bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new perspective on positive symptoms: expression of damage or self-defence mechanism of the brain?
Authors: Antonioni Annibale , Raho Emanuela Maria , Sensi Mariachiara , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Fadiga Luciano , Koch Giacomo
Published: February 2024

Usually, positive neurological symptoms are considered as the consequence of a mere, afinalistic and abnormal increase in function of specific brain areas. However, according to the Theory of Active Inference, which argues that action and perception constitute a loop that updates expectations according to a Bayesian model, the brain is rather an explorer that formulates hypotheses and tests them to assess the correspondence between internal models and reality. Moreover, the cerebral cortex is characterised by a continuous “conflict” between different brain areas, which constantly attempt to expand in order to acquire more of the limited available computational resources, by means of their dopamine-induced neuroplasticity. Thus, it has recently been suggested that dreams, during rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), protect visual brain areas (deprived of their stimuli during rest) from being conquered by other normally stimulated ones. It is therefore conceivable that positive symptoms also have a functional importance for the brain. We evaluate supporting literature data of a ‘defensive’ role of positive symptoms and the relevance of dopamine-induced neuroplasticity in the context of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Furthermore, the possible functional significance of idiopathic REMS-related behavioural disorder as well as phantom limb syndrome is examined. We suggest that positive neurological symptoms are not merely a passive expression of a damage, but active efforts, related to dopamine-induced plasticity, to maintain a correct relationship between the external world and its brain representation, thus preventing healthy cortical areas from ousting injured ones.
Disinformation detection using graph neural networks: a survey
Authors: Lakzaei Batool , Haghir Chehreghani Mostafa , Bagheri Alireza
Published: February 2024

The creation and propagation of disinformation on social media is a growing concern. The widespread dissemination of disinformation can have destructive effects on people’s attitudes and behavior. So, it is essential to detect disinformation as soon as possible. Therefore, the interest in effective detection techniques has grown rapidly in recent years. Major social media and social networking sites are trying to develop robust strategies to detect disinformation and prevent its spread. Machine learning techniques and especially neural networks, have an essential role in this task. In this paper, we review different approaches for automatic disinformation detection, with a focus on methods that leverage graph neural networks (GNNs). GNNs are very suitable tools for detecting disinformation in social networks. Because on the one hand, graphs are the most comprehensive way to model social networks and on the other hand, GNNs are the best tool for processing graph data. We define different forms of disinformation, and examine the features used and the methods presented from different perspectives. We also discuss relevant research areas, open problems, and future research directions for disinformation detection in social media.
Simultaneous Measurements of Surface Spanwise Waves and Velocity in a Turbulent Boundary Layer
Authors: Fumarola Isabella , Santer Matthew , Morrison Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Among the different passive and active techniques for skin friction drag reduction for turbulent boundary layers, near wall forcing through moving walls is one of the most promising techniques at low Re$$_\tau$$

τ

. Fewer studies have looked at the mechanism at high Re$$_\tau$$

τ

, closer to flight conditions, largely because, in this regime, numerical simulations become harder and experiments more challenging. To that end, there is the need of a systematic study for different surface waves and flow conditions. This work introduces a new model using a kagome lattice and an experimental setup which combines simultaneous measurements of surface displacement and velocity in the boundary layer. Here the results from a shortened version of the model at Re$$_\tau \approx$$

τ

≈

1000 are presented to demonstrate the capability of the experimental setup which is developed in view of further investigation at higher Reynolds number.
Prioritizing weeds for biological control development in the western USA: adaptation of the Biological Control Target Selection system
Authors: Winston Rachel L. , Schwarzländer Mark , Hinz Hariet L. , Pratt Paul D.
Published: February 2024

Nonnative invasive plants (weeds) negatively impact native biodiversity, ecosystem services, agriculture, and the economic interests and health of humans. Since 1902, biological weed control has been employed as a cost-effective and sustainable management option for weeds in the USA. However, biological control is not appropriate for all weeds, nor is sufficient funding available to develop biological control for all weed species. Researchers in South Africa recently developed a Biological Control Target Selection (BCTS) system as an objective, transparent, and simple approach to prioritizing weeds as targets for biological control. The system includes multiple attributes pertaining to the: (1) impact and importance of the target weed, (2) likelihood of achieving success, and (3) investment required to develop and implement biological control. Attributes are scored based on available literature, and the overall score for each weed is used to rank species according to their potential to result in successful biological control programs. This paper describes the adaptation of the BCTS for application to weeds in the western USA not already targeted for biological control.
Mapping pressures on biodiversity: the contribution of thematic detail to decision making
Authors: Pla Magda , Hermoso Virgilio , Pino Joan , Brotons Lluís
Published: February 2024

Mapping pressures to species is key to identify where biodiversity is at risk and providing relevant information to direct conservation actions. Decision-making to minimise pressures requires the determination of specific target actions at a high level of detail. However, the trade-off between cost and effort to generate this information often leads to the production of generalised pressure maps, named coarse maps, covering the most relevant pressures and their proxies. Here we aimed to disentangle whether the cost and effort of mapping fine pressures is worthwhile to inform decision making, by comparing how fine and coarse maps identify “where” and “how” management actions should be derived. Comparing the extend of both map types as well as its capacity to identify risk areas. We focused on three main pressures: agricultural intensification, human intensification, and land abandonment. The study was carried out in Catalonia for local decision-making, but the results can be applied in other EU regions or elsewhere, also for local decisions-making. We found that the Jaccard’s similarity index between coarse and fine pressure maps was always below 0.3 indicating low overlap between fine and coarse maps. In particular, the coincidence between coarse and fine thematic maps within protected areas (PAs) was always below 50%. Both maps differed in the identification of risk areas inside three analysed PAs. Moreover, even when there was a total geographical overlap between coarse and fine maps, coarse maps lack information on which concrete pressure was actually present, making decision on actions needed difficult. Thus, we can conclude that fine maps can estimate more accurately both “where” and “how” to target concrete actions than coarser maps. Even in cases where the answer as to “where” to act is the same, fine maps provide more concrete information to provide guidance on “how” to act. Consequently, despite the high cost and effort involved in mapping pressures at a high level of detail, the final trade-off is positive.
Biomimetic highly porous nanocellulose–nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Korkeamäki Jannika T. , Rashad Ahmad , Berstad Kaia , Weber Florian , Syverud Kristin , Haugen Håvard Jostein , Mustafa Kamal
Published: February 2024

Wood-derived TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have potential as scaffolding for bone tissue engineering. Although biocompatible, the material lacks osteoconductive and appropriate mechanical properties. Incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and modification of scaffold preparation methods could improve applicability. In this study, freeze-dried porous scaffolds were prepared using a range of nHA (0, 20, 33, 50%) and CNF compositions. Not only the microarchitecture but also the chemical composition of the scaffolds was studied. Osteoblast-like osteosarcoma derived cells (Saos-2) were cultured on the scaffolds and their responses (viability, attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic phenotype) to the different scaffolds were documented. The results show that incorporation of nHA influenced the microarchitecture, mechanical stiffness and surface properties of the scaffolds. Moreover, biological characterization demonstrated good cell viability in all the groups. However, the increase of nHA concentration beyond 20% does not offer further advantages. It is concluded that the incorporation of 20% nHA resulted in the widest and most biomimetic pore size distribution, increased surface roughness and improved protein adsorption. These changes in material properties enhanced cell spreading and the osteogenic gene expression of osteoblast-like cells seeded on the scaffolds. Moreover, 20% nHA warrants further investigation as a potential scaffolding material for bone tissue engineering.

Graphical abstract
Influence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ infection on carrot root weight in Germany
Authors: Sauer Jasmin , Dewert Anke , Fornefeld Eva , Götz Monika
Published: February 2024

Infection with the bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) is suspected to cause severe damage in carrot leading to high carrot weight loss. This study investigates three main aspects: (i) whether there is a reduction of carrot root weight under field conditions due to Lso infection; (ii) the correlation between Lso infection rate in carrot plants and occurrence of the psyllid Trioza apicalis as the known vector for Lso in carrot, and (iii) the comparison between symptoms described in literature and observed symptoms associated with Lso infection. Therefore, field surveys were conducted from 2018 to 2021 on organically managed carrot fields in Lower Saxony, Germany. Two Rebell orange sticky traps were placed per field replaced on a weekly basis. Captured T. apicalis were morphologically identified and counted. Carrot plant samples were collected from T. apicalis infested fields. Discolouration of foliage and further symptoms on carrots were investigated. For detection of Lso in carrot plants and psyllids, the samples were analysed using PCR. The infection rate of carrot plants varied between 2.5% and 80% per field with low abundance of T. apicalis. Of the asymptomatic plants, 39.4% were infected with Lso, while 80.9% of the symptomatic plants were infected with Lso. The weight of Lso-positive carrot samples was not significantly reduced compared to Lso-negative samples. No economically relevant losses of carrot yield were reported by farmers participating in this study. This indicates that there was no effect of Lso infection on carrot root weight during this study. Of the symptoms associated with a Lso infection in carrots, only leaf discolouration could be confirmed. Overall, the bacterium is present in organically grown carrot plants in Lower Saxony but no major carrot root weight losses were observed.
Probabilistic model for cracking localization in reinforced fibrous concrete beams
Authors: Karinski Yuri S. , Dancygier Avraham N. , Gebreyesus Yosef Y.
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a probabilistic model that explains the phenomenon of cracking localization (CL) in RC beams with addition of steel fibers. Quantification of the CL is defined as the ratio between the total number of cracks and the number of significantly wide cracks. The model considers both the fibers and conventional reinforcement ratios, as well as the steel stress hardening and the location of the rebars in the cross-section. The fiber distribution in the concrete mix is considered random while the conventional reinforcement—as deterministic. A cumulative function of the total steel distribution, and a binomial probability function are proposed for a newly defined variable that represents the distribution of the fibers effectiveness along the beam. The model was validated with available data from flexural experiments showing good agreement of the model’s prediction with the reported results. The model shows that the cracking localization level in beams is more pronounced in beams with low reinforcement ratios and relatively large fibers content and enables its quantification.
Spatio-temporal investigation of urbanization and its impact on habitat fragmentation in natural ecosystems of Istanbul using Shannon’s entropy and landscape metrics in GIS
Authors: Bozkurt Selvinaz Gülçin , Basaraner Melih
Published: February 2024

This study aims to investigate the impact of spatio-temporal dynamics of urban sprawl on habitats in Istanbul, using the CORINE 1990 and 2018 land cover datasets. In this context, by means of geographic information system (GIS) tools and techniques, land cover maps are created for land cover change analysis and visualization, the Shannon’s entropy method is performed for measuring urban growth and sprawl, and the landscape metrics method is applied for assessing habitat loss and fragmentation. Results indicate that the rate of urban sprawl in the area increased by 0.1230 as per the Shannon’s entropy index over the 28-year period. Similarly, the Shannon Diversity Index and the Shannon Evenness Index rose from 1.74 to 1.85 and from 0.68 to 0.70, respectively, indicating an increase in urbanization within the area. Moreover, an analysis of patch numbers reveals that habitat fragmentation increased in shrub and/or herbaceous vegetation associations (72.55%), heterogeneous agricultural areas (45.11%), arable lands (42.5%), forests (36.13%) and pastures (15.05%), due to urbanization. Habitat fragmentation has had a detrimental effect on the local biodiversity. While 15 flora species were identified as vulnerable, 13 as endangered and 9 as critically endangered, 19 fauna species were identified as vulnerable and 5 as endangered. This study highlights that the natural habitats and biodiversity of Istanbul will suffer further decline due to urbanization unless sustainable urban planning and management policies are put into practice. It is essential to have controlled urban development to preserve the ecosystem’s carrying capacity, and urbanization decisions must consider this requirement.
Confirmation of Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock tianxing) in Myanmar Extends Known Geographic Range of an Endangered Primate
Authors: Aung Pyae Phyo , Lwin Ngwe , Aung Tin Htun , Htike Thura Soe Min , Thompson Carolyn , Roos Christian , Zaw Sa Myo , Lum L. Zawng , Oo Win Naing , Sau Zung , Turvey Samuel T. , Thein Wai Zinn , Maw Min Thein , Win Ye Tun , Oo Zaw Min , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Gilardi Kirsten V. , Tremeu-Bravard Alex , Momberg Frank , Fan Peng-Fei , Cheyne Susan M. , Smiley Evans Tierra
Published: February 2024

Characterizing genetically distinct populations of primates is important for protecting biodiversity and effectively allocating conservation resources. Skywalker gibbons (Hoolock tianxing) were first described in 2017, with the only confirmed population consisting of 150 individuals in Mt. Gaoligong, Yunnan Province, China. Based on river geography, the distribution of the skywalker gibbon has been hypothesized to extend into Myanmar between the N’Mai Kha and Ayeyarwaddy Rivers to the west, and the Salween River (named the Thanlwin River in Myanmar and Nujiang River in China) to the east. We conducted acoustic point-count sampling surveys, collected noninvasive samples for molecular mitochondrial cytochrome b gene identification, and took photographs for morphological identification at six sites in Kachin State and three sites in Shan State to determine the presence of skywalker gibbons in predicted suitable forest areas in Myanmar. We also conducted 50 semistructured interviews with members of communities surrounding gibbon range forests to understand potential threats. In Kachin State, we audio-recorded 23 gibbon groups with group densities ranging between 0.57 and 3.6 group/km2. In Shan State, we audio-recorded 21 gibbon groups with group densities ranging between 0.134 and 1.0 group/km2. Based on genetic data obtained from skin and saliva samples, the gibbons were identified as skywalker gibbons (99.54–100% identity). Although these findings increase the species’ known population size and confirmed distribution, skywalker gibbons in Myanmar are threatened by local habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. Most of the skywalker gibbon population in Myanmar exists outside protected areas. Therefore, the IUCN Red List status of the skywalker gibbon should remain as Endangered.
Analytic Processing in Data Lakes: A Semantic Query-Driven Discovery Approach
Authors: Diamantini Claudia , Potena Domenico , Storti Emanuele
Published: February 2024

Data integration and discovery are open issues in Data Lakes potentially storing hundreds of data sources. The present paper addresses these issues targeting multidimensional data sources, that is sources containing atomic or derived measures aggregated along a number of dimensions, typically derived from raw data for analytical and reporting purposes. Combining semantic models of metadata with existing data-driven techniques, the paper proposes an approach for the discovery of mappings between source metadata and concepts in a reference knowledge graph, enabling the definition of reasoning-based techniques to discover, integrate, and rank data sources relevant to a given analytical query. The efficiency and effectiveness of the approach is discussed by means of experiments on real-world scenarios.
Parental Perspectives on Early Life Screening and Genetic Testing for ASD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dounavi Katerina , Koldas Meral
Published: February 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition for which no prenatal or early life screening tests exist. Early life recognition of ASD is key to accessing behavioral intervention when brain plasticity is at its peak. The purpose of our study was to systematically review the literature researching parental perspectives around early life screening for autism and specifically genetic testing. A total of 30 studies were included and coded against the following variables: parental characteristics, child characteristics, research design, data collection and data analysis methods, type of early screening, and parental perspectives towards early life screening and genetic testing. The outcomes of the review showed that caregivers need more knowledge about ASD genetic testing, they are in general in favor of early life screening, and they prefer to access ASD genetic testing and early behavioral intervention as early as possible. As emerging genetic tests are likely to increase diagnostic accuracy for ASD in the near future, it is of paramount importance for research and practice to embrace parental needs and preferences. Healthcare providers can be pivotal in empowering parents to make informed decisions through clear, compassionate communication and counseling. Future research should seek to fill in an essential gap in the literature, which is to capture parental views from a diverse population.
Effect of nanoclay on the mechanical and thermal properties of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Örçen Gurbet , Bayram Duygu
Published: February 2024

The effects of nanoclay (NC) addition on the thermal and mechanical properties of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were investigated experimentally in this study. Nanocomposite plates were produced for this purpose using three different NC ratios (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight). Thermal characteristics of nanocomposites were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical and thermal results obtained from composites with three different NC ratios were compared with the results obtained from pure composites. The structures of nanocomposites were investigated with the help of SEM–EDS analyses. Furthermore, the effect of nanoclay on the failure behavior of composites was also investigated. In this study, the highest values in all mechanical properties were obtained from samples with a 1% NC-added. Obtained from 1% NC-added samples: tensile, compressive, shear strengths, elasticity modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio values were 31.06%, 4.25%, 14.30%, 7.35%, 11.94%, and 12.5% higher, respectively, than the values obtained from pure samples. Maximum loss modulus and maximum storage modulus were obtained from samples with 1.5% and 0.5% NC-added, respectively. In samples with 1.5% NC-added, the highest Tan δ value was obtained. Glass transition temperatures increased with the added NC. It was observed that the fiber–matrix interfaces were more clearly separated in the samples with 1.5% NC-added.

Graphical abstract
Bioactive potential of Bio-C Temp demonstrated by systemic mineralization markers and immunoexpression of bone proteins in the rat connective tissue
Authors: Lopes Camila Soares , Delfino Mateus Machado , Tanomaru-Filho Mário , Sasso-Cerri Estela , Guerreiro-Tanomaru Juliane Maria , Cerri Paulo Sérgio
Published: February 2024

Intracanal medications are used in endodontic treatment due to their antibacterial activity and ability to induce the periapical repair. Among the intracanal medications, the Calen (CAL; SS. White, Brazil) is a calcium hydroxide-based medication that provides an alkaline pH and releases calcium, exerting an antimicrobial activity. Bio-C Temp (BIO; Angelus, Brazil), a ready-to-use bioceramic intracanal medication, was designed to stimulate the mineralized tissues formation. Here, we investigated the bioactive potential of BIO in comparison to the CAL in the rat subcutaneous. Polyethylene tubes filled with medications, and empty tubes (control group, CG) were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. After 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, the blood was collected for calcium (Ca+2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) measurement, and the capsules around the implants were processed for morphological analyses. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). At 7, 15 and 30 days, the ALP level was grater in BIO and CAL than in CG (p < 0.0001). At 7 and 15 days, greater Ca+2 level was seen in the serum of CAL samples. From 7 to 60 days, an increase in the number of fibroblasts, osteocalcin- and osteopontin-immunolabelled cells was observed in BIO and CAL groups (p < 0.0001). In all periods, BIO and CAL specimens showed von Kossa-positive structures. Moreover, ultrastructural analysis revealed globules of mineralization in the capsules around the BIO and CAL specimens. Thus Bio-C Temp caused an increase in the ALP, osteocalcin and osteopontin, which may have allowed the formation of calcite, suggesting bioactive potential.

Graphical Abstract
Primary productivity impacts community structure of euphausiids in the low-latitude Indian and Pacific Oceans
Authors: Zhou Fanyu , Hirai Junya , Sato Takuya , Horii Sachiko , Takahashi Kazutaka , Tsuda Atsushi
Published: February 2024

Euphausiids are a vital component of global marine micronekton. To reveal the primary environmental factors influencing euphausiid distribution patterns in the previously overlooked low-latitude ecosystems, we investigated a large-scale community structure of euphausiids covering the North Pacific subtropical gyre (NPSG) and low-latitude eastern Indian (EI), and South Pacific Oceans (SP). A total of 41 euphausiid species from six genera were identified. Integrated primary production (PP) correlated significantly with the euphausiid abundance and species diversity and displayed the most critical influence on the variations in euphausiid community structure in low latitudes. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was the second significant environmental driver. Due to the distinct distribution patterns of euphausiid species in response to different PP and DO levels, the low-latitude euphausiid assemblages were mainly distinguished into subtropical and tropical communities. The subtropical euphausiid community associated with lower PP and higher DO demonstrated significantly lower euphausiid abundance but higher diversity than the tropical community. Euphausia brevis, E. mutica, and Stylocheiron abbreviatum, which characterize the subtropical community, appear to depend less on the phytoplanktonic prey. Euphausia diomedeae and Hansarsia gracilis, typifying the tropical population, showed stronger hypoxia tolerance. Additionally, each community was further divided into three subgroups under the influence of surface PP (subtropical: marginal NPSG, central NPSG, and austral EI-SP subgroups; tropical: the Bay of Bengal, equatorial EI, and equatorial EI-SP subgroups). These results suggested that food resource is the most important in shaping euphausiids’ community structure in an oligotrophic ecosystem with subtle hydrography gradients.
Multilevel effects of urban form and urban functional zones on housing prices: evidence from open-source big data
Authors: Huang Guan , Qiao Si , Yeh Anthony Gar-On
Published: February 2024

While the relationship between local housing prices and the urban form and distribution of urban functional zones in a single city is well-discussed, the conclusion is usually sensitive to a particular city context, and cross-city comparative study is limited. This study attempts to examine the influences of urban form and urban functional zone distribution on housing prices within and between cities after controlling the city-wide socio-economic and demographic differences. Based on multiple open-source big data, such as points-of-interest (POI) and historical housing transaction data, the hierarchical linear model is utilized to compare the housing market of 10 extra-large cities in China. Results indicate that the urban form and the urban functional zone distribution significantly influence housing prices after the socio-economic and demographic differences are controlled. For inter-city comparison, an urban form with high compactness, low centrality, low polycentricity, high density, and low dissimilarity in housing development is related to lower city-level housing prices. For intra-city, proximity to work centers, high-quality hospitals, and schools shows positive associations to housing prices.
Higher-Order Finite Element Methods for the Nonlinear Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Verfürth Barbara
Published: February 2024

In this work, we analyze the finite element method with arbitrary but fixed polynomial degree for the nonlinear Helmholtz equation with impedance boundary conditions. We show well-posedness and error estimates of the finite element solution under a resolution condition between the wave number k, the mesh size h and the polynomial degree p of the form “$$k(kh)^{p+1}$$

k

(
k
h
)

p
+
1

sufficiently small” and a so-called smallness of the data assumption. For the latter, we prove that the logarithmic dependence in h from the case $$p=1$$

p
=
1

in Wu and Zou (SIAM J Numer Anal 56(3):1338–1359, 2018) can be removed for $$p\ge 2$$

p
≥
2

. We show convergence of two different fixed-point iteration schemes. Numerical experiments illustrate our theoretical results and compare the robustness of the iteration schemes with respect to the size of the nonlinearity and the right-hand side data.
Beyond Language Barriers: Allowing Multiple Languages in Postsecondary Chemistry Classes Through Multilingual Machine Learning
Authors: Martin Paul P. , Graulich Nicole
Published: February 2024

Students who learn the language of instruction as an additional language represent a heterogeneous group with varying linguistic and cultural backgrounds, contributing to classroom diversity. Because of the manifold challenges these students encounter while learning the language of instruction, additional barriers arise for them when engaging in chemistry classes. Adapting teaching practices to the language skills of these students, for instance, in formative assessments, is essential to promote equity and inclusivity in chemistry learning. For this reason, novel educational practices are needed to meet each student’s unique set of language capabilities, irrespective of course size. In this study, we propose and validate several approaches to allow undergraduate chemistry students who are not yet fluent in the language of instruction to complete a formative assessment in their preferred language. A technically easy-to-implement option for instructors is to use translation tools to translate students’ reasoning in any language into the instructor’s language. Besides, instructors could also establish multilingual machine learning models capable of automatically analyzing students’ reasoning regardless of the applied language. Herein, we evaluated both opportunities by comparing the reliability of three translation tools and determining the degree to which multilingual machine learning models can simultaneously assess written arguments in different languages. The findings illustrate opportunities to apply machine learning for analyzing students’ reasoning in multiple languages, demonstrating the potential of such techniques in ensuring equal access for learners of the language of instruction.
The landscape scale of effect on the alpha and beta diversities of woody species in a semideciduous tropical forest
Authors: Juárez–Fragoso Mauricio A. , Perroni Yareni , Dáttilo Wesley , Gómez–Díaz Jorge A. , Guevara Roger
Published: February 2024

Context

Most tropical forest landscapes are highly fragmented, have habitat patches varying in size and shape, and display different degrees of perturbation, but with high conservation values. Therefore, a major goal of landscape ecology is to discover the actual spatial scale at which landscape composition and structure affect biological processes and biodiversity.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the landscape scale of effect governing the α and β diversities of woody species in a highly fragmented, semideciduous tropical forest.

Methods

We recorded the diversity of woody species in 19 plots scattered across a highly fragmented, semideciduous tropical forest landscape. Then, we used CART algorithms to evaluate the effects of landscape attributes on the α and β diversities of such species across 100 scales (10–1000 m) and tested continuous effects with generalized additive models.

Results

The shape and size of habitat patches in the range of 250–470 m determined α diversity. As for β diversity, nestedness was affected by the shape of forest patches at 510 m, whereas landscape heterogeneity affected species turnover within 100 m buffers.

Conclusion

While a previous study in a similar habitat reported effects at 800 m, the number, size, and shape of habitat patches in the current study accounted for the diversity of the focal plots within 100–510 m. Furthermore, CART effectively screened 100 scales, revealing which landscape attributes correlated the most with the diversity of woody plants. The findings provide valuable guidelines for conservation, restoration efforts, and public policies.
Mapping livestock grazing in semi-natural areas in the European Union and United Kingdom
Authors: Malek Žiga , Schulze Katharina , Bartl Hedwig , Keja Wim , Petersen Jan-Erik , Tieskens Koen , Jones Gwyn , Verburg Peter H.
Published: February 2024

Context

Livestock grazing throughout Europe has resulted in high diversity of semi-natural areas in past centuries. Currently, most low intensity grazing relying on semi-natural vegetation is found primarily in marginal lands. These areas still host a high-level of biodiversity but are subject to abandonment and agricultural intensification.

Objectives

Spatial information on areas where semi-natural vegetation is still grazed, and how contextual geographic conditions encourage or limit grazing is missing, hindering their protection. We present an interdisciplinary approach to map the spatial distribution of grazing in semi-natural areas of the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods

We first interviewed grazing experts from European countries, who provided us with estimates on grazing across selected land cover classes per environmental zone and Member State. Subsequently, we analysed the spatial distribution of grazing through maximum entropy modeling using pan-European in-situ data on grazing observations (using LUCAS, an EU wide land use survey) and a set of geographic characteristics representing the local socio-economic, terrain, soil and climatic context.

Results

The expert-derived estimates on grazing suggest that 20.6% (or 134 thousand km2) of semi-natural areas in the EU + UK are grazed, although with low livestock densities. In addition, we find that there is great variety across the region in the factors that explain the occurrence of grazing: while in some regions, farmers’ age and distance to markets are most important, in others terrain or climate are influencing the location of grazing. Finally, we were able to map both the grazing probability as well as actual spatial distribution of grazing on semi-natural areas for the whole of EU and UK.

Conclusions

These data can assist in prioritizing future conservation efforts in these unique land systems.
Rapid urban expansion and potential disaster risk on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in the 21st century
Authors: Yin Chenglong , Zhu Annah Lake , Zhou Qiang , Meng Fei , Chen Ruishan , Liu Fenggui , Chen Qiong , Guo Xiaona
Published: February 2024

Context

Cities are still expanding in many parts of the world in the 21st century, especially in developing regions, where socioeconomic transition has triggered urbanization. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, characterized by its high elevation, developing economy, and fragile environment, has undergone rapid urbanization in the past twenty years, potentially heightening the region’s risk of geological and hydrometeorological disasters.

Objectives

This article examines the process of urbanization on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in order to better understand the relationship between urban expansion and population change and to explore whether geological and hydrometeorological disasters threaten urban expansion.

Methods

We created a high-resolution urban built-up boundary dataset from 2000 to 2020 based on remote sensing and GIS. By examining the spatio-temporal pattern of urban expansion and its population dynamics from 2000 to 2020 in 15 cities across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, we quantified the urban expansion characteristics and explored the rising geological and hydrometeorological disaster risks urban areas face.

Results

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau has experienced rapid and uneven urbanization in the past 20 years. The total expansion rate was over 252% – 1.48 and 2.81 times higher than that of China and the world, respectively. Urban expansion exceeded population growth in most cities throughout the whole period. The urban built-up areas and population of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau tended to concentrate in the Yellow River-Huangshui River Valley of Qinghai Province and the Yarlung Zangbo River and its two tributaries of Tibet. High-density urban built-up areas and population distribution were exposed to geological and hydrometeorological disasters. The urban boundary dataset produced in this study has better accuracy than the other five existing datasets, for the given area and time range.

Conclusions

This study will not only provide a scientific reference for urban development research and future urban planning on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau at the regional scale, but will also contribute to research on the urbanization process of the plateau and mountainous regions on a global scale, raising awareness of geological and hydrometeorological disaster risk prevention in these areas worldwide
Epistemic (in)justice, social identity and the Black Box problem in patient care
Authors: Khan Muneerah , Ewuoso Cornelius
Published: February 2024

This manuscript draws on the moral norms arising from the nuanced accounts of epistemic (in)justice and social identity in relational autonomy to normatively assess and articulate the ethical problems associated with using AI in patient care in light of the Black Box problem. The article also describes how black-boxed AI may be used within the healthcare system. The manuscript highlights what needs to happen to align AI with the moral norms it draws on. Deeper thinking – from other backgrounds other than decolonial scholarship and relational autonomy – about the impact of AI on the human experience needs to be done to appreciate any other barriers that may exist. Future studies can take up this task.
Hybrid time-spatial video saliency detection method to enhance human action recognition systems
Authors: Gharahbagh Abdorreza Alavi , Hajihashemi Vahid , Ferreira Marta Campos , Machado J. J. M. , Tavares João Manuel R. S.
Published: February 2024

Since digital media has become increasingly popular, video processing has expanded in recent years. Video processing systems require high levels of processing, which is one of the challenges in this field. Various approaches, such as hardware upgrades, algorithmic optimizations, and removing unnecessary information, have been suggested to solve this problem. This study proposes a video saliency map based method that identifies the critical parts of the video and improves the system’s overall performance. Using an image registration algorithm, the proposed method first removes the camera’s motion. Subsequently, each video frame’s color, edge, and gradient information are used to obtain a spatial saliency map. Combining spatial saliency with motion information derived from optical flow and color-based segmentation can produce a saliency map containing both motion and spatial data. A nonlinear function is suggested to properly combine the temporal and spatial saliency maps, which was optimized using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The proposed saliency map method was added as a preprocessing step in several Human Action Recognition (HAR) systems based on deep learning, and its performance was evaluated. Furthermore, the proposed method was compared with similar methods based on saliency maps, and the superiority of the proposed method was confirmed. The results show that the proposed method can improve HAR efficiency by up to 6.5% relative to HAR methods with no preprocessing step and 3.9% compared to the HAR method containing a temporal saliency map.
Hybrid Prompt Recommendation Explanation Generation combined with Graph Encoder
Authors: Wang Tianhao , Wu Sheng , Yi Fen , Kuang Lidan , Wang You , Zhang Jin
Published: February 2024

Recommendation systems have been effectively utilized in various fields, but their internal decision-making methods are still largely unknown. This opaque decision-making method can greatly affect users’ trust in the recommendation system. Therefore, finding a way to explain the reasons for model decisions has become an urgent task. Previous studies often used LSTM and other models to generate recommendation explanations and explain the reasons for recommendations in text form. However, traditional methods cannot effectively use the ID information of users and items, and the text generated is highly repetitive. To solve this problem, this paper uses the method of prompt learning combined with a graph encoder to design a recommendation explanation generation model. In order to narrow the semantic gap between the ID information of users and items and natural language and capture high-level interaction information, this paper designs a graph encoder based on user similarity to learn the interactive semantic information of user and item IDs, and to construct a continuous prompt. Then, the discrete prompt composed of discrete features of users and items is combined with the continuous prompt to construct a hybrid prompt to input into the pre-trained model to generate the recommended explanation. This paper experiments on three publicly available datasets and compares them with several state-of-the-art methods to demonstrate the personalization and text quality of the generated explanations.
Chinese aid and democratic values in Latin America
Authors: Freytag Andreas , Kautz Miriam , Wolf Moritz
Published: February 2024

International economic engagement has been increasingly framed in terms of liberal democratic values. Specifically, Chinese aid has been at the center of this debate. Since Chinese aid comes with “no strings attached,” a popular narrative is that Chinese aid poses a challenge to conditional aid, thus weakening democracy promotion. This study aims to deepen our understanding of how democratic values are shaped by international economic engagement. Drawing on the Latinobarometro Household Survey, we use an instrumental variable approach to test the effect of Chinese aid on attitudes toward democracy in 18 Latin American countries on the national and regional level. We find that Chinese aid has a non-negative effect on support for democracy. We also find that individuals who have a positive attitude towards China are more likely to value democracy. In contrast, positive attitudes towards the USA have no robust impact on support for democracy.
Theoretical study of the formation of pyrazole and indazole carbamic acids
Authors: Ferrer Maxime , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero Jose
Published: February 2024

A theoretical study of the formation of carbamic acids of pyrazole and indazole has been carried out using DFT computational methods. The effects of the substituents and the solvent (using explicit and implicit solvent models) have been considered. In addition, the deprotonation of the carbamic acid and its influence on the stability of the system has been calculated. In the neutral systems, only the formation of indazole-1-carbamic acid derivatives is favored vs. the non-covalent complexes between pyrazole or indazole with CO2. The deprotonation of the carbamic acid highly stabilizes the system preventing its dissociation.
Assistive Technology as Affective Scaffolding
Authors: Candiotto Laura , Stapleton Mog
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we argue that the affective experience that permeates the employment of Assistive Technology (AT) in special needs education is crucial for the integration of AT. “AT integration” generally means the fluid and automatic employment of AT for fulfilling certain tasks. Pritchard et al. (2021) have proposed a more specific conceptualisation of AT integration by saying that AT is integrated when it is part of the user’s cognitive character. By discussing their proposal, we argue that the user’s affective experience is crucial for AT integration. To better appreciate the relevance of the affective experience in AT integration, we suggest shifting the perspective from the functionalist extended cognition framework, as Pritchard et al. (2021) propose, to affective scaffoldings. In doing so we focus on the feeling of agency as the key experience to consider for understanding what AT does to the agent. We will put forth the hermeneutical tool of “phenomenal transformation” to explain how and why AT as an affective scaffolding can support the fundamental “I can” of the experience.
Influence of environmental and intrinsic factors on the flowering success and petal morphology of Pulsatilla patens and the hybrid Pulsatilla patens × vernalis in Finland
Authors: Jutila H. , Parisy B. , Loehr J.
Published: February 2024

Combatting the biodiversity crisis through management and conservation requires specific information on the basic biology of species in decline. The Eastern pasqueflower, Pulsatilla patens, has declined drastically in Europe and in Finland is currently confined to a few locations. The aim of this study was to assess which factors influence fitness-related traits of P. patens and a hybrid species P. patens × vernalis. To this end we recorded morphological and environmental variables over a three-year period on individually marked P. patens and hybrid individuals in eight locations in southern Finland. The number of flowers decreased significantly each year for P. patens while for the hybrid there was first an increase and then decrease. Hybrids produced on average more flowers than P. patens individuals and the share of flowering individuals was higher in hybrids than in pure pasqueflowers. In general, for both P. patens and the hybrid, larger plant diameter, cooler and drier conditions and greater canopy openness positively affected number of flowers and flowering probability, although some species-specific differences were evident with a preference for greater canopy density for P. patens than the hybrid. Although our results support current conservation practices of creating more open environments to benefit flowering of P. patens, there also appears to be a limit to the amount of direct sunlight P. patens will tolerate, thus warranting caution. At present, the hybrid does not appear to be of immediate concern to the endangered P. patens, although continued monitoring of the populations is recommended.
Antiepileptic Strategies for Patients with Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumors
Authors: Newton Herbert B. , Wojkowski Jenna
Published: February 2024

Opinion statement

Seizure activity is common in patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, affecting more than 50% of cases over the course of their disease. Several mechanisms contribute to brain tumor–related epilepsy (BTRE), including a pro-inflammatory environment, excessive secretion of glutamate and an increase in neuronal excitatory tone, reduction of GABAergic inhibitory activity, and an increase in 2-hydroxygluturate production in isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant tumors. After a verified seizure in a brain tumor patient, the consensus is that BTRE has developed, and it is necessary to initiate an antiepileptic drug (AED). It is not recommended to initiate AED prophylaxis. Second- and third-generation AEDs are the preferred options for initiation, due to a lack of hepatic enzyme induction and reduced likelihood for drug-drug interactions, especially in regard to neoplastic treatment. The efficacy of appropriate AEDs for patients with BTRE is fairly equivalent, although some data suggests that levetiracetam may be slightly more active in suppressing seizures than other AEDs. The consensus among most Neuro-Oncology providers is to initiate levetiracetam monotherapy after a first seizure in a brain tumor patient, as long as the patient does not have any psychiatric co-morbidities. If levetiracetam is not tolerated well or is ineffective, other appropriate initial AED options for monotherapy or as an add-on anticonvulsant include lacosamide, valproic acid, briviracetam, lamotrigine, and perampanel.