bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expectations and realities: Examining adolescent students’ game jam experiences
Authors: Aurava Riikka , Meriläinen Mikko 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article describes the expectations and experiences of young (16 to 19 year old) digital game jam participants (N = 34) who attend Finnish general upper secondary schools. Game jams are a form of game creation: events where games are made in co-operation. They are widely used in game design education and in addition, when participated voluntarily, learning has been reported as an important motivation. The existing literature mostly concentrates on game jams for adults, and informal or non-formal learning. This article is adding to the literature by examining learning in formal education for adolescents. As part of our research, we have organised game jams in formal general education, and this article is based on the pre-event and post-event surveys of three game jam events. The article maps 1) the motivations to attend a school related game jam, 2) the expectations and apprehensions the would-be participants have, 3) what kind of learning game jams promote, and 4) how does attending a game jam affect participants’ attitudes and apprehensions regarding learning, STEAM and information technology, and their own skills. Our results indicate the creative side of digital game making, desire to learn new skills and make new friends to be the main motivations for participation, and the lack of confidence in technical skills to cause most anxiety before the jam event. The effects of attending a game jam are mostly positive, with the participants reporting learning experiences in several soft and technical skills and increased motivation to take part in creative and co-creative projects. A gendered result can be seen in the participants’ altered stance on technology and programming: girls and non-binary students report technology and programming being easier and more fun than they had thought before attending a game jam event, which is well in line with previous research on STEM/STEAM education and gender.
Spacetimes with continuous linear isotropies III: null rotations
Authors: MacCallum M. A. H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIt is shown that in many of the possible cases local null rotation invariance of the curvature and its first derivatives is sufficient to ensure that there is an isometry group $$G_r$$

G
r

with $$r\ge 3$$

r
≥
3

acting on (a neighbourhood of) the spacetime and containing a null rotation isotropy. The exceptions where invariance of the second derivatives is additionally required to ensure this conclusion are Petrov type N Einstein spacetimes, spacetimes containing “pure radiation” (a Ricci tensor of Segre type [(11,2)]), and conformally flat spacetimes with a Ricci tensor of Segre type [1(11,1)] (a “tachyon fluid”).
Participatory injustice in Mexico’s Readiness process to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD +)
Authors: Almanza-Alcalde Horacio , Satyal Poshendra , Corbera Esteve , SotoSánchez Alma Patricia , Pskowski Martha 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSince 2007 many developing countries have laid groundwork for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation and sustainable management and conservation of forests (REDD +) under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). REDD + is aimed at incentivizing forest conservation and management in developing countries through policy programmers and local projects, which should in theory enhance the participation of very diverse actors in forest policy and governance. Here we explore the early years of REDD + in Mexico focusing on the alleged “participatory” nature of the REDD + initiative. Based on interviews and field observations with those involved in drafting the REDD + national strategy and in the implementation of small-scale pilot project activities, we investigate the meaning of participation for REDD + actors, their aspirations in this regard, and how procedural justice issues are being considered in early policy implementation. We demonstrate that the process set in motion to draft the strategy did not sufficiently involve sub-national governance levels, thus reducing the legitimacy of REDD + efforts, particularly in rural communities. We suggest that rural local actors should be further involved in REDD + decision-making forums, be provided with more information for a good understanding of REDD + implementation (e.g., pilot projects), and most importantly, be given a real chance to implement REDD + activities grounded on their own institutions and land-use practices.
Robot Autonomy vs. Human Autonomy: Social Robots, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Nature of Autonomy
Authors: Formosa Paul 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSocial robots are robots that can interact socially with humans. As social robots and the artificial intelligence (AI) that powers them becomes more advanced, they will likely take on more social and work roles. This has many important ethical implications. In this paper, we focus on one of the most central of these, the impacts that social robots can have on human autonomy. We argue that, due to their physical presence and social capacities, there is a strong potential for social robots to enhance human autonomy as well as several ways they can inhibit and disrespect it. We argue that social robots could improve human autonomy by helping us to achieve more valuable ends, make more authentic choices, and improve our autonomy competencies. We also argue that social robots have the potential to harm human autonomy by instead leading us to achieve fewer valuable ends ourselves, make less authentic choices, decrease our autonomy competencies, make our autonomy more vulnerable, and disrespect our autonomy. Whether the impacts of social robots on human autonomy are positive or negative overall will depend on the design, regulation, and use we make of social robots in the future.
MultiPDF particle filtering in state estimation of nonlinear objects
Authors: Michalski Jacek , Kozierski Piotr , Giernacki Wojciech , Zietkiewicz Joanna , Retinger Marek 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a new particle filter algorithm (MultiPDF) for state estimation of nonlinear systems. The proposed method is a modification of the standard particle filter approach. Due to the strong need for the acceleration of calculations and an improvement in the estimation quality of state estimation, the authors propose a method which enables one to divide the main particle filter into smaller sub-filters with an accordingly smaller number of particles for each one of them. The algorithm has been implemented for various numbers of particles and subordinate parallel filters. Estimation quality has been checked for nine nonlinear objects (both one- and multidimensional) and evaluated through the quality index, average root-mean-squared error. The computation time of the particle filter algorithm for several hardware configurations has been compared. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that, besides the computation acceleration, the parallelization of the particle filter’s operation also improves the estimation quality.
Bocheński’s model of the development of logic
Authors: Tkaczyk Marcin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAccording to Bocheński’s description of the history of formal logic, there clearly is some objective development, though far from being cumulative or linear. The history of logic throughout the world consists of three relatively short pinnacles preceded by also short periods of awakening and followed by periods of extensive commentary running into long periods of standstill and decadence, when nearly all achievements are consigned to oblivion.
Effect of Exhausted Olive Cake Contamination on Fly and Bottom Ash in Power Plants
Authors: Pazo Amparo , Lapuerta Magín , Acosta Anselmo , Hernández Juan J. , Monedero Esperanza 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWith the aim to prevent possible power plant malfunction due to the feedstock properties and suggest possible ash applications, feedstock samples and bottom and fly ash samples collected along more than a year in a 16 MW suspension-fired boiler power plant, fed mainly with pulverized exhausted olive cake (orujillo), were studied. A detailed characterization of fly and bottom ash has been done, as well as a seasonal evolution study. Altogether in order to find any trend on the ash composition changes and to study the relationship between ash (both fly and bottom fractions) and, on the one hand, the feedstock composition, and on the other hand, the troublesome deposit formation. A relationship between deposit growth and higher Cl and Na content in the feedstock has been noticed, showing the need for some control on these feedstock’s components. The high Cl and Na content is attributed to external contamination. Furthermore, the high Al content in the feedstock and the strong relationship between Al, Fe and Si (indicating a common origin) suggest some biomass soil contamination. However, no relationship was observed between troublesome deposit formation and the hypothesized biomass soil contamination.
Graphic Abstract
Prospective Primary School Teachers’ Competence for the Cognitive Analysis of Students’ Solutions to Proportionality Tasks
Authors: Burgos María , Godino Juan D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn order to foster the learning of mathematics, the teacher must be able to analyse and assess the students’ mathematical activity. The explicit recognition of objects and processes involved in mathematical practices is a competence that the teacher should develop. This cognitive analysis competence allows the teacher to understand the processes of mathematical learning, to foresee conflicts of meanings and to establish different possibilities for institutionalising the mathematical knowledge involved.In this article we present the results of the evaluation phase of a training intervention with eighty-eight prospective primary school teachers, which aims to promote and assess the competence for the cognitive analysis of students’ solutions to proportionality tasks. To this end, we proposed the prospective teachers to interpret different students’ solution strategies for a problem, recognise the mathematical elements (languages, concepts, propositions, procedures and arguments) put at stake in each strategy, and to analyse the algebraic character of the mathematical practices involved in them. The results reveal the prospective teachers’ limitations for the analysis and assessment of non-usual resolution strategies, the identification of key mathematical objects and the discrimination of arithmetic and algebraic activity in the students’ solutions. The improvement of the results requires the following actions: to allow prospective teachers to become acquainted with different forms of reasoning that can be applied in proportionality situations, delve more deeply into the algebraic character of mathematical activity, and extend the number and variety of situation problems that prospective teachers can analyse and discuss.
Deep learning-based fault diagnostic network of high-speed train secondary suspension systems for immunity to track irregularities and wheel wear
Authors: Ye Yunguang , Huang Ping , Zhang Yongxiang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFault detection and isolation of high-speed train suspension systems is of critical importance to guarantee train running safety. Firstly, the existing methods concerning fault detection or isolation of train suspension systems are briefly reviewed and divided into two categories, i.e., model-based and data-driven approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of these two categories of approaches are briefly summarized. Secondly, a 1D convolution network-based fault diagnostic method for high-speed train suspension systems is designed. To improve the robustness of the method, a Gaussian white noise strategy (GWN-strategy) for immunity to track irregularities and an edge sample training strategy (EST-strategy) for immunity to wheel wear are proposed. The whole network is called GWN-EST-1DCNN method. Thirdly, to show the performance of this method, a multibody dynamics simulation model of a high-speed train is built to generate the lateral acceleration of a bogie frame corresponding to different track irregularities, wheel profiles, and secondary suspension faults. The simulated signals are then inputted into the diagnostic network, and the results show the correctness and superiority of the GWN-EST-1DCNN method. Finally, the 1DCNN method is further validated using tracking data of a CRH3 train running on a high-speed railway line.
A semantically annotated corpus of tombstone inscriptions
Authors: Bos Johan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe digital preservation of funerary material is of interest to many different scientific disciplines. Textual information found on tombstones often goes far beyond the expected (name of the deceased, dates of birth and death), and may include information about commemorators, family roles, occupations, references to biblical or other texts, places of birth and death, cause of death, epitaphs and poems. Gravestones are multi-modal media, and besides text are often decorated with artistic symbols. To capture this information in a systematic way and make it available on a large scale for research purposes, a meaning representation based on linking entities by relations has been designed that will extend search capabilities beyond simple string matches. Concepts are represented as WordNet synsets, and a vocabulary of 32 relations make connections between concepts. This formalisation has been developed and evaluated based on a dataset of more than 1,000 Dutch tombstones.
A retrospective case study of successful translational research: Gazelle Hb variant point-of-care diagnostic device for sickle cell disease
Authors: Qua Kelli , Swiatkowski Shannon M. , Gurkan Umut A. , Pelfrey Clara M. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Evaluation researchers at Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs are conducting retrospective case studies to evaluate the translational research process. The objective of this study was to deepen knowledge of the translational process and identify contributors to successful translation. We investigated the successful translation of the HemeChip, a low-cost point-of-care diagnostic device for sickle cell disease, using a protocol for retrospective translational science case studies of health interventions developed by evaluators at the National Health Institutes (NIH) and CTSA hubs. Development of the HemeChip began in 2013 and evidence of device use and impact on public health is growing. Data collection methods included five interviews and a review of press, publications, patents, and grants. Barriers to translation included proving novelty, manufacturing costs, fundraising, and academic-industry relations. Facilitators to translation were CTSA pilot program funding, university resources, entrepreneurship training, due diligence, and collaborations. The barriers to translation, how they were overcome, and the key facilitators identified in this case study pinpoint areas for consideration in future funding mechanisms and the infrastructure required to enable successful translation.
MeCP2 duplication causes hyperandrogenism by upregulating LHCGR and downregulating RORα
Authors: Wang Yu-Meng , Wu Yu , Zheng Yu-Fang , Wang Hong-Yan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDuplication of MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2) gene causes a serious neurological and developmental disorder called MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), which is usually found in males. A previous clinical study reported that MDS patient has precocious puberty with hyperandrogenism, suggesting increased MeCP2 may cause male hyperandrogenism. Here we use an MDS mouse model and confirm that MECP2 duplication significantly upregulates androgen levels. We show for the first time that MeCP2 is highly expressed in the Leydig cells of testis, where androgen is synthesized. Mechanistically, MECP2 duplication increases androgen synthesis and decreases androgen to estrogen conversion through either the upregulation of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) in testis, as a result of MeCP2 binds to G-quadruplex structure of Lhcgr promoter and recruits the transcription activator CREB1 or the downregulation of the expression of aromatase in testis by binding the CpG island of Rorα, an upstream regulator of aromatase. Taken together, we demonstrate that MeCP2 plays an important role in androgen synthesis, supporting a novel non-CNS function of MeCP2 in the process of sex hormone synthesis.
Exome first approach to reduce diagnostic costs and time – retrospective analysis of 111 individuals with rare neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Klau Julia , Abou Jamra Rami , Radtke Maximilian , Oppermann Henry , Lemke Johannes R. , Beblo Skadi , Popp Bernt 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis single-center study aims to determine the time, diagnostic procedure, and cost saving potential of early exome sequencing in a cohort of 111 individuals with genetically confirmed neurodevelopmental disorders. We retrospectively collected data regarding diagnostic time points and procedures from the individuals’ medical histories and developed criteria for classifying diagnostic procedures in terms of requirement, followed by a cost allocation. All genetic variants were re-evaluated according to ACMG recommendations and considering the individuals’ phenotype. Individuals who developed first symptoms of their underlying genetic disorder when Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) diagnostics were already available received a diagnosis significantly faster than individuals with first symptoms before this cutoff. The largest amount of potentially dispensable diagnostics was found in genetic, metabolic, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Out of 407 performed genetic examinations, 296 (72.7%) were classified as potentially dispensable. The same applied to 36 (27.9%) of 129 cranial magnetic resonance imaging and 111 (31.8%) of 349 metabolic examinations. Dispensable genetic examinations accounted 302,947.07€ (90.2%) of the total 335,837.49€ in potentially savable costs in this cohort. The remaining 32,890.42€ (9.8%) are related to non-required metabolic and cranial magnetic resonance imaging diagnostics. On average, the total potentially savable costs in our study amount to €3,025.56 per individual. Cost savings by first tier exome sequencing lie primarily in genetic, metabolic, and cMRI testing in this German cohort, underscoring the utility of performing exome sequencing at the beginning of the diagnostic pathway and the potential for saving diagnostic costs and time.
Concept neurons in the human medial temporal lobe flexibly represent abstract relations between concepts
Authors: Bausch Marcel , Niediek Johannes , Reber Thomas P. , Mackay Sina , Boström Jan , Elger Christian E. , Mormann Florian 
Published: October 2021

AbstractConcept neurons in the medial temporal lobe respond to semantic features of presented stimuli. Analyzing 61 concept neurons recorded from twelve patients who underwent surgery to treat epilepsy, we show that firing patterns of concept neurons encode relations between concepts during a picture comparison task. Thirty-three of these responded to non-preferred stimuli with a delayed but well-defined onset whenever the task required a comparison to a response-eliciting concept, but not otherwise. Supporting recent theories of working memory, concept neurons increased firing whenever attention was directed towards this concept and could be reactivated after complete activity silence. Population cross-correlations of pairs of concept neurons exhibited order-dependent asymmetric peaks specifically when their response-eliciting concepts were to be compared. Our data are consistent with synaptic mechanisms that support reinstatement of concepts and their relations after activity silence, flexibly induced through task-specific sequential activation. This way arbitrary contents of experience could become interconnected in both working and long-term memory.
Spatial representability of neuronal activity
Authors: Akhtiamov D. , Cohn A. G. , Dabaghian Y. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA common approach to interpreting spiking activity is based on identifying the firing fields—regions in physical or configuration spaces that elicit responses of neurons. Common examples include hippocampal place cells that fire at preferred locations in the navigated environment, head direction cells that fire at preferred orientations of the animal’s head, view cells that respond to preferred spots in the visual field, etc. In all these cases, firing fields were discovered empirically, by trial and error. We argue that the existence and a number of properties of the firing fields can be established theoretically, through topological analyses of the neuronal spiking activity. In particular, we use Leray criterion powered by persistent homology theory, Eckhoff conditions and Region Connection Calculus to verify consistency of neuronal responses with a single coherent representation of space.
Hybrid strategy of graphene/carbon nanotube hierarchical networks for highly sensitive, flexible wearable strain sensors
Authors: Li Yiyi , Ai Qinqin , Mao Linna , Guo Junxiong , Gong Tianxun , Lin Yuan , Wu Guitai , Huang Wen , Zhang Xiaosheng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOne-dimensional and two-dimensional materials are widely used to compose the conductive network atop soft substrate to form flexible strain sensors for several wearable electronic applications. However, limited contact area and layer misplacement hinder the rapid development of flexible strain sensors based on 1D or 2D materials. To overcome these drawbacks above, we proposed a hybrid strategy by combining 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2D graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and the developed strain sensor based on CNT-GNP hierarchical networks showed remarkable sensitivity and tenability. The strain sensor can be stretched in excess of 50% of its original length, showing high sensitivity (gauge factor 197 at 10% strain) and tenability (recoverable after 50% strain) due to the enhanced resistive behavior upon stretching. Moreover, the GNP-CNT hybrid thin film shows highly reproducible response for more than 1000 loading cycles, exhibiting long-term durability, which could be attributed to the GNPs conductive networks significantly strengthened by the hybridization with CNTs. Human activities such as finger bending and throat swallowing were monitored by the GNP-CNT thin film strain sensor, indicating that the stretchable sensor could lead to promising applications in wearable devices for human motion monitoring.