bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microvascular Metrics on Diabetic Retinopathy Severity: Analysis of Diabetic Eye Images from Real-World Data
Authors: Cuscó Cristina , Esteve-Bricullé Pau , Almazán-Moga Ana , Fernández-Carneado Jimena , Ponsati Berta
Published: December 2024

Objective: To quantify microvascular lesions in a large real-world data (RWD) set, based on single central retinal fundus images of diabetic eyes from different origins, with the aim of validating its use as a precision tool for classifying diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity. Design: Retrospective meta-analysis across multiple fundus image datasets. Sample size: The study analyzed 2445 retinal fundus images from diabetic patients across four diverse RWD international datasets, including populations from Spain, India, China and the US. Intervention: The quantification of specific microvascular lesions: microaneurysms (MAs), hemorrhages (Hmas) and hard exudates (HEs) using advanced automated image analysis techniques on central retinal images to validate reliable metrics for DR severity assessment. The images were pre-classified in the DR severity levels as defined by the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy (ICDR) scale. Main Outcome Measures: The primary variables measured were the number of MAs, Hmas, red lesions (RLs) and HEs. These counts were related with DR severity levels using statistical methods to validate the relationship between lesion counts and disease severity. Results: The analysis revealed a robust and statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in the number of microvascular lesions and the DR severity across all datasets. Tight data distributions were reported for MAs, Hmas and RLs, supporting the reliability of lesion quantification for accurately assessing DR severity. HEs also followed a similar pattern, but with a broader dispersion of data. Data used in this study are consistent with the definition of the DR severity levels established by the ICDR guidelines. Conclusions: The statistically significant increase in the number of microvascular lesions across DR severity validate the use of lesion quantification in a single central retinal field as a key biomarker for disease classification and assessment. This quantification method demonstrates an improvement over traditional assessment scales, providing a quantitative microvascular metric that enhances the precision of disease classification and patient monitoring. The inclusion of a numerical component allows for the detection of subtle variations within the same severity level, offering a deeper understanding of disease progression. The consistency of results across diverse datasets not only confirms the method’s reliability but also its applicability in a global healthcare setting.
Direct Pathway Neurons in the Mouse Ventral Striatum Are Active During Goal-Directed Action but Not Reward Consumption During Operant Conditioning
Authors: Cataldi Stefano , Lacefield Clay , Shashaank N , Sulzer David
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Learning is classically modeled to consist of an acquisition period followed by a mastery period when the skill no longer requires conscious control and becomes automatic. Dopamine neurons projecting to the ventral striatum (VS) produce a teaching signal that shifts from responding to rewarding or aversive events to anticipating cues, thus facilitating learning. However, the role of the dopamine-receptive neurons in the ventral striatum, particularly in encoding decision-making processes, remains less understood. Methods: Here, we introduce an operant conditioning paradigm using open-source microcontrollers to train mice in three sequential learning phases. Phase I employs classical conditioning, associating a 5 s sound cue (CS) with a sucrose–water reward. In Phase II, the CS is replaced by a lever press as the requirement for reward delivery, marking an operant conditioning stage. Phase III combines these elements, requiring mice to press the lever during the CS to obtain the reward. We recorded calcium signals from direct pathway spiny projection neurons (dSPNs) in the VS throughout the three phases of training. Results: We find that dSPNs are specifically engaged when the mouse makes a decision to perform a reward-seeking action in response to a CS but are largely inactive during actions taken outside the CS. Conclusions: These findings suggest that direct pathway neurons in the VS contribute to decision-making in learned action–outcome associations, indicating a specialized role in initiating operant behaviors.
Circadian Intervention Improves Parkinson’s Disease and May Slow Disease Progression: A Ten Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Willis Gregory , Endo Takuyuki , Waldman Murray
Published: December 2024

Background: The involvement of the circadian system in the etiology and treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is becoming an increasingly important topic. The prodromal symptoms of PD include insomnia, fatigue, depression and sleep disturbance which herald the onset of the primary symptoms of bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity while robbing patients of their quality of life. Light treatment (LT) has been implemented for modifying circadian function in PD but few studies have examined its use in a protracted term that characterizes PD itself. Methods: The present exploratory study monitors the effect of LT over a 10 year course of PD in the context of ongoing circadian function. Results: Improvement in circadian based symptoms were seen soon after LT commenced and continued for the duration of the study. Improvement in motor function was more subtle and was not distinguishable until 1.2 years after commencing treatment. Improvement in most motor and prodromal symptoms remained in steady state for the duration of the study as long as patients were compliant with daily use. Conclusions: The sequence of improvement in prodromal symptoms and motor function seen here parallels the slow, incremental repair process mimicking the protracted degenerative sequelae of PD that extends over decades. This process also emulates the slow incremental improvement characterizing the reparative course seen with circadian symptoms in other disorders that improve with LT. Recent findings from epidemiological work suggest that early disruption of circadian rhythmicity is associated with increased risk of PD and the present findings are consistent with that hypothesis. It is concluded that intervening in circadian function with LT presents a minimally invasive method that is compatible with internal timing that slows the degenerative process of PD.
Examining Family Atmosphere and School Climate Within Psychology of Working Theory Among Chinese Rural College Students
Authors: Hai Lu , Bao Xiaohong , Wang Yang , Zhang Mengxiao , Shu Man
Published: December 2024

The employment situation for college students has worsened due to the increase in the number of graduates and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy. Consequently, the pressure to find employment has also increased, particularly for rural college students. Drawing on the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT), the present study was performed to examine the applicability of some proposed pathways in the PWT and test the relationships between family atmosphere and school climate and work volition, career adaptability, and future decent work perception within 946 rural college students (243 men and 703 women; Mage = 19.86, SD = 1.48). The study employed a cross-sectional research design, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. Results indicated that family atmosphere and school climate significantly positively predict work volition, career adaptability and future decent work perception. Work volition significantly predicts career adaptability and future decent work perception. Moreover, our findings supported the mediating effect of work volition, indicating that family atmosphere and school climate increased career adaptability and future decent work perception by improving work volition. Although this study has limitations, it informs future studies by highlighting the important role of family atmosphere, school climate, and work volition.
Hybrid Population-Based Hill Climbing Algorithm for Generating Highly Nonlinear S-boxes
Authors: Kuznetsov Oleksandr , Poluyanenko Nikolay , Kuznetsova Kateryna , Frontoni Emanuele , Arnesano Marco
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces the hybrid population-based hill-climbing (HPHC) algorithm, a novel approach for generating cryptographically strong S-boxes that combines the efficiency of hill climbing with the exploration capabilities of population-based methods. The algorithm achieves consistent generation of 8-bit S-boxes with a nonlinearity of 104, a critical threshold for cryptographic applications. Our approach demonstrates remarkable efficiency, requiring only 49,277 evaluations on average to generate such S-boxes, representing a 600-fold improvement over traditional simulated annealing methods and a 15-fold improvement over recent genetic algorithm variants. We present comprehensive experimental results from extensive parameter space exploration, revealing that minimal populations (often single-individual) combined with moderate mutation rates achieve optimal performance. This paper provides detailed analysis of algorithm behavior, parameter sensitivity, and performance characteristics, supported by rigorous statistical evaluation. We demonstrate that population size should approximate available thread count for optimal parallel execution despite smaller populations being theoretically more efficient. The HPHC algorithm maintains high reliability across diverse parameter settings while requiring minimal computational resources, making it particularly suitable for practical cryptographic applications.
Instrument Selection in Panel Data Models with Endogeneity: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Herce Álvaro , Salvador Manuel
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes the use of Bayesian inference techniques to search for and obtain valid instruments in dynamic panel data models where endogenous variables may exist. The use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allows for obtaining a reduced number of instruments in comparison to the high number of instruments commonly used in the literature, and Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) methods enable efficient exploration of the instrument space, deriving accurate point estimates of the elements of interest. The proposed methodology is illustrated in a simulated case and in an empirical application, where the partial effect of a series of determinants on the attraction of international bank flows is quantified. The results highlight the importance of promoting and developing the private sector in these economies, as well as the importance of maintaining good levels of creditworthiness.
Mental Health and Mattering in UK University Students: A Comparison Between Continuing-Generation Students and First-Generation Students
Authors: Smith Donna , McLellan Ros
Published: December 2024

The prevalence of poor mental health in university students is extremely concerning, and first-generation students (FGSs) may be more vulnerable to mental health problems than continuing-generation students (CGSs). Existing international research demonstrates that higher levels of mattering (how significant we feel we are to others) and lower levels of anti-mattering (how insignificant we feel we are to others) are associated with lower levels of mental health problems in university students, but this has not been investigated in the UK. This study aimed to investigate mental health problems and mattering in UK university students, comparing CGSs and FGSs. Students aged 18 or over from any university in the UK (N = 242; CGSs n = 124; FGSs n = 114) completed an online questionnaire containing measures of mental health problems (depression, eating concerns, substance use, generalised anxiety, frustration/anger, social anxiety, family distress, academic distress, total distress) and mattering (general mattering, anti-mattering, university mattering). The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in levels of mental health problems and mattering between CGSs and FGSs. However, mattering appears to matter more for FGSs than CGSs: higher levels of mattering (general and university) and lower levels of anti-mattering were statistically significantly associated with lower levels of mental health problems for all students, but particularly for FGSs. The implications of these results are that mattering has potential as a basis for strategies and interventions to improve mental health in university students. Universities must consider how to increase mattering in their students, and more research in this area is urgently required.
Enhancing Higher-Education Governance Through Telepresence Robots and Gamification: Strategies for Sustainable Practices in the AI-Driven Digital Era
Authors: Addas Abdullah , Naseer Fawad , Tahir Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Nasir
Published: December 2024

Integrating telepresence robots with gamification opens up new directions in which higher-education governance could translate into higher levels of student engagement in the AI-driven digital era. Drawing on both constructivism and the self-determination theory (SDT), this study will review evidence on how these technologies enhance autonomy and motivation, boosting effective participation in diverse learning environments. The experiments were carried out across various subjects with socio-economically varied groups of students by deploying gamified learning modules on telepresence robots. Primary metrics under consideration involved participation rates, task completion times, and other qualitative feedback measures about impacts created by such technologies. Indeed, the participation rates of the robot group were 40% higher, task completion times were reduced by 30%, and module completion rates for the robot group were 30% improved. The students reported positive emotions and showed more engagement, with the low-income students showing an 80% engagement rate compared to 40% in the control group. The results from both robots and gamification show promising potential for reshaping traditional learning paradigms, especially for students from geographically distant and underserved areas. The study guides further research on applying advanced tools in higher-education governance to foster sustainable practices in the AI era.
Generative AI for Culturally Responsive Science Assessment: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Nyaaba Matthew , Zhai Xiaoming , Faison Morgan Z.
Published: December 2024

In diverse classrooms, one of the challenges educators face is creating assessments that reflect the different cultural backgrounds of every student. This study presents a novel approach to the automatic generation of cultural and context-specific science assessments items for K-12 education using generative AI (GenAI). We first developed a GenAI Culturally Responsive Science Assessment (GenAI-CRSciA) framework that connects CRSciA, specifically key cultural tenets such as indigenous language, Indigenous knowledge, ethnicity/race, and religion, with the capabilities of GenAI. Using the CRSciA framework, along with interactive guided dynamic prompt strategies, we developed the CRSciA-Generator tool within the OpenAI platform. The CRSciA-Generator allows users to automatically generate assessment items that are customized to align with their students’ cultural and contextual needs. We further conducted a pilot demonstration of item generation between the CRSciA-Generator and the base GPT-4o using standard prompts. Both tools were tasked with generating CRSciAs that aligned with the Next Generation Science Standard on predator and prey relationship for use with students from Ghana, the USA, and China. The results showed that the CRSciA-Generator output assessment items incorporated more tailored cultural and context assessment items for each specific group with examples, such as traditional stories of lions and antelopes in Ghana, Native American views on wolves in the USA, and Taoist or Buddhist teachings on the Amur tiger in China compared to the standard prompt assessment items within the base GPT-4o. However, due to the focus on nationality in the pilot demonstration, the CRSciA-Generator assessment items treated the countries as culturally homogeneous, overlooking subcultural diversity in these countries. Therefore, we recommend that educators provide detailed background information about their students when using the CRSciA-Generator. We further recommend future studies involving expert reviews to assess the cultural and contextual validity of the assessment items generated by the CRSciA-Generator.
Machine-Learning-Based Validation of Microsoft Azure Kinect in Measuring Gait Profiles
Authors: Ferraris Claudia , Amprimo Gianluca , Cerfoglio Serena , Masi Giulia , Vismara Luca , Cimolin Veronica
Published: December 2024

Gait is one of the most extensively studied motor tasks using motion capture systems, the gold standard for instrumental gait analysis. Various sensor-based solutions have been recently proposed to evaluate gait parameters, typically providing lower accuracy but greater flexibility. Validation procedures are crucial to assess the measurement accuracy of these solutions since residual errors may arise from environmental, methodological, or processing factors. This study aims to enhance validation by employing machine learning techniques to investigate the impact of such errors on the overall assessment of gait profiles. Two datasets of gait trials, collected from healthy and post-stroke subjects using a motion capture system and a 3D camera-based system, were considered. The estimated gait profiles include spatiotemporal, asymmetry, and body center of mass parameters to capture various normal and pathologic gait peculiarities. Machine learning models show the equivalence and the high level of agreement and concordance between the measurement systems in assessing gait profiles (accuracy: 98.7%). In addition, they demonstrate data interchangeability and integrability despite residual errors identified by traditional statistical metrics. These findings suggest that validation procedures can extend beyond strict measurement differences to comprehensively assess gait performance.
LIPT: Improving Prompt Tuning with Late Inception Reparameterization
Authors: He Yawen , Feng Ao , Gao Zhengjie , Song Xinyu
Published: December 2024

Prompt tuning is a mainstream technique for fine-tuning large language models (LLMs), offering minimal parameter adjustments by learning task-specific prompt vectors. However, it suffers from training costs due to network-wide backpropagation and weaker performance compared to methods like adapters and LoRA, likely due to the limited capacity of soft prompts to encode task-specific information. This study introduces Late Inception Prompt Tuning (LIPT), a novel approach to soft prompt learning that enhances performance and efficiency by shortening backpropagation paths and employing a multidimensional bottleneck network with greater capacity. LIPT surpasses existing prompt tuning techniques on various benchmark tasks, delivering a 1.3% gain over LPT and a 5% improvement compared to standard prompt tuning when applied to RoBERTa-large, while converging more rapidly. It achieves an average accuracy of 90% across ten benchmark datasets. Notably, in certain scenarios, LIPT’s performance approaches that of full-parameter fine-tuning methods. To evaluate parameter-efficient fine-tuning (PEFT) comprehensively, we propose an Efficiency Indicator (EI) that balances accuracy and cost. LIPT is well suited for natural language understanding tasks, like sentiment analysis and text classification, with potential extensions to larger-scale models and tasks like text generation. This framework advances the scalability and practicality of fine-tuning methods for diverse applications.
Now or Later? The Role of Neoadjuvant Treatment in Advanced Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ronsini Carlo , Iavarone Irene , Carotenuto Alessandro , Raffone Antonio , Andreoli Giada , Napolitano Stefania , De Franciscis Pasquale , Ambrosio Domenico , Cobellis Luigi
Published: December 2024

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is, nowadays, the most frequent gynecological malignancy worldwide. The main treatment approach for EC is surgery, especially for early-stage tumors. For advanced EC, chemotherapy (CT) with carboplatin and paclitaxel is the standard treatment, especially for women with metastatic or recurrent disease. The present systematic review aimed to establish whether neoadjuvant treatment regimens with CT and/or radiotherapy (RT) lead to better survival outcomes compared to upfront surgery in advanced EC. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, through the string “((“Endometrial Neoplasms”[Mesh]) AND “Hysterectomy”[Mesh]) AND “Radiotherapy”[Mesh] AND Chemotherapy”, the selection of articles was made. A quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). The studies included patients with EC with survival and recurrence outcomes—patients treated with upfront surgery or neoadjuvant CT ± External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) or CT ± Brachytherapy (BT). Results: According to the selected evidence in the scientific literature, the 5-year DFS was 21.3% for upfront surgery and ranged from 42 to 73% for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Also, the 5-year OS was 6.2 to 49.7% with upfront surgery and 15.5 to 100% for neoadjuvant schemes. None of the studies dedicated to surgery reported the 5-year Recurrence Rate (RR), while in the neoadjuvant treatments, it ranged from 27 to 64.7%. Conclusions: The literature’s paucity of data makes it difficult to compare neoadjuvant therapy regimens with upfront surgery in advanced endometrial carcinoma. Nevertheless, the current data show more encouraging results for the neoadjuvant treatment group.
The Relationship Between Sports Club Participation, Physical Activity, and Health Behaviors Among Older Korean Adults
Authors: Kwon Jeonga , Jang Jusun
Published: December 2024

Background: Participation in physical activity can improve the physical, mental, and social health of older adults, with greater benefits observed when they join sports clubs or groups rather than exercising alone. Despite the numerous advantages of older adults’ participation in sports clubs, research on this topic remains scarce. This study investigated the association between participation in sports clubs and weekly physical activity, perceived health status, and health behaviors (adequate rest and sleep and regular meals and nutritional supplementation) among Korean older adults. Methods: Data on 5146 individuals aged 60 years or older, collected from the 2022–2023 Korea National Lifestyle and Sports Survey, were analyzed using frequency, chi-square, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Significant differences were found in sex, age, weekly physical activity, perceived health status, adequate rest and sleep, regular meals and nutritional supplementation, use of exercise prescription and consultation services, participation in lifestyle physical education classes, and cessation of drinking and smoking based on participation in sports clubs. Sports club participation increased the frequency of weekly physical activity and improved perceptions of health status in older adults. The average odds ratios (ORs) for weekly physical activity were 6.667 (95% confidence interval CI = 4.316–10.297; p < 0.001), 5.237 (95% CI = 3.372–8.133; p < 0.001), and 3.042 (95% CI = 1.864–4.966; p < 0.001) for 1–2, 3–4, and 5 or more days of participation, respectively. The average ORs were 0.559 (95% CI = 0.264–1.183; p = 0.128) for inadequate rest and sleep, and 1.272 (95% CI = 0.555–1.694; p = 0.100) for adequate rest and sleep. Average ORs were 0.976 (95% CI = 0.497–1.915; p = 0.943) for irregular meals and nutritional supplementation, and 1.028 (95% CI 0.770–1.373; p = 0.851) for regular meals and nutritional supplementation. However, sports club participation was not significantly associated with sufficient rest and sleep or regular meals and nutritional supplementation. Conclusions: Older adults need support to join sports clubs, which can promote their physical activity and health.
Relationship Between the Sagittal and Coronary Alignment of the Tibiofemoral Joint and the Medial Meniscus Extrusion in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ikezu Masahiro , Kudo Shintarou , Mitsumori Ryuzi , Iseki Wataru , Shibukawa Masato , Iizuka Yasuhiko , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Hayashi Hidetoshi
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aims to clarify the reproducibility, validity, and accuracy of tibial external-rotation alignment evaluation using ultrasound imaging and to investigate the relationship between medial meniscus extrusion (MME) and tibiofemoral alignment in both the sagittal and coronal planes in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Study 1 included 10 healthy participants. The tibial external-rotation angle was calculated using MRI. In the ultrasound imaging evaluation, the differences in the distance from the most posterior points of the tibial and femoral condyles to the skin were calculated as the medial and lateral condyle gaps, respectively. The mediolateral (ML) gap was calculated by subtracting the lateral condyle gap from the medial condyle gap. Study 2 included 63 patients with unilateral OA and 16 healthy controls. MME was compared according to the severity of OA, the degree of tibial rotation, and the presence or absence of a tibial posterior shift. Results: Ultrasound imaging examinations showed high intra- and inter-rater reliabilities (0.786–0.979). The ML gap significantly affected the tibial external-rotation angle, determined using MRI. The ML gap of ultrasound imaging was significantly correlated with the ML gap of MRI. MME was significantly higher in the Early OA group than in the Control group. There was no significant difference in MME based on the tibial rotation degree. The group with a tibial posterior shift exhibited significantly more MME than that without a posterior shift. Conclusions: Ultrasound imaging is useful for evaluating knee alignment. MME was found to be associated with the tibial posterior shift.
Burden of Medical Costs Associated with Severe Maternal Morbidity in South Korea
Authors: Nam Jin Young , Shim Soojeong
Published: December 2024

Background: Adverse maternal health outcomes lead to health loss and unnecessary medical costs. However, few have explored how severe maternal morbidity (SMM) affects medical costs separately from blood transfusion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the delivery-related costs of healthcare services in patients with and without SMM as well as blood transfusion. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Delivery Cohort database in South Korea. We included all delivering mothers in South Korea from 2016 to 2021, except those with incomplete data, totaling 1,517,773 participants. The measured outcomes included delivery-related medical costs associated with SMM. A generalized estimating equation model with a log link, gamma distribution, and robust standard errors was used to estimate the mean delivery-related medical costs of SMM. Results: SMM occurred in 2.2% of the cohort. The adjusted mean delivery-related medical costs were approximately 2.1- and 1.4-fold higher in cases with SMM without blood transfusion and only blood transfusion than in those without SMM, respectively ($2005, 95% CI: $1934–2078 and $1339, 95% CI: 1325–1354, respectively). The adjusted mean delivery-related medical costs were 1.5-fold higher in cases with SMM with blood transfusion than in those without SMM (SMM $1539, 95% CI: $1513–$1565). Conclusions: Medical costs associated with delivery-related SMM with or without blood transfusion were significantly higher than those of normal deliveries, with excess costs varying according to existing healthcare policies. Policymakers should consider supporting programs to prevent high medical costs by improving maternal health.
Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders Among Saudi Adults in the Eastern Region and Their Health Implications
Authors: Alabdulkareem Kholoud B. , Alshammari Ghedeir M. , Alyousef Ali Abdullah , Mohammed Mohammed A. , Fattiny Sndos Z. , Alqahtani Ismail Zayed , Yahya Mohammed Abdo
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The present study examined the link between sociodemographic variables, anthropometric indices, and psychiatric disorders among patients in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region (Al-Hassa), as well as health outcomes, including basic hematological and biochemical markers. Methods: The patients included 89 females and 79 males with psychiatric disorders, with ages ranging from 19 to 59. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric proxies, and fundamental hematological and biochemical markers were assessed. Results: The sociodemographic characteristics of the patients were poor and varied within and between sexes. This study observed that male psychiatric patients had greater anthropometric proxies, particularly those who were overweight or obese, than females. Most of the patients’ hematological and biochemical parameters were below the normal level, with some higher than normal. Moreover, anemia was identified in 40.51% of the male participants in the study, with a higher percentage among those diagnosed with depressive disorders (Dep-d, 57.14%) and schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (SsP-d, 32.43%), and 49.44% of the female participants, with a higher percentage among those diagnosed with depressive disorders (52.50%) and other psychotic disorders (46.15%). Furthermore, to confirm the link between sociodemographic variables, anthropometric indices, and psychiatric disorders among patients, the Spearman correlation coefficient and simple regression analysis of such variables was carried out. The results revealed that the majority of sociodemographic characteristics were either favorably or adversely correlated with patients’ anthropometrics and type of depression in both sexes. Conclusion: Low sociodemographic characteristics and high anthropometric variables may be risk factors for people with psychotic disorders, which have been linked to negative health consequences.
Does Students’ Level of Intelligence Moderate the Relationship Between Socio-Economic Status and Academic Achievement?
Authors: Steinmayr Ricarda , Kessels Ursula
Published: December 2024

The association between school students’ social background and school achievement is well documented. Recent studies demonstrated that this association might be moderated by the level of cognitive potential. Based on these results, we recruited an elementary school sample (N = 837) and an adolescent sample at the end of their compulsory school time (N = 2100) to investigate whether the associations between students’ social background and their academic achievement in math and language arts were moderated by the level of their general cognitive competencies, i.e., intelligence. To this end, we assessed intelligence, math and reading competencies, teacher-reported grades, and students’ socio-economic background (number of books at home). In both samples, the association between students’ socio-economic background and language arts grades was moderated by their intelligence level but not the ones with math grades, reading, and math competencies. The association between socio-economic background and language arts grades was strongest in the average intelligence sample and smaller in the above-average intelligence sample. Results are discussed with regard to their implications for the discussion of social injustice in schools.
A Study on the Hydrodynamic Response Characteristics of Vessel-Shaped Cages Based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method
Authors: Zhuo Yue , Chen Junhua , Bao Lingjie , Li Hao , Huang Fangping , Jiang Chuhua
Published: December 2024

Due to the limitations of farming space, fish cage aquaculture is gradually expanding into offshore deep-sea areas, where the environmental conditions surrounding deep-sea fish cages are more complex and harsher compared to those in shallower offshore locations. Conventional multi-point moored gravity flexible fish cages are prone to damage in the more hostile environments of the deep sea. In this paper, we present a design for a single-point mooring vessel-shaped fish cage that can quickly adjust its bow direction when subjected to waves from various angles. This design ensures that the floating frame consistently responds effectively to wave impacts, thereby reducing the wave forces experienced. The dynamic response of the floating frame and the mooring forces were simulated by coupling the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method with the Moordyn numerical model for mooring analysis. The three degrees of freedom (heave, surge, and pitch) and the mooring forces of a scaled-down vessel-type ship cage model under wave conditions were investigated both numerically and experimentally. The results indicate that the error between the simulation data and the experimental results is maintained within 6%. Building on this foundation, the motion response and mooring force of a full-sized ship-shaped net box under wave conditions off the southeast coast of China were simulated. This study examined the effects of varying mooring lengths and buoy configurations on the motion response and mooring force of the fish cage. Finally, we constructed the fish cage and tested it under the influence of a typhoon. The results demonstrate that the fish cage could operate stably without structural damage, such as mooring failure or floating frame breakage, despite the significant deformation of the floating frame.
Influence of Free Surface on the Hydrodynamic and Acoustic Characteristics of a Highly Skewed Propeller
Authors: Yu Duo , Yu Youbin , Yang Suoxian
Published: December 2024

The noise analysis of a large-scale aquaculture vessel reveals that during its navigation, the primary equipment noise, particularly from the propeller, exerts a notable influence on the aquaculture environment for large yellow croaker. The free surface greatly impacts the noise performance of propellers, which is a significant factor affecting the fish’s habitat. This study adopts the numerical simulation method to analyze the hydrodynamic and acoustic characteristics of the E1619 propeller operating near the free surface. The open-water performance and noise calculations of the propeller are verified through experiments, and the effects of different immersion depths and advance coefficients on the propeller are explored. The results demonstrate that the free surface significantly affects the thrust, torque, and noise of the propeller, especially at shallow immersion depths and low advance coefficients. Surface wave pattern causes the instability and breakup of tip vortices, causing increased thrust and torque fluctuations, reduced efficiency, and significant overall sound pressure levels in the entire flow field. As immersion depth and advance coefficients increase, the interaction between tip vortices and the free surface weakens, wake vortex instability decreases, and noise levels gradually reduce. These analyses and conclusions can guide the design of next-generation propellers for aquaculture vessels to optimize performance near the free surface.
Different Paths Lead to the Same Success: Examining Design Principles in Grassland Collective Governance in China
Authors: Li Jianing , Hu Zhentong , Liu Di , Jin Leshan
Published: December 2024

Collective action remains a fundamental approach to governing common pool resources, and Ostrom’s design principles (DPs) have been widely used for analyzing such governance. However, grasslands, as typical common pool resources, have received limited attention within this framework in China. Based on the village-level survey data in Yushu, Qinghai, we utilized DPs as fuzzy sets to discern nuances among cases and identify necessary and sufficient conditions for successful collective governance using the fsQCA method. Our findings are as follows: (i) Diverse combinations of institutional rules can lead to favorable collective governance outcomes. Achieving good outcomes requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses rules, rule enforcement, and rule-making arenas. (ii) Congruence with local conditions (DP2) emerges as a pivotal and foundational condition in collective grassland governance. Therefore, it is crucial to formulate strategic governance rules that adapt to local realities and capitalize on regional advantages to ensure long-term success. (iii) The establishment of ecological husbandry cooperatives is in line with local realities and can help achieve high grassland governance performance. The improvement in ecological, economic, and social benefits brought about by cooperatives constitutes a crucial factor for promoting herders’ active involvement in the collective management of grasslands.
Temporal and Spatial Variations in Landscape Pattern–Function Risk Coupling over 20 Years in the Dry–Hot Valley of the Jinsha River in China
Authors: Zhou Shan , Ou Zhaorong , Zhang Junming , Dong Limin , Li Xiangfei , Deng Zhihua , Sun Yongyu , Qiu Xinteng
Published: December 2024

Extensive and profound landscape alterations significantly contribute to ecological vulnerability in environmentally delicate regions. Existing research primarily emphasizes ecological risks caused by landscape alterations, while overlooking vulnerable characteristics of landscape functions; particularly lacking are studies on the driving mechanism of landscape ecological risk through the reciprocal relationship between landscape pattern risk and function risk. Based on these issues, this paper constructed a landscape pattern risk index (LPRI), a landscape function risk index (LFRI), and a landscape ecological risk index (LERI) in the counties of the dry–hot valley of the Jinsha River in southwest China. By employing a coupling degree and a coordination model, we analyzed temporal and spatial variations in the interaction between two types of ecological risk, thereby revealing the driving mechanisms of landscape ecological risk. The results indicated that the average LPRI values of the study area were 0.373, 0.327, and 0.427, respectively, while the average LFRI values were 0.451, 0.356, and 0.442 in 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. More than 90% of the study area exhibited a medium coupling relationship between the two types of ecological risks. The area proportion of the coupling coordination regions has increased from 25.58% to 31.07% from 2010 to 2020. The two types of risk exhibited a low level of constraint inhibition. Extremely evident expansion of high pattern–function risk areas and the area increase of coupling coordination region resulted in the acceleration of regional landscape ecological risk level. Increasing competition between market-driven land-use activities and ecological regulations from the government has rendered the diversification of landscape ecological risk sources and its underlying mechanisms intricate. This study serves as a model reference for assessing landscape ecological risk and a theoretical basis for sustainable landscape management and ecological regulation in the Yangtze River basin.
Registration of Objects for 3D Cadastre: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Grzelka Kornelia , Pargieła Karolina , Jasińska Aleksandra , Warchoł Artur , Bydłosz Jarosław
Published: December 2024

3D cadastral issues have been the subject of scientific research for more than 20 years. However, the initial registration of objects in 3D cadastres remains a significant challenge. The purpose of this study is to verify whether it is possible to register objects for future 3D cadastres based on data from various sources such as laser scanning measurements and technical documentation. The research object is a building in Krakow (Poland). For objects with easy access such as common parts, parking lots, and outer parts of a building, laser scanning was applied. The premises (apartments) are private properties without free access; thus, the technical documentation of the building was used. A 3D model was built in BIM way (Autodesk Revit) based on a terrestrial laser scanning point cloud and technical drawings, but only for the geometrical part of the building. To illustrate the legal relationships among the 3D cadastral objects in the building, a UML model was also created. The results prove that the registration of objects for future 3D cadastres using both methods is possible. However, further research is required.
Integration of In-VEST Habitat Quality Model with Landscape Pattern Indices to Assess Habitat Fragmentation Under the Dynamic Development of Park City: Southwest China Case
Authors: Lin Rong , Zevenbergen Chris , Wang Jiahao , Li Yixuan , Qian Liyuan
Published: December 2024

With rapid urbanization, the types of land in China’s cities are continuously evolving, irreversibly impacting the habitat patches within urban areas. However, the development of park cities has reversed this trend to some extent, particularly in Chengdu, China. To investigate the influence of land use type changes on habitat quality in Chengdu Tianfu New District, the research team selected remote sensing imagery data from the Landsat satellite for three distinct periods: 2014, 2019, and 2024. By employing a comprehensive approach that includes land cover trajectory analysis, land transfer matrices, FRAG-STATS landscape pattern indices, and the habitat quality module within the In-VEST model, this study analyzes the spatial and temporal evolution of land use patterns and the dynamics of habitat quality categories. The findings reveal: (1) the coverage of trees and shrubs in the study area initially declined but later increased, primarily driven by anthropogenic construction activities. Specifically, the land use types in the built-up areas on the northern side of Tianfu New District underwent notable fluctuations, whereas those on the southern side, adjacent to the Longquan Mountain Range, remained relatively stable. (2) From 2014 to 2019, high-quality habitats were predominantly distributed in the southeast of Tianfu New District, characterized by a robust ecological foundation, high landscape integrity, and strong connectivity of ecological land. In contrast, the areas with the poorest habitat quality were situated in the northern built-up areas of Tianfu New District, exhibiting highly fragmented habitat patches, simple edge shapes, and low connectivity. However, between 2019 and 2024, the overall habitat quality within the study area improved, characterized by an increase in the number of high-quality habitats and continuous expansion of habitat areas. The research findings offer valuable insights into future urban planning, ecological restoration, and conservation efforts in Chengdu Tianfu New District, providing critical guidance for the implementation and strategic development of the park city policy.
Geochemical Distribution of Ni, Cr, and Co in the Main Soil Types of the Čemernica River Basin in Serbia (In a Serpentine Environment)
Authors: Tošić Jojević Sonja , Mrvić Vesna , Stajković-Srbinović Olivera , Jovković Marina , Antić Mladenović Svetlana , Krpović Matija , Belanović Simić Snežana
Published: December 2024

The origin and bioavailability of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and cobalt (Co) have been assessed in the Čemernica River basin among the following soil types: Leptosol on serpentinite and Fluvisol, Vertisol, and Leptosol on sandstone. Alongside the impact of serpentine rocks, part of the region also displays significant anthropogenic activity. A sequential analysis following the modified BCR procedure identified four fractions of heavy metals: F1—exchangeable and acid-soluble, F2—bound to Fe and Mn oxides, F3—bound to organic matter, and F4—residual. The overall content of Ni, Cr, and Co in the soil increases in the following order: Leptosol on sandstone, and Vertisol, Fluvisol, Leptosol on serpentinite. In most samples, the values exceed the maximum allowable concentrations in legal regulations, while in some samples, particularly in serpentine soils, they also exceed the remediation thresholds. The average contribution of nickel in the overall content decreases as follows: F4 > F2 > F3 > F1, chromium as F4 > F3 > F2 > F1, and cobalt in the most samples as F2 > F4 > F1 > F3. The percentage of Ni, Cr, and Co in the fractions of different soil types is similar to that in serpentine soils, though the absolute contents vary significantly, indicating a common origin, which is mostly geochemical. According to the Risk Assessment Code, most samples exhibit a low bioavailability risk.
An Adapted Proximal Point Algorithm Utilizing the Golden Ratio Technique for Solving Equilibrium Problems in Banach Spaces
Authors: Abass Hammed Anuoluwapo , Oyewole Olawale Kazeem , Moshokoa Seithuti Philemon , Adamu Abubakar
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the iterative approximation of solutions to equilibrium problems and proposes a simple proximal point method for addressing them. We incorporate the golden ratio technique as an extrapolation method, resulting in a two-step iterative process. This method is self-adaptive and does not require any Lipschitz-type conditions for implementation. We present and prove a weak convergence theorem along with a sublinear convergence rate for our method. The results extend some previously published findings from Hilbert spaces to 2-uniformly convex Banach spaces. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, we provide several numerical illustrations and compare the results with those from other methods available in the literature.
Multivariate Smooth Symmetrized and Perturbed Hyperbolic Tangent Neural Network Approximation over Infinite Domains
Authors: Anastassiou George A.
Published: December 2024

In this article, we study the multivariate quantitative smooth approximation under differentiation of functions. The approximators here are multivariate neural network operators activated by the symmetrized and perturbed hyperbolic tangent activation function. All domains used here are infinite. The multivariate neural network operators are of quasi-interpolation type: the basic type, the Kantorovich type, and the quadrature type. We give pointwise and uniform multivariate approximations with rates. We finish with illustrations.
Dynamics Performance Research and Calculation of Speed Threshold Curve for High-Speed Trains Under Unsteady Wind Loads
Authors: Meng Gaoyang , Meng Jianjun
Published: December 2024

Affected by strong wind environments, the vibration of trains will significantly intensify, which will severely impact the running quality of trains. To address such challenges, an improved wind load model is proposed in this paper to simulate the shock of strong wind on trains. The proposed model employs the integral approach to calculate the equivalent wind load on trains and applies it to the body of trains during the dynamics simulation process. Eventually, the two-level running quality threshold curve for passenger and freight trains is acquired through the conditional probability density function and the regularized regression model. This achievement covers train speed restrictions for wind speeds ranging from 0~25 m/s, providing a scientific basis for railway departments to adjust train speeds based on real-time wind speeds. It is of utmost importance for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of trains under strong wind conditions.