bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of drought on mental and behavioral disorders, contributions of research in a climate change context. A narrative review
Authors: Padrón-Monedero Alicia , Linares Cristina , Díaz Julio , Noguer-Zambrano Isabel
Published: March 2024

Mental and behavioral disorders are an important public health problem and constitute a priority for the WHO, whose recommendations include the surveillance of their risk factors. On the other hand, drought episodes have been increasing in frequency and severity in Europe since 1980. Therefore, to review the present knowledge about the impact of drought on mental and behavioral disorders, in the present climate change context, and to underline potential research gaps, could be of major interest. Thus, we performed a narrative review using online academic databases with the aim of identifying relevant literature about the impact of drought on mental and behavioral disorders. To the best of our knowledge, no study in Europe quantifies the potential association between drought and mental disorders. A limited number of studies have found significant associations between droughts (with different temporal ranges) and various measures of mental health. However, according to our review, only three of them quantified the association between drought and objective mental health outcomes, such as number of emergencies due to clinically diagnosed mental disorders or suicides. Additionally, few studies used specific indices as a measure of drought; and finally, as far as authors are aware, none of them has analyzed this relationship adjusting for various other potential environmental confounders. Moreover, the eventual association could vary between different geographical areas within the same country. Therefore, national and regional studies would be especially necessary. Thus, there is a need for specific national and regional studies, in Europe and globally, that assess the impact of specific indices of drought (with different temporal ranges) on objective mental health outcomes controlling for potential environmental confounders. Moreover, the quantification of its cost would be necessary for health prioritization, evidence-based policies and strategic health planning.
Regelung der doppelt gespeisten Drehstromasynchronmaschine mit Multilevel-Matrixumrichter für einen Schwungradspeicher zur Sicherung der Momentanreserve in trägheitsarmen Netzen
Authors: Sturm Gino , Hofmann Wilfried , Kienast Jonas , Bernet Steffen
Published: March 2024

Vorgestellt wird die Betriebsweise und Regelung eines Asynchronen Rotierenden Energie System-Stabilisators (ARESS) bestehend aus einer doppelt gespeisten Asynchron-Schleifringläufermaschine, die rotorseitig über einen Multilevel-Matrixumrichter über- wie untersynchron drehzahlvariabel betrieben werden kann. Durch die Entkopplung der Drehzahl von der Netzfrequenz ist er in der Lage, eine größere gespeicherte kinetische Energie in Wirkleistung umzuwandeln als vergleichbare drehzahlstarre Generatoren, wenn es zum Absinken der Netzfrequenz kommt. Somit besteht eines der wesentlichen Ziele des Systems in einem Beitrag zur Momentanreserve des Netzes. Die Regelung der Anlage über einen rotorseitigen Matrixumrichter gestattet zudem eine zeitgestreckte Dosierung der Wirkleistung und einen spannungsabhängigen Blindleistungsbetrieb. Besonders hohe Anforderungen an die Regelung entstehen bei Netzdienstleistungen in Schwachnetzen, bei gleichzeitiger Spannungsstützung sowie bei symmetrischen und unsymmetrischen Fehlerfällen, deren Entwurf, Optimierung sowie Verifikation im Beitrag anhand eines Demonstrators kleiner Leistung thematisiert wird.
Risk of metachronous colorectal cancer after surgical resection of index rectal cancer in Lynch syndrome: a multicenter retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Chikatani Kenichi , Ishida Hideyuki , Mori Yoshiko , Nakajima Takeshi , Ueki Arisa , Akagi Kiwamu , Takao Akinari , Yamada Masayoshi , Taniguchi Fumitaka , Komori Koji , Sasaki Kazuhito , Sudo Tomoya , Miyakura Yasuyuki , Chino Akiko , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Tanakaya Kohji , Tomita Naohiro , Ajioka Yoichi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study evaluated the risk of metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC) after resection of index (first) rectal cancer in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS).

Methods

Clinicopathological data of patients with genetically proven LS were retrospectively analyzed in this multicenter Japanese study. The cumulative incidence of metachronous CRC and the overall survival were compared between patients with index rectal cancer (rectal group) and those with index colon cancer (colon group).

Results

The median age at index CRC surgery was lower in the rectal group than in the colon group (37 vs. 46 years old, P = 0.01). The cumulative 5-, 10-, and 20-year incidences of metachronous CRC were 3.5%, 13.9%, and 21.1%, respectively, in the rectal cancer group and 14.9%, 22.0%, and 57.9%, respectively, in the colon cancer group (P = 0.02). The overall survival curves were not significantly different between two groups (P = 0.23).

Conclusion

This is the first report from an East Asian country to report the risk of metachronous CRC after resection of index rectal cancer in patients with LS. Despite this study having several limitations, we cannot recommend extended resection, such as total proctocolectomy, for index rectal cancer as a standard surgical treatment in patients with LS.
3D Geomechanical Finite Element Analysis for a Deepwater Faulted Reservoir in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Markou Nikolaos , Papanastasiou Panos
Published: March 2024

Hydrocarbon reservoir structures are subjected to tectonic forces along the geological time that cause rock deformation and break into faulted zones. Faulted reservoirs, enclose certain complexity in terms of the distributed effective stresses, rock plastic alteration, slipping and fault block displacement. In this study, we develop a three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical reservoir model with faulted and compartmentalized geometry, located in the offshore deepwater environment of the Levantine basin in the Eastern Mediterranean, based on non-linear finite element analysis (FEA). A regional structural and stress map was also constructed, integrating various data sources, to present the regional stress setting to enhance this work. The assessment of the geomechanical impacts on the reservoir provides important information in reservoir studies, that can analyze potential stability issues during the depletion to optimize the field production planning. Stress–strain evolution in the reservoir is primarily affected by the in situ stresses, the geometry of faults, and the degree of compartmentalization. The results demonstrate clearly the mechanism of stress transfer transmission and the impact between the fault block compartments in the reservoir. Fault contacts exhibit a higher tendency for rock displacements and deformations. Plastic yielding develops at a narrow extent along the faults. The risk of fault slipping depends on the depletion strategy, but it is low in all cases. No significant reduction in permeability was found at the end of reservoir depletion. Overall, geomechanics integration enriches and improves the dynamic reservoir models and applications.
Enhancing information freshness in multi-class mobile edge computing systems using a hybrid discipline
Authors: Fahim Tamer E. , Rabia Sherif I. , Abd El-Malek Ahmed H. , Zahra Waheed K.
Published: March 2024

Timely status updating in mobile edge computing (MEC) systems has recently gained the utmost interest in internet of things (IoT) networks, where status updates may need higher computations to be interpreted. Moreover, in real-life situations, the status update streams may also be of different priority classes according to their importance and timeliness constraints. The classical disciplines used for priority service differentiation, preemptive and non-preemptive disciplines, pose a dilemma of information freshness dissatisfaction for the whole priority network. This work proposes a hybrid preemptive/non-preemptive discipline under an M/M/1/2 priority queueing model to regulate the priority-based contention of the status update streams in MEC systems. For this hybrid discipline, a probabilistic discretionary rule for preemption is deployed to govern the server and buffer access independently, introducing distinct probability parameters to control the system performance. The stochastic hybrid system approach is utilized to analyze the average age of information (AoI) along with its higher moments for any number of classes. Then, a numerical study on a three-class network is conducted by evaluating the average AoI performance and the corresponding dispersion. The numerical observations underpin the significance of the hybrid-discipline parameters in ensuring the reliability of the whole priority network. Hence, four different approaches are introduced to demonstrate the setting of these parameters. Under these approaches, some outstanding features are manifested: exploiting the buffering resources efficiently, conserving the aggregate sensing power, and optimizing the whole network satisfaction. For this last feature, a near-optimal low-complex heuristic method is proposed.
Retention of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by syringe filters
Authors: He Ke , Feerick Anna , Jin Hongyue , Batista Andrade Jahir A. , Duarte Batista Marylia , Dugan Caitlyn , Blaney Lee
Published: March 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being increasingly measured in water and wastewater due to emerging toxicity concerns and strict regulatory limits. Previous studies have filtered water samples to remove suspended solids before PFAS analysis. However, filtration may introduce negative bias to measured PFAS concentrations. Using a well-controlled syringe pump assembly, we evaluated retention of six perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, three perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, one fluorotelomer sulfonate, and two perfluorooctane sulfonamides by glass-fiber, glass-fiber cellulose acetate, nylon, polyethersulfone, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride/ difluoride, and surfactant-free cellulose acetate filters. The impacts of water quality and operational parameters were also investigated for select filter types. We found that PFAS were retained on all filters, with the glass-fiber cellulose acetate filters demonstrating the lowest retention. For all filters, PFAS retention was linearly related to chain length and hydrophobicity above certain thresholds (i.e., log D higher than 1.5). Importantly, more PFAS were retained at low filtrate volumes, and ~ 30 mL filtrate was required before the retention efficiencies stabilized. Solution pH only affected the retention of perfluorooctane sulfonamides. Pore size (i.e., 0.20, 0.45, 0.70 µm), filtration rate (i.e., 0.5, 1.0 mL min−1), and PFAS concentration (i.e., 10, 100 µg L−1), did not exert major influences on PFAS retention. The presence of dissolved organic matter improved PFAS permeation. Based on the reported results, filtration introduces bias and is not recommended for sample pretreatment.
Timing matters: remotely sensed vegetation greenness can predict insect vector migration and therefore outbreaks of curly top disease
Authors: Lee Hyoseok , Wintermantel William M. , Trumble John T. , Nansen Christian
Published: March 2024

Due to climate change, outbreaks of insect-vectored plant viruses have become increasingly unpredictable. In-depth insights into region-level spatio-temporal dynamics of insect vector migration can be used to forecast plant virus outbreaks in agricultural landscapes; yet, it is often poorly understood. To explore this, we examined the incidence of beet curly top virus (BCTV) in 2,196 tomato fields from 2013 to 2022. In America, the beet leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus) is the exclusive vector of BCTV. We examined factors associated with BCTV incidence and spring migration of the beet leafhopper from non-agricultural overwintering areas. We conducted an experimental study to demonstrate beet leafhopper dispersal in response to greenness of plants, and spring migration time was estimated using a model based on vegetation greenness. We found a negative correlation between vegetation greenness and spring migration probability from the overwintering areas. Furthermore, BCTV incidence was significantly associated with spring migration time rather than environmental conditions per se. Specifically, severe BCTV outbreaks in California in 2013 and 2021 were accurately predicted by the model based on early beet leafhopper spring migration. Our results provide experimental and field-based support that early spring migration of the insect vector is the primary factor contributing to BCTV outbreaks. Additionally, the predictive model for spring migration time was implemented into a web-based mapping system, serving as a decision support tool for management purposes. This article describes an experimental and analytical framework of considerable relevance to region-wide forecasting and modeling of insect-vectored diseases of concern to crops, livestock, and humans.
Spatiotemporal distribution and population trends of Sindh ibex (Capra aegagrus blythii) in Balochistan during 2019–2022
Authors: Ullah Najeeb , Basheer Irum , Minghai Zhang , Rajpar Muhammad Nawaz , Rehan Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Tayyab
Published: March 2024

The increased pressures generated by human activities in form of climate change and habitat fragmentation have caused serious threats for Sindh ibex (Capra aegagrus blythii). Balochistan, recognized as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in Pakistan, has limited data on the distribution and population status of this species. To address this gap, our study aims to assess the spatial and temporal distribution and population trend of Sindh ibex in the Khuzdar and Lasbela districts of Balochistan. The study covered an area of approximately 45,123.97 km2. It involved a double-observer survey at ten sites from 2019 to 2022, using the BBRecapture package in the R programming language to estimate ibex population trend and dispersion. We provided a comprehensive update of the species geographic range, along with estimates of its current abundance and population trends. Over the course of four years, the ibex population fluctuated. The ibexes detected dropped from 720 (male to female ratio 1:1.21) and 710 (male to female ratio 1:1.08) in 2019 and 2020, respectively, to 550 (male to female ratio 1:1.35) and 548 (male to female ratio 1:1.09). Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the population trends, gender ratios, habitat preferences, and density of Sindh ibex in Balochistan over the four-year period. These findings contribute significantly to the baseline data on the species ecology and will further help in the conservation of these species at local scale.
The Effect of Lens Shape, Zonular Insertion and Finite Element Model on Simulated Shape Change of the Eye Lens
Authors: Ye Lin , Wang Kehao , Grasa Jorge , Pierscionek Barbara K.
Published: March 2024

The process of lens shape change in the eye to alter focussing (accommodation) is still not fully understood. Modelling approaches have been used to complement experimental findings in order to determine how constituents in the accommodative process influence the shape change of the lens. An unexplored factor in modelling is the role of the modelling software on the results of simulated shape change. Finite element models were constructed in both Abaqus and Ansys software using biological parameters from measurements of shape and refractive index of two 35-year-old lenses. The effect of zonular insertion on simulated shape change was tested on both 35-year-old lens models and with both types of software. Comparative analysis of shape change, optical power, and stress distributions showed that lens shape and zonular insertion positions affect the results of simulated shape change and that Abaqus and Ansys show differences in their respective models. The effect of the software package used needs to be taken into account when constructing finite element models and deriving conclusions.
An ideal plastic waste management system based on an enhanced MCDM technique
Authors: Suvitha Krishnan , Narayanamoorthy Samayan , Pamucar Dragan , Kang Daekook
Published: March 2024

The Fermatean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy set (FPHFS) concept is a method that combines Fermatean fuzzy sets and PHFS to provide detailed MCDM problem solutions. The management of solid waste is facing challenges in disposing of environmentally harmful plastic products. The study primarily focuses on plastic waste from the packaging industry, as it is the primary contributor to overall waste generation. The packaging sector has proposed a concept for the recycling of waste at various levels. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the hybrid analytic hierarchy process and the combinative distance-based assessment (AHP-CODAS) method FPHFS in determining the most suitable plastic waste collection system. The AHP analysis identified the most effective methods for collecting plastic waste for recycling, emphasizing successful segregation for efficient recycling. A deposit and refund system promotes waste collection and a circular economy by facilitating efficient waste management. The research offers valuable insights into selecting packaging waste collection (PWC) technology in uncertain environments and enhances decision-making methods in the field.
A Pilot Feasibility Evaluation of a Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback App to Improve Self-Care in COVID-19 Healthcare Workers
Authors: Mensinger Janell L. , Weissinger Guy M. , Cantrell Mary Ann , Baskin Rachel , George Cerena
Published: March 2024

COVID-19 exacerbated burnout and mental health concerns among the healthcare workforce. Due to high work stress, demanding schedules made attuned eating behaviors a particularly challenging aspect of self-care for healthcare workers. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) mobile app for improving well-being among healthcare workers reporting elevated disordered eating during COVID-19. We conducted a mixed methods pre-mid-post single-arm pilot feasibility trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04921228). Deductive content analysis of participants’ commentary generated qualitative themes. Linear mixed models were used to examine changes in pre- mid- to post-assessment scores on well-being outcomes. We consented 28 healthcare workers (25/89% female; 23/82% Non-Hispanic White; 22/79% nurses) to use and evaluate an HRVB mobile app. Of these, 25/89% fully enrolled by attending the app and device training; 23/82% were engaged in all elements of the protocol. Thirteen (52%) completed at least 10 min of HRVB on two-thirds or more study days. Most participants (18/75%) reported being likely or extremely likely to continue HRVB. Common barriers to engagement were busy schedules, fatigue, and technology difficulties. However, participants felt that HRVB helped them relax and connect better to their body’s signals and experiences. Results suggested preliminary evidence of efficacy for improving interoceptive sensibility, mindful self-care, body appreciation, intuitive eating, stress, resilience, and disordered eating. HRVB has potential as a low-cost adjunct tool for enhancing well-being in healthcare workers through positively connecting to the body, especially during times of increased stress when attuned eating behavior becomes difficult to uphold.
Cognitive radio resource scheduling using an adaptive multiobjective evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Wang Yizhe , Zeng Fanbing , Wang Jin
Published: March 2024

With the proliferation of IoT devices and the increasing popularity of location-oriented services in cyber-physical-social systems, the cognitive engines of these systems have taken on a multitude of parameters across various dimensions, making it impractical and time-consuming to search for the exact optimal solution. To address this challenge, the use of nature-inspired or evolutionary algorithms to find satisfactory solutions in a timely manner has gained significant attention, with reference point-based algorithms being one of the prominent approaches. However, when dealing with nonuniform, degenerate, and discrete Pareto fronts in the target space, using a considerable number of reference points may become ineffective, leading to a loss of diversity in exploration and exploitation during the problem-solving process. Consequently, the distribution of the solutions is adversely affected. To overcome this challenge, this paper presents a strategy to estimate the eigenvalues of the Pareto front in a timely manner. When encountering nonuniform, degenerate, and discrete Pareto fronts, a combination of radial space partitioning and angle selection mechanisms is employed to address these issues. Subsequently, an adaptive selection-based many-objective evolutionary algorithm (ASMaOEA) is proposed. Extensive comparisons with several competing methods on 31 representative benchmark problems demonstrate that ASMaOEA can provide a flexible configuration for decision engines in three typical scenarios involving cyber-physical-social systems. Furthermore, the analysis confirms that ASMaOEA can reduce the bit error rate and improve the system’s throughput, thereby offering substantial benefits to the overall performance of the system.
Theory of Mind and Social Informant Discrepancy in Autism
Authors: Collins Alister S. , Carroll Kevin J. , Gerber Alan H. , Keenan Elliot Gavin , Lerner Matthew D.
Published: March 2024

When autistic youth are asked to assess their own social skills, they frequently rate themselves more favorably than their parents rate them. The magnitude of this informant discrepancy has been shown to relate to key clinical outcomes such as treatment response. It has been proposed that this discrepancy arises from difficulties with Theory of Mind. Participants were 167 youth 11 to 17 years old; 72% male, and their parents. Youth completed self-report measures of social skills and social cognitive tasks, while their parents completed questionnaires regarding social skills. A repeated-measures ANOVA indicated both non-autistic and autistic youth rated themselves more favorably than their parents rated them across all measures. Zero-order correlations revealed that raw differences between parent- and participant-report were negatively correlated with scores on parent-reported Theory of Mind measures. However, polynomial analysis did not indicate interaction effects between parent- and participant-report on any of the measures used. Polynomial regression revealed that increases in parent-reported social skill predicted larger increases in parent-report Theory of Mind at low levels of parent-reported social skill compared to high levels of parent-reported social skill. Participant-report social skills predicted performance on a behavioral Theory of Mind test in a curvilinear fashion, such that the relationship was positive at low levels of participant-reported social skills, but negative at high levels. This study replicates the finding that raw difference score analyses may result in illusory effects that are not supported when using more contemporary analysis methods, and that more complex and subtle relationships between social insight and perspective-taking exist within autistic youth.
Incorporating AI in foreign language education: An investigation into ChatGPT’s effect on foreign language learners
Authors: Karataş Fatih , Abedi Faramarz Yaşar , Ozek Gunyel Filiz , Karadeniz Derya , Kuzgun Yasemin
Published: March 2024

ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence application, has emerged as a promising educational tool with a wide range of applications, attracting the attention of researchers and educators. This qualitative case study, chosen for its ability to provide an in-depth exploration of the nuanced effects of AI on the foreign language learning process within its real-world educational context, aimed to utilize ChatGPT in foreign language education, addressing a gap in existing research by offering insights into the potential, benefits, and drawbacks of this innovative approach. The study involved 13 preparatory class students studying at the School of Foreign Languages at a university in Turkey. The students were introduced to ChatGPT through learning experiences over a span of four weeks by the researcher as a language teacher. The qualitative data collected from the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that ChatGPT positively affects students’ learning experiences, especially in writing, grammar, and vocabulary acquisition, and enhances motivation and engagement through its versatile and accessible nature in various learning activities. These insights contribute to understanding the utility and constraints of employing ChatGPT technology in foreign language instruction and can inform educators and researchers in developing effective teaching strategies and in designing curricula.
Digital competence of Vietnamese citizens: An application of digcomp framework and the role of individual factors
Authors: Nguyen Trung Quang , Ngoc Pham Thi Anh , Phuong Hoang Ai , Duy Dang Pham Thien , Hiep Pham Cong , McClelland Robert , Noroozi Omid
Published: March 2024

Assessment of digital competence for citizens could support the Education Action plan at a national level, a regional level, or even at a global level to enhance the digital skills and competence gap for work and life for digital transformation. This study applies the DigComp framework through a self-administered online survey to 723 citizens in Vietnam, using a sequential exploratory mixed methods research design. Data were analysed using factor analysis, standard descriptive statistics, and simple regression methods, followed by qualitative content analysis from interviews with ten respondents and a focus group discussion with eight stakeholders on digital competence. The results confirmed the validity of the DigComp framework for measuring the digital competence of Vietnamese citizens. Overall, the proficiency level of the 723 surveyed Vietnamese citizens falls between basic and intermediate levels, being more advanced in areas in information and data literacy and communication and collaboration, compared to digital content creation, safety, and problem solving. The results further showed that male citizens with a higher education level, working in the public sector, or living in province with high provincial digital transformation index rankings perceived themselves to be more digital competent than females with a lower educational level, working in the private sector, or living in the province with low provincial digital transformation index rankings. To improve citizens’ digital competence, training should be designed that considers not only citizens’ digital competence profiles but also their individual characteristics.
Implementation of an early alert system in quizzes of a high complexity subject in higher education: Improvement of student performance and teacher perception
Authors: Cabezas Felipe , Burgos Luis , Darrigol Josefina , Zúñiga Mario
Published: March 2024

Early Alert Systems (EAS) play a fundamental role in education by supporting the learning process and evaluating student performance. In this study, an innovative EAS designed to specifically identify weaknesses in Cognitive Skills (CS) in first-year higher education students is presented, focusing on a challenging course at a South American university. Through big data technology, approval rates linked to various cognitive skills were evaluated using quizzes. Subsequently, teachers, after analysis and dialogue, applied adapted strategies to strengthen these skills in their classes, which were evaluated in subsequent exams. The sample under study included 1,691 students from various health majors enrolled in a complex subject. The experimental group (994 students) that participated in the EAS was compared with a control group (697 students). Evaluations validated by the academic team were used, applying three quizzes throughout the 2022-20 academic period, and the results were analysed with the Power BI computer tool, generating online reports that highlighted CS by section. The EAS, based on teacher surveys, is innovative and it also positively impacts student achievement, evidenced in overall approval rates, by teacher and section. In addition to promoting collaboration among professors, it also improves the teaching quality and suggests a positive impact on the learning of complex subjects in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This comprehensive approach to early monitoring of student performance shows promise for the ongoing improvement of educational quality.
Exploring Portuguese preschool educators’ attitudes and practices on information and communication technology (ICT)
Authors: Akyar Begum Canaslan , Monteiro Angélica , Fernandes Preciosa
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explore preschool educators’ attitudes towards to information and communication technology (ICT), its factors and implementation of ICT tools in preschool education by the educators. To this end, a mixed-method research approach was applied, comprising qualitative and quantitative data, collected using survey and field observation. The data, gathered from 58 preschool educators from the north of Portugal, were analysed by SPSS and the qualitative data gathered by five classroom observations analysed by thematic analysis method. Findings indicated that preschool educators have positive attitudes towards ICT integration in education regardless of age, years of teaching experience and attending professional course predictors. Additionally, educators use ICT tools as materials to enhance classroom activities, engage children, and conduct research with them. The results of this study reveal that preschool educators hold positive attitudes toward ICT and actively implement activities using ICT. However, educators are still the main users of ICT in the classroom. It was also observed that as these five classrooms lack the technological infrastructure, the educators usually rely on their personal resources. The lack of ICT resources could affect the independent use of ICT by the children. According to the findings, the study recommends that there are some schools in Portugal that lack ICT infrastructure. In order to overcome this situation, school leaders and policymakers should invest in ICT infrastructure in preschool institutions in Portugal that face a lack of ICT tools.
Enacting algorithms: Evolution of the algorythmics storytelling
Authors: Kátai Zoltán , Osztián Pálma-Rozália , Iclanzan David
Published: March 2024

Visual storytelling, particularly through dance choreographies as showcased in previous AlgoRythmics performances, has been effective in communicating relatively straightforward algorithms in an engaging and memorable way. Nevertheless, when addressing complex algorithmic concepts, an approach with greater expressiveness and flexibility becomes necessary. Consequently, this study introduces stage performances as an innovative solution, using cinematic representation to successfully convey and communicate these intricate concepts and processes. To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, a short film was designed, produced, and showcased to a second-semester CS2 university course audience studying programming techniques. Following an opening scene that establishes the context, the subsequent three acts vividly depict ad hoc, greedy, and dynamic programming solutions in response to the posed programming challenge. After the screening, a questionnaire was administered, built on four key constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model, as well as other potential facilitating factors. The study reveals 100% positive perceptions of educational benefits, with the vast majority of students expressing agreement regarding the utility, enjoyment, engagement, creativity, filmic quality, and cognitive benefits of short films. Additionally, a remarkable 96% reported the intent to utilize this approach. Our subsequent Structural Equation Modeling analysis discovered that students whose learning styles were in sync with this approach demonstrated a robust correlation between their perception of the method’s value, their enjoyment of the process, and their overall attitude towards this pedagogical method. This study confirms the potential of visual storytelling through short films as an effective tool for delivering programming education. The findings provide valuable insights for computer science educators seeking to engage learners and convey complex information in an attractive and effective way.
Comparison of dental topography of marmosets and tamarins (Callitrichidae) to other platyrrhine primates using a novel freeware pipeline
Authors: de Vries Dorien , Janiak Mareike C. , Batista Romina , Boubli Jean P. , Goodhead Ian B. , Ridgway Emma , Boyer Doug M. , Clair Elizabeth St. , Beck Robin M. D.
Published: March 2024

Dental topographic metrics (DTMs), which quantify different aspects of the shape of teeth, are powerful tools for studying dietary adaptation and evolution in mammals. Current DTM protocols usually rely on proprietary software, which may be unavailable to researchers for reasons of cost. We address this issue in the context of a DTM analysis of the primate clade Platyrrhini (“New World monkeys”) by: 1) presenting a large comparative sample of scanned second lower molars (m2s) of callitrichids (marmosets and tamarins), previously underrepresented in publicly available datasets; and 2) giving full details of an entirely freeware pipeline for DTM analysis and its validation. We also present an updated dietary classification scheme for extant platyrrhines, based on cluster analysis of dietary data extracted from 98 primary studies. Our freeware pipeline performs equally well in dietary classification accuracy of an existing sample of platyrrhine m2s (excluding callitrichids) as a published protocol that uses proprietary software when multiple DTMs are combined. Individual DTMs, however, sometimes showed very different results in classification accuracies between protocols, most likely due to differences in smoothing functions. The addition of callitrichids resulted in high classification accuracy in predicting diet with combined DTMs, although accuracy was considerably higher when molar size was included (90%) than excluded (73%). We conclude that our new freeware DTM pipeline is capable of accurately predicting diet in platyrrhines based on tooth shape and size, and so is suitable for inferring probable diet of taxa for which direct dietary information is unavailable, such as fossil species.
NEK2 affects the ferroptosis sensitivity of gastric cancer cells by regulating the expression of HMOX1 through Keap1/Nrf2
Authors: Wu Jianyong , Luo Desheng , Tou Laizhen , Xu Hongtao , Jiang Chuan , Wu Dan , Que Haifeng , Zheng Jingjing
Published: March 2024

NEK2 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is involved in regulating the progression of various tumors. Our previous studies have found that NEK2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and suggests that patients have a worse prognosis. However, its role and mechanism in gastric cancer are only poorly studied. In this study, we established a model of ferroptosis induced by RSL3 or Erastin in AGS cells in vitro, and konckdown NEK2, HOMX1, Nrf2 by siRNA. The assay kit was used to analyzed cell viability, MDA levels, GSH and GSSG content, and FeRhoNox™-1 fluorescent probe, BODIPY™ 581/591 C11 lipid oxidation probe, CM-H2DCFDA fluorescent probe were used to detected intracellular Fe2+, lipid peroxidation, and ROS levels, respectively. Calcein-AM/PI staining was used to detect the ratio of live and dead cells, qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to identify the mRNA and protein levels of genes in cells, immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the localization of Nrf2 in cells, RNA-seq was used to analyze changes in mRNA expression profile, and combined with the FerrDb database, ferroptosis-related molecules were screened to elucidate the impact of NEK2 on the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to ferroptosis. We found that inhibition of NEK2 could enhance the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to RSL3 and Erastin-induced ferroptosis, which was reflected in the combination of inhibition of NEK2 and ferroptosis induction compared with ferroptosis induction alone: cell viability and GSH level were further decreased, while the proportion of dead cells, Fe2+ level, ROS level, lipid oxidation level, MDA level, GSSG level and GSSG/GSH ratio were further increased. Mechanism studies have found that inhibiting NEK2 could promote the expression of HMOX1, a gene related to ferroptosis, and enhance the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to ferroptosis by increasing HMOX1. Further mechanism studies have found that inhibiting NEK2 could promote the ubiquitination and proteasome degradation of Keap1, increase the level of Nrf2 in the nucleus, and thus promote the expression of HMOX1. This study confirmed that NEK2 can regulate HMOX1 expression through Keap1/Nrf2 signal, and then affect the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to ferroptosis, enriching the role and mechanism of NEK2 in gastric cancer.
Detection of Image Tampering Using Deep Learning, Error Levels and Noise Residuals
Authors: Chakraborty Sunen , Chatterjee Kingshuk , Dey Paramita
Published: March 2024

Images once were considered a reliable source of information. However, when photo-editing software started to get noticed it gave rise to illegal activities which is called image tampering. These days we can come across innumerable tampered images across the internet. Software such as Photoshop, GNU Image Manipulation Program, etc. are applied to form tampered images from real ones in just a few minutes. To discover hidden signs of tampering in an image deep learning models are an effective tool than any other methods. Models used in deep learning are capable of extracting intricate features from an image automatically. Here we proposed a combination of traditional handcrafted features along with a deep learning model to differentiate between authentic and tampered images. We have presented a dual-branch Convolutional Neural Network in conjunction with Error Level Analysis and noise residuals from Spatial Rich Model. For our experiment, we utilized the freely accessible CASIA dataset. After training the dual-branch network for 16 epochs, it generated an accuracy of 98.55%. We have also provided a comparative analysis with other previously proposed work in the field of image forgery detection. This hybrid approach proves that deep learning models along with some well-known traditional approaches can provide better results for detecting tampered images.
CNN-based Methods for Offline Arabic Handwriting Recognition: A Review
Authors: El Khayati Mohsine , Kich Ismail , Taouil Youssef
Published: March 2024

Arabic Handwriting Recognition (AHR) is a complex task involving the transformation of handwritten Arabic text from image format into machine-readable data, holding immense potential across various applications. Despite its significance, AHR encounters formidable challenges due to the intricate nature of Arabic script and the diverse array of handwriting styles. In recent years, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have emerged as a pivotal and promising solution to address these challenges, demonstrating remarkable performance and offering distinct advantages. However, the dominance of CNNs in AHR lacks a dedicated comprehensive review in the existing literature. This review article aims to bridge the existing gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of CNN-based methods in AHR. It covers both segmentation and recognition tasks, delving into advancements in network architectures, databases, training strategies, and employed methods. The article offers an in-depth comparison of these methods, considering their respective strengths and limitations. The findings of this review not only contribute to the current understanding of CNN applications in AHR but also pave the way for future research directions and improved practices, thereby enriching and advancing this critical domain. The review also aims to uncover genuine challenges in the domain, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.
Tracking deformation velocity via PSI and SBAS as a sign of landslide failure: an open-pit mine-induced landslide in Himmetoğlu (Bolu, NW Turkey)
Authors: Eker Remzi , Aydın Abdurrahim , Görüm Tolga
Published: March 2024

A destructive landslide occurred in Himmetoğlu village in Göynük District (Bolu, NW Turkey) caused by open-pit coal mining activities. Field observations after the landslide failure and interviews with villagers motivated us to question the possibility of using satellite SAR data to detect precursory signs of failure with regard to deformation velocity. In this study, first, landslide deformations were mapped by applying the digital elevation model (DEM) of Difference (DoD) method using DEMs from aerial photography and UAV data. However, the primary aim was to track deformation velocity as a sign of landslide failure with persistent scatterers interferometry (PSI) and small baseline subset (SBAS) methods from Sentinel-1A data. For the SBAS, the deformation velocity for ascending and descending orbits varied between − 12 and 39 mm year−1 and between − 24 and 6 mm year−1, respectively. For the PSI, the deformation velocity for ascending and descending orbits varied between − 16 and 31 mm year−1 and between − 18 and 20 mm year−1, respectively. PSI and SBAS resulted in sharply changing line-of-sight displacement rates, which were interpreted as slope failure signs, from three months prior to the landslide. In addition, higher deformation velocities were observed in locations closer to landslide crack as expected. Based on our findings, we concluded that SAR interferometric time-series analysis have the makings of being used as a suitable approach in early discerning and avoiding potential slope failures in open-pit mining areas, when it is made carefully by observing the progress in mining activities by considering the other factors such as rainfall and earthquakes.
Spatial pattern of seed arrival has a greater effect on plant diversity than does soil heterogeneity in a grassland ecosystem
Authors: Kjaer Esben L. , Houseman Gregory R. , Luu Kobe N. , Foster Bryan L. , Laanisto Lauri , Golubski Antonio J.
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Species diversity is expected to increase with environmental heterogeneity. For plant communities, this pattern has been confirmed by numerous observational studies. Yet, experimental studies yield inconsistent results potentially because of how experiments create soil heterogeneity or because seeds were sown homogeneously. Using a field experiment, we tested how soil heterogeneity, plant spatial aggregation via seed arrival, and grain size influence plant species richness in a restored grassland.

Methods

We manipulated soil heterogeneity and seed arrival in 0.2 × 0.2 or 0.4 × 04 m patches within each 4.0 × 4.6 m plot and allowed community assembly to occur for 4 growing seasons.

Results

Despite quantifiable soil differences, soil heterogeneity did not impact total or sown species richness, but did weakly influence non-sown richness. Richness differences were driven by non-sown plant species that likely exhibited higher establishment in aggregated plots due to decreased interspecific competition and conspecific facilitation.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that fine-scale soil heterogeneity weakly affects prairie plant diversity, but heterogeneous plant spatial structure can have a stronger effect on diversity. These results suggest that plant colonization may be the primary source of environmental heterogeneity and may explain inconsistent results from soil heterogeneity experiments.
Virtual reality and gamification in education: a systematic review
Authors: Lampropoulos Georgios , Kinshuk
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze the use of virtual reality and gamification in education by examining the existing literature. In addition to virtual reality, this study focuses on gamified virtual reality learning environments which refer to virtual reality learning environments that integrate gamification elements and mechanisms. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic literature review was carried out. No limitations were set regarding educational level, type of study, subject, and publication year. The related articles were retrieved from 5 databases (ERIC, Google Scholar, IEEE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science). A total of 112 articles were included, 16 research questions were explored, and a thematic analysis was conducted. To evaluate the quality of the articles included, the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used. According to the findings, gamification and virtual reality support several pedagogical theories and approaches. Their adoption to and integration into education can enrich and transform traditional teaching and learning and were assessed positively by students and teachers. Gamification elements significantly affected students’ achievements. In comparison to traditional learning environments, gamified virtual reality learning environments were more motivating, engaging, and interactive and offered more opportunities for personalized and collaborative learning. Through the realistic and interactive experiences offered, students’ immersion and social presence can be enhanced, knowledge acquisition can be improved, and material comprehension can be facilitated. Positive changes in student attitude, behavior, and mentality as well as improved cognitive, physical, and social–emotional development were observed. When using learning environments that integrate both virtual reality and gamification, students’ learning outcomes, motivation, engagement, and self-efficacy were increased. Additionally, students’ academic performance, active involvement, and satisfaction were improved. Students’ curiosity, imagination, focus, and interest were enhanced and their skills and competences were developed. Finally, gamified virtual reality emerged as an effective educational tool that can improve learning at all educational levels, subjects, and contexts.
Culture, Social Class and the Dynamics of the Self
Authors: Kühnen Ulrich , Kitayama Shinobu
Published: March 2024

In an ongoing cycle of mutual constitution, culture, the self, and associated psychological tendencies dynamically interact. Prior studies show that people from Western individualist cultures construe the self in independent terms (stressing their uniqueness and separation from others), promoting analytic, context-independent ways of thinking. In contrast, people from Eastern collectivist cultures emphasize their interdependence and connectedness with others, promoting more holistic, context-sensitive ways of thinking. Recently, this literature has been extended to study within-culture variations by socio-economic status (SES). This work has suggested that higher SES contexts foster the view of the self as an independent agent and analytic cognitive tendencies. By contrast, individuals from lower SES tend to emphasize interdependence with others while displaying more holistic cognitive tendencies. Of importance, these SES differences are embedded in larger socio-cultural contexts differing in individualism and collectivism. Hence, the relationship among SES, self-construal, and cognitive tendencies can sometimes vary dramatically between cultures.