bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transport Assistants to Enhance TCP Connections: Investigating the Placement Problem
Authors: Galán‐Jiménez Jaime , Faten Zhani Mohamed , Gómez‐delaHiz José , Kaippallimalil John 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAs of today, transport control protocol (TCP) remains the de‐facto transport protocol in the Internet. However, TCP may incur high delays, especially when retransmitting lost packets as they have to be retransmitted only by the source and after a timeout that is roughly equal to a round trip time. To reduce such delay, recent work proposed to deploy a special network function, called transport assistant (TA), that is able to detect and retransmit lost TCP packets from inside the network rather than the source and thereby reduces retransmission delays. Unfortunately, there is no study on the impact of the placement of the TA on its performance benefits in terms of packet delivery delay. In this paper, we focus on the TA placement problem. We discuss the trade‐offs and parameters to be considered to select the best placement for the TA. We first mathematically model the TCP packet delivery delay, that is, the time needed to deliver TCP packets, when the TA is deployed. We also formulate, as an integer linear program (ILP), the problem of placing multiple TAs in order to reduce TCP packet delivery delays while minimizing their deployment costs. We consider use‐cases, one where a TA could handle a single flow and another where a TA could handle multiple flows. We then propose two heuristics to solve the problem with minimal execution time. Through experiments, we demonstrated that the deployment of TAs could reduce TCP packet delivery delays by up to 30% and could be leveraged to guide routing and load balancing. Moreover, we show that using the proposed heuristics for placing TAs could lead to performance that is close to the optimal solutions obtained with the ILP but with lower execution time.
Loss of VSTM2A promotes adipocyte hypertrophy and disrupts metabolic homeostasis
Authors: Al Dow Manal , Secco Blandine , Mouchiroud Mathilde , Rochette Marianne , Gilio Gustavo R. , Massicard Mickael , Hardy Marilou , Gélinas Yves , Festuccia William T. , Morissette Mathieu C. , Manem Venkata S. K. , Laplante Mathieu 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveAdipose tissue expands through hyperplasia and hypertrophy to store excess lipids, a process that is essential for the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. The mechanisms regulating adipocyte recruitment from progenitors remain unclear. We have previously identified V‐set and transmembrane domain‐containing protein 2A (VSTM2A) as a factor promoting fat cell development in vitro. Whether VSTM2A impacts adipose tissue and systemic metabolism in vivo is still unknown.MethodsWe generated VSTM2A knockout mice (Vstm2a−/−) using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) and fed them either a chow or high‐fat diet. These mice were evaluated for body weight, adiposity, blood parameters, and glucose homeostasis.ResultsVstm2a−/− mice were viable and showed no body weight differences. Although adipose mass was similar, Vstm2a−/− mice had larger adipocytes, an effect linked to inflammation, ectopic lipid deposition, and impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that VSTM2A loss affects the expression of several genes in adipose tissue, including some related to the lysosome. Interestingly, acute lysosomal inhibition early in life is sufficient to cause adipocyte hypertrophy in adults.ConclusionsVSTM2A is dispensable for adipose tissue formation, but its loss causes adipocyte hypertrophy and impairs glucose and lipid homeostasis. Our study also underscores a critical role of the lysosome in initiating adipogenesis.
The Political Economy of China's Special Economic Zones and Adaptability of Developmental State Model of Industrialisation in Africa: Evidence From Nigeria
Authors: Kalu Kenneth , Aniche Ernest Toochi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study examines the structure and operations of China's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Nigeria and evaluates the zones' potential as catalysts for Nigeria's industrialisation. By using mixed qualitative methods, the result from fieldwork shows that SEZs are not likely to become the springboard for Nigeria's industrialisation. The study identifies the major challenges hindering the success of the SEZs in Africa and Nigeria, particularly which include the lack of adequate infrastructure and the inability of the state to formulate and effectively implement rules that would attract investors to the zones, engender technology transfers and generate other benefits for the local economy. The article concludes that even as there are lapses on the part of the Chinese collaborators concerning the speed of construction work at the zones, the performance of the Nigerian state reflects significant weaknesses. These weaknesses mirror the often‐cited dysfunctionalities in the political economy of Nigeria and other African states, where these aforementioned challenges weaken state capacities to initiate and implement development programmes. The paper suggests policy recommendations on how to make the SEZs effective instruments of industrialisation and economic growth, a fundamental aspect of which emphasises engendering a developmental state necessary for creating the conditions for growth.
Movie‐ and mobile‐therapy without therapist involvment for patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Imai Hissei , Luo Yan , Funada Satoshi , Hashimoto Takeshi , Matsuishi Kunitaka , Takamatsu Toko , Yoshihara Yasuo , Hiraoka Yayoi , Mizui Yasutaka , Hayasaka Yu , Takeshima Nozomi , Fukushima Haruko , Matsuda Kohei , Hashimoto Takashi , Furukawa Toshi A. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐help programs without therapist involvement for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are promising, but the high dropout rate is a significant issue. Our software, which incorporates entertainment elements, showed a completion rate of over 80% in a pre–post comparison study, with superior effectiveness. This is the protocol for a study that aims to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a video‐based mobile application for OCD treatment through a randomized controlled trial.MethodsThis study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with two parallel group comparison, with assessors blinded to group allocation. The study will include outpatients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with OCD. The intervention group will receive a mobile‐device‐based intervention using an application grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy. The treatment period will be 8 weeks, during which 21 sessions will be conducted. Participants not allocated to the intervention group will be assigned to a waitlist control group for 8 weeks. The primary outcome for effectiveness will be the comparison of the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. As the primary outcome for tolerability, participants in the intervention group who complete 80% or more of the sessions by the 8‐week point will be defined as treatment completers, and the proportion of completers will be calculated. Assuming a 10% attrition rate, a total of 88 participants will be needed.ResultsResults will be presented according to the protocol.ConclusionsIf this study demonstrates that OCD can be improved through mobile‐based self‐help treatment without therapist involvement, it will become an important treatment option for patients.
Toll‐like receptor expression during inflammatory processes in human diseases
Authors: Dhakad Prashant K. , Mishra Raghav , Mishra Isha 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMulti‐cellular organisms, including humans, have evolved immune systems as defense mechanisms against pathogens. The immune system employs the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) receptor family as its primary defensive mechanism against infections. Their capacity to identify both foreign microbes and endogenous substances renders them crucial for controlling immune responses. This article aims to provide an overview of the structure, functions, properties and signaling mechanisms of TLRs. Additionally, it explores the involvement of TLRs in various disorders and discusses therapeutic strategies targeting TLR signaling pathways. TLRs are widely present in immune and non‐immune cells and are dynamically regulated based on specific stimuli, such as pathogens or damaged host cells. Their activation triggers signaling cascades that lead to the production of type 1 interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. However, excessive TLR activation disrupts immune homeostasis and contributes to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Innovative TLR signaling pathway antagonists and inhibitors have been developed to combat these conditions. TLRs are central to the immune system's ability to combat infections and maintain natural defenses. A novel challenge in the treatment of numerous disorders is the preservation of immune homeostasis while targeting TLR signaling.
Preoperative Planning and Experimental Validation for Robot‐Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery Based on a Clinical Evaluation System
Authors: Gao Lei , Xing Yuan , Bian Yuan , Zhao Jianchang , Liu Xingchi , Wang Honglei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundRobot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery has effectively addressed the challenges faced by traditional minimally invasive surgery. Well‐designed preoperative planning is crucial for robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery.MethodsThis paper proposes a preoperative planning method based on a clinical evaluation system. The particle swarm optimisation algorithm and the evaluation indices including accessibility, visibility, operability, and hand‐eye coordination are adopted.ResultsThe simulation validation and the experimental verification were conducted to compare the pre‐operative planning scheme and the clinical scheme, taking the oesophageal hiatal hernia repair as an example. The preoperative planning scheme demonstrated superior accessibility and hand‐eye coordination, achieving shorter surgical time and reduced task load.ConclusionThe proposed preoperative planning method is feasible and effective through simulation and experimentation. This method has potential applications in various surgical robot systems and procedures, which can provide surgical guidance for surgeons in different departments.
Risk Factors and Impacts of Unplanned Out‐of‐Hospital Births in an Urban Setting
Authors: Daichang Cathy , Chu Sidney , Nguyen Helen N. , Madubuko Adaora 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrior studies have shown that unplanned out‐of‐hospital births (UOHB) are associated with certain maternal risk factors, increased neonatal mortality and poor neonatal outcomes.ObjectivesTo determine the factors that influence the incidence and effects of newborn outcome associated with UOHB in an urban setting.MethodsThis case‐control study was conducted at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey using retroactively sampled patient data from January 2017 to December 2022. After quality control, 66 unplanned out‐of‐hospital live singleton births and 72 in‐hospital live singleton births were stratified into maternal and neonatal cases and studied independently. Standard statistical tests, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were applied in comparing the in‐hospital birth groups with the UOHB groups.ResultsIn the maternal analysis, Black/African American race (OR = 4.29, 95% CI 2.10, 8.74), English language (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.99, 8.59), substance use history (OR = 7.98, 95% CI 2.22, 28.7), having a primary care provider on file (OR = 2.74, 95% CI 1.36, 5.53), absent prenatal care (OR = 5.44, 95% CI 1.71, 17.3) were significantly associated with UOHB. In the newborn analysis, low‐birth‐weight (OR = 5.90, 95% CI 1.87, 18.6), preterm birth (OR = 4.84, 95% CI 1.67, 14.1), hypoglycemia (OR = 38.0, 95% CI 4.95, 291), hypothermia (OR = 35.5, 95% CI 4.62, 272) and bradycardia (OR = 15.58, 95% CI 0.86, 282) were significantly associated with UOHB.ConclusionsNewborns of UOHB are more likely to be affected by low‐birth‐weight, preterm birth, hypoglycemia, hypothermia and bradycardia. Consistent with findings from previous studies, in an urban setting, substance use history and absent prenatal care are among the most important predictors for UOHB.
Optimization of a LEO‐PNT Constellation: Design Considerations and Open Challenges
Authors: Çelikbilek Kaan , Simona Lohan Elena , Praks Jaan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAs the satellite launch and manufacturing costs have become affordable, the industrial and academic interest in low‐Earth orbit (LEO) satellites has increased in recent years. With this interest, the concept of LEO‐based positioning, navigation, and timing (LEO‐PNT) has also gained popularity as a complementary and/or standalone system in addition to the already existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). This article proposes a LEO constellation optimization methodology from the perspective of a LEO‐PNT design, identifies and discusses the state‐of‐art of the LEO satellite constellation optimization approaches, introduces relevant performance‐ and feasibility‐related metrics and parameters, and addresses key concepts and trade‐offs that must be considered for any LEO‐PNT constellation design. In addition, a case study for a LEO‐PNT constellation optimization is presented, where we showcase the discussed trade‐offs. We present optimization results obtained with the adaptive weighting algorithm “ADaW” applied to the Pareto‐optimization algorithm nondominated sorting genetic algorithm III (“NSGA‐III”). A detailed performance analysis is done for six relevant scenarios with varying receiver location properties, namely, by considering indoor/outdoor, rural/urban and line of sight/non–line of sight (NLOS) cases.
Argulus japonicus: A Concerning Health Issue for Channa punctata in Southwestern Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Fatema , Rahman Md. Hamidur , Ahammad Basir , Khandaker Mohammed , Rahman Md. Zobayer , Mia Rasel , Rayhan Nafis , Akter Shaila , Bari Sayed Mashequl , Majumdar Bhaskar Chandra 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe prevalence and impact of the branchiuran copepod parasite Argulus japonicus on the snakehead fish Channa punctata were investigated in the southwestern region of Bangladesh.MethodsParasitic infestation was examined to determine parasitological indexes including prevalence (%), mean intensity (MI), abundance (A), and index of infestation (IOI). Haematological parameters were also determined, along with morphological identification, clinical signs, and size grading of A. japonicus. In addition, histological alterations in the liver, kidneys, gills, and skin of C. punctata were examined.ResultsAmong 140 C. punctata individuals, 85 were found to be infested with a total of 245 A. japonicus parasites. Most of the parasites were located on the gill surfaces, around the eyes, and on the external parts of the body. The main physical features of A. japonicus were identified and documented during the observations. The haematological parameters showed variation across different experimental sites, and several clinical signs of infestation were observed. Four treatment methods for the elimination of A. japonicus were tested. Heat treatment (T3) was found to be the most effective method of the four.ConclusionThis study highlights the serious health problems caused by A. japonicus infestation in C. punctata in southwestern Bangladesh.
Communication behavior of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia): understanding marking-behavior patterns to optimize camera-trapping studies
Authors: Krofel Miha , Oliveira Teresa , Rovero Francesco , Groff Claudio , Augugliaro Claudio , Oberosler Valentina , Allen Maximilian L. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Many carnivores rely on marking behavior for intraspecific communication with potential mates and competitors, using scent and visual markings to advertise their use of a territory and allow potential mates to assess their quality. However, obtaining data on communication behaviors of rare and elusive animals can be challenging. To better understand marking behavior of snow leopard (Panthera uncia), we combined camera-trapping, snow-tracking and transect counts of scrapes in the Altai Mountains, Mongolia, and measured frequencies of communication behaviors in both space and time. Next, we explored if this information could be used to improve the efficiency of snow leopard population monitoring through camera-trapping. Using the combination of all three methods, we detected seven communication behaviors. Most visits at marking sites began with sniffing (recorded at 56.4% visits) before progressing to other behaviors. Urine spraying (17.7% of visits) and scraping (16.8%) were exhibited at significantly more visits than other communication behaviors (flehmen, head/body rubbing, fecal deposition, claw marking). According to the snow-tracking data conducted in optimal habitats, scraping was the most frequent marking behavior with 12.8 scrapes/km, followed by urine marking with 10.5 marks/km. Along 32 transects, we recorded a mean of 8.0 cumulative scrapes/km, with highest marking rates recorded in gorges, which we recommend as prime habitats for deploying camera-traps. Finally, our results suggest that the number of scrapes observed at potential camera-trapping sites represents a good predictor of snow leopard visitation rate. Therefore, this parameter can be used when choosing camera-trapping locations to increase the efficiency of monitoring programs.
New results for the Cahn-Hilliard equation with non-degenerate mobility: well-posedness and longtime behavior
Authors: Conti Monica , Galimberti Pietro , Gatti Stefania , Giorgini Andrea 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We study the Cahn-Hilliard equation with non-degenerate concentration-dependent mobility and logarithmic potential in two dimensions. We show that any weak solution is unique, exhibits propagation of uniform-in-time regularity, and stabilizes towards an equilibrium state of the Ginzburg-Landau free energy for large times. These results improve the state of the art dating back to a work by Barrett and Blowey. Our analysis relies on the combination of enhanced energy estimates, elliptic regularity theory and tools in critical Sobolev spaces.
The volume of the boundary of a Sobolev (p, q)-extension domain II
Authors: Koskela Pekka , Mishra Riddhi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We show that the volume of the boundary of a bounded Sobolev (p, q)-extension domain is zero when

$$1\le q<p< \frac{qn}{(n-q)}.$$

1
≤
q
<
p
<

qn

(
n
-
q
)

.
On holomorphy and non-vanishing of Artin L-functions
Authors: Gun Sanoli , Hazra Suhita , Sahu Dhananjaya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this article, we investigate holomorphy and non vanishing of Artin L-functions for

$$\Re (s) > 1/2$$

ℜ
(
s
)
>
1
/
2

. First, we show that Artin L-functions of a solvable Galois extension

$$\textrm{K}/\textrm{F}$$

K
/
F

with Galois group G are holomorphic at a point

$$s_0$$

s
0

by comparing the order of vanishing of

$$\zeta _\textrm{K}(s)$$

ζ
K

(
s
)

with

$$\zeta _{\textrm{K}^{G^{(2)}}}(s)$$

ζ

K

G

(
2
)

(
s
)

, where

$$G^{(2)}$$

G

(
2
)

is the second commutator subgroup of G. This extends a result of Foote and Kumar Murty. Finally, we derive a criterion which is equivalent to the assertion that all the poles (except for a possible pole at

$$s=1$$

s
=
1

) and non-trivial zeros of Artin L-functions necessarily lie on the line

$$\Re (s) = 1/2$$

ℜ
(
s
)
=
1
/
2

.
Pure Shape Dynamics, Self-Subsisting Structures, and the Nature of Time
Authors: Vassallo Antonio , Naranjo Pedro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The paper discusses the possible implications of the relational framework of Pure Shape Dynamics for the metaphysics of time. The starting point of the analysis is an interpretation of shapes in ontic structural realist terms, which gives rise to the notion of self-subsisting structure. The relational version of a Newtonian-particle toy model is introduced and discussed as a concrete example.
Accounting choice in measurement and comparability: an examination of the effect of the fair value option
Authors: Fontes Joana C. , Panaretou Argyro , Shakespeare Catherine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The choice between historical cost and fair value measurement is one of the most debated issues among accounting academics and practitioners. We use the election of the fair value option (FVO) to study the effects of entities’ measurement choices on accounting comparability. The FVO enables entities to use different measurement bases for similar assets and liabilities, raising questions about whether the FVO compromises or enhances comparability. Using a sample of US banks, we find that FVO elections increase comparability both across FVO electing banks and between FVO electing banks and banks that never elect the FVO but only if the FVO elections comply with the intent of the standard setters to remedy accounting mismatches. Overall our results suggest that banks elect the FVO to better present their economics, yielding higher comparability.
Green Extraction of Antioxidants from Hazelnut By-products Using Microwave-Assisted Extraction, Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, and Pressurized Liquid Extraction
Authors: Elmas Ervanur , Şen Furkan Burak , Kublay İrem Zehra , Baş Yahya , Tüfekci Fikret , Derman Hakan , Bekdeşer Burcu , Aşçı Yavuz Selim , Capanoglu Esra , Bener Mustafa , Apak Reşat 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study investigates the green extraction of antioxidants from hazelnut by-products (specifically hazelnut meal and skin) using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). The process optimization was conducted via response surface methodology (RSM), with key operational parameters of each process. The extracts were characterized for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC), free radical scavenging capacity (FRC), ABTS radical scavenging capacity (ARC), and total phenolic content (TPC) using spectrophotometric assays. Among the methods, UAE was most effective for hazelnut meal, achieving a TAC of 53.1 µmol trolox (TR)/g, while MAE excelled for hazelnut skin with a TAC of 3.12 mmol TR/g. Phenolic profiling by HPLC–PDA revealed catechin, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid as predominant compounds. These three extraction processes were evaluated using AGREE-Analytical greenness metric software. These findings demonstrate the potential of hazelnut by-products as sustainable sources of natural antioxidants, with implications for food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. The research underscores the role of advanced extraction technologies in valorizing agricultural waste and contributes to a circular economy.

Graphical Abstract