bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Height-function-based 4D reference metrics for hyperboloidal evolution
Authors: Vañó-Viñuales Alex , Valente Tiago
Published: November 2024

Hyperboloidal slices are spacelike slices that reach future null infinity. Their asymptotic behaviour is different from Cauchy slices, which are traditionally used in numerical relativity simulations. This work uses free evolution of the formally-singular conformally compactified Einstein equations in spherical symmetry. One way to construct gauge conditions suitable for this approach relies on building the gauge source functions from a time-independent background spacetime metric. This background reference metric is set using the height function approach to provide the correct asymptotics of hyperboloidal slices of Minkowski spacetime. The present objective is to study the effect of different choices of height function on hyperboloidal evolutions via the reference metrics used in the gauge conditions. A total of 10 reference metrics for Minkowski are explored, identifying some of their desired features. They include 3 hyperboloidal layer constructions, evolved with the non-linear Einstein equations for the first time. Focus is put on long-term numerical stability of the evolutions, including small initial gauge perturbations. The results will be relevant for future (puncture-type) hyperboloidal evolutions, 3D simulations and the development of coinciding Cauchy and hyperboloidal data, among other applications.
Reflecting on believability: on the epistemic approach to justifying implicit commitments
Authors: Głowacki Maciej , Łełyk Mateusz
Published: November 2024

By definition, the implicit commitment of a formal theory $$\textrm{Th}$$
Th
consists of sentences that are independent of the axioms of $$\textrm{Th}$$
Th
, but their acceptance is implicit in the acceptance of $$\textrm{Th}$$
Th
. In Cieśliński (2017, 2018), the phenomenon of implicit commitments was studied from the epistemological perspective through the lenses of the formal theory of believability. The current paper provides a comprehensive proof-theoretic analysis of this approach and compares it to other main theories of implicit commitments. We argue that the formal results presented in the paper favour the believability theory over its main competitors. However, there is still a fly in the ointment. We argue that in its current formulation, the theory cannot deliver all the goods for which it was defined. In particular, being amenable to a generalised conservativeness argument, it does not support the view that the notion of truth is epistemically light. At the end of the paper, we discuss possible ways out of the problem.
Agreement of PROMIS Preference (PROPr) scores generated from the PROMIS-29 + 2 and the PROMIS-16
Authors: Hanmer Janel , Zeng Chengbo , Cizik Amy M. , Raad Jason H. , Tsevat Joel , Rodriguez Anthony , Hays Ron D. , Edelen Maria Orlando
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Preference-based summary scores are used to quantify values, differences, and changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that can be used for cost-effectiveness analyses. The PROMIS-Preference (PROPr) measure is a preference-based summary score comprised of 7 PROMIS domains. The PROMIS-16 is a new PROMIS profile instrument. We evaluated the measurement properties of PROPr generated from the widely used PROMIS-29 + 2 compared with the PROMIS-16.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from an online survey of the general US population, with a longitudinal subsample who reported back pain. The survey included both the PROMIS-16 and the PROMIS-29 + 2 profiles. PROPr scores were calculated from each profile and compared by the distribution of scores, overall mean scores, product-moment correlations with pain measure scores (Oswestry Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Pain Intensity, Interference with Enjoyment of Life, Interference with General Activity Scale, and Graded Chronic Pain Scale), and difference in mean scores in subgroups with 13 chronic health conditions (Cohen’s d).

Results

Of the 4,115 participants in the baseline survey, 1,533 with any reported back pain were invited for the 6-month follow-up survey and 1,256 completed it. At baseline, the overall mean (SD) PROPr score was 0.532 (0.240) from PROMIS-16 and 0.535 (0.250) from PROMIS 29 + 2. At both time points, the correlations of PROPr scores with physical and mental health summary scores from the PROMIS-29 and 4 pain scales were within 0.01 between profiles. Using subgroups with chronic health conditions and comparing between profiles, Cohen’s d estimates of the difference in effect size were small (< 0.2).

Conclusion

PROPr scores from the 16-item PROMIS profile measure are similar to PROPr scores from the longer PROMIS-29 + 2.
Embracing Representational Plurality to Bypass Misconceptions in Science Education
Authors: Paillusson Fabien , Booth Matthew
Published: November 2024

For the past five decades, the majority of science education has adhered to a pedagogical philosophy which contends that issues in the acquisition and expression of target scientific narratives by learners stem from the existence of “incorrect beliefs” called misconceptions. According to this philosophy, misconceptions must be identified, possibly as early as in childhood, and eradicated with specific interventions to allow the proper scientific knowledge to be acquired. Despite much effort cataloging misconceptions and their associated interventions in different disciplines and sub-branches of these disciplines, misconceptions get still regularly diagnosed in a wide academic population ranging from school pupils to teachers in training, and even experts. In addition to this potential lack of efficacy, the present article puts forward three lines of argument making the case against the adoption of a science pedagogy based on a belief-change strategy in learners. The suggested lines of argument rely on ethical, epistemic, and professional considerations. It is then argued that adopting a pedagogical philosophy based on representational pluralism, in opposition to holding a single “true” scientific story, can both address the three points of concern aforementioned, but also allow learners to bypass misconceptions when making judgements based on their scientific knowledge. Possible applications in physics education are presented.
Energy-efficient time and cost constraint scheduling algorithm using improved multi-objective differential evolution in fog computing
Authors: Ijaz Samia , Ahmad Saima Gulzar , Ayyub Kashif , Munir Ehsan Ullah , Ramzan Naeem
Published: November 2024

The recent surge in Internet of Things (IoT) applications and smart devices has led to a substantial rise in the data generation. One of the major issues involved is to meet strict quality of service (QoS) requirements for computing these applications in terms of execution time, cost and in an energy-efficient manner. To extract useful information, fast processing and analysis of data is needed. Consequently, moving all the data to centralized cloud data centers would lead to high processing times, increased cost and energy consumption and more bandwidth usage; thus, processing of applications with strict latency requirements becomes challenging. The addition of fog layer between cloud and IoT devices has provided promising solutions to such issues. However, efficient employment of computing resources in the hybrid infrastructure of fog and cloud nodes is of great significance and demands an optimal scheduling strategy. Toward this direction, a novel Pareto-based algorithm in fog computing, namely energy-efficient time and cost (ETC) constraint scheduling algorithm, is introduced in this paper for scheduling workflow applications. ETC attempts to optimize monetary cost along with time and energy objectives. Improved multi-objective differential evolution (I-MODE) meta-heuristic is introduced and incorporated with deadline-aware stepwise frequency scaling approach that is based on our previously proposed energy makespan multi-objective optimization (EM-MOO) algorithm. Synthetic and real-world application workflows are used to conduct evaluation of the proposed work with existing well-known algorithms from the literature. The experimental results for synthetic workflows reveal that the proposed algorithm lessens energy utilization by 14–21%, execution time by almost 25% and cost consumption by 22–27%, while for real-world application workflows, energy consumption is reduced by 12–24%, execution time by 14–16% and cost consumption by 23–29%.
Energy-Aware Register Allocation for VLIW Processors
Authors: Stuckmann Fabian , Weißbrich Moritz , Payá-Vayá Guillermo
Published: November 2024

The efficiency of VLIW processors can be improved by reducing the energy consumption associated with accessing the register-file. This paper presents an energy-aware register allocation approach to reduce the dynamic energy consumption of a scheduled program by using an evolutionary algorithm approach and a register access transition energy model. Additionally, the influence of instruction scheduling on energy-aware register allocation is analyzed. By using the proposed energy-aware compiler backend on synthetic applications with random data in the register-file, the dynamic energy consumption of the total processor core for an exemplary VLIW processor can be reduced by up to

$$\varvec{21\%}$$

21
%

compared to a heuristic register allocation. In real-world applications from the domain of hearing aids, energy consumption can be reduced by up to

$$\varvec{42.7\%}$$

42.7
%

for single applications, and

$$\varvec{17.6\%}$$

17.6
%

average across a range of applications.
Identification of novel hypertension biomarkers using explainable AI and metabolomics
Authors: Sekaran Karthik , Zayed Hatem
Published: November 2024

Background

The global incidence of hypertension, a condition of elevated blood pressure, is rising alarmingly. According to the World Health Organization’s Qatar Hypertension Profile for 2023, around 33% of adults are affected by hypertension. This is a significant public health concern that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Metabolic dysfunction is a primary cause of hypertension. By studying key biomarkers, we can discover new treatments to improve the lives of those with high blood pressure.

Aims

This study aims to use explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to interpret novel metabolite biosignatures linked to hypertension in Qatari Population.

Methods

The study utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method to profile metabolites from biosamples of Qatari nationals diagnosed with stage 1 hypertension (n = 224) and controls (n = 554). Metabolon platform was used for the annotation of raw metabolite data generated during the process. A comprehensive series of analytical procedures, including data trimming, imputation, undersampling, feature selection, and biomarker discovery through explainable AI (XAI) models, were meticulously executed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.

Results

Elevated Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) levels are markedly associated with stage 1 hypertension compared to controls. Glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC), N-Stearoylsphingosine (d18:1/18:0)*, and glycine are critical metabolites for accurate hypertension prediction. The light gradient boosting model yielded superior results, underscoring the potential of our research in enhancing hypertension diagnosis and treatment. The model’s classification metrics: accuracy (78.13%), precision (78.13%), recall (78.13%), F1-score (78.13%), and AUROC (83.88%) affirm its efficacy. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) further elucidate the metabolite markers, providing a deeper understanding of the disease’s pathology.

Conclusion

This study identified novel metabolite biomarkers for precise hypertension diagnosis using XAI, enhancing early detection and intervention in the Qatari population.
Physical activity and DNA methylation–based markers of ageing in 6208 middle-aged and older Australians: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses
Authors: Zheng Haoxin Tina , Li Danmeng Lily , Lou Makayla W. C. , Hodge Allison M. , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Milne Roger L. , Lynch Brigid M. , Dugué Pierre-Antoine
Published: November 2024

Epigenetic age quantifies biological age using DNA methylation information and is a potential pathway by which physical activity benefits general health. We aimed to assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between physical activity and epigenetic age in middle-aged and older Australians. Blood DNA methylation data for 6208 participants (40% female) in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) were available at baseline (1990–1994, mean age, 59 years) and, of those, for 1009 at follow-up (2003–2007, mean age, 69 years). Physical activity measurements (weighted scores at baseline and follow-up and total MET hours per week at follow-up) were calculated from self-reported questionnaire data. Five blood methylation–based markers of ageing (PCGrimAge, PCPhenoAge, bAge, DNAmFitAge, and DunedinPACE) and four fitness-related markers (DNAmGaitspeed, DNAmGripmax, DNAmVO2max, and DNAmFEV1) were calculated and adjusted for age. Linear regression was used to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between physical activity and epigenetic age. Effect modification by age, sex, and BMI was assessed. At baseline, a standard deviation (SD) increment in physical activity was associated with 0.03-SD (DNAmFitAge, 95%CI = 0.01, 0.06, P = 0.02) to 0.07-SD (bAge, 95%CI = 0.04, 0.09, P = 2 × 10−8) lower epigenetic age. These associations were attenuated after adjustment for other lifestyle variables. Only weak evidence was found for the longitudinal association (N = 1009) of changes in physical activity and epigenetic age (e.g. DNAmFitAge: adjusted β =  − 0.04, 95%CI =  − 0.08, 0.01). The associations were not modified by age, sex, or BMI. In middle-aged and older Australians, higher levels of self-reported physical activity were associated with slightly lower epigenetic age.
Zum Personalrekrutierungserfolg von Kita-Trägern: Der Einfluss von kollektiven Anreizen und Trägermerkmalen auf die Dauer der Stellennachbesetzung
Authors: Birkel-Barmsen Janine
Published: November 2024

Im dynamisch expandierenden Feld der frühkindlichen Bildung, Betreuung und Erziehung stellt der Fachkräftemangel eine gravierende Herausforderung dar. Angesichts der sich zuspitzenden Lage wird es für Träger von Kindertageseinrichtungen zunehmend wichtiger, sich als attraktive Arbeitgeber zu positionieren. Die vorliegende Analyse basiert auf der Anreiz-Beitrags-Theorie und untersucht das Zusammenspiel von kollektiven Anreizen, Trägermerkmalen und dem Rekrutierungserfolg. Kollektive Anreize werden dabei als Maßnahmen und Angebote verstanden, die allen Fachkräften durch den Träger gleichermaßen geboten werden. Die Auswertung erfolgte sekundäranalytisch unter Anwendung deskriptiver sowie multivariater Verfahren auf Basis der bundesweiten TrEiKo-Trägerbefragung. Die empirischen Befunde zeigen, dass der Rekrutierungserfolg mit der Art, Größe und dem Gründungsjahr des Trägers korreliert; gleiches gilt für umfangreiche kollektive Anreize, wobei die Dimensionen „nicht-monetäre Wertschätzung“ und „Selbstverwirklichung: Work-Life-Balance“ als signifikant positive Prädiktoren für den Rekrutierungserfolg hervorgehen.
On algebraic properties of power monoids of numerical monoids
Authors: Bienvenu Pierre-Yves , Geroldinger Alfred
Published: November 2024

Let S ⊂ ℕ0 be a numerical monoid and let

$$\cal{P}_{\text{fin}}(S)$$

P

fin

(
S
)

, resp.

$$\cal{P}_{\text{fin},0}(S)$$

P

fin
,
0

(
S
)

, denote the power monoid, resp. the restricted power monoid, of S, that is the set of all finite nonempty subsets of S, resp. the set of all finite nonempty subsets of S containing 0, with set addition as operation. The arithmetic of power monoids received some attention in recent literature. We complement these investigations by studying algebraic properties of power monoids, such as their prime spectrum. Moreover, we show that almost all elements of

$$\cal{P}_{\text{fin},0}(S)$$

P

fin
,
0

(
S
)

are irreducible (i.e., they are not proper sumsets).
Exploring the Impact of Online Focus Group Gender Composition: Insights from a Study on Gender and Transport
Authors: McIlroy Rich C. , McPeake Katie
Published: November 2024

Despite considerable attention in the academic domain, end-users of transport systems are rarely directly asked what they think of gender inequity in transport. Shedding light on this could inform education strategies to address such inequities. This research addresses this research gap, revealing how people think about differences in the way transport systems support (or do not support) the safe and comfortable mobility of men and women. It does so via the use of asynchronous online focus groups, to which 114 people contributed. The research also addresses questions around the impact of focus group gender composition on participants’ responses, an issue not previously considered in online or asynchronous contexts. Results suggest there is broad acceptance of women’s transport disadvantage, with men’s views of women’s experiences largely matching women’s own reports. Women’s views of men’s experiences were less reflective of the male reality. Safety and security were commonly discussed; however, trip complexity and other constraints, driven by differences in care roles taken, were discussed less and therefore represent a potential avenue for education strategies. Group gender composition did impact upon responding, with several of the effects previously found in face-to-face focus group research also manifesting in the anonymous, online context.
Functionalization Strategies of Iron Sulfides for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Can , Zhang Yuxin , Liu Shude , Wang Danping
Published: November 2024

Supercapacitors have emerged as a promising class of energy storage technologies, renowned for their impressive specific capacities and reliable cycling performance. These attributes are increasingly significant amid the growing environmental challenges stemming from rapid global economic growth and increased fossil fuel consumption. The electrochemical performance of supercapacitors largely depends on the properties of the electrode materials used. Among these, iron-based sulfide (IBS) materials have attracted significant attention for use as anode materials owing to their high specific capacity, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, IBS electrode materials often face challenges such as poor electrical conductivity, compromised chemical stability, and large volume changes during charge–discharge cycles. This review article comprehensively examines recent research efforts aiming at improving the performance of IBS materials, focusing on three main approaches: nanostructure design (including 0D nanoparticles, 1D nanowires, 2D nanosheets, and 3D structures), composite development (including carbonaceous materials, metal compounds, and polymers), and material defect engineering (through doping and vacancy introduction). The article sheds light on novel concepts and methodologies designed to address the inherent limitations of IBS electrode materials in supercapacitors. These conceptual frameworks and strategic interventions are expected to be applied to other nanomaterials, driving advancements in electrochemical energy conversion.
An Automated Approach for Discriminating Hole Cleaning Efficiency While Predicting Penetration Rate in Egyptian Western Desert Wells
Authors: Saad Mohamed Y. , Salem Adel M. , Mahmoud Omar
Published: November 2024

Higher rate of penetration (ROP) indicates successful drilling operation but is not the only drilling success measure. However, Conventional ROP prediction methods focus on increasing ROP and neglect the hole cleaning state, which can be altered by ROP changes. Higher ROP in vertical and deviated wells may increase cutting concentration, leading to hole cleaning problems such as overpulling and stuck pipe. With this problem in mind, this paper utilized geological, rheological, and drilling data of 31 vertical wells across four oil fields located in the Egyptian Western Desert, developed intelligent ROP prediction model through back propagation neural network (BPNN), and compared the proposed BPNN results with an empirical model. Finally, the pattern recognition algorithms including discriminant analysis, support vector machines, and neural network pattern recognition (NNPR) were implemented to discriminate hole cleaning efficiency following the ROP prediction process. Recognition models were developed based on predicted ROP, bit wear rate, specific energy, and drilling fluid carrying capacity index to evaluate hole cleaning. The accuracy of the multi-strategy classifier was evaluated using area under curve, confusion matrix, and receiver operating characteristic. The BPNN model outperformed the empirical model in terms of linear correlation coefficient (R = 98.6%) and average absolute error (AAE = 5.5%). Additionally, the best classification performance was achieved using the NNPR algorithm with 91% accuracy and a cross-validation error equal to zero. For validity, the proposed approach predicted ROP and classified hole cleaning efficiency for new vertical well in adjacent oil field, resulting in a 6% improvement in ROP.
Professional Male Soccer Players’ Perspectives of the Nutrition Culture Within an English Premier League Football Club: A Qualitative Exploration Using Bourdieu’s Concepts of Habitus, Capital and Field
Authors: Foo Wee Lun , Tester Emma , Close Graeme L. , Cronin Colum J. , Morton James P.
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim

Professional soccer players’ self-reported dietary intakes often do not meet recommended sport nutrition guidelines. Although behaviour change models have previously explored barriers and enablers to nutritional adherence, the cultural factors influencing players’ nutritional habits also warrant investigation. Accordingly, we aimed to explore players’ perceptions of the nutrition culture within the professional soccer environment.

Methods

An interpretivist paradigm, which emphasises that reality is subjectively and socially constructed, underpins this study. Qualitative, face-to-face semi-structured interviews (comprising open-ended questions) were conducted with purposively sampled male soccer players from the English Premier League (EPL) (five British, five migrant; mean age: 26 ± 6 years; mean EPL appearances: 106 ± 129). Data were abductively analysed using thematic analysis according to Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, capital, field and doxa practices.

Results

This study revealed five key themes: (1) players’ habitus, as shaped by familial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, influences their dietary habits; (2) social capital, via managers (head coaches), teammates and online influences, impact players’ dietary practices; (3) the increase in both soccer clubs’ and players’ economic capitals has advanced nutrition provision; (4) an unequal distribution of economic capitals has led to hierarchical practice in the performance nutrition field with personalised nutrition being somewhat enacted at the higher levels; and (5) body composition measurement is a ‘doxic’ practice in professional soccer that warrants challenge.

Conclusions

Soccer players’ habitual nutritional practices are influenced by personal upbringing and the club context, including economic resources and social capital from managers. The performance nutrition field within professional soccer is also shaped by stakeholders’ doxic beliefs surrounding the perceived optimal body composition of players, with managers exerting social capital.
DyNamic Interactive Anticipation–Time for a Paradigmatic Shift
Authors: Cañal-Bruland Rouwen , Mann David L.
Published: November 2024

Everyday human interactions require observers to anticipate the actions of others (e.g., when walking past another in a corridor or choosing where to hit a ground stroke in tennis). Yet, experimental paradigms that aim to examine anticipation continue to use simplistic designs that are not interactive and therefore fail to account for the real-life, social nature of these interactions. Here we propose a fundamental, paradigmatic shift toward a “dynamic interactive anticipation” paradigm that models real-life interactions. We propose that it will change the way behavioral experimentalists study anticipation and spark theory development by unravelling the mechanisms underlying anticipation in real-time interactions.
Principal-Teachers Agreement on Teachers’ Interpersonal Emotion Regulation: Relations with Principals’ Transformational Leadership, Teaching Staff Positive Collective Emotions, and Teaching Staff Organizational Commitment
Authors: Eyal Ori , Berkovich Izhak , Yosef-Hassidim Doron
Published: November 2024

The study investigated the link between principals’ awareness of their effect on teachers’ emotional reframing (i.e., a form of interpersonal emotion regulation aiding in cognitive reappraisal) and variables pertinent to school leadership, positive emotions, and organizational commitment. Data were collected from 69 primary schools, with 69 principals self-reporting on their influence on teachers’ emotional reframing and 639 teachers reporting on their principals’ influence (using an adaptation of Gross and John’s (Gross and John, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 85:348–362, 2003) ERQ measure). The self-other rating agreement perspective enabled us to categorize principals into four groups based on the variance between their own assessment of teachers’ emotional reframing and the teachers’ ratings: over-estimators, under-estimators, in-agreement/good leaders, and in-agreement/poor leaders. The teachers also assessed the principals’ transformational leadership, collective positive emotions, and collective affective organizational commitment. Analyses revealed that primarily under-estimators and in-agreement/good leaders were associated with higher levels of principals’ transformational leadership, teachers’ collective positive emotions, and teachers’ collective organizational commitment to the school. Almost no differences emerged between over-estimators and in-agreement/poor leaders, which were associated with lower levels of school leadership, positive emotions, and commitment. The findings suggest that principals’ awareness of their influence on teachers’ emotional reframing fosters a conducive environment for positive leadership behaviors, emotional climate, and organizational commitment within schools. The theoretical implications attest to the significance of interpersonal emotion regulation in shaping organizational dynamics, and the practical implications point to the importance of interventions aimed at enhancing principals’ understanding of their influence on teachers’ emotional processes for nurturing a positive school culture.
A reliable SPH(2) formulation for Darcy–Forchheimer–Brinkman equation using a density-based particle shifting in the ALE description
Authors: Tsuji Kumpei , Fujioka Shujiro , Morikawa Daniel S. , Asai Mitsuteru
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a numerical framework to perform highly accurate simulations of seepage flow through porous media with the incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH). Our approach follows the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian description, which can introduce an arbitrary advection velocity for particle shifting techniques (PSTs) independently of the physical fluid velocity. The Darcy–Forchheimer–Brinkman equation is applied to deal with free surface flow and seepage flow simultaneously instead of the Navier–Stokes equation. There are three main improvements to solving this problem using ISPH. The first is replacing the SPH(2) with a highly accurate derivative operator. The second is modifying a volume-conserving particle shifting for seepage flow problems to maintain the apparent fluid density consistent with the spatially distributed porosity. Finally, we propose a newly geometric porosity estimation method automatically estimating numerical porosity referenced in the proposed PST from the soil particle distributions. Through simple convergence tests, we verify the convergence of truncation errors and the applicability limits of SPH(2) to simulate seepage flow problems. We also performed numerical simulations of hydrostatic pressure problems and dam-break experiments involving porous layers to demonstrate the proposed method’s excellent computational stability and volume conservation performance.
Fuzzy Rules Data-Driven Equivalent Model with Multi-gradient Learning for Discrete-Time Nearly Optimal Control
Authors: Treesatayapun C.
Published: November 2024

A behavior of switchable control directions is investigated for the non-holonomic robotic system considered as a class of unknown nonlinear discrete-time systems. The data-driven equivalent model is established by a multi-input fuzzy rule emulated network and the multi-gradient learning law is developed to tune all adjustable parameters. Thereafter, the nearly optimal controller is derived using the dynamics of the equivalent model and the closed-loop performance is analyzed through rigorous mathematical analysis. The experimental system is constructed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and the advantage of the multi-gradient approach.
New challenges in European innovation partnerships: SOEs, POEs and foreign MNEs during crises
Authors: García-Sánchez Antonio , Rama Ruth
Published: November 2024

Cooperation for innovation, not only enhances the innovative and economic performance of companies but also fosters growth and strengthens the resilience of firms in the realm of innovation activities. In this study, we delve into the cooperative activities of innovative Spanish companies with their European counterparts. We employ six logit models using panel data to scrutinize the impact of ownership on innovation cooperation and the determinants of collaboration across different phases of the business cycle, spanning from 2004 to 2016, which we divide into three sub-periods: the pre-crisis (2004–2007), the crisis (2008–2013), and the recovery (2014–2016). Throughout the businesses cycle, state-owned enterprises are the most prone to engage in cooperative innovation with European partners, while unaffiliated domestic firms are the least prone. Foreign subsidiaries clearly outperform unaffiliated domestic firms and slightly outperform domestic business groups in prosperous times, but do not outperform state-owned enterprises even during crises. The drivers of cooperation for innovation with European partners evolve over time, becoming particularly challenging during crises. The factors influencing cooperation with European universities exhibit distinct characteristics. The results contain policy and management implications.
Shear Deformation of Non-modulated Ni2MnGa Martensite: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Heczko Martin , Šesták Petr , Seiner Hanuš , Zelený Martin
Published: November 2024

The impact of shear deformation in $$(101)[10\overline{1}]$$

(
101
)

[
10

1
¯

]

system of non-modulated (NM) martensite in Ni2MnGa ferromagnetic shape memory alloy is investigated by means of ab initio atomistic simulations. The shear system is associated with twinning of NM lattice and intermatensitic transformation to modulated structures. The stability of the NM lattice increases with increasing content of Mn. The most realistic shear mechanism for twin reorientation can be approximated by the simple shear mechanism, although the lowest barriers were calculated for pure shear mechanism. The energy barrier between twin variants further reduces due to spontaneous appearance of lattice modulation or, in other words, the nanotwins with thickness of two atomic planes. Such nanotwins appear also on the generalized planar fault energy (GPFE) curve calculated using a newly developed advanced procedure and exhibits even lower energy than the defect free NM structure. These nanotwin doublelayers are also basic building blocks of modulated structures and play an important role in intermartensitic transformation.
Private Botschaften im öffentlichen Raum
Authors: Schmitz Ulrich
Published: November 2024

Unterhalb der bürgerlichen, massenmedialen und digitalen Öffentlichkeiten lebt eine kaum beachtete vierte (schriftliche) kleine Öffentlichkeit, in der private Nähe demonstriert, demontiert oder verhandelt wird. Alltägliche Schreibflächen dienen als Probebühne, auf der nicht sichtbare Jugendliche ihre Liebes‑, Hass‑, Eifersuchts‑, Mobbing- und Ausgrenzungsgefühle vor einer (desinteressierten) Scheinöffentlichkeit risikolos untereinander ausspielen können. Die hier im öffentlichen Raum gewahrte (romantische) Grenze zwischen kleiner Gemeinschaft und großer Öffentlichkeit wird in Social Media aufgegeben, wenn dort Privates und oft Intimes einer dissoziierten und somit verantwortungslosen Öffentlichkeit preisgegeben wird.
Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol fibres incorporating an antimicrobial gel for enzymatically controlled reactive oxygen species release
Authors: Yupanqui Mieles Joel , Vyas Cian , Daskalakis Evangelos , Hassan Mohamed , Birkett James , Omar Abdalla M. , Humphreys Gavin , Diver Carl , Bartolo Paulo
Published: November 2024

伤口代表对皮肤的威胁, 而皮肤是身体最重要的抵御感染的屏障, 抗生素耐药性的增加促使了新疗法的发展.RO-101®是一种抗菌凝胶, 可以将过氧化氢 (H2O2) 这种反应性氧化物直接释放到创面.本研究利用电纺技术将RO-101®纳入聚乙烯醇 (PVA) 亚微米纤维网中, 该网可以作为传递剂, 实现持续释放, 并提供对感染的屏障。核磁共振波谱法进一步确认了该凝胶与亚微米纤维的充分结合。此外, 扫描电子显微镜显示直径在200–500纳米范围内的光滑均布网格。经过24小时, PVA/RO-101电纺网生成的H2O2浓度超过1 mM/(mL g) (1 mM = 1 mmol/L), 并评估了灭菌对H2O2释放的影响.我们发现PVA/RO-101网格对革兰阳性葡萄球菌 (S. aureus) 和革兰阴性绿脓杆菌 (P. aeruginosa) 细菌都具有抗菌活性, 能够使可培养量减少高达1对数单位CFU/mm2 (CFU: 菌落形成单位) 。此外, 这些网格还能够破坏生物膜的形成, 甚至对甲氧西林耐药的S. aureus (MRSA) 等多药耐药菌群也有作用.此外, 增加RO-101®浓度会导致产生更高的H2O2并增强抗菌效果, 而成纤维细胞活力和增殖试验显示浓度依赖性响应, 在低浓度RO-101®下具有较高的细胞相容性.因此, 本研究证明了高吸水性的PVA/RO-101电纺网作为潜在的抗菌创面敷料的潜力.
A study of feature importance for king salmon health classification with feature selection
Authors: Zhang Yuye , Zhang Fangfang , Casanovas Paula , Xue Bing , Zhang Mengjie , Symonds Jane E.
Published: November 2024

King salmon is important for aquaculture in New Zealand, contributing significant economic value. Fish health is a priority for the industry, and the change in the health status of king salmon needs to be accurately detected at the earliest possible stage. Many factors affect the health of king salmon, such as temperature. Identifying the key features that influence health prediction is a crucial step toward achieving this goal. This study utilizes trial data collected by the Cawthron Institute, which includes diverse information on king salmon, such as blood biochemistry and hematology. We explore the data by employing statistical methods and feature selection techniques in machine learning to identify the most relevant features for king salmon health prediction, aiming to classify individuals as healthy or unhealthy with a small number of features. The results show that although the most efficient feature selection techniques on different datasets vary, overall, feature selection approaches can successfully identify relevant and informative features for king salmon health classification. Through the incorporation of a few selected features, the learned classifiers could still achieve statistically equal or better classification performance. This study not only contributes to the understanding of the health indicators of king salmon but also provides crucial insights into health prediction, which will be beneficial to the improvement of the health of king salmon, leading to the development of more effective management strategies for aquaculture.
Scholarly Circles and the Transmission of Knowledge: Bahāʾ al-Dīn al-ʿĀmilī (d. 1030/1621) and His Mobile Scholarly Circle in Safavid Iran
Authors: Tavakol Mahdieh
Published: November 2024

The history of education and transmission of knowledge in Islamicate societies has long recognized the importance of scholarly circles centered around scholars in medieval Muslim societies. As an illustration of the persistence of similar patterns of knowledge transmission in later periods, this paper focuses on the scholarly circle gathered around Bahāʾ al-Dīn Muḥammad al-ʿĀmilī (d. 1030/1621), the prominent Shiite scholar of the Safavid era, exploring the intellectual exchanges and personal interactions between this circle's members through the lens of the manuscripts they copied, read, collated, and studied. Drawing on information gleaned from manuscripts, I argue that Bahāʾ al-Dīn's highly mobile lifestyle, which was an offshoot of his socio-political engagements, rendered the scholarly circle around him into a mobile college, detached from localized madrasas and other educational institutions. This mobile scholarly circle helped propagate Shiite intellectual heritage in places far from the centers.
Neo-Nazi Imagery and Musical References in Finnish Far-Right Group Soldiers of Odin Online Videos
Authors: PÄÄKKÖLÄ ANNA-ELENA
Published: November 2024

In this article, I study three videos by the Finnish far-right grouping Soldiers of Odin and investigate their audiovisual messages, which present different ‘cultural politics of emotion’ for members and non-members of the group. Special attention is given to the concepts of nationalism, masculinity, and their intertwined meanings, which play a defining role in many neo-fascist cultures. Despite their slap-dash, DIY nature, the videos’ use of global popular culture contradicts their logic of an exclusively ‘national’ Finnish culture, as every reference has global reach. This shows that the group’s nationalism is not about Finnishness, but about a hegemonic, global, Euro-Western, white masculinist, and xenophobic culture.
The role of L-carnitine in the control of oxidative stress and lipid β-oxidation during in vitro follicle growth, oocyte maturation, embryonic development and cryopreservation: a review
Authors: Leitão Allana Maria Freire , Silva Bianca Regia , Barbalho Efigênia C. , Paulino Lais R.M. , Costa Francisco das Chagas , Martins Fabricio Sousa , Silva Jose Roberto V.
Published: November 2024

L-carnitine has an important role in the control of oxidative stress and lipid β-oxidation during in vitro culture and cryopreservation of ovarian follicles, oocytes and embryos. This substance balances the acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio, maintains glucose metabolism and increases energy production in mitochondria. It also plays a key role in reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, by transferring palmitate to mitochondria or eliminating it to avoid toxicity. By eliminating reactive oxygen species, L-carnitine increases the percentages of mature oocytes with uniform mitochondrial distribution and improves embryo post-thaw cryotolerance. Therefore, L-carnitine controls lipid β-oxidation and oxidative stress during in vitro culture of ovarian follicles, oocyte maturation, embryonic development and cryopreservation.
Beyond the Budget: A Global Perspective on Social Spending through Tax Expenditures
Authors: Aliu Flurim , Redonda Agustin
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the intricate interplay between tax expenditures (TEs) and social policy. Leveraging the Global Tax Expenditures Database (GTED), we carry out the first data-driven comparative assessment of direct spending and TEs for social welfare across countries to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of fiscal policy. Our research reveals prevalent TE usage for social purposes and substantial costs in terms of revenue forgone worldwide, averaging over 1 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 6 per cent of tax revenue. Our analysis showcases varying strategies employed by countries, particularly emphasizing the reliance of high-income economies on TEs granted through personal income taxes, and low/middle-income countries predominantly using value-added tax-related TEs for social objectives. Our results also highlight the importance of functions such as housing in contributing significantly to social spending through TEs with the ratio tax expenditure/direct spending reaching roughly 365 per cent in the US and 203 per cent in France. Hence, our study underlines the necessity for meticulous evaluation and efficient design of TEs to better align TE regimes with governments social policy objectives as well as to minimise unintended social or economic consequences.
Social Policy Attitudes in the UK: Distinguishing Welfarism from Statism
Authors: Eichhorn Jan , Kenealy Daniel , Clegg Daniel
Published: November 2024

The respective delivery roles of public and private providers is a key battleground in the ongoing transformation of welfare states. But despite a burgeoning literature on public attitudes to aspects of welfare state activity, delivery has to date received scant attention. This article makes a first step in addressing this knowledge gap. Drawing on original survey data from the United Kingdom, it analyses attitudes towards the delivery of social policies and explores their relationship to other welfare attitudes. We show that views on delivery display less variation than attitudes to welfare generosity and redistribution, that public support for private sector involvement in delivery is limited to certain fields and that there is very little consistent support for outright privatisation. The article thus demonstrates that there is very little congruence between attitudes to ‘welfarism’ and attitudes to ‘statism’.
REDUCED QUIVER QUANTUM TOROIDAL ALGEBRAS
Authors: Neguţ Andrei
Published: November 2024

We give a generators-and-relations description of the reduced versions of quiver quantum toroidal algebras, which act on the spaces of BPS states associated to (noncompact) toric Calabi–Yau threefolds X. As an application, we obtain a description of the K-theoretic Hall algebra of (the quiver with potential associated to) X, modulo torsion.
US conservative advocacy organizations and right-wing legal mobilization in Europe
Authors: Southworth Ann
Published: November 2024

Some recent work on populist conservative forces engaged in legal mobilization in Europe highlights the involvement of US-based conservative legal advocacy organizations and their European affiliates. These groups are linked to efforts to resist the integration of Europe and the power of the European courts to implement the projects of liberal, left-leaning pro-EU social forces. Little attention thus far has focused on the lawyers active in these advocacy groups, their ties to the American conservative legal movement and the transnational lawyer networks of which they are a part. This essay sketches an agenda for future research on the composition, operations, strategies and discourse of this complex constellation of conservative lawyers and their organizations.
Trends in Twin Births and Survival in Rural Spain: Evidence from 18th to 20th Century
Authors: Marco-Gracia Francisco J.
Published: November 2024

This study examines the changes over time of the twinning rate and infant and child mortality across 17 rural villages in the province of Zaragoza (Spain) over a span of 200 years. The aim is to understand how the twinning rate evolved in conjunction with the processes of economic and social modernization, as well as the demographic transition. During the period analyzed, the twinning rate increased by 10%, rising from 1.26 per 1000 births in the second half of the 18th century to 1.38 per 1000 births in the first half of the 20th century. This rate varied due to hereditary issues, biological factors such as the mother’s age and parity, and socioeconomic features like family occupation and the mother’s education level. In terms of child mortality, twins historically faced a significantly higher mortality rate. However, they benefited greatly from the mortality transition, at least in absolute numbers. While nearly 60% of twins did not survive beyond 5 years of age in earlier periods, the mortality rate for twins decreased to 40% by the first half of the 20th century. The excess mortality was particularly severe for girls, driven by a widespread preference for sons, which led to higher mortality rates for girls in the first 5 years of life, especially in the earliest months. These findings help us understand the improvements in uterine and childhood survival rates for contemporary twins, which can be attributed to the socioeconomic and medical advancements of the 20th century.
Peripartum allopregnanolone blood concentrations and depressive symptoms: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Schoretsanitis Georgios , Osborne Lauren M. , Sundström-Poromaa Inger , Wenzel Elizabeth S. , Payne Jennifer L. , Barbui Corrado , Gastaldon Chiara , Deligiannidis Kristina M.
Published: November 2024

Neuroactive steroids including allopregnanolone are implicated in the pathophysiology of peripartum depressive symptoms (PDS). We performed a systematic review searching PubMed/Embase/PsychInfo/Cinhail through 08/2023 (updated in 07/2024), and conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of studies comparing allopregnanolone blood concentrations in women with versus without PDS at various timepoints during the 2nd and 3rd trimester and the postpartum period, calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression and subgroup analyses included age, diagnoses of affective disorders before pregnancy, antidepressant treatment, analytical methods, and sample type. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa-scale. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022354495). We retrieved 13 studies with 2509 women (n = 849 with PDS). Allopregnanolone concentrations did not differ between women with versus without PDS at any timepoint (p > 0.05). Allopregnanolone concentrations assessed during pregnancy did not differ for women with versus without PDS at postpartum follow-up (p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated higher allopregnanolone concentrations in women with versus without PDS at gestational weeks 21–24 and 25–28 (SMD = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.04, 2.11 and SMD = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.26, 1.59 respectively). Moreover, we reported differences between studies using mass-spectrometry combined with chromatography versus immunoassays at gestational weeks 25–28 (p = 0.01) and plasma versus serum samples at gestational weeks 21–24 (p = 0.005). Study quality was rated as poor, good, and fair for two, one and ten studies respectively. PDS were not associated with differences for allopregnanolone concentrations. The use of heterogenous peripartum time points, study cohorts, depression symptom measures and analytical methods has hampered progress in elucidating neuroactive steroid signaling linked to PDS.