bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards Semantic Interoperability: An Information Model for Autonomous Mobile Robots
Authors: Zager Marvin , Sieber Christoph , Fay Alexander 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe collaboration among autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and/or unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), significantly enhances their capabilities by enabling them to tackle more complex tasks exceeding those of individual robots. However, to fully exploit this collaboration, a common understanding of exchanged information—referred to as semantic interoperability—is crucial. Achieving semantic interoperability between these robots requires a deep understanding of relevant information and its underlying structure. To address this challenge, this paper presents a platform- and technology-independent information model developed specifically for AMRs. This model aims to facilitate collaboration by structuring information in a way that ensures semantic interoperability. The paper outlines the model's development process, beginning with a structured consolidation of information from pertinent scientific literature, resulting in a foundational framework for representing knowledge and semantics within the domain of AMRs. The practical application of the information model is demonstrated through a use case involving multiple AMRs. Additionally, the paper provides insights into the employed methodology, emphasizing the significance of systematic literature reviews and collaboration with practitioners to refine and validate the model. It also discusses theoretical and practical implications, addressing potential limitations encountered during the research.
Characteristics of Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Who Have Difficulties in Emotion Regulation
Authors: Potik David , Adelson Miriam , Schreiber Shaul , Peles Einat 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDisturbances in emotion regulation among opioid users receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) was reported in a few small studies. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of patients in MMT with impaired emotion regulation. We studied a cross-sectional sample of 121 patients by means of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Data on clinical, sociodemographic and addiction variables were reviewed, including results of random observed urine testing for opioids, alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, and benzodiazepine (BDZ). The prevalence of a high DERS score (> 90) was 39%. Characteristics associated with high DERS scores (logistic regression model) were benzodiazepine misuse and 20 years of opioid use before admission to MMT. Among the subscales, IMPULSE and STRATEGIES were independently related to substance use (logistic regression). Greater cocaine usage was also more prevalent only in univariate analyses. The DERS score correlated inversely with years of education among patients with negative urine test. The DERS subscale score for AWARENESS was lower in females than in males as among patients with suicide attempts or involvement in physical violence. Since the IMPULSE and STRATEGIES scores predict drug use, these aspects of emotional regulation should be targeted first in third-wave cognitive-behavioral intervention in MMT.
Stochastic Augmented Lagrangian Method in Riemannian Shape Manifolds
Authors: Geiersbach Caroline , Suchan Tim , Welker Kathrin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we present a stochastic augmented Lagrangian approach on (possibly infinite-dimensional) Riemannian manifolds to solve stochastic optimization problems with a finite number of deterministic constraints. We investigate the convergence of the method, which is based on a stochastic approximation approach with random stopping combined with an iterative procedure for updating Lagrange multipliers. The algorithm is applied to a multi-shape optimization problem with geometric constraints and demonstrated numerically.
Second Order Dynamics Featuring Tikhonov Regularization and Time Scaling
Authors: Csetnek Ernö Robert , Karapetyants Mikhail A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn a Hilbert setting we aim to study a second order in time differential equation, combining viscous and Hessian-driven damping, containing a time scaling parameter function and a Tikhonov regularization term. The dynamical system is related to the problem of minimization of a nonsmooth convex function. In the formulation of the problem as well as in our analysis we use the Moreau envelope of the objective function and its gradient and heavily rely on their properties. We show that there is a setting where the newly introduced system preserves and even improves the well-known fast convergence properties of the function and Moreau envelope along the trajectories and also of the gradient of Moreau envelope due to the presence of time scaling. Moreover, in a different setting we prove strong convergence of the trajectories to the element of minimal norm from the set of all minimizers of the objective. The manuscript concludes with various numerical results.
On the relationship between word reading ability and spelling ability
Authors: Treiman Rebecca , Hulslander Jacqueline , Willcutt Erik G. , Pennington Bruce F. , Olson Richard K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe goal of the present study was to test theories about the extent to which individual differences in word reading align with those in spelling and the extent to which other cognitive and linguistic skills play different roles in word reading and spelling. Using data from 1,116 children ranging from 8 to 17 years, we modeled word reading and spelling as latent traits with two measures of each skill to reduce measurement error. The models also included five skills that have been theorized to relate differentially to reading and spelling: phonemic awareness, working memory, rapid automatized naming, arithmetic, and vocabulary. The latent-trait correlation for reading and spelling was very high, 0.96, although significantly less than perfect. Vocabulary correlated more strongly with reading (0.64) than spelling (0.56), but the correlations of the other skills with reading and spelling did not differ significantly. Breaking down the sample by age, we found a significantly higher latent-trait correlation between reading and spelling in the younger half (r = .98) than in the older half (r = .94). This difference may reflect the fact that the words on reading and spelling tests are more different from one another at older ages. Our results suggest that word reading and spelling are one and the same, almost, but that spoken vocabulary knowledge is more closely related to reading than to spelling.
Does firm-level political risk influence earnings management?
Authors: Gupta Jairaj , Kushwaha Narendra Nath , Li Xia , Ebrahimi Tahera 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study diverges from mixed findings in the literature on political uncertainty and earnings management by reporting a significant positive association between the firm-level political risk (FLPR) measure proposed by Hassan et al. (Q J Econ 134(4):2135–2202, 2019) and both accrual-based and real earnings management. This aligns with the predictions of agency theory and the political cost hypothesis, indicating that firms exposed to higher political risk are more prone to heightened earnings manipulation. Additionally, we find that in the face of increased political risk, firms tend to substitute accrual-based earnings management with real earnings management, which is relatively harder to detect. This study further identifies a non-linear ‘U’-shaped association between FLPR and both accrual-based and real earnings management, suggesting significant manipulation at both low and high political risk levels, with the least manipulation at a moderate level. This non-linear association is primarily observed in firms that are smaller in size, pay lower abnormal compensation to their CEOs and are less likely to be monitored by lenders. Thus, emphasising the role of external monitoring mechanisms in driving the non-linear association between FLPR and earnings management.
Religious Buildings, Cultures, Spatiality: New Urban Narrations Between Semiotics and an Intercultural Application of Law
Authors: Samorè Ilaria 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn a society marked by transnational migration and religious globalization, spatial factors are assuming a central role in the understanding of social relations. This is most prominent in urban areas, where the coexistence of culturally and religiously diverse subjects imposes a forced sharing of territory. Starting from a study of the semiotic concept of the city, the contribution aims first of all to explore the claimed right of the other to use public space through the creation of aedes sacrae. It will show how the construction of a place of worship of a ‘minority’ religion can alter the pre-existing urban geography, leaving its imprint on space. Through a brief examination of the Italian constitutional jurisprudence on the so-called “anti-mosque” legislation, the paper will also outline a semantically relational conception of the religious building, offering a starting point for a rethinking of spatial organisation. An intercultural application of law is then needed insofar as the aim is towards a non-hegemonic polyphonic rewriting of urban territory.
Periods and Frequency Drifts of Groups of the Decimetric Spikes in Two Solar Flares
Authors: Karlický Marian , Dudík Jaroslav , Rybák Ján 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe studied the radio emission occurring as narrowband decimetric spikes observed during the 10 May 2022 and 26 August 2022 flares. In the radio spectra, these spikes were distributed in groups that occurred quasi-periodically with the periods 5.1 s in the 10 May 2022 flare and 9.1 s in the 26 August 2022 flare. In some parts of these groups, even subgroups of spikes distributed with the quasi-periods of 0.19 s (10 May 2022 flare), and 0.17 s and 0.21 s (26 August 2022 flare) were found. Some of these subgroups even drifted to higher or lower frequencies, which was observed for the first time. At the time of the dm-spikes observation, a pair of reconnecting loops are identified in the SDO/AIA EUV observations of the 10 May 2022 flare, one of which is interpreted as belonging to a small erupting filament. We propose that these loops reconnect in the dynamic quasi-periodic regime (the period 0.19 s) and this reconnection is modulated by an oscillation of one of the interacting loops (the period 5.1 s). Accelerated electrons from this process are trapped in reconnecting plasma outflows, and thus the drifting groups of spikes are generated. The 26 August 2022 flare is a complex event with several systems of bright loops; nevertheless, it also shows a disintegrating erupting filament similar to the 10 May 2022 flare, meaning that the dm-spikes are likely generated by similar reconnection processes.
Realism and the detection of dark matter
Authors: Vaynberg Eugene 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA number of philosophers claim that realism about dark matter in cosmology is unwarranted because there has been no empirical confirmation of a dark matter particle. This demand is misguided. I argue that we should take the theoretical concept of dark matter as described in our best cosmological model (ΛCDM) at face value. Since there is no theoretical or nomological requirement that dark matter be a particle, we should better assess the implications of dark matter detection via gravitational lensing. The result is that realism about dark matter is a viable position.
Seeking a reflective equilibrium in the face of disagreement
Authors: Tersman Folke 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHow is someone who seeks a reflective equilibrium to respond upon learning that others disagree with her? Regrettably, not much attention has been devoted to that question despite the extensive general discussion about the epistemic significance of disagreement that has taken place in recent years. This paper helps fill the lacuna by exploring possible connections between the relevant bodies of literature. More specifically, I claim that how users of the method of reflective equilibrium should respond to disagreement is crucial to the assessment of the method. According to a common objection, it is flawed because it may lead competent and rational inquirers to arrive at widely divergent and inconsistent equilibria. What I argue is that defensible assumptions about the significance of disagreement permit an advocate of the method to resist that objection.
Quantum field theory and the limits of reductionism
Authors: Adlam Emily 
Published: August 2024

AbstractI suggest that the current situation in quantum field theory (QFT) provides some reason to question the universal validity of ontological reductionism. I argue that the renormalization group flow is reversible except at fixed points, which makes the relation between large and small distance scales quite symmetric in QFT, opening up at least the technical possibility of a non-reductionist approach to QFT. I suggest that some conceptual problems encountered within QFT may potentially be mitigated by moving to an alternative picture in which it is no longer the case that the large supervenes on the small. Finally, I explore some specific models in which a form of non-reductionism might be implemented, and consider the prospects for future development of these models.
Gaming the system mediates the relationship between gender and learning outcomes in a digital learning game
Authors: Baker Ryan S. , Richey J. Elizabeth , Zhang Jiayi , Karumbaiah Shamya , Andres-Bray Juan Miguel , Nguyen Huy Anh , Andres Juliana Maria Alexandra L. , McLaren Bruce M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDigital learning games have been increasingly adopted in classrooms to facilitate learning and to promote learning outcomes. Contrary to common beliefs, many digital learning games can be more effective for female students than male students in terms of learning and affective outcomes. However, the in-game learning mechanisms that explain these differences remain unclear. In the current study, we re-analyze three retrospective data sets drawn from three studies conducted in different years. These data sets, which involved 213, 197, and 287 students, were collected from a digital learning game that teaches late elementary and middle school students decimal concepts. We re-analyzed these data sets to understand how female and male students differ in the rates of gaming the system, a behavioral measure that reflects a form of disengagement while playing the game. Rates of gaming the system are compared between female and male students within each of the game’s two core instructional activities (i.e. problem-solving and self-explanation) as well as tested in a game vs. non-game condition. We found that female students game the system significantly less than male students in the self-explanation step in the game condition, in all three studies. This difference in the rates of gaming mediates the relationship between gender and learning outcomes, a pattern in which female students tend to learn more than male students, across all three studies. These results suggest that future design iterations of the game could focus on reducing gaming behaviors for male students, which might improve learning outcomes for female students as well. Understanding gender-based differences in game behaviors can inform future game design to promote better learning outcomes for all students.
SARS-CoV-2 exposure in hunting and stray dogs of southern Italy
Authors: Ferrara Gianmarco , Pagnini Ugo , Montagnaro Serena 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEvidence of exposure to the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 has been described in numerous animal species, including pets, which are predisposed to coming into contact with this virus due to their close relationship with owners. It has been accepted that dogs are poorly susceptible to this virus and that seroconversion, rather than shedding, occurs following infection, which can occur directly through contact with infected owners or indirectly through environmental contamination. In this study, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated in apparently health hunting and stray dogs of Campania region, southern Italy (sampled in September 2023). A total of 5/112 (4.5%) animals tested seropositive using two different commercial ELISAs. Stray animals had greater exposure than hunting dogs. The feces and blood of each animal were tested with a real-time PCR targeting the nucleocapsid and ORF1ab coding sequences. No animal tested positive in molecular investigations, indicating a past exposure without active infection at the time of sampling.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: epidemiological changes, antibiotic resistance, and alternative therapeutic strategies
Authors: Nocera Francesca Paola , De Martino Luisa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStaphylococcus pseudintermedius is a major opportunistic bacterial pathogen that belongs to the skin and mucosal microbiota of the dog. Since its global emergence around 2006, multidrug - methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) clones have become endemic worldwide. MRSP strains pose a significant threat to animal health and make antimicrobial therapy difficult due to their typical multidrug resistance phenotypes. The difficulty to treat MRSP infections using the current antimicrobials licensed for veterinary use has intensified research efforts to develop new treatment strategies and alternative anti-infective approaches to conventional antimicrobial therapy. The present narrative review outlines the latest changes in the epidemiology of MRSP with focus on the geographical distribution variability and antimicrobial resistance profiles in the main MRSP lineages. It also provides an overview of the effectiveness of currently available antimicrobials and the status of anti-infective alternatives to conventional antimicrobials.Recent studies have reported notable changes in the population structure of MRSP, with the emergence of new epidemic lineages, such as ST258, ST123, ST496, and ST551 in European countries and ST45, ST181, ST258, ST496 in non-European countries, which partly or totally replaced those that were initially prevalent, such as ST71 in Europe and ST68 in the US. Due to methicillin resistance often associated with the resistance to a broader number of antimicrobials, treating canine MRSP skin infection is challenging. Several alternative or supplementary treatment options to conventional antibiotics, especially for topical treatment, such as a novel water-soluble hydroxypyridinone-containing iron-chelating 9 kDa polymer (DIBI), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), nanoparticles, and bacteriophages seem to be particularly interesting from a clinical perspective.
Patient preference of level I, II and III sleep diagnostic tests to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea among pregnant women in early to mid-gestation
Authors: Clements Frances , Vedam Hima , Chung Yewon , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Melehan Kerri , Hennessy Annemarie , Makris Angela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
There is a paucity of data on preferences for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) diagnostic tests during pregnancy. Simple test completion rates fail to capture patient preference or experience of completing sleep diagnostic tests. We assessed preference, ease of use, convenience, and the repeatability of level I, II and III sleep diagnostic tests, using questionnaires, in pregnant women in early to mid-gestation.

Methods
Pregnant women with signs or symptoms of OSA, or at high risk of cardiometabolic disorders of pregnancy completed level I, II and III sleep studies by 24 weeks gestation. Participants then completed a questionnaire to rank test preference. Additional questionnaires assessed ease of use, convenience, and acceptability to repeat test, using 5-point Likert scale questions, yes/no response and optional linked text fields.

Results
Of fifty-two consented participants, 43 completed any questionnaire (mean age 32.7 ± 5.4 years, BMI 32.7 ± 5.4, median gestation at Level I polysomnography (PSG) of 14.2 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 13.5–17.6)). Of the 29 respondents who completed test ranking questionnaire, level III was the preferred test ((n = 21 / 29, 75%)), followed by level 1 (n = 6 / 29, 20.7%) and level II (n = 2 / 29, 7.1%) (p for diff < 0.001). Level III was reported the easiest test (very easy to complete) (n = 16, 51.6%), followed by level I(n = 10, 33.3%), and level II (n = 9, 9.1%) (p for diff < 0.001)). Level III was reported most convenient test (very convenient to complete) (n = 16, 51.6%), followed by level I (n = 4, 13.3%) and level II (n = 4, 13.3%) (p for diff < 0.001)). Level III was reported most acceptable to repeat (very acceptable to repeat) (n = 13, 41.9%), followed by level I (n = 3, 10.0%) and level II (n = 3, 10.0%) (p for diff < 0.001)).

Conclusion
Pregnant women being assessed for OSA by 24 weeks gestation preferred to undertake level III sleep studies and found level III easier to use, more convenient and most acceptable to repeat than Level I and II studies. Given autonomy is an important principle, patient preference of sleep diagnostic tests should be taken into consideration in sleep clinical services and research involving pregnant women.
An assessment of latrine front-end characteristics and associated surface E. coli indicated faecal contamination in rural Fiji
Authors: Adhikari Sabita , Anthony Shylett , Baleinamau Ponipate , Coriakula Jeremaia , Daurewa Thompson , Devi Rachel , Gavidi Sikeli , Horwitz Pierre , Hunter Erin C. , Jenkins Aaron , Jupiter Stacy , Lalamacuata Maria , Mailautoka Kinikoto , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Naivalu Kelera , Naivalulevu Timoci , Naivalulevu Vilisi , Nasim Nabeela , Naucunivanua Sikeli , Negin Joel , van Nimwegen Paul , Ratu Anaseini , Ravoka Mereia , Tukana Andrew , van de Vossenberg Jack , Wilson Donald , Thomas Jacqueline 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn Fiji, 90% of the population has access to basic sanitation; however, there are still persistent health risks from endemic faecal-oral diseases such as typhoid fever. There is a need to assess the contribution of existing sanitation facilities in the faecal pathogen transmission pathway. This study was conducted as part of a larger planetary health study across 29 rural communities within five river catchments. This specific research aimed to characterise latrine front-ends, both infrastructure and usage behaviour, and to assess the faecal contamination levels on various frequently contacted latrine surfaces in rural Fiji. A sanitation survey, along with observation and latrine swab sampling, was conducted in households over three phases: baseline (n = 311) (Aug–Dec 2019), endline (n = 262) (Jun–Sep 2022) and an in-depth front-end study (n = 12) (Oct–Nov 2022). Of 311 households, almost all had pedestal-type latrines, predominately cistern-flush (83%), followed by pour-flush (13%), and then hole-type (pit) latrines (4%). Washable latrine floors had significantly higher E. coli densities (6.7 × 102 CFU/25 cm2) compared to non-washable floors (1.3 × 102 CFU/25 cm2) (p = 0.05), despite washable floors indicating improved latrines. The in-depth front-end analysis found that moist latrine surfaces had significantly elevated E. coli densities (1.2 × 103 CFU/25 cm2) compared to the dry ones (14.3 CFU/25 cm2) (p < 0.001), highlighting the importance of maintaining dry latrine surfaces. Latrine floors and mid-walls were the most frequently contaminated surfaces, emphasising the need to clean and disinfect these surfaces. Only 46% of the households reported always using soap for handwashing after defecation, exacerbating the risk of transmitting faecal pathogens. This study highlights that latrine cleanliness and hygiene are as crucial as latrine infrastructures for the effective disruption of faecal pathogens transmission during latrine use.