Searching for biomarkers has been a chief pursuit of the field of psychiatry. Toward this end, studies have catalogued candidate resting-state biomarkers in nearly all forms of mental disorder. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that these biomarkers lack specificity, limiting their capacity to yield clinical impact. We discuss three avenues of research that are overcoming this limitation: (i) the adoption of transdiagnostic research designs, which involve studying and explicitly comparing multiple disorders from distinct diagnostic axes of psychiatry; (ii) dimensional models of psychopathology that map the full spectrum of symptomatology and that cut across traditional disorder boundaries; and (iii) modeling individuals' unique functional connectomes throughout development. We provide a framework for tying these subfields together that draws on tools from machine learning and network science.
Policy Brief on "Latest Developments and Opportunities in Sky Survey", distilled from the corresponding panel that was part of the discussions during S20 Policy Webinar on Astroinformatics for Sustainable Development held on 6-7 July 2023. Sky surveys have been a crucial tool in advancing our understanding of the Universe. The last few decades have seen an explosion in the number and scope of sky surveys, both ground-based and space-based. This growth has led to a wealth of data that has enabled us to make significant advances in many areas of astronomy, and help understand the physics of the universe. They have helped us discover new astronomical objects, the origin of the elements, dark matter and dark energy, the accelerated expansion of the universe, and gravitational waves. They have helped us study the distribution of neutral and ionized matter in the Universe and test our theories about the origin and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planets. We explore recent advances and potential avenues in sky surveys, and examine how these developments may impact the field of international astronomical research. The policy webinar took place during the G20 presidency in India (2023). A
We introduce a network-based AI framework for predicting dimensions of psychopathology in adolescents using natural language. We focused on data capturing psychometric scores of social maladjustment, internalizing behaviors, and neurodevelopmental risk, assessed in 232 adolescents from the Healthy Brain Network. This dataset included structured interviews in which adolescents discussed a common emotion-inducing topic. To model conceptual associations within these interviews, we applied textual forma mentis networks (TFMNs)-a cognitive/AI approach integrating syntactic, semantic, and emotional word-word associations in language. From TFMNs, we extracted network features (semantic/syntactic structure) and emotional profiles to serve as predictors of latent psychopathology factor scores. Using Random Forest and XGBoost regression models, we found significant associations between language-derived features and clinical scores: social maladjustment (r = 0.37, p < .01), specific internalizing behaviors (r = 0.33, p < .05), and neurodevelopmental risk (r = 0.34, p < .05). Explainable AI analysis using SHAP values revealed that higher modularity and a pronounced core-periphery netw
The adoption of DevOps practices in embedded systems and firmware development is emerging as a response to the growing complexity of modern hardware--software co-designed products. Unlike cloud-native applications, embedded systems introduce challenges such as hardware dependency, real-time constraints, and safety-critical requirements. This literature review synthesizes findings from 20 academic and industrial sources to examine how DevOps principles--particularly continuous integration, continuous delivery, and automated testing--are adapted to embedded contexts. We categorize efforts across tooling, testing strategies, pipeline automation, and security practices. The review highlights current limitations in deployment workflows and observability, proposing a roadmap for future research. This work offers researchers and practitioners a consolidated understanding of Embedded DevOps, bridging fragmented literature with a structured perspective.
Research and development in computer technology and computational methods have resulted in a wide variety of valuable tools for Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Industrial Engineering. However, despite the exponential increase in computational capabilities and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods, many of the visionary perspectives on cybernetic automation of design, engineering, and development have not been successfully pursued or realized yet. While contemporary research trends and movements such as Industry 4.0 primarily target progress by connected automation in manufacturing and production, the objective of this paper is to survey progress and formulate perspectives targeted on the automation and autonomization of engineering development processes. Based on an interdisciplinary mini-review, this work identifies open challenges, synergies, and research opportunities towards the realization of resource-efficient cooperative engineering and development systems. In order to go beyond conventional human-centered, tool-based CAE approaches and realize Computational Intelligence Driven Development processes, it is suggested to extend the framework of Computational Rationality to
The introduction of Smart Electric Vehicles (SEVs) represents an increasingly disruption on automotive area, once integrates advanced computer and communication technologies to highly electrical cars, which come with high performances, environment friendly and user friendly characteristics . But the increasing complexity of SEVs prompted by greater dependence on interconnected systems, autonomous capabilities and electrification, presents new challenges in cybersecurity as well as functional safety. The safety and reliability of such vehicles is paramount, as unsafe or unreliable operation in either case represents an unacceptable risk in terms of the performance of the vehicle and safety of the passenger. This paper investigates the integrated development of cybersecurity and functional safety for SEVs, emphasizing the requirement for the parallel development of these domains as components that are not treated separately. In SEVs, cybersecurity is quite crucial in order to prevent the threats of hacking, data breaches and unauthorized access to vehicle systems. Functional safety ensures that important vehicle functions (braking, steering, battery control, etc.) keep working even i
Debates about whether development projects improve living conditions persist, partly because observational estimates can be biased by incomplete adjustment and because reliable outcome data are scarce at the neighborhood level. We address both issues in a continent-scale, sector-specific evaluation of Chinese and World Bank projects across 9,899 neighborhoods in 36 African countries (2002-2013), representative of ~88% of the population. First, we use a recent dataset that measures living conditions with a machine-learned wealth index derived from contemporaneous satellite imagery, yielding a consistent panel of 6.7 km square mosaics. Second, to strengthen identification, we proxy officials' map-based placement criteria using pre-treatment daytime satellite images and fuse these with tabular covariates to estimate funder- and sector-specific ATEs via inverse-probability weighting. Incorporating imagery often shrinks effects relative to tabular-only models. On average, both donors raise wealth, with larger and more consistent gains for China; sector extremes in our sample include Trade and Tourism (330) for the World Bank (+12.29 IWI points), and Emergency Response (700) for China (+
Policy Brief on "Workforce Development in Astronomy and Astroinformatics", distilled from the corresponding panel that was part of the discussions during S20 Policy Webinar on Astroinformatics for Sustainable Development held on 6-7 July 2023. The discipline of astronomy and astroinformatics is dynamically evolving thereby creating a compelling opportunity to foster a more inclusive, diverse, and proficient workforce. This is crucial for addressing multifaceted challenges that emerge as we progress and harness the potential therein. To realize this goal, it's imperative to cultivate strategies that promote inclusive practices in STEM education, encourage participation from historically excluded groups, provide training and mentorship, as well as provide active champions, especially for students and early career professionals from (historically) excluded groups. We provide an overview of the current status, resources available, and possible steps especially keeping in mind large international projects. The policy webinar took place during the G20 presidency in India (2023). A summary based on the seven panels can be found here: arxiv:2401.04623.
The goal of this research is to uncover the channels through which research and development (R&D) impacts economic growth in developing countries. The study employed nine variables from three broader categories in the World Economic Forum database, each covering 32 countries from the lower-middle-income group for the year 2019. The theoretical framework is based on the R&D ecosystem, which includes components such as Institutions, Human capital, Capital market, R&D, and Innovation. Each of these components can contribute to the economic development of the country. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), we build a path diagram to visualize and confirm a potential relationship between the components. R&D features had a positive impact on innovation (regression weight estimate: +0.34, p = 0.001), as did capital market institutions (regression weight estimate: +0.12, p = 0.007), but neither had a significant impact on growth. According to the Schumpeterian institutional interpretation, R&D and innovation efforts may not lead to sustained growth in middle-income countries. We find no significant connection between innovation performance and economic growth. This
Domestic and foreign scholars have already done much research on regional disparity and its evolution in China, but there is a big difference in conclusions. What is the reason for this? We think it is mainly due to different analytic approaches, perspectives, spatial units, statistical indicators and different periods for studies. On the basis of previous analyses and findings, we have done some further quantitative computation and empirical study, and revealed the inter-provincial disparity and regional disparity of economic development and their evolution trends from 1952-2000. The results shows that (a) Regional disparity in economic development in China, including the inter-provincial disparity, inter-regional disparity and intra-regional disparity, has existed for years; (b) Gini coefficient and Theil coefficient have revealed a similar dynamic trend for comparative disparity in economic development between provinces in China. From 1952 to 1978, except for the "Great Leap Forward" period, comparative disparity basically assumes a upward trend and it assumed a slowly downward trend from 1979 to1990. Afterwards from 1991 to 2000 the disparity assumed a slowly upward trend again
This paper explores the use of large language models (LLMs) to assist in the development of new disease modules for Synthea, an open-source synthetic health data generator. Incorporating LLMs into the module development process has the potential to reduce development time, reduce required expertise, expand model diversity, and improve the overall quality of synthetic patient data. We demonstrate four ways that LLMs can support Synthea module creation: generating a disease profile, generating a disease module from a disease profile, evaluating an existing Synthea module, and refining an existing module. We introduce the concept of progressive refinement, which involves iteratively evaluating the LLM-generated module by checking its syntactic correctness and clinical accuracy, and then using that information to modify the module. While the use of LLMs in this context shows promise, we also acknowledge the challenges and limitations, such as the need for human oversight, the importance of rigorous testing and validation, and the potential for inaccuracies in LLM-generated content. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and development to fully realize the potenti
We review computational and robotics models of early language learning and development. We first explain why and how these models are used to understand better how children learn language. We argue that they provide concrete theories of language learning as a complex dynamic system, complementing traditional methods in psychology and linguistics. We review different modeling formalisms, grounded in techniques from machine learning and artificial intelligence such as Bayesian and neural network approaches. We then discuss their role in understanding several key mechanisms of language development: cross-situational statistical learning, embodiment, situated social interaction, intrinsically motivated learning, and cultural evolution. We conclude by discussing future challenges for research, including modeling of large-scale empirical data about language acquisition in real-world environments. Keywords: Early language learning, Computational and robotic models, machine learning, development, embodiment, social interaction, intrinsic motivation, self-organization, dynamical systems, complexity.
Cloud computing is continually evolving, enhancing hardware technologies, improving software and enhancing business processes. A payroll management system deployed on the Cloud harnesses on-demand of delivery of computational power and database storage using cloud computing technologies. This project aims to develop and deploy a cloud-based payroll management system. The objectives of this study are: to carry out a study on the existing cloud-based payroll management system, to design a payroll data model for calculating basic salary and enables retrieval of payroll history when needed from the database, to develop and deploy a payroll management system, on the Cloud that generates earning statements, filling the gap between security infrastructure and optimal system performance harnessing cloud computing technologies. The focus was on the design, implementation and deployment, using UML diagrams to illustrate the payroll application and Google App Engine for deployment. The system analysis in comparison of a conventional payroll system and the cloud-based system is endless in terms of speed, processing power, storage capacity, universalization and pricing. The cloud-based payroll
Astronomy, often perceived as a distant or luxury science, holds immense potential as a driver for sustainable local socio-economic development. This paper explores how astronomy can create tangible benefits for communities through education, tourism, technology transfer, and capacity building. Using case studies from South Africa, Chile, Indonesia, and India, we demonstrate how astronomical facilities and initiatives have stimulated local economies, generated employment, supported small enterprises, and enhanced STEM participation, while simultaneously inspiring a sense of shared global heritage. The analysis identifies both successes and challenges, including unequal benefit distribution, limited local ownership, and sustainability gaps once external funding ends. Building on these lessons, we propose a practical framework/guidelines for designing, implementing, and evaluating astronomy-based community initiatives, rooted in participatory engagement and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper positions astronomy as a catalyst for inclusive growth, demonstrating that investment in the cosmos can translate into grounded, measurable benefits for people a
Astrotourism has emerged as a powerful cross sectoral tool to promote science education, sustainable economic development, and cultural exchange. Recognising its potential, the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) has developed a suite of openly accessible resources to support individuals and institutions interested in implementing astrotourism initiatives globally. These resources also encourage individuals and existing businesses to broaden their offerings to include activities that use the night sky as a backdrop, such as food experiences, wellness practices, and cultural exploration. This paper offers a comprehensive summary of these resources, available on the OAD's Astrotourism Portal, and situates them within the broader context of astronomy for development work. The paper is targeted at educators, policymakers, tourism operators, grassroots organisers, and entrepreneurs, providing guidance on how they can foster inclusive, locally grounded, and sustainable astrotourism efforts, particularly in underresourced or emerging contexts.
Context: Social aspects are of high importance for being successful using agile methods in software development. People are influenced by their cultural imprint, as the underlying cultural values are guiding us in how we think and act. Thus, one may assume that in multicultural agile software development teams, cultural characteristics influence the result in terms of quality of the team work and consequently, the product to be delivered. Objective: We aim to identify barriers and potentials that may arise in multicultural agile software development teams to provide valuable strategies for both researchers and practitioners faced with barriers or unrealized potentials of cultural diversity. Method: The study is designed as a single-case study with two units of analysis using a mixed-method design consisting quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: First, our results suggest that the cultural characteristics at the team level need to be analyzed individually in intercultural teams, Second, we identified key potentials regarding cultural characteristics providing key potentials such as a individual team subculture that fits agile values like open communication. Third, we derive
Generative AI (GenAI) has fundamentally changed how knowledge workers, such as software developers, solve tasks and collaborate to build software products. Introducing innovative tools like ChatGPT and Copilot has created new opportunities to assist and augment software developers across various problems. We conducted an empirical study involving interviews with 13 data scientists, managers, developers, designers, and frontend developers to investigate the usage of GenAI. Our study reveals that ChatGPT signifies a paradigm shift in the workflow of software developers. The technology empowers developers by enabling them to work more efficiently, speed up the learning process, and increase motivation by reducing tedious and repetitive tasks. Moreover, our results indicate a change in teamwork collaboration due to software engineers using GenAI for help instead of asking co-workers which impacts the learning loop in agile teams.
The mammalian cortex is divided into architectonic and functionally distinct areas. There is growing experimental evidence that their emergence and development is controlled by both epigenetic and genetic factors. The latter were recently implicated as dominating the early cortical area specification. In this paper, we present a theoretical model that explicitly considers the genetic factors and that is able to explain several sets of experiments on cortical area regulation involving transcription factors Emx2 and Pax6, and fibroblast growth factor FGF8. The model consists of the dynamics of thalamo- cortical connections modulated by signaling molecules that are regulated genetically, and by axonal competition for neocortical space. The model can make predictions and provides a basic mathematical framework for the early development of the thalamo-cortical connections and area patterning that can be further refined as more experimental facts become known.
Agile - denoting "the quality of being agile, readiness for motion, nimbleness, activity, dexterity in motion" - software development methods are attempting to offer an answer to the eager business community asking for lighter weight along with faster and nimbler software development processes. This is especially the case with the rapidly growing and volatile Internet software industry as well as for the emerging mobile application environment. The new agile methods have evoked substantial amount of literature and debates. However, academic research on the subject is still scarce, as most of existing publications are written by practitioners or consultants. The aim of this publication is to begin filling this gap by systematically reviewing the existing literature on agile software development methodologies. This publication has three purposes. First, it proposes a definition and a classification of agile software development approaches. Second, it analyses ten software development methods that can be characterized as being "agile" against the defined criterion. Third, it compares these methods and highlights their similarities and differences. Based on this analysis, future resear
This paper addresses the struggle of rural micro-entrepreneurs in the Global South in utilizing e-commerce to reach wider markets. This research paper looks at the adoption of e-commerce as a sustainable marketplace by the micro-entrepreneur sellers from the lower socio-economic rural communities in India, a booming digital economy in the Global South. 'Sustainability' here refers to a model for sustainable economic development sustaining the e-commerce as business model for the rural micro-entrepreneurs to flourish. This paper explores rural development by dismantling the factors that shape the ways technology and trade impact micro-entrepreneurs. The aim is to offer recommendations and solutions to contribute building the e-commerce as a sustainable marketplace for rural micro-entrepreneurs. Recent information and economic policy changes in India, along with the expansion of mobile infrastructure and a growing user base in rural regions makes this research timely and important. By scrutinizing the infrastructure and auditing the information needs and challenges of users, this research will illuminate the gaps that are leading to a lack of sustainable economic development, and inf