotropic with average anisotropy constants (A) of 0.69 and 0.74 for the Fung and Choi–Vito models, respectively. The coefficients of correlation (R2 ) between the experimental and hyperelastic models were found to be 0.98 and 0.95 respectively, with Fung model providing the best fit and more anisotropic behaviour than the Choi–Vito model.
Mental Health and Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Local Residents in San Isidro, Bohol
Authors: Robles Sahra Zean
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global pandemic that affects the mental health and quality of life of many people. This study aimed to determine the mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic among residents in San Isidro, Bohol, as of Calendar Year 2022, and the study’s findings will serve as the basis for the formulation of the proposed intervention program. The study used the quantitative descriptive survey method of research utilizing survey questionnaires that measured residents' profiles, mental health, and quality of life. The resident’s profile questionnaire measures the age, sex, civil status, highest educational attainment, and employment status. To measure the residents' mental health, the study used the stress-allied queries designed by Meo et al., the COVID-19 worry scale designed by Oli Ahmed, and the WHO Quality of Life Scale to measure the quality of life. The study found that the respondents possessed a fair mental health status, and their quality of life was interpreted as good. There was a significant degree of relationship between the mental health status and the respondents’ quality of life. It implies that the mental health status of the residents during the COVID-19 pandemic also affects the respondents’ quality of life.
Immunoregulatory functions of natural killer cells in avian influenza virus infection
Authors: Shatunova P. O. , Gavrilova M. V. , Rtishchev A. A. , Kolyganova T. A. , Zaytseva T. A. , Markushin S. G.
Published: January 2024

The avian influenza virus (AIV) has a great pandemic potential both in animals, and in human population. For effective struggle against this virus, it is important to study the immune response against AIV, and, in particular, the features of T cell immunity. At the period of early immune response, when the activation of adaptive immunity factors has not yet occurred, the natural killers, which have both cytotoxic and immunoregulatory functions, are known to play a key role in the fight against the influenza virus. In this study, we investigated the interaction between natural killers and T helpers in the process of antiviral response. The aim of this study was to study immunoregulatory functions of NK cells in BALB/c mice vaccinated with different doses of avian influenza virus.

We used a strain of mouse-adapted avian influenza virus (AIV) of the H5N2 serotype (A/duck/ Pennsylvania/10218/1984). The determination of the virus titer in the mice lung tissue was performed by infecting 10-day-old chicken embryos (SPF) with lung extracts at various decimal dilutions, followed by the immune agglutination test. Quantitative determination of natural killers and T helpers (Th) in the mice spleen tissue was carried out by flow cytometry. The amount of Th cells in mice spleens increased at low infectious dose (2.5 EID50) which is explained by active clonal expansion of this cell subpopulation. The infectious disease process ended upon complete virus elimination from the lungs. The amounts of Th cells were also increased in a group of mice infected with intermediate infectious dose (25 EID50), however, being accompanied by virus replication in lungs. When the mice were infected with a high dose of the virus (250 EID50), there was a decrease in the Th cells number versus control group of animals, whereas replication of AIV was noted throughout the entire observation period in the lung tissue.

The amounts of helper T cells at high doses of viral infection could be decreased due to activation of NK cells. The activated NK cells may then eliminate exhausted helper T cells. Thus, NK cells immunoregulatory function represents an important immunological factor which keeps balance between the pathogen destruction and excessive inflammation of the lung tissue affected by the avian influenza virus.
Insomnia and type 2 diabetes: how to help the patient. Modern view of a neurologist
Authors: Akarachkova E. S. , Kotova O. V. , Klimov V. L. , Lebedeva D. I.
Published: January 2024

A patient with diabetes mellitus often sees a neurologist. The article addresses the questions: why does such a patient go to a neurologist and with what complaints, what does a neurologist see and how can he help a patient with diabetes? The authors of the article pay attention to the clinical diversity of neurological manifestations of diabetes mellitus, including insomnia. Identification of sleep disorders and subsequent correction can become the cornerstone not only in effective control of diabetes mellitus, but also in improving the patient’s quality of life.
Management peculiarities of patients with hyperprolactinemia in case of mass formations of the hypothalamic-pituitary region: a clinical case
Authors: Frolova T. M. , Vorotnikova S. Yu. , Shutova A. S. , Dzeranova L. K.
Published: January 2024

Hyperprolactinemia is a condition characterized by persistently elevated blood prolactin level. The most prominent manifestations of it are reproductive dysfunction, as well as fat and carbohydrate metabolism disorders, including body weight gain, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance. We describe here a case of hyperprolactinemia in a young man and perform differential diagnosis of prolactinoma with craniopharyngioma. The article demonstrates that initiation of treatment with dopamine agonists allows us to make a correct diagnosis and to determine optimal tactic of management – either therapy or surgery.
AI-Driven E-liability Knowledge Graphs: A Comprehensive Framework for Supply Chain Carbon Accounting and Emissions Liability Management
Authors: Oladeji Olamide , Mousavi Seyed Shahabeddin , Roston Marc
Published: January 2024

While carbon accounting plays a fundamental role in our fight against climate change, it is not without its challenges. We begin the paper with a critique of the conventional carbon accounting practices, after which we proceed to introduce the E-liability carbon accounting methodology and Emissions Liability Management (ELM) originally proposed by Kaplan and Ramanna, highlighting their strengths. Recognizing the immense value of this novel approach for real-world carbon accounting improvement, we introduce a novel data-driven integrative framework that leverages AI and computation, the E-Liability Knowledge Graph framework, to achieve real-world implementation of the E-liability carbon accounting methodology. In addition to providing a path-to-implementation, our proposed framework brings clarity to the complex environmental interactions within supply chains, thus enabling better informed and more responsible decision-making.
We analyze the implementation aspects of this framework and conclude with a discourse on the role of this AI-aided knowledge graph in ensuring the transparency and decarbonization of global supply chains.
Natural Language Generation and Parsing as Heuristic Planning Problems
Authors: Sierra-Santibáñez Josefina
Published: January 2024

This paper formulates the problems of natural language generation and parsing as particular instances of the classical planning problem. It assumes the existence of a Categorial Grammar lexicon from which the preconditions and effects of available actions are obtained. A declarative formalization of heuristics for action selection is used to guide the search for solutions. Heuristics for mapping formulas in the description logic DL-Lite (R,and) into English sentences and backwards, and examples of application to Human Robot Interaction (HRI) are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Contractual AI: Toward More Aligned, Transparent, and Robust Dialogue Agents
Authors: Bates Christopher J. , Bose Ritwik , Keeney Reagan G. , Kazakova Vera A.
Published: January 2024

We present a new framework for AI alignment called Contractual AI, and apply it to the setting of dialogue agents chatting with humans. This framework incorporates and builds on previous approaches to alignment, such as Constitutional AI. We propose that fully aligned systems may need both a "think fast" and a "think slow" systems for approximating complex human judgements. Fast thinking (System 1) is computationally cheap but rigid and brittle in novel situations, while slow thinking (System 2) is more expensive but more flexible and robust. System 1 makes judgements by asking whether a rule or principle is violated. System 2 does the explicit reasoning that produces the rules, explicitly tallying costs and benefits for all stakeholders. Rule-based systems like Constitutional AI correspond roughly to System 1. Here, we implement a prototype of System 2, and lay out a road-map for enabling the system to make more thorough and accurate considerations for all stakeholder groups, including those underrepresented in the training data (e.g. racial minorities). For initial testing, we guided the decision process through the steps of: 1) identifying all stakeholders, 2) listing their individual concerns, 3) soliciting the projected opinions of various experts, and 4) combining the expert opinions into a final moral judgement. The resulting text was less generic, more aware of complex stakeholder needs, and ultimately more actionable.
Technologies for Reliable AI Test and Evaluation
Authors: Hamilton Lei , Botkin Garrett , Brown Olivia , Goodwin Justin , Yee Michael , Mancuso Vincent , Mohindra Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many industries, while at the same time facing challenges to safe and reliable use such as vulnerability to adversarial attacks and data drift. Although many AI test and evaluation (T&E) tools exist, integrating them is difficult. Under a program funded by the Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO), we are developing a library to simplify the AI T&E process by providing user- and developer-friendly interfaces for composing T&E workflows. We illustrate the effectiveness of this approach with an example that compares clean and perturbed accuracy of two models on a computer vision dataset.
Auto Annotation of Linguistic Features for Audio Deepfake Discernment
Authors: Nwosu Kifekachukwu , Evered Chloe , Khanjani Zahra , Bhalli Noshaba , Davis Lavon , Mallinson Christine , Janeja Vandana P.
Published: January 2024

We present an innovative approach to auto-annotate Expert Defined Linguistic Features (EDLFs) as subsequences in audio time series to improve audio deepfake discernment. In our prior work, these linguistic features – namely pitch, pause, breath, consonant release bursts, and overall audio quality, labeled by experts on the entire audio signal – have been shown to improve detection of audio deepfakes with AI algorithms. We now expand our approach to pilot a way to auto annotate subsequences in the time series that correspond to each EDLF. We developed an ensemble of discords, i.e. anomalies in time series, detected using matrix profiles across multiple discord lengths to identify multiple types of EDLFs. Working closely with linguistic experts, we evaluated where discords overlapped with EDLFs in the audio signal data. Our ensemble method to detect discords across multiple discord lengths achieves much higher accuracy than using individual discord lengths to detect EDLFs. With this approach and domain validation we establish the feasibility of using time series subsequences to capture EDLFs to supplement annotation by domain experts, for improved audio deepfake detection.
Enabling High-Level Machine Reasoning with Cognitive Neuro-Symbolic Systems
Authors: Oltramari Alessandro
Published: January 2024

High-level reasoning can be defined as the capability to generalize over knowledge acquired via experience, and to exhibit robust behavior in novel situations. Such form of reasoning is a basic skill in humans, who seamlessly use it in a broad spectrum of tasks, from language communication to decision making in complex situations. When it manifests itself in understanding and manipulating the everyday world of objects and their interactions, we talk about common sense or commonsense reasoning. State-of-the-art AI systems don’t possess such capability: for instance, Large Language Models have recently become popular by demonstrating remarkable fluency in conversing with humans, but they still make trivial mistakes when probed for commonsense competence; on a different level, performance degradation outside training data prevents self-driving vehicles to safely adapt to unseen scenarios, a serious and unsolved problem that limits the adoption of such technology. In this paper we propose to enable high-level reasoning in AI systems by integrating cognitive architectures with external neuro-symbolic components. We illustrate a hybrid framework centered on ACT-R, and we discuss the role of generative models in recent and future applications.
Ictal asystole with intercurrent cardiopathy: a complex combination leading to delayed diagnosis
Authors: Toffa Dènahin Hinnoutondji , Pana Raluca , Nguyen Dang Khoa
Published: January 2024

Ictal asystole is a rare epileptic phenomenon, though usually self‐limiting, which has been associated with an increased risk of sudden death in epileptic patients. Although early recognition is desirable, the diagnosis can be delayed until prolonged video‐EEG monitoring is completed. We report a case of ictal asystole in a 74‐year‐old patient with co‐morbid cardiac conditions leading to a delay in diagnosis of approximately 10 years. Indeed, multiple cardiac investigations and EEGs failed to reveal that the recurrent syncope was seizure induced. A detailed description of the case with an emphasis on the prolonged diagnostic process, as well as the clinical and EEG findings, is provided. This case highlights the complexity of the diagnosis of some ictal asystole cases and the need to perform continuous video‐EEG monitoring for confirmation. [
Published with video sequence
]
Curadoria de Conteúdo na EAD:
Authors: Rocha Daiana , Borges Gouveia Luis
Published: January 2024

Dados os constantes desafios da gestão educacional no ensino superior, os gestores precisam estar sempre a par das tecnologias de informação e comunicação atuais, bem como cada vez mais capacitados para desenvolver suas equipes multidisciplinares por meio de metodologias inovadoras que proporcionem uma aprendizagem significativa. No contexto da Educação a Distância, fazer curadoria de conteúdo é um desses desafios, por isso o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a percepção de gestores educacionais de instituições de ensino superior e de EdTechs quanto às dificuldades de realizar essa curadoria em espaços educacionais contemplando a pluralidade dos profissionais e processos envolvidos na sua prática. O estudo realizado configura-se como uma investigação empírica de um corpus fundamentado na aplicação qualitativa do campo teórico e na realização de entrevistas com diferentes perfis dos referidos stakeholders. Os resultados sistematizam categorias que apontam que a gestão educacional precisa distinguir “produção de conteúdo” de “curadoria de conteúdo”, e ainda aperfeiçoar o processo de condução da curadoria de conteúdo para a modalidade a distância, diferenciando-a das metodologias já existentes na modalidade presencial.
Un territorio que no olvida: huellas del dolor en las mujeres de San Onofre Colombia
Authors: Osorno-Navarro Mara Mercedes , Posada-Zapata Isabel Cristina
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: reconocer los escenarios, actores y dinámicas que permiten la emergencia de los significados construidos por las mujeres víctimas expuestas al conflicto armado en San Onofre, como consecuencia de las violencias sexuales ejercidas por paramilitares. Método: se implementó la investigación cualitativa mediante la teoría fundamentada, empleando el interaccionismo simbólico para originar la teoría desde los significados que surgen de la interacción entre las personas y su entorno. Para la recolección de la información se hizo uso de la entrevista semiestructurada y a profundidad. Resultados: la teoría sustantiva producto demostró las características de la vivencia de la violencia sexual en la mujer; la cual simboliza desazón, exilio, destrucción de sus metas y proyectos, además de la dificultad para perdonar, debido a la magnitud del daño causado y al incumplimiento de la legislación que debía proteger a la mujer víctima de tal violencia. Sumado a esto, la naturaleza del territorio con representaciones e insignias distintivas de las huellas inextinguibles y perpetuas por la ignominia de los hechos criminales y por el dolor en el cuerpo de la mujer. Conclusiones: San Onofre ha sido y sigue siendo un pueblo olvidado, atemorizado y silenciado por las bandas criminales. Las mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual del conflicto armado en esta investigación son afrocolombianas, en precarias condiciones económicas, sin estabilidad laboral, pero luchadoras por un futuro promisorio para sus hijos, a pesar de la situación de indiferencia y de la falta de atención oportuna para la garantía de sus derechos a la rehabilitación y al resarcimiento de su dolor
Evaluation of customs, infrastructure and logistics services with multi-criteria decision-making methods: A comparative analysis for the top 10 countries in the logistics performance index
Authors: Oguz Suzan
Published: January 2024

Purpose- The aim of this study is to examine the performance of customs, infrastructure and logistics services of the countries ranked in the top 10 in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking in 2023 with Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods (MCDM) and to rank and compare them. The World Bank's LPI criteria and weights were taken into consideration while determining the criteria considered within the scope of the study.
Methodology- When employing the MCDM methods, various elements are taken into account during the decision-making process, and options are graded in accordance with these criteria. By taking into account the importance of many criteria and the performance of alternatives, MCDM techniques provide researchers with an organized and objective method for making difficult judgments. In this study Topsis and Edas methods, which are among the MCDM methods, were used to rank the countries.
Findings- When the results of the analysis are summarized, it is observed that the first three ranks differ from the results of the LPI report. According to the Topsis method, Finland ranks first, Singapore ranks second and Austria ranks third. According to the Edas method, Singapore and Finland ranked in the first two places as in the LPI 2023 report, while Switzerland ranked third. The findings of the study show that the rankings may be different even when the criteria and criteria weights used within the scope of the analysis are the same in MCDM methods.
Conclusion- The findings demonstrate that, even though the criteria and weights employed within the parameters of the study are the same, the rankings in MCDM approaches may differ. This is due to the possibility of various computation strategies or theoretical underpinnings for the procedures being used. The results of this study can therefore be applied to assist decision-makers in this field and improve a country's logistics performance. By illustrating the utility of MCDM techniques in making such decisions, it also makes an important contribution to ongoing research in this field.

Keywords: Logistics performance, LPI, Multi-Criteria Decision Making, MCDM, Edas, Topsis.
JEL Codes: D61, D91, L91
Lorentz Transformation and time dilatation
Authors: Miodrag Mateljević
Published: January 2024

We consider two inertial frames S and and suppose that frame moves, for simplicity, in a single direction: the X -direction of frame S with a constant velocity v as measured in frame S. Using homogeneity of space and time we derive a modified Lorentz Transformation (LT) between two inertial reference frames without using the second postulate of Einstein, i.e., we do not assume the invariant speed of light (in vacuum) under LT. Roughly speaking we suppose: (H) Any clock which is at rest in its frame measures a small increment of time by some factor s=s(v). As a corollary of relativity theory (H) holds with Lorentz factor 1/γ. For s=1 we get the Galilean transformation of Newtonian physics, which assumes an absolute space and time. We also consider the relation between absolute space and Special Relativity Theory, thereafter STR. It seems here that we need a physical explanation for (H). We introduce Postulate 3. The two-way speed of light in and -directions are c and outline derivation of (LT) in this setting. Note that Postulate 3 is a weaker assumption than Einstein's second postulate.
Modern possibilities of therapy of nonspecific pain in the lower back
Authors: Khaibullina D. H. , Maksimov Yu. N.
Published: January 2024

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of combination therapy for low back pain (LBP) associated with spinal osteoarthritis (OA) using the Symptomatic Slow Acting Drugs for OsteoArthritis (SYSADOA) group drug Ambene® Bio.

Materials and methods. The study included 30 patients with LBP aged 40 to 65 years. Various scales and questionnaires were used to assess the patients’ condition. All patients received Ambene® Bio 2.0 ml intramuscularly every other day for a total course of 10 injections. Some patients with severe pain continued to receive previously prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). After completing the course of treatment with Ambene® Bio, the overall effect of the therapy, changes in individual need for NSAIDs and the presence of adverse events were assessed.

Results. All patients sought medical care due to exacerbation of chronic LBP. X-ray examination of the lumbosacral spine revealed degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebral-motor segments of the lumbar spine in all patients and in some patients – in the sacroiliac joints. The treatment showed positive dynamics in 27 (90 %) patients in the form of pain reduction not only in the lower back but also in peripheral joints. Of the 13 patients initially receiving NSAIDs, 7 (53.8 %) reduced the daily dose of the drug, and 3 (23.1 %) were able to stop taking NSAIDs. In 3 (23.1 %) cases, the initial NSAID dosage remained unchanged. Monotherapy with Ambene® Bio was received by 17 (56.7 %) patients. All patients expressed satisfaction with the treatment, of which 18 (60 %) rated the result as “excellent”, 7 (23.4 %) as “good” and 5 (16.6 %) as “satisfactory”.

Conclusion. In all patients, therapy with Ambene® Bio, both in mono mode and in in combination with NSAIDs, had a positive effect, which was expressed in the reduction of the intensity of LBP on visual analog scale, improvement of peripheral joint function. In 7 (23.3 %) patients pain reduction was observed after the second injection of the drug (“the effect of the first dose”). In other cases the pain regressed later, but also within the course of treatment. All patients showed high adherence to therapy, which was explained by the rapid onset of the effect. The results of the study allow us to recommend Ambene® Bio for the treatment of LBP associated with spinal OA and within generalized OA, including patients with comorbid conditions.
Specific characteristics and challenges associated with breast cancer diagnostics in women after breast augmentation and reconstructive surgeries with implants
Authors: Khodorovich O. S. , Solodkiy V. A. , Sherstneva T. V. , Kanakhina L. B. , Dibirova Sh. M.
Published: January 2024

Background. The number of plastic surgeries is constantly growing worldwide. Breast augmentation remains the most common surgical procedure in women, which demonstrated a 0.5 % increase over the past 4 years. As the number of women with breast implants increases, specialists and patients themselves face difficulties related to screening, diagnosis, and treatment of tumors, including breast cancer.Aim. To analyze specific characteristics of breast examination in patients after breast augmentation who were examined and treated in the mammological clinic of Russian Research Center of Radiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.Materials and methods. This study included 273 patients aged between 21 and 63 years (mean age 49.0 ± 7.6 years) after breast augmentation and after reconstructive surgery for breast cancer and symmetrizing surgery on the contralateral side. All women underwent clinical examination plus breast ultrasound (for patients under 40 years of age) or mammography followed by ultrasound (patients over 40 years of age). Patients who were found to have BI-RADS 3–4 tumors underwent ultrasound-guided or stereotactic breast biopsy. In case of suspicious intraductal formations according to breast nipple smears the patients were referred to breast ductography. Patients with suspected implant rupture or capsular contracture, as well as patients requiring the assessment of the disease stage underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.Results. After comprehensive examination, 12 patients (5.4 %) were diagnosed with breast cancer; 38 patients (13.9 %), with implant rupture; 3 patients (1 %), with intraductal formations.Conclusion. Breast augmentation is not a contraindication to mammography in women aged over 40 years with glandular tissue. Additional examination methods include breast ultrasound, contrast-enhanced mammography, and breast magnetic resonance imaging. In case of no glandular tissue, contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging and breast ultrasound are the methods of choice. It is important to develop new standards of screening and diagnosis of breast diseases in women after aesthetic surgery, since breast cancer incidence is likely to increase among women after breast augmentation over the next decades, considering the fact that breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and its incidence is constantly growing.
Dynamics of medical and statistical indicators of cervical cancer over a 10-year period (2011–2020) in Novokuznetsk
Authors: Shramko S. V. , Zhilina N. M. , Dureev V. N.
Published: January 2024

Background. Cervical cancer is considered one of the most common and socially significant cancers of the female reproductive system. Despite the visual localization of the tumor, every second case is diagnosed at stage III–IV of the disease, when little can be done to help the patient, whereas early detection of the disease could help save the life and working capacity of young women.Aim. To analyze the incidence of cervical cancer in Novokuznetsk for the period 2011–2020 by age groups and identify areas of risk for the development of the disease in order to develop effective and timely measures for early diagnosis.Materials and methods. A database was formed on the basis of statistical reports of the Regional Clinical Oncological Dispensary (Novokuznetsk branch) for 2011–2020 with a unit of observation of 1 year, for some indicators, information is provided since 2008. The database analysis was carried out in the licensed statistical package IBM SPSS Statistics 19 using the following methods: Kendall’s tau correlation method (Ʈ), calculation of median values of indicators, upper and lower quartiles, Mann–Whitney test (U).Results. In residents of Novokuznetsk for the period 2011–2020 a statistically significant increase in both absolute and relative (per 100,000 population) cervical cancer incidence was revealed. The risk zone for cervical cancer is 40– 44 years old.Conclusion. When conducting preventive examinations and medical examinations of women, one should focus on the identified risk zone for cervical cancer. Conducting adequate and timely medical examinations seems to be a resource measure that contributes to the preservation of the life and health of women.