bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roadmap for implementing climate adaptation innovations in railway
Authors: Jägare Veronica , Juntti Ulla , Garmabaki A. H. S.
Published: November 2024

The railway is often perceived as an industry where new technology is not utilised to its full potential. However, the future of the railway and its ability to respond to future transportation demands lies in its ability to implement emerging technology. The aim of this research was to propose a system-level innovation roadmap for implementing innovations that can support climate adaptation of railway infrastructure. To achieve the aim of the research, barriers, and enablers for implementing innovations have been explored, identified, and analysed. Two interview studies and a workshop have been conducted. In total, 58 experts from a population with knowledge in railway have been interviewed. The innovation is a decision support system (DSS) enhancing knowledge regarding effects of climate change on railway infrastructure and suggesting climate adaptation measures. The barriers and enablers concerning the implementation of the innovation are related to technology, business models, procurement, infrastructure, regulations, policy, and culture, values, and behaviour. Procurement processes and business models are vital enablers for the introduction of new solutions for a more climate-change-resilient infrastructure. Tendering documentation must include a broader scope of climate-change risk management indicators. A conclusion is that climate adaptation action has a multi-dimension aspect which require various stakeholders to be engaged. This work proposed a holistic system-level innovation roadmap for implementing DSS for climate adaptation of railway infrastructure.
Advanced reference crop evapotranspiration prediction: a novel framework combining neural nets, bee optimization algorithm, and mode decomposition
Authors: Elbeltagi Ahmed , Katipoğlu Okan Mert , Kartal Veysi , Danandeh Mehr Ali , Berhail Sabri , Elsadek Elsayed Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Various critical applications, spanning from watershed management to agricultural planning and ecological sustainability, hinge upon the accurate prediction of reference evapotranspiration (ETo). In this context, our study aimed to enhance the accuracy of ETo prediction models by combining a variety of signal decomposition techniques with an Artificial Bee Colony (ABC)–artificial neural network (ANN) (codename: ABC–ANN). To this end, historical (1979–2014) daily climate variables, including maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, solar radiation, and precipitation from four arid and semi-arid regions in Egypt: Al-Qalyubiyah, Cairo, Damietta, and Port Said, were used. Six techniques, namely, Empirical Mode Decomposition, Variational Mode Decomposition, Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, Local Mean Decomposition, Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise, and Empirical Wavelet Transform were used to evaluate signal decomposition efficiency in ETo prediction. Our results showed that the highest ETo prediction accuracy was obtained with ABC-ANN (Train R2: 0.990 and Test R2: 0.989), (Train R2: 0.986 and Test R2: 0.986), (Train R2: 0.991 and Test R2: 0.989) and (Train R2: 0.988 and Test R2: 0.987) for Al-Qalyubiyah, Cairo, Damietta, and Port Said, respectively. The impressive results of our hybrid model attest to its importance as a powerful tool for tackling the problems associated with ETo prediction.
See it, hear it, feel it: an explorative virtual reality study to identify factors determining public acceptance of drones in different city environments
Authors: Stolz Maria , Rehm Michaela , Papenfuß Anne , Utesch Fabian , Dunkel Franziska , Baumgarten Frank , Fischer Martin
Published: November 2024

This paper reports an explorative approach to research factors influencing how people experience urban drone traffic. The study used a virtual reality environment to show people what future drone traffic could look like. A total of ten people took part in the survey. They experienced different types of drones with varying purposes in four urban areas: an industrial area, a city center, a residential area, and a park. Various types of data were collected in the study, focusing on qualitative data from interviews. The goal was to collect a rich and comprehensive data set that thoroughly understands acceptance factors related to drones, recommendations on how future research scenarios in high-fidelity simulation should be designed, and which factors should be included or need more investigation. The findings reveal that drone acceptance is determined by a complex interaction of numerous factors, which need more investigation and validation in future research.
Dual action tofacitinib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles alleviate colitis in an IBD mouse model
Authors: Seegobin Nidhi , McCoubrey Laura E. , Vignal Cécile , Waxin Christophe , Abdalla Youssef , Fan Yue , Awad Atheer , Murdan Sudaxshina , Basit Abdul W.
Published: November 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects over 7 million people worldwide and significant side effects are associated with current therapies such as tofacitinib citrate (TFC), which is linked to increased risks of malignancy and congestive heart issues. To mitigate these systemic adverse effects, localised drug delivery via nano-sized carriers to inflamed gut tissues represents a promising approach. Herein, we aimed to optimise the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using a low molecular weight grade of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) 50:50 loaded with TFC. This approach leverages the dual anti-inflammatory action of TFC and the local production of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids from the degradation of PLGA by colonic gut microbiota. NPs were produced by nanoprecipitation and characterised for their drug release profile in vitro. The efficacy of the enhanced PLGA-TFC NPs was then tested in a C57BL/6 DSS colitis mouse model. The release profile of TFC from the enhanced PLGA NPs showed a 40% burst release within the first hour, followed by up to 80% drug release in the colonic environment. Notably, the degradation of PLGA by colonic gut microbiota did not significantly influence TFC release. In the mouse model, neither PLGA NPs alone nor TFC alone showed significant effects on weight loss compared to the TFC-loaded PLGA NPs, emphasising the enhanced efficacy potential of the combined formulation. Altogether, these results suggest a promising role of NP delivery systems in enhancing TFC efficacy, marking a significant step towards reducing dosage and associated side effects in IBD treatment. This study underscores the potential of PLGA-TFC NPs in providing targeted and effective therapy for IBD.

Graphical Abstract
There is No Scarcity Problem
Authors: Lundgren Björn
Published: November 2024

Recently, John Danaher and Sven Nyholm argued that partial “digital duplicates” of real persons (simulations and imitations) prima facie makes the real person less valuable because they become less scarce. They call this the “scarcity problem.” If true, this thesis is amongst the most important insights in ethics of technology because of the simplicity of duplication. However, based on an analysis of their argument, I suggest that the thesis has no support.
Giardia fibrillarin: a bioinformatics exploration of sequence and structure
Authors: Lagunas-Rangel Francisco Alejandro
Published: November 2024

Fibrillarin is a key nucleolar S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)–dependent methyltransferase, highly conserved among species in both sequence and function. It is actively involved in numerous cellular processes, particularly in the early stages of pre-ribosomal RNA processing. Although a fibrillarin orthologue has been identified in Giardia, an intestinal protozoan parasite responsible for numerous infections worldwide, its functional and structural features in this parasite remain largely unexplored. In this study, bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the sequence and structure of Giardia fibrillarin to provide insights that could aid future experimental and therapeutic investigations. Taking advantage of the protein sequence of Giardia fibrillarin, multiple bioinformatics tools were employed to estimate its domains, nuclear and nucleolar localization signals (NLS and NoLS), post-translational modifications, phylogeny, and three-dimensional structure. The analysis revealed significant conservation of Giardia fibrillarin, showing close relationships with archaeal and parasitic amoeba orthologs. It retains essential features such as the SAM-dependent methyltransferase domain, a glycine- and arginine-rich domain, and both NLS and NoLS. While the core region of the protein is structurally conserved, the N-terminal region exhibits notable divergence. The potential for inhibition of Giardia fibrillarin by SAM competitors suggests that it could be a promising target for drug development, particularly for strains resistant to current treatments.
Enablers and barriers of implementing a whole school approach to ovulatory menstrual health literacy: a case study of a single-sex school in Western Australia
Authors: Roux Felicity , Hendriks Jacqueline , Chih HuiJun , Burns Sharyn
Published: November 2024

My Vital Cycles® is a holistic ovulatory menstrual health literacy program for adolescent females. A whole school approach was used when trialled in one single-sex secondary school in Perth Australia. This study investigated the enablers and barriers for its future implementation from the perspective of the school’s teachers, nurses and psychologists. The design was a pre-trial survey of ovulatory menstrual health knowledge and attitudes, followed by post-trial interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). In the pre-trial survey, 12 school staff demonstrated positive attitudes to ovulatory menstrual health; sound anatomical knowledge; but limited knowledge of cycle patterns. There were two FGDs with five participants and eight post-trial semi-structured interviews, giving 13 school staff in total. Deductive thematic analysis identified 14 themes within a whole school approach framework, specifically: policies and resources; community partnerships; curriculum; social-emotional environment; and school health services. Enablers included school staff’s positive attitudes; the program’s validated materials; its curricular alignment; and address of stigma. Barriers included school staff’s need for professional development; extending the program over years; Health and Science silos; dependence on school leadership; and challenges of building community partnerships. Co-design with school leadership and staff to enhance opportunities for a whole school approach is recommended for future implementation.
From reflective practice to communicative interaction: a case study on the use of blogs by student teachers
Authors: Bataller-Català Alexandre
Published: November 2024

This case study examines the use and possibilities of blogging as reflective practice journals by student teachers during their practicum. The blog serves as a tool for the construction of their teacher identity through the encouragement of daily reflection on school experiences. The study investigates how the blog, as a digital tool, facilitates peer interaction, reflective thinking, and collaborative knowledge construction. Conducted with participants from primary and secondary education programs at the University of Valencia the research employs a qualitative, instrumental case study methodology. The researcher acted as the teacher-tutor of the internships and students shared their impressions by sharing their experiences within the group. Findings suggest that blogs function as effective platforms for fostering reflective writing, enhancing peer support, and promoting collaborative knowledge construction, ultimately contributing to the development of professional identity among student teachers. Self-censorship is identified as the main limitation, especially when sharing perceived shortcomings in the school system and teaching practice. The study concludes that the blog provides an interactive space that enriches personal writing expression and collaborative learning, highlighting also their value in teacher education.
Spent yeast reuse as inoculum: a strategy to boost cellulosic ethanol productivity
Authors: Amândio Mariana S. T. , Gonçalves Manuel J. A. , Serafim Luísa S. , Rocha Jorge M. S. , Xavier Ana M. R. B.
Published: November 2024

For the implementation of an integrated biorefinery into a pulping mill, the valorization of bark through cellulosic ethanol production and simultaneously the valorization of the residual yeast from each fermentation run should be considered to increase sustainability and pulp and paper profitability. Spent yeast recycling during cellulosic ethanol production is an opportunity to reduce waste according to environmental issues for disposal at the industrial level, boosting the circular economy. This work evaluated the reuse of spent yeast in successive fermentation experiments at Erlenmeyer and bioreactor scales for cellulosic ethanol from Eucalyptus globulus bark. The spent yeast recovered through centrifugation at the end of each experiment was used as inoculum for subsequent batch fermentation. Across five sequential fermentations, wherein only a fraction of spent yeast was recycled, a discernible decline in ethanol volumetric productivity was observed throughout successive fermentation cycles. Conversely, employing the complete spent yeast for recycling along 11 consecutive trials resulted in a notable enhancement of ethanol productivity, as evidenced by a reduction in fermentation duration to approximately one-third remaining the conversion efficiency above 70%. Four successive experimental trials were conducted at the bioreactor scale, resulting in volumetric productivities ranging from 2.00 to 5.83 g L−1 h−1. The reuse of spent yeast in consecutive fermentation cycles demonstrably augmented productivity, thereby validating a promising strategy for the industrial-scale production of cellulosic ethanol. This significantly contributes to advances in the circular economy principles within the overarching framework of biorefinery operations.

Graphical Abstract
Het effect van een gereduceerde dosis enzalutamide op bijwerkingen bij kwetsbare patiënten met prostaatkanker
Authors: Boerrigter Emmy , Overbeek Joanneke K. , Benoist Guillemette E. , Somford Diederik M. , Hamberg Paul , Tol Jolien , Scholtes Brian , Willemsen Annelieke E. C. A. B. , Buffart Laurien M. , Kessels Roy P. C. , Mehra Niven , van Oort Inge M. , van Erp Nielka P.
Published: November 2024

Samenvatting

Enzalutamide is een sterke remmer van de androgeenreceptor. Behandeling met enzalutamide is effectief bij verschillende stadia van prostaatkanker. De behandeling kan echter gepaard gaan met bijwerkingen, zoals vermoeidheid, cognitieve achteruitgang en depressie, die een grote impact kunnen hebben op de kwaliteit van leven. In dit onderzoek werd gekeken of een gereduceerde dosis enzalutamide (1 dd 120 mg) leidt tot minder bijwerkingen ten opzichte van de standaarddosis enzalutamide (1 dd 160 mg) bij kwetsbare patiënten met prostaatkanker. Hiervoor zijn 52 patiënten gerandomiseerd tussen beide doseringen. Patiënten die de gereduceerde dosering kregen waren significant minder vermoeid na 24 weken vergeleken met degenen die behandeld werden met de standaarddosis (verschil FACIT-Fatigue-vragenlijst 6,2; 95%-BI 1,4–11,0; p = 0,01). Patiënten met de standaarddosis ervaarden meer vermoeidheid, cognitieve bijwerkingen en depressieve symptomen na 24 weken behandeling dan voor de start van de behandeling. Bij patiënten die behandeld werden met de gereduceerde dosis bleven deze symptomen over de tijd stabiel. Geconcludeerd wordt dat een gereduceerde dosis enzalutamide resulteert in minder vermoeidheid, cognitieve bijwerkingen en depressieve symptomen bij kwetsbare patiënten met prostaatkanker, zonder aanwijzingen van verlies van effectiviteit.
Association between frailty status and risk of chronic lung disease: an analysis based on two national prospective cohorts
Authors: Feng Gui-Yu , Li Jing-Xiao , Li Guo-Sheng , Liu Jun , Gao Xiang , Yan Guan-Qiang , Yang Nuo , Huang Tao , Zhou Hua-Fu
Published: November 2024

Background

The association between the frailty index (FI) and the risk of chronic lung diseases (CLDs) remains unexplored, warranting further research.

Methods and materials

This study investigated the relationship between FI and CLD risk using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), comprising a combined sample of 9642 individuals. Propensity score weighting was used to ensure similar distribution of covariates across FI groups. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to analyze differences in FI scores between groups with and without CLD. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were employed to explore the association between frailty status and CLD incidence, with sensitivity analyses conducted for validation.

Results

Higher FI scores were significantly associated with increased CLD risk in both cohorts (p < .05). Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox regression analyses indicated that frail individuals have a significantly elevated risk of CLD compared to robust individuals, particularly in certain subgroups (e.g., female) within the CHARLS cohort (p < .05). The ELSA cohort yielded similar results (p < .05), affirming FI as a strong predictor of CLD. Additional risk factors identified included age, smoking, and unmarried status (p < .05). Frail individuals consistently exhibited the highest risk in both cohorts (CHARLS HR = 1.54, p = .003; ELSA HR = 6.64, p < .001). The sensitivity analysis did not substantially alter the significant associations.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the critical role of frailty in the development of CLD, suggesting that targeted interventions could reduce CLD risk.
Personal Networks and Cervical Cancer Screening among Black Immigrant Women
Authors: Cofie Leslie E. , Whitt Olivia , Bhagat Nikhil
Published: November 2024

Background

Prior research has linked personal network characteristics with cancer screening uptake including Papanicolaou (Pap) screening, but less is known about the experiences of Black immigrant women (BIW) in the USA. We examined the relationship between network characteristics and Pap screening among BIW and explored how their network members influence their cancer related knowledge and prevention behaviors.

Methods

A mixed methods study of BIW, aged 21–65 years, in southeastern US included a cross-sectional survey (N = 204) and in-depth individual interviews (N = 13). We examined whether high-social connectedness, contact frequency, and social support were associated with Pap screening, using multivariable logistic regression models. Thematic analysis further assessed the roles of personal network factors on BIW’s cancer preventive behaviors.

Results

Pap screening was more likely among BIW with high- versus low-social connectedness (OR: 2.68, CI: 1.12, 6.46). However, the impact of high-social connectedness was attenuated, after adjusting for demographic factors and health insurance. Our qualitative findings revealed that both BIW and their personal networks had limited knowledge on cancer and related prevention measures. Close network members, particularly mother-figures, provided support for BIW’s care seeking efforts, including cancer screening, although some participants mentioned a lack of screening support.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that Black immigrant communities may benefit from tailored cancer prevention interventions among close network members, to improve knowledge and support for cancer control behaviors.
Comparative analysis of rural communities’ tradeoffs in large-scale and small-scale renewable energy projects in Kenya
Authors: Lamhamedi Bouchra El Houda , de Vries Walter Timo
Published: November 2024

In Kenya's dynamic renewable energy landscape, characterized by complex policy frameworks, complex land tenure regimes, and diverse community dynamics, this qualitative research investigates the mechanisms and motivations guiding community decision-making when trading land for electricity access within the context of renewable energy projects. Through the lens of the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, particularly the rules in use, this study unravels the complexities of rural communities’ trade-offs inherent in both large-scale and small-scale renewable energy projects. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations in rural communities engaged in these projects. The findings offer new insights into communities’ decision-making processes and institutional dynamics in shaping outcomes, with a focus on land rights and land use implications. The analysis highlights the relational nature of the trade-offs, influenced by factors such as land tenure systems, project scale, electricity access, traditional knowledge, and local context, supporting the importance of understanding communities’ diverse roles and positions, power dynamics, and governance structures. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding land-electricity trade-offs in renewable energy projects in rural areas, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies to address evolving community needs and challenges.
Non-modifiable and Modifiable Risk Factors in Vascular Ageing Extremes: The African-PREDICT Study
Authors: Rooi Donavan , Kruger Ruan , van Vuren Esmé Jansen , Breet Yolandi
Published: November 2024

Background

Cardiovascular risk factors accelerate vascular ageing beyond chronological age, hence early vascular ageing (EVA). Carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is a measure of vascular ageing and is used to identify EVA and supernormal vascular ageing (SUPERNOVA). Vascular ageing is not completely understood in African populations. Therefore, we aimed to phenotype young South African adults stratified by cfPWV extremes in terms of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. This study included 1133 young adults (mean age: 24.5 years). We measured cfPWV using applanation tonometry. Body composition measures, self-reported 24-h dietary intake, smoking and alcohol consumption were included. Fasting blood samples were analysed for biochemical risk factors. Three groups based on cfPWV percentiles were compared and included SUPERNOVA (≤ 10th percentile), average vascular ageing (AVA, between 10 to 90th percentile) and EVA (≥ 90th percentile).

Results

Chronological age, male sex, smoking, alcohol use, and blood pressure were incrementally higher across PWV groups (all p trend ≤ 0.007). Black ethnicity was higher (p = 0.038) in the SUPERNOVA group. In exploratory factor analysis, a factor pattern including mean arterial pressure and fasting glucose showed beneficial odds (OR 0.62, p = 0.002) for SUPERNOVA and higher likelihood (OR 2.10, p < 0.001) for EVA. Another factor pattern of socio-economic status and total dietary fat showed lower odds (OR 0.64, p = 0.003) for EVA.

Conclusion

Poor lifestyle behavioural risk factors seem detrimental in the EVA group conferring a possible higher risk of future CVD.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of marine actinomycetes: a systems biology-based approach for Alzheimer’s disease treatment
Authors: Chowdhury Mayank Roy , Kizhakedathil Moni Philip Jacob , Kumar Vinith , Saktheeswaran M. , Mathesh K. Kutty , Deepa Vijaykumar Sudarshana
Published: November 2024

Background

This study addresses the urgent need for novel Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) treatments, focusing on the therapeutic potential of marine Actinomycetes compounds. Current AD therapies provide only symptomatic relief, necessitating a paradigm shift toward more effective interventions.

Methodology

Ninety-one bioactive compounds were methodically identified from Actinomycetes strains in the Indian Ocean. Rigorous ADME analysis and in silico toxicological screening narrowed the selection to 19 compounds, including Helquinoline, Bonactin, Azamerone, and Arcyriaflavin A. These compounds demonstrated favorable drug-like properties and activity against crucial AD targets. Utilizing network pharmacology, a bioactive-target-disease association network was constructed to unveil intricate relationships between compounds and target proteins in the context of AD. Topological analysis highlighted influential targets such as SRC, MAPK1, EGFR, PRKCA, PRKCD, and CDK2. Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) mapping revealed interconnected pathways influenced by these compounds.

Results

Focus narrowed to the top 10 pathways associated with key hub–bottleneck genes. The GnRH signaling, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, and ErbB signaling pathways exhibited remarkable fold enrichment, emphasizing their central roles in AD pathogenesis. The GnRH signaling pathway aligned with endocrine dysregulation in AD, EGFR’s dual role in prion-like propagation and amyloid-β pathology, and ErbB signaling’s multifaceted contributions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study presents marine Actinomycetes compounds as potential poly-pharmacological modulators in AD. Despite promising results, cautious optimism is warranted, requiring further experimental validation. The identified compounds and pathways offer a novel perspective, laying the groundwork for targeted interventions within the intricate landscape of AD. This research contributes to advancing AD therapeutics within a systems biology framework, introducing innovative approaches to address this complex neurodegenerative disorder.
Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries
Authors: Cowburn Mike
Published: November 2024

The process through which candidates run for Congress has fundamentally changed in the twenty-first century. These new dynamics of primary competition have contributed to party transformation in Congress. Though many believe that primaries contribute to polarization, this book shows that primary voters do not systematically prefer non-centrist candidates. Instead, primaries contribute to party change by incentivizing candidates to adapt their positions between and within election cycles. Chapters identify influential groups in party networks and candidate misperceptions about primary voter preferences as key drivers of party transformation. These findings help readers to challenge common beliefs about the role of primary voters, understand the institutions, processes, and actors responsible for increasing partisan conflict on Capitol Hill, and reassess the relationship between intra-party factionalism and congressional polarization in the modern era. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of American politics and the forces shaping our democracy today.
Instability of isolator shocks to fuel flow rate modulations in a strut-stabilised scramjet combustor
Authors: Kumar R. , Ghosh A.
Published: November 2024

Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations, both steady and unsteady, are used to investigate supersonic, chemically reacting, flow fields inside a strut-stabilised supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) engine operating under different fuel flow rates. Fully supersonic, fully subsonic and mixed modes of operations inside the combustor, obtained at different fuel flow rates, are studied numerically through shock wave visualisations and top-wall static-pressure probing. The effect of changing fuel flow rates, imposed both suddenly and gradually, on the behaviour of shock waves and wall pressure profiles are studied in detail. For certain modes of combustion characterised by the presence of oblique shocks at the strut, shockwaves in the combustor respond predictably to an increase or decrease in fuel flow rate attaining the steady state flow fields as predicted by RANS simulations for those fuel flow rates. For certain other modes of combustion, characterised by the presence of shockwaves in the isolator and the absence of oblique shocks at the leading edge of the strut, shockwaves in the flow field appear unstable to fuel flow rate modulations. For such cases, any change in fuel flow rates, sudden or gradual, increase or decrease, causes the isolator shocks to immediately move upstream and eventually out of the isolator. A plausible physics-based explanation of the observed phenomena is presented.
BSO algorithm and artificial neural network aided emission optimisation for gas turbine engine
Authors: Konar M. , Cam O. , Aktaş M. O.
Published: November 2024

Aircraft play a major role in meeting the fast and efficient transportation needs of modern society, thanks to their advanced features. However, gas turbine engines used in aircraft have many negative effects on human health. One of the negative effects is the exhaust gases released by these engines to nature. In this study, it is discussed to present alternative models based on heuristic methods to reduce the emission values of the synthetic fuel mixture used in the combustion chamber of gas turbine engines. For this purpose, a model based on artificial neural networks (ANN) based on the back-tracking search optimisation (BSO) algorithm is proposed by using experimentally obtained emission values found in the literature. In the proposed model, the parameters of the optimum ANN structure are first determined by the BSO algorithm. Then, by using the optimum ANN structure, the most appropriate input values were found with the BSO algorithm, and the emission values were reduced. The simulation results have shown that the proposed method will be a fast and safe alternative method for reducing emission values.
Weekly dynamic motor insurance ratemaking with a telematics signals bonus-malus score
Authors: Yanez Juan Sebastian , Guillén Montserrat , Nielsen Jens Perch
Published: November 2024

We present a dynamic pay-how-you-drive pricing scheme for motor insurance using telematics signals. More specifically, our approach allows the insurer to apply penalties to a baseline premium on the occurrence of events such as hard acceleration or braking. In addition, we incorporate a bonus-malus system (BMS) adapted for telematics data, providing a credibility component based on past telematics signals to the claim frequency predictions. We purposefully consider a weekly setting for our ratemaking approach to benefit from the signal’s high-frequency rate and to encourage safe driving via dynamic premium corrections. Moreover, we provide a detailed structure that allows our model to benefit from historical records and detailed telematics data collected weekly through an onboard device. We showcase our results numerically in a case study using data from an insurance company.
Worldviews of Employment in Coast Salish Communities
Authors: Jensen Leif
Published: November 2024

While Canadian law has started to seriously grapple with questions that relate to reconciliation with Indigenous communities and laws, much of the focus is on specific, often resource-based, projects. As a result, there has been relatively little attention paid to other aspects of reconciliation, such as how legal aspects of employment may be re-evaluated. Employment law is a useful place to start as employment is a fundamental aspect of a person’s life, providing both financial support and a contributory role in society. This paper examines how different societal values impact employment law and in particular, how Coast Salish worldviews and law may impact, facilitate, and resist, the employment legislation in force in British Columbia.
Exploring the stigma against people with mental illness in Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Prodyut , Chowdhury Kamal Uddin Ahmed
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the stigma against people with mental illness in Bangladesh through in-depth interviews with 14 patients and 9 healthcare professionals, and 33 focus group discussions with people without mental illness. The research has delved into the understanding of different types of stigma against mental illness in the context of Bangladesh. The findings revealed four types of stigma which were categorized into four themes namely self-stigma, public stigma, professional, and institutional stigma. Patients had internalized negative attitudes, thereby discriminated toward themselves. The public discriminated against patients because of believing in prejudices against them. Other health professionals had negative conceptions toward patients, and they devalued mental health professionals (MHPs). A culture of negative attitude and belief had emerged in institutional settings which encouraged discrimination. Policymakers and healthcare professionals can use the findings to develop a mental health service by addressing the stigma. Mental health practitioners can assess the impact of stigma to improve the mental well-being of their patients. Students and workplace staff will benefit from intentional or unintentional discrimination in educational institutions and workplace settings by addressing the effects of stigma. Importantly, other health care providers will be aware of their thoughts against patients and MHPs.
Nonlinear waves in a sheared liquid film on a horizontal plane at small Reynolds numbers
Authors: Hu Kai-Xin , Du Kang , Chen Qi-Sheng
Published: November 2024

The nonlinear waves in a sheared liquid film on a horizontal plate at small Reynolds numbers are examined by theoretical and numerical approaches. The analysis employs the long-wave approximation along with finite difference schemes. The results show that the surface tension can suppress disturbances and prevent the occurrence of singularities. While the film flow is driven by the shear stress on the interface, its instability highly depends on the magnitude and direction of gravity. Specifically, when the direction of gravity is opposite to the wall-normal direction, perturbations are stabilized by gravity. In contrast, when these two directions are the same, the gravitational force is destabilizing, and stationary travelling waves can exist if a balance is reached between the effects of gravity and surface tension. For the steady solitary waves, there are quasi-periodic oscillations occurring between two stationary points, indicating the presence of heteroclinic trajectories. For periodic waves, the evolutions are sensitive to several parameters and initial disturbances, while one steady-state wave exhibits a sine function-like behaviour.
‘The Charismulator’ – charisma simulator: A study of a new VR intervention to improve charisma
Authors: Shavit Rotem , Katz-Navon Tal , Delegach Marianna
Published: November 2024

Charisma, often seen as an innate trait, is now understood as leader signaling grounded in values, symbols, and emotions, suggesting it can be developed through interventions. However, the method for cultivating charisma remains unclear. This study examines nonverbal communication strategies, highlighting the potential of body language, facial expressions, and vocal modulation to enhance charisma. Additionally, we introduce a virtual reality training program focused on these cues and explore the role of audience presence in boosting the intervention’s effectiveness by fostering self-awareness and behavioral adjustments. Results of a controlled randomized experiment with virtual reality-trained participants and online charisma assessors demonstrated significant improvements in observer-rated charisma from pre- to post-training compared to the control group. Moreover, training in front of a virtual audience yielded the expected outcomes. This study sheds light on charisma theory, its potential virtual reality training application, and its implications for leadership development.
AXIOMATIZATION AND FORCING IN SET THEORY WITH URELEMENTS
Authors: YAO BOKAI
Published: November 2024

In the first part of this paper, we consider several natural axioms in urelement set theory, including the Collection Principle, the Reflection Principle, the Dependent Choice scheme and its generalizations, as well as other axioms specifically concerning urelements. We prove that these axioms form a hierarchy over

$\text {ZFCU}_{\text {R}}$

(ZFC with urelements formulated with Replacement) in terms of direct implication. The second part of the paper studies forcing over countable transitive models of

$\text {ZFU}_{\text {R}}$

. We propose a new definition of

${\mathbb P}$

-names to address an issue with the existing approach. We then prove the fundamental theorem of forcing with urelements regarding axiom preservation. Moreover, we show that forcing can destroy and recover certain axioms within the previously established hierarchy. Finally, we demonstrate how ground model definability may fail when the ground model contains a proper class of urelements.
On the Epistemic Roles of the Individualized Niche Concept in Ecology, Behavioral Biology, and Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Kaiser Marie I. , Morrow Katie H.
Published: November 2024

We characterize four fruitful and underappreciated epistemic roles played by the concept of an individualized niche in contemporary biology, utilizing results of a qualitative empirical study conducted within an interdisciplinary biological research center. We argue that the individualized niche concept (1) shapes the research agenda of the center, (2) facilitates explaining core phenomena related to interindividual differences, (3) helps with managing individual-level causal complexity, and (4) promotes integrating local knowledge from ecology, evolutionary biology, behavioral biology, and other biological fields. We thereby also challenge arguments that the niche concept is superfluous in ecology.
Infamy within Sight: Making and Unmaking Sambenitos in the Early Modern Iberian World
Authors: Cavero de Carondelet Cloe , Glazer-Eytan Yonatan
Published: November 2024

Across the early modern Iberian world, a unique form of infamy materialized in the sambenito. Mostly known as the penitential garment imposed by the Inquisition on the individuals it condemned, the sambenito was also exhibited in churches and monasteries as a monument of infamy. This article traces the origins, development, and decline of the sambenito, with a particular focus on its material and visual aspects. It argues that displayed sambenitos performed mnemonic and evidentiary roles in societies obsessed with genealogy, while also bringing to light the continuous resistance and opposition to the sambenito on the ground.
Oleum Olivarum: Stradano's Engraving and the New Art of Olive-Oil Making in Sixteenth-Century Tuscany
Authors: Moldovan Anca-Delia
Published: November 2024

This article demonstrates the merited inclusion of Giovanni Stradano's olive-oil engraving in the “Nova Reperta,” a series showcasing postclassical inventions that Florentine nobleman and Alterati member Luigi Alamanni commissioned in the late 1580s. The image and accompanying inscription must be understood within their broader cultural, scientific, legal, political, and socioeconomic contexts. The print reflects olive oil's economic potential and the evolving dietary preferences in Medici Florence. It evinces the flexibility of the concept of invention. Rather than being technological, the novelties mirror ideas central to the Alterati academics around classical knowledge and the alchemical ability of humans to transform nature through artisanship.
TRANSCENDENTAL RUBAN p-ADIC CONTINUED FRACTIONS
Authors: KEKEÇ GÜLCAN
Published: November 2024

We establish explicit constructions of Mahler’s p-adic

$U_{m}$

-numbers by using Ruban p-adic continued fraction expansions of algebraic irrational p-adic numbers of degree m.
Minimally processed foods have a higher total antioxidant content compared to processed and ultra-processed foods: results from an analysis of 1946 food items
Authors: Basile Anthony J. , Ruiz-Tejada Anaissa , Mohr Alex E. , Stanley Steven , Hjelm Ellinor , Sweazea Karen L.
Published: November 2024

Ultra-processed foods (UPF), per the NOVA Classification, provide a major source of calories within modern food systems and are associated with poor health outcomes related to chronic inflammation. Dietary antioxidants play a key role in preventing disease; however, the relationship between the NOVA Classification and the total antioxidant content (TAC) of foods is not well characterised. We hypothesised that TAC would be highest in minimally processed food (MPF), lower in processed food (PRF) and lowest in UPF. TAC data for 3137 animal-based, mixed and plant-based food items were obtained from a published dataset. After data cleaning, 1946 food items and their TAC values were analysed using two hierarchal linear models (alpha: P < 0·05). MPF had the highest mean TAC (10·79 (sem 0·87) mmol/100 g) and were 11·31-fold and 10·72-fold higher than PRF and UPF, respectively (P = 0·023). Plant-based and mixed foods had a higher mean TAC (8·55 (sem 0·68) and 1·12 (sem 0·11) mmol/100 g, respectively) and were 22·67-fold and 2·98-fold higher compared with animal-based foods (P < 0·001). Food processing did not change mean TAC in mixed and animal-based foods; however, plant-based MPF had a higher mean TAC (11·49 (sem 0·93) mmol/100 g) and were 9·88-fold and 15·12-fold higher compared with plant-based PRF and UPF, respectively (P < 0·001). Mean TAC differed between NOVA processing groups for three categories of food: vegetables, beverages and beans, nuts and seeds (P < 0·001). Across all food items, and especially plant-based foods, mean TAC decreased with food processing. The lower TAC of UPF may at least partially explain why their consumption promotes inflammatory chronic disease.
Prospective association between the Cardiovascular Health Diet Index and subclinical atherosclerosis: the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) cohort study
Authors: Cacau Leandro Teixeira , de Almeida Alves Mariane , de Souza Santos Itamar , Generoso Giuliano , Bittencourt Márcio Sommer , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Benseñor Isabela Martins , Marchioni Dirce Maria Lobo
Published: November 2024

The Cardiovascular Health Diet Index (CHDI) is a diet quality score based on the dietary guidelines of the American Heart Association for cardiovascular health but with some adaptations, such as red meat, dairy products, beans and ultra-processed foods in its components. The CHDI has shown good relative validity parameters; however, its association with health outcomes is still unclear. Thus, our aim was to investigate the association between the CHDI score with subclinical atherosclerosis. Data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) cohort were used. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by measuring coronary artery calcification at baseline (2008–2010) and second wave (2012–2014) and carotid intima-media thickness at baseline and at the third wave (2017–2019). The CHDI score (ranges from 0 to 110 points) was applied to dietary data obtained from an FFQ at baseline. Poisson regression with robust variance, linear regression and linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the association of the CHDI score with coronary artery calcification incidence (n 2224), coronary artery calcification progression (n 725) and changes in carotid intima-media thickness (n 7341) over time, respectively. After a median 8-year follow-up period, a 10-point increase in the CHDI score was associated with a decrease in carotid intima-media thickness of 0·002 mm (95 % CI –0·005, –0·001). No association was observed between the CHDI score and coronary artery calcification incidence and progression after a 4-year follow-up period. Higher scores in the CHDI were prospectively associated with decreased subclinical atherosclerosis after an 8-year follow-up period.
“Human Beings Are Too Cheap in India”: Wages and Work Organization as Business Strategies in Bombay's Late Colonial Textile Industry
Authors: van Nederveen Meerkerk Elise , Dixit Aditi
Published: November 2024

This article examines the business strategies employed by early twentieth-century Bombay mill owners in work organization and wage differentiation. The traditionally highly segmented and fluctuating domestic textile markets in India were further complicated by colonial free trade policies, making them highly competitive. This prompted Bombay mills to adopt various strategies, including maintaining a flexible workforce, product diversification, tailoring sales strategies to the Indian market, and increasing labour inputs, related to their heavy reliance on short-stapled Indian raw cotton. Using detailed and disaggregated data reported by textile mills in Bombay during the 1920s and 1930s, this article investigates how employers adopted these strategies in tandem with distinct wage-setting systems as management tools to depress the wage bill. By analysing the motivations behind the adoption of or resistance to these tools across different operations within the production process – such as weaving, spinning, reeling, and winding – the article reveals how gendered and social-class stratifications shaped these strategies and led to wage disparities across the industry. Ultimately, these labour-intensive strategies, conditioned by the broader colonial context in which India's textile industry developed, were at the root of the lower productivity of Indian workers, with long-run adverse consequences for India's general industrial development.
Do they like me?
Authors: Zheng Chaoqun , Trofimovich Pavel , Lindberg Rachael , McDonough Kim , Sato Masatoshi
Published: November 2024

People are frequently concerned about the impressions they make on others (referred to as metaperceptions), but their insights are often inaccurate. Illustrating the phenomenon called the liking gap, speakers interacting in their first language (L1) and second language (L2) tend to underestimate how much they are liked by their interlocutor, and these judgments often predict their desire to engage in future interaction and collaboration. To understand the scope of this bias and its consequences, we focused on L1–L2 dyadic interaction, examining metaperception as a potential barrier to conversations between university students. We recruited 58 previously unacquainted university students to perform a 10-min academic discussion task between one L1 and one L2 speaker. Afterward, the speakers (a) assessed each other’s interpersonal liking, speaking skill, and interactional behavior; (b) provided their metaperceptions of their interlocutor’s assessments of the same dimensions; and (c) estimated their interest in future interaction with the same interlocutor. All speakers showed a reliable metaperception bias to underestimate their interpersonal liking, speaking skill, and interactional behavior. However, only L1 speakers’ desire to engage in future interaction was associated with their metaperceptions of interpersonal liking. We discuss implications of this finding for understanding and promoting academic communication.
Personhood, Dementia, and Bioethics
Authors: Matthews Steve
Published: November 2024

Jennifer Blumenthal-Barby (2024) has called for bioethics to end talk about personhood, asserting that such talk has the tendency to confuse and offend. It will be argued that this has only limited application for (largely) private settings. However, in other settings, theorizing about personhood leaves a gap in which there is the risk that the offending concept will get uptake elsewhere, and so the problem Blumenthal-Barby nominates may not be completely avoided. In response to this risk, an argument is presented in support of the idea that the role of philosophers and bioethicists, far from ending talk of personhood, ought to be to clarify the concept, and to do so in nuanced ways, given its application for specific kinds of impairments. The case of dementia is used to illustrate this in the context of person-centered care. Ironically, given the stigma attached to dementia, far from the need to end talk of personhood, bioethicists are needed to rescue the concept and clarify its role.