bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘High-stakes gambling: Overrepresentation of gambling harm among help-seeking communities in the NW of England.’
Authors: Downs Carolyn , Towse John Nicholas , Kritikaki Georgia , Ng Stephanie , Goli Abhishek
Published: February 2025

Understanding the scale of serious gambling problems is fundamental to any policy or effort to address the harms and support those affected by it. Yet even assuming accurate statistics for gambling problems at a national or regional level, there is a critical need to assess the distribution of problems across population subsets and communities. We estimated the prevalence of the most serious gambling behaviours, sampling amongst a help-seeking population approaching a foodbank in 2023. Over 3% of respondents experienced major gambling harm. We argue that more widespread identification of gambling harms would enable the development of better support for gambling harm and facilitate more sensitivity to the environments and places where it is experienced.
Excessive switching in OCD and paranoia arises from different deficits in belief-updating
Authors: Corlett Philip R. , Freeland Charlotte , Castiello Santiago , Suthaharan Praveen , Pittenger Christopher
Published: February 2025

Both obsessions and paranoia are characterized by cognitive inflexibility, particularly in uncertain environments. Yet, differential diagnosis is challenging and limited to clinical interviews and self-report symptom questionnaires. We predicted that obsessions and paranoia would be associated with distinct patterns of behavior in our well-established probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) task. Probabilistic reversal learning involves updating beliefs about rewards when contingencies change. Obsessions and paranoia have been linked to excessive switching behaviors during reversal learning, although some report perseveration in patients with OCD and those with schizophrenia. Here, we analyze data gathered from the general population to assess the associations between obsessions, paranoia, and PRL task performance. Using a novel computational method – Bayesian Gaussian Graphical Modeling combined with a Hierarchical Gaussian Filter – we distinguish the impacts of paranoia and obsession on reversal learning – despite their significant correlation. We find that win-switching arises in paranoia from deficits in learning about uncertainty in the global task structure, whereas excessive switching in OCD arises from challenges in learning about uncertainty at the local choice level.
Identifying Preliminary Risk Profiles for Dissociation in 16to 25-Year-Olds Using Machine Learning
Authors: Černis Emma , McGuinness Roberta , Herring Daniel , Wu Xinyi , Almandi Maryam , Bhangu Daveena , Collinson Lucia , Shang Xiaocheng
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Dissociation is associated with clinical severity, increased risk of suicide and self-harm, and disproportionately affects adolescents and young adults. Whilst evidence indicates multiple factors contribute to dissociative experiences, a multifactorial explanation of increased risk for dissociation has yet to be achieved. Methods: We used multiple regression to investigate the relative influence of five plausible risk factors (childhood trauma, loneliness, marginalisation, socio-economic status, and everyday stress), and machine learning to generate tentative high-risk profiles for ‘felt sense of anomaly’ dissociation (FSA-dissociation) using cross-sectional online survey data from 2384 UK-based 16- to 25-year-olds. Results: Multiple regression indicated that four risk factors significantly contributed to FSA-dissociation, with relative order of contribution: everyday stress, childhood trauma, loneliness and marginalisation. Exploratory analysis using machine learning suggested dissociation results from a complex interplay between interpersonal, contextual, and intrapersonal pressures: alongside marginalisation and childhood trauma, negative self-concept and depression were important in younger (16–20 years), and anxiety and maladaptive emotion regulation in older (21–25 years) respondents. Conclusions: Validation of these findings could inform clinical assessment, and prevention and outreach efforts, improving the under-recognition of dissociation in mainstream services.
Foraging Connections: Optimal Foraging in Letter Fluency
Authors: Zemla Jeffrey C
Published: February 2025

The letter fluency task is the timed listing of words that begin with a specific letter (e.g., words starting with T). Participants often list words in phonologically related clusters (e.g., tank, task, tap) and occasionally switch clusters (e.g., tap, thud). This process has been likened to patch switching in animal foraging. Optimal performance requires switching clusters in a manner that maximizes the rate of retrieving words, known as the marginal value theorem. Previous work has found evidence for this in semantic fluency. The current study tests whether people adhere to the marginal value theorem in letter fluency and whether executive functioning is associated with optimal performance. Three letter cues (T, N, and J) and one semantic cue (animals) were administered. Results are consistent with optimal search in N and J, but not T or animals. These findings provide mixed support that people search optimally during letter fluency.
Measuring dissociation across adolescence and adulthood: Developing the short-form Cernis Felt Sense of Anomaly scale (CEFSA-14)
Authors: Černis Emma , Loe Bao Sheng , Lofthouse Katie , Waite Polly , Molodynski Andrew , Ehlers Anke , Freeman Daniel
Published: February 2025

BackgroundDissociation may be important across many mental health disorders, but has been variously conceptualised and measured. We introduced a conceptualisation of a common type of dissociative experience, ‘felt sense of anomaly’ (FSA), and developed a corresponding measure, the Černis Felt Sense of Anomaly (ČEFSA) scale.AimsWe aimed to develop a short-form version of the ČEFSA that is valid for adolescent and adult respondents.MethodData were collected from 1031 adult NHS patients with psychosis and 932 adult and 1233 adolescent non-clinical online survey respondents. Local structural equation modelling (LSEM) was used to establish measurement invariance of items across the age range. Ant colony optimisation (ACO) was used to produce a 14-item short-form measure. Finally, the expected test score function derived from item response theory modelling guided the establishment of interpretive scoring ranges.ResultsLSEM indicated 25 items of the original 35-item ČEFSA were age invariant. They were also invariant across gender and clinical status. ACO of these items produced a 14-item short-form (ČEFSA-14) with excellent psychometric properties (CFI=0.992; TLI=0.987; RMSEA=0.034; SRMR=0.017; Cronbach’s alpha=0.92). Score ranges were established based on the expected test scores at approximately 0.7, 1.25, and 2.0 theta (equivalent to standard deviations above the mean). Scores of 29 and above may indicate elevated levels of FSA-dissociation.ConclusionsThe ČEFSA-14 is a psychometrically valid measure of FSA-dissociation for adolescents and adults. It can be used with clinical and non-clinical respondents. It could be used by clinicians as an initial tool to explore dissociation with their clients.
The way of thinking about depressive symptoms using exponential distribution and Poisson process
Authors: Yabu Takuya
Published: February 2025

So far, we have used stochastic differential equations to explain the process that leads to feelings and thoughts that assume a Wiener process. In reality, however, depressive symptoms may suddenly appear when one is feeling at ease. When a person is suffering from depression, the value of a group of curves, such as the person's similarity curve, is at a negative minimum if we consider the Wiener process. However, a person may go from being at ease to being depressed, i.e., the value of the similarity curve or other curve group may suddenly go from a positive value to a negative minimum. This cannot be explained by the conventional concept of similarity curves and other curve groups using the Wiener process. Therefore, we considered depressive symptoms using exponential distribution and Poisson process. We derived the equation given for the time when the person is not depressed, and showed that the time when the person is not depressed is an exponential distribution . We also derived an exponential distribution for the number of times a person becomes depressed during a certain period of time, and showed that the number of times a person becomes depressed during a certain period of time is a Poisson process. Based on these results, we explained the relationship between the number of times a person becomes depressed during a certain period of time and the time when he or she is not depressed. We also discussed the connection with similarity curve and other results in the previously discussed paper. Finally, he stated that placing oneself in an environment or state where one is less likely to become depressed is a way to cope with depression.
Decoupling Speech Processing from Time
Authors: Muegge John Baltazar , Kim Hyoju , McMurray Bob
Published: February 2025

Speech processing requires listeners to map temporally unfolding input to words. There has been consensus around the principles governing this process: lexical items are activated immediately and incrementally as speech arrives, perceptual and lexical representations rapidly decay to make room for new information, and lexical entries are temporally structured. In this framework, speech processing is tightly coupled to the temporally unfolding input. However, recent work challenges this: low-level auditory and higher-level lexical representations do not decay but are retained over long durations; speech perception may require encapsulated memory buffers; lexical representations are not strictly temporally structured; and listeners can delay lexical access substantially in some circumstances. These findings argue for a deep revision to models of word recognition.
Association between occupational stress and mental health in an automobile manufacturing factory in Iran
Authors: Eftekhari Sahar , Karimi Leila , Sharifian Seyed Akbar , Aminian Omid , Rasooli Seyed Ramin , Zia Ghasem
Published: February 2025

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the relationship between occupational stress and the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress among the employees of an automobile manufacturing factory in Iran.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of employees in the automobile manufacturing industry. OSIPOW occupational stress and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) questionnaires were used to collect data.
Results: In our survey, 4565 employees with a mean age of 42.59 ± 4.45 years were evaluated. All the participants had some degree of job stress, 33.3% were in low-stress group and 66.7% were in high-stress group. White collar workers had higher job stress compared to blue collar workers. The prevalence of the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was 22.6%, 24%, and 29.3%, respectively. The participants with high job stress reported higher symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress [OR=3.40, CI 95% (2.83-4.10)], [OR=2.35, CI 95% (1.99-2.78)], [OR=2.26, CI 95% (1.94-2.63)]. In linear regression analysis, being white collar, having higher work experience, exposure to noise and stressors in the workplace, and having symptoms of depression are recognized as the factors that might be involved in creating occupational stress.
Conclusion: This research provides further support regarding the negative effects of the psychosocial hazards of the work environment on the mental health of the workers which was evaluated by measuring depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. There is a need to manage employee’s occupational stress to maintain the general health of human resources, as well as mental health.
Stress, anxiety and uncertainty in EMS provider during COVID-19 - an exploratory study
Authors: Sporer Celia , Resko Jody
Published: February 2025

Introduction: EMS providers played a crucial role in the frontline response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing challenges and despite their critical role, EMS providers are not given the attention they deserve in research and practical applications. This study examined the early psychological impact of the pandemic on EMS providers. The study assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on EMS providers, exploring relationships between workplace stressors, COVID-specific variables, and psychological distress. Findings inform strategies for supporting EMS providers' mental health.
Methods: Data collection, during the early pandemic, involved online recruitment and surveys that included psychological scales, demographics, and COVID-specific variables.
Findings: 34 EMS providers from the New York Metro area, mostly working full-time in private agencies, noted significant impacts of COVID-19 on both providers and their workspaces. Although perceived risk and inadequacy of personal protective equipment were noted, the primary COVID-specific variable affecting psychological outcomes was moderate. Psychological measures showed low to moderate distress, mild anxiety (higher in women), and low to moderate perceived stress. Stress correlated with work-related stressors and lower workplace satisfaction. Moderate uncertainty is linked to specific work challenges, while low PTSD scores are associated with poor work culture satisfaction, lack of flexibility, and negative work attitudes.
Conclusion: This study challenges assumptions of high stress, anxiety, and PTSD in EMS providers during the early COVID-19 response. Workplace variables, not COVID-specific factors, are more linked to negative psychological symptoms. Recognizing and addressing EMS providers' mental health needs during high-stress events is crucial, emphasizing the role of general workspace issues.
Assessing the Impact of Microfinance on the Income Level of Small-Scale Farmers
Authors: Bhandari Bishnu Prasad
Published: February 2025

The study analyzes the impact of microfinance in terms of income level of small-scale farmers due to involvement in microfinance. The impact has been observed in rural and urban settings of Nepal. Rural and urban areas are assumed according to the promulgation of the new constitution in 2015, where local administrative units were restructured into 753 local units. The sampling strategy involved in the research was multiple stages: district selection through purposive sampling, local unit selection through lottery sampling, and respondent selection through snowball sampling. Impact has been measured by employing paired sample t-test, revealing statistically significant increases in household income post-intervention (p=0.001) for both rural and urban households The findings indicate a notable shift in income distribution, with a higher percentage of households transitioning into higher income brackets, especially those earning above 5 Lakhs. In rural areas, 25.2% of households moved to the higher income category after joining MFIs, compared to 11.3% before. Similarly, 26.7% of urban households shifted to this higher income bracket after joining MFIs. Therefore, the overall findings suggest that MFIs play a crucial role in enhancing household income, particularly by facilitating upward income mobility for small-scale farmers. In rural, urban and overall cases, the paired sample t-test shows a significant increase in household income after joining MFIs. Therefore, joining MFIs seems to positively impact household income levels in both rural and urban areas.
Assessment of Mesiodistal Angulations of Mandibular Canine and Posterior Teeth using Orthopantomogram
Authors: Gautam Utsav , Shrestha Rabindra Man , Dhakal Jyoti
Published: February 2025

Background: Appropriate mesiodistal angulation of teeth is necessary for the stability of the stomatognathic system, so achieving proper angulation should be included in the orthodontic treatment objectives. The commonly used panoramic radiograph can be utilized for the assessment of mesiodistal angulation of teeth.
Aims and Objective: To evaluate and compare mesiodistal angulations of mandibular canine and posterior teeth with and without third molar. To compare mesiodistal angulation between the sides with and without third molar.
Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional comparative study using an orthopantomogram (OPG) of 66 subjects aged 17-29 years. The sample was divided into:  with third molar and without third molar groups. A reference line was used to determine the angulations of teeth that passed through the mental foramen. The kappa statistic test was done to determine the intra-observer variability. Student’s t-test was performed to compare the mesiodistal angulations of mandibular canine and posterior teeth with and without a third molar.
Result: There were a significant difference in mesiodistal angulations between the second molar (p=0.00), and first molar (p=0.00) on the right side, and second molar (p=0.00), first molar (p=0.005), second premolar (p=0.01) and first premolar (p=0.04) on the left side.  There was also a difference in mesiodistal angulation for the first molar (p=0.05) between the right and left side when the third molar was present. Likewise, there was a difference in mesiodistal angulation for the second molar (p=0.016) between right and left side when the third molar was absent.
Conclusion: The presence of a third molar significantly affected mesiodistal angulation of molars and premolars while angulation of canine was not affected.
Zakaz łączenia mandatu posła lub senatora z funkcją zastępcy wójta (burmistrza, prezydenta miasta)
Authors: Wierzbica Anna
Published: February 2025

The article aims to demonstrate the incompatibility between the provisions that prohibit combining the office of deputy head of the commune (wójt) or deputy of town mayor or deputy of city president with that of Member of Parliament (Sejm Deputy) or Senator. Under the current legislation, during the period they exercise their mandate, Sejm deputies and senators – including those who previously held the function of deputy head of the commune – are not allowed to work based on an employment relationship. Consequently, a person serving as a deputy head of the commune or deputy of town mayor or deputy of city president is by law granted unpaid leave for the duration of his or her mandate and for three months after its expiry. The unanswered question is whether a deputy commune head elected as a Sejm deputy (MP) or senator must be removed from office while remaining in an employment relationship as a deputy commune head. It also remains unclear whether it is legally permissible to appoint another deputy commune head to replace one elected as a Sejm deputy (MP) or senator during their parliamentary term. The uncertainties highlighted in the article indicate that de lege ferenda regulation combining the mandates of a Sejm deputy or senator with that of a deputy head of the commune (wójt), town mayor (burmistrz) or city president (prezydent miasta) requires legislative intervention.
Opinia prawna w sprawie konstytucyjności poselskiego projektu ustawy – Przepisy wprowadzające ustawę o Trybunale Konstytucyjnym z dnia 6 marca 2024 r.
Authors: Radziewicz Piotr
Published: February 2025

Legal Opinion on the Compatibility with the Constitution of the Republic of Poland of the Draft Act – Provisions Introducing the Act on the Constitutional Tribunal of 6 March 2024

The subject of analysis is the compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of Poland of the norms of the draft act – Provisions Introducing the Act on the Constitutional Tribunal (ver. no. 254/X Term), which addresses the legal status of judgements issued by this body in situation when some of its members were not authorised to adjudicate. This opinion addresses the finality of judgements made by the Constitutional Tribunal, focusing on the constitutional significance of this principle in a democratic state of law. It also examines whether such judgements can be invalidated through a special law. The conclusion reached is that the Constitution of the Republic of Poland does not provide any basis for reviewing the final judgements of the Constitutional Tribunal, and the notion of invalidating these judgements is not applicable within the Polish legal framework.
Postural Ventricular Tachycardia from Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Line Placed Using Tip Confirmation System
Authors: Clawson Andrew
Published: February 2025

We report a striking and florid case and immediate emergency management of ‘postural’ ventricular tachycardia likely caused by the mis-confirmed tip of a peripherally inserted central cannula (PICC) placed via a Tip Confirmation System (TCS).

Cardiac arrythmia is a known complication of PICC insertion, however the literature does not include a case of arrythmia where a TCS was utilized for insertion to our knowledge.

This case highlights the importance of a thorough history and clinical exam in allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment of arrythmias caused by PICCs – despite reassuring radiographic and TCS confirmation of tip placement.
Management of Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis by Siddha Marma (Energy) and Thokkanam therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Tiwari Shweta
Published: February 2025

Background: Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis (LDS) is a condition involving spinal instability characterized by the forward displacement of one vertebra over another, causing lower back pain, radiating pain, nerve compression, and restricted mobility in the lumbosacral area. In Siddha, LDS resembles a condition ‘Vathasthambam’ where clinical symptoms appear to be same. For managing such conditions, Siddha Marma (energy) therapy and Thokkanam therapy, have provided good results without use of any medications. Marma therapy is an ancient healing technique which focuses on stimulating specific energy points (marma points) to restore balance, alleviate pain, and enhance the body's natural healing mechanisms. Thokkanam is an external manipulation therapy similar to manual therapy employing hand pressure technique to reduce inflammation, and ease pain. Here, we discuss a case of a 65 years old female who had low back pain with radiating pain in her left leg and was diagnosed with lumbar spondylolisthesis. She was managed well by Siddha marma (energy) and thokkanam therapy in 23 days showing significant change in range of motion of pelvic region with spinal alignment, reduced pain and discomfort while all activities. At the end of the treatment and follow-up after 3 months, the patient was relieved of the symptoms and her quality of life also improved.

Conclusion: Siddha Marma (energy) and Thokkanam therapy offers a promising adjunct or an option to existing complementary treatment modalities with special reference to Spondylolisthesis.
Comparative Study of Effect of Nasogastric Tube Decompression on Bowel Activity and Time to Oral Intake After Laparotomy in Children
Authors: Alada Muslimat
Published: February 2025

Background: The belief that nasogastric (NG) decompression reduces vomiting from ileus after laparotomy is based largely on tradition. The aim of this study was to determine the need for nasogastric decompression after laparotomy in children.

Objective: To compare the safety and effectiveness of nasogastric decompression and no decompression after laparotomy in children.

Methods: The study was a prospective clinical trial among patients, 15 years and below, undergoing laparotomy at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Consecutive patients were randomized into NG tube group and no NG tube group. All patients were assessed for time to full oral intake, time to return of bowel motility, vomiting and abdominal distension

Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, diagnosis and procedure performed. Mean time to return of bowel motility was 2.54±0.74 days in NG tube group compared to 2.81±0.40 days in no NG tube group (p=0.09). Mean time to commencement of oral intake was 2.43±0.10 days in NG tube group compared to 2.56±0.85 days in no NG tube group (p=0.56) . Mean time to full oral intake was 4.59±1.5 days in NG tube group compared to 4.26±1.0 days in no NG tube group (p=0.34). Abdominal distension occurred in 2 patients with NG tube compared to 9 of those that had no NG tube (p=0.02). Three patients in NG tube and 2 in no NG tube had postoperative vomiting (p=1.00).

Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in risk of postoperative vomiting, abdominal distension, mean time to return of bowel motility and mean time to full oral intake after laparotomy in both groups.
Effects of Local Tobacco Snuff Ingestion During Pregnancy on Renal Functions and Histology Architecture of Female Wistar Rats and on The Birth Weight of Their Pups
Authors: A.O. Ikwuka
Published: February 2025

Background: Local tobacco snuff is consumed by rural women due to the stimulating effect of its nicotine content.

Aim: To investigate the effects of ingesting local tobacco snuff by pregnant female Wistar rats on their renal function and histology, as well as on the birth weight of their pups.

Materials and methods

21 female Wistar rats used in this research were randomly separated into three groups and were monitored to confirm pregnancy after mating. Pregnant rats in group II (GII) and group III (GIII) received 20% and 40% respectively of the lethal dose (1.6g/kg/day) of the stock solution (tobacco snuff) via oral gavage while pregnant rats in the control group (GI) did not receive the stock solution. The pregnant rats were weighed during gestation (pregnancy), and on the delivery days (21st/22nddays of gestation), the pups (newborns of the female wistar rats) were also weighed. Blood samples were collected from the mother rats for creatinine and urea evaluations using Jaffe’s method and Urease-Berthelots colorimetric method respectively. The harvested kidneys were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stains to examine the histological architecture.

Results

An average of 5 pups per litter was recorded and the average pup’s birth weight was low in groups II (4.39±0.30g) and III (4.33±0.29g) but not significantly different (p>0.05) from pups’ birth weight in group I (4.50±0.38g). Using Tukey’s post hoc test for analysis, the maternal kidney function tests showed that serum creatinine (1.27±0.12 mg/dL) and urea (16.77±1.65 mg/dL) levels for group II were not significantly different (p>0.05) from the respective values in group I (creatinine1.05±0.07 mg/dL; urea 16.77±1.65 mg/dL), but there was a significant increase in these values for group III (creatinine 1.68±0.10 mg/dL; urea 21.95±1.37 mg/dL). Histological examination showed that the kidneys of mother rats in groups II and III had distorted histological architecture.

Conclusion

Consumption of tobacco during pregnancy causes weight loss, severely damages the kidneys and significantly inhibits fetal growth.
Hungary’s Foreign Policy Orientation at the Beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian War as a Factor in the New Crisis of the Visegrad Group
Authors: Drohoziuk Mykyta
Published: February 2025

For the Visegrad Group (VG) countries, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has become a particularly relevant feature of each member’s foreign policy. Today, it has become obvious that the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war that began on February 24, 2022, will have a significant impact not only on the warring parties, but its consequences will be felt by a number of countries. The VG countries, as elements of the regional subsystem, are forced to respond to security challenges. All VG countries, with the exception of Hungary, understand the risks of further Russian expansion in the event of Ukraine’s defeat and are trying to avoid this, paying special attention not only to helping our state, but also to its own defense. Budapest has chosen a position that differs from the VG partner countries and the EU as a whole. The article analyzes the position of official Budapest after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The focus is on factors that influence the position of Viktor Orban's government (different from other members of the VG), in particular, the issue of support for sanctions against Russia, military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, the role of the Hungarian ethnic minority in Ukraine, economic cooperation between Hungary and Russia, and the domestic political situation in the country, which directly affects the foreign policy of official Budapest, is considered.
A Critical Examination of the Legal Legitimacy of North Korea’s “Crowd Reporting Law”: Focusing on the Case of Overseas Dispatched Workers
Authors:   Korea Society of Unification & North Korean Law Studies(North Korean Law Society), Hwang Hyun Uk
Published: February 2025

This study examines how North Korea’s Crowd Reporting Law infringes upon the fundamental rights of residents, including overseas dispatched workers, and whether it contradicts the North Korean Constitution as well as international human rights and labor standards (ICCPR, ICESCR, ILO core conventions). Since the “Arduous March,” North Korean authorities have successively enacted or revised legislation aimed at suppressing anti-socialist thought and external ideological influences, and as a consequence, the Crowd Reporting Law institutionalized inter-resident surveillance and penalized failures to report. By defining “abnormal phenomena” in overly broad and vague terms, this law fundamentally restricts freedom of expression, association, and privacy, leaving overseas dispatched workers perpetually vulnerable to charges of “anti-state” activity and punishments for non-reporting. Such practices stand in direct conflict with the “people’s freedom” provisions under the North Korean Constitution and seriously undermine key rights protected by international norms (ICCPR Articles 19, 21, and 22; ICESCR Articles 6 and 7; ILO core conventions). Moreover, North Korea’s “absolute priority on regime security” legal culture exacerbates these constitutional violations, highlighting an urgent need to reform the Crowd Reporting Law.
Design in the Chair AeroSpace for Sustainable Engineering and Technology (ASSET)
Authors: Melkert Joris
Published: February 2025

This paper gives an overview of the design work being performed in the chair Aerospace for Sustainable Engineering and Technology. The research of the chair is focusing on the themes sustainable energy conversion and sustainable transport. The work of the chair is organized in projects. For both research themes this paper gives an overview of two projects each.
Partial and Informative Common Subsumers in Description Logics
Authors: Colucci Simona  , Di Sciascio Eugenio  , Donini Francesco Maria  , Tinelli Eufemia
Published: February 2025

Least Common Subsumers in Description Logics have shown their usefulness for discovering commonalities among all concepts of a collection. Several applications are nevertheless focused on searching for properties shared by significant portions of a collection rather than by the collection as a whole. Actually, this is an issue we faced in a real case scenario that provided initial motivation for this study, namely the process of Core Competence extraction in knowledge intensive companies. The paper defines four reasoning services for the identification of meaningful common subsumers describing partial commonalities in a collection. In particular Common Sub-sumers adding informative content to the Least Common Subsumer are investigated, with reference to different DLs.
Active Concept Learning For Ontology Evolution
Authors: Şensoy Murat  , Yolum Pınar
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes an approach that enables agents to teach each other concepts from their ontologies using examples. Unlike other concept learning approaches, our approach enables the learner to elicit the most informative examples interactively from the teacher. Hence, the learner participates to the learning process actively. We empirically compare the proposed approach with the previous concept learning approaches. Our experiments show that using the proposed approach, agents can learn new concepts successfully and with fewer examples.
An Analysis of Bayesian Network Model-Approximation Techniques
Authors: Santana Adamo  , Provan Gregory
Published: February 2025

Two approaches have been used to perform approximate inference in Bayesian networks for which exact inference is infeasible: employing an approximation algorithm, or approximating the structure. In this article we compare two structure-approximation techniques, edge-deletion and approximate structure learning based on sub-sampling, in terms of relative accuracy and computational efficiency. Our empirical results indicate that edge-deletion techniques dominate the subsampling/induction strategy, in both accuracy and performance of generating the approximate network. We show, for several large Bayesian networks, how edge-deletion can create approximate networks with order-of-magnitude inference speedups and relatively little loss of accuracy.
Dynamic Backtracking for Distributed Constraint Optimization
Authors: Ezzahir Redouane  , Bessiere Christian  , Benelallam Imade  , Bouyakhf El Houssine  , Belaissaoui Mustapha
Published: February 2025

We propose a new algorithm for solving Distributed Constraint Optimization Problems (DCOPs). Our algorithm, called DyBop, is based on branch and bound search with dynamic ordering of agents. A distinctive feature of this algorithm is that it uses the concept of valued nogood. Combining lower bounds on inferred valued nogoods computed cooperatively helps pruning dynamically unfeasible sub-problems and speeds up the search. DyBop requires a polynomial space at each agent. Experiments show that DyBop has significantly better performance than other DCOP algorithms.
Impact coverage analysis on requirement changes
Authors: Saito Shinobu
Published: February 2025

In system development project, when a single requirement in the cascade model of requirements is changed, many other requirements may be changed. Although requirements management tools are used, it is not clear how to ascertain the potential change requirements at the time when a requirement changes. This paper proposes a method to define the proper impact coverage based on requirement dependency. And the proposed method also defines the proper change sequence of requirements. That may support for reducing rework in change management.
Special session on Advances in software technologies and cognitive systems
Authors: Alonistioti Nancy
Published: February 2025

In the recent years, an interesting blending of computing, software technologies, sensors and even telecommunications concepts has facilitated the emergence of cognitive systems targeting various domains of applications.
Tracing the Parallel Paths of Knowledge Management in the Organizational Domain and the Autonomic Paradigm
Authors: Polychronopoulos Costas  , Stamatelatos Makis  , Alonistioti Nancy
Published: February 2025

Knowledge is a key focus area in the emerging autonomic paradigm. The cognitive control loop inside an autonomic element revolves around the knowledge base built within the element. But the concept sounds familiar. For years now, knowledge epistemology and, in specific, the knowledge management domain have been focusing on the knowledge acquisition, dissemination and sharing mechanisms inside the big picture of knowledge-intensive organizations. This paper argues that the two domains bear significant resemblances and attempts to pinpoint them by forming the necessary analogies.
Modelling a Multi-Core Media Processor Using JCSP
Authors: Kosek Anna  , Kerridge Jon  , Syed Aly
Published: February 2025

Manufacturers are creating multi-core processors to solve specialized problems. This kind of processor can process tasks faster by running them in parallel. This paper explores the usability of the Communicating Sequential Processes model to create a simulation of a multi-core processor aimed at media processing in hand-held mobile devices. Every core in such systems can have different capabilities and can generate different amounts of heat depending on the task being performed. Heat generated reduces the performance of the core. We have used mobile processes in JCSP to implement the allocation of tasks to cores based upon the work the core has done previously.
Design Concept of Automatic Program Generation Tool for Reactive Requirement
Authors: Arai Osamu  , Fujita Hamido
Published: February 2025

Software development in general lacks richness in expressing appropriately the requirement, as well related supportive tools. Despite the advances in this field, the solutions have still not overcome and the proposed way of thinking is far from resolving the problems on software development and maintenance. It is desirable for user to design and make all system except for the outside environment of system. And also the system made have program structure in which we can easily verify the function of the system formally and maintain its validity. Furthermore, that methodology can cope more widely with a change in the external environment such as network, external apparatus, of the system that made. We can cope with the maintenance and changes in the outside environment of the system easily by this method.
Enforcing Security Policies Using Algebraic Approach
Authors: Mejri Mohamed  , Fujita Hamido
Published: February 2025

Given a program P and a security policy Φ, this paper gives an approach allowing to generate another program P′ that respects the policy Φ and behaves (with respect to trace equivalence) like P except that it stops when P try to execute an action that violate the security policy. The proposed approach transform the problem of finding P′ to solving linear systems under a given algebra and for which we know how to get the solution.
On the Syntax and Semantics of Effect Axioms
Authors: Ismail Haythem O.
Published: February 2025

Effect axioms constitute the cornerstone of formal theories of action in AI. They drive standard reasoning tasks, especially prediction. These tasks need not be coupled with actual acting; the reasoning agent is, thus, typically given an ex post acto narrative of what actions took place. An acting agent, however, has no access to such knowledge; it needs to face what we call the event categorization problem, and figure out what actions it did. Until this is achieved, effect axioms will be useless. A careful review of the literature on effect axioms reveals that their syntax, semantics, and ontological commitments are so deeply entrenched in the armchair reasoning about action paradigm, that they cannot be used in resolving the event categorization problem. By enriching the ontology of action theories, we propose a different approach for representing effects of actions that unifies the two views. The enriched ontology is independently motivated by linguistic concerns.
New Challenges: Group Decision Systems by Means of Entropy Defined through Qualitative Reasoning Structures
Authors: Roselló Llorenç  , Prats Francesc  , Sánchez Mónica  , Agell Núria
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces the concept of entropy on orders of magnitude qualitative spaces and, consequently, the opportunity to measure the gain or loss of information when working with qualitative descriptions. The results obtained are significant in terms of situations which arise naturally in many real applications when dealing with different levels of precision. A method that enables ambiguous values to be included in analysis and permits summarizing information can be defined. The entropy allows measuring the consensus of expert opinion by use of a distance.
Pattern Discovery in Melanoma Domain Using Partitional Clustering
Authors: Vernet David  , Nicolas Ruben  , Golobardes Elisabet  , Fornells Albert  , Garriga Carles  , Puig Susana  , Malvehy Josep
Published: February 2025

Nowadays melanoma is one of the most important cancers to study due to its social impact. This dermatologic cancer has increased its frequency and mortality during last years. In particular, mortality is around twenty percent in non early detected ones. For this reason, the aim of medical researchers is to improve the early diagnosis through a best melanoma characterization using pattern matching. This article presents a new way to create real melanoma patterns in order to improve the future treatment of the patients. The approach is a pattern discovery system based on the K-Means clustering method and validated by means of a Case-Based Classifier System.
Pseudo-Boolean and Cardinality Constraints
Authors: Roussel Olivier  , Manquinho Vasco
Published: February 2025

Pseudo-Boolean and cardinality constraints are a natural generalization of clauses. While a clause expresses that at least one literal must be true, a cardinality constraint expresses that at least n literals must be true and a pseudo-Boolean constraint states that a weighted sum of literals must be greater than a constant. These contraints have a high expressive power, have been intensively studied in 0/1 programming and are close enough to the satisfiability problem to benefit from the recents advances in this field. Besides, optimization problems are naturally expressed in the pseudo-Boolean context.
Certificateless Encryption
Authors: Chow Sherman S.M.
Published: February 2025

Certificateless cryptography combines the best of traditional public-key cryptography and the ID-based paradigm. There is no need to get and verify certificates, and the secret keys are not under the key generation center (KGC)'s escrow.
A Compliance Model of Trust
Authors: Governatori Guido  , Thakur Subhasis  , Pham Duy Hoang
Published: February 2025

We present a model of past interaction trust model based on compliance of expected behaviours.
The Problem of Tacit Knowledge – Is It Possible to Externalize Tacit Knowledge?
Authors: Virtanen Ilkka
Published: February 2025

Various authors in the field of knowledge management have adopted the view that individuals' tacit knowledge should be externalized and shared in organizations. According to Polanyi's original theory of tacit knowing, an explicit expression of tacit knowledge is, however, considered very difficult, even impossible. We studied this contradiction by analyzing Polanyi's theory of tacit knowing in order to consider the correctness of the idea of externalization of tacit knowledge. Despite the fact that tacit knowing is an essential basis for all knowledge, we claim that tacit knowledge cannot be externalized in a way it is presented in the knowledge management literature.
Fostering the Information Society through Collaborative E-Government: Digital Community Centers and the E-Learning Program in Mexico
Authors: Gil-Garcia J. Ramon  , Luna-Reyes Luis F.
Published: February 2025

Following a President's mandate in 2000, several inter-organizational e-government initiatives were initiated under the umbrella project denominated e-Mexico. After a public consultation, it was decided that the e-Mexico strategy was going to be organized into four ‘content pillars’: e-economy, e-health, e-government, and e-learning. The e-learning pillar had the objective of fostering the information society in Mexico through the creation of meaningful content in Spanish for continuing learning and education, and the deployment of thousands of Digital Community Centers (DCC) to make the content of the four pillars available to individuals with no access to Internet. Project leaders and managers originally had great expectations and were envisioning substantial economic and social impacts. However, there were multiple challenges throughout the implementation process and, although the progress in public infrastructure deployment was important, the economic and social impacts are modest in comparison to the initial expectations. This chapter explains the effects of the institutional context on the results of this initiative by highlighting the complex interplay between information technologies, organizational structures, and institutional arrangements in government settings. It also offers insights on cross-boundary collaboration and information sharing among government organizations.
Genetic Regulatory Networks and Neural Networks
Authors: Serra Roberto  , Graudenzi Alex  , Villani Marco
Published: February 2025

The discussion on the neural networks paradigm casted a bright light on the notion of network and on what we may define as the “dynamical systems approach”. The rebounds of this emphasis involved, during the years, the most disparate scientific areas, such as biology, social sciences and artificial life, contributing to reinforce the foundations of the complex systems science.
Sugeno Model Based Control for Semi active Vehicle Suspension
Authors: Voci Francesco  , Mascioli Fabio Massimo Frattale
Published: February 2025

In this paper a fuzzy Sugeno rule based controller is used to manage a semi-active suspension of 1/4 vehicle model. Our semi-active suspensions have the characteristic to change the damping constant in order to reduce vertical oscillation of the vehicle, to restrain the shell vehicle acceleration and consequently to be more comfortable for passengers. On the other hand, if no control is present, the suspension works in passive mode, i.e. without damping parameters changing. The inputs of our fuzzy controller, three in total, are the dynamic wheel load described by five membership functions, its derivative and the vertical acceleration both described by three membership functions. By comparing the performances of the suspension with and without control, the Sugeno based model controller results in a more comfortable and safe system.
Development of Model Government CIO Councils
Authors: Tubtimhin Jirapon
Published: February 2025

Development of Model Government CIO Councils or TEL02/2006 project was endorsed under the former Human Resource Development Steering Group (HRDSG) and Business Facilitation Steering Group (BFSG). The project goal was to establish “An Adaptive Model on Government CIO Institutionalization for e-Government Development” which will be much contributing to the development of e-Government and GCIOs considered the key implementation element of e-APEC strategy.
The History of a European Information Society: Shifts from Governments to Governance
Authors: Shahin Jamal  , Finger Matthias
Published: February 2025

The European Information Society or EIS has become focus point of the EU Commission since 1993. This article reveals from the ‘Delors White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness, and Employment’ to reflect the EIS from the starting point at policy review and development as well as the emergence point of view and creating the need for EU intervention in the EIS which involved with technology standards setting and global governance of the Internet and the Information Society. Followed by another two section of ‘Mobilising the Union’ in the Information Age' and ‘Political Innovation’ that are described on implementation activities of the EIS. Under such innovation, the Trans-European infrastructure Networks, or TENs was established.
To Elicit Or To Tell: Does It Matter?
Authors: Chi Min  , Jordan Pamela  , Vanlehn Kurt  , Litman Diane
Published: February 2025

While high interactivity has been one of the main characteristics of one-on-one human tutoring, a great deal of controversy surrounds the issue of whether interactivity is indeed the key feature of tutorial dialogue that impacts students' learning results. There are two commonly held hypotheses regarding the issue: a widely-believed monotonic interactivity hypothesis and a better supported interaction plateau hypothesis. The former hypothesis predicts increasing in interactivity causes an increase in learning while the latter states that increasing interactivity yields increasing learning until it hits a plateau, and further increases in interactivity do not cause noticeably increase in learning. In this study, we proposed the tactical interaction hypothesis which predicts beyond a certain level of interactivity, further increases in interactivity do not cause increase in learning unless they are guided by effective tutorial tactics. Overall our results support this hypothesis. However, finding effective tactics is not easy. This paper sheds some light on how to apply Reinforcement Learning to derive effective tutorial tactics.