bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A binarization approach to model interactions between categorical predictors in Generalized Linear Models
Authors: Carrizosa Emilio , Galvis Restrepo Marcela , Romero Morales Dolores
Published: June 2024

In this paper, our goal is to enhance the interpretability of Generalized Linear Models by identifying the most relevant interactions between categorical predictors. Searching for interaction effects can quickly become a highly combinatorial, and thus computationally costly, problem when we have many categorical predictors or even a few of them but with many categories. Moreover, the estimation of coefficients requires large training samples with enough observations for each interaction between categories. To address these bottlenecks, we propose to find a reduced representation for each categorical predictor as a binary predictor, where categories are clustered based on a dissimilarity. We provide a collection of binarized representations for each categorical predictor, where the dissimilarity takes into account information from the main effects and the interactions. The choice of the binarized predictors representing the categorical predictors is made with a novel heuristic procedure that is guided by the accuracy of the so-called binarized model. We test our methodology on both real-world and simulated data, illustrating that, without damaging the out-of-sample accuracy, our approach trains sparse models including only the most relevant interactions between categorical predictors.
Hybrid metaheuristics for selective inference task offloading under time and energy constraints for real-time IoT sensing systems
Authors: Ben Sada Abdelkarim , Khelloufi Amar , Naouri Abdenacer , Ning Huansheng , Dhelim Sahraoui
Published: June 2024

The recent widespread of AI-powered real-time applications necessitates the use of edge computing for inference task offloading. Power constrained edge devices are required to balance between processing inference tasks locally or offload to edge servers. This decision is determined according to the time constraint demanded by the real-time nature of applications, and the energy constraint dictated by the device’s power budget. This problem is further exacerbated in the case of systems leveraging multiple local inference models varying in size and accuracy. In this work, we tackle the problem of assigning inference models to inference tasks either using local inference models or by offloading to edge servers under time and energy constraints while maximizing the overall accuracy of the system. This problem is shown to be strongly NP-hard and therefore, we propose a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGSTO) to solve this problem. We leverage the speed of simulated annealing (SA) with the accuracy of genetic algorithms (GA) to develop a hybrid, fast and accurate algorithm compared with classic GA, SA and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Experiment results show that HGSTO achieved on-par or higher accuracy than GA while resulting in significantly lower scheduling times compared to other schemes.
Educators’ opinions about VR/AR/XR: An exploratory study
Authors: Schwaiger Michael , Krajnčan Mitja , Vukovič Matej , Jenko Matija , Doz Daniel
Published: June 2024

Although many studies have investigated the possible use of virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), and augmented reality (AR), there is a lack of research that specifically focuses on educators’ opinions and awareness about the usage of these technologies in educational settings. Therefore, the present research aimed to investigate educators’ opinions about XR, VR, and AR technologies in education, exploring their awareness, experiences, and interest in these technologies. Findings revealed limited knowledge about VR/AR/XR technologies among educators. The awareness did not vary based on teaching experience or professional training duration. While the majority of educators expressed curiosity about VR/AR/XR technologies, most had not used them in their teaching practice. The research identified that more experienced educators and those with longer professional training had tried these technologies more often.
The split ladder of policy problems, participation, and politicization: constitutional water change in Ecuador and Chile
Authors: Hurlbert Margot , Gupta Joyeeta
Published: June 2024

There is debate about whether complex problems should be addressed technocratically or whether they should be politicized. While many tend to favour technocratic decision-making and evidence based policy, for others politicization of policy problems is fundamental for significant policy change. But politicization does not always lead to problem solving. Nor is it always necessary. This paper addresses the question: Under what circumstances should problems be politicized, and what is the effect of such politicization? It adds politicization, through windows of opportunity, to the split ladder of participation to assess policy change through two case studies: successful and unsuccessful constitutional change in Ecuador (2008) and Chile respectively (2022). It argues that where there is no agreement on either science or policy, politicization is required to address lack of consensus in values, but constitutional protection is needed to protect minorities and the vulnerable, their access and human right to water. De-politicization stymies policy change potentially harming democracy. This paper argues for a citizen engaged exploration of the complex problem of climate change and its impacts on water, but a targeted politicization coincident with, but developed well in advance of, windows of opportunity. Moreover, policy framing correlated with complex problems continues to be a key consideration. Furthermore, alliances of disparate actors, elections of new political leaders and considerations of property rights and justice issues are paramount. Significant constitutional policy change reflects social learning, but subsequent court actions by policy entrepreneurs is required to effectively implement this change. Framing constitutional change to protect rights to water and effect international agreements (including the Warsaw International Mechanism under the climate change regime) advances water justice and may increase success.
Linearized Boltzmann collision operator for a mixture of monatomic and polyatomic chemically reacting species
Authors: Bernhoff Niclas
Published: June 2024

At higher altitudes near space shuttles moving at hypersonic speed the air is excited to high temperatures. Then not only mechanical collisions are affecting the gas flow, but also chemical reactions have an impact on such hypersonic flows. In this work we insert chemical reactions, in form of dissociations and associations, in a model for a mixture of mono- and polyatomic (non-reacting) species. More general chemical reactions, e.g., bimolecular ones, can be obtained by instant combinations of the considered reactions. Polyatomicity is here modelled by a continuous internal energy variable and the evolution of the gas is described by a Boltzmann equation. In the Chapman-Enskog process—and related half-space problems—the linearized Boltzmann collision operator plays a central role. Here we extend some important properties of the linearized operator to the considered model with chemical reactions. A compactness result, that the linearized operator can be decomposed into a sum of a positive multiplication operator—the collision frequency—and a compact integral operator, is obtained. The terms of the integral operator are shown to be (at least) uniform limits of Hilbert-Schmidt integral operators and, thereby, compact operators. Self-adjointness of the linearized operator follows as a direct consequence. Also, bounds on—including coercivity of—the collision frequency is obtained for hard sphere, as well as hard potentials with cutoff, like models. As consequence, Fredholmness as well as the domain of the linearized operator are obtained.
REFUEL: rule extraction for imbalanced neural node classification
Authors: Markwald Marco , Demidova Elena
Published: June 2024

Imbalanced graph node classification is a highly relevant and challenging problem in many real-world applications. The inherent data scarcity, a central characteristic of this task, substantially limits the performance of neural classification models driven solely by data. Given the limited instances of relevant nodes and complex graph structures, current methods fail to capture the distinct characteristics of node attributes and graph patterns within the underrepresented classes. In this article, we propose REFUEL—a novel approach for highly imbalanced node classification problems in graphs. Whereas symbolic and neural methods have complementary strengths and weaknesses when applied to such problems, REFUEL combines the power of symbolic and neural learning in a novel neural rule-extraction architecture. REFUEL captures the class semantics in the automatically extracted rule vectors. Then, REFUEL augments the graph nodes with the extracted rules vectors and adopts a Graph Attention Network-based neural node embedding, enhancing the downstream neural node representation. Our evaluation confirms the effectiveness of the proposed REFUEL approach for three real-world datasets with different minority class sizes. REFUEL achieves at least a 4% point improvement in precision on the minority classes of 1.5–2% compared to the baselines.
Exploratory habitation vehicles with trim intrinsic control
Authors: Manuello Andrea , Manuello Amedeo , Marano Giuseppe Carlo
Published: June 2024

Considering the space environment and its critical issues and consequent risks, the challenge is to define the way and tools with which future astronauts will be able to act, live and work in space and, in particular on the Moon and Mars, exploiting, at the state of art, knowledge of innovative science, engineering and technology. On the Moon and Mars, the most obvious environmental factors are extreme temperature fluctuations, low gravity and the virtual absence of atmosphere and magnetosphere. The health of a human body can be damaged by reduced values of gravity. Due to the reduced gravity on the Moon and Mars, human bones and muscles are unloaded and begin to weaken. It increases the risk of bone fractures and atrophied muscles for astronauts returning to Earth from prolonged missions. The magnetosphere and atmosphere on Earth shield from much of the dangerous solar and cosmic radiation. Radiation with extremely high energies can damage even living tissue. The surface of the Moon and Mars has been crushed by millions of impacts of celestial bodies such as asteroids, leaving a layer of regolith that could be very deep depending on the areas of the planets. The habitation module, described in this paper, is carried by a vehicle equipped with two pairs of compass shaped legs that act as supports for the habitation module capable of maintaining a certain controlled height with respect to the ground as well as a horizontal attitude, during the movement of the compass. A system of ropes wound on pulleys allows to control the height of the habitat with respect to the ground, control the structure in movement, descent and ascent. The habitat can also be lowered to the ground. The geometry of the shape of the pulleys, around which the ropes are wound, is determined in such a way that the habitation module remains at a certain height during the movement defined by the two compass-shaped advancement supports. The paper describes and analyzes the movement of the pulleys during the entire phase of the movement of the habitation module and their geometric shape is discussed.
Development of wearable device and synchronized Mobile application to monitor vital signs in real time
Authors: Turanli Mert , Ilhan Ilhan , Yavsan Emrehan
Published: June 2024

Silent hypoxia is a complication that can lead to severe respiratory disorders at a time when people feel well, especially in Covid-19, and lung destruction if not intervened early. In this paper, a wearable device and a mobile application synchronized with the device were developed to measure people’s vitals and reduce the risk of silent hypoxia. The device consists of 2 parts: a wristband and a finger-clip, and includes a micro-controller, a bluetooth module, a Li-Po battery and various sensors to measure body temperature, pulse and SpO2 values. It can measure body temperature, pulse and SpO2 instantly or at certain programmable intervals like a holter device through the mobile app. These measured values can be recorded and various analyzes can be performed on them. Also the measurement results can be sent via an e-mail. When the vitals reach or exceed the predefined risk levels, a notification can be generated. The proposed device was evaluated in various performance tests and compared to a commercial pulse oximeter as well as alternatives in the literature. It was tested for connectivity and transmission, battery endurance and field testing. In the comparison test, error values of 1.8%, 3.5% and 0.6% were achieved in SpO2, pulse and temperature measurements, respectively. The device is both a measurement and holter instrument for body temperature, pulse and SpO2 values. With this feature, it can be actively used by both patients and their relatives in hospital or home environment.
Clusters of resilience and vulnerability: executive functioning, coping and mental distress in patients with diffuse low-grade glioma
Authors: Gelmers Floor , Timmerman Marieke E. , Siebenga Femke F. , van der Weide Hiska L. , Rakers Sandra E. , Kramer Miranda C. A. , van der Hoorn Anouk , Enting Roelien H. , Bosma Ingeborg , Groen Rob J. M. , Jeltema Hanne-Rinck , Wagemakers Michiel , Spikman Jacoba M. , Buunk Anne M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Diffuse low-grade gliomas (dLGG) often have a frontal location, which may negatively affect patients’ executive functions (EF). Being diagnosed with dLGG and having to undergo intensive treatment can be emotionally stressful. The ability to cope with this stress in an adaptive, active and flexible way may be hampered by impaired EF. Consequently, patients may suffer from increased mental distress. The aim of the present study was to explore profiles of EF, coping and mental distress and identify characteristics of each profile.

Methods

151 patients with dLGG were included. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore profiles. Additional demographical, tumor and radiological characteristics were included.

Results

Four clusters were found: 1) overall good functioning (25% of patients); 2) poor executive functioning, good psychosocial functioning (32%); 3) good executive functioning, poor psychosocial functioning (18%) and; 4) overall poor functioning (25%). Characteristics of the different clusters were lower educational level and more (micro)vascular brain damage (cluster 2), a younger age (cluster 3), and a larger tumor volume (cluster 4). EF was not a distinctive factor for coping, nor was it for mental distress. Maladaptive coping, however, did distinguish clusters with higher mental distress (cluster 3 and 4) from clusters with lower levels of mental distress (cluster 1 and 2).

Conclusion

Four distinctive clusters with different levels of functioning and characteristics were identified. EF impairments did not hinder the use of active coping strategies. Moreover, maladaptive coping, but not EF impairment, was related to increased mental distress in patients with dLGG.
Design and analysis of high performance 1×N optical wavelength demultiplexers based on MIM waveguide with polygon resonators
Authors: Korkmaz Semih
Published: June 2024

Confinement of the light at the subwavelength scale makes photonic devices more efficient in applications such as optical filtering, switching, and sensing with their low dimensions. Metal-insulator- metal waveguide-based configurations present many paths for manipulating light at the wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. For that purpose, in this study, a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM) based on a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide is numerically investigated by finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Proposed WDMs have cascade polygon resonators. After optimizing the fundamental filter, this structure is formed as 1×N demultiplexers. The proposed demultiplexers have two- and three channels. The minimum full width at half-maximum (FWHM) value for these channels is 20.02 nm and the maximum quality factor value is 47.7 at 954.9 nm wavelength. The minimum crosstalk value is obtained as -30.37 dB for this study. The proposed 1×N demultiplexers have potential tools to design low-cost integrated optical circuits for specific wavelengths.
Gender-Typical Appearance in Early Childhood: Role of Parental Gender-Typical Appearance and Children’s Gender Similarity
Authors: Endendijk Joyce J. , Antoniucci Chiara , Chadwick-Brown Faye , Halim May Ling D. , Portengen Christel M.
Published: June 2024

The emergence of gender-typical appearance in childhood appears to have important implications not only for child and adolescent social-emotional functioning but also for later working life. In the current study, we examined how parents’ gender-typical appearance and children’s gender similarity (to same- and other-gender peers) were related to young children’s gender-typical appearance. We also explored differences in these associations between boys, girls, mothers, and fathers. Home visits were conducted with 74 Dutch two-parent (mother, father) families with both a son and daughter between the ages 3–6 years (96.6% White, 2.0% Asian, 1.4% other ethnicity). The gender-typical appearance of all four family members was assessed by trained and reliable coders in the videotaped observations from the home visits. As a measure of children’s gender similarity, both parents reported on the similarity of their son and daughter to same-gender and other-gender peers. Generalized estimating equations showed that more gender-typical appearance of parents was associated with more gender-typical appearance of girls, but not of boys. No differences were found between mothers and fathers for the association between parent and child appearance. Moreover, children’s gender similarity, evident in parents’ perceived similarity of their child to peers of the same gender and dissimilarity to peers of the other gender, was associated with more gender-typical appearance in children. To conclude, both children’s gender similarity and parents’ gender-typical appearance appear to play a role in the gender-typical appearance of young children.
A Geomagnetic Estimate of Heliospheric Modulation Potential over the Last 175 Years
Authors: Owens Mathew J. , Barnard Luke A. , Muscheler Raimund , Herbst Konstantin , Lockwood Mike , Usoskin Ilya , Asvestari Eleanna
Published: June 2024

Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) interact with the Earth’s atmosphere to produce energetic neutrons and cosmogenic radionuclides, such as 14C. The atmosphere is partially shielded from the interstellar GCR spectrum by both the geomagnetic and solar magnetic fields. Solar shielding is often expressed as the heliospheric modulation potential $\phi $
ϕ
, which consolidates information about the strength and structure of the solar magnetic field into a single parameter. For the period 1951 to today, $\phi $
ϕ
can be estimated from ground-based neutron monitor data. Prior to 1950, 14C in tree rings can be used to estimate $\phi $
ϕ
and hence the solar magnetic field, back centuries or millennia. Bridging the gap in the $\phi $
ϕ
record is therefore of vital importance for long-term solar reconstructions. One method is to model $\phi $
ϕ
using the sunspot number (SN) record. However, the SN record is only an indirect measure of the Sun’s magnetic field, introducing uncertainty, and the record suffers from calibration issues. Here we present a new reconstruction of $\phi $
ϕ
based on geomagnetic data, which spans both the entire duration of the neutron monitor record and stretches back to 1845, providing a significant overlap with the 14C data. We first modify and test the existing model of $\phi $
ϕ
based on a number of heliospheric parameters, namely the open solar flux $F_{S}$

F
S

, the heliospheric current sheet tilt angle $\alpha $
α
, and the global heliospheric magnetic polarity $p$
p
. This modified model is applied to recently updated geomagnetic estimates of $F_{S}$

F
S

and cyclic variations of $\alpha $
α
and $p$
p
. This approach is shown to produce an annual estimate of $\phi $
ϕ
in excellent agreement with that obtained from neutron monitors over 1951 – 2023. It also suggests that ionisation chamber estimates of $\phi $
ϕ
 – which have previously been used to extend the instrumental estimate back from 1951 to 1933 – are not well calibrated. Comparison of the new geomagnetic $\phi $
ϕ
with 14C estimates of $\phi $
ϕ
suggests that the long-term trend is overestimated in the most recent 14C data, possibly due to hemispheric differences in the Suess effect, related to the release of carbon by the burning of fossil fuels. We suggest that the new geomagnetic estimate of $\phi $
ϕ
will provide an improved basis for future calibration of long-term solar activity reconstructions.
Actions, reasons, and becauses
Authors: Cox Ryan
Published: June 2024

How are sentences that express reason explanations related to sentences that express rationalizing psychological explanations? How are sentences like ‘Jane is going to the pub because John is there’ related to sentences like ‘Jane is going to the pub because she knows that John is there’? Are the former merely elliptical, in some sense, for the latter? Are the former used to express nothing more and nothing less than the latter are used to express? If so, then what explains this? Are the sentences syntactically ambiguous, context-dependent, lexically ambiguous, or is there some merely pragmatic explanation available? This paper examines various linguistic hypotheses which would support the “ellipsis hypothesis” and argues that they all fail to support the hypothesis. It then argues that this has deeper implications for first-order action theory than one might think, as the failure of these hypotheses lends support to an alternative first-order action theory I call analytic anti-psychologism.
Molecular epidemiology and genetic evolution of avian influenza H5N1 subtype in Nigeria, 2006 to 2021
Authors: Adesola Ridwan O. , Onoja Bernard A. , Adamu Andrew M. , Agbaje Sheriff T. , Abdulazeez Modinat D. , Akinsulie Olalekan C. , Bakre Adetolase , Adegboye Oyelola A.
Published: June 2024

Nigeria recorded one of the earliest outbreaks of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 in 2006, which spread to other African countries. In 2023, 18 countries reported outbreaks of H5N1 in poultry, with human cases documented in Egypt, Nigeria, and Djibouti. There is limited information on the molecular epidemiology of HPAI H5N1 in Nigeria. We determined the molecular epidemiology and genetic evolution of the virus from 2006 to 2021. We investigated the trend and geographical distribution across Nigeria. The evolutionary history of 61 full-length genomes was performed from 13 countries worldwide, and compared with sequences obtained from the early outbreaks in Nigeria up to 2021. MEGA 11 was used to determine the phylogenetic relationships of H5N1 strains, which revealed close ancestry between sequences in Nigeria and those from other African countries. Clade classification was performed using the subspecies classification tool for Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Research Center (BV-BRC) version 3.35.5. H5N1 Clade 2.2 was observed in 2006, with 2.3.2, 2.3.2.1f clades observed afterwards and 2.3.4.4b in 2021. Our findings underscore the need for genomics surveillance to track antigenic variation and clades switching to monitor the epidemiological of the virus and safeguard human and animal health.

Impacts

Specific variations in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of Avian influenza virus are consistent in different geographical regions.

H5N1 Clade 2.2 was reported in 2006, with 2.3.2, 2.3.2.1f afterwards and 2.3.4.4b in 2021.

Nigeria is an epicentre for avian influenza with three major migratory routes for wild birds transversing the country.

It is plausible that the Avian influenza in Northern Nigeria may be linked to wild bird sanctuaries in the region.
Sleep Disorders in Adults with Intellectual Disability: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Perera Bhathika , O’Regan David
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

We performed a narrative review of the current knowledge in epidemiology, mechanisms, clinical presentation, and treatment of sleep disorders in adults with intellectual disability.

Recent Findings

Adults with Intellectual disability face significant mental and physical health disparities, including in sleep medicine. Despite sleep disorders having been identified as adversely affecting the health and quality of life of both adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers, the evidence base for assessment, diagnosis and treatment in this population remains under developed when compared to that of the general population. This review summarises the existing literature on insomnia, sleep disordered breathing, and other common sleep disorders in adults with intellectual disability. Emphasising the existing gaps in our understanding of sleep disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities, we propose strategies to address and mitigate these gaps.

Sleep disorders are common, yet frequently ignored in adults with intellectual disabilities. To address sleep health inequality gaps, future research should adopt tailored approaches, considering the heterogeneity within the intellectual disability population, including stratification by aetiology and health comorbidities. This is essential to improve the diagnostic accuracy and treatment of sleep disorders in adults with intellectual disability.
Study of the Pectinase Production from Soursop and Cherimoya Pulp for Agro-Industrial Waste Reduction in Colombia
Authors: García Nora M. , Cely Nelcy M. , Méndez Paula A.
Published: June 2024

Pectic enzymes are an eco-friendly alternative to improve extraction processes for the food industry. The objective of the research was to obtain pectinase from the pulp of soursop (Annona muricata L.) and cherimoya (Annona cherimola L.), as an alternative to reduce agro-industrial waste in Colombia; involving the study of the factors influencing the protein content of the enzymes extracted from different stages and types of fruits, the conditions for enzymatic activity, and the potential application in the food industry, particularly in extraction processes and juice clarification. A factorial design 23, spectrometric and potentiometric techniques evidenced that the protein content depends on factors such as fruit stage (suitable “s” and unsuitable “u” fruits for consumption) and fruit type (soursop and cherimoya). The higher protein content was obtained by the precipitation method in comparison to ion exchange chromatography. Cherimoya fruit presented a higher protein content of 326 ± 26 mg by precipitation, however, the soursop samples evidenced higher enzymatic activity, 2.2 ± 0.1 U/mL. The pectinase obtained was an acidic enzyme of type pectin methylesterase with an enzymatic activity of 27.0 ± 0.9 U/mL, under the optimal conditions of pH 4 and temperature of 40 °C. The application in blackberry juice evidenced a decrease in the absorbance and pH changes. From the current research, the pulp of soursop and cherimoya was proven as a cheap source to obtain pectinase with enzymatic activity for juice clarification, and this process is an alternative to reduce the negative impact on the environment and an economical source for the local producers.
Asperuloside inhibits the activation of pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts via activating transcription factor 6
Authors: Cao Ling-zhi , Yang Fan-hui , Zhang Hao , Jia Ai-min , Li Su-ping , Wen Hu-ling
Published: June 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in tumor progression and immune evasion. Asperuloside (ASP) is an iridoid glycoside with potential anti-tumor properties. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of ASP on CAFs, particularly focusing on its effects on activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), a key regulator of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Method

CAFs were treated with different concentrations of ASP (0, 1, 3, and 5 mM), and the role of ATF6 was investigated by over-expressing it in CAFs. Subsequently, western blot was used to detect ATF6, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibroblast activating protein (FAP), and vimentin protein levels in CAFs. The collagen gel contraction assay and Transwell assay were applied to evaluate the contraction and migration ability of CAFs. In addition, the interleukin (IL)-6, C–C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)-2, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-10 levels were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

CAFs had significantly higher expression levels of α-SMA, FAP, and vimentin compared to normal fibroblasts (NFs). ASP significantly inhibited the activation, contraction, and migration of CAFs in a concentration-dependent manner. ASP treatment also reduced the expression of cytokines (IL-6, CCL2, and CXCL10) and down-regulated ATF6 levels. Over-expression of ATF6 mitigated the inhibitory effects of ASP.

Conclusion

ASP exerts its anti-tumor effects by down-regulating ATF6, thereby inhibiting the activation and function of pancreatic CAFs. These findings suggest that ASP could be a promising therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment.
Challenges in non-destructive X-ray CT testing of riveted joints in the automotive industry
Authors: Schromm Thomas , Beckmann Felix , Moosmann Julian , Berthe Daniel , Pfeiffer Franz , Grosse Christian
Published: June 2024

Despite recent advancements, contemporary laboratory-based industrial computed tomography (CT) technology has not yet achieved the status of an efficient and economically viable in situ non-destructive method for examining riveted joints that are commonly used in the automotive industry. 2D X-ray or 3D CT systems can only reliably assess a rivet joint’s condition in rare, and favorable circumstances. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis to identify the obstacles preventing CT from efficiently capturing high-resolution, and contrast-rich scans of riveted joints in general is lacking. This work delves into the challenges and limitations of the technology that prevent operators from reaching the desired precision required for rigorous quality control. The study specifically addresses questions concerning in situ reachability and positioning of the sample structure, radiodensity and beam hardening, the relationship between spot size and power, and economic feasibility—all within the context of analyzing riveted joints in the automotive industry. Additionally, we provide an abstracted overview of the current industrial X-ray tube market, which informs our discussion on these specific aspects. Through a combination of experimental findings, analytical insights, and deductions, we shed light on the persistent difficulties in achieving resolutions comparable to macro-sectioning and microscopy, which are currently considered the gold standard in examining riveted joints. Our investigation further explores the potential of a photon-counting detector paired with a conventional, laboratory-based X-ray source. Furthermore, we investigate the use of a synchrotron beamline as an X-ray source in conjunction with a custom-designed detector optimized for such beam geometries. This detector employs scintillators coupled with optical magnification, functioning similarly to an X-ray microscope. Our findings and data collection conclusively reveal that commercially available CT systems still fail to meet the requirements for efficient testing, underscoring the urgent need for further research and development to enable widespread implementation.
Assessing the determinants of saving behaviour: evidence from rural farming households in Central Uganda
Authors: Midamba Dick Chune , Jjengo Accram , Ouko Kevin Okoth
Published: June 2024

Savings play a significant role in any country’s economic development. Notably, because farmers tend to have seasonal income from their farming activities, they also tend to be highly vulnerable to poor saving habbit than other occupations, such as those in formal jobs. However, farmers who save part of their income for subsequent production can purchase farm inputs in time as they wait for the onset of rain. Reportedly, there has been poor saving behavior among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aims to determine the factors responsible for farmers’ saving behavior. Descriptive and econometric (binary logistic model) analyses were employed to achieve the objectives of the study. The results indicate that the majority of farmers saved on a monthly and weekly basis. The results of the binary logistic regression model analysis showed that age, marital status, gender, experience, group membership, distance to the markets and markets, farm income, and farmers’ sub-counties of residence had a significant influence on farmers’ saving behavior. From the results, policy measures to increase the rate of savings include the employment of more extension personnel to reach as many farmers as possible. Government and extension agents should target female and less experienced farmers through adult-based education programs because they are vulnerable to poor saving behavior. Farmers should join farmer—based groups and cooperative societies, in which saving information is disseminated. The government, non-governmental organizations and financial institutions should offer financial literacy training on savings to smallholder farmers.
Video Game Addiction and its Relationship with Sleep Quality among Medical Students
Authors: Alghamdi Faisal Ahmed Dakheel-allah , Alghamdi Faisal Ahmed Ghanim , Abusulaiman Abdullah , Alsulami Abdulaziz Jabr , Bamotref Mohammed , Alosaimi Albraa , Bamousa Omar , Wali Siraj Omar
Published: June 2024

Background

Although many health problems, including sleep disorders, have been associated with video gaming, further studies are required to establish the validity of these connections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gaming addiction among medical students and its association with poor sleep quality, which may be reflected in academic performance.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and June 2023 among medical students at the institution under study. An online survey was conducted and was divided into three sections. The first section included the demographic data, the second section included the 7-item Gaming Addiction Scale (GAS), and the third section included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Using the GAS, and based on the total score, gamers were classified as addicted, problematic, engaged, or normal. Hence, abnormal gamers include engaged, problematic, and addicted gamers.

Result

There were 356 participants with a mean age of 22.5 -/+ 1.8 years, and 75.3% were males. The data showed that 38.8% of the study population were abnormal gamers: 40 (11.2%) engaged gamers, 81 (22.8%) problematic gamers, and 17 (4.8%) addicted gamers. Furthermore, abnormal gaming was linked to poor sleep quality when comparing abnormal gamers with normal gamers (92% vs. 80.3%, p = 0.002). Further comparison between the types of abnormal gamers revealed that addicted gamers were found to rely on sleep medication to help them sleep at night and took longer time to fall asleep (p = 0.050 and p = 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion

Abnormal gamers are common among medical students and strongly associated with poor sleep quality compared to normal gamers.
Bilateral tensor fascia suralis muscles and unilateral accessory biceps femoris muscle: a cadaveric case study
Authors: Swancutt Makayla M. , Hailey Jared M. , Dennis Jennifer F.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study reports the findings of bilateral tensor fascia suralis muscles (TFS) and a unilateral accessory muscle belly of the biceps femoris (AMBF) in a 72-year-old female.

Case report

The findings were initially identified during educational dissection of the lower extremities by medical students. The AMBF and bilateral TFS were further dissected to identify their origins and insertions. The left TFS (length, 22.83 ± 0.05 cm; width, 6.24 ± 0.14 mm) originated from the biceps femoris long head muscle (BFLH) and inserted onto the crural fascia overlying the lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle. The right TFS (length, 114.89 ± 0.62 mm; width, 9.82 ± 0.11 mm) originated from the BFLH and inserted onto the crural fascia overlying the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle. The length of the crural fascia insertion was 76.26 ± 3.00 mm (left) and 127.69 ± 1.41 mm (right). An AMBF was present in the left lower limb, originating from the greater trochanter and inserting on the distal end of the BFLH. The common peroneal nerve passed deep to the AMBF, 20.3 cm inferior to the inferior border of the piriformis. 

Conclusion

This data characterizes a novel finding of bilateral TFS muscles with a unilateral AMBF.
Emotional Anticipation at the Prospect of Finding a Job
Authors: Parmentier Michaël , Thomas Pirsoul  , Pierre Bouchat  , Nils Frédéric
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Although job seekers experience strong emotions during job search, little is known about how they emotionally anticipate the prospect of finding a job. This study explored how men and women job seekers emotionally anticipate finding a new job by investigating profiles of anticipatory and anticipated emotions. We identified four distinct profiles: (1) a positive anticipatory–high anticipated, (2) a positive anticipatory–positive anticipated, (3) a mixed anticipatory–low anticipated, and (4) a negative anticipatory–high anticipated profile. Regarding the similarity between groups, we found both qualitative and quantitative differences between men and women. The present study contributes to the literature in stressing the importance of considering both emotional and future-oriented perspectives on job search.
Indicators for the Assessment of the Impact of Hydropeaking on Aquifers
Authors: Basilio Hazas M. , Marcolini G. , Wohlmuth B. , Chiogna G.
Published: June 2024

The operation of hydropower plants leads to sudden changes in river stage and to a flow regime known as hydropeaking. Hydropeaking alters the morphology of the riverbed and water quality, and ultimately poses a risk to riverine ecosystems. While many indicators are available to quantitatively assess this problem in rivers, the impact of hydropeaking on aquifers is largely unknown and lacks of quantitative indicators. We analyze with wavelet techniques the spatial and temporal dynamics of surface water‐groundwater interaction in an aquifer impacted by two differently regulated rivers. We propose four indicators to study the aquifer stress produced by hydropeaking and classify the observed groundwater head time series into weakly, moderately and highly impacted. This study opens the possibility for a quantitative assessment of the impact of hydropeaking on the groundwater ecosystem.
Shallow Slow Slip Events in the Imperial Valley With Along‐Strike Propagation
Authors: Materna Kathryn , Bürgmann Roland , Lindsay Danielle , Bilham Roger , Herring Thomas , Crowell Brendan , Szeliga Walter
Published: June 2024

Shallow creep events provide opportunities to understand the mechanical properties and behavior of faults. However, due to physical limitations observing creep events, the precise spatio‐temporal evolution of slip during creep events is not well understood. In 2023, the Superstition Hills and Imperial faults in California each experienced centimeter‐scale slip events that were captured in unprecedented detail by satellite radar, sub‐daily Global Navigation Satellite Systems, and creepmeters. In both cases, the slip propagated along the fault over 2–3 weeks. The Superstition Hills event propagated bilaterally away from its initiation point at average velocities of ∼9 km/day, but propagation velocities were locally much higher. The ruptures were consistent with slip from tens of meters to ∼2 km depths. These slowly propagating events reveal that the shallow crust of the Imperial Valley does not obey purely velocity‐strengthening or velocity‐weakening rate‐and‐state friction, but instead requires the consideration of fault heterogeneity or fault‐frictional behaviors such as dilatant strengthening.
The Age of Buried Carbon Changes the Greenhouse Gas Budget of a Dam
Authors: Tittel J. , Rosenlöcher Y. , Dadi T. , Lechtenfeld O. J. , Simon C.
Published: June 2024

Dams are a globally relevant source of greenhouse gases (GHG), which impairs their function as a source of green energy. High burial rates of organic carbon (OC) in dam sediments may partly or fully offset the emissions. We argue that only the burial of carbon fixed in the timespan of dam operation changes the GHG balance. Here, we took sediment cores from a temperate dam. We analyzed radiocarbon age and OC molecular composition by laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry in the bulk OC and in four chemical extract fractions. The bulk samples contained modern OC, fixed after 1950. However, the extracted OC was of different ages (modern to 1900 years BP). Fractions with OC measured as old (>960 years BP) accounted for 57% of total sediment OC. Correlations of molecular composition with extract age suggest that these older fractions contained insignificant amounts of modern OC. We conclude that a substantial proportion of buried carbon did not originate from the contemporary atmosphere and cannot be offset against recent GHG emissions.
Long‐Term Monitoring of the Annual Irrigated Cropland Extent in Fragmented and Heterogeneous Arid Landscapes Using Machine Learning and Landsat Imagery
Authors: Tan Meibao , Ran Youhua , Feng Min , Dong Guotao , Du Deyan , Zhu Gaofeng , Nian Yanyun , Li Xin
Published: June 2024

Understanding the long‐term spatiotemporal evolution of irrigated cropland is essential for water resource management, but this knowledge remains elusive in most water‐stressed arid areas. In this study, we introduced an integrated framework for long‐term and field‐scale mapping of annual irrigated cropland in arid and semiarid regions. This framework combines the k‐means algorithm with a semiautomatically trained random forest classifier for initial classification and employs the Bayesian Updating of Land Cover algorithm for subsequent postprocessing. Taking the Heihe River basin in northwestern China as the experimental area, we generated 30‐m annual irrigated cropland maps spanning from 1990 to 2020 based on Landsat imagery and the Google Earth Engine. Comprehensive validation confirmed the reliability of this approach, with the overall accuracy of the annual maps ranging from 83% to 88.3% (mean: 86.6%). Our data set provides an unprecedentedly long‐term and fine‐scale perspective for understanding the continuous spatial and temporal dynamics of irrigated cropland in the Heihe River basin, surpassing previous studies in Central Asia and northwestern China. Notably, a rapid expansion of irrigated areas is occurring in the basin, especially in the water‐stressed midstream and downstream areas. This finding points to potential ecological risks in the foreseeable future due to water resource constraints.
Is It Climate Change? Americans Mostly Say Yes
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: June 2024

Most Americans think climate change plays some role in creating extreme weather, though their perceptions didn’t always align with scientists’.
Electrical Conductivity of Dense MgSiO3 Melt Under Static Compression
Authors: Okuda Yoshiyuki , Hirose Kei , Ohta Kenji , Kawaguchi‐Imada Saori , Oka Kenta
Published: June 2024

The magnetic fields of terrestrial planets are created by core convection. Molten silicate mantles could also generate magnetic fields through their convective motion, known as a silicate dynamo. Recent computational studies have suggested that silicate melts may exhibit high electrical conductivity (EC) at temperatures above 4000 K due to strong electronic conduction, which could activate a silicate dynamo. We determined the EC of dense molten MgSiO3 up to 71 GPa and 4490 K by static compression experiments. It jumped by one order of magnitude upon melting, but 57(27) S/m at 4490 K is much lower than previous predictions, suggesting that molten MgSiO3 carries charge via ions rather than predicted electronic conduction. Nevertheless, the strong temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity found in this study suggests that super‐Earths’ hotter magma ocean with larger‐scale convection could power a dynamo that drives magnetic fields, which plays key roles in sustaining planetary surface environments.
Krause corpuscles are genital vibrotactile sensors for sexual behaviours
Authors: Qi Lijun , Iskols Michael , Greenberg Rachel S. , Xiao Jia Yin , Handler Annie , Liberles Stephen D. , Ginty David D.
Published: June 2024

Krause corpuscles, which were discovered in the 1850s, are specialized sensory structures found within the genitalia and other mucocutaneous tissues1–4. The physiological properties and functions of Krause corpuscles have remained unclear since their discovery. Here we report the anatomical and physiological properties of Krause corpuscles of the mouse clitoris and penis and their roles in sexual behaviour. We observed a high density of Krause corpuscles in the clitoris compared with the penis. Using mouse genetic tools, we identified two distinct somatosensory neuron subtypes that innervate Krause corpuscles of both the clitoris and penis and project to a unique sensory terminal region of the spinal cord. In vivo electrophysiology and calcium imaging experiments showed that both Krause corpuscle afferent types are A-fibre rapid-adapting low-threshold mechanoreceptors, optimally tuned to dynamic, light-touch and mechanical vibrations (40–80 Hz) applied to the clitoris or penis. Functionally, selective optogenetic activation of Krause corpuscle afferent terminals evoked penile erection in male mice and vaginal contraction in female mice, while genetic ablation of Krause corpuscles impaired intromission and ejaculation of males and reduced sexual receptivity of females. Thus, Krause corpuscles of the clitoris and penis are highly sensitive mechanical vibration detectors that mediate sexually dimorphic mating behaviours.
Multiscale topology classifies cells in subcellular spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Benjamin Katherine , Bhandari Aneesha , Kepple Jessica D. , Qi Rui , Shang Zhouchun , Xing Yanan , An Yanru , Zhang Nannan , Hou Yong , Crockford Tanya L. , McCallion Oliver , Issa Fadi , Hester Joanna , Tillmann Ulrike , Harrington Heather A. , Bull Katherine R.
Published: June 2024

Spatial transcriptomics measures in situ gene expression at millions of locations within a tissue1, hitherto with some trade-off between transcriptome depth, spatial resolution and sample size2. Although integration of image-based segmentation has enabled impactful work in this context, it is limited by imaging quality and tissue heterogeneity. By contrast, recent array-based technologies offer the ability to measure the entire transcriptome at subcellular resolution across large samples3–6. Presently, there exist no approaches for cell type identification that directly leverage this information to annotate individual cells. Here we propose a multiscale approach to automatically classify cell types at this subcellular level, using both transcriptomic information and spatial context. We showcase this on both targeted and whole-transcriptome spatial platforms, improving cell classification and morphology for human kidney tissue and pinpointing individual sparsely distributed renal mouse immune cells without reliance on image data. By integrating these predictions into a topological pipeline based on multiparameter persistent homology7–9, we identify cell spatial relationships characteristic of a mouse model of lupus nephritis, which we validate experimentally by immunofluorescence. The proposed framework readily generalizes to new platforms, providing a comprehensive pipeline bridging different levels of biological organization from genes through to tissues.