bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Numerical and Experimental Testing of a Flexible Test Bench for High-Speed Impact Shear-Cutting with Linear Motors
Authors: Krutz Pascal , Leonhardt André , Graf Alexander , Winter Sven , Galiev Elmar , Rehm Matthias , Kräusel Verena , Dix Martin
Published: September 2023

Given the use of high-strength steels to achieve lightweight construction goals, conventional shear-cutting processes are reaching their limits. Therefore, so-called high-speed impact cutting (HSIC) is used to achieve the required cut surface qualities. A new machine concept consisting of linear motors and an impact mass is presented to investigate HSIC. It allows all relevant parameters to be flexibly adjusted and measured. The design and construction of the test bench, as well as the mechanism for coupling the impact mass, are described. To validate the theoretically determined process speeds, the cutting process was recorded with high-speed cameras, and HSIC with a mild deep-drawing steel sheet was performed. It was discovered that very good cutting edges could be produced, which showed a significantly lower hardening depth than slowly cut reference samples. In addition, HSIC was numerically modelled in LS-DYNA, and the calculated cutting edges were compared with the real ones. With the help of adaptive meshing, a very good agreement for the cutting edges could be achieved. The results show the great potential of using a linear motor in HSIC.
Health Risks from Intake and Contact with Toxic Metal-Contaminated Water from Pager River, Uganda
Authors: Onen Patrick , Akemkwene Robin , Nakiguli Caroline K. , Nimusiima Daniel , Ruma Daniel Hendry , Khanakwa Alice V. , Angiro Christopher , Bamanya Gadson , Opio Boniface , Gonzaga Allan , Omara Timothy
Published: September 2023

Pollution of water resources is one of the major impediments to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical quality and potentially toxic element (lead and cadmium) concentrations in surface water sampled from Pager River, a tributary of the Nile River in Northern Uganda. Water samples (n = 18) were taken from six different points upstream (A, B, and C) and downstream (D, E, and F) of the river and analyzed following standard methods for their physiochemical properties. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to quantify lead and cadmium concentrations. Human health risks from ingestion and dermal contact with potentially toxic metal-contaminated water were calculated. The results obtained indicated that the mean temperature (27.7 ± 0.5–29.5 ± 0.8 °C), turbidity (40.7 ± 2.1–50.1 ± 1.1 NTU), lead (0.296 ± 0.030–0.576 ± 0.163 mg/L) and cadmium (0.278 ± 0.040–0.524 ± 0.040 mg/L) occurred at levels that surpassed their permissible limits as per World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. Human health risk assessment showed that there are potential non-cancer risks from the ingestion of water from Pager River by adults, as the total hazard quotients were greater than one. These results emphasize the urgency to restrict the dumping of wastes into the river to minimize chances of impacting the Nile River, which flows northwards to the Mediterranean Sea. Further studies should perform routine monitoring of the river during both dry and wet seasons to establish the spatiotemporal variations of physicochemical, microbial, and trace metal profiles of the river and the associated health risks.
Analysis of Spatial Relationship Based on Ecosystem Services and Ecological Risk Index in the Counties of Chongqing
Authors: Li Zihui , Zhu Kangwen , Song Dan , Guan Dongjie , Cao Jiameng , Su Xiangyuan , Zhang Yanjun , Zhang Ya , Ba Yong , Wang Haoyu
Published: September 2023

Due to the insufficient research on the spatial relationship and driving mechanism of ecosystem services and ecological risks and the current background of rising ecological risks and dysfunctional ecosystem services in local areas, analyzing the relationship and driving mechanism is an urgent task in order to safeguard regional ecological security and improve ecosystem services at present. Taking Chongqing as an example, the study scientifically identifies the spatial relationship between ecosystem services and ecological risks and their driving factors at district and county scales based on the constructed Ecosystem Service—Driver–Pressures–Status–Impacts–Responses (ES-DPSIR) model. The main findings include (1) significant variation in the spatial distribution of the comprehensive ecosystem service index, where the lowest ecosystem service index (0.013) was found in the main urban area of Chongqing and the scores gradually increased outward from this center, reaching 0.689 in the outermost areas; (2) an increase in the comprehensive ecological risk index from east to west, ranging from −0.134 to 0.333; (3) a prominent spatial relationship between ecosystem services and ecological risks, with 52.63% of the districts and counties being imbalanced or mildly imbalanced; and (4) significant differences between development trends of ecosystem services-–ecological risks, including 60.53% imbalanced and 30.47% mildly balanced districts. This study identified and analyzed the spatial change characteristics of ecosystem services and ecological risks based on the ES-DPSIR model, explored the driving factors, and provided new ideas for the relationship and driving research. The results of the study could provide effective ways and references for improving regional ecological security and enhancing the capacity of ecosystem services.
Dynamic Evolution and Regional Differences in the Efficiency of Compact Urban Development in Chinese Cities—Based on the Perspective of Compact Land Use
Authors: Ren Wenqin , Lu Xinhai , Wei Linggui , Yang Hao
Published: September 2023

Modern cities require urban compact development to be sustainable. The evaluation of urban compact development may help create more accurate and realistic policies. The spatio-temporal dynamic evolution of urban compact development efficiency and its regional differences in China are examined in this study. This paper analysis uses 282 cities from 2005 to 2021. The unexpected output super-efficiency SBM model measures urban compact development efficiency. In this study, the urban compact development efficiency’s spatial and temporal patterns are also examined using kernel density estimation (KDE) and the Theil index (TI). The average efficiency of urban compact development in China has decreased slightly. However, compact efficiency disparities are decreasing. Eastern cities have a relatively stable compact efficiency, while central and western cities vary more. The compact efficiency polarisation has not changed fundamentally. The compact city growth model’s spatial agglomeration is poor, limiting its spatial spillover impact. Thus, compact urban development is necessary to speed up planning, facilitate inter-city production factor movement by creating a comprehensive transport network, and maximise co-location benefits with the regional integration strategy. This method will gradually reduce regional urban development disparities and push Chinese cities towards more refined and sustainable compact development.
Local Effects of Nest-Boxes for Avian Predators over Common Vole Abundance during a Mid-Density Outbreak
Authors: Jareño Daniel , Paz Luna Alfonso , Viñuela Javier
Published: September 2023

At the end of the 20th century, the common vole (Microtus arvalis) colonized the practical totality of agricultural ecosystems in the northern sub-plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. To prevent crop damage, chemical control campaigns using anticoagulant rodenticides have been employed. This approach has a high environmental impact, and it has been banned in most countries in the European Union, including Spain. It is therefore essential to analyze alternative methods with lower environmental impacts. Here we explored the efficacy of biological control by avian predators to reduce vole abundance by providing nest-boxes in croplands. We used an indirect index based on the presence/absence of vole activity signs to measure the effect of nest-boxes on common vole abundance. We found that vole abundance was significantly lower near occupied nest-boxes at distances less than 180 m, where vole abundance increases progressively with increasing distance to the nearest nest-box. We also observed that the predatory pressure negatively affects the vole abundance at the end of the breeding period, considering the total number of fledglings. However, the effect of nest-boxes was highly variable depending on the study area and more limited in alfalfa fields, the optimal habitat for voles in agrarian ecosystems. Thus, nest-box supplementation would be a feasible measure for the biological control of the common vole in Mediterranean ecosystems, but it needs improvements for vole control in alfalfa fields within an integrated pest control program. We provide several recommendations to improve the performance of biological control in alfalfa fields.
Usefulness of 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Assessment of Femoral Tunnel after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Moon Sung-Gyu , Kang Ji-Hee , Lee Dhong-Won
Published: September 2023

Positioning of the femoral tunnel during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the most crucial factor for successful procedure. Owing to the inter-individual variability in the intra-articular anatomy, it can be challenging to obtain precise tunnel placement and ensure consistent results. Currently, the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) scans is considered the best method for determining whether femoral tunnels are positioned correctly. Postoperative 3D-CT feedback can improve the accuracy of femoral tunnel placement. Precise tunnel formation obtained through feedback has a positive effect on graft maturation, graft failure, and clinical outcomes after surgery. However, even if femoral tunnel placement on 3D CT is appropriate, we should recognize that acute graft bending negatively affects surgical results. This review aimed to discuss the implementation of 3D-CT evaluation for predicting postoperative outcomes following ACL re-construction. Reviewing research that has performed 3D CT evaluations after ACL reconstruction can provide clinically significant evidence of the formation of ideal tunnels following anatomic ACL reconstruction.
Prehospital Predictors of Survival in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Strnad Matej , Borovnik Lesjak Vesna , Jerot Pia , Esih Maruša
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Despite advances in the treatment of heart diseases, the outcome of patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest remains poor. The aim of our study was to determine the prehospital variables as predictors of survival outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of OHCA cases. EMS protocols created in accordance with the Utstein style reporting for OHCA, first responder intervention reports, medical dispatch center dispatch protocols and hospital medical reports were all reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed with the following variables: age, gender, witnessed status, location, bystander CPR, first rhythm, and etiology. Results: A total of 381 interventions with resuscitation attempts were analyzed. In more than half (55%) of them, bystander CPR was performed. Thirty percent of all patients achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 22% of those achieved 30-day survival (7% of all OHCA victims), and 73% of those survived with Cerebral Performance Score 1 or 2. The logistic regression model of adjustment confirms that shockable initial rhythm was a predictor of ROSC [OR: 4.5 (95% CI: 2.5–8.1)] and 30-day survival [OR: 9.3 (95% CI: 2.9–29.2)]. Age was also associated (≤67 years) [OR: 3.9 (95% CI: 1.3–11.9)] with better survival. Conclusions: Elderly patients have a lower survival rate. The occurrence of bystander CPR in cardiac arrest remains alarmingly low. Shockable initial rhythm is associated with a better survival rate and neurological outcome compared with non-shockable rhythm.
The Study of Hardness Evolution during the Tempering Process of 38MnB5Nb Ultra-High-Strength Hot Stamping Steel: Experimental Analysis and Constitutive Models
Authors: Luo Ping , Li Xianjun , Zhang Wenliang , Tan Zhunli , Zhang Minghao , Wang Kaize , Hou Pengdi , Liu Junjie , Liang Xiao
Published: September 2023

To elucidate the hardness evolution behaviors for 38MnB5Nb ultra-high-strength hot stamping steel, a series of tempering processes with varying tempering temperatures and times were carried out with a dilatometer. Meanwhile, the hardness of each sample was measured after dilatometer experiments. The results indicated that the tempering process parameters (including the tempering temperature and time) play an important role in the hardness of the studied steel. The hardness of 38MnB5Nb ultra-high-strength hot stamping steel at the quenched state is about 580 Hv, while it is 240 Hv for the quasi-annealed state. As the tempering time extends, the hardness is decreased sharply at the initial stage; then, the hardness is decreased in a quasi-linear trend with a slight slope; finally, the hardness almost keeps a constant value, which depends on the tempering temperature. In addition, the tempering process has a big effect on the mechanical properties of 38MnB5Nb ultra-high-strength hot stamping steel by increasing the product of the strength and elongation by about 40%.
Influence of Structural Disorder on the Magnetic Order in FeRhCr Alloys
Authors: Komlev Aleksei S. , Cabeza Gabriela F. , Chirkova Alisa M. , Ukrainczyk Neven , Sherstobitova Elena A. , Zverev Vladimir I. , Gimaev Radel , Baranov Nikolai V. , Perov Nikolai S.
Published: September 2023

Magnetic phase transitions in alloys are highly influenced by the sample preparation techniques. In the present research, electronic and magnetic properties of Fe48Cr3Rh49 alloys with varying cooling rates were studied, both experimentally and theoretically. The degree of crystalline ordering was found to depend on the cooling rate employed after annealing the alloy. Modeling of alloy structures with different degrees of crystalline ordering was carried out via strategic selection of substitution positions and distances between chromium atoms. Theoretical calculations revealed significant changes in magnetic and electronic properties of the alloy with different substitutions. A comprehensive analysis of the calculated and experimental data established correlations between structural characteristics and parameters governing the magnetic phase transition. In this study, we also developed a method for evaluating the magnetic properties of the alloys obtained under different heat treatments. The proposed approach integrates atom substitution and heat treatment parameters, offering precise control over alloy manufacturing to effectively tune their essential magnetic properties.
Cationic Polymers Remarkably Boost Haloalkane Dehalogenase Activity in Organic Solvent Solutions and the Molecular Implications
Authors: Wu Yin , Sun Yan
Published: September 2023

Applications of haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA in biocatalysis are limited by its unfavorable performance in organic solvents. Our previous work proved that mutations of surface positive-charged residues enhanced the organic solvent resistance of DhaA, which inspired us to explore the effect of cationic polymers on DhaA in organic solvents. Remarkably boosted performance was achieved in different organic solvent solutions by introducing cationic polymers, for example, there was a 6.1-fold activity increase with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and a 5.5-fold activity increase with poly(ethylene imine) in 40 vol.% dimethylsulfoxide. The presence of cationic polymers protected DhaA from damage by organic solvents and increased the substrate concentration around the enzyme-polymer complex. Fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the binding of cationic polymers onto DhaA weakened the interactions between organic solvents and DhaA, decreased the organic solvent solvation level around DhaA, and enhanced the structural stability of DhaA in organic solvents. This comprehensive understanding of the effect of cationic polymers on DhaA can help to broaden the applications of DhaA in organic solvent-involved biocatalysis.
Salivary Pellicle Formed on Dental Composites Evaluated by Mass Spectrometry—An In Situ Study
Authors: Reise Markus , Kranz Stefan , Heyder Markus , Beck Julius , Roth Christian , Guellmar André , von Eggeling Ferdinand , Schubert Ulrich , Löffler Bettina , Sigusch Bernd
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: In the oral environment, sound enamel and dental restorative materials are immediately covered by a pellicle layer, which enables bacteria to attach. For the development of new materials with repellent surface functions, information on the formation and maturation of salivary pellicles is crucial. Therefore, the present in situ study aimed to investigate the proteomic profile of salivary pellicles formed on different dental composites. (2) Methods: Light-cured composite and bovine enamel samples (controls) were exposed to the oral cavity for 30, 90, and 120 min. All samples were subjected to optical and mechanical profilometry, as well as SEM surface evaluation. Acquired pellicles and unstimulated whole saliva samples were analyzed by SELDI–TOF–MS. The significance was determined by the generalized estimation equation and the post-hoc bonferroni adjustment. (3) Results: SEM revealed the formation of homogeneous pellicles on all test and control surfaces. Profilometry showed that composite surfaces tend to be of higher roughness compared to enamel. SELDI–TOF–MS detected up to 102 different proteins in the saliva samples and up to 46 proteins in the pellicle. Significant differences among 14 pellicle proteins were found between the composite materials and the controls. (4) Conclusions: Pellicle formation was material- and time-dependent. Proteins differed among the composites and to the control.
Ultra-High Cycling Stability of 3D Flower-like Ce(COOH)3 for Supercapacitor Electrode via a Facile and Scalable Strategy
Authors: He Qing , Wang Wanglong , Yang Ning , Chen Wenmiao , Yang Xing , Fang Xing , Zhang Yuanxiang
Published: September 2023

An electrode material with high performance, long durability, and low cost for supercapacitors has long been desired in academia and industry. Among all the factors that affect the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of electrode materials, the morphology and intrinsic structure characteristics are the most important. In this study, a novel 3D flower-like Ce(COOH)3 electrode material was designed by taking advantage of the Ce3+ and -COOH groups and fabricated by a one-pot microwave-assisted method. The morphology and structure characteristics of the sample were examined by SEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, N2 adsorption/desorption techniques, and the electrochemical behaviors were investigated in a three-electrode configuration. The Ce(COOH)3 electrode presents an excellent specific capacitance of 140 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, higher than many other previously reported Ce-based electrodes. In addition, it delivers high rate capability that retains 60% of its initial capacitance when the current density is magnified 20 times. Dramatically, the Ce(COOH)3 electrode exhibits an ultra-high cycling stability with capacitance retention of 107.9% after 60,000 cycles, which is the highest durability among reported Ce–organic compound electrodes to the best of our knowledge. The excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to its intrinsic crystal structure and unique morphology. This work indicates that the 3D flower-like Ce(COOH)3 has significant potential for supercapacitor applications and the facile and scalable synthesis strategy can be extended to produce other metal–organic composite electrodes.
Metal-Promoted Higher-Order Assembly of Disulfide-Stapled Helical Barrels
Authors: Agrahari Ashutosh , Lipton Mark , Chmielewski Jean
Published: September 2023

Peptide-based helical barrels are a noteworthy building block for hierarchical assembly, with a hydrophobic cavity that can serve as a host for cargo. In this study, disulfide-stapled helical barrels were synthesized containing ligands for metal ions on the hydrophilic face of each amphiphilic peptide helix. The major product of the disulfide-stapling reaction was found to be composed of five amphiphilic peptides, thereby going from a 16-amino-acid peptide to a stapled 80-residue protein in one step. The structure of this pentamer, 5HB1, was optimized in silico, indicating a significant hydrophobic cavity of ~6 Å within a helical barrel. Metal-ion-promoted assembly of the helical barrel building blocks generated higher order assemblies with a three-dimensional (3D) matrix morphology. The matrix was decorated with hydrophobic dyes and His-tagged proteins both before and after assembly, taking advantage of the hydrophobic pocket within the helical barrels and coordination sites within the metal ion-peptide framework. As such, this peptide-based biomaterial has potential for a number of biotechnology applications, including supplying small molecule and protein growth factors during cell and tissue growth within the matrix.
Algae-Enhanced Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibrous Membrane for High-Performance Short-Chain PFAS Remediation from Water
Authors: Mantripragada Shobha , Deng Dongyang , Zhang Lifeng
Published: September 2023

As a short-chain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance), GenX was produced in recent years to replace traditional long-chain PFASs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). However, GenX turns out to be more toxic than people originally thought, posing health risks as a persistent environmental pollutant. In this research, for the first time, we incorporated chlorella, a single-celled green freshwater microalga that grows worldwide, with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in equal amounts in electrospun nanofibers and studied the capability of the electrospun PAN/Algae bicomponent nanofibrous membrane (ES(PAN/Algae)) to bind and remove GenX from water. The incorporation of algae demonstrated a synergistic effect and significantly improved the GenX removal efficiency of the nanofibrous membrane. The maximum GenX removal capacity reached 0.9 mmol/g at pH 6, which is significantly higher than that of most of the reported GenX adsorbents as well as activated carbon. The GenX removal mechanism was investigated and discussed by using water contact angle, zeta potential, FTIR, and XPS techniques. This research demonstrated the potential to make highly efficient adsorbent/filter materials from common and economic materials to practically remediate short-chain PFASs from various water bodies.
Comparison of Policosanol Profiles of the Sprouts of Wheat Mutant Lines and the Effect of Differential LED Lights on Selected Lines
Authors: Han Ah-Reum , Choi Euna , Park Jisu , Jo Sang-Hee , Hong Min Jeong , Kim Jin-Baek , Ryoo Ga-Hee , Jin Chang Hyun
Published: September 2023

Policosanols (PCs) are long-chain linear aliphatic alcohols that are present in the primary leaves of cereal crops, such as barley and wheat, sugar cane wax, and beeswax. PCs have been used as a nutraceutical for improving hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. However, the PC content in mutant wheat lines has not been investigated. To select highly functional wheat sprouts with a high content of PCs in wheat mutant lines developed via gamma-irradiated mutation breeding, we cultivated the sprouts of wheat mutant lines in a growth chamber with white LED light (6000 K) and analyzed the PC content in these samples using GC-MS. We studied the PC content in 91 wheat sprout samples: the original variety (Woori-mil × D-7; WS01), commercially available cv. Geumgang (WS87) and cv. Cheongwoo (WS91), and mutant lines (WS02–WS86 and WS88–WS90) developed from WS01 and WS87. Compared to WS01, 18 mutant lines exhibited a high total PC content (506.08–873.24 mg/100 g dry weight). Among them, the top 10 mutant lines were evaluated for their PC production after cultivating under blue (440 nm), green (520 nm), and red (660 nm) LED light irradiation; however, these colored LED lights reduced the total PC production by 35.8–49.7%, suggesting that the cultivation with white LED lights was more efficient in promoting PCs’ yield, compared to different LED lights. Therefore, our findings show the potential of radiation-bred wheat varieties as functional foods against hyperlipidemia and obesity and the optimal light conditions for high PC production.
Factors Affecting Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants—A Review
Authors: Kemmou Liana , Amanatidou Elisavet
Published: September 2023

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas contributing to ozone layer depletion and climate change. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contribute significantly to the global anthropogenic N2O emissions. The main factors affecting N2O emissions are the dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), the nitrite accumulation, the rapidly changing process conditions, the substrate composition and COD/N ratio, the pH, and the temperature. Low DO in the nitrification process results in higher N2O emissions, whereas high aeration rate in the nitration/anammox process results in higher N2O production. High DO in the denitrification inhibits the N2O reductase synthesis/activity, leading to N2O accumulation. High nitrite accumulation in both the nitrification and denitrification processes leads to high N2O emissions. Transient DO changes and rapid shifts in pH result in high N2O production. Ammonia shock loads leads to incomplete nitrification, resulting in NO2− accumulation and N2O formation. Limiting the biodegradable substrate hinders complete denitrification, leading to high N2O production. A COD/N ratio above 4 results in 20–30% of the nitrogen load being N2O emissions. Maximum N2O production at low pH (pH = 6) was observed during nitrification/denitrification and at high pH (pH = 8) during partial nitrification. High temperature enhances the denitrification kinetics but produces more Ν2O emissions.
A Comprehensive Study on Measurement Accuracy of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors Embedded within Capillaries of Solid Structures
Authors: Xiao Yuzhe , Rans Calvin , Zarouchas Dimitrios , Benedictus Rinze
Published: September 2023

Embedding fiber optic sensors (FOSs) within parts for strain measurement is attracting widespread interest due to its great potential in the field of structural health monitoring (SHM). This work proposes a novel method of embedding FOSs using capillaries within solid structures and investigates fiber positions and orientation uncertainties within capillaries of different sizes and their influences on strain measurement accuracies. To investigate how the fiber positions and orientation variations influence strain measurement accuracy, both analytical and numerical models are utilized to predict strain distributions along embedded fibers at different positions and with different orientations within the specimen. To verify the predictions, a group of specimens made of Aluminum 6082 was prepared, and the specimens in each group had capillaries of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm diameters, respectively. Fibers were embedded within each specimen using the capillaries. Four-point bending static tests were conducted for each specimen with embedded FOSs, performing in situ strain measurement. Subsequently, the specimens were partitioned into several pieces, and the cross sections were observed to know the real positions of the embedded fiber. Finally, the strain predictions at the real locations of the fiber were compared with the measured strain from the embedded FOSs. The predicted strain distributions as a function of the fiber positions alone and as a function of both the fiber positions and orientations were compared to assess the influence of fiber orientation change. The results from a combination of analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques suggest that the fiber position from the capillary center is the main factor that can influence strain measurement accuracies of embedded FOSs, and potential fiber misalignments within the capillary had a negligible influence. The fiber position-induced measured error increases from 10.5% to 18.5% as the capillary diameter increases from 2 mm to 6 mm. A 2 mm capillary diameter is able to lead to the lowest measurement error in this study and maintains ease of embedding. In addition, it is found that the measured strain always lies within a strain window defined by the strain distribution along capillary boundaries when there are no cracks. This can be further studied for crack detection.
“Carefully Curated/For Heart and Soul”: Sensing Place Identity in Sex Workplaces
Authors: Grittner Alison L.
Published: September 2023

In the face of ongoing interpersonal and structural violence towards sex workers in Canada, this research inquiry explores nine women and gender-diverse sex workers’ experiences of place identity within their workplaces. Employing multisensory and arts-based ethnographic fieldwork, the co-researchers storied their embodied place-based experiences of identity. The research findings illuminate place-identity processes within sex workplaces, suggesting that the context, materiality, and multisensory atmospheres of the co-researchers’ work environments were entwined with internal and external self-concepts. The co-researchers created personalized multisensory atmospheres in their workplaces through the use of colour, visual art, and music. Having workplaces that positively supported place identity fostered workplace comfort, control, and empowerment. Ultimately, this research suggests that place-identity processes in sex workplaces have the possibility to resist and shift sex work stigma.
Victimization Experience and Perceived Benefits of Institutional and Commercial Advertising Campaigns in the Fight against Domestic Violence
Authors: Nogueira Elayne , Simões Elsa , Sani Ana Isabel
Published: September 2023

Advertising has played an increasingly relevant role in raising awareness of social problems via institutional campaigns. In the phenomenon of domestic violence, most institutional advertising campaigns are directed at victims, who are often represented as vulnerable people. The general objective of this explorative study was to ascertain, from the point of view of victims of domestic violence, what the contributions of advertising campaigns are in combating this phenomenon. Stemming from a previous study on institutional advertising campaigns on domestic violence, which included a survey with about 500 participants residing in Portugal, a focus group was carried out with 4 participants who declared that they had been victims of domestic violence. The data were subjected to thematic analysis, and two major themes were identified: A: the effectiveness of advertising campaigns on the prevention of domestic violence and B: domestic violence and the fight against it via advertising strategies. The results suggest that advertising is a useful tool for social transformation, which has contributed to the social awareness of the problem of domestic violence. There is no consensus that the shock strategy of certain advertisements has the desired effects nor that campaigns should only focus on victims. It was suggested that the campaigns should be extended to the aggressors and that the theme should also be introduced in schools. The discussion made it possible to question the characteristics of advertising campaigns and to propose new directions in this field for the prevention of the phenomenon.
Forced to Work from Home: Division of Unpaid Work between Parents and the Relation to Job Satisfaction
Authors: Santos Maria Helena , Rosa Miriam , Correia Rita B. , Ramos Jéssica , Carvalho Ana Catarina
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the division of household chores and caregiving tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the influence of participants’ sex, work arrangement, and parental status. Additionally, it aims to understand the relationship of these variables with job satisfaction. Specifically, this study analyses the role of participants’ sex and parental status in the increase and division of unpaid work and investigates the roles of sex, work arrangements (namely telework and on-site work), and the division of unpaid work in job satisfaction. These variables were measured and analyzed with a sample of 268 workers in Portugal (57.8% of whom were teleworking) during pandemic lockdowns. Taken together, the results suggest that despite prepandemic advances in gender equality and despite men and women perceiving an increase in their domestic workload during lockdowns, there were significant inequalities between men and women in the division of unpaid work. These were intensified for couples with young children and were not mitigated by changes in work arrangements such as telework. For women, the lack of sharing in caregiving tasks while teleworking decreased their job satisfaction. For them, the lack of sharing of caregiving tasks moderates the relationship between work arrangements and job satisfaction. The same was not true for men. Despite the optimistic view that telework might promote a more equal sharing of unpaid work, this study shows that unpaid work is still mostly performed by women, with important consequences for the paid work sphere.
Maintaining Connections during the Pandemic: Rural Arts Festivals and Digital Practices
Authors: Moore Enya , Quinn Bernadette
Published: September 2023

During the COVID lockdowns of 2020/21, the transmission of live or recorded concerts grew exponentially as festival makers embraced digital technologies to a greater degree. Investigating how this digital pivot interrupted festival-making practices is now important given that online and hybrid modes will potentially be used in conjunction with in-person events in the future. This task has relevance for rural areas where digital infrastructures can be under-developed. Yet, place-based, community-organised festivals can play a significant role in sustaining local communities. In this context, we explore the recent digital programming practices of music festivals in West Cork, Ireland. Methodologically, the study adopted a qualitative research design and generated data from fieldwork observations and in-depth interviews with festival practitioners in West Cork. This area was chosen for study because it is characterised by intensive arts and festival activity, high tourism activity, and a significant level of social change. The findings show that the ability of festivals to move practices online was variable and highly resource dependent. Overall, they suggest that in times of crisis the role of festivals became even more important than normal. Festivals played an important role in sustaining social connectivity, cultural participation and employment, with festival organisations demonstrating a strong sense of care and responsibility towards participants.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BEST EMPLOYEES SELECTION IN WANAPOTENSI GUNA (WPG) COMPANIES USING TOPSIS METHOD BASED ON WEBSITE
Authors: Suseno Beka , - Suyanto
Published: September 2023

The number of employees at PT. Wanapotensi Guna will make it difficult for companies to find the best employees, the aim is to improve employee performance to be better every year, the best employee selection is held. The problem that occurs in the process of selecting the best employees so far is that data processing is still manual so it takes a long time. Based on the problems above, the researcher provides a solution to make a decision support system for selecting the best employees using the Topsis method and the Waterfall development method and the programming language used is PHP. Results with DSS for selecting the best employees at PT. Wanapotensi Guna can also minimize the risk of losing employee data, making selection evaluation criteria. the best employees according to predetermined criteria,
 
Keywords :SPK,Best Employee, Topsis, Waterfall .Php.
Biblioteca Vaticana, Borghese 17: A Possible Exemplar Divided into Peciae of Henry of Ghent’s Summa?
Authors: Wilson Gordon A. , Miller Megan
Published: September 2023

Les caractéristiques matérielles du manuscrit Città del Vaticano, BAV, Borghèse 17, suggèrent que ce manuscrit (dans la partie contenant les articles 58-75 de la Somme d’Henri de Gand, f. 51-239) est de manière incontestable un exemplar divisé en peciae. Pourtant, ces mêmes caractéristiques ne se retrouvent pas dans la première partie du manuscrit (f. 1 à 50, contenant les articles 53-57 de la même Somme). De plus, des textes ont été omis dans ces premiers folios : si il s’agissait d’un exemplar, les mêmes textes auraient été omis dans les copies issues de ce modèle, ce qui n’est pas le cas. Cette omission de textes est une preuve supplémentaire que ce manuscrit au moins pour les folios 1-50 n’était pas le modèle divisé en peciae.
Peculiarities of the mutual influence of Italian and Chinese musical theater tradition in historical development
Authors: Liu Jian
Published: September 2023

Statement of the problem. Despite the fact that the musical is one of the leading theatrical genres of American musical culture, no attempt has yet been made to identify its invariant parameters. The purpose of the study is to determine the main features of the genre invariant of the musical and its interpretation in the musical “Wicked” by S. Schwartz. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time S. Schwartz’s musical “Wicked” is considered from the point of view of embodying the features of the genre invariant. The follows methods were used in the study: structural and functional analysis, which helps to reveal the main components that make up the musical genre; genre-stylistic analysis – aimed at identifying a genre invariant; comparative analysis to juxtapose the features of the libretto and compositional and dramaturgical principles of the musical “Wicked” with the structure of the genre invariant. Research results. Based on the overview of the researches, we consider such invariant traits of the musical genre as: 1) a two-act structure with a more detailed first act and a shorter second act, because that the second act is aimed at the resolution and contains much less new material; 2)the presence of three key dramaturgical nodes – the finale of the first act, which brings with it a plot twist (or the development of the main character line), which should bring the audience back after the intermission; 3) the thematic unity of the musical, which is provided by repetitions of large musical fragments or whole numbers, which we propose to call the reprise system; 4) thematic unity at the micro level, which is ensured by the use of cross-cutting themes and leitmotifs; 5) the leading role of the duet as the main compositional
Start-up Incubators for Refugees: Applying Psychological Methods to Increase Chances of Entrepreneurial Success
Authors: Hinz Andreas , Nido Miriam , Hell Benedikt
Published: September 2023

An increasing number of start-up incubators offer programmes designed specifically for refugees. They provide entrepreneurship training and access to a closely-knit community for start-up development. Beyond that, they also support refugees in overcoming typical challenges, including a lack of language skills and required qualifications, an uncertain residence status, discrimination and psychological distress on various levels. While these incubators have already contributed to refugees’ social and economic integration, the number of successful participants is still relatively low. The question remains about what can be done to multiply the potential so that more significant numbers of refugees can benefit. To support incubators in achieving more significant numbers, this work presents a framework of methods and tools based on health and organisational psychology literature. More specifically, this work focuses on methods and tools to be applied during two critical phases of the incubation cycle, namely the selection process and the actual programme. First, suitable candidates may be overlooked and/or less suitable candidates admit-ted during selection. This work proposes approaches to improve the accuracy of assessment methods so that more significant numbers of candidates with good chances of success are admit-ted. In addition, these methods can help identify those candidates who may appear unsuitable at first sight but could likely get ready with a preparatory course before joining the programme. Second, participants may have difficulty keeping up during the programme for various reasons (often related to the mentioned challenges) and therefore drop out early. This work proposes science-based approaches which help to adapt and improve existing programme elements and/or implement new elements to increase the chances of successful programme completion. Overall, this work seeks to contribute to the academic discussion on innovative approaches to upscale the work of incubators for refugees. Further research will involve co-developing practical approaches with incubators for refugees, cooperating on the implementation, and measuring impact. The goal of providing incubators with relevant practical insights is to deploy more significant numbers of refugees as entrepreneurs and contribute to broader social and economic impact.
The Fairy Tale of Unicorns
Authors: Bouaziz Lamia , Teffahi Besma
Published: September 2023

Unicorns have become symbols of entrepreneurial success and innovation-friendly’ countries. Therefore, understanding the process of diffusion of these highly valued startups has important implications for business, investors and policymakers. However, the existing literature lacks a description of the diffusion and forecast of these types of ventures. We address this gap by analyzing the diffusion process of unicorns in 8 countries (USA, China, India, UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Sweden) and 3 industries (Fintech, Health, and Transportation) using both 3-parameters and 4-parameters Gompertz and Logistic models. Our diffusion analyses reveal that the Gompertz model is suited for analyzing unicorn diffusion in China, whereas the Logistic model is appropriate for analyzing unicorn diffusion in the rest of the countries studied. We also find that India has the highest estimated speed of diffusion (97%) while the USA has the highest saturation level of unicorns (6241). Our forecasting analyses indicate that all the countries selected in our study, except the USA, will achieve their saturation level of unicorn diffusion around 2030. Further, results regarding unicorn diffusion by sectors show that the Logistic model is suited for analyzing unicorn diffusion in all the sectors studied. Results of forecasting analyses indicate that while the Transportation and Health sectors are expected to achieve the maximum level of unicorn diffusion in 2030, the Fintech sector need ten years more to reach this level. These findings are useful for planning, regulation, policy formulation, and portfolio decision.
Innovation Culture in French Organisations
Authors: Davies Muriel , Moulinet Michel , Buisine Stéphanie
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to measure the relative impact of culture and processes on innovation performance. Contrary to processes, culture represents all implicit factors influencing daily behaviour. Culture gathers the unwritten rules of the social game and serves as social cement for an organisation. Processes correspond to identified and formalised practices and rules, including having a dedicated team or qualified collaborators for running product design and development, for example. Based on the scientific literature, we designed a survey to assess these three sides of innovation (culture, processes and performance). We analysed the answers of 432 French innovation managers in order to identify the predictors of Innovation performance. The whole model appears highly explanatory and shows that innovation culture holds a predictive power nearly four times as high as innovation processes. In particular, eagerness for radical change, which is not so common in French organizations, is the strongest predictor of innovation performance. Collective discovery skills and innovation climate were also good predictors of innovation performance, whereas risk aversion and tradition appear as marginal negative predictors. . These results are original because practitioners and researchers mainly produce guidelines focused on innovation processes, methods and tools as if they were the only drivers of innovation. However, the major challenge for stimulating innovation could be to understand the organization’s culture and design processes that will be both congruent to the existing culture and likely to initiate a first step to cultural change, which remains long and uncertain.
Exploring Drivers and Barriers, Failure and Resilience, Success Factors and Strategies in Firms’ Internationalisation: Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Galvão Anderson , Mendes Telma , Mascarenhas Carla , Marques Carla
Published: September 2023

The literature that studies firms’ internationalisation has become very extensive and fragmented, taking different approaches and contributing across diverse facets of internationalisation. Therefore, there is a need to analyse and systematise those issues that received increasing attention in the international business field. Accordingly, this study aims to develop a systematic literature review on the internalisation process. We correspondingly make resources to the Web of Science database and analyse a total of 270 articles, spanning the period from 1996 to 2022, to identify the core issues and contributions made by the existing literature. The results enable the categorisation of the extant research into five main areas: (i) successful internationalisation, (ii) internationalisation strategies, (iii) failure and resilience, (iv) drivers and stimuli, and (v) barriers and obstacles. This structuring then established the grounds for grasping the gaps existing in the literature and to propose future research agenda.