bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Training transfer validity of virtual reality simulator assessment
Authors: Hjellvik Simen , Mallam Steven 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study utilises computer-based simulations to explore the transfer effects of competency training in maritime education, addressing the current lack of research on their transferability to real-world scenarios.The research explores the accuracy of procedural knowledge assessment using virtual reality (VR), positing that head-mounted display (HMD) VR offers stronger concurrent validity through training transfer measures than 3D desktop VR. This is evaluated by regression on a training transfer condition. It also investigates motivation’s influence on training transfer and the regression model of this relationship.Fifteen marine engineering students were divided into two experimental groups using 3D desktop VR and HMD VR systems, with eight experts in the control group. The students had previously received traditional lecture-based instruction and were given practical training using a 2D desktop simulator in the same scenario as in the VR treatment and in the training transfer condition.The ANCOVA design experiment involved two levels of technical immersion before the operation of real-life equipment. Neither technical immersion nor expertise level as independent variables were found to have a significant effect in the relationship of the assessment predicting the training transfer. The direct relationship was significant (R2adj = 0.436) and further analysed with the influence of motivation, resulting in a moderation model with a decent effect size (R2 = 0.740). Based on these findings, we can infer that both types of VR simulations used for assessment demonstrate concurrent validity in predicting real-life performance before we discuss and define the characteristics of the observed transfer according to theory.
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic on educational and professional growth of young Italian epileptologists: a survey of the Young Epilepsy Section-Italian chapter
Authors: Masnada Silvia , Spagnoli Carlotta , Duca Maddalena , Chiarello Daniela , Lo Barco Tommaso , Nucera Bruna ,   On Behalf of Young Epilepsy Section—Italian chapter, Balestrini Simona , De Palma Luca , Battaglia Giulia , Ferri Lorenzo , Dono Fedele 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objectives
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus-related disease SARS-CoV-2 infection pandemic. Italy was one of the most affected countries and managed the emergency also by a health care reorganization.

Methods
The Education and Career Development Task Force of the Young Epilepsy Section-Italy (YES-I) designed a survey to assess the impact of the pandemic on the training and work of young epileptologists (< 40 years).

Results
Fifty-three responses were collected: 45.3% were resident, 9.4% PhD students and the remainder specialists. Clinical activity changed for most (83%) during the pandemic. Educational activity at epilepsy centers was reduced for 35.8% of the survey participants, while 30.2% of research projects involving patients participation were stopped to switch mainly to COVID-19-related research. For 73.6% of survey participants, attending online courses and congresses was easier in terms of cost and organization, although for 50.9% the level of training was lower in quality. In contrast, 58.5% rated the webinars organized by YES-I very educational. Less than 50% of the clinicians used telemedicine in the pandemic period and continue to use it. Despite several positive aspects of virtual medicine, a small number (32.1%) of our interviewees were satisfied from telemedicine and few of them (30.2%) reported that it led to improvement of clinical practice.

Conclusions
Our survey showed that the pandemic has had a negative impact on training, research and clinical activity in the epilepsy field; moreover, it underlined the critical aspects of virtual communication methods in order to improve its use for the future.
Portfolio selection revisited
Authors: Shkolnik Alex , Kercheval Alec , Gurdogan Hubeyb , Goldberg Lisa R. , Bar Haim 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn 1952, Harry Markowitz formulated portfolio selection as a trade-off between expected, or mean, return and variance. This launched a massive research effort devoted to finding suitable inputs to mean-variance optimization. The estimation problem is high dimensional and a factor model is at the core of many attempts. A factor model can reduce the number of parameters that need to be estimated to a manageable size, but these parameters may incorporate substantial, hidden estimation error. Recent analysis elucidates the nature of this error, identifies a mechanism by which it can corrupt optimization and provides a method for its mitigation. We explore this analysis here by illustrating how to improve the volatility ratio of large optimized portfolios, leading to superior portfolio selection.$$^{*}$$

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Multi-objective improvement of Android applications
Authors: Callan James , Petke Justyna 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNon-functional properties, such as runtime or memory use, are important to mobile app users and developers, as they affect user experience. We propose a practical approach and the first open-source tool, GIDroid for multi-objective automated improvement of Android apps. In particular, we use Genetic Improvement, a search-based technique that navigates the space of software variants to find improved software. We use a simulation-based testing framework to greatly improve the speed of search. GIDroid contains three state-of-the-art multi-objective algorithms, and two new mutation operators, which cache the results of method calls. Genetic Improvement relies on testing to validate patches. Previous work showed that tests in open-source Android applications are scarce. We thus wrote tests for 21 versions of 7 Android apps, creating a new benchmark for performance improvements. We used GIDroid to improve versions of mobile apps where developers had previously found improvements to runtime, memory, and bandwidth use. Our technique automatically re-discovers 64% of existing improvements. We then applied our approach to current versions of software in which there were no known improvements. We were able to improve execution time by up to 35%, and memory use by up to 33% in these apps.
A life cycle assessment of cover crop ensiling and co-digestion with cattle manure
Authors: Rydgård Maja , Jensen Lars Stoumann , Schwartzkopff Magdalena Vinkler , Pinna Susanna , Sørensen Peter , Bruun Sander 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCover crops offer a potential biogas feedstock, and to enable continuous operation of the biogas plant, ensiling can be used for biomass preservation. The aim of the present study was to assess the environmental impacts of biogas production at an organic dairy farm for two modelled scenarios: (1) harvesting and ensiling of cover crops and cereal straw and co-digestion with cattle manure, or (2) mono-digestion of cattle manure and direct cover crop soil incorporation. The biogas scenarios were modelled in a consequential LCA in relation to a common baseline without anaerobic digestion, with cover crop soil incorporation and field application of raw cattle manure. Biogas scenarios resulted in decreased global warming impacts of (1) 250 and (2) 120 Mg CO2eq for a 1000-hectare example dairy farm due to substitution of natural gas. However, emissions from ensiling, biogas plant operation, and agronomic effects increased other environmental impacts. Agronomic modelling with the Daisy model showed a crop yield increase of 0.11 Mg DM ha−1 year−1 on a sandy loam soil with cover crop digestion, but also an increase in N leaching of 38% and a decrease in soil C stocks of 8.1 Mg C ha−1 over 100 years relative to the reference. Emissions of VOCs and NOx during ensiling increased ozone formation and negative impacts on human health and ecosystems, although further research is needed to better understand these emissions. In conclusion, this modelling study shows that greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by using ensiled cover crops for co-digestion with manure when biogas is used to substitute fossil gas, although trade-offs with other environmental categories must be considered.
“It Requires Privacy”: Sharing a House in Thirteenth-Century Paris
Authors: Roth Pinchas 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAnalysis of a legal ruling by Yehiel of Paris (d. ca. 1260) in a rental dispute between two Jewish men sheds light on aspects of Jewish life in a major medieval European city. Two Jews rented an apartment from a Christian owner, and a dispute arose when one of the tenants left mid-term and his replacement, also a Jewish man, tried to renew the lease directly with the landlord. The original tenant claimed the exclusive right to renew the lease and that he was unwilling to share the apartment with the new tenant as this would impinge on his privacy in use of the lavatory. This article attempts to unravel the legal and cultural dimensions of the dispute and the demographic and architectural realities underpinning it. The article maintains that the disputants’ legal arguments drew upon both Jewish legal tradition and the legal norms of the rental market in Paris. The legal and cultural significance of privacy in the medieval urban context also plays an important role in the case.
Home and Community Participation Patterns, Quality of Life and Family Routines among Preschool Children with ADHD
Authors: Golos Anat , Paz Sapir Weintraub , Zaguri-Vittenberg Shahar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms manifest early in childhood and impact participation in daily activities and quality of life (QoL). Family routines may enhance the participation of children with ADHD. However, few studies have examined the correlations linking participation, QoL, and family routines in this population. This study aimed to describe participation patterns, environmental factors, family routines, and QoL of preschool children with ADHD, and examine the relationships of these variables. Parents of 70 children aged 4–6 (79% boys), clinically-evaluated as having ADHD or suspected ADHD, completed demographic, participation and environment, QoL and family routines measures. Frequency of participation and desire for change at home were found to be significantly higher compared to the community, while involvement did not differ between settings. Environmental factors supporting and inhibiting participation were identified. Significant correlations were found between home participation and family routines, and between home participation and QoL. The findings reinforce the need for an in-depth examination of participation patterns, environmental factors, and family routines to determine appropriate intervention goals that promote the participation and QoL of preschool children with ADHD.
The objectivity of mathematics in Cassirer’s symbol-theoretical approach
Authors: Schneider Domenico 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCassirer’s concept of symbolic forms represents a cultural-philosophical approach in which specific modes of objectification, the symbolic forms themselves, establish an independent truth. This truth does not consist in a purely analytical truth, but in the fact that we live along these symbolic forms in a specific stubbornness. When we use language, we live and experience language in its specific autonomy. The same applies to the other symbolic forms developed by Cassirer. Both before the cultural-philosophical phase of creation and within the philosophy of symbolic forms, Cassirer refers to mathematics several times. An interesting tension arises as to whether Cassirer could have understood mathematics as a symbolic form in its own right. On the one hand, cultural-historical considerations in Cassirer’s work speak in favour of this; on the other hand, Cassirer embeds mathematics as a mere formal science in physics and thus in the philosophical form of science as a whole. The article explores this tension—mathematics as a symbolic form—and shows that only indications within the framework of the historical-hermeneutical treatment would speak in favour of such an interpretation. Furthermore, the article argues that a specific, cultural-historical semiotics can be considered for mathematics in Cassirer’s work.
Huygens synchronization of three aligned clocks
Authors: Buescu Jorge , D’Aniello Emma , Oliveira Henrique M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study examines the synchronization of three identical oscillators arranged in an array and coupled by small impacts, wherein each oscillator interacts solely with its nearest neighbour. The synchronized state, which is asymptotically stable, is characterized by phase opposition among alternating oscillators. We analyse the system using a non-linear discrete dynamical system based on a difference equation derived from the iteration of a plane diffeomorphism. We illustrate these results with the application to a system of three aligned Andronov clocks, showcasing their applicability to a broad range of oscillator systems.
Connectivity of Parameter Regions of Multistationarity for Multisite Phosphorylation Networks
Authors: Kaihnsa Nidhi , Telek Máté L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe parameter region of multistationarity of a reaction network contains all the parameters for which the associated dynamical system exhibits multiple steady states. Describing this region is challenging and remains an active area of research. In this paper, we concentrate on two biologically relevant families of reaction networks that model multisite phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of a substrate at n sites. For small values of n, it had previously been shown that the parameter region of multistationarity is connected. Here, we extend these results and provide a proof that applies to all values of n. Our techniques are based on the study of the critical polynomial associated with these reaction networks together with polyhedral geometric conditions of the signed support of this polynomial.
Reorienting DMO efforts to improve sustainability and reduce the perceived crowding of tourists visiting a destination
Authors: Fierro-Rubio Paula , Sanz-Blas Silvia , Buzova Daniela 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe present research analyses  the changes that the Covid-19 pandemic has generated in the attitudes and behaviour of tourists in relation to sustainability and their perception of crowding. The aim is to understand the new needs and feelings of consumers so that companies and tourist destinations are able to adapt their offer to the new demands. For this purpose, qualitative research was carried out by means of six focus groups, with a sample of 44 individuals. The focus groups were analysed with NVIVO software in order to identify the main themes, perceptions and feelings of the interviewees in relation to sustainability and crowding. The main results show that, although concerns about sustainability and rejection of the crowds increased during the pandemic, these concerns have again become less important to tourists once it has ended. Although sustainable and less crowded tourist destinations are generally preferred, the reality is that post-Covid tourist behaviour has not changed that much after the pandemic has ended. The conclusions obtained will be useful for companies, public administrations, destination management organizations and tourist destinations to know, understand and be able to adapt their offer to the trends and new demands of the post-Covid tourist.
The molecular composition of birch tar and its infrared spectrum
Authors: Schmidt Patrick , Koch Tabea J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBirch tar was the first substance made by humans that is otherwise not available in nature. The oldest artefacts date to ~ 200 thousand years ago in Europe but birch tar becomes more frequent around 45 thousand years ago and even more so from the Mesolithic onwards. Their study has important implication for our understanding of evolutionary processes such as cognitive capacity and cultural evolution. What remains unknown is the overall molecular composition of birch tar. Several approaches based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry have shown the potential of studying solvent soluble molecules to understand the botanical origin of different tars, their manufacturing techniques and their post-depositional alteration mechanisms. However, birch tar’s soluble fraction cannot shed light on its mechanical properties. In this study, we conduct gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and spectroscopic analysis of seven bulk birch tar samples, including infrared band assignment and structural refinement of organic molecules in the insoluble fraction. We find that the overall proportion that cannot be analysed by gas chromatography accounts for 85–90% in birch tar. This phase consists of polymerised molecules with a structure analogous to asphaltenes but containing a significantly greater amount of oxygen-related functional groups. Our findings have implications for understanding the viscosity, adhesiveness and stiffness of birch tar and they call for caution in applying analytical techniques that only target soluble molecules in birch tar.
Enhanced 3D-printed Matrix for Electrocatalytic Detection: A Practical and Simple Electrochemical Platform
Authors: Jędrzak Artur , Jesionowski Teofil 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this work, we proposed a novel 3D-printed manufactured electrode system. A project was developed and optimized, compatible with commercially available potetiostats. Additive manufacturing included the modification of the pseudo-reference electrode by electrodeposition of silver and its subsequent oxidation to the Ag/AgCl form. Then the system was tested using electrochemical techniques to check the application as a universal electroactive platform. As an example, we checked the detection of paracetamol as a common substance from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Finally, the system was compared to available commercial carbon electrodes, considering the screen-printed electrode (SPE no.1 and SPE no.2) and the glassy carbon electrode (GCE), showing higher sensitivity and linearity range compared to commercial screen-printed systems. The novelty of the proposed platform unveils a new way of common, simple, budget, and fast obtaining a universal electroactive platform for electrochemical research, keeping high-performance parameters.
Evolutionary game theory-based finite element model updating of a moveable cable-stayed footbridge
Authors: Jiménez-Alonso Javier Fernando , Suzana Ereiz , Duvnjak Ivan , de Sá Caetano Elsa 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEvolutionary game theory allows determining directly the solution of the maximum likelihood finite element model updating problem via the transformation of a bi-objective optimization problem into a game theory problem. The formulation of the updating problem as a game avoids the computation of the Pareto front and the solution of the subsequent decision-making problem, the selection of the best solution among the elements of the Pareto front. For this purpose, each term of the bi-objective function is considered as a player that interacts collaboratively or non-collaboratively with the other player during the game. One of the main advantages of this method is that a different global optimization algorithm can be associated with each player. In this manner, a higher performance in the solution of the updating problem is expected via the linking between each term of the objective function (a player) and the algorithm considered for its minimization. In this study, this advantage is analysed in detail. For this purpose, the finite element model updating process of a real footbridge, the Viana do Castelo footbridge, has been considered as a benchmark. As global optimization algorithms, different nature-inspired computational algorithms have been considered. The updating problem has been solved using two different methods: (i) the linking of a conventional bi-objective optimization method together with a decision-making method; and (ii) an evolutionary game theory method. As a result, a higher performance of the game theory method has been highlighted. Additionally, the influence of the considered optimization algorithm in the updating process has been noted.
Sand and Dust Storm Risk Assessment in Arid Central Asia: Implications for the Environment, Society, and Agriculture
Authors: Wang Wei , He Shanfeng , Guo Hao , Abuduwaili Jilili , Samat Alim , De Maeyer Philippe , Van de Voorde Tim 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to assess sand and dust storm (SDS) risks in arid Central Asia during 2001–2021 from a multisectoral (environment, society, and agriculture) and comprehensive perspective on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. The results show that the areas with moderate or greater SDS risk accounted for 18.75% of the total area of arid Central Asia. The high SDS risk areas are mainly concentrated in the oases around the desert and are most widely distributed in spring and summer. The SDS risk in the oasis area of southern Xinjiang increased significantly, while the SDS risk in the northeastern Aral Sea region and the Kazakh hilly region decreased significantly over the 21 years. Khwarazm of Uzbekistan, located in the Amu Darya River Delta, is the administrative district with the highest comprehensive risk of sandstorms, and the Balkan State of Turkmenistan and Kashi City and Zepu County in China are the administrative districts with the highest multisectoral risk of sandstorms. The results of this study provide a complete picture of SDS risks in the arid Central Asia region and will provide some guidance to policymakers and local authorities in SDS risk mitigation.
Deoxidation of Titanium Utilizing Thulium and Halide Flux
Authors: Kamimura Gen , Akaishi Kenta , Ouchi Takanari , Okabe Toru H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDevelopment of an efficient deoxidation method for titanium (Ti) is desired to recycle oxygen (O)-contaminated Ti scrap. In this study, the utilization of thulium (Tm) as a deoxidant for Ti in various halide fluxes was investigated. Tm is a rare-earth metal, which is a by-product of other rare-earth metals with high demand and has limited industrial uses. When NaCl or KCl flux was installed in the deoxidation experiments, the impurity oxygen in Ti was removed to the concentrations of 140–590 mass ppm O, which are lower than that achieved under the equilibrium between Tm and Tm2O3 (290–530 mass ppm O). The results show that the nominal activity of the deoxidation product (Tm2O3) was lowered by the presence of halide fluxes in the reaction systems. The combination of Tm and halide fluxes in a new deoxidation technique holds promising potential for both accelerating the Ti recycling and exploring novel applications for Tm.
Graphical Abstract