bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble Counterfactual Explanations for Churn Analysis
Authors: Tonati Samuele , Di Vece Marzio , Pellungrini Roberto , Giannotti Fosca
Published: January 2025

Counterfactual explanations play a crucial role in interpreting and understanding the decision-making process of complex machine learning models, offering insights into why a particular prediction was made and how it could be altered. However, individual counterfactual explanations generated by different methods may vary significantly in terms of their quality, diversity, and coherence to the black-box prediction. This is especially important in financial applications such as churn analysis, where customer retention officers could explore different approaches and solutions with the clients to prevent churning. The officer’s capability to modify and explore different explanations is pivotal to his ability to provide feasible solutions. To address this challenge, we propose an evaluation framework through the implementation of an ensemble approach that combines state-of-the-art counterfactual generation methods and a linear combination score of desired properties to select the most appropriate explanation. We conduct our experiments on three publicly available churn datasets in different domains. Our experimental results demonstrate that the ensemble of counterfactual explanations provides more diverse and comprehensive insights into model behavior compared to individual methods alone that suffer from specific weaknesses. By aggregating, evaluating, and selecting multiple explanations, our approach enhances the diversity of the explanation, highlights common patterns, and mitigates the limitations of any single method, offering to the user the ability to tweak the explanation properties to their needs.
ETIA: Towards an Automated Causal Discovery Pipeline
Authors: Biza Konstantina , Ntroumpogiannis Antonios , Triantafillou Sofia , Tsamardinos Ioannis
Published: January 2025

We introduce the concept of Automated Causal Discovery (AutoCD), defined as any system that aims to fully automate the application of causal discovery and causal reasoning methods. AutoCD’s goal is to deliver all causal information that an expert human analyst would provide and answer user’s causal queries. To this goal, we introduce ETIA, a system that performs dimensionality reduction, causal structure learning, and causal reasoning. We present the architecture of ETIA, benchmark its performance on synthetic data sets, and present a use case example. The system is general and can be applied to a plethora of causal discovery problems.
Software and Data
Authors: Myklebust Thor , Stålhane Tor , Vatn Dorthea Mathilde Kristin
Published: January 2025

This chapter first outlines why software and data are relevant to consider when developing safety-critical applications and which requirements need to be considered in this context. We consider both the software that companies buy and the software they develop themselves, but also pay attention to the software already present within the hardware that is in use. The chapter also provides a section on data, pointing out some key aspects relevant to consider in the context of developing AI and safety-critical systems.
Conclusions
Authors: Zhuang Yan
Published: January 2025

Numerical modelling of arching in piled embankments has been undertaken in this monograph.
Developmental basis of natural tooth shape variation in cichlid fishes
Authors: Bloomquist Ryan F.
Published: January 2025

While most dentate non-mammalian vertebrates possess simple conical teeth, some demonstrate complex tooth shapes. Lake Malawi cichlid fishes are an extreme example of this, exhibiting a myriad of tooth shapes driven by an ecologically derived rapid evolution of closely related but distinct species. Tooth shape in mammals is generally considered to be established by signaling centers called primary and secondary enamel knots, which are not believed to be present in non-mammalian vertebrates. In this study, signaling centers of gene expression with epithelial folding with similar molecular patterns to that of mammalian enamel knots are identified, and differences of asymmetric gene expression are identified between fish that possess species specific polymorphisms of either bicuspid or tricuspid teeth. Gene expression is then manipulated indirectly using a small molecule inhibitor of the Notch pathway, resulting in phenotypical aberrations of tooth shape and patterning, including a mimic of a tricuspid tooth in a fish with a naturally occurring bicuspid dentition. This study provides insight into the evolutionary origins of tooth shape and advances our knowledge of the molecular determinants of dental morphology with translational utility in regenerative dentistry.
100 years Cell and Tissue Research: the founders and their successors
Authors: Unsicker Klaus
Published: January 2025

One hundred years ago, Cell and Tissue Research was founded under the title “Zeitschrift für Zellen- und Gewebelehre,” later “Zeitschrift für Zellforschung und mikroskopische Anatomie.” The founders were four eminent German and Swiss cell biologists and zoologists, R. Goldschmidt, W. von Möllendorff, H. Bauer, and J. Seiler.
Comparison of software-assisted and freehand methods of rotational assessment for diaphyseal tibia fractures
Authors: Blough Christian , Huang Kevin , Raszka Samuel , Shah Sapan , Garlich John , Moon Charles , Marecek Geoffrey
Published: January 2025

Objective

Accurate rotational reduction following tibial shaft fracture fixation is absent in up to 36% of cases yet may be critical for lower extremity biomechanics. The objective of this cadaveric study was to compare the results of freehand methods of reduction with software-assisted reduction.

Methods

Four fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons attempted rotational correction in a cadaveric model with fluoroscopic assistance (without radiographic visualization of the fracture site) using (1) their method of choice (MoC) and (2) software assistance (SA). After correction, deviation from baseline rotation was calculated.

Results

The mean difference between the two methods (MoC–SA) was − 0.2° which was not statistically significant. There was no difference in variability between methods. The rate of clinically relevant rotational deformity (> 15°) was 28% using MoC and 31% using SA.

Conclusion

Rotational assessment of diaphyseal tibia fractures in this cadaveric model was not significantly different when compared between method of choice and software augmentation.
Stabilizing Decomposition of Multiparameter Persistence Modules
Authors: Bjerkevik Håvard Bakke
Published: January 2025

While decomposition of one-parameter persistence modules behaves nicely, as demonstrated by the algebraic stability theorem, decomposition of multiparameter modules is known to be unstable in a certain precise sense. Until now, it has not been clear that there is any way to get around this and build a meaningful stability theory for multiparameter module decomposition. We introduce new tools, in particular

$$\epsilon $$

ϵ

-refinements and

$$\epsilon $$

ϵ

-erosion neighborhoods, to start building such a theory. We then define the

$$\epsilon $$

ϵ

-pruning of a module, which is a new invariant acting like a “refined barcode” that shows great promise to extract features from a module by approximately decomposing it. Our main theorem can be interpreted as a generalization of the algebraic stability theorem to multiparameter modules up to a factor of 2r, where r is the maximal pointwise dimension of one of the modules. Furthermore, we show that the factor 2r is close to optimal. Finally, we discuss the possibility of strengthening the stability theorem for modules that decompose into pointwise low-dimensional summands, and pose a conjecture phrased purely in terms of basic linear algebra and graph theory that seems to capture the difficulty of doing this. We also show that this conjecture is relevant for other areas of multipersistence, like the computational complexity of approximating the interleaving distance, and recent applications of relative homological algebra to multipersistence.
The NBD-Dirichlet model for Italian sparkling wines: understanding competitive relationships among brands
Authors: Bassi Francesca
Published: January 2025

The NBD-Dirichlet model is applied to describe the Italian market of sparkling wines by means of repeated purchases recorded by a sample of families over two years. Sparkling wine is a convenience good with a moderate level of involvement, high frequency of purchase and low perceived differentiation. The Italian market of sparkling wine is characterized by a large number of brands proposing similar products offered in supermarkets. This very large assortment represents a very particular situation, both in terms of sales strategies and consumer purchasing behavior. This specific type of market can be well represented by the NBD-Dirichlet model to obtain analyses that explain the competitive dynamics among brands and their relative performance. Results of model estimation identified at least three groups of brands with different positioning in the market. Managerial implications of these results are linked to the possibility for each single brand to compare actual performance with that estimated by the model and with competitors belonging to the same segment.
Assessing the Image Quality of Digitally Reconstructed Radiographs from Chest CT
Authors: Paalvast Olivier T. , Hertgers Omar , Sevenster Merlijn , Lamb Hildo J.
Published: January 2025

Rising computed tomography (CT) workloads require more efficient image interpretation methods. Digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs), generated from CT data, may enhance workflow efficiency by enabling faster radiological assessments. Various techniques exist for generating DRRs. We conducted a pilot study to explore which DRR technique best approaches the image quality of chest X-Rays (CXR). We quantitatively and qualitatively compared four DRR techniques. A retrospective convenience sample of 217 patients who underwent both ultra-low-dose (ULD) chest CT and CXR was used. Four DRRs were generated per ULDCT, and CheXNet, a neural network trained to detect 14 diseases, was applied to CXRs and DRRs to compute area under the curve (AUC) scores. For qualitative assessment, six radiologists rated the image quality of the four DRRs generated from six ULDCTs on a Likert scale from 1 to 6 (‘not diagnostic quality’ to ‘diagnostic quality’) and provided feedback, which was analysed using inductive category development. CheXNet’s AUC for CXRs was 0.80, while DRR techniques ranged from 0.75 to 0.82 (p > 0.26). Radiologists rated the diagnostic quality of the DRRs between 3.0 and 3.5 on average. The SoftMip technique scored highest in both the quantitative (AUC = 0.82) and the qualitative (score = 3.5) evaluation. DRRs showed comparable disease detection performance to CXRs, suggesting non-inferiority. However, radiologists expressed concerns about DRR image quality, particularly in terms of resolution, noise, and overall look-and-feel. Addressing these limitations with advanced techniques may further align DRRs with the diagnostic standards of CXRs.
Patterns of Social Support and LGBTQ + Community Involvement Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Australia and Their Effect on HIV-Related Outcomes: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Chan Curtis , Bavinton Benjamin R. , Wong Horas T. H. , Rule John , Nguyen Loc , Spencer Steven , Holt Martin
Published: January 2025

Peer support from social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) has been recognised as a critical driver of engagement with HIV prevention. Using data from an online cross-sectional survey of 1,032 GBMSM aged 18 or over in Australia, a latent class analysis was conducted to categorise participants based on social support, LGBTQ + community involvement, and social engagement with gay men and LGBTQ + people. Comparisons between classes were assessed using multivariable multinomial logistic regression. Participants were allocated into four classes: ‘Gay men focused’ (n = 293, 28.4%) with high levels of support from gay men, ‘High and diverse’ (n = 75, 7.3%) with high support from people with a range of gender and sexual identities, ‘Moderate overall’ (n = 177, 17.2%) who reported some support from all sources, and ‘Low overall’ (n = 487, 47.2%) who had low support. Lifetime HIV testing was lower in the ‘Low overall’ (78.0%) and ‘Moderate overall’ (81.9%) classes compared to the ‘Gay men focused’ (96.9%) and ‘High and diverse’ (93.3%) groups. Among non-HIV-positive participants (n = 971), lifetime PrEP use was lower in the ‘Low overall’ (28.9%) than the ‘Gay men focused’ group (56.2%) but similar in the ‘High and diverse’ (59.7%) and ‘Moderate overall’ (37.5%) groups. Greater levels of social engagement with gay men and LGBTQ + people were associated with higher levels of HIV testing and PrEP use. Interventions are needed to reach GBM who are less engaged with GBMSM networks or LGBTQ + communities.
Symbolic-Regression Aided Development of a New Cubic Equation of State for Improved Liquid Phase Density Calculation at Pressures Up to 100 MPa
Authors: Yang Xiaoxian , Frotscher Ophelia , Richter Markus
Published: January 2025

For over a century, cubic equations of state (EoS) have been used to calculate density and phase equilibria of pure fluids and mixtures. Despite a century’s development with hundreds of resulting cubic EoS, their accuracy in liquid phase density calculations is still unsatisfactory. In this work, a new cubic EoS was developed to improve the accuracy of liquid phase density calculation while keeping similar accuracy of other properties. The new cubic EoS, named YFR (Yang-Frotscher-Richter) EoS, was developed based on the functional form of the Patel–Teja (PT) EoS [p = RT/(v − b) − a/(v(v + b) + c(v − b)]. In the PT EoS, parameters b and c are linked to an empirical critical compressibility factor ξ
c, and all these three parameters are constants for a pure fluid. By contrast, in the YFR EoS, ξ
c, b, and c are functions of temperature, and the equations describing this dependency were developed with symbolic regression. This is the key to improving liquid phase density calculation, although it leads to thermodynamic inconsistencies at high pressures. The application range of the new cubic EoS is thus limited to pressures up to 100 MPa. The YFR EoS was developed using nearly all pure fluids available in NIST’s REFPROP 10.0 database, with reference values computed with REFPROP. The average of the absolute value of relative deviations (AARD) of liquid phase densities calculated with the YFR EoS from reference values is approximately 2 %, compared to 3 % when using the Patel–Teja–Valderrama (PTV) EoS and 6 % when using the Peng-Robinson (PR) EoS. The YFR EoS has been implemented in our self-developed OilMixProp 1.0 software package.
Keratin/chitosan film promotes wound healing in rats with combined radiation-wound injury
Authors: Wang Yu-mei , Xin Tong , Deng Hao , Chen Jie , Tang Shen-lin , Liu Li-sheng , Chen Xiao-liang
Published: January 2025

Human hair keratin, a natural protein derived from human hair, has emerged prominently in the field of wound repair, showcasing its unique regenerative capabilities and extensive application potential. However, it is a challenge for the keratin to efficiently therapy the impaired wound healing, such as combined radiation-wound injury. Here, we report a keratin/chitosan (KRT/CS) film for skin repair of chronic wounds in in rats with combined radiation-wound injury. In brief, the KRT/CS film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical property analysis, water absorption, and swelling analysis. A rat model of combined radiation-wound injury was employed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the KRT/CS film. Finally, the systemic biotoxicity of KRT/CS film was assessed through histological analysis. The surface of KRT/CS film was uniform and smooth compared with the KRT film, and the mechanical property, swelling rate and water absorption rate of KRT/CS film were significantly improved, which can meet the application requirements of wound excipient dressing. Furthermore, the combined radiation-wound injury in rats was established that the wound closure rate was achieved 74.46% after 14 days of treatment with KRT/CS film, comparing to the single KRT membrane and commercially available Band-Aids. Histological analysis demonstrated that the amount of angiogenesis and collagen deposition in wounds treated with KRT/CS were significantly improved. These findings demonstrate the KRT/CS film as a promising therapeutic agent for combined radiation-wound injury.

Graphical Abstract
The gender pay gap at the early stages of academic careers
Authors: Magda Iga , Bieliński Jacek , Feldy Marzena , Knapińska Anna
Published: January 2025

The number of countries that have devoted time and attention to establishing gender equality regulations in academia is increasing. However, various studies indicate that women remain underrepresented among tenured faculty and in senior positions, and that female academic staff earn less than male ones. The reasons for these gaps, in particular those specific to academia, remain unclear. This article analyzes Polish female and male PhD graduates to measure the pay gap between them and its progression over time. The article studies the sources of the pay gap, with a special focus on parenthood. It draws on a dataset that covers the entire population of PhD holders who were awarded their degrees and were hired at any Polish university between 2014 and 2018. The study’s results reveal that despite equal pay regulations, a relatively narrow (3–5%) but stable adjusted gender pay gap already exists among early-career academics who do not have children, and that the gap widens considerably when income from outside academia (6–11%) is considered. Basic incomes of mothers in academia are 18–20% lower than those of nonmothers. A substantial fatherhood wage premium (33–37%) arises when all sources of income are considered. Academia is not necessarily an equal workplace.
An Autoethnographic Account of Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Turkish Patient’s Discovery of Spiritual Meaning
Authors: Yuksel Cigdem
Published: January 2025

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent febrile episodes that are accompanied by pain in the abdomen, chest, or joints caused by peritonitis, pleuritis, skin lesions, arthritis, and pericarditis. This original article aims to provide an analytic autoethnographic account of a Turkish patient’s experience of FMF, with a focus on the discovery of spiritual meaning. In addition to discussing the grief reactions to a loss of health, the article uses self-reflexive discourse and narrative-based analysis to explore four stages of discovery of spiritual meaning through FMF: “omnipotent me,” “God’s punishment,” “God’s test,” and “God’s mercy.” The article provides an in-depth look at the experience of FMF, a chronic and lifelong disease, through a spiritual lens and offers suggestions for mental health professionals and rheumatologists providing holistic treatment to FMF patients that might improve treatment adherence.
A Globalization of L-BFGS and the Barzilai–Borwein Method for Nonconvex Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Mannel Florian
Published: January 2025

We present a modified limited memory BFGS (L-BFGS) method that converges globally and linearly for nonconvex objective functions. Its distinguishing feature is that it turns into L-BFGS if the iterates cluster at a point near which the objective is strongly convex with Lipschitz gradients, thereby inheriting the outstanding effectiveness of the classical method. These strong convergence guarantees are enabled by a novel form of cautious updating, where, among others, it is decided anew in each iteration which of the stored pairs are used for updating and which ones are skipped. In particular, this yields the first modification of cautious updating for which all cluster points are stationary while the spectrum of the L-BFGS operator is not permanently restricted, and this holds without Lipschitz continuity of the gradient. In fact, for Wolfe–Powell line searches we show that continuity of the gradient is sufficient for global convergence, which extends to other descent methods. Since we allow the memory size to be zero in the globalized L-BFGS method, we also obtain a new globalization of the Barzilai–Borwein spectral gradient (BB) method. The convergence analysis is developed in Hilbert space under comparably weak assumptions and covers Armijo and Wolfe–Powell line searches. We illustrate the theoretical findings with numerical experiments. The experiments indicate that if one of the parameters of the cautious updating is chosen sufficiently small, then the modified method agrees entirely with L-BFGS/BB. We also discuss this in the theoretical part. An implementation of the new method is available on arXiv.
Adapting performance metrics for ordinal classification to interval scale: length matters
Authors: Binotto Giulia , Delgado Rosario
Published: January 2025

In the field of supervised machine learning, accurate evaluation of classification models is a critical factor for assessing their performance and guiding model selection. This paper delves into the domain of ordinal classification and raises the question of adapting ordinal metrics to the interval scale. In scenarios where measurements are recorded at intervals, not only the order but also their length assume significance, and this promotes the adoption of novel performance metrics. Initially, we revisit two existing confusion matrix-based ordinal metrics and introduce a normalization technique to render them comparable and enhance their practical utility. We extend our focus to classification by intervals, proposing a robust framework for adapting ordinal metrics to the interval scale, and applying it to the aforementioned ordinal metrics. We address the challenge of unbounded rightmost intervals, a common issue in practical applications, from both theoretical and simulation perspectives, by providing a solution that enhances the applicability of the proposed metrics. To further explore practical implications, we conducted experiments on real-world datasets. The results reveal a promising trend in the use of interval-scale metrics to guide hyper-parameter tuning for improving model performance.
De-biased two-sample U-statistics with application to conditional distribution testing
Authors: Chen Yuchen , Lei Jing
Published: January 2025

In some high-dimensional and semiparametric inference problems involving two populations, the parameter of interest can be characterized by two-sample U-statistics involving some nuisance parameters. In this work we first extend the framework of one-step estimation with cross-fitting to two-sample U-statistics, showing that using an orthogonalized influence function can effectively remove the first order bias, resulting in asymptotically normal estimates of the parameter of interest. As an example, we apply this method and theory to the problem of testing two-sample conditional distributions, also known as strong ignorability. When combined with a conformal-based rank-sum test, we discover that the nuisance parameters can be divided into two categories, where in one category the nuisance estimation accuracy does not affect the testing validity, whereas in the other the nuisance estimation accuracy must satisfy the usual requirement for the test to be valid. We believe these findings provide further insights into and enhance the conformal inference toolbox.
From passersby to placemaking: designing autonomous vehicle-pedestrian encounters for an urban shared space
Authors: Wang Yiyuan , Tomitsch Martin , Hoggenmüeller Marius , Wijenayake Senuri , Yan Wai , Hespanhol Luke
Published: January 2025

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) tend to disrupt the atmosphere and pedestrian experience in urban shared spaces, undermining the focus of these spaces on people and placemaking. We investigate how external human-machine interfaces (eHMIs) supporting AV-pedestrian interaction can be extended to consider the characteristics of an urban shared space. Inspired by urban HCI, we devised three place-based eHMI designs that (i) enhance a conventional intent eHMI and (ii) exhibit content and physical integration with the space. In an evaluation study, 25 participants experienced the eHMIs in an immersive simulation of the space via virtual reality and shared their impressions through think-aloud, interviews, and questionnaires. Results showed that the place-based eHMIs had a notable effect on influencing the perception of AV interaction, including aspects like visual aesthetics and sense of reassurance, and on fostering a sense of place, such as social interactivity and the intentionality to coexist. In measuring qualities of pedestrian experience, we found that perceived safety significantly correlated with user experience and affect, including the attractiveness of eHMIs and feelings of pleasantness. The paper opens the avenue for exploring how eHMIs may contribute to the placemaking goals of pedestrian-centric spaces and improve the experience of people encountering AVs within these environments.
Examining the effectiveness of targeted morphological instructions on reading outcomes: a randomized controlled trial involving Chinese EFL learners
Authors: Yeung Susanna Siu-sze , Qiao Shen , Law Tammy Sheung Ting , Savage Robert
Published: January 2025

Previous studies have demonstrated the overall effectiveness of morphological interventions in enhancing word reading and reading comprehension. However, the specific practices within these morphological interventions vary significantly and few intervention studies have investigated how targeted instruction in distinct aspects of morphological awareness can best support word reading and reading comprehension. This research presents the first empirical evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of morphological skills (i.e., morphological analysis and morphological decoding) and affix knowledge in developing English reading-related skills, word reading and reading comprehension among Chinese EFL students. A total of 156 Grade-8 students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: morphological analysis group (experimental group 1), morphological decoding group (experimental group 2) or affix knowledge group (active control group). Both experimental groups received direct instruction on affix knowledge alongside their respective morphological skills. Each intervention consisted of two 50 min sessions per week over a five-week period. The results indicated that all three morphological interventions led to improvements in affix knowledge, inflectional and derivational morphological structure awareness, word reading and reading comprehension. However, no significant differences in improvement were observed among the groups. The findings suggest that the morphological interventions, irrespective of the specific dimensions of morphological awareness taught, were effective for EFL learners. The implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Continuous PPI Treatment After Gastric Bypass Increases the Risk of Pathological PTH Levels at 10 Years Postoperatively
Authors: Stevens Katharina , Hultin Hella , Sundbom Magnus
Published: January 2025

Background

Apart from massive weight loss, metabolic and bariatric surgery, especially gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]), can cause nutritional deficiencies. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), relatively often used after RYGB, are associated with reduced calcium absorption. We have studied the long-term impact of PPI upon calcium homeostasis among RYGB patients.

Methods

In the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg), 550 primary RYGB patients, with eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, had PTH and 25-OH D levels registered at 10 years. To avoid the impact of hypovitaminosis D, those with 25-OH D > 75 nmol/L were selected.

Results

At 10 years, 10.3% of patients reported continuous PPI treatment, i.e., daily use during the last month. In an age adjusted logistic regression model, continuous PPI treatment was associated with a quadruple risk (OR: 4.65 [1.54–14.04]) of having a pathological PTH level (> 7 pmol/L).

Conclusion

This unique study has shown a correlation between continuous PPI use and pathological PTH levels, thereby inferring that the medication may have detrimental effects upon calcium homeostasis among gastric bypass patients. The risk of having pathological PTH levels was more than tripled among those with PPI treatment, highlighting the importance of specialized follow-up while also suggesting that a limited duration of PPI treatment is preferable.
Nutraceutical Impact of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Expression Levels of EZH-2 and KRT-14 Genes against DSS-induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Rat Model
Authors: Mukhtar Asma , Mukhtar Imran , Muzaffar Humaira , Faisal Muhammad Naeem , khan Kashif ur rehman , Nawaz Laaraib , Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Maryam Sana , Umair Muhammad , Anwar Haseeb , Ataya Farid S. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Welson Nermeen N. , Korma Sameh A.
Published: January 2025

Inflammatory bowel disease is a collection of intestinal disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Prolonged inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. The objective of this study was to fucus on gene expression levels of (KRT-14; associated with epithelial cell integrity) and enhancer of zeste homolog-1 (EZH-2; involved in cellular proliferation) in a IBD rat model in order to rule out impact of nutraceuticals (pumpkin seed oil; PSO) as a complementary approach to conventional treatments of IBD. In the current study, IBD was induced using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Following acclimatization, rats were separated into three groups: the negative control, the positive control, and the treatment group. The DSS (1 ml/kg bw) was given to the positive control and treatment groups. Negative control was given only a normal diet. Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) was given orally as a treatment (0.5 ml/kg bw). Blood and colon tissue were obtained on the 5th, 10th, 14th, and 18th days. Physical parameters, hematology, biochemical assays, gene expression, and histopathology were carried out. After statistical analyses, macroscopic parameters showed significant differences. Biochemical analyses revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in serum potassium concentrations, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, total oxidants status, and C-reactive proteins in PSO treated group as compared with positive control. Gene expression levels of KRT-14 and EZH2 were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) upregulated in PSO treated group as compared to positive control group. Histopathology revealed that pumpkin seed oil preserved the structural integrity of colon.
On the Role of Role-Theoretical Concepts: Determining Dimensionality or Difficulty in Cross-Occupational Collaboration
Authors: Striković Aldin , Krebs Philine , Wittmann Eveline
Published: January 2025

In vocational education and training, it can be assumed that the digital transformation increases the relevance of individuals’ cross-occupational collaboration competency (COCC) across vocational and professional sectors, thus improving and reorganizing processes across time and domains on the basis of available information. This poses a challenge to instruction and diagnostics in VET, which can be supported by thorough, empirically grounded theoretical modeling. In Striković and Wittmann (2022), we suggested a role-theoretical approach to modeling COCC involving five role-theoretical dimensions: knowing one’s own occupational role, knowing the occupational role of one’s collaboration partners, latent processes of role distance, role-taking, and object-oriented role coordination. In the present study, we evaluate this role-theoretical model empirically using the example of nursing, specifying and operationalizing the model with a computer-based situational judgment test and using a data set of 328 nursing students to carry out an in-depth analysis of (1) dimensionality and (2) role-related task features thought to influence item difficulty. While model comparisons showed the superiority of a unidimensional vector compared to five- and two-dimensional structures, linear additive regression analysis revealed that the role-related task features on the basis of the five dimensions showed significant effects, as did the number of collaboration partners and the test subjects’ subject-matter competence, which can also be linked to the nurses’ situational role. These findings are in line with our theoretical reasoning in the COCC model. We discuss their limitations as well as their theoretical and educational significance, outlining needs for further research—also in other professional and vocational domains.
Didaktisch orientierte Sachanalysen zur Ausdifferenzierung der allgemeinen Grundvorstellungen zum Funktionsbegriff – Exemplarisch durchgeführt an der Sinusfunktion
Authors: Katter Valentin
Published: January 2025

Zu den allgemeinen Grundvorstellungen zum Funktionsbegriff zählen die Zuordnungsvorstellung, die Kovariationsvorstellung und die Objektvorstellung. Diese Vorstellungen können auf alle Funktionsklassen gleichermaßen angewendet werden. In jeder Funktionsklasse sind diese Vorstellungen allerdings mit charakteristischen Sachzusammenhängen sowie Denk- und Handlungsweisen verbunden, die wiederum als Ausgangspunkt neuer, differenzierter Grundvorstellungen dienen können. In dem vorliegenden Artikel wird eine Vorgehensweise vorgestellt, mit der eine Ausdifferenzierung der allgemeinen Grundvorstellungen zum Funktionsbegriff durchgeführt und funktionsklassenspezifische Grundvorstellungen hergeleitet werden können. Grundlage des Verfahrens bildet eine didaktisch orientierte Sachanalyse in Verbindung mit der didaktischen Phänomenologie Freudenthals und Aspekten der Genese mathematischer Begriffe. Angewendet wird dieses Verfahren schließlich auf die Funktionsklasse der trigonometrischen Funktionen, wodurch sechs normative Grundvorstellungen zum Sinus identifiziert werden.
Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets Incorporated Hierarchical Hydrogen Bonding Polymer Networks for Transparent and Fire-Proof Ceramizable Coatings
Authors: Guo Bifan , He Yimin , Chen Yongming , Yang Tianci , Peng Chaohua , Luo Weiang , Zeng Birong , Xu Yiting , Dai Lizong
Published: January 2025

In recent decades, annual urban fire incidents, including those involving ancient wooden buildings burned, transportation, and solar panels, have increased, leading to significant loss of human life and property. Addressing this issue without altering the surface morphology or interfering with optical behavior of flammable materials poses a substantial challenge. Herein, we present a transparent, low thickness, ceramifiable nanosystem coating composed of a highly adhesive base (poly(SSS1-co-HEMA1)), nanoscale layered double hydroxide sheets as ceramic precursors, and supramolecular melamine di-borate as an accelerator. We demonstrate that this hybrid coating can transform into a porous, fire-resistant protective layer with a highly thermostable vitreous phase upon exposure to flame/heat source. A nanosystem coating of just ~ 100 μm thickness can significantly increase the limiting oxygen index of wood (Pine) to 37.3%, dramatically reduce total heat release by 78.6%, and maintain low smoke toxicity (CITG = 0.016). Detailed molecular force analysis, combined with a comprehensive examination of the underlying flame-retardant mechanisms, underscores the effectiveness of this coating. This work offers a strategy for creating efficient, environmentally friendly coatings with fire safety applications across various industries.
A promising CO2 methanation catalyst system based on modified halloysites as supports
Authors: Gamal Ahmed , Jlassi Khouloud , Shafi Khulood , Chehimi Mohamed M. , Abdullah Aboubakr M.
Published: January 2025

Earth’s climate is warming due to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). Different reactions are allocated to mitigate the CO2 in the atmosphere. However, CO2 methanation is a pivotal research hotspot due to its ability to produce methane at low operating temperatures (200–400 °C). Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)-based catalysts have attracted significant attention in various catalytic applications. However, Halloysite is rarely reported for thermal CO2 methanation. The selected halloysite clay was modified first using the 3-Aminopropyl triethoxy silane (NH2) as coupling agent, the resulting materials (HNTs), and then doped with Ni at different weight concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 50%). materials can offer high surface area and porous structure, which can improve metal dispersion. The prepared Ni/HNTs catalysts were characterized using various techniques, such as XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM, which confirmed the existence of nanotubes and porous structures. The propensity of the prepared Ni/HNTs were evaluated to catalyse the CO2 methanation reactions at a temperature range of 250 to 500 ̊C. The catalyst containing 20 wt.% of Ni (20Ni/HNTs) showed the highest CO2 conversion at all reaction temperatures and the highest selectivity of methane at 450 °C (82%). This study paves the way for the large utilization of the HNTs as a strong support for different metals used in thermal catalytic reactions, not limited to the CO2 methanation.

Graphical Abstract
Development of natural sporopollenin microcapsules: from bee pollen to versatile biomaterials
Authors: Aylanc Volkan , Ertosun Seymanur , Peixoto Andreia F. , Santamaria-Echart Arantzazu , Russo-Almeida Paulo , Vale Nuno , Freire Cristina , Vilas-Boas Miguel
Published: January 2025

The outer layer of the pollen grain, which plays a crucial role in the continuity of terrestrial plant life, has received significant attention due to its robustness, chemical inertness, and biocompatible structure made of sporopollenin. Herein, we present a straightforward method for producing high-purity (up to 97%) polymeric sporopollenin biocapsules (S-BioCaps) from bee pollen, exploring new plant sources for S-BioCaps, and diversifying the available morphologies to broaden the applications of pollen-based microcapsules. Following a purification process involving defatting, acidolysis, and several washing steps, we removed the inner components of the pollen grains and reduced the protein content to 2%. Confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy images showed that the hollow and 3D S-BioCaps microstructure were preserved, while laser diffraction particle size analysis validated their monodisperse distribution across each pollen type within the size range of 15 to 24 μm. S-BioCaps tended to exhibit hydrophobic behavior when assessed through water dispersion and water marble analysis. Moreover, we sought to figure out the chemical changes occurring in specimens through Fourier-transform infrared analysis, and findings were consistent with simultaneous thermal analysis, where the thermal decomposition of sporopollenin biopolymer reached up to 457 °C. Overall, this work demonstrates a straightforward approach for utilizing pollen grains from Echium sp., Jasione sp., Papaver sp., Amaranthaceae, and Helianthemum sp., collected with the assistance of honeybees, to produce stable S-BioCaps with diverse morphologies, thereby broadening their potential applications as drug delivery microcarriers.

Graphical abstract
Three-Dimensional-Printed Elements Based on Polymer and Composite Materials in Dentistry: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lepišová Michaela , Tomášik Juraj , Oravcová Ľubica , Thurzo Andrej
Published: January 2025

3D printing technologies are manufacturing technologies based on computer-designed digital models that allow fabrication of layered three-dimensional objects. This review aims to present a summary of the literature published on 3D-printed polymer and composite materials in dentistry. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database to identify eligible articles. In total 508 articles were identified based on the original search query, with 362 being eliminated based on the exclusion criteria and 146 articles were screened and based on their abstracts, 68 articles were studied in detail. Subsequently, these articles were divided into three groups based on the area of application: (1) restorative dentistry, which included 3D printed crowns, bridges, and veneers; (2) regenerative dentistry and tissue engineering, such as 3D printed scaffolds; (3) fabrication of oral guides and other appliances, such as surgical guides, dental implants, and surgical splints. In this review the 3D printing technology is described, including its benefits regarding working time, accuracy and overall design and fabrication of products. The review shows that the most studied area of application of printable polymers and composites is regenerative dentistry. Even though these materials are studied for their properties and the effects on the human body as well as the environment, novel materials with specific and revolutionary characteristics that have emerged in recent years are given special attention. However, more research is needed to ensure the safety of use and confirm the characteristics of novel materials in both in vivo and in vitro conditions.
Philosophy of Physiology
Authors: Lemoine Maël
Published: January 2025

Time is ripe to complement the question 'what is health and disease?' in philosophy of medicine with a 'philosophy of physiology.' Indeed, the actors in this debate share the conviction that a 'foundational' concept dictates to this scientific field what is to be considered healthy or pathological and leaves it to explore only facts and mechanisms. Rejecting this presupposition, philosophy of physiology accepts that biomedical sciences explore and redefine their own object: the healthy, the pathological. Indeed, various theories of disease and health, that philosophers have rarely studied, form the core of biomedical research, too hastily considered as a science 'without theories.' The Element identifies them, and clarifies their content, presuppositions, and scope. Finally, it proposes a new question about the unity of the pathological phenomenon: not 'what do all diseases have in common?' but rather, 'why is the susceptibility to disease a universal and necessary characteristic of living beings?'
Futures-Based Forecasts of Cotton Prices: Beyond Historical Averages
Authors: Poghosyan Armine , Isengildina-Massa Olga , Stewart Shamar L.
Published: January 2025

This study explores several alternative specifications of futures-based forecasting models to improve existing approaches constrained by restrictive assumptions and limited information sets. In lieu of historical averages, our approaches use rolling regressions and include current market information reflected in the deviation of the current basis from its historical average. To mitigate potential challenges arising from nonstationarity and structural changes in the relationship between farm and futures prices, we employ a 5-year rolling estimation window. We find that a rolling regression approach offers significant improvements (as evidenced by our Modified Diebold–Mariano test) in the accuracy and information content of forecasts of cotton season-average prices (SAPs) mostly at short forecast horizons.
Distributed planning method for detection array of UAV formation with bearing-only sensor network
Authors: Chen Z. , Fu W. , Li Y. , Zhang R. , Song D.
Published: January 2025

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formations for bearing-only passive detection are increasingly important in modern military confrontations, and the array of the formation is one of the decisive factors affecting the detection accuracy of the system. How to plan the optimal geometric array in bearing-only detection is a complex nondeterministic polynomial problem, and this paper proposed the distributed stochastic subgradient projection algorithm (DSSPA) with layered constraints to solve this challenge. Firstly, based on the constraints of safe flight altitude and fixed baseline, the UAV formation is layered, and the system model for bearing-only cooperative localisation is constructed and analysed. Then, the calculation formula for geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) in the observation plane is provided, this nonlinear objective function is appropriately simplified to obtain its quadratic form, ensuring that it can be adapted and used efficiently in the system model. Finally, the proposed distributed stochastic subgradient projection algorithm (DSSPA) combines the idea of stochastic gradient descent with the projection method. By performing a projection operation on each feasible solution, it ensures that the updated parameters can satisfy the constraints while efficiently solving the convex optimisation problem of array planning. In addition to theoretical proof, this paper also conducts three simulation experiments of different scales, validating the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method for bearing-only detection array planning in UAV formations. This research provides essential guidance and technical reference for the deployment of UAV formations and path planning of detection platforms.
Single-item continuous-review inventory models with random supplies
Authors: Helmes Kurt L. , Stockbridge Richard H. , Zhu Chao
Published: January 2025

This paper analyzes single-item continuous-review inventory models with random supplies in which the inventory dynamic between orders is described by a diffusion process, and a long-term average cost criterion is used to evaluate decisions. The models in this class have general drift and diffusion coefficients and boundary points that are consistent with the notion that demand should tend to reduce the inventory level. Random yield is described by a (probability) transition function which depends on the inventory on hand and the nominal amount ordered; it is assumed to be a distribution with support in the interval determined by the order-from and the nominal order-to locations of the stock level. Using weak convergence arguments involving average expected occupation and ordering measures, conditions are given for the optimality of an (s, S) ordering policy in the general class of policies with finite expected cost. The characterization of the cost of an (s, S) policy as a function of two variables naturally leads to a nonlinear optimization problem over the stock levels s and S, and the existence of an optimizing pair
$(s^*,S^*)$
is established under weak conditions. Thus, optimal policies of inventory models with random supplies can (easily) be numerically computed. The range of applicability of the optimality result is illustrated on several inventory models with random yields.