bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimates of Southern Hemispheric Gravity Wave Momentum Fluxes across Observations, Reanalyses, and Kilometer-Scale Numerical Weather Prediction Model
Authors: Gupta Aman , Reichert Robert , Dörnbrack Andreas , Garny Hella , Eichinger Roland , Polichtchouk Inna , Kaifler Bernd , Birner Thomas
Published: January 2024

Gravity waves (GWs) are among the key drivers of the meridional overturning circulation in the mesosphere and upper stratosphere. Their representation in climate models suffers from insufficient resolution and limited observational constraints on their parameterizations. This obscures assessments of middle atmospheric circulation changes in a changing climate. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of stratospheric GW activity above and downstream of the Andes from 1 to 15 August 2019, with special focus on GW representation ranging from an unprecedented kilometer-scale global forecast model (1.4 km ECMWF IFS), ground-based Rayleigh lidar (CORAL) observations, modern reanalysis (ERA5), to a coarse-resolution climate model (EMAC). Resolved vertical flux of zonal GW momentum (GWMF) is found to be stronger by a factor of at least 2–2.5 in IFS compared to ERA5. Compared to resolved GWMF in IFS, parameterizations in ERA5 and EMAC continue to inaccurately generate excessive GWMF poleward of 60°S, yielding prominent differences between resolved and parameterized GWMFs. A like-to-like validation of GW profiles in IFS and ERA5 reveals similar wave structures. Still, even at ∼1 km resolution, the resolved waves in IFS are weaker than those observed by lidar. Further, GWMF estimates across datasets reveal that temperature-based proxies, based on midfrequency approximations for linear GWs, overestimate GWMF due to simplifications and uncertainties in GW wavelength estimation from data. Overall, the analysis provides GWMF benchmarks for parameterization validation and calls for three-dimensional GW parameterizations, better upper-boundary treatment, and vertical resolution increases commensurate with increases in horizontal resolution in models, for a more realistic GW analysis.

Significance Statement

Gravity wave–induced momentum forcing forms a key component of the middle atmospheric circulation. However, complete knowledge of gravity waves, their atmospheric effects, and their long-term trends are obscured due to limited global observations, and the inability of current climate models to fully resolve them. This study combines a kilometer-scale forecast model, modern reanalysis, and a coarse-resolution climate model to first compare the resolved and parameterized momentum fluxes by gravity waves generated over the Andes, and then evaluate the fluxes using a state-of-the-art ground-based Rayleigh lidar. Our analysis reveals shortcomings in current model parameterizations of gravity waves in the middle atmosphere and highlights the sensitivity of the estimated flux to the formulation used.
Parameterizing Raindrop Formation Using Machine Learning
Authors: Takeishi Azusa , Wang Chien
Published: January 2024

Raindrop formation processes in warm clouds mainly consist of condensation and collision–coalescence of small cloud droplets. Once raindrops form, they can continue growing through collection of cloud droplets and self-collection. In this study, we develop novel emulators to represent raindrop formation as a function of various physical or background environmental conditions by using a sophisticated aerosol–cloud model containing 300 droplet size bins and machine learning methods. The emulators are then implemented in two microphysics schemes in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and tested in two idealized cases. The simulations of shallow convection with the emulators show a clear enhancement of raindrop formation compared to the original simulations, regardless of the scheme in which they were embedded. On the other hand, the simulations of deep convection show a more complex response to the implementation of the emulators, in terms of the changes in the amount of rainfall, due to the larger number of microphysical processes involved in the cloud system (i.e., ice-phase processes). Our results suggest the potential of emulators to replace the conventional parameterizations, which may allow us to improve the representation of physical processes at an affordable computational expense.

Significance Statement

Formation of raindrops marks a critical stage in cloud evolution. Accurate representations of raindrop formation processes require detailed calculations of cloud droplet growth processes. These calculations are often not affordable in weather and climate models as they are computationally expensive due to their complex dependence on cloud droplet size distributions and dynamical conditions. As a result, simplified parameterizations are more frequently used. In our study we trained machine learning models to learn raindrop formation rates from detailed calculations of cloud droplet evolutions in 1000 parcel-model simulations. The implementation of the developed models or the emulators in a weather forecasting model shows a change in the total rainfall and cloud characteristics, indicating the potential improvement of cloud representations in models if these emulators replace the conventional parameterizations.
WoFS and the Wisdom of the Crowd: The Impact of the Warn-on-Forecast System on Hourly Forecasts during the 2021 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment
Authors: Gallo Burkely T. , Clark Adam J. , Jirak Israel , Imy David , Roberts Brett , Vancil Jacob , Knopfmeier Kent , Burke Patrick
Published: January 2024

During the 2021 Spring Forecasting Experiment (SFE), the usefulness of the experimental Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS) ensemble guidance was tested with the issuance of short-term probabilistic hazard forecasts. One group of participants used the WoFS guidance, while another group did not. Individual forecasts issued by two NWS participants in each group were evaluated alongside a consensus forecast from the remaining participants. Participant forecasts of tornadoes, hail, and wind at lead times of ∼2–3 h and valid at 2200–2300, 2300–0000, and 0000–0100 UTC were evaluated subjectively during the SFE by participants the day after issuance, and objectively after the SFE concluded. These forecasts exist between the watch and the warning time frame, where WoFS is anticipated to be particularly impactful. The hourly probabilistic forecasts were skillful according to objective metrics like the fractions skill score. While the tornado forecasts were more reliable than the other hazards, there was no clear indication of any one hazard scoring highest across all metrics. WoFS availability improved the hourly probabilistic forecasts as measured by the subjective ratings and several objective metrics, including increased POD and decreased FAR at high probability thresholds. Generally, expert forecasts performed better than consensus forecasts, though expert forecasts overforecasted. Finally, this work explored the appropriate construction of practically perfect fields used during subjective verification, which participants frequently found to be too small and precise. Using a Gaussian smoother with σ = 70 km is recommended to create hourly practically perfect fields in future experiments.

Significance Statement

This work explores the impact of cutting-edge numerical weather prediction ensemble guidance (the Warn-on-Forecast System) on severe thunderstorm hazard outlooks at watch-to-warning time scales, typically between 1 and 6 h of lead time. Real-time forecast products in this time frame are currently provided on an as-needed basis, and the transition to continuous probabilistic forecast products across scales requires targeted research. Results showed that hourly probabilistic participant forecasts were skillful subjectively and statistically, and that the experimental guidance improved the forecasts. These results are promising for the implementation and value of the Warn-on-Forecast System to provide improved hazard timing and location guidance within severe weather watches. Suggestions are made to aid future subjective evaluations of watch-to-warning-scale probabilistic forecasts.
Exploring the Association between Levels of Police Presence, Contact, and Perceptions of Police Legitimacy
Authors: Bolaji Qassim , Metcalfe Christi
Published: January 2024

Our goal was to investigate how increased police presence and contact are related to police-community relations, and whether this relationship may be different for those who are more likely to be subject to targeted policing practices, especially those with preexisting lower procedural justice assessments, living in disadvantaged communities, and having prior experience with the criminal justice system. Increased police presence was related to higher police legitimacy assessments, while low quality contact was negatively associated with police legitimacy. Increased presence and positive contact with the police were related to improved attitudes towards the police for those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and who had preexisting lower procedural justice assessments. The opposite relationship was found for those living in advantaged neighborhoods with more positive preexisting attitudes towards the police. Implementation of tactics that increase police presence and positive contact with the police could improve police-community relations in neighborhoods that are disadvantaged and have residents that see the police as procedurally unjust.
Multidimensional domestic gender inequality and the global diffusion of women’s ministries, 1975–2015
Authors: Fernández Juan J , Clavería Silvia , Torre Margarita
Published: January 2024

Since the 1970s, many countries have passed policy and institutional reforms to promote gender equality and the wellbeing of women. The global diffusion of gender and women’s ministries constitutes a manifestation of this process. However, our understanding of the diffusion of this organizational form is very limited. To fill this gap, we examine the adoption of cabinet-level, women’s ministries worldwide, between 1975 and 2015. Our argument builds on the fact that, within a given country, gender (in)equality is heterogeneous across the economic, political and social domains, and that shifts in women’s descriptive political representation and feminization of the labor force hasten the adoption of these ministries. As women expand their formal political power, they are better able to foster the perception of a linked fate and promote the creation of women’s machineries. Moreover, rapid feminization of the labor force increases the opportunity costs of all forms of gender discrimination and improves women’s collective socio-political economic resources to act against all forms of discrimination. Commensurate with our argument, penalized maximum likelihood fixed-effects (PML-FE) models indicate that countries which observe faster increases in women’s presence in the political elite and feminization of the labor force are more likely to adopt a women’s ministry.
Realizing Corrective Feedback in Task-Based Chatbots Engineered for Second Language Learning
Authors: Shin Dongkwang , Lee Jang Ho , Noh Wonjun Izac
Published: January 2024

Building on the work of customized chatbots for language teaching and learning and the second-language acquisition literature on corrective feedback (CF), this article showcases an innovative practice for building a tailored and task-based chatbot to provide CF. Given that extant chatbots are generally not sensitive to learners’ grammatical errors, we illustrate a way to install a CF function by using ‘action and parameters’ and ‘define prompts’ options in the chatbot-building platform known as Google DialogflowTM. Our study, which included upper-grade English-as-a-foreign language learners in South Korea, demonstrated that customized chatbots could offer CF when students made non-target utterances and elicit learner uptake successfully. Based on our innovation, we then provide directions for pedagogy on chatbot-based language learning.
Toxicological effects of dimethlybenzeneanthracene in Balb C mice and pharmacological intervention by silk sericin–conjugated silver nanoparticles
Authors: Mumtaz Samaira , Ali Shaukat , Pervaiz Asim , Awan Uzma Azeem , Nauroze Tooba , Kanwal Lubna , Summer Muhammad , Mumtaz Shumaila , Mughal Tafail Akbar , Tahir Hafiz Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as 7, 12-dimethylbenzneanthracene (DMBA), due to long-term bioaccumulation cause serious physiological processes and behavioral dysfunctions such as cancer, ageing, and hypertension. Silk sericin (SS) is instrumental in cancer applications due to presence of flavonoids and carotenoids which are natural pigments, present in the layer of sericin that has antioxidant and antityrosinase activity. It reduces oxidative stress and suppresses cancer cytokines while interacting with reactive oxygen species (ROS) to stand against lipid peroxidation. Recent research was focused to calculate the pharmacological intervention of sericin-conjugated silver nanoparticles (S-AgNO3 NPs) against DMBA-induced toxicity. For this purpose, SS protein was extracted from silkworm cocoons by degumming process and the prepared S-AgNO3 NPs via a green synthesis. In female albino mice, a total of 50 mg/kg oral administration of DMBA was used for the induction of toxicity which required almost 8 to 10 weeks approximately. After 60 days of experimentation, mice were dissected, blood samples were collected for further hematological and biochemical analysis and were euthanized via cervical dislocation. There was a significant rise in the level of red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes, and hemoglobin at the highest applied concentration of sericin and its nanoparticles. Similarly, a reasonable decline was observed in the level of white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes as compared to the cancer-inducing group. The level of glutathione, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase as well as immunoglobulins such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly reduced in all treatment groups as compared to the DMBA-induced group. Substantial effects were demonstrated in response to S-AgNO3 NPs II (T) at the highest concentrations (200 mg/kg, BW) as follows: glutathione (2.42 ± 0.26 μmol/L), lactate dehydrogenase (493.6 ± 5.78 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (158.4 ± 6.35 U/L), IgA (4.22 ± 0.19 g/L), IgG (70 ± 1.70 g/L), and IgM (4.76 ± 0.12). The histopathological study of the liver, kidneys, and brain revealed that the DMBA-induced group showed cytotoxic effects against all selected organs of mice that were recovered by treatment of selective compounds but highly effective recovery was seen in S-AgNO3 NPs II (T). These results concluded that silk S-AgNO3 NPs showed significant pharmacological potential against cancer-inducing toxicity.
Functional Analysis of Contextually Inappropriate Social Behavior in Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Izquierdo Sally M. , Jessel Joshua , Fiani Theresa , Jones Emily A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Children with Down syndrome often engage in contextually inappropriate social behavior, which researchers suggest may function to escape from difficult activities to preferred social interactions. Caregivers may reinforce the behavior, perceiving it only as evidence of the child’s social strength, when, in fact, the pattern may also prevent or slow the development of critical skills. Unlike overt forms of challenging behavior, contextually inappropriate social behavior had never been subjected to experimental analysis.

Aims:

The purpose of the current study was to identify and demonstrate functional control of contextually inappropriate social behavior to caregiver-informed contingencies.

Method and Procedures:

We interviewed caregivers and subjected contextually inappropriate social behavior to functional analyses for nine young children with Down syndrome.

Outcomes and Results:

We found sensitivity to the caregiver-informed contingencies for all nine participants with strong functional control and large effect sizes for most.

Conclusions and Implications:

Caregivers may not perceive contextually inappropriate social behavior as problematic, yet patterns of contextually inappropriate and other problem behaviors suggest decreased engagement and poor task persistence. Assessments that lead to intervention decisions may be more informative when they include questions about social topographies of behavior not typically considered as problematic. Once caregivers are aware of the pattern, they may be better prepared to intervene.
Cluster Randomized Trials Designed to Support Generalizable Inferences
Authors: Robertson Sarah E. , Steingrimsson Jon A. , Dahabreh Issa J.
Published: January 2024

When planning a cluster randomized trial, evaluators often have access to an enumerated cohort representing the target population of clusters. Practicalities of conducting the trial, such as the need to oversample clusters with certain characteristics in order to improve trial economy or support inferences about subgroups of clusters, may preclude simple random sampling from the cohort into the trial, and thus interfere with the goal of producing generalizable inferences about the target population. We describe a nested trial design where the randomized clusters are embedded within a cohort of trial-eligible clusters from the target population and where clusters are selected for inclusion in the trial with known sampling probabilities that may depend on cluster characteristics (e.g., allowing clusters to be chosen to facilitate trial conduct or to examine hypotheses related to their characteristics). We develop and evaluate methods for analyzing data from this design to generalize causal inferences to the target population underlying the cohort. We present identification and estimation results for the expectation of the average potential outcome and for the average treatment effect, in the entire target population of clusters and in its non-randomized subset. In simulation studies, we show that all the estimators have low bias but markedly different precision. Cluster randomized trials where clusters are selected for inclusion with known sampling probabilities that depend on cluster characteristics, combined with efficient estimation methods, can precisely quantify treatment effects in the target population, while addressing objectives of trial conduct that require oversampling clusters on the basis of their characteristics.
Pastorate Digitalized: Social Media and (De)Subjectification
Authors: Stypinska Diana
Published: January 2024

Taking its cue from Michel Foucault’s analyses of the pastoral ‘conduct of conduct’, this paper considers social media as a specific dispositif that derives its mode of operation from the religious techniques of individualization. It argues that today’s preoccupation with digital performances, far from exorcizing the pastoral logic, in fact manifests its secular intensification. By examining social media practices through the lens of the sacramental paradigm of confession, the article shows how the digitalization of the pastoral directive culminates in the production of spectral subjects. These spectral subjects, it contends, function as the conduits of the dominant power, guaranteeing the persistence of capitalism by embodying the imperative to complete economization.
Should there be an app for that? Australian perspectives on the utility of a mobile app to support people in the criminal justice system
Authors: Taylor Helen , Bartels Lorana
Published: January 2024

Mobile technology presents opportunities within the justice system to support and promote behaviour change and the past decade has seen increased development and use of mobile applications for this purpose. This article aims to contribute to this burgeoning area by presenting the findings of research which scoped the utility of a mobile application (app) intended to support Indigenous people on bail or parole in the Australian Capital Territory. The project sought the views of 12 people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, as well as 23 professional stakeholders who engage with the justice system, to determine the utility of such an app.
More severe supraspinatus tendon degeneration on the contralateral shoulders in patients treated for symptomatic rotator cuff tears compared to healthy controls: a quantitative MRI-based study
Authors: Xie Yuxue , Li Haoxiong , Chen Ye , Cai Jiajie , Tao Hongyue , Chen Shuang
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients treated for symptomatic rotator cuff tear (RCT) on one shoulder seem to have a higher prevalence of RCT on the contralateral shoulder.

Purpose

To compare the supraspinatus (SSP) tendon and RC muscle properties on the contralateral shoulder in patients after repair surgery to those healthy individuals using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material and Methods

A total of 23 patients treated for RCT (group A) and 23 healthy controls (group B) were recruited. Constant score, visual analog scale score (VAS), and MRI examinations were conducted. The SSP tendon structural status was graded based on the Zlatkin classification and quantified on ultrashort echo time (UTE)-T2* mapping images. Fatty degeneration of RC muscles was classified according to the Goutallier classification and quantified on T2 mapping.

Results

The Constant and VAS scores were comparable between groups A and B (all P >0.05). No significant differences were observed in tendon structural status between the two groups ( P >0.05). However, significant differences were established in UTE-T2* values of the SSP tendon on the distal subregion between groups A and B (16.4 ± 2.4 ms vs. 14.8 ± 1.2 ms; P = 0.01). Regarding muscle degeneration, no significant differences were displayed in T2 values and Goutallier classification of RC muscles (all P >0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with a treated RCT demonstrated inferior SSP tendon in the distal subregion on the contralateral shoulders one year postoperatively compared to that of healthy controls based on quantitative MRI data.
The Starkstein Apathy Scale-Italian Version: An Update
Authors: Ilardi Ciro R. , Sannino Maria , Federico Giovanni , Cirillo Mara A. , Cavaliere Carlo , Iavarone Alessandro , Garofalo Elisabetta
Published: January 2024

Apathy can manifest in various neuropsychiatric conditions, as well as in individuals who experience significant stressful life events or suffer from underlying internal medical conditions. The Starkstein Apathy Scale (SAS) is recognized as a reliable screening tool, besides being endorsed by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society to assess apathy in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Recently, the Italian version of this scale (SAS-I) has been introduced. Furthermore, normative data have been provided on a large sample of Italian healthy individuals. Here we present the official Italian translation of the SAS, along with clarifications regarding its administration. Also, we supply details concerning the scale’s factorial structure, inter-item conditional associations and item performance by using EFA, Network analysis, and IRT modelling for polytomous items.
Elevated Anti-Xa in the Setting of Prophylactic Unfractionated Subcutaneous Heparin Administration
Authors: Weinstein Tatiana , Altshuler Diana , Lafond Elyse , Katz Alyson
Published: January 2024

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with subcutaneous unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin is a common practice in hospitalized patients. Typically, prophylactic doses of these medications have poor bioavailability and thus do not reach therapeutic serum concentrations. However, in certain circumstances, heparin binding proteins may become saturated. Here we report a case series of 5 patients who had elevated anti-Xa levels while receiving prophylactic dosing of subcutaneous unfractionated heparin.
Dissociable Codes in Motor Working Memory
Authors: Hillman Hanna , Botthof Tabea , Forrence Alexander D. , McDougle Samuel D.
Published: January 2024

Working memory has been comprehensively studied in sensory domains, like vision, but little attention has been paid to how motor information (e.g., kinematics of recent movements) is maintained and manipulated in working memory. “Motor working memory” (MWM) is important for short-term behavioral control and skill learning. Here, we employed tasks that required participants to encode and recall reaching movements over short timescales. We conducted three experiments ( N = 65 undergraduates) to examine MWM under varying cognitive loads, delays, and degrees of interference. The results support a model of MWM that includes an abstract code that flexibly transfers across effectors, and an effector-specific code vulnerable to interfering movements, even when interfering movements are irrelevant to the task. Neither code was disrupted by increasing visuospatial working memory load. These results echo distinctions between representational formats in other domains, suggesting that MWM shares a basic computational structure with other working memory subsystems.
Observers Efficiently Extract the Minimal and Maximal Element in Perceptual Magnitude Sets: Evidence for a Bipartite Format
Authors: Odic Darko , Knowlton Tyler , Wellwood Alexis , Pietroski Paul , Lidz Jeffrey , Halberda Justin
Published: January 2024

The mind represents abstract magnitude information, including time, space, and number, but in what format is this information stored? We show support for the bipartite format of perceptual magnitudes, in which the measured value on a dimension is scaled to the dynamic range of the input, leading to a privileged status for values at the lowest and highest end of the range. In six experiments with college undergraduates, we show that observers are faster and more accurate to find the endpoints (i.e., the minimum and maximum) than any of the inner values, even as the number of items increases beyond visual short-term memory limits. Our results show that length, size, and number are represented in a dynamic format that allows for comparison-free sorting, with endpoints represented with an immediately accessible status, consistent with the bipartite model of perceptual magnitudes. We discuss the implications for theories of visual search and ensemble perception.
Profit analytics in disruption risk for electrical energy supply network considering cost-oriented big data
Authors: Fazlollahtabar Hamed , Ahmadiahangar Roya
Published: January 2024

Electrical energy consumption varies in different markets. Several different types of generators are used to supply electricity for consumers. The balance between supply and demand leads to prevent lack of energy. Nonetheless, with the growing number of markets and consumers, larger amount of data is generated making the analysis harder. Thus, decision support architecture for analytical purposes is significant. Large amount of data, recently called Big Data, is one of the significant sources of gaining and analyzing information as a decision support for electrical energy markets (EEMs). Market policymakers are emphasizing the impact of analytical approaches for business strategy setting in power supply and consumption to mitigate the risk of power failure and disruptions. In this article, the EEM influenced by big data of supply and demand and disruption is investigated to achieve power business continuity. A comprehensive architecture for EEM process is proposed. Supply and demand cost analysis is performed based on disruptions for an EEM. A pricing-based profit scenario optimization in a dynamic supply network having multiple power states is worked out. Numerical experiment is performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed paradigm based on data management.
Stem Cells and Their Derivatives: Unlocking the Promising Potential of Minimally Manipulated Cells for In Situ Tissue Engineering
Authors: Klabukov Ilya , Baranovskii Denis
Published: January 2024

We’ve read with great interest the article by Smolinska et al. entitled “Stem Cells and Their Derivatives: An Implication for the Regeneration of Nonunion Fractures” regarding the recent scientific studies dealing with the treatment of nonunion fractures in clinical and preclinical settings using Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC)-based therapeutic techniques. Bone tissue regeneration is a dynamic process that involves the restoration of damaged or lost bone structure and function. Traditional approaches such as autografts and allografts, platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment and cell therapies, have limitations, including donor site morbidity and immunologic concerns, as well as cell culture and processing requirements. In contrast, the use of minimally manipulated cells that do not require culturing has emerged as a promising alternative that offers several advantages in bone tissue regeneration.
Legislation as Disinformation: The Love Jihad Conspiracy Theory in Law and Lived Experience
Authors: Sharma Yash , Jenkins Laura Dudley
Published: January 2024

The “love jihad” conspiracy theory in India purports that Muslim men are deceptively seducing or kidnapping non-Muslim women in large numbers to convert and marry them. State laws in India have moved to control conversions—resulting in legislation as disinformation—and sparked violent attacks against Muslims. We identify this as the third wave of state-level anti-conversion laws in India and study how the conspiracy theory is embedded into the text of the law and its relation to the current period of Hindu nationalist ascendancy. Combining narrative analysis of the 2021 Gujarat amendment and interrogating the everyday experiences of interfaith couples who face administrative, police, and vigilante violence we analyze the infrastructure and frameworks of Hindu nationalist ideological dominance in India today. Our study questions the presumptions that underlie the characterization of India as a “democracy” considering the current political, ideological, and legal configurations in the country under the BJP.
Mapping Digital Recruitment Tools Using Advanced Convergent Qualitative Meta-integration
Authors: Memon Mehreen , Soomro Noman , Qazi Sara Wali
Published: January 2024

Organizations are now more skill-driven due to global competition and environmental volatility. As a result, finding the right talent for the needed position has been less important than in recent times. Traditional recruiting methods must meet the changing demands of recruiting the best-matched candidates. Therefore, incorporating digital solutions in recruitment and selection is an urgent necessity to thrive in the market. Digital recruitment tools, such as psychometric testing, gamification, video interviewing and applicant tracking systems can improve the function of recruitment and selection. However, a synopsis of this is still undermined. Considering the availability of the research gap, a systematic review, using an advanced convergent qualitative meta-integration method, is conducted to map the digital recruitment tools. A significant 23 research studies published in different reputable journals published from 2006 to 2022 were selected. The meta-integration review enlightened future directions that may help the beneficiaries to analyse and improvize the recruitment process.
Promoting Human Rights as a Way of Improving Soft Power: The Case of India’s Caste-Based Discrimination at the United Nations
Authors: Khanna Tejal
Published: January 2024

The ascendance of India as an economic power is well documented. This rising India has also focused on increasing its soft power and influence in international politics, especially through the dissemination of its values of ancient cultural heritage such as Buddhism, yoga and engagement with the diaspora. In the field of human rights as well, as a founding member of the United Nations (UN), India has participated in the framing of the Universal Declaration on the Human Rights and has signed various UN Human Rights Treaties and Conventions over the years. However, in the particular case of addressing caste discrimination, India has shied away from the international recognition of Dalit rights as human rights. Indian diplomats have continually opposed any internationalisation of caste-based discrimination and its linkage to racial discrimination at the global level, especially in the UN. In this scenario, how does the international community view India’s ascendance with respect to this issue? This article argues that India must play a leadership role in defending the rights of discriminated caste groups if it seeks to enhance its soft power credentials of being the largest democracy and demonstrate itself as a responsible power at the global level with respect to human rights issues. Furthermore, the norm that UN has tried to create of categorising caste discrimination as a form of racial discrimination cannot be strengthened without India’s support as India happens to be the most relevant state actor in this case.
Non-IgG4-Related Fibrosing Mediastinitis Diagnosed on Core Needle Biopsy and Treated with Steroids: A Case Study and Review of the Differential Diagnoses
Authors: Malkova Kseniia , Wilhelm Alyeesha B. , Uddin Hamza , Okereke Ikenna , Muthukumarana Vidarshi
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the histological characteristics and treatment efficacy of non-immunoglobulin G4-related fibrosing mediastinitis and discuss differential diagnoses for this rare entity.

Methods

We present a case study of non-immunoglobulin G4-related fibrosing mediastinitis diagnosed on core biopsy and treated with steroids. A total of four 18-gauge core needle biopsy specimens were obtained for surgical pathology. Analysis of the patient's medical history, radiological characteristics of fibrosing mediastinitis, histological features, immunohistochemistry results, the differential diagnosis and treatment efficacy of different types of fibrosing mediastinitis was performed.

Results

This report describes a unique presentation of fibrosing mediastinitis (syncope and weight loss) that was concerning for malignancy. Histological, laboratory and radiographical studies confirmed the diagnosis of non-immunoglobulin G4-related fibrosing mediastinitis. The patient received corticosteroid treatment which showed marked improvement after 1 month of treatment.

Conclusions

Fibrosing mediastinitis is an extremely uncommon entity with unknown pathogenesis, and it is more important to rule out malignancy and infection than to delineate between fibrosing mediastinitis and IgG4-related disease. In doing this, we may reasonably initiate a trial of corticosteroids which may prove beneficial, as in this patient. More studies on the pathogenesis of fibrosing mediastinitis are necessary to guide better directed treatments.
Public Reporting and Consumer Demand in the Home Health Sector
Authors: Li Jun
Published: January 2024

Health care report cards improve information and are a crucial part of health care reform of the federal government of the United States. I exploit a natural experiment in the home health sector to assess whether a higher rating under the star ratings program affects patient choice. Higher rated agencies increased their market share by 1.4% or 0.25 (95% confidence interval: [−0.63, 1.12]) percentage points, a practically and statistically insignificant amount. I find no evidence of heterogeneous effects across the rating distribution or over time. I also find precise null effects among consumers expected to be more responsive, including community-entry patients and patients in competitive markets with more options and star types. Agencies may have modestly impeded consumer choice by engaging in some patient selection behaviors, although the evidence is only weakly suggestive. The star ratings are unlikely to improve home health quality despite continued policymaker interest.
A mathematical model for the prediction of mechanical properties on ASTM A510/A853 cold-drawn hypoeutectoid steel wire after batch annealing
Authors: Sánchez de León José Alfredo
Published: January 2024

Annealed ASTM A510/A853 hypoeutectoid steel wire is a very useful and versatile material that finds its applications in the construction industry; this is mainly due to its mechanical properties, since this product can reach high ductility. In order to achieve the sought quality and homogeneity in this material, it is necessary to have a suitable control during operation. Important operational control parameters in batch annealing are: heating and cooling rates, holding temperature and cycle time. These parameters have a direct effect on the process, and it is essential to elucidate the way they impact in the final product. This work concerns the development of a mathematical model targeted at the prediction of mechanical properties in terms of the operational parameters, in the outer spirals of American Iron and Steel Institute/Society of Automotive Engineers (AISI/SAE) steel drawn wire coils after they have been subjected to batch annealing. The model addresses non-isothermically the involved phenomena that take place during the annealing process: recovery, recrystallization, and grain growth below and above Ac1. It predicts grain size, tensile strength, and yield strength values with very good accuracy.
Discerning Obstacles and Opportunities: A Framework for Evaluating Power
Authors: Friesen Rebecca , Cimetta Adriana D.
Published: January 2024

Understanding what hinders or facilitates the implementation of change strengthens formative assessments. We propose a framework for interrogating the relational, political, discursive, and structural dimensions of power-shaping change efforts. In addition, we describe the application of this framework to a change initiative to better understand the influences on the project. Although evaluators usually only consider how power affects the evaluation process, exposing how these dimensions of power influence an initiative can reveal obstacles and opportunities and lead to the formation of more effective initiatives.
Day Admission Surgery Program in a Prospective Payment System: What Are the Financial Incentives?
Authors: Grass Fabian , Roth-Kleiner Matthias , Demartines Nicolas , Agri Fabio
Published: January 2024

Background:

Day admission surgery (DAS) is meant to provide a better in-hospital experience for patients and to save costs by reducing the length of stay. However, in a prospective payment system, it may also reduce the reimbursement amount, leading to unintended incentives for hospitals.

Methods:

Over a 4-month period in 2021 and based on predefined clinical and logistic criteria, patients from different surgical sub-specialties were identified to follow the institutional DAS program. Revenue-analysis was performed, considering the Swiss diagnosis-related group (SwissDRG) prospective payment policy. Revenue with DAS program was compared to revenue if patients were admitted the day prior surgery (No DAS) using nonparametric pooled bootstrap t-test. All other costs considered identical, an estimation of the average cost spared due to the avoidance of pre-operative hospitalization in the DAS setting was carried out using a micro-costing approach.

Results:

Overall, 105 inpatients underwent DAS over the study period, totaling a revenue of CHF 1 209 840. Among them, 25 patients (24%) were low outliers due to the day spared from the DAS program and triggering a mean (SD) financial discount of Swiss Francs (CHF) 4192 (2835), yielding a total amount of CHF 105 435. DAS revealed a mean revenue of CHF 7320 (656), compared to CHF 11 510 (1108) if patients were admitted the day before surgery (No DAS, P = .007).

Conclusion:

In a PPS, anticipation of financial penalties when implementing a DAS for all-comers is key to prevent an imbalance of the hospital equation if no financial criteria are used to select eligible patients. Promptly revising workflow to maintain constant fixed costs for a greater number of patients may be a valuable hedging strategy.
Effects of exhaust gas recirculation on nitrogen oxides, brake torque and efficiency in a hydrogen direct injection spark ignition engine
Authors: Kim Yongrae , Ha Jun , Park Cheolwoong , Choi Young , Lee Kyeonghyeon , Baek Hongkil , Lee Seungwoo , Lee Jeongwoo
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the effects of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on emission and efficiency in a hydrogen direct injection spark ignition engine. EGR was supplied as the low-pressure (LP)-EGR system by controlling EGR valve from zero to 18.7% in terms of mass fraction. The result showed that EGR effect on nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduction became enlarged as higher engine speed due to increasing residual gas fraction. Also, under the same excessive air ratio (λ:2.2), EGR addition made NOx reduction from 89.9 to 98.7 % as varying engine speed. As NOx limit was low, the maximum brake torque was also reduced. However, by using appropriate EGR, NOx margin could be converted to increasing brake torque under the same NOx concentration level from 1.9% to 18.2% as varying engine speeds. From this result, to achieve the maximum output when reaching the turbocharger’s limit in a hydrogen engine and effectively reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, it is not only dependent on lean combustion but also effective to incorporate approximately 20% EGR into the operating strategy.
Analysis of the effect of arrangement positions on the propulsion performance of dual hydrofoils of wave-powered boats
Authors: Deng Chao , Wang Haibo , Zhang Jiayi , Feng Zhanxia , Zheng Zhongqiang , Chang Zongyu
Published: January 2024

Wave-powered boats can harness wave energy to drive hydrofoils to generate propulsion, and the arrangement position between dual hydrofoils has an obvious effect on the magnitude of propulsion generated. In this paper, the effects of the arrangement position between dual hydrofoils on the propulsion of wave-powered boats are studied. An instantaneous equivalent model of dual hydrofoils based on the local frame at the equivalent position is developed according to the relative motion principle, and the propulsion of the rear hydrofoil is calculated, and the reliability of the equivalent model results was verified through experiments. Through the augment optimization calculation based on the validated model mentioned above, the propulsion of the rear hydrofoil with different arrangement positions is obtained and the corresponding positions of the hydrofoil with larger propulsion are listed. Subsequently, a fluid-structure coupling model is established on the basis of the results obtained from the optimization calculation, and the dynamic response of the wave-powered boat is solved under different arrangement positions. It is evident that different horizontal and vertical arrangement positions of the dual hydrofoils have different effects on the propulsion performance. This is primarily due to the different influences of the wake vortices generated by the front hydrofoil acting on the rear hydrofoil, causing different fluctuations during its rotation process, thereby affecting propulsion. Overall, a reasonable arrangement position can effectively improve the propulsion of the wave-powered boat. The relevant research in this paper can provide a reference for similar hydrofoil arrangement designs of the wave-powered boat.
Amplitude-based multiscale reverse dispersion entropy: a novel approach to bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Song Hao , Lv Yong , Yuan Rui , Yang Xingkai , Song Gangbing
Published: January 2024

The multiscale fluctuation dispersion entropy algorithm (MFDE) is widely used to extract the characteristics from a variety of complex nonlinear signals, including bearing signals, due to its excellent performance to quantify the uncertainties of complex nonlinear systems. However, limited by the classification number and coarse-graining process, the periodic impulses generated by the defect point cannot be effectively detected by MFDE, restraining the characterization abilities of entropy features and resulting in undesirable diagnosis results for bearing faults. To overcome the disadvantages of MFDE, an amplitude-based multiscale dispersion entropy (AMDE) is proposed in this paper. The AMDE utilizes the phase scale factor to calculate multiple groups of amplitude difference series that contain different amplitude information. As such, the amplitude compression caused by the large-scale factor in traditional coarse-graining process is avoided, and the calculated entropy features not only characterize the irregularity of the whole signal but also reflect the changes of the impulse components. Afterwards, the perception range and the sensibility of AMDE are expanded and enhanced for amplitude variation, and the coarse-graining process and Gaussian reference are used to obtain multi-dimensional reversed entropy features. Combining those steps, the amplitude-based multiscale reverse dispersion entropy (AMRDE) algorithm is proposed. Finally, the capability of the proposed algorithm to track the amplitude variation and fluctuation is successfully demonstrated by analyzing noisy signals and amplitude-modulated signal. Meanwhile, the features extracted from bearing signals demonstrated that it is effective to use AMRDE to represent the health conditions of rolling bearing. Therefore, the entropy metric calculated by AMRDE can be the useful indicator in the fields of mechanical equipment fault diagnosis, structural health monitoring, and so on.
The S-Score of Financial Sustainability for Professional Football Clubs
Authors: Evans Richard
Published: January 2024

This article extends the extensive literature on business failure and develops the approach of Altman to provide quantified recommendations for the financial sustainability of football clubs. The article uniquely identifies four scenarios that have caused insolvency for football clubs in the English Football League (EFL) and uses multiple discriminant analysis to identify financial models that delineate between professional football clubs that experience insolvency events and those that do not. These models produce an S-score which is introduced to suggest minimum financial tolerances for accounting ratios that provide a reasonable level of resilience for the financial sustainability of clubs in each scenario. The results are relevant for academics and non-academics with an interest in the business of football, professional football clubs aiming to avoid financial distress, and specifically, the Regulator that the U.K. government has proposed for football in England.
The Winners of the Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Epilepsy Prize Are: Blood and Inflammation
Authors: Sarkis Rani A.
Published: January 2024

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No Pain, No Gain of Function: Epilepsy-Associated Variants in SCN2A Defy Classification
Authors: Clatot Jérôme , Goldberg Ethan M.
Published: January 2024

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Sustainable textile industry – wishful thinking or the new norm: A review
Authors: Siliņa Liene , Dāboliņa Inga , Lapkovska Eva
Published: January 2024

Today, the textile sector is one of the largest economic sectors globally in terms of production amount, labor employment, and gross domestic product. At the same time, it is also one of the least sustainable sectors due to its profound negative environmental and social impacts. In the absence of a single legislative body at the global level, as well as a lack of global inter-governmental cooperation, there is also no unified legislation regarding the sustainability of the textile sector. However, the Earth is a single interconnected ecosystem; therefore, the responsibility for mitigating the negative consequences must be shared. The transition of the textile sector to a sustainable model requires a complete transformation of perception and behavior patterns at the governance, industry, and consumption levels. This research contributes to the existing literature about the social, environmental, and economic assessment of the textile sector focusing on the sustainability challenges in all three domains; furthermore, the paper provides a broad overview of existing and planned global and regional policies, regulations, and initiatives related to the transition of the textile industry to a sustainable development model.