bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-surgical treatment of residual periodontal pockets using sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and cross-linked hyaluronic acid—a 9-month pilot randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Benyei Laura , Friedmann Anton , Ostermann Thomas , Diehl Daniel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This pilot randomized controlled clinical trial compares the clinical outcome obtained in persistent periodontal pockets during 9-month follow-up of supportive periodontal step 4 treatment performed by either combining subgingival instrumentation with adjunctively used sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and crosslinked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) or subgingival instrumentation alone.

Materials and methods
Study protocol is registered under NCT06438354 at Clinicaltrials.gov. Patients seeking further therapy after completed step 2 non-surgical periodontal treatment underwent either repeated subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and crosslinked hyaluronic acid (group A) or repeated subgingival instrumentation alone (group B). One calibrated investigator performed the treatment sequence in both groups accordingly. Subgingival instrumentation of the residual pockets was carried out under local anaesthesia using hand- and ultrasonic instruments, as well as air polishing in both groups. Patients were instructed to continue oral hygiene without any restriction. At 3-month re-evaluation treatment was repeated accordingly at sites with persistent 5 mm probing depth and BoP + . Clinical attachment level (CAL), pocket probing depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were recorded at baseline (T1), 3- (T2) and 9-month (T3) post-op, with CAL as a primary outcome measure.

Results
In total 52 patients (20 females and 32 males, mean age 58.4 ± 2.4 years) presenting with 1448 sites which required further periodontal treatment were enrolled. Both groups exhibited homogeneity in terms of age, gender, smoking habit, initial number of sites, and BOP. At 9-month evaluation, PD reduction and CAL gain showed significant differences between the test and control group, favouring the adjunctive treatment. GR tended to exhibit more recovery in the test group compared to the control group. Although BOP frequency effectively reduced in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion
Within the limits of the study, the present data indicates that, during subgingival instrumentation of persistent pockets, the adjunctive usage of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and xHyA sufficiently improves the clinical outcomes. The continuous improvement of CAL in association with the GR scores observed in group A, indicates that sites subjected to adjunctive treatment may indicate a tendency for a regenerative response to treatment within the 9-month follow-up period.
A theory of spawning habitat selection in anurans
Authors: Goto Minoru , Ikeda Hiroshi , Takimoto Gaku 
Published: September 2024

AbstractField and experimental evidence shows that anuran adults selecting spawning habitats make flexible, context-dependent choices based on multiple biotic and abiotic factors. Despite the empirical evidence, few formal theories explain the context-dependent selection of spawning habitats by anurans. To fill this gap, we develop a mathematical model to analyze the interacting effects of multiple biotic and abiotic factors on anuran spawning habitat selection. Our model considers the effects of habitat quality (e.g., resource levels, heterospecific predator abundances, and other abiotic conditions), spawning timing within a reproductive season, strength of conspecific competition among juveniles, and strength of conspecific predation of early hatching on late hatching juveniles. The model predicts that while early-spawning adults generally favor better-quality habitats, late-spawning adults may not necessarily prefer better-quality habitats. Predation of late-hatching juveniles by early-hatching juveniles promotes the avoidance of better-quality habitats by late-spawning adults. Stronger competition among juveniles of the same developmental age increases the preference of late-spawning adults toward better-quality habitats. These predictions are in broad agreement with empirical evidence. Our model demonstrates that the tension between habitat quality and negative conspecific interactions among juveniles drives the context-dependent selection of spawning habitats by anuran adults.
Connection between higher order measures of risk and stochastic dominance
Authors: Pichler Alois 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHigher order risk measures are stochastic optimization problems by design, and for this reason they enjoy valuable properties in optimization under uncertainties. They nicely integrate with stochastic optimization problems, as has been observed by the intriguing concept of the risk quadrangles, for example. Stochastic dominance is a binary relation for random variables to compare random outcomes. It is demonstrated that the concepts of higher order risk measures and stochastic dominance are equivalent, they can be employed to characterize the other. The paper explores these relations and connects stochastic orders, higher order risk measures and the risk quadrangle. Expectiles are employed to exemplify the relations obtained.
Improved multi-strategy adaptive Grey Wolf Optimization for practical engineering applications and high-dimensional problem solving
Authors: Yu Mingyang , Xu Jing , Liang Weiyun , Qiu Yu , Bao Sixu , Tang Lin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) is a highly effective meta-heuristic algorithm leveraging swarm intelligence to tackle real-world optimization problems. However, when confronted with large-scale problems, GWO encounters hurdles in convergence speed and problem-solving capabilities. To address this, we propose an Improved Adaptive Grey Wolf Optimization (IAGWO), which significantly enhances exploration of the search space through refined search mechanisms and adaptive strategy. Primarily, we introduce the incorporation of velocity and the Inverse Multiquadratic Function (IMF) into the search mechanism. This integration not only accelerates convergence speed but also maintains accuracy. Secondly, we implement an adaptive strategy for population updates, enhancing the algorithm's search and optimization capabilities dynamically. The efficacy of our proposed IAGWO is demonstrated through comparative experiments conducted on benchmark test sets, including CEC 2017, CEC 2020, CEC 2022, and CEC 2013 large-scale global optimization suites. At CEC2017, CEC 2020 (10/20 dimensions), CEC 2022 (10/20 dimensions), and CEC 2013, respectively, it outperformed other comparative algorithms by 88.2%, 91.5%, 85.4%, 96.2%, 97.4%, and 97.2%. Results affirm that our algorithm surpasses state-of-the-art approaches in addressing large-scale problems. Moreover, we showcase the broad application potential of the algorithm by successfully solving 19 real-world engineering challenges.
Beyond the textbook: A year-long exploration of VODcasts in EFL education
Authors: Mekheimer Mohamed A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study explored the efficacy of video podcasts (VODcasts) in fostering whole-language learning among college EFL students. Employing a quasi-experimental design with pre-tests, post-tests, and a control group, the research compared the effects of a one-year remedial instruction program. The experimental group received instruction incorporating authentic video materials and dramatized literary works alongside their regular curriculum. Conversely, the control group received the same instruction with traditional audio materials. The results revealed statistically significant advancements in all language skills (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking fluency, and written composition) for the VODcast group compared to the control. These findings suggest the potential of video-based instruction (vodcasting) utilizing authentic video content as a valuable tool for EFL classrooms, promoting holistic language development in college-level learners.
A case study of students’ and teachers’ attitudes towards BYOD and its use within their history classrooms
Authors: Chilton David , Wilson Kim , Dutton Janet 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn recent years, laptop and ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) programs have become an integral part of teaching and learning in many Australian schools. For history teachers, the presence of BYOD in the classroom potentially provides the opportunity to align two key teaching goals: historical research skills; and information, communication and technology (ICT) skills. However, there is a dearth of literature that focuses on BYOD for history teaching and learning. This paper reports on the findings of a case study examining Year 9 students’ (13-15-year-olds) and teachers’ attitudes towards the uses of BYOD in their history classes. The findings are from a larger study that examined the way that BYOD was being used for the teaching and learning of historical research skills online. This study uses reflexive thematic analysis to analyse student questionnaires where students reflected on their learning and attitudes. Teachers completed questionnaires and participated in semi-structured interviews. This study has found that the presence of BYOD has heightened an underlying constructivist approach to history teaching. Both students and teachers greatly value the access that BYOD provides for student-centred historical inquiry, as well as valuing BYOD as a perceived labour saver. However, participants seemed to underestimate the role that BYOD is playing in narrowing students’ understanding of history to facts about the past. Despite the limits of its small sample size, this case study has important implications for history educators, which are discussed.
Persistent declines in sightings of manta and devil rays (Mobulidae) at a global hotspot in southern Mozambique
Authors: Venables Stephanie K. , Rohner Christoph A. , Flam Anna L. , Pierce Simon J. , Marshall Andrea D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMobulid rays are among the most vulnerable of chondrichthyans to overexploitation by fisheries due to their low population growth rates. In locations where catch data are lacking, long-term sightings data can provide valuable insight to infer population trends and status. We recorded underwater sighting data of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), oceanic manta rays (M. birostris), and shorthorned pygmy devil rays (M. kuhlii) between 2003 and 2023 in the waters off Praia do Tofo in the Inhambane Province, southern Mozambique, one of the major global hotspots for these rays. We modelled sightings data using a hierarchical generalised linear mixed model framework to account for a suite of environmental variables when examining temporal trends. Raw trend models including only ‘year’ as a predictor showed a 99% decline in sightings of reef manta rays, a 92.5% decline in oceanic manta ray sightings, and an 81.3% decline in devil ray sightings over the 20-year study period. The declining trends persisted for reef and oceanic manta rays once a suite of temporal and environmental variables were accounted for, indicating that the declines were driven by external factors not tested in the models. For shorthorned pygmy devil rays, models that incorporated environmental variables did not retain year as a significant predictor and showed a reduced overall decline in sightings of 36.5%. This indicates that the tested predictors were responsible for approximately half of the observed decline. Anthropogenic factors, particularly fisheries mortality, are likely to have played a significant role in the declining sightings of these three Threatened species. Improved conservation and management measures at a national and international level are critical to prevent further declines, which may otherwise lead to localised extinction.
Effects of cold seawater pre-treatments on induction of early sexual maturation and sperm production in European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Ferrão L. , Morini M. , González-Lopéz W. A. , Gallego V. , Felip A. , Pérez L. , Asturiano J. F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo induce sexual maturation in captivity, eels rely on hormonal treatments, but this process is costly and time-consuming. As an alternative, different types of conditioning, also referred as pre-treatment, have been assessed to ease hormonal treatment response. Recent studies have shown that migrating eels experience a wide range of temperatures, varying from 12 °C at night to as low as to 8 °C during the day. Therefore, this study evaluates the effects of low-temperature (10 °C) seawater pre-treatments of different durations (2 and 4 weeks) on male eel reproduction. The eye, gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes from control (without thermic seawater pre-treatment) and pre-treated fish were measured. Blood and testis samples were also collected for sex steroid and histology analysis, respectively. Eels pre-treated for 2 weeks demonstrated increased progestin levels, comparing with the control group. Eels pre-treated for 4 weeks showed significantly higher gonadosomatic index and elevated androgens and estradiol levels in comparison with the remaining groups. In eels pre-treated for 2 and 4 weeks, there was an increase in the proportion of spermatogonia type B cells compared to undifferentiated spermatogonia type A, a differentiation process that was not observed in the control group. Cold seawater pre-treatment induced early sexual maturation, including steroid production, which consequently stimulated biometric changes and increased spermatogonia differentiation. Following the pre-treatments, eels started receiving standard hormonal treatment (with recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin at 20 °C). Pre-treated males started to spermiate earlier than the control group. In some treatment weeks, pre-treated individuals registered higher values of sperm density, motility, and kinetic parameters. Moreover, an economic evaluation was carried out relating the investment made in terms of hormone injections with the volume of high-quality sperm obtained from each experimental group. The low temperature pre-treatments demonstrated their economic effectiveness in terms of hormone treatment profitability, increasing the production of high-quality sperm in the European eel. Thus, this in vivo study suggests that cold seawater pre-treatment may increase sensitivity to the hormone applied during standard maturation treatment.
An Affect “That Shudders Me”: An Approach to Husserl’s Phenomenology of Joy
Authors: Summa Michela 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn the texts collected in the second volume of the Studien zur Struktur des Bewusstseins, Husserl extensively discusses experiences of joy (Freude). By considering Husserl’s examples related to joy not as mere illustrations, but as a guiding thread for the identification of experiential structures, this article shows how these examples are not only significant for the general theory of intentionality of affective and emotional non-objectifying acts, but also provide valuable insights into the specific phenomenon of joy itself. Specifically, the article demonstrates how the distinction between joy, sensory pleasure, and liking provides insights into the intentional structure of joy as a responsive affect. On the basis of these distinctions, the article raises the normative question about the appropriateness of affective and emotional responses. It argues that the appropriateness of joy should be assessed from two perspectives: in relation to the value that justifies an affective response and in relation to a personal motivational nexus. From the former perspective, joy can be normatively assessed. However, when only considering the latter perspective, joy cannot be assessed according to objective normative standards. Finally, building on these findings, the article explores how the phenomenology of joy and motivation may be connected to the specific experience of depth and discusses the role of joy for a phenomenological investigation of the personal self.
Modified nanosphere lithography: application to the fabrication of ordered arrays of gold nanopyramids
Authors: Salinas-Fuentes Cecilia , Hernández-Zanabria Angélica , Cheang-Wong Juan-Carlos , Kudriavtsev Yuriy 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this work a modified approach to improve the capabilities of nanosphere lithography was performed to obtain ordered arrays of gold nanopyramids that can be used as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrates. Specifically, shadow sphere lithography in combination with nanosphere lithography was used to fabricate metallic nanostructures of different sizes starting from the same mask of silica microspheres. An extensive study of the obtained samples with scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and Raman characterizations confirms that indeed this modification of the standard nanosphere lithography is an excellent candidate to produce ordered arrays of Au nanopyramids with good control on their geometric properties. Rhodamine 6G dye was used as a probe molecule to test our SERS substrates. These features can be used in turn to optimize the SERS substrates for several potential applications. Remarkably, it is shown that by this simple technique one can achieve enhancement factors and detection capabilities of dyes that are comparable with those obtained by using more sophisticated techniques as proposed recently in the literature.
Differences in Executive Functioning for children with additional learning needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attachment Disorder
Authors: Davies Joanna , Keasley Rob , Reed Phil 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study explored overlaps in diagnosis and characteristics of children (9–16 years old) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attachment Disorder (AD) as they related to Executive Function (EF) to determine whether differences in EF would differentiate between the two conditions. A sample of 79 pupils with comorbid learning disabilities was examined in terms of their clinical diagnoses and psychometric traits, as well as on four EF tasks (WCST, Hungry Donkey, Stroop, and Tower of London). 25% of the sample met clinical diagnostic criteria for both ASD and AD, and a similar overlap was noted when using psychometric assessments. Little difference between the EF performances of individuals with ASD and AD was noted. There was slightly better AD performance on cold EF tasks requiring attentional shifting, and slightly better performance for ASD on hot tasks requiring inhibition. However, these differences would be of limited use in differentiating between the conditions for a learning-disabled population.
Nested barycentric coordinate system as an explicit feature map for polyhedra approximation and learning tasks
Authors: Gottlieb Lee-Ad , Kaufman Eran , Kontorovich Aryeh , Nivasch Gabriel , Pele Ofir 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe introduce a new embedding technique based on a nested barycentric coordinate system. We show that our embedding can be used to transform the problems of polyhedron approximation, piecewise linear classification and convex regression into one of finding a linear classifier or regressor in a higher dimensional (but nevertheless quite sparse) representation. Our embedding maps a piecewise linear function into an everywhere-linear function, and allows us to invoke well-known algorithms for the latter problem to solve the former. We explain the applications of our embedding to the problems of approximating separating polyhedra—in fact, it can approximate any convex body and unions of convex bodies—as well as to classification by separating polyhedra, and to piecewise linear regression.
Digital equity and government support during COVID-19
Authors: Kazembalaghi Shabnam , Coakley Jerry , Liñares-Zegarra José M. , Vismara Silvio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe advent of COVID-19 portended a dire liquidity crunch for small firms as traditional external funding sources were severely curtailed. Defying expectations, initial equity crowdfunding (ECF) campaigns not only withstood the pandemic’s onslaught but also saw unprecedented growth in funding volume, investor participation and overfunding. The upshot was that external equity, the traditional funding of last resort, became the first choice. Increased ECF funding especially for seed ventures are likely linked to government-backed loan guarantee schemes that acted as a quality signal for investors. The paper highlights the unanticipated positive synergies between public support mechanisms and private equity dynamics where equity was funding of first choice for many small firms seeking external funding. These developments underscore ECF’s central role in digitally channelling equity capital to small firms during a period of heightened economic uncertainty.
Naïve realism and sensorimotor theory
Authors: Kim Daniel S H 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHow can we have a sense of the presence of ordinary three-dimensional objects (e.g., an apple on my desk, a partially occluded cat behind a picket fence) when we are only presented with some parts of objects perceived from a particular egocentric viewpoint (e.g., the facing side of the apple, the unoccluded parts of the cat)? This paper presents and defends a novel answer to this question by incorporating insights from two prominent contemporary theories of perception, naïve realism and sensorimotor theory. Naïve realism is the view that perception is fundamentally a matter of obtaining a relation of ‘acquaintance’ with some mind-independent entities (e.g., objects, properties, events). Sensorimotor theory holds that perception involves implicit practical understanding or ‘anticipation’ of the covariance between movements and sensory changes. I argue that perceptual presence is best accounted for in terms of the combination of our direct ‘acquaintance’ with some parts of perceived objects and sensorimotor ‘anticipations’ of how the objects would look different depending on some movements and actions.
Multi-core interference over-estimation reduction by static scheduling of multi-phase tasks
Authors: Meunier Rémi , Carle Thomas , Monteil Thierry 
Published: September 2024

AbstractInterference between tasks running on separate cores in multi-core processors is a major challenge to predictability for real-time systems, and a source of over-estimation of worst-case execution duration bounds. This paper investigates how the multi-phase task model can be used together with static scheduling algorithms to improve the precision of the interference analysis. The paper focuses on single-period task systems (or multi-periodic systems that can be expanded over an hyperperiod). In particular, we propose an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation of a generic scheduling problem as well as 3 heuristics that we evaluate on synthetic benchmarks and on 2 realistic applications. We observe that, compared to the classical 1-phase model, the multi-phase model allows to reduce the effect of interference on the worst-case makespan of the system by around 9% on average using the ILP on small systems, and up to 24% on our larger case studies. These results pave the way for future heuristics and for the adoption of the multi-phase model in multi-core context.