bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platoon Control Concepts
Authors: Gratzer Alexander L. , Schirrer Alexander , Thormann Sebastian , Jakubek Stefan
Published: April 2022

Cooperative platoon control strategies utilise provided information from vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication to reduce energy consumption and improve traffic flow and safety. In this chapter, a distributed control concept for cooperative platooning is developed that combines trajectory optimisation and local model-predictive control of each vehicle. The presented control architecture ensures collision safety by design, platoon efficiency and situational awareness with the option of exploiting V2X communication. The resulting platoon control performance is tested and validated in a realistic setting by utilising a co-simulation-based validation framework with detailed vehicle dynamics.
Legal Preconditions for an Environmentally Sustainable European Union
Authors: Langlet David
Published: April 2022

Resilience is increasingly described as a prerequisite for a sustainable EU. Against this backdrop, Langlet looks at the potential of EU environmental law, widely construed, to create and maintain conditions for environmental resilience, and thereby support the realization of a sustainable society. He does this by assessing to what extent EU law has some of the characteristics widely considered key to the successful management of social-ecological systems. Among these are the ability to generate knowledge on the state of the environment, formulate relevant management objectives, pursue management at relevant scales, as well as ability to adapt in light of changing conditions and new knowledge. Langlet finds that although EU law has gradually developed the desired characteristics, much remains to be done for example in terms of integrating environmental considerations into other policy areas. The EU also remains highly dependent on the resources and capabilities of individual member states for both know-how and policy measures.
Technical Considerations for Cardiac PET/CT
Authors: Di Carli Marcelo F. , Giubbini Raffaele , Albano D. , Milan E. , Carvajal I. , Alexanderson E. , Paez Diana , Dondi Maurizio
Published: April 2022

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging technique that employs positron-emitting radionuclides labelled to biological molecules. Unlike other imaging techniques, such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that provide anatomical or structural information, PET allows obtaining unique quantitative information of important biologic processes in vivo (e.g. myocardial perfusion and metabolism, inflammation, innervation, receptor density).
Evaluation of Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Di Carli Marcelo F. , Giubbini Raffaele , Raggi P. , Singh V. , Albano D. , Camoni L. , Bertoli M. , Rodella C. , Dondi Maurizio , Endozo R. , Thornton A. , Paez Diana
Published: April 2022

The use of PET/CT hybrid imaging in ischemic heart disease, integrating information from PET and CT, has grown in the last decade, particularly because of its capacity of quantifying myocardial perfusion, allowing the assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR). This feature makes PET/CT the technique best suited to detect multivessel coronary artery disease which might not be identified with SPECT due to its inherent limitation in cases of balanced ischemia. Additionally, the CT component of these hybrid imaging systems allows calculation of coronary artery calcium score (ChACS) and the visualization of the epicardial coronary arteries with coronary CT angiography (CCTA). PET/CT has therefore a great potential in the diagnosis and management of CAD. This chapter will cover several clinical cases, illustrating many different clinical applications in ischemic heart disease.
On the exponent of geometric unipotent radicals of pseudo-reductive groups
Authors: Bannuscher Falk , Gruchot Maike , Stewart David I.
Published: April 2022

Let $$k'/k$$

k
′

/
k

be a finite purely inseparable field extension and let $$G'$$

G
′

be a reductive $$k'$$

k
′

-group. We denote by $$G=\mathrm {R}_{k'/k}(G')$$

G
=

R

k
′

/
k

(

G
′

)

, the Weil restriction of $$G'$$

G
′

across $$k'/k$$

k
′

/
k

, a pseudo-reductive group. This article gives bounds for the exponent of the geometric unipotent radical $${\mathscr {R}}_{u}(G_{\bar{k}})$$

R
u

(

G

k

¯

)

in terms of invariants of the extension $$k'/k$$

k
′

/
k

, starting with the case $$G'={{\,\mathrm{GL}\,}}_n$$

G
′

=

GL

n

and applying these results to the case where $$G'$$

G
′

is a simple group.
Negative life events and stress sensitivity in youth’s daily life: an ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Rauschenberg Christian , Schulte-Strathaus Julia C. C. , van Os Jim , Goedhart Matthieu , Schieveld Jan N. M. , Reininghaus Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Negative life events (LEs) are associated with mental health problems in youth. However, little is known about underlying mechanisms. The aim of the study was to investigate whether exposure to LEs modifies stress sensitivity in youth’s daily life.

Methods

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) was used to assess stress sensitivity (i.e., association of momentary stress with (i) negative affect and (ii) psychotic experiences) in 99 adolescents and young adults (42 service users, 17 siblings, and 40 controls; Mage 15 years). Before EMA, exposure to LEs (e.g., intrusive threats, experience of loss, serious illness) was assessed.

Results

Lifetime as well as previous-year exposure to LEs modified stress sensitivity in service users: they experienced more intense negative affect and psychotic experiences in response to stress when high vs. low exposure levels were compared. In contrast, controls showed no differences in stress sensitivity by exposure levels. Looking at specific types of LEs, controls showed less intense negative affect in response to stress when high vs. low exposure levels to threatening events during the last year, but not lifetime exposure, were compared. In siblings, no evidence was found that LEs modified stress sensitivity.

Conclusion

Stress sensitivity may constitute a putative risk mechanism linking LEs and mental health in help-seeking youth, while unfavourable effects of LEs on stress sensitivity may attenuate over time or do not occur in controls and siblings. Targeting individuals’ sensitivity to stress in daily life using novel digital interventions may be a promising approach towards improving youth mental health.
Continuous table tennis is associated with processing in frontal brain areas: an EEG approach
Authors: Visser Anton , Büchel D. , Lehmann T. , Baumeister J.
Published: April 2022

Coordinative challenging exercises in changing environments referred to as open-skill exercises seem to be beneficial on cognitive function. Although electroencephalographic research allows to investigate changes in cortical processing during movement, information about cortical dynamics during open-skill exercise is lacking. Therefore, the present study examines frontal brain activation during table tennis as an open-skill exercise compared to cycling exercise and a cognitive task. 21 healthy young adults conducted three blocks of table tennis, cycling and n-back task. Throughout the experiment, cortical activity was measured using 64-channel EEG system connected to a wireless amplifier. Cortical activity was analyzed calculating theta power (4–7.5 Hz) in frontocentral clusters revealed from independent component analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to identify within subject differences between conditions (table tennis, cycling, n-back; p < .05). ANOVA revealed main-effects of condition on theta power in frontal (p < .01, ηp2 = 0.35) and frontocentral (p < .01, ηp2 = 0.39) brain areas. Post-hoc tests revealed increased theta power in table tennis compared to cycling in frontal brain areas (p < .05, d = 1.42). In frontocentral brain areas, theta power was significant higher in table tennis compared to cycling (p < .01, d = 1.03) and table tennis compared to the cognitive task (p < .01, d = 1.06). Increases in theta power during continuous table tennis may reflect the increased demands in perception and processing of environmental stimuli during open-skill exercise. This study provides important insights that support the beneficial effect of open-skill exercise on brain function and suggest that using open-skill exercise may serve as an intervention to induce activation of the frontal cortex.
Single-subject analysis of regional brain volumetric measures can be strongly influenced by the method for head size adjustment
Authors: Opfer Roland , Krüger Julia , Spies Lothar , Kitzler Hagen H. , Schippling Sven , Buchert Ralph
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Total intracranial volume (TIV) is often a nuisance covariate in MRI-based brain volumetry. This study compared two TIV adjustment methods with respect to their impact on z-scores in single subject analyses of regional brain volume estimates.

Methods

Brain parenchyma, hippocampus, thalamus, and TIV were segmented in a normal database comprising 5059 T1w images. Regional volume estimates were adjusted for TIV using the residual method or the proportion method. Age was taken into account by regression with both methods. TIV- and age-adjusted regional volumes were transformed to z-scores and then compared between the two adjustment methods. Their impact on the detection of thalamus atrophy was tested in 127 patients with multiple sclerosis.

Results

The residual method removed the association with TIV in all regions. The proportion method resulted in a switch of the direction without relevant change of the strength of the association. The reduction of physiological between-subject variability was larger with the residual method than with the proportion method. The difference between z-scores obtained with the residual method versus the proportion method was strongly correlated with TIV. It was larger than one z-score point in 5% of the subjects. The area under the ROC curve of the TIV- and age-adjusted thalamus volume for identification of multiple sclerosis patients was larger with the residual method than with the proportion method (0.84 versus 0.79).

Conclusion

The residual method should be preferred for TIV and age adjustments of T1w-MRI-based brain volume estimates in single subject analyses.
Moisture sources of heavy precipitation in Central Europe in synoptic situations with Vb-cyclones
Authors: Krug Amelie , Aemisegger Franziska , Sprenger Michael , Ahrens Bodo
Published: April 2022

During the past century, several extreme summer floods in Central Europe were associated with so-called Vb-cyclones propagating from the Mediterranean Sea north-eastward to Central Europe. The processes intensifying the precipitation in synoptic situations with Vb-cyclones in the Danube, Elbe, and Odra catchments are only partially understood. Our study aims to investigate these processes with Lagrangian moisture-source diagnostics for 16 selected Vb-events. Moreover, we analyse the characteristics of typical moisture source regions during 1107 Vb-events from 1901 to 2010 based on ERA-20C reanalysis dynamically downscaled with COSMO-CLM+NEMO. We observe moisture contributions by various source regions highlighting the complex dynamical interplay of different air masses leading to moisture convergence in synoptic situations with Vb-cyclones. Overall, up to 80% of the precipitation originates from the European continent, indicating the importance of continental moisture recycling, especially within the respective river catchment. Other major moisture uptake regions are the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, the North Atlantic, and for a few events the Black Sea. Remarkably, anomalies in these oceanic source regions show no connection to precipitation amounts in synoptic situations with Vb-cyclones. In contrast, the Vb-cyclones with the highest precipitation are associated with anomalously high evaporation in the Mediterranean Sea, even though the Mediterranean Sea is only a minor moisture source region on average. Interestingly, the evaporation anomalies are not connected with sea-surface temperature but with wind-speed anomalies (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient $$R\approx$$

R
≈

 0.7, significant with $$p<0.01$$

p
<
0.01

) indicating mainly dynamically driven evaporation. The particular role of the Mediterranean Sea hints towards possible importance of Mediterranean moisture for the early-stage intensification of Vb-cyclones and the pre-moistening of the continental uptake regions upstream of the target catchments.
Complete avulsion of the heel pad with talar and calcaneal fracture: salvage with multiple K-wire anchorage, internal fixation and free ALT flap
Authors: Herold J. , Kamin K. , Bota O. , Dragu A. , Rammelt S.
Published: April 2022

Background

Degloving of the sole of the foot is a rare and serious injury because the heel pad cannot be replaced by similar tissue. The management is challenging and only a few cases have been reported with different treatment regimens.

Methods

Here, we report on a 46-year-old female patient with complex foot trauma consisting of complete avulsion of the heel pad at the hindfoot and a soft tissue defect at the posterior aspect of the heel accompanied by rupture of the anterior tibial tendon and fractures of the talus, calcaneus and midfoot. The sole of the foot was fixed to the calcaneus with multiple temporary Kirschner wires and moist wound dressings. The anterior tibial tendon was sutured. The soft tissue defect at the posterior heel was treated with a free anterolateral thigh flap. The fractures were fixed in staged procedures.

Results

At 2-year follow-up, the patient had a durable soft tissue cover over the heel with full sensation over the sole and a pliable flap over the posterior aspect of the heel. The patient was able to fully bear weight and was pain free during her daily activities in comfortable, custom shoes. All fractures had healed, the talar neck fracture after one revision and bone grafting. The foot was plantigrade and stable with preserved painless but limited range of motion at the ankle, subtalar and mid-tarsal joints.

Conclusion

The unique tissue at the sole of the foot can be salvaged even in cases of full degloving at the hindfoot with the simple method of anchorage with multiple temporary K-wires. Traumatic defects of the vulnerable skin at the posterior aspect of the heel requires durable coverage with free flap coverage. With staged treatment of all bone and soft tissue injuries, a favorable result can be obtained even in case of a complex foot trauma.
An update on lipid apheresis for familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Taylan Christina , Weber Lutz T.
Published: April 2022

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited metabolic defect leading to increased total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol (LDL) from birth onwards. Homozygous FH, presenting with clear clinical features, has a prevalence of ~ 1 per million. Prevalence of heterozygous FH is 1/500 European population. Atherosclerotic burden depends on the degree and duration of high LDL exposure. In severe cases, early detection is critical, and aggressive lipid-lowering therapies should begin in early childhood to reduce coronary heart disease risk. Pediatric therapeutic concepts correspond to adults and are orientated at LDL plasma concentration. Mean LDL plasma target value during treatment is < 135 mg/dL. Medication in childhood consists of ezetemibe, statins, resins, and PCSK-9 inhibitors, with consideration for age restrictions. Only a minority achieve the treatment target with drug therapy alone. Therapeutic apheresis for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia selectively removes lipoproteins from blood (lipid apheresis (LA)). LA has a long tradition in adult medicine and is also safely used in children by a variety of methods, if customized to special pediatric needs. LA reduces cholesterol levels independently of residual LDL-receptor function and not only achieves reduction or disappearance of xanthomas but also inhibits progression of or mitigates aortic valve stenosis and supravalvular aortic stenosis as well as coronary artery and other atherosclerotic lesions. Cardiovascular prognosis of patients with otherwise untreatable FH depends largely on timely use of LA. Taking into account LA as a lifelong treatment, starting early in childhood, it is important to accommodate therapy modalities, such as treatment frequency and point of time, into the life of the individual.
Multimedia ontology population through semantic analysis and hierarchical deep features extraction techniques
Authors: Muscetti Michela , Rinaldi Antonio M. , Russo Cristiano , Tommasino Cristian
Published: April 2022

The rapid increase of available data in different complex contexts needs automatic tasks to manage and process contents. Semantic Web technologies represent the silver bullet in the digital Internet ecosystem to allow human and machine cooperation in achieving these goals. Specific technologies as ontologies are standard conceptual representations of this view. It aims to transform data into an interoperability format providing a common vocabulary for a given domain and defining, with different levels of formality, the meaning of informative objects and their possible relationships. In this work, we focus our attention on Ontology Population in the multimedia realm. An automatic and multi-modality framework for images ontology population is proposed and implemented. It allows the enrichment of a multimedia ontology with new informative content. Our multi-modality approach combines textual and visual information through natural language processing techniques, and convolutional neural network used the features extraction task. It is based on a hierarchical methodology using images descriptors and semantic ontology levels. The results evaluation shows the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
Stimulation Effects of Glutamic and 5-Aminolevulinic Acids On Photosynthetic Pigments, Physio-biochemical Constituents, Antioxidant Activity, and Yield of Peanut
Authors: El-Metwally Ibrahim Mohamed , Sadak Mervat Shamoon , Saudy Hani Saber
Published: April 2022

Soil not only represents the main supporter for root growth, but also is the supplier of water and nutrients. However, several soils, i.e. sandy soils, do not adequately fulfill the plant growth requirements of the environmental resources. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate, even partially, the lack of these required resources for better plant growth and development. Amino acids could introduce a substantial solution in this respect. Therefore, two field experiments under field conditions were carried out to investigate the effect of glutamic (GLA) and 5‑aminolevulinic (ALA) acids on photosynthesis pigments, oxidative defense indicators as well as yield and seed quality of peanut. Three concentrations of glutamic acid (10, 20 and 40 mg L−1, denoted GLA10, GLA20, and GLA40, respectively) and three concentrations of 5‑aminolevulinic acid, (10, 20 and 40 mg L−1, abbreviated to ALA10, ALA20, and ALA40, respectively), in addition to a check treatment (tap water) were applied. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Findings exhibited potentiality of GLA20 treatment for recording the highest values of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a/b, carotenoids and total pigments compared to the other treatments. The increases in indole acetic acid, phenolics and free amino acids were 68.1, 58.9 and 19.6% as well as 64.6, 51.2 and 17.7%, due to application of GLA20 and ALA20, respectively. Substantial improvements in pod yield ha−1, oil %, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were obtained with GLA20 or ALA20. In conclusion, since glutamic or 5‑aminolevulinic acids at concentration of 20 mg L−1 showed promotive effect on physiological and biochemical status of peanut, such amino acids should be adopted as a promising practice in peanut cultivations.
Education for sustainable development: a critical reflexive discourse on a transformative learning activity for business students
Authors: Corazza Laura , Cottafava Dario , Torchia Daniel
Published: April 2022

This paper presents in detail a critical reflexive discourse on a transformative learning activity that engaged 140 students of the “Risk Management and Green Business Strategy” module at the University of Turin. During the course, students were asked to find, analyze, and propose a solution for a self-identified challenge working in close partnership with local urban companies on sustainability issues. Following a project-based learning approach, this paper compares two different group of students. The treatment group, i.e., the students following the ESD module, was then compared with a control group represented by the students from the traditional course of the previous year, in terms of their willingness to orient their future career on sustainability topics. Findings point out clear impacts on the study of sustainability-related disciplines (i.e., + 372% of thesis on sustainability) and on long-term career orientation of students on sustainability-oriented master and jobs.
How long can I wait and how much frustration can I stand? Volitional traits and students’ PhD-intention and pursuit
Authors: Alisic Aida , Wiese Bettina S.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the present investigation is to analyze the relation of frustration tolerance and delay of gratification with PhD-intention and expectations. We conducted one correlational and two experimental studies. In Study 1 (N1 = 171 undergraduates), we found the hypothesized positive association between delay of gratification and frustration tolerance and the intention to obtain a PhD. In Studies 2 and 3, we used experimental vignette designs. In Study 2, doctoral students and postdocs (N2 = 180) evaluated a fictitious student regarding PhD-intention and a successful PhD-process. As expected, students with high gratification delay and frustration tolerance were judged as more likely to start and complete a PhD than students described low in these volitional traits. In Study 3, we contrasted Study 2’s findings by asking employees of the private sector (N3 = 150) to rate the same students’ intention to join a company instead. None of the factors influenced participants’ judgments when it comes to a non-academic career track.
Testosterone levels among non-obstructive azoospermic patients 2 years after failed bilateral microdissection testicular sperm extraction: a nested case-cohort study
Authors: Herndon Charles C. , Godart Erica S. , Turek Paul J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To define the risk of hypogonadism following microdissection testicular sperm extraction in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia. While sperm retrieval by open testicular sperm extraction can be associated with an increased risk of hypogonadism, there is limited data addressing which procedures and which patients harbor the greatest risk.

Methods

We report on a community-acquired, nested, case-cohort of non-obstructive azoospermic patients referred to one clinic after failed bilateral microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Patients were health-matched (1:2) to surgically naïve controls and divided into 2 cohorts based on risk factors for hypogonadism. Among microdissection patients, we compared total testosterone and gonadotropin levels before and > 6 months after surgery. Biochemical hypogonadism was defined as a total serum testosterone level ≤ 300 ng/dL. Hormone levels were compared to risk-matched controls. Comparative statistics were used to assess hormone levels within and between cohorts.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline testosterone levels between microdissection patients (n = 26) and risk-matched controls (n = 52). At a mean of 26 months (range 6.2–112.8) post-procedure, mean testosterone levels decreased significantly (73 ng/dL or 16%; CI − 27, − 166; p < 0.01, paired t-test). Among microdissection patients with baseline testosterone > 300 ng/dL, 8/22 (36%) experienced hypogonadism post-procedure. There was a corresponding increase in follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.05) and a trending increase in luteinizing hormones (p = 0.10).

Conclusion

A durable decrease in testosterone levels occurs after failed microdissection testicular sperm extraction regardless of baseline risk of hypogonadism. In addition, a significant proportion of eugonadal patients will become hypogonadal after failed testicular microdissection procedures.
How Executive Functioning and Financial Self-efficacy Predict Subjective Financial Well-Being via Positive Financial Behaviors
Authors: Dare Shekinah E. , van Dijk Wilco W. , van Dijk Eric , van Dillen Lotte F. , Gallucci Marcello , Simonse Olaf
Published: April 2022

Financial well-being is a desirable state as it benefits individuals, families, organizations, and society, and these benefits reach beyond the financial domain. We assessed financial well-being as two components (current financial stress and expected future financial security) and used data from a representative sample of adults in the United Kingdom (n = 411). Our study provides novel insights based on preregistered hypotheses, method, and analysis plan on the Open Science Framework. We hypothesized that both executive functioning and financial self-efficacy are positively related to financial well-being via positive financial behaviors. We also hypothesized that executive functioning moderated the indirect relation of financial self-efficacy with financial well-being, and that financial self-efficacy moderated the indirect relation of executive functioning with financial well-being. As predicted, results showed that financial self-efficacy was strongly positively related to financial well-being via positive financial behaviors. Our results did not show that executive functioning was related to financial well-being via positive financial behaviors, nor that executive functioning or financial self-efficacy operated as moderators. This study provides possible strategies for financial practitioners and service providers, among others, to help individuals and families better their financial behaviors and their financial well-being.
Substance Use and Intimate Partner Abuse (IPA): A Descriptive Model of the Pathways Between Substance Use and IPA Perpetration for Men
Authors: Gilchrist Elizabeth , Johnson Amy , Thomson Kate , Stephens-Lewis Danielle , Henderson Juliet , Gadd David , Radcliffe Polly , Halliwell Gemma , Gilchrist Gail
Published: April 2022

Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is a pervasive public health and human rights issue disproportionately affecting women. There is a complex link between IPA and substance use; substance use can increase both the frequency and severity of IPA. Pathway models have been applied to explore heterogeneous trajectories into other behaviours and to identify areas for intervention. This approach has not previously been applied in the area of substance use and IPA. Inductive thematic analysis of 37 interviews with heterosexual men aged 28–52 who had reported previous IPA perpetration was conducted. Men were recruited from alcohol and drug services across two areas of England. Three groupings of pathways into substance use-related IPA were generated: 1) Rule Breaking Pathway (n = 11); 2) Entrenched Substance Use Pathway (n = 13); and 3) Relationship Insecurity Pathway (n = 13). Across the three groupings of pathways, the men’s childhood and early experiences led to different journeys into SU-related IPA (abuse that was associated with intoxication, withdrawal, acquisition and substance use lifestyle). Each pathway presented differently with varying core features, for example core features of generalised violence, mental health or jealousy, and different predisposing background factors, including types and timing of childhood abuse and trauma. Adopting a pathways approach drawing on principles of equifinality and multifinality can improve understanding of heterogeneity in men who perpetrate IPA and use substances and propose treatment/intervention targets.
How not to decide whether inner speech is speech: Two common mistakes
Authors: Gregory Daniel
Published: April 2022

Philosophical interest in inner speech has grown in recent years. In seeking to understand the phenomenon, many philosophers have drawn heavily on two theories from neighbouring disciplines: Lev Vygotsky’s theory on the development of inner speech in children and a cognitive-scientific theory about speech production. I argue that they have been too uncritical in their acceptance of these theories, which has prevented a proper analysis of inner speech.
A Voronovskaja type formula for Soardi’s operators
Authors: Abel Ulrich , Raşa Ioan
Published: April 2022

In 1991 Soardi introduced a sequence of positive linear operators$$\beta _{n}$$βnassociating to each function$$f\in C\left[ 0,1\right] $$f∈C0,1a polynomial function which is closely related to the Bernstein polynomials on$$\left[ -1,+1\right] $$-1,+1. One of the authors already studied the operators$$\beta _{n}$$βnin several papers. This paper is devoted to other properties of Soardi’s operators. We introduce a version$${\tilde{\beta }}_{n}$$β~nwhich can be expressed in terms of the classical Bernstein operators and present the relations between$$\beta _{n}$$βnand$${\tilde{\beta }}_{n}$$β~n. We derive Voronovskaja-type results for both$$\beta _{n}$$βnand$${\tilde{\beta }}_{n}$$β~n. Furthermore, rates of convergence for$${\tilde{\beta }}_{n}$$β~n, respectively$$\beta _{n}$$βn, are estimated. Finally, we study the first and second moments of$$\beta _{n}$$βn.
The power of online panel paradata to predict unit nonresponse and voluntary attrition in a longitudinal design
Authors: Kocar Sebastian , Biddle Nicholas
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study is to identify factors affecting participation rates, i.e., nonresponse and voluntary attrition rates, and their predictive power in a probability-based online panel. Participation for this panel had already been investigated in the literature according to the socio-demographic and socio-psychological characteristics of respondents and different types of paradata, such as device type or questionnaire navigation, had also been explored. In this study, the predictive power of online panel participation paradata was instead evaluated, which was expected (at least in theory) to offer even more complex insight into respondents’ behavior over time. This kind of paradata would also enable the derivation of longitudinal variables measuring respondents’ panel activity, such as survey outcome rates and consecutive waves with a particular survey outcome prior to a wave (e.g., response, noncontact, refusal), and could also be used in models controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. Using the Life in Australia™ participation data for all recruited members for the first 30 waves, multiple linear, binary logistic and panel random-effect logit regression analyses were carried out to assess socio-demographic and online panel paradata predictors of nonresponse and attrition that were available and contributed to the accuracy of prediction and the best statistical modeling. The proposed approach with the derived paradata predictors and random-effect logistic regression proved to be reasonably accurate for predicting nonresponse—with just 15 waves of online panel paradata (even without sociodemographics) and logit random-effect modeling almost four out of five nonrespondents could be correctly identified in the subsequent wave.
How does Internationalisation affect the productivity of R&D activities in large innovative firms? A conditional nonparametric investigation
Authors: Laurens Patricia , Toma Pierluigi , Schoen Antoine , Daraio Cinzia , Larédo Philippe
Published: April 2022

This work explores the relationship between multinational R&D and innovation productivity among top corporate knowledge and R&D producers by adopting a twofold concept of internationalisation: (1) the firm’s degree of R&D internationalisation, and (2) the firm’s geographic diversification. We model the patent production process with an appropriate and robust conditional Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) estimator, using a unique database of firms that matches financial indicators and patent information. Our results reinforce the fundamental role of internationalisation in the knowledge production process when the internationalisation process is properly and strategically managed. We interpret our empirical evidence through the theoretical lens of the learning theory of internationalisation, and we postulate that a high R&D intensity is a key driver to overcoming the challenges of internationalisation.
Quantum service-oriented computing: current landscape and challenges
Authors: Moguel Enrique , Rojo Javier , Valencia David , Berrocal Javier , Garcia-Alonso Jose , Murillo Juan M.
Published: April 2022

The development that quantum computing technologies are achieving is beginning to attract the interest of companies that could potentially be users of quantum software. Thus, it is perfectly feasible that during the next few years hybrid systems will start to appear integrating both the classical software systems of companies and new quantum ones providing solutions to problems that still remain unmanageable today. A natural way to support such integration is Service-Oriented Computing. While conceptually the invocation of a quantum software service is similar to that of a classical one, technically there are many differences and technological limitations, which refer to platform independence, decoupling, scalability, etc. To highlight these differences and the difficulties to develop quality quantum services, this paper takes a well-known problem to which a quantum solution can be provided, integer factorization, making use of the Amazon Braket quantum service platform. The exercise of trying to provide the factorization as a quantum service is carried out following the best practices, design patterns and standards existing in the implementation of classical services. This case study is used to highlight the rough edges and limitations that arise in the integration of classical-quantum hybrid systems using service-oriented computing. The conclusion of the study allows us to point out directions in which to focus research efforts in order to achieve effective quantum service-oriented computing.
Interlaboratory Reproducibility of Contour Method Data in a High Strength Aluminum Alloy
Authors: D’Elia C. R. , Carlone P. , Dyer J. W. , Lévesque J. B. , de Oliveira J. Araújo , Prime M. B. , Roy M. J. , Spradlin T. J. , Stilwell R. , Tucci F. , Vasileiou A. N. , Watanable B. T. , Hill M. R.
Published: April 2022

Background

The contour method for residual stress measurement has seen significant development, but an experimental reproducibility study utilizing physical samples has not been published.

Objective

A double-blind reproducibly study is reported, having scope beginning with EDM cutting and ending with residual stress calculation.

Methods

A reinforced I-beam sample geometry is identified for its unique residual stress profile when extracted from residual stress bearing quenched aluminum bar (7050-T74). Contour measurements are prescribed on a midplane of symmetry with dimensions 24.0 mm by 50.0 mm. Fourteen identically prepared samples are fabricated from a single long bar with well characterized and uniform residual stress. Five samples throughout the bar are identified for planning measurements to validate sample uniformity and overall suitability of the residual stress field. The planning measurements employ a range of techniques: contour method, neutron diffraction, and hole-drilling. Eight samples are distributed to an international group of participants to execute their standard measurement practice. A double-blind process is followed to provide anonymity.

Results

Results are provided by eight participants: six being self-similar and two being quite different, the latter set aside as outliers. An average residual stress field is established from non-outlying results and the spatial distribution of reproducibility standard deviation is determined. The average stress field ranges from -60 to 70 MPa and the reproducibility standard deviation averages 8.1 MPa on the measurement plane. The average reproducibility standard deviation is about 3 × larger for points within 1.0 mm of plane boundaries (17.6 MPa) than for the remaining points (6.1 MPa).

Conclusions

Reproducibility standard deviation (among different labs) for contour method residual stress measurement is found to be very similar to repeatability standard deviation (in a single lab) reported in prior work. The reproducibility observed here, for the entire measurement process, is also similar to that found in a prior reproducibility study limited to contour method data analysis.
Being Empowered or Feeling Like a Pawn?
Authors: Dzida Angela , Schmuck David , Sieberer Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Governments often reallocate administrative units among ministries to meet parties’ office and policy demands or to increase political control over the bureaucracy. How do such reforms affect the work motivation and performance of ministerial bureaucrats? Based on self-determination theory, this paper expects detrimental effects on bureaucrats’ ability to meet the basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness, which should reduce work motivation. This negative effect should be weaker when bureaucrats perceive a substantive rationale and long-term benefits of the reform compared to changes perceived as driven solely by party-political goals. We find support for these expectations in interviews with top-level ministerial bureaucrats in Germany working in two policy areas (public construction and consumer protection) that were frequently reallocated between ministries. The study shows that organizational change also affects work motivation among top-level bureaucrats and has broader implications for understanding civil servants’ motivations and performance as well as unintended consequences of public sector reforms.
A Kinetic Model for Precipitation of TiN Inclusions From Both Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Nucleation During Solidification of Steel
Authors: Shu Qifeng , Visuri Ville-Valtteri , Alatarvas Tuomas , Fabritius Timo
Published: April 2022

Complex TiN + oxide inclusions which nucleate and grow on the surface of the primary oxide inclusions, e.g. MgO, have been frequently observed in various steel grades after solidification. To describe the precipitation kinetics of TiN and TiN + MgO inclusions, a model accounting for both heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation was proposed in this work. The model was validated by employing the literature data, and good agreement has been achieved between experimental data and calculation data. The influence of nitrogen and titanium concentrations, the interfacial tension between TiN and steel, cooling rate, and size distribution of primary oxides on the size distribution of TiN and TiN + MgO inclusions were investigated by the model calculations. It was found that nitrogen and titanium concentrations, the interfacial tension between TiN and steel, and the number density of primary MgO inclusions have an impact on the final size distributions of TiN and TiN + MgO inclusions. In contrast, the effects of cooling rate and size of MgO inclusions on the final inclusion size distribution are negligible. The large interfacial tension between TiN and steel would suppress the homogeneous nucleation and is favorable to heterogeneous nucleation. The increase of the number density of primary MgO can significantly suppress the homogeneous nucleation and reduce the size of TiN + MgO inclusions. The present model can be extended to describe the heterogeneous precipitation of other complex inclusions providing that the secondary inclusion has a low lattice mismatch with the primary inclusion. Combining the present model with our previous model for the size distribution of primary inclusions, the size distribution of inclusions in solidified steel can be well described and controlled.
The role of general practitioners in the work guidance of cancer patients: views of general practitioners and occupational physicians
Authors: Sarfo Marie-Christine , Bertels Lucinda , Frings-Dresen Monique H. W. , de Jong Femke , Blankenstein Annette H. , van Asselt Kristel M. , de Boer Angela G. E. M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To explore views of general practitioners (GPs) and occupational physicians (OPs) on the role of GPs in work guidance of cancer patients.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2019, two focus groups with GPs (N = 17) and two focus groups with OPs (N = 10) were conducted. Focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed by data-driven analysis.

Results

GPs generally indicated that they inquire about patients’ occupations but do not structurally document these. GPs described offering support and advice to patients regarding their work, while other GPs stated they do not interfere with their patients’ work or return to work (RTW) process.

In general, GPs stated that they do not aspire a professional role in the work guidance of patients, due to lack of expertise and not having sufficient knowledge in work regulations and legislation. In contrast, OPs anticipated a proactive role from GPs concerning work guidance in cancer patients, and they expected GPs to refer cancer patients to the OP, when required. Moreover, they emphasised the importance of communication between GPs and OPs about patients’ work-related problems to achieve common goals.

Conclusions

GPs can contribute to cancer patients’ RTW process by supporting patients, giving advice and providing referral to other health professionals. Better cooperation between GPs and OPs may improve work guidance in cancer patients.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

When cancer patients with work-related issues get appropriate advice and support from GPs and referred in time to OPs, the RTW process and staying at work of cancer patients may be positively affected.
Power-Posing Robots: The Influence of a Humanoid Robot’s Posture and Size on its Perceived Dominance, Competence, Eeriness, and Threat
Authors: Stein Jan-Philipp , Cimander Paula , Appel Markus
Published: April 2022

When interacting with sophisticated digital technologies, people often fall back on the same interaction scripts they apply to the communication with other humans—especially if the technology in question provides strong anthropomorphic cues (e.g., a human-like embodiment). Accordingly, research indicates that observers tend to interpret the body language of social robots in the same way as they would with another human being. Backed by initial evidence, we assumed that a humanoid robot will be considered as more dominant and competent, but also as more eerie and threatening once it strikes a so-called power pose. Moreover, we pursued the research question whether these effects might be accentuated by the robot’s body size. To this end, the current study presented 204 participants with pictures of the robot NAO in different poses (expansive vs. constrictive), while also manipulating its height (child-sized vs. adult-sized). Our results show that NAO’s posture indeed exerted strong effects on perceptions of dominance and competence. Conversely, participants’ threat and eeriness ratings remained statistically independent of the robot’s depicted body language. Further, we found that the machine’s size did not affect any of the measured interpersonal perceptions in a notable way. The study findings are discussed considering limitations and future research directions.
The Impacts of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Mindfulness and Well-being for Regular and Novice Meditators
Authors: Ito Yasushi , Browne Cheryl A. , Yamamoto Kazumi
Published: April 2022

Objectives

As mindfulness practices become mainstream, it is increasingly common for participants in mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) to have previous meditation experience. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the impacts of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on a variety of self-report measures differed for novice meditators (NM) and regular meditators (RM).

Methods

A total of 158 Japanese participants in 10 cohorts completed questionnaires before and after an 8-week community-based MBSR program. The questionnaire consisted of Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) from Profile of Mood States 2, Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (2nd version), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Baseline scores and pre-post change scores were compared for RM (participants who had reported meditating ≥ 45 min/week prior to MBSR) and NM (< 45 min/week).

Results

At baseline, RM (38.0% of the sample) had significantly higher scores than NM on FFMQ, SCS, and MCS, and lower scores on TMD and PSS (i.e., less mood disturbance and less stress). Post-program, both groups showed significant improvements in all measures except PCS, with NM’s post-MBSR scores comparable to RM’s baseline scores. A significant Group (NM vs. RM) × Time (pre- vs. post-) interaction was observed only for FFMQ.

Conclusions

Regular meditators, who show greater self-compassion and better mental health than novice meditators at baseline, can benefit from MBSR to a similar extent in measures of self-compassion and other aspects of well-being.
Phylogenetic and functional diversity of Chrysophyceae in inland waters
Authors: Bock Christina , Olefeld Jana L. , Vogt Janina C. , Albach Dirk C. , Boenigk Jens
Published: April 2022

Chrysophyceae are a diverse group of planktonic protists widely distributed in freshwater. They encompass a variety of orders, whereby heterotrophy has evolved independently in several phylogenetic lineages. Therefore, closely related taxa evolved that developed different feeding strategies (photo-, mixo-, heterotrophy). In high-throughput sequencing studies, the Chrysophyceae were usually addressed as a group rather than split in individual phylogenetic orders. Also because of the close relationship of the distinct nutritional strategies, no functional statements were made about nutritional patterns. Based on an extensive phylogenetic tree and phylogenetic placement, we link OTU diversity of Chrysophyceae from 218 freshwater lakes with phylogenetic affiliations. This provides information on the relative importance of lineages affiliated with different nutrition modes. Our study demonstrates that Chrysophyceae are one of the most common groups in freshwaters. We found Chrysophyceae in 213 out of 218 sample sites across Europe and in several sites they belong to the most commonly retrieved taxa. Ochromonadales and a Chrysosacca-Apoikiida clade (including Apoikiida, Chrysosaccales, Chrysastrella) are the most widespread Chrysophyceae groups and show a high degree of OTU diversity. Most detected and assignable OTUs were affiliated with mixotrophic Chrysophyceae. Niche width differs only slightly between members of different clades and between the different trophic modes. We found several OTUs within the Ochromonadales, Synurales, and Chrysosacca-Apoikiida clade, that show a wide distribution and large tolerance ranges concerning ecophysiological factors.
Need for universal acceptance of preprinting by editors of journals of health professional education
Authors: Schvaneveldt Nena
Published: April 2022

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