bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multicriteria decision support under uncertainty: combining outranking methods with Bayesian networks
Authors: Cebesoy Melodi , Tuncer Şakar Ceren , Yet Barbaros 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAssessing alternative solutions that have uncertain evaluations in conflicting multiple criteria is not straightforward. Probabilistic models such as Bayesian networks (BNs) can effectively model and represent the uncertainty in such problems, but they do not include built-in mechanisms to guide different decision makers (DMs) with varying preferences toward the final decision. We propose a systematic approach to combine outranking methods with BNs to provide decision support for solutions with multiple and conflicting criteria under uncertainty. The proposed approach is based on Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE), and it offers different levels of precision and flexibility to the DMs in assessing the solutions. Our approach includes graphical tools and summary metrics to enhance the presentation of its results to the DMs. We test our approach with a case study on supplier selection where the uncertainty in supplier performances is modeled with a BN. We demonstrate that the proposed approach can enable the joint use of multiple criteria techniques with probabilistic modeling techniques like BNs to provide decision support in complex environments including uncertainty.
Exploring Within-Gender Differences in Friendships Using an Online Social Network
Authors: Pollo Pietro , Reynolds Tania A. , Blake Khandis R. , Kasumovic Michael M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPeople tend to befriend others similar to themselves, generating a pattern called homophily. However, existing studies on friendship patterns often rely on surveys that assess the perspective of relatively few participants on their friendships but do not measure actualized friendship patterns. Here, we used data from a large Slovakian online social network to assess the role of gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) in same-gender online connections among more than 400,000 users. We found that age and BMI homophily occurred in both men’s and women’s same-gender connections, but somewhat more strongly among men’s. Yet, as women diverged in BMI, their connections were less likely to be reciprocated. We discuss how the evolutionary legacy of men’s coalitional competition (e.g., warfare) and women’s mating competition or recruitment of allocare providers might contribute to these patterns in modern same-gender relationships. For example, men’s engagement in physical activities may lead to similar formidability levels among their same-gender peers. Altogether, our findings highlight the importance of trait similarity to same-gender friendship patterns.
Navigating virtual english learning horizons:
a study on students’ use of 360° videos in self-directed
learning
Authors: Boudouaia Azzeddine , Li Yan , Shadiev Rustam , Xie Yi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract360° videos have yielded satisfactory outcomes in English
learning. However, there exists a dearth of research that delves into the efficacy
of these videos for self-directed learning of English. This study aimed to
investigate the factors that influence students’ use of 360° videos in
self-directed learning of English by using the integrative model of behavior
prediction as the theoretical background. The study sample consisted of 457
university students from China. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The
questionnaire entailed few open questions and 26 items distributed among six
factors: Attitudes, self-efficacy, subjective norms, behavioral intention,
self-regulated skills, and actual use. SPSS 22.0, JASP, and SmartPLS 4 were used for
data analysis. The results revealed significant direct effects of attitudes and
self-efficacy on behavioral intention and direct effects of behavioral intention and
self-regulated skills on actual behavior. However, the results showed that
subjective norms and self-regulated skills did not have a direct effect on the
behavioral intention, and that behavioral intention did not affect actual behavior
through self-regulated skills. The implementation of 360° videos garnered
interest among students for self-directed learning of English. The influence of
self-regulatory skills on the utilization of 360° videos is noteworthy, as it
may contribute to fostering a sense of ease and comfort among students and other
stakeholders.
Motivating students in competency-based education programmes: designing blended learning environments
Authors: Marcellis Marco , Frerejean Jimmy , Bredeweg Bert , Brand-Gruwel Saskia , van Merrienboer Jeroen J. G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractContemporary education increasingly involves a blended learning environment, which consists of a combination of offline and online delivery methods. Blended learning environments can motivate students to learn, but designing motivating blended learning environments is challenging and can result in environments that demotivate students. This conceptual article proposes a blended learning design that helps practitioners to design motivating blended learning environments. According to self-determination theory, students are motivated to learn when their three basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are supported. Competency-based education (CBE) is intended to support students’ basic psychological needs. We have constructed design guidance for CBE programmes that help practitioners to design a combination of offline and online delivery methods that (1) give students choices in time and place to support their need for autonomy, (2) adapt to students’ competency levels to support their need for competence, and (3) stimulate students’ relationship building with peers and teachers to support their need for relatedness. Although the design guidance is tentative, practitioners can experiment with it to design blended learning environments that motivate students to learn.
Social music discovery: an ethical recommendation system based on friend’s preferred songs
Authors: Furini Marco , Fragnelli Francesca 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMusic recommendation systems have become ubiquitous in today’s world, but they raise ethical concerns related to bias, discrimination, and lack of transparency. To address these issues, we propose a recommendation system that combines content-based and collaborative filtering approaches within three different recommendation algorithms. These algorithms create playlists that mimic the user’s listening habits while identifying similar tracks within the listening histories of the user’s friends. To evaluate the effectiveness of our system, we asked ten participants to rate a total of ninety playlists. The results showed high satisfaction among participants with the playlists generated by two of the proposed recommendation algorithms. Specifically, participants who preferred to stay within their musical comfort zone appreciated one specific recommendation algorithm, while those who were willing to explore new music tended appreciated the other recommendation algorithm. In summary, by leveraging the user’s social connections, our proposed system provides a more transparent and ethical approach to music recommendations. It provides a personalized and enjoyable music discovery experience that considers the nuances of individual musical taste and preferences. These findings suggest the potential impact of our proposal in addressing ethical concerns and enhancing user satisfaction in music recommendation services.
Snap-back repellers and chaos in a class of discrete-time memristor circuits
Authors: Di Marco Mauro , Forti Mauro , Pancioni Luca , Tesi Alberto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the last decade the flux-charge analysis method (FCAM) has been successfully used to show that continuous-time (CT) memristor circuits possess for structural reasons first integrals (invariants of motion) and their state space can be foliated in invariant manifolds. Consequently, they display an initial condition dependent dynamics, extreme multistability (coexistence of infinitely many attractors) and bifurcations without parameters. Recently, a new discretization scheme has been introduced for CT memristor circuits, guaranteeing that the first integrals are preserved exactly in the discretization. On this basis, FCAM has been extended to discrete-time (DT) memristor circuits showing that they also are characterized by invariant manifolds and they display extreme multistability and bifurcations without parameters. This manuscript considers the maps obtained via DT-FCAM for a circuit with a flux-controlled memristor and a capacitor and it provides a thorough and rigorous investigation of the presence of chaotic dynamics. In particular, parameter ranges are obtained where the maps have snap-back repellers at some fixed points, thus implying that they display chaos in the Marotto and also in the Li–Yorke sense. Bifurcation diagrams are provided where it is possible to analytically identify relevant points in correspondence with the appearance of snap-back repellers and the onset of chaos. The dependence of the bifurcation diagrams and snap-back repellers upon the circuit initial conditions and the related manifold is also studied.
Rare earth elements (REEs) in soils and plants of Bangka Island (Indonesia) focussing on (hyper)accumulation
Authors: Purwadi Imam , Erskine Peter D. , Hutahaean Benny P. , Wijaya Tofan R. , Nurtjahya Eddy , van der Ent Antony 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background and Aims
Indonesia is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, but only a few metal hyperaccumulator plants have been reported from this vast country. This study aimed to discover rare earth element (REE) hyperaccumulator plants on Bangka Island, an area known to have REE enriched soils associated with tin placer deposits.

Methods
Prior to this study, herbarium specimens at the Universitas Bangka Belitung Herbarium were screened using non-destructive X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) scanning to detect specimens with anomalous REE concentrations. Fieldwork was subsequently conducted to collect samples from plant species suspected to be (hyper)accumulators based on the earlier XRF survey. Scanning electron microscopy and micro-XRF were used to verify the possibility of surface contamination by soil particles in plant specimens, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) was used to determine total elemental concentrations in the plant material.

Results
Blechnopsis orientalis was found to hyperaccumulate REEs up to 3000 µg g−1 as well as arsenic up to 2100 µg g−1. The non-destructive analysis found no dust or soil contamination on B. orientalis specimens, confirming it as a genuine REE and arsenic hyperaccumulator. Additionally, the known REE hyperaccumulator Dicranopteris linearis was confirmed to be a REE hyperaccumulator on Bangka Island.

Conclusion
Blechnopsis orientalis is a REE hyperaccumulator with high potential for phytoextraction as it is a faster growing and larger species than D. linearis. As B. orientalis and D. linearis are native to Bangka Island, both should be studied further for their application in rehabilitating and extracting REEs from the (abandoned) tin mine areas.
Development of fatty liver disease model using high cholesterol and low choline diet in white leghorn chickens
Authors: Yadav Kush Kumar , Boley Patricia A. , Khatiwada Saroj , Lee Carolyn M. , Bhandari Menuka , Kenney Scott P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which shows similar symptoms as fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) in chickens, is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and cancer in humans. NAFLD patients and FLHS in chickens have demonstrated severe liver disorders when infected by emerging strains of human hepatitis E virus (HEV) and avian HEV, respectively. We sought to develop a fatty liver disease chicken model by altering the diet of 3-week-old white leghorn chickens. The high cholesterol, and low choline (HCLC) diet included 7.6% fat with additional 2% cholesterol and 800 mg/kg choline in comparison to 5.3% fat, and 1,300 mg/kg choline in the regular diet. Our diet induced fatty liver avian model successfully recapitulates the clinical features seen during NAFLD in humans and FLHS in chickens, including hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis, as indicated by significantly higher serum triglycerides, serum cholesterol, liver triglycerides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. By developing this chicken model, we expect to provide a platform to explore the role of lipids in the liver pathology linked with viral infections and contribute to the development of prophylactic interventions.
Weapons of the weak state: How post-conflict states shape international statebuilding
Authors: Campbell Susanna P. , Matanock Aila M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInternational Organizations (IOs), such as the United Nations (U.N.), engage in statebuilding in a range of post-conflict states. Statebuilding scholarship largely assumes that IOs, backed by their powerful member states, have at least temporary authority over the seemingly “weak” states in which they intervene. We argue, in contrast, that many post-conflict states shape IO statebuilding efforts through many statebuilding contracts, which we call incomplete arrangements, that give the post-conflict state the residual rights of control over the unnegotiated components of these statebuilding contracts with IOs. These incomplete arrangements, as opposed to complete takeovers, which are the other type of statebuilding contracts, provide procedural “weapons of the weak state” that enable the post-conflict state to influence what the IO mandate contains, where it intervenes, whom it hires, and when it exits. Using in-depth case studies of Burundi, Guatemala, and Timor-Leste, as well as analysis of 36 U.N. interventions in post-conflict states from 2000–2020, this article demonstrates the potential of incomplete arrangement statebuilding contracts to give post-conflict states institutional power over IO statebuilders, with important implications for scholarship on statebuilding and global governance.
Proposing a development framework for sustainable architecture, engineering, and construction industry in China: Challenges, best practice, and future directions
Authors: Li Peixian , Lu Yujie , Xiao Xuwen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChina’s architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry needs a clear and sustainable development roadmap. Drawing inspiration from speeches delivered at a seminar hosted by the Chinese Academy of Engineering and extensive literature research on Chinese policies, this article presents a summary of the current trends in the AEC industry in four dimensions: industrialization as the foundation, intelligence as the enabler, lean management as the strategy, and green development as the goal. These four dimensions are intricately interconnected and rooted in multiple disciplines. The article provides a detailed review of the current practices, challenges, and future directions associated with each dimension. Additionally, ten grand challenges were proposed to stimulate discussions on the future of the AEC industry. This article offers an overarching understanding of the AEC industry and presents a four-dimension framework for sustainable development, which can be valuable for AEC practitioners.
Relationship between muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue size and density and proximal femur bone in elderly women with hip fracture
Authors: Li Yangtong , Liu Chenjun , Lu Jing , Sun Hui , Li Yuehua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Both osteoporosis and sarcopenia are associated with aging, increasing the likelihood of falls in older adults and consequently raising the risk of hip fractures (HF).

Aims
To explore the relationship between the size and density of muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and the bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur in elderly women with HF.

Methods
Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) was conducted on the hips of 661 female participants who experienced low-energy acute HFs to measure both areal BMD (aBMD) and volume BMD (vBMD). Measurements were taken for the cross-sectional area (CSA) and density of the muscle around the hip and adjacent SAT. Multivariable linear regression models were applied to assess the relationship between these parameters.

Results
Most increases in the density of the gluteus medius and minimus muscle (G.Med/MinM) were correlated with higher BMD in the femoral neck fracture (FNF) group with osteoporosis. In the FNF group, gluteus maximus muscle (G.MaxM) density was negatively associated with the BMD parameters of the proximal femur in individuals with osteoporosis, while they were positively associated with nonosteoporosis. In the intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) group without osteoporosis, both FN aBMD and FN vBMD showed significant correlations with G.Med/MinM density.

Discussion
In women with HFs, bone and muscle are closely related.

Conclusions
In older women with HFs, density but not CSA of the G.Med/MinM were associated with BMD parameters of the proximal femur. Osteoporosis may influence the relationship between G.MaxM density and proximal femur BMD in elderly women with FNF.
Watch and Learn: Wie Schüler:innen und Lehrpersonen Erklärvideos für den Naturwissenschaftsunterricht nutzen
Authors: Labude Marlene , Vonschallen Stephan , Krüger Maleika , Schneider Charlotte , Metzger Susanne 
Published: June 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Nutzung von Erklärvideos für (schulisches) Lernen hat sich in den vergangenen Jahren mehr und mehr etabliert. Aufgrund ihrer wachsenden Bedeutung für Lernprozesse von Schüler:innen sind Umgang und Nutzen von Erklärvideos aus fachdidaktischer wie bildungswissenschaftlicher Sicht von Interesse. Bislang gibt es wenige Erkenntnisse darüber, wie Schüler:innen und Lehrpersonen Erklärvideos im Lernprozess einsetzen oder welche Kriterien sie bei der Auswahl von frei verfügbaren Erklärvideos im Internet berücksichtigen. Die Analyse und Beschreibung der Nutzungsweise von Erklärvideos ist Gegenstand des vorliegenden Beitrags, wobei die Ergebnisse auf einer qualitativen Studie mit leitfadengestützten Interviews basieren, die mit Bezug zum naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht der Sekundarstufe I durchgeführt wurde. Die qualitative Befragung liefert Einblicke in die Qualitätsbeurteilung und Nutzung von Erklärvideos durch Schüler:innen und Lehrpersonen. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass gerade im Umgang mit frei verfügbaren Erklärvideos sowohl von Seite der Lehrpersonen wie auch der Schüler:innen weiterer Bedarf besteht, mediendidaktische Kompetenzen zu fördern, um eine qualitätsvolle Auswahl von und einen reflektierten Umgang mit Erklärvideos sicherzustellen.
Effects of carvedilol on human prostate tissue contractility and stromal cell growth pointing to potential clinical implications
Authors: Hu Sheng , Müderrisoglu A. Elif , Ciotkowska Anna , Kale Oluwafemi , Keller Patrick , Schott Melanie , Tamalunas Alexander , Waidelich Raphaela , Stief Christian G. , Hennenberg Martin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Apart from antagonizing ß-adrenoceptors, carvedilol antagonizes vascular α1-adrenoceptors and activates G protein-independent signaling. Even though it is a commonly used antihypertensive and α1-adrenoceptors are essential for the treatment of voiding symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia, its actions in the human prostate are still unknown. Here, we examined carvedilol effects on contractions of human prostate tissues, and on stromal cell growth.

Methods
Contractions of prostate tissues from radical prostatectomy were induced by electric field stimulation (EFS) or α1-agonists. Growth-related functions were examined in cultured stromal cells.

Results
Concentration-response curves for phenylephrine, methoxamine and noradrenaline were right shifted by carvedilol (0.1–10 µM), around half a magnitude with 100 nM, half to one magnitude with 1 µM, and two magnitudes with 10 µM. Right shifts were reflected by increased EC50 values for agonists, with unchanged Emax values. EFS-induced contractions were reduced by 21–54% with 0.01–1 µM carvedilol, and by 94% by 10 µM. Colony numbers of stromal cells were increased by 500 nM, but reduced by 1–10 µM carvedilol, while all concentrations reduced colony size. Decreases in viability were time-dependent with 0.1–0.3 µM, but complete with 10 µM. Proliferation was slightly increased by 0.1–0.5 µM, but reduced with 1–10 µM.

Conclusions
Carvedilol antagonizes α1-adrenoceptors in the human prostate, starting with concentrations in ranges of known plasma levels. In vitro, effect sizes resemble those of α1-blockers used for the treatment of voiding symptoms, which requires concentrations beyond plasma levels. Bidirectional and dynamic effects on the growth of stromal cells may be attributed to "biased agonism".
Empowering Network Security through Advanced Analysis of Malware Samples: Leveraging System Metrics and Network Log Data for Informed Decision-Making
Authors: Alharbi Fares , Kashyap Gautam Siddharth 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the never-ending battle against rising malware threats, cybersecurity professionals were constantly challenged by malware researchers. Businesses and institutions that have fallen prey to these threats that have suffered significant financial losses and enormous disruption to countless lives. As a result, security approaches have evolved to include preemptive measures such as the widespread use of HoneyPots. However, data-driven decision-making was required to improve the effectiveness of such approaches. Therefore, this paper describes a quantitative analysis that assesses various malware samples using system metrics and network log data. The goal is to properly visualise this information and analyse if it can aid in decision-making processes, ultimately leading to the construction of more robust and secure networks. To help with this research, a dashboard application was created that allows the installation of virtual machines, the configuration of virtual networks, and the collection of system metric data from outside sources. The findings of this paper can help greatly improve network security and stay ahead of threats in the cat-and-mouse game.
Heterogeneous Land‐Surface Effects on TKE and Cloud Formation: Statistical Insights From LES Cases
Authors: Simon Jason S. , Bragg Andrew D. , Chaney Nathaniel W. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis manuscript investigates the impact of land‐surface heterogeneity on atmospheric processes by comparing 92 large‐eddy simulation cases over the Southern Great Plains, leveraging high‐resolution spatially heterogeneous and homogeneous land‐surface fields. Utilizing the HydroBlocks land‐surface model for detailed surface data and the Weather Research and Forecasting model for atmospheric simulations, this study emphasizes the significant role land‐surface details play in atmospheric dynamics, particularly in cloud formation and boundary‐layer development. The analysis focuses on the comparison of turbulent kinetic energy and liquid water path between heterogeneous and homogeneous surface conditions, revealing a strong correlation between surface heterogeneity and enhanced atmospheric activity. Furthermore, the study underscores that the most influential land‐surface characteristics on the atmosphere are encapsulated within the largest spatial scales, suggesting a potential simplification for incorporating sub‐grid scale land‐surface features into global models. The findings advocate for a more formal coupling between the sub‐grid land and atmosphere in Earth system models to improve the accuracy of weather and climate predictions, particularly for processes such as cloud formation and boundary‐layer dynamics that are sensitive to surface conditions. This work lays foundational insights for future parameterization schemes in global models, highlighting the importance of land‐surface details on atmospheric modeling.