bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When does personalization work on social media? a posteriori segmentation of consumers
Authors: Serrano-Malebrán Jorge , Arenas-Gaitán Jorge
Published: September 2021

The aim of this research is to find a segment of consumers of fashion products based on their personal visions of personalization of shoppable ads on mobile social media. To meet this objective, three operational objectives are defined. First, a theoretical model is evaluated based on the stimulus-organism-response framework (S–O–R). This examines, with a PLS-SEM approach, how the stimulation of personalization will affect consumers' internal cognitive state (perceived usefulness) and consequently generates a behavioral response (intention to buy). Second, we look for fashion consumer segments based on their perception of personalization through prediction-oriented segmentation (PLS-POS). Third, the segments are explained based on three constructs that were considered important in fashion consumption through mobile social networks: purchase intention, concern for privacy, and perception of trend. The inclusion of personalization and the perception of usefulness of advertisements can greatly help the intention to purchase clothing to be understood. The application of a posterior segmentation helps to better understand the different types of users exposed to shoppable ads on mobile social networks and their relationship with the purchase intention, concern for privacy and trend. While the measures and scales were tested in a context of mobile clothing trade, the methodology can be applied to other types of products or services.
Fungal Genomics in Respiratory Medicine: What, How and When?
Authors: Brackin Amelie P. , Hemmings Sam J. , Fisher Matthew C. , Rhodes Johanna
Published: September 2021

Respiratory infections caused by fungal pathogens present a growing global health concern and are a major cause of death in immunocompromised patients. Worryingly, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome has been shown to predispose some patients to airborne fungal co-infections. These include secondary pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Aspergillosis is most commonly caused by the fungal pathogenAspergillus fumigatusand primarily treated using the triazole drug group, however in recent years, this fungus has been rapidly gaining resistance against these antifungals. This is of serious clinical concern as multi-azole resistant forms of aspergillosis have a higher risk of mortality when compared against azole-susceptible infections. With the increasing numbers of COVID-19 and other classes of immunocompromised patients, early diagnosis of fungal infections is critical to ensuring patient survival. However, time-limited diagnosis is difficult to achieve with current culture-based methods. Advances within fungal genomics have enabled molecular diagnostic methods to become a fast, reproducible, and cost-effective alternative for diagnosis of respiratory fungal pathogens and detection of antifungal resistance. Here, we describe what techniques are currently available within molecular diagnostics, how they work and when they have been used.
Nonlinear energy-based control of soft continuum pneumatic manipulators
Authors: Franco Enrico , Ayatullah Tutla , Sugiharto Arif , Garriga-Casanovas Arnau , Virdyawan Vani
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the model-based nonlinear control of a class of soft continuum pneumatic manipulators that bend due to pressurization of their internal chambers and that operate in the presence of disturbances. A port-Hamiltonian formulation is employed to describe the closed loop system dynamics, which includes the pressure dynamics of the pneumatic actuation, and new nonlinear control laws are constructed with an energy-based approach. In particular, a multi-step design procedure is outlined for soft continuum manipulators operating on a plane and in 3D space. The resulting nonlinear control laws are combined with adaptive observers to compensate the effect of unknown disturbances and model uncertainties. Stability conditions are investigated with a Lyapunov approach, and the effect of the tuning parameters is discussed. For comparison purposes, a different control law constructed with a backstepping procedure is also presented. The effectiveness of the control strategy is demonstrated with simulations and with experiments on a prototype. To this end, a needle valve operated by a servo motor is employed instead of more sophisticated digital pressure regulators. The proposed controllers effectively regulate the tip rotation of the prototype, while preventing vibrations and compensating the effects of disturbances, and demonstrate improved performance compared to the backstepping alternative and to a PID algorithm.
Supererogation and conditional obligation
Authors: Muñoz Daniel , Pummer Theron
Published: September 2021

There are plenty of classic paradoxes about conditional obligations, like the duty to be gentle if one is to murder, and about “supererogatory” deeds beyond the call of duty. But little has been said about the intersection of these topics. We develop the first general account of conditional supererogation, with the power to solve familiar puzzles as well as several that we introduce. Our account, moreover, flows from two familiar ideas: that conditionals restrict quantification and that supererogation emerges from a clash between justifying and requiring reasons.
Oxidation of soot over supported RuRe nanoparticles prepared by the microwave-polyol method
Authors: Adamska Katarzyna , Smykała Szymon , Zieliński Sebastian , Szymański Damian , Hojeńska Agnieszka , Stelmachowski Paweł , Kotarba Andrzej , Okal Janina
Published: September 2021

The oxidation of soot over RuRe bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) supported on γ-Al2O3 has been investigated. The catalysts were synthesized by a microwave-polyol method and characterized by ICP, BET, TEM, STEM-EDS, XRD and XPS techniques. The study revealed that the proper choice of the Re loading (0.4–2.0 wt%) is crucial for the catalytic behavior of the 2% Ru–Re/Al2O3 nano-catalysts.The best catalytic properties, in terms of overall activity and stability, were observed for the 2%Ru-0.8%Re/γ-Al2O3 nano-catalyst. The stability of all bimetallic 2% Ru–Re nano-catalysts in catalytic soot oxidation in the presence of oxygen is very high in contrast to the 2% Ru/γ-Al2O3 sample. The presence of rhenium in the catalytic system hinder the formation of large RuO2 agglomerates leading to a better dispersion of active ruthenium phase and a better catalytic performance. The relationship between the catalytic activity of Ru–Re/γ-Al2O3 and the synergetic roles of Ru and Re is discussed.
Indeterminism in physics and intuitionistic mathematics
Authors: Gisin Nicolas
Published: September 2021

Most physics theories are deterministic, with the notable exception of quantum mechanics which, however, comes plagued by the so-called measurement problem. This state of affairs might well be due to the inability of standard mathematics to “speak” of indeterminism, its inability to present us a worldview in which new information is created as time passes. In such a case, scientific determinism would only be an illusion due to the timeless mathematical language scientists use. To investigate this possibility it is necessary to develop an alternative mathematical language that is both powerful enough to allow scientists to compute predictions and compatible with indeterminism and the passage of time. We suggest that intuitionistic mathematics provides such a language and we illustrate it in simple terms.
A bioprocess perspective on the production of secondary metabolites by Streptomyces in submerged co-cultures
Authors: Boruta Tomasz
Published: September 2021

Filamentous microorganisms are potent sources of bioactive secondary metabolites, the molecules formed in response to complex environmental signals. The chemical diversity encoded in microbial genomes is only partially revealed by following the standard microbiological approaches. Mimicking the natural stimuli through laboratory co-cultivation is one of the most effective methods of awakening the formation of high-value metabolic products. Whereas the biosynthetic outcomes of co-cultures are reviewed extensively, the bioprocess aspects of such efforts are often overlooked. The aim of the present review is to discuss the submerged co-cultivation strategies used for triggering and enhancing secondary metabolites production inStreptomyces, a heavily investigated bacterial genus exhibiting an impressive repertoire of secondary metabolites, including a vast array of antibiotics. The previously published studies on influencing the biosynthetic capabilities ofStreptomycesthrough co-cultivation are comparatively analyzed in the bioprocess perspective, mainly with the focus on the approaches of co-culture initiation, the experimental setup, the design of experimental controls and the ways of influencing the outcomes of co-cultivation processes. These topics are discussed in the general context of secondary metabolites production in submerged microbial co-cultures by referring to theStreptomyces-related studies as illustrative examples.
C-F bond activation under transition-metal-free conditions
Authors: Ai Han-Jun , Ma Xingxing , Song Qiuling , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: September 2021

The unique properties of fluorine-containing organic compounds make fluorine substitution attractive for the development of pharmaceuticals and various specialty materials, which have inspired the evolution of diverse C-F bond activation techniques. Although many advances have been made in functionalizations of activated C-F bonds utilizing transition metal complexes, there are fewer approaches available for nonactivated C-F bonds due to the difficulty in oxidative addition of transition metals to the inert C-F bonds. In this regard, using Lewis acid to abstract the fluoride and light/radical initiator to generate the radical intermediate have emerged as powerful tools for activating those inert C-F bonds. Meanwhile, these transition-metal-free processes are greener, economical, and for the pharmaceutical industry, without heavy metal residues. This review provides an overview of recent C-F bond activations and functionalizations under transition-metal-free conditions. The key mechanisms involved are demonstrated and discussed in detail. Finally, a brief discussion on the existing limitations of this field and our perspective are presented.
The Role of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Shaping the Quality of Highbush Blueberry Fruit During Storage in Ozone-Enriched Atmosphere
Authors: Piechowiak Tomasz , Sowa Patrycja , Tarapatskyy Maria , Balawejder Maciej
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ozone treatment on the mitochondrial energy metabolism in blueberry fruit during storage as well as to determine the relationship between the activity of mitochondria and the antioxidative properties of ozonated fruit. Blueberry fruit was stored for 28 days at 4 °C and ozonated daily with gaseous ozone at the concentration of 15 mg L−1 for 30 min, every 12 h of storage. Research showed that ozonated fruit was characterized by higher activity of enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (by 58.7% for SDH, 118.2% for CCO, and 78.16% for H+-ATPase after 7 days, respectively) than non-ozonated sample, which contributed to reduction of the loss of energy charge and ATP in the fruit during storage. Moreover, the increased activity of mitochondria led to the growth of mitochondrial ROS accumulation which, in turn, activated defense mechanisms against oxidative stress in the fruit. These metabolic responses might collectively contribute to increase the antioxidative properties of ozonated fruit and consequently to maintain a good quality of the fruit over a long period of storage.
A Path Analytic Model Exploration of Determinants of Happiness of Older Adults in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Al Bahar Muna , Badri Masood , Al Khaili Mugheer , Al Neyadi Fahad , Yang Guang , Al Rashdi Asma
Published: September 2021

The objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with the subjective well-being of older adults in Abu Dhabi when happiness is taken as the dependent variable. In the present research, a framework based on theoretical models was developed in which older adult’s happiness was seen in a synergistic relationship and was associated with many other variables related to various domains in the social system. The sample consisted of 1,004 older adults aged 60 and above, who participated in the First Abu Dhabi General Social Survey administered in 2018. Many subjective well-being variables were considered. Path analysis was used to develop a model that incorporated the five following variables directly affecting the happiness of older adults: housing satisfaction, satisfaction with family life, satisfaction with friendships, life satisfaction, satisfaction with surrounding environment, and some psychological feelings. The study highlighted all direct and indirect associations. Further analysis of variance revealed the associations of gender, marital status, and education attainment. Implications of the study were highlighted along with future research directions.
Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia: Insights into the role of defect engineering in photocatalysts
Authors: Shen Huidong , Yang Mengmeng , Hao Leiduan , Wang Jinrui , Strunk Jennifer , Sun Zhenyu
Published: September 2021

Engineering of defects in semiconductors provides an effective protocol for improving photocatalytic N2conversion efficiency. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art progress in defect engineering of photocatalysts for the N2reduction toward ammonia. The basic principles and mechanisms of thermal catalyzed and photon-induced N2reduction are first concisely recapped, including relevant properties of the N2molecule, reaction pathways, and NH3quantification methods. Subsequently, defect classification, synthesis strategies, and identification techniques are compendiously summarized. Advances ofin situcharacterization techniques for monitoring defect state during the N2reduction process are also described. Especially, various surface defect strategies and their critical roles in improving the N2photoreduction performance are highlighted, including surface vacancies (i.e., anionic vacancies and cationic vacancies), heteroatom doping (i.e., metal element doping and nonmetal element doping), and atomically defined surface sites. Finally, future opportunities and challenges as well as perspectives on further development of defect-engineered photocatalysts for the nitrogen reduction to ammonia are presented. It is expected that this review can provide a profound guidance for more specialized design of defect-engineered catalysts with high activity and stability for nitrogen photochemical fixation.
Gold Mineralisation in Eastern Mahakoshal Belt of Central India: A Reappraisal Based on Mineral System
Authors: Misra P. S. , Singh V. , Tripathi U. , Ahmed S. , Bage G. , Tiwari C. B. , Saha S. K.
Published: September 2021

Gold exploration in the Mahakoshal belt has been carried out for the past thirty years and mostly quartz veins were identified as the host targets. The recent study based on the concept of mineral system has indicated that gold occurs in mafic and ultramafic rocks also, besides the quartz veins. The mineralisation in Agori Formation is generally confined to Algoma type BIF, meta-volcanics and phyllites, while in Parsoi Formation it occurs predominantly in quartz veins. The metavolcanics have acted as source rocks and the crustal deep faults have acted as conduits for mineralizing fluids, in the continental back arc type tectonic setting with two mineral systems viz. (i) basin related fluid flow with active magmatism, and (ii) magmatic related hydrothermal system.
Stromatolites from Terminal Proterozoic Krol - Tal Sequence of Nainital Syncline, Lesser Himalaya and their Environment Interpretations
Authors: Sinha Kaushlendra Kumar , Ghosh Dibakar
Published: September 2021

The terminal Proterozoic Krol-Tal succession disposed in a doubly plunging syncline of Nainital in the domain of Lesser Himalaya is an allochthon and forms the southernmost sub-basin of ca. 280 km linear belt comprising of six sub-basins. The mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of the sequence show a wide spectrum of stromatolitic morphology, such as stratiform, laterally linked hemispheroids (LLH), columnar, domal and branching columnar, and other microbialites, such as thrombolites. These various morphological characteristics are result of a subtle balanced interaction among biological, hydrodynamic and sedimentation processes and have high potential for inferring different environments of their accretion. Among the five members of Krol Formation, viz. Krol A, Krol B, Krol C, Krol D and Krol E, the lowermost member, i.e. Krol A stromatolites represent a supratidal to intertidal environment, whereas Krol B stromatolites favour a supratidal zone of deposition. The stromatolite characteristics of intertidal environments marked with channels have been recorded from the Krol C member. A peritidal realm of deposition for Krol D member and a partly protected intertidal to upper subtidal zone for Krol E have been inferred. The lower Tal sediments were laid down in a supratidal to lower intertidal/upper subtidal environment. No stromatolite was recorded from the siliciclastic dominated upper Tal member that was deposited in supratidal to intertidal zones. The entire Krol-Tal stratigraphic succession is characterised by a repetitive shallowing-upward succession and the environmental interpretation based on the stromatolite morphometry is well in accordance with various observed sedimentary structures and sedimentological characteristics of the succession.
The Cost of Fairness in AI: Evidence from E-Commerce
Authors: von Zahn Moritz , Feuerriegel Stefan , Kuehl Niklas
Published: September 2021

Contemporary information systems make widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers various benefits, it can also be subject to systematic errors, whereby people from certain groups (defined by gender, age, or other sensitive attributes) experience disparate outcomes. In many AI applications, disparate outcomes confront businesses and organizations with legal and reputational risks. To address these, technologies for so-called “AI fairness” have been developed, by which AI is adapted such that mathematical constraints for fairness are fulfilled. However, the financial costs of AI fairness are unclear. Therefore, the authors develop AI fairness for a real-world use case from e-commerce, where coupons are allocated according to clickstream sessions. In their setting, the authors find that AI fairness successfully manages to adhere to fairness requirements, while reducing the overall prediction performance only slightly. However, they find that AI fairness also results in an increase in financial cost. Thus, in this way the paper’s findings contribute to designing information systems on the basis of AI fairness.
Attitudes among dermatologists regarding non-melanoma skin cancer treatment options
Authors: Fania Luca , Samela Tonia , Moretta Gaia , Ricci Francesco , Dellambra Elena , Mancini Mara , Sampogna Francesca , Panebianco Annarita , Abeni Damiano
Published: September 2021

Non-melanoma skin cancers include basal and squamous cell carcinoma. These tumors have become an important health issue for their high incidence and for the morbidity, especially if untreated for a long period. Over the last 20 years, therapeutic approaches for these tumours have been improved and tailored. In this survey we provided data from one hundred and ten Italian dermatologists regarding knowledge and attitude towards different therapeutic approaches on non-melanoma skin cancers. In our study, we observed that surgery and imiquimod 5% cream were the most used treatment by dermatologists for basal cell carcinoma, while, surgery was the most common treatment for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, we observed some differences regarding the prescribed therapies in the different Italian geographical areas (i.e., Mohs’ surgery and electrochemotherapy were more frequently used in Northern compared to Central and Southern Italy whereas immunotherapy was more used in Southern compared to Northern and Central Italy) and even considering the year of specialization of the dermatologists (i.e., immunotherapy with cemiplimab was prescribed mainly by dermatologists with 10–19 years of specialization). However, for locally advanced and metastatic forms of basal and squamous cell carcinoma, Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors and anti- Programmed cell death protein antibody treatment, respectively, were used in line with the newest evolution of therapies regarding this topic. Considering the importance of skin cancers and its progressive increase in incidence, it is crucial to improve the knowledge of different therapeutic approaches among dermatologists.
Effective removal of Pb2+ from oral medical wastewater via an activated three-dimensional framework carbon (3D AFC)
Authors: Song Fuxiang , Wang Na , Hu Zezhou , Zhang Zhen , Mai Xiaoxue , Jie Weibo , Bin Liu
Published: September 2021

Oral medical wastewater with heavy metal ions (such as plumbum, Pb2+) is regarded as the main pollutant produced in the oral cavity diagnosis, and the treatment process can pose a serious threat to human health. The removal of Pb2+ from oral medical wastewater facing major difficulties and challenges. Therefore, it is of great significance to take effective measures to remove Pb2+ by using effective methods. A new activated three-dimensional framework carbon (3D AFC), regarded as the main material to remove Pb2+ in the oral medical wastewater, has been fabricated successfully. In this experiment, the effects of 3D AFC absorbing Pb2+ under different conditions (including solid-to-liquid ratio, pH, ionic strength, contact time, and initial concentration, etc.) were discussed. And the result revealed that the adsorption kinetics process of Pb2+ on 3D AFC conformed to the pseudo-second-order model and the adsorption isotherm conformed to the Freundlich model. Under the condition that pH = 5.5 and T = 298 k, the calculated maximum adsorption capacity of 3D AFC for Pb2+ was 270.88 mg/g. In practical application, it has strong adsorption ability for Pb2+ in oral medical wastewater. Thus, 3D AFC shows promise for Pb2+ remove and recovery applications because of high adsorption capacity for Pb2+ in oral medical wastewater due to its high specific surface area, outstanding three-dimensional network structure.
Development of a quasi-linear parameter varying model for a tiltrotor aircraft
Authors: Nabi Hafiz Noor , Visser Coen C. de , Pavel Marilena D. , Quaranta Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

The research presented in this paper focuses on the development of a quasi-Linear Parameter Varying (qLPV) model for the XV-15 tiltrotor aircraft. The specific category of qLPV modeling technique, known as the model stitching technique, is employed to model the time-varying dynamics of XV-15 tiltrotor aircraft over the entire flight envelope. In this modeling approach, discrete linear state-space models are interpolated through lookup tables as function of scheduling parameters with the implementation of nonlinear equations of motion. The XV-15 qLPV model is configured with four scheduling parameters: altitude, nacelle incidence angle, wing flap angle and velocity. Additionally, a computational complexity analysis is presented. In particular, computational sensitivity of qLPV models configured with lookup tables to number of states and number of scheduling parameters is demonstrated. This is done to show the feasibility of real-time implementation of qLPV models with increasing fidelity (number of states) and expanding dynamic flight envelope (number of scheduling parameters).
Mining brand value propositions on Twitter: exploring the link between marketer-generated content and eWOM outcomes
Authors: Alwash Mostafa , Savarimuthu Bastin Tony Roy , Parackal Mathew
Published: September 2021

Content marketing has become a mainstream channel for brands to engage the market with value propositions. Through content, brands control, instigate and co-create value with its target audience. However, the nature of value propositions embedded within the cycle of content co-creation and their impact on eWOM outcomes has received scant attention from an empirical perspective. In this paper, we propose a value proposition-based framework around content marketing using established business perspectives. We employ bidirectional Twitter data from brands and customers to unearth descriptive, diagnostic and predictive insights into value propositions. Using a sample of marketer- and user-generated data from 10 Coffee (n(MGC) = 290,n(UGC) = 8811) and Car brands (n(MGC) = 635,n(UGC) = 7035) in 2018, a taxonomy of value propositions based on the literature was proposed and validated. The results of our study identify (a) descriptive insights explaining differentiation of brand value propositions, (b) diagnostic insights relating to consumer sentiments in response to the value proposition mix and (c) predictive insights of models predicting brand-specific values’ influencing Like, Share, Comment and Positive/Negative valence. Our results show that an effective social media marketing strategy selectively uses elements of the marketing mix (i.e. 4 P’s) within value propositions to attract favourable eWOM outcomes.
Artificial Neural Network–Particle Swarm Optimization (ANN-PSO) Approach for Behaviour Prediction and Structural Optimization of Lightweight Sandwich Composite Heliostats
Authors: Fadlallah Sulaiman O. , Anderson Timothy N. , Nates Roy J.
Published: September 2021

The necessity to diminish the heliostats’ cost so that central tower concentrating solar power (CSP) systems can stride to the forefront to become the technology of choice for generating renewable electricity is obliging the industry to consider innovative designs, leading to new materials being implemented into the development of heliostats. Honeycomb sandwich composites offer a lightweight but stiff structure that appear to be an ideal substitute for existing heliostat mirrors and their steel supporting trusses, avoiding large drive units and reducing energy consumption. However, realizing a honeycomb sandwich composite as a heliostat, among a multitude of possible combinations can be tailored from, that delivers the best trade-off between the panel’s weight reduction (broadly equates to cost) and structural integrity is cumbersome and challenging due to the complex nonlinear material behaviour, along with the large number of design variables and performance constraints. We herein offer a simulation–optimization model for behaviour prediction and structural optimization of lightweight honeycomb sandwich composite heliostats utilizing artificial neural network (ANN) technique and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Considering various honeycomb core configurations and several loading conditions, a thorough investigation was carried out to optimally choose the training algorithm, number of neurons in the hidden layer, activation function in a network and the suitable swarm size that delivers the best performance for convergence and processing time. Carried out for three case scenarios, each with different design requirements, the results showed that the proposed integrated ANN-PSO approach provides a useful, flexible and time-efficient tool for heliostat designers to predict and optimize the structural performance of honeycomb sandwich composite-based heliostats as per desired requirements. Knowing that heliostats in the field are not all subjected to the same wind conditions, this method offers flexibility to tailor heliostats independently, allowing them to be made lighter depending on the local wind speed in the field. This could lead to reductions in the size of drive units used to track the heliostat, and the foundations required to support these structures. Such reductions would deliver real cost savings, which are currently an impediment to the wider spread use of CSP systems.
Thermoelectric building temperature control: a potential assessment
Authors: Hagenkamp Markus , Blanke Tobias , Döring Bernd
Published: September 2021

This study focuses on thermoelectric elements (TEE) as an alternative for room temperature control. TEE are semi-conductor devices that can provide heating and cooling via a heat pump effect without direct noise emissions and no refrigerant use. An efficiency evaluation of the optimal operating mode is carried out for different numbers of TEE, ambient temperatures, and heating loads. The influence of an additional heat recovery unit on system efficiency and an unevenly distributed heating demand are examined. The results show that TEE can provide heat at a coefficient of performance (COP) greater than one especially for small heating demands and high ambient temperatures. The efficiency increases with the number of elements in the system and is subject to economies of scale. The best COP exceeds six at optimal operating conditions. An additional heat recovery unit proves beneficial for low ambient temperatures and systems with few TEE. It makes COPs above one possible at ambient temperatures below 0 $$^\circ $$

∘

C. The effect increases efficiency by maximal 0.81 (from 1.90 to 2.71) at ambient temperature 5 K below room temperature and heating demand $$\dot{Q}_h={100} W$$

Q
˙

h

=
100
W

but is subject to diseconomies of scale. Thermoelectric technology is a valuable option for electricity-based heat supply and can provide cooling and ventilation functions. A careful system design as well as an additional heat recovery unit significantly benefits the performance. This makes TEE superior to direct current heating systems and competitive to heat pumps for small scale applications with focus on avoiding noise and harmful refrigerants.
In-situ growth of MAX phase coatings on carbonised wood and their terahertz shielding properties
Authors: Huang Jiaxuan , Wan Hujie , Li Mian , Zhang Yiming , Zhu Jianfeng , Li Xuelin , Shui Wenchao , Li Yao , Fan Xiaomeng , Wen Qiye , Xiao Xu , Huang Qing
Published: September 2021

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have received considerable attention in recent years. The EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of materials depends on not only their composition but also their microstructures. Among various microstructure prototypes, porous structures provide the advantages of low density and high terahertz wave absorption. In this study, by using carbonised wood (CW) as a template, 1-mm-thick MAX@CW composites (Ti2AlC@CW, V2AlC@CW, and Cr2AlC@CW) with a porous structure were fabricated through the molten salt method. The MAX@CW composites led to the formation of a conductive network and multilayer interface, which resulted in improved EMI SE. The average EMI SE values of the three MAX@CW composites were > 45 dB in the frequency of 0.6–1.6 THz. Among the composites, V2AlC@CW exhibited the highest average EMI SE of 55 dB.
Dual classification revisited: Rodney Needham and vertical asymmetry aboard Scottish trawlers
Authors: Webster Joseph
Published: September 2021

Drawing on ethnographic data collected while working as a deckhand on two Scottish trawlers, this article analyses the spatialisation of social, religious, and economic inequalities that marked relations between crew members while they hunted for prawns in the North Sea. Moreover, it explores these inequalities as a wider feature of life in Gamrie, Aberdeenshire, a Brethren and Presbyterian fishing village riven by disparities in wealth and religion. Inequalities identified by fishermen at sea mirrored those identified by residents onshore, resulting in fishing boats being experienced as small floating villages. Drawing on the work of Rodney Needham, this article suggests that these asymmetries can be traced along a vertical axis, with greater to lesser wealth and religiosity moving from top/above to bottom/below. The article seeks to understand the presence and persistence of these hierarchies at sea and on land, by revisiting dual classification within anthropological theory.
Reduced-form mechanism design and ex post fairness constraints
Authors: Yang Erya
Published: September 2021

This paper incorporates fairness constraints into the classic single-unit reduced-form implementation problem (Border in Econometrica, 59(4):1175–1187, 1991, Econ Theory 31(1):167–181, 2007; Che et al. in Econometrica 81(6): 2487–2520, 2013; Manelli and Vincent in Econometrica, 78(6):1905–1938, 2010) with two agents. To do so, I use a new approach that utilizes the results from Kellerer (Math Ann 144(4):323–344, 1961) and Gutmann et al. (Ann Prob 19(4):1781–1797, 1991). Under realistic assumptions on the constraints, the conditions are transparent and can be verified in polynomial time.
Intelligent system for human activity recognition in IoT environment
Authors: Khaled Hassan , Abu-Elnasr Osama , Elmougy Samir , Tolba A. S.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, the adoption of machine learning
has grown steadily in different fields affecting the day-to-day decisions of individuals. This paper presents an intelligent system for recognizing human’s daily activities in a complex IoT environment. An enhanced model of capsule neural network called 1D-HARCapsNe is proposed. This proposed model consists of convolution layer, primary capsule layer, activity capsules flat layer and output layer. It is validated using WISDM dataset collected via smart devices and normalized using the random-SMOTE algorithm to handle the imbalanced behavior of the dataset. The experimental results indicate the potential and strengths of the proposed 1D-HARCapsNet that achieved enhanced performance with an accuracy of 98.67%, precision of 98.66%, recall of 98.67%, and F1-measure of 0.987 which shows major performance enhancement compared to the Conventional CapsNet (accuracy 90.11%, precision 91.88%, recall 89.94%, and F1-measure 0.93).
Mutual monitoring, approval motivation and fostering cooperation in teams
Authors: Levy Jonathan
Published: September 2021

We establish whether the efficacy of mutual monitoring in fostering cooperation is dependent on the degree of approval motivation within teams. Approval motivation is defined as the desire to produce positive perceptions in others and the incentive to acquire the approval of others as well as the desire to avoid disapproval, (Martin in J Personality Assess 48(5):508–519, 1984). Contrary to the theoretical predictions, the results from the experiment suggest that mutual monitoring was not effective in fostering cooperation in teams. Furthermore, the efficacy of mutual monitoring in fostering cooperation was not correlated with the degree of approval motivation within teams.
Union Membership as a Moderator in the Relationship Between Living Wage, Job Satisfaction and Employee Engagement
Authors: Maleka M. J. , Schultz C. M. , van Hoek L. , Paul-Dachapalli L. , Ragadu S. C.
Published: September 2021

In many developing countries, lower-level employees are working in workplaces that pay them poverty wages. The need for workers to earn a living wage has long been argued, both within the trade union movement, employers and society, along with the link with job satisfaction and employee engagement. The present study aims to explore the relationship between living wage, job satisfaction and employee engagement, as well as union membership as a moderator in these relationships. A quantitative research approach was employed in this study, and Loess curves were used to graphically predict the relationship between study variables. There were significant relationships between a living wage, job satisfaction and employee engagement. The results indicated that the relationships between the variables were cubic and not linear. Union membership was the moderator in the relationship between living wages and employee involvement. Union membership moderated the cubic relationship between living wages and employee engagement. Union membership also moderated the cubic relationship between living wages and job satisfaction.
Research Agenda for Political Science in China in an Era of Great Change
Authors: Yang Guangbin
Published: September 2021

The world order is undergoing tumultuous changes amid the Sino–US trade war and a global pandemic. During these epochal times for political science, The American school of social sciences needs an intellectual revolution and a repositioning of the research agenda for political science. Comparative political studies must shift their focus from their traditional role of comparison of political institutions to that of state governance models, as the former can no longer advance new knowledge in political science while the latter represents a greater challenge for such studies. Likewise, studies of international relations in the traditional sense should take a step further and explore studies of world politics, i.e., studies of international relations and world order as shaped by institutional changes triggered by political trends within certain countries. The research approach of historical political science is indispensable, whether it is comparison of state governance models or of world politics.
Optimization of the critical overlap length of hudraulic distributors regarding cavitation inception
Authors: Adama Maiga Mahamadou , Coutier-Delgosha Olivier , Buisine Daniel
Published: September 2021

The present paper is focused on the optimization of the overlap length in various types of distributors in hydraulic systems. It has been shown that this length has a strong influence on cavitation in rotating distributors, so its optimization would be beneficial to reduce the detrimental effects of cavitation, such as noise, vibrations, and instabilities. The objective of the present study is to generalize the modelling of the overlap length to different types of distributors and to determine the critical length at cavitation inception. The results show that the pressure losses in rotating distributors and in other types of distributors are similar, including the slide-valves that are the vast majority of distributors in hydraulic systems. It is confirmed that the overlap length has a stronger influence on the cavitation development than the distributor rotation speed. A critical overlap length of 0.071 mm is obtained, below which no significant development of cavitation is obtained, at all rotation speeds.

Article Highlights

The pressure losses in a rotating distributor and in a slide-valve can be expressed similarly.

The overlap length has a large influence on the cavitation development, much larger than the rotation speed.

A critical overlap length of 0.071 mm was obtained, below which there is almost no cavitation, for any rotation speed.
Closing the Feedback Loop in DevOps Through Autonomous Monitors in Operations
Authors: Hrusto Adha , Runeson Per , Engström Emelie
Published: September 2021

DevOps represent the tight connection between development and operations. To address challenges that arise on the borderline between development and operations, we conducted a study in collaboration with a Swedish company responsible for ticket management and sales in public transportation. The aim of our study was to explore and describe the existing DevOps environment, as well as to identify how the feedback from operations can be improved, specifically with respect to the alerts sent from system operations. Our study complies with the basic principles of the design science paradigm, such as understanding and improving design solutions in the specific areas of practice. Our diagnosis, based on qualitative data collected through interviews and observations, shows that alert flooding is a challenge in the feedback loop, i.e. too much signals from operations create noise in the feedback loop. Therefore, we design a solution to improve the alert management by optimizing when to raise alerts and accordingly introducing a new element in the feedback loop, a smart filter. Moreover, we implemented a prototype of the proposed solution design and showed that a tighter relation between operations and development can be achieved, using a hybrid method which combines rule-based and unsupervised machine learning for operations data analysis.
A numerical study of a bubble pair rising side by side in external magnetic fields
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ni Ming-Jiu
Published: September 2021

The motion of a pair of bubbles rising side by side under the influence of external magnetic fields is numerically examined. Through solving the fully three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, the results reveal that the bubble interactions are rather sensitive to the field direction and strength. At first, we identify that, in a hydrodynamic flow, whether the two bubbles will bounce or coalesce depends on the developments of the counter-rotating streamwise vortices during the collision. In particular, for an originally bouncing bubble pair, a streamwise magnetic field tends to promote their coalescence by weakening the strengths of the standing streamwise vortices, and such a weakening effect is caused by the asymmetric distribution of the Lorentz force in the presence of another bubble such that a torque is induced to offset the original streamwise vortices. Under a horizontal magnetic field, on the other hand, the influences are highly dependent on the angle between the bubble centroid line and the field: a transverse field or a moderate spanwise field always leads the bubble pair to coalescence while a strong spanwise field has the opposite effect. This anisotropic effect comes from the Lorentz force induced flow diffusion along the magnetic field, which not only produces two pairs of streamwise vortices at the bubble rear, but also homogenizes the pressure along the magnetic lines. As the competition between the two mechanisms varies with the magnetic direction and strength, the interaction between the bubble pair also changes. We show that the external magnetic fields control the bubble interaction through reconstructing the vortex structures, and hence the core mechanisms are identified.
In Search of Optimal Distinctiveness: Balancing Conformity and Differentiation via Organizational Learning
Authors: Hu Yimei , Zhang Huanren , Gao Yuchen
Published: September 2021

Firms in a nascent industry need to search across various technological trajectories and market opportunities with limited prior knowledge. While inter-firm learning (e.g., imitation) helps the focal firm adapt in the process of conformity, intra-firm learning (e.g., independent experimentation) helps a firm stand out from rivals in the process of differentiation, both of which can gain competitive advantages. This study investigates how the conformity-differentiation balance can be achieved from the cross-level learning perspective. Adopting a mixed-method design, we first conduct a case study on the Chinese photovoltaic industry. The case suggests that firms are inclined to conform in upstream and bottleneck technological domains but differentiate in the downstream market applications. We then extend the case findings through a computational simulation based on March's learning model. When experimentation and imitation are possible, the balance between conformity and differentiation can be reframed as the classical balance between exploitation and exploration across the firm and industry levels: while experimentation is often exploitative at the firm level but exploratory at the industry level, imitation is often exploratory at the firm level but exploitative at the industry level. The study makes a new attempt to bridge the optimal distinctiveness literature with the organizational learning literature.
Hospital-based health technology assessment in Brazil: current experiences and challenges
Authors: de Soárez Patricia Coelho , Pepe Vera Lúcia Edais , Novaes Hillegonda Maria Dutilh
Published: September 2021

In Brazil, there is no consensus on the concept of hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA). There is great variability in the existing models and difficulty in evaluating their results—whether in respect of clinical decisions, quality of care, and hospital policy and management or in respect of optimizing the use of resources. This study aims to discuss the experiences of HB-HTA, its integration into the regulatory system for the adoption of new technologies into the Brazilian public (SUS) (Unified Health System), and its main challenges. During a workshop, a panel of specialists in HTA and/or HB-HTA was formed, representative of four different perspectives: (i) Health services and health technology assessment units, (ii) Academia, (iii) Secretary of State for Health, and (iv) the Federal SUS sector. This was followed by discussion, a preliminary consensus, contributions from the audience, a plenary session, and a final consensus. HB-HTA is not institutionalized, nor is it part of the regulation system for the adoption of new technologies in the SUS. The main challenges are the difficulties in creating qualified teams, financial support, and sustainability. The work of these bodies in respect of the evaluation of new technologies deserves further studies analyzing the relationship between the pressure for adoption from the hospital team and industry professionals and legal rulings. It is necessary to strengthen HB-HTA culture and implement this policy in hospital management, making assessment bodies a part of managerial and decision-making processes in hospitals, and develop regional collaborative networks and a national network of HTA.
“A Sigh of Sympathy”: Thomas Hardy's Paralinguistic Aesthetics and Evolutionary Sympathy
Authors: Spence Rebecca
Published: September 2021

This essay turns on a quiet, though intriguing, expression—the sigh—and considers the aesthetic work that it performs in the novels of Thomas Hardy. While the primary focus of the essay is the aesthetic, communicative, and biological functions of the sigh itself, the broader imperative is to demonstrate how paralanguage was implicated in broader nineteenth-century debates about evolution. It does this by setting Hardy's sighs in conversation with Herbert Spencer's essay “The Origin and Function of Music” (1857). Hardy's writing dramatizes a comparable associative relationship between paralanguage, listening, and sympathy to that which Spencer proposed in “The Origin” but does not replicate the ideological conditions of Spencer's model, which had reserved the highest forms of sympathy for the “cultivated” few. Hardy's aesthetic interest in the sigh, I argue, is more overtly related to how the biosemiotics of paralanguage communicate insights into emotional conditions that are outside the grasp of language.