Issue Features Research Articles

Introduction to the Special Issue on Deep Learning for Robust Human Body Language Understanding

This editorial introduces the Special Issue on Deep Learning for Robust Human Body Language Understanding , hosted by the ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications, and Applications in 2024. Human body language understanding has emerged as a critical research area, addressing challenges in analyzing, recognizing, and synthesizing multimodal human behavioral data such as gestures, poses, facial expressions . This Special Issue highlights recent advancements in deep learning techniques that enhance the robustness, scalability, and applicability of human body language understanding in diverse scenarios, including healthcare, education, and barrier-free human-computer interaction systems. The issue features a total of eight research articles focusing on key aspects of human body language understanding. These contributions are categorized into major research areas: gesture and sign language understanding , pose and action recognition , and facial expression and emotion analysis . Each article provides novel insights into challenges such as data scarcity, multimodal integration, adversarial robustness, and cross-modal generative modeling . We summarize the main contributions of the included works and emphasize their role in advancing the field of human body language understanding. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges and future opportunities in this rapidly evolving domain, particularly in the context of integrating human-centric AI systems into real-world applications.

Microcrack feature extraction method for chaotic optical surface of silicon nitride ceramic bearing roller based on multi-scale wavelet transform enhancement and optimized PSO-FCM coupling

To address the issue of chaotic optical gradient feature and non-target interference factors affecting the feature extraction effect of chaotic optical surface microcracks in silicon nitride ceramic bearing rollers, an algorithm for extracting microcrack features from chaotic optical surfaces of silicon nitride ceramic bearing rollers based on multi-scale wavelet transform enhancement and optimized PSO-FCM coupling is proposed. Through the db4 basis function of multi-scale decomposition of microcrack features, the soft threshold function is constructed to deeply denoise the image. The normalized fusion features of microcracks after multi-scale vector decomposition are enhanced, and the gradient information is enhanced while retaining the microcrack features on the chaotic optical surface. The particle swarm optimization mathematical equation with a decay function is built to optimize the FCM chaotic clustering model. The nonlinear decayed particle velocity equation is constructed to update the particle position and iteratively refine the optimal clustering center positions to realize the feature extraction of microcracks. The experiment showed that the reinforcement index RESE and PSNR in the chaotic optical surface microcracks of silicon nitride ceramic bearing rollers reach 15.76 and 24.19, respectively, effectively overcoming the problems of chaotic features in the surface microcracks while retaining the defect features. The segmentation indices Miou, F1 score, accuracy, and recall of the optimal clustering center [231 161] reached 0.912, 0.972 08, 0.998 32, and 0.985 60, respectively, overcoming the influence of non-target interference factors and chaotic optical gradient features to achieve complete feature extraction of surface microcracks.

Franciscus Bargieł: Adamus Quirinus Krasnodębski SJ (1628–1702) and His Philosophical Works

This issue features a translation of another paper by Franciszek Bargieł, this time dedicated to the profile of another Jesuit philosopher, Adam Quirinus Krasnodębski. The article was originally published in Latin in Forum Philosophicum 9, (2004): 259–63. It has since been translated into English.

GLCANet: Global–Local Context Aggregation Network for Cropland Segmentation from Multi-Source Remote Sensing Images

Cropland is a fundamental basis for agricultural development and a prerequisite for ensuring food security. The segmentation and extraction of croplands using remote sensing images are important measures and prerequisites for detecting and protecting farmland. This study addresses the challenges of diverse image sources, multi-scale representations of cropland, and the confusion of features between croplands and other land types in large-area remote sensing image information extraction. To this end, a multi-source self-annotated dataset was developed using satellite images from GaoFen-2, GaoFen-7, and WorldView, which was integrated with public datasets GID and LoveDA to create the CRMS dataset. A novel semantic segmentation network, the Global–Local Context Aggregation Network (GLCANet), was proposed. This method integrates the Bilateral Feature Encoder (BFE) of CNNs and Transformers with a global–local information mining module (GLM) to enhance global context extraction and improve cropland separability. It also employs a multi-scale progressive upsampling structure (MPUS) to refine the accuracy of diverse arable land representations from multi-source imagery. To tackle the issue of inconsistent features within the cropland class, a loss function based on hard sample mining and multi-scale features was constructed. The experimental results demonstrate that GLCANet improves OA and mIoU by 3.2% and 2.6%, respectively, compared to the existing advanced networks on the CRMS dataset. Additionally, the proposed method also demonstrated high precision and practicality in segmenting large-area croplands in Chongzhou City, Sichuan Province, China.

A Genomic Revolution: Advancing Health and Knowledge in Latin America

Editorial: Pioneering Genetics and Genomics Research for Regional Progress As we enter the second year of the Genetics and Clinical Genomics Journal, there is much anticipation for the future of this field in the region. It’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come in such a short time. This journal was born from a vision to bring together the best of genetics and genomics research and make a meaningful impact on healthcare and education in our region. That vision is becoming a reality, thanks to the incredible contributions of our authors and the support of our readers. This issue features an impressive selection of articles that highlight the power of genomic research to transform lives. Our Case Reports section includes stories of rare and complex conditions where genetics has played a critical role: In Hypotonic syndrome as a manifestation of an ultra-rare disease caused by a novel de novo variant in the PLA2G6 gene, we see the intricate process of solving a diagnostic mystery and its profound implications for patient care. De novo variant in the COL1A1 gene associated with an orphan genetic disease: Type I osteogenesis imperfecta sheds light on a rare condition that challenges both families and clinicians but also presents opportunities for targeted treatments. De novo genetic variant in Epileptic Encephalopathy: The importance of specific diagnosis highlights how pinpointing a genetic cause can lead to more effective therapeutic strategies. Finally, Detection of a genetic variant in Apert syndrome examines a condition that, while rare, has significant developmental and therapeutic implications. Our Review Articles, Literature review and Advances and perspectives on genetic pathologies in the 21st century, provide valuable overviews of current trends and emerging possibilities, serving as essential guides for anyone engaged in genetic research or clinical practice. Why This Matters Genetics and genomics are no longer rare disciplines they’re reshaping how we understand health and disease. In our region, this knowledge has the potential to address long-standing healthcare inequities, ensuring that advances in precision medicine benefit all communities, not just a select few. Equally exciting is the role genetics can play in education. Training the next generation of healthcare providers and researchers to harness the power of genomics is essential. By investing in education, we’re laying the groundwork for a future where genomic medicine is fully integrated into everyday practice. This journal is a testament to what’s possible when we work together—scientists, clinicians, educators, and policymakers. It’s an invitation to keep pushing boundaries, asking tough questions, and finding answers that matter. Thank you for joining us on this journey. I hope you find this issue inspiring, thought-provoking, and a reminder of the incredible potential within genetics and genomics to create a healthier, more equitable world.

Editorial Preface

Welcome to Volume 7, Issue 3 of the Journal of Accounting Research Organization and Economics (JAROE), December 2024. This issue presents a diverse and comprehensive collection of research that spans a range of vital topics within accounting, business, economics, and management. As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy, this issue features ten insightful articles contributed by scholars from a variety of regions, including Gambia, Indonesia, South Africa, and Nigeria. The contributions provide fresh perspectives on contemporary issues, offering valuable knowledge for academics, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

Vol 1 Issue 1 – Welcome to the issue

Welcome to this, the inaugural edition of the Northumbria Psychology Bulletin where we showcase some of the outstanding research conducted by our undergraduate and postgraduate students, both campus based and distance learning. Our goal is to provide a platform for innovative research that might help launch the careers of the next generation of professional and academic psychologists. I have always been impressed by the diversity and quality of research that our students carry out in the completion of their programmes of study under the exceptional supervision of our academic team. The continuing approach adopted by the department of psychology to support and facilitate the research ideas generated by the students is something that delivers an excellent opportunity for their development of research skills and steps towards independence. The continued student engagement with the process of writing for publication and the ongoing guidance of their supervisors is particularly impressive given that it extends beyond the completion of their degree programmes and is purely voluntary. I think it demonstrates the commitment of both parties to success beyond the classroom as well as the potential contribution our graduates can make to academic research. This issue features articles reporting applied experimental research in the area of healthcare and a qualitative investigation of the impact of Covid on the experience of higher education. I invite readers to engage with these thought-provoking studies and look forward to the future success of this journal.

Introduction to the special issue on property tax administration

AbstractThis issue is specialized on the theme of property tax administration. The issue features six original research articles and two research notes and is well‐timed for the current moment of American politics and policy. New Mexico, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and North Dakota had ballot initiatives this November aimed at restricting property taxes or granting various forms of property tax relief. Over the past year, Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, and New Jersey established legislative task forces on property taxes that have churned out various recommendations to their General Assemblies.

Сердечно-сосудистая автономная нейропатия: этиопатогенез, клинико-эпидемиологические особенности, методы диагностики: обзор литературы

INTRODUCTION. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes mellitus, characterized by damage to components of the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating the work of the heart and blood vessels. AIM. To conduct a review of literature sources of domestic and foreign authors considering the issues of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and diagnostics of cardiovascular manifestations in diabetic autonomic neuropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS. A review of literature sources in Russian and English for the period 2014-2024 was conducted, the RSCI and PubMed databases were used. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The article discusses the main aspects of the etiopathogenesis of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, including the influence of long-term course of diabetes mellitus and insufficient compensation of blood glucose levels. Clinical and epidemiological features of this condition are described, including a variety of symptoms and their significance for diagnosis. Particular attention is paid to methods of diagnosing cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, which include assessment of clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and specialized studies. The importance of early detection and initiation of treatment to prevent disease progression and improve the quality of life of patients is emphasized. CONCLUSION. Early detection and treatment cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy play a key role in preventing disease progression and improving patients’ quality of life. Particular attention should be paid to improving patient compliance, including precise adherence to doctor’s orders, diet, and healthy lifestyle.

Preface

It is both an honor and a privilege to introduce this inaugural issue of Biomaterials Connect. Biomaterials Connect is a newly established journal that intends to be an inclusive forum for all researchers, scientists, engineers, and professionals working within the various fields of biomaterials science. The purpose is to encourage the contribution to multi-disciplinary interaction, the diffusion of new ideas, and contributing to biomaterials research and applications, but in particular those related to medicine and dentistry. Biomaterials Connect is based on the belief that biomaterials would continue to form the foundation of healthcare advances. In collaboration with Scifiniti, we are committed to delivering a premier, peer-reviewed journal to fulfill the multi-faceted and changing biomaterials community needs. Now more than ever, it is critical to remove the barriers among disciplines and provide the fertile ground on which cutting-edge research will flourish to enhance health and improve quality of life. It is a matter of great pride to present a collection of articles that really highlights the breadth and depth of biomaterial research. This issue features two state-of-the-art review articles; one focused on the biofunctional applications of chitosan in dentistry, and another examining the role of MEMS and nanomaterials in the advancement of diagnostics and therapeutics in healthcare. In addition, this issue presents three experimental studies addressing current challenges in medicine and dentistry. These include an investigation into the effects of surface treatment of hemp fibers on the properties of polyethylene composites, a study on the synthesis and characterization of laurate ester of acetate cellulose, and research on the translucency and polymerization efficiency of contemporary resin composites. Finally, we shortly discuss the disruptive potential of 3D printing in the biomaterials field. Biomaterials Connect will cover a broad scope including, but not limited to, tissue engineering, medical devices, dental implants, biocompatibility, nanotechnology, and 3D printing. Original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and commentaries that contribute to the development of biomaterials science are invited. We aim to create a forum for an interactive and creative community that challenges established dogma through facilitating research across disciplinary boundaries. I feel very privileged to stand as Editor-in-Chief of this journal, having such an enthusiastic Editorial Board and such an extended network of renowned reviewers. We have one common goal, which is to maintain standards of scientific stringency and integrity as high as possible. I now call on all researchers from the international community to join this exciting journey and share valuable inputs and results with Biomaterials Connect. Thank you for your support, and I hope you find this first issue both informative and inspiring.

Preface

As Editor-in-Chief of GenoMed Connect, it is my great pleasure to introduce the inaugural issue of this journal, dedicated to bridging the fields of genomics and medicine. Our vision for GenoMed Connect is to serve as a platform for the latest research that informs precision medicine and promotes integrative healthcare approaches. This inaugural issue features a diverse collection of seven articles, showcasing the journal's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its impact on advancing medical science. Each study addresses a unique aspect of genomics and medical research: 1. Evaluation of IL-12 Gene Expression in Coronary Artery Disease examines the role of IL-12 in atherosclerosis, shedding light on inflammatory pathways that may serve as therapeutic targets in coronary artery disease. 2. A Case Report on Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis Type 1 introduces a novel mutation in the KRT1 gene, expanding the understanding of genetic dermatological conditions and offering insights into the molecular underpinnings of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. 3. Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers in Uveal Melanoma explores tumor immune microenvironments, identifying genetic markers that could improve the prediction and treatment strategies for this rare but aggressive form of eye cancer. 4. HLA Class I and II Gene Diversity in North India provides an extensive genetic analysis that is valuable for transplantation immunology and population genetics, enhancing the knowledge of HLA variability and its implications in disease association. 5. Investigation of TLR and CD36 Expression in Coronary Artery Disease delves into the immune response mechanisms in coronary artery disease, examining the role of toll-like receptors and their potential as markers for disease progression. 6. Ethical Approaches in Reporting Secondary Findings from Exome Sequencing reviews current guidelines and ethical considerations, addressing challenges in reporting incidental findings and highlighting pathways for more responsible genomic data sharing. 7. The Role of Microbes in Endocrine Health presents an intriguing review on microbial endocrinology, exploring the influence of the gut microbiome on hormone regulation and its implications for metabolic health. These articles embody the interdisciplinary nature of GenoMed Connect, contributing to a deeper understanding of genomics in disease diagnosis, treatment, and ethical considerations. I extend my gratitude to our dedicated editorial board, the reviewers, and the team at Scifiniti for their hard work in bringing this issue to life. I look forward to witnessing the journal’s growth as it continues to foster collaboration and drive innovation in genomic medicine. I hope that the research presented in this issue inspires readers and advances our collective efforts to improve healthcare through genomic insights.

Mid-infrared coherent sources and applications: introduction

The editors of the Journal of the Optical Society of America B feature issue on “Mid-infrared coherent sources and applications” introduce the feature articles. The feature issue complements the Mid-Infrared Coherent Sources (MICS) meeting held in March 2024.

PACMNET, V2, CoNEXT4, December 2024 Editorial

The Proceedings of the ACM on Networking (PACMNET) series showcases top-tier research in emerging computer networks and their applications. We welcome submissions introducing new technologies, innovative experiments, creative applications of networking technologies, and fresh insights gained through analysis. Supported by the ACM Special Interest Group on Communications and Computer Networks (SIGCOMM), the journal is backed by a distinguished Editorial Board composed of leading researchers in the field. This issue concludes the second volume of PACMNET which in total published 32 articles, with a growth of 25% compared to the first volume. This issue features 18 articles, all submitted by the June 2024 deadline when a total of 121 submissions were received. Each submission underwent a thorough review process involving over 80 Editors, coordinated by two Associate Editors. In the initial phase, every article received a minimum of three reviews. Following an online discussion, roughly half of the submissions were rejected, while the other half advanced to a second review phase. In this phase, Editors produced at least two additional reviews per article. After a further discussion and remote Editors' meeting, 18 articles were chosen for publication and appear in this issue. Topics include network measurement, security, and privacy of both traditional and novel networking technologies. From a methodological perspective, machine learning and artificial intelligence-based solutions are predominant. All papers include a thorough set of experiments to validate the proposed solutions. We would like to express our gratitude to all those who contributed to this issue of PACMNET, especially the Authors for submitting their finest work and the Associate Editors for offering valuable feedback in their reviews and engaging in the discussions. Our thanks also go to the SIGCOMM Executive Committee Chair and the CoNEXT Steering Committee members for their continued support and guidance, providing essential suggestions and insights throughout the article selection process.

Bridging Local Innovations and Global Challenges in STEM Education

The November 2024 edition of the International Journal of Research in STEM Education (IJRSE) presents a curated collection of eight articles that explore the dynamic intersection of local innovations and global challenges within STEM education. This issue features contributions from 12 universities located across five countries and spanning three continents, illustrating the global scope and diverse perspectives that inform current STEM educational practices. The articles delve into various themes, including the effective integration of indigenous knowledge systems alongside modern educational techniques, the implementation of cutting-edge pedagogical strategies, and the crucial importance of fostering inclusivity and accessibility within STEM fields. Through a detailed examination of these topics, this issue not only highlights the unique contributions of different educational contexts but also underscores the universal challenges and opportunities that shape STEM education in today's interconnected world.

Uncovering Barriers to Maternal Mortality Audits: An Unseen Challenge

Indonesia has the third highest maternal mortality rate in ASEAN. The Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) program was established to reduce the high maternal mortality rate. However, the effectiveness of maternal audit implementation still faces many obstacles. This study aims to describe the obstacles faced by the MPDSR team in assessing maternal mortality in Lombok Island. We used qualitative study with case study design through in-depth interviews with nine informants from two MPDSR program holders at the Health Offices and one Maternal Perinatal Death Notification (MPDN) coordinator at the West Nusa Tenggara Health Office in 2022. Data were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. Triangulation were done by method triangulation, triangulation between researchers, triangulation of data sources, and theoretical triangulation. The results showed that the problems faced by the MPDSR team, including ineffective of MPDSR socialization, budget limitations of MPDSR activities, feature issues in the MPDN, the ratio between labor and workload was less than ideal, incomplete and delayed collection of maternal mortality data, lack of communication between MPDSR teams, health workers have not been trained in the data entry process, labor outside of medical supervision, no monitoring of maternal mortality cases in wards other than obgyn, health workers did not understand the ICD-10 code, the assessment was still conducted in a hybrid, not all maternal death cases were assessed, blaming culture, and suboptimal monitoring of the sustainability of MPDSR recommendation. Therefore, it was necessary to establish discussion to find strategies and solutions based on a priority scale.

Feature Issue: Advances in Refractive Error Research.

Feature Issue: Advances in Refractive Error Research.

An intelligent diagnosis method for transformer based on CSSA-MCKD

Abstract In transformer fault diagnosis, the difficulties of signal feature extraction under strong noise backgrounds and the low accuracy of acoustic signal diagnosis still need to be effectively addressed. For this purpose, this paper proposes a novel transformer fault diagnosis model. The model combines an improved Sparrow Search Algorithm optimized Maximum Correlation Kurtosis Deconvolution (MCKD) with a Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network (BiLSTM). Firstly, to address the issue of the traditional Sparrow Search Algorithm falling into local optima, this study introduces an improved cubic chaotic mapping for initializing the population, compared to the traditional uniform distribution, this method more effectively enhances the diversity of the population, thereby improving the algorithm’s global search capability and convergence speed. Secondly, considering that the decomposition performance of the MCKD method is highly dependent on the choice of its main parameters, an improved Sparrow Search Algorithm is used to optimize these parameters, thereby enhancing the accuracy and stability of the signal decomposition. Finally, to address the issue of weak signal features in strong noise environments, this study uses optimal MCKD to perform denoising and feature enhancement on the raw data, thereby eliminating redundant interference and improving the robustness and accuracy of the diagnostic network. This paper validates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm through comparative experiments with signal simulation and measured data.

The rise of populist radical right parties in Europe

After World War II, radical right parties in Europe experienced a decline, but over the last three decades, they have regained strength, becoming significant players in European politics. Since the early twenty-first century, they have secured representation at various levels, from local governments to national parliaments and the European Parliament. Nowadays, populist radical right parties rank among the top three most powerful political forces in one-third of European countries. In Austria, the FPÖ ( Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs) emerged as the leading party in the 2024 elections, winning 28.9% of the vote. In Italy, the Fratelli d’Italia coalition came to power with 25.99% of the vote in 2022. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party won its fourth consecutive election. In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN – Rassemblement National) achieved major victories in both the European Parliament and national elections, becoming the country’s largest party. Though initially considered marginal, populist radical right parties have become a lasting and serious force in European politics. This special issue features six carefully selected articles, each offering empirical and theoretical insights into different aspects of the rise of radical right and right-wing populist parties in Europe, contributing to a broader understanding of this phenomenon.

Tunable and dynamic nanophotonics: introduction

In this introduction, we provide an overview of the papers that were accepted for publication in the feature issue “Tunable and dynamic nanophotonics” of the Journal of the Optical Society of America B. The feature issue contains 10 articles on cutting-edge topics in the field of tunable nanophotonic systems.

Quantitative phase imaging: introduction

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI), propelled by advancements in digital holography and computational imaging, has revolutionized the ability to retrieve phase delays with high precision. Over the past two decades, the field has seen tremendous growth, contributing to numerous applications in biomedicine and material metrology, including live cell monitoring, material structure profiling, and defect inspection, among others. This special issue commemorates Prof. Gabriel “Gabi” Popescu, a former faculty member at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a pioneer in QPI and label-free biological imaging, who passed away on June 16, 2022, in his hometown of Prundu, Romania. The issue honors Gabi’s legacy with a collection of articles exploring QPI methodologies and their diverse applications.