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Testing standards for AI-based scores in automated essay scoring

Recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning allow the wide application of large language models for the evaluation of written text and other non-numerical data. When applied in the context of psychological and educational assessments, such models can be used for assigning scores to essays and other types of responses. In contrast to classical tests, essays do not consist of test items, which leads to specific challenges in the evaluation of testing standards for scores obtained from AI models that differ from those observed for classical ability tests and personality questionnaires. To address these challenges, we discuss the evaluation of validity, fairness, and reliability for scores obtained from models of artificial intelligence in the context of automated essay scoring. We review existing methods, propose new methods, and further illustrate the reviewed methods with an empirical example based on the Hewlett Foundation data set on automated essay scoring. By applying the proposed framework to an evaluation based on a DistilBERT model, we find the model to be robust with sufficiently high internal consistency (Spearman-Brown coefficients in the range from .77 to .92). We further found empirical evidence for the validity of the evaluation model, but also indications for violations of fairness when comparing the human and AI scores across different topics. This study provides a standardized, replicable toolkit for researchers and practitioners to evaluate the psychometric quality of AI-based assessments.

Overexpression of FEN1 promotes cervical cancer progression via upregulating PCNA expression

High‐Mobility and Reliability Ultra‐Thin‐Channel Oxide Semiconductor Field‐Effect Transistors for Chip‐Interconnect‐Embedded Logic and Ferroelectric Memory

ABSTRACT Logic and memory transistors integrated with oxide semiconductors are promising for monolithic 3D systems that enable reconfigurable functionality and enhanced on‐chip communication. However, challenges in controlling carrier mobility, carrier concentration, and defect density have hindered their deployment in advanced chip technologies. Here, we report a heterojunction oxide semiconductor channel approach that mitigates the interface/channel defect density and achieves field‐effect mobility to >100 cm 2 /V.s, competitive with thin‐film silicon channels. By engineering a bilayer oxide channel, we demonstrate a low‐thermal‐budget, ultra‐scaled, memory‐logic dual‐mode ferroelectric transistor that exhibits a high on‐state current of 800 µA/µm at V d  = 1 V, a positive threshold voltage, and excellent reliability with only 30 mV threshold shift after 5000s of gate‐bias stress. Furthermore, it exhibits robust memory endurance exceeding 10 7 cycles and a fast ferroelectric read‐after‐write delay of 180 ns. TCAD simulation (Ginestra) reveals that performance improvement is attributed to the defect self‐compensation effect in bilayer channel, which stabilizes disordered metal bonds and weakly bonded oxygen states. This work establishes a pathway towards reliable, high‐performance oxide‐based transistors, offering a scalable solution for next‐generation low‐power reconfigurable chips tailored for generative artificial intelligence.

Barriers and levers to using an app for motor function assessment by therapists in hospitals: A qualitative study of the MFM-Play app

Background The Motor Function Measure (MFM) is an important evaluation tool used to monitor the progression of most neuromuscular diseases. However, the MFM is subject to inter-rater variability, and patients must produce their best effort, which can be difficult for children. In response to these issues, we developed a digital app named MFM-Play, designed to optimise completion of the MFM in a fun manner. The objective of this study was to explore barriers and levers to the MFM-Play’s use by therapists. Method We conducted a qualitative study with rehabilitation professionals who had tested the app in a previous reliability study. Individual interviews based on the Technology Acceptance Model were followed by a focus group based on the interview results. Thematic analysis was performed on transcripts. Results Seven therapists participated in the interviews and seven others in the focus group. The results revealed the multi-dimensional features related to adopting the MFM-Play app. Barriers related to ease of use, training and organisational constraints were identified, and were partly due to the additional mental burden of learning to use the technology. However, therapists who were at ease with the digital tool found it useful for their practice. The app also modified patient-therapist dynamics, fostering greater patient autonomy, but sometimes disrupted therapists’ habits, by calling into question assessment methods. Conclusion The MFM-Play app offers considerable practical and efficiency benefits; however, its successful adoption depends on overcoming technical, organisational, and user-specific barriers. This involves providing support for the change in the therapist’s stance within the triadic patient-therapist-tablet relationship.

Physics-guided deep representation learning for SEM-based pollen classification via morphology-aware hybrid feature integration

Ultrasound‐Responsive Piezo‐Fenton‐Like Microspheres for Modulating Mitochondrial Membrane Potential to Alleviate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

ABSTRACT The inability of stochastic pharmacological interventions to precisely recalibrate aberrant mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) poses a challenge to degenerated intervertebral disc tissue repair. Based on the biological rationale provided by clinical single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis, we developed an ultrasound‐activated piezo‐driven Fenton‐like system (Fe‐BTO) based microsphere (PF@MS). The US triggered piezopotential of the Fe‐BTO correlates with ultrasound‐associated iron valence modulation to mitigate catalytic bottlenecks linked to Fe 3 + /Fe 2 + interconversion, consuming local protons to upregulate MMP from pathological states to the physiological level. This process exhibits self‐limiting‐like reactivity within the tested dose and ultrasound window, as rising pH acts as a feedback switch to prevent hyperpolarization. We developed a boronate ester‐based delivery strategy featuring boronate ester/sialic‐acid‐assisted cellular association with mainly clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and partial tolerance to ATP depletion. This piezo‐Fenton‐like mediated mitochondrial modulation rescued impaired autophagic flux (from 8% to 35%) and preserved 89% of the average intervertebral disc height relative to the untreated blank control group in the in vivo rat model. This work provides a mechanically modulated metabolic reprogramming paradigm and highlights the promising application prospect of ultrasound‐responsive biomaterials in the treatment of degenerative diseases.

Herbal medicine use disclosure, database-flagged potential herb-drug interactions, and inter – interaction database concordance among patients with non-communicable diseases in Vietnam: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background The widespread use of herbal medicines in clinical practice, particularly in Southeast Asia, presents significant challenges for medication safety management, notably regarding interactions between herbs and conventional drugs. Current drug interaction screening tools demonstrate substantial gaps in documenting herb-drug interactions, especially for regionally specific medicinal plants, creating potential risks for patients receiving concurrent therapies. Aim (1) to identify the prevalence of potential herb–drug and herb–herb interactions and the disclosure rate of HM use in patients with NCDs; and (2) to assess the consistency of interaction information across commonly used drug interaction databases. Methods An observational study enrolled 658 patients with non-communicable diseases from two Vietnamese tertiary care facilities. Structured interviews captured herbal medicine utilization patterns, disclosure practices, and specific botanical preparations used. Potential herb-drug and herb-herb interactions were systematically evaluated using four databases: Micromedex®, UpToDate Lexicomp Drug Interactions, Medscape Drug Interaction Checker, and Stockley’s Herbal Medicines Interactions. Inter-database agreement was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa statistics. Results 48.6% of participants reported active herbal medicines use, with 96% failing to disclose this to their healthcare providers. Potential interactions were identified in 31.3% of herbal medicine users, representing 15.2% of the total cohort. Database concordance was remarkably poor, with only 0.7% of interactions consistently documented across all four resources (Fleiss’ κ = –0.0653; p < 0.001). Multiple indigenous medicinal plants commonly used by patients were absent from all evaluated databases. Conclusion The substantial prevalence of undisclosed herbal medicine use, alongside inadequate representation in drug interaction databases, represents a critical gap in medication safety infrastructure. These findings demonstrated the necessity for integrating herbal medicine assessment into routine care, enhanced provider training, and expansion of clinical decision support systems to include region-specific botanical data for populations using concurrent traditional and conventional therapies.

On the Sombor index of corona product of certain graphs and honeycomb networks

Abstract Topological indices are critical components in mathematical chemistry because they help in the determination of structure information that can be used in predicting physical and chemical attributes of molecules using the principles of QSAR/QSPR. Unlike the traditional indices such as the Randic index or Zagreb index, Sombor index has emerged popular due to its potential to quantify structural diversity through Pythagorean-based degree mixing. To facilitate modeling of complex structures with repeating patterns such as honeycomb lattices, which play an integral role in developing large-scale networks, this paper explores the characteristics of the Sombor index within the context of corona graph product. Such structures have proved critical in the field of studying allotropes of carbon, especially graphene and nanoribbons. For predicting the level of fractionalization and growth of these honeycomb structures, it is vital to move away from the analysis of individual replacements and conduct a complete structural analysis of the corona product. The computation of indices for these growths can be highly computational even though the corona product has an essential role in generating graph structures from smaller parts. In this research, it is demonstrated that there exists a general theorem that only considers the parameters of order, size, and degree sequence of the component graphs for calculating the Sombor index of the corona product. This result is a valuable model in chemical graph theory and machine learning as it presents a compact mathematical formulation for studying the structural characteristics of complex modules and honeycomb-like nano-structures.

Photocatalytic Upcycling of Polyester Waste to Organonitrogen Compounds

ABSTRACT Plastics, derived from fossil hydrocarbons, represent a substantial reservoir of untapped carbon resources. Yet, more than 90% of plastic products are discarded after brief use. Therefore, transforming this abundant waste stream into valuable chemicals presents both an environmental imperative and an opportunity for sustainable carbon utilization. Powered by renewable energy, photocatalytic plastic upcycling has emerged as a promising strategy for converting plastic waste into value‐added products under mild conditions. Among various feedstocks, polyester plastics, particularly polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), have attracted considerable attention because their hydrolysis‐derived monomers are readily upgraded through photocatalysis. Significant advances have enabled the selective conversion of these monomers into valuable oxidation products. More recently, these oxidation pathways have been extended to synthesize organonitrogen and organosulfur compounds using plastic‐derived carbon intermediates, broadening both the product scope and the economic value of plastic upcycling. This review summarizes recent advances in the photocatalytic synthesis of value‐added organonitrogen products from polyesters. The main objectives are to (i) highlight opportunities for converting waste plastics into valuable products, (ii) elucidate catalytic mechanisms and design principles to guide future reaction development, and (iii) provide insights for the practical implementation of plastic upcycling technologies.

Urate dysregulation (hyperuricemia and gout) among people living with HIV: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Approximately 39.9 million people are living with HIV worldwide, most in sub-Saharan Africa. Effective antiretroviral therapy has shifted attention to metabolic comorbidities, and emerging evidence links integrase inhibitors such as dolutegravir to elevated serum uric acid, yet the global burden of hyperuricemia and gout in this population is unquantified. Methods and analysis This protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control) published from inception to May 2026. We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Studies involving adults (≥18 years) living with HIV that report the prevalence or incidence of hyperuricemia or gout will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, extract data, and assess risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Checklist and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Primary outcomes are the pooled prevalence of hyperuricemia and gout in PLHIV. Secondary outcomes include risk factors associated with urate dysregulation (ART regimen, Cluster of Differentiation 4 [CD4] count, viral load, metabolic comorbidities, and HIV duration), and gout as an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) manifestation. A random-effects meta-analysis using the DerSimonian-Laird method with Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation for prevalence data will be performed in R software. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the I 2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test. Subgroup analyses will explore variation by ART class (pre-ART, PI, NNRTI, INSTI/dolutegravir era), geographic region, CD4 category, and study quality. PROSPERO Registration Number CRD420261360734.

Novel natural hydrogel-based, 3D-printed biomimetic prosthesis for breast volume reconstruction

Reversible Hydration Tuning of Polar Order and Large Nonlinear Optical Response in a 2D van der Waals Crystal, LiInP ₂ S ₆

ABSTRACT Typically, moisture degrades the performance of commercial optical crystals that are hygroscopic. In contrast, a hydration‐driven symmetry transformation is discovered in a layered van der Waals compound that induces a new polar phase that exhibits a large nonresonant nonlinear optical response. Water intercalation converts the chiral‐nonpolar phase of pristine (point group 32 and an indirect gap of 3.0 eV) into that exhibits a chiral‐polar structure (point group 3 and an indirect gap of 3.15 eV), stabilized by sub‐angstrom lattice distortions. This structural change results in new symmetry, allowing nonresonant optical second‐harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients in the hydrated phase of pm/V and pm/V at the 1550 nm telecom wavelength; these are up to twice as large as other well‐known materials with similar bandgaps. Density functional theory calculations predict the emergence of a polar mode consistent with the trigonal point group 3 in hydrated , as well as inform the emergence of large SHG coefficients. The reversible structural transformation via hydration and dehydration is confirmed through temperature‐dependent SHG, x‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. These findings demonstrate intercalation as a powerful means for tuning polar order, enhancing the nonlinear optical response and on‐demand creation and erasure of tunable optical elements for photonic integrated circuits.

Simulation study on matrix acidification of heterogeneous reservoirs based on seepage-acid etching coupled discrete virtual internal bond

Matrix acidification is one of the important means for carbonate reservoir modification and permeability increase, and the growth behavior of wormhole determines the effect of matrix acidification. In order to have a deeper understanding of the expansion law of acidified wormhole, this paper carried out numerical simulation of matrix acidification based on the seepage-acid etching coupled discrete virtual internal bond model, and analyzed the influence of matrix acidification on the growth and evolution of acid etched wormhole during matrix acidification in heterogeneous reservoirs. It was found that the enhancement of the heterogeneity of matrix porosity will lead to an increase in wormhole branches and complexity in the acidification process, and the corresponding acid breakthrough time will also become longer. When the anisotropy of the reservoir is strong, there are obvious master wormhole growing perpendicular to the anisotropic direction, and the wormhole morphology is relatively simple. Natural cracks have a strong guiding effect on acid etched wormhole. The results of this paper further reveal the growth law of acid etched wormhole pores, which provides a theoretical understanding for the construction of on-site matrix acidification.

A one health analysis of the reemergence of dog-mediated human rabies in Peru

Abstract The 2023 reemergence of dog-mediated human rabies in Arequipa, Peru, after nearly a decade of absence, represents a critical failure in public health systems. Despite regional progress toward the “Zero by 30” strategy, this human rabies case highlights persistent systemic vulnerabilities. Here we investigate how this preventable death emerged, by integrating epidemiologic, socioecological, and policy data through a One Health lens. Using the Swiss cheese model, we identified multiple defensive layers—policies, outbreak response, system capacity building, and socio-geographical features—that aligned to permit transmission. We identified critical breaches, such as an 80% decrease in surveillance sampling, insufficient management of feral dog populations in urban corridors, and clinical misdiagnosis of the victim. These findings suggest that rabies persists not for lack of tools, but due to fragmented application and institutional amnesia. We propose a redesigned multisectoral framework to transform human rabies from a neglected tragedy into a true “never event”.

Resolving Nanoscale Heterogeneities in Lead Halide Perovskites Through Low‐Dose Concurrent 4D‐STEM‐EDX Mapping

ABSTRACT Mixed‐cation lead mixed‐halide perovskites are promising materials for applications in photovoltaics; however, it has been suggested that they exhibit instabilities linked to nanoscale heterogeneity. Directly probing the origins of this heterogeneity requires characterization with nanoscale spatial resolution, making transmission electron microscopy (TEM) an essential tool. However, characterizing these materials is challenging due to their extreme sensitivity to electron irradiation. Here, we develop a low‐dose, concurrent methodology using four‐dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D‐STEM) and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) in order to map both the chemical and structural architecture of a (FA 0 . 83 Cs 0 . 17 )Pb(I 0 . 8 Br 0 . 2 ) 3 perovskite film without inducing damage. Our correlative analysis reveals a complex mosaic of coexisting crystal structures in this state‐of‐the‐art LHP film. We establish a direct link between local chemical composition and crystal structure, showing that the formation of undesirable, photovoltaically inactive hexagonal polytypes is predominantly driven by local deficiencies in the stabilizing cesium cation. These findings provide crucial insight into one of the fundamental origins of structural instabilities in mixed composition perovskite thin‐films, suggesting that achieving long‐term device performance requires the development of fabrication routes that ensure compositional homogeneity at the nanoscale.

Association of urate-lowering therapies with abdominal aortic aneurysm growth and clinical events in men: A population-based cohort study

Objective Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are potentially life-threatening if they rupture. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors have been suggested to reduce aneurysm growth via urate-lowering and antioxidative mechanisms, though their clinical efficacy remains uncertain. The primary objective of this prospective cohort study was to estimate potential associations between urate-lowering therapies and AAA growth, and secondarily risk of rupture, surgery, all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), in men aged 65–74. Design This population-based cohort study included data from two large cardiovascular screening trials. Methods The two Danish AAA male cohorts contributed with baseline characteristics, including AAA measurements through ultrasound and computed tomography scans. Participants were followed for five years through linkage with the Danish national health registries. Prescription records defined the exposure of urate-lowering therapies, and participants were categorised as users or non-users. Growth rate was examined using multivariate linear regression, and the secondary outcomes were evaluated using Cox regression. Results This study included 998 men, of whom 73 (7.3%) were exposed to urate-lowering therapies, with a mean defined daily dose of 0.377 per day. During 3 993 person-years, an insignificant mean difference of 0.28 mm/year (95%CI: −0.96–1.52, p = .66) in AAA growth was observed between users and non-users. No associations between urate-lowering therapies and risk of surgery, rupture, all-cause mortality, or MACE were observed. Conclusion The use of urate-lowering therapies was not associated with a reduction in AAA progression. These findings do not support a clinically meaningful effect of urate-lowering therapies on aneurysm progression in men with AAA.

Cross-linguistic evidence challenging linguistic relativism in numerical cognition

Three‐Dimensional Phenazine‐Integrated Covalent Organic Framework for Efficient Electrosynthesis of H ₂ O ₂ Under Neutral Conditions

ABSTRACT Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising electrocatalytic platforms for hydrogen peroxide synthesis due to their tunable structures and well‐defined active sites. However, most COF‐based catalysts are limited to two‐dimensional (2D) architectures and alkaline conditions, which restrict their practical application. Herein, we report a strategy for constructing three‐dimensional (3D) COFs that enable efficient H 2 O 2 electrosynthesis under neutral conditions. By incorporating phenazine units as linked cores, we achieved a 3D COF with a 6‐fold interpenetrated dia topology, where the torsional characteristics of phenazine promote dimensional transformation from 2D to 3D architectures. The resulting BCTA‐PZDC‐COF exhibits enhanced electronic properties and charge transfer dynamics compared to its benzene‐linked counterpart (BCTA‐TPTC‐COF). The BCTA‐PZDC‐COF demonstrates exceptional 2e − oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in neutral electrolyte, achieving 91% H 2 O 2 selectivity and a mass activity of 4.46 A g −1 , representing 68% and 79% improvements over the BCTA‐TPTC‐COF, respectively. Notably, in a flow cell configuration, the catalyst achieves an H 2 O 2 production rate of 6.7 mol g −1 h −1 with a Faradaic efficiency of 90.6%. Theoretical studies indicate that the phenazine structure facilitates optimal adsorption of *OOH intermediates on the catalytic sites, thereby enhancing electrocatalytic performance. This work provides a strategic approach for designing COF electrocatalysts under environmentally benign conditions.

Cardiovascular adjustments during experimentally induced retraction and locomotion in the invasive terrestrial snail Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774)

The coupled function of physiology and behavior is crucial for generating survival responses. Generally, the cardiovascular system undergoes rapid adjustments during scape behavior to increase oxygen delivery to muscle tissues. In contrast, passive antipredator responses such as retraction in snails may impose mechanical constraints on the circulatory system. Here, we evaluated the cardiovascular response underlying the scape response (through induced retraction) and the physical activity in the invasive land snail Cornu aspersum . We quantified heart rate and heart rate variability in adult snails using laser optocardiography under the two conditions. We found that heart rate increased from retracted to the moving state and was accompanied by changes in heart rate variability and reduction of cardiac irregularities. Also, we found that locomotion intensity and body size did not influence these cardiac parameters. Our results suggest that metabolic demands, neural regulation and mechanical configuration collectively alter heart rate and heart rate variability. Thus, cardiovascular function is strongly dependent on behaviorally induced mechanical shifts in the circulatory system and on a “fight-or-flight”-like response.

Correction: Rhizospheric glycosyltransferase repertoires as a resource for enabling sustainable bioprocessing and green biocatalyst discovery