bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on viruses and bacteria with particular interest on Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children with exacerbation of asthma from a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesooriya Lakmini Inoka , Chalker Victoria , Perera Priyantha , Sunil-Chandra N. P.
Published: July 2024

Asthma is a significant public health concern, particularly in children with severe symptoms. Exacerbation of asthma (EOA) is life-threatening, and respiratory infections (RIs) play a crucial role. Though viruses play a significant role in EOA, patients are empirically treated with antibiotics, contributing to antibiotic resistance development. Although there are widely reported associations of EOA with viral or Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, there are no published data for Sri Lanka. The present study aimed to identify the association of common respiratory viruses, typical respiratory bacterial pathogens and M. pneumoniae in children with EOA and relate them with the compatibility of antimicrobial use. A case-control study was conducted in the paediatric unit of North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka, involving two groups of children between 5 and 15 years of age. Group 1 is children with EOA and Group 2 is children with stable asthma (SA). Each group consisted of 100 children. Sputum/throat swabs were tested for common respiratory viruses using virus-specific fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), bacteria by routine culture, and M. pneumoniae by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae was detected using conventional PCR and sequencing specific genetic mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. M. pneumoniae was genotyped using nested multilocus sequence typing, which targeted eight housekeeping genes (ppa, pgm, gyrB, gmk, glyA, atpA, arcC and adk). There was no significant difference in age, gender, demographic or geographical location between the two groups. In children with EOA, antibiotics were used in 66 % (66/100) and macrolides in 42 % (42/100). Samples comprised 78 % (78/100) sputum and 22 % (22/100) throat swabs. Adenovirus was the most common virus identified, and it was significantly higher in children with EOA compared to those with SA. Still, the two groups had no significant difference in typical bacteria findings. M. pneumoniae was detected in one patient with EOA, but none was detected in the SA group. The M. pneumoniae was macrolide-sensitive and ST14 by multilocus sequence typing. This study showed that the empiric use of antibiotics in children with asthma might be better targeted with prior pathogen screening to inform appropriate treatment to minimize antibiotic resistance.
Digitalization and productivity in the Chinese wind power industry: the serial mediating role of reconfiguration capability and technological innovation
Authors: Jiang Zihao , Shi Jiarong , Liu Zhiying
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Wind power is the most promising renewable energy source in China. The development of digital technologies has brought about unprecedented growth opportunities and prospects for wind power. However, the relationship between digital technology adoption and total factor productivity (TFP) in the wind power industry in China has not been empirically assessed. This study aims to clarify whether and how digital technology adoption affects the TFP of the wind power industry in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data of listed companies in the Chinese wind power industry from 2006 to 2021, this study proposes and verifies relevant hypotheses with two-way fixed effects regression models.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that digital technology adoption is the cornerstone of the TFP of China’s wind power industry. Reconfiguration capability and technological innovation serially mediate the above relationship. In addition, the incentive effect of digital technology adoption varies among wind power firms. The impact of digital technology adoption is more significant in firms that are old and located in economically undeveloped regions.

Originality/value

This study is one of the earliest attempts to investigate the relationship between digital technology adoption and TFP in the renewable energy sectors of emerging economies. By integrating dynamic capability theory and the analytical framework of “Capability-Behavior-Performance” into the digital context, this study offers the theoretical insights into how digital technology adoption can enhance organizational reconfiguration capability, thereby stimulating technological innovation and subsequent TFP. Additionally, the impacts of different digital technologies are estimated in entirety, rather than in isolation.
Architects and designers on LinkedIn: perceptions and strategies for professional success
Authors: Sauer Camila Marcela , Skaik Samer , Tumpa Roksana Jahan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

LinkedIn, as a professional networking platform, plays a crucial role in connecting professionals globally and facilitating their professional growth. This study aims to analyse the perceptions of architects and designers regarding the utilisation of LinkedIn for career development.

Design/methodology/approach

The research focuses on gathering professional perceptions and opinions through a qualitative analysis of primary data. A semi-structured interview approach was used for data collection. The study selected 12 actively engaged professionals from the architecture and design industry in Perth, Western Australia, who actively use LinkedIn.

Findings

The study's findings reveal diverse opinions and experiences among professionals in the architecture and design industry regarding LinkedIn. It identifies several positive impacts of LinkedIn on the Australian architecture and design industry. Architects and designers recognise the potential benefits of LinkedIn in expanding their professional networks, showcasing their work, accessing learning opportunities and contributing to industry outcomes. They also appreciate the platform's ability to connect them with peers, clients, suppliers and industry, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration in the evolving work environment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by extending the understanding of the importance of self-presentation on LinkedIn, identifying factors influencing career goal achievement and highlighting the role of professional connections on social media. It establishes connections between 21st-century online innovations and their practical applications within the relevant context.
Dronelab: a wing of a visionary entrepreneur
Authors: Mishra Ashutosh , Dwivedi Amit Kumar
Published: July 2024

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, the students will be able to discuss topics such as new venture creation and opportunity sensing, knowledge sharing and employee bonding and the use of social networks in business growth.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study focuses on the entrepreneurial journey of Mr Nikhil Methiya, the owner of Dronelab Technology Private Limited, which provides surveying, inspection, agriculture, surveillance and research and development services using drone technologies. This case highlights how Methiya used his minimal resources to grew his business, diversified his activities and developed a sound company profile and work culture to provide the best services to clients. This case also discusses the role of social networks in business growth and expansion, the use of effectuation theory in forming new businesses and the importance of conducting a SWOT analysis to understand a firm’s internal and external environments. Furthermore, this case touches upon the challenges and opportunities of the drone industry in India. It leaves readers in a dilemma should Methiya plan to expand his business to Europe and Africa in the upcoming years. This case study is suitable for postgraduate management students specializing in entrepreneurship and can serve as a valuable resource for the Venture Creation Program’s start-up strategy and execution. The case study’s pedagogy involves discussion-based learning.

Complexity academic level

This case study can be used in management for an entrepreneurship specialty course. It is ideal for postgraduate students and has a moderate level of difficulty.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Barriers to the adoption of energy management systems in residential buildings
Authors: Khafiso Thabo , Aigbavboa Clinton , Adekunle Samuel Adeniyi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the challenges in the implementation of energy management systems in residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better energy-efficient building.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed research method. Quantitative data was gathered by issuing a research questionnaire to 20 Delphi experts, while qualitative data was acquired through a Systematic Literature Review. Data received was analyzed using the descriptive analysis method.

Findings

The findings revealed that the main barriers to incorporating energy management systems (EMSs) in residential buildings consist of a lack of awareness of energy management systems, lack of management commitment to energy management, lack of knowledge about energy management systems, lack of funds for energy management systems, resistance to energy management technology by the property owners and property managers, distrust and resistance to energy management technology by the property owners, high initial cost of energy management technologies, shortage of technicians for energy management technologies, the nonexistence of local manufacturers of energy management equipment, lack of incentives for efficient energy management and high repair costs of energy management technologies.

Research limitations/implications

The specific focus on residential buildings may limit the applicability of findings to commercial or industrial sectors. Further research is warranted to accommodate other energy-consuming sectors.

Practical implications

People’s perceptions, either wrong or correct, affect their ability to make an informed decision to adopt energy management systems, denying them the opportunity to reap the associated benefits. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the residential industry stakeholders and the government to increase educational opportunities for property owners, managers and property tenants on the importance of energy management systems.

Originality/value

This research presents the potential obstacles and problematic areas that residents may encounter while using these energy management systems. Consequently, they will be able to make a well-informed choice when installing energy management systems. Moreover, the research elucidates the identification of novel perspectives and also unexamined obstacles that impede the widespread use of energy management systems in residential buildings.
Customer helping behaviour in the banking environment: a gift-giving perspective and research agenda
Authors: van Tonder Estelle , Saunders Stephen Graham
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to broaden understanding of customer helping behaviour in the banking environment and provide strategic direction for much-needed further research regarding its role and management within the customer service journey.

Design/methodology/approach

Gift-giving literature was further explored to identify plausible characteristics of customer helping behaviour in the banking environment.

Findings

Customers’ acts of helping could be complex in nature and may involve multiple actors, including customer helpers, gatekeepers, and other members of customer helpers’ networks. Moreover, customer helpers and their helping networks may operate in both offline and online environments, in various stages of the service experiences, and ultimately in the customer journeys. Furthermore, the help customers provide to other customers could be framed by socially constructed arrangements that seem to be (1) dynamic in nature, (2) comprising of joint efforts by multiple actors, and (3) within diverse and interlinked helping environments. Accordingly, several research implications for the banking environment are identified.

Originality/value

Key to services in the banking environment may be the complex and synthesised helping systems among customers that evidently could affect product adoption, use, and customer loyalty of customers receiving help throughout the service experiences and customer journeys. Accordingly, guided by gift-giving literature, the current paper sets the research agenda.
Evaluating user engagement via Metaverse environment through immersive experience for travel and tourism websites
Authors: Shamim Nida , Gupta Suraksha , Shin Matthew Minsuk
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore user engagement (UE) within the Metaverse (MV) environment, emphasising the crucial role of immersive experiences (IEs). This study aims to understand how IEs influence UE and the mediating effects of hedonic value (HV) and utilitarian value (UV) on this relationship. Additionally, the authors examine the moderating impacts of user perceptions (UPs) such as headset comfort, simulation sickness, prior knowledge and ease of use on the utilisation of the MV. This study seeks to elucidate the dynamics of virtual travel at a pre-experience stage, enhancing the comprehension of how digital platforms can revolutionise UE in travel and tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a triangulation methodology to provide a thorough investigation into the factors influencing UE in the MV. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to frame the research context and identify relevant variables. To gather empirical data, 25 interviews were performed with active MV users, supplemented by a survey distributed to 118 participants. The data collected was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the hypothesised relationships between IEs, UPs, HV and UV and their combined effect on UE within the MV.

Findings

The findings from the SEM indicate that engaging in the MV leads to a positive IE, which significantly enhances UE. Additionally, it was discovered that HV and UV play a mediating role in strengthening the link between IEs and UE. Furthermore, UPs, including headset comfort, simulation sickness, prior knowledge and ease of use, are significant moderators in the relationship between IEs and MV usage. These insights provide a nuanced understanding of the variables that contribute to and enhance UE in virtual environments.

Originality/value

This research contributes original insights into the burgeoning field of digital tourism by focusing on the MV, a rapidly evolving platform. It addresses the gap in the existing literature by delineating the complex interplay between IEs, UPs and value constructs within the MV. By using a mixed-method approach and advanced statistical analysis, this study provides a comprehensive model of UE specific to virtual travel platforms. The findings are particularly valuable for developers and marketers in the hospitality and tourism sectors seeking to capitalise on digital transformation and enhance UE through immersive technologies.
Corporate maturity mismatch and outward foreign direct investment: evidence from China
Authors: Dong Li , Chen Jinlong , Wu Weipeng
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study examines how maturity mismatch, a specific type of financial structure of firms, affects corporate outward foreign direct investment (OFDI).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the number of newly established foreign subsidiaries in a given year as firm-level OFDI and utilizing data from Chinese listed firms between 2007 and 2022, we employ a negative binomial regression model to examine the impact of corporate maturity mismatch on the OFDI. We also make efforts to ensure the robustness of the result, such as employing an exogenous policy to establish a difference-in-difference model.

Findings

The empirical result indicates that maturity mismatch inhibits firms' OFDI. Additional test shows that maturity mismatch increases firms' financing costs and reduces firms' research and development (R&D) investment and that the negative impact of maturity mismatch on OFDI is predominantly observed in firms with high financial constraints and low R&D intensity, indicating that maturity mismatch may affect firms' OFDI through the financing cost channel and the R&D investment channel.

Originality/value

Corporate maturity mismatch is common in China and similar emerging markets. However, research on the economic consequences of maturity mismatch, especially its impact on firms' overseas expansions, is rare. This study establishes the relationship between corporate maturity mismatch and OFDI, contributes to the literature on the relationship between financial factors and OFDI, and provides policy implications for emerging market countries.
Becoming an academic in Spanish higher education: an in-depth narrative study
Authors: Mula-Falcón Javier
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This article focuses on understanding the evolution of the academic identity of a university academic within the contemporary university context, highlighting the significant influence of professional performance evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve the objectives, a narrative-biographical approach was used, through an in-depth analysis of the life and professional career of a Spanish academic.

Findings

The results reveal a progression in identity from a state of naivety to that of a survivor, characterized by a strong adherence to the demands of scientific production, with research assuming a central role. This shift is motivated by an enduring pursuit of stable employment conducive to full professional and personal development. Several factors influence this change, including the context of evaluation, lack of funding, relationship with the thesis supervisor, and job instability, among others. The article concludes by outlining policy implications aimed at enhancing the work and professional standards of university faculty. These recommendations include awareness-raising initiatives, re-evaluating existing evaluation systems, and promoting institutional support, among other measures. Implementing these strategies is expected to optimize the professional growth of academics and, therefore, enhance the quality of services provided by universities.

Originality/value

Although previous research has acknowledged the impact of these evaluations, this study stands out by exploring how academic identity is shaped and reconfigured over the course of a career.
Is there a public sector earnings premium in UK healthcare?
Authors: Jones Melanie , Kaya Ezgi
Published: July 2024

Using data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, we provide the first estimates of intra‐occupation sectoral hourly remuneration differentials in Britain. Focusing on healthcare, we find that public sector remuneration differentials for comparable workers vary substantially across occupations, with benchmark estimates from a premium of 34 per cent for care workers to no significant differential for medical secretaries. This variation, as well as differences in trends in intra‐occupational estimates, illustrates the insights from intra‐occupation estimates for government pay setting. Indeed, in stark contrast to national estimates of a relatively small public sector differential, we find sizeable and robust public sector premiums for doctors, auxiliary nurses and care workers.
Boardroom Dissent: An Integrative Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Eirola Aira , Bezemer Pieter‐Jan , Reinhold Stephan
Published: July 2024

Research Question/Issue

Scholars and practitioners view boardroom dissent as central to the functioning of boards of directors. However, there is a lack of consensus on what dissent is, who is involved, when and where it happens, and whether it is a behavioral or cognitive phenomenon. This conceptual unclarity and related fragmentation of empirical results call for an integrative literature review to build a coherent agenda for future research.

Research Findings/Results

A content‐analysis of 73 articles published between 1997 and 2023 reveals three distinct research clusters that explore the empirical phenomenon: (1) dissent as expressed through voting, (2) dissent as diverging views, and (3) dissent as behavior in and around the boardroom. Three overarching challenges hamper the advancement of the field: (1) conceptual inconsistencies, (2) several methodological challenges, and (3) a need for further theorizing connected to boardroom dissent.

Theoretical Implications

We propose a novel working definition for boardroom dissent to inspire new work related to its constituent parts and to facilitate advancing its measurement. In combination with alternative methods, it stands to advance the boardroom dissent literature. Furthermore, there is a need for future research to integrate competing explanations theorizing how boardroom dissent relates to outcomes at different levels and to examine how boundary conditions constrain these relationships.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The article provides new nuances to reflect on boardroom dissent and related behaviors. The review highlights that there is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach automatically resulting in positive outcomes.
Anthropic pressure drives resource selection of an adaptable generalist in human‐dominated landscapes
Authors: Handschuh Markus , Linderoth Peter , Arnold Janosch , Storch Ilse , Bhardwaj Manisha
Published: July 2024

Few landscapes on earth remain free of human‐modification, which may influence resource selection in wildlife. To investigate the effects of anthropic pressure on wild boar (Sus scrofa) and explore management implications, we studied how diel resource selection of the species' main life stages changed with spatial variations of human access (e.g., for recreation), temporal changes in hunting pressure, and habitat type. Using 206,461 hourly GPS‐locations of 15 males, 11 females with dependent young, and 17 other females from south‐western Germany, we found anthropic pressure influenced resource selection more than ecological factors. All boars were more likely to select for low human‐access areas than high human‐access areas, regardless of habitat. Hunting pressure was most avoided by females with dependent piglets, followed by males and other females. Since both hunting activity and general human access affected resource selection, they should be considered simultaneously in wildlife management and conservation. We suggest the further establishment of wildlife reserves that are inaccessible to people where boar may remain more localized, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission, and boar hunting to focus on open lands and refuge boundaries to reduce crop damage. This may also benefit overall human‐wildlife coexistence, animal welfare, and biodiversity conservation in anthropized environments.
Effect of polishing and bleaching on color, whiteness, and translucency of CAD/CAM monolithic materials
Authors: Peña Ranulfo Castillo , Ramos Alejandro Cardenas , dos Santos Nunes Reis José Maurício , Dovigo Lívia Nordi , Salomon Jean‐Pierre Guy Olivier , del Mar Pérez María , Fonseca Renata Garcia
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of polishing and bleaching on the recovery of lightness, color, whiteness, and relative translucency parameter (RTP) in CAD/CAM materials and changes in these properties when another staining in coffee was conducted after the treatments.

Materials and Methods

Disks of Lava Ultimate (LU), Vita Enamic (VE), IPS Empress CAD (EMP), IPS e.max CAD (EMAX), and Vita Suprinity (VS) were (1) not treated (control), (2) polished with Proxyt or (3) Ceramisté, (4) bleached with Opalescence PF or (5) Whiteness HP Blue, and (6) air polished with Clinpro Prophy Powder. CIE L*a*b* color coordinates were registered at baseline (R0), after staining with coffee for 30 min daily for 36.5 days and treatment (R1), and after another staining (R2). Differences (R1–R0 and R2–R0) in lightness (ΔL00), color (ΔE00), RTP (ΔRTP00), and whiteness (ΔWID) were evaluated by mixed repeated measures ANOVA and 95% confidence intervals (α = 0.05) and interpreted in function of their respective 50:50% PT and AT thresholds. Topography was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

In LU, Opalescence PF and Proxyt decreased , , and and showed lower , , and . In VE, all treatments decreased , , and , whereas , , and were lower in Opalescence PF than in the control group. In both moments, ΔE00 and ΔWID in EMP (also ΔL00) and EMAX were higher in Opalescence PF than in the control group, from which the other treatments did not differ in R1–R0. In EMP, in Whiteness HP Blue (also ) and Proxyt were also higher in comparison to the control group and in VS, Ceramisté decreased , , and , whereas Opalescence PF increased . of Ceramisté and and of Proxyt were lower than those of the control group.

Conclusions

The most suitable treatment to recover the lightness, color, whiteness, and RTP without changing these properties after another coffee exposure is material‐dependent.

Clinical Significance

Although the effectiveness of the treatment was material‐dependent, Proxyt was the only treatment that promoted clinically acceptable changes for both LU and VE, while for purely ceramic materials, this condition was observed with Ceramisté and Clinpro Prophy Powder.
Motherhood in academia: A novel dataset of UK academic women with an application to maternity leave uptake
Authors: Di Leo Riccardo , Epifanio Mariaelisa , Scotto Thomas J. , Troeger Vera E.
Published: July 2024

Motherhood is widely believed to be an important factor slowing down the career progression of women. We present a novel database that combines an original survey of women and mothers working in the UK Higher Education sector with data on the occupational maternity benefits offered by academic employers. This allows users to track, at the individual level, child‐bearing experiences and employment histories simultaneously. We describe several aspects of mothers' experiences in academia and how those evolve over the years. We also conduct an empirical analysis of the determinants of maternity leave uptake, showing that women's employment status and family arrangements significantly impact the types of maternity leave – paid or unpaid – taken.
Beyond Abandonment: Diachronically Mapping the Transformation of Domestic Sites in Rome and its Environs (1st-7th centuries CE)
Authors: Johnson Tyler ,   University of Michigan
Published: July 2024

This article presents some preliminary findings on the transformation and abandonment of domestic sites in and around Rome from the 1st to 7th centuries Common Era (CE). I utilize an innovative interactive map developed in Unity to showcase 46 sites in the study area, devising a methodology that draws upon the stratigraphic record of human activities in charting the trajectory of ancient houses over time. This contrasts with the standard approaches used over the last few decades, which have focused almost entirely on key moments of architectural and decorative remodelling, underemphasizing the constant and diachronic nature of change in domestic environments. My findings highlight the need to reassess conventional narratives surrounding the "end of the Roman house". Based on the data in this study, the Roman house emerges as more variable and less programmatic than often acknowledged, including in periods predating Late Antiquity. Future work is planned for presenting the full results of the research introduced in this paper, including those related to the application of game engines for mapping archaeological data from household excavations.
Peripheral macrophages contribute to nociceptor priming in mice with chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Chivers Samuel B. , Andrade Mary Ann , Hammack Robert J. , Shannonhouse John , Gomez Ruben , Zhang Yan , Nguyen Brian , Shah Pankil , Kim Yu Shin , Toney Glenn M. , Jeske Nathaniel A.
Published: July 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder that is associated with increased incidence of chronic musculoskeletal pain. We investigated the mechanism of this association in a mouse model of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) that mimics the repetitive hypoxemias of OSA. After 14 days of CIH, both male and female mice exhibited behaviors indicative of persistent pain, with biochemical markers in the spinal cord dorsal horn and sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia consistent with hyperalgesic priming. CIH, but not sleep fragmentation alone, induced an increase in macrophage recruitment to peripheral sensory tissues (sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglia), an increase in inflammatory cytokines in the circulation, and nociceptor sensitization. Peripheral macrophage ablation blocked CIH-induced hyperalgesic priming. The findings suggest that correcting the hypoxia or targeting macrophage signaling might suppress persistent pain in patients with OSA.
A typology of undergraduate biology research experiences in Ontario
Authors: Bingham B.E. , Ritchie K.L. , Gregory T.R. , Jacobs S.R.
Published: July 2024

Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) have long been integrated into the landscape of undergraduate education, and the typical, one-on-one model has been associated with several positive student outcomes. Newer models of URE, aimed at improving scalability and promoting access for larger cohorts of students, have proliferated. However, due to the absence of a systematic classification of the models of UREs, comparisons across model types are limited, particularly in Canada. Therefore, it is unclear if these scalable models have achieved the aim of providing a more accessible, but equally impactful URE. We used principal component analyses of key variables derived from the course syllabi of 76 UREs to generate a typology of curriculum-based biology UREs, categorized into the following: Type A (apprenticeship-style research), Type B (field courses), and Type C (high enrollment, course-based research). Analysis of the course characteristics of these three course types revealed that Type C courses were the best positioned to provide an accessible learning environment and to include students who would otherwise not participate in research. The development of a typology of UREs provides a foundation to extend previous research on undergraduate research courses—which primarily focuses on the apprenticeship model—to include the other course types characterized in this study.
Option pricing for Barndorff–Nielsen and Shephard model by supervised deep learning
Authors: Arai Takuji , Imai Yuto
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to develop a supervised deep learning scheme to compute call option prices for the Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard model with a non-martingale asset price process having infinite active jumps. In our deep learning scheme, teaching data are generated through the Monte Carlo method developed by Arai and Imai [(2024). Monte Carlo simulation for Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard model under change of measure, Mathematics and Computers in Simulation, 218, 223–234]. Moreover, the BNS model includes many parameters, which makes the deep learning accuracy worse. Therefore, we will create another input parameter using the Black–Scholes formula. As a result, the accuracy is improved dramatically.
Optimization of Home Energy Management Systems in Smart Cities Using Bacterial Foraging Algorithm and Deep Reinforcement Learning for Enhanced Renewable Energy Integration
Authors: Alatawi Mohammed Naif
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a pioneering exploration into the optimization of Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) through the novel application of the Bacterial Foraging Metaheuristic Optimization (BFMO) algorithm and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL). The study systematically addresses the pressing challenge of enhancing residential energy efficiency, focusing on dynamic appliance scheduling within HEMS. A robust methodology is established, encompassing data collection from smart homes, implementation details of the BFMO algorithm, DRL techniques, and a comprehensive evaluation framework. The unique contribution of this research lies in the effective integration of the BFMO algorithm and DRL to orchestrate energy‐conscious scheduling of home appliances within HEMS. The BFMO algorithm demonstrates its adaptability to fluctuating energy costs and consumption patterns by simulating the foraging behaviour of bacteria. At the same time, DRL enhances the system’s ability to learn and optimize scheduling decisions over time, showcasing their combined efficacy in real‐world scenarios. The algorithms’ iterative application of chemotaxis, reproduction, elimination‐dispersal, swarming, and learning consistently yields optimized appliance schedules. The main focus of this study resides in the evaluation metrics illustrating the tangible benefits of BFMO and DRL compared to traditional HEMS. Significant reductions in total energy consumption and cost, accompanied by improved peak demand management, exemplify the algorithms’ impact. Furthermore, the study delves into enhancing user comfort, integrating renewable energy sources, and the overall robustness of HEMS, all demonstrating the multifaceted advantages of the BFMO and DRL approaches. This research contributes methodologically by introducing and detailing these algorithms and provides a valuable dataset and evaluation metrics for future research in the domain. The findings underscore the immediate and long‐term relevance of optimizing HEMS with BFMO and DRL, catering to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers involved in advancing smart grid technologies and sustainable residential energy management. In summary, this work establishes the BFMO algorithm and DRL as pioneering and versatile tools for energy‐conscious appliance scheduling in HEMS, offering a substantial leap forward in the quest for efficient and sustainable residential energy management.
Numerical Aeroacoustic Assessment of a Metacontinuum Device Impinged by a Laser‐Generated Sound Source
Authors: Colombo Giada , Palma Giorgio , Iemma Umberto
Published: July 2024

Significant research efforts have been conducted by many research groups in the last decades to circumvent the acoustic metamaterial concept limitations. Principally, the lack of a reliable methodology for the design of such metamaterial‐based devices and their performance decay when they operate in a moving medium were the main topics of investigation that culminated in a number of possible approaches with a high potential of application in aeroacoustics. One of these approaches is based on the aeroacoustic spacetime reformulation of the problem to recast the governing equations in a generalized form, independent of the kinematic conditions of the supporting medium. In the present paper, the response of a spacetime‐corrected metacontinuum is coupled with a high‐fidelity aeroacoustic model of the hosting fluid to allow for the modelling of actual experimental realizations of a laser‐generated sound source. The availability of a reliable model to couple the convective metacontinuum design with the heat‐release source would make possible the systematic cross‐validation of the numerical simulations with the experimental results obtained in the most advanced testing facilities, paving the way to an effective inclusion of metacontinuum‐based devices in aeronautics and, finally, in a simulation‐based, multidisciplinary design optimization framework. Although the method presented is valid for arbitrary acoustic responses, the numerical simulations presented in this work have been conducted using the classic Cummer–Schurig inertial cloaking as a reference application, which can now be considered a widely accepted benchmark for acoustic metamaterial applications.
Long‐ and Short‐Run Asymmetric Effects of Meteorological Parameters on Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in Heilongjiang: A Population‐Based Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Yongbin , Zhang Bingjie , Xue Chenlu , Zhou Peiping , Dong Xinwen , Xu Chunjie
Published: July 2024

Examining both long‐term and short‐term effects can enhance the precision and reliability of time series analysis. This study aimed to delve into the asymmetric effects of weather conditions on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the long and short terms and build a forecasting system. Data comprising monthly HFRS incidents and weather factors in Heilongjiang from January 2004 to December 2019 were extracted. Subsequently, the long‐ and short‐term asymmetric impacts were examined using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) models. Next, the samples were partitioned into training and testing subsets to evaluate the predictive potential of both models. From 2004 to 2019, HFRS exhibited a declining trend (average annual percentage change = −6.744%, 95% CI: −13.52%–0.563%) and a dual seasonal pattern, with a prominent peak in June and a secondary one in October–December. This study identified long‐term asymmetric effects of rainfall (Wald long‐run asymmetry (WLR) = 3.292, p = 0.001), wind velocity (WLR = −3.271, p = 0.001), and air pressure (WLR = −6.453, p < 0.001) on HFRS. Additionally, this study observed short‐term asymmetric impacts of relative humidity (Wald short‐run symmetry (WSR) = −1.547, p = 0.001), rainfall (WSR = −1.984, p = 0.049), and air pressure (WSR = −2.33, p = 0.021) on HFRS. A unit increase in relative humidity, sunshine hours, and air pressure resulted in about 10.9%, 1.9%, and 13.6% decreases in HFRS, respectively; a unit decrease in relative humidity, rainfall, and sunshine hours led to about 6.7%, 1.8%, and 2% decreases in HFRS, respectively. When temperature increased and decreased by one unit, the HFRS incidence increased by 11.6% and 22.5%, respectively. HFRS also varied significantly with the positive and negative changes in differenced (D) temperature, D (relative humidity), D (wind velocity), D (rainfall), D (air pressure), and D (sunshine hours) at 0−3‐month delays over the short term. The NARDL model exhibited notably lower error rates in forecasting compared to the ARDL model. Meteorological parameters affect HFRS in both the long and short term, often showing asymmetric effects. The NARDL model, capable of incorporating various weather parameters, proves to be valuable in predicting HFRS epidemic and guiding strategies for prevention and control.
Figure S3 from E2F1-Associated Purine Synthesis Pathway Is a Major Component of the MET-DNA Damage Response Network
Authors: Poliaková Turan Michaela , Riedo Rahel , Medo Matúš , Pozzato Chiara , Friese-Hamim Manja , Koch Jonas P. , Coggins Si’Ana A. , Li Qun , Kim Baek , Albers Joachim , Aebersold Daniel M. , Zamboni Nicola , Zimmer Yitzhak , Medová Michaela
Published: July 2024

Supplementations with glutamine, serine, and folic acid: (A) Proliferation of GTL-16 and EBC-1 cells upon supplementation with glutamine, serine or folic acid. (B) Apoptosis (caspase-3 activation) in GTL-16 and EBC-1 cells upon supplementation with glutamine, serine or folic acid.
Figure S11 from N-Myristoytransferase Inhibition Causes Mitochondrial Iron Overload and Parthanatos in TIM17A-Dependent Aggressive Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Geroyska Sofia , Mejia Isabel , Chan Alfred A. , Navarrete Marian , Pandey Vijaya , Kharpatin Samuel , Noguti Juliana , Wang Feng , Srole Daniel , Chou Tsui-Fen , Wohlschlegel James , Nemeth Elizabeta , Damoiseaux Robert , Shackelford David B. , Lee Delphine J. , Díaz Begoña
Published: July 2024

Effect of NMTi on the abundance of TIM17A in lung carcinoma cells.
Criterion-related Validity of the Cognitive Function Score with the Revised Hasegawa's Dementia Scale and the Bedriddenness Rank with the Barthel Index and the Katz Index: A Multi-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Hirata Risa , Katsuki Naoko E. , Shimada Hitomi , Nakatani Eiji , Shikino Kiyoshi , Ono Maiko , Saito Chihiro , Amari Kaori , Kurogi Kazuya , Yoshimura Mariko , Nishi Tomoyo , Yaita Shizuka , Oda Yoshimasa , Tokushima Midori , Hirakawa Yuka , Nakamura Masahiko , Yamashita Shun , Tokushima Yoshinori , Aihara Hidetoshi , Fujiwara Motoshi , Tago Masaki
Published: July 2024

Introduction
The Cognitive Function Score (CFS) is a public scale for assessing the activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults with dementia in Japan. In contrast, the scores of the revised Hasegawa's dementia scale (HDS-R), an easy-to-use dementia screening tool developed in Japan, are significantly correlated with mini-mental state examination scores and are widely utilized in various countries. This novel study aimed to elucidate the previously unexplored criterion-related validity of the CFS and HDS-R and the Bedriddenness Rank (BR), Barthel Index (BI), and Katz Index (KI).
Methods
This was a multicenter retrospective study and a secondary analysis of our previous study. The study included patients aged ≥ 20 years hospitalized in chronic care settings between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2021. We collected data from medical charts on admission, including age, sex, the BR, CFS, BI, KI, and HDS-R scores. Correlations between the CFS and HDS-R score, as well as between the BR and BI or KI, were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients.
Results
A total of 749 participants were included in the analysis of criterion-related validity between the CFS and HDS-R. In the CFS cohort analysis, 202 patients (27.0%) were categorized as having a normal CFS, and the median HDS-R score was 18 (range: 6–26). The correlation coefficient between the CFS and HDS-R scores was -0.834 (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient between BR and BI was -0.741 (p < 0.001), BR and KI was -0.740 (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The CFS revealed significant criterion-related validity compared with the established cognitive assessment scale, the HDS-R. The BR also demonstrated significant criterion-related validity with the BI and KI.
Anatomi Fungsional
Authors: Hidayati Nurul , Rosita Rita
Published: July 2024

Bab 1. Generala Anatomi Mengawali bahasan Anatomi Fungsional maka bab ini memberikan batasan tentang struktur anatomi manusia yang meliputi ruang lingkup keilmuannya serta orientasi aplikasi dan pengembangan ilmu struktur tubuh manusia ini. Bab 2. General Fungsi Pemahaman mendasar berikutnya terkait dengan fisiologi tubuh manusia yang menjadi kerangka acuan bahasan anatomi di buku ini. Ilmu faal menjabarkan karakteristik dan mekanisme struktur tubuh manusia dapat berfungsi, sehingga terbentuk keterkaitan anatomi dan faal sebagai sistem dinamis yang bekerja terus-menerus sehingga membentuk sistem kerja anatomi fungsional. Bab 3. Regulasi dan Integrasi Sistem ini merupakan sistem kerja utama penentu sistem kerja organ dalam berbagai fungsi-fungsi krusial yang menentukan hidup manusia. Tubuh memiliki mekanisme mengatur, dan mengintegrasikan sistem kerja organ sehingga intra dan antarsistem bekerja secara dinamis dan harmonis. Peran ini dijalankan oleh sistem saraf dan sistem endokrin, disebut neuro-endokrin. Bab 4. Cairan dan Transportasi Tubuh manusia memerlukan energi dan nutrisi untuk menjalankan fungsinya dan proses ini difasilitasi melalui distribusi cairan tubuh oleh sistem organ kardiovakular dan limfatik. Tugas sistem peredaran darah adalah mendistribusikan darah, nutrisi, oksigen, karbon dioksida, dan hormon ke seluruh tubuh. Sistem ini terdiri atas jantung, darah, arteri, vena dan sistem limfatik. Bab 5 Energi, Perawatan dan Adaptasi Kebutuhan energi manusia digunakan untuk metabolisme basal, adaptasi terhadap perubahan internal dan eksternal, aktivitas fisik, pertumbuhan, kehamilan dan menyusui. Kebutuhan energi tersebut dipenuhi melalui proses oksigenasi dan diet nutrisi. Cakupan tema ini membahas sistem respirasi, sistem digestivus dan sistem urinarius. Keseimbangan energi dicapai ketika input (yaitu asupan energi makanan) sama dengan output (yaitu pengeluaran energi total), ditambah energi pertumbuhan masa kanak-kanak dan kehamilan serta menyusui. Bab 6. Sistem Support dan Gerak Tubuh bekerja melalui aktivitas fisik untuk menjalankan peran dalam kehidupannya sehari-hari. Tubuh yang bugar mampu berfungsi dan bergerak secara optimal. Pergerakan dari aktivitas mekanik dan biologis memerlukan stabilisasi kerangka dan alat gerak yang bekerja secara dinamis. Sistem ini juga berfungsi untuk proteksi organ dalam ruang-ruang tertentu yang dilindungi oleh permukaan dinding-dinding yang stabil. Bab 7. Sistem Perkembangan Manusia Manusia hidup mengalami masa pertumbuhan dan perkembangan dari masa janin, bayi, anak, remaja, dewasa hingga lansia. Manusia mengalami regenerasi dengan memperbanyak dirinya melalui proses yang disebut reproduksi. Aktivitas reproduksi memfasilitasi transportasi gamet jantan, yaitu sperma, ke saluran reproduksi wanita pada waktu yang tepat untuk bertemu dengan gamet betina, yaitu oosit (sel telur), sehingga terjadi fertilisasi, embriogenesis, dan implantasi.
From Form(s) to Meaning: Probing the Semantic Depths of Language Models Using Multisense Consistency
Authors: Ohmer Xenia , Bruni Elia , Hupke Dieuwke
Published: July 2024

The staggering pace with which the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) are increasing, as measured by a range of commonly used natural language understanding (NLU) benchmarks, raises many questions regarding what “understanding” means for a language model and how it compares to human understanding. This is especially true since many LLMs are exclusively trained on text, casting doubt on whether their stellar benchmark performances are reflective of a true understanding of the problems represented by these benchmarks, or whether LLMs simply excel at uttering textual forms that correlate with what someone who understands the problem would say. In this philosophically inspired work, we aim to create some separation between form and meaning, with a series of tests that leverage the idea that world understanding should be consistent across presentational modes—inspired by Fregean senses—of the same meaning. Specifically, we focus on consistency across languages as well as paraphrases. Taking GPT-3.5 as our object of study, we evaluate multisense consistency across five different languages and various tasks. We start the evaluation in a controlled setting, asking the model for simple facts, and then proceed with an evaluation on four popular NLU benchmarks. We find that the model’s multisense consistency is lacking and run several follow-up analyses to verify that this lack of consistency is due to a sense-dependent task understanding. We conclude that, in this aspect, the understanding of LLMs is still quite far from being consistent and human-like, and deliberate on how this impacts their utility in the context of learning about human language and understanding.