bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing SIKE for blockchain-based IoT ecosystems with resource constraints
Authors: Ismail Nabil A. , Khadra Shaimaa Abu , Attiya Gamal M. , Abdulrahman Salah Eldin S. E. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Blockchain technology offers a robust framework for integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), enhancing interoperability, security, privacy, and scalability in modern technological ecosystems. However, traditional cryptographic protocols used in blockchain systems are increasingly vulnerable to quantum attacks due to advancements in quantum computing. In response, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has prioritized research in post-quantum cryptography, presenting challenges and opportunities for developing blockchain-based applications tailored to IoT devices. Among the post-quantum cryptographic schemes evaluated in NIST's third standardization round, the Supersingular Isogeny Key Encapsulation (SIKE) protocol stands out for its relatively small public and private key sizes. Despite this advantage, SIKE faces challenges related to high latency, necessitating efficient implementations to make it viable for real-world applications. This research focuses on optimizing the cryptographic foundations of blockchain networks to securely and efficiently integrate resource-constrained IoT ecosystems. By enhancing the SIKE protocol, which exhibits strong resistance to brute-force and whitewashing attacks, the study achieves significant performance improvements. Our FPGA-based implementation on the VIRTEX-6 XC6VLX760 demonstrates reduced latency, achieving a key generation time of 24 ms, encapsulation time of 72 ms, and decapsulation time of 73 ms for SIKEp434. These results highlight the feasibility of deploying SIKE-optimized blockchain networks in IoT environments with stringent resource constraints.
Explanatory norms and interdisciplinary research
Authors: Lisciandra Chiara 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper provides resources from the philosophy of science to identify differences between explanatory norms across disciplines and to examine their impact on interdisciplinary work. While the body of literature on explanatory norms is expanding rapidly, a consensus on a theoretical framework for systematically identifying norms across disciplines has yet to be reached. The aims of this paper are twofold: (i) to provide such a framework and use it to identify and compare explanatory norms across different domains; and (ii) to derive indications about interdisciplinary practice accordingly. By pursuing these goals, this work aims to be both theoretically significant and practically relevant. It contributes to the ongoing work on explanatory norms; and offers recommendations for the analysis of interdisciplinary science.
Epistemic reduction of the concept of ‘decision’
Authors: Burnston Daniel C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
“Reduction” is a widely rejected view of how commonsense psychological notions relate to neuroscience. I argue that there is a particular view of reduction on which reduction of the key commonsense concept of ‘decision’ is a live option. In particular, I advance a version of epistemic reduction based on “connectability.” On this view, reduction relations are not logical relationships, but instead posited identifications that guide subsequent modeling efforts, and are substantiated if one can explain higher-level generalizations with lower-level models. I apply this view to the field of decision neuroscience, and in particular accumulation to bound models of decision-making. I show how this field is achieving the advantages of reductive explanation, including providing increasingly detailed and novel predictions, unifying distinct types of decisions under a single account, and explaining anomalies of rational decision-making. If I am right, the widespread anti-reductive attitude in philosophy of mind needs to be reconsidered.
What is active touch?
Authors: Razavi Sepehr 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
What is active touch? A common conception of active touch gives a rough but rather intuitive sketch. That is, active touch can be understood as mainly object-oriented, controlled movement. While parts or the totality of this characterization is espoused by an important number of researchers on touch, I will argue that this conception faces important challenges when we pay close attention to each of its features. I hold that active touch should be considered as before all else purposive. This view has its roots in the active sensing literature in robotics but will be amended to give insight into human touch in the natural world.
Of opaque oracles: epistemic dependence on AI in science poses no novel problems for social epistemology
Authors: Ortmann Jakob 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are epistemically opaque in the sense that their inner functioning is often unintelligible to human investigators. Inkeri Koskinen has recently argued that this poses special problems for a widespread view in social epistemology according to which thick normative trust between researchers is necessary to handle opacity: if DNNs are essentially opaque, there simply exists nobody who could be trusted to understand all the aspects a DNN picks up during training. In this paper, I present a counterexample from scientific practice, AlphaFold2. I argue that for epistemic reliance on an opaque system, trust is not necessary, but reliability is. What matters is whether, for a given context, the reliability of a DNN has been compellingly established by empirical means and whether there exist trustable researchers who have performed such evaluations adequately.
Synergistic effects of plasma S100B and MRI measures of cerebrovascular disease on cognition in older adults
Authors: Pappas Colleen , Bauer Christopher E. , Zachariou Valentinos , Libecap T. J. , Rodolpho Beatriz , Sudduth Tiffany L. , Nelson Peter T. , Jicha Gregory A. , Hartz Anika MS , Shao Xingfeng , Wang Danny J. J. , Gold Brian T. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
There is growing interest in studying vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and developing biomarkers to identify at-risk individuals. A combination of biofluid and neuroimaging markers may better profile early stage VCID than individual measures. Here, we tested this possibility focusing on plasma levels of S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), which has been linked with blood–brain-barrier (BBB) integrity, and neuroimaging measures assessing BBB function (water exchange rate across the BBB (kw)) and cerebral small vessel disease (white matter hyperintensities (WMHs)). A total of 74 older adults without dementia had plasma samples collected and underwent cognitive assessment. A subsample had neuroimaging data including diffusion prepared pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (DP-pCASL) for assessment of BBB kw and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) for quantification of WMHs. Results indicated that higher plasma S100B levels were associated with poorer episodic memory performance (β = − .031, SE = .008, p < .001). Moreover, significant interactions were observed between plasma S100B levels and parietal lobe BBB kw (interaction β = .095, SE = .042, p = .028) and between plasma S100B levels and deep WMH volume (interaction β = − .025, SE = .009, p = .007) for episodic memory. Individuals with the poorest memory performance showed both high plasma S100B and either low BBB kw in the parietal lobe or increased deep WMH burden. Taken together, our results provide support for the combined use of biofluid and neuroimaging markers in the study of VCID.
A new species of Miconia (Melastomataceae) with domatia from the Andean Cordilleras of Colombia
Authors: Gutiérrez-Duque David , Posada-Herrera Juan Mauricio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Miconia andinodomatia
is proposed as a new species in the M. sect. Cremanium, from the mountains of Colombia, where it is widely distributed in the sub-Andean and Andean forests of the Western, Central, and Eastern Cordilleras of Colombia. Miconia andinodomatia is similar to several species, such as M. cremophylla, M. lehmannii, M. theaezans, M. tovarensis and M. turgida. However, it can be distinguished from all these by a combination of characters, including occurrence of leaf domatia, presence of a prominent interpetiolar line, and anthers with four terminal pores. The new species is herein formally described and illustrated, and its relationships to morphologically closely related taxa are discussed. An identification key to the species with leaf domatia placed in the Miconia III clade from Colombia is also provided. Additionally, comments about its distribution, ecology, habitat, floral biology, phenology, uses and conservation status are presented. Finally, the possible novel role played by domatia in the species is discussed.
Ein Ausblick in die Zukunft der onkologisch-rekonstruktiven Mund‑, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie: Mensch oder Maschine?
Authors: Puladi Behrus , Röhrig Rainer , Hölzle Frank 
Published: February 2025

Zusammenfassung
Mit der rasanten Entwicklung von Anwendungen der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) in den letzten Jahren und dem Aufkommen großer Sprachmodelle wie ChatGPT stellt sich die Frage, inwieweit die onkologisch-rekonstruktive Mund‑, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie von dieser Entwicklung profitieren kann. Ausgehend von relevanten Herausforderungen in der aktuellen Behandlung werden in diesem Beitrag mögliche Ansätze für die Digitalisierung insbesondere mit KI vorgestellt, darunter Deep Learning, Radiomics, Pathomics, Digital Twins, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Robotik, klinische Vorhersagemodelle, Process Mining sowie große Sprachmodelle. Abschließend werden die Hürden für den Einsatz von KI diskutiert, einschließlich Ethik, Translation und Nutzen. Die Zusammenarbeit mit der medizinischen Informatik einschließlich der „clinical informaticians“ könnte hier wichtige Impulse geben, da die anstehenden Herausforderungen der digitalen Transformation nur interdisziplinär über Fächergrenzen hinweg bewältigt werden können. Die MKG-Chirurgie sollte diese Entwicklung nicht dem Zufall oder gar Dritten überlassen, sondern selbst die Zügel in die Hand nehmen und sie im Sinne ihrer Patientinnen und Patienten möglichst aktiv mitgestalten.
Functional Characterization of Parallel Fiber-Purkinje Cell Synapses in Two Friedreich’s Ataxia Mouse Models
Authors: Joseph Donald J. , Mercado-Ayon Elizabeth , Flatley Liam , Viaene Angela N. , Hordeaux Juliette , Marsh Eric D. , Lynch David R. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by GAA expansions in the FXN gene, which codes for the protein frataxin (FXN). These mutations reduce FXN expression, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and multisystemic disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuronal dysfunction, rather than neuronal death, may drive the neurological phenotypes of FRDA, but the mechanisms underlying such neurological phenotypes remain unclear. To investigate the neural circuit basis of this dysfunction, we employed field recordings to measure Purkinje cell (PC) function and synaptic properties along with western blotting and immunohistochemistry to determine their density and structure in two established FRDA mouse models, the shRNA-frataxin (FRDAkd) and the frataxin knock in-knockout (KIKO) mice. Western blotting demonstrated subtle changes in mitochondrial proteins and only a modest reduction in the density of calbindin positive cells PCs in the cerebellar cortex of the FRDAkd mice, with no change in the density of PCs in the KIKO mice. Though PC density differed slightly in the two models, field recordings of parallel fiber-PC synapses in the molecular layer demonstrated concordant hypo-excitability of basal synaptic transmission and impairments of long-term plasticity using induction protocols associated with both potentiation and depression of synaptic strength. These results indicate that synaptic instability might be a common feature in FRDA mouse models.

Graphical Abstract
Internal migrant characteristics and access to clean water in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Habiyaremye Alexis , Nsengiyumva Philomene 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Differentiated access to clean water has been one of the instruments that the Apartheid regime used to justify its monopoly on power. The demise of the White minority rule saw fluxes of internal migrants flocking to large cities to access water services previously denied to them through segregationist spatial planning. Using a framework derived from the theory of access, this study applied a multinomial logistical regression analysis to identify migrant sociodemographic and locational factors that affect their likelihood of accessing tap water. We found sociodemographic factors associated with a higher bargaining power to significantly increase the likelihood of migrants to have access to tap water inside their houses. By contrast, lower levels of bargaining power increase the probability of accessing clean water only outside the house or not having access at all. The results also point out clear differences between migrants residing in large cities and those residing in rural areas. Demand for water resources being expected to outstrip available supplies, the study recommends additional investments in maintenance and expansion of water distribution infrastructure, as well as support measures for improving the bargaining power of disadvantaged social groups to achieve the targets of UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6).
Numerical modeling and validation of auxetic cell geometries for FDM infill pattern improvement
Authors: Papa Ilaria , Bruno Matteo , Napolitano Francesco , Esposito Luca , Lopresto Valentina , Russo Pietro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The vehicle construction sector is constantly engaged in the pursuit of lightweight structures to reduce the overall weight of vehicles. This objective aligns well with sustainability requirements, as reducing structural weight and excessive raw material usage simultaneously lowers fuel consumption. However, these lightweight panels sometimes experience a decline in mechanical properties or exhibit unpredictable failure mechanisms due to their large internal voids. To optimize material usage, 3D printing was explored, enabling the creation of highly customized infill patterns. The innovative aspect of this research lies in developing a cellular design by selecting an optimal infill configuration capable of withstanding the expected loads. Numerical modeling was employed to analyze how different cell specifications interact with the geometry of the structure and the applied loading conditions. As a result, an auxetic design was chosen for the cellular structures. This design was fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and tested under flexural and impact loading. A comparative analysis was then conducted with samples of equivalent infill density but featuring conventional infill patterns to assess performance differences. Even if the flexural tests show a decrease in resistance and stiffness of the auxetic structures than the traditional ones, the last under-impact load shows an increase in impact rigidity which is also influenced by the angle value. Furthermore, the specimens can preserve their impact absorption capacity failure mode even if load absorption and damage are completely different. A numerical model development was useful for understanding the different behaviors and it was able to reproduce the impact behavior with high precision.
Development of KASP assays for identification of Meloidogyne chitwoodi
Authors: Çatalkaya Mustafa , Göknur Atilla , Devran Zübeyir 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Meloidogyne chitwoodi is a serious pest of potatoes, causing galling of the tuber and necrosis of the tissue, leading to reduced yields and market value. Due to M. chitwoodi’s high tolerance to low temperatures and its ability to reproduce rapidly within one growing season, this species is on the quarantine lists in the world. As a result, quarantine measures for this species must be taken correctly and quickly. In this study, Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping assays were developed to identify M. chitwoodi. The developed KASP primers were able to distinguish M. chitwoodi from other nematode species, as well as detect DNA isolated directly from potato tubers infected with M. chitwoodi.
Developing an activated biochar-mineral supplement for reducing methane formation in anaerobic fermentation
Authors: Tahery Sara , Parra Mariano C. , Munroe Paul , Mitchell David R. G. , Meale Sarah J. , Joseph Stephen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The effects of biochar on methane emissions from soils are well understood. However, biochar effects on methane production from livestock have received less attention. In this study, a biochar-mineral supplement for livestock was developed by pyrolyzing a mixture of wheat straw, aluminosilicates, iron sulfate, and zinc oxide at 600 ℃. The supplement was then activated using peracetic and propionic acids, and potassium nitrate. The activated biochar-mineral supplement was characterized using analytical techniques. A high surface area, a high concentration of oxygen-containing functional groups, and a high concentration of free radicals, associated with O and Fe unpaired electrons, assisted the supplement with catalysing the oxidation of methane. Microstructural analysis of the supplement suggested the formation of organo-mineral phases, rich in C, O, Fe, Si, Al, K and Ca, indicating that the biochar reacted with mineral additives to preserve them. To assess the potential of the supplement to reduce methane produced form livestock, an in vitro batch culture incubation was conducted (n = 3) with rumen fluid sourced from Holstein–Friesian steers. The supplement was incubated at inclusion rates of 0% (control), 1.5%, 4.0% and 6.0% of dry matter (DM), with a Rhodes grass hay substrate. Compared to the control, the supplement reduced cumulative gas production by 10.1% and 12.7% and methane production by 19.03% and 29.32% after 48 h when included at 4.0% and 6.0% DM (P < 0.05), respectively, without causing any detrimental impacts on fermentation parameters. The supplement assisted with reducing the concentration of dissolved mineral nutrients, such as P and Mg, when included at 4.0% and 6.0% DM (P < 0.05).

Graphical abstract
Habitat use of European badger in a mountainous landscape
Authors: Lorenzetti Lucrezia , Gioia Matteo , Donini Valerio , Iacona Elisa , Corlatti Luca 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The habitat use of European badgers Meles meles remains relatively understudied in mountainous environments, particularly in Alpine regions. In this study, we investigated the habitat use of European badgers in a study area within the Stelvio National Park (central Italian Alps) and assessed whether they exhibit different patterns compared to habitats commonly frequented by this species. We collected data from May to October between 2019 and 2023 using 45 camera traps randomly distributed over the study area, spanning elevations from 1400 to 2500 m a.s.l. We fitted a single-season, single-species occupancy model to calculate detection and occupancy probability as a function of site-specific environmental covariates. Our findings indicate that badgers primarily used areas with a high percentage of forest cover at lower elevation, favouring these habitats over higher elevation areas. Although badgers were detected at remarkably high elevations (up to 2406 m), most detections occurred below or near the treeline. This preference reflects the importance of forests, which provide abundant food resources and suitable soils for sett construction. Additionally, badgers tended to avoid north-facing slopes, possibly due to less favourable conditions such as colder temperatures. Furthermore, they showed a slight tendency to use steeper slopes (15–20 degrees) likely due to better drainage and more opportunities for sett construction, and appeared to be unaffected by human activity. These findings provide new insights into the habitat use of badgers in mountainous regions, highlighting the species’ plasticity and its ability to adapt to diverse landscapes and environmental conditions.
Non-iterative generation of optimized meshes for finite element simulations with deep learning
Authors: Legeland Martin , Linka Kevin , Aydin Roland C. , Cyron Christian J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The finite element method is one of the most widely used computational methods in engineering and science. It provides approximate solutions to boundary value problems. The quality of these solutions critically depends on the underlying discretization, the so-called mesh. To optimize the mesh, adaptive refinement methods have been proposed over the last years that can improve mesh quality over a series of iteration steps. Herein, we propose a novel deep learning architecture that can cut short the process of mesh optimization. This architecture exploits fundamental invariance and equivariance properties to keep the amount of training data modest. It can generate high-quality meshes for a given boundary value problem and a desired target approximation error in a direct, non-iterative way. We demonstrate the performance of our method by the application to standard two-dimensional linear-elastic elasticity problems. There, our method generates meshes that reduce the solution error by

$$22.6\%$$

22.6
%

(median) compared to uniform meshes with the same computational demand.
A preliminary study on the reference intervals of vitamin K in some areas of Beijing with normal physical examination population
Authors: Chen Lin , Chen Meiqi , Cheng Shi , Fei Jiaxin , Xu Dan , Hou Xueyun , Li Nannan , Yuan Yuliang , Liu Guijian , An Cheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The vitamin K (VK) levels vary greatly among different populations and in different regions. Currently, there is a lack of reference intervals for VK levels in healthy individuals, The aim of this study is to establish and validate the reference intervals of serum vitamin K1 (VK1) and vitamin K2 (VK2, specifically including menaquinone-4 (MK4) and menaquinone-7 (MK7)) levels in some healthy populations in Beijing. Serum VK1, MK4, and MK7 were firstly measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry in 434 subjects. The reference intervals for three indicators were established by calculating the data of 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles. Finally, preliminary clinical validation was conducted on 60 apparent healthy individuals undergoing physical examination. In the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups, the reference intervals of VK1 were 0.180 ng/mL ∼ 1.494 ng/mL, 0.247 ng/mL ∼ 1.446 ng/mL, and 0.167 ng/mL ∼ 1.445 ng/mL, respectively. The reference intervals of MK4 were 0.009 ng/mL ∼ 0.115 ng/mL, 0.002 ng/mL ∼ 0.103 ng/mL, and 0.003 ng/mL ∼ 0.106 ng/mL, respectively. The reference intervals of MK7 were 0.169 ng/mL ∼ 0.881 ng/mL, 0.238 ng/mL ∼ 0.936 ng/mL, and 0.213 ng/mL ∼ 1.012 ng/mL, respectively. The reference intervals had been validated by the samples of healthy individuals for physical examination. In conclusion, the reference intervals of VK established in this study with different age groups have certain clinical applicability, providing data support for further multicentre studies.