bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does a reduction in the pension insurance contribution ratio promote firm productivity? Evidence from a quasinatural experiment in China
Authors: Liu Xiaohan , Liu Jianmin , Liu Jia , Wu Jinguang , Hao Yu
Published: February 2024

Reducing the burden of social security contributions for firms, unleashing their vitality, and enhancing their total factor productivity (TFP) are crucial measures in China's pursuit of sustainable and high‐value‐added growth. This article utilizes three reductions in the corporate pension insurance contribution ratio in China as a quasi‐natural experiment to construct a treatment intensity DID (Difference‐in‐Differences) model. By utilizing data from listed companies between 2013 and 2020, this study empirically examines the impact of reducing the pension insurance contribution ratio on firms’ TFP while identifying the underlying mechanisms. The findings of the study are as follows: First, the policy exhibits a significant positive effect on corporate TFP in China. Second, this policy's contribution primarily stems from stimulating firms to increase their employment of highly skilled labour, elevating wages for ordinary employees, and enhancing firm investment efficiency. Lastly, the analysis of heterogeneity demonstrates that the policy's positive effect is more pronounced among non‐state‐owned enterprises, small and medium‐sized enterprises, and labour‐intensive enterprises. This study provides empirical evidence for evaluating the contribution reduction policy and serves as a policy reference for endeavours to deepen the reform of the pension insurance system and enhance pension insurance fund budget management.
Amniotomy versus expectant management during the active phase of labor defined by the new WHO definition on the duration of labor: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khunpradit Suthit , Kamkrea Sirisopa , Srisuwan Tassanee , Mooncheep Thongrein
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compare the labor duration and other maternal and neonatal outcomes between hospitalized women with uncomplicated pregnancies receiving amniotomy at 5 cm cervical dilatation and those not receiving amniotomy.

Methods

This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital between June 2020 and October 2021. The study included low‐risk pregnant women with spontaneous onset of labor at term, carrying a single fetus in cephalic presentation and with intact amniotic membranes. When the cervical dilatation reached 5 cm, participants were randomly assigned to receive or not receive amniotomy. Maternal demographics, labor and delivery data, and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The amniotomy group had a significantly shorter duration of labor compared with the control group (mean difference 49.4 min, 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.8–81.9, P = 0.003). The following outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups: (1) the need for oxytocin to augment labor; (2) cesarean section rates; (3) the incidence rates of suspected fetal distress and instrumental delivery; and (4) neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

Compared with expectant management, amniotomy during the active phase of labor (as newly defined by WHO) can shorten the labor duration without an increased risk of cesarean delivery or other negative consequences.

Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (TCTR20200522001)

https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20200522001.
Exosome‐transported of circ_0081069 induces SPIN1 production by binding to miR‐195‐5p to inhibit radiosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chai Ting , Liu Junqi , Liu Zongwen , Fan Ruitai
Published: February 2024

Circ_0081069 plays a key role in tumor growth; however, its effect on radiosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. The study is performed to reveal the association of circ_0081069 expression and radiosensitivity in ESCC and the underlying mechanism. Circ_0081069, miR‐195‐5p, and spindlin 1 (SPIN1) RNA expression were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression was checked by Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry assay. Cell viability, proliferation, cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion were investigated by cell counting kit‐8, 5‐Ethynyl‐29‐deoxyuridine, flow cytometry analysis, scratch test, and transwell assays, respectively. The sensitivity of ESCC cells to radiation was investigated by cell colony formation assay. The interactions among circ_0081069, miR‐195‐5p, and SPIN1 were identified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation assay. Xenograft mouse model assay was performed to determine the effect of circ_0007841 on radiosensitivity in vivo. Circ_0081069 and SPIN1 expression were upregulated, whereas miR‐195‐5p was downregulated in ESCC tissues, ESCC cells, and radiation‐stimulated ESCC cells. Circ_0081069 silencing inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration but improved cell apoptosis. In addition, circ_0081069 knockdown enhanced ESCC cell radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Circ_0081069 bound to miR‐195‐5p and regulated radiosensitivity by binding to miR‐195‐5p in ESCC cells. Moreover, SPIN1, a target of miR‐195‐5p, rescued miR‐195‐5p‐mediated effects in ESCC cells. Circ_0081069 was secreted from ESCC cells by being packaged into exosomes. Further, circ_0081069‐Exo inhibited radiosensitivity in ESCC cells. Exosome‐mediated transfer of circ_0081069 induced SPIN1 production by binding to miR‐195‐5p, further inhibiting radiosensitivity in ESCC.
Analysis of nighttime aerosols and relation to covariates over a highly polluted sub‐Saharan site using Mann–Kendall and wavelet coherence approach
Authors: Köse Ali , Tariq Salman , Uyal Banu Numan , Khan Muhammad , Rjoub Husam , Mehmood Usman
Published: February 2024

High emissions of aerosols and trace gases during nighttime can cause serious air quality, climate, and health issues, particularly in extremely polluted cities. In this paper, an effort has been made to examine the variations in aerosols and trace gases over a sub‐Saharan city of Ilorin (Nigeria) during nighttime. We have used Aerosol Robotic Network data of aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 500 nm, Angstrom exponent (AE) (440/870), and precipitable water (WVC). Both AE and WVC showed a decreasing trend of −0.0012% and −0.0010% per year, respectively. We also analyzed nighttime data of carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), and ozone (O3) from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder and aerosol subtypes from CALIPSO (Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation). AOD, AE, and WVC average values are found to be 0.64 ± 0.33, 0.74 ± 0.24, and 3.40 ± 0.97, respectively. As a result of northeasterly winds carrying Saharan dust during the dry season, the greatest value of AOD (1.29) was observed in February. Desert dust aerosols (37.63%) were the most prevalent type, followed by mixed aerosols (44.15%). Winds at a height of 1500 m above ground level were likely transporting Saharan dust to Ilorin. CALIPSO images revealed that Ilorin's atmosphere contained dust, polluted continental, clean maritime, and polluted dust on high AOD days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's vertical sounding profiles showed that the presence of high AOD values was caused by the inversion layer trapping aerosol pollution. Average nighttime concentrations of CO, O3, and CH4 were measured to be 127 ± 18, 29.7 ± 2.1, and 1822.6 ± 12.7 ppbv, respectively. The wavelet coherence spectra exhibited significant quasi‐biannual and quasi‐annual oscillations at statistically significant levels.
Evaluating the daily modulation of FADD and related molecular markers in different brain regions in male rats
Authors: Yáñez‐Gómez Fernando , Gálvez‐Melero Laura , Ledesma‐Corvi Sandra , Bis‐Humbert Cristian , Hernández‐Hernández Elena , Salort Glòria , García‐Cabrerizo Rubén , García‐Fuster M. Julia
Published: February 2024

Fas‐Associated protein with Death Domain (FADD), a key molecule controlling cell fate by balancing apoptotic versus non‐apoptotic functions, is dysregulated in post‐mortem brains of subjects with psychopathologies, in animal models capturing certain aspects of these disorders, and by several pharmacological agents. Since persistent disruptions in normal functioning of daily rhythms are linked with these conditions, oscillations over time of key biomarkers, such as FADD, could play a crucial role in balancing the clinical outcome. Therefore, we characterized the 24‐h regulation of FADD (and linked molecular partners: p‐ERK/t‐ERK ratio, Cdk‐5, p35/p25, cell proliferation) in key brain regions for FADD regulation (prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus). Samples were collected during Zeitgeber time (ZT) 2, ZT5, ZT8, ZT11, ZT14, ZT17, ZT20, and ZT23 (ZT0, lights‐on or inactive period; ZT12, lights‐off or active period). FADD showed similar daily fluctuations in all regions analyzed, with higher values during lights off, and opposite to p‐ERK/t‐ERK ratios regulation. Both Cdk‐5 and p35 remained stable and did not change across ZT. However, p25 increased during lights off, but exclusively in striatum. Finally, no 24‐h modulation was observed for hippocampal cell proliferation, although higher values were present during lights off. These results demonstrated a clear daily modulation of FADD in several key brain regions, with a more prominent regulation during the active time of rats, and suggested a key role for FADD, and molecular partners, in the normal physiological functioning of the brain's daily rhythmicity, which if disrupted might participate in the development of certain pathologies.
Uncertainty and outliers in high‐resolution gridded precipitation products over eastern North America
Authors: Picart Tangui , Di Luca Alejandro , Laprise René
Published: February 2024

Several observational precipitation products that provide high temporal (≤3 h) and spatial (≤0.25°) resolution gridded estimates are available, although no single product can be assumed worldwide to be closest to the (unknown) “reality.” Here, we propose and apply a methodology to quantify the uncertainty of a set of precipitation products and to identify, at individual grid points, the products that are likely wrong (i.e., outliers). The methodology is applied over eastern North America for the 2015–2019 period for eight high‐resolution gridded precipitation products: CMORPH, ERA5, GSMaP, IMERG, MSWEP, PERSIANN, STAGE IV and TMPA. Four difference metrics are used to quantify discrepancies in different aspects of the precipitation time series, such as the total accumulation, two characteristics of the intensity‐frequency distribution, and the timing of precipitating events. Large regional and seasonal variations in the observational uncertainty are found across the ensemble. The observational uncertainty is higher in Canada than in the United States, reflecting large differences in the density of precipitation gauge measurements. In northern midlatitudes, the uncertainty is highest in winter, demonstrating the difficulties of satellite retrieval algorithms in identifying precipitation in snow‐covered areas. In southern midlatitudes, the uncertainty is highest in summer, probably due to the more discontinuous nature of precipitation. While the best product cannot be identified due to the lack of an absolute reference, our study is able to identify products that are likely wrong and that should be excluded depending on the specific application.
Remote influence on regional scale intraseasonal rainfall variability over Vietnam
Authors: Le Hong‐Hanh , Hall Nicholas M. J. , Ngo‐Duc Thanh
Published: February 2024

Remote influences on intraseasonal anomalous rainfall over regions that encompass North and South Vietnam are explored using a 38‐year (1979–2016) global dataset over the extended summer (May–October). Wet and Dry composites in filtered daily data with lags of up to 2 weeks are assembled for various rainfall indices over the two subregions, including atmospheric reanalysis products and in‐situ rainfall data. On the regional scale, the moisture flux convergence correlates well with reanalysed rainfall. The large‐scale dynamics associated with these composites are described. Rainfall composites of opposing signs show asymmetrical large‐scale precursors and different pathways of influence. Wet and Dry anomalies in North Vietnam are seen to originate from Europe and propagate at high latitudes. The exact nature of the precursors is sensitive to the definition of the composite index. There is also a pathway of influence along the Asian jet, which impacts South Vietnam, especially for Wet composites which often coincide with Dry conditions in the North. South Vietnam is also influenced by tropical divergent precursors, which are again asymmetric between Wet and Dry composites.
REAL‐TIME LEADERSHIP IN THREE DIMENSIONS: LESSONS FROM COACHING AND 1000 CEOs
Authors: Kauffman Carol
Published: February 2024

The author is a longtime leadership consultant and coach, as well as an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and a visiting professor at Henley Business School. She describes a four‐part “MOVE” framework, from her book co‐authored with David Noble, Real–Time Leadership: M: Mindfully Alert. O: Generate Options. V: Validate Your Vantage Point. E: Engage and Effect Change. She also writes about a “survey conducted by Egon Zehnder, a global management consulting and executive search firm of 1,000 CEOs with a combined annual revenue of nearly four trillion dollars.” In writing about the three dimensions of real‐time leadership, she states: “The first dimension is what external challenges and goals you must meet”… the second dimension is “the nature of your internal requirements, your inner resources, personal growth, and aspirations.”…the third dimension… “is to know how to develop peak relationship skills to create authentic connections and unlock the potential of your teams.” In the survey, “knowing how to connect was identified as the greatest challenge leaders face. We asked the 1,000 CEOs what feedback they most often received; what was their Achilles Heel? The greatest challenge by far was in their relationships.”
WHY THE LEADERSHIP GENDER GAP MATTERS—AND WHAT ORGANIZATIONS CAN DO TO CLOSE IT
Authors: McCollum Jennifer
Published: February 2024

The author, CEO of leadership development firm Linkage, Inc., discusses why there is a leadership gap for women, and how the gap can be closed. She cites research from sources such as the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, the McKinsey/LeanIn.Org Women in the Workplace 2023 report, and research on gender differences in earnings and employment rates over time by Harvard’s Claudia Goldin, for which she was recently awarded a Nobel prize. In closing the gender gap in organizations, the author writes that “our own data shows women who have received investment in their development are more engaged, have more personal satisfaction with their work, are more likely to stay with their company, and lead teams that are outperforming the company average.” She recommends a two‐pronged approach: “1) take a hard internal look at the four critical dimensions in Linkage’s Advancing Women Strategic Framework; and 2) help women develop the awareness, understanding, and skills to scale the hurdles that we have internalized based on the real bias we face externally.” She concludes that it is “more important than ever for organizations in every area (not just business but also government, academic, and the nonprofit world)—and all of us as leaders—to demonstrate a meaningful commitment to women who aspire to lead.”
A single feed circularly polarized dual band microstrip monopole antenna for wireless applications
Authors: Bala Susmita , Bag Biplab , Sarkar Sushanta , Sarkar Partha Pratim
Published: February 2024

The paper proposes a circularly polarized dual band single feed microstrip monopole antenna. The proposed antenna consists of a radiating patch, a shrink ground plane, and a 50 Ω microstrip transmission line feed. The radiating patch is a combination of three modified metallic strips, a modified rectangular strip and a semicircular strip. The ground plane consists of two modified open ended slots. The substrate area of the antenna is only 40 mm × 42 mm × 1.6 mm. The antenna has been designed by HFSS simulation software and after getting simulated results the antenna has been fabricated to verify its results. The antenna provides measured bandwidths (−10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 600 MHz (2.2–2.8 GHz) in the lower band and 2.1 GHz (7.5–9.6 GHz) in the higher band. The measured results show its 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 120 MHz (2.2–2.32 GHz) for lower band and 1.4 GHz (7.2–8.6) GHz for the upper band. The high measured peak gain of 8 dBi has been obtained from the proposed antenna. The lower band is useful for WiMAX application and upper band is useful for C band application. The desired radiation patterns (RHCP and LHCP) have been obtained from the proposed antenna.
A precise modeling method of three‐dimensional discrete fracture network based on rectangular joint model
Authors: Kang Jingyu , Fu Xiaodong , Sheng Qian , Chen Jian , Wu Kai , Wang Xing
Published: February 2024

As the weak structure and main seepage channel of rock mass, the discrete fracture network (DFN) has a significant influence on the physical and mechanical properties of rock mass. In this paper, based on the rectangular joint model, two algorithms are proposed to realize the precise modeling of the DFN in any polyhedron. First, the equivalence of DFN modeling with the rectangular joint model and the elliptical joint model is theoretically deduced. On this basis, the chain splicing algorithm suitable for the rectangular joint model is proposed, which can generate the DFN model according to the actual distribution of joint spacing, trace, and bridge length. Aiming at the concave boundary in the model domain, the segmentation‐stitching operation is put forward, and the continuity of the joint when passing through the interface is ensured. Finally, the effectiveness of the above algorithm is verified by several simple cases, and the relationship between the size of the geometrical representative elementary volume (REV) and discontinuity parameters is discussed. The results show that when the mean values of the joint distribution parameters are the same, even if the distribution rules are different, the number of joints generated in the same spatial region is approximately equal. The size of the geometrical REV is independent of the spacing and bridge length and is approximately three to five times the mean of the trace. The relevant algorithms and conclusions in this paper can be used as the basis for subsequent rock mass stability analysis and seepage calculation.
An investigation of fracture modes around a spherical cavity for understanding outburst propagation mechanism
Authors: Shi Jingyu , Qu Qingdong , Shen Baotang
Published: February 2024

Outburst of coal and gas is a major hazard in underground coal mining where coal seam gas content/pressure is high. A cone‐shaped cavity is often observed in the coal seam after bursting, implying the likely mechanical structure being formed during outburst propagation. Although the mechanism for outburst initiation and propagation is very complex, mining‐induced fracturing and damage of the coal material is an essential component. This paper investigates the mechanical conditions that are essential to initiate fractures around a spherical cavity, a simplified form of the cone‐shaped outburst cavity. The cavity is assumed to be situated in an infinite isotropic homogeneous elastic body under internal gas pressure and far‐field hydrostatic compressive stresses as a further simplification for analytical investigation. The analytical conditions under which circumferential and radial fractures can initiate around the cavity are formulated, based on extensional strain criterion for fracture initiation. Low internal pressure on the cavity surface and high far‐field compression lead to circumferential fractures. In contrast, high internal pressure and low far‐field compression lead to radial fractures. Subsequent numerical simulations with FRACOD3D and FRACOD, the 3D and 2D in‐house fracture simulation codes, were carried out to investigate fracture patterns around a cavity and inclusion. The simulation results confirmed the analytical results, including fracture shapes and the size of fractured zone. These results provide a new angle to understand the complex mechanism of outbursts.
Detailed DNA methylation characterisation of phyllodes tumours identifies a signature of malignancy and distinguishes phyllodes from metaplastic breast carcinoma
Authors: Meyer Braydon , Stirzaker Clare , Ramkomuth Sonny , Harvey Kate , Chan Belinda , Lee Cheok Soon , Karim Rooshdiya , Deng Niantao , Avery‐Kiejda Kelly A , Scott Rodney J , Lakhani Sunil , Fox Stephen , Robbins Elizabeth , Shin Joo‐Shik , Beith Jane , Gill Anthony , Sioson Loretta , Chan Charles , Krishnaswamy Mrudula , Cooper Caroline , Warrier Sanjay , Mak Cindy , Rasko John EJ , Bailey Charles G , Swarbrick Alexander , Clark Susan J , O'Toole Sandra , Pidsley Ruth
Published: February 2024

Phyllodes tumours (PTs) are rare fibroepithelial lesions of the breast that are classified as benign, borderline, or malignant. As little is known about the molecular underpinnings of PTs, current diagnosis relies on histological examination. However, accurate classification is often difficult, particularly for distinguishing borderline from malignant PTs. Furthermore, PTs can be misdiagnosed as other tumour types with shared histological features, such as fibroadenoma and metaplastic breast cancers. As DNA methylation is a recognised hallmark of many cancers, we hypothesised that DNA methylation could provide novel biomarkers for diagnosis and tumour stratification in PTs, whilst also allowing insight into the molecular aetiology of this otherwise understudied tumour. We generated whole‐genome methylation data using the Illumina EPIC microarray in a novel PT cohort (n = 33) and curated methylation microarray data from published datasets including PTs and other potentially histopathologically similar tumours (total n = 817 samples). Analyses revealed that PTs have a unique methylome compared to normal breast tissue and to potentially histopathologically similar tumours (metaplastic breast cancer, fibroadenoma and sarcomas), with PT‐specific methylation changes enriched in gene sets involved in KRAS signalling and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Next, we identified 53 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) (false discovery rate < 0.05) that specifically delineated malignant from non‐malignant PTs. The top DMR in both discovery and validation cohorts was hypermethylation at the HSD17B8 CpG island promoter. Matched PT single‐cell expression data showed that HSD17B8 had minimal expression in fibroblast (putative tumour) cells. Finally, we created a methylation classifier to distinguish PTs from metaplastic breast cancer samples, where we revealed a likely misdiagnosis for two TCGA metaplastic breast cancer samples. In conclusion, DNA methylation alterations are associated with PT histopathology and hold the potential to improve our understanding of PT molecular aetiology, diagnostics, and risk stratification. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Properties of epoxy resin matrix composites improved by silica sol‐activated hollow ceramic microspheres
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Zhou Jian , Liu Guizhen , Wang Lin , Feng Zhiliang , Ding Zhongjun
Published: February 2024

Silica sol can activate the surface of hollow ceramic microspheres and improve the properties of composite materials by improving the interface between the microspheres and the epoxy resin. The group changes on the surface of microspheres were measured using infrared spectroscopy. The microspheres were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The density, water absorption, and mechanical properties of the materials were tested using scales and mechanical testing machines. The results showed that SiO2 and silane molecules were introduced on the surface of the microspheres after treatments. As the silica sol content increased, the slurry viscosity increased by 34.5%, the composite density increased by 5.8%, and the water absorption decreased by 35.8%. When the silica sol content was 25%, the flexural strength and compressive strength of the composites were 73.49 and 116.27 MPa, respectively, which were 37.8% and 23.6% higher than those of the untreated composites, and the mechanical properties became clearly improved. High mechanical properties enable the materials to be used in deeper ocean areas.

Highlights

Nanoparticles are introduced onto the surface of hollow microspheres.

The activated microspheres can bind better to the silane coupling agent.

Silane coupling agent assisted by silica sol improved interfacial bonding.

Surface activation of microspheres improves the properties of composites.
In situ creation of aramid fiber surface coating with polymerizable deep eutectic solvents and their interfacial bonding properties with rubber
Authors: Xu Hui , Xue Junxiu , Bian Huiguang , Wang Chuansheng
Published: February 2024

The coating was created on the surface of aramid fibers (AFs) by solution dip‐coating and in situ UV curable method, using a polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES), dissolved poly(ethylene imine), and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry confirmed the successful construction of the coating on the AF surface, which accounted for 12%–17% of the total fiber mass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images revealed a 2 μm increase in fiber diameter and a maximum fiber surface average roughness (Ra) of 263.7 nm when the polyethyleneimine content was 0.5% (AF‐PDES‐0.5). Based on these results, H pull‐out samples of fiber/rubber composites were fabricated. The results indicated that the H pull‐out force of AF‐PDES‐0.5 samples increased by 109.74% than that of untreated fiber, and reached 12.92 N of the maximum strength. In summary, the method is simple, rapid, non‐polluting, capable of continuous, and intelligent construction of coatings on the surface of AF. Thus, making it highly promising for application in the field of aviation tires.

Highlights

Using PDES, green, and low‐carbon preparation processes.

Solution dip‐coating and UV reaction for improved reaction speed and workability.

Quantitative of interface thickness and modulus using EDS and AFM.
Confounding analysis with gaming aspects in predicting psychological distress of esports players
Authors: Lee Soon Li , Tam Cai Lian
Published: February 2024

This research aimed to explore the interplay between the central and peripheral aspects of gaming and their correlation with internet gaming disorder (IGD) in predicting indicators of psychological distress. The study proposed that the core and peripheral characteristics of gaming serve as confounding variables affecting the direct relationship between IGD and psychological distress. Employing a longitudinal design spanning two distinct timeframes, the research involved 100 esports players from Malaysia, all of whom had participated in at least one official tournament. The outcomes revealed that both the core and peripheral attributes of gaming significantly predicted stress, anxiety, and depression. However, IGD exhibited a significant predictive association only with stress. Notably, the study also detected the confounding effects of core and peripheral characteristics in the direct link between IGD and stress. These results imply that core and peripheral gaming traits should be interpreted as individual differences that amplify susceptibility to IGD and its associated psychological distress indicators. Moreover, the findings suggested that IGD might not be a prominent concern for esports players, potentially due to their training in performance management as athletes. The paper explores further implications stemming from these findings.
Impact of clinical severity on treatment response in a randomized controlled trial comparing day hospital and intensive outpatient mentalization‐based treatment for borderline personality disorder
Authors: Smits Maaike L. , Feenstra Dine J. , Blankers Matthijs , Kamphuis Jan H. , Bales Dawn L. , Dekker Jack J. M. , Verheul Roel , Busschbach Jan J. V. , Luyten Patrick
Published: February 2024

This study examined the impact of clinical severity on treatment outcome in two programs that differ markedly in treatment intensity: day hospital mentalization‐based treatment (MBT‐DH) and intensive outpatient mentalization‐based treatment (MBT‐IOP) for borderline personality disorder (BPD). A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants include the full intention‐to‐treat sample of the original trial of N = 114 randomized BPD patients (MBT‐DH n = 70, MBT‐IOP n = 44), who were assessed at baseline and subsequently every 6 up to 36 months after start of treatment. Outcomes were general symptom severity, borderline features, and interpersonal functioning. Clinical severity was examined in terms of severity of BPD, general symptom severity, comorbid symptom disorders, comorbid personality disorders, and cluster C personality features. None of the severity measures was related to treatment outcome or differentially predicted treatment outcome in MBT‐DH and MBT‐IOP, with the exception of a single moderating effect of co morbid symptom disorders on outcome in terms of BPD features, indicating less improvement in MBT‐DH for patients with more symptom disorders. Overall, patients with varying levels of clinical severity benefited equally from MBT‐DH and MBT‐IOP, indicating that clinical severity may not be a useful criterion to differentiate in treatment intensity.
Recent changes in riparian and floodplain vegetation in England and Wales and its geomorphic implications
Authors: Dawson Martin , Gurnell Angela , Lewin John , Macklin Mark G.
Published: February 2024

Recent river studies in the United Kingdom have observed an increase in riparian vegetation and its potential impact on river channel change and sedimentation. Here, we quantify changes in floodplain and riparian vegetation during the first two decades of the 21st century along reaches of eight gravel‐bed rivers in England and Wales that exhibit varied active and stable, single and multi‐thread planforms. The analysis employs information drawn from open‐access sources including national LiDAR surveys and the photographic analysis of repeat aerial and satellite imagery. Most reaches show an increase in woody vegetation across their floodplains reflecting both natural colonisation and deliberate planting, and all but one of the reaches show an increase in woody riparian vegetation cover along their riverbanks. Of the six reaches that have exposed riverine sediments, five show a reduction in exposed sediment area as a result of vegetation encroachment. Contrasts in the rate, extent and location of riparian change were associated with the stability of the channel planform, with differences seen between stable and more active reaches. The significance of riparian woodland in promoting riverbank stability is demonstrated. Riparian vegetation development varies between river reaches, largely in response to differing rates of channel movement but also because of multiple and diverse local decisions regarding the management of in‐channel and channel‐adjacent vegetation by landowners rather than a single national policy. We consider the relevance of our findings and the value of remote monitoring for future river management interventions.
Study on bending failure and crack characteristics in ductile fiber‐reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Wang Huayi , He Xiongjun , Zhou Ming , Wu Chao , He Jia
Published: February 2024

In this study, we designed six polypropylene fiber‐reinforced concrete (PP‐FRC) beams and three reinforced concrete (RC) beams for experimental studies. Then, we analyzed the effects of incorporating PP fibers on the cracking performance of PP‐FRC beams from the perspectives of load‐displacement response, crack distribution, crack depth, crack width, crack spacing, and deformation coordination. The research results showed that the cracking load and number of cracks were positively correlated with the volume ratio of PP fibers, while the maximum crack width, average crack spacing, and average crack depth were negatively correlated with the volume ratio of PP fibers. Due to the bridging effect of fibers, the PP‐FRC beam body and reinforcement could deform in a coordinated manner within a specific loading range after cracking, which increased the deformation coordination ability between the body and reinforcement. In this study, the cracking mechanism of PP‐FRC beams was investigated. Firstly, the formula for calculating the cracking moment of PP‐FRC beams was derived from the perspective of equivalent bending tensile strength. Then, based on the fiber bridging law and the bond strength between PP‐FRC and reinforcement, theoretical formulas were proposed to predict the average crack spacing and maximum crack width of PP‐FRC beams. Finally, through comparison, it was found that the proposed formulas could be used for characteristic crack prediction.
A (TRANS)formative approach to gender‐inclusive science education
Authors: Rende Mendoza K. , Johnson Carla C.
Published: February 2024

The teaching of science in K‐12 schools has long been criticized as a process that propagates oppression for students who do not conform to entrenched norms of gender, sex, and sexuality. Academic standards, curriculum, and textbooks are rife with rhetoric that reinforces any deviation from cisheterosexuality as aberrant, unusual, or abnormal. However, these often‐over‐simplified conceptions discount the historic social and scientific intricacies of gender and sexual diversity as well as students' own lived experiences. While there have been advancements in LGBTQ+ and gender‐inclusive science education reform, these movements have been stymied by a lack of cohesive guidelines for pedagogy and practice, particularly for trans, nonbinary, and gender‐creative youth. Situated within trans‐created conceptual frameworks for critical education, this study explored the pedagogical practices of 10 transgender science teachers with the purpose of learning from their experiences creating gender inclusive curriculum. From the data (in‐depth interviews, instructional materials samples, and reflective teaching statements) emerged the TRANS (Trans and Research‐informed Approaches for Nonbinary and gender‐inclusive Science education) Framework for gender inclusive science education pedagogy. This framework is anchored in three domains for teaching science through a trans‐informed lens:interrogating and accessing power, resisting essentialism, and embracing experiential knowledge and personal epistemologies. The findings of this study contribute to our growing understanding of gender‐inclusive science learning environments. Importantly, this study amplified the experiential knowledge of teachers whose voices are critically absent from research surrounding gender and LGBTQ+‐inclusive science education practice. Moreover, the framework derived from teachers' experiences can be used to guide educators in making their science classrooms safer and more gender inclusive.
Scaffolding Expository Reading with Picture Books: Strategies for Comprehending Informational Language
Authors: Adams Brittany , Mertens Gillian E. , Fang Zhihui , Baugh Marissa
Published: February 2024

Informational texts present complex content using language that is simultaneously technical, abstract, dense, and authoritative. This article describes practical strategies to support teachers in using informational picture books to prepare upper elementary school students for navigating the complex language demands necessitated by expository reading. These strategies include morphological analysis, spotlighting discipline‐specific vocabulary, sentence completion, unpacking nominalizations, identifying actions and their agents, deconstructing noun phrases, paraphrasing complex sentences, and syntactic anatomy. They are designed for classroom teachers to support their implementation of authentic informational texts.
Rekonfiguration des Rechtssubjekts im Anthropozän
Authors: Rinaldi Stefanie
Published: February 2024

Im Zeitalter des Anthropozäns gewinnt die Frage nach Rechten der Natur an Bedeutung. Wie David Boyd in seinem Buch „The Rights of Nature – A Legal Revolution That Could Safe the World” aufzeigt, anerkennen immer mehr Staaten jursistische Rechte der Natur. Dieser Beitrag geht der Frage nach, welche Verständnisse von Beziehungswiesen zwischen Mensch, Tier und Umwelt dieser Anerkennung von Rechten zugrunde liegen und ob diese Entwicklung tatsächlich einer Revolution gleichkommt. Konzepte wie das kürzlich von den Vereinten Nationen ankerkannte Recht auf eine gesunde Umwelt, die ökozentrische Ausweitung des Status als Rechtssubjekt sowie auf posthumanistischen Theorien beruhende Rekonfigurationen des Rechtssubjekts werden vorgestellt und kritisch diskutiert. Abschließend wird skizziert, wie die Politische Bildung mit den aus diesen Überlegungen hervorgehenden Verschiebungen, Verschränkungen und Herausforderungen arbeiten kann.
Testautomatisierung am Digitalen Zwilling
Authors: Kübler Karl , Krebser Gerhard , Verl Alexander
Published: February 2024

Um hochwertige Automatisierungslösungen mit kontinuierlich steigendem Softwareanteil anzubieten, sieht sich der Maschinen- und Anlagenbau der Herausforderung von steigendem Testaufwand und steigender Testkomplexität gegenüber. Der in einer Virtuellen Inbetriebnahme eingesetzte Digitale Zwilling bildet in diesem Beitrag die Basis für die Entwicklung einer Effizienzmethode, um den Testaufwand durch Automatisierung zu reduzieren und die Testkomplexität beherrschbar zu machen. Dieser Beitrag erarbeitet die aktuellen Defizite der Virtuellen Inbetriebnahme im Softwaretest des Maschinen- und Anlagenbaus und präsentiert eine Lösung zur Testautomatisierung. Das entworfene Testautomatisierungswerkzeug ermöglicht mit einer methodischen Testplanung und -durchführung die frühzeitige Behebung etwaiger Softwarefehler. Damit steigt die Qualität der Software deutlich und gleichzeitig wird der Aufwand der Testabläufe reduziert. Der Umfang der Testlösung wird beispielhaft an einem Bearbeitungszentrum aufgezeigt.
Mixed-Reality-in-the-Loop Simulation
Authors: Schnierle Marc , Hönig Jana , Röck Sascha
Published: February 2024

Der Einsatz von X-in-the-Loop Simulationsmethoden (XiLS) ermöglicht im mechatronischen Entwicklungsprozess die virtuelle Erprobung und Inbetriebnahme von Automatisierungssystemen im Maschinen- und Anlagenbau. Die daraus resultierenden Anwendungsfelder sind bislang hinsichtlich der Interaktion zwischen Mensch, realer Umgebung und Simulation stark limitiert. Diese Einschränkungen sollen durch die Erweiterung der XiLS-Methodenreihe um die sogenannte Mixed-Reality-in-the-Loop Simulation (MRiLS) überwunden werden. Die MRiLS erweitert die Kopplung zwischen Steuerungsausprägung und Digitalem Zwilling unter Berücksichtigung der realen Umgebung und des Menschen durch moderne Visualisierungs- und Interaktionsmethoden der Mixed Reality. Diese Erweiterung eröffnet neue Anwendungspotenziale des Digitalen Zwillings über den gesamten Lebenszyklus einer Anlage hinweg.
Research-Oriented University Instruction: The Research Skill Development Framework and Communities of Practice
Authors: Tiala Sylvia , Loy Kara
Published: February 2024

To address higher education teaching efficacy, this chapter describes how the Research Skill Development (RSD) framework has been successfully applied to underpin professional development programs, namely through Communities of Practice (CoP) that explore research-thinking and a host of research-oriented teaching practices in two universities. These universities are, respectively, located on the Canadian prairie and in the Midwestern United States. In our professional roles, we provide professional development for university educators (UEs) across all disciplines and modalities. The RSD framework sparked interest amongst university educator participants by encouraging discourse on research thinking and by providing a common language to interrogate existing practice and to envision new teaching possibilities. The RSD framework catalysed and supported individual and group research thinking. In turn, university educators engaged with research-oriented teaching practices and publishing on teaching practice in the field of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Our findings indicated that lasting and meaningful change to research-thinking, in research-oriented teaching practices, and in SoTL, can be enabled through CoP that are underpinned and guided by the RSD framework. This chapter positions the RSD as a valuable and strategic tool for improving teaching while mitigating changing university agendas and concomitant challenges.
Heavy vector-like quarks decaying to exotic scalars: a case study with triplets
Authors: Banerjee Avik , Ellajosyula Venugopal , Panizzi Luca
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We investigate the pair production of a vector-like quark triplet with hypercharge 5/3 decaying into top quark and a complex scalar triplet with hypercharge 1 at the LHC. This novel scenario, featuring particles with exotic charges — two quarks with charge 8/3 and 5/3 and a scalar with charge 2 — serves as a unique window to models based on the framework of partial compositeness, where these particles naturally emerge as bound states around the TeV scale. Leveraging on the LHC data we establish exclusion limits on the masses of the vector-like quark and the scalar triplet. Subsequently, we design an analysis strategy aimed at improving sensitivity in the region which is still allowed. Our analysis focuses on two specific regions in the parameter space: the first entails a large mass gap between the vector-like quarks and the scalars, so that the vector-like quarks can decay into the scalars; the second involves a small mass gap, such that this decay is forbidden. To simplify the parameter space, both vector-like quarks and scalars are assumed to be degenerate or almost degenerate within the triplets, such that chain decays between fermions and scalars are suppressed. As a result, we found that final states characterized by a same-sign lepton pair, multiple jets, and high net transverse momentum (i.e. effective mass) will play a pivotal role to unveil this model and, more in general, models characterised by multiple vector-like quarks around the same mass scale during the high luminosity LHC phase.
Khinchin Families, Set Constructions, Partitions and Exponentials
Authors: Cantón Alicia , Fernández José L. , Fernández Pablo , Maciá Víctor J.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we give a simple criterion to verify that functions of the form $$e^g$$

e
g

are in the Hayman class when g is a power series with nonnegative coefficients. Thus, using the Hayman and Báez-Duarte formulas, we obtain asymptotics for the coefficients of generating functions that arise in many examples of set construction in analytic combinatorics. This new criterion greatly simplifies the one obtained previously by the authors.
Chemometric assessment of the chemical profile of tea seed (Camellia sinensis) with different size determined by GC and ICP/OES
Authors: Beyzi Erman
Published: February 2024

This study was carried out to compare the chemical profile of tea seeds of different sizes determined by GC and ICP/OES devices with chemometric analysis. This study was carried out to determine the effects of different seed size [11.00–12.50 (SD1), 12.51–14.00 (SD2), 14.01–15.50 (SD3), 15.51–17.00 mm (SD4)] on seed internal ratio, crude oil content, fatty acid composition, mineral composition of tea seed by using different chemometric analysis methods (correlation, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis). In the study, fatty acid and mineral compositions were determined in GC and ICP/OES devices, respectively. Crude oil content, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, eicosenoic acids, SFA, MUFA, PUFA, Al, Fe, Mg elements were found to be significant according to different seed size. Among six different fatty acids determined, oleic acid was major component. Positive correlations were found between oleic acid and MUFA, between linoleic and α-linolenic acid, between linoleic acid and PUFA, between α-linolenic acid and PUFA, between Al and Na, between Ca and Pb, between Ca and Zn, between Co and K, between Cr and Cu, between Mg and Ni, between Mg and P. In PCA analysis, it was determined that the SD1 group was different from the other groups in terms of the stearic, linoleic, α-linolenic, eicosenoic acids, PUFA, B mineral. In AHC analysis, seed sizes were divided into two different groups according to crude oil content, fatty acid and mineral composition, seed internal ratio. Also, different chemometric analysis methods such as correlation, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis were useful and decisive in determining the quality characteristics of tea seeds classified according to seed size.
Zinc isotope composition of enameloid, bone and muscle of gilt-head seabreams (Sparus aurata) raised in pisciculture and their relation to diet
Authors: McCormack Jeremy , Jaouen Klervia , Bourgon Nicolas , Sisma-Ventura Guy , Tacail Théo J. G. , Müller Wolfgang , Tütken Thomas
Published: February 2024

The isotope ratios of zinc (66Zn/64Zn expressed as δ66Zn), a vital nutrient, increasingly demonstrate trophic discrimination among vertebrates, making δ66Zn a valuable dietary proxy for ecological, archaeological, and palaeontological studies. Given the novelty of the methodology, tissue-diet and tissue-tissue zinc isotope fractionation factors remain poorly understood and have so far only been studied in a few terrestrial mammals. Here, we investigate δ66Zn compositions of enameloid, bone, and white muscle of seven artificially-fed pisciculture gilt-head seabreams (Sparus aurata) from offshore Israel, in comparison to the Zn isotope composition of their diet. In addition, we also analysed δ66Zn values in the same tissues of wild-caught S. aurata, bluespotted seabream (Pagrus caeruleostictus) and grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) caught off the coast of Israel. We determine a tissue-diet δ66Zn offset for Sparus aurata of − 0.04 ± 0.09 ‰ (2SD) for bone, − 0.29 ± 0.06 ‰ (2SD) for enameloid, and − 0.45 ± 0.07 ‰ (2SD) for white muscle. Wild-caught fish have much higher among-individual δ66Zn variability with values distinct from the pisciculture S. aurata, documenting a much more isotopically heterogeneous diet consumed by the wild individuals. Still, tissue–tissue δ66Zn differences in wild-caught individuals are close to those observed in the pisciculture ones with progressively lower δ66Zn values in the order bone > enameloid > white muscle. Our results demonstrate predictable tissue-diet and tissue-tissue δ66Zn differences among fish hard and soft tissues and can be applied to identify the δ66Zn values of dietary input, thereby informing trophic (palaeo)ecological reconstructions.