bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A literature review on the design and implementation of central bank digital currencies
Authors: Genc Huseyin Oguz , Takagi Soichiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWithin the last five years, research on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) has increased with increased momentum. Particular events, such as the growth of private digital currencies, Facebook’s attempt to release a stablecoin, the long-term development of Chinese CBDC, and Covid-19, are the leading causes for this growing significant interest. Most recently, the interest converged in more specific design and implementation directions. Many scholars show particular interest in account-based retail CBDCs with interest-bearing capabilities. In contrast, few others urge caution by favoring a wholesale model that is representative of the setting of the current financial system. Unsurprisingly, the primary source of such literature stems from global financial institutions and their close central banking networks. Academia and research institutions have recently increased their focus on the potential economic and social impacts of such purported design choices. As specific design principles for CBDCs have started to take shape, the policy objectives of implementing different CBDC designs are studied from the perspective of benefits and risks. These trade-offs are either generic or related to macroeconomic and financial stability implications. Evidence exists that purported generic benefits can often be achieved without CBDCs, while the purported monetary and fiscal policy benefits rely on theoretical results that lack real-world data. Some of the risks could be amplified depending on CBDC design choices. Theoretical and alternative literature is reviewed along with the evidence from use-case applications to spot the possible shortcomings in the current stage of the design and implementation literature of CBDCs. The scope is limited to the impact on economic policies and the relevant potential socioeconomic impact. The results show that further research and debate are needed from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Setting priorities and evaluation of habitats for the conservation of orthopterans: case study in the Aggtelek National Park (N Hungary)
Authors: Nagy A. , Rácz I. A. , Arnóczkyné Jakab Dóra , Szanyi Sz 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe biodiversity conservation needs recent high-quality data and efficient methods for prioritizing species and sites for conservation. Here we prioritized Orthoptera habitats of the Aggtelek National Park, based on revised and actualized distribution data of 69 Orthoptera species living at 98 sites. The simple ranking and complementary areas methods were used with species richness (S), rarity weighted species richness (SR), and number of rare species (SQ). Additionally, the Grasshopper Conservation Indexes (GCI” and GCIn”) combining European and local rarity and dispersal capacity of the species were also tested. Contrary to simple ranking the complementary areas method represented the whole fauna and significant part of the species-site data records. All the used indices performed similar except the standardized GCIn” which is highly affected by the differences in study intensity of sites. High-priority areas of the Aggtelek National Park were designated in the plateau above Jósvafő and Aggtelek villages and in the small, isolated hill near Jósvafő (Szőlő-hegy) covered with remained mosaic of former vineyards, orchards and hayfields. The combined use of the efficient indices provides additional ranking that allows the best selection of hotspots to support efficient use of limited resources in nature conservation.
Patient-specific rods in adult spinal deformity: a systematic review
Authors: Picton Bryce , Stone Lauren E. , Liang Jason , Solomon Sean S. , Brown Nolan J. , Luzzi Sophia , Osorio Joseph A. , Pham Martin H. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of patient-specific rods for adult spinal deformity.

Methods
A systematic review of the literature was performed through an electronic search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Human studies between 2012 and 2023 were included. Sample size, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), pelvic tilt (PT), operation time, blood loss, follow-up duration, and complications were recorded for each study when available.

Results
Seven studies with a total of 304 adult spinal deformity patients of various etiologies were included. All studies reported SVA, and PT; two studies did not report PI-LL. Four studies reported planned radiographic outcomes. Two found a significant association between preoperative plan and postoperative outcome in all three outcomes. One found a significant association for PI-LL alone. The fourth found no significant associations. SVA improved in six of seven studies, PI-LL improved in all five, and three of seven studies found improved postoperative PT. Significance of these results varied greatly by study.

Conclusion
Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits of PSRs in achieving optimal spino-pelvic parameters in ASD surgery. Nevertheless, conclusions regarding the superiority of PSRs over traditional rods must be judiciously drawn, given the heterogeneity of patients and study methodologies, potential confounding variables, and the absence of robust randomized controlled trials. Future investigations should concentrate on enhancing preoperative planning, standardizing surgical methodologies, isolating specific patient subgroups, and head-to-head comparisons with traditional rods to fully elucidate the impact of PSRs in ASD surgery.
The impact of diversity on group decision-making in the face of the free-rider problem
Authors: Stolle Chris M. , Gula Bartosz , Yu Rongjun , Huang Yi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Although diversity has often been proposed to improve group performance, its impact on group cooperation has largely been overlooked. This article uses a theoretical approach to examine the effects of diversity on group tasks in the context of the free-rider problem. We identified 3 kinds of diversity that have been commonly reported to improve a group’s performance: (1) ability, (2) cognitive style, and (3) information sources. Each type of diversity was formalized within an evolutionary simulation based on a foraging metaphor. The simulations were run under different environmental assumptions, covering complexity, costs for cooperation, cue redundancy, and cue compensatory level. Our results indicate that diversity in cognitive style and information sources generally increase cooperation. Both diversity factors also improve group members’ average outcome in non-compensatory environments. However, the outcome results are mixed in compensatory environments. We did not find robust and reliable effects of diversity in ability. Our study provides the first approach to modeling isolated diversity effects on group decision-making in the face of the free-rider problem. It may serve as a theoretical framework for future studies.
Sequence – dynamics – function relationships in protein tyrosine phosphatases
Authors: Crean Rory M. , Corbella Marina , Calixto Ana R. , Hengge Alvan C. , Kamerlin Shina C. L. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are crucial regulators of cellular signaling. Their activity is regulated by the motion of a conserved loop, the WPD-loop, from a catalytically inactive open to a catalytically active closed conformation. WPD-loop motion optimally positions a catalytically critical residue into the active site, and is directly linked to the turnover number of these enzymes. Crystal structures of chimeric PTPs constructed by grafting parts of the WPD-loop sequence of PTP1B onto the scaffold of YopH showed WPD-loops in a wide-open conformation never previously observed in either parent enzyme. This wide-open conformation has, however, been observed upon binding of small molecule inhibitors to other PTPs, suggesting the potential of targeting it for drug discovery efforts. Here, we have performed simulations of both enzymes and show that there are negligible energetic differences in the chemical step of catalysis, but significant differences in the dynamical properties of the WPD-loop. Detailed interaction network analysis provides insight into the molecular basis for this population shift to a wide-open conformation. Taken together, our study provides insight into the links between loop dynamics and chemistry in these YopH variants specifically, and how WPD-loop dynamic can be engineered through modification of the internal protein interaction network.
“Nothing I Could Teach Him”: Good Burns and Best Readings
Authors: Holt Jason 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSteven Burns argues that rich works of art tend to yield best readings rather than ambiguous interpretations. This is no mere statistical claim. Rather, Burns holds that such richness makes ambiguity less likely or sustainable. As a champion of multiple interpretability, I criticize Burns’s account. Adding detail to an ambiguous work may not disambiguate it and may in fact increase the range of equally rewarding interpretations. Ambiguous works are furthermore numerous and noteworthy, and range across various artforms. All else being equal, ambiguity appears to add to rather than detract from the richness of artworks.
Multi-trait selection for agronomic performance and drought tolerance among durum wheat genotypes evaluated under rainfed and irrigated environments
Authors: Mohammadi Reza , Geravandi Mahdi 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) is a major crop in the Mediterranean region, widely grown for its nutritional value and economic importance. Durum wheat breeding can contribute to global food security through the introduction of new cultivars exhibiting drought tolerance and higher yield potential in the Mediterranean environments. In this study, 25 durum wheat genotypes (23 elite breeding lines and two national checks) were evaluated for five drought-adaptive traits (days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield) and eight drought tolerance indices including stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), mean productivity (MP), stress susceptibility index, tolerance index, yield index, yield stability index and drought response index under rainfed and irrigated conditions during three cropping seasons (2019–2022). Multi-trait stability index (MTSI) technique was applied to select genotypes with higher grain yield, 1000-kernel weight, plant stature and early flowering and maturity simultaneously; as well as for higher drought tolerance in each and across years. A heat map correlation analysis and principal component analysis were applied to study the relationships among drought tolerance indices and the pattern of variation among genotypes studied. Factor analysis was applied for identification of traits that contributed most in stability analyses. Significant and positive correlations were observed among the three drought tolerance indices of STI, GMP and MP with mean yields under both rainfed and irrigated conditions in each and across years, suggest the efficiency of these indices as selection criteria for improved drought tolerance and yield performance in durum wheat. The genotypes ranked based on MTSI varied from environment to environment, showing the impact of environment on genotypes performance, but several of the best performing lines were common across environments. According to MTSI for agronomic traits, the breeding lines G20, G6, G25 and G18 exhibited highest performance and trait stability across environmental conditions, and the selected genotypes had strength towards grain yield, 1000-kernel weight and earliness. Using the MTSI, breeding lines G20, G5, G16 and G7 were selected as drought tolerant genotypes with high mean performance. Breeding line G20 from ICARDA germplasm showed highest trait stability performance and drought tolerance across environments. The MTSI was a useful tool for selecting genotypes based on their agronomic performance and drought tolerance that could be exploited for identification and selection of elite genotypes with desired multi-traits. Based on the results, breeding lines G20 and G6 should be recommended for short-term release programme and/ or utilized in durum wheat population improvement programme for agronomic performance and drought tolerance traits that tolerate climate variations.
Influence of tides on the dissemination and related health risks of intestinal helminths along the Kribi beaches (Atlantic Coast, Southern Cameroon)
Authors: Nana P.A. , Tchakonté S. , Pahane Mbiada M. , Fotseu Kouam A.L. , Mouchili Palena R.S. , Bricheux G. , Nola M. , Sime-Ngando T. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Kribi is a seaside town that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. However, the poor sanitation condition of its beaches along the Atlantic coast is not without risk for visitors. In this study, we used the formol-ether concentration technique to identify and quantify larvae or eggs of intestinal helminths in waters of three regularly visited Kribi beaches (Mpalla, Ngoyè, and Mboamanga). Results revealed that all identified larvae and eggs were cestodes (Hymenolepis nana) and nematodes (Strongyloides sp., Ascaris sp., Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichiura). All the helminth eggs and larvae showed high abundance at low tide during rainy seasons. Ancylostoma duodenale eggs, totally absent at Mpalla, were densely present at low tide at Ngoyè (301 ± 15 eggs/L). Trichuris trichiura eggs showed the lowest abundance (0 to 62 eggs/L) at all sites. Abiotic variables indicated that waters at the various beaches were basic (pH: 8.75–9.77), generally warmer (32.44°C at Mpalla in the Short Rainy Season), more oxygenated at low tide, and moderately mineralized at high tide. Positive and significant correlations were observed at Ngoyè at low tide between Strongyloides sp. larvae and dissolved oxygen (P ˂ 0.05); and between Ancylostoma duodenale eggs and temperature (P ˂ 0.05). The overall results indicated that the beaches studied are subjected to fecal pollution. This pollution is more accentuated during low tides than during high tides. Depending on tidal movements, swimmers risk exposure to helminth eggs and larvae known to be responsible for gastroenteritis.
One-shot sim-to-real transfer policy for robotic assembly via reinforcement learning with visual demonstration
Authors: Xiao Ruihong , Yang Chenguang , Jiang Yiming , Zhang Hui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractReinforcement learning (RL) has been successfully applied to a wealth of robot manipulation tasks and continuous control problems. However, it is still limited to industrial applications and suffers from three major challenges: sample inefficiency, real data collection, and the gap between simulator and reality. In this paper, we focus on the practical application of RL for robot assembly in the real world. We apply enlightenment learning to improve the proximal policy optimization, an on-policy model-free actor-critic reinforcement learning algorithm, to train an agent in Cartesian space using the proprioceptive information. We introduce enlightenment learning incorporated via pretraining, which is beneficial to reduce the cost of policy training and improve the effectiveness of the policy. A human-like assembly trajectory is generated through a two-step method with segmenting objects by locations and iterative closest point for pretraining. We also design a sim-to-real controller to correct the error while transferring to reality. We set up the environment in the MuJoCo simulator and demonstrated the proposed method on the recently established The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) gear assembly benchmark. The paper introduces a unique framework that enables a robot to learn assembly tasks efficiently using limited real-world samples by leveraging simulations and visual demonstrations. The comparative experiment results indicate that our approach surpasses other baseline methods in terms of training speed, success rate, and efficiency.
Lodging houses as facilitators of global and local entanglements in harbour districts: evidence from the port of Antwerp c. 1860–1910
Authors: Segerink Jasper , Loockx Kristof 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe late nineteenth-century harbour districts, or so-called ‘sailortowns’, are generally depicted as deterritorialized ‘enclaves’ of heightened globalized transience. However, these neighbourhoods were just as much shaped by semi-durable local labouring communities. This article studies lodging houses as facilitators of global and local entanglements in harbour districts from a socio-cultural perspective, with Antwerp in the late nineteenth century as a case-study. Analysing the spatiality, materiality, sociability and people of the lodging phenomenon, it reveals that next to the highly transient seafarers, sailortown accommodated a diverse yet largely local population of small entrepreneurs and their families right between transience and permanence.
Cognate facilitation in bilingual reading: The influence of orthographic and phonological similarity on lexical decisions and eye-movements
Authors: Tiffin-Richards Simon P. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA central finding of bilingual research is that cognates – words that share semantic, phonological, and orthographic characteristics across languages – are processed faster than non-cognate words. However, it remains unclear whether cognate facilitation effects are reliant on identical cognates, or whether facilitation simply varies along a continuum of cross-language orthographic and phonological similarity. In two experiments, German–English bilinguals read identical cognates, close cognates, and non-cognates in a lexical decision task and a sentence-reading task while their eye movements were recorded. Participants read the stimuli in their L1 German and L2 English. Converging results found comparable facilitation effects of identical and close cognates vs. non-cognates. Cognate facilitation could be described as a continuous linear effect of cross-language orthographic similarity on lexical decision accuracy and latency, as well as fixation durations. Cross-language phonological similarity modulated the continuous orthographic similarity effect in single word recognition, but not in sentence processing.
“I’m Not Worthless, I Do Help Society”: Exploring the Lived Experience of Community Placement in Activation Schemes
Authors: Petautschnig Carla , Timonen Virpi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Activation schemes are widely criticised, with the negative experiences of ‘the activated’ featuring prominently in the literature. This article presents the findings of a constructivist grounded theory study concerning the lived experience of long-term unemployment, welfare recipiency and community placement in activation schemes in Ireland, with a focus on the positive effects that participating in such schemes had on participants’ subjective well-being. For the participants in this research, community placement signified change, respite, and recovery that improved their subjective well-being by creating an experience that counteracted the draining experience of long-term unemployment and welfare recipiency. This study brings new elements to the discussion on the role of activation in promoting/diminishing the subjective well-being of the long-term unemployed.
Preconditions for efficiency and affordability in mixed health systems: are they fulfilled in the Australian public–private mix?
Authors: Berardi Chiara , Arija Prieto Pablo , Henríquez Josefa , Paolucci Francesco 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Australian health system is characterised by high quality care by international standards, produced by a mix of public and private provision and funding of healthcare services. Despite good overall results, three issues are of concern. The first issue relates to the public procurement of healthcare, whose flaws have impacted individuals' access to care, and the high out-of-pocket spending. The second issue concerns the sustainability of the private health insurance market, given the government's goal of relieving cost and capacity from the public scheme, incentivising participation. Third, there are existing inefficiencies and inequities related to the duplication resulting from the interaction between public and private schemes. To ensure a sustainable, efficient and equitable health system, structural reforms are necessary to achieve long-term performance improvements. Using a framework for mixed public–private health systems, we assess the extent to which the Australian healthcare system achieves preconditions for efficiency and affordability in competitive healthcare markets.
Free-electron crystals for enhanced X-ray radiation
Authors: Wong Lee Wei Wesley , Shi Xihang , Karnieli Aviv , Lim Jeremy , Kumar Suraj , Carbajo Sergio , Kaminer Ido , Wong Liang Jie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBremsstrahlung—the spontaneous emission of broadband radiation from free electrons that are deflected by atomic nuclei—contributes to the majority of X-rays emitted from X-ray tubes and used in applications ranging from medical imaging to semiconductor chip inspection. Here, we show that the bremsstrahlung intensity can be enhanced significantly—by more than three orders of magnitude—through shaping the electron wavefunction to periodically overlap with atoms in crystalline materials. Furthermore, we show how to shape the bremsstrahlung X-ray emission pattern into arbitrary angular emission profiles for purposes such as unidirectionality and multi-directionality. Importantly, we find that these enhancements and shaped emission profiles cannot be attributed solely to the spatial overlap between the electron probability distribution and the atomic centers, as predicted by the paraxial and non-recoil theory for free electron light emission. Our work highlights an unprecedented regime of free electron light emission where electron waveshaping provides multi-dimensional control over practical radiation processes like bremsstrahlung. Our results pave the way towards greater versatility in table-top X-ray sources and improved fundamental understanding of quantum electron-light interactions.