bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coal-derived char for durability improvement of cement stabilized soil under freeze–thaw, wet–dry, and sulfate attack
Authors: Yu Hua , Joshi Priyanka , Lau Chooikim , Ng Kam
Published: May 2024

Cement soil stabilization is widely used in civil engineering to improve the performance of soils subjected to freeze–thaw (F–T), wet–dry (W–D), and sulfate attack (SA). Due to the negative impacts associated with manufacturing cement, the development of eco-friendly and sustainable additives is highly desirable. Coal-derived char is a cost-effective byproduct of the coal pyrolysis process. In this study, the influence of coal char on mineralogical, microstructural, physical, and mechanical properties of cement stabilized soils (with cement contents of 0%–20% and char contents of 0%–30%) subjected to F–T cycles, W–D cycles, and SA is investigated. Compared to cement stabilized soils, char-cement stabilized soils exhibit up to 60.8% fewer volume changes during F–T cycles and 31.6% fewer during W–D cycles. The compressive strength of char-cement stabilized soils with cement contents of 5%, 10%, and 20% are on average 7.9%, 17.6%, and 11.0%, respectively, higher than that of cement stabilized soil subjected to F–T cycles, W–D cycles, or SA. The inclusion of char promotes cement hydration and results in the formation of more amorphous hydration products that fill voids or cover soil minerals. The findings indicate the promising potential of coal char in enhancing soil performance under a range of challenging environmental conditions.
Investigating the influence of polyethylene terephthalate fibres with different lengths on the cracking resistance of high-performance asphalt concrete
Authors: Ahmed Nirob , Saleh Mohamed , Moghaddam Taher Baghaee , Hashemian Leila
Published: May 2024

High-performance asphalt concrete is an innovative paving material that typically relies on the properties of polymer-modified asphalt binders. However, the application is limited due to their high cost and phase separation issues. A solution is explored in the present study by blending 12% asphaltenes and a straight-run asphalt binder with a true performance grade of 70.2–25.9, resulting in a true performance grade of 82.9–21.8, which elevates the binder’s stiffness. Three lengths of polyethylene terephthalate fibres are used to improve the cracking resistance of these asphaltenes-modified mixes. An indirect tensile cracking test is conducted at 25 and 37 °C, revealing a significant improvement in cracking tolerance and failure energy, particularly at 37 °C. The cracking tolerance index value peaked at 105 for 12 mm polyethylene terephthalate fabricated sample, while control asphaltenes-modified, 6 mm, and 18 mm polyethylene terephthalate fabricated samples achieved 61, 87, and 99, respectively, with failure energy increasing with longer fibres.
Discriminating interacting dark energy models using Statefinder diagnostic
Authors: Carrasco Raul , Rincón Ángel , Saavedra Joel , Videla Nelson
Published: May 2024

In the present work, we perform a comparative study of different interacting dark energy (DE) models using the Statefinder diagnostics. In particular, 17 different forms of the energy transfer rate Q between DE and dark matter (DM) were focused on, belonging to the following categories: (i) linear models in energy densities of DE and DM, (ii) non-linear models, (iii) models with a change of direction of energy transfer between DE and DM, (iv) models involving derivatives of the energy densities, (v) parametrized interactions through a function of the coincidence parameter $$\tilde{r}$$

r
~

, and finally we also consider (vi) two kinds of models with a self-interaction between DM, without DE. These models have been already studied in the literature and constrained with observational data available at that time. In order to discriminate between them at background level, we use the Statefinder diagnostic, based on the computation and study of the so-called Statefinder parameters r, s in addition to the deceleration parameter q. We plot the evolution trajectories for the several interacting models on the $$r-q$$

r
-
q

, $$r-s$$

r
-
s

planes, and we find some distinctive features and departures from $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM and other DE models, as Quintessence, Chaplygin Gas, running vacuum models (RVM) and Galileon.
Generalized Cauchy–Riemann screen pseudo-slant lightlike submanifǒlds of indefinite Kaehler manifǒlds
Authors: Shukla S. S. , Kumar Pawan
Published: May 2024

This paper deals with the study of generalized Cauchy–Riemann screen pseudo-slant lightlike submanifolds of indefinite Kaehler manifolds giving a characterization theorem with some nontrivial examples of such submanifolds. Integrability conditions of distributions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on GCR screen pseudo-slant lightlike submanifolds of indefinite Kaehler manifolds have been obtained. Furthermore, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for foliations determined by the above distributions to be totally geodesic.
Certain sharp estimates of Ozaki close-to-convex functions
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Pandey Rakesh Kumar , Rai Pratima
Published: May 2024

The goal of this paper is to establish the sharp estimates on coefficient functionals like Hermitian–Toeplitz determinant of second-order involving logarithmic coefficients, initial logarithmic inverse coefficients as well as sharp bounds on initial order Schwarzian derivatives of the Ozaki close-to-convex functions.
2025 EAAI Mentored Undergraduate Research Challenge: Playing Word Association Games
Authors: Freedman Richard G.
Published: May 2024

The topic for EAAI 2025's Mentored Undergraduate Research Challenge is PlayingWord Association Games. What does that mean? Where are the applications? How can you get started? We break down the topic, discuss applications, and explore project ideas in this column.
Graph Sampling for Map Comparison
Authors: Aguilar Jordi , Buchin Kevin , Buchin Maike , Hosseini Sereshgi Erfan , Silveira Rodrigo I. , Wenk Carola
Published: May 2024

Comparing two road maps is a basic operation that arises in a variety of situations. A map comparison method that is commonly used, mainly in the context of comparing reconstructed maps to ground-truth maps, is based on
graph sampling
. The essential idea is to first compute a set of point samples on each map and then to match pairs of samples—one from each map—in a one-to-one fashion. For deciding whether two samples can be matched, different criteria, e.g., based on distance or orientation, can be used. The total number of matched pairs gives a measure of how similar the maps are.

Since the work of Biagioni and Eriksson [
11
,
12
], graph sampling methods have become widely used. However, there are different ways to implement each of the steps, which can lead to significant differences in the results. This means that conclusions drawn from different studies that seemingly use the same comparison method cannot necessarily be compared.

In this work we present a unified approach to graph sampling for map comparison. We present the method in full generality, discussing the main decisions involved in its implementation. In particular, we point out the importance of the sampling method (GEO vs. TOPO) and that of the matching definition, discussing the main options used, and proposing alternatives for both key steps. We experimentally evaluate the different sampling and matching options considered on map datasets and reconstructed maps. Furthermore, we provide a code base and an interactive visualization tool to set a standard for future evaluations in the field of map construction and map comparison.
Integrated End-to-End Automatic Speech Recognition for Languages for Agglutinative Languages
Authors: Bekarystankyzy Akbayan , Mamyrbayev Orken , Anarbekova Tolganay
Published: May 2024

The relevance of the problem of automatic speech recognition lies in the lack of research for low-resource languages, stemming from limited training data and the necessity for new technologies to enhance efficiency and performance. The purpose of this work was to study the main aspects of integrated end-to-end speech recognition and the use of modern technologies in the natural processing of agglutinative languages, including Kazakh. In this article, the study of language models was carried out using comparative, graphic, statistical, and analytical-synthetic methods, which were used in combination. This article addresses automatic speech recognition (ASR) in agglutinative languages, particularly Kazakh, through a unified neural network model that integrates both acoustic and language modeling. Employing advanced techniques like connectionist temporal classification and attention mechanisms, the study focuses on effective speech-to-text transcription for languages with complex morphologies. Transfer learning from high-resource languages helps mitigate data scarcity in languages such as Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Turkish, and Azerbaijani. The research assesses model performance, underscores ASR challenges, and proposes advancements for these languages. It includes a comparative analysis of phonetic and word-formation features in agglutinative Turkic languages, using statistical data. The findings aid further research in linguistics and technology for enhancing speech recognition and synthesis, contributing to voice identification and automation processes.
Perspective on statistical power and equivalence tests
Authors: Neuhäuser Markus , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: May 2024

The use of both sexes or genders should be considered in experimental design, analysis, and reporting. Since there is no requirement to double the sample size or to have sufficient power to study sex differences, challenges for the statistical analysis can arise. In this article, we focus on the topics of statistical power and ways to increase this power. We also discuss the choice of an appropriate design and statistical method and include a separate section on equivalence tests needed to show the absence of a relevant difference.
Diagnostic Delay of Spinal Tuberculosis Causing Medullary Compression
Authors: Corydon Krestine , Ørum Matilde Bjørn , Nøhr Kristoffer Backman , Öbrink-Hansen Kristina
Published: May 2024

We present a case of a Philippine woman in her late twenties, diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis after surgical intervention due to medullary compression. The diagnosis was preceded by four months of unexplained back pain. Differential diagnoses included ulcer, liver-gallbladder disease, musculoskeletal causes, and cancer. This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis in patients from high-endemic areas to avoid diagnostic delay and the risk of disease progression.
Estimating Gender Differences in the Association between Cognitive Resilience and Mild Cognitive Impairment Incidence
Authors: Leung Yvonne , Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Cherbuin Nicolas , Peters Ruth , Mortby Moyra E. , Kiely Kim M. , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Recent evidence suggests that the influence of verbal intelligence and education on the onset of subjective cognitive decline may be modulated by gender, where education contributes less to cognitive resilience (CR) in women than in men. This study aimed to examine gender differences in the association between CR and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) incidence in an Australian population-based cohort. Methods: We included 1,806 participants who had completed at least the first two waves and up to four waves of assessments in the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life study (baseline: 49% female, male = 62.5, SD = 1.5, age range = 60–66 years). CR proxies included measures of educational attainment, occupation skill, verbal intelligence, and leisure activity. Discrete-time survival analyses were conducted to examine gender differences in the association between CR proxies and MCI risk, adjusting for age and apolipoprotein E4 status. Results: Gender differences were only found in the association between occupation and MCI risk, where lower occupation skill was more strongly associated with higher risk in men than in women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.07, 1.57]). In both genders, after adjusting for education and occupation, one SD increase in leisure activity was associated with lower MCI risk by 32% (OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.65, 0.89]). Higher scores in verbal intelligence assessment were associated with reduced risk of MCI by 28% (OR = 0.78, 95% CI [0.69, 0.89]). Conclusion: Occupational experience may contribute to CR differently between genders. Life course cognitive engagement and verbal intelligence may be more protective against MCI than education and occupation for both men and women.
Poéticas ameríndias: uma leitura da enunciação antropossemiótica
Authors: Pastorini Vanessa
Published: May 2024

By proposing the ability to deal with the widest possible range of texts, semiotic theory seeks above all to shed light on the processes of constructing meaning. For this work, we intend to make use of developments in the theory, such as the notion of anthroposemiotic enunciation (Fontanille, 2019) and the tensive arc of the work (Mancini, 2020), with the aim of analyzing Amerindian poetic productions. The shamanic translations of the Marubo peoples, undertaken by anthropologist Pedro Cesarino (2011), constitute the corpus chosen for analysis. The issues addressed are listed in the following order: the transposition of oral literature into writing; the presence of mnemonic language; and the multipositionality of voices present in the songs. Although semiotic theory has gaps that make it impossible to encompass all the complexity of productions that escape the Western model, we believe we have presented the necessary foundations to engender new research paths that allow us to think about an epistemology of diversity (or diversity of epistemologies?).
Erros, falhas e perturbações digitais em alucinações das IA generativas: tipologia, premissas e epistemologia da comunicação
Authors: Lemos André Luiz Martins
Published: May 2024

Neste artigo, identifica-se como erros, falhas e perturbações digitais podem ser analisados a partir de três premissas, relacionando-os com o exemplo da atual alucinação em sistema de IAG, como o ChatGPT. Eles revelam uma dimensão escondida dos objetos digitais. Por serem mais concretos, os objetos digitais geram uma maior indefinição das origens e consequências de eventos disruptivos. Nesses momentos, pode-se vislumbrar agenciamentos coletivos em torno da cultura digital. A proposta é que os erros, falhas e perturbações sejam entendidos não como positivos ou negativos, mas como uma forma de apontar direcionamentos para a pesquisa, indicar o locus para uma abordagem qualitativa. Conclui-se que os erros não são apenas disruptivos, ou oportunidade para gerar inovação, mas eventos que permitem entender as formas da comunicação e as ações das mídias digitais.
Raging with the Machine in the Uncanny Valley: Human–AI Cocreativity in the Eurovision-Themed AI Song Contest
Authors: Uitdenbogerd Alexandra L. , Bown Oliver , Hill Charlton , Pegram Caroline , Shave Justin , Wright Brendan
Published: May 2024

We report here the processes involved in creating our entry in the 2020 AI Song Contest, “Beautiful the World”; the technical innovations from the project; and the decision-making that divided tasks between human and machine in a way that ensured that the final creation was AI-inspired but human-created, starting from generated melodies, lyrics, and timbres. Key innovations include the use of lyric stress patterns as queries to a stress-based melody index to a database of generated melodies, and the creation of a novel instrument timbre with differential digital signal processing, trained on Australian animal calls. We reflect on how human–AI cocreativity occurred during the process and how it may develop in the future.
Effect of Polymer Infiltered Ceramic Surface Treatment Using Photoactivated Low-Level Laser Therapy, CO2 Laser, and Aluminum Oxide on Surface Roughness, Shear Bond Strength, and Color Change: An In vitro SEM EDX Analysis
Authors: Hassan Saeed Awod Bin
Published: May 2024

Contemporary surface conditioners (Sandblasting (SB), Self-etching ceramic primer (SECP), low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in conjunction with methylene blue photosensitizer (MBPS), Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser on the color change (ΔE), surface roughness (Ra) and
bond strength of hybrid ceramic (HC) to resin cement. Hundred discs were prepared from HC which were surface treated (n = 15) Group 1: HFA(S), Group 2: SB, Group 3: SECP, Group 4: LLLT (MBPS), Group 5: CO2 laser. After surface conditioning, five samples from each group underwent
ΔE and Ra analysis using a spectrophotometer and Profilometer respectively. Fifty specimens were applied with dual-cure resin luting cement. Specimens were thermocycled and underwent SBS and failure mode analysis using UTM and stereomicroscope. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of
ΔE, Ra, and SBS were calculated using ANOVA. Intergroup comparisons were made using post hoc Tukey multiple comparisons. A maximum score of ΔE was observed in Group 5 samples (CO2 laser+HC). The minimum value of ΔE was displayed by Group 3 (SECP+HC) specimens.
Group 2 (SB+HC) treated specimens that exhibited the highest Ra scores and SBS. Sandblasting and carbon dioxide laser-treated samples presented satisfactory outcomes of surface roughness and bond strength. However, Sandblasting and carbon dioxide laser groups presented significant changes
in the color of the specimens.
Effect of Parking Time on the Microstructure and Properties of 7050 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Wei Zhen-Wei , Ma Li , Hu Bin , Dong Mei-Jing , Xiao Quan-Feng , Li Zhen , Liu Chang-Kui
Published: May 2024

The duration of the parking time between quenching and artificial aging can affect the final mechanical and corrosion properties of the material after artificial aging, etc. At present, there are fewer studies on the parking time before artificial aging, and this paper investigates
the influence of the parking time before artificial aging on the microstructure and properties of 7050 aluminum alloy. The results show that: with the prolongation of the parking time, the proportion of HAGBs of the alloy is gradually increased through EBSD analysis, the dislocations are mainly
concentrated in HAGBs and areas with dense GBs, the precipitated phase of the alloy continuously precipitates and grows at the GBs, the alloy’s hardness shows a trend of stabilization and then decreasing, and the corrosion resistance is stabilized and then deteriorated quickly with the
prolongation of the parking time. The alloy has stabilized comprehensive performance when the storage time does not exceed 6 h, with microhardness of 132.2 HV, the Ecorr of −0.991 V and −1.007 V, the Icorr of 6.14×10−8 A·cm−2 and 4.16×10−7
A·cm−2.
Investigating the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction of Hydrothermally Synthesized NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Bodhale S. M. , Bhinge G. A. , Gurav A. S. , Teli A. D. , Kengar N. N. , Vedante A. R. , Jadhav P. R. , Abdullah M. M. , Albargi Hasan B. , Algethami Jari S. , Singh Preeti , Kanamadi C. M.
Published: May 2024

In this study, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal method at various pH values. The objective was to investigate the influence of pH variation on particle size and electrocatalytic activity. The formation of cubic phase
nanoparticles was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. To characterize the electrochemical properties, the nickel ferrite nanoparticles were coated onto a stainless steel substrate using the doctor blade technique. The microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). The samples were further analyzed using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The average crystallite size, determined from the XRD pattern, was approximately 40 nm. SEM images revealed a conversion from nanoplates to a granular
morphology. The synthesized electrode exhibited an overpotential of 392 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and demonstrated good stability for 5 hours. These findings highlight the excellent electrocatalytic activity of nickel ferrite nanoparticles for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Duplex kidney: An incidental autopsy finding of clinical and medico-legal significance
Authors: Bhargava Daideepya C , Nair Anupriya S , Meshram Vikas P , Rao Meenakshi , Kanchan Tanuj
Published: May 2024

Duplex kidney, a rare congenital anomaly characterised by dual urinary drainage from the kidney, is typically discovered incidentally, often during radiological imaging or autopsy procedures. We report a case of a 21-year-old male who died from injuries sustained in a road traffic accident. The autopsy examination showed an incidental finding of duplex kidney on the left side. We discuss the clinical and potential medico-legal significance of duplex kidney which also has implications in renal transplantation. Notably, the presence of duplex kidney can potentially serve as an identifier in forensic investigations, given its rare incidence.
Learning as an epistemic activity / El aprendizaje como actividad epistémica
Authors: Richter Tobias , Tiffin-Richards Simon P.
Published: May 2024

The life-long acquisition of knowledge is a major research topic in educational psychology. Many approaches based on the idea of learning as information processing treat learning primarily as the expansion of knowledge and the enrichment of existing knowledge structures with new information. In this article, we argue for a slightly different conceptualization of learning as an epistemic activity. Our proposal builds on the classical cognitive view of learning as information processing but relies on a stronger notion of knowledge, according to which knowledge is construed as justified true belief. Understanding and evaluating arguments is central to learning as an epistemic activity, particularly as many learning materials are structured around arguments. Furthermore, learning as an epistemic activity requires using source information for credibility evaluations, and the avoidance of belief biases in the selection, comprehension and evaluation of information during learning. We discuss examples of learning as an epistemic activity within the framework of the Two-Step Model of Validation and outline how this perspective on learning can guide future research.
The impact of a Personal Learning Environment on Chinese postgraduates’ online self-regulated learning skills / Impacto de un Entorno Personal de Aprendizaje en las aptitudes de aprendizaje autorregulado en línea de estudiantes de posgrado en China
Authors: Xu Xiaoshu , Su Yujie , Hong Wilson Cheong Hin , Zhang Yunfeng , Zhuang Tengteng
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the impact of Personal Learning Environments (PLE) on the development of self-regulated learning (SRL) skills among postgraduate learners in China. 213 participants, divided into an experimental group ( n = 113) using a researcher-designed PLE platform and a control group ( n = 100) employing face-to-face instruction, joined a course on International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS). A mixed-methods approach was adopted, utilizing the Online Self-Regulated Learning Questionnaire (OSLQ) to explore SRL experiences, and weekly goal-achievement reports. Results demonstrated improvement in SRL skills in both groups, with the experimental group exhibiting significantly greater gains. Quantitative and qualitative results revealed that participants excelled in goal fulfillment but struggled with time management, help-seeking and self-evaluation skills. The study confirmed the positive influence of the PLE on postgraduates’ SRL skills, with implications for online learning design and the potential for PLEs to effectively promote SRL skills in online learning contexts.
Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment of patients with COVID-19 taking tacrolimus: case series describing the results of drug–drug interactions
Authors: Shen Dan , Gong Yinhua , Qian Yulan , Zhu Jianguo , Gao Jie
Published: May 2024

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is a novel drug combination that is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ritonavir is a cytochrome P450 3A inhibitor and a P-glycoprotein inhibitor that increases the plasma concentration of tacrolimus and other medications. We describe the cases of two patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir: a patient who had undergone kidney transplantation and another with a history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Toxic concentrations of tacrolimus were induced in both. This case series highlights the risk associated with the concomitant administration of tacrolimus and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.
Association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index and fracture risk in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Xiaojuan , Li Wenhui , Yan Yonglong , Su Zhaojie , Huang Xuelin
Published: May 2024

Objective

We explored correlations between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and fracture risk in older adults.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and CNKI for all relevant epidemiological studies published through October 16, 2023. Because observational studies were included in the meta-analysis, we used a random-effects model to pool the study-specific effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed study quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO.

Results

Eight studies with 462,986 participants were included, with five cohort studies, two cross-sectional studies, and one case–control study. An analysis of heterogeneity among the eight included studies resulted in I2 = 87.1%, indicating significant between-study heterogeneity; hence, the random-effects model was adopted to generate the combined effect size. We found that the DII was positively associated with fracture (relative risk: 1.188, 95% CI: 1.043–1.354). This result was further confirmed in leave-one-out sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence suggesting that diets high in pro-inflammatory components might increase the fracture risk among older people. Decreased consumption of pro-inflammatory foods and increased consumption of anti-inflammatory foods are suggested to prevent adverse fracture outcomes. More prospective studies involving both sexes are warranted to verify the results.
The Iberian Administrative Legacy
Authors: Felker Lon S.
Published: May 2024

The Iberian tradition-values introduced into many nations by Spain and Portugal-has endured. The values of patrimonialism, scholasticism, corporatism, orthodoxy, and mercantilism have had an influence on the public administrative systems of many lands in Latin America, parts of Africa, and Asian countries wherever Spain and Portugal had colonies. The two empires were motivated by many and conflicting objectives. Differences between the two systems are explainable in terms of timing, focus, and resources.

The legacy is assessed in terms of several recent theories about the nature of political development
Improving the Quality of Public Policy-Making in China: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Bolong Liu
Published: May 2024

China has achieved tremendous progress in its efforts to introduce Western theories in public policy-making and launch its own theories in this respect. The magnitude of this introduction and application in central government has impacted greatly on its policy-making capacity. However, at the local government level, China still manifests a worrisome trend of sticking to rule of man and personal decision-making which caused enormous economic losses. China has to enhance its policy-making capacity at the local level by educating local government officials and disseminating knowledge on public policies.
Learning and Problem Representation in Foreign Policy Decision-Making: China'S Decision to Enter the Korean War Revisited
Authors: Guo Chao , Ren Rongrong
Published: May 2024

This article attempts to study the role of learning and problem representation in Chinese foreign policy decision-making as illustrated by the case of the Chinese decision to enter the Korean War. Drawing on cognitive theories of learning and problem representation, the authors argue that, in the past three decades prior to the outbreak of the Korean War, Chinese communist leaders learned through trial-and-error experimentation and through success and failure and developed their image of the United States as the biggest imperialist enemy and that this enemy image led to their representation of the Korean War problem as the American aggression into China which seriously constrained the generation of alternatives among which the Chinese policy-makers could choose. This article concludes with several theoretical and policy implications.
Ethics in Local Government Budgeting: Is There A Gap between Theory and Practice?
Authors: Franklin Aimee L. , Raadschelders Jos C.N.
Published: May 2024

The original question underscoring this research is: What role do ethics play in the budgetary decision-making in Oklahoma's local government? To answer this question, this article presents an overview of the budget process and the roles of key actors. Then it describes typical day-to-day dilemmas local budget actors face. By examining how city managers and chief financial officers respond and the sources of guidance they turn to, the authors are able to construct an operational definition of ethics-in-action. Using the information from this analysis, they then compare what occurs in practice with what is expected and is prescribed in the literature. One conclusion to be drawn from this research is that a gap exists in that the literature does not adequately consider the roles that individual value and preferences play when resolving budgetary dilemmas.
The Perceived Value of Manager Participation in the Cpm Program
Authors: Hanson Sandra H.
Published: May 2024

Is the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program just “feel good” release time from the demands of the job or is there actual change in behavior that results from the program? This paper proposes to test the belief that education and training result in better management and administration by measuring the results of the Arkansas' Certified Public Manager training/education program. In a mail survey with a 30 percent response rate, approximately 80 percent of program graduates endorsed the overall program and indicated they commanded increased knowledge and skills in leadership, management development and program planning and evaluation since completing the program. Agencies who send managers to participate in the CPM program can expect to reap the intangible benefits of better management. In addition, implementation of the project plan that participants are required to complete as part of the CPM program typically saves the agency in excess of $6,000. The typical savings more than offsets registration fees of $2,175 per manager to complete full CPM certification in Arkansas.
Learning Indicators and Collaborative Capacity: Applying Action Learning Principles to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Authors: Getha-Taylor Heather
Published: May 2024

Learning has been identified as important component of collaborative capacity (Bardach, 1998, 2001). Without the capacity to learn on the organizational, team, and individual levels, public organizations may also lag in their ability to collaborate successfully across organizational boundaries. Nowhere is the need to collaborate more apparent than in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which was created in part to foster collaboration among 22 distinctly different member organizations. This manuscript examines the connection between organizational learning and collaborative capacity, with special emphasis on DHS. By matching questions from the Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) with questions from the 2004 Federal Human Capital Survey (FHCS), this study assesses key learning indicators on the federal level. Findings suggest that DHS employees lag behind their counterparts on one key measure of organizational learning: the ability to assess performance gaps. This lag may affect the organization's ability to collaborate effectively, but progress may be made if potential organizational learning disorders (OLDs) are examined and addressed. Special attention is given to action learning as a tool for overcoming potential learning disorders and improving organizational performance.
The Italian Administrative Reform of Small Municipalities: State-Of-The-Art and Perspectives
Authors: Previtali Pietro
Published: May 2024

The present paper explores the state-of-the-art of the Italian administrative reform, which encourages all small municipalities to develop inter-local service agreements. By adopting an empirical approach, we survey 136 small municipalities. The survey results suggest a state of ‘collaborative inertia'. Small municipalities have signed inter-local service agreements for just a few services that have a small impact on their organisations and citizens. In spite of the efforts by the Italian government, the results thus show that this administrative reform has not yet taken off.
The Efficacy of public Participation in municipal Budgeting: An Exploratory Survey of officials in Government finance officers Association's Award-Winning Cities
Authors: Hatcher William
Published: May 2024

Municipal reformers often call for more public participation in the budget process. However, few studies have surveyed the viewpoints of budget practitioners on the efficacy of public involvement in municipal budgeting. In this paper, we report a survey administered by e-mail to budget directors in cities that won the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) distinguished budget presentation award in 2011. The survey is based upon the research of Berner (2004) and the theoretical framework developed by Ebdon and Franklin (2006). We find that budget directors in the sampled cities view traditional participation methods, such as the public hearing, as the most effective, compared to more interactive and participatory methods. This viewpoint stands in contrast to the scholarly literature's normative arguments and empirical evidence that meaningful public input must be solicited early in the budgeting process through interactive methods.
Organizational Advocacy of Cultural Competency Initiatives: Lessons for Public Administration
Authors: Carrizales Tony , Zahradnik Anne , Silverio Michelle
Published: May 2024

Cultural competency initiatives in the public sector continue to grow, from programming efforts to organizational policy implementation. These initiatives build off decades of similar experiences and practices in associated fields of public administration. This study reviews existing advocacy in health care, social work, and other public sector organizations. Specifically, the study reviews public service academies, associations, honor societies and accrediting body practices that, by example, can help by informing, guiding and advocating cultural competency initiatives in public administration. Future implications and opportunities are explored and presented.
Broadening Partner Benefits to Improve Recruitment and Retention among Lgbt Employees in United States Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Shrader Russell
Published: May 2024

Many universities in the United States have responded to calls for incorporating the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) population into diversity management. universities, however. Universities that have lagged behind may face challenges recruiting LGBT employees. In contrast, There is notable variation in response across major public research Attraction-Selection-Attrition and Spiral of Silence theories suggest that organizations actively welcoming LGBT employees may improve employee recruitment and retention. Organizations may address LGBT employee needs through domestic partner benefits. Using semi-structured questionnaires with human resources personnel at several universities, this study examines how and why domestic partner benefits and alternatives affect recruitment and retention of LGBT employees in public organizations. Findings reveal that domestic partner benefits are important for successful LGBT recruitment and retention and may provide opportunities for improved voice. Soft benefit alternatives were found mainly at universities without domestic partner benefits and offered primarily as good will gestures. Theoretical and practical implications, including contemporary diversity management discussions and organizational performance, are discussed.
The Measurement, Evaluation, and Publication of Performance in Higher Eduaction: An Analayis of the Che Research Ranking of Business Schools in Germany from an Accounting Perspective
Authors: Clermont Marcel , Dirksen Alexander
Published: May 2024

Universities do not tend to systematically record their own benefits, leaving it to independent institutions to summarize and publish in the form of ratings and rankings information that such institutions have acquired by themselves. In Germany, for the academic discipline of Business Administration, the Centre for Higher Education (CHE) is the major publisher of such rankings. The challenges in the context of performance measurement and evaluation on the one hand as well as the publication of achieved performance (in terms of benchmarking) on the other hand show considerable analogies to those of managerial cost and activity accounting as well as external financial reporting. Since an analysis of CHE's potential compliance with the relevant accounting principles has not yet been undertaken, the objective of this paper is to systematically and critically analyze from an accounting perspective the method by which CHE actually evaluates research performance of business schools in Germany. Accordingly, we will demonstrate that standard accounting principles, such as completeness - which is an integral requirement of faithful representation - or consistency, are not continuously satisfied. Moreover, classifications of research cost objects, that are made within the meaning of cost and activity accounting, are not unequivocal and can, under certain circumstances, result in creating misguided incentives for the participating business schools.
Millennials’ Public Service Motivation and Sector Choice – A Panel Study of Job Entrants in Germany
Authors: Breitsohl Heiko , Ruhle Sascha
Published: May 2024

The construct of public service motivation (PSM) has gained a lot of attention as a motivational force for joining the public sector. However, since its introduction by Perry and Wise (1990), research based on longitudinal data linking PSM with actual behavior, i.e. joining the public sector, has remained scarce, particularly with respect to Germany. Based on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (N = 672), we found PSM to be a relatively weak job preference. However, for Millennial job entrants, PSM was a significant antecedent of having chosen the public sector, even when controlling for other job preferences (material aspects, low work strain, and intrinsic job motivation). Further, women in our sample were more likely to have joined the public sector than men. This study therefore provides evidence for positive effects of PSM on public sector choice in the German Millennial generation. Limitations and avenues for further research are discussed, and implications of the results are illustrated.
Millennials and Volunteering: Sector Differences and Implications for Public Service Motivation Theory
Authors: Ertas Nevbahar
Published: May 2024

One of the most contested topics concerning the Millennial generation is the nature of their social-service orientation. While some experts characterize these young individuals as the most civically involved generation to date, others portray them as narcissistic and materialistic. Research from the field of public administration has shown that individuals with greater public service motivation (PSM) are more likely to work for government, and that individuals in this sector are also more likely to engage in other pro-social behaviors outside of work. Does this mean that Millennial workers currently in the public and nonprofit workforce resemble older workers in terms of their volunteering, or are they different along the lines identified in the broader literature on Millennials? Are there differences with respect to their participation in formal or informal settings or in certain domains of volunteering activity?

In this paper, relying on PSM theory and using a nationally representative sample of US citizens, the formal and informal participation activities of Millennial and older individuals working in different sectors are compared. Results from this research showed that government employees, as well as those working in the non-profit sector, have higher participation in most formal and informal activities. Millennials in public service have higher participation in most venues compared to their peers in the private sector, but not as much as their older counterparts. The domain of formal volunteering activity partly matters, in that, compared to older respondents, Millennials in the private sector have a higher likelihood of volunteering in a civic and health institution, and all Millennials have a lower likelihood of volunteering through or for a religious organization. The limitations of the study, as well as the implications of its findings, are discussed in the concluding section.
Moving beyond Innovation Diffusion in Smaller Local Governments: Does Performance Management Exist?
Authors: Rivenbark Willliam C. , Fasiello Roberta , Adamo Stefano
Published: May 2024

The performance paradigm of today, which is commonly referred to as performance management, includes the two distinct stages of developing performance measures and actually using them for service improvement. The good news is that the literature contains evidence that performance management does exist to some extent among local governments in the United States and in other countries; however, this same literature focuses primarily on larger local governments. We respond by presenting a comparative case study analysis between two municipalities from the United States and one municipality from Italy within the population range of 1,000 to 4,999. The findings of our research suggest that performance management can be found in smaller local governments when the necessary leadership and the higher-order measures of efficiency and effectiveness are in place. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for smaller local governments and by presenting possibilities for next steps regarding future performance management research.
Promoting Training and Professional Development in Government: The Origins and Early Contributions of Spod
Authors: Rusaw A. Carol , Fisher Vinton D.
Published: May 2024

This article describes the foundations of training and professional development in government and the beginnings of the American Society for Public Administration's (ASPA) Section on Professional and Organizational Development (SPOD). It summarizes the philosophical contributions of public sector political and economic reforms, human relations approaches to management, and socio-technical applications to organizational development and training. The article also highlights key changes in the decade between 1965 and 1975 that fostered the emergence of SPOD, such as the rapid growth of federal government and the demands for social and economic changes. It concludes with reflections on the founding of SPOD from an early member.
Voter Turnout and Bureaucrats across Time: A Further Examination of the Bureau Voting Model in the United States
Authors: Bednarczuk Michael
Published: May 2024

Due to questions concerning the historical application of the economic theory of voting to the bureau voting model, this study takes a longitudinal look at the relationship between government employment and voter turnout in the United States. Probit and OLS models are used to examine data from the American National Election Study covering sixteen elections from 1982 to 2012. Contrary to previous findings, government employment is not shown to have an effect on voter turnout. These results suggest that the bureau voting model may need to be refined if it is to be used in future studies.
What's in a Symbol?: Big Questions for Place Branding in Public Administration
Authors: Zavattaro Staci M.
Published: May 2024

As practitioners in public organizations undertake place branding and associated communications efforts, scholarship in public management needs to better understand these phenomena. Related disciplines such as business management, tourism management, and corporate marketing help frame “big questions” for this emerging area of research and practice in public administration. Combined, the big questions relate to governance practices to encourage partnerships, participation and a broader understanding of how practitioners can use place branding strategies to manage reputation, as well as how scholars can study these practices. This article identifies these big questions and sets a research agenda in public administration research.
Helping Third-Party Implementers Meet Performance Obligations: A Multi-Level Examination of the Weatherization Assistance Program
Authors: Terman Jessica N.
Published: May 2024

Research suggests that competitive markets and contract design and management influence contractor performance. However, there is less systematic knowledge about how a government's policy-specific capacity and programmatic support to contractors influences performance. This study asks the question of what states can do to maximize the performance of contractors in the context of fiscal federalism. This question is tested in the context of the Weatherization Assistance Program, a federal program where states are specifically instructed to use third-party implementers (i.e. contractors). Specifically, I examine (1) whether state policy-specific capacity enhances program implementation support to help contractors meet their performance goals and (2) how state-provided technical assistance to government contractors can help these contractors achieve performance goals.
Finance officer Organizational Influence: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Modlin Steve , Goodman Doug
Published: May 2024

The extant literature has demonstrated the vast gender differences among public officials, especially as it relates to agenda priorities and implementation as well as leadership and management styles. However, questions remain as to budget-related organizational performance and gender differences. Previous studies have examined elected official and high level management differences with little research dedicated to staff personnel with major responsibilities. In this exploratory study, there is an examination of North Carolina county financial management influence based on quantitative performance indicators. Findings indicate female finance officers maintain a stronger gatekeeping role compared to male counterparts denying initial departmental request more frequently while maintaining suitable salaries; however, males have an increased probability of more budget discretion, staff, and increased investment income.
Performance Measurement and Management During the Roman Empire: Evidence From the Letters of Pliny the Younger to Emperor Trajan
Authors: Tantardini Michele
Published: May 2024

This article examines performance measurement and management practices of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98–117 CE). The main thesis is that the administration of imperial provinces possessed some of the underlying concepts of modern public performance measurement and management practices developed more recently as part of the New Public Management movement. The article uses the 121 letters in the correspondence between Pliny the Younger as Imperial Governor ( Legatus Augusti) of the Province of Bithynia and Pontus (110–113 CE) in modern day Turkey and Emperor Trajan to demonstrate that performance measurement and management practices is more ancient than its development as part of the New Public Management movement.