bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defense against adversarial attacks via textual embeddings based on semantic associative field
Authors: Huang Jiacheng , Chen Long 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDeep neural networks are known to be vulnerable to various types of adversarial attacks, especially word-level attacks, in the field of natural language processing. In recent years, various defense methods are proposed against word-level attacks; however, most of those defense methods only focus on synonyms substitution-based attacks, while word-level attacks are not based on synonym substitution. In this paper, we propose a textual adversarial defense method against word-level adversarial attacks via textual embedding based on the semantic associative field. More specifically, we analyze the reasons why humans can read and understand textual adversarial examples and observe two crucial points: (1) There must be a relation between the original word and the perturbed word or token. (2) Such a kind of relation enables humans to infer original words, while humans have the ability to associations. Motivated by this, we introduce the concept of semantic associative field and propose a new defense method by building a robust word embedding, that is, we calculate the word vector by exerting the related word vector to it with potential function and weighted embedding sampling for simulating the semantic influence between words in same semantic field. We conduct comprehensive experiments and demonstrate that the models using the proposed method can achieve higher accuracy than the baseline defense methods under various adversarial attacks or original testing sets. Moreover, the proposed method is more universal, while it is irrelevant to model structure and will not affect the efficiency of training.
A toolchain for strategy synthesis with spatial properties
Authors: Basile Davide , ter Beek Maurice H. , Bussi Laura , Ciancia Vincenzo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe present an application of strategy synthesis to enforce spatial properties. This is achieved by implementing a toolchain that enables the tools and to interact in a fully automated way. The Contract Automata Library () is aimed at both composition and strategy synthesis of games modelled in a dialect of finite state automata. The Voxel-based Logical Analyser () is a spatial model checker for the verification of properties expressed using the Spatial Logic of Closure Spaces on pixels of digital images. We provide examples of strategy synthesis on automata encoding motion of agents in spaces represented by images, as well as a proof-of-concept realistic example based on a case study from the railway domain. The strategies are synthesised with , while the properties to enforce are defined by means of spatial model checking of the images with . The combination of spatial model checking with strategy synthesis provides a toolchain for checking and enforcing mobility properties in multi-agent systems in which location plays an important role, like in many collective adaptive systems. We discuss the toolchain’s performance also considering several recent improvements.
Modelling flocks of birds and colonies of ants from the bottom up
Authors: De Nicola Rocco , Di Stefano Luca , Inverso Omar , Valiani Serenella 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper advocates the use of compositional specifications based on formal languages as a means of modelling and analysing sophisticated collective behaviour in natural systems. With the use of appropriate linguistic constructs, models can be developed that are both compact and intuitive, and can be easily refined and extended in small steps. Automated workflows can be implemented on top of this methodology to provide quick feedback, enabling rapid design iterations. To support our argument, we present three examples from the natural world, focusing on flocks of birds and colonies of ants, which feature well-known examples of emergent behaviour in collective adaptive systems. We use an agent-based language to develop simple models that aim at capturing these collective phenomena, and discuss the specific language constructs that we use in the process. Then, we adapt an existing verification tool for the language to simulate our models, and show that our simulations do display emergent behaviour.
Needle-free electronically controlled jet injection with corticosteroids in recalcitrant keloid scars: a retrospective study and patient survey
Authors: Bik Liora , Elmzoon Ixora , Wolkerstorfer Albert , Prens Errol P. , van Doorn Martijn B. A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFirst-line treatment of keloids consists of intralesional needle injections with corticosteroids, but generally entails multiple painful sessions, resulting in variable clinical outcomes. Novel needle-free jet injectors may facilitate more effective and patient-friendly dermal drug delivery. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness, tolerability and patient satisfaction of intralesional triamcinolone-acetonide (TCA) treatment in recalcitrant keloids using an electronically controlled pneumatic injector (EPI). A retrospective study was conducted in recalcitrant keloid patients with a history of severe pain during needle injections who received three sessions of EPI + TCA. Outcome measures included Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), treatment-related pain (NRS), adverse effects, and patient satisfaction (survey). Ten patients with in total 283 keloids were included. The POSAS score significantly improved at follow-up and GAIS was reported as ‘(very) improved’ for all patients. EPI + TCA was well-tolerated with a significantly lower NRS pain score compared to needle + TCA (pilot treatment). Only minor adverse effects occurred, and 90% of patients preferred EPI over needle treatment. EPI + TCA is an effective and tolerable treatment for patients with recalcitrant keloids. The minimal treatment-related pain and high patient satisfaction makes it a promising treatment for patients with needle-phobia and/or severe pain during needle injections.
An investigation of the Volatility Adjustment
Authors: Barucci Emilio , Marazzina Daniele , Rroji Edit 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe use market data to reconstruct the volatility adjustment, a component of the Solvency II framework designed to mitigate the impact of market risk on insurance liabilities, of different countries on a monthly basis. Only partially in agreement with the regulation, we observe that the volatility adjustment, especially the proposed new mechanism, is not affected by credit quality, illiquidity of bonds, and investors’ risk appetite, but by turbulence in financial markets and equity market performance. We also show that the new mechanism proposed by EIOPA performs differently with respect to the one in force at the time of writing the current paper, yielding higher and smoother values and providing a relief to insurance companies on the Solvency II capital requirement front.
AMPK signaling inhibits the differentiation of myofibroblasts: impact on age-related tissue fibrosis and degeneration
Authors: Salminen Antero 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDisruption of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and an accumulation of fibrotic lesions within tissues are two of the distinctive hallmarks of the aging process. Tissue fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which display an impressive plasticity in the regulation of ECM integrity and thus on tissue homeostasis. Single-cell transcriptome studies have revealed that tissue fibroblasts exhibit a remarkable heterogeneity with aging and in age-related diseases. Excessive stress and inflammatory insults induce the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts which are fusiform contractile cells and abundantly secrete the components of the ECM and proteolytic enzymes as well as many inflammatory mediators. Detrimental stresses can also induce the transdifferentiation of certain mesenchymal and myeloid cells into myofibroblasts. Interestingly, many age-related stresses, such as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses, ECM stiffness, inflammatory mediators, telomere shortening, and several alarmins from damaged cells are potent inducers of myofibroblast differentiation. Intriguingly, there is convincing evidence that the signaling pathways stimulated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are potent inhibitors of myofibroblast differentiation and accordingly AMPK signaling reduces fibrotic lesions within tissues, e.g., in age-related cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis. AMPK signaling is not only an important regulator of energy metabolism but it is also able to control cell fate determination and many functions of the immune system. It is known that AMPK signaling can delay the aging process via an integrated signaling network. AMPK signaling inhibits myofibroblast differentiation, e.g., by suppressing signaling through the TGF-β, NF-κB, STAT3, and YAP/TAZ pathways. It seems that AMPK signaling can alleviate age-related tissue fibrosis and degeneration by inhibiting the differentiation of myofibroblasts.
Economic impact of a classical biological control program: application to Diachasmimorpha longicaudata against Bactrocera dorsalis fruit fly in Kenya
Authors: Agboka Komi Mensah , Tonnang Henri E. Z. , Muriithi Beatrice W. , Niassy Saliou , Ndlela Shepard , Abdel-Rahman Elfatih M. , Mohamed Samira A. , Ekesi Sunday 
Published: November 2023

AbstractClassical biological control (CBC) has been exploited as a safer alternative for suppressing the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, by importing, rearing, and releasing the larval parasitoid, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. Although D. longicaudata has been released in Kenya through the Africa Fruit Fly Programme, the extent of its dispersal and subsequent economic benefits have not yet been established. This paper models the spatio-temporal dispersal of the parasitoid using the fuzzy cellular automata approaches and estimates the net benefit from each dollar invested in the CBC approach. We calculated the return on investment based on funding into the programme between 2006 and 2015 and the result of the dispersal range of the parasitoid predicted using an artificial intelligence algorithm. The investment yielded a significant net present value of US$42.8 million over the 16 years. Besides, the cost–benefit ratio showed that for every US$1 invested, the return benefit was US$93, confirming the profitability of the CBC program. The economic gains are significant considering that there is no environmental contamination and possible adverse effects from the CBC intervention. The study findings support investment in biological control strategies for the eco-friendly and area-wide management of B. dorsalis.
Universal Digital Programs for Promoting Mental and Relational Health for Parents of Young Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Opie Jessica E. , Esler Timothy B. , Clancy Elizabeth M. , Wright Bradley , Painter Felicity , Vuong An , Booth Anna T. , Newman Louise , Johns-Hayden Ange , Hameed Mohajer , Hooker Leesa , Olsson Craig , McIntosh Jennifer E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDigital parenting programs aim to increase program access, improve psychosocial outcomes for parents and children, and support triage to targeted interventions where required. This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of online parenting programs in improving parenting skills and capabilities, and by consequence, the mental health and well-being of parents and children, and the quality of the parent–child relationship. Studies were included if they were: (1) online, (2) self-delivered, (3) designed for universal general population prevention, (4) evaluated experimental or quasi-experimental designs, and (5) assessed parent and child emotional and/or relational health, from pregnancy to 5 years of age. A systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature identified 22 studies that met inclusion criteria, including 24 independent samples, with 5671 unique parents. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models and Cohen’s d effects. Small-to-moderate improvements in parent depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and social support were observed. No effects on parent stress, satisfaction, or parent–child relationship quality were observed. Meta-regression and sub-group analysis were conducted to identify sensitivity or moderation effects. Collectively, findings suggest any benefits of online parenting programs mostly occur at the time of the intervention, for parent mental health and well-being outcomes, and that enduring effects are unlikely. However, given the cost effectiveness and accessibility of online programs, further research into ways of sustaining effects on parenting outcomes is warranted. Furthermore, given the centrality of the parent–child bond to child development across the lifecourse, additional investment in new digitally facilitated approaches focusing on this bond are likewise warranted.PROSPERO registration CRD42021275647.
Bregman-Golden Ratio Algorithms for Variational Inequalities
Authors: Tam Matthew K. , Uteda Daniel J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractVariational inequalities provide a framework through which many optimisation problems can be solved, in particular, saddle-point problems. In this paper, we study modifications to the so-called Golden RAtio ALgorithm (GRAAL) for variational inequalities—a method which uses a fully explicit adaptive step-size and provides convergence results under local Lipschitz assumptions without requiring backtracking. We present and analyse two Bregman modifications to GRAAL: the first uses a fixed step size and converges under global Lipschitz assumptions, and the second uses an adaptive step-size rule. Numerical performance of the former method is demonstrated on a bimatrix game arising in network communication, and of the latter on two problems, namely, power allocation in Gaussian communication channels and N-person Cournot completion games. In all of these applications, an appropriately chosen Bregman distance simplifies the projection steps computed as part of the algorithm.
NRF2 signaling pathway and telomere length in aging and age-related diseases
Authors: Medoro Alessandro , Saso Luciano , Scapagnini Giovanni , Davinelli Sergio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is well recognized as a critical regulator of redox, metabolic, and protein homeostasis, as well as the regulation of inflammation. An age-associated decline in NRF2 activity may allow oxidative stress to remain unmitigated and affect key features associated with the aging phenotype, including telomere shortening. Telomeres, the protective caps of eukaryotic chromosomes, are highly susceptible to oxidative DNA damage, which can accelerate telomere shortening and, consequently, lead to premature senescence and genomic instability. In this review, we explore how the dysregulation of NRF2, coupled with an increase in oxidative stress, might be a major determinant of telomere shortening and age-related diseases. We discuss the relevance of the connection between NRF2 deficiency in aging and telomere attrition, emphasizing the importance of studying this functional link to enhance our understanding of aging pathologies. Finally, we present a number of compounds that possess the ability to restore NRF2 function, maintain a proper redox balance, and preserve telomere length during aging.
Predictors for delayed awakening in adult glioma patients receiving awake craniotomy under monitored anesthesia care
Authors: Lin Huan-Tang , Lin Chun-Ming , Wu Yah-Yuan , Chang Wei-Han , Wei Kuo-Chen , Chen Yi-Chun , Chen Pin-Yuan , Liu Fu-Chao , Chen Ko-Ting 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Delayed awakening after anesthetic discontinuation during awake craniotomy is associated with somnolence during functional brain mapping. However, predictors of delayed awakening in patients receiving monitored anesthesia care for awake craniotomy are unknown.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study analyzed 117 adult patients with supratentorial glioma in or near eloquent areas who received monitored anesthesia care for awake craniotomy between July 2020 and January 2023 at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. These patients were divided into two groups according to their time to awakening (ability to speak their names) after propofol cessation: longer or shorter than 20 min (median duration). Because propofol was solely used anesthetic from skin incision to dural opening, parameters in Schnider model for propofol target-controlled infusion, such as age, sex, and BMI, were adjusted or propensity-matched to compare their anesthetic, surgical, and histopathological profiles.

Results
After propensity-matched comparisons of age and BMI, significant predictors of delayed awakening included IDH1 wild-type tumors and repeated craniotomies. Subgroup analysis revealed that older age and larger T2 volume were predictors in patients undergoing the first craniotomy, while lower preoperative Karnofsky performance scale scores and depression were predictors in repeated craniotomy cases. Delayed awakening was also associated with somnolence and a lower gross total resection rate.

Conclusion
Our retrospective analysis of patients receiving monitored anesthesia care for awake craniotomy revealed that delayed awakening after propofol discontinuation occurred more often in patients with IDH1 wild-type tumors and repeated craniotomies. Also, delayed awakening was associated with somnolence during functional mapping and a lower gross total resection rate.
Advances in Diffusion Barrier Coatings for High-Temperature Applications
Authors: Narita Toshio , Kato Yasumichi , Narita Takuro , Ara Mayumi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDiffusion barrier coating (DBC) systems on heat resistant alloys consist of a multi-layer structure: an outer Al-reservoir layer and an inner diffusion barrier layer (DBL). The outer Al-reservoir layer forms a protective Al2O3 scale and DBL acts as a barrier layer against alloy interdiffusion. Three kinds of DBL were developed: Re on Ni-based superalloys; W on stainless steels; and Cr on Ni–Cr alloys. It was found that DBC systems have excellent mechanical properties (creep and fatigue), improving alloy substrate performance, and enhance the anti-exfoliation properties of YSZ in thermal barrier coatings (TBC) in addition to providing excellent oxidation resistance. At temperatures higher than 1300 °C, however, the DBC design based on kinetics (diffusion) is insufficient to form and maintain a protective Al2O3 scale. In this case a self-maintaining coating (SMC) system designed on the basis of thermodynamics (phase stability) is required. The SMC system formed on Nb–Hf (C-103) alloy consists of a multi-layer structure: an outer Re (Al, Si)1.8 and inner NbSi2 layers, plus a transient Nb5Si3 layers formed during oxidation. At temperatures higher than 1300 °C the Al2O3 can be formed by changing the Al/Si ratio in the Re (Al, Si)1.8 in which Si was supplied from the decomposition reaction of NbSi2 to Si + Nb5Si3 during selective oxidation of Al. It is proposed that coating alloys should be designed for considering not only high temperature oxidation, but also alloy substrate mechanical properties and anti-exfoliation of oxide scales, based on both kinetic principles (DBC system) and thermodynamics (SMC system).
Cropping sequence affects the structure and diversity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic soil microbial communities
Authors: Islam M. Nazrul , Oviedo-Ludena M. Alejandra , Kutcher H. Randy , Molina Oscar , Wang Xiben 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Aims
Current understanding of how cropping sequence affects pathogen-suppressive microbiomes in soil is limited. We investigated the effects of several cropping sequences from the 2020–2021 growing seasons, including cereals, pulses, and an oilseed, on microbial communities in rhizosphere and bulk soils in two western Canadian field locations.

Methods
The fungi and bacteria were characterized by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively. The QIIME 2™ bioinformatic pipeline was used to measure the diversity and abundance of microbial species. Additionally, the concentration of the soil mineral chemicals, including macro and micro nutrients, was determined by colorimetric analysis.

Results
Ascomycota (62.5%) was the most common fungal phylum, followed by Glomeromycota (11.1%), Mucoromycota (8.9%), and Basidiomycota (6.8%). Pseudomonadota (35.0%), Actinomycetota (21.1%), and Bacillota (10.1%) were the three most common bacterial phyla. Fungal OTU richness and phylogenetic diversity were highest in the cereal-pulse cropping sequencing, and bacterial OTU richness was highest in the pulse-oilseed sequences. Fusarium was the fungal genus most commonly associated with cereal-cereal monoculture and least common in the oilseed-pulse cropping sequences. The fungi (Mortierella, Funneliformis, and Diversispora) and bacteria (Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Flavobacterium, and Candidatus) were higher in the cropping sequences involving pulses. The most prevalent bacteria were Streptomyces in cereal-related sequences and Solirubrobacter and Pseudomonas in oilseed-related sequences. Among soil mineral chemicals, nitrate-nitrogen, copper, calcium, potassium, and chlorine were associated with a number of beneficial fungal and bacterial genera but not with pathogenic fungal genera.

Conclusions
The results highlight the consequences of crop species selection in cropping sequences and the management of agrochemicals in the agricultural production system.
The Promise of Representative Democracy: Deliberative Responsiveness
Authors: Landwehr Claudia , Schäfer Armin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the eyes of its citizens, liberal democracy is connected to at least three promises—the promises of autonomy, equality and rationality. To what extent citizens can view these promises as being fulfilled will affect political trust and support for democracy. The rise of populism and trends towards technocratic government have rightly been interpreted as arising from a gap between normative aspirations and institutional and practical realities. Does this mean that we should adjust our ideals to reality, or that we should strive to bring realities closer to the ideal? Self-proclaimed ‘realists’ argue that democratic ideals are unattainable and that we should therefore settle for a second-best alternative, such as a competitive oligarchy. Against this position, we point out that deliberative democracy offers an attractive ideal for successful representation that can inform democratic innovation. However, deliberative democracy also remains institutionally underdetermined and needs to develop better criteria that enable us to determine if, how and under what conditions the attempt to fulfil democracy’s promises succeeds in practice. In this paper, we suggest a criterion of deliberative responsiveness as a measure for representative democracy’s success in fulfilling promises of autonomy, equality and rationality. We go on to show in what respects these promises tend to be broken in contemporary representative democracies and discuss strategies for institutional reform that have potential to counteract these problems.