bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Low-Carbon Trajectory Planning of Multi-Arrival Aircraft for Continuous Descent Operation
Authors: Feng Cun , Wang Chao , Chen Hanlu , Xu Chenyang , Wang Jinpeng
Published: December 2024

To address the technical challenges of implementing Continuous Descent Operations (CDO) in high-traffic-density terminal control areas, we propose a cooperative low-carbon trajectory planning method for multiple arriving aircraft. Firstly, this study analyzes the CDO phases of aircraft in the terminal area, establishes a multi-phase optimal control model for the vertical profile, and introduces a novel vertical profile optimization method for CDO based on a genetic algorithm. Secondly, to tackle the challenges of CDO in busy terminal areas, a T-shaped arrival route structure is designed to provide alternative paths and to generate a set of four-dimensional (4D) alternative trajectories. A Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model is constructed for the 4D trajectory planning of multiple aircraft, aiming to maximize the efficiency of arrival traffic flow while considering conflict constraints. The complex constrained MIP problem is transformed into an unconstrained problem using a penalty function method. Finally, experiments were conducted to evaluate the implementation of CDO in busy terminal areas. The results show that, compared to actual operations, the proposed optimization model significantly reduces the total aircraft operating time, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, SO2 emissions, and NOx emissions. Specifically, with the optimization objective of minimizing total cost, the proposed method reduces the total operation time by 22.4%; fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, SO2 emissions by 22.9%, and NOx emissions by 23.7%. The method proposed in this paper not only produces efficient aircraft sequencing results, but also provides a feasible low-carbon trajectory for achieving optimal sequencing.
Meta-Study on Sulphur Supply of Various Crop Species in Organic Farming Between 1998 and 2023 in European Countries—Part 2: Effects of S Concentration and N:S Ratio of Different Plant Parts on Dry Biomass, N-Uptake and Legume N2 Fixation
Authors: Kolbe Hartmut
Published: December 2024

The sulphur content of the atmosphere has fallen sharply in recent decades. Due to a reduction in plant nutrition with sulphur, this has also led to a drop in the S concentrations in certain plant species over time. As a result, a lot of experimental work was carried out to remedy the emerging yield and quality deficiencies on the farms. In this summarised study, data from 98 sites in Germany and other European countries were recorded from 1998 to 2023, received from sulphur fertiliser trials carried out on farms and experimental stations under organic farming conditions. This second part of meta-analysis focuses on establishing relationships between the status of plant nutrient supply with sulphur and biomass yield responses, the nitrogen uptake of crop species and the extent of N2 fixation in legumes. The results of regression analyses based on the effect of the S concentrations and the N:S ratios of the crop species on the relative yield differences between 851 standard variants (=100%) and 1177 sulphur treatment variants. In principle, declining yield increases were determined as a result of increasing S concentrations and decreasing N:S ratios. Except in the case of grain legume young plants, both characteristics were suitable for determining corresponding limit values for yield formation. Different values were determined depending on the plant species and harvest material. In extensive comparative analyses and discussion with literature data, minimum sulphur concentrations and maximum values for N:S ratios for young plants, vegetative harvest material (straw) and grain materials are proposed to ensure optimum biomass yields of permanent grassland, lucerne–clover–grass, grain legumes and cereals for use in practice of agricultural systems of different intensities.
Pathological and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Follicular Gastritis (Gastric Lymphofollicular Hyperplasia) in 41 Dogs
Authors: Negoescu Andrada , Toma Corina , Gal Claudiu , Ifteme Constantin , Bofan Bianca , Soare Teodoru , Amorim Irina , Pop Raluca Maria , Vesa Ştefan Cristian , Hodor Dragoș , Gagniuc Elvira , Cătoi Cornel , Taulescu Marian
Published: December 2024

Gastric lymphofollicular hyperplasia (GLFH) is characterized by large lymphoid nodules in the lamina propria. Its etiology and immunohistochemical characteristics are poorly understood. This study analyzed 41 canine GLFH cases, including clinical, endoscopic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. Young French Bulldogs (75.06%) were the most affected. Endoscopically, lymphoid nodules were identified in both the antrum and gastric body. Lymphoid follicle diameters were similar in the gastric body (mean 295.587 μm) and antrum (mean 294.641 μm). Associated lesions included glandular atrophy, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, and fibrosis. Minimal, moderate, and severe colonization with Helicobacter-like organisms (HLOs) were observed in 20, 6, and 3 cases, respectively. B-cell lymphocytes positive for Bcl6 and Pax5 were localized centrally in large follicles, surrounded by CD3+ T lymphocytes. Small follicles lacked germinal centers and showed mixed T and B lymphocytes. A positive correlation was found between the follicle diameter and both HLOs colonization (p = 0.049) and follicular hyperplasia (p < 0.001). A regression analysis indicated that HLOs colonization and hyperplasia accounted for 42.3% of follicle diameter variance (R2 = 0.423, p < 0.001). Additional studies are required to investigate potential correlations between GLFH and HLOs, as well as to assess the role of this lesion in the progression to neoplasia.
What Is the Attitude of Romanian Smallholders Towards a Ground Mole Infestation? A Study Using Topic Modelling and Sentiment Analysis on Social Media and Blog Discussions
Authors: Călin Alina Delia , Coroiu Adriana Mihaela
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we analyse the attitudes and sentiments of Romanian smallholders towards mole infestations, as expressed in online contexts. A corpus of texts on the topic of ground moles and how to get rid of them was collected from social media and blog thread discussions. The texts were analysed using topic modelling, clustering, and sentiment analysis, revealing both negative and positive sentiments and attitudes. The methods used by farmers when dealing with ground moles involve both eco-friendly repellent solutions and toxic substances and pesticides. Even well-intentioned farmers are discouraged by crop and lawn damage, resorting to environmentally aggressive solutions. The study shows that the relationship between humans and moles could be improved by active education on effective ecological agricultural approaches.
Effects of Different Stocking Densities on Snail Bellamya purificata Foot Muscle Nutritional Quality and Metabolic Function
Authors: Lou Yingyue , Jia Rui , Li Bing , Zhou Linjun , Zhu Jian , Hou Yiran
Published: December 2024

Snail Bellamya purificata is not only useful for bioremediation, purifying aquaculture environments, but it is also a commercially valuable and nutritionally rich aquatic product. To analyze the effect of various stocking densities on the muscle nutritional quality and metabolic functions of B. purificata. The transcriptome and metabolome were analyzed and set up three different density groups—low (LD, 234.38 g/m2), medium (MD, 468.75 g/m2), and high (HD, 937.5 g/m2). The results of the study showed that the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of B. purificata in the MD and HD groups were significantly lower compared to the LD group. High stocking density significantly reduced the oleic acid (C18:1n9c), linoleic acid (C18:2n6c), alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), eicosadienoic acid (C20:2), erucic acid (C22:1n9), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3), and lignoceric acid (C24:0) levels within snail foot muscle. Most of the identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were categorized as Signal transduction, according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG); these genes were categorized into Transport and catabolism, Endocrine system, and Immune system. A total of 11 upregulated DEGs and 19 downregulated DEGs were identified and confirmed to be associated with density stress. The identified metabolites were mainly enriched in the Metabolism category, with 620 differential metabolites identified in positive ion (POS) mode and 265 differential metabolites identified in the negative ion (NEG) mode among different stocking density groups. The differential metabolites affected by stocking density were primarily amino acids, nucleic acids, vitamins, and lipid metabolites. There were 8 upregulated differential metabolites and 14 downregulated differential metabolites identified and confirmed to be associated with density stress. These findings elucidated the response mechanisms of B. purificata to adverse stocking density conditions and provide data and a theoretical basis for selecting appropriate stocking densities for B. purificata.
Bridging the Gap Between Computational Efficiency and Segmentation Fidelity in Object-Based Image Analysis
Authors: Aguiar Fernanda Pereira Leite , Nääs Irenilza de Alencar , Okano Marcelo Tsuguio
Published: December 2024

A critical issue in image analysis for analyzing animal behavior is accurate object detection and tracking in dynamic and complex environments. This study introduces a novel preprocessing algorithm to bridge the gap between computational efficiency and segmentation fidelity in object-based image analysis for machine learning applications. The algorithm integrates convolutional operations, quantization strategies, and polynomial transformations to optimize image segmentation in complex visual environments, addressing the limitations of traditional pixel-level and unsupervised methods. This innovative approach enhances object delineation and generates structured metadata, facilitating robust feature extraction and consistent object representation across varied conditions. As empirical validation shows, the proposed preprocessing pipeline reduces computational demands while improving segmentation accuracy, particularly in intricate backgrounds. Key features include adaptive object segmentation, efficient metadata creation, and scalability for real-time applications. The methodology’s application in domains such as Precision Livestock Farming and autonomous systems highlights its potential for high-accuracy visual data processing. Future work will explore dynamic parameter optimization and algorithm adaptability across diverse datasets to further refine its capabilities. This study presents a scalable and efficient framework designed to advance machine learning applications in complex image analysis tasks by incorporating methodologies for image quantization and automated segmentation.
An Investigation of the SOCOLv4 Model’s Suitability for Predicting the Future Evolution of the Total Column Ozone
Authors: Nerobelov Georgii , Timofeyev Yurii , Polyakov Alexander , Virolainen Yana , Rozanov Eugene , Zubov Vladimir
Published: December 2024

The anthropogenic impact on the ozone layer is expressed in anomalies in the total ozone content (TOC) on a global scale, with periodic enhancements observed in high-latitude areas. In addition, there are significant variations in TOC time trends at different latitudes and seasons. The reliability of the TOC future trends projections using climate chemistry models must be constantly monitored and improved, exploiting comparisons against available measurements. In this study, the ability of the Earth’s system model SOCOLv4.0 to predict TOC is evaluated by using more than 40 years of satellite measurements and meteorological reanalysis data. In general, the model overpredicts TOC in the Northern Hemisphere (by up to 16 DU) and significantly underpredicts it in the South Pole region (by up to 28 DU). The worst agreement was found in both polar regions, while the best was in the tropics (the mean difference constitutes 4.2 DU). The correlation between monthly means is in the range of 0.75–0.92. The SOCOLv4 model significantly overestimates air temperature above 1 hPa relative to MERRA2 and ERA5 reanalysis (by 10–20 K), particularly during polar nights, which may be one of the reasons for the inaccuracies in the simulation of polar ozone anomalies by the model. It is proposed that the SOCOLv4 model can be used for future projections of TOC under the changing scenarios of human activities.
Levels, Sources and Risk Assessment of Carbonaceous and Organic Species Associated with PM2.5 in Two Small Cities of Morelos, Mexico
Authors: Valle-Hernández Brenda L. , Figueroa-Lara José de Jesús , Torres-Rodríguez Miguel , Ginéz-Hernández Noé , Álvarez-Lupercio Tamara , Mugica-Álvarez Violeta
Published: December 2024

A study of carbonaceous species, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and nitro-PAHs associated with PM2.5 was conducted to assess their carcinogenic potential and associated health risks in the two main cities of the State of Morelos: Cuernavaca and Cuautla. The annual median concentrations in Cuernavaca of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were 6.2 µg m−3 and 0.6 µg m−3, respectively, whereas in Cuautla, OC concentrations averaged 4.8 µg m−3 and EC 0.6 µg m−3. OC/EC ratios, total carbonaceous aerosols (TCA), primary (POC) and secondary organic carbon (SOC), as well as elemental carbon reactive (ECR) were estimated, also showing prevalence of primary emissions such as biomass burning. The seventeen PAHs recommended by the EPA and twelve nitro-PAHs were measured using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The annual median sum of PAHs was 9.7 ng m−3 in Cuernavaca and 11.2 ng m−3 in Cuautla, where carcinogenic high-molecular-weight compounds were the most dominant; the annual median sums of nitro-PAHs were 287 pg m−3 and 432 pg m−3, respectively. Diagnostic ratios were applied to identify potential sources of PAH emissions, suggesting that fuel combustion is the major contributor in both sites, followed by coal biomass burning and agricultural activities. The annual carcinogenic potential as benzo(a)pyrene equivalent was 2.2 ng m−3 for both sites. The lifetime excess cancer risk from PAH inhalation was estimated to range from 1.8 × 10−4 to 2 × 10−4 in Cuernavaca and from 1.5 × 10−4 to 2.2 × 10−4 in Cuautla, similar to values observed in other urban regions globally.
Impact of Dust Events on UV Index and Vitamin D Synthesis in Bahrain and Its Correlation with Population Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels
Authors: Jahromi Fatima , Al Mannai Maryam , Alabed Abdulla , Alkhlofi Saud , Hejres Suha , Alromaihi Dalal , Kumar Prashant , Freije Afnan
Published: December 2024

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining human health. Its deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases. Sun exposure, particularly UV-B radiation, accounts for greater than 90% of vitamin D production in humans. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dust and UV index and its effect on vitamin D concentrations. Data on the UV index and the number of dusty days measured at ≤1000 m, ≤3000 m, and ≤5000 m altitudes in the period January 2017 to June 2022 were collected. Dust particles (PM2.5 and PM10) and vitamin D values were also gathered. No correlation was observed between UV index and PM2.5 (r = −0.013, p = 0.947) and between UV index and PM10 (r = 0.251, p = 0.165) due to numerous factors, such as unavailable data on UV-B and particle concentrations at a maximum of 1000 m rather than 20 to 30 km. A positive correlation was observed between the number of dusty days at all altitudes and PM10 (p < 0.001), whereas no correlation was found between the number of dusty days at all altitudes and PM2.5. A positive correlation was found between vitamin D-deficient patients and PM2.5 (r = 0.529, p = 0.005) and between vitamin D-deficient patients and PM10 (r = 0.399, p = 0.024). The PM 2.5 and PM10 concentrations exceeded both the WHO guidelines and the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended levels during most months of the study period. The average range of the PM2.5/PM10 ratio was low (0.24–0.35), indicating dust pollution. The results indicate a strong relationship between PM10 dust particles and the number of vitamin D-deficient patients, indicating high levels of dust air pollution, which might have an influence on the high levels of vitamin D deficiency in Bahrain. This study hypothesized that dust events may reduce UV-B levels, leading to vitamin D deficiency (VDD). However, the results of the study supported this hypothesis only partially due to several limitations, including the unavailability of data on UV-B, dusty days, and dust particles (PM2.5 and PM10) at higher altitudes (20–30 Km).
Assessing the Effects of Wheat Planting on Groundwater Under Climate Change: A Quantitative Adaptive Sliding Window Detection Strategy
Authors: Fan Lingling , Chen Shi , Xia Lang , Zha Yan , Yang Peng
Published: December 2024

Climate change has led to changes in precipitation patterns, exacerbating the overextraction of groundwater for wheat irrigation. Although many studies have examined the effects of wheat cultivation on groundwater storage (GWS), few studies have directly assessed the effects of wheat planting on GWS. We proposed a wheat subsiding effect detection (WSED) strategy using time-series remote sensing image to assess the effect of wheat area on GWS across China. The subsiding magnitude of the WSED is calculated as the GWS difference between the wheat area and adjacent nonwheat area in the self-adaptive moving window (the size and position of the sliding window can be automatically adjusted based on the characteristics of the data at the central pixel location). The effects of the wheat area on groundwater storage differ greatly among the change types of wheat area and planting regionalization, characterized by the strong subsiding effect in the wheat stable area, gain area, and Huanghuaihai zone (HWW, the most important wheat-producing region in China mainly includes the provinces and municipalities of Beijing, Tianjin, Henan, Hebei, Shandong, Anhui, and Jiangsu). Nearly 80% of the wheat area in the stable and gain regions had lower groundwater depth than nonwheat areas with significant differences (p < 0.05), resulting in a clear declining groundwater trend of approximately −1 cm/year. This study provides quantitative evidence for the effects of wheat planting on GWS regarding agricultural production and climate change adaptations.
Re-Evaluating Deep Learning Attacks and Defenses in Cybersecurity Systems
Authors: Ahmed Meaad , Alasad Qutaiba , Yuan Jiann-Shiun , Alawad Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Cybersecurity attacks pose a significant threat to the security of network systems through intrusions and illegal communications. Measuring the vulnerability of cybersecurity is crucial for refining the overall system security to further mitigate potential security risks. Machine learning (ML)-based intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are mainly designed to detect malicious network traffic. Unfortunately, ML models have recently been demonstrated to be vulnerable to adversarial perturbation, and therefore enable potential attackers to crash the system during normal operation. Among different attacks, generative adversarial networks (GANs) have been known as one of the most powerful threats to cybersecurity systems. To address these concerns, it is important to explore new defense methods and understand the nature of different types of attacks. In this paper, we investigate four serious attacks, GAN, Zeroth-Order Optimization (ZOO), kernel density estimation (KDE), and DeepFool attacks, on cybersecurity. Deep analysis was conducted on these attacks using three different cybersecurity datasets, ADFA-LD, CSE-CICIDS2018, and CSE-CICIDS2019. Our results have shown that KDE and DeepFool attacks are stronger than GANs in terms of attack success rate and impact on system performance. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we develop a defensive model using adversarial training where the DeepFool method is used to generate adversarial examples. The model is evaluated against GAN, ZOO, KDE, and DeepFool attacks to assess the level of system protection against adversarial perturbations. The experiment was conducted by leveraging a deep learning model as a classifier with the three aforementioned datasets. The results indicate that the proposed defensive model refines the resilience of the system and mitigates the presented serious attacks.
Advances in Organoid Research and Developmental Engineering
Authors: Hauser Peter V.
Published: December 2024

Over the last decade, organoid research has emerged as a transformative field in biomedical science, offering unparalleled opportunities in disease modeling, pharmacological testing, and tissue engineering [...]
Personalized Game-Based Content and Performance: A Pilot Study on a Digital Intervention for Children with ADHD
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil , Song Jeong-Heon , Kong Na-Yeong
Published: December 2024

Mobile-based digital interventions for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been developed to alleviate their symptoms. When developing mobile game-based digital interventions for ADHD treatment, it is important to research how the emotional responses of the target audience members—based on flashy visuals or difficulty adjustments to motivate the user—affect their content manipulation ability. This study performed a correlation analysis to examine the impact of perceived difficulty and enjoyment (interest) on the performance of children diagnosed with ADHD while engaging in game-based digital content. Statistically significant differences were observed in the following variables based on the enjoyment level: correct rate (p = 0.0040), decision time (p = 0.0302), difficulty (p < 0.0001), and touch time (p = 0.0249). Considering difficulty level, statistically significant differences were observed for correct rate (p = 0.0011), decision time (p = 0.0158), and difficulty (p < 0.0001). Correlation analysis between the variables correct rate, decision time, difficulty, touch, time limit, and touch time based on enjoyment and difficulty did not reveal significant correlations. Therefore, for children with ADHD, digital interventions should focus on the therapeutic goals rather than on flashy visuals or difficulty adjustments aimed at enhancing interest. Based on these results, further research exploring how psychological states affect performance regarding digital content is necessary.
First Report on Rigid Plate Fixation for Enhanced Sternal Closure in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: Safety and Outcomes
Authors: Miazza Jules , Reuthebuch Benedikt , Bruehlmeier Florian , Camponovo Ulisse , Maguire Rory , Koechlin Luca , Vasiloi Ion , Gahl Brigitta , Vöhringer Luise , Reuthebuch Oliver , Eckstein Friedrich , Santer David
Published: December 2024

Introduction: This study reports of the use of a rigid-plate fixation (RPF) system designed for sternal closure after minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Methods: This retrospective analysis included all patients undergoing MICS with RPF (Zimmer Biomet, Jacksonville, FL, USA) at our institution. We analyzed in-hospital complications, as well as sternal complications and sternal pain at discharge and at follow-up 7 to 14 months after surgery. Results: Between June and December 2023, 12 patients underwent RPF during MICS, of which 9 patients were included in the study. The median (IQR) age was 64 years (63 to 71) and two patients (22%) were female. All patients underwent aortic valve replacement, with two patients (22%) undergoing concomitant aortic surgery. RPF was successfully performed in all patients. ICU and in-hospital stay were 1 day (1 to 1) and 9 days (7 to 13), respectively. Patients were first mobilized in the standing position on postoperative day 2 (2 to 2). Four patients (44%) required opiates on the general ward. In-hospital mortality was 0%. At discharge, rates of sternal pain, sternal instability or infection were 0%. After a follow-up time of 343.6 days (217 to 433), median pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale was 0 (0 to 2). Forty-four percent (n = 4) of patients reported pain at rest. No sternal complications (sternal dehiscence, sternal mal-union, sternal instability, superficial wound infections and deep sternal wound infections) were reported. Conclusions: In the evolving landscape of cardiac therapies with incentives to reduce surgical burden, RPF showed safety and feasibility. It might become an important tool for sternal closure in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
A Highly Stable Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Metal–Organic Framework/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for Monitoring the Ammonium in Sweat
Authors: Hua Yunzhi , Mai Junhao , Su Rourou , Ma Chengwei , Liu Jiayi , Zhao Cong , Zhang Qian , Liao Changrui , Wang Yiping
Published: December 2024

The demand for non-invasive, real-time health monitoring has driven advancements in wearable sensors for tracking biomarkers in sweat. Ammonium ions (NH4+) in sweat serve as indicators of metabolic function, muscle fatigue, and kidney health. Although current ion-selective all-solid-state printed sensors based on nanocomposites typically exhibit good sensitivity (~50 mV/log [NH4+]), low detection limits (LOD ranging from 10−6 to 10−7 M), and wide linearity ranges (from 10−5 to 10−1 M), few have reported the stability test results necessary for their integration into commercial products for future practical applications. This study presents a highly stable, wearable electrochemical sensor based on a composite of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for monitoring NH4+ in sweat. The synergistic properties of Ni-based MOFs and rGO enhance the sensor’s electrochemical performance by improving charge transfer rates and expanding the electroactive surface area. The MOF/rGO sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, with a Nernstian response of 59.2 ± 1.5 mV/log [NH4+], an LOD of 10−6.37 M, and a linearity range of 10−6 to 10−1 M. Additionally, the hydrophobic nature of the MOF/rGO composite prevents water layer formation at the sensing interface, thereby enhancing long-term stability, while its high double-layer capacitance minimizes potential drift (7.2 µV/s (i = ±1 nA)) in short-term measurements. Extensive testing verified the sensor’s exceptional stability, maintaining consistent performance and stable responses across varying NH4+ concentrations over 7 days under ambient conditions. On-body tests further confirmed the sensor’s suitability for the continuous monitoring of NH4+ levels during physical activities. Further investigations are required to fully elucidate the impact of interference from other sweat components (such as K+, Na+, Ca2+, etc.) and the influence of environmental factors (including the subject’s physical activity, posture, etc.). With a clearer understanding of these factors, the sensor has the potential to emerge as a promising tool for wearable health monitoring applications.
A Normative Model Representing Autistic Individuals Amidst Autism Spectrum Phenotypic Heterogeneity
Authors: Portolese Joana , Gomes Catarina Santos , Daguano Gastaldi Vinicius , Paula Cristiane Silvestre , Caetano Sheila C. , Bordini Daniela , Brunoni Décio , Mari Jair de Jesus , Vêncio Ricardo Z. N. , Brentani Helena
Published: December 2024

Background: Currently, there is a need for approaches to understand and manage the multidimensional autism spectrum and quantify its heterogeneity. The diagnosis is based on behaviors observed in two key dimensions, social communication and repetitive, restricted behaviors, alongside the identification of required support levels. However, it is now recognized that additional modifiers, such as language abilities, IQ, and comorbidities, are essential for a more comprehensive assessment of the complex clinical presentations and clinical trajectories in autistic individuals. Different approaches have been used to identify autism subgroups based on the genetic and clinical heterogeneity, recognizing the importance of autistic behaviors and the assessment of modifiers. While valuable, these methods are limited in their ability to evaluate a specific individual in relation to a normative reference sample of autistic individuals. A quantitative score based on axes of phenotypic variability could be useful to compare individuals, evaluate the homogeneity of subgroups, and follow trajectories of an individual or a specific group. Here we propose an approach by (i) combining measures of phenotype variability that contribute to clinical presentation and could impact different trajectories in autistic persons and (ii) using it with normative modeling to assess the clinical heterogeneity of a specific individual. Methods: Using phenotypic data available in a comprehensive reference sample, the Simons Simplex Collection (n = 2744 individuals), we performed principal component analysis (PCA) to find components of phenotypic variability. Features that contribute to clinical heterogeneity and could impact trajectories in autistic people were assessed by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Cognitive assessment was estimated by the Total Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Results: Three PCs embedded 72% of the normative sample variance. PCA-projected dimensions supported normative modeling where a multivariate normal distribution was used to calculate percentiles. A Multidimensional General Functionality Score (MGFS) to evaluate new prospective single subjects was developed based on percentiles. Conclusions: Our approach proposes a basis for comparing individuals, or one individual at two or more times and evaluating homogeneity in phenotypic clinical presentation and possibly guides research sample selection for clinical trials.
The Impact of Selective Spatial Attention on Auditory–Tactile Integration: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: An Weichao , Zhang Nan , Li Shengnan , Yu Yinghua , Wu Jinglong , Yang Jiajia
Published: December 2024

Background: Auditory–tactile integration is an important research area in multisensory integration. Especially in special environments (e.g., traffic noise and complex work environments), auditory–tactile integration is crucial for human response and decision making. We investigated the influence of attention on the temporal course and spatial distribution of auditory–tactile integration. Methods: Participants received auditory stimuli alone, tactile stimuli alone, and simultaneous auditory and tactile stimuli, which were randomly presented on the left or right side. For each block, participants attended to all stimuli on the designated side and detected uncommon target stimuli while ignoring all stimuli on the other side. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded via 64 scalp electrodes. Integration was quantified by comparing the response to the combined stimulus to the sum of the responses to the auditory and tactile stimuli presented separately. Results: The results demonstrated that compared to the unattended condition, integration occurred earlier and involved more brain regions in the attended condition when the stimulus was presented in the left hemispace. The unattended condition involved a more extensive range of brain regions and occurred earlier than the attended condition when the stimulus was presented in the right hemispace. Conclusions: Attention can modulate auditory–tactile integration and show systematic differences between the left and right hemispaces. These findings contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of auditory–tactile information processing in the human brain.
Positive and Negative Affect Differentially Predict Individual Differences and Intra-Individual Changes in Daily Cognitive Failures in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Guevarra Ysabel A. , Majeed Nadyanna M. , Hisham Eva M. , Hartanto Andree
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Cognitive failures, including lapses in attention, memory, and executive functioning, can negatively affect daily performance and well-being. Negative and positive affectivity have been implicated in cognitive functioning, yet their relationship with cognitive failures remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of positive and negative affect on cognitive failures, using daily diary methods to examine both within-person and between-person associations in a sample of younger adults from Singapore and adults across the lifespan from the United States (US). (2) Methods: Participants (Singapore: N = 253, US: N = 1726) completed daily diaries over seven (Singapore) or eight (US) consecutive days. Multilevel modelling was used to analyse both within- and between-person relationships between affect and cognitive failures, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic variables. (3) Results: In both the Singapore and US samples, negative affect was consistently positively associated with cognitive failures at both levels (SG within-person: β = 0.21, p < 0.001; SG between-person: β = 0.58, p < 0.001; US within-person: β = 0.08, p < 0.001; US between-person: β = 0.28, p < 0.001), supporting the influence of negative affective experiences on cognitive lapses. However, positive affect showed no significant associations with daily cognitive failures in the Singapore sample (within-person: β = 0.01, p = 0.683; between-person: β = −0.04, p = 0.484) and only a between-person negative association in the US sample (within-person: β = 0.02, p = 0.157; between-person: β = −0.11, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: These findings suggest that positive and negative affect differentially influence individual differences and intra-individual changes in daily cognitive failures among both younger and older adults.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Clinical Perspective
Authors: Jacques Louis
Published: December 2024

Objective: The etiology of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is still debated, which is an obstacle to assessing treatment options. An analysis of the scientific literature combined with the clinical experience can suggest some avenues. Methods: The etiology of MCS and its underlying mechanisms were reviewed from the scientific literature to identify the main factors contributing to its development. The results of the studies involving biomarkers and cerebral imaging techniques on MCS subjects were compared with those performed on subjects having the comorbidities of MCS. From the scientific literature and the experience in a clinical setting in occupational and environmental medicine, distinct types of MCS were looked for, with the application of the underlying mechanisms. The potential effectiveness of available treatments was also reviewed. Results: Among many factors, unresolved emotional traumas causing chronic and acute stress reactions play an important role in the development of MCS and can be the basis for effective treatment. We identified three types of clinical presentations, called the accidental type, following a toxic exposure causing an associated emotional trauma, the associative type, following a repeated innocuous exposure in a threatening context, and the developmental type, following a traumatic childhood/adolescence causing hypervigilance and chronic stress/trauma-related disorders. We presented real cases to illustrate these types and the mechanisms behind their development, as well as effective resolution. Conclusions: MCS and its comorbidities could be treated effectively when the underlying emotional trauma(s) are targeted using trauma-focused psychotherapy and other therapies. Diagnostic criteria, principles of treatment and prevention, and avenues for research were derived from this analysis.
Exploring Sociodemographic Correlates of Fathers’ and Mothers’ Behavioral Control
Authors: Xu Xiaoyan , Hanafi Zahyah , Razak Nordin Abd
Published: December 2024

Parental behavioral control is one of the most common parenting practices employed by parents in China. It is necessary to identify this practice and how it may be influenced by adolescents’ and parents’ sociodemographic factors in order to develop family intervention strategies. The present study examined whether fathers’ and mothers’ behavioral control was related to adolescents’ gender, age, and sibling status and parents’ age, education level, and income. A sample of 916 adolescents, aged 11–15 years, reported their fathers’ and mothers’ parental behavioral control. In terms of adolescents’ gender, boys perceived higher level of fathers’ behavioral control compared to girls. Regarding parents’ sociodemographic factors, the level of mothers’ behavioral control was higher compared to that of fathers. Mothers’ education levels were reported to have a negative relationship with maternal behavioral control. Regarding adolescents’ gender differences, there was a positive relationship between fathers’ educational levels and behavioral control in adolescent boys. However, there was a positive relationship between fathers’ monthly income and fathers’ behavioral control in adolescent girls rather than boys. In addition, there was a negative relationship between mothers’ age and behavioral control in adolescent girls but not in boys. These findings add to the literature on Chinese mothers’ and fathers’ parenting and offer practical implications for Chinese family interventions.
Influence of Gender, Parental Control, Academic Performance and Physical Activity Level on the Characteristics of Video Game Use and Associated Psychosocial Problems in Adolescents
Authors: Isorna-Folgar Manuel , Mateo-Orcajada Adrián , Failde-Garrido José María , Dapia-Conde María Dolores , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel
Published: December 2024

Previous research has determined the relevance of video games for adolescents; however, it has not been possible to establish differences in usage patterns and certain psychological variables according to gender, parental control, academic performance, physical activity level or game type, nor the relationship between these variables. For this reason, the aims of this research were as follows: (a) to determine the differences in the gaming variables and the psychological variables related to video games according to gender, the closest environment, the academic performance and the level of physical activity; and (b) to determine which gaming variables and behavioral variables influence psychological variables in adolescents. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out involving 2567 adolescents (mean age: 15.06 ± 2.81 years). Participants completed eight questionnaires on the study variables. The results showed that males play more video games than females; play different types of games and on different platforms; and have more psychological problems than females. Having separated parents and having a greater parental control over video game use is associated with more time spent playing video games. Poorer academic performance is related to playing shooters and open-world games, as well as with a more negative emotional response. However, playing shooters and sport and racing games is related to more physical activity. Playing online games, mainly with strangers, is related to higher addictive and problematic uses. In addition, the times of use during the week and on weekends, especially on weekends, stand out as predictors of most psychological variables related to video games in adolescents. This study provides further scientific evidence on the role of certain behavioral and game-related variables in the relationship between video games and well-being. In addition, it highlights the importance of analyzing in the future those video game players who do not have a problematic or addictive use of video games, but who play frequently without any associated problem. From a practical perspective, the promotion of video games with social and cooperative components, or those that promote physical activity, could be related to social and psychological benefits.
The Relationship Between Face-Based First Impressions and Perceptions of Purity and Compared to Other Moral Violations
Authors: McCulloch Kate , Steele Yoshi , Gheorghiu Ana I.
Published: December 2024

A trait labelled as “morality” has been argued to be perceived and prioritised during first impressions of faces; however, immorality is not a homogenous concept. Violations of purity are frequently distinguished from other violations via distinct behavioural and emotional patterns, arguably stemming from physical disgust, sexual content, or “weirdness” impure scenarios. In the current research, participants were asked to rate unfamiliar faces based on social traits and their likelihood of engaging in immoral or nonmoral behaviours. Across two studies, perceived engagement in most autonomy and purity moral violations but also the non-moral sexual and “weird” acts was predicted by lower facial morality. There was also a distinction wherein most purity violations and physical disgust were more associated with male gender, and most autonomy violations with ratings of high dominance. The scenarios also differed within categories, such as sexually impure scenarios and disgust associated with unattractive faces; while behaving “weirdly” and certain other purity violations were associated with low dominance. Taken together, our results suggest faces seemingly low on the trait labelled “morality” are perceived as more likely to engage in most immoral behaviours, but also in other socially relevant, nonmoral behaviours. Social judgements are also not homogenous within or between theory-based categories of moral violations.
Vibration Reduction Performance of a Novel Harmonic Frequency Damping Device for Damping Pad Floating Slab Track
Authors: Chen Zhaowei , Zhang Hanbo , Pu Qianhua , Xu Pengfei , Chen Zhihui
Published: December 2024

The stability of the damping pad floating slab track (DPFST) plays a critical role in the operational safety and passenger comfort of urban rail transit systems and represents a significant technical challenge. This paper introduces a novel harmonic frequency damping device (HFDD) with preload characteristics to enhance DPFST stability. First, the rubber damping pad’s constitutive relationship is determined using uniaxial tensile tests and the Mooney–Rivlin model. Next, a vehicle–track coupled dynamic model and a finite element model of the DPFST with HFDD are developed. Finally, the effects of HFDD installation and parameter adjustments on the DPFS’s modal and dynamic responses are examined. Results show that the HFDD effectively adjusts the DPFS’s natural frequency and suppresses its acceleration and displacement. Increasing HFDD stiffness from 0 to 10 kN/mm raises the DPFS’s natural frequency by up to 7.58 Hz. Within the stiffness and damping ranges of 0–20 kN/mm and 0–100 kN·s/m, respectively, the HFDD significantly reduces DPFS vibration, with maximum reductions in acceleration of 45.64% and 64.24% and in displacement of 47.55% and 39.06%. However, beyond these ranges, further increases in stiffness and damping substantially reduce the HFDD’s vibration suppression effectiveness and excessively high values are impractical for engineering use.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things in Cultural Heritage Preservation: A Systematic Review of Risk Management and Environmental Monitoring Strategies
Authors: Laohaviraphap Neeraparng , Waroonkun Tanut
Published: December 2024

Heritage buildings are increasingly vulnerable to environmental challenges like air pollution and climate change. Traditional preservation methods primarily rely on periodic inspections and manual interventions and struggle to address these evolving and dynamic threats. This systematic review analyzes how integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can transform cultural heritage preservation. Using the PRISMA guidelines, 92 articles from SCOPUS were reviewed, highlighting key risk management and environmental monitoring methodologies. The study found that while IoT enables real-time air quality and structural health monitoring, AI enhances data analysis, providing predictive insights. The combination of IoT and AI facilitates proactive risk management, ensuring more resilient conservation strategies. Despite the growing use of these technologies, adoption remains uneven, particularly in regions most impacted by climate change. The study identifies significant research gaps and proposes an innovative framework that leverages Heritage Building Information Modeling (H-BIM) and Digital Twin (DT) for continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance through a multi-step process, beginning with the digitalization of heritage assets using H-BIM, followed by the creation of real-time digital replicas via DT. By integrating advanced technologies, the framework offers a more adaptive and sustainable approach to preserving cultural heritage, addressing both immediate threats and long-term vulnerabilities. This research underscores the need for a global, technology-driven response to safeguard heritage buildings for future generations.
Numerical Simulation of Uplift Behavior of a Rock-Socketed Pier Anchored by Inclined Anchors in Rock Masses
Authors: Peng Yuan , Shu Qijun , Zhang Huayu , Huang Hao , Zhang Yiqing , Qian Zengzhen
Published: December 2024

The rock-socketed pier anchored by inclined anchors (RPIA) is a new type of foundation developed by combining a rock-socketed pier and inclined anchors. Current research on RPIA is relatively limited, and the impact of design parameters on its bearing performance remains unclear. To investigate the uplift-bearing performance of RPIA, a finite-element model that considers the nonlinear properties of materials and multidirectional interactions was developed and verified. Based on this model, numerical simulations were performed on twenty-five RPIA that were designed using the L25 orthogonal array proposed by the Taguchi method, and the uplift load–displacement curve for each RPIA was obtained. Based on the interpretation of the elastic limit, uplift resistance, initial stiffness, and the ductility index for each simulated RPIA, the sensitivity of each factor was examined by analyzing the signal-to-noise ratio and variance. The results indicated that rock strength and pier diameter were the main factors determining the uplift performance of the RPIAs, while the angle of inclined anchors is the most influential factor affecting the ductility of RPIA. The primary role of the inclined anchor is to reduce the extraction of the pier after failure of the side resistance between the pier and rock mass, thus significantly enhancing the ductility of the uplift-loaded RPIA. The addition of reinforcements around the connection joints of the pier and anchors may prevent concrete failure and to fully execute the role of inclined anchors.