bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a deep learning prior for accelerating hyperpolarized 13C MRSI on synthetic cancer datasets
Authors: Wang Zuojun , Luo Guanxiong , Li Ye , Cao Peng
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We aimed to incorporate a deep learning prior with k‐space data fidelity for accelerating hyperpolarized carbon‐13 MRSI, demonstrated on synthetic cancer datasets.

Methods

A two‐site exchange model, derived from the Bloch equation of MR signal evolution, was firstly used in simulating training and testing data, that is, synthetic phantom datasets. Five singular maps generated from each simulated dataset were used to train a deep learning prior, which was then employed with the fidelity term to reconstruct the undersampled MRI k‐space data. The proposed method was assessed on synthetic human brain tumor images (N = 33), prostate cancer images (N = 72), and mouse tumor images (N = 58) for three undersampling factors and 2.5% additive Gaussian noise. Furthermore, varied levels of Gaussian noise with SDs of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% were added on synthetic prostate cancer data, and corresponding reconstruction results were evaluated.

Results

For quantitative evaluation, peak SNRs were approximately 32 dB, and the accuracy was generally improved for 5 to 8 dB compared with those from compressed sensing with L1‐norm regularization or total variation regularization. Reasonable normalized RMS error were obtained. Our method also worked robustly against noise, even on a data with noise SD of 10%.

Conclusion

The proposed singular value decomposition + iterative deep learning model could be considered as a general framework that extended the application of deep learning MRI reconstruction to metabolic imaging. The morphology of tumors and metabolic images could be measured robustly in six times acceleration using our method.
The Elephant Queen: Can a nature documentary help to increase tolerance towards elephants?
Authors: Williams H. F. , Leneuiyia K. L. , Mwalavu B. , Serem G. , Sempeyo V. , Pope F. , King L. E. , Verissimo D.
Published: March 2024

Conflict between humans and elephants is one of the more complex examples of human‐wildlife conflict, a key challenge for wildlife conservation. While interventions exist to separate humans from elephants, few exist aimed at bringing the two species closer together.

This study assesses if a natural history film, The Elephant Queen (TEQ), makes communities living around elephants more tolerant of conflict with elephants. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted before and after seeing the film screened on a mobile cinema in Southern Kenya. A double robust ordinal regression analysis using 357 matching specifications to measure the effect size of viewing TEQ on the six criteria identified as being drivers of tolerance of a wild animal by the Hazard Acceptance model.

This study found that students aged between 16 and 18 gained knowledge (mean effect size = 0.27) and affection (mean effect size = 0.17) towards elephants and felt the benefits of elephants more keenly (mean effect size = 0.26) following viewing TEQ. Community members aged between 16–80 also gained knowledge (mean effect size = 0.21) and saw the benefits of elephants (mean effect size = 0.15) but felt the costs of living with elephants more profoundly after viewing TEQ (mean effect size = −0.11). After 90 days a follow‐up survey also showed a significant increase in community “affection” towards elephants (mean effect size = 0.11), however the costs, benefits and knowledge gained had been reduced to a statistically insignificant level compared to baseline.

Our results suggest that natural history films can serve as a valuable tool in inspiring young minds. When shown to an adult audience, changes were more nuanced and some of the changes were short lived (<3 months).

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Effects of solvent casted poly (lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol)/paraben derivative triazine films on antibacterial performance and cytotoxicity
Authors: Dandan Doganci Merve , Balci Hüseyin , Davarcı Derya , Şenkuytu Elif , Aysan Arzu , Doganci Erdinc
Published: March 2024

A series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films that including fully paraben substituted triazine derivatives having anti‐bacterial properties have been prepared by utilizing the solvent‐casting method. PLA as biodegradable polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a plasticizing agent and s‐triazine molecules (TA01, TA02, TA03, TA04, and TA05) behaving as an anti‐bacterial component have been utilized in the experiments. The influence of TA compounds on the antibacterial performance of PLA/PEG films was investigated for the first time against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria via the contact active method. TA01‐03‐05 incorporated PLA/PEG films gave the best results against E.coli bacteria and log10 reductions of these films were 0.78, 0.64, and 0.65 respectively. The effect of TA compounds on the cell viability was investigated against cancer and non‐cancerous cell lines using an MTS assay. The results showed that TA compounds had a positive effect on cell growth in non‐cancerous cells, while they had a negative effect on cell growth in cancer cells. Furthermore, the addition of TA considerably increased the decomposition temperatures from 349° to 361° and char yield from 0.65 for PLA/PEG film to 2.3 for PLA/PEG/TA05. All of the films had good transparency and low opacity which was 7.2 for pure PLA used for control and the maximum opacity value was 11.2 observed for PLA/PEG/01. TA03 and TA04 caused a decrement of water vapor permission when compared to PLA/PEG films from 1439 to 749 and 664. It was also observed that pure PLA/PEG film lost weight rapidly over time during degradation tests. On the other hand, weight loss wasn't observed in PLA/PEG/TA films. This study focused on demonstrating the use of our new, flexible PLA/PEG derivatives in food and medical packaging.
‘Something that helped the whole picture’: Experiences of parents offered rapid prenatal exome sequencing in routine clinical care in the English National Health Service
Authors: McInnes‐Dean Hannah , Mellis Rhiannon , Daniel Morgan , Walton Holly , Baple Emma L. , Bertoli Marta , Fisher Jane , Gajewska‐Knapik Katarzyna , Holder‐Espinasse Muriel , Lafarge Caroline , Leeson‐Beevers Kerry , McEwan Alec , Pandya Pranav , Parker Michael , Peet Sophie , Roberts Lauren , Sankaran Srividhya , Smith Audrey , Tapon Dagmar , Wu Wing Han , Wynn Sarah L. , Chitty Lyn S. , Hill Melissa , Peter Michelle
Published: March 2024

Objectives

In October 2020, rapid prenatal exome sequencing (pES) was introduced into routine National Health Service (NHS) care in England. This study aimed to explore parent experiences and their information and support needs from the perspective of parents offered pES and of health professionals involved in its delivery.

Methods

In this qualitative study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 42 women and 6 male partners and 63 fetal medicine and genetic health professionals. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Overall views about pES were positive and parents were grateful to be offered the test. Highlighted benefits of pES included the value of the additional information for pregnancy management and planning for future pregnancies. An anxious wait for results was common, often associated with the need to make decisions near to 24 weeks in pregnancy when there are legal restrictions for late termination. Descriptions of dealing with uncertainty were also common, even when results had been returned. Many parents described pES results as informing decision‐making around whether or not to terminate pregnancy. Some professionals were concerned that a non‐informative result could be overly reassuring and highlighted that careful counselling was needed to ensure parents have a good understanding of what the result means for their pregnancy. Emotional support from professionals was valued; however, some parents felt that post‐test support was lacking.

Conclusion

Parents and professionals welcomed the introduction of pES. Results inform parents' decision‐making around the termination of pregnancy. When there are no diagnostic findings or uncertain findings from pES, personalised counselling that considers scans and other tests are crucial. Directing parents to reliable online sources of information and providing emotional support throughout could improve their experiences of care.
Nanocrystals: A Multifaceted Regimen for Dermatological Ailments
Authors: Giradkar Vaibhavi , Mhaske Akshada , Shukla Rahul
Published: March 2024

Skin disorders are the most common apprehension worldwide among different regions of the world. Topical route of administration offers benefits over other routes such as avoidance of first‐pass metabolism, low dose, longer residence time, and absence of off‐target delivery. Skin serves as a mechanical barrier for therapeutic delivery with selectively permeable essential molecules. Considering the structural complexity of skin, delivery of therapeutics at targeted site requires sophisticated method such as nanotechnology‐assisted therapeutic delivery. The roadmap for combinatorial approach of nanotechnology and skin therapeutics has proven significant in clinical and marketed products. Currently, various pharmaceutical aids such as nanocrystal (NCs), nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, nano‐micelles, nano lipidic carriers, and hybrid nanocarriers are currently in market. Among all the other nanocarriers, nanocrystal offers precedence over other nanocarriers due to its facile method of preparation, reproducibility, low excipient concentration, and high therapeutic loading capacity. The recent literature data suggest the breakthrough evolution of NCs in topical therapeutic delivery. The outcome of these interventions envisages the applicability of NCs for delivering molecules with compromised physicochemical characteristics such as solubility, stability, toxicity, and bioavailability concerns.
Digital twins and Bayesian dynamic borrowing: Two recent approaches for incorporating historical control data
Authors: Burman Carl‐Fredrik , Hermansson Erik , Bock David , Franzén Stefan , Svensson David
Published: March 2024

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in incorporating external control data for designing and evaluating randomized clinical trials (RCT). This may decrease costs and shorten inclusion times by reducing sample sizes. For small populations, with limited recruitment, this can be especially important. Bayesian dynamic borrowing (BDB) has been a popular choice as it claims to protect against potential prior data conflict. Digital twins (DT) has recently been proposed as another method to utilize historical data. DT, also known as PROCOVA™, is based on constructing a prognostic score from historical control data, typically using machine learning. This score is included in a pre‐specified ANCOVA as the primary analysis of the RCT. The promise of this idea is power increase while guaranteeing strong type 1 error control. In this paper, we apply analytic derivations and simulations to analyze and discuss examples of these two approaches. We conclude that BDB and DT, although similar in scope, have fundamental differences which need be considered in the specific application. The inflation of the type 1 error is a serious issue for BDB, while more evidence is needed of a tangible value of DT for real RCTs.
On the distribution of the power function for the scale parameter of exponential families
Authors: De Santis Fulvio , Gubbiotti Stefania
Published: March 2024

The expected value of the standard power function of a test, computed with respect to a design prior distribution, is often used to evaluate the probability of success of an experiment. However, looking only at the expected value might be reductive. Instead, the whole probability distribution of the power function induced by the design prior can be exploited. In this article we consider one‐sided testing for the scale parameter of exponential families and we derive general unifying expressions for cumulative distribution and density functions of the random power. Sample size determination criteria based on alternative summaries of these functions are discussed. The study sheds light on the relevance of the choice of the design prior in order to construct a successful experiment.
Synthesis, structural and optical characterization of CdxZn1−xS/FNBRnanocomposites
Authors: Balayeva Ofeliya O. , Azizov Abdulsaid A. , Muradov Mustafa B. , Alosmanov Rasim M. , Eyvazova Goncha M. , Gahramanli Lala R. , Mammadyarova Sevinj J. , Gasimov Rashid J. , Bayramov Mahammad A.
Published: March 2024

CdxZn1−xS nanoparticles have been synthesized on the base of functionalized nitrile butadiene rubber (FNBR) by SILAR method and characterized by various techniques. Both binary and ternary sulfide nanocrystals have been obtained in the cubic phase with very high purity at room temperature. The average particle size decreased from 2.49 nm to 2.22 nm and then increased to 2.44 nm by the increasing of zinc concentration from 25 % to 50 % and 75 %. The calculated Young's modulus for (111), (220) and (311) planes are 97.84, 78.51 and 64.33 m2 N−1 for CdS and 95.84, 69.68, 53.42 m2 N−1 for ZnS, respectively. The band corresponding PO32− (977 cm−1) shifted to 969, 975, 972, 973, and 972 cm−1 upon the formation of CdS, ZnS, Cd0.5Zn0.5S, Cd0.75Zn0.25S and Cd0.25Zn0.75S nanoparticles into FNBR matrix, which is explained by Hooke's Law. EPR spectra of CdS/FNBR nanocomposite show broad and singlet asymmetric, isotropic symmetry (gx=gy=gz). The appearance of a new line in the 3518 G magnetic field is observed in both CdS and Cd0.5Zn0.5S compounds’ spectra.The total mass loss of the samples NBR, FNBR, Cd2+ and Zn2+ ions containing FNBR are 93.76, 59.77, 60.03 and 57.79 %, respectively. High crystallinity is caused by complete interaction of metal ions with functional groups during the nucleation.
Exploring the interplay of psychological and biological components of stress response and telomere length in the transition from middle age to late adulthood: A systematic review
Authors: Souza‐Talarico Juliana Nery , Chesak Sherry , Elizalde Natalie , Liu Wen , Moon Chooza , Oberfrank Natany da Costa Ferreira , Rauer Amy Joanna , Takao Camila Lopes , Shaw Clarissa , Saravanan Anitha , Longhi Palacio Fabiana Gulin , Buck Harleah
Published: March 2024

Ageing and chronic stress have been linked to reduced telomere length (TL) in mixed‐age groups. Whether stress response components are linked to TL during the midlife‐to‐late adulthood transition remains unclear. Our study aimed to synthesise evidence on the relationship between psychological and biological components of stress response on TL in middle‐aged and older adults. We conducted a systematic review of studies obtained from six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus) and evaluated by two independent reviewers. Original research measuring psychological and biological components of stress response and TL in human individuals were included. From an initial pool of 614 studies, 15 were included (n = 9446 participants). Synthesis of evidence showed that higher psychological components of the stress response (i.e., global perceived stress or within a specific life domain and cognitive appraisal to social‐evaluative stressors) were linked to shorter TL, specifically in women or under major life stressors. For the biological stress response, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and IGF‐1/cortisol imbalance, IL‐6, MCP‐1, blood pressure, and heart rate presented a significant association with TL, but this relationship depended on major life stressors and the stress context (manipulated vs. non‐manipulated conditions). This comprehensive review showed that psychological and biological components of the stress response are linked to shorter TL, but mainly in women or those under a major life stressor and stress‐induced conditions. The interaction between stressor attributes and psychological and biological reactions in the transition from middle to late adulthood still needs to be fully understood, and examining it is a critical step to expanding our understanding of stress's impact on ageing trajectories.
Sonographer wellbeing in Australia: Perceptions of job demands and resources in clinical working environments
Authors: Hall Catherine , Pignata Silvia , Tie Mark , Bezak Eva , Childs Jessie
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The concept that job characteristics can have a profound impact on employee wellbeing has been well documented. This manuscript aims to highlight the job demands and resources experienced by Australian sonographers, and those resources perceived to be the most effective at improving workplace wellbeing.

Methods

Utilising the Job Demands‐Resources Model, a national survey was issued to Australian sonographers in both public and private clinical working environments. The quantitative and qualitative data collected were analysed using non‐parametric tests of association as well as inductive coding of themes.

Results

Sixty‐nine participants responded to the survey with 27 participants (39%) reporting moderate levels of job satisfaction. Workplace demands of unrealistic workloads, time pressures, and inadequate scheduled breaks were reported as the most frequently experienced demand by 67 participants (97%). Twenty‐four participants (35%) reported no access to any form of resource or strategy for improving wellbeing in the workplace and a further nine indicated they utilised entirely self‐driven resources. Workload reduction strategies were perceived to be the most consistently effective yet were the least accessible strategy for sonographers. Other strategies including psychology sessions, physical therapies, and injury prevention were perceived to be more accessible, yet minimally effective.

Conclusion

New legislation in the management of psychosocial hazards at work is likely to generate positive changes. Further research establishing an acceptable workload for sonographers, introducing job crafting, and improving sonographer recognition would prove to be the most fruitful.
Unveiling the Benefits of Resistant Starch in Legumes: Overview of Current and Future Prospective
Authors: Ghare Mrunal , Vishwakarma Kiran , Tripathi Sandhya , Dixit Girish Prasad , Soren Khela Ram
Published: March 2024

Resistant starch has gained substantial attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Among the various sources of RS, legumes have appeared as a prominent and promising contributor. Legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas, comprise a unique composition that promotes the resistant starch formation during cooking and processing. The review begins by presenting an overview of resistant starch and its classification based on its structure and digestibility. The mechanisms by which legume‐based resistant starch impacts human health are discussed, including its potential role in controlling postprandial glucose and insulin responses, improve satiety, boost colonic health, and influence lipid metabolism. The promising role of resistant starch from legumes in controlling chronic diseases like obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and type 2 diabetes is also explored. This review briefly covers the recent advancements in regulating the starch biosynthesis pathway through the utilization of RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques. In summary, the association between resistant starch and legumes offers a compelling pathway to enhance human health and mitigate the risk of chronic diseases. Legumes as a regular part of the diet can be a viable and effective approach to augment resistant starch intake and harness its potential health‐promoting effects.
Class‐Relation Reasoning with Knowledge‐Transfer for Few‐Shot Object Detection
Authors: Feng Xin , Zhang Zhixian , Wang Junjie , Wang Siping , Jiao Xiaoning
Published: March 2024

Few‐Shot Object Detection (FSOD) task involves accurately identifying target object classes using only a small set of labeled samples. Most of the current FSOD tasks independently predict class prototype features without considering class relationships and only rely on visual information. To address these challenges, we propose a novel Class‐relational Reasoning Method with Knowledge‐transfer (CRK‐Net), built on the meta‐learning‐based framework. Although data may be scarce, the semantic relationship between classes is invariant, Joint‐feature Fusion Module (JFM) are hence proposed to transfers the semantic information of different categories in the natural language world to integrate with visual information and produce multi‐modality embeddings. Some base classes and novel classes have similar features, so this can be borrowed by modeling the relationship between classes feature. Building upon the observation, we propose a Class‐relational Reasoning Module (CRM) to establish the correlations between categories and enhance prototype representations for each category. After passing through the JFM and CRM modules, a high‐quality class prototype is finally produced for subsequent regression and classification. Extensive experiments on PASCAL VOC demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method and provide a new scheme for fusing semantic and visual information. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Treatment of tannery effluent: An effective biological enhancement approach
Authors: Aarthi P. , Biswas Zeba , Hemalatha S. , Faridha Begum I.
Published: March 2024

The water pollution due to tannery industries that contaminate river water and other spheres, is a side effect of industry expansion. The research focused on the biological removal of synthetic azo dyes by using biological treatment under aerobic conditions. Through morphological observation, biochemical test, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis the isolated bacteria were determined to be Aeromonas caviae, Enterobacter sichuanensis. Reduction of the organic content present in the tannery effluent and removal of the nutrients that cause pollution or inactivate potential pathogenic microorganisms or parasites. Optimized the azo dye degradation conditions at the temperature of 37°C, at pH 7 in 10% inoculum concentration at the time of 48th hour where novel organism capable of performing effective degradation. The metabolite of an aliquot mixture of the optimized condition was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and the results confirmed the reduction of azo dyes. These results indicate that A. caviae and E. sichuanensis can be utilized as a solution for the remediation of tannery industrial effluent containing azo dyes.
Detection of ammonia mercerization in cotton textiles
Authors: Manian Avinash P. , Široká Barbora , Bechtold Thomas
Published: March 2024

Cotton textiles are mercerized with anhydrous ammonia liquefied at ca. − 33 °C to improve their mechanical performance, appearance, and handle. Similar effects may also be achieved with NaOH mercerization, but goods mercerized with liquid ammonia (L-NH3) are judged qualitatively better (e.g., softer hand) and thus command a greater price. Therefore, it is of interest to be able to test and confirm whether cotton textiles labeled as L-NH3 treated are indeed so. Building on previous work, we report on tests in collaboration with a process house on identifying ammonia-mercerized fabrics from a pool of cotton textiles treated with L-NH3, NaOH, neither, or both––using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. It is based on detecting the change in crystal lattice structure from type I (native cellulose) to type II (after NaOH mercerization) or type III (after ammonia mercerization). We could consistently differentiate the ammonia-mercerized fabrics from the untreated and those mercerized with NaOH, but the latter could not be differentiated from fabrics mercerized with both. It was also possible to detect evidence of ammonia mercerization in 4- and 14-year-old samples.

Graphical abstract
Lithium-ion (LCO/NMC, NMC, LFP) battery recycling: partial LCA study
Authors: Fridrich Michael , Pražanová Anna , Weinzettel Jan , Knap Vaclav
Published: March 2024

Recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become increasingly important in response to expanding electromobility. This paper is focused on evaluating the environmental impacts (EIs) of recycling pre-treatment of three types of LIBs with black mass as its product. A detailed gate-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment study was conducted to obtain EIs of the recycling process. The benefits of LIBs recycling pre-treatment and significant recovery of secondary aluminum for compared battery types are highlighted in the analysis. This paper points out that the varying chemistry of the compared LIBs does not affect the resulting EIs of the recycling pre-treatment procedures.

Graphical abstract
Modeling competences in enterprise architecture: from knowledge, skills, and attitudes to organizational capabilities
Authors: Calhau Rodrigo F. , Almeida João Paulo A. , Kokkula Satyanarayana , Guizzardi Giancarlo
Published: March 2024

Competence-based approaches have received increased attention, as the demand for qualified people with the right combination of competences establishes itself as a major factor of organizational performance. This paper examines how competences can be incorporated into Enterprise Architecture modeling: (i) we identify a key set of competence-related concepts such as knowledge, skills, and attitudes, (ii) analyze and relate them using a reference ontology (grounded on the Unified Foundational Ontology), and (iii) propose a representation strategy for modeling competences and their constituent elements leveraging the ArchiMate language, discussing how the proposed models can fit in enterprise competence-based practices. Our approach is intended to cover two tasks relevant to the combined application of Enterprise Architecture and Competence Modeling: ‘zooming in’ on competences, revealing the relations between competences, knowledge, skills, attitudes and other personal characteristics that matter in organizational performance, and ‘zooming out’ of competences, placing them in the wider context of other personal competences and overall organizational capabilities. An assessment of the representation is offered in the form of an empirical survey.
An assessment and characterization of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) within the Great Lakes Basin: Mussel Watch Program (2013–2018)
Authors: M. A. Edwards , K. Kimbrough , N. Fuller , E. Davenport , M. Rider , A. Freitag , S. Regan , A Leight , K.  , H. Burkart , A. Jacob , E. Johnson
Published: March 2024

Defining the environmental occurrence and distribution of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in coastal aquatic systems, is often difficult and complex. In this study, 70 compounds representing several classes of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, insect repellant, antibacterial, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and X-ray contrast media compounds, were found in dreissenid mussel (zebra/quagga; Dreissena spp.) tissue samples. Overall concentration and detection frequencies varied significantly among sampling locations, site land-use categories, and sites sampled proximate and downstream of point source discharge. Verapamil, triclocarban, etoposide, citalopram, diphenhydramine, sertraline, amitriptyline, and DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) comprised the most ubiquitous PPCPs (> 50%) detected in dreissenid mussels. Among those compounds quantified in mussel tissue, sertraline, metformin, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, 1,7-dimethylxanthine, theophylline, zidovudine, prednisone, clonidine, 2-hydroxy-ibuprofen, iopamidol, and melphalan were detected at concentrations up to 475 ng/g (wet weight). Antihypertensives, antibiotics, and antidepressants accounted for the majority of the compounds quantified in mussel tissue. The results showed that PPCPs quantified in dreissenid mussels are occurring as complex mixtures, with 4 to 28 compounds detected at one or more sampling locations. The magnitude and composition of PPCPs detected were highest for sites not influenced by either WWTP or CSO discharge (i.e., non-WWTPs), strongly supporting non-point sources as important drivers and pathways for PPCPs detected in this study. As these compounds are detected at inshore and offshore locations, the findings of this study indicate that their persistence and potential risks are largely unknown, thus warranting further assessment and prioritization of these emerging contaminants in the Great Lakes Basin.

Graphical Abstract
Precise Tail Behaviour of Some Dirichlet Series
Authors: Iksanov Alexander , Wachtel Vitali
Published: March 2024

Let $$\eta _1$$

η
1

, $$\eta _2,\ldots $$

η
2

,
…

be independent copies of a random variable $$\eta $$
η
with zero mean and finite variance which is bounded from the right, that is, $$\eta \le b$$

η
≤
b

almost surely for some $$b>0$$

b
>
0

. Considering different types of the asymptotic behaviour of the probability $$\mathbb {P}\{\eta \in [b-x,b]\}$$

P
{
η
∈
[
b
-
x
,
b
]
}

as $$x\rightarrow 0+$$

x
→
0
+

, we derive precise tail asymptotics of the random Dirichlet series $$\sum _{k\ge 1}k^{-\alpha }\eta _k$$

∑

k
≥
1

k

-
α

η
k

for $$\alpha \in (1/2, 1]$$

α
∈
(
1
/
2
,
1
]

.
Showcasing the usefulness of web probing: Do subtle variations in questionnaire translation lead to different survey responding?
Authors: Behr Dorothée , Braun Michael , Aiglstorfer Luisa
Published: March 2024

It is generally taken for granted that comparability in comparative research hinges, among others, on the quality of questionnaire translations. However, what do slight differences in translation mean for respondents’ answers? In this article, we look at a combination of quantitative evidence from split-ballot experiments and qualitative evidence from additional probing questions for three items that were translated according to different translation methods, resulting in different translations, e.g., for “our national way of life.” Two of the three items do not show any quantitative differences between translation versions when implemented in split-ballot experiments. However, using open-ended probing questions we delved deeper into the effects of different translation versions. This allowed us to show that different translations do indeed change respondent understanding. We suggest mechanisms that may lead to different translations (not) having an impact on the data, and we also try to align the results to the notion of equivalence/comparability in translation. Ultimately, we showcase the usefulness of web probing for exploring different translation understandings.
Achievable Spectral Efficiency of Line-of-Sight MIMO Fixed Links with Compact Planar Antenna Arrays and Power Amplifier Limitations
Authors: Filiberti Gaudenzio , Reggiani Luca , Dossi Laura
Published: March 2024

Fixed Point-to-Point microwave wireless systems with high spectral efficiency are needed to meet the pervasive and increasing demand for capacity in back-haul networks of mobile radio systems. In this context, spatially multiplexed LoS-MIMO (Line-of-Sight Multiple Input Multiple Output) systems have been studied for about twenty years, particularly in the millimeter wave frequency bands (above 15 GHz). However, their deployment in real networks has been really limited, to the authors’ knowledge. This has been due to several factors, i.e. the practical possibility of using extremely high-level modulation formats (nowadays up to 8192-QAM), the joint use of co-channel dual polarization, and the availability of wider channel bands in the new high frequency ranges (e.g. E-Band). In addition, a crucial reason has been the difficulty of installing multiple antennas spaced apart in order to maximize the MIMO spatial multiplexing so providing the maximum capacity gain. Thisoptimalantenna separation, even for the classical MIMO$$M \times N$$M×NwithM= 2 antennas at the receiver andN= 2 antennas at the transmitter, can be several meters, e.g. 5.71 m at 23 GHz on a 5 km link. In this article, we analyze the performance of LoS-MIMO systems where antenna separation is highly sub-optimal, for limiting the array size, and a satisfactory performance is made possible by the exploitation of specific bit loading and power allocation strategies and the setting of the working region of the RF transmitter power amplifiers to operate at a given Signal-to-Inter Modulation Distortion Ratio (SIMDR). The result is an overview of the advantages and drawbacks of compact LoS-MIMO from a wider perspective than in the existing literature, including fundamental aspects for the practical implementation of these systems. Performance is discussed in many cases of interest and compared with the state of the art SISO (Single Input Single Output) system.
Stress Evaluation Through the Layers of a Fibre-Metal Hybrid Composite by IHD: An Experimental Study
Authors: Nobre J. P. , Smit T. C. , Reid R. , Qhola Q. , Wu T. , Niendorf T.
Published: March 2024

Background

Incremental hole-drilling (IHD) has shown its importance in the measurement of the residual stress distribution within the layers of composite laminates. However, validation of these results is still an open issue, especially near the interfaces between plies.

Objectives

In this context, this study is focused on experimentally verifying its applicability to fibre metal laminates.

Methods

Tensile loads are applied to cross-ply GFRP-steel [0/90/steel]s samples. Due to the difference in the mechanical properties of each ply, Classical Lamination Theory (CLT) predicts a distribution of the uniform stress within each layer, with pulse gradients between them. The interfaces act as discontinuous regions between the plies. The experimental determination of such stress variation is challenging and is the focus of this research. A horizontal tensile test device was designed and built for this purpose. A differential method is used to eliminate the effect of the existing residual stresses in the samples, providing a procedure to evaluate the ability of the IHD technique to determine the distribution of stress due to the applied tensile loads only. The experimentally measured strain-depth relaxation curves are compared with those determined numerically using the finite element method (FEM) to simulate the hole-drilling. Both are used as input for the IHD stress calculation method (unit pulse integral method). The distribution of stress through the composite laminate, determined by classical lamination theory (CLT), is used as a reference.

Results

Unit pulse integral method results, using the experimental and numerical strain-depth relaxation curves, compare reasonably well with those predicted by CLT, provided that there is no material damage due to high applied loads.

Conclusions

IHD seems to be an important measurement technique to determine the distribution of residual stresses in fibre metal laminates and should be further developed for a better assessment of the residual stresses at the interfaces between plies.
Gender and generational cohort impact on entrepreneurs’ emotional intelligence and transformational leadership
Authors: Esteves José , de Haro Rodríguez Guillermo , Ballestar María Teresa , Sainz Jorge
Published: March 2024

Emotional intelligence (EI) and leadership style are topics that have attracted a growing interest in the literature. In this study, we posit that entrepreneurs’ EI is an antecedent of transformational leadership (TL) while examining the moderating role of gender and generational cohort. Data were collected from 2,084 international entrepreneurs and analysed using multivariate analysis and hierarchical linear regression. The results confirm EI as an antecedent of TL and show that others’ emotion appraisal (OEA) and regulation of emotions (ROE) are the most contributing subdimensions of EI to TL. Moreover, the study also reveals significant gender and generational cohort differences for EI and TL. In one of the relevant findings, our research shows that only female Gen Z entrepreneurs have lower scores than their male counterparts. Although men’s EI scores are similar across generations, women’s scores are significantly higher in each older generation leaving ¡open questions for further research in the area.
Gestaltung einer gesundheitsgerechten Arbeitsumgebung: Was brauchen Beschäftigte in kleinen und mittleren Betrieben im ländlichen Raum?
Authors: Binder L. , Coenen M. , von Mallek P. , Kus S.
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund

Die betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung (BGF) hat sich in den letzten Jahren zunehmend in der Arbeitswelt etabliert, dennoch ist in kleinen und mittleren Betrieben nach wie vor ein Defizit bei der Umsetzung der BGF festzustellen. Die Möglichkeiten der Mitbestimmung und die Berücksichtigung individueller Bedürfnisse sollten für eine erfolgreiche Umsetzung gezielt genutzt werden.

Ziel

Branchenübergreifende Analyse und Darstellung von Arbeitsanforderungen und damit verbundenem Belastungsempfinden sowie von gesundheitsförderlichen Bedarfen von Beschäftigten in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen im ländlichen Raum.

Methodik

Ein multimethodischer Studienansatz kam zur Anwendung: In einer Querschnittstudie wurden Arbeitsanforderungen, damit verbundenes Belastungsempfinden sowie gesundheitsförderliche Bedarfe in vier Unternehmen quantitativ erhoben. In betriebsübergreifenden, semistrukturierten Fokusgruppeninterviews wurden (belastende) Arbeitsanforderungen und Bedarfe der Beschäftigten tiefergehend empirisch untersucht. Quantitativ erhobene Daten wurden deskriptiv analysiert, die Auswertung des qualitativ gewonnenen Datenmaterials erfolgte anhand der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt beteiligten sich 251 Beschäftigte (68,9 % weiblich; 50,6 % > 45 Jahre) aus vier Unternehmen unterschiedlicher Branchen (z. B. Pflege, IT) an der Querschnittstudie (Rücklaufquote: 51,6 %). Branchenübergreifend wird am häufigsten eigenverantwortliches und selbstbestimmtes Arbeiten gefordert. Als belastend wird v. a. die hohe Arbeitsintensität empfunden. Maßnahmen zur Förderung der Rückengesundheit und zur Stressbewältigung waren die am häufigsten nachgefragten Themen. Zentrale Voraussetzungen zur Umsetzung der BGF sind ausreichende finanzielle und zeitliche Ressourcen sowie die Motivation der Beschäftigten.

Schlussfolgerung

Ein partizipatives und methodenintegratives Vorgehen bei der Bedarfsermittlung legt den Grundstein für eine erfolgreiche Umsetzung und nachhaltige Verankerung von BGF in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen.
The Prevalence and Clinical Phenotypes of Cluster Headache in Relation with Latitude
Authors: Liaw Yi-Chia , Chen Shih-Pin , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Previous studies have indicated a possible link between the prevalence of cluster headache (CH) and sunlight exposure. However, this theory has yet to be tested systemically. In this article, we aim to examine how latitude affects the prevalence and phenotypes of CH.

Recent Findings

To our knowledge, there is by far no article describing the effect of latitude on disease phenotype; thus, we performed a literature review. We noted positive effects of latitude on 1-year prevalence, the proportion of chronic CH, and the proportion of miosis and/or ptosis.

Latitude may affect the phenotypic presentations of cluster headache, probably partially mediated via temperature and sunlight variations. Still, other factors, such as environmental exposure to smoking and the genetic difference between the Eastern and Western populations, may participate in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CH.
Acculturation Preferences in the Asturian Educational Context: A Study on the Direct and Interactive Effects of Gender and Stereotypes at School
Authors: Estupinan-Mesa Lorena , Senar-Morera Fernando , Hevia-Artime Isabel , Fernández-Costales Alberto
Published: March 2024

As a consequence of globalisation, a large number of studies have been carried out on the attitudes and preferences of acculturation of immigrants and host societies, with the aim of observing the different changes that occur in this intercultural contact. These studies have been carried out in places with a large migratory flow; however, it was considered convenient to carry out the same type of studies in regions with less migratory flow, which is why this investigation focuses on a place with a lower migratory flow, such as the Principality of Asturias. Thus, the main objective of this work is to observe whether gender contributes to the creation of different attitudes and whether this is moderating the intensity with which stereotypes participate in the formation of the acculturation preferences of native students in compulsory secondary education. The analysis of acculturation attitudes was carried out on the dimensions of “adopting” and “maintaining” separately, in order to study how these dimensions are affected by each of the variables (gender/stereotype) in different domains. The exploratory results obtained through quantitative analysis reveal that stereotypes affect the dimensions differently in each of the domains. It is also found that gender affects both dimensions, and finally, it is claimed that gender can moderate the intensity with which stereotypes are involved in the creation of acculturation attitudes in almost all domains. These results are discussed in comparison with those found in other studies with different social and cultural groups.
Gendered Constructions of Luck at Work: The Case of Career Narratives of Female and Male Managers
Authors: Poorhosseinzadeh Mahan , Özbilgin Mustafa F. , Strachan Glenda
Published: March 2024

There is a ubiquitous assumption that luck is a gender-neutral and equally distributed phenomenon. Drawing on 50 interviews with female and male managers, we examine their constructions of luck at work and demonstrate the gendered construction of luck in career narratives. Despite the dearth of attention to luck in the career literature, luck often features in the career narratives of professional workers. In line with the literature, we define the construct of luck as something outside the locus of control of individuals. Yet, we identify that luck is a gendered construct in career narratives. We demonstrate that while female managers define luck as receiving equality of opportunity in the process of their careers, male managers define luck as structures of support that offer them opportunities above and beyond their merit at work, which is a privilege that men appear to enjoy. The perception and interpretation of luck have far-reaching effects on addressing and comprehending gender disparities in career advancement, decision-making, negotiation and organisational leadership. Recognising the gender-specific impact of luck is vital in promoting gender equality and offering equitable chances for the career progression of women and non-privileged employees. It offers a persuasive option to challenge the dominant meritocratic assumptions on equality of chances, structures and the distribution of resources.
A New Lotus-Leaf-Inspired Beaded Nanofiber Strategy for the Development of Cryogel/Nanofiber Hybrid Structures
Authors: Kanmaz Dilayda , Osman Bilgen , Karaca Esra
Published: March 2024

In this study, a cryogel/nanofiber hybrid material was developed using a new lotus-leaf-inspired strategy. The lotus effect was generated via beaded poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers produced from the 9 wt% PCL solution with low viscosity and high surface tension via electrospinning. A poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) cryogel layer was constructed through polymerization onto the beaded PCL nanofibrous mat. The thickness of the PHEMA cryogel/beaded PCL nanofiber hybrid material was 3.19 ± 0.07 mm. Morphological characterization studies of the hybrid material were conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mean diameter of the beaded PCL nanofibers was 97.22 ± 21.18 nm. The lotus effect created by the beaded PCL nanofibers was investigated by water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The WCA of beadless and beaded PCL nanofibers was 93.42° ± 1.4° and 117.97° ± 5.04°, respectively. The PHEMA cryogel layer was chemically characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and the specific groups belonging to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was observed. The porosity of the PHEMA cryogel layer was determined via mercury porosimetry. The total porosity of the PHEMA cryogel was 64.42%, and the pore sizes were in the range of 5–200 µm. Swelling kinetics of the PHEMA cryogel/beaded PCL nanofiber hybrid material were also investigated and compared to those of PHEMA cryogel and beaded PCL nanofibers. The maximum swelling ratio of the hybrid material was 509.69% and reached after 180 min. The developed PHEMA cryogel/beaded PCL nanofiber hybrid material met the criteria required for layered structures and biomedical applications whereby its eligible stability, morphology, porosity, and swelling capacity. Consequently, the lotus-leaf-inspired strategy was successful in constructing the cryogel/nanofiber hybrid materials.
Internal Model-Based Robust Path-Following Control for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Kovács Adorján , Vajk István
Published: March 2024

The paper presents a new internal model control (IMC) based control technique for lateral trajectory tracking of autonomous vehicles. The controller’s proposed structure employs a robust, fault-tolerant nonlinear internal servo control with optimal reference generation concerning vehicle yaw stability and physical limitations. The presented inscription of the reference generation creates a convex optimization task that can be used in real-time applications. Improvements in yaw-rate stability of vehicle motion control are first shown through simulation results performed in a Simulink environment. The controller structure was also implemented in a real-time model and was examined in a Mercedes C-Class vehicle. In this article, the simulation results and the real-time measurements are presented. The results show that the proposed controller has high efficiency in disturbance rejection and lower sensitivity towards parameter changes compared to a model predictive control (MPC) structure.
Disentangling Cerebellar and Parietal Contributions to Gait and Body Schema: A Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study
Authors: Bertuccelli Margherita , Bisiacchi Patrizia , Del Felice Alessandra
Published: March 2024

The overlap between motor and cognitive signs resulting from posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and cerebellar lesions can mask their relative contribution in the sensorimotor integration process. This study aimed to identify distinguishing motor and cognitive features to disentangle PPC and cerebellar involvement in two sensorimotor-related functions: gait and body schema representation. Thirty healthy volunteers were enrolled and randomly assigned to PPC or cerebellar stimulation. Sham stimulation and 1 Hz-repetitive-Transcranial-Magnetic-Stimulation were delivered over P3 or cerebellum before a balance and a walking distance estimation task. Each trial was repeated with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). Eight inertial measurement units recorded spatiotemporal and kinematic variables of gait. Instability increased in both groups after real stimulation: PPC inhibition resulted in increased instability in EC conditions, as evidenced by increased ellipse area and range of movement in medio-lateral and anterior–posterior (ROMap) directions. Cerebellar inhibition affected both EC (increased ROMap) and EO stability (greater displacement of the center of mass). Inhibitory stimulation (EC vs. EO) affected also gait spatiotemporal variability, with a high variability of ankle and knee angles plus different patterns in the two groups (cerebellar vs parietal). Lastly, PPC group overestimates distances after real stimulation (EC condition) compared to the cerebellar group. Stability, gait variability, and distance estimation parameters may be useful clinical parameters to disentangle cerebellar and PPC sensorimotor integration deficits. Clinical differential diagnosis efficiency can benefit from this methodological approach.