bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shock determination in a two‐stage decision‐making model: The case of COVID‐19 in Colombia
Authors: Acevedo Rafael A. , Harmath Pedro , Mora Jose U. , Puente Raquel , Aponte Elvis
Published: January 2022

The contributions of this paper are as follows: (a) proposing a two‐stage model to study whether an event has temporary or permanent effects on the probability of choosing a good within a market basket that traditional decision theory cannot explain and (b) studying the effects of COVID‐19 on consumers' decisions in Colombia. Findings suggest that the pandemic has transitory effects on preferences in the short run. If it lasts longer, it could induce to permanent changes. Thus, this model can be used to analyze the temporary or permanent effects of any event, regardless of its nature or geographical region, on consumer's decision.
Antimicrobial peptides, conventional antibiotics, and their synergistic utility for the treatment of drug‐resistant infections
Authors: Zhu Yiyun , Hao Weijing , Wang Xia , Ouyang Jianhong , Deng Xinyi , Yu Haining , Wang Yipeng
Published: January 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), are important effector immune defense molecules in multicellular organisms. AMPs exert their antimicrobial activities through several mechanisms; thus far, induction of drug resistance through AMPs has been regarded as unlikely. Therefore, they have great potential as new generation antimicrobial agents. To date, more than 30 AMP‐related drugs are in the clinical trial phase. In recent years, studies show that some AMPs and conventional antibiotics have synergistic effects. The combined use of AMPs and antibiotics can kill drug‐resistant pathogens, prevent drug resistance, and significantly improve the therapeutic effects of antibiotics. In this review, we discuss the progress in synergistic studies on AMPs and conventional antibiotics. An overview of the current understanding of the functional scope of AMPs, ongoing clinical trials, and challenges in the development processes are also presented.
Strong convergence of averaging principle for the non‐autonomous slow‐fast systems of SPDEs with polynomial growth
Authors: Wang Ruifang , Xu Yong
Published: January 2022

In this work, we study a class of non‐autonomous two‐time‐scale stochastic reaction‐diffusion equations driven by Poisson random measures, in which the coefficients satisfy the polynomial growth condition and local Lipschitz condition. First, the existence and uniqueness of the mild solution are proved by constructing auxiliary equations and using the technique of stopping time. Then, consider that the time dependent of the coefficients, the averaged equation is redefined by studying the existence of time‐dependent evolution family of measures associated with the frozen fast equation. Further, the slow component that strongly converges to the solution of the corresponding averaged equation is verified by using the classical Khasminskii method.
Diversity, entrepreneurial innovation, and performance of healthcare sector in the COVID‐19 pandemic period
Authors: El Chaarani Hani , Raimi Lukman
Published: January 2022

This research explores the correlation between diversity, entrepreneurial innovation, and performance of the Lebanese healthcare sector during the COVID‐19 pandemic period. It aims to analyze the nature of the following correlations (a) the impact of workforce diversity on entrepreneurial innovation, (b) the impact of workforce diversity on performance, and (c) the impact of entrepreneurial innovation on performance. Using a cross‐sectional survey design, we collected the primary data from heterogeneous respondents including 870 patients and 261 executives leading 87 major private hospitals and other medical centers in Lebanon. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is employed to predict multivariate causal relationships between latent constructs and measured variables. The results of the SEM model reveal that gender diversity (GD) is a key success factor of workforce performance in the Lebanese healthcare sector since it can increase both process innovation (PI) and organizational innovation (OI) and also enhance organizational performance (OP) and patient satisfaction (PS). The results indicate that age diversity (AD) especially the presence of youth in medical centers has a positive and significant impact on organizational performance and patient satisfaction. Finally, the results of this study show that the presence of women and youth in the Lebanese healthcare sector improves entrepreneurial innovation and thus, leads to enhance the performance level and the quality of healthcare outcomes. This research provides original information that supports executive managers in the healthcare sector during crisis periods. Managerial practices and policies designed to foster diversity can improve workforce performance and the quality of medical outcomes.
Prevalence and factors associated with mental health problems in Saudi general population during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alzahrani Faris , Alshahrani Najim Z. , Abu Sabah Abdulelah , Zarbah Abdulmajid , Abu Sabah Saeed , Mamun Mohammed A.
Published: January 2022

This systematic review and meta‐analysis generates evidence of the prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) related to the pandemic among the Saudi general population. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was performed in the respective databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), from 22 July to 17 August 2021, and identified a total of 220 articles. Adhering to the inclusion criteria (i.e., original research concerning the prevalence and/or associated factors of depression and/or anxiety and/or stress disorders among the general Saudi population, published in English peer‐reviewed journals), 15 studies were included in this review which consisted of a total of 262,656 participants. The overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22% to 38%, I2 = 99.58%), 20% (95% CI: 16% to 24%, I2 = 99.32%), and 29% (95% CI: 11% to 47%, I2 = 99.76%), respectively. Risk factors of mental health problems were found to be female sex, younger age group, single/divorced marital status, lower education, lower income, non‐Saudis, unemployment status, students, being in a small family and living with elderly of the sociodemographic factors. Smokers, less physical activities, lower resilience, reduced immune status, chronic health problems, and psychiatric illness history were associated with a higher degree of mental health problems. In addition, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related risk factors of mental illness included lack of knowledge, fear, worry and concern, family member or friends’ infection or death, lockdown restrictions, quarantine, confirmed or suspected of COVID‐19 infection, and even pandemic effects. In conclusion, appropriate mental health preventive approaches for the Saudi general people are highly needed, where this review can be worthy of help by providing in detailed information to the respective authorities.
Synthesis of a daptomycin thiolactone analogue via the MeDbz‐linker‐based cyclative‐cleavage approach
Authors: Cheung Carina Hey Pui , Chow Hoi Yee , Li Can , Blasco Pilar , Chen Kaichao , Chen Sheng , Li Xuechen
Published: January 2022

Herein, we report the synthesis of a daptomycin thiolactone analogue via the MeDbz‐linker based on resin self‐cleaving macrocyclization pathway. A detailed investigation of the reaction conditions is reported, including the variation of the cyclization buffer, temperature, concentration, and reaction time. Severe hydrolysis was observed under most of the conditions screened, presumably due to the low reactivity of (2R,3R)‐β‐methylcysteine (thioThr) used. Eventually, pyridine/acetic acid buffer was identified as the most viable solvent system to afford the hydrolysis‐free product. We perceive that this optimized protocol will enable the synthesis of other challenging thiolactone peptides, possibly those involving thioThr or penicillamine.
Target site mutations underlying insecticide resistance in Tunisian populations of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on peach orchards and potato crops
Authors: Hlaoui Amen , Chiesa Olga , Figueroa Christian C , Souissi Rebha , Mazzoni Emanuele , Boukhris‐Bouhachem Sonia
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The massive use of synthetic insecticides strongly affects the level of insecticide resistance in populations of Myzus persicae worldwide. The selection of target site insensitivity‐mutations is particularly worrying in areas where agro‐industrial crops are vulnerable to the attacks of aphids that vector viruses, as in the case of Tunisia. Knowledge of the resistance mechanisms evolved locally in this aphid pest is a prerequisite to improving and retaining the sustainability of integrated pest management strategies.

RESULTS

Target site mutations were surveyed in several populations of M. persicae collected from peach and potato crops between 2011 and 2017 in three Tunisian regions using real‐time allele‐specific PCR. The L1014F mutation (kdr locus) was found at a moderate frequency mostly in the heterozygous state and the homozygous resistant genotype was very uncommon. The M918T mutation (super‐kdr locus) was present in a few heterozygous individuals, whereas the M918L mutation was detected for the first time in Tunisia and extreme North Africa. This latter mutation was shown to be widespread and well‐established in Tunisia mainly as homozygous individuals, and was more abundant on peach than on potato crops. The S431F mutation (MACE) was found in a few heterozygous individuals. No individuals carrying the R81T mutation linked to neonicotinoid resistance were detected.

CONCLUSION

This study points out a critical situation for the efficacy of pyrethroid insecticides to control M. persicae populations in Tunisia. It also confirms the rapid spread of the M918L mutation which has been detected in many different areas of the Mediterranean basin. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Demonstration and Evaluation of p‐Type and n‐Type ZnO Nanoparticles‐Based Homojunction UV Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Shafiqul Islam Mohammad , Deep Raj , Lin Jie , Yoshida Toshiyuki , Fujita Yasuhisa
Published: January 2022

The world's first homojunction UV light‐emitting diode (LED) based on both p‐type and n‐type ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is demonstrated. Nitrogen‐doped ZnO and gallium‐doped ZnO NPs are provided to fabricate p‐type and n‐type NP layers, respectively. The LEDs with the structures of p‐ZnO/GZO and p‐ZnO/n‐ZnO/GZO are fabricated. These devices show near UV electroluminescence (EL) at room temperature and emission power doubled by inserting the n‐ZnO NP layer. By comparing the results of I–V, EL and photoluminescence for LEDs, it can be confirmed that the holes inject from p‐ZnO NP layer to n‐ZnO NP layer and the mechanism of these devices are that of p‐n junction LEDs.
Future Scenarios for Reducing Emissions and Consumption in the Italian Steelmaking Industry
Authors: Mapelli Carlo , Dall’Osto Gianluca , Mombelli Davide , Barella Silvia , Gruttadauria Andrea
Published: January 2022

The amount of CO2 emissions, water and electricity consumption, and soil exploitation of the main steel production routes (integrated cycle, scrap recycling, and direct reduction) are analyzed applying three possible future scenarios: use of carbon capture and storage (CCS); use of green hydrogen in substitution of natural gas; use of biomethane. Using actual process data and theoretical assumptions, the emissions and consumptions of the whole steel production cycle (from the iron ore extraction to the final steel product) are computed, taking into account also the auxiliary sources of emissions (i.e., limestone calcination and gas compression). The assessment results have highlighted the huge energy requirements and soil exploitation related to the application of green hydrogen in the steelmaking cycle, despite its low CO2 emissions. On the contrary, the use of biomethane appears more attractive if combined with carbon capture and storage systems. Overall, the results of the assessment provide a starting point for understanding the current level of sustainability of steel production and allow the identification of the most promising and plausible scenario for the steel industry of the future and the possible criticalities of each.
Experimental investigation on the fatigue design of anchor channels
Authors: Fröhlich Thilo , Lotze Dieter
Published: January 2022

Cast‐in anchor channels subjected to repeated cyclic actions need to be verified against fatigue failure. However, the fatigue behavior of these fasteners has rarely been investigated up to now. Consequently, the fatigue verification is not covered by the provisions of EN 1992‐4 and specific design rules apply for this product. This article gives a brief overview of the current design methods for anchor channels under fatigue loading and addresses its limitations. Results of experimental investigations within a recent research project are presented that focused on the fatigue resistance of fastenings under combined static and fatigue loading. Accompanying strain measurements provide insights about the distribution of cyclic tension loads through the channel profile to the anchors. In addition, tests under pulsating and alternating shear perpendicular to the channel axis were performed to outline the suitability under fatigue relevant shear loads. The test results obtained are discussed with respect to the existing state of knowledge. Finally, recommendations for the fatigue design of anchor channels are given.
Subacute toxicity of chlorpyrifos on histopathological damages, antioxidant activity, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the rat model
Authors: Alipanah Hiva , Kabi Doraghi Hashmieh , Sayadi Mehran , Nematollahi Amene , Soltani Hekmat Ava , Nejati Roghayeh
Published: January 2022

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an extensively used organophosphorus pesticide for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes. Previous studies have reported the adverse effects of CPF, such as intoxication incidents, endocrine disruption, cardiovascular diseases, as well as histopathological and oxidative damage. The aims of the present study were to elucidate short time subacute toxicity of CPF in male rats. Sprague–Dawley male rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups (n = 8) and received CPF as 3.25 mg/kg body weight (b.w) (Group A), 6.75 mg/kg b.w (Group B), 13.5 mg/kg b.w (Group C), and corn oil (control or Group D) daily via gavage for 15 days. The rats were sacrificed and oxidative damages, pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β), and histopathological changes were determined in the lung, liver, kidney, heart, and testis tissues as well as plasma. According to our result, administration of CPF caused a significant increase in malondialdehid level and catalase activity while a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in all tissues. In addition, a significant decrease in TNF‐α observed in all tissues and plasma duo to the CPF. Histopathological evaluation of CPF‐treated samples revealed a dose‐dependent tissue toxicity in the liver, heart, lung, and kidney with less sensitivity of testicular and kidney tissues. These results suggest the potential of CPF in inducing oxidative stress at low doses and short duration time with similar trends in different tissues. As well as, due to the effects of CPF on some pro‐inflammatory mediators, more comprehensive studies are recommended.
High-Throughput Analysis of Protein Turnover with Tandem Fluorescent Protein Timers
Authors: Fung Jia Jun , Blöcher-Juárez Karla , Khmelinskii Anton
Published: January 2022

Tandem fluorescent protein timers (tFTs) are versatile reporters of protein dynamics. A tFT consists of two fluorescent proteins with different maturation kinetics and provides a ratiometric readout of protein age, which can be exploited to follow intracellular trafficking, inheritance and turnover of tFT-tagged proteins. Here, we detail a protocol for high-throughput analysis of protein turnover with tFTs in yeast using fluorescence measurements of ordered colony arrays. We describe guidelines on optimization of experimental design with regard to the layout of colony arrays, growth conditions, and instrument choice. Combined with semi-automated genetic crossing using synthetic genetic array (SGA) methodology and high-throughput protein tagging with SWAp-Tag (SWAT) libraries, this approach can be used to compare protein turnover across the proteome and to identify regulators of protein turnover genome-wide.
Synopsis: How Space and Place Matter in the Context of Digital Work
Authors: Roth-Ebner Caroline , Will-Zocholl Mascha
Published: January 2022

The evolution of digital information and communication technologies has had a large impact on the topologies of work. Contrary to popular belief, this does not lead to work becoming placeless. The contributions in this volume reveal that the geographical location and places of work still matter in the globalised and digitised world of work. Places are used more flexibly, and the geographical, political, cultural or knowledge aspects inscribed upon them remain effective.
Post-Newtonian waveforms from spinning scattering amplitudes
Authors: Bautista Yilber Fabian , Siemonsen Nils
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We derive the classical gravitational radiation from an aligned spin binary black hole on closed orbits, using a dictionary built from the 5-point QFT scattering amplitude of two massive particles exchanging and emitting a graviton. We show explicitly the agreement of the transverse-traceless components of the radiative linear metric perturbations — and the corresponding gravitational wave energy flux — at future null infinity, derived from the scattering amplitude and those derived utilizing an effective worldline action in conjunction with multipolar post-Minkowskian matching. At the tree-level, this result holds at leading orders in the black holes’ velocities and up to quadratic order in their spins. At sub-leading order in black holes’ velocities, we demonstrate a matching of the radiation field for quasi-circular orbits in the no-spin limit. At the level of the radiation field, and to leading order in the velocities, there exists a one-to-one correspondence between the binary black hole mass and current quadrupole moments, and the scalar and linear-in-spin scattering amplitudes, respectively. Therefore, we show explicitly that waveforms, needed to detect gravitational waves from inspiraling binary black holes, can be derived consistently, to the orders considered, from the classical limit of quantum scattering amplitudes.
N-jettiness in electroweak high-energy processes
Authors: Chay Junegone , Ha Taewook , Kwon Taehyun
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study N-jettiness in electroweak processes at extreme high energies, in which the mass of the weak gauge bosons can be regarded as small. The description of the scattering process such as e−e+ → μ−μ+ + X is similar to QCD. The incoming leptons emit initial-state radiation and the resultant particles, highly off-shell, participate in the hard scattering, which are expressed by the beam functions. After the hard scattering, the final- state leptons or leptonic jets are observed, described by the fragmenting jet functions or the jet functions respectively. At present, electroweak processes are prevailed by the processes induced by the strong interaction, but they will be relevant at future e−e+ colliders at high energy. The main difference between QCD and electroweak processes is that the initial- and final-state particles should appear in the form of hadrons, that is, color singlets in QCD, while there can be weak nonsinglets as well in electroweak interactions. We analyze the factorization theorems for the N-jettiness in e−e+ → μ−μ+ + X, and compute the factorized parts to next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy. To simplify the comparison with QCD, we only consider the SU(2)W gauge interaction, and the extension to the Standard Model is straightforward. Put it in a different way, it corresponds to an imaginary world in which colored particles can be observed in QCD, and the richer structure of effective theories is probed. Various nonzero nonsinglet matrix elements are interwoven to produce the factorized results, in contrast to QCD in which there are only contributions from the singlets. Another distinct feature is that the rapidity divergence is prevalent in the contributions from weak nonsinglets due to the different group theory factors between the real and virtual corrections. We verify that the rapidity divergence cancels in all the contributions with a different number of nonsinglet channels. We also consider the renormalization group evolution of each factorized part to resum large logarithms, which are distinct from QCD.
Metastasiertes Plattenepithelkarzinom auf einem Ulkus bei Graft-versus-Host-Disease nach allogener Stammzelltransplantation
Authors: Hobelsberger S. , Meier F. , Beissert S. , Abraham S.
Published: January 2022

Wir berichten über einen 48-jährigen multimorbiden Patienten, der vor 26 Jahren eine allogene Knochenmarktransplantation aufgrund einer chronischen myeloischen Leukämie erhielt; 24 Jahre lang litt der Patient an einer sklerodermiformen chronischen Graft-versus-Host-Disease (GVHD) der Haut und der Lunge mit partieller Lungenresektion und immunsuppressiver Therapie. An den Unterschenkeln entwickelten sich rezidivierende Ulzerationen an den von der kutanen GVHD betroffenen Stellen. Der Patient stellte sich mit einem größenprogredienten Ulkus mit Therapieresistenz in unserer Klinik vor. Histologisch konnte ein Plattenepithelkarzinom diagnostiziert werden. Die Magnetresonanztomographie zeigte eine Knochenbeteiligung und eine kutane In-Transit-Metastase, und die Computertomographie ergab eine Metastase im Os sacrum. Bevor die Therapie eingeleitet wurde, verstarb der Patient plötzlich an den Folgen seiner Vorerkrankungen. Die Entwicklung einer kutanen GVHD ist häufig bei Patienten mit allogener Stammzelltransplantation. Hierbei ist das Risiko für die Entwicklung von Plattenepithelkarzinomen erhöht. Patienten sollten unter engmaschiger dermatologischer Kontrolle stehen. Bei Verdacht auf ein Plattenepithelkarzinom bei vorbestehender GVHD sollte zeitnah eine bioptische Sicherung erfolgen, um das Risiko einer Metastasierung zu senken.
Starkregenereignisse und ihre Auswirkungen auf das Einsatzgeschehen der Feuerwehr – Das Fallbeispiel Wuppertal
Authors: Wischott Valerie , Leuchner Michael
Published: January 2022

Starkregen ist schwer vorhersagbar und geht deshalb oft mit schwerwiegenden Folgen in den Siedlungsräumen einher. Die Bewältigung von Schadenslagen erfolgt durch die Feuerwehr als eine der tätigen Organisationen im Bevölkerungsschutz, die bei solchen Ereignissen einer großen Einsatzbelastung ausgesetzt ist. Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit der Frage, welche Auswirkungen Starkregenereignisse auf das Einsatzgeschehen der Feuerwehr Wuppertal haben und welche meteorologischen und nichtmeteorologischen Einflussfaktoren sich auf dieses auswirken. Dies wurde anhand von kartografischen Raum- und einfachen Korrelationsanalysen sowie 2 Befragungen für das Fallstudiengebiet untersucht. Es konnte ein Zusammenhang zu Versiegelungsgrad, Bevölkerungszahl und Topografie gefunden werden. Zu meteorologischen Faktoren wie Niederschlagshöhe konnte kein eindeutiger Zusammenhang identifiziert werden. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf ein Zusammenwirken unterschiedlicher Einflussfaktoren hin. Dies soll zum Anlass genommen werden, den Einfluss relevanter Faktoren weiterführend zu untersuchen sowie die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse in den praktischen Umgang mit der Starkregenthematik zu integrieren.
Deep learning versus iterative image reconstruction algorithm for head CT in trauma
Authors: Alagic Zlatan , Diaz Cardenas Jacqueline , Halldorsson Kolbeinn , Grozman Vitali , Wallgren Stig , Suzuki Chikako , Helmenkamp Johan , Koskinen Seppo K.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To compare the image quality between a deep learning–based image reconstruction algorithm (DLIR) and an adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm (ASiR-V) in noncontrast trauma head CT.

Methods

Head CT scans from 94 consecutive trauma patients were included. Images were reconstructed with ASiR-V 50% and the DLIR strengths: low (DLIR-L), medium (DLIR-M), and high (DLIR-H). The image quality was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively and compared between the different reconstruction algorithms. Inter-reader agreement was assessed by weighted kappa.

Results

DLIR-M and DLIR-H demonstrated lower image noise (p < 0.001 for all pairwise comparisons), higher SNR of up to 82.9% (p < 0.001), and higher CNR of up to 53.3% (p < 0.001) compared to ASiR-V. DLIR-H outperformed other DLIR strengths (p ranging from < 0.001 to 0.016). DLIR-M outperformed DLIR-L (p < 0.001) and ASiR-V (p < 0.001). The distribution of reader scores for DLIR-M and DLIR-H shifted towards higher scores compared to DLIR-L and ASiR-V. There was a tendency towards higher scores with increasing DLIR strengths. There were fewer non-diagnostic CT series for DLIR-M and DLIR-H compared to ASiR-V and DLIR-L. No images were graded as non-diagnostic for DLIR-H regarding intracranial hemorrhage. The inter-reader agreement was fair-good between the second most and the less experienced reader, poor-moderate between the most and the less experienced reader, and poor-fair between the most and the second most experienced reader.

Conclusion

The image quality of trauma head CT series reconstructed with DLIR outperformed those reconstructed with ASiR-V. In particular, DLIR-M and DLIR-H demonstrated significantly improved image quality and fewer non-diagnostic images. The improvement in qualitative image quality was greater for the second most and the less experienced readers compared to the most experienced reader.
Measuring language ability of students with compensatory multidimensional CAT: A post-hoc simulation study
Authors: Ozdemir Burhanettin , Gelbal Selahattin
Published: January 2022

The computerized adaptive tests (CAT) apply an adaptive process in which the items are tailored to individuals' ability scores. The multidimensional CAT (MCAT) designs differ in terms of different item selection, ability estimation, and termination methods being used. This study aims at investigating the performance of the MCAT designs used to measure the language ability of students and to compare the results of MCAT designs with the outcomes of corresponding paper–pencil tests. For this purpose, items in the English Proficiency Tests (EPT) were used to create a multi-dimensional item pool that consists of 599 items. The performance of the MCAT designs was evaluated and compared based on the reliability coefficients, root means square error (RMSE), test-length, and root means squared difference (RMSD) statistics, respectively. Therefore, 36 different conditions were investigated in total. The results of the post-hoc simulation designs indicate that the MCAT designs with the A-optimality item selection method outperformed MCAT designs with other item selection methods by decreasing the test length and RMSD values without any sacrifice in test reliability. Additionally, the best error variance stopping rule for each MCAT algorithm with A-optimality item selection could be considered as 0.25 with 27.9 average test length and 30 items for the fixed test-length stopping rule for the Bayesian MAP method. Overall, MCAT designs tend to decrease the test length by 60 to 65 percent and provide ability estimations with higher precision compared to the traditional paper–pencil tests with 65 to 75 items. Therefore, it is suggested to use the A-optimality method for item selection and the Bayesian MAP method for ability estimation for the MCAT designs since the MCAT algorithm with these specifications shows better performance than others.
Inter-team communication in large-scale co-located software engineering: a case study
Authors: Bjarnason Elizabeth , Gislason Bern Baldvin , Svedberg Linda
Published: January 2022

Large-scale software engineering is a collaborative effort where teams need to communicate to develop software products. Managers face the challenge of how to organise work to facilitate necessary communication between teams and individuals. This includes a range of decisions from distributing work over teams located in multiple buildings and sites, through work processes and tools for coordinating work, to softer issues including ensuring well-functioning teams. In this case study, we focus on inter-team communication by considering geographical, cognitive and psychological distances between teams, and factors and strategies that can affect this communication. Data was collected for ten test teams within a large development organisation, in two main phases: (1) measuring cognitive and psychological distance between teams using interactive posters, and (2) five focus group sessions where the obtained distance measurements were discussed. We present ten factors and five strategies, and how these relate to inter-team communication. We see three types of arenas that facilitate inter-team communication, namely physical, virtual and organisational arenas. Our findings can support managers in assessing and improving communication within large development organisations. In addition, the findings can provide insights into factors that may explain the challenges of scaling development organisations, in particular agile organisations that place a large emphasis on direct communication over written documentation.
Planetary polar explorer – the case for a next-generation remote sensing mission to low Mars orbit
Authors: Oberst Jürgen , Wickhusen Kai , Gwinner Klaus , Hauber Ernst , Stark Alexander , Elgner Stephan , Grott Matthias , Fanara Lida , Hussmann Hauke , Steinbrügge Gregor , Lewis Stephen , Balme Matthew , Maugeri Maurizio , Diolaiuti Guglielmina , Karlsson Nanna , Johnsson Andreas , Ivanov Anton , Hiesinger Harald
Published: January 2022

We propose the exploration of polar areas on Mars by a next-generation orbiter mission. In particular, we aim at studying the seasonal and regional variations in snow-deposits, which – in combination with measurements of temporal variations in rotation and gravity field – will improve models of the global planetary CO2 cycle. A monitoring of polar scarps for rock falls and avalanche events may provide insights into the dynamics of ice sheets. The mapping of the complex layering of polar deposits, believed to contain an important record of climate history, may help us understand the early climate collapse on the planet. Hence, we propose an innovative next-generation exploration mission in polar circular Low Mars Orbit, which will be of interest to scientists and challenging to engineers alike. Schemes will be developed to overcome atmosphere drag forces acting upon the spacecraft by an electric propulsion system. Based on the experience of missions of similar type in Earth orbit we believe that a two-year mission in circular orbit is possible at altitudes as low as 150 km. Such a mission opens new opportunities for novel remote sensing approaches, not requiring excessive telescope equipment or power. We anticipate precision altimetry, powerful radars, high-resolution imaging, and magnetic field mapping.
Raising Children in the Context of Rapid Social Change: Parenting Self-Efficacy of South Korean Mothers
Authors: Curtis Kaley N. , Nagase Ayumi , Kim Soojung , Holloway Susan D.
Published: January 2022

Given recent sociocultural and economic changes that have created significant pressures on South Korean mothers, we were interested in understanding the factors that might contribute to their sense of competence in taking on the challenges of childrearing. We examined several family conditions theoretically supportive of mothers’ parenting self-efficacy (PSE), specifically whether mothers’ PSE was associated with their marital satisfaction and with their children’s competence (social and academic). We then examined whether PSE was related to life stress, as well as whether life stress moderated the relationship of PSE to the proximal marital and child variables. Participants included 234 South Korean mothers of pre-primary-aged children. Mothers completed a survey reporting on PSE, life stress, and marital satisfaction. Teachers provided ratings of children’s competence. Regression analyses indicated that mothers who experienced lower life stress reported higher PSE after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Neither marital satisfaction nor child competence was associated with PSE. A second set of regressions tested the same set of predictors, in addition to the interactions of life stress with marital satisfaction and of life stress with child competence. Results indicated that for mothers reporting lower life stress, greater marital satisfaction was associated with higher PSE. Unexpectedly, for mothers experiencing higher life stress, lower marital satisfaction was associated with higher PSE. These findings support theoretical formulations linking PSE with marital support and life stress, while suggesting a need to further investigate the association among these factors in a variety of situational contexts, particularly those that are appraised as stressful.
eGHWT: The Extended Generalized Haar–Walsh Transform
Authors: Saito Naoki , Shao Yiqun
Published: January 2022

Extending computational harmonic analysis tools from the classical setting of regular lattices to the more general setting of graphs and networks is very important, and much research has been done recently. The generalized Haar–Walsh transform (GHWT) developed by Irion and Saito (2014) is a multiscale transform for signals on graphs, which is a generalization of the classical Haar and Walsh–Hadamard transforms. We propose the extended generalized Haar–Walsh transform (eGHWT), which is a generalization of the adapted time–frequency tilings of Thiele and Villemoes (1996). The eGHWT examines not only the efficiency of graph-domain partitions but also that of “sequency-domain” partitions simultaneously. Consequently, the eGHWT and its associated best-basis selection algorithm for graph signals significantly improve the performance of the previous GHWT with the similar computational cost, $$O(N \log N)$$

O
(
N
log
N
)

, where N is the number of nodes of an input graph. While the GHWT best-basis algorithm seeks the most suitable orthonormal basis for a given task among more than $$(1.5)^N$$

(
1.5
)

N

possible orthonormal bases in $$\mathbb {R}^N$$

R

N

, the eGHWT best-basis algorithm can find a better one by searching through more than $$0.618\cdot (1.84)^N$$

0.618
·

(
1.84
)

N

possible orthonormal bases in $$\mathbb {R}^N$$

R

N

. This article describes the details of the eGHWT best-basis algorithm and demonstrates its superiority using several examples including genuine graph signals as well as conventional digital images viewed as graph signals. Furthermore, we also show how the eGHWT can be extended to 2D signals and matrix-form data by viewing them as a tensor product of graphs generated from their columns and rows and demonstrate its effectiveness on applications such as image approximation.
Zeptometer Metrology Using the Casimir Effect
Authors: Javor Joshua , Imboden Matthias , Stange Alexander , Yao Zhancheng , Campbell David K. , Bishop David J.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we discuss using the Casimir force in conjunction with a MEMS parametric amplifier to construct a quantum displacement amplifier. Such a mechanical amplifier converts DC displacements into much larger AC oscillations via the quantum gain of the system which, in some cases, can be a factor of a million or more. This would allow one to build chip scale metrology systems with zeptometer positional resolution. This approach leverages quantum fluctuations to build a device with a sensitivity that can’t be obtained with classical systems.
Bus ridership and its determinants in Beijing: A spatial econometric perspective
Authors: Wang Jiaoe , Li Yanan , Jiao Jingjuan , Jin Haitao , Du Fangye
Published: January 2022

Understanding the temporal and spatial dynamics and determinants of public transport ridership play an important role in urban planning. Previous studies have focused on exploring the determinants at the station level using global models, or a local model, geographically weighted regression (GWR), which cannot reveal spatial autocorrelation at the global level. This study explores the factors affecting bus ridership considering spatial autocorrelation using the spatial Durbin model (SDM). Taking the community in Beijing as the basic study unit, this study aims to explore the temporal and spatial dynamics of bus ridership and identify its key determinants considering neighboring effects. The results show the following: (1) The temporal dynamics are quite distinct on weekdays and weekends as well as at different time slots of the day. (2) The spatial patterns of bus ridership varied across different time slots, and the hot areas are mainly located near the central business district (CBD), transport hubs, and residential areas. (3) Key determinants of bus ridership varied across weekends and weekdays and varied at different time slots per day. (4) The spatial neighboring effects had been verified. This study provides a common analytical framework for analyzing the spatiotemporal dynamics and determinants of bus ridership at the community level.
Preschool predictors of learning to read and spell in an additional language: a two-wave longitudinal study in a multilingual context
Authors: Wealer Cyril , Fricke Silke , Loff Ariana , Engel de Abreu Pascale M. J.
Published: January 2022

The study explores whether foundational skills of reading and spelling in preschool (age 5–6) predict literacy skills cross-linguistically in an additional language in Grade 1 (age 6–7). A sample of linguistically diverse preschool children completed tasks of phonological awareness, letter-sound knowledge, verbal-short term memory, rapid automatized naming, and lexical knowledge in the language of preschool instruction Luxembourgish. The children were followed-up in Grade 1 where literacy skills were assessed in the language of schooling, i.e., German, after five months of literacy instruction. German was a non-native language for all children. Longitudinal correlations confirm that individual differences in single word/pseudoword reading and spelling in German in Grade 1 can be predicted by all the foundational literacy skills that were assessed in Luxembourgish. Path analyses showed that phonological awareness in Luxembourgish emerged as the strongest unique predictor of Grade 1 literacy skills in German. The second unique preschool predictor of Grade 1 literacy skills was letter-sound knowledge. Results are consistent with the view that literacy development in an additional language builds upon similar building blocks as literacy acquisition in a first language, at least for languages that are typologically close. However, current findings suggest that respective contributions between predictors and literacy skills in children learning to read in an additional language may vary from patterns observed in studies with children acquiring literacy in their first language.
Wer Wissen hat, hat Autorität?
Authors: Prigge Jessica , Schildknecht Lukas
Published: January 2022

Wissen ist in der modernen Sozialpädagogik in besonderem Maße mit Ungewissheiten konfrontiert, die jenseits bloßer Informationen liegen. In diesem den Themenschwerpunkt einleitenden Beitrag werden Herausforderungen auch am Beispiel der Pandemie veranschaulicht um dafür zu plädieren, dass eine steigende Komplexität nicht dazu führen muss und darf, Wissen in der Sozialpädagogik als ausschließlich relativ und willkürlich anzusehen. Auch anhand der Beiträge wird in verschiedenen Handlungsfeldern und -logiken das Besondere im Verhältnis von Wissen und Nicht-Wissen aufgezeigt, so dass vielmehr eine reflexive Arbeit mit den jeweiligen Wissensformen notwendig wird.
Coastal Vegetation and Bathymetry Influence Blue Crab Abundance Across Spatial Scales
Authors: Cheng Selina L. , Tedford Kinsey N. , Smith Rachel S. , Hardison Sean , Cornish Michael R. , Castorani Max C. N.
Published: January 2022

Blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) are highly mobile, ecologically-important mesopredators that support multimillion-dollar fisheries along the western Atlantic Ocean. Understanding how blue crabs respond to coastal landscape change is integral to conservation and management, but such insights have been limited to a narrow range of habitats and spatial scales. We examined how local-scale to landscape-scale habitat characteristics and bathymetric features (channels and oceanic inlets) affect the relative abundance (catch per unit effort, CPUE) of adult blue crabs across a > 33 km2 seagrass landscape in coastal Virginia, USA. We found that crab CPUE was 1.7 × higher in sparse (versus dense) seagrass, 2.4 × higher at sites farther from (versus nearer to) salt marshes, and unaffected by proximity to oyster reefs. The probability that a trapped crab was female was 5.1 × higher in sparse seagrass and 8 × higher near deep channels. The probability of a female crab being gravid was 2.8 × higher near seagrass meadow edges and 3.3 × higher near deep channels. Moreover, the likelihood of a gravid female having mature eggs was 16 × greater in sparse seagrass and 32 × greater near oceanic inlets. Overall, we discovered that adult blue crab CPUE is influenced by seagrass, salt marsh, and bathymetric features on scales from meters to kilometers, and that habitat associations depend on sex and reproductive stage. Hence, accelerating changes to coastal geomorphology and vegetation will likely alter the abundance and distribution of adult blue crabs, challenging marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
The Synthetic Scaffolds for Ventral Hernia Repair: Perspectives for Regenerative Surgery—Systematic Review
Authors: Licari Leo , Viola Simona , Salamone Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Ventral hernia (VH) frequently affects patients after abdominal surgery. The use of a mesh is often recommended. Different materials are described, from synthetic non-resorbable meshes to biological meshes. New generation meshes, also named scaffolds, aim to combine the advantages of both materials. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the cytological, histological, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes of the use of the newest resorbable synthetic scaffolds in VH repair, based on experimental studies in a pre-clinical setting. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and to the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) guidelines. Only experimental studies were included. Outcome parameters were building technique, in vitro cytocompatibility, in vivo histocompatibility, biomechanical analysis, and clinical outcomes. The articles included were nine. The total number of cases treated was 257. Materials analyzed included electrospun silk fibroin (SF)/poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) hybrid scaffolds, biodegradable polyester poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) in the form of nanofibers, biodegradable mesh in poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), nanofibrous polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold with a polypropylene (PP) material to generate a sandwich-like mesh, the collagen sponge (CS) group, the hybrid scaffold (HS) containing CS and poly-L-lactide (PLLA), and the hybrid scaffold (HS) + bone marrow (HSBM). Resorbable synthetic scaffolds are new, safe, surgical materials for the treatment or prevention of ventral hernia in animal models. Scaffolds should be tested in a contaminated surgical field for emergency use. Rigorous schematic indications for data collection are needed to improve the quality of the data in order to definitively clarify the pathway involved in inflammatory induced response.
Optimal Port Design Minimizing Standing Waves with A Posteriori Long Term Shoreline Sustainability Analysis
Authors: Cook Megan , Bouchette Frédéric , Mohammadi Bijan , Sprunck Léa , Fraysse Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Optimization theory is applied to a coastal engineering problem that is the design of a port. This approach was applied to the redesign of La Turballe Port in order to increase the exploitable surface area and simultaneously reduce the occurrence of long waves within the port. Having defined the cost function as a weighted function of wave amplitude and with the chosen parameterization of the port, results show that an extended jetty and a widened mole yield a unique optimal solution. This work demonstrates that numerical optimization may be quick and efficient in the identification of port solutions consistent with classic engineering even in the context of complex problems.
Inequality
Authors: Keister Lisa A. , Southgate Darby E.
Published: January 2022

Inequality: A Contemporary Approach to Race, Class, and Gender offers a comprehensive introduction to the topics animating current sociological research focused on inequality. Contemporary, engaging, and research-oriented, it is the ideal text to help undergraduate students master the basic concepts in inequality research and gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which race, class, and gender interact with systems of social stratification. Following an introduction to theories and research methods used in the field, the authors apply these concepts to areas that define inequality research, including social mobility, education, gender, race, and culture. The authors include up-to-date quantitative evidence throughout. The text concludes by examining policies that have facilitated inequality and reviewing the social movements that in turn seek to reshape those structures. Though primarily focused on the United States, it includes a chapter on stratification across the globe and draws on cross-national comparisons throughout.
Appropriateness of MRI Requests for Low Back Pain and Neck Pain
Authors: Marion-Moffet Hugo , Bocti Christian , Evoy François
Published: January 2022

Background:

There is a high prevalence of low back pain and neck pain in Canada, and a large proportion can be treated without spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesized that there is overuse of lumbar and cervical spine MRI. The primary objective was to describe the proportion of appropriate, possibly appropriate, and inappropriate MRI requests for low back pain and neck pain.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study in the electromyography (EMG) clinic in Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke. All ambulatory cases of low back pain or neck pain who had an EMG evaluation and a request of lumbar and/or cervical spine MRI between March 1, 2018, and May 31, 2018, were analyzed. One hundred and twenty MRI orders were classified as appropriate, possibly appropriate, and inappropriate according to the interactive decision support guide of Institut National d’Excellence en Santé et Services Sociaux for optimal use of MRI.

Results:

Sixty-three requests (53%) were classified as inappropriate, with a higher proportion in the cervical group (34 (64%)) than the lumbar group (28 (43%)). Appropriate and possibly appropriate requests were 19 (16%) and 38 (31%), respectively. The subgroup with an MRI ordered within 90 days of symptom onset had a similar proportion of inappropriate use.

Interpretation:

Our study demonstrates that despite recommendations against ordering spine MRI in low back pain or neck pain without red flags, there is an overuse of this imaging modality in our region, contributing to the delay in MRI access for appropriate indications.