bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts and Trends on Global Supply Chain After COVID‐19 Outbreak
Authors: Figueira‐de‐Lemos Francisco , Silva Susana C. , Pinto Raquel P. , Kury Beatriz
Published: July 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has created many challenges for the modern and interconnected world we live in. Global supply chains (GSCs), which until this outbreak, had shown a certain level of responsiveness and reliability in responding to disruptions, were subject to a great test of their resilience. Adopting a qualitative research approach and carrying out in‐depth interviews with several different companies, it is shown that COVID‐19 has caused substantial harm to a variety of industries worldwide, compromising all nodes of their supply chain, from raw material assurance to the delivery of finished goods to consumers. Consequently, the disruption propagation was both from upstream and downstream of the value chain. The results also revealed some mitigation measures adopted and the intention to implement future ones to deal with consequences of potential future disruptions. Aiming to investigate if the pandemic crisis was intensifying deglobalization trends, the study also researched the relationship between supply chain disruptions and their impact on global trade. The analysis pointed to a deacceleration of international trade during the first months of the disease, mainly due to the closure of borders, but after this period, global dynamics started to be re‐established, suggesting that there is not an intensification of deglobalization trends. The study is considered relevant to the literature, as it brings more evidence and diversified viewpoints from various interviewees and industries in a recovering phase of COVID‐19 impacts, as well as to GSCs' decision‐makers since it brings about some managerial insights to better navigate through crises.
Premature recovery from general anaesthesia in an adult Limousin bull
Authors: Greenhalgh Stephen Nicholas , Wood Paul , Leigh Hannah , Clutton Richard Eddie
Published: July 2024

This case report describes the premature and unanticipated recovery of a bull from general anaesthesia for penile surgery. Retrospective review revealed: (i) the elements of case management that contributed to this critical event; and (ii) other measures that allowed prompt control, thus minimising risk to the subject and personnel. The case highlights the challenges of monitoring depth of anaesthesia in large ruminants and illustrates that non‐surgical stimuli such as hoisting can be equally, if not more, stimulating than surgery itself. Finally, practical recommendations are made to: (i) reduce the likelihood of this problem recurring; and (ii) limit the risk of harm to patient or personnel if it does.
The DIA-Estimator for Positional Integrity: Design and Computational Challenges
Authors: Teunissen P. J. G. , Ciuban S. , Yin C. , Noort B. G. van , Zaminpardaz S. , Tiberius C. C. J. M.
Published: July 2024

The geodetic method of positional data processing is usually not one of position estimation only, nor one of model testing only, but usually one in which estimation and testing are combined. The Detection, Identification and Adaptation (DIA)-estimator captures the statistical intricacies of this combination, providing a unifying framework for rigorous analyses of positional integrity and quality control procedures. However, to be able to establish fit-for-purpose quality control, not only solutions for the forward problem (quality of control) need to be available, but also for the inverse problem (control of quality). With the DIA-estimator and its multi-modal probability density function (PDF), we have solutions available for the forward problem, but not yet for the inverse problem. That is, no objective methods and strategies are currently available that allow one to design DIA-estimators specifically for given fit-for-purpose quality criteria. In this invited contribution we present and illustrate some of the underlying design and computational challenges that are brought forward by the complexities of the inverse problem. This relates, amongst others, to the DIA-variables, such as the chosen partitioning of the misclosure space, and to the ‘winner-takes-all’ structure of the DIA-class of estimators currently employed. To appreciate the fundamental differences with the traditional estimation-only approaches, we also show how the position probability distribution, and therefore the quality of positioning, is affected and driven by the combination of estimation and testing. For an underpinning of the design and computational challenges various numerical and graphical examples are presented.
Optimal Control of Hydropower Stations Composed of Identical Generators
Authors: Yao Fulai , Yao Yaming
Published: July 2024

There are many hydropower stations (HPS) around the world, which consist of hydropower units that convert the potential energy of water in rivers or reservoirs into electrical energy. Global hydropower generation in 2022 totaled 4,334.190 billion kilowatt-hours, a year-on-year increase of 1.1%. The proportion of global hydropower generation in total global power generation was 16.0% in 2022.
Optimal Control and Scheduling of Distribution Stations
Authors: Yao Fulai , Yao Yaming
Published: July 2024

The electricity generated by the power plant is sent to the distribution station, and then transmitted to factories, mines and households through the public power grid. An enterprise power distribution station may also have many transformers, and the number of transformers used and power distribution are adjusted to transmit power to each workshop. The electricity consumed by power transmission and distribution is very considerable, and a large number of scientists, scholars, students and engineers are engaged in research in this field. This chapter will discuss this issue.
A Property that Characterizes the Enneper Surface and Helix Surfaces
Authors: Lucas Pascual , Ortega-Yagües José Antonio
Published: July 2024

The main goal of this paper is to show that helix surfaces and the Enneper surface are the only surfaces in the 3-dimensional Euclidean space $$\mathbb {R}^{3}$$

R

3

whose isogonal lines are generalized helices and pseudo-geodesic lines.
Traumatische Hemipelvektomie
Authors: Pfalzgraf F. , Ecker M. , Goßlau Y. , Mayr E.
Published: July 2024

Die Herausforderung in der Behandlung der traumatischen Hemipelvektomie ist die Dynamik der komplexen und lebensbedrohlichen Verletzungsfolgen. Dies umfasst zum einen den Haut- und Weichteildefekt, die ossären, nervalen und vasalen Verletzungen, zum anderen die konsekutiv hämostaseologische Entgleisung und Organdysfunktion im Rahmen des Schockgeschehens. Die Behandlung an sich fordert schnelle und zielgerichtete Entscheidungen, um das Leben des Patienten zu erhalten. Im vorliegenden Fall wurde ein 34-jähriger Landwirt zwischen einem Radlader und einem stehenden Anhänger eingeklemmt. Bei seiner Ankunft im Krankenhaus befand sich der Patient in einem hämorrhagischen Schock mit begleitender akuter traumatischer Koagulopathie und einem III-gradig offenen Beckentrauma mit einer vollständigen Ischämie des linken Beins sowie auch einer Blasenverletzung. Nach notfallmäßiger operativer Versorgung und zweizeitiger Stabilisierung des Beckens kam es im weiteren Verlauf zu einer Verschlechterung des Zustandes hin zum Multiorganversagen, wodurch die linksseitige Hemipelvektomie als lebensrettende Maßnahme notwendig wurde. Anschließend waren bei Wundinfektion und bestehenden Haut- und Weichteilschaden mehrere Revisionseingriffe und plastische Rekonstruktionen notwendig. Aufgrund der im Alltag seltenen Konfrontation mit dieser Art von Verletzung und eines nichtallgemeingültigen Therapiealgorithmus soll folgender Fallbericht zum besseren Verständnis der Behandlung sowie auch zur Darstellung der in sich zusammenhängenden Wechselwirkungen der einzelnen betroffenen Organsystemen dienen.
Diverse growth rates in Triassic archosaurs—insights from a small terrestrial Middle Triassic pseudosuchian
Authors: Klein Nicole
Published: July 2024

The small pseudosuchian Benggwigwishingasuchus eremacarminis was found in Anisian (Middle Triassic) marine sediments. Neither the skeleton nor osteohistology or microanatomy shows any secondary aquatic adaptations, and a dominantly terrestrial lifestyle of this new taxon is evident. Bone tissue consists of a scaffold of parallel-fibered matrix, which is moderately vascularized by small, mainly longitudinal primary osteons. The innermost cortex is less densely vascularized and more highly organized. No parts of the cortex contain any woven bone. The cortex is regularly stratified by annual growth marks. Bone tissue and growth pattern indicate an adult individual that has had slow growth rates throughout its ontogeny. Tissue type, slow growth rate, and inferred low resting metabolic rate of Benggwigwishingasuchus are similar to that of crocodylomorphs but differ from that of Sillosuchus and Effigia, poposaurids to which Benggwigwishingasuchus is related based on phylogenetic analyses. However, according to current knowledge, growth rates in early archosaurs are more likely influenced by body size and environment than by phylogeny. Benggwigwishingasuchus is thus another example of unpredictable variability in growth rates within Triassic archosaurs.
Feasibility and performance of spin-echo EPI MR elastography at 3 Tesla for staging hepatic fibrosis in the presence of hepatic iron overload
Authors: Sgier David , Stocker Daniel , Jüngst Christoph , Renzulli Melanie , Biletska-Hanchorova Hanna , Weber Achim , Kannengiesser Stephan , Gubler Christoph , Reiner Caecilia S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To assess the feasibility and performance of MR elastography (MRE) for quantifying liver fibrosis in patients with and without hepatic iron overload.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study analyzed 139 patients who underwent liver MRI at 3 Tesla including MRE (2D spin-echo EPI sequence) and R2* mapping for liver iron content (LIC) estimation. MRE feasibility and diagnostic performance between patients with normal and elevated LIC were compared.

Results

Patients with elevated LIC (21%) had significantly higher MRE failure rates (24.1% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001) compared to patients with normal LIC (79%). For those with only insignificant to mild iron overload (LIC < 5.4 mg/g; 17%), MRE failure rate did not differ significantly from patients without iron overload (8.3% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.315). R2* predicted MRE failure with fair accuracy at a threshold of R2* ≥ 269 s−1 (LIC of approximately 4.6 mg/g). MRE showed good diagnostic performance for detecting significant (≥ F2) and severe fibrosis (≥ F3) in patients without (AUC 0.835 and 0.900) and with iron overload (AUC 0.818 and 0.889) without significant difference between the cohorts (p = 0.884 and p = 0.913). For detecting cirrhosis MRE showed an excellent diagnostic performance in both groups (AUC 0.944 and 1.000, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Spin-echo EPI MRE at 3 Tesla is feasible in patients with mild iron overload with good to excellent performance for detecting hepatic fibrosis with a failure rate comparable to patients without iron overload.
Targeted redox-responsive peptide for arterial chemoembolization therapy of orthotropic hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xia Yimao , Li Xin , Liu Fengyong
Published: July 2024

Objective

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is the first choice for the treatment of advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, TACE suffers from a lack of specificity and rapid drug release. Herein, a targeted redox-responsive peptide (TRRP) was synthesized and used as a carrier of doxorubicin (DOX) to enhance the efficacy of TACE through tumor cells targeting and controlled drug release.

Methods

TRRP has a high loading capacity of DOX and a sensitive drug release behavior at high glutathione (GSH) concentration. Moreover, TRRP could bind to the transferrin receptor on the surface of tumor cells, which enhanced the efficacy of TACE and reduced side effects of TACE. TACE with TRRP@DOX dispersed in lipiodol shows an enhanced therapeutic outcome compared to the treatment with DOX + lipiodol emulsion in orthotopic rat HCC models.

Results

TRRP has a high loading capacity of DOX and a sensitive drug release behavior at GSH concentration. Moreover, TRRP could bind to the transferrin receptor on the surface of tumor cells, which enhanced the efficacy of TACE and reduced side effects of TACE. TACE with TRRP@DOX dispersed in lipiodol shows an enhanced therapeutic outcome compared to the treatment with DOX + lipiodol emulsion in orthotopic rat HCC models.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that TRRP was a promising therapeutic agent for enhancing TACE therapy for HCC treatment.

Graphical abstract
Intracellular galectin interactions in health and disease
Authors: Jacob Ralf , Gorek Lena-Sophie
Published: July 2024

In the galectin family, a group of lectins is united by their evolutionarily conserved carbohydrate recognition domains. These polypeptides play a role in various cellular processes and are implicated in disease mechanisms such as cancer, fibrosis, infection, and inflammation. Following synthesis in the cytosol, manifold interactions of galectins have been described both extracellularly and intracellularly. Extracellular galectins frequently engage with glycoproteins or glycolipids in a carbohydrate-dependent manner. Intracellularly, galectins bind to non-glycosylated proteins situated in distinct cellular compartments, each with multiple cellular functions. This diversity complicates attempts to form a comprehensive understanding of the role of galectin molecules within the cell. This review enumerates intracellular galectin interaction partners and outlines their involvement in cellular processes. The intricate connections between galectin functions and pathomechanisms are illustrated through discussions of intracellular galectin assemblies in immune and cancer cells. This underscores the imperative need to fully comprehend the interplay of galectins with the cellular machinery and to devise therapeutic strategies aimed at counteracting the establishment of galectin-based disease mechanisms.
Gut microbiota-derived metabolites tune host homeostasis fate
Authors: Kim Seungil , Seo Sang-Uk , Kweon Mi-Na
Published: July 2024

The gut microbiota, housing trillions of microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract, has emerged as a critical regulator of host health and homeostasis. Through complex metabolic interactions, these microorganisms produce a diverse range of metabolites that substantially impact various physiological processes within the host. This review aims to delve into the intricate relationships of gut microbiota-derived metabolites and their influence on the host homeostasis. We will explore how these metabolites affect crucial aspects of host physiology, including metabolism, mucosal integrity, and communication among gut tissues. Moreover, we will spotlight the potential therapeutic applications of targeting these metabolites to restore and sustain host equilibrium. Understanding the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and their metabolites is crucial for developing innovative strategies to promote wellbeing and improve outcomes of chronic diseases.
Quantifizierung von Ki-67 in PitNET („pituitary neuroendocrine tumors“)/Adenomen
Authors: Klein Judith , Saeger Kai , Saeger Wolfgang
Published: July 2024

Die vorliegende Studie vergleicht erstmals die Bestimmung des Ki-67-Index bei PitNET/Hypophysenadenomen durch Pathologen mit einer computergestützten Methode (Cognition MasterSuite, Fa. VMScope, Berlin). PitNET/Hypophysenadenomen weisen häufig einen geringen Proliferationsindex aus. Eine hohe Observervariabilität besteht v. a. bei der Schätzung in diesem niedrigen Prozentbereich. Eine zuverlässigere Festlegung wäre durch das 4‑Augen-Prinzip möglich, das jedoch nicht kontinuierlich zu realisieren ist. Abhilfe verspricht hier die digitale Bildanalyse. In der Untersuchung konnte eine deutliche Übereinstimmung der Ki-67-Schätzung durch zwei erfahrene Pathologen und der Bestimmung mit Hilfe der digitalen Bildanalyse gezeigt werden. Das digitale Bildanalysesystem ist hervorragend zur Bestimmung der Proliferationsrate von PitNET/Hypophysenadenomen geeignet und kann daher das „dritte“ und „vierte Auge“ darstellen.
Neuroethik – ein Überblick über Anwendungsgebiete und zentrale Fragestellungen
Authors: Rubeis Giovanni
Published: July 2024

Die Neuroethik ist ein Ansatz der angewandten Ethik, der sich mit unterschiedlichen Handlungsfeldern der Neurowissenschaften und Neuromedizin befasst. Ein wesentliches Ziel der Neuroethik ist es, auf der Grundlage interdisziplinärer Forschung den jeweiligen Akteuren eine ethische Orientierung zu geben und sie in ihrem Handeln zu unterstützen. Der Anwendungsbereich der Neuroethik umfasst primär die neurowissenschaftliche Grundlagenforschung, die klinischen Interventionen in der Neurologie und die Neurotechnik. In jedem dieser Handlungsfelder ergeben sich spezifische ethische Herausforderungen.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden einige dieser Herausforderungen und die damit zusammenhängenden ethischen Fragen erörtert. Dazu gehören etwa die ethischen Aspekte des Neuroimagings, die Debatte um den irreversiblen Hirnfunktionsausfall als Todeskriterium oder die Implikationen von Neuroenhancement. Dabei sind philosophisch-ethische Themen wie Personalität und Persönlichkeitsrechte, das Verständnis von Bewusstsein sowie die Zulässigkeit kognitiver Verbesserungen mit technischen Mitteln angesprochen. Der Beitrag leistet hierzu nur einen Überblick, der in das Thema einführen und zu einer tiefergehenden Auseinandersetzung einladen soll.
A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study of S-588410, a five-peptide cancer vaccine as an adjuvant therapy after curative resection in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Makino Tomoki , Miyata Hiroshi , Yasuda Takushi , Kitagawa Yuko , Muro Kei , Park Jae-Hyun , Hikichi Tetsuro , Hasegawa Takahiro , Igarashi Kenji , Iguchi Motofumi , Masaoka Yasuhide , Yano Masahiko , Doki Yuichiro
Published: July 2024

Background

S-588410, a cancer peptide vaccine (CPV), comprises five HLA-A*24:02-restricted peptides from five cancer-testis antigens. In a phase 2 study, S-588410 was well-tolerated and exhibited antitumor efficacy in patients with urothelial cancer. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, immune response, and safety of S-588410 in patients with completely resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

This phase 3 study involved patients with HLA-A*24:02-positive and lymph node metastasis-positive ESCC who received neoadjuvant therapy followed by curative resection. After randomization, patients were administered S-588410 and placebo (both emulsified with Montanide™ ISA 51VG) subcutaneously. The primary endpoint was relapse-free survival (RFS). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) induction, and safety. Statistical significance was tested using the one-sided weighted log-rank test with the Fleming–Harrington class of weights.

Results

A total of 276 patients were randomized (N = 138/group). The median RFS was 84.3 and 84.1 weeks in the S-588410 and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.8156), whereas the median OS was 236.3 weeks and not reached, respectively (P = 0.6533). CTL induction was observed in 132/134 (98.5%) patients who received S-588410 within 12 weeks. Injection site reactions (137/140 patients [97.9%]) were the most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events in the S-588410 group. Prolonged survival was observed in S-588410-treated patients with upper thoracic ESCC, grade 3 injection-site reactions, or high CTL intensity.

Conclusions

S-588410 induced immune response and had acceptable safety but failed to reach the primary endpoint. A high CTL induction rate and intensity may be critical for prolonging survival during future CPV development.
Unveiling Site Visibility: A Study of Farming Communities in the Magaliesberg Region, South Africa
Authors: Siteleki Mncedisi J.
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the historical and contemporary significance of visibility in human interactions with their environments, particularly in the context of archaeology and the application of geographic information systems (GIS) for visibility analysis. The study highlights the role of visibility analysis in investigating not only the physical visibility of features in landscapes but also the cultural significance associated with seeing or not seeing them. It draws from the ‘visibility relates’ principle, which argues that individuals tend to establish connections with visible entities. The focus is on comparing nineteenth-century urban settlements (Kaditshwene, Molokwane, and Marothodi) in the Magaliesberg region of South Africa, particularly examining the strategic positioning of kraals within these Sotho-Tswana farming communities. These settlements are some of the more popular Late Farming Communities (AD 1300–1840) in South Africa; hence, they have archaeological background and are among the few, if not the only ones, that have LiDAR data coverage. The findings reveal distinctions in visibility at both settlement and household scalar levels, with Kaditshwene standing out as different from Marothodi and Molokwane. This suggests that kraals were strategically located to be more or less visible based on specific settlement circumstances, such as attracting people from other communities and concerns about cattle theft. This study contributes to GIS approaches to archaeological sites and landscapes in Africa and calls for more extensive use of geospatial statistics in African archaeology.
Emergent cooperation from mutual acknowledgment exchange in multi-agent reinforcement learning
Authors: Phan Thomy , Sommer Felix , Ritz Fabian , Altmann Philipp , Nüßlein Jonas , Kölle Michael , Belzner Lenz , Linnhoff-Popien Claudia
Published: July 2024

Peer incentivization (PI) is a recent approach where all agents learn to reward or penalize each other in a distributed fashion, which often leads to emergent cooperation. Current PI mechanisms implicitly assume a flawless communication channel in order to exchange rewards. These rewards are directly incorporated into the learning process without any chance to respond with feedback. Furthermore, most PI approaches rely on global information, which limits scalability and applicability to real-world scenarios where only local information is accessible. In this paper, we propose Mutual Acknowledgment Token Exchange (MATE), a PI approach defined by a two-phase communication protocol to exchange acknowledgment tokens as incentives to shape individual rewards mutually. All agents condition their token transmissions on the locally estimated quality of their own situations based on environmental rewards and received tokens. MATE is completely decentralized and only requires local communication and information. We evaluate MATE in three social dilemma domains. Our results show that MATE is able to achieve and maintain significantly higher levels of cooperation than previous PI approaches. In addition, we evaluate the robustness of MATE in more realistic scenarios, where agents can deviate from the protocol and communication failures can occur. We also evaluate the sensitivity of MATE w.r.t. the choice of token values.
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Compulsive Sexual Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Newly Diagnosed with HIV
Authors: Brown Monique J. , Osinubi Medinat Omobola , Amoatika Daniel , Haider Mohammad Rifat , Kirklewski Sally , Wilson Patrick , Hansen Nathan B.
Published: July 2024

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) continues to be a public health challenge. The prevalence of experiencing CSA is higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) than the general population. CSA has been linked to compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) among varying populations but has not been examined among MSM who were newly diagnosed with HIV. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess the direct association between CSA and CSB among newly diagnosed MSM living with HIV, and to identify the potential mediating roles of depressive symptoms and emotion regulation in the association between CSA and CSB. The study was a secondary data analysis using data obtained from 2012 to 2017 from two community HIV clinics in New York City (n = 202). CSA was operationalized with questions asking about sexual abuse during childhood/adolescence. CSB was measured using the 13-item Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI). Depressive symptoms were measured using the 20-item Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale and emotion regulation was measured using a 36-item Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Path analysis was conducted to determine the mediating role of depressive symptoms and emotion regulation in the association between CSA and CSB. There was a statistically significant association between CSA and CSB (β = 0.160; p = 0.019). There were statistically significant indirect associations between CSA, depressive symptoms, emotion regulation, and CSB (depressive symptoms β = 0.0.071; p = 0.010; DERS: β = 0.080; p = 0.006). Depressive symptoms were also correlated with emotion regulation (r = 0.596; p < 0.001). The relationship between CSA and CSB was significantly mediated by depressive symptoms and emotion regulation. Trauma-informed interventions addressing depressive symptoms and difficulties in emotion regulation may help to reduce CSB among MSM living with HIV.
A review on emotion detection by using deep learning techniques
Authors: Chutia Tulika , Baruah Nomi
Published: July 2024

Along with the growth of Internet with its numerous potential applications and diverse fields, artificial intelligence (AI) and sentiment analysis (SA) have become significant and popular research areas. Additionally, it was a key technology that contributed to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). The subset of AI known as emotion recognition systems facilitates communication between IR 4.0 and IR 5.0. Nowadays users of social media, digital marketing, and e-commerce sites are increasing day by day resulting in massive amounts of unstructured data. Medical, marketing, public safety, education, human resources, business, and other industries also use the emotion recognition system widely. Hence it provides a large amount of textual data to extract the emotions from them. The paper presents a systematic literature review of the existing literature published between 2013 to 2023 in text-based emotion detection. This review scrupulously summarized 330 research papers from different conferences, journals, workshops, and dissertations. This paper explores different approaches, methods, different deep learning models, key aspects, description of datasets, evaluation techniques, Future prospects of deep learning, challenges in existing studies and presents limitations and practical implications.
No more black-boxes: estimate deformation capacity of non-ductile RC shear walls based on generalized additive models
Authors: Deger Zeynep Tuna , Taskin Gulsen , Wallace John W.
Published: July 2024

Machine learning techniques have gained attention in earthquake engineering for their accurate predictions, but their opaque black-box models create ambiguity in the decision-making process due to inherent complexity. To address this issue, numerous methods have been developed in the literature that attempt to elucidate and interpret black-box machine learning methods. However, many of these methods evaluate the decision-making processes of the relevant machine learning techniques based on their own criteria, leading to varying results across different approaches. Therefore, the critical significance of developing transparent and interpretable models, rather than describing black-box models, becomes particularly evident in fields such as earthquake engineering, where the interpretation of the physical implications of the problem holds paramount importance. Motivated by these considerations, this study aims to advance the field by developing a novel methodological approach that prioritizes transparency and interpretability in estimating the deformation capacity of non-ductile reinforced concrete shear walls based on an additive meta-model representation. Specifically, this model will leverage engineering knowledge to accurately predict the deformation capacity, utilizing a comprehensive dataset collected from various locations globally. Furthermore, the integration of uncertainty analysis within the proposed methodology facilitates a comprehensive investigation into the influence of individual shear wall variables and their interactions on deformation capacity, thereby enabling a detailed understanding of the relationship dynamics. The proposed model stands out by aligning with scientific knowledge, practicality, and interpretability without compromising its high level of accuracy.
Impact of behavioural intention to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices on the food and nutrition security of farming households: A microeconomic level evidence
Authors: Omotoso Abeeb Babatunde , Omotayo Abiodun Olusola
Published: July 2024

The study examined the behavioural intention to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices (CSA) and its impact on the food-nutrition security (FNS) of farming households in South Africa. We employed a multistage sampling procedure to select rural maize farmers across the selected villages. To determine the impacts of behavioural adoption of CSA on the FNS of farming households, endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) was employed, while household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and household food insecurity access score (HFIAS) were used to determine the FNS status of the households. The findings emphasized the significance of the behavioural intentions of rural maize farmers, assessed through their attitudinal dimensions (measured in terms of perceived social norms, behavioural intentions, and control) in influencing the adoption decision of CSA practices, hence CSA adoption positively impacts FNS in South Africa. The result indicates that households that adopt CSA observe a 27% and 23% increase in HDDS and a decrease in HFIAS compared to those who do not adopt CSA practices, respectively. Thus, the outcome illustrates that the adoption of CSA practices substantially enhances the HDDS and HFIAS of rural maize farming households in South Africa. Following this backdrop, a concerted effort to raise knowledge of CSA practices through disseminating pertinent information will exert influence on the farmers' adoption behaviour towards CSA practices, which is capable of improving the FNS of rural maize farmers.
A phenome-wide association and factorial Mendelian randomization study on the repurposing of uric acid-lowering drugs for cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Mesa-Eguiagaray Ines , Campbell Harry , Wilson James F , Vitart Veronique , Li Xue , Theodoratou Evropi
Published: July 2024

Uric acid has been linked to various disease outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether uric acid-lowering therapy could be repurposed as a treatment for conditions other than gout. We first performed both observational phenome-wide association study (Obs-PheWAS) and polygenic risk score PheWAS (PRS-PheWAS) to identify associations of uric acid levels with a wide range of disease outcomes. Then, trajectory analysis was conducted to explore temporal progression patterns of the observed disease outcomes. Finally, we investigated whether uric acid-lowering drugs could be repurposed using a factorial Mendelian randomization (MR) study design. A total of 41 overlapping phenotypes associated with uric acid levels were identified by both Obs- and PRS- PheWASs, primarily cardiometabolic diseases. The trajectory analysis illustrated how elevated uric acid levels contribute to cardiometabolic diseases, and finally death. Meanwhile, we found that uric acid-lowering drugs exerted a protective role in reducing the risk of coronary atherosclerosis (OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.93, 1.00, P = 0.049), congestive heart failure (OR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.42, 0.99, P = 0.043), occlusion of cerebral arteries (OR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.87, 1.00, P = 0.044) and peripheral vascular disease (OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.38, 0.94, P = 0.025). Furthermore, the combination of uric acid-lowering therapy (e.g. xanthine oxidase inhibitors) with antihypertensive treatment (e.g. calcium channel blockers) exerted additive effects and was associated with a 6%, 8%, 8%, 10% reduction in risk of coronary atherosclerosis, heart failure, occlusion of cerebral arteries and peripheral vascular disease, respectively. Our findings support a role of elevated uric acid levels in advancing cardiovascular dysfunction and identify potential repurposing opportunities for uric acid-lowering drugs in cardiovascular treatment.
Be a hero, be your own best friend: a self-compassion-based PsyCap intervention improves PhD students’ well-being
Authors: Solms Luisa , van den Heuvel Machteld , Nevicka Barbara , Homan Astrid C.
Published: July 2024

Growing research evidence points towards a mental health crisis in PhD students. High-quality support services for PhD students are scarce as is research on interventions. Inspired by Conservation of Resources theory, we introduce a novel type of PsyCap intervention—a self-compassion-based PsyCap training—that aims to improve PhD students’ well-being (i.e., in terms of reducing work pressure and increasing positive affect and support seeking) through PsyCap and self-compassion. 115 PhD students in the Netherlands were randomized to a self-compassion-based PsyCap intervention, a PsyCap-only intervention, or a wait-list control group. Results indicated that the self-compassion-based PsyCap intervention increased self-compassion, reduced work pressure, and increased support seeking in the short term following the intervention. The PsyCap-only intervention increased psychological capital and reduced work pressure in the short term. Notably, increase in self-compassion was a key mechanism through which participants of the self-compassion-based PsyCap intervention, but not the PsyCap-only intervention, experienced improvements in all well-being outcomes over the longer term. Unexpectedly, the self-compassion-based PsyCap intervention increased psychological capital only at follow-up via self-compassion. This study provides initial evidence that developing PsyCap, alongside self-compassion, may take longer but benefits PhD students’ well-being and does so more than developing PsyCap alone.
Higher education retention in Ireland and Scotland: the role of admissions policies
Authors: Iannelli Cristina , McMullin Patricia , Smyth Emer
Published: July 2024

This article provides new insights into the role played by higher education (HE) selection policies in influencing student retention by exploring drop-out patterns in Ireland and Scotland. The Irish and Scottish HE systems differ in relation to the emphasis placed on grades and subjects studied at school and to the degree of autonomy enjoyed by HE institutions in the student admissions process. We investigate whether these system differences matter for student retention using administrative data from national student records and logistic regression modelling. The findings show that in Ireland, HE students have higher chances of dropping out than in Scotland and there are inequalities in these chances among students from different social backgrounds. Moreover, the association between subject matching (but also school grades) and the chances of dropping-out is stronger in Ireland than in Scotland. We conclude that the tighter student selection criteria in Scotland improve retention and reduce social inequalities in drop-out rates. Moreover, admission criteria are found to be important not only to explain between-country differences in drop-out rates but also within-country differences among different HE institutions.
Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace and its Association with Possible Actions of Managers to Prevent Sickness Absence of Employees with Mental Health Problems in the Swedish Private Sector: a Video Vignette Study
Authors: Schuller Sofie , de Rijk Angelique , Corin Linda , Bertilsson Monica
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Mental health problems (MHPs) are subjected to workplace stigma and can deteriorate into common mental disorders (CMDs) and sickness absence (SA). Research has shown that personal stigmatizing attitudes limit managers’ efforts towards employees with MHPs, but knowledge is lacking regarding stigma in social contexts (contextual stigma) and different types of possible preventive actions. This study investigates personal stigmatizing attitudes and three contextual stigma layers (employee, collegial, organizational) and different types of possible actions to prevent SA of employees with MHPs.

Method

Survey data of 2769 Swedish managers working in the private sector were analysed. Personal stigmatizing attitudes were measured with the managerial stigma towards employee depression scale and supplemented with four additional items capturing contextual stigma. Managers watched video vignettes and assessed which preventive actions (n  = 20) were possible to use in their organization. A sum score was calculated reflecting the ‘number of actions’. Principal component analysis revealed three action types: adapt tasks and setting, involve experts, and social support. A score reflecting the ‘possibilities to implement actions’ was calculated for each type. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted with the four stigma layers as independent variables for each of the three action variables.

Results

Personal stigmatizing attitudes and contextual stigma were significantly associated with both ‘number of actions’ and ‘possibilities for implementing actions’ relating to all action types. Patterns of associations with contextual stigma were significant but varied between the different action types.

Conclusion

This study substantiated the role of personal stigmatizing attitudes and contextual stigma in relation to possible actions of managers to prevent SA of employees with MHPs. The results emphasize the role of contextual stigma. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Assessing setting times of cementitious materials using semi-adiabatic calorimetry
Authors: Baranyi Attila , Kopecskó Katalin , Csetényi László
Published: July 2024

The most common methods for the determination of setting times of cements are the various penetration tests. One of the most important of these is the Vicat method, which is the current standard measurement (EN 196-3) to determine the setting time of cement. However, there are alternative methods that can be used to monitor the setting process and eliminate several issues that arise from the Vicat method, such as intermittent measurement, measurability of cement pastes of non-standard consistency, testing mortars and concretes.

One such method is semi-adiabatic calorimetry (SAC), which can be an alternative to penetration tests in appropriate circumstances. In this study, determination of setting times of two sources of CEM I 42.5 N cement was observed, using semi-adiabatic calorimetry at different (0.25; 0.27; 0.29; and, 0.31) water to cement ratios (w/c). During our measurements, we observed that the ratio between the setting time of a given source of cement and the time it took to reach the maximum rate of heat development was almost constant for the same cement and w/c ratio, which enables a simple and inexpensive routine measurement of setting times of Portland cement.
Explainable dating of greek papyri images
Authors: Pavlopoulos John , Konstantinidou Maria , Perdiki Elpida , Marthot-Santaniello Isabelle , Essler Holger , Vardakas Georgios , Likas Aristidis
Published: July 2024

Greek literary papyri, which are unique witnesses of antique literature, do not usually bear a date. They are thus currently dated based on palaeographical methods, with broad approximations which often span more than a century. We created a dataset of 242 images of papyri written in “bookhand” scripts whose date can be securely assigned, and we used it to train algorithms for the task of dating, showing its challenging nature. To address data scarcity, we extended our dataset by segmenting each image into its respective text lines. By using the line-based version of our dataset, we trained a Convolutional Neural Network, equipped with a fragmentation-based augmentation strategy, and we achieved a mean absolute error of 54 years. The results improve further when the task is cast as a multi-class classification problem, predicting the century. Using our network, we computed precise date estimations for papyri whose date is disputed or vaguely defined, employing explainability to understand dating-driving features.
The perceived impact of PISA on student learning in schools in a local Chinese context
Authors: Ding Huiming , Tasara Innocent
Published: July 2024

The increasing concerns of the impact of the Programmes for International Student Assessment (PISA) on education policymaking along with its global reach call for the need of evaluating PISA’s impact on student learning. However, most extant studies focus on arguing its impact at the policy level, without taking a further look into it at the local and school levels. This paper empirically investigates the impact of PISA on student learning in schools in a local Chinese context, that is, the Fangshan District of Beijing, through engaging local stakeholders’ perspectives. Based on the interviews with local educational policymakers and practitioners, the findings reveal that PISA has motivated substantive local policy initiatives aimed at improving student learning, which have been enacted in schools to varying degrees. In many of these initiatives, some PISA concepts were incorporated in different ways. We discuss PISA’s impact on the local educational policy and propose a provisional mechanism of its impact on student learning in schools.
The Effect of a Hydrophilic Polymer on the Morphology of Polymeric Membranes and the Retention of Metals
Authors: Yildiz Yasemin , Manzak Aynur
Published: July 2024

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a preferred hydrophilic polymer as an additive for casting solutions. In this study, polymeric membranes containing 1,10-phenanthroline and different molecular weights of polyethylene glycol (PEG) are tested for the morphological change and metal retention on the membrane surface. Additives in the form of PEGs with molecular weights of 400 Da, 600 Da, and 6000 Da were used. The morphology of each membrane was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It appears that copper has more retention than cadmium in all membrane components in SEM–EDS analysis. FTIR spectra findings provided evidence that PEG binds to the PVC backbone through hydrogen bonds involving chlorine atoms in the PVC and hydrogen atoms in the hydroxyl groups of PEG. The porosity of the membrane was determined by gravimetric method. The molecular weight of PEG in the membrane seems to be increasing, the porosity of the membrane improved. The porosity of the membrane obtained with PVC/ PEG/ 1,10-phenanthroline is 62.85 for PEG 400, 80.00 for PEG 600 and 83.50 for PEG 6000. The order of metal retention on the surface of the membranes consisting of PVC-1,10 phenanthroline and PEGs are Cu > Cd, indicating that with its large diameter (140 pm), cadmium cannot settle into the pores as much as copper. Except for PEG 600, the retention of both metals decreased with the addition of phenanthroline to the membrane containing PEG. The amorphous structure was detected from the XRD of the membranes. Thermal analysis of the membrane was determined by TG-DSC.

Graphical Abstract
Dramatic loss of microbial viability in bentonite exposed to heat and gamma radiation: implications for deep geological repository
Authors: Bartak Deepa , Šachlová Šárka , Kašpar Vlastislav , Říha Jakub , Dobrev David , Večerník Petr , Hlaváčková Veronika , Matulová Michaela , Černá Kateřina
Published: July 2024

Bentonite is an integral part of the engineered barrier system (EBS) in deep geological repositories (DGR) for nuclear waste, but its indigenous microorganisms may jeopardize long-term EBS integrity. To predict microbial activity in DGRs, it is essential to understand microbial reactions to the early hot phase of DGR evolution. Two bentonites (BCV and MX-80) with varied bentonite/water ratios and saturation levels (compacted to 1600 kg.m− 3 dry density/powder/suspension), were subjected to heat (90–150 °C) and irradiation (0.4 Gy.h− 1) in the long-term experiments (up to 18 months). Molecular-genetic, microscopic, and cultivation-based techniques assessed microbial survivability. Exposure to 90 °C and 150 °C notably diminished microbial viability, irrespective of bentonite form, with negligible impacts from irradiation or sample type compared to temperature. Bentonite powder samples exhibited microbial recovery after 90 °C heating for up to 6 months but not 12 months in most cases; exposure to 150 °C had an even stronger effect. Further long-term experiments at additional temperatures combined with the mathematical prediction of temperature evolution in DGR are recommended to validate the possible evolution and spatial distribution of microbially depleted zones in bentonite buffer around the waste canisters and refine predictions of microbial effects over time in the DGR.
Stock Markets Cycles and Macroeconomic Dynamics
Authors: Vatsa Puneet , Basnet Hem C. , Mixon Franklin G. , Upadhyaya Kamal P.
Published: July 2024

There is a consensus that stock markets are procyclical. However, answers to some important questions remain unclear. Do stock markets lead or lag business cycles? More interestingly, what is the duration with which they lead or lag them? This study uses different time-series filters and time-difference analysis to answer these questions by examining the dynamic interactions between three major stock indices and key macroeconomic indicators in the United States. The findings show that stock markets have been strongly procyclical, lagging industrial production by one to three months in recent decades. There have been noteworthy changes in the relationship between inflation and stock market cycles. The correlations changed from negative in the 1980s and 1990s to positive in the 2000s and 2010s. The results also reveal close associations between the stock indices, offering new insights into the interplay between financial markets and economic cycles.
Influencing on police-community relations: an empirical study based on the OIC three-dimensional model
Authors: Songze Zhu , Mingshen Xu , Yuhao Wang
Published: July 2024

The establishment of harmonious police-community relations is a important factor in advancing the modernization of public security endeavors, linked to the exercise of authority, value orientations, and the core mission of law enforcement agencies. The OIC model considers police professional prestige, image, and credibility. Utilizing the OIC three-dimensional model as a foundation, this study examines the intricate mechanisms and explanatory frameworks underlying the relationship between police professional prestige, police image, police law enforcement credibility, and police-community relations. This study surveyed police officers and citizens in X city. Through a comprehensive questionnaire survey and rigorous data analysis, the study reveals several noteworthy findings: (1) police professional prestige has a significant positive predictive effect on police-community relations; (2) police image plays a partially mediating role between police professional prestige and police-community relations; (3) police law enforcement credibility plays a partially mediating role between police professional prestige and police-community relations; (4) police image and police law enforcement credibility can play a chain mediating role between police professional prestige and police-community relations; (5)police image and police law enforcement credibility jointly play a sequential mediating role, bridging the gap between police professional prestige and police-community relations. Based on the OIC three-dimensional model, the study proposes feasible countermeasures and theoretical references for closer police-community relations from the aspects of comprehensive cognition, objective reality and mediated communication.