Abstract
There are now multiple proposals for Conflict-free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) in SQL databases aimed at distributed systems. Some, such as ElectricSQL, provide only relational tables as convergent replicated maps, but this omits semantics that would be useful for merging updates. Others, such as Pg\_crdt, provide access to a rich library of encapsulated column types. However, this puts merge and query processing outside the scope of the query optimizer and restricts the ability of an administrator to influence access paths with materialization and indexes. Our proposal, CRDV, overcomes this challenge by using two layers implemented as SQL views: The first provides a replicated relational table from an update history, while the second implements varied and rich types on top of the replicated table. This allows the definition of merge semantics, or even entire new data types, in SQL itself, and enables global optimization of user queries together with merge operations. Therefore, it naturally extends the scope of query optimization and local transactions to operations on replicated data, can be used to reproduce the functionality of common CRDTs with simple SQL idioms, and results in better performance than alternatives.

Abstract
One of the industry’s most common applications of lasers is engraving, which is generally performed on flat surfaces. However, there are many situations where the object to be engraved has an unevenly curved geometry. In those cases, the light power density will be different along the surface for a fixed head, leading to a poor engraving result. This work deals with this problem by designing a robotic application capable of detecting variations on the object surface and automatically creating a trajectory to engrave on it correctly. This was made possible through a robotic manipulator, a time-of-flight distance sensor, and a data processing algorithm over the measured data. Obtained results were acquired using a custom-made test rig and validated by delivering consistent engraving results on irregular surface shapes.

Abstract
Advancements in large language model (LLM)-based conversational assistants have transformed search experiences into more natural and context-aware dialogues that resemble human conversation. However, limited access to interaction log data hinders a deeper understanding of their real-world usage. To address this gap, we analyzed 16,952 prompt logs from 904 unique users of Labadain Chat, an LLM-based conversational assistant designed for Tetun speakers, to uncover patterns in user search behavior, engagement, and intent. Our findings show that most users (29.87%) spent between one and five minutes per session, with an average of 43 unique daily users. The majority (93.97%) submitted multiple prompts per session, with an average session duration of 16.9 minutes. Most users (95.22%) were based in Timor-Leste, with education and science (28.75%) and health (28.00%) being the most searched topics. We compared our findings with a study on Google Bard logs in English, revealing similar search characteristics - including engagement duration, command-based instructions, and requests for specific assistance. Furthermore, a comparison with two conventional search engines suggests that LLM-based conversational systems have influenced user search behavior on traditional platforms, reflecting a broader trend toward command-driven queries. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how user search behavior evolves, particularly within low-resource language communities. To support future research, we publicly release LabadainLog-17k+, a dataset of over 17,000 real-world user search logs in Tetun, offering a unique resource for investigating conversational search in this language. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a form of brain injury caused by external forces, resulting in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function. Despite advancements in healthcare, TBI mortality rates can reach 30%–40% in severe cases. This study aims to assist clinical decision-making and enhance patient care for TBI-related complications by employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods and data-driven approaches to predict decompensation. This study uses learning models based on sequential data from Electronic Health Records (EHR). Decompensation prediction was performed based on 24-h in-mortality prediction at each hour of the patient's stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A cohort of 2261 TBI patients was selected from the MIMIC-III dataset based on age and ICD-9 disease codes. Logistic Regressor (LR), Long-short term memory (LSTM), and Transformers architectures were used. Two sets of features were also explored combined with missing data strategies by imputing the normal value, data imbalance techniques with class weights, and oversampling. The best performance results were obtained using LSTMs with the original features with no unbalancing techniques and with the added features and class weight technique, with AUROC scores of 0.918 and 0.929, respectively. For this study, using EHR time series data with LSTM proved viable in predicting patient decompensation, providing a helpful indicator of the need for clinical interventions. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd

Abstract

Abstract
Thanks to the vast amount of available resources and unique propagation properties, terahertz (THz) frequency bands are viewed as a key enabler for achieving ultrahigh communication performance and precise sensing capabilities in future wireless systems. Recently, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) initiated an Industry Specification Group (ISG) on THz which aims at establishing the technical foundation for subsequent standardization of this technology, which is pivotal for its successful integration into future networks. Starting from the work recently finalized within this group, this article provides an industrial perspective on potential use cases and frequency bands of interest for THz communication systems. We first identify promising frequency bands in the 100 GHz-1 THz range, offering over 500 GHz of available spectrum that can be exploited to unlock the full potential of THz communications. Then, we present key use cases and application areas for THz communications, emphasizing the role of this technology and its advantages over other frequency bands. We discuss their target requirements and show that some applications demand multi-Tb/s data rates, latency below 0.5 ms, and sensing accuracy down to 0.5 cm. Additionally, we identify the main deployment scenarios and outline other enabling technologies crucial for overcoming the challenges faced by THz systems. Finally, we summarize past and ongoing standardization efforts focusing on THz communications, while also providing an outlook toward the inclusion of this technology as an integral part of the future sixth generation (6G) and beyond communication networks.