bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metric learning for monotonic classification: turning the space up to the limits of monotonicity
Authors: Suárez Juan Luis , González-Almagro Germán , García Salvador , Herrera Francisco 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper presents, for the first time, a distance metric learning algorithm for monotonic classification. Monotonic datasets arise in many real-world applications, where there exist order relations in the input and output variables, and the outputs corresponding to ordered pairs of inputs are also expected to be ordered. Monotonic classification can be addressed through several distance-based classifiers that are able to respect the monotonicity constraints of the data. The performance of distance-based classifiers can be improved with the use of distance metric learning algorithms, which are able to find the distances that best represent the similarities among each pair of data samples. However, learning a distance for monotonic data has an additional drawback: the learned distance may negatively impact the monotonic constraints of the data. In our work, we propose a new model for learning distances that does not corrupt these constraints. This methodology will also be useful in identifying and discarding non-monotonic pairs of samples that may be present in the data due to noise. The experimental analysis conducted, supported by a Bayesian statistical testing, demonstrates that the distances obtained by the proposed method can enhance the performance of several distance-based classifiers in monotonic problems.
The impacts of AI futurism: an unfiltered look at AI's true effects on the climate crisis
Authors: Schütze Paul 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of AI technologies on the climate crisis beyond their mere resource consumption. To critically examine this impact, I introduce the concept of AI futurism. With this term I capture the ideology behind AI, and argue that this ideology is inherently connected to the climate crisis. This is because AI futurism construes a socio-material environment overly fixated on AI and technological progress, to the extent that it loses sight of the existential threats ahead. In that way, the perceived significance of the planetary reality is softened, and the unsustainable paths charted by the AI industry remain opaque. To make this argument the paper unfolds in two main sections. (1) It delves into the ideology of AI futurism and its discursive impact on the societal perception of the climate crisis. (2) It employs a materialist perspective to elucidate the tangible effects of the AI industry on the climate crisis, and to show what is going on behind the façade of AI futurism. Adding to a critical theory of AI and the climate crisis, this paper starts a realistic conversation about the challenges posed by the intersection of these transformations.
The influence of La and Ce additions on the solidification of alloys from the Al–Fe system
Authors: Vončina Maja , Medved Jožef , Steinacher Matej , Ozimič Klavdija 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAluminium alloys are popular in modern applications due to their lightweight, high strength and ductility. Alloys in the 8xxx series have similar properties to those in the 1xxx series, but are stronger, are more malleable and have higher stiffness. The addition of rare earths (RE) can refine the as-cast microstructure and, as a result, can increase the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of aluminium alloys at room and high temperatures. The effects of rare earth (Ce and/or La) additions to Al-1.4Fe alloys were investigated. Thermal analysis of the solidification behaviour of the reference alloy showed the occurrence of three reactions corresponding to the formation of α-Al, eutectic (α-Al + AlxFey) and Fe intermetallics, respectively. The results showed similar reactions for the Ce- and/or La-modified alloy, but at slightly different temperatures, indicating a change in the forming phases due to the addition of Ce and/or La. In all cases, the microstructures were typically hypoeutectic, consisting of the primary α-Al and the eutectic (α-Al + AlxFey). The effect of grain refinement of the primary α-Al grains of the as-cast alloy was observed by the addition of RE, while La showed the strongest effect. The effect of the RE additions showed no obvious differences in the morphology of the eutectic AlxFey, although they were present in these phases. When Ce and/or La were added, (α-Al + Al11Ce3) and/or (α-Al + Al11La3) eutectics were formed, while Fe was not detected in these eutectics.
Compensation for Historic Injustice: Does it Matter how the Victims Respond?
Authors: Miller David 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhen states are required to compensate victim groups for the historic wrongs they have committed, how should the compensation due be calculated? It seems that alongside the counterfactual world in which the wrongdoing never occurred, we should also consider the counterfactual world in which the wrongdoing has occurred, but the victims have responded to it in a prudent way. Under tort law, the damages a victim can claim are reduced if they are judged to have been contributorily negligent, thereby exacerbating the harm they have suffered. The paper considers four reasons why victim groups could not be expected to respond collectively to injustice in a way that outsiders might judge to be prudent. 1. The wrongdoing has destroyed their capacity to act as a group agent. 2. The wrongdoing has inflicted psychological traumas that lead them to make poor decisions. 3. They would need to violate a moral norm that is deeply embedded in their culture. 4. They would need to adopt policies that risk inflicting severe injustice on an internal minority. In many instances of historic injustice, one or more of these reasons apply. So although in principle victims’ behaviour is relevant when compensation is being calculated, we must be very cautious in using that doctrine to assess real cases.
An intelligent sequential fraud detection model based on deep learning
Authors: Zioviris Georgios , Kolomvatsos Kostas , Stamoulis George 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFraud detection and prevention has received a lot of attention from the research community due to its high impact on financial institutions’ revenues and reputation. The increased use of the web and the provision of online services open up the pathway for exposing these systems to numerous threats and jeopardizing their effective functioning. Naturally, financial frauds are increased in number and form imposing various requirements for their efficient and immediate detection. These requirements are related to the performance of the adopted models as well as the timely response of the decision-making mechanism. Machine learning and data mining are two research domains that can provide a number of techniques/algorithms for fraud detection and setup the road for mitigation actions. However, these methods still need to be improved with respect to the detection of unknown fraud patterns and the incorporation of big data processing mechanisms. This paper presents our attempt to build a hybrid system, i.e., a sequential scheme for combining two deep learning models and efficiently detecting potential financial frauds. We elaborate on the combination of an autoencoder and a Long Short-Term Memory Recurrent Neural Network trained upon datasets which are processed through the use of an oversampling technique. Oversampling is adopted to handle heavily imbalanced datasets which is the ‘natural’ scenario due to the limited number of frauds compared to the humongous volumes of transactions. The proposed approach tends to capture much more fraud events in comparison with other conventional ML techniques. Our experimental evaluation exposes that our model exhibits a good performance in terms of recall and precision.
A new derivation of the Nakagami-m distribution as a composite of the Rayleigh distribution
Authors: Gómez-Déniz Emilio , Gómez-Déniz Luis 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMobile communications systems are affected by what is known as fading, which is a well-known problem largely studied for decades. The direct consequence of fading is the complete loss of signal (or a large decrease of the received power). Rayleigh fading is a reasonable model for wireless channels although, Nakagami-m distribution seems better suited to fitting experimental data. In this paper we obtain the Nakagami-m distribution as a composite (mixture) of the Rayleigh distribution, a result which as far as we know it has not been shown in the literature. This representation of the Nakagami-m distribution facilitates computations of the average BER (Bit Error Rate) for DPSK (Differential Phase Shift Keying) and MSK (Minimum-Shift Keying) modulations for this distribution and higher moments of them, which is of great applicability to modeling wireless fading channels. Furthermore, a simple, not depending on any special function, apart of the Gamma function, bivariate version of the Nakagami-m distribution is also proposed as a special case of the multivariate version which is also presented. The proposed composite distribution is simulated through the standard procedure of summation of phasors, and results for the new closed-form measures for the MSK modulation are also shown. From that it is clear that the alternative formulation of the Nakagami-m distribution allows for easier modeling of fading fading-shadowing wireless channels through the new explicit second order statistics metrics. is well suited for modelling fading-shadowing wireless channels.
Mesenchymale Tumoren im Gastrointestinaltrakt
Authors: Wardelmann Eva , Falkenberg Kim , Hartmann Wolfgang 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungMesenchymale Tumoren im Gastrointestinaltrakt sind deutlich seltener als epitheliale Neoplasien. Am häufigsten handelt es sich um gastrointestinale Stromatumoren, die allerdings von diversen anderen Tumorentitäten abgegrenzt werden müssen. Die verschiedenen Liniendifferenzierungen decken das gesamte Spektrum der aktuellen Klassifikation der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) für Weichgewebstumoren aus dem Jahr 2020 ab. So sind myogene und neurogene Tumoren ebenso anzutreffen wie vaskuläre, perizytäre, adipozytäre und translokationsassoziierte Neoplasien, letztere sind aufgrund ihrer erst kürzlichen Erstbeschreibung, teilweise noch nicht in der WHO-Klassifikation vertreten. Die folgende Übersicht liefert hierzu einen Überblick inklusive der relevanten diagnostischen Vorgehensweise.
Preparation and Characterization of 3D Printed Objects Based on Different Kefir Gels
Authors: Ok Selçuk , Yilmaz Emin , Demirel Zorba Nükhet Nilüfer 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, kefir-containing healthy snacks were produced by using 3D food printing technique. Although kefir has many important health benefits, its consumption is quite low. It was thought that kefir-containing snacks in attractive shapes produced with a 3D food printer could increase the kefir consumption. For this purpose, disintegrated kefir gels prepared with starch, gelatin and alginate were used as inks. First, the minimum gelation concentration (C*) of each gelator was determined. Then, disintegrated gels with concentrations of C*, C*+1%, and C*+2% were prepared with each gelator and the effect of gelator concentration on printing quality was investigated for each gelator. Printing quality was associated with storage modulus, loss factor and flow behavior, and the minimum gelator concentration required for a suitable formulation for 3D printing (highest printability and dimensional stability) was determined as 5%, 6% and 3% for starch, gelatin and alginate, respectively. Lactobacillus spp. and Lactococcus spp. contents of the starch-based sample were found to be significantly lower than those of fresh kefir and gelatin and alginate-based samples. Sensory properties and consumer appreciation were lower for the gelatin-based sample. Due to the high printing quality (98% printability and 99% dimensional stability), high probiotic content (7.81 and 8.13 log cfu/ml Lactobacillus spp. and Lactococcus spp. content, respectively) and high consumer appreciation (4.71 out of 5 for general acceptance), alginate-based sample (containing 3% alginate) was chosen as the best sample. In conclusion, new, chewable, alive, alternative kefir products were successfully developed for consumers seeking new ways of kefir consumption.
Exploring the combined anti-cancer effects of sodium butyrate and celastrol in glioblastoma cell lines: a novel therapeutic approach
Authors: Kartal Bahar , Denizler-Ebiri Farika Nur , Güven Mustafa , Taşpınar Filiz , Canpınar Hande , Çetin Sedat , Karaduman Tuğçe , Küççüktürk Serkan , Castresana Javier , Taşpınar Mehmet 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma, a highly aggressive and lethal brain cancer, lacks effective treatment options and has a poor prognosis. In our study, we explored the potential anti-cancer effects of sodium butyrate (SB) and celastrol (CEL) in two glioblastoma cell lines. SB, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and CEL, derived from the tripterygium wilfordii plant, act as mTOR and proteasome inhibitors. Both can cross the blood–brain barrier, and they exhibit chemo- and radiosensitive properties in various cancer models. GB cell lines LN-405 and T98G were treated with SB and CEL. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and IC50 values were obtained. Gene expression of DNA repair, apoptosis, and autophagy-related genes was analyzed by RT-PCR. Cell cycle distribution was determined using flow cytometry. Viability assays using MTT assay revealed IC50 values of 26 mM and 22.7 mM for SB and 6.77 μM, and 9.11 μM for CEL in LN-405 and T98G cells, respectively. Furthermore, we examined the expression levels of DNA repair genes (MGMT, MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6), apoptosis genes (caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9), and an autophagy gene (ATG-6) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis revealed alterations in cell cycle distribution following treatment with SB, CEL and their combination. These findings indicate that SB and CEL may act through multiple mechanisms, including DNA repair inhibition, apoptosis induction, and autophagy modulation, to exert their anti-cancer effects in glioblastoma cells. This is the first study providing novel insights into the potential therapeutic effects of SB and CEL in glioblastoma.
Logistic regression and other statistical tools in diagnostic biomarker studies
Authors: Elkahwagy Dina Mohamed Ahmed Samir , Kiriacos Caroline Joseph , Mansour Manar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA biomarker is a measured indicator of a variety of processes, and is often used as a clinical tool for the diagnosis of diseases. While the developmental process of biomarkers from lab to clinic is complex, initial exploratory stages often focus on characterizing the potential of biomarkers through utilizing various statistical methods that can be used to assess their discriminatory performance, establish an appropriate cut-off that transforms continuous data to apt binary responses of confirming or excluding a diagnosis, or establish a robust association when tested against confounders. This review aims to provide a gentle introduction to the most common tools found in diagnostic biomarker studies used to assess the performance of biomarkers with an emphasis on logistic regression.
Grouping Nationalities Based on Students’ Estimation of Stereotype Contents in Switzerland
Authors: Neuenschwander Markus P. , Garrote Ariana , Huttasch Michelle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSocial stereotypes influence people’s perceptions of nationalities. To categorize the stereotypes about existing nationalities in Switzerland, the stereotype content model can be used. People with nationalities that are associated with low warmth and competence are at risk of being perceived as outgroup members and of being discriminated against, whereas people with nationalities that are rated as high in warmth and competence are more likely to be perceived as ingroup members and are therefore better accepted. Warmth is negatively associated with competition while competence is positively associated with status. Students (N = 101) from various universities in the German-speaking part of Switzerland rated 70 nationalities along the dimensions of warmth, competence, competition, and status. The cluster analyses revealed four groups of nationalities along the dimensions warmth and competence. Levels in status and competition differed between those four clusters. In line with prior research, a negative relationship was found between competition and warmth and a positive relationship between status and competence. These findings allow to understand social stereotypes of nationalities based on empirical evidence. More importantly, the clusters can be used in future studies to compare groups of people with different nationalities who have specific stereotyping experiences.
From verbal to physical violence: the different severity perception of stalking behaviors
Authors: Cordellieri Pierluigi , Paoli Elena , Giannini Anna Maria , Lausi Giulia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractStalking is a global spread phenomenon consisting in harassing, annoying, unwanted, and intrusive behaviors, often considered regular in courting. These behaviors are part of the broader range of gender-based violence. In accordance with the theory of ecological systems, this study aimed to investigate the presence of gender differences in the perception of the severity of stalking actions, considering the role of the type of violence perpetrated (physical versus verbal) and the relationship between the author and victim (Resentful ex-partner, Incompetent suitor rejected, Neighbor in dispute). The results showed gender differences in the main dimensions investigated by the questionnaire (Moral Disengagement, Normlessness beliefs, Empathy, and Perception of the Severity of Stalking). In addition, the results show that the perception of severity is influenced by the type of relationship and the type of violence perpetrated, differently between men and women. Results were discussed based on the development of literature on the topic.
Water in Afghanistan: a modern history
Authors: Hanifi Shah Mahmoud 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper discusses water in Afghanistan from the late nineteenth century through the early twenty-first century. This broad chronology is periodized using the historical themes of colonialism, nationalism, international developmentalism, and global warfare. Modern hydraulic technology arrived in the domestic architecture of Kabuli state elites beginning in the 1860s and accelerating greatly in the 1890s. The first decades of the twentieth were marked by continuing developments regarding palatial hydrology (pools, fountains, etc.) and new forms of modern hydraulic engineering (piped water, dams and bridges) primarily in and around Kabul involving the Kabul river and its tributaries. The middle decades of the twentieth century involved substantial engagement of rivers throughout country under the various ideological and material regimes of international development sponsored by the US, USSR and a number of other global actors and sanctioned by local political elites who became increasingly dependent on the global system. The decades surrounding the year 2000 have been marked by intense and sustained overt and covert global warfare. The effects of war on the environment of Afghanistan from the perspective of Human Rights, particularly Afghan Peoples’ Rights to Water, constitute the final section of the paper.
Rejoinder on ‘Marked Spatial Point Processes: Current State and Extensions to Point Processes on Linear Networks’
Authors: Eckardt Matthias , Moradi Mehdi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe are grateful to all discussants for their invaluable comments, suggestions, questions, and contributions to our article. We have attentively reviewed all discussions with keen interest. In this rejoinder, our objective is to address and engage with all points raised by the discussants in a comprehensive and considerate manner. Consistently, we identify the discussants, in alphabetical order, as follows: CJK for Cronie, Jansson, and Konstantinou, DS for Stoyan, GP for Grabarnik and Pommerening, MRS for Myllymäki, Rajala, and Särkkä, and MCvL for van Lieshout throughout this rejoinder.
Polyelectrolyte complexes based on a novel and sustainable hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate for drug delivery applications
Authors: Dogaris Ioannis , Pylypchuk Ievgen , Henriksson Gunnar , Abbadessa Anna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPolyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are polymeric structures formed by the self-assembly of oppositely charged polymers. Novel biomaterials based on PECs are currently under investigation as drug delivery systems, among other applications. This strategy leverages the ability of PECs to entrap drugs under mild conditions and control their release. In this study, we combined a novel and sustainably produced hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate polymer (EH, negatively charged) with polyethyleneimine (PEI) or chitosan (CH, positively charged) and agar for the development of drug-releasing PECs. A preliminary screening demonstrated the effect of several parameters (polyelectrolyte ratio, temperature, and type of polycation) on PECs formation. From this, selected formulations were further characterized in terms of thermal properties, surface morphology at the microscale, stability, and ability to load and release methylene blue (MB) as a model drug. EH/PEI complexes had a more pronounced gel-like behaviour compared to the EH/CH complexes. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results supported the establishment of polymeric interactions during complexation. Overall, PECs’ stability was positively affected by low pH, ratios close to 1:1, and the addition of agar. PECs with higher EH content showed a higher MB loading, likely promoted by stronger electrostatic interactions. The EH/CH formulation enriched with agar showed the best sustained release profile of MB during the first 30 h in a pH-dependent environment simulating the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, we defined the conditions to formulate novel PECs based on a sustainable hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate for potential applications in drug delivery, which promotes the valuable synergy between sustainability and the biomedical field.
Graphical abstract