bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On coherently processing multiple arrays in underwater environments with spatial coherence losses from random medium effects and sensor position uncertainties
Authors: Kirsteins Ivars , Abawi Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Under ideal circumstances coherently beamforming multiple distributed arrays should provide improvements over the standard approach of processing the arrays individually and combining them incoherently. These include improved directivity and higher gain. However, two major challenges when coherently processing spatially separated arrays in a real ocean are dealing with coherence losses or wave front distortions caused by random medium effects like internal waves and uncertainties in sensor locations. Some of the consequences are degraded beampatterns and poorer array directivity. In this paper, we perform a simulation-based study utilizing numerical propagation models along with theory examining the effects of wave front distortions induced by random medium effects like internal waves and sensor position uncertainties on coherently beamforming distributed arrays in representative ocean waveguides. Realistic realizations of wave front distortions are generated from actual internal wave measurements and models. The sensitivities of coherent processing to these effects are characterized by resultant beampatterns and losses in array directivity along with a quantification of the tolerances.
Learning dictionary-based passive underwater source localization
Authors: Rodriguez-Pinto Ivan I. , Lim Raymond
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate the use of dictionary learning to improve passive localization of a source in a range-independent water column monitored with a vertical linear acoustic array. A learned dictionary, generated by applying modern dictionary learning algorithms to historical sound velocity profile (SVP) data from a region of interest, acts as a generalized sparse representation for SVP datasets from this region. By minimizing differences between multipath reception intervals detected at a receive array, we show that an optimal SVP match to the unknown true SVP can be reconstructed by an efficient dictionary search. Ray traces backpropagated through the reconstructed SVP according to beamformed receive angles were then found to well estimate the source position as the centroid of a cluster of multipath signal intersections. The accuracy of this algorithm was evaluated on a randomly sampled, 30 SVP testing set obtained from an area near the training set, demonstrating mean location errors less than 5% in both distance and depth. Five representative profiles spanning the range of observed sound speed variations were used to assess localization performance. Compared to using the average sound speed profile to estimate source position, using the learned dictionary demonstrated a consistent performance increase in position accuracy.
A mathematical study about the sustaining phenomenon of overtone in Flageolet harmonics on bowed string instruments
Authors: Tanaka Shodai , KORI Hiroshi , Ozawa Ayumi
Published: November 2023

Flageolet harmonics is a playing technique, in which a player lightly touches a nodal point on a string with their finger. Previous studies have reported that the harmonic sound sustains for a short time after the finger is removed from the string while flageolet harmonics is performed on bowed string instruments. However, the mechanism of this harmonics-sustaining phenomenon and the parameter dependency of its sustaining time remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to mathematically investigate the dependence of sustaining time on parameters related to violin playing and string characteristics, and thereby, to elucidate the mechanism of the harmonics-sustaining phenomenon. To this end, a mathematical model was devised by incorporating the effects of bowing and touching into a one-dimensional wave equation. Subsequently, numerical simulation were performed to analyze the behavior of the model. The devised model successfully reproduced the harmonics-sustaining phenomenon in which the parameter dependence of sustaining time was qualitatively consistent with the author’s empirical observations. It was found that the parameter dependence of sustaining time follows the power law. Furthermore, dimensional analysis was performed, yielding a formula that expresses the relationship between the sustaining time and the maximum and minimum bow force required to generate Helmholtz motion.
Rocket noise: What does it mean for Australian spaceports?
Authors: Gee Kent L. , Mathews Logan T. , McLaughlin Bradley , Anderson Mark C. , Edgington-Mitchell Daniel , Hart Grant W.
Published: November 2023

As the global space industry expands, rockets are being launched from an increasing number of spaceports, including in Australia. As launch cadence increases to meet demand for space access and as vehicle optimization for weight and cost reduction becomes more pressing, noise has the potential to create harmful impacts—from vehicle vibroacoustic loading to expanded environmental footprint. Using data from recently measured launches, this presentation reviews rocket noise generation and propagation fundamentals and discusses some of these impacts. As small- and medium-payload orbital rocket launches are currently planned for Australian spaceports, preliminary noise predictions around these spaceports are described for representative vehicle launches. Eventual refinement and validation of these predictions will aid in assessing potential noise impacts on threatened and endangered species, such as the southern emu wren.
Evaluation of sound localization and speech recognition with a sound enhancing connection tube for non-linear earplugs
Authors: Fink Nir , Benn Aaron , Grushko Liron
Published: November 2023

Noise-induced hearing-loss (NIHL) can occur when an individual is exposed to high-intensity acoustic stimuli. To prevent NIHL, individuals may use non-linear-earplugs (NLEPs) that provide some attenuation, substantially within the frequency range of 1–4 kHz. Wearing NLEPs can reduce speech recognition as well as sound localization. As weapon noise is mostly present in the 1–4 kHz range and is therefore partly attenuated by NLEPs, there is a downside to the reduced ability of a soldier using them to localize the source of enemy gunfire. A perforated sound-enhancing connection tube (SECT) was designed to connect to NLEPs for improving the user’s ability to localize sound and speech recognition in noise while retaining the NLEPs's noise attenuation benefits of protecting one's hearing. A previous experiment examined the effect of the SECT with NLEPs on the Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) of a head-and-torso-simulator (HATS) (manikin). The obtained HRTF demonstrated a 3–10 dB difference in the 1–4 kHz frequency range relative to the HRTF with the NLEPs alone, implying that sound stimuli in that frequency range might be more audible to the user. The presented work will demonstrate the speech recognition in noise and sound localization of participants when using the SECT with NLEPs.
Method to measure the effect of acoustic leaks on active noise reduction device performance
Authors: Gallagher Hilary , Ennis Zachariah
Published: November 2023

Passive hearing protection (HP) systems are designed to reduce the level of noise at the ear. Passive HP typically excel in attenuating mid- to high-frequency noise. Active noise reduction (ANR) has the potential to provide additional attenuation of low-frequency noise. There are documented reports describing unwanted sound being generated by ANR systems if an acoustic leak is present. The objective of this effort was to develop a method to measure the performance of ANR devices with and without the introduction of an acoustic leak. A number of ANR earcups were selected for this study. Data were collected with an artificial ear and a flat base plate in a noise environment that ranged from 65–115 dB SPL. Wedges, designed in-house, created a consistent acoustic leak that ranged in size from 1–2 mm in radius. The results revealed that some ANR earcups provided high levels of protection when the earcup was well-sealed; however, when an acoustic leak was introduced, the earcups became unstable and generated noise in the earcup. This instability was not seen in all ANR devices. The outcome of these measurements solidified the need for a method to measure ANR device performance when acoustic leaks are introduced.
High level sound transmission through cadaver human ears—On the influence of bone conduction and hearing protective devices
Authors: Greene Nathaniel T. , Ruiz Juanantonio , Argo Ted , Brown Andrew D. , Anderson David A.
Published: November 2023

High level sound exposure can cause substantial injury to the auditory system, motivating efforts to predict and prevent this injury. Measurement techniques using acoustic manikins are effective for low and moderate sound levels, but nonlinear effects in the middle ear and alternate sound transmission pathways to the inner ear limit their utility at higher sound pressure levels. Here, we describe results from a series of measurements made in cadaveric human ears conducted in our laboratory over the last several years. We quantified sound transmission to the inner ear by measuring the difference in sound pressure level across the cochlear partition near the base of the cochlea, which drives basilar membrane motion. We describe measurements quantifying sound transmission through the human middle ear, which is limited by suspensory ligaments for sounds above approximately 130 dB SPL, resulting in nonlinear (harmonic) distortion of sounds in the cochlea at higher sound pressure levels. Similarly, we describe observations of sound transmission to the cochlea via bone conduction from vibratory transducers, as well as high level sound and impulse noise/blast exposures. The implications of these measurements for hearing loss predictions, effectiveness of hearing protective devices, and injury mechanisms are discussed.
Vocal intensity control challenges in bilateral cochlear implant users
Authors: Soleimanifar Simin , Aronoff Justin
Published: November 2023

Bilateral cochlear implantation offers benefits but poses challenges for vocal intensity control. This study explored how differences in loudness growth between ears contribute to poor vocal intensity control in BiCI users. Experiment 1 tested 13 BiCI users with sustained vowel vocalization using both cochlear implant devices together and each one separately to measure their ability to control long-term vocal intensity variation (vAm). To determine if deficits in vAm when using both ears reflected mismatched loudness growth across ears, Experiment 2 examined loudness growth from each ear for a subset of participants and Experiment 3 manipulated the loudness growth function of the processor to change the shape of loudness growth function while measuring vAm for a subset of participants. Experiment 1 showed decreased vocal intensity control with BiCI devices compared to unilateral CIs. Experiment 2 revealed different loudness growth perceptions between ears for most BiCI users, possibly explaining their poor vocal performance with both implants. Experiment 3 demonstrated that changing loudness growth functions of the processor altered the ability to control vAm, indicating that changes in loudness growth affect vAm. The results suggest unmatched loudness growth perception between ears likely contributes to poor vocal intensity control in BiCI users.
Modeling sea surface noise in the presence of seamounts and ocean fronts using Nx2D and 3-D methods
Authors: Durofchalk Nicholas C. , Doran Adrian K. , Torres Jahn R.
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on modeling the ambient noise observed along a vertical line array in the presence of distributed surface sources and extreme bathymetric and oceanographic features. The distributed surface sources considered in this study include wind-induced noise, while the extreme bathymetric and oceanographic features comprise seamounts such as Atlantis II and the ocean front caused by the Gulf Stream. Directional vertical noise levels are modeled by computing the Green’s Function between the array elements and the distributed surface sources, estimating the average cross spectral density matrix, and calculating the plane wave response [1]. Green’s functions are computed using the Bellhop3-D ray tracing model [2] in both an Nx2D and full 3-D environment, and the resulting directional noise levels are compared. The results of this study will provide insights into the accuracy and effectiveness of the modeling methods used to predict ambient noise levels in such challenging environments, with particular emphasis on the contribution of seamounts to ambient noise. The implications of these results can be significant for thedesign and operation of underwater acoustic systems in similar environments.
Effect of sound speed profile on the structure of acoustic pulse and the convergence zone in deep water
Authors: Wu Shuanglin , Qin Jixing , Li Zhenglin
Published: November 2023

Through the experimental data collected in different seasons with the propagation conditions change in the East Indian Ocean (EIO) and the South China Sea (SCS), we observe that the structure of the sound speed profiles (SSPs) in these two seas area is very different and has a significant impact on the CZs and time arrival structure of acoustic pulses. In the EIO environment, sound energy transmitting along the sound channel axis (SCA) is relatively large, and the corresponding signals arrive first, whereas signals propagating off the SCA arrive late, which is totally different with the characteristics of the waveform in the SCS. At the same time, the range of the first CZ in the EIO is 7–8 km farther than that in the SCS, and the width of the CZs in the EIO is about 2–3 km narrower when the water depths in the two experimental areas are similar. Combined with the theoretical model, the influence mechanism of SSP on the time arrival structure and CZ propagation are theoretically analyzed, which well explains the phenomenon observed in the two experiments. The results can provide a reference for the application of communication sonar in the deep-sea remote environment.
Understanding and applications of striation-based beamforming in underwater acoustics
Authors: Liu Changpeng , Zhou Shihong , Qi Yubo
Published: November 2023

Utilizing the shallow water acoustic interference phenomenon in the range-frequency domain, striation-based beamforming (SBF) was proposed to estimate waveguide invariant and enhance active sonar output. In the past decade, SBF has also been applied to enhance LOFARgrams to improve tracking performance. In this paper, the correlation theory is used to understand SBF, and some further applications of SBF in underwater acoustic problems are also discussed. It shows that SBF essentially selects the optimal signal components with the best correlation. During the process, the correlation of array signals is improved and the ability to converge signals arriving via different paths is achieved to ensure array gain. The level of gain improvement is related to the direction of striation-based processing. Hence, a cost function can be constructed to facilitate the implementations of SBF in tasks such as striation slope estimation and source range estimation. Additionally, the SBF technique can be further applied to estimate the Green's function by introducing the cross-correlation preprocessing. Utilizing the mathematical connection between SBF and CBF, SBF can also be naturally extended to other beamforming algorithms and improve their performance, such as the subspace algorithms. The above is explained using simulation and experimental results.
Sport Management: Lessons From Yesterday, Applications for Today, Thoughts on Tomorrow
Authors: Pastore Donna L.
Published: November 2023

Sport management programs continue to expand and be a popular major in institutions of higher education. The aim of this article is to share the contributions made by National Academy of Kinesiology fellows to the growth of sport management. A brief background of sport management is presented followed by an overview of each fellow’s unique contributions. More specifically, lessons learned from our first three fellows in sport management and contributions made by current members are highlighted. Next, a discussion of the current status and critical issues facing sport management is presented. The concluding section includes scholars’ thoughts and directions for future scholarship in sport management.
Successful addition of topical antibiotic treatment after surgery in treatment-refractory nontuberculous mycobacterial skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Stemkens Ralf , Cobussen Maarten , de Laat Erik , Hoefsloot Wouter , van Crevel Reinout , Aarnoutse Rob E. , van Ingen Jakko
Published: November 2023

Treatment of skin and soft tissue infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria sometimes fails despite repeated debridements and long-term systemic antibiotic therapy. These treatment-refractory infections can cause significant morbidity and pose a treatment challenge. Following surgery, we treated three patients with negative pressure wound therapy with the instillation and dwell time of topical antibiotics, in addition to systemic antibiotic treatment. Treatment was successful and well tolerated, except for some local irritation.
Case Commentary: Another prong of attack? Topical antibiotic instillation with negative pressure wound therapy for nontuberculous mycobacterial skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Nguyen David C. , Buettner Angel M. , Dousa Khalid M.
Published: November 2023

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) skin infections remain therapeutically challenging. Given the diversity in infections, host responses, and antimicrobials, clinical guidelines are often built on case series and observational studies. In this commentary, we respond to a paper by Stemkens et al. that introduces an emerging strategy: adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time combined with topical antibiotics for refractory NTM skin and soft tissue infections. We delve into the primary considerations surrounding this innovative approach.
Genome sequence and annotation of the B3 mycobacteriophage Phayeta
Authors: Bishop Emily , Earley Warren , Greco Alexandra , Hofseth Emma , Kinerson Emma , Lafayette Brandon , Llanot-Arocho Nestor , Mazen Brittney , Cevasco Megan , Williams Daniel C.
Published: November 2023

Mycobacteriophage Phayeta was extracted from soil near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
as a host. Annotation of the 68,700 base-pair circularly permuted genome identified 104 predicted protein-encoding genes, 34 of which have functional assignments.
Supplemental Material: Controls on topography and erosion of the north-central Andes
Authors: Leonard Joel S. , al. et
Published: November 2023

Supplementary text for sample processing, erosion rate calculations, and lithology and grouping descriptions, with tables containing sample data erodibility calculations.  
Patient perspectives and barriers in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Denmark: a qualitative study
Authors: Thinggaard Benjamin Sommer , Pedersen Maria , Sorensen Torben Lykke , Grauslund Jakob , Stokholm Lonny
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This qualitative study aims to identify patient-reported barriers to treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and investigate their impact on quality of life.

Design

Using a qualitative explorative design.

Setting

Semi-structured individual or dyadic interviews were conducted with patients and their relatives.

Participants

Twenty-one patients completed the interview, with four of them having a relative present.

Interventions

Gadamer’s hermeneutics guided the epistemological approach, and maximum variation sampling was employed to capture diverse patient experiences. An advisory board consisting of patients, relatives and ophthalmologists ensured the relevance of the study. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

To investigate patient-reported barriers to the recommended treatment for nAMD and impact on quality of life.

Results

The study included 21 patients with nAMD, with a median age of 79 years. Five themes emerged: (1) good compliance with intravitreal treatment, (2) the dual role of relatives, (3) treatment commute, (4) hospital barriers, (5) preventive health literacy.

Conclusion

This study highlights the resilience and adherence of patients with nAMD in Denmark to their treatment despite various barriers. While the therapy may have negative effects on their well-being, patients do not opt out of treatment. These findings underscore the importance of personalised treatment plans that provide, for example, convenient access to care and clear future agreements at the hospital. By adopting more patient-centred approaches, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction and improve treatment adherence, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life.
Euclidean Wormhole with k-essence field in the presence of Gauss–Bonnet term
Authors: Dutta M. K. , Biswas Gargi , Modak B.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present some analytical solutions of wormhole in four-dimensional Robertson–Walker Euclidean background considering Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet dilaton interaction with a [Formula: see text]-essence field for [Formula: see text]. The solutions are obtained assuming some restrictions on coupling function with a form of potential or with the ratio of kinetic to potential energy of the dilaton field. Euclidean wormhole, in one case, evolves through early transient inflationary era and after graceful exit from inflation, it asymptotically yields a radiation dominated era or a matter dominated era. In another solution, initial Euclidean wormhole is accompanied by oscillation of scale factor in Euclidean time at some late era which asymptotically yields exponential expansion. The violation of the null energy condition can be avoided asymptotically. The potential is also found to decay sharply.
Heavy–Light meson spectroscopy with strong coupling at N2LO level in V-scheme
Authors: Hazarika B. J. , Hoque Rashidul , Choudhury D. K.
Published: November 2023

The quark–antiquark potential is one of the basic ingredients of QCD-inspired potential models. This work will report the results of the masses and decay constants of heavy-flavor pseudo-scalar mesons within a QCD-based potential model having both inverse distance Coulomb and the linear confinement pieces. To that end, we use the inverse piece incorporating two-loop effects as suggested in V-scheme. Quantum mechanical perturbative methods: Dalgarno’s method of perturbation theory and variationally improved perturbation theory are used for the investigation. We use the Coulombic piece as the parent which is allowed by both Dalgarno’s perturbation theory and variationally improved perturbation theory. The results are compared with the latest updated theoretical predictions and PDG data. The sensitivity of the input parameters of the model has been discussed.
Modified trimaximal mixing for solar and reactor neutrino mixing angles
Authors: Chen Yulin , Hyodo Yuta , Kitabayashi Teruyuki
Published: November 2023

The trimaximal mixing scheme is one of the widely studied neutrino mixing schemes. However, the predicted solar neutrino mixing angle [Formula: see text] and the reactor neutrino mixing angle [Formula: see text] cannot simultaneously realize their best-fit values. To address this issue, a minimal modification to the trimaximal mixing scheme is proposed. The modified trimaximal mixing scheme can simultaneously predict the best-fit values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] using an additional real parameter introduced via the modification.
Low-temperature electrical transport in the normal-state of overdoped cuprate superconductors
Authors: Ma Xingyu , Zeng Minghuan , Cao Zhangkai , Feng Shiping
Published: November 2023

The low-temperature electrical transport in the normal-state of overdoped cuprate superconductors is investigated based on the t-J model. The momentum relaxation due to the umklapp scattering between electrons by the exchange of the effective spin propagator is employed to evaluate the electrical resistivity within the framework of the Boltzmann transport theory. It is shown that the quadratic temperature dependence of the resistivity develops in the far-lower-temperature region, and is followed by a nonlinear temperature dependence of the resistivity in an extremely-narrow-crossover region and a linear temperature dependence of the resistivity in the low-temperature region. The obtained results also show that the same spin excitation governs both superconductivity and the electron umklapp scattering responsible for the low-temperature linear in temperature resistivity in the overdoped regime.
Couple stress effects on the MHD triple-diffusive oscillatory flow in a fluid-saturated porous layer
Authors: Alhefthi Reem K. , Vinod Y. , Raghunatha K. R. , Inc Mustafa
Published: November 2023

The motivation of this paper is to explore an oscillatory flow of a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) couple stress fluid with heat and mass transfer analyses through a porous medium. The modified Darcy–Brinkman couple stress fluid model is employed. There could be many potential applications of this study, such as thermal system, solidification of liquid crystals, cooling of metallic plates in a bath, exotic lubricants and colloidal solutions. In the wake of these potential applications, the study of MHD couple stress fluid flow with additional diffusing components has been found to be innovative and very interesting in the analysis of the influence of combined magnetic effects, couple stress fluid and two solutes. A governing coupled nonlinear partial differential equation with boundary constraints represents the modeled flow problem. In addition, these equations are converted into nondimensional form by employing the suitable nondimensionalizing quantities. It is possible to attain analytic solutions to the dimensionless equations that control the liquid flow, and the consequences of the flow’s confines on velocity, temperature, concentration and skin friction profile are examined and also the results are discussed through graphs. It is noteworthy that when the injection level on the heated plate is increased, the skin friction on each channel plate also increases.
Maximum Load Consumption Capacity Maintenance of Distributed Storage Devices Based on Time-Varying Neurodynamic Algorithm
Authors: Li Ziqiang , Qu Youran , Yan Meng , Pan Bo , Mao Qin , Ji Cheng , Tao Wanmin , Zhou Mingliang
Published: November 2023

A charge and discharge management scheme is proposed. The stored electric energy in distributed storage devices will converge to the consistent. The consistency of the stored electric energy of the devices helps to maintain the maximum load capacity and maximum consumption capacity of distributed storage devices. The charging and discharging process is constructed as a time-varying optimization problem, and the proposed algorithm can respond to the time-varying parameters of the distributed storage devices in real time. The time-varying neurodynamic algorithms can obtain time-varying optimal solution trajectories to give the optimal charging and discharging strategy in real time. In addition, the proposed approach in this paper focuses on the privacy protection of device data. Each device can calculate the power of discharging or charging by communicating with the partially connected nodes. Numerical simulations of the proposed scheme in the paper are given to verify the effectiveness of the scheme. Numerical simulations show that our scheme can make the electric energy stored in each storage device converge and maintain the maximum load capacity or maximum consumption capacity of the whole distributed storage device.
ENHANCING MILLING PERFORMANCE OF 6061 ALUMINUM ALLOY WITH NANOCUTTING FLUID AND MQL
Authors: TOSUN NIHAT , RASUL SLEMAN YAHYA , MAHMAT AYBARS , TOSUN GUL
Published: November 2023

During the machining of aluminum alloys, the adhesion of chips to the tool affects the performance characteristics. Today, different cooling systems are used to eliminate these negativities. In this study, the effects of end milling using HSS and carbide cutting tools of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy on surface roughness, chip thickness ratio and tool wear were examined using different cooling techniques (dry, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and nanocutting fluid). Different cutting speeds (180, 200, 220 m/min) and different feed rates (0.05, 0.06, 0.07 mm/rev) were used in the experiments. According to experimental findings, tool wear and surface roughness decreased at low cutting speed and feed rate by using nanocutting fluid with carbide cutting tools. It has been observed that the chip thickness ratio increases with high cutting speeds using nanocutting fluid and decreases with dry machining and high feed rates. The best milling performance of the aluminum alloy was achieved in experiments using carbide cutting tools and nanocutting fluid.
New Numerical Iteration Schemes Based on Perturbation Iteration Algorithms
Authors: Pakdemirli Mehmet
Published: November 2023

Perturbation–Iteration algorithms (PIA) have been developed recently to solve differential equations analytically. A continuous solution in terms of closed form functions as an approximation of the original equation can be found using the method. The method has been implemented to algebraic equations, ordinary and partial differential equations successfully. Based on the formalism developed previously, in this work, purely numerical versions of the perturbation–iteration algorithms are proposed for the first time for first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The new algorithms are called as the Numerical Perturbation–Iteration Algorithms (NPIA) to distinguish them from the continuous analytical ones (PIA) and the method in general will be called the Numerical Perturbation–Iteration Method (NPIM). Iteration schemes based on one correction term in the perturbation solution and first-order derivatives in the Taylor series expansions (NPIA(1,1)), and one correction term in the perturbations and second-order derivatives in the series expansions (NPIA(1,2)) are derived. The numerical results are compared with the exact solutions and a very good match is observed. NPIA(1,2) produced slightly better results compared to NPIA(1,1) with total errors being at least [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] being the step size for both methods. An improvement suggestion for NPIA(1,1) is proposed in the last section to eliminate unrealistic blow-up solutions which are encountered for some specific equations.
Exploratory Analysis of Factors Influencing Agile New Product Development Adoption in Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Palsodkar Manoj A. , Nagare Madhukar R. , Narwane Vaibhav S.
Published: November 2023

Purpose: Global competition, individualized customer requirements, and volatile market conditions create an environment conducive to agile new product development (ANPD). This research seeks to identify the key factors that influence ANPD adoption along with the development of a conceptual framework for the identified factors.

Design/methodology: Through a literature review, eight factors having 47 sub-factors pertinent to ANPD adoption and its performance improvement were identified. Considering all of these factors, the development of conceptual framework and research hypotheses was carried out. A structured questionnaire was used to collect 118 online responses from both domestic and foreign subject matter experts. The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used for validation of the conceptual framework along with the research hypotheses testing.

Findings: This study supported six hypotheses: “Technology management competencies”, “Product development competencies”, “Organizational management competencies”, “Human resource competencies”, “Software management competencies”, and “Policy management competencies”. These supported hypotheses influence ANPD adoption significantly. However, the analysis did not support the two more positive factors, namely “Integrated system competencies” and “Supply chain competencies”, showcasing the necessity for a better understanding of them among the product development experts.

Research limitations: As the proposed methodology relies on qualitative data, it is somewhat complex and time-consuming. While SEM can verify the linear relationship, a hybrid approach involving the SEM-MCDM technique can be employed to comprehend the impact of ANPD adoption and performance improvement.

Practical implications: The findings of this study will assist product development experts, manufacturing executives, and managers in developing effective ANPD adoption policies. It will help in improving the new product development success rate and highlighting the causes of poor performance.

Originality/value: This is a one-of-a-kind and highly beneficial structural modeling-based decision-making tool. This framework can be effective across multiple domains, and incidents of ANPD adoption failure can be mitigated.
Algebraic Properties of Powers of Edge Ideals of Vertex-Weighted Oriented Cycles
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhu Guangjun , Xu Li
Published: November 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be any positive integer and [Formula: see text] the edge ideal of a vertex-weighted oriented [Formula: see text]-cycle graph [Formula: see text]. We provide explicit formulas for the regularity and depth of [Formula: see text]. In particular, we find that the regularity of [Formula: see text] is a linear function; [Formula: see text], the set of associated prime ideals of [Formula: see text], equals [Formula: see text]; and the depth of [Formula: see text] is a constant for all [Formula: see text]. We also give some examples to show that these results are related to the direction selection of edges and the weight of vertices.
Synthesis and properties of antimony sulfoiodide doped with tin (II) cations
Authors: Chirkova D. V. , Lisnevskaya I. V.
Published: November 2023

Antimony sulfoiodide (SbSI) is a highly efficient energy conversion piezoelectric material. We obtained SbSI doped with tin (II) ions according to the formula Sb[Formula: see text]SnxSI[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]–0.1). This heterovalent doping has been performed by the novel method of synthesis in an aqueous solution. The introduction of tin cations leads to a material Curie point increase of more than 10[Formula: see text]K. The samples containing 5[Formula: see text]mol.% of the dopant possess the best piezoelectric properties: piezomodule [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]pC/N, dielectric constant at a frequency of 1[Formula: see text]kHz — 1758, dielectric loss tangent — 0.054, and piezosensitivity — 50[Formula: see text]mV[Formula: see text]×[Formula: see text]m/N. Thus, tin-doped SbSI is a promising material for highly efficient electromechanical transducers and sensors.
Revealing China’s Soft Power Narratives in State-Owned Media: A Content Analysis
Authors: Guo Dongnu
Published: November 2023

Existing analyses of China’s soft power coverage by the media largely focus on individual soft power activities, and rarely study media coverage of comprehensive soft power projection as a whole. This study shines new light on soft power narratives through a content analysis of its components, actors, information sources, and themes from 2010 to 2019. This study has provided a deeper and more holistic understanding of China’s soft power narratives in its attempts to address negative perceptions and build a positive image. The major findings reveal that Chinese media focus on achievements, weaknesses, and potentials as themes, and their attention has shifted from culture and domestic information sources to economy and non-Chinese information sources in the two periods: 2010–2016 and 2017–2019. The analysis of this paper indicates a trend toward a more balanced portrayal of China’s soft power initiatives. It also presents China’s growing confidence and self-assurance in soft power coverage. However, given the role of the state-run media outlets as instruments of the state’s public diplomacy strategy, the media coverage might reflect a selective representation of soft power to engage with international audiences more effectively.
Less is More? International Organizations Headquartered in China Accredited by the Union of International Associations (UIA)
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhou Ying
Published: November 2023

International organizations play a crucial role in promoting and achieving global governance, and their importance in the contemporary world cannot be overstated. As of the end of 2022, the Union of International Associations (UIA) had accredited 227 international organizations registered in mainland China’s provinces and municipalities. This paper reviews the background of UIA and the relative authority of its Yearbook of International Organizations. It analyzes the basic situation of UIA-accredited international organizations headquartered in China according to the principles of UIA organization classification, and ultimately offers a brief assessment and policy recommendations for these organizations.
Propaganda of Mainland China and Taiwan Toward Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia During 1950s
Authors: Sun Zhiwei , Yin Haocheng
Published: November 2023

In the early stage of the People’s Republic of China, both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and retreat of Kuomintang (KMT) tried their efforts to win the overseas Chinese immigrants’ support through a series of foreign policies and legislation activities. Since its establishment, the PRC had constantly increased its efforts to promote its political influence and emotional connections among Chinese immigrants overseas. To this end, the PRC government had adjusted its political policies during the land reformation. On the other side, KMT government tried to contain its counterpart’s political influence among these immigrants and to restrict the monetary funding flowing back to Chinese mainland. In fact, the relevant KMT policies not only were impractical in action but also had caused a series of tension and concerns in major countries at Southeast Asian. In this paper, we analyze documentary records kept from British Foreign Office and conduct a comparative assessment between the PRC and KMT’ s foreign policies targeting those Chinese immigrants in Southeast Asian and propose political options and diplomatic strategies to deal with such situation. Our study intends to explore foreign policy options available in Chinese and British foreign policies toward Chinese oversea immigrants residing in Southeast Asia.
A Proposal for a Follow-Up Algorithm for Survivors of Sexual Violence in the Context of a Humanitarian Crisis
Authors: da Silva Joana Gomes , de Assunção Marta Regina Soares , Belo Regina Maria Ribeiro
Published: November 2023

Sexual violence is a continuum of actions that constitute a violation of consecrated Human Rights and that has consequences in the short, medium and long term. This issue is aggravated in situations of conflict, forced migration and natural disasters, which is why the UN has considered it one of the priorities to be primarily addressed in a crisis. In order to systematize the good practices for approaching survivors of sexual violence, the group of authors proposes the application of this algorithm as a working tool, in accordance with the standards stipulated by the World Health Organization, IAWG and UNFA.
DETERMINING THE ANTECEDENTS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG UUM STUDENTS
Authors: MOHD YUSOF SITI NUR LIYANA BINTI , SULAIMAN SABIRAH , TANG MEI RUN
Published: November 2023

This study delves into the intricate web of variables influencing entrepreneurial intentions among graduate students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Despite a decline in Malaysia’s overall unemployment rate, the employability of graduates has emerged as a pressing concern. Ministry of Education reported in The Graduate Tracer Malaysia 2019 that a substantial 60% of Malaysian graduates remain unemployed a year post-graduation. In light of this context, the research identifies and examines five crucial antecedents that shape entrepreneurial intentions. Employing a comprehensive survey, each variable — knowledge, environment, subjective norm, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurial intention — is meticulously gauged using a 7-point interval scale. Employing the drop-off/pick-up method, 250 questionnaires were disseminated, yielding 206 completed responses. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis employing structural equation modeling (SEM) thru the application of AMOS 20 software. This paper not only presents the empirical findings but also engenders a nuanced discussion around them, thus paving the way for prospective directions of future study.
THE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE IN AFRICA
Authors: RAIFU ISIAKA AKANDE , KUMEKA TERVER THEOPHILUS
Published: November 2023

The aim of this research is to examine how the daily growth in COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths in 15 African nations affects stock market returns, employing both time series and panel methods. This study uses robust ordinary least squares (ROLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) for time series. It uses Pooled OLS, Fixed Effects, Feasible Generalized Least Squares, Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS), and panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) with respect to panel data. These methodologies help in addressing some econometric issues regarding the relationship between COVID-19 confirmed cases, deaths and stock returns in the panel of 15 African nations, which enhances our research and findings. The effects of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths on stock returns are not uniform among countries, according to the results of a time series analysis. Precisely, the rise of COVID-19 confirmed cases has had a detrimental impact on stock returns in nations including Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco, Uganda, and Zambia. Similarly, COVID-19 confirmed deaths have a detrimental impact on the stock returns of nations like Botswana, Morocco, and Zambia. Even though COVID-19 confirmed cases have a negative impact on stock returns in the 15 African countries that make up the panel study, this effect is not statistically significant except when FGLS is applied. In a similar vein, stock returns in African nations are not significantly impacted by COVID-19 confirmed deaths. The results of FEVD support these findings. According to IRF findings, stock returns respond unfavorably to the shock of COVID-19 confirmed cases. The negative, nevertheless, quickly subsided as stock returns bounced back to positive returns until eventually reaching equilibrium. The stock returns, on the other hand, initially respond favorably to the shock of the COVID-19 confirmed deaths, then take a negative turn before returning to normal returns. Our study emphasizes the significance of examining each country’s socioeconomic response to the COVID-19 epidemic rather than grouping countries together.
Low-code Development Productivity
Authors: Varajão João , Trigo António , Almeida Miguel
Published: November 2023

This article aims to provide new insights on the subject by presenting the results of laboratory experiments carried out with code-based, low-code, and extreme low-code technologies to study differences in productivity. Low-code technologies have clearly shown higher levels of productivity, providing strong arguments for low-code to dominate the software development mainstream in the short/medium term. The article reports the procedure and protocols, results, limitations, and opportunities for future research.
TABLE 2 from Physical Activity During Adolescence and Early-adulthood and Ovarian Cancer Among Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Guyonnet Emma , Kim Shana J. , Xia Yue Yin , Giannakeas Vasily , Lubinski Jan , Randall Armel Susan , Eisen Andrea , Bordeleau Louise , Eng Charis , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Tung Nadine , Foulkes William D. , Couch Fergus J. , Aeilts Amber M. , Narod Steven A. , Kotsopoulos Joanne
Published: November 2023

Association between moderate physical activity (in MET-hours/week) and ovarian cancer among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Supplementary Table 6 from Physical Activity During Adolescence and Early-adulthood and Ovarian Cancer Among Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Guyonnet Emma , Kim Shana J. , Xia Yue Yin , Giannakeas Vasily , Lubinski Jan , Randall Armel Susan , Eisen Andrea , Bordeleau Louise , Eng Charis , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Tung Nadine , Foulkes William D. , Couch Fergus J. , Aeilts Amber M. , Narod Steven A. , Kotsopoulos Joanne
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Table 6 shows the association between physical activity overall (in MET-hr/week) and ovarian cancer among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
Supplementary Table 5 from Physical Activity During Adolescence and Early-adulthood and Ovarian Cancer Among Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Guyonnet Emma , Kim Shana J. , Xia Yue Yin , Giannakeas Vasily , Lubinski Jan , Randall Armel Susan , Eisen Andrea , Bordeleau Louise , Eng Charis , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Tung Nadine , Foulkes William D. , Couch Fergus J. , Aeilts Amber M. , Narod Steven A. , Kotsopoulos Joanne
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Table 5 shows the association between total physical activity (in MET-hr/week) and ovarian cancer among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, stratified by BMI at age 18.
Supplementary Table 2 from Physical Activity During Adolescence and Early-adulthood and Ovarian Cancer Among Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Guyonnet Emma , Kim Shana J. , Xia Yue Yin , Giannakeas Vasily , Lubinski Jan , Randall Armel Susan , Eisen Andrea , Bordeleau Louise , Eng Charis , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Tung Nadine , Foulkes William D. , Couch Fergus J. , Aeilts Amber M. , Narod Steven A. , Kotsopoulos Joanne
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Table 2 shows the association between total physical activity (in MET-hr/week) and ovarian cancer among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, stratified by BRCA mutation type and menopausal status.
Supplementary Table 1 from Physical Activity During Adolescence and Early-adulthood and Ovarian Cancer Among Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Guyonnet Emma , Kim Shana J. , Xia Yue Yin , Giannakeas Vasily , Lubinski Jan , Randall Armel Susan , Eisen Andrea , Bordeleau Louise , Eng Charis , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Tung Nadine , Foulkes William D. , Couch Fergus J. , Aeilts Amber M. , Narod Steven A. , Kotsopoulos Joanne
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Table 1 shows a summary of the steps to create exposure variables.