bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Policy impacts in dynamic relation to food, income, learning and security: COVID-19 lockdowns in a Nigerian Agrarian Community
Authors: Awosanmi Grace Oluwakemi , Afolayan Ayodeji Fisayo , Perry Mia , Ajibade George Olusola , Ajayi Sunday Adesola 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhose Crisis? The Global COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of communities in Africa is an international research project that aims to investigate and represent the diverse experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic from those marginalized by mainstream media and policy influence. This article focuses on the multidimensional effects of the generalized lockdown policy in an agrarian community in Nigeria. The project engaged participatory and culturally responsive adaptations of qualitative methods including participatory engagement and individual and group discussions with purposively selected community members. This relational research practice is supported by a Systems Thinking approach to data analysis. In particular, a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) is used to analyse and visually present the relationships between various elements (variables) of the research context (the system). This study reveals the interrelated effects of the COVID-19 prompted generalised lockdown policies on livelihoods, education, health, and security in rural Nigeria. Although the lockdown policy was intended to curtail the impact of COVID-19, it had severe unintended consequences, exposing weaknesses in the social support system and threatening the foundations of the agrarian community of this study. This article culminates in recommendations for participatory and culturally responsive approaches to future policy formulation.
Probabilistic Performance-based Fire Design of Structures: A Hazard-Centred and Consequence-Oriented Perspective
Authors: Franchini Andrea , Galasso Carmine , Torero Jose L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRisk-based design and assessment methods are gaining popularity in performance-based structural fire engineering. These methods usually start by defining a set of hazard scenarios to use as analysis inputs. This approach, proven highly effective for other hazard types such as earthquakes, may not be optimal for fire safety design. Indeed, the strong coupling between the fire phenomenon and structural features enables an ad-hoc design variable selection (and/or optimisation) to reduce fire intensity, making fire scenarios additional design outputs. In addition, such a coupling effect implies that fire scenarios maximising consequences are structure specific. Building on these considerations, this paper discusses the limitations that arise at different analysis steps (i.e., fire-scenario and intensity treatment, identifying fire intensity measures, probabilistic fire hazard analysis, developing fire fragility models, and risk calculation) when using conventional risk-based approaches for design purposes. Furthermore, it compares such approaches with a fire safety design methodology (the Consequence-oriented Fire intensity Optimisation, CFO, approach) that addresses the identified limitations. The potential benefits of integrating the two approaches are also discussed. Finally, the fire design of a simplified steel-girder bridge is introduced as an illustrative example, comparing the consequence metrics and design updating strategies resulting from the two approaches.
The cyclic flats of a q-matroid
Authors: Alfarano Gianira N. , Byrne Eimear 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper we develop the theory of cyclic flats of q-matroids. We show that the cyclic flats, together with their ranks, uniquely determine a q-matroid and hence derive a new q-cryptomorphism. We introduce the notion of $$\mathbb {F}_{q^m}$$

F

q
m

-independence of an $$\mathbb {F}_q$$

F
q

-subspace of $$\mathbb {F}_q^n$$

F
q
n

and we show that q-matroids generalize this concept, in the same way that matroids generalize the notion of linear independence of vectors over a given field.
Unveiling nature’s beat: analyzing the acoustics of an aquatic bug in relation to urban sounds
Authors: Farfán-Beltrán Manuel Edday , Cano-Santana Zenón , Córdoba-Aguilar Alex 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAnthropophony is a prominent component of soundscapes worldwide and is known to impact biota. While responses to anthropophony in terrestrial and marine animals have been relatively well-studied, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding freshwater animals. In fact, freshwater taxa are among the possibly most threatened groups, and unveiling the reasons for their threat is crucial. We investigated the effect of low-frequency sounds -usually associated with anthropophony- on the stridulation of Krizousacorixa femorata, a common water bug in Mexico City. Using aerial recordings, we estimated the Normalized Difference Soundscape Index (NDSI), which is the most commonly used index to measure anthropophony, to characterize soundscapes in six city sites throughout the year. Additionally, from underwater recordings in the same sites, we obtained the peak frequency (Pf) of the stridulations, as it is the frequency with the highest energy and, therefore, the one that can travel the farthest and can be identified even in the presence of overlapping sounds. Finally, we evaluated the relationships between soundscapes and Pf through a mixed linear model. There was a negative correlation between NDSI and Pf, indicating higher-pitched stridulations at sites with dominant anthropophony. While we cannot rule out other factors contributing to stridulation variation, we remain uncertain about how low-frequency sounds impact freshwater ecosystems and the intricate relationship between soundscapes and aquatic life in urban settings.
Effects of Modifiable Activity-Related Health Behaviors on the Sleep-Pain Relationship in Adolescents
Authors: Morales Nuria , Van Dyk Tori R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPoor sleep and chronic pain are commonly related in adolescents. Only 5% of adolescents meet recommendations for physical activity and screen time, both of which impact the experience of sleep and pain disturbances. Research is needed to better understand the sleep-pain relationship in adolescents and to identify potential protective factors, such as activity-related health behaviors. This study examined sleep, behaviors that influence activity (i.e., physical activity, screen time), and their interaction as predictors of pain in a sleep-disordered sample of 105 adolescents aged 12–18 presenting for polysomnography. A hierarchical multiple linear regression was conducted to examine these relationships. Consistent with hypotheses, worse insomnia predicted worse pain. However, other activity-related health behaviors did not influence this relationship, ps > .05. Findings suggest that sleep should be the focus of treatment for adolescents with primary sleep disorders to prevent the onset or exacerbation of pain.
Facing up to Problem Gambling: Tracing the Emergence of Facial Recognition Technology as a means of Enforcing Voluntary Self-Exclusion
Authors: Selwyn Neil , Smith Gavin , Andrejevic Mark , Gu Xin , O’Neill Chris 
Published: May 2024

AbstractComputer technology has long been touted as a means of increasing the effectiveness of voluntary self-exclusion schemes – especially in terms of relieving gaming venue staff of the task of manually identifying and verifying the status of new customers. This paper reports on the government-led implementation of facial recognition technology as part of an automated self-exclusion program in the city of Adelaide in South Australia—one of the first jurisdiction-wide enforcements of this controversial technology in small venue gambling. Drawing on stakeholder interviews, site visits and documentary analysis over a two year period, the paper contrasts initial claims that facial recognition offered a straightforward and benign improvement to the efficiency of the city’s long-running self-excluded gambler program, with subsequent concerns that the new technology was associated with heightened inconsistencies, inefficiencies and uncertainties. As such, the paper contends that regardless of the enthusiasms of government, tech industry and gaming lobby, facial recognition does not offer a ready ‘technical fix’ to problem gambling. The South Australian case illustrates how this technology does not appear to better address the core issues underpinning problem gambling, and/or substantially improve conditions for problem gamblers to refrain from gambling. As such, it is concluded that the gambling sector needs to pay close attention to the practical outcomes arising from initial cases such as this, and resist industry pressures for the wider replication of this technology in other jurisdictions.
Phytochemical Profiling of Phragmites australis Leaf Extract and Its Nano-Structural Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Unuofin Jeremiah O. , Oladipo Adewale O. , More Garland K. , Adeeyo Adeyemi O. , Mustapha Hassan T. , Msagati Titus A. M. , Lebelo Sogolo L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFreshwater macrophytes have attracted interest as an alternative source of natural extracts and minerals for a variety of therapeutic uses. However, few studies have rigorously investigated the phytochemical components, properties, and potential biological benefits of Phragmites australis as an emergent macrophyte. This study investigates the phytochemical profile of aqueous Phragmites australis (PAE) leaves extract using chromatographic-mass spectrometry and free radical scavenging analysis. LC-QToF-MS/MS analysis in both positive and negative ionization revealed the existence of thirty and eleven bioactive compounds, respectively tentatively identified as alkaloids, flavonoids, indoles, glycosides, and quinolines from the extract. The polyphenolic content of the PAE was found to be 39.17 ± 0.65 mg GAE/g total phenol, while the flavonoids content was 19.85 ± 2.64 mg QE/g, and proanthocyanins content was 119.65 ± 1.70 CE/g. The PAE was utilized to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to evaluate its nano-structural formation efficiency, with the PAE displaying a greater ability to scavenge free radicals against ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP when compared with PA-AgNPs. Both PAE and PA-AgNPs were tested for their antimicrobial and anticancer activities and the results indicated that PA-AgNPs (MIC value range of 7.8–62.5 µg/mL) had excellent antimicrobial activity, compared to PAE. Moreover, the antiproliferative effect of PA-AgNPs on human cancer cells showed a higher cell-specific dose response and two-fold apoptotic induction with increased phosphorylation in the DNA ss-strand break post-treatment in MCF-7 than in A549 cells. These findings reveal the potential of the leaf extract of PA as a potent antioxidant source for many biological applications.
An $$\alpha $$-Robust and Second-Order Accurate Scheme for a Subdiffusion Equation
Authors: Mustapha Kassem , McLean William , Dick Josef 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe investigate a second-order accurate time-stepping scheme for solving a time-fractional diffusion equation with a Caputo derivative of order $$\alpha \in (0,1)$$

α
∈
(
0
,
1
)

. The basic idea of our scheme is based on local integration followed by linear interpolation. It reduces to the standard Crank–Nicolson scheme in the classical diffusion case, that is, as $$\alpha \rightarrow 1$$

α
→
1

. Using a novel approach, we show that the proposed scheme is $$\alpha $$
α
-robust and second-order accurate in the $$L^2(L^2)$$

L
2

(

L
2

)

-norm, assuming a suitable time-graded mesh. For completeness, we use the Galerkin finite element method for the spatial discretization and discuss the error analysis under reasonable regularity assumptions on the given data. Some numerical results are presented at the end.
Towards Transnational Fairness in Machine Learning: A Case Study in Disaster Response Systems
Authors: Kozcuer Cem , Mollen Anne , Bießmann Felix 
Published: May 2024

AbstractResearch on fairness in machine learning (ML) has been largely focusing on individual and group fairness. With the adoption of ML-based technologies as assistive technology in complex societal transformations or crisis situations on a global scale these existing definitions fail to account for algorithmic fairness transnationally. We propose to complement existing perspectives on algorithmic fairness with a notion of transnational algorithmic fairness and take first steps towards an analytical framework. We exemplify the relevance of a transnational fairness assessment in a case study on a disaster response system using images from online social media. In the presented case, ML systems are used as a support tool in categorizing and classifying images from social media after a disaster event as an almost instantly available source of information for coordinating disaster response. We present an empirical analysis assessing the transnational fairness of the application’s outputs-based on national socio-demographic development indicators as potentially discriminatory attributes. In doing so, the paper combines interdisciplinary perspectives from data analytics, ML, digital media studies and media sociology in order to address fairness beyond the technical system. The case study investigated reflects an embedded perspective of peoples’ everyday media use and social media platforms as the producers of sociality and processing data-with relevance far beyond the case of algorithmic fairness in disaster scenarios. Especially in light of the concentration of artificial intelligence (AI) development in the Global North and a perceived hegemonic constellation, we argue that transnational fairness offers a perspective on global injustices in relation to AI development and application that has the potential to substantiate discussions by identifying gaps in data and technology. These analyses ultimately will enable researchers and policy makers to derive actionable insights that could alleviate existing problems with fair use of AI technology and mitigate risks associated with future developments.
Temperature-dependent thermal buckling and free vibration behavior of smart sandwich nanoplates with auxetic core and magneto-electro-elastic face layers
Authors: Aktas Kerim Gokhan , Pehlivan Fatih , Esen Ismail 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article addresses the thermomechanical thermal buckling and free vibration response of a novel smart sandwich nanoplate based on a sinusoidal higher-order shear deformation theory (SHSDT) with a stretching effect. In the proposed sandwich nanoplate, an auxetic core layer with a negative Poisson’s ratio made of Ti-6Al-4V is sandwiched between Ti-6Al-4V rim layers and magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) face layers. The MEE face layers are homogenous volumetric mixtures of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and barium titanate (BaTiO3). The mechanical and thermal material properties of the auxetic core and MEE face layers are temperature-dependent. Using Hamilton’s principle, governing equations are constructed. To characterize the size-dependent behavior of the nanoplate, governing equations are adapted with the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT). By applying the principles of Navier’s technique, closed-form solutions are obtained. Parametric simulations are carried out to examine the effects of auxetic core parameters, temperature-dependent material properties, nonlocal parameters, electric, magnetic, and thermal loads on the free vibration and thermal buckling behavior of the nanoplate. According to the simulation results, it is determined that the auxetic core parameters, temperature-dependent material properties, and nonlocal factors significantly affect the thermomechanical behavior of the nanoplate. The outcomes of this investigation are expected to contribute to the advancement of smart nano-electromechanical systems, transducers, and nanosensors characterized by lightweight, exceptional structural integrity and temperature sensitivity. Also, the auxetic core with a negative Poisson’s ratio provides a metamaterial feature, and thanks to this feature, the proposed model has the potential to be used as an invisibility technology in sonar and radar-hiding applications.
Optical soliton solutions in a distinctive class of nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation with cubic, quintic, septic, and nonic nonlinearities
Authors: Hussain Shabbir , Iqbal Muhammad Sajid , Bayram Mustafa , Ashraf Romana , Inc Mustafa , Rezapour Shahram , Tarar Muhammad Akhtar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Biswas–Mollivic equation is a special type of nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which explains the spatio-temporal behaviour of excitable media. In this paper, we investigate the optical soliton solutions of the Biswas–Mollivic equation with cubic–quintic–septic–nonic nonlinearities using the generalized Riccati equation mapping method. This method is efficient and provides new perspectives. It also provides novel insights into the dynamics of excitable media. Our findings add to a better understanding of the complex spatio-temporal patterns that develop in excitable media and have potential applications in the design of new technologies for controlling and manipulating pattern formation. To depict optical soliton solutions graphically, we use the MATLAB software.
Japanese value set for the EORTC QLU-C10D: A multi-attribute utility instrument based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 cancer-specific quality-of-life questionnaire
Authors: Shiroiwa T. , King M. T. , Norman R. , Müller F. , Campbell R. , Kemmler G. , Murata T. , Shimozuma K. , Fukuda T. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to develop a Japanese value set for the EORTC QLU-C10D, a multi-attribute utility measure derived from the cancer-specific health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ-C30. The QLU-C10D contains ten HRQL dimensions: physical, role, social and emotional functioning, pain, fatigue, sleep, appetite, nausea, and bowel problems.

Methods
Quota sampling of a Japanese online panel was used to achieve representativeness of the Japanese general population by sex and age (≥ 18 years). The valuation method was an online discrete choice experiment. Each participant considered 16 choice pairs, randomly assigned from 960 choice pairs. Each pair included two QLU-C10D health states and life expectancy. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression, parameterized to fit the quality-adjusted life-year framework. Preference weights were calculated as the ratio of each dimension-level coefficient to the coefficient for life expectancy.

Results
A total of 2809 eligible panel members consented, 2662/2809 (95%) completed at least one choice pair, and 2435/2662 (91%) completed all choice pairs. Within dimensions, preference weights were generally monotonic. Physical functioning, role functioning, and pain were associated with the largest utility weights. Intermediate utility weights were associated with social functioning and nausea; the remaining symptoms and emotional functioning were associated with smaller utility decrements. The value of the worst health state was − 0.221, lower than that seen in most other existing QLU-C10D country-specific value sets.

Conclusions
The Japan-specific QLU-C10D value set is suitable for evaluating the cost and utility of oncology treatments for Japanese health technology assessment and decision-making.
Uncovering Complexities in Horizontal Inequality: A Novel Decomposition of the Gini Index
Authors: Attili Federico 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study introduces an innovative tool to analyse how various inequality factors, including geography, race, and gender, contribute to overall inequality. Traditional approaches typically partition populations into groups based on a single factor and assess inequality by additively decomposing an inequality measure into within- and between-group components. After discussing the theoretical impossibility of additively decomposing the Gini index into within- and between-group components, in fact, we propose a Gini decomposition into two highly informative within- and between-components, with substantial improvement upon the usual assessment of horizontal inequality. This method represents a significant advancement over the traditional horizontal inequality assessment, which only compares group means and overlooks the complexities of differences between groups. Our approach accurately captures the nuances of group disparities, offering a robust measure of horizontal inequality. Through rigorous simulations and empirical analysis of the OECD Income Distribution Database, we validate the effectiveness of our method in evaluating and understanding inequality. This work enriches the toolkit available to researchers in the field by offering a framework for selecting the most suitable measure of horizontal inequality, along with the code for implementing the proposed decomposition.
The developmental trajectories of teacher
autonomy support and adolescent mental well-being and academic stress
Authors: Kristensen Sara Madeleine , Jeno Lucas Matias 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the developmental impact of teacher autonomy
support on changes in students’ mental well-being and academic stress throughout upper
secondary school. The sample consisted of 1453 Norwegian students (baseline Mage = 17.00; 60.6% girls; 80.9%
Norwegian-born). The unconditional latent growth curve model results showed that
perceived teacher autonomy support and mental well-being decreased during the
three-year-long education. Academic stress, on the other hand, increased during this
period. Findings from the parallel process latent growth curve model indicated that the
initial status and change in teacher autonomy support were positively and negatively
related to the initial levels and trajectories of mental well-being and academic stress,
respectively. Girls experienced a higher level of academic stress and lower mental
well-being and teacher autonomy support at the beginning of upper secondary school.
Students with a higher socioeconomic status reported higher initial mental well-being
and teacher autonomy support than others but also a more rapid decline in teacher
autonomy support throughout upper secondary school. This study provides new insights
into academic, psychological, and affective processes and their interrelationships
during upper secondary school.