bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concurrent representations of reinstated and transformed memories and their modulation by reward
Authors: Schultz Heidrun , Stoffregen Hanna , Dabas Aroma , Alcobendas María , Benoit Roland G. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An integral part of episodic retrieval is the reinstatement of neural activity that was present in the medial temporal lobe during encoding. However, neural memory representations do not remain static. Consolidation promotes the transformation of representations that are specific to individual episodes toward more generalized representations that reflect commonalities across episodes. Moreover, reward has been shown to augment episodic memory by enhancing consolidation, and it may accelerate the transformation of neural memory representations. We investigated this account with n = 40 human participants using fMRI and an associative memory task. They encoded pictures of objects, each with one of four recurring scenes. Two scenes led to high reward, and two led to low reward. The next day, participants encountered the objects again and retrieved the scenes from memory. Using representational similarity analysis, we demonstrate that retrieval is concurrently accompanied by the reinstatement of original neural representations and the activation of transformed, more generalized memories. Specifically, the parahippocampal cortex reinstates scene-specific patterns from the encoding phase during successful retrieval. In contrast, activity patterns in the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior hippocampus reflect transformed memories: They become more similar to each other for memories sharing the same scene, independent of memory success. Importantly, high reward enhances memory transformation in the anterior hippocampus. The brain thus maintains complementary memory representations: An episodic representation that resembles the original encoding pattern, and a generalized representation that summarizes commonalities across memories—in part for particularly valuable information.
Firing rate distributions in plastic networks of spiking neurons
Authors: Vegué Marina , Allard Antoine , Desrosiers Patrick 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
In recurrent networks of leaky integrate-and-fire neurons, the mean-field theory has been instrumental in capturing the statistical properties of neuronal activity, like firing rate distributions. This theory has been applied to networks with either homogeneous synaptic weights and heterogeneous connections per neuron or vice versa. Our work expands mean-field models to include networks with both types of structural heterogeneity simultaneously, particularly focusing on those with synapses that undergo plastic changes. The model introduces a spike trace for each neuron, a variable that rises with neuron spikes and decays without activity, influenced by a degradation rate rp and the neuron’s firing rate ν. When the ratio α = ν/rp is significantly high, this trace effectively estimates the neuron’s firing rate, allowing synaptic weights at equilibrium to be determined by the firing rates of connected neurons. This relationship is incorporated into our mean-field formalism, providing exact solutions for firing rate and synaptic weight distributions at equilibrium in the high α regime. However, the model remains accurate within a practical range of degradation rates, as demonstrated through simulations with networks of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This approach sheds light on how plasticity modulates both activity and structure within neuronal networks, offering insights into their complex behavior.
Effect of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 122264 on intestinal gas symptoms and quality of life in adults with functional bloating
Authors: LeMoire A. , Lin L. , Girard S.A. , Baisley J. , Wang J. , Atif A. , Zahra R. , Millette M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Probiotics can confer a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal-related symptoms and their impact on daily life. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy of a novel probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis ATCC 122264 as a probiotic on gas-related symptoms in healthy adults. One hundred healthy adults with functional bloating/distension according to the ROME IV criteria, were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 5 billion cfu of B. subtilis) or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Intestinal gas symptoms and impact on daily life were assessed weekly by the 17-item Intestinal Gas Questionnaire (IGQ) and the change from baseline was analysed by ANCOVA at 4 and 8 weeks. Post-hoc analyses were conducted on the two parts of the IGQ, scored separately. Sub-group analyses based on sex were also done on the IGQ global and dimension scores as well as the scores from the two individual parts of the IGQ. Safety was assessed by reports of adverse events. B. subtilis did not differ from placebo in the change from baseline to Weeks 4 or 8 in IGQ global score or dimension scores of bloating, flatulence, belching, bad breath, stomach rumbling and difficult gas evacuation (). In females taking B. subtilis, the severity of belching and flatulence significantly decreased after 4 () and 8 weeks () respectively, compared to females taking placebo. The impact of flatulence on daily life decreased after 8 weeks in females taking B. subtilis compared to placebo (). B. subtilis was safe and well tolerated over the 8-week study period. The results suggest that B. subtilis may reduce gas-related symptoms, such as bloating and flatulence, in females. Further studies are needed to confirm the sex-related effects of B. subtilis in populations with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Registered at Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT06308146
Nutritional comparison of abdominal and whole part of Javanese grasshopper (Valanga nigricornis) for meat analog formula as sustainable protein innovation
Authors: Priyatnasari N.S. , Palupi E. , Roosita K. , Iwansyah A.C. , Sulaeman A. , Setiawan B. , Filianty F. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Indonesia has a large and growing population, projected to reach between 311.6 and 318.9 million by 2045, which will be accompanied by a 75% increase in food demand. This growth is expected to create a 44% supply gap in protein availability, which may exacerbate nutritional issues, particularly stunting, due to protein inadequacy. Addressing this anticipated protein deficit highlights the importance of developing alternative protein sources, such as insects. This study aimed to compare meat analog formulations using abdominal and whole grasshopper as raw materials, representing a sustainable protein innovation. The research stages included formulation, sensory evaluation, physical characteristics testing, and nutrient analysis. Three formulations were developed using varying ratios of grasshopper to kidney beans: F0 (0%:35%), F1 (30%:5%), and F2 (30%:5%). In these formulations, F1 utilized grasshopper filets, while F2 used whole grasshoppers. The F2 treatment exhibited higher protein and mineral content than F1. However, F1 had the highest amino acid score at 84.64%. Based on comprehensive analysis, F1 was selected as the preferred formula, due to its favourable texture, sensorily acceptable, and contains preferable quality protein. The selected formulation meets food claims for high protein, very low sodium, and low saturated fat. Specifically, the protein content exceeds 35% of the Daily Value at 26.8 g/100 g, sodium is below 40 mg/100 g, and saturated fat is under 1.5 g/100 g. These results align with the nutritional standards established by BPOM Regulation No. 13 of 2016. This study has the potential for broad impact as an innovative advancement in edible insect processing methods, helping to address the global protein gap, promote sustainable protein sources, and contribute to the development of meat analog with a reduced environmental footprint.
What Can Femme Teach us About Pedagogy?
Authors: Cavanaugh Lindsay 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Femme, as an analytic, has arguably not gained traction in queer and trans educational studies until recently because both femme and pedagogy are seen as failures. Outlining some reasons why femme and pedagogy both disappoint and provoke in the Halberstam (2011) sense – namely their elusiveness, power-laden origins, and perceived excess/lack – this article proposes femme pedagogy as an erotic relational framework (Lorde, 1978) that merits more thought in queer and trans educational scholarship. Synthesizing traits identified in key papers (Bimm & Feldman, 2020; Burkholder & Keehn, 2024; Davies & Hoskin, 2021, 2022; Fields, 2023), alongside my own musings, this article outlines five tenets for femme pedagogy: (1) failure & repair, (2) softness & hardness (3) intersectional her/hir/historicizing, (4) embodied connection, and (5) joy & desire.
The Samaritan Pentateuch
Authors: Florentin Moshe , Tal Abraham 
Published: January 2025

This new translation into English seeks to introduce the reader to the character of the Samaritan version of the Pentateuch, while emphasising the fundamental differences between it and the Masoretic version.
The translation is based on a grammatical analysis of each and every word in the text according to its oral pronunciation, informed by examination of the Samaritan translations into Aramaic and Arabic as well as other Samaritan and non-Samaritan sources.
One of the most ancient and important Samaritan manuscripts of the Pentateuch, MS Nablus 6, copied in 1204 CE, serves to represent the Samaritan version.
The English translation is placed in the left-hand column of each page, while the Samaritan original is displayed in the right-hand column. For the reader’s convenience, differences between the Samaritan and Masoretic versions are marked in red.
In addition to translating the Hebrew text and highlighting the differences between it and the Masoretic text, each difference is explained in a brief note in an apparatus at the bottom of the page. Where expansion is appropriate, the reader is referred to extended notes at the end of the edition.
Honouring a Gentleman, A Scholar, a Teacher, and a Pastor
Authors: Frendo Anthony J. , Gatt Kurstin 
Published: January 2025

This chapter honors the multifaceted legacy of Martin R. Zammit, a distinguished scholar, teacher, pastor, and mentor whose contributions to Semitic Studies and Arabic linguistics have left an indelible mark. Born in Valletta in 1958, Martin's journey into academia was inspired by early exposure to Maltese linguistic texts and a self-driven pursuit of Arabic, despite its absence in formal education in Malta. His career began with roles involving Arabic translation and cultural liaison, notably as private secretary to the Maltese Prime Minister, Dom Mintoff, where he deepened his engagement with the Arabic-speaking world.
Transitioning to academia in 1988, Martin pursued degrees culminating in a Ph.D. in Arabic and Semitic Studies from the University of Malta. His academic career encompassed roles as a lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and ultimately Full Professor. Martin’s diverse research spans Qurʾānic lexicology, Arabic dialectology, Syriac studies, and Maltese linguistics, notably translating the Qurʾān into Maltese and publishing a Syriac Chrestomathy.
Balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties, Martin also cultivated personal interests, including amateur radio and world music. His spiritual journey saw him ordained as a priest in the Greek Catholic Church, culminating in his role as Papàs. Even in retirement, Martin plans to pursue scholarly projects, including a comparative grammar of Maltese. His legacy, marked by passion, dedication, and humility, continues to inspire both academic and spiritual communities.
The Current Situation in Arabic-Speaking Kishlaks of Central Asia
Authors: Chikovani Guram 
Published: January 2025

This chapter explores the unique linguistic dynamics of Arabic-speaking kishlaks (villages) in the Bukhara (BAD) and Qashqa-Darya (QAD) regions of Uzbekistan. These dialects, historically isolated from the broader Arab world, exhibit distinct features shaped by linguistic evolution and extensive contact with Uzbek and Tajik. Despite Arabic being a native, spoken language in these communities, its use is confined to familial settings, with younger generations increasingly favoring Uzbek and Tajik. Consequently, Arabic proficiency has sharply declined, as evidenced during fieldwork in the 1980s and later expeditions. Linguistic analysis reveals frequent code-switching, integration of foreign lexicon and syntax, and hybrid composites involving Arabic, Uzbek, Tajik, and occasionally Russian elements.
The chapter identifies critical verbal and lexical phenomena, including the evolution of verbal composites, code-switching patterns, and the replacement of Arabic terms with local languages. Noteworthy linguistic phenomena include double plurals, the reconstitution of Semitic root structures, and shifts in syntax influenced by non-Semitic languages. Historical lexical elements and phonetic adaptations provide insights into the historical development of Arabic. These findings emphasize the significant loss of Arabic linguistic traditions in Central Asia, yet underline the enduring scholarly value of documenting these dialects. The chapter concludes by advocating for further research, even as the number of Arabic speakers dwindles. Linguistic material collected from the region offers invaluable insights into Arabic’s historical evolution and highlights the importance of preserving these dialects for their unique linguistic heritage.
Al-Shidyāq’s Account of the Maltese Language: An Annotated Translation
Authors: Cooperson Michael 
Published: January 2025

This annotated translation presents Faris al-Shidyaq’s nineteenth-century account of the Maltese language. AL-Shidyaq, a Lebanese man of letters, describes Maltese as an Arabic dialect, dismissing the then-current claim that it is descended from Punic. He points out cases where the language preserves words and structures that have disappeared, or taken different forms, in other Arabic dialectsDespite borrowing extensively from Italian and other European languages, Maltese retains significant Arabic elements, including classical usages and dialectal parallels.
The account initially dismisses Maltese as a "corrupt" version of Arabic, but gradually acknowledges its resilience and linguistic intricacies. It highlights the adaptability of Maltese speakers, who integrate foreign words seamlessly into their native linguistic patterns, demonstrating the dynamic nature of language evolution. The narrative critiques the lack of scholarly or literary works in Maltese and explores the cultural reasons for the reluctance of its speakers to embrace classical Arabic, despite the shared linguistic heritage.
The discussion sheds light on broader themes of linguistic identity, the impact of colonization, and the evolution of vernacular languages in response to historical and social pressures. It emphasizes the power of language to endure and adapt despite external influences, noting how Maltese has survived successive attempts to suppress it. This study provides valuable insights into the historical interplay between Maltese and Arabic, offering a nuanced perspective on linguistic resilience, cultural identity, and the intersection of language and modernization in the Mediterranean region.
On the Arabic Dialect of the Jews of Qāmišli (North-East Syria)
Authors: Geva-Kleinberger Aharon 
Published: January 2025

This chapter explores the Arabic dialect of the Jewish community of Qāmišli, a town in northeastern Syria near the Turkish border. Originating largely from the city of Nuṣaybin, the Qāmišli Jewish dialect (QāJ) is a distinct member of the Qəltu Arabic group, sharing linguistic features with dialects of southern Turkey and northern Iraq. The research draws on fieldwork, including interviews with informants who emigrated to Israel, to document the phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical characteristics of QāJ.
The Qāmišli Jewish community, formed in the early 20th century, was shaped by waves of migration from Turkey, Iraq, and Kurdistan. The dialect reflects these influences, incorporating Hebrew vocabulary and showing traces of Turkish and Kurdish linguistic elements. Unlike other Syrian Jewish dialects, QāJ is socio-linguistically distinct, often looked down upon by the more prestigious Aleppo Jewish dialect. This distinction also reflects socio-economic disparities and the community's marginalization within Syrian Jewish society.
The chapter highlights unique phonological shifts, such as the irregular replacement of /r/ with /ġ/, and distinctive morphological patterns, including the preservation of certain suffixes found in Qəltu dialects. Additionally, the chapter documents cultural and linguistic practices, including unique Hebrew-Arabic hybrid usages and local Jewish customs.
Today, QāJ is nearly extinct, with most of its speakers residing in Israel and adopting Hebrew for daily communication. The study underscores the urgency of documenting such endangered dialects, as they offer valuable insights into the linguistic and cultural history of Jewish diasporas in the Levant
Interpreting the Traces: On the Grammaticalisation of ˀaṯar
Authors: Taine-Cheikh Catherine 
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines the grammaticalisation of the Arabic lexeme ˀaṯar (‘trace’), its cognates in Semitic languages, and its evolution into various grammatical forms and meanings across Arabic dialects. The study begins with a semantic and grammatical overview of ˀaṯar in literary Arabic and its cognates in related Semitic languages, drawing on comprehensive lexicographical resources and comparative studies. The analysis highlights how ˀaṯar’s primary meaning (‘trace’ or ‘imprint’) expanded into diverse semantic and morphosyntactic usages.
Focusing on the Ḥassāniyya dialect of Mauritania, the chapter details the emergence of a pseudo-verb derived from ˀaṯar to express doubt, inference, or modal possibility. This phenomenon is contextualized within a broader cultural and linguistic framework, where interpreting physical traces is vital in a nomadic pastoralist society. Comparative analysis with other Arabic dialects reveals similar grammaticalisation processes, including the development of adverbial forms (e.g., ˀaṯāri ‘it seems’) and evidential markers in Middle Eastern and Gulf varieties, while noting regional differences in meaning and usage.
The study identifies evidentiality (noncommitment to information) as an important feature of ˀaṯar-derived expressions across dialects, reflecting its original semantic field of inference and indirect knowledge. This linguistic evolution exemplifies the interaction of cultural practices and grammaticalisation processes in Arabic. By tracing the transformation of ˀaṯar, the chapter contributes to understanding how semantic and functional shifts shape the lexicon and syntax of Arabic dialects.
Perceptions of Malta in Arabic Proverbs and Idioms
Authors: Gatt Kurstin 
Published: January 2025

This contribution explores perceptions of Malta, its people, and its language through the lens of Arabic proverbs and idioms, offering a cultural and linguistic analysis within the field of paremiology. By examining a curated list of proverbs and their thematic implications, the study reveals how Malta is portrayed across various Arabic-speaking communities. The research identifies six key themes: Malta as a distant or unreachable place, a non-existent location, a symbol of religious devotion, a representation of importunate behaviour, a linguistic enigma, and a symbol of resilience during hardship. These portrayals stem from historical, cultural, and geographic factors, reflecting a mix of admiration, humour, and skepticism.
The study employs transcription and translation to document proverbs, supported by contextual analysis and anecdotal evidence. For instance, Malta is depicted as an unfamiliar location in Levantine and Syrian expressions, while Tunisian and Moroccan sayings highlight perceptions of linguistic incomprehensibility and the Maltese character. The contribution also addresses proverbs tied to historical events, such as Malta’s resistance to Ottoman invasions, which have left enduring legacies in local oral traditions.
This analysis underscores the role of proverbs as cultural artifacts, revealing societal values and inter-group dynamics. It advocates for further research into the representation of Malta in other linguistic traditions and the portrayal of different cultures in Arabic proverbs. The study contributes to understanding the intersection of language, culture, and perception in popular sayings.
Recognisably Arabian
Authors: Wilmsen David 
Published: January 2025

The chapter examines the diachronic depth of Maltese by tracing its connections to Levantine Arabic, South Arabian dialects, and Andalusi Arabic. Drawing on the work of Martin Zammit and incorporating detailed morphosyntactic analyses, the chapter identifies a bundle of linguistic features shared between Maltese and certain Arabic varieties, notably the use of enclitic -š/-šī for negation, prohibitives, and polar questions. Evidence suggests these features originated in South Arabian dialects, traveled through the Levant, and reached Malta via Andalusi Arabic and North African influences. For example, the enclitic -š forms prohibitives and negations in Maltese and appears sporadically in Levantine Arabic, Egyptian Arabic, and early Omani Arabic. Furthermore, a quantifier šī, analogous to Maltese xi, expresses partitive, distributive, and indefinite meanings, with parallels in Levantine and South Arabian Arabic.
The chapter also explores the influence of Modern South Arabian languages, such as Mehri, which share features like post-verbal negation and existential particles. This suggests pre-Islamic contact between Arabic speakers and Modern South Arabian communities facilitated linguistic convergence. The study challenges the notion of a linear Jespersen cycle in Arabic negation development, emphasizing instead the role of contact-driven diffusion. Maltese, with its diverse Arabic influences, illustrates how linguistic features can be preserved and recontextualized over time. By integrating evidence from Andalusi texts, Levantine dialects, and South Arabian varieties, the chapter highlights the complex interplay of migration, trade, and cultural exchange in shaping the morphosyntactic characteristics of Maltese.
Skill Evaluation of Rainfall Forecasts for the Mining Chain over the Eastern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Ferreira Douglas B. S. , Nogueira Neto Antônio V. , Santos Ana Paula P. , Kuhn Paulo , Nascimento Júnior Wilson R. , Costa Cláudia P. W. , Tedeschi Renata G. , Jesus Edmir S. , Franco Vânia S. , Barreto Naurinete J. , Saraiva Ivan , Souza Filho Pedro W. M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The mining chain, which stretches nearly 900 km across the eastern Brazilian Amazon from mine to coastal port, is frequently impacted by rainfall events, which negatively influence mining production, ore transportation, and other logistical processes. To help mitigate this, numerical simulation of the atmosphere using a model adjusted to the target region is one way to predict such rainfall events, contributing to more accurate decision-making. This study aims to evaluate the performance of rainfall forecasts for the mining chain in the eastern Amazon, focusing on 13 strategic locations between the mine, railway, and port. The bias, contingency table, false alarm ratio, and probability of detection statistical methods were applied to forecast data of 2022, which are compared to satellite rainfall estimates. The results showed that the rainfall forecasts follow the regional seasonality, but rainfall was significantly underestimated. When compared to the rainy season, with a bias slightly higher than 75%, the bias was lower during the dry period, with an accuracy of approximately 93%, especially for light to moderate rainfall. The results also indicated that the model largely predicted nonrainfall events that did not actually occur. The indices used uniformly demonstrated that the model achieves better performance in predicting rain in regions closer to the coast.