bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Iterative Algorithms for Estimation of Item Functioning
Authors: Hladká Adéla , Martinková Patrícia , Brabec Marek
Published: February 2025

This article explores innovations for parameter estimation in generalized linear and nonlinear models, which may be used in item response modeling to account for guessing/pretending or slipping/dissimulation and for the effect of covariates. We introduce a new implementation of the EM algorithm and propose a new algorithm based on the parametrized link function. The two novel iterative algorithms are compared to existing methods in a simulation study. Additionally, the study examines software implementation, including the specification of initial values for numerical algorithms and asymptotic properties with an estimation of standard errors. Overall, the newly proposed algorithm based on the parametrized link function outperforms other procedures, especially for small sample sizes. Moreover, the newly implemented EM algorithm provides additional information regarding respondents’ inclination to guess or pretend and slip or dissimulate when answering the item. The study also discusses applications of the methods in the context of the detection of differential item functioning and addresses the measurement error. Methods are offered in the difNLR package and in the interactive application of the ShinyItemAnalysis package; demonstration is provided using real data from psychological and educational assessments.
Experimental Validation of Fractal Quantum Field Theory and the Study of Energy Models
Authors: zhou changzheng , zhou ZIQING
Published: February 2025

This paper systematically investigates the experimental validation methods offractal quantum field theory (FQFT) and its applications in dark energy mod?els. Through the design of fractal Josephson junction experiments, Monte Carlosimulations to verify fractal heat kernel expansions, analysis of gravitational wavephase shift corrections induced by fractal effects, and fitting observational dataof dark energy models, the predictive power of FQFT is comprehensively tested.Experimental results show that the predictions of FQFT regarding the critical cur?rent scaling law, heat kernel expansion coefficients, and gravitational wave phasecorrections are in excellent agreement with experimental data, with an error mar?gin of less than 5%. The dark energy model fitting results indicate compatibil?ity between the fractal dimension parameter and the standard cosmological model(Df = 2.998 ± 0.008). This provides empirical support for the connection betweenfractal spacetime structures and dark energy. These findings not only confirm theself-consistency and reliability of FQFT but also lay an experimental foundationfor its applications in cosmology and quantum gravity research.Keywords: Fractal Quantum Field Theory; Experimental Validation; DarkEnergy Model; Fractal Josephson Junction; Gravitational Wave Phase Correction;Monte Carlo Simulation
Glia as a Wave Channel and Its Role in Cognitive Processes
Authors: Roik Boris
Published: February 2025

AbstractGlial cells have traditionally been considered auxiliary elements of the nervous system. However, this hypothesis suggests their active participation in information processing. This article explores a boundary concept between biology and computational systems. A non-contradictory assertion is made regarding the existence of a wave channel in glia and its role in brain processes such as memory, emotional synthesis, and both cognitive and creative thinking. The possibility of the formation of standing electromagnetic waves in glial structures and their impact on brain function is investigated.
The Impact of Spin on the Interpretations of Abstracts of Randomized Controlled Trials in the Field of Clinical Psychology: An Online Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: van Hoesel Tijn Gerardus Lambertus , Bakker Marjan
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectives To assess the impact of spin on the interpretation of the results and conclusions reported in abstracts describing randomized controlled trials investigating behavioural treatments for depression. Design This study was an online parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Participants We recruited clinicians and clinical researchers by sending 6794 email invitations. We received 190 eligible responses of which 91 were randomized into the ‘without spin’-condition and 99 into the ‘with spin’-condition. Interventions We selected 10 abstracts from published RCTs that investigated behavioural treatments for depression. The RCTs had at least one nonsignificant primary outcome and an abstract conclusion that claimed a beneficial effect despite that nonsignificant primary outcome. We rewrote the abstracts to create a spinless version of each of the 10 abstracts. Participants were randomly assigned to read one version of one of the 10 abstracts and answer questions about the study described in the abstract. Outcome measures The primary outcome was the participants’ perception of the effectiveness of the treatment proposed in the abstract, rated on a scale from 0 to 10. Results The Bayesian analysis showed no convincing support for an effect of spin on the participants’ perception of the treatment effectiveness (posterior mean = 0.53, SE = 0.27, 95% CI [-0.01, 1.07]; posterior mode = 0.54, 95% HDI [-0.02, 1.06]). However, following the Bayes factor of 1.8, no convincing support for a null-effect was found either.Conclusion The presence of spin in abstracts did not convincingly impact the perceptions of clinicians and clinical researchers regarding the effectiveness of the proposed treatment.
Biodiversity finance as a technology of power: Discourses of innovation and regulation in an Australian case study
Authors: Anantharajah Kirsty , Evans Megan C
Published: February 2025

Neoliberal conservation is enjoying its latest zenith in the form of ‘biodiversity finance’. The endurance of neoliberal conservation is rooted in often unseen negotiations of knowledge and power; hence it is crucial to understand how material futures are being shaped by discourse. Analysis of interviews with biodiversity finance professionals in Australia revealed novel discursive mechanisms centred on innovation and regulation, which risk entrenching the loss of threatened species and ecosystems. We highlight tradeable biodiversity units are the primary object of innovation, and the role of the largely male “innovators”, whose expert knowledge and elite networks reshape the material world. Ambiguity in regulatory purpose conceals and obscures the continued reliance on government and regulation for neoliberal conservation to persist. The data also revealed fear, risk and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures as potential loci for disruption – highlighting one of several opportunities to chart materially better pathways for biodiversity.
Updating “The Future of Coding”: Qualitative Coding with Generative Large Language Models
Authors: Than Nga , Fan Leanne , Law Tina , Nelson Laura K. , McCall Leslie
Published: February 2025

Over the past decade, social scientists have adapted computational methods for qualitative text analysis, with the hope that they can match the accuracy and reliability of hand coding. The emergence of GPT and open-source generative Large Language Models (LLMs) has transformed this process by shifting from programming to engaging with models using natural language, potentially mimicking the in-depth, inductive and/or iterative process of qualitative analysis. We test the ability of generative LLMs to replicate and augment traditional qualitative coding, experimenting with multiple prompt structures across four closed- and open-source generative LLMs and proposing a workflow for conducting qualitative coding with generative LLMs. We find that LLMs can perform nearly as well as prior supervised machine learning models in accurately matching hand-coding output. Moreover, using generative LLMs as a natural language interlocutor closely replicates traditional qualitative methods, indicating their potential to transform the qualitative research process, despite ongoing challenges.
Self-reported occupational hazards among waste management staff in Lalitpur Metropolitan City: A pilot study from Nepal
Authors: Pradhan Abhipsa , Thapa Anjana , Karki Rajesh , Kaphle Maheshor
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Solid waste management is a major environmental and public health concern in Nepal. Workers face occupational health and safety concerns due to the materials they handle, the emissions from those materials, and the equipment they use. This study aimed to study the health status and occupational hazards existing among municipal waste collectors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 municipal waste collectors working in Lalitpur Metropolitan City. Three organizations were selected randomly by using simple random sampling and the census method was applied to interview the respondents. Data entry was done in Epi Info 7, and analysis was in the SPSS 23 version. The chi-square test was used to measure the strength of the association.
Results: Majority of respondents 99(95.2%) faced physical hazard, 65(62.5%) biological hazards. Likewise, 69(55.2%) had knowledge of its health effects, and 106(84.8%) had knowledge of occupational hazards. Nearly one-third 38(30.4%) used personal protective equipment (PPE) and 55(44%) had been vaccinated for tetanus. The health check-up in the past year of respondents was low 49(39.2%). A statistically significant association was found between the job category and the presence of physical, chemical, and biological hazards (p=0.041, 0.003, and 0.001 respectively).
Conclusion: The study highlights inadequate utilization of PPE among respondents, particularly concerning given their strenuous work. While most workers had good mental health, more than half showed poor physical health. The study recommends organizations actively promote PPE use, administer tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations, and provide workplace training.
Technology impacts academia's day-to-day activities: association between musculoskeletal body injuries and nursing faculties’ knowledge and practice on workstation ergonomics
Authors: Rashwan Zohour Ibrahim , Shaaban Aya , Bayoumi Magda , Bader Eman
Published: February 2025

Introduction: A poorly designed workplace and improper physical alignment during computer use for long durations may result in poor health outcomes and occupational disability. The study aims to identify the association between nursing faculty members' knowledge and practice of computer workstation ergonomics and musculoskeletal body injuries.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt. A convenience sampling of 133 nursing faculty members reported their knowledge of workstation ergonomics and rated their musculoskeletal pain (MSP) location and severity on valid and reliable self-administered questionnaires designed for the purpose. Those with musculoskeletal disorders were excluded.
Results: Nursing faculty members had good and very good levels of knowledge about computer workstation ergonomics (58.6% and 13.5%). Most reported pain in their neck, shoulder, lower back, lower arm, and wrist (88.0%, 81.2%, 73.7%, and 71.4%, respectively). There is a significant positive correlation between computer use practices and MSP severity in most body parts in the questionnaire. Regression analysis revealed that the duration of computer use and keying were significant risk factors for developing MSPs.
Conclusion: Nursing faculties are advised to apply the principles of computer workstation ergonomics, practice stretching exercises, and take frequent breaks and these principles are included in the workplace orientation training of new staff nurses and refresher training for existing staff nurses to prevent injuries, discomfort and distress and loss of productive hours to the workplace.
Comparative Evaluation of Leukocyte Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Plasma on the rate of Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Split Mouth Study
Authors: Peddi Sunayana , Manne Ranjit Kumar , Gandikota Chandrasekhar
Published: February 2025

Introduction: One of the most common concerns among orthodontic patients is the duration of treatment for which the rate of orthodontic tooth movement must be accelerated. Corticotomy, piezocision, micro-osteoperforation and platelet-rich plasma injection are a few examples to accelerate tooth movement. Limited data is available on the use of leukocyte platelet-rich plasma to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement in humans. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of platelet-rich plasma and leukocyte platelet-rich plasma on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.
Materials and Method: This study included 12 adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring extraction of all four fist premolars. It used a split mouth design where one side of the oral cavity was injected with platelet-rich plasma and the other side was injected with leukocyte platelet-rich plasma in both the arches, distal to the canine. The injections were given at the end of every 4 weeks for 3 months consecutively and the amount of space closure was measured every 4 weeks using digital vernier calipers.
Result: The results showed that the rate of tooth movement was accelerated between different time intervals when platelet-rich plasma and leukocyte platelet-rich plasma were injected. However, the comparison between platelet-rich plasma and leukocyte platelet-rich plasma did not show statistical significance in upper and lower arches.
Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma and leukocyte platelet-rich plasma increase the rate of tooth movement and reduce the treatment duration overall. However, when platelet-rich plasma and leukocyte platelet-rich plasma were compared, the rate of acceleration by both products was nearly identical.
Contemporaneous Presentation of Acute Appendicitis and Acute Cholecystitis: A Rare Entity
Authors: Ashfaq Anum
Published: February 2025

Acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis, presenting separately, are two most common entities encountered by surgeons on daily basis; but coevality of both diseases is a very rare phenomenon. Here we present a case of 32 years female who presented with right hypochondrial, flank pain and right iliac fossa pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fever. Examination revealed positive Murphy’s and McBurney’s sign. Investigations revealed acute appendicitis along with acute cholecystitis. Appendectomy and cholecystectomy was done by single laparoscopic surgery. Surgery went uneventful and patient had good recovery.
Design and Manufacture a Smart Reminder Device based on Arduino ‎Mega to Inform Patients for Taking Accurate and Timely of ‎Medical Drug
Authors: Shirzadfar Hamidreza
Published: February 2025

One of the major challenges in the successful treatment of many diseases is the non-adherence of patients to taking medicines on time, which can have serious consequences. Age is associated with a decrease in memory and vision. Also, a person may suffer from dementia such as Alzheimer's or other diseases, all of which require medication, and this is difficult for them. Due to the busyness of life, the use of medicines, especially important medicines, may not be managed in terms of time. In this article, we will design and build a medication reminder device using the Arduino Mega board. This device can store and manage up to 20 reminders per day. The user can set the reminder times in the program and view them through an LCD screen. At the appointed time, the device reminds the user when to take the medicine by turning on the built-in LED and sounding the buzzer.
A Case Report of Left Ventricular Endomyocardial Fibrosis
Authors: Smerat S
Published: February 2025

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF). is a prevalent restrictive cardiomyopathy worldwide, often linked to chronic eosinophilia and dietary, environmental, and infectious factors. Its hallmark is the fibrotic obliteration of the affected ventricle, leading to restrictive physiology. The disease affects 50% of cases, often affecting the apices of the right and left ventricles and causing atrioventricular valve dysfunction.

Endomyocardial fibrosis is characterized by fibrotic enlargement and thickening of the endocardium and myocardium of one or both ventricles. Massive fibrosis building of the ventricular endocardium causing architectural distortion, impaired and poor filling, and valvular insufficiency that defines the disease. Early diagnosing and treatment including surgical management and care in a suitable intensive cardiac support settings will enhance the survival rate especially in patients with advanced heart failure. Advancements in diagnostic imaging techniques and availability of new pharmacological choices and interfering with surgical managements as soon as possible whenever needed, defining the targeted and potential populations will support disease prevention and early diagnosis, all will contribute to lower the rates of morbidity and mortality.
The Destructive Effects of Covid-19 on Tourism, Comparison between Iranian and Turkish Economy
Authors: Shirzadfar Hamidreza
Published: February 2025

The outbreak of Covid-19 and its global pandemic has posed many challenges to the global economy in 2020. As the world economy grew for the tenth year in a row, the outbreak of Covid-19 disease struck the world economy, forcing world governments to provide financial support to help it recover. Covid-19, which was first discovered in China in December 2019 and has since spread around the world, has slowed global economic growth and caused a recession in various countries. The International Monetary Fund estimates that the world economy shrank 4.4 percent in 2020 Comparing to the previous year, a decline which is even 0.1 per cent greater than 2009 recession. With the spread of the Covid-19, job creation around the world stopped or slowed down, and many unnecessary activities occurred in most countries of the world, experiencing a wave of unemployment that the world had not seen since the Great Depression, and still high overall unemployment. In some countries, such as China, the level of Covid-19 disease was initially very high, but with intensive care and quarantine, the situation improved somewhat and the unemployment rate was kept low. In this article, we intend to take a look at the destructive effects of this virus on Iran's important economic infrastructure, including energy, tourism, industry and labor, and to compare these effects with the Turkish economy.
Spontaneous Splenic Infarction: A Rare Case
Authors: Karakuş Ali
Published: February 2025

Spontaneous splenic infarction is a rare condition characterized by the sudden death of spleen tissue. It typically arises from an abrupt obstruction of blood flow to the spleen, leading to tissue damage and bleeding. This condition is often triggered by vascular events such as thrombosis or occlusion of splenic vessels, or systemic infections. Spontaneous splenic infarction may manifest with symptoms such as acute abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, and occasionally left upper quadrant pain. Diagnosis is established through imaging techniques and laboratory tests. Treatment aims to manage the patient's symptoms and prevent complications, occasionally requiring surgical intervention.
An Unexpected Occupational Hazard: Chronic Beryllium Disease in a Jeweller
Authors: Teixeira Miguel Jose
Published: February 2025

Beryllium is used widely in industry due to its favourable elemental properties. Its extraction and incorporation into alloys and composites generate hazardous fumes and dust. Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is an occupational interstitial lung disease that clinically resembles sarcoidosis. We present a case of a 33-year-old jeweller who developed CBD from exposure to dust while grinding unfinished gemstones. While workplace protection exists for beryllium workers, the health risks are unrecognised in artisans. While most cases are diagnosed in industry, some are linked to novel or unexpected hazards. Lymphocyte proliferation testing to metals is a key investigation in patients with occupational asthma or pneumoconiosis.
Socioeconomic Status and Child Health Conditions
Authors: Khimanand Pandey Jyoti
Published: February 2025

Aim: The aim of the study is to find the association between child socioeconomic background (SEB) and health conditions of children of south Mumbai of Maharashtra.

Methodology: Ahospital cross-sectional research design was used by selecting 40 children from selected hospitals of south Mumbai using probability simple random technique. Data were collected with the help of structured interviews, structured questionnaires, and rating scale. Data get analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: For parameter, “body mass index (BMI),” the beta value is (0.03), it means when we increase value of independent variable (child SEB) by 1, the value of dependent variable (BMI) will increase by 0.03, and there is very poor positive relation among BMI and composite score of socioeconomic background parameters. For parameter, “behavioral difficulty,” the beta value is −0.42, it means when we increase independent variable (child SEB) by 1, the value of dependent variable (behavioral difficulty) will decrease by 0.42. It indicated that there is inverse relation among behavioral difficulties and composite score of socioeconomic background parameters. For parameter, “sleep problem,” the beta value is (−0.67), it means when we increase independent variable (child SEB) on X axis by 1, the value of dependent variable (sleep problem) on Y axis will decrease by 0.67 and that’s why there is an inverse relationship among composite score of socioeconomic background parameters and sleep problems.

Conclusion: Study has shown that there is a strong positive relation between child socioeconomic status and health condition of children.
Social Cleavages and Polycrisis in the Republic of Bulgaria
Authors: Burdiak Vira
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the article is to study cleavages and polycrisis in the Republic of Bulgaria. The causes of social stratification have been investigated, the activities of parties representing different political forces, permanent election campaigns, the struggle for power, which together caused the current political crisis in the state. Bulgaria is experiencing difficult political changes, instability, and uncertainty. A series of caretaker governments, seven early parliamentary elections, presidential and local elections have led to the politicization of every social issue, for the sake of winning the elections. During the period of democratization, new parties emerged in the country, which radically changed the configuration of the party system, actors, and voters. Bulgarians are tired of the election race and are reducing voter turnout. Besides, many other pressing issues are affecting political uncertainty (political, economic, social, environmental, etc.), which together form a polycrisis. The article uses statistical, comparative, monitoring methods, systemic and functional methodological approaches.
The Impact of Recycled Concrete Aggregate on the Concrete’s Properties: A Comparative Study
Authors: Fakhralddin Mohammed Zhavin , Qarani Aziz Omar
Published: February 2025

This research focuses on the mechanical and physical qualities of concrete made with aggregate from demolished concrete buildings rather than natural aggregate (NA). The use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) may help to preserve natural aggregate sources while also aiding in environmental conservation by minimizing the amount of demolition. RCA is produced by simple assembled equipment, and after crashing and storage, it may be blended with natural aggregate to produce fresh concrete. The aim of this study is to determine whether recycled concrete can serve as a substitute for natural aggregate. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of RCA on the mechanical properties of concrete made with recycled concrete, and other properties like durability, freezing-throwing resistance, structural performance, and workability. The treatment process may be employed to increase the quality of RCA, bringing its qualities closer to natural aggregates. It may be inferred that the treatment and pozzolanic material help to increase the strength. When compared to regular concrete with natural coarse aggregate, recycled concrete often has a strength difference of 10 to 25%.
Mental health in climate hell. Eine Kritische Diskursanalyse des deutschsprachigen psychologischen Diskurses über Klimaresilienz
Authors: Röcher Esther
Published: February 2025

Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse einer Kritischen Diskursanalyse nach Siegfried und Margarete Jäger des deutschsprachigen psychologischen Diskurses über individuelle Klimaresilienz dar. Hierfür wurden elf psychologische Publikationen aus dem Zeitraum 2020 bis 2023 in Hinblick auf die Frage untersucht, inwieweit die Verantwortung für den Umgang mit den Belastungen der Klimakrise dem Individuum in diesem Diskurs zugeschrieben wird. Hintergrund dieser Untersuchung sind sozialwissenschaftlichen Kritiken an individuellen Resilienzansätzen, die betonen, dass durch den Fokus auf Resilienz die Verantwortung für die Bewältigung gesellschaftlicher Krisen auf Individuen verlagert wird. Die Ergebnisse dieser Kritischen Diskursanalyse zeigen hingegen, dass die Grenzen individueller Resilienzansätze im psychologischen Diskurs über Klimaresilienz mehrheitlich reflektiert werden und die Notwendigkeit politischer Lösungen für die Bewältigung der Klimakrise erkannt wird.
Integrated Design
Authors: Knaack Ulrich
Published: February 2025

This article describes the basic demands on architectural design such as function, aesthetic and technology with a focus on how to integrate the different disciples in the design process. One solution is the “integrated design” where the design team develops the design in collaboration and comes to mutual conclusions. This method is described on the basis of two projects where the author was responsible for the design and the planning process. Lastly this paper discusses a vision for future developments of the design process with a focus on value orientated results.
Construction Safety: At the Crossroads of Building and Design
Authors: Priemus Hugo
Published: February 2025

Bos & Lommer is a district in the west of Amsterdam. The spatial plan for Bos & Lommer was based on the General Extension Plan (Algemeen Uitbreidingsplan /AUP), which was designed by Van Eesteren in 1935. In the 1960s this plan was seriously impaired by the E10 motorway, which cut the area in two, leaving it without a heart – until 2004, when it was reunited by a complex of buildings constructed on viaducts. The new centre, consisting of the district office, 96 apartments, a few dozen businesses and shops, a two-storey parking lot with capacity for more than 500 cars, and a market place, was completed in the same year. Less than two years later, in July 2006, this whole multifunctional complex had to be urgently cleared, because its safety could not be guaranteed. Serious cracks had appeared in the parking deck – so serious that it caved in under the weight of a beer lorry. Further investigations exposed even more design and construction errors.
Research by Design in Urbanism
Authors: Rosemann Jürgen
Published: February 2025

There are only few periods in history in which architecture and urban planning acquired the speed of development they have today. This acceleration of development has to do with fundamental changes in our society. Cultural and economical changes in the framework of globalization and growing international dependencies, technological innovations like the establishment of new traffic and transportation systems, the introduction of automated production methods and robots in industry and the even broader application of information and communication technology in everyday life – all these developments are affecting the cities and city life – while environmental risks at a global scale are forcing us to consider the sustainability of our technologies, our life styles and our behavior.
Application of new technology as a starting point in Industrial Design
Authors: Jacobs Jan
Published: February 2025

This paper gives a compact view on two graduation projects from the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. These projects have the challenging application of new technologies as a starting point. Among researchers in the faculty is a strong belief that human needs and possibilities are leading as a starting point for the development of really new products. Everyday reality shows however that technical innovations still are the main driving forces for new products or systems. Fuel cells or hybrid power trains are examples of technology, stimulating our students to develop highly interesting prototypes. The results of these projects act as serious stimulators for further development.
A Formal Model of Emotions: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects
Authors: Steunebrink Bas R.  , Dastani Mehdi  , Meyer John-Jules Ch.
Published: February 2025

When constructing a formal model of emotions for intelligent agents, two types of aspects have to be taken into account. First, qualitative aspects pertain to the conditions that elicit emotions. Second, quantitative aspects pertain to the actual experience and intensity of elicited emotions. In this paper, we show how the qualitative aspects of a well-known psychological model of human emotions can be formalized in an agent specification language and how its quantitative aspects can be integrated into this model. Furthermore, we discuss several unspecified details and implicit assumptions in the psychological model that are explicated by this effort.
Privacy-Preserving Query Answering in Logic-based Information Systems
Authors: Cuenca Grau Bernardo  , Horrocks Ian
Published: February 2025

We study privacy guarantees for the owner of an information system who wants to share some of the information in the system with clients while keeping some other information secret. The privacy guarantees ensure that publishing the new information will not compromise the secret one. We present a framework for describing privacy guarantees that generalises existing probabilistic frameworks in relational databases. We also formulate different flavors of privacy-preserving query answering as novel, purely logic-based reasoning problems and establish general connections between these reasoning problems and the probabilistic privacy guarantees.
A Simulation-based Approach for Solving Generalized Semi-Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Rachelson Emmanuel  , Quesnel Gauthier  , Garcia Frédérick  , Fabiani Patrick
Published: February 2025

Time is a crucial variable in planning and often requires special attention since it introduces a specific structure along with additional complexity, especially in the case of decision under uncertainty. In this paper, after reviewing and comparing MDP frameworks designed to deal with temporal problems, we focus on Generalized Semi-Markov Decision Processes (GSMDP) with observable time. We highlight the inherent structure and complexity of these problems and present the differences with classical reinforcement learning problems. Finally, we introduce a new simulation-based reinforcement learning method for solving GSMDP, bringing together results from simulation-based policy iteration, regression techniques and simulation theory. We illustrate our approach on a subway network control example.
AI on the Move: Exploiting AI Techniques for Context Inference on Mobile Devices
Authors: Bulfoni Adolfo  , Coppola Paolo  , Della Mea Vincenzo  , Di Gaspero Luca  , Mischis Danny  , Mizzaro Stefano  , Scagnetto Ivan  , Vassena Luca
Published: February 2025

Context aware computing is a computational paradigm that has faced a rapid growth in the last few years, especially in the field of mobile devices. One of the promises of context-awareness in this field is the possibility of automatically adapting the functioning mode of mobile devices to the environment and the current situation the user is in, with the aim of improving both their efficiency (using the scarce resources in a more efficient way) and effectiveness (providing better services to the user). We propose a novel approach for providing a basic infrastructure for context-aware applications on mobile devices, in which AI techniques (namely a principled combination of rule-based systems, Bayesian networks, and ontologies) are applied to context inference. The aim is to devise a general inferential framework to easier the development of context-aware applications by integrating the information coming from physical and logical sensors (e.g., position, agenda) and reasoning about this information in order to infer new and more abstract contexts. In previous contextaware applications, most researches focused almost exclusively on time and/or location and other few data, while the same contexts inference was limited to preconceived values. Our approach differs from previous works since we do not focus on particular contextual values, but rather we have developed an architecture where managed contexts can be easily replaced by new contexts, depending on the different needs. Moreover, the inferential infrastructure we designed is able to work in a more general way and can be easily adapted to different models of applications distribution. We show some concrete examples of applications built upon the inferential infrastructure and we discuss its strengths and limitations.
Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Intrusion Detection: A case study and evaluation
Authors: Servin Arturo  , Kudenko Daniel
Published: February 2025

In this paper we propose a novel approach to train Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) agents to cooperate to detect intrusions in the form of normal and abnormal states in the network. We present an architecture of distributed sensor and decision agents that learn how to identify normal and abnormal states of the network using Reinforcement Learning (RL). Sensor agents extract network-state information using tile-coding as a function approximation technique and send communication signals in the form of actions to decision agents. By means of an on line process, sensor and decision agents learn the semantics of the communication actions. In this paper we detail the learning process and the operation of the agent architecture. We also present tests and results of our research work in an intrusion detection case study, using a realistic network simulation where sensor and decision agents learn to identify normal and abnormal states of the network.
Learning to Select Object Recognition Methods for Autonomous Mobile Robots
Authors: Bianchi Reinaldo A.C.  , Ramisa Arnau  , López de Mántaras Ramón
Published: February 2025

Selecting which algorithms should be used by a mobile robot computer vision system is a decision that is usually made a priori by the system developer, based on past experience and intuition, not systematically taking into account information that can be found in the images and in the visual process itself to learn which algorithm should be used, in execution time. This paper presents a method that uses Reinforcement Learning to decide which algorithm should be used to recognize objects seen by a mobile robot in an indoor environment, based on simple attributes extracted on-line from the images, such as mean intensity and intensity deviation. Two state-of-the-art object recognition algorithms can be selected: the constellation method proposed by Lowe together with its interest point detector and descriptor, the Scale-Invariant Feature Transform and a bag of features approach. A set of empirical evaluations was conducted using a household mobile robots image database, and results obtained shows that the approach adopted here is very promising.
Usability evaluation of software applications with the use of Usability Logger
Authors: Kostaras Nektarios  , Xenos Michalis  , Koutsogiannis Christos
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the main characteristics and capabilities of Usability Logger software tool, used in the usability evaluation of Human Computer interaction interfaces. Usability Logger can be employed to record the actions performed in workstations, with the use of the I/O devices. In this paper the tool is analyzed, compared with other similar tools and used in a case study involving the usability evaluation of two software systems according to predefined criteria.
Shared-Clock Methodology for Time-Triggered Multi-Cores
Authors: Athaide Keith F.  , Pont Michael J.  , Ayavoo Devaraj
Published: February 2025

The co-operative design methodology has significant advantages when used in safety-related systems. Coupled with the time-triggered architecture, the methodology can result in robust and predictable systems. Nevertheless, use of a co-operative design methodology may not always be appropriate especially when the system possesses tight resource and cost constraints. Under relaxed constraints, it might be possible to maintain a co-operative design by introducing additional software processing cores to the same chip. The resultant multi-core microcontroller then requires suitable design methodologies to ensure that the advantages of time-triggered co-operative design are maintained as far as possible. This paper explores the application of a time-triggered distributed-systems protocol, called “shared-clock”, on an eight-core microcontroller. The cores are connected in a mesh topology with no hardware broadcast capabilities and three implementations of the shared-clock protocol are examined. The custom multi-core system and the network interfaces used for the study are also described. The network interfaces share higher level serialising logic amongst channels, resulting in low hardware overhead when increasing the number of channels.
Virtual Machine Based Debugging for occam-π
Authors: Ritson Carl G.  , Simpson Jonathan
Published: February 2025

While we strive to create robust language constructs and design patterns which prevent the introduction of faults during software development, an inevitable element of human error still remains. We must therefore endeavor to ease and accelerate the process of diagnosing and fixing software faults, commonly known as debugging. Current support for debugging occam-π programs is fairly limited. At best the developer is presented with a reference to the last known code line executed before their program abnormally terminated. This assumes the program does in fact terminate, and does not instead live-lock. In cases where this support is not sufficient, developers must instrument their own tracing support, “printf style”. An exercise which typically enlightens one as to the true meaning of concurrency… In this paper we explore previous work in the field of debugging occam programs and introduce a new method for run-time monitoring of occam-π applications, based on the Transterpreter virtual machine interpreter. By adding a set of extensions to the Transterpreter, we give occam-π processes the ability to interact with their execution environment. Use of a virtual machine allows us to expose program execution state which would otherwise require non-portable or specialised hardware support. Using a model which bears similarities to that applied when debugging embedded systems with a JTAG connection, we describe debugging occam-π by mediating the execution of one execution process from another.
Visual Process-Oriented Programming for Robotics
Authors: Simpson Jonathan  , Jacobsen Christian L.
Published: February 2025

When teaching concurrency, using a process-oriented language, it is often introduced through a visual representation of programs in the form of process network diagrams. These diagrams allow the design of and abstract reasoning about programs, consisting of concurrently executing communicating processes, without needing any syntactic knowledge of the eventual implementation language. Process network diagrams are usually drawn on paper or with general-purpose diagramming software, meaning the program must be implemented as syntactically correct program code before it can be run. This paper presents POPed, an introductory parallel programming tool leveraging process network diagrams as a visual language for the creation of process-oriented programs. Using only visual layout and connection of pre-created components, the user can explore process orientation without knowledge of the underlying programming language, enabling a “processes first” approach to parallel programming. POPed has been targeted specifically at basic robotic control, to provide a context in which introductory parallel programming can be naturally motivated.
How to Make a Process Invisible
Authors: Brown Neil C.C.
Published: February 2025

Sometimes it is useful to be able to invisibly splice a process into a channel, allowing it to observe (log or present to a GUI) communications on the channel without breaking the synchronous communication semantics. occam-pi's extended rendezvous when reading from a channel made this possible; the invisible process could keep the writer waiting until the real reader had accepted the forwarded communication. This breaks down when it is possible to have choice on outputs (also known as output guards). An extended rendezvous for writing to a channel fixes this aspect but in turn does not support choice on the input. It becomes impossible to keep your process invisible in all circumstances. This talk explains the problem, and proposes a radical new feature that would solve it.
Mobile Processes in an Ant Simulation
Authors: Bonnici Eric
Published: February 2025

The term self-organisation, or emergent behaviour, may be used to describe behaviour structures that emerge at the global level of a system due to the interactions between lower level components. Components of the system have no knowledge about global state; each component has only private internal data and data that it can observe from its immediate locality (such as environmental factors and the presence of other components). Resulting global phenomina are, therefore, an emergent property of the system as a whole. An implication of this when creating artificial systems is that we should not attempt to program such kinds of complex behaviour explicitly into the system. It may also help if the programmer approaches the design from a radically different perspective than that found in traditional methods of software engineering. This talk outlines a process-oriented approach, using massive fine-grained concurrency, and explores the use of occam-π's mobile processes in the simulation of a classical ant colony.
Combining EDF Scheduling with occam using the Toc Programming Language
Authors: Korsgaard Martin  , Hendseth Sverre
Published: February 2025

A special feature of the occam programming language is that its concurrency support is at the very base of the language. However, its ability to specify scheduling requirements is insufficient for use in some real-time systems. Toc is an experimental programming language that builds on occam, keeping occam's concurrency mechanisms, while fundamentally changing its concept of time. In Toc, deadlines are specified directly in code, replacing occam's priority constructs as the method for controlling scheduling. Processes are scheduled lazily, in that code is not executed without an associated deadline. The deadlines propagate through channel communications, which means that a task blocked by a channel that is not ready will transfer its deadline through the channel to the dependent task. This allows the deadlines of dependent tasks to be inferred, and also creates a scheduling effect similar to priority inheritance. A compiler and run-time system has been implemented to demonstrate these principles.
Two-Way Protocols for occam-π
Authors: Sampson Adam T.
Published: February 2025

In the occam-π programming language, the client-server communication pattern is generally implemented using a pair of unidirectional channels. While each channel's protocol can be specified individually, no mechanism is yet provided to indicate the relationship between the two protocols; it is therefore not possible to statically check the safety of client-server communications. This paper proposes two-way protocols for individual channels, which would both define the structure of messages and allow the patterns of communication between processes to be specified. We show how conformance to two-way protocols can be statically checked by the occam-π compiler using Honda's session types. These mechanisms would considerably simplify the implementation of complex, dynamic client-server systems.
Incorporating Security into Software Development Process
Authors: Yoshioka R.  , Watanobe Y.  , Mirenkov N.
Published: February 2025

A general scheme of software development process is considered and some aspects related to integrating security into this scheme are analyzed. In particular, semantic-based, defense-in-depth techniques embedded into system/component defense shields and data acquiring/monitoring kernels are considered. The defense shields are to semantically check data of every input before a software component may process them and also to check every output before sending it to other components. The kernels are to regularly perform semantic analysis of the internal status and local data of a component/system. Based on these two ideas, real-time discovery of vulnerabilities and threats is possible even when various protective measures, such as, passwords, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, access control lists, etc. have been breached. Existing programming systems and possible new methods to realize the shields and kernels are also considered.
Introducing Realist Ontology for the Representation of Adverse Events
Authors: Ceusters Werner  , Capolupo Maria  , De Moor Georges  , Devlies Jos
Published: February 2025

The goal of the REMINE project is to build a high performance prediction, detection and monitoring platform for managing Risks against Patient Safety (RAPS). Part of the work involves developing an ontology enabling computer-assisted RAPS decision support on the basis of the disease history of a patient as documented in a hospital information system. A requirement of the ontology is to contain a representation for what is commonly referred to by the term ‘adverse event’, one challenge being that distinct authoritative sources define this term in different and context-dependent ways. The presence of some common ground in all definitions is, however, obvious. Using the analytical principles underlying Basic Formal Ontology and Referent Tracking, both developed in the tradition of philosophical realism, we propose a formal representation of this common ground which combines a reference ontology consisting exclusively of representations of universals and an application ontology which consists representations of defined classes. We argue that what in most cases is referred to by means of the term ‘adverse event’ – when used generically – is a defined class rather than a universal. In favour of the conception of adverse events as forming a defined class are the arguments that (1) there is no definition for ‘adverse event’ that carves out a collection of particulars which constitutes the extension of a universal, and (2) the majority of definitions require adverse events to be (variably) the result of some observation, assessment or (absence of) expectation, thereby giving these entities a nominal or epistemological flavour.
On Fuzzy Description Logics
Authors: García-Cerdaña Àngel  , Esteva Francesc
Published: February 2025

Description Logics (DLs) are knowledge representation languages, particularly suited to specify formal ontologies. DLs have been studied extensively over the last two decades. Fuzzy Description Logics (FDLs) incorporate vague concepts modeling them as fuzzy sets. Following ideas from Hájek, we propose the use of truth constants in the languages of description. In particular we introduce the languages 𝒜ℒ𝒞L*(S)and 𝒜ℒ𝒞L*~