bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Are We Watching the Same Video?”: On the Definition of the Situation and Audience Sense‐Making on Social Media about the Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Marilyn Manson
Authors: Hannem Stacey , Schneider Christopher J.
Published: January 2025

How situations are defined is a social process. This paper examines how users on YouTube make sense of the alleged sexual assault perpetrated by shock rocker Marilyn Manson in the 2007 “Heart Shaped‐Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)” music video. Actor Evan Rachel Wood revealed in a 2022 documentary that she had been “essentially raped” by Manson in the video. Using qualitative media analysis, we collected and analyzed a total of 5466 user‐generated comments on YouTube posted in response to the “Heart‐Shaped Glasses” video after the publication of Wood's allegations. The research question that we explore is: How do users on YouTube understand the “Heart‐Shaped Glasses” video in light of Wood's allegations? Does the video depict a consensual simulated sex scene or is it documentation of a criminal sexual assault? Our analysis and findings reveal that users' interpretations of social cues provided in the video are subject to external forces of narration. Specifically, users draw explicitly and implicitly on both rape myths and on counter‐narratives stemming from the #MeToo movement to justify their support for Manson or for Wood, respectively. Media narratives about the “Heart‐Shaped Glasses” video and the user's orientation to the problem of sexual violence appear to be more salient social cues than the video footage itself in determining how commenters defined the video. These findings offer some insights specifically into how definitional processes, with respect to sexual violence, draw on socially established narratives, like rape myths or pro‐survivor activism. More generally, the findings provide a lens to consider how definitional processes operate in other kinds of situations in which the definition of actions recorded on video is contested. Video Abstract: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo7qxmTwA‐U.
Economic Potentials of Using Black Soldier Flies in Transforming Solid Bio‐Waste Into Animal Feeds to Mitigate Greenhouse Gases Emission in Tanzania
Authors: Kamugisha Proscovia Paschal
Published: January 2025

Tanzania's waste generation increases with national population growth and urbanization. Coupled with linear waste management approaches practiced in Tanzania, the waste aggravates greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions and defeats Sustainable Development Goal 13 intending to minimize GHGs emissions through waste close loop management options. This paper advocates for the use of Black Soldier Flies (BSF) farming to mitigate the emissions and convert bio‐waste into resourceful animal feeds. The review shows that bio‐waste accounts for two‐thirds of the national municipal solid wastes generated. The BSF farming is envisaged to reduce bio‐waste by 50% and transform the GHGs into harmless compounds to get rid of their health‐related concerns. It is recommended that further investigation for economic feasibility of BSF farming is conducted to inform potential investors about the viability of BSF investments in Tanzania.
A Review on the Environmental Impact and Management of Sugar Mill Effluent Through Phytoremediation
Authors: Singh Priyanshi , Verma Aanchal , Pratibha  , Kumari Alka
Published: January 2025

The discharge of untreated effluents from sugar mills leads to the accumulation of toxic metals and metalloids such as Copper (Cu) (6.88–0.032 mg/L), Zinc (Zn) (20.0–0.26 mg/L), Iron (Fe) (44.27–1.228 mg/L), Manganese (Mn) (11.45–0.095 mg/L), Chromium (Cr) (2.72–0.012 mg/L), Nickel (Ni) (0.19 mg/L), Lead (Pb) (0.52–0.032 mg/L), Cadmium (Cd) (7.33–0.02 mg/L), and Arsenic (As) (0.2 mg/L). This poses significant hazards to both the environment and human health. Phytoremediation methods have the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of toxic substances on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These methods utilize the natural ability of plants to absorb mineral nutrients from soil and water sources. Certain terrestrial and aquatic plant species show remarkable efficacy in removing both organic and inorganic pollutants. Numerous plants, including Typha latifolia, Eichhornia crassipes, Euphorbia prostrata, Lemna minor, Pistia stratiotes, and Salvinia minima, are effective metal accumulators for cleaning up heavy‐metal‐polluted water and soil. By employing advanced phytoremediation techniques, the phytoremediation capability of these plants can be further enhanced. Overall, phytoremediation offers a simple, practical, economical, sustainable, and artistic process that eliminates pollutants from the soil and water in a natural way. It is also a conservational procedure that may be used in the amelioration of sugar mill effluents as well as may be utilized in the future to clean air, water, and soil. The present review highlights the current status of the toxicity of sugar mill effluents and the intervention of technologically advanced treatments/processes (biological and chemical) to enhance its phytoremediation efficacy. Moreover, the present review also elucidates the secondary benefits of phytoremediation applications. This technique can be utilized in the production of biomass‐based energy, feedstock for pyrolysis, biofortified products, and carbon sequestrations, which can contribute to phyto management programs.
Impact of the “July effect” in head and neck microvascular reconstruction: A retrospective review
Authors: De Ravin Emma , Cao Austin C. , Carey Ryan M. , Elliott Zachary , Sakkal Marah , Slijepcevic Allison , Petrisor Daniel , Taghizadeh Farshid , Newman Jason G. , Curry Joseph , Wax Mark K. , Cannady Steven B.
Published: January 2025

Objective

The “July effect,” a theory that the beginning of the academic year has worse operative outcomes and complication rates, remains controversial. We evaluated the “July effect” as a risk factor for negative operative outcomes in head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

Methods

Multi‐institutional retrospective review at three academic tertiary care centers from January 2010 to August 2021. Free flaps were stratified by the academic quarter. Patient factors, operative variables, length of stay (LOS), flap failures, and postoperative complications and adverse events were compared between academic quarters 1 and 4.

Results

We identified 2897 free flaps: 749 quarter 1 (Q1), 693 quarter 2 (Q2), 770 quarter 3 (Q3), and 685 quarter 4 (Q4). Overall flap failure rate was 4.9% (n = 143), and the most common postoperative complications were wound infection (12.8%, n = 370) and dehiscence (7.6%, n = 221). There were no significant differences between quarters in overall complication rate, flap failures, partial flap necrosis, wound infection, fistula, or hematoma (p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in LOS or rates of 30‐day readmission or reoperation (p > 0.05). Q1 had significantly more dehiscences (p = 0.04) and longer operative times (p = 0.001) than Q4.

Conclusion

Although Q1 surgeries had significantly longer operative times and higher dehiscence rates, we found no other differences in postoperative complications, flap failures, or adverse events by the academic quarter. While a “July effect” may exist due to the integration of new trainees into the surgical workflow, this effect does not translate into meaningful differences in overall free flap or patient outcomes.
A Systems-Based Framework for Product Circularity Assessment
Authors: Guedes Gisele Bortolaz , Ko Junwon , Badurdeen Fazleena , Jawahir I. S. , Morris K. C. , Ferrero Vincenzo
Published: January 2025

One of the key aspects of Circular Economy (CE), particularly when focusing on the product level, lies in its emphasis on designing products to facilitate the circulation of resources and maximize value throughout their entire lifecycle. To effectively develop such products an understanding of the characteristics of circular products (CP) is needed. Adopting a systems perspective that considers the total lifecycle and stakeholders involved and recognizing interdependencies among them is essential for identifying factors that characterize CPs. Existing methods for assessing product circularity do not identify all factors that characterize CPs and have limitations in the measurement methods proposed, leading to poor industry adoption. This research aims to develop a systems-based framework with clearly defined attributes, indicators, and metrics for product circularity assessment (PCA) to facilitate more effective design practices for CPs. A two-pronged approach, with industry engagement, is followed to address this gap: first, a systematic analysis of literature is conducted to identify key attributes and establish a clear foundation of what constitutes a CP; secondly, a comprehensive examination of indicators and metrics to evaluate the attributes is undertaken. This paper presents the preliminary systems-based framework for PCA with example attributes, indicators, and metrics, specifically for consumer electronic product circularity evaluation and directions for further research.
PPLRC—Language and Culture Survey Handbook—Technical Standards
Authors:   Center for the Protection and Research of Language Resources of China at Beijing Language and Culture University
Published: January 2025

The sites chosen to be surveyed are to obtain data mainly about Chinese dialects, as well as about minority languages. They are situated mostly in places where Chinese dialects are spoken though other regional factors may also be taken into consideration. Survey sites for minority languages are selected according to their importance and research value.
Surface operators and exact holography
Authors: Choi Changha , Gomis Jaume , García Raquel Izquierdo
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Surface operators are nonlocal probes of gauge theories capable of distinguishing phases that are not discernible by the classic Wilson-’t Hooft criterion. We prove that the correlation function of a surface operator with a chiral primary operator in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills is a finite polynomial in the Yang-Mills coupling constant. Surprisingly, in spite of these observables receiving nontrivial quantum corrections, we find that these correlation functions are exactly captured in the ’t Hooft limit by supergravity in asymptotically AdS5 × S5 [1] ! We also calculate exactly the surface operator vacuum expectation value and the correlator of a surface operator with 1/8-BPS Wilson loops using supersymmetric localization. We demonstrate that these correlation functions in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM realize in a nontrivial fashion the conjectured action of S-duality. Finally, we perturbatively quantize $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM around the surface operator singularity and identify the Feynman diagrams that, when summed over, reproduce the exact result obtained by localization.
ALP-ine quests at the LHC: hunting axion-like particles via peaks and dips in $$ t\overline{t} $$ production
Authors: Anuar Afiq , Biekötter Anke , Biekötter Thomas , Grohsjean Alexander , Heinemeyer Sven , Jeppe Laurids , Schwanenberger Christian , Weiglein Georg
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We present an analysis of the sensitivity of current and future LHC searches for new spin-0 particles in top–anti-top-quark $$ \left(t\overline{t}\right) $$

t

t
¯

final states, focusing on generic axion-like particles (ALPs) that are coupled to top quarks and gluons. As a first step, we derive new limits on the effective ALP Lagrangian in terms of the Wilson coefficients ct and $$ {c}_{\overset{\sim }{G}} $$

c

G
~

based on the results of the CMS search using 35.9 fb−1 of data, collected at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 13 TeV. We then investigate how the production of an ALP with generic couplings to gluons and top quarks can be distinguished from the production of a pseudoscalar which couples to gluons exclusively via a top-quark loop. To this end, we make use of the invariant $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

mass distribution and angular correlations that are sensitive to the $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

spin correlation. Using a mass of 400 GeV as an example, we find that already the data collected during Run 2 and Run 3 of the LHC provides an interesting sensitivity to the underlying nature of a possible new particle. We also analyze the prospects for data anticipated to be collected during the high-luminosity phase of the LHC. Finally, we compare the limits obtained from the $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

searches to existing experimental bounds from LHC searches for narrow di-photon resonances, from measurements of the production of four top quarks, and from global analyses of ALP–SMEFT interference effects.
Fiction writing workshops to explore staff perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education
Authors: Dixon Neil , Cox Andrew
Published: January 2025

This study explores perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in the higher education workplace through innovative use of fiction writing workshops. Twenty-three participants took part in three workshops, imagining the application of AI assistants and chatbots to their roles. Key themes were identified, including perceived benefits and challenges of AI implementation, interface design implications, and factors influencing task delegation to AI. Participants envisioned AI primarily as a tool to enhance task efficiency rather than fundamentally transform job roles. This research contributes insights into the desires and concerns of educational users regarding AI adoption, highlighting potential barriers such as value alignment.
The mod-p representation theory of the metaplectic cover of $$\operatorname {GL}_2(\textbf{Q}_p)$$
Authors: Witthaus Robin
Published: January 2025

Half-integral weight modular forms are naturally viewed as automorphic forms on the so-called metaplectic covering of

$$\operatorname {GL}_2(\textbf{A}_{\textbf{Q}})$$

GL
2

(

A
Q

)

—a central extension by the roots of unity

$$\mu _2$$

μ
2

in

$$\textbf{Q}$$

Q

. For an odd prime number p, we give a complete classification of the smooth irreducible genuine mod-p representations of the corresponding covering of

$$\operatorname {GL}_2(\textbf{Q}_p)$$

GL
2

(

Q
p

)

by showing that the functor of taking pro-p-Iwahori-invariants and its left adjoint define a bijection onto the set of simple right modules of the pro-p Iwahori Hecke algebra. As an application of our investigation of the irreducible subquotients of the universal module over the spherical Hecke algebra depending on some weight, we prove that being of finite length is equivalent to being finitely generated and admissible. Finally, we explain a relation to locally algebraic irreducible unramified genuine principal series representations.
Study of Different Cultivated Plants Rhizosphere Soil Fungi-Mediated Pectinase: Insights into Production, Optimization, Purification, Biocompatibility, and Application
Authors: Mwaheb Mai Ali , El-Aziz Basant Mohamed Abd , Abd-Elhalim Basma T. , El-Kassim Nabil Abo , Radwan Tharwat E. E.
Published: January 2025

Microorganisms are preferred as an enzyme source due to their short lifespan, high production rate, affordability, and absence of harmful chemicals in enzymes generated from plant and animal sources. Fungi communities are biological factories for many bioactive compounds such as the important industrial enzyme pectinase. The current study dealt with production, optimization, purification, biocompatibility, and application of fungal pectinase obtained from five plant rhizospheres (banana, jarawa, lemon, tomato, and wheat) at Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. The highest pectinase degrading index (PDI) was scored for FB5, FJ2, and FW1 isolates. Pectinase production was also examined quantitively and the highest output of 1603.67, 1311.22, and 1264.83 U/ml was gained by FB5, FJ1, and FW1 fungal isolates, respectively. The most active pectinase-producing fungi were identified as Aspergillus niveus strain AUMC1624, A. niger strain AUMC16245, and A. brasiliensis strain AUMC16244, respectively. For pectinase production optimization, one factor at a time (OFAT) protocol was applied and revealed that A. niger, A. niveus, and A. brasiliensis reached maximum pectinase levels at 1% pectin after 5, 7, and 7 days, at 40, 45, and 45 °C, respectively. Obtained pectinases were partially purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation (ASP) and organic solvent precipitation (OSP) methods. The highest activity using the ASP method scored at 40–60% saturation with A. niger. The thermostability characterization of A. niger pectinase was reached with relative activities of 61.7, 69.0, 99.9, 91.3, and 90.6% at temperatures ranging between 30 and 70 °C. pH optimized at pH 5–7. The enzyme’s molecular weight was approximately 35 kDa. The GC-mass analysis of pectinase end products included acetic acid ethyl ester, hexadecane carbonsaure methylase, and hexadecenoic acid. The biocompatibility was examined using a human skin cell line (HFb-4) for the first time, with a minimal half concentration (IC50) of 151.86 ± 0.76 U/ml. The biocompatible pectinase was applied as a clothes bioscouring agent with different concentrations of 1893.52 U/ml achieving the highest bioscouring with 20.0%.
Eversion cruroplasty and collar overwrap: a novel hybrid approach for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease in children, with assessment of mid-term outcomes
Authors: Seleim Hamed M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Surgical fundoplication remains integral in managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by addressing gastroesophageal valve incompetence. This study introduces a novel hybrid approach, the Eversion Cruroplasty and Collar Overwrap (ECCO) procedure, aiming to combine benefits of conventional partial wrapping and posteromedial cardiopexy, considering gastric fundus anatomical peculiarities as an anti-reflux barrier.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients presenting with refractory GERD from 2021 to 2023 was conducted. Inclusion criteria focused on primary GERD cases; secondary and redo cases were excluded. Diagnostic modalities included upper gastrointestinal contrast series and endoscopy. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were assessed.

Results

Among 57 cases, 8 with recurrent hiatal hernia were excluded. Enrolled cases (n = 49) had a mean age of 3.78 years and mean weight of 11.9 kg. All underwent laparoscopic ECCO procedure, with a mean operative time of 87 min.

During follow-up, six children experienced transient gas-bloat, and four had temporary dysphagia to solids. Two cases required revisions for absolute failures, while three managed partial recurrences with proton pump inhibitors. Of the total 49 cases, only nine required postoperative endoscopic assessment, which revealed a fully competent cardia with adequate wrapping in four of them. The remaining 40 cases demonstrated clinical improvement with the cessation of PPIs over a mean follow-up period of 11.6 months.

Conclusions

‘Eversion Cruroplasty’ preserves crural pillar muscle excursion, avoiding segmentation seen with traditional suturing. The ‘Collar Overwrap’ achieves a 90% success rate, aligning the GE-junction while maintaining fundic pouch geometry, emphasizing its effectiveness and anatomical fidelity.
Free boundary CMC annuli in spherical and hyperbolic balls
Authors: Cerezo Alberto , Fernández Isabel , Mira Pablo
Published: January 2025

We construct, for any

$$H\in \mathbb {R}$$

H
∈
R

, infinitely many free boundary annuli in geodesic balls of

$$\mathbb {S}^3$$

S

3

with constant mean curvature H and a discrete, non-rotational, symmetry group. Some of these free boundary CMC annuli are actually embedded if

$$H\ge 1/\sqrt{3}$$

H
≥
1
/

3

. We also construct embedded, non-rotational, free boundary CMC annuli in geodesic balls of

$$\mathbb {H}^3$$

H

3

, for all values

$$H>1$$

H
>
1

of the mean curvature H.
Improving decision transparency in autonomous maritime collision avoidance
Authors: Madsen Andreas Nygard , Brandsæter Andreas , van de Merwe Koen , Park Jooyoung
Published: January 2025

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have laid the foundation for developing a sophisticated collision avoidance system for use in maritime autonomous surface ships, potentially enhancing maritime safety and decreasing the navigator’s workload. Understanding the reasoning behind an AI system is inherently difficult. To help the human operator understand what the AI system is doing and its reasoning, we employed a human-centered design approach to develop transparency layers that visualize different aspects of an operation by displaying labels, diagrams, and simulations intended to improve the user’s situation awareness (SA). The effectiveness and usability of the different layers were investigated through simulator-based experiments involving nautical students and licensed navigators. The SA global assessment technique was utilized to measure navigators’ SA. User satisfaction was also measured, and effective layers were identified. The results indicate that the transparency layers that enhance SA Level 3 are preferred by participants, suggesting a potential for improving human–AI compatibility. However, the introduction of transparency layers does not uniformly enhance SA across all levels, and a tendency toward passive decision-making was observed. The findings highlight the importance of balancing information presentation with the user’s cognitive capabilities and suggest that further research is needed to refine transparency layers for optimized human–AI compatibility in maritime navigation.
Season and Flow Drive Productivity of a Regulated River
Authors: Giling Darren P. , Broadhurst Ben , Dyer Fiona , Grace Michael , Joehnk Klaus , McInerney Paul J. , Pollino Carmel , Rees Gavin , Sengupta Ashmita , Tschierschke Alica , Thompson Ross M.
Published: January 2025

Flow regimes of river ecosystems worldwide have undergone substantial changes because of water resource development, altering the way in which organic matter is generated and cycled throughout entire river catchments. Flow–ecology studies have focused on structural variables measured at small spatial scales. This creates a challenging mismatch when applying adaptive flow management for ecosystem functioning at a catchment or regional scale. Here, we sought to inform flow management by evaluating the drivers of ecosystem metabolism in a regulated river and assessing our ability to predict metabolism at unmonitored locations. We estimated rates of ecosystem metabolism from high-frequency monitoring of dissolved oxygen concentration at eight sites on the Lachlan River of Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin. We then applied a spatio-temporal stream network model to predict metabolism at unmonitored locations using only remotely sensed and gauging station predictor variables. Gross primary productivity (GPP) was higher at sites with lower mean annual discharge, and strong seasonal patterns in rates of productivity tended to be disrupted by rising flows. Similarly, ecosystem respiration (ER) was higher at sites with lower mean annual discharge and lower annual flow variation, but increased slightly in response to higher daily flows. Predictions at validation sites were generally accurate, albeit with substantial site-to-site variation. Our results suggest that flow changes may have altered metabolic rates from conditions prior to water abstraction and dam construction. These findings will assist in managing flows for ecosystem function outcomes and support extrapolation from monitored sites to the broad scales required for evaluating catchment-scale outcomes of river management.
Substrate Origin Controls Phosphorus Availability in Globally Distributed Long-Term Chronosequences
Authors: Sáez-Sandino Tadeo , Gallardo Antonio , Durán Jorge , Wardle David A. , Hayes Patrick E. , Hart Stephen C. , García-Velázquez Laura , Pérez Cecilia A. , Siebe Christina , Berhe Asmeret Asefaw , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel
Published: January 2025

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important elements for soil biology and biogeochemistry worldwide. Yet, despite decades of research, important uncertainties persist about the drivers and changes in soil P forms during long-term soil formation. Here, we analyzed topsoils from nine globally distributed retrogressive soil chronosequences aiming to evaluate the relative contribution of key environmental factors (that is, soil age, substrate origin, climate, soil attributes, and vegetation) in explaining the long-term dynamics of primary, occluded, non-occluded, organic, and total P across different terrestrial ecosystems. We found that, rather than soil age, substrate origin was the main driver controlling the fate of different P fractions across contrasting environmental conditions. Moreover, our findings suggest that temporal patterns governing the long-term dynamics of different P forms as soils develop are not consistent among soil chronosequences, which is a result of contrasting environmental conditions, especially substrate origin. We further showed that topsoil total P was the greatest at intermediate soil development stage across the globe. Lastly, our results showed that P fractions were highly correlated with multiple surrogates of ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, plant productivity, and biodiversity. Together, our work provides new insights into the natural history of P availability, and further highlights that substrate origin, rather than soil age, is essential to predict changes in P availability in response to physical perturbation and climate change.
Application of a high-throughput swarm-based deep neural network Algorithm reveals SPAG5 downregulation as a potential therapeutic target in adult AML
Authors: Ajonu Chinyere I , Grundy Robert I , Ball Graham R , Zafeiris Dimitrios
Published: January 2025

Gene‒gene interactions play pivotal roles in disease pathogenesis and are fundamental in the development of targeted therapeutics, particularly through the elucidation of oncogenic gene drivers in cancer. The systematic analysis of pathways and gene interactions is critical in the drug discovery process for various cancer subtypes. SPAG5, known for its role in spindle formation during cell division, has been identified as an oncogene in several cancers, although its specific impact on AML remains underexplored. This study leverages a high-throughput swarm-based deep neural network (SDNN) and transcriptomic data—an approach that enhances predictive accuracy and robustness through collective intelligence—to augment, model, and enhance the understanding of the TP53 pathway in AML cohorts. Our integrative systems biology approach identified SPAG5 as a uniquely downregulated driver in adult AML, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic target. The interaction of SPAG5 with key hub genes such as MDM2 and CDK1 not only reinforces its role in tumour suppression through negative regulation but also highlights its potential in moderating the phenotypic and genomic alterations associated with AML progression. This study of the role and interaction dynamics of SPAG5 sets the stage for future research aimed at developing targeted and personalized treatment approaches for AML, utilizing the capabilities of genetic interventions.
Beyond one-shot explanations: a systematic literature review of dialogue-based xAI approaches
Authors: Mindlin Dimitry , Beer Fabian , Sieger Leonie Nora , Heindorf Stefan , Esposito Elena , Ngonga Ngomo Axel-Cyrille , Cimiano Philipp
Published: January 2025

In the last decade, there has been increasing interest in allowing users to understand how the predictions of machine-learned models come about, thus increasing transparency and empowering users to understand and potentially contest those decisions. Dialogue-based approaches, in contrast to traditional one-shot eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (xAI) methods, facilitate interactive, in-depth exploration through multi-turn dialogues, simulating human-like interactions, allowing for a dynamic exchange where users can ask questions and receive tailored, relevant explanations in real-time. This paper reviews the current state of dialogue-based xAI, presenting a systematic review of 1339 publications, narrowed down to 15 based on inclusion criteria. We explore theoretical foundations of the systems, propose key dimensions along which different solutions to dialogue-based xAI differ, and identify key use cases, target audiences, system components, and the types of supported queries and responses. Furthermore, we investigate the current paradigms by which systems are evaluated and highlight their key limitations. Key findings include identifying the main use cases, objectives, and audiences targeted by dialogue-based xAI methods, in addition to an overview of the main types of questions and information needs. Beyond discussing avenues for future work, we present a meta-architecture for these systems from existing literature and outlined prevalent theoretical frameworks.
Development and Evaluation of the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale-5 (RSS-5)
Authors: Salcone Sarah G. , Currier Joseph M. , McDermott Ryon C. , Davis Don E. , Raines Amanda M. , Lee Yejin , Exline Julie J. , Pargament Kenneth I.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to develop a five-item form of the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale (RSS; Exline et al., Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 6, 208-222, 2014), (2022). Drawing upon three samples – 711 depressed adults from prior studies that utilized the RSS (Study 1), 303 undergraduates from a public university in the Southeastern U.S. (Study 2), and 121 adults seeking psychotherapy and/or primary care in an integrated behavioral health clinic (Study 3) – findings indicated the five-item version represents a structurally sound and reliable instrument for assessing clinically relevant struggles (divine, interpersonal, moral, doubt, ultimate meaning struggles) in mental health care settings. Specifically, Cronbach’s alphas for the RSS-5 ranged from .77 to .85 across the three studies. Further, scores on this short form overlapped highly with the original RSS in Study 1 and were moderately to strongly associated with validated assessments of positive (well-being, flourishing, and perceived meaning in life) and negative (suicide ideation, depression and anxiety symptoms) mental health in Study 2 and 3. When accounting for depression and anxiety symptoms, RSS-5 scores were also uniquely associated with patients’ suicidal ideation over the past month in Study 3. Although we found evidence of multidimensionality of the selected items that aligned with psychometric findings for the original RSS (Exline et al., Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 6, 208-222, 2014), findings also supported a unidimensional factor structure for the RSS-5 in each sample. Looking ahead, the RSS-5 will hopefully support clinical research and practice in ways that enhance training clinicians’ responsiveness to patients who are experiencing spiritual struggles.
Social networks, norm-enforcing ties and cooperation
Authors: Goetz Renan , Marco Jorge
Published: January 2025

We study cooperation and group pressure on social networks by introducing a new concept termed norm-enforcing ties. By combining network characteristics and agents’ actions, direct and indirect norm-enforcing ties extend and refine the concept of social ties as well as the role of the tightness of a group as drivers of group pressure and cooperation. The results show that a strong commitment by agents with collective interests, or a high degree of confrontation between agents minimizes the effect of indirect norm-enforcing ties on cooperation. The analysis in terms of the agent’s utility reveals that an increase in indirect norm-enforcing ties does not necessarily lead to a decrease in the critical mass of compliers supporting cooperation. We demonstrate that network-oriented policies are more efficient in promoting cooperation than are standard economic policy instruments when the expected value of direct norm-enforcing ties is sufficiently large compared to the tightness of the group. Otherwise, standard economic policy instruments are more efficient.
Electronic Health Record Time Allocation Among Primary Care Clinicians at the Veterans Health Administration Using Virtual Observations
Authors: Deeds Stefanie A. , Hagan Scott L. , Kath Sara E. , Taylor Leslie L. , Reddy Ashok S. , Nelson Karin M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Prior research has shown that primary care clinicians (PCPs) spend a large portion of clinic visits on tasks within the electronic health record (EHR). However, no time allocation studies have been done in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and little is known about EHR time spent during virtual visits.

Objective

To estimate the proportion of clinician time spent working within the EHR during primary care visits at VHA clinics.

Design

We used a time study software (WorkStudy+) adapted from prior research to collect time-motion data via remote observation of in-person and virtual visits.

Participants

23 PCPs (including physicians and nurse practitioners) from 3 regional VA sites.

Main Measures

Proportion of observed time spent interfacing with the EHR during a primary care visit.

Key Results

Of 211 primary care visits observed, the average visit length was 23.9 min in-person, 21.2 min by phone, and 29.3 min on video. The percentage of time spent on EHR work during the visit was 35% for in-person visits, 46% for phone visits, and 39% for video visits. During n=39 4-h clinic sessions, PCPs spent 54 min completing administrative tasks between patient visits, with 44% of time spent on documentation, 14% on chart review, and 14% on placing orders.

Conclusions

PCPs at the VHA spend between one-third and one-half of each patient visit interfacing with the EHR. Most of this time is spent on documentation and chart review. Less time was spent in the EHR during in-person visits compared to virtual visits, suggesting that clinicians limit EHR task completion when the patient is present. Between patient visits during clinic sessions, PCPs spend 75% of their time working in the EHR. In total, this represents over 2 h per half-day clinic session spent on EHR tasks.
In vitro mutation induction of raspberry species (Rubus) using gamma ray irradiation
Authors: Dai Wenhao , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2025

Raspberry species produce highly nutritious fruits that are used for fresh consumption and frozen and processed products, such as jellies, juices, jams, and desserts. Efforts have been made to improve raspberry yield and fruit quality using conventional breeding. However, the narrow genetic diversity in raspberry species limits the progress of raspberry breeding. In this study, in vitro leaf and petiole tissues of three raspberry cultivars, ‘Amethyst,’ ‘Joan J,’ and ‘Polana,’ were irradiated with gamma rays at 0, 25, 50, or 100 Gy for mutation induction. In vitro shoots were then regenerated from the gamma ray–irradiated tissues in woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 20.0 g·L−1 sucrose, 6.5 g·L−1 agar, 200.0 mg·L−1 polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and 1.0 µM thidiazuron (TDZ). Regenerated shoots were rooted in one-half MS medium containing 0.5 µM naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Rooted plants were first grown in the greenhouse and the survived raspberry plants were planted in the field. Results showed that gamma ray irradiation significantly decreased the shoot regeneration of the three raspberry cultivars; however, three raspberry cultivars responded differently to gamma ray irradiation in shoot regeneration. Of which ‘Joan J’ and ‘Amethyst’ were more tolerant to gamma ray irradiation than ‘Polana.’ More shoots were regenerated from leaf tissues than from petiole tissues. Morphological variations in leaf, cane, plant structure, and fruit were observed in the field. This research demonstrates that in vitro mutation induction using gamma ray irradiation could be a useful tool to develop genetic materials that have potential for breeding and germplasm improvement of raspberry and other Rubus species.
Identifying productivity-limiting factors in progressive die stamping: data-driven methodology for process optimization
Authors: Molitor Dirk Alexander , Kokozinski Andre , Kubik Christian , Arne Viktor , Veitenheimer Ciaran , Georgi Felix , Krämer Robin , Groche Peter
Published: January 2025

Manufacturing products in multi-stage forming processes through blanking, deep-drawing and bending operations with progressive dies is one of the most economically relevant processes in the sheet metal forming industry and allows for complex geometries. In order to be able to ensure a reliable operation of the tools, manufacturers choose stroke speed conservatively, which limits the productivity and profitability. For this reason, this paper describes which productivity-limiting factors affect multi-stage forming processes and how machine learning in combination with explainable artificial intelligence methods can be used to identify and counteract productivity-limiting factors. By equipping the processes with multiple sensors, stroke rate-dependent anomalies can be detected at an early stage and countermeasures can be derived proactively, thus making the process more reliable and ensuring product quality. The methodology developed is demonstrated using two use cases which show that vibrations and friction in a progressive die are significantly reduced.
Recycling Spent-Die Cleaning Solution Waste into Low-Density Nano-aluminum Fluoride for Sustainable Resource Management
Authors: El-Nahas Safaa , Aadli Ahmed S. , Salman Hassan M.
Published: January 2025

An alternative two-step process has been disclosed for manufacturing low-density nano-AlF3 from aluminum waste material to achieve sustainability resources preservation. The method involves utilizing spent die-cleaning solution waste as a raw-material, which is a by-product resulting from detaching the attached aluminum metal in the die cast during extrusion process. The first step involves the extraction of aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite) from spent-die cleaning solution through a carbonation process in the presence of specific carbon blocks. The second step involves the conversion of gibbsite to low-density non-gelatinous nano-AlF3 using hydrofluoric acid and ammonia solution. The adding of different volumes of hydrofluoric acid and their effect on aluminum fluoride formation was investigated. The role of polyethylene glycol to form non-gelatinous aluminum fluoride was investigated. The two-step process has been successful in achieving a great demand for cheap sources of raw materials.
Low-Temperature Carbonization of Phosphorus-Doped Nanocellulose for Carbon Nanofiber Film Fabrication
Authors: Suman  , Borkar Tushar , Bajaj Bharat
Published: January 2025

Nanocellulose extracted from agro-waste rice straw has been utilized to fabricate carbon nanofiber films. The nanocellulose-based films were drop-casted and underwent a two-step thermal treatment: stabilization at 180°C in air and carbonization at 700°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. Phosphoric acid (PA) was incorporated into the nanocellulose solution, resulting in a 17% reduction in stabilization activation energy and a 20% increase in carbonization yield. Additionally, PA facilitated phosphorus doping, leading to a phosphorus concentration of up to 5%, and enhanced the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area from 223 m2 g−1 to 334 m2 g−1. Structural analysis via XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM confirmed the formation of a turbostratic graphitic structure in the PA-doped carbon nanofiber films. This increased surface area and graphitic structure make the films highly promising for diverse applications, including flame-retardant coatings, sensors, energy storage devices, and biomedical uses.
Quercetin Derivatives from Bidens pilosa Suppressed Cell Proliferation via Inhibition of RSK2 Kinase and Aldose Reductase Enzymes: UPLC-MS/MS, GC–MS, In Vitro, and Computational Studies
Authors: Ali Doaa S. , El-Haddad Alaadin E. , Mohamed Hussein S. , El-Bassuony Ashraf A. , Hegab Momtaz M. , AbdElgayed Gehad , Ebaid Hossam , Ahmed Shimaa A. , Kamel Emadeldin M.
Published: January 2025

Traditionally, Bidenspilosa L. is an edible herb utilized for various ailments. The study accomplished a complete analysis of B. pilosa extract including UPLC/T-TOF–MS/MS, GC–MS, and in vitro antiproliferative activity, in addition to molecular docking on kinase and aldose reductase enzymes. From GC–MS analysis, the percentage of identified unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) (11.38%) was greater than saturated FAs (8.69%), while the sterols percent (39.92%) was higher than the hydrocarbons percent (6.6%). Oleic and palmitic acids are the major FAs (9.48% and 6.14%, respectively). Phytochemical profile uncovered the presence of quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and isorhamnetin aglycones and/or glycoside derivatives alongside apigenin, acacetin, and luteolin derivatives. B. pilosa extract suppressed cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner against SNB-19 and SK-MEL-5 cell lines (IC50 1.66 ± 0.06 and 4.04 ± 0.14 mg/mL, respectively). These potentials aligned with the molecular docking results on aldose reductase and kinase enzymes with promising binding affinities (− 5.3 to − 8.89 kcal mol−1). B. pilosa metabolites were found as kinases and aldose reductase inhibitors, which rationalize their antiproliferative activity. Unfortunately, toxicity assessments were not performed to assess the safety of B. pilosa extract. Assessment of the therapeutic efficiency via in vivo and clinical studies is required.
Human Brain Organoids and the Mereological Fallacy
Authors: Owen Matthew , Hight Darren , Hudetz Anthony G.
Published: January 2025

Sietske A.L. van Till and Eline M. Bunnik (2024) have recently expressed a concern about science miscommunication regarding human brain organoids. They worry that the mereological fallacy is often being committed when the possibility of brain organoid psychological capacities such as consciousness and intelligence are considered, especially by bioethicists discussing the moral status of human brain organoids. Focusing specifically on one psychological capacity, namely consciousness, this article begins with a brief introduction to van Till and Bunnik’s concern about the mereological fallacy as it relates to brain organoids. It is then shown that whether the mereological fallacy is being committed depends on commitments in philosophy of mind about how consciousness relates to the brain and its neural mechanisms. This is demonstrated by appealing to two different example views about the ontology of consciousness embraced by J.J.C. Smart’s type identity theory and a version of hylomorphism. The article ends with a discussion of how neurobiological theories of consciousness can be intertwined with ontological commitments about consciousness that have significant implications for HBOs. An awareness of this can yield a philosophically informed application of neurobiological theories to the topic of whether HBOs could be conscious.
Platoon intelligence: edge learning in vehicle platooning networks
Authors: Zhao Junhui , Ma Xiaoting , Yang Wenqi , Li Huaicheng , Wang Dongming
Published: January 2025

With the increasing computing capacity of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs), there will be a considerable amount of spare resources available in the vehicle cluster. It is necessary to make full use of these spare resources. In this paper, we investigate a platoon intelligence-based edge learning (PIEL) framework for the deep integration of terminal and network edge. Specifically, this paper discusses the characteristics and applications of platooning in edge learning and introduces the general architecture of PIEL. Subsequently, we conduct a discussion on the learning scheduling based on PIEL, including co-scheduling in the Intra-Platoon, Inter-Platoon, and Platoon-edge cases. An intelligent decision-making methodology framework for PIEL is also presented. Finally, we discuss future research opportunities on PIEL to achieve platoon intelligence. We believe that this investigation will elicit escalating attentions, stimulate fruitful discussions, and inspire further research ideas on edge intelligence.
The architecture of language: Understanding the mechanics behind LLMs
Authors: Ferraris Andrea Filippo , Audrito Davide , Caro Luigi Di , Poncibò Cristina
Published: January 2025

Large language models (LLMs) have significantly advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) by excelling in tasks like text generation, machine translation, question answering and sentiment analysis, often rivaling human performance. This paper reviews LLMs’ foundations, advancements and applications, beginning with the transformative transformer architecture, which improved on earlier models like recurrent neural networks and convolutional neural networks through self-attention mechanisms that capture long-range dependencies and contextual relationships. Key innovations such as masked language modeling and causal language modeling underpin leading models like Bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) and the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) series. The paper highlights scaling laws, model size increases and advanced training techniques that have driven LLMs’ growth. It also explores methodologies to enhance their precision and adaptability, including parameter-efficient fine-tuning and prompt engineering. Challenges like high computational demands, biases and hallucinations are addressed, with solutions such as retrieval-augmented generation to improve factual accuracy. By discussing LLMs’ strengths, limitations and transformative potential, this paper provides researchers, practitioners and students with a comprehensive understanding. It underscores the importance of ongoing research to improve efficiency, manage ethical concerns and shape the future of AI and language technologies.
The changing demographics and severity in hospitalized patients across COVID-19 variants: A national cohort study
Authors: Parajuli Priyanka , Phipps Lara A.C. , Sabo Roy , Alsaadawi Rasha , Robinson Amanda , French Evan , Sterling Richard K. ,   N3C. consortium
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

The respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has undergone genetic evolution and led to variants of concern that vary in transmissibility and clinical severity.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort analysis studied 232,364 hospitalized COVID-19-positive patients in the National COVID Cohort Collaborative [April 27, 2020 and June 25, 2022]. The primary outcomes were to compare demographics and need for mechanical ventilation and 30-day mortality across variants including Alpha (B.1.1.7), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529).

Results:

The severity of SARS-CoV-2 decreased in the omicron-subsequent wave with decreased utilization of mechanical ventilation and decreased 30-day mortality among patients with comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, obesity, and liver disease. Although with each subsequent wave, the sex distribution remained equal and constant, there was an increase in rates of diabetes, liver disease, and respiratory disease amongst patients hospitalized with COVID-19 over the COVID waves despite the decreasing 30-day mortality and mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

Despite changes in demographics over time, more recent COVID waves were associated with decreasing severity and mortality. These observations will help guide specific and effective resource allocation and patient care.