bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical modeling on the vibration response of a beam‐stiffened Mindlin thick plate with free boundary conditions
Authors: Guo Hui , Zhang Kai
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a new analytical solution for the vibration response of a beam‐stiffened Mindlin plate having a completely free boundary condition by utilizing a finite cosine integral transform. In the solution, the unknown coupling force and moments at the beam/plate interface and the unknown modal constants from the integral transform are determined by the continuity and compatibility conditions at the interface as well as the boundary conditions. It provides an easily implemented tool for exploring complex edge value problems for a class of higher‐order partial differential equations represented by fully free‐stiffened Mindlin thick plates. The validity of the model is evaluated by comparing the calculated free and forced vibration responses of the beam‐stiffened plate with those calculated using a beam‐stiffened thin plate and those from finite element analysis.
Hiding in plain sight: The underground palm Pinanga subterranea
Authors: Kuhnhäuser Benedikt G. , Randi Agusti , Petoe Peter , Chai Paul P. K. , Bellot Sidonie , Baker William J.
Published: June 2023

The production of flowers and fruit below ground (geoflory and geocarpy, respectively) is a paradoxical reproductive strategy that seemingly hinders pollination and dispersal. Though rare, these phenomena occur in 33 angiosperm families. Plants that flower and fruit entirely below ground are exceptionally unusual. Pinanga subterranea (Arecaceae), a species new to science from Borneo, is the first member of the palm family recorded to flower and fruit almost exclusively below ground. This raises many questions about its evolution, pollination and dispersal, which we discuss here. Strikingly, this remarkable species is widespread across western Borneo and valued by the local people for its edible fruits but has escaped the attention of scientists until now.
Probing Crystallinity and Grain Structure of 2D Materials and 2D‐Like Van der Waals Heterostructures by Low‐Voltage Electron Diffraction
Authors: Müller Johannes , Heyl Max , Schultz Thorsten , Elsner Kristiane , Schloz Marcel , Rühl Steffen , Seiler Hélène , Koch Norbert , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W. , Koch Christoph T.
Published: June 2023

4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D‐STEM) is a powerful method for characterizing electron‐transparent samples with down to sub‐Ångstrom spatial resolution. 4D‐STEM can reveal local crystallinity, orientation, grain size, strain, and many more sample properties by rastering a convergent electron beam over a sample area and acquiring a transmission diffraction pattern (DP) at each scan position. These patterns are rich in information about the atomic structure of the probed volume, making this technique a potent tool to characterize even inhomogeneous samples. 4D‐STEM can also be used in scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) by placing an electron‐sensitive camera below the sample. 4D‐STEM‐in‐SEMs is ideally suited to characterize 2D materials and 2D‐like van der Waals heterostructures (vdWH) due to their inherent thickness of a few nanometers. The lower accelerating voltage of SEMs leads to strong scattering even from monolayers. The large field of view and down to sub‐nm spatial resolution of SEMs are ideal to map properties of the different constituents of 2D‐like vdWH by probing their combined sample volume. A unique 4D‐STEM‐in‐SEM system is applied to reveal the single crystallinity of MoS2 exfoliated with gold‐mediation as well as the crystal orientation and coverage of both components of a C60/MoS2 vdWH are determined.
Quantum Algorithm for Anomaly Detection of Sequences
Authors: Guo Ming‐Chao , Liu Hai‐Ling , Pan Shi‐Jie , Li Wen‐Min , Gao Fei , Huang Xin‐Yi , Qin Su‐Juan , Wen Qiao‐Yan
Published: June 2023

Anomaly detection of sequences is a hot topic in data mining. Anomaly detection using piecewise aggregate approximation in the amplitude domain (called ADPAAD) is one of the widely used methods in anomaly detection of sequences. The core step in the classical algorithm for performing ADPAAD is to construct an approximate representation of the subsequence, where the elements of each subsequence are divided into several subsections according to the amplitude domain, and then the average of the subsections is computed. It is computationally expensive when processing large‐scale sequences. In this paper, a quantum algorithm for ADPAAD is proposed, which can divide the subsequence elements and compute the average in parallel. The quantum algorithm can achieve polynomial speedups on the number of subsequences and the length of subsequences over its classical counterpart.
Asymptotic stability analysis of nonlinear stochastic semi‐Markov jump systems
Authors: Liu Jiamin , Colaneri Patrizio , Bolzern Paolo , Li Zhao‐Yan
Published: June 2023

In this article, three different types of stochastic asymptotic stability for nonlinear stochastic semi‐Markov jump systems (SSMJS) are investigated. Novel sufficient conditions for th ‐moment asymptotic stability, almost sure asymptotic stability and stochastic asymptotic stability in the large are obtained. It is remarkable that the obtained results in the latter case cover the results in existing literature. Finally, two examples are presented to confirm the validity of the obtained theoretical results.
Polarization‐Sensitive Photodetector Based on High Crystallinity Quasi‐1D BiSeI Nanowires Synthesized via Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Li Yubin , Wang Shiyao , Hong Jinhua , Zhang Nannan , Wei Xin , Zhu Tao , Zhang Yao , Xu Zhuo , Liu Kaiqiang , Jiang Man , Xu Hua
Published: June 2023

Bismuth chalcohalides (BiSeI and BiSI), a class of superior light absorbers, have recently garnered great attention owing to their promise in constructing next‐generation optoelectronic devices. However, to date, the photodetection application of bismuth chalcohalides is still limited due to the challenge in controllable preparation. Herein, the synthesis of large‐scale quasi‐1D BiSeI nanowires via chemical vapor deposition growth is reported. By precisely tuning the growth temperature and the Se supply, it can effectively control the growth thermodynamics and kinetics of BiSeI crystal, and thus achieve high purity quasi‐1D BiSeI nanowires with high crystal quality, uniform diameter, and tunable domain length. Theory and optical characterizations of the quasi‐1D BiSeI nanowires reveal an indirect bandgap of 1.57 eV with prominent optical linear dichroism. As a result, the quasi‐1D BiSeI nanowire‐based photodetector demonstrates a broadband photoresponse (400–800 nm) with high responsivity of 5880 mA W−1, fast response speed of 0.11 ms and superior air stability. More importantly, the photodetector displays strong polarization sensitivity (anisotropic ratio = 1.77) under the 532 nm light irradiation. This work will provide important guides to the synthesis of other quais‐1D metal chalcohalides and shed light on their potential in constructing novel multifunctional optoelectronic devices.
Regioselective One‐Step Cyclization and Aromatization towards Directly Amino‐Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework with Stable Benzodiimidazole Linkage
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Jia Zhimin , Zhang Jie , Zou Yingdi , Zhang Yingdan , Shu Kewen , Liu Weijian , Liu Ning , Li Yang , Ma Lijian
Published: June 2023

The compatibility of crystallinity, stability, and functionality in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is challenging but significant in reticular chemistry and materials science. Herein, it is presented for the first time a strategy to synthesize directly amino‐functionalized COF with stable benzodiimidazole linkage by regioselective one‐step cyclization and aromatization. Bandrowski's base with two types of amino groups is used as a unique monomer, providing not only construction sites for the material framework through specific region‐selective reaction, but also amino active sites for functionality, which is usually difficult to achieve directly in COF synthesis because amino groups are the participants in COF bonding. In addition, the aromatic benzodiimidazole rings and the large conjugated system of the product effectively improve the crystallinity and stability, so that the as‐prepared BBCOF remains unchanged in both acid and base solutions, which is obviously better than the conventional imine‐linked COF. Impressively, the significantly enhanced conjugation degree by the benzodiimidazole structure also endows BBCOF with an efficient photocatalytic reduction of uranyl ion, with removal rate as high as 96.6% in single‐ion system and 95% in multi‐ion system. This study is of great importance to the design and synthesis of functional COFs with a commendable trade‐off among crystallinity, stability, and functionality.
Integrating Dual‐Single‐Atom Moieties with N, S Co‐Coordination Configurations for Oxidative Cascaded Catalysis
Authors: Zhao Xin , Fang Ruiqi , Wang Fengliang , Li Yingwei
Published: June 2023

Oxidation reaction is of critical importance in chemical industry, in which the primary O2 activation step still calls for high‐performance catalysts. Here, a newly developed precise locating carbonization strategy for the fabrication of 21 kinds of dual‐metal single‐atom catalysts with N, S co‐coordinated configurations is reported. As is exemplified by CoN3S1/CuN4@NC, systematical characterizations and in situ observations imply the atomic CoN3S1 and CuN4 sites immobilized on N‐doped carbon, over which the remarkable electron redistribution originating from their unsymmetrical coordination configurations. Impressively, the obtained CoN3S1/CuN4@NC exhibits unprecedented capability in O2 activation and enables a spontaneous process through its dynamic configuration, significantly outperforming the CoN4/CuN4@NC and CoN3S1@NC counterparts. Hence, the CoN3S1/CuN4@NC shows attractive performance in domino synthesis of natural flavone and 19 kinds of derivatives from benzyl alcohol, 2'‐hydroxyacetophenone, and corresponding substituted substrates via aerobic oxidative coupling‐dehydrogenation. Detailed reaction mechanisms and molecule behaviors over CoN3S1/CuN4@NC are also investigated through in situ experiments and simulations.
Monitoring silica core@shell nanoparticle‐bacterial film interactions using the multi‐parametric surface plasmon resonance technique
Authors: Mustafa Rawand A. , Parkkila Petteri , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Zhang Hongbo , Viitala Tapani
Published: June 2023

In a healthcare setting, biofilms are a major source of infection and difficult to eradicate once formed. Nanoparticles (NPs) can be designed to effectively penetrate biofilms to more efficiently either deliver antibiotic drugs throughout the biofilm matrix or elicit inherent antibiofilm activity. Antibacterial cerium oxide (CeO2) NPs were employed as core material and coated with a mesoporous silica shell (MSN) to generate cerium oxide coated mesoporous silica NPs (CeO2@MSN). Detailed studies of NP‐biofilm interactions are required to rationally develop NP platforms to prevent biofilm‐related infections. This work developed and implemented a unique label‐free analysis platform for the real‐time monitoring of bacterial biofilm formation and then assessed the interactions of antibacterial NPs. An analysis platform which allows bacterial biofilms to grow and develop in situ in flow within the multi‐parametric surface plasmon resonance (MP‐SPR) instrument was established. This enabled simultaneous monitoring and detection of biofilm growth phases, structure, and interactions between differentially charged CeO2@MSNs and bacterial biofilms. Positively charged antibacterial NPs (polyethyleneimine functionalized CeO2@MSNs) were found to be the most efficient to penetrate the biofilm. The MP‐SPR analysis platform was shown to be a powerful tool for monitoring biofilm development in real‐time and to analyze biofilm properties and NP‐biofilm interactions.
Photocatalytic Upcycling of Plastic Waste: Mechanism, Integrating Modus, and Selectivity
Authors: Wang Li , Jiang Shan , Gui Wenke , Li Haoze , Wu Jing , Wang Huaping , Yang Jianping
Published: June 2023

Plastics are ubiquitous and indispensable in our daily life because of their low cost, portability, durability, and processability. However, due to the overuse, short service life, and chemical inert character, the accumulated discarded plastics pose a great threat to the sustainable development of ecology and environment. Photocatalysis represents highly promising technology in transforming plastic wastes into value‐added products via green and mild method. In this perspective, the advantages of photocatalysis are discussed and compared with other catalysis technologies including thermal catalysis, electrocatalysis, and enzyme catalysis. Then the possible photocatalytic upcycling path of plastic wastes is clarified under different experimental conditions. The types of plastic wastes that can be upcycled by photocatalysis, the integrating modus between plastic wastes and the photocatalysts as well as the modulation of the product selectivity are also emphasized. Finally, the challenges and insights into the future development of photocatalytic plastic waste upcycling fields are presented. It is expected that this timely and critical review provides the instructive guidance for the design of photocatalysts with high efficiency and high selectivity toward plastic waste upcycling.
Using fish hard-part microchemistry and genetics to quantify population impacts of low-use lock-and-dam structures on the Alabama River
Authors: Kratina Garret J. , DeVries Dennis R. , Wright Russell A. , Peatman Eric , Rider Steven J. , Zhao Honggang
Published: June 2023

Objective

We used two approaches, fish hard-part microchemistry and genetics, to quantify effects of low-use lock-and-dam structures on riverine fish movement. Each approach varied in temporal scope, with microchemistry addressing effects within a lifetime and genetics addressing effects across generations.

Methods

Water samples and individuals of two species (Paddlefish Polyodon spathula and Smallmouth Buffalo Ictiobus bubalus) were collected from four river sections that were separated by three low-use lock-and-dam structures on the Alabama River. Quarterly water samples were collected from 15 sites during 2017–2018, and concentrations of Sr, Ba, Mn, Mg, and Ca were quantified using mass spectrometry.

Result

Water elemental signatures were spatially variable but temporally consistent. The Sr:Ca ratios in fish hard parts differed significantly among river sections for both species. Additionally, discriminant function analyses classified fish to their river capture section with accuracy between 55% and 74% for Paddlefish (errors nearly always assigned individuals to adjacent river sections) and 37–47% for Smallmouth Buffalo. Population genetic analyses included fish from each river section, as well as from Alabama River tributaries and a neighboring watershed. Genotyping-by-sequence techniques identified 1,889 and 3,737 single nucleotide polymorphisms postfiltering in Paddlefish and Smallmouth Buffalo, respectively, which we used to estimate population diversity indices and conduct differentiation analyses. Analysis of molecular variance, discriminant analysis of principal components, Bayesian clustering, and pairwise comparisons of FST values indicated no strong evidence for genetic divergence in either species among river sections.

Conclusion

Within-lifespan results based on hard-part microchemistry suggested a potential for population isolation. However, longer-term genetic effects were not apparent, possibly because the life span of these large and relatively long-lived species means that few generations have passed since dam construction, and there could be sufficient mixing or population connectivity to prevent genetic divergence across river sections, particularly at the most downstream structure.
Syringic acid alleviates valproic acid induced autism via activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase: Possible molecular approach
Authors: Mallan Sudhanshu , Singh Shamsher
Published: June 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by restrictive and repetitive behavior followed by impairment in social, verbal, and non‐verbal interaction and communication. Valproic acid (VPA) is a well‐known anti‐epileptic drug, but its prenatal exposure to animals causes social impairment, neurotransmitters imbalance, and neuroinflammation with ASD‐like phenotypes. Syringic acid (SA) is a polyphenolic compound with anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, antioxidant, and neuromodulator activity. The purpose of study was to investigate the protective effect of Syringic acid (SA) in prenatal VPA‐treated rats through behavioral, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitters, neuronal integrity, and apoptotic marker. Single dose of VPA was administered 600 mg/kg, i.p. on a gestational day (GD) 12th and SA was administrated from PnD 26th to 54th at the dose of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o. On PnD 56th behavioral parameters (Pain sensitivity, open field test, narrow beam walks test and social impairment test) were performed and all animals were sacrificed, and brain tissue was isolated for oxidative stress (GSH, CAT, and LPO), neuroinflammation (TNF‐α and IL‐6) and neurotransmitters (GABA and Glutamate), histopathology (H&E, Nissl), immunohistochemistry (p38 MAPK) analysis. Rat treated with SA dose‐dependently prevented behavioral alteration, restored antioxidant enzymes, neurotransmitters level, decreased neuroinflammatory markers, and improved neuronal integrity. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry confirmed the reduced p38 MAPK marker expression by SA in VPA induced autistic behavior.
Outlining Stakeholder Engagement in a Sustainable Circular Economy
Authors: Heikkinen Anna , Kujala Johanna , Blomberg Annika
Published: June 2023

A circular economy is considered one of the most pertinent solutions to contemporary socioeconomic and environmental sustainability challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion. The transition from a linear to a circular economy requires the support and participation of various organisations and institutions as well as stakeholders at all levels of society. This edited volume examines the role and importance of stakeholder engagement in a sustainable circular economy from multiple theoretical and practical perspectives. We understand a sustainable circular economy as a pathway to a more environmentally friendly and socially inclusive society and stakeholder engagement as an important tool to catalyse this journey. This volume provides an in-depth, research-based overview of how stakeholder engagement can catalyse the transition towards a sustainable circular economy and foster and support sustainable change. It provides an up-to-date discussion of theoretical and practical advances that is intended for researchers, policymakers and practitioners working on the circular economy.
Coopetition for a Circular Economy: Horizontal Initiatives in Resolving Collective Environmental Challenges
Authors: Harala Linnea , Aarikka-Stenroos Leena , Ritala Paavo
Published: June 2023

To achieve industry-wide circular economy (CE) outcomes, such as material reuse or recycling, competitors need to join forces and enter the paradoxical relationship of coopetition, whereby competitors collaborate. According to the literature, coopetition can benefit sustainability. However, little is known about coopetition for a CE and how competitors, as stakeholders, can engage in resolving collective environmental challenges. This study examines the phenomenon of coopetition for a CE through an extensive multiple-case study from various industries in Finland. The findings indicate that coopetition for a CE can be organised through four distinctive modes of circularity: agreements for industry standards, pre-competitive R&D and knowledge-sharing, platforms, and reverse logistics systems. New industry standards supporting CE are set by engaging competitors in voluntary agreements. It is important to bring stakeholders together for CE-focused pre-competitive R&D and knowledge-sharing projects and networks. In applied and commercial coopetitive arrangements, stakeholder engagement (e.g., third-party coordination) enables cross-industry collaboration for reverse logistics systems, whereas platforms are used to connect stakeholders and match their supply and demand, thus facilitating the development of CE business models. Our chapter contributes to academic and practical discussions on how coopetition for a CE can manifest and how competitors, as stakeholders, can engage in collaboration and contribute to CE goals.
Connecting the Circular Economy and Sustainability: Finnish Stakeholder Perceptions
Authors: Salminen Hanna , Heikkinen Anna , Kujala Johanna
Published: June 2023

The circular economy has been presented as a means to promote ecological, economic, and social sustainability. However, the connection between the circular economy and sustainability remains undefined in both theory and practice. In this chapter, we examine how a circular economy and its connection to sustainability are understood among key stakeholder groups promoting the circular economy in Finland, a forerunner country in sustainable development. Theoretically, we build on circular economy and corporate sustainability literature. Empirically, we conducted an analysis of 26 qualitative interviews with circular economy stakeholders. As a result, we present three categorisations of a sustainable circular economy: a business-centric circular economy, a systemic circular economy, and a regenerative circular economy. Our findings demonstrate that different stakeholder groups at the local, regional, and national levels acknowledge the importance of the circular economy for the promotion of sustainability. Stakeholder views vary in terms of how broadly sustainability is understood and to what extent a circular economy is connected to the promotion of economic, ecological, and social sustainability. The findings call for a dialogue among stakeholders on how the circular economy can promote sustainable development.
Developing Sustainable Partnerships for Circular Economies: A Literature Review
Authors: Eiselein Philippe , Keygnaert Wim , Brabant Karen
Published: June 2023

Although the circular economy (CE) is considered a systemic and relational phenomenon, literature on the subject still fails to demonstrate an understanding of how stakeholders engage with one another and, therefore, how long-term partnerships are developed in a context focused on sustainability. In this chapter, we conduct a literature review and an in-depth analysis of 59 articles that have been published over the last decade. Taking on the theoretical lens of the quintuple helix model (QHM), we analyse articles from high-impact journals specialising in the circular economy. Through a constant comparison analysis, we identify three building blocks (vision, stakeholders, and processes) and nine underlying enabling mechanisms that are essential to developing sustainable partnerships for circular economies. We also highlight various obstacles that may affect the development of sustainable partnerships. We contribute to the growing body of literature on circular economy stakeholder engagement by taking a multi-actor, multi-level perspective, and provide a checklist for different stakeholders to understand what is needed to engage with one another and collaborate to resolve sustainability issues.
Stakeholder Engagement Mechanisms and Value Creation in Circular Entrepreneurship
Authors: Re Beatrice , Magnani Giovanna
Published: June 2023

This chapter contributes to the circular entrepreneurship literature regarding the empirical analysis of the stakeholder engagement mechanisms in place between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their key stakeholders. The context of analysis is circular entrepreneurship, consisting in the processes of formation and exploitation of opportunities to address key environmental challenges and requiring firms to establish close relationships with a series of stakeholders to narrow, slow, and close the resource loops. Through a multiple case study methodology involving four Finnish circular SMEs and their key stakeholders, this chapter investigates how firms engage their stakeholders, and which are the underlying key stakeholder engagement mechanisms leading to value creation. We summarise our findings in a conceptual framework of stakeholder engagement mechanisms in circular entrepreneurship, reflect upon the limits and challenges that stakeholder engagement may have in fostering value creation and circular practices, and suggest avenues for further research.
Analyzing the Virchow pioneering report on brain corpora amylacea: shedding light on recurrent controversies
Authors: Riba Marta , Romera Clara , Alsina Raquel , Alsina-Scheer Gerard , Pelegrí Carme , Vilaplana Jordi , del Valle Jaume
Published: June 2023

The first report of corpora amylacea (CA) is attributed to Morgagni, who described them in the prostate in the eighteenth century. Nearly a hundred years later, and following the lead started by Purkinje, Virchow described them in the brain. He made a detailed description of the most useful techniques to visualize them, but he failed to describe the cause of why CA do appear, why they are mainly linked with the elderly, and which is their clinical significance. Although in the last two centuries CA have received little attention, recent data have been able to describe that CA accumulate waste products and that some of them can be found in the cerebrospinal fluid and lymphatic nodes, after being released from the brain. Indeed, CA have been renamed to wasteosomes to underline the waste products they gather and to avoid confusion with the term amyloid used by Virchow, now widely related to certain protein deposits found in the brain. Here, after providing a commented English translation of Virchow’s findings, we provide a recent update on these structures and their connection with the glymphatic system insufficiency, for which wasteosomes should be considered a hallmark, and how these bodies could serve as diagnostic or prognostic markers of various brain conditions.
Characterization of a putative metal-dependent PTP-like phosphatase from Lactobacillus helveticus 2126
Authors: Priyodip Paul , Balaji Seetharaman
Published: June 2023

To date, there are very limited reports on sequence analysis and structure-based molecular modeling of phosphatases produced by probiotic bacteria. Therefore, a novel protein tyrosine-like phosphatase was characterized from L. helveticus 2126 in this study. The purified bacterial phosphatase was subjected to mass spectrometric analysis, and the identity of constructed sequence was analyzed using peptide mass fingerprint. The 3-D structure of protein was elucidated using homology modeling, while its stability was assessed using Ramachandran plot, VERIFY 3D, and PROCHECK. The bacterium produced an extracellular phosphatase of zone diameter 15 ± 0.8 mm on screening medium within 24 h of incubation. This bacterial phosphatase was highly specific towards sodium phytate as it yielded the lowest Km value of 299.50 ± 4.95 μM compared to other phosphorylated substrates. The activity was effectively stimulated in the presence of zinc, magnesium, and manganese ions thereby showing its PTP-like behavior. The phosphatase showed a molecular mass of 43 kDa, and the corresponding M/Z ratio data yielded 46% query coverage to Bacillus subtilis (3QY7). This showed a 61.1% sequence similarity to Ligilactobacillus ruminis (WP_046923835.1). The final sequence construct based on these bacteria showed a conserved motif “HCHILPGIDD” in their active site. In addition, homology modeling showed a distorted Tim barrel structure with a trinuclear metal center. The final model after energy minimization showed 90.9% of the residues in the favorable region of Ramachandran’s plot. This structural information can be used in genetic engineering for improving the overall stability and catalytic efficiency of probiotic bacterial phosphatases.
Are Bad Leaders Indeed Bad for Employees? A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies Between Destructive Leadership and Employee Outcomes
Authors: Li Peikai , Yin Kui , Shi Jian , Damen Tom G. E. , Taris Toon W.
Published: June 2023

Does having bad leaders have long-lasting adverse effects on employees? While previous studies have primarily viewed subordinate deviant behavior as a crucial consequence of destructive leadership, aggression theory suggests that subordinate deviant behavior could also be an antecedent of destructive leadership. To address this question, we conducted a meta-analysis by focusing on longitudinal field studies (i.e., time-lagged and panel designs), and investigated the longitudinal associations as well as the reciprocal relationships between destructive leadership and employee outcomes. Results from 82 articles with 104 independent prospective and longitudinal studies (N = 30,314) showed that destructive leadership has a lagged detrimental impact on employee behavioral (e.g., OCB, workplace deviance, CWB, and avoidance) and attitudinal outcomes (e.g., job satisfaction and work commitment). There are no significant differences between destructive leadership and employee outcomes for the long-term and short-term effects. Surprisingly, after accounting for auto-regression effects, the cross-lagged analysis showed that destructive leadership did not significantly relate to employees’ negative behavior over time, whereas negative employee behavior did relate to destructive leadership across time. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Social Entrepreneurship as a Family Resemblance Concept with Distinct Ethical Views
Authors: Lancastre Filipa , Lages Carmen , Santos Filipe
Published: June 2023

Almost 25 years after Dees’ article on the meaning of social entrepreneurship, conceptual controversy persists. Based on a qualitative analysis of 209 definitions of social entrepreneurship and respective academic articles, we argue that the concept follows a family resemblance structure and identify the 12 distinct attributes that comprehensively define it. Membership in social entrepreneurship is not defined by a case possessing a universally accepted set of criterial features but by carrying shared attributes with other cases. The family resemblance structure points to the persistent fallacy of using the same term to label different phenomena and cautions researchers against causal homogeneity assumptions among different conceptual subtypes. Assuming a descriptive stance, we shed light on how distinct ethical positions relate to different definitions of social entrepreneurship. Among the existing conceptual variety, we identify four prominent subtypes and find that ‘market-based’ conceptualizations relate to economism, the ‘social business’ subtype relates to rule utilitarian positions, ‘efficiency-driven’ definitions are associated with hedonistic act utilitarian views, and the ‘transformational impact’ subtype is akin to a eudemonic act utilitarian stance.
A Structural Equation Approach and Modelling of Pre-service Teachers' Perspectives of Cybersecurity Education
Authors: Ayanwale Musa Adekunle , Sanusi Ismaila Temitayo , Molefi Rethabile Rosemary , Otunla Adekunle Olusola
Published: June 2023

The increasing technology reliance in today’s world has amplified the need for cybersecurity education for all. Hence, initiatives regarding the integration of cybersecurity education within the pre-college level have begun to emerge in recent times. However, limited research exists regarding in-service or pre-service teachers’ perspectives on this phenomenon. More importantly, the need to understand pre-service teachers’ perceptions; since their perceptions may significantly influence how the prospective teachers respond to cybersecurity issues and also affect their behavior toward learning and promoting cybersecurity education in the future. Consequently, in order to gain insight into how candidates entering the teaching profession regard cybersecurity, 451 pre-service teachers were sampled in a major public university in Lesotho. The prospective teachers recruited across various departments in the faculty of education responded to an online survey that comprised 33 items gauged from five constructs which include personal cybersecurity awareness, perceived self-efficacy of learning cybersecurity, personal relevance of cybersecurity knowledge, behavioral intention towards learning cybersecurity and actual learning of cybersecurity. We analyzed the response from the survey by utilizing the structural equation modelling approach. Our findings showed that our hypothesized model was mostly accepted. The result suggests that practitioners and researchers in the related field need to raise the pre-service teacher’s behavioral intention to learn cybersecurity by helping them realize the implication for their personal lives and society. We discussed our findings in relation to the proposed research model and highlighted the implication for teacher education programs. Finally, the article concludes with limitations and identifies future research agenda.
Displaying Inner Experience Through Language and Body in Community Theater Rehearsals
Authors: Harjunpää Katariina , Deppermann Arnulf , Sorjonen Marja-Leena
Published: June 2023

Using multimodal conversation analysis, we investigate how novices learning the “inner body” acting technique in the context of a community theater project share their experiences of the bodily exercises through verbal and embodied conduct. We focus on how verbal description and bodily enactment of the experience mutually elaborate each other, and how the experienced sensorimotor and affective qualities are made to be witnessed and recognized by the others. Participants describe their experiences without naming qualities. Instead, a display of the experienced qualities is made accessible to others through coordinating the unfolding talk and bodily conduct. In particular, we show how grammatical and action projection is fulfilled by interconnected verbal and embodied conduct, with body movement and posture giving off ineffable experiential qualities. The moving body appears both as a source of the experience and as a resource for depicting perceived qualities to others; additional resources (non-specific person reference and gaze aversion) contribute to organizing the subjective and intersubjective layers of the reflection of the experiences. The study contributes to and extends recent research on sensoriality in interaction by focusing on phenomena of proprioception and interoception. The data are two cases drawn from 60 h of video-recordings made in the context of a devised community theater project. The data are in Finnish with English translations.
Neutrophils in STAT1 Gain-Of-Function Have a Pro-inflammatory Signature Which Is Not Rescued by JAK Inhibition
Authors: Parackova Zuzana , Vrabcova Petra , Zentsova Irena , Sediva Anna , Bloomfield Marketa
Published: June 2023

STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations cause an inborn error of immunity with diverse phenotype ranging from chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) to various non-infectious manifestations, the most precarious of which are autoimmunity and vascular complications. The pathogenesis centers around Th17 failure but is far from being understood. We hypothesized that neutrophils, whose functions have not been explored in the context of STAT1 GOF CMC yet, might be involved in the associated immunodysregulatory and vascular pathology. In a cohort of ten patients, we demonstrate that STAT1 GOF human ex-vivo peripheral blood neutrophils are immature and highly activated; have strong propensity for degranulation, NETosis, and platelet-neutrophil aggregation; and display marked inflammatory bias. STAT1 GOF neutrophils exhibit increased basal STAT1 phosphorylation and expression of IFN stimulated genes, but contrary to other immune cells, STAT1 GOF neutrophils do not display hyperphosphorylation of STAT1 molecule upon stimulation with IFNs. The patient treatment with JAKinib ruxolitinib does not ameliorate the observed neutrophil aberrations. To our knowledge, this is the first work describing features of peripheral neutrophils in STAT1 GOF CMC. The presented data suggest that neutrophils may contribute to the immune pathophysiology of the STAT1 GOF CMC.
Active Thermography for Non-invasive Inspection of Wall Painting: Novel Approach Based on Thermal Recovery Maps
Authors: Rippa M. , Vigorito M. R. , Russo M. R. , Mormile P. , Trojsi G.
Published: June 2023

The development of novel non-invasive diagnostic methods to support artwork conservation is an important aspect for preserving human culture. For many years the restoration work has been assisted by various technologies with digital imaging systems playing an important role. An important request is the use of non-invasive diagnostic tools that allow the detection of defects and a comparison between their state before and after consolidation treatments. Among these, infrared thermography is a well-known non-invasive and contact-less imaging method that can enable low-cost in situ analysis. This work investigates the feasibility of an innovative active thermography approach based on the calculation of thermal recovery maps to detect detachments in wall painting. Its capabilities are tested on a work of art datable in the XVIII century by making measurements in situ before and after a consolidation work. The results achieved show how this analysis can significantly support the restoration works in the detection of critical/defective areas and for a pre-post restoration comparison of the artwork.
De-noising the image using DBST-LCM-CLAHE: A deep learning approach
Authors: Chakraverti Sugandha , Agarwal Pankaj , Pattanayak Himansu Sekhar , Chauhan Sanjay Pratap Singh , Chakraverti Ashish Kumar , Kumar Manoj
Published: June 2023

Histogram Equalization (HE) is one of the most popular techniques for this purpose. Most histogram equalization techniques, including Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) and Local Contrast Modification CLAHE (LCM CLAHE), use a fixed block size technique for feature enhancement. Due to this, all these state of art techniques are used to give poor denoising performance after feature enhancement. In this paper, a deep learning based new approach, namely Dynamic Block Size Technique (DBST), is used to improve image denoising. In this approach, we use the Categorical Subjective Image Quality (CSIQ) image set, an image database generally used for preprocessing of images. The results obtained from experiments show better performance for different important parameters (used by state of art techniques). The work is novel in the preprocessing of images because in this work, we classify the image depending upon the image features for selecting appropriate block sizes dynamically during preprocessing. Proposed work outperforms in terms of PSNR, MSE, NRMSE, SSIM and SYNTROPY. The average respective values are 18.92, 863.86, 0.25, 0.81 and 19.35 and are better in comparison of CLAHE and LCM CLAHE.
Does the rule matter? A comparison of preference elicitation methods and voting rules based on data from an Austrian regional parliamentary election in 2019
Authors: Darmann Andreas , Klamler Christian
Published: June 2023

Based on data collected in connection with the 2019 parliamentary election in the Austrian region of Styria, we analyze (the use of) different voting rules. Following previous empirical studies in the literature, we use the results of an empirical survey to show that the choice of a voting rule will impact the outcome of an election (if revealed preferences are sincere), at least in certain parts of the social ranking. In addition, we observe a certain desire for voting rules using more fine-grained preference information. In that context, we investigate the degree of consistency in the voters’ declaration of preferences, something of relevance when different voting rules, that require different levels of information, are used. Finally, we discuss the occurrence of strategic behavior that can be observed in the data.
Bat use of golf courses depends on surrounding landscape context
Authors: Drake Evan , Vonhof Maarten , Maslo Brooke
Published: June 2023

Understanding how wildlife responds to altered ecosystems is an important conservation objective. Urban green spaces may support wildlife communities, but their internal and external environments vary substantially. Golf course design and management generally follow standardized best practices, and thus frequently contain similar ecological features. However, studies investigating their conservation value have produced discordant conclusions; therefore, we hypothesize that external environmental factors significantly affect their utility for wildlife. We used acoustic detectors to survey bats at eleven golf courses across a gradient of landscapes (urban, agricultural, and forested) over two years. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine how landscape features surrounding golf courses relate to bat activity. For most species, bat activity was greater on golf courses when the surrounding landscape contained fewer open spaces and more developed land. We conclude that golf courses situated in developed landscapes may provide important foraging habitat for bats. Notably, several species of conservation concern were more active on courses with larger patches of nearby forest. Given that management resources are finite, we recommend using the surrounding landscape to assess the conservation potential of golf courses and allocating effort to improve habitat on golf courses that are most likely to benefit bats and other wildlife.
Pattern of care for re-irradiation in locally recurrent rectal cancer: a national survey on behalf of the AIRO gastrointestinal tumors study group
Authors: Mantello Giovanna , Galofaro Elena , Caravatta Luciana , Di Carlo Clelia , Montrone Sabrina , Arpa Donatella , Chiloiro Giuditta , De Paoli Antonino , Donato Vittorio , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Genovesi Domenico , Lupattelli Marco , Macchia Gabriella , Montesi Giampaolo , Niespolo Rita Marina , Palazzari Elisa , Pontoriero Antonio , Scricciolo Melissa , Valvo Francesca , Franco Pierfrancesco
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Radical resection (R0) represents the best curative treatment for local recurrence (LR) rectal cancer. Re-irradiation (re-RT) can increase the rate of R0 resection. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines on Re-RT for LR rectal cancer. The Italian Association of Radiation and clinical oncology for gastrointestinal tumors (AIRO-GI) study group released a national survey to investigate the current clinical practice of external beam radiation therapy in these patients.

Material and methods

In February 2021, the survey was designed and distributed to members of the GI working group. The questionnaire consisted of 40 questions regarding center characteristics, clinical indications, doses, and treatment techniques of re-RT for LR rectal cancer.

Results

A total of 37 questionnaires were collected. Re-RT was reported as an option for neoadjuvant treatment in resectable and unresectable disease by 55% and 75% of respondents, respectively. Long-course treatment with 30–40 Gy (1.8–2 Gy/die, 1.2 Gy bid) and hypofractionated regimen of 30–35 Gy in 5 fractions were used in most centers. A total dose of 90–100 Gy as EqD2 dose (α/β = 5 Gy) was delivered by 46% of the respondents considering the previous treatment. Modern conformal techniques and daily image-guided radiation therapy protocols were used in 94% of centers.

Conclusion

Our survey showed that re-RT treatment is performed with advanced technology that allow a good management of LR rectal cancer. Significant variations were observed in terms of dose and fractionation, highlighting the need for a consensus on a common treatment strategy that could be validated in prospective studies.
Partner selection strategies of SMEs for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Castellani Paola , Rossato Chiara , Giaretta Elena , Vargas-Sánchez Alfonso
Published: June 2023

The paper aims to investigate the characteristics of SMEs’ partners that can better contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. Given the explorative nature of this research, a qualitative methodology is adopted, with a longitudinal case study employed as the research method. The Wråd case study confirmed that SMEs can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by developing partnerships with multiple stakeholders. In addition, this research revealed that the characteristics of the SMEs’ partners can be referred to the four following dimensions: economic, environmental, social and purpose. Furthermore, it proposed that quality utility value, technique level, profitability are the subdimensions of the economic dimension and that resource consumption efficiency, pollution production, energy efficiency, environment management system and environment equipment and facilities are the subdimensions of the environmental dimension. This research expressed also that public health, employee engagement, brand reputation and local communities’ influence are the subdimensions of the social dimension. Finally, it underlined that sustainability-oriented awareness development, sustainable orientation, sustainable collective culture, proactive managerial skills, organisational learning and proactive and innovative leadership are the subdimensions of the purpose dimension. In line with previous studies underlining the importance of increasing the TBL dimensions, this study suggests a further extension of this theory with the ‘purpose’ dimension. This study highlights the importance of developing a vision supported by a social awareness of the problems that need to be addressed and that transcend the fashion sector. Further researches could explore a larger sample of SMEs operating in different businesses and the point of view of the SME’s partners.
Liver fibrosis quantified by image morphometry predicts clinical outcomes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wang Zhengyi , Jeffrey Gary P. , Huang Yi , De Boer Bastiaan , Garas George , Wallace Michael , Bertot Luis , Adams Leon A.
Published: June 2023

Background and aims

Liver fibrosis predicts adverse clinical outcomes, such as liver-related death (LRD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the accuracy of semi-automated quantification of collagen proportionate area (CPA) as an objective new method for predicting clinical outcomes.

Method

Liver biopsies from patients with NAFLD underwent computerized image morphometry of Sirius Red staining with CPA quantification performed by ImageScope. Clinical outcomes, including total mortality, LRD, and combined liver outcomes (liver decompensation, HCC, or LRD), were determined by medical records and population-based data-linkage. The accuracy of CPA for predicting outcomes was compared with non-invasive fibrosis tests (Hepascore, FIB-4, APRI).

Results

A total of 295 patients (mean age 50 years) were followed for a median (range) of 9 (0.2–25) years totalling 3253 person-years. Patients with CPA ≥ 10% had significantly higher risks for total death [hazard ratio (HR): 5.0 (1.9–13.2)], LRD [19.0 (2.0–182.0)], and combined liver outcomes [15.6 (3.1–78.6)]. CPA and pathologist fibrosis staging (FS) showed similar accuracy (AUROC) for the prediction of total death (0.68 vs. 0.70), LRD (0.72 vs. 0.77) and combined liver outcomes (0.75 vs. 0.78). Non-invasive serum markers Hepascore, APRI, and FIB-4 reached higher AUROC; however, they were not statistically significant compared to that of CPA except for Hepascore in predicting total mortality (0.86 vs. 0.68, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Liver fibrosis quantified by CPA analysis was significantly associated with clinical outcomes including total mortality, LRD, and HCC. CPA achieved similar accuracy in predicting outcomes compared to pathologist fibrosis staging and non-invasive serum markers.