bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of interfacial stresses on narrow beams strengthened by FRP straps with a side anchorage system
Authors: Zhou Chaoyang , Fan Wenhua , Tang Ming , Wang Yi
Published: August 2023

Interfacial stress concentrations at fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) ends can easily cause premature debonding failure of FRP‐strengthened beams. To solve this problem in narrow beams, a hybrid strengthening method was proposed in our previous study, but the theoretical stress analysis was lacking due to the complexity at the anchorage zone. In this study, the interfacial stresses of the hybrid strengthened beam were initially analyzed by decomposing it into a purely bonded beam under three different effects, including the load on the beam, the tensile force at the end of the FRP strap released from anchor plates and a pair of eccentric forces induced by the side anchorage system towards the midspan. By summing the special solutions of the three cases, the expressions for the total interfacial stresses of a hybrid strengthened beam were determined. Moreover, a formula for the shear stiffness of the side anchorage system was proposed, in which the side plate and the bolt were compared to a deep cantilever beam and an elastic foundation beam, respectively. Finally, a finite element model was developed to verify the applicability of the proposed theoretical model. The theoretical and simulated results were in satisfactory agreement for a hybrid strengthened beam.
Cyclic Sulfinamides
Authors: Dobrydnev Alexey V. , Popova Maria V. , Volovenko Yulian M.
Published: August 2023

The literature on cyclic sulfinamides (put simply, sultims) published from 1989 to 2022 has been summarized and reviewed. The information is divided into two sections: the analysis of synthetic methods on the preparation of cyclic sulfinamides and the discussion of the chemical properties of cyclic sulfinamides focusing on their reactions and applications. The survey of the reaction conditions, provided in the most detailed way, and a critical view of the reaction mechanisms add an extra dimension to the text. The data presented will be useful to specialists in different areas, especially those who work in the field of synthetic organic and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella species in rats and chickens from poultry farms in North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Ramatla Tsepo , Khumalo Zamantungwa T. H. , Matshotshi Asiashu , Lekota Kgaugelo E. , Taioe Moeti O. , Thekisoe Oriel
Published: August 2023

Background

Coxiella burnetii is a bacterial pathogen that causes query fever and coxiellosis in humans and animals, respectively. There is a scarcity of studies on the prevalence of C. burnetii infections in rats and chickens in South Africa.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of C. burnetii in rats and chickens sampled from poultry farms in the North West Province of South Africa.

Methods

DNA was extracted from rodent kidneys (n = 68) and chicken faeces (n = 52). Two rodent pest species, namely Rattus rattus and Rattus tanezumi, were identified by analysis of CO1 gene sequences. Detection of C. burnetii was carried out using polymerase chain reaction assays targeting 23S rRNA, 16S rRNA and IS111 markers.

Results

C. burnetii was detected in 16.2%, 8.8% and 25% of R. rattus, R. tanezumi and chickens, respectively.

Conclusions

The findings in this study demonstrate that rodents and chickens are harbouring C. burnetii at sampled poultry farms. There should be frequent screening for C. burnetii in poultry operations. The likelihood of future transmission between rodents and chickens, including humans, also needs to be investigated.
Mastitis on selected farms in Wakiso district, Uganda: Burden, pathogens and predictors of infectivity of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in dairy herds
Authors: Kakooza Steven , Mutebi Francis , Ssajjakambwe Paul , Wampande Eddie , Nabatta Esther , Atuheire Collins , Tsuchida Sayaka , Okubo Torahiko , Ushida Kazunari , Kaneene John Baligwamunsi
Published: August 2023

Background

Mastitis and associated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are major challenges to the dairy industry worldwide.

Objective

This study aimed to expose the mastitis burden, causative bacteria and drivers for mastitis‐causing multi‐drug‐resistant (MDR) Staphylococci infectivity in cows on dairy farms in Wakiso district, Uganda.

Methods

On 22 farms, practices were documented using questionnaires, and 175 cows were screened by the California mastitis test. Composite milk samples from the positive reactors were submitted to the laboratory for bacterial culture testing. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was done only on Staphylococci with a panel of 10 antimicrobials of clinical relevance.

Results

Mastitis was detected in 80.6% (n = 141) of the 175 sampled cows, of which sub‐clinical mastitis (76.0%: n = 133) was predominant. The Chi‐squared analysis hypothesized that cow age (p = 0.017), sub‐county (p = 0.013), parity (p < 0.0001), sex of farm owner (p = 0.003), farm duration in dairy production (p = 0.048) and the use of milking salve (p = 0.006) were associated with mastitis. Coagulase‐negative Staphylococci were the most prevalent (71.4%; n = 95), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (30.1%, n = 40). Staphylococci (76.3%; n = 135) were majorly resistant to penicillin and tetracycline. Only one isolate was phenotyped as a methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus specie (MRSS). The prevalences of MDR strains at cow and isolate level were 6.3% and 8.3%. The major MDR phenotype identified was penicillin–tetracycline–trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole. The isolate detected as an MRSS exhibited the broadest MDR pattern. Cow parity was identified as a predictor of infectivity of mastitis‐causing MDR Staphylococci in dairy herds.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of mastitis and associated pathogen AMR found exposes possibilities of economic losses for the dairy sector warranting the need for farmer sensitization on the institution of proper mastitis prevention and control programs, with emphasis on milking hygiene practices and routine disease monitoring.
Decolonizing global health: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Amri Michelle , Yang Jinny , Barrett Kathryn , Bump Jesse B.
Published: August 2023

Although there has been attention paid to decolonizing global health, there is no accepted understanding of the concept. Therefore, this protocol outlines the steps for a planned scoping review to assess the academic literature for discussions on decolonizing global health. Namely, to consider what this concept means within mainstream global health databases and how it can be acted on. We also hope to shed light on who is participating in these discussions. The PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) was used to develop this scoping review protocol. With the guidance of an academic librarian, we searched OVID Medline, OVID Embase, EBSCO CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, PAIS Index, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts, and the International Bibliography of the Social Sciences databases from inception to the date the search is conducted. The inclusion criterion is that texts must: (i) use the exact phrasing of “decoloni* global health” or “anticolonial global health,” (ii) include substantive discussion of what decolonizi* global health or anticolonial global health means (i.e., we will exclude single mentions that do not include an explanation, elaboration, or context), and (iii) be published in English. Similarly, the exclusion criteria include: (i) texts that do not substantively discuss decolonizing global health and (ii) grey literature hits. This protocol establishes the study parameters for the planned scoping review. We anticipate the findings from the scoping review to bring much needed clarity to discussions around decolonizing global health, in terms of meaning(s), gaps, and possible actions.
MA‐XRF analysis of ancient silver coins minted in southern Italy
Authors: Brocchieri Jessica , Vitale Rosa , Sabbarese Carlo
Published: August 2023

At the Museo Campano (Capua, Italy), eight double‐relief silver coins belonging to southern Italian poleis and dated between the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the 3rd century BC were analysed. These coins are of great interest to historians and archaeologists because they provide extensive evidence on the monetary history and circulation of coins since the earliest times in the Campania region. Non‐invasive in situ analyses were performed using point XRF and MA‐XRF measurements and digital microscope photos. These coins were of high fineness. Data analysis methods using ROI imaging, deconvoluted maps, NMF (nonnegative matrix factorization), and k‐means were applied on the elemental maps to study the critical surface areas and to compare the effectiveness of different methods not commonly used for coins. These results combined with numismatic studies provided information on the historical context, the alloy used, and cases such as subaerati and restored coins. Important data were obtained on the currencies of the period under review, which will be useful to integrate with the analysis of further samples.
Ricœur’s Early Language, Activism and Algeria
Authors: Scott-Baumann Alison
Published: August 2023

This chapter on Algeria, and Chaps. 5 and 6 on Nanterre and Chicago respectively, present certain historical and conceptual aspects of Ricœur’s activism on campus and outline his intellectual development. I will demonstrate the irrefutable connections between his ideas and his applied work. As a junior academic, Ricœur held utopian ideas about the university as a site for self-development and rich educational opportunities for all, as well as a locus for political activism. In this chapter, I consider the role of the university campus in Ricœur’s early to mid-career struggles with abuses of power in the idealism that followed World War 2, reflected through his philosophy. As a relatively junior academic, his approach, based on polemical discussion with students, was successful from 1947 in opposing colonial France in Algeria.
Challenging ‘Bad Infinity’
Authors: Scott-Baumann Alison
Published: August 2023

Ricœur enjoyed the open, collegial North American campus in contrast to the French atmosphere that he felt was characterized by student actions he supported, yet often understood as negative militancy. However, in America he also became wary of attempts by minority campus groups to replace discrimination with celebratory recognition of their difference. I interpret his approach as based upon a flawed understanding of power imbalances, exemplified in his development of the term ‘bad infinity’ to describe what he perceived as ever more insistent and insatiable minority demands. This is a common position that I see in myself, so in challenging his work I am challenging myself.
Chirurgisches Nahtmaterial – Grundlagen
Authors: Dresing Klaus , Slongo Theddy
Published: August 2023

Am Ende der chirurgischen Therapie wird der Zugang mit Nahtmaterial geschlossen. Chirurgische Nähte werden also zur Adaptation von Wundrändern und Gewebe verwendet. Aufgabe des Nahtmaterials ist, die Gewebe bis zur Heilung zusammenzuhalten. Für Patienten ist eine kosmetisch gute Naht häufig das Zeichen einer guten Chirurgie. Für verschiedene Gewebe und -schichten werden unterschiedliche Anforderungen an das Nahtmaterial gestellt. Es werden die verschiedenen Arten von monofil über polyfil, geflochten, von resorbierbar bis nichtresorbierbar vorgestellt. Die Eingruppierung der Fadenstärken wird verglichen. Die Einsatzgebiete verschiedener Fadenstärken und die Dauer bis zum Fadenzug in den verschiedenen Körperregionen werden vorgestellt. Detailliert werden die Einhand- und Zweihandtechnik der chirurgischen Knoten erläutert. Die Technik der Nahtmaterialentfernung wird präsentiert. Im Online-Material können die Nahtmaterialien verschiedener Zusammensetzung und Hersteller gegenübergestellt werden.
Beyond federated data: a data commoning proposition for the EU’s citizen-centric digital strategy
Authors: Calzati Stefano , van Loenen Bastiaan
Published: August 2023

In various official documents, the European Union has declared its goal to pursue a citizen-centric governance of digital transformation. Through a critical review of several of these documents, here we show how “citizen-centric” is more a glamouring than a driving concept. De facto, the EU is enabling a federated data system that is corporate-driven, economic-oriented, and GDPR-compliant; in other words, a Digital Single Market (DSM). This leaves out societal and collective-level dimensions of digital transformation—such as social inclusion, digital sovereignty, and environmental sustainability—which are acknowledged, but not operationalized, by the EU as pillars of a citizen-centric governance. Hence, the door is open to a complementary approach to the governance of digital transformation. We argue that, while a federated data model can constitute the tech-legal backbone of the emerging DSM, a commoning of data, as an ecosystemic approach that maintains a societal and collective outlook by default, can represent a complement to enact a truly citizen-centric governance.
Valorization of lignocellulosic wastes for sustainable xylanase production from locally isolated Bacillus subtilis exploited for xylooligosaccharides’ production with potential antimicrobial activity
Authors: El-Gendi Hamada , Badawy Ahmed S. , Bakhiet Elsayed K. , Rawway Mohammed , Ali Salah G.
Published: August 2023

The worldwide availability of lignocellulosic wastes represents a serious environmental challenge with potential opportunities. Xylanases are crucial in lignocellulosic bio-hydrolysis, but the low enzyme productivity and stability are still challenges. In the current study, Bacillus subtilis (coded ARSE2) revealed potent xylanase activity among other local isolates. The enzyme production optimization revealed that maximum enzyme production (490.58 U/mL) was achieved with 1% xylan, 1.4% peptone, and 5% NaCl at 30 °C and pH 9. Furthermore, several lignocellulosic wastes were exploited for sustainable xylanase production, where sugarcane bagasse (16%) under solid-state fermentation and woody sawdust (2%) under submerged fermentation supported the maximum enzyme titer of about 472.03 and 485.7 U/mL, respectively. The partially purified enzyme revealed two protein bands at 42 and 30 kDa. The partially purified enzyme revealed remarkable enzyme activity and stability at 50–60 °C and pH 8–9. The enzyme also revealed significant stability toward tween-80, urea, DTT, and EDTA with Vmax and Km values of 1481.5 U/mL and 0.187 mM, respectively. Additionally, the purified xylanase was applied for xylooligosaccharides production, which revealed significant antimicrobial activity toward Staphylococcus aureus with lower activity against Escherichia coli. Hence, the locally isolated Bacillus subtilis ARSE2 could fulfill the xylanase production requirements in terms of economic production at a high titer with promising enzyme characteristics. Additionally, the resultant xylooligosaccharides revealed a promising antimicrobial potential, which paves the way for other medical applications.
Crowd-sourced and expert video assessment in minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: Ketel Mirte H. M. , Klarenbeek Bastiaan R. , Eddahchouri Yassin , Cuesta Miguel A. , van Daele Elke , Gutschow Christian A. , Hölscher Arnulf H. , Hubka Michal , Luyer Misha D. P. , Merritt Robert E. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A. P. , Shen Yaxing , Abma Inger L. , Rosman Camiel , van Workum Frans
Published: August 2023

Background

Video-based assessment by experts may structurally measure surgical performance using procedure-specific competency assessment tools (CATs). A CAT for minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE-CAT) was developed and validated previously. However, surgeon’s time is scarce and video assessment is time-consuming and labor intensive. This study investigated non-procedure-specific assessment of MIE video clips by MIE experts and crowdsourcing, collective surgical performance evaluation by anonymous and untrained laypeople, to assist procedure-specific expert review.

Methods

Two surgical performance scoring frameworks were used to assess eight MIE videos. First, global performance was assessed with the non-procedure-specific Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) of 64 procedural phase-based video clips < 10 min. Each clip was assessed by two MIE experts and > 30 crowd workers. Second, the same experts assessed procedure-specific performance with the MIE-CAT of the corresponding full-length video. Reliability and convergent validity of GOALS for MIE were investigated using hypothesis testing with correlations (experience, blood loss, operative time, and MIE-CAT).

Results

Less than 75% of hypothesized correlations between GOALS scores and experience of the surgical team (r < 0.3), blood loss (r = − 0.82 to 0.02), operative time (r = − 0.42 to 0.07), and the MIE-CAT scores (r = − 0.04 to 0.76) were met for both crowd workers and experts. Interestingly, experts’ GOALS and MIE-CAT scores correlated strongly (r = 0.40 to 0.79), while crowd workers’ GOALS and experts’ MIE-CAT scores correlations were weak (r = − 0.04 to 0.49). Expert and crowd worker GOALS scores correlated poorly (ICC ≤ 0.42).

Conclusion

GOALS assessments by crowd workers lacked convergent validity and showed poor reliability. It is likely that MIE is technically too difficult to assess for laypeople. Convergent validity of GOALS assessments by experts could also not be established. GOALS might not be comprehensive enough to assess detailed MIE performance. However, expert’s GOALS and MIE-CAT scores strongly correlated indicating video clip (instead of full-length video) assessments could be useful to shorten assessment time.

Graphical abstract
Towards a unified terminology for sonification and visualization
Authors: Enge Kajetan , Rind Alexander , Iber Michael , Höldrich Robert , Aigner Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Both sonification and visualization convey information about data by effectively using our human perceptual system, but their ways to transform the data differ. Over the past 30 years, the sonification community has demanded a holistic perspective on data representation, including audio-visual analysis, several times. A design theory of audio-visual analysis would be a relevant step in this direction. An indispensable foundation for this endeavor is a terminology describing the combined design space. To build a bridge between the domains, we adopt three of the established theoretical constructs from visualization theory for the field of sonification. The three constructs are the spatial substrate, the visual mark, and the visual channel. In our model, we choose time to be the temporal substrate of sonification. Auditory marks are then positioned in time, such as visual marks are positioned in space. Auditory channels are encoded into auditory marks to convey information. The proposed definitions allow discussing visualization and sonification designs as well as multi-modal designs based on a common terminology. While the identified terminology can support audio-visual analytics research, it also provides a new perspective on sonification theory itself.
Hand-as-a-prop: using the hand as a haptic proxy for manipulation in virtual reality
Authors: Marichal Sebastian , Ezcurdia Iñigo , Morales Rafael , Ortiz Amalia , Marzo Asier , Ardaiz Oscar
Published: August 2023

Haptic feedback can be almost as important as visual information in virtual reality environments. On the one hand, in Active Haptic Feedback, specialized devices such as vibrotactile gloves are employed; however, these solutions can be expensive, vendor-specific or cumbersome to setup. On the other hand, Passive Haptic Feedback approaches use inexpensive objects as proxies for the virtual entities; but mapping virtual objects to real props is not scalable nor flexible. We propose the Hand-as-a-Prop technique, which consists in using human hands as object props. We implemented two modalities: Self, where the user’s non-dominant hand act as the virtual object while the dominant hand grabs, translates and releases it; and External, where the hand of another person is used. Hand-as-a-Prop can represent multiple shapes with a single prop and does not require extra hardware. We performed an evaluation comparing both Self and External Hand-as-a-Prop with traditional Object Props in terms of user experience (goodness, ease, realism, fatigue, and preference) and performance (task completion time and translation time). Results showed that Hand-as-a-Prop was rated as neutral tending to positive, and in some cases, the performance was similar to Object Props. Users preferred Self Hand-as-a-Prop over External Hand-as-a-Prop and also obtained better results.
Nehari manifold approach for superlinear double phase problems with variable exponents
Authors: Crespo-Blanco Ángel , Winkert Patrick
Published: August 2023

In this paper we consider quasilinear elliptic equations driven by the variable exponent double phase operator with superlinear right-hand sides. Under very general assumptions on the nonlinearity, we prove a multiplicity result for such problems whereby we show the existence of a positive solution, a negative one and a solution with changing sign. The sign-changing solution is obtained via the Nehari manifold approach and, in addition, we can also give information on its nodal domains.
Effects of insect meal and grape marc in the nutritional profile, growth, and digestibility of juvenile New Zealand farmed abalone
Authors: Bullon Natalia , Seyfoddin Ali , Hamid Nazimah , Manivannan Moganakumaar , Alfaro Andrea C.
Published: August 2023

Generally, one of the most significant bottlenecks of land-based abalone aquaculture is the high cost of the feed, which is associated with the use of wild fish stocks to produce fish meal. Fish meal is a key ingredient used in aquaculture feeds due to its nutritional profile and palatability. Alternative ingredients, such as insect meal and grape marc, are potential candidates to be included in aquafeeds due to their suitable nutritional profile and more sustainable production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of insect meal and grape marc on growth and nutritional profile using abalone as an animal model in a feeding trial for 165 days. Proximate analyses were used to identify nutritional variations in abalone tissue and faecal matter, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography mass-spectrometry analyses were utilised to characterise amino acid and fatty acid composition. Results showed a 95% survival for all treatments. The inclusion of insect meal and grape marc did not affect the protein proportions of abalone tissues, but differences were found in the carbohydrate and lipid proportions. The inclusion of insect meal and grape marc significantly affected levels of amino acids L-histidine, L-methionine, and L-phenylalanine, and fatty acids oleic acid, linoleaidic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and α-linolenic suggesting a correlation between the feed source and fatty acid tissue composition. This work provides promising results for future optimisation of abalone diets including more affordable and sustainable alternative ingredients.
Ethics, Tradition and Temporality in Craft Work: The Case of Japanese Mingei
Authors: Holt Robin , Yamauchi Yutaka
Published: August 2023

Based on an empirical illustration of Onta pottery and more broadly a discussion of the JapaneseMingeimovement, we study the intimacy between craft work, ethics and time. We conceptualize craft work through the temporal structure of tradition, to which we find three aspects: generational rhythms of making; cycles of use and re-use amongst consumers and a commitment to historically and naturally attuned communities. We argue these temporal structures of tradition in craftwork are animated by two contrasting but co-existing ideas of the good: the moral and the ethical. By developing the work of Elizabeth Grosz, we conceptualize this distinction between moral and ethical as a temporal phenomenon, specifically in differing relations to ideas of the future. Moral aspects of craft work understand the future as a progression from past, whether in preserving practices and norms, or improving upon them in relation to ideals. Ethical aspects understand the future as inherently open to chance and divergence, valuing difference, accident and the possibilities for creativity these entail. Empirically, we show evidence of both aspects in the case ofMingei—a organized movement dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Japanese craft work. We contribute to studies of craft work by revealing and classifying its temporal aspects. We contribute to studies in business ethics by conceptualising a generative distinction between morals and ethics configured through differing understandings of time.
When Marriage Ends: Differences in Affluence and Poverty Among Older Adults in Israel
Authors: Lewin Alisa C. , Stier Haya
Published: August 2023

Studies show that the economic benefits of marriage carry over into old age and that widowhood and divorce have detrimental economic consequences, especially for women. This study asks how affluence and poverty are affected by the timing of widowhood and divorce and tests whether they operate in symmetry. The study draws on Israel’s annual Social Survey from multiple years (2013–2017), conducted by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. The sample is limited to older individuals, aged 55+ (n = 4824 men, 5643 women). The findings show that married people are less likely to be poor than unmarried people, but they are not always more likely to be affluent. Widowed men and women, and divorced men are more likely to achieve affluence than continuously married couples. The explanation may be that, in the Israeli context, the widowed tend to inherit benefits accumulated by their late spouse, whereas the divorced tend to divide resources when the marriage dissolves. Women incur higher and longer-term penalties for their change in marital status than do men, so that previously married women tend to have higher rates of poverty and lower rates of affluence than previously married men. The findings show that affluence and poverty do not operate in symmetry and that affluence does not simply mirror poverty, especially among men. For example, early widowed and late divorced men have higher odds of both poverty and affluence than married men. These findings demonstrate that poverty and affluence operate differently and examining both leads to new insights.
Comparison of gastrointestinal adverse events between fast release tablets and regular acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) galenics after short-term use: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Lanas Angel , Werz Oliver , Mikhail Engy
Published: August 2023

This study aimed at determining whether there is a difference in the safety profile between fast release (FR) aspirin tablets and regular galenic formulations of aspirin. This study was based on a clinical study database pool (Bayer HealthCare) including 84 clinical studies and 16,095 human subjects. The meta-analysis included 72 studies applying a single dose of aspirin of at most 1000 mg and was, therefore, based on individual data from 9288 subjects. Of these, 6029 subjects took aspirin and 3259 subjects took placebo. Endpoints were adverse events (AEs) of any kind and, especially of gastrointestinal (GI) nature. Event incidence and odds ratios (OR) based on Mantel–Haenszel risk estimates were calcuated. Subjects on aspirin FR had a significantly decreased OR of 0.65 [0.48, 0.90] [95% confidence interval] for all AEs and of 0.39 [0.20, 0.79] for drug-related all AEs versus placebo. The risk of all GI AEs tended to be reduced for subjects on aspirin FR (0.65 [0.41; 1.03]), but not for drug-related GI AEs. Subject on aspirin mono and aspirin mono (plain only, w/o FR) showed an increased risk of drug-related all AEs compared to placebo (1.34 [1.11; 1.62] and 1.43 [1.13; 1.80]). However, subjects on aspirin FR and those on regular aspirin had almost the same risk of all determined AEs. In conclusion, aspirin FR tablets showed a comparable GI tolerability to regular galenic formulations of aspirin after short-term treatment. Major GI complication did not occur after intake of any galenic formulation of aspirin.
Mullite photonic glasses with exceptional thermal stability for novel reflective thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Gomez-Gomez Alberto , Ribas Gomes Diego , Winhard Benedikt F. , Maragno Laura G. , Krekeler Tobias , Ritter Martin , Furlan Kaline P.
Published: August 2023

Thermal barrier coatings are essential materials systems for insulating and protecting substrates exposed to high temperatures. In such systems, the heat transfer has three possible paths: conduction, convection and irradiation. The higher the operating temperature, the more important it is to control or protect against the radiative component, since the radiative heat flux becomes non-negligible. The radiation can be controlled by the use of ceramic-based photonic nanostructures, namely photonic crystals and photonic glasses, creating so-called reflective thermal barrier coatings. In this work, mullite inverse photonic glasses (PhG) have been produced by thermally induced reaction on sol–gel-based silica structures coated with nanometric films of Al2O3 by atomic layer deposition. The conversion to mullite was carried out following a two-stage heat-treatment. The pre-annealing associated with the further mullite formation results in an excellent structural stability of these PhGs up to 1500 °C, being able to retain their high reflectivity in the near infrared range. Therefore, this structure can be considered for next-generation reflective thermal barrier coatings.

Graphical abstract
The Impact of Police ‘Process-Driven Responses’ on Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender + Victim-Survivors of Domestic Abuse in England
Authors: Butterby Kate , Donovan Catherine
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The public story of domestic abuse (DA) sets out DA as a problem of cisgender, heterosexual ‘strong’ men, perpetrating physical abuse towards cisgender, heterosexual ‘weak’ women. Drawing upon this narrative, LGB and/or T + victim-survivors may not see their experiences reflected, and similarly, practitioners may view abuse in LGB and/or T + people’s relationships as less serious, as ‘mutual’ or may miss dynamics unique to DA within these relationships. This article argues that when assessing risk and making subsequent decisions in relation to abuse within LBG and/or T + people’s relationships, police enact ‘process-driven responses’, meaning that the same procedures are followed for all DA cases irrespective of the different identities and/or needs of the victim-survivors. We explore how process-driven responses are underpinned by the public story, and how this impacts the services provided to LGB and/or T + victim-survivors.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 35) with police officers, police staff, support practitioners and victim-survivors were undertaken and analysed thematically.

Results

Findings suggest that by enacting process-driven responses, police feel that they are providing an equitable service to all victim-survivors. However, these responses draw heavily on the public story of DA, focusing primarily on cisgender, heterosexual stereotypes and the presence of physical injuries.

Conclusions

‘Treating everyone the same’ can leave experiences of LGB and/or T + victim-survivors invisible, minimised and not understood. This has implications in relation to inadequate responses being provided, such as victim-survivors being arrested, mutual blame being ascribed and lack of police knowledge in relation to appropriate support provision. Suggestions for policy and practice will follow.
Domestic Violence and Murder of a Transgender Women in Russian Media (the Case of Anzhela Likina)
Authors: Shtorn Evgeny
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This article explores the notion of domestic violence in one of the most media-rich debates around transgender issues in Russia. Anzhela Likina’s murder brought a lot of attention of various outlets from the social media to the federal TV channels. I aim to queer this very notion basing my critique on the case of her murder and the debate that followed afterwards.

Methods

I analyse the discourse on family violence as it is given in the publications about the murder of Likina and comments under these publications. I identified 82 media reports on the murder and the following trial. My approach to the reading of these reports, comments and a TV-programme is discourse analysis. Hence, I am looking at power relations which constituted these narratives.

Results

In February 2016 Anzhela was stabbed to death by the partner of her ex-wife Gulnara. The murderer built his defence arguing that he killed Anzhela to punish her for beating Gulnara. A detailed look at the media publications reflects that this was a narrative strategy to get a lighter sentence. In turn Anzhela’s mother and sister accused Gulnara of being violent to Anzhela and their two daughters which constitutes another facet of family violence narratives. Based on my analysis of media reports I argue that domestic violence is instrumentalised as a narrative justification for further violence.

Conclusions

I uncover the various kinds of violence that Anzhela had to endure on different levels: state violence, societal violence, police violence, domestic violence, and media violence towards her both while she was alive and after her murder. These various kinds of violence amplify one another as the analysis of discourse around them shows.
Testing the reciprocal longitudinal association between pro-aggressive bystander behavior and diffusion of responsibility in Swedish upper elementary school students
Authors: Thornberg Robert , Sjögren Björn , Gini Gianluca , Pozzoli Tiziana
Published: August 2023

The overall objective of this study was to investigate the longitudinal association between diffusion of responsibility and pro-aggressive bystander behavior across three time points in upper elementary education. This three-wave longitudinal study included 1905 Swedish students who completed a questionnaire in at least one of the three waves: the fourth (Mage = 10.56), fifth (Mage = 11.55), and/or sixth grades (Mage = 12.58). Both traditional and random intercept cross-lagged panel models revealed a reciprocal relationship between pro-aggressive bystanding and diffusion of responsibility from the fourth to fifth grades, whereas the only significant cross-lagged path from the fifth to sixth grades was from pro-aggression to diffusion of responsibility in the traditional cross-lagged panel model. Thus, this study provides evidence for bidirectional longitudinal associations between diffusion of responsibility and pro-aggressive bystander behavior but did not support a full cross-lagged bidirectional model.
A novel intrusion detection system for internet of things devices and data
Authors: Kaushik Ajay , Al-Raweshidy Hamed
Published: August 2023

As we enter the new age of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable gadgets, sensors, and embedded devices are extensively used for data aggregation and its transmission. The extent of the data processed by IoT networks makes it vulnerable to outside attacks. Therefore, it is important to design an intrusion detection system (IDS) that ensures the security, integrity, and confidentiality of IoT networks and their data. State-of-the-art IDSs have poor detection capabilities and incur high communication and device overhead, which is not ideal for IoT applications requiring secured and real-time processing. This research presents a teaching-learning-based optimization enabled intrusion detection system (TLBO-IDS) which effectively protects IoT networks from intrusion attacks and also ensures low overhead at the same time. The proposed TLBO-IDS can detect analysis attacks, fuzzing attacks, shellcode attacks, worms, denial of service (Dos) attacks, exploits, and backdoor intrusion attacks. TLBO-IDS is extensively tested and its performance is compared with state-of-the-art algorithms. In particular, TLBO-IDS outperforms the bat algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA) by 22.2% and 40% respectively.
Complex treatment of oily polluted waters by modified melamine foams: from colloidal emulsions to a free oil removal
Authors: Hailan Sarah , Sobolciak Patrik , Popelka Anton , Kasak Peter , Adham Samer , Krupa Igor
Published: August 2023

This study deals with the efficient, low-cost, and scalable treatment of oily polluted waters including colloidal emulsions, oil-in-water mixtures, and free oil removal using melamine foams (MFs) modified by ferric chloride (FeCl3). Modified foams have superhydrophobic character due to the coordination of Fe3+ with free electron pairs on nitrogen and oxygen atoms within the melamine structure. The water contact angles (WCA) were 146° ± 2°, 148° ± 4°, 153° ± 2°, and 150° ± 4° for foams modified by the solutions with concentrations of 0.001 M, 0.005 M, 0.01 M, and 0.02 M, respectively. This modification enables the efficient treatment of various oil/water systems, including oil/water colloidal emulsions (99 vol% of the droplets have dimensions below 500 nm), oil-in-water mixtures up to 40 weight % of the oil component, and “free” oil removal as it was demonstrated in this study for the first time. The emulsions containing 100 ppm diesel oil (DO) were separated with 91.4% efficiency, and the mixtures containing 20 and 40 weight % DO were separated with 99.9% efficiency. Modified foams also quickly remove free DO from the water surface, absorbing 95 g/g DO, whereas water sorption was negligible. The separation of colloidal oil in water emulsions represents the key finding of this study as it indicates the applicability of the treated MFs for the treatment of emulsified industrial wastewater. The demulsification mechanism is based on multiple diffusion processes running at different time scales, including diffusion of the emulsion into the foam and diffusion of oil droplets within the foam, combined with parallel adsorption of oil droplets onto the solid skeleton of the foam. A multiplied usage of these foams for all these niche operations was also proven. The application of our current study with previous studies on modified MFs and polyurethane for water oil separation utilization is summarized in Table S1 ESI.

Graphical Abstract
Validity, Reliability, and Cross-Cultural Comparability of a Problematic Overstudying Scale across European, North American, and Asian countries
Authors: Atroszko Paweł A. , Charzyńska Edyta , Buźniak Aleksandra , Czerwiński Stanisław K. , Griffiths Mark D. , Jankowska Anna , Kamble Shanmukh , Mizik Zuzanna , Pontes Halley M. , Shane Jacob , Sussman Steve , Woropay-Hordziejewicz Natalia A. , Pallesen Ståle
Published: August 2023

Problematic overstudying has been conceptualized as a potential addictive disorder and an early form of work addiction. Previous studies have shown that it is a different phenomenon from healthy learning engagement and is associated with considerable functional impairments. A valid, reliable, and convenient screening measure is warranted to provide cross-culturally comparable and generalizable findings, particularly from large epidemiological studies. The seven-item Bergen Study Addiction Scale (BStAS), based on an addiction framework, was administered alongside learning engagement and anxiety measures in a total sample of 5,884 university students from three continents and five countries: India, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and the United States. The modified five-item version of the scale showed measurement invariance across countries and between genders and allowed for meaningful cross-cultural and gender comparisons. Scores on the BStAS were positively associated with learning engagement, anxiety, and female gender across countries. Clinically significant anxiety levels occurred about 1.7 times more often among students who scored above the cutoff for study addiction. It is concluded that the five-item BStAS is a valid, reliable scale that can be used in different cultures and provides comparable and generalizable results. Future studies with the BStAS may provide greater insight into the nature of problematic overstudying.
Making new enemies: How suppliers’ digital disintermediation strategy shifts consumers’ use of incumbent offerings
Authors: Schauerte Nico , Schauerte Ricarda , Becker Maren , Hennig-Thurau Thorsten
Published: August 2023

Digitalization can help suppliers cut ties with their intermediaries and offer products directly to consumers. Such a digital disintermediation strategy likely affects both digital and non-digital incumbents in ways difficult to predict by current marketing theory. In our empirical investigation of digital disintermediation in the multibillion-dollar filmed home entertainment industry, we draw on consumers’ viewing behaviors before and after the launch of the streaming service Disney+. The findings show that access to Disney+ substantially increased the streaming category in the short run, accelerating the demise of non-digital linear television. However, only the new digital service benefited, while streaming incumbents suffered negative outcomes, despite public claims to the contrary. In addition to foreshadowing Netflix’s subsequent difficulties in defending its leadership position, these findings offer suppliers successful ways to liberate themselves from powerful intermediaries and help incumbents brace for the competitive upheavals that a digital disintermediation strategy is likely to trigger.
How are actor dynamics balanced in ecosystems? An in-depth case study of an autonomous maritime transportation ecosystem
Authors: Tsytsyna Evgeniya , Valminen Teemu
Published: August 2023

Numerous studies have investigated the formation of network relationships, but few have addressed the actual process of maintaining balance in interorganizational dynamics of networks. Even more, the topic has remained largely unexplored in the context of ecosystems, where simultaneous alignment of multiple actors is needed. This paper advances understanding on ecosystems’ actor alignment from a network dynamics perspective. Through an in-depth single case study, the paper reviews how the case ecosystem was orchestrated to create more safe, sustainable, and intelligent maritime transportation industry and how a balance in the interplay among its members was maintained. Our results reveal a nonlinear evolution process of ecosystems, complementing earlier discussion on ecosystems’ lifecycle through centripetal (constructive) and centrifugal (destructive) forces that influence actor dynamics. With the evidence from our case, we conclude that structural design choices and contextual alignment mechanisms are essential to balance the emergent forces. We find four alignment mechanisms that ecosystem orchestrators can leverage: (i) complementation: driving network effects from idiosyncratic asset providers, (ii) neutral orchestration: stabilizing trust and sharing, (iii) reconfiguration: reshaping of the ecosystem’s targets to maintain a common objective, and (iv) restructuring: coordination activity to shape the required skills to meet the ecosystem’s vision. We further suggest an elaboration to generic ecosystem roles – the role of “leading complementors” or “key complementors”, to distinguish them from generic complementors.
Von Willebrand factor processing in patients with advanced chronic liver disease and its relation to portal hypertension and clinical outcome
Authors: Simbrunner Benedikt , Villesen Ida Falk , Scheiner Bernhard , Paternostro Rafael , Schwabl Philipp , Stättermayer Albert Friedrich , Marculescu Rodrig , Pinter Matthias , Quehenberger Peter , Trauner Michael , Karsdal Morten , Lisman Ton , Reiberger Thomas , Leeming Diana Julie , Mandorfer Mattias
Published: August 2023

Background and aims

Endothelial dysfunction and portal hypertension (PH) are reflected by increased von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF-Ag) levels in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). This study investigated VWF release and cleavage and their association with PH and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Levels of VWF-Ag, VWF-N (VWF-propeptide), and VWF-A (VWF processed by the main VWF-cleaving protease ADAMTS13) were assessed in 229 patients with clinically stable ACLD (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥ 6 mmHg; absence of bacterial infections or acute decompensation) undergoing HVPG-measurement. Liver-healthy individuals served as controls (n = 24).

Results

VWF-Ag and VWF-N were similarly accurate for the identification of clinically significant PH (CSPH; HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg) in compensated ACLD (AUROC: VWF-Ag 0.748; VWF-N 0.728). ADAMTS13 activity was similar between patients with ACLD and controls and did not correlate with PH and disease severity, whereas VWF cleavage decreased in patients with CSPH (i.e., VWF-Ag/-A-ratio increased). In vitro VWF activity strongly reflected VWF-Ag levels (Spearman’s r = 0.874, p < 0.001), but decreased (vs. controls) in patients with CSPH when normalized to VWF-Ag levels (VWF-activity/-Ag-ratio). VWF-Act/-Ag ratio correlated negatively with ADAMTS13 activity (r =– 0.256, p < 0.001). ADAMTS13 activity was independently predictive for (i) portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and (ii) hepatic decompensation or liver-related death.

Conclusions

VWF-Ag levels and its propeptide are similarly suitable surrogates of PH in patients with compensated ACLD. ADAMTS13-Act was not linked to disease and PH severity, however, when normalized to VWF-Ag, both VWF cleavage and VWF activity were decreased in patients with CSPH, as compared to liver-healthy individuals. Low ADAMTS13-Act was associated with presumably more procoagulant VWF and adverse outcomes.

Clinical trial number

NCT03267615
A comparison of the homotopy method with linearisation approaches for a non-linear optimization problem of operations in a reservoir cascade
Authors: Becker Bernhard , Ochterbeck Dietlind , Piovesan Teresa
Published: August 2023

Reservoir systems are often operated for multiple purposes. This can result conflicting operational goals. To efficiently control these systems and to satisfy the different interests as good as possible, mathematical optimization models can be used to support operational decisions. Common approaches for reservoir optimization apply linear optimization techniques. However, real-world systems often require non-linear functions to describe the relation between water level and volume in a reservoir or to account for the hydropower equation. When the non-linear equations form a non-convex optimization problem, the problem is not necessarily solved to a global optimum. Piecewise-linear or linear formulations of the non-linear equations are a common way to address non-linear non-convex optimization problems. In this paper, the novel homotopy method is compared with two established approaches—the piecewise-linear and the linear approximation—to account for non-linear components in the optimization problem. The analysis is carried out for a cascade of three reservoirs under two scenarios—a flood scenario and a load balance scenario. The optimization software is the open source package RTC-Tools 2.4. Compared to the piecewise-linear and the linear approach the homotopy method shows a better accuracy for the analysed cases, because the method solves the flow equations within the optimization in a non-simplified form. Different to the piecewise-linear and the linear approach, however, the homotopy method does not guarantee a global optimum. The solution is still path-stable, which is a basic pre-requisite for its application in an operational context of hydropwer scheduling. Compared to the piecewise-linear approach, the homotopy method is easier to implement under the condition that the software supports the method.