bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Impacts of Energy Efficiency Technologies in Portugal
Authors: Tenente Marcos , Henriques Carla , Gomes Álvaro , da Silva Patrícia Pereira , Trigo António
Published: November 2022

Portuguese programs aimed at fostering Energy Efficiency (EE) measures often rely on cost–benefit approaches only considering the use phase and neglecting other potential impacts generated. Therefore, this work suggests a novel methodological framework by combining Hybrid Input–Output Lifecycle Analysis (HIO-LCA) with the Portuguese seasonal method for computing the households’ energy needs. A holistic assessment of the energy, economic, environmental, and social impacts connected with the adoption of EE solutions is conducted aimed at supporting decision-makers (DMs) in the design of suitable funding policies. For this purpose, 109,553 EE packages have been created by combining distinct thermal insulation options for roofs and façades, with the replacement of windows, also considering the use of space heating and cooling and domestic heating water systems. The findings indicate that it is possible to confirm that various energy efficiency packages can be used to achieve the best performance for most of the impacts considered. Specifically, savings-to-investment ratio (SIR), Greenhouse gases (GHG), and energy payback times (GPBT and EPBT) present the best performances for packages that exclusively employ extruded polystyrene (XPS) for roof insulation (packages 151 and 265). However, considering the remaining impacts created by the investment in energy efficiency measures, their best performances are obtained when roof and façades insulation is combined with the use of space heating and cooling and DHW systems to replace the existing equipment. If biomass is assumed to be carbon–neutral, solution 18,254 yields the greatest reduction in GHG emissions. Given these trade-offs, it is evident that multiobjective optimization methods employing the impacts and benefits assessed are crucial for helping DMs design future EE programs following their preferences.
Light stringy states and the g − 2 of the muon
Authors: Anastasopoulos Pascal , Niederwieser Elias , Rondeau François
Published: November 2022

Abstract

In this work, we evaluate the contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon ((g − 2)μ) coming from light stringy states in a D-brane semi-realistic configuration. A scalar which couples only to the muon can have a mass sufficiently light to provide a significant contribution to the (g − 2)μ. This scenario can arise in intersecting D-brane models, where such light scalars correspond to the first stringy excitations of an open string stretched between two D-branes intersecting with a very small angle. In this article, we show that there is a region in the space of the geometric parameters of the internal manifold where such scalar light stringy states can explain (part) of the observed discrepancy in the (g − 2)μ. In a low string scale framework with Ms ≳ 10 TeV, we show that an excited Higgs with mass $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(250 MeV), living in an intersection with an angle of order $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10−10), can provide a significant contribution of one-tenth of the (g − 2)μ discrepancy. This leads to a lower bound for the compact dimension where the branes intersect of order $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10−8 GeV−1). We also study patterns in D-brane configurations that realize our proposal, both in three and four stacks models.
A twistorial description of the IKKT-matrix model
Authors: Steinacker Harold C. , Tran Tung
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We consider the fuzzy 4-sphere $$ {S}_N^4 $$

S
N
4

as a background in the IKKT matrix model, and explore the relation between $$ {S}_N^4 $$

S
N
4

and fuzzy twistor space in the semi-classical limit. A novel description for the IKKT-matrix model in terms of spinorial indices is given, which is reminiscent of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-symmetric Yang-Mills (SYM) in 4d. On fuzzy twistor space, the interactions of the IKKT model are of gravitational type. The higher-spin (HS) gauge theory emerging in this limit from the IKKT model, denoted as HS-IKKT, on fuzzy twistor space is shown to be a higher-spin extension of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM, with vertices that have more than two derivatives. We obtain its (Euclidean) spacetime action using the Penrose transform. Although this is a gravitational theory, it shares many features with the higher-spin extensions of Yang-Mills in 4d flat space obtained in [1, 2]. The tree-level amplitudes of the HS-IKKT are studied in the semi-classical flat limit. The self-dual gauge sector of the IKKT model is obtained by dropping some parts of the cubic- and the quartic interactions, which is shown to reduce to a $$ \mathcal{BF} $$
BF
-type action on commutative deformed projective twistor space.
The connected wedge theorem and its consequences
Authors: May Alex , Sorce Jonathan , Yoshida Beni
Published: November 2022

Abstract

In the AdS/CFT correspondence, bulk causal structure has consequences for boundary entanglement. In quantum information science, causal structures can be replaced by distributed entanglement for the purposes of information processing. In this work, we deepen the understanding of both of these statements, and their relationship, with a number of new results. Centrally, we present and prove a new theorem, the n-to-n connected wedge theorem, which considers n input and n output locations at the boundary of an asymptotically AdS2+1 spacetime described by AdS/CFT. When a sufficiently strong set of causal connections exists among these points in the bulk, a set of n associated regions in the boundary will have extensive-in-N mutual information across any bipartition of the regions. The proof holds in three bulk dimensions for classical spacetimes satisfying the null curvature condition and for semiclassical spacetimes satisfying standard conjectures. The n-to-n connected wedge theorem gives a precise example of how causal connections in a bulk state can emerge from large-N entanglement features of its boundary dual. It also has consequences for quantum information theory: it reveals one pattern of entanglement which is sufficient for information processing in a particular class of causal networks. We argue this pattern is also necessary, and give an AdS/CFT inspired protocol for information processing in this setting.

Our theorem generalizes the 2-to-2 connected wedge theorem proven in [3]. We also correct some errors in the proof presented there, in particular a false claim that existing proof techniques work above three bulk dimensions.
Generalized symmetry breaking scales and weak gravity conjectures
Authors: Córdova Clay , Ohmori Kantaro , Rudelius Tom
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We explore the notion of approximate global symmetries in quantum field theory and quantum gravity. We show that a variety of conjectures about quantum gravity, including the weak gravity conjecture, the distance conjecture, and the magnetic and axion versions of the weak gravity conjecture can be motivated by the assumption that generalized global symmetries should be strongly broken within the context of low-energy effective field theory, i.e. at a characteristic scale less than the Planck scale where quantum gravity effects become important. For example, the assumption that the electric one-form symmetry of Maxwell theory should be strongly broken below the Planck scale implies the weak gravity conjecture. Similarly, the violation of generalized non-invertible symmetries is closely tied to analogs of this conjecture for non-abelian gauge theory. This reasoning enables us to unify these conjectures with the absence of global symmetries in quantum gravity.
Erfahrungen von Menschen mit Fluchtgeschichte bei der Inanspruchnahme der Gesundheitsversorgung in Deutschland – Erkenntnisse einer qualitativen Studie
Authors: Nowak Anna Christina , Hornberg Claudia
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund

Menschen mit Fluchtgeschichte sind mit einer Vielzahl von rechtlichen, strukturellen, administrativen, kulturellen und sprachlichen Barrieren im Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung konfrontiert. Derzeit liegen jedoch wenig Daten zu gesundheitlichen Bedarfen und Bedürfnissen von Geflüchteten vor. Insbesondere ihre subjektiven Erfahrungen im Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung sind bisher wenig berücksichtigt worden.

Ziel der Arbeit

In diesem Beitrag sollen die subjektiven Erfahrungen von Menschen mit Fluchtgeschichte beim Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung und bei deren Nutzung beschrieben werden. Strategien bei der Bewältigung von Herausforderungen werden dargestellt.

Methoden

Die Rekrutierung der InterviewpartnerInnen erfolgte anhand von quantitativen Querschnittsdaten, die im Rahmen einer Studie zur Gesundheit von Geflüchteten (FlüGe-Gesundheitsstudie) erhoben wurden. Personen, die einer erneuten Kontaktaufnahme zugestimmt hatten, wurden telefonisch kontaktiert. Es wurde eine im Hinblick auf Alter, Geschlecht, Nationalität, Gesundheitszustand und Inanspruchnahmeverhalten heterogene Teilstichprobe (n = 18) mittels dolmetschergestützter problemzentrierter Interviews nachbefragt. Die Datenauswertung erfolgte in einem deduktiv-induktiven Prozess.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die wenig migrationssensible Gesundheitsversorgung von Menschen mit Fluchtgeschichte ist geprägt durch Sprachbarrieren, Orientierungslosigkeit, Ablehnungserfahrungen, Fehlbehandlungen und strukturelle Barrieren. Fremdheitserfahrungen in und mit dem Gesundheitssystem können dazu führen, dass die Versorgung nicht (mehr) oder nur verzögert in Anspruch genommen wird. Gleichzeitig werden individuelle Strategien von Geflüchteten und VersorgerInnen angewendet, um den genannten Herausforderungen zu begegnen.
Einfluss von Osteoporose auf physische Leistungsparameter von Personen im mittleren und höheren Lebensalter – eine Querschnittstudie
Authors: Schröder Guido , Flachsmeyer Dirk , Bende Anne , Andresen Julian Ramin , Andresen Reimer , Schober Hans-Christof
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund

PatientInnen im höheren Lebensalter, die an Osteoporose (OP) leiden, haben zusätzlich eine verminderte Muskelmasse und Muskelkraft – bekannt als Sarkopenie. Dies führt zu Funktionseinschränkungen sowie einem steigenden Sturz- und Verletzungsrisiko. Physische Leistungsparameter, wie Griff- und Rumpfkraft einerseits und die Gleichgewichtsfähigkeit andererseits, geben Auskunft über den neuromuskulären Allgemeinzustand und stellen einen Indikator der körperlichen Leistungsfähigkeit des alternden Menschen dar. Inwieweit stattgehabte osteoporotische Wirbelkörperfrakturen (VFs) zu einer Einschränkung der körperlichen Leistungsfähigkeit führen, wurde bisher nicht ausreichend untersucht.

Material und Methoden

An der vorliegenden klinischen Untersuchung nahmen 118 Personen im Durchschnittsalter von 71,5 ± 9 Jahren teil. Es wurden zwei Gruppen gebildet – eine OP (58 PatientInnen) und eine Vergleichsgruppe (VG) (60 PatientInnen). In Subgruppenanalysen wurden OP-PatientInnen mit VFs und ohne VFs (0VFs) betrachtet. Für alle lag ein körperlicher Status mit Ergebnissen zu Handgriffkraft (HGS), Chair-Rising-Test (CRT), Tandemstand (TS), Tandemgang (TG) und Einbeinstand (EBS) vor. Alle erhobenen Daten wurden mit dem statistischen Softwarepaket SPSS, Version 23.0 analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen den Gruppen OP und VG bestand hinsichtlich der Parameter HGS, CRT, TG, TS und EBS kein signifikanter Unterschied (p > 0,05). In der Subgruppenanalyse wiesen OP-PatientInnen mit VFs im Vergleich zu welchen mit 0 VFs eine geringere HGS auf (VFs: 24,3 ± 10,2 kg vs. 0 VFs: 29,7 ± 9,5 kg, p = 0,026). Der TS (VFs: 7,8 ± 3,2 s vs. 0 VFs: 9,5 ± 1,8 s, p = 0,008) wurde von OP-PatientInnen mit 0 VFs länger gehalten. Ihnen war es im TG möglich, mehr Schritte zu balancieren (VFs: 4,8 ± 3,0 vs. 0 VFs: 6,7 ± 2,4, p = 0,011). In einer Regressionsanalyse zeigten sich die Körpergröße, das Geschlecht und das Alter als unabhängige Einflussfaktoren auf die HGS (p < 0,001).

Schlussfolgerung

Das PatientInnenalter, die Konstitution und das Geschlecht nehmen einen relevanten Einfluss auf die HGS, wobei die Ausgangsbedingungen nach diagnostizierter OP in dieser Altersgruppe auf vergleichbarem Niveau liegen. Bei einer Subgruppe von OP-PatientInnen mit VFs besteht ein enger Zusammenhang zwischen Knochen und Muskulatur mit einer zunehmenden Verschlechterung des muskuloskelettalen Systems. Zur Prophylaxe einer Osteosarkopenie erscheint ein frühzeitiges Training sinnvoll.

Graphic abstract
A literature review on the impact of digitalisation on management control
Authors: Fähndrich Jochen
Published: November 2022

Digitalisation affects management control (MC). It leads to changes in the way MC activities are organised, performed and analysed. Companies of all industries, locations and sizes have to adapt their MC to digital circumstances, starting with the understanding and delimitation of MC tasks, through the modified application of MC instruments and the consideration of behavioural aspects of MC, to the organisation of the MC function within the company. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature according to Tranfield et al. (Br J Manag 14:207–222, 2003), focusing on the impact of digitalisation on MC. A comprehensive overview of scientific literature is provided by reviewing 166 highly rated accounting journals (based on multiple international journal ratings) and analysing 116 articles from January 2000 to August 2022. Based on the MC framework developed by Guenther (J Manag Control 23:269–290, 2013), the identified studies are categorised into the following research dimensions: tasks, instruments, organisation and behavioural aspects. Multiple studies highlight the continuous development of the MC function under the impact of digitalisation, including the extension of MC tasks, the adaptation of existing MC instruments and creation of new MC instruments, positive and negative behavioural aspects of digitalisation on MC and the establishment of new MC organisation models. In addition to the qualitative content analysis, this literature review also includes an analysis of the methods applied and illustrates their changes over time. This study reveals research gaps in relation to the current MC research and presents potential starting points for future research.
Public preferences for policies promoting a healthy diet: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Dieteren C. M. , Bonfrer I. , Brouwer W. B. F. , van Exel J.
Published: November 2022

Background

Worldwide obesity rates have nearly tripled over the past five decades. So far, policies to promote a healthier diet have been less intrusive than those to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption. Not much is known about public support for policies that aim to promote a healthy diet. In this study, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used to elicit stated preferences for policies varying in intrusiveness among a representative sample of the public of The Netherlands.

Methods

The choice tasks presented respondents a hypothetical scenario of two policy packages, each comprising a mix of seven potential policies that differed in level of intrusiveness. We estimated mixed logit models (MXL) to estimate respondents’ preferences for these policies and performed latent class analyses to identify heterogeneity in preferences.

Results

The MXL model showed that positive financial incentives like subsidies for vegetables and fruit yielded most utility. A tax of 50% on sugary drinks was associated with disutility while a tax of 20% was associated with positive utility compared to no tax at all. We identified three subgroups with distinct preferences for the seven policies to promote a healthy diet, which were characterized as being “against”, “mixed” and “pro” policies to promote a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Preferences for policies promoting a healthy diet vary considerably in the Dutch population, particularly in relation to more intrusive policies. This makes selection and implementation of a policy package that has wide public support challenging.
Monotropastrum kirishimense (Ericaceae), a new mycoheterotrophic plant from Japan based on multifaceted evidence
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Hirota Shun K. , Hsu Tian-Chuan , Kurogi Shuichi , Imamura Akio , Suyama Yoshihisa
Published: November 2022

Due to their reduced morphology, non-photosynthetic plants have been one of the most challenging groups to delimit to species level. The mycoheterotrophic genus Monotropastrum, with the monotypic species M. humile, has been a particularly taxonomically challenging group, owing to its highly reduced vegetative and root morphology. Using integrative species delimitation, we have focused on Japanese Monotropastrum, with a special focus on an unknown taxon with rosy pink petals and sepals. We investigated its flowering phenology, morphology, molecular identity, and associated fungi. Detailed morphological investigation has indicated that it can be distinguished from M. humile by its rosy pink tepals and sepals that are generally more numerous, elliptic, and constantly appressed to the petals throughout its flowering period, and by its obscure root balls that are unified with the surrounding soil, with root tips that hardly protrude. Based on genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms, molecular data has provided clear genetic differentiation between this unknown taxon and M. humile. Monotropastrum humile and this taxon are associated with different Russula lineages, even when they are sympatric. Based on this multifaceted evidence, we describe this unknown taxon as the new species M. kirishimense. Assortative mating resulting from phenological differences has likely contributed to the persistent sympatry between these two species, with distinct mycorrhizal specificity.
Association of Area-Based Socioeconomic Measures with Tuberculosis Incidence in California
Authors: Bakhsh Yasser , Readhead Adam , Flood Jennifer , Barry Pennan
Published: November 2022

We assessed the association of area-based socio-economic status (SES) measures with tuberculosis (TB) incidence in California. We used TB disease data for 2012–2016 (n = 9901), population estimates, and SES measures to calculate incidence rates, rate ratios, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) by SES and birth country. SES was measured by census tract and was categorized by quartiles for education, crowding, and the California Healthy Places Index (HPI)and by specific cutoffs for poverty. The lowest SES areas defined by education, crowding, poverty, and HPI had 39%, 40%, 41%, and 33% of TB cases respectively. SES level was inversely associated with TB incidence across all SES measures and birth countries. TB rates were 3.2 (95% CI 3.0–3.4), 2.1 (95% CI 1.9–2.2), 3.6 (95% CI 3.3–3.8), and 2.0 (95% CI 1.9–2.1) times higher in lowest SES areas vs. highest SES areas as defined by education, crowding, poverty and HPI respectively. Area-based SES measures are associated with TB incidence in California. This information could inform TB prevention efforts in terms of materials, partnerships, and prioritization.
On business adoption and use of reproducible builds for open and closed source software
Authors: Butler Simon , Gamalielsson Jonas , Lundell Björn , Brax Christoffer , Mattsson Anders , Gustavsson Tomas , Feist Jonas , Kvarnström Bengt , Lönroth Erik
Published: November 2022

Reproducible builds (R-Bs) are software engineering practices that reliably create bit-for-bit identical binary executable files from specified source code. R-Bs are applied in some open source software (OSS) projects and distributions to allow verification that the distributed binary has been built from the released source code. The use of R-Bs has been advocated in software maintenance and R-Bs are applied in the development of some OSS security applications. Nonetheless, industry application of R-Bs appears limited, and we seek to understand whether awareness is low or if significant technical and business reasons prevent wider adoption. Through interviews with software practitioners and business managers, this study explores the utility of applying R-Bs in businesses in the primary and secondary software sectors and the business and technical reasons supporting their adoption. We find businesses use R-Bs in the safety-critical and security domains, and R-Bs are valuable for traceability and support collaborative software development. We also found that R-Bs are valued as engineering processes and are seen as a badge of software quality, but without a tangible value proposition. There are good engineering reasons to use R-Bs in industrial software development, and the principle of establishing correspondence between source code and binary offers opportunities for the development of further applications.
The Effects of Time Window-Averaged Mobility on Effective Reproduction Number of COVID-19 Viral Variants in Urban Cities
Authors: Kodera Sachiko , Hikita Keigo , Rashed Essam A. , Hirata Akimasa
Published: November 2022

During epidemics, the estimation of the effective reproduction number (ERN) associated with infectious disease is a challenging topic for policy development and medical resource management. The emergence of new viral variants is common in widespread pandemics including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A simple approach is required toward an appropriate and timely policy decision for understanding the potential ERN of new variants is required for policy revision. We investigated time-averaged mobility at transit stations as a surrogate to correlate with the ERN using the data from three urban prefectures in Japan. The optimal time windows, i.e., latency and duration, for the mobility to relate with the ERN were investigated. The optimal latency and duration were 5–6 and 8 days, respectively (the Spearman’s ρ was 0.109–0.512 in Tokyo, 0.365–0.607 in Osaka, and 0.317–0.631 in Aichi). The same linear correlation was confirmed in Singapore and London. The mobility-adjusted ERN of the Alpha variant was 15–30%, which was 20–40% higher than the original Wuhan strain in Osaka, Aichi, and London. Similarly, the mobility-adjusted ERN of the Delta variant was 20%–40% higher than that of the Wuhan strain in Osaka and Aichi. The proposed metric would be useful for the proper evaluation of the infectivity of different SARS-CoV-2 variants in terms of ERN as well as the design of the forecasting system.
Family oblige: the link between CSR and succession intention in small and medium family firms
Authors: Stübner Andrea , Jarchow Svenja
Published: November 2022

This study investigates how family continuation, namely family tradition and succession intention, alter the socially responsible behavior of small and medium sized (SME) family firms. Using a unique dataset, we have conducted multiple regressions on survey data from German family SMEs and show a statistically and economically significant increase in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) alongside the planning of family succession. However, when analyzing the different facets of CSR, we have found strong variances: While succession intention goes along with an increased community, market, and supply chain engagement this is not the case for CSR directed towards employees, or the environment. Family tradition didn’t correlate with a change in CSR behaviour to a relevant extent. In our theoretical embedding we employed socio-emotional wealth (SEW) theory to explain our findings. Thereby, our study fills a gap in the literature adding the perspective of SME family firms on the use of CSR in the context of family succession and also adding to the theoretical understanding of SEW.
Source orientation, anthropomorphism, and social presence in human-chatbot communication: how to proceed with these concepts
Authors: van der Goot Margot J.
Published: November 2022

Source orientation, anthropomorphism, and social presence are three concepts that play a pivotal role in present-day research on users’ responses to communication with chatbots. However, there are also problems regarding the three conceptualizations and the related measurements. Therefore, the present qualitative interview study analyzes users’ perceptions of their interactions with chatbots through the lens of source orientation, anthropomorphism as well as social presence, in order to unravel how these three concepts can help to understand human-chatbot communication—each in their unique ways. Interviews were conducted with a sample (N = 24) that was varied in terms of gender, age, educational level and household composition. Findings are presented for source orientation, anthropomorphism, and social presence, and the discussion elaborates on the theoretical and methodological implications.
The evolution of private medical expenses for civil servants in Germany
Authors: Ortmann Karl Michael
Published: November 2022

In this study we analyse private medical insurance data with respect to civil servants in Germany. This data is applied to pricing purposes in the market and may therefore be deemed as useful. In particular, we discuss average health care expenditure per capita by age over time. Thereby, we analyse inpatient and outpatient benefits as well as hospital cash and dental insurance. In essence, we observe an effect that we call the rectangularisation of the cumulative health care expenditure curve. In line with this finding, we note that the modal age (at which total medical expenses for in force business are highest) has increased by 10 years of age over the last decade with respect to inpatient benefits. Moreover, we apply a linear regression model based on mortality rates as regressor. We use the Siegel test for comparing different expenditure profiles and judging goodness of fit. As a result, we find that steepening of private medical expenses by age over time is prevalent for three out of four benefit types in certain age bands. As for outpatient claims provided to male civil servants, medicalisation dominates the evolution of the average claim amount by attained age over time. On the other hand, compression is of relatively high importance for inpatient claims.
Oxygen vacancy-mediated WO3 phase junction to steering photogenerated charge separation for enhanced water splitting
Authors: Li Huimin , Shen Qianqian , Zhang Han , Gao Jiaqi , Jia Husheng , Liu Xuguang , Li Qi , Xue Jinbo
Published: November 2022

Effective charge separation and transfer is deemed to be the contributing factor to achieve high photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting performance on photoelectrodes. Building a phase junction structure with controllable phase transition of WO3 can further improve the photocatalytic performance. In this work, we realized the transition from orthorhombic to monoclinic by regulating the annealing temperatures, and constructed an orthorhombic-monoclinic WO3 (o-WO3/m-WO3) phase junction. The formation of oxygen vacancies causes an imbalance of the charge distribution in the crystal structure, which changes the W-O bond length and bond angle, accelerating the phase transition. As expected, an optimum PEC activity was achieved over the o-WO3/m-WO3 phase junction in WO3-450 photoelectrode, yielding the maximum O2 evolution rate roughly 32 times higher than that of pure WO3-250 without any sacrificial agents under visible light irradiation. The enhancement of catalytic activity is attributed to the atomically smooth interface with a highly matched lattice and robust built-in electric field around the phase junction, which leads to a less-defective and abrupt interface and provides a smooth interfacial charge separation and transfer path, leading to improved charge separation and transfer efficiency and a great enhancement in photocatalytic activity. This work strikes out on new paths in the formation of an oxygen vacancy-induced phase transition and provides new ideas for the design of catalysts.
CEO Transformational Leadership, Supply Chain Agility and Firm Performance: A TISM Modeling among SMEs
Authors: Prabhu H. Mahesh , Srivastava Amit Kumar
Published: November 2022

This article aims to present an approach to enhance the firm performance of SMEs by understanding the dynamics between the elements of the transformational leadership style of the CEO and the agility of the supply network. The business environment among SMEs is marked by fierce rivalry, quick change, and tremendous instability. While an agile supply chain is seen as a winning option for manufacturing SMEs, a transformational leadership style of the CEO can be a source of competitive advantage to improve their performance. Thus, an attempt has been made to integrate transformational leadership and supply chain agility elements and delineate their structural relationship using the total interpretive structural modeling method. Results indicate that transformational leaders drive agile initiatives in the supply chain by setting and communicating a vision, encouraging supply chain members to think of innovative solutions for problems, and mentoring them individually to achieve high-performance standards. These practices will make the team members put in extra effort to accomplish the task, thereby establishing a committed and flexible workforce. Conclusions are drawn, and implications are discussed for enhancing firm performance.
Classification of metal PBF-LB parts manufactured with different process parameters using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy
Authors: Obaton Anne-Françoise , Weaver Gregory , Fayard Lucas Fournet , Montagner Florian , Burnet Olivier , Van den Bossche Alex
Published: November 2022

To face the challenges raised by the qualification of metallic additively manufactured (AM) complex shaped and rough finish parts, non-destructive testing (NDT) volumetric methods are required. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is presently the favored technique; however, alternative methods are needed to overcome the requirement of technical skills and the high cost of the technique. XCT also has limitations regarding the size and density of parts. Here, we propose an easy to use, fast, and efficient global NDT volumetric method based on resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) which basic principle relies on the comparative analysis of natural resonant frequency spectra of similar parts from the same family, both of which vibrating as free as possible. The methods have already proven to have the ability to sort parts with defects from flawless parts. In the present study, we demonstrate that RUS can also segregate metallic parts manufactured with different AM system process parameters. Eleven sets of three parts were manufactured, using a metal laser-powder bed fusion process, with different wall thicknesses, laser powers, scanning speeds, and scanning strategies. These parts were tested by RUS and then analyzed using the Z-score statistical method. The AM process parameter changes clearly influenced the resonance responses of the parts, and thus, the method is able to classify the different groups of parts according to their process parameters. Hence, the RUS methods can provide industries convenient tools to not only identify defective parts but to also configure AM machine parameters according to the expected and desired material properties.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance of the skin of the breast: A case study and review of the literature
Authors: Omranipour Ramesh , Maghsoudi Leila Haji , Alipour Sadaf
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Introduction and importance

DFSP is a soft tissue sarcoma that originates from dermal fibroblasts, that usually occurs in trunk or extremities and can invade the subcutaneous tissue. It rarely occurs in the breast with an incidence of 0.8–4.5% % per million population. It usually presents as a firm, well-defined, mobile, nontender mass. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The recommended treatment is wide local excision. Adjuvant radiotherapy or imatinib should be considered in special cases. The recurrence-free survival and overall survival are good.

Case presentation

In this study, we present a 48-year-old woman with a growing tumor in her left breast.

Clinical discussion

The patient underwent breast-conserving surgery and reconstruction.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of DFSP was confirmed after a precise histological assessment.

Highlights
Whirling instability of an eccentric coated fibre
Authors: Eghbali Shahab , Keiser L. , Boujo E. , Gallaire F.
Published: November 2022

We study a gravity-driven viscous flow coating a vertical cylindrical fibre. The destabilisation of a draining liquid column into a downward moving train of beads has been linked to the conjunction of the Rayleigh–Plateau and Kapitza instabilities in the limit of small Bond numbers

$Bo$

. Here, we focus on quasi-inertialess flows (large Ohnesorge number

$Oh$

) and conduct a linear stability analysis on a unidirectional flow along a rigid eccentric fibre for intermediate to large

$Bo$

. We show the existence of two unstable modes, namely pearl and whirl modes. The pearl mode depicts asymmetric beads, similar to that of the Rayleigh–Plateau instability, whereas a single helix forms along the axis in the whirl mode instability. The geometric and hydrodynamic thresholds of the whirl mode instability are investigated, and phase diagrams showing the transition thresholds between different regimes are presented. Additionally, an energy analysis is carried out to elucidate the whirl formation mechanism. This analysis reveals that despite the unfavourable capillary energy cost, the asymmetric interface shear distribution, caused by the fibre eccentricity, has the potential to sustain a whirling interface. In general, small fibre radius and large eccentricity tend to foster the whirl mode instability, while reducing

$Bo$

tends to favour the dominance of the pearl mode instability. Finally, we compare the predictions of our model with the results of some illustrative experiments, using highly viscous silicone oils flowing down fibres. Whirling structures are observed for the first time, and the measured wavenumbers match our stability analysis prediction.
A NEW HIGHER ORDER YANG–MILLS–HIGGS FLOW ON RIEMANNIAN -MANIFOLDS
Authors: SARATCHANDRAN HEMANTH , ZHANG JIAOGEN , ZHANG PAN
Published: November 2022

Let$(M,g)$be a closed Riemannian$4$-manifold and letEbe a vector bundle overMwith structure groupG, whereGis a compact Lie group. We consider a new higher order Yang–Mills–Higgs functional, in which the Higgs field is a section of$\Omega ^0(\text {ad}E)$. We show that, under suitable conditions, solutions to the gradient flow do not hit any finite time singularities. In the case thatEis a line bundle, we are able to use a different blow-up procedure and obtain an improvement of the long-time result of Zhang [‘Gradient flows of higher order Yang–Mills–Higgs functionals’,J. Aust. Math. Soc.113(2022), 257–287]. The proof relies on properties of the Green function, which is very different from the previous techniques.
A modelling framework for efficient reduced order simulations of parametrised lithium-ion battery cells
Authors: Landstorfer M. , Ohlberger M. , Rave S. , Tacke M.
Published: November 2022

In this contribution, we present a modelling and simulation framework for parametrised lithium-ion battery cells. We first derive a continuum model for a rather general intercalation battery cell on the basis of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. In order to efficiently evaluate the resulting parameterised non-linear system of partial differential equations, the reduced basis method is employed. The reduced basis method is a model order reduction technique on the basis of an incremental hierarchical approximate proper orthogonal decomposition approach and empirical operator interpolation. The modelling framework is particularly well suited to investigate and quantify degradation effects of battery cells. Several numerical experiments are given to demonstrate the scope and efficiency of the modelling framework.
Motivation and Psychotherapy in Older Adults with Care Needs and Depression
Authors: Vathke Claudia , Kessler Eva-Marie , Gellert Paul , O’Sullivan Julie Lorraine , Lech Sonia
Published: November 2022

Abstract: The utilization of psychotherapy for home-living, vulnerable older adults with depression is limited. Understanding patients’ motivation is essential to tailoring psychotherapy to their needs and improving therapeutical efficacy. Based on cross-sectional data obtained from a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial (PSY-CARE study), this study investigated general intake concerns (ICs) and patients’ treatment goals (PTG) of home-living older adults with depression. Data on ICs ( N = 251 older adults interested in participation) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Data on PTGs ( N = 86 participants receiving psychotherapy) were analyzed quantitatively. Main ICs included reducing depressive symptoms and coping with new (health) situations. PTGs focused on coping with health problems and age-related losses. The results provide clinicians with valuable insights into motivational factors in this vulnerable and hard-to-reach population.
Suicide Misconceptions and Attitudes Toward Suicide Prevention Measures in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yu-Ting , Chang Shu-Sen , Chi Ying-Chen , Chien-Chang Wu Kevin , Chen Ying-Yeh
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Background: Debunking suicide misconceptions is an important suicide prevention measure. Few studies on suicide misconceptions and their correlates have been conducted in East Asia, where suicide is known to be more permissible. Aims: We investigated the prevalence and associated characteristics of suicide misconceptions in Taiwan. Whether holding suicide misconceptions was associated with reduced support for governmental suicide prevention measures was also assessed. Method: A dual-frame nationally representative telephone survey combining landlines and mobiles was conducted with 1,087 respondents. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with suicide misconceptions. Results: Nearly 82% of the respondents held at least one type of suicide misconceptions. The most commonly held misconception was “Talking about suicide would encourage suicide” (49.5%), followed by “People who talk about suicide do not mean to do it” (47.3%) and “Most suicides happen suddenly without any warning” (46.5%). Suicide misconceptions were more common in younger people, divorced/widowed individuals, and those with lower educational attainment. Individuals with suicide misconceptions were less likely to support governmental investments in suicide prevention. Limitations: Causality could not be inferred from the cross-sectional study. Conclusions: Suicide misconceptions are prevalent in Taiwan. Debunking suicide misconceptions should be an integral part of national suicide prevention strategies.
Perceived Scarcity Across Sociodemographic Backgrounds Predicts	Self-Reported Health
Authors: DeSousa Maysa , Rego Kaitlyn
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Background: Perceived scarcity shows promise as an indicator of physical and mental health and a possible predictor of health disparities; however, a systematic investigation of how perceived scarcity is experienced across racial and ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups is imperative. Moreover, it is necessary to unpack the unique predictive power of each scarcity domain. Aims: First, differences in the experience of perceived scarcity by various sociodemographic groups in overall perceived scarcity and each of its three dimensions were explored using a cross-sectional sample. Next, using self-reported health outcome data collected from participants at a second time point, the direct and mediating role of perceived scarcity in the relationship between sociodemographic indicators and self-reported health was examined. Method: Participants included a racially and socioeconomically diverse online sample. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and t-tests were used to assess whether perceived scarcity, overall and by domain, varied by sociodemographic factors. PROCESS macro for SPSS v 3.5 was used to analyze the proposed direct effects and mediations. Results: Results indicate that sociodemographic differences do exist in perceived scarcity and in a variety of ways that may not be reflected when solely examining overall perceived scarcity. Dimensions of perceived scarcity were found to mediate the relationship between some sociodemographic factors and self-reported health. Limitations: Future research should address the limitations of the current study’s sample insofar as recruiting a wider sample of participants to include those experiencing the most extreme forms of scarcity. Conclusion: Findings support the importance of considering the unique experience of perceived scarcity by domain across sociodemographic groups when using it as a predictor or mediator of health.
Appraising the Water‐Energy‐Food Nexus From a Sustainable Development Perspective: A Maturing Paradigm?
Authors: Hejnowicz A. P. , Thorn J. P. R. , Giraudo M. E. , Sallach J. B. , Hartley S. E. , Grugel J. , Pueppke S. G. , Emberson L.
Published: November 2022

The water‐energy‐food (WEF) nexus is a prominent approach for addressing today's sustainable development challenges. In our critical appraisal of the WEF, covering different approaches, drivers, enablers, and applications, we emphasize the situation across the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean). Here, WEF research covers at least 23 focal domains. We find that the nexus is still a maturing paradigm primarily rooted in a physical and natural sciences framing, which is itself embedded in a neoliberal securities narrative. While providing insights and tools to address the systemic interdependencies between resource sectors whose exploitation, degradation, and sub‐optimal management contribute to (un)sustainable development, there is still insufficient engagement with social, political, and economic dimensions. Progress related to climate, urbanization, and resource consumption is encouraging, but while governance and finance are central enablers of current and future nexus systems, gaps remain in relation to implementation and operationalization. Harnessing the nexus for sustainable development across the Global South means recognizing that it is more than a biophysical system, but also a multi‐scale complex of people, institutions, and infrastructure, affected by history and context. Addressing this complexity requires alternative and possibly challenging perspectives to counter dominant narratives, and manage problems associated with policy integration, trade‐offs, and winners and losers. We outline 10 emergent research areas that we think can contribute to this endeavor and enable the nexus to be a stronger policy force.
Mapping Street-Level Pollution Estimates to Reveal Safer Routes
Authors: Rehnberg Morgan
Published: November 2022

A new high-resolution approach combining multiple types of remotely sensed pollution data allowed researchers to develop an app that maps the healthiest routes for urban commuters.
Insights on Formation of the Gulf of Mexico by Rayleigh Surface Wave Imaging
Authors: Nguyen Luan C. , Levander Alan , Niu Fenglin , Morgan Julia , Li Guoliang
Published: November 2022

We used cross‐correlation of ambient noise records from seismic stations in the US, Mexico, and Cuba to extract dispersion data of Rayleigh surface wave. Our derived 3D shear‐wave velocity model of the greater Gulf of Mexico (GOM) region captures variations in the crustal and lithospheric structures across the continental margins of the US Gulf Coast and Yucatan, Mexico. The model shows a zone of reduced velocity in the mantle lithosphere underlying the extended continental margin of the northwestern GOM. We attributed this velocity reduction to extensional deformation and melt‐induced weakening of the lithosphere during the Triassic continental rifting that preceded the seafloor spreading that formed the GOM. Melt extraction might have been hindered by the greater lithospheric thickness in the western region along the US Gulf Coast margin that resulted in the westward decrease of rift‐related volcanism/magmatism reported from previous studies. The clear asymmetry between the US Gulf Coast and its conjugate Yucatan margin suggests extension along a shear‐zone that focused more deformation on the North American plate prior to breakup. In contrast to the counterclockwise rotation of the Yucatan block during seafloor‐spreading, our analyses using deformable plate models demonstrate that continental rifting occurred in a predominantly northwest‐southeast direction. This change in plate motion is attributed to the development of mantle shear‐zones in the western part of the rift. We estimated the depth of the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary and determined that the extended continental and oceanic lithospheres have mostly regained their thickness since the time of breakup.
Forabot: Automated Planktic Foraminifera Isolation and Imaging
Authors: Richmond Turner , Cole Jeremy , Dangler Gabriella , Daniele Michael , Marchitto Thomas , Lobaton Edgar
Published: November 2022

Physical inspection and sorting of foraminifera is a necessity in many research labs, as foraminifera serve as paleoenvironmental and chronostratigraphic indicators. In order to gain counts of species from samples, analyze chemical compositions, or extract morphological properties of foraminifera, research labs require human time and effort handling and sorting these microscopic fossils. The presented work describes Forabot, an open‐source system which can physically manipulate individual foraminifera for imaging and isolation with minimal human interaction. The major components to build a Forabot are outlined in this work, with supplementary information available which allows for other researchers to build a Forabot with low‐cost, off‐the‐shelf components. From a washed and sieved sample of hundreds of foraminifera, the Forabot is shown to be capable of isolating and imaging individual forams. The timing of the Forabot's current pipeline allows for the processing of up to 27 foram specimens per hour, a rate that can be improved for future classification purposes by reducing image quality and/or quantity. Along with the physical descriptions, the image processing and classification pipelines are also reviewed. A proof‐of‐concept classifier utilizes a finetuned VGG‐16 network to achieve a classification accuracy of 79% on a validation set of foraminifera images collected with Forabot. In conclusion, the system is able to be built by researchers for a low cost, effectively manipulate foraminifera with few mistakes, provide quality images for future research, and classify the species of imaged forams.
Surface‐To‐Ocean Exchange by the Sinking of Impact Generated Melt Chambers on Europa
Authors: Carnahan Evan , Vance Steven D. , Cox Rónadh , Hesse Marc A.
Published: November 2022

Impacts into icy bodies often generate near‐surface melt chambers and thermal perturbations that soften the ice. We explore the post‐impact evolution of non‐penetrating impacts into Europa's ice shell. Simulations of viscous ice deformation show that dense impact melts founder before refreezing. If the transient cavity depth exceeds half the ice shell thickness, over 40% of the impact melt drains into the underlying ocean. Drainage of impact melts from the near‐surface to the ocean occurs on timescales of 103–104 years. The drainage of melts to the ocean occurs for all plausible ice shell thicknesses and ice viscosities, suggesting that melt foundering is a natural consequence of impacts on icy worlds. Post‐impact viscous deformation is an important process on icy worlds that affects cryovolcanism, likely modifies crater morphology, creates porous columns through the ice for surface‐to‐ocean exchange, and may supply the oxidants required for habitability to subsurface oceans.