bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LES Modeling of the DLR Generic Single-Cup Spray Combustor: Validation and the Impact of Combustion Chemistry
Authors: Åkerblom Arvid , Fureby Christer
Published: December 2023

Turbulent spray combustion in a generic kerosene-fueled single-cup combustor at typical idle and cruise conditions of an aeroengine are studied with Large Eddy Simulations (LES) using Lagrangian spray and finite-rate chemistry combustion modeling. Three reaction mechanisms of varying complexity are used to model the combustion chemistry. The choice of turbulence-chemistry interaction model is shown to affect the results significantly. The impact of the choice of chemical reaction mechanism and the difference in operating conditions are gauged in terms of time-averaged flow, spray, and combustion characteristics as well as unsteady behavior. Good agreement between LES predictions and experimental results are generally observed but with a notable dependence on the choice of chemical reaction mechanism. The mechanism specifically targeting Jet A displays the best agreement. The choice of reaction mechanism is further demonstrated to influence the flow and thermoacoustics in the combustor, resulting in different thermoacoustic modes dominating. The spray cone is found to be too narrow and thin, an inaccuracy which could be remedied by either making the injection method more empirical or by introducing additional models.
“It’s Your Word Against Mine”: A Case Study of Gender Negotiation in a Spanish School
Authors: Pereira-García Sofía , Devís-Devís José , Villescas Vivancos Fulgencio , Taylor Yvette
Published: December 2023

Although a number of laws, protocols and plans have been passed in Spain in the last 10 years to support gender diversity in education, they still have not been fully implemented in schools. In this paper we describe the case of Arturo, a trans boy, and the various negotiations he went through in his secondary school for 2 years. We used a thematic analysis to identify the negotiations involving educational staff, teachers and students based on 6 themes: (a) naming; (b) compliance with trans students’ rights; (c) toilets and changing rooms; (d) physical activities; (e) gender disclosure; and (f) privileges. These experiences include the different micro and macroaggressions Arturo suffered at school. On the positive we describe various trans students' inclusion strategies in this context, highlighting the social workers' role in building inclusive and respectful spaces for this minority group. Inclusive strategies can help to create more positive experiences for trans students and help to expand even the current queer restrictive gender narratives circulating in schools.
Dynamics of nonlinear beam-propeller system with different numbers of blades
Authors: Wu Jun , Rezgui Djamel , Titurus Branislav
Published: December 2023

The dynamics of elastic systems coupled with rotating bladed-rotors is rich and complex, and the blade number may have an influence on the in-vacuo system dynamics. This paper aims to model its nonlinear dynamics in-vacuo and study the effects of blade number on its dynamics. To this end, a nonlinear model consisting of a nonlinear inextensible beam, a motor assembly and a rotating propeller is developed. This model is linearized, and modal analyses are performed with different blade numbers. It is validated numerically and experimentally that a two-bladed propeller introduces time-varying characteristics, while the system is time-invariant with more than two blades. For the two-bladed case, frequencies in the non-rotating condition split into two frequency loci with increasing rotational speed; while with more than two blades, one frequency in the non-rotating condition increases and the other in the same pair decreases with increasing speed. A structural instability due to frequency lock-in is identified in two-bladed configuration, while not identified with more than two blades. The static deformation using the nonlinear model is calculated and validated against the experiment. In the stable speed range, the frequency response functions calculated using the nonlinear and linearized models do not show notable differences. In the unstable speed range with two-bladed propeller, the nonlinear model is consistent with the experiment in terms of unstable frequencies and bounded steady-state oscillations. The system vibration in the unstable speed range features forward whirling pattern, in which the beam vibration is close to the first bending pattern.
Integrated Exposure–Response of Dupilumab in Children, Adolescents, and Adults With Atopic Dermatitis Using Categorical and Continuous Efficacy Assessments: A Population Analysis
Authors: Briggs Emily , Kamal Mohamed A. , Kosloski Matthew P. , Linsmeier Ian , Jusko Natalie , Dolphin Nancy , Chittenden Jason , Simpson Eric L. , Paller Amy S. , Siegfried Elaine C. , Shumel Brad , Levit Noah A. , Bansal Ashish , Davis John D. , Chapel Sunny , Smith David E. , Huniti Nidal
Published: December 2023

Background

While the majority of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) achieve disease control with dupilumab treatment, there is variability in which patients achieve clear disease. The predictors of these responses are currently unclear. Integrated models were developed to evaluate the exposure–response (E-R) relationship of dupilumab in children, adolescents, and adults with AD.

Methods

Data from six Phase II and III clinical studies were pooled (2,366 adults [> 18 years], 243 adolescents [≥ 12 to < 18 years] and 359 children [≥ 6 to < 12 years]) for model development. Efficacy was assessed using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA). Indirect response models were applied to link measures of efficacy and functional serum dupilumab concentrations. The covariates on individual placebo-corrected response were assessed. Clinical trial scenarios were simulated to compare E-R relationships across age groups. Safety was not explored.

Results

After correcting for differences in placebo response and dupilumab exposure: 1) older age, higher body weight, lower baseline thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, and Asian race were associated with slightly lower EASI response, and no clear covariates were identified on IGA response; 2) clinical trial simulations generally showed slightly higher response at a given dupilumab concentration in children compared to adults and adolescents with severe and moderate AD.

Conclusions

The collectively tested covariates explain some of the variability in dupilumab response in patients with AD. Patients in all age groups showed adequate response to dupilumab; however, children showed slightly higher drug effects compared to adults and adolescents at equivalent concentrations.
CEO power and corporate strategies: a review of the literature
Authors: Brahma Sanjukta , Economou Fotini
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the impact of chief executive officers (CEOs) power on corporate strategies has attracted significant public debate in the academic milieu. In this study, we comprehensively review the academic literature on CEO power in relation to different corporate policies. We conduct a comprehensive review by dividing the literature into four streams: CEO power and firm performance, CEO power and executive compensation, CEO power and firm risk-taking, and finally, CEO power on other corporate strategies. Our review shows that the findings are mixed in relation to the effects of CEO power on firm strategies. Overall, the negative impact of CEO power on firm performance is attributed to agency theory, where CEOs pursue their own vested interests, thereby leading to weak corporate governance. The review reveals that the positive impact of CEO power on corporate outcomes is due to effective board monitoring, a powerful board, and high market competition. Our study also shows that most of the studies have adopted Finkelstein’s (1992) four sources of CEO power but have taken different proxies to measure these powers. We have also identified several gaps in the current studies and recommend avenues for further research.
The role of entrepreneurial imaginativeness for implementation intentions in new venture creation
Authors: Asenkerschbaumer Michael , Greven Andrea , Brettel Malte
Published: December 2023

Implementation intentions, as conceptualized in the Rubicon model of action phases, facilitate the initiation of intended action. As a self-regulatory strategy, implementation intentions avoid the shortcoming of intention models (i.e., theory of planned behavior), which are able only partially to explain the variance of action caused by entrepreneurial intention. While early studies have shown the efficacy of implementation intentions in complex settings such as entrepreneurship (inter alia), an understanding of how implementation intentions come into play is missing. We address this gap and build on a unique sample of 161 responses from entrepreneurs receiving a grant for venture creation between 2018 and 2022 to investigate the role of entrepreneurial imaginativeness in implementation intentions. We find support for a curvilinear relationship between creative and practical imaginativeness and implementation intentions. Our study contributes theoretically to all frameworks that guide it, theory of implementation intentions and the Rubicon model and mindset theory of action phases, and validates them in the entrepreneurial context. By establishing entrepreneurial imaginativeness as an antecedent of implementation intentions, we provide entrepreneurs with a recipe for implementation intentions and add to the extant research on consequents of entrepreneurial imaginativeness.
Residual networks models detection of atrial septal defect from chest radiographs
Authors: Luo Gang , Li Zhixin , Ge Wen , Ji Zhixian , Qiao Sibo , Pan Silin
Published: December 2023

Object

The purpose of this study was to explore a machine learning-based residual networks (ResNets) model to detect atrial septal defect (ASD) on chest radiographs.

Methods

This retrospective study included chest radiographs consecutively collected at our hospital from June 2017 to May 2022. Qualified chest radiographs were obtained from patients who had finished echocardiography. These chest radiographs were labeled as positive or negative for ASD based on the echocardiographic reports and were divided into training, validation, and test dataset. Six ResNets models were employed to examine and compare by using the training dataset and was tuned using the validation dataset. The area under the curve, recall, precision and F1-score were taken as the evaluation metrics for classification result in the test dataset. Visualizing regions of interest for the ResNets models using heat maps.

Results

This study included a total of 2105 chest radiographs of children with ASD (mean age 4.14 ± 2.73 years, 54% male), patients were randomly assigned to training, validation, and test dataset with an 8:1:1 ratio. Healthy children’s images were supplemented to three datasets in a 1:1 ratio with ASD patients. Following the training, ResNet-10t and ResNet-18D have a better estimation performance, with precision, recall, accuracy, F1-score, and the area under the curve being (0.92, 0.93), (0.91, 0.91), (0.90, 0.90), (0.91, 0.91) and (0.97, 0.96), respectively. Compared to ResNet-18D, ResNet-10t was more focused on the distribution of the heat map of the interest region for most chest radiographs from ASD patients.

Conclusion

The ResNets model is feasible for identifying ASD through children’s chest radiographs. ResNet-10t stands out as the preferable estimation model, providing exceptional performance and clear interpretability.
Henkin–Ramirez kernels
Authors: Fornæss John Erik
Published: December 2023

I will survey Henkin–Ramirez reproducing kernels in the weakly pseudoconvex case. The literature is enormous and I will not try to be complete.
Item exposure and utilization control methods for optimal test assembly
Authors: Lim Sangdon , Choi Seung W.
Published: December 2023

Exposure control is an important component of computerized adaptive testing. Exposure control is often used to secure test content by preventing item overexposure, and also to balance item utilization by avoiding item underexposure. Content balancing is another important component of computerized adaptive testing. The shadow-test approach to content balancing has many practical merits, including that it ensures complete satisfaction of all content requirements in every assembled test. Several exposure control methods have been developed over the years. The current study describes modifications to existing exposure control methods for use with shadow-test-based adaptive testing, with the objective of achieving bidirectional exposure control. The performances of the modified methods were compared with respect to item exposure and utilization along with ability estimation accuracy. For the purpose of comparison, a Monte Carlo simulation was performed using realistic item pools and content constraints. Implications for real-world applications are discussed.
Problematizing the ‘problem’ of writing in the NSW curriculum: a call for a (re)turn to practice
Authors: Howie Mark
Published: December 2023

In a time of curriculum revision in NSW, an “instrumental/technical approach” (Brennan, Curriculum Perspectives 42:85–89, 2022, p. 86) is being (re)affirmed as the dominant understanding of curriculum. Sidelined, deliberately or otherwise, has been an understanding of curriculum as practice—an understanding which could have served as “a necessary counterpoint to current (official) constructions” (Green, Curriculum Perspectives 41:213–225, 2021, p. 215) and representations of the curriculum in a good deal of ‘expert’ media commentary. In the context of the ‘crisis’ messaging being voiced in much of the public discourse, I critically examine the proposed role of a strengthened writing curriculum in remediating what are said to be falling educational standards. Influenced by Carol Bacchi’s (Bacchi, Analysing policy: What’s the problem represented to be?, Pearson Australia, 2016) ‘What’s the Problem Represented to be?’ approach to policy analysis, I consider the discursive work entailed in propagating a ‘syllabus-ised solution’ to the ‘problem’ of writing in NSW. I highlight the essential and reductive paradox of this ‘solution’: the marginalising of practice. Motivated by Bill Green’s (Green, Curriculum Perspectives 41:213–225, 2021) published version of his Garth Boomer Memorial Address, presented at the 2021 national conference of the Australian Curriculum Studies Association, I draw from Boomer’s thinking on the teaching of writing to propose a practice (re)turn in NSW curriculum considerations and work. Given that the rollout of new syllabuses has been delayed with a change of government, I hope that my reflections might add something generative to curriculum knowledge work in NSW, giving teachers and their practice due accord in the work of teaching students to write as writers do.
Moral consideration for AI systems by 2030
Authors: Sebo Jeff , Long Robert
Published: December 2023

This paper makes a simple case for extending moral consideration to some AI systems by 2030. It involves a normative premise and a descriptive premise. The normative premise is that humans have a duty to extend moral consideration to beings that have a non-negligible chance, given the evidence, of being conscious. The descriptive premise is that some AI systems do in fact have a non-negligible chance, given the evidence, of being conscious by 2030. The upshot is that humans have a duty to extend moral consideration to some AI systems by 2030. And if we have a duty to do that, then we plausibly also have a duty to start preparing now, so that we can be ready to treat AI systems with respect and compassion when the time comes.
Experimental investigation of ice slurry viscosity
Authors: Mellari Souheila
Published: December 2023

This work attempted to conduct an experimental study which demonstrates the effect of the initial concentration of solute on the apparent viscosity of ice slurry in a horizontal circular pipe. The study was conducted on ice slurry based on propylene glycol, varying from 5 to 24% with different ice mass fractions varying from 5 to 25%. During the experiments, the initial concentration of the propylene glycol, ice concentration, and flow rate was modified as parameters. The flow tests were performed on laminar flows. The results of the investigation revealed that the ice slurry behaved like a non-Newtonian fluid, while it sometimes behaved like a Newtonian fluid. The rheological behavior of the ice slurry is reflected by its viscosity. For the shear-thickening behavior, the apparent viscosity increases with increasing the shear rate, and for the shear-thinning behavior, the viscosity decreases with increasing the shear rate, while for the Newtonian behavior, the viscosity remains almost constant. Then it was revealed that the viscosity of the mixture became too high for low shear rates at high ice mass fractions by increasing the concentration of the solute. The power law was used to establish a relationship between the apparent viscosity and the indexes of flow and consistency of ice slurry.
Optimal Control of Non-linear Volterra Integral Equations with Weakly Singular Kernels Based on Genocchi Polynomials and Collocation Method
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Asiyeh , Hashemizadeh Elham
Published: December 2023

We consider a problem of finding the best way to control a system, known as an optimal control problem (OCP), governed by non-linear Volterra Integral Equations with Weakly Singular kernels. The equations are based on Genocchi polynomials. Depending on the applicable properties of Genocchi polynomials, the considered OCP is converted to a non-linear programming problem (NLP). This method is speedy and provides a highly accurate solution with great precision using a small number of basis functions. The convergence analysis of the approach is also provided. The accuracy and flawless performance of the proposed technique and verification of the theory are examined with some examples.
The EU's ‘Massive and Targeted’ Sanctions in Response to Russian Aggression, a Contradiction in Terms
Authors: Hofer Alexandra
Published: December 2023

In response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the EU adopted a series of unprecedented ‘massive and targeted sanctions’ against the Russian economy. Whereas the EU has clarified that its restrictive measures are not directed against Russian society, it is has stated that it seeks to ‘diminish’ the Russia economy and ‘cripple’ its ability to finance the war. Such measures recall economic warfare, where the adversary's economy is targeted in order to weaken it and, if successful, would undoubtedly have an impact on Russian people. Moreover, the sanctions have had repercussions on third states and economic operators. Applying the proportionality principle, the article finds that the restrictive measures the EU has imposed on Russia in response to its aggressive war in Ukraine are disproportionate due to their impact on third parties.
US homicide rates increase when resources are scarce and unequally distributed
Authors: McCool Weston C. , Codding Brian F.
Published: December 2023

As homicide rates spike across the United States, researchers nominate diverse causes such as temperature, city greenness, structural racism, inequality, poverty and more. While variation in homicide rates clearly results from multiple causes, many correlation studies lack the systematic theory needed to identify the underlying factors that structure individual motivations. Building on pioneering work in evolutionary human sciences, we propose that when resources are unequally distributed, individuals may have incentives to undertake high-risk activities, including lethal violence, in order to secure material and social capital. Here we evaluate this theory by analysing federal data on homicide rates, poverty and income inequality across all 50 US states for the years 1990, 2000 and 2005–2020. Supporting predictions derived from evolutionary social sciences, we find that the interaction of poverty (scarcity) and inequality (unequal distribution) best explains variation in US homicide rates. Results suggest that the increase in homicide rates during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic are driven in part by these same underlying causes that structure homicide rates across the US over the last 30 years. We suggest that these results provide compelling evidence to expand strategies for reducing homicide rates by dismantling structures that generate and concentrate sustained poverty and economic inequality.
A dynamical classification for crossed products of fiberwise essentially minimal zero-dimensional dynamical systems
Authors: HERSTEDT PAUL
Published: December 2023

We prove that crossed products of fiberwise essentially minimal zero-dimensional dynamical systems, a class that includes systems in which all orbit closures are minimal, have isomorphic K-theory if and only if the dynamical systems are strong orbit equivalent. Under the additional assumption that the dynamical systems have no periodic points, this gives a classification theorem including isomorphism of the associated crossed product
$C^*$
-algebras as well. We additionally explore the K-theory of such crossed products and the Bratteli diagrams associated to the dynamical systems.
Invariant measures for substitutions on countable alphabets
Authors: DOMINGOS WEBERTY , FERENCZI SÉBASTIEN , MESSAOUDI ALI , VALLE GLAUCO
Published: December 2023

In this work, we study ergodic and dynamical properties of symbolic dynamical system associated to substitutions on an infinite countable alphabet. Specifically, we consider shift dynamical systems associated to irreducible substitutions which have well-established properties in the case of finite alphabets. Based on dynamical properties of a countable integer matrix related to the substitution, we obtain results on existence and uniqueness of shift invariant measures.
Effectiveness of Bio-K+ for the prevention of Clostridioides difficile infection: Stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leal Jenine , Shen Ye , Faris Peter , Dalton Bruce , Sabuda Deana , Ocampo Wrechelle , Bresee Lauren , Chow Blanda , Fletcher Jared R. , Henderson Elizabeth , Kaufman Jaime , Kim Joseph , Raman Maitreyi , Kraft Scott , Lamont Nicole C. , Larios Oscar , Missaghi Bayan , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna , Louie Thomas , Conly John
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of administering probiotics to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) among patients receiving therapeutic antibiotics.

Design:

Stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2019.

Setting:

This study was conducted in 4 acute-care hospitals across an integrated health region.

Patients:

Hospitalized patients, aged ≥55 years.

Methods:

Patients were given 2 probiotic capsules daily (Bio-K+, Laval, Quebec, Canada), containing 50 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R, and L. rhamnosus CLR2. We measured hospital-acquired CDI (HA-CDI) and the number of positive C. difficile tests per 10,000 patient days as well as adherence to administration of Bio-K+ within 48 and 72 hours of antibiotic administration. Mixed-effects generalized linear models, adjusted for influenza admissions and facility characteristics, were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on outcomes.

Results:

Overall adherence of Bio-K+ administration ranged from 76.9% to 84.6% when stratified by facility and periods. Rates of adherence to administration within 48 and 72 hours of antibiotic treatment were 60.2% –71.4% and 66.7%–75.8%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, there was no change in HA-CDI (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–1.23) or C. difficile positivity rate (IRR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.89–1.24). Discharged patients may not have received a complete course of Bio-K+. Our hospitals had a low baseline incidence of HA-CDI. Patients who did not receive Bio-K+ may have differential risks of acquiring CDI, introducing selection bias.

Conclusions:

Hospitals considering probiotics as a primary prevention strategy should consider the baseline incidence of HA-CDI in their population and timing of probiotics relative to the start of antimicrobial administration.
Spatiotemporal distribution of community-acquired phenotypic extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli in United States counties, 2010–2019
Authors: Smith Matthew W. , Carrel Margaret , Shi Qianyi , Hasegawa Shinya , Clore Gosia , Tang Zhuo , Perencevich Eli , Goto Michihiko
Published: December 2023

Using data from the Veterans’ Health Administration from 2010 to 2019, we examined the distribution and prevalence of community-acquired phenotypic extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli in the United States. ESBL prevalence slowly increased during the study period, and cluster analysis showed clustering in both urban and rural locations.
The Archaeological Site of Tumshukayko (Peru): A Preliminary Report
Authors: Orsini Carolina , Benozzi Elisa , Rossi Paolo , Querevalú Ulloa José S.
Published: December 2023

In 2021, an Italian-Peruvian archaeological team began a research project in the Ancash Sierra to investigate the origins of early monumental architecture in the northern-central Andes. The large complex of Tumshukayko—located in the northern part of the town of Caraz in Ancash, Peru—was immediately found to be the most suitable site for this project. This report presents an initial description of the current state of the remains, topographical data, and test pit results. Preliminary data suggest that Tumshukayko is a multicomponent site comprising at least two mounds that were built during the Initial Formative period (2500–1500 BC).
Mispricing and Risk Premia in Currency Markets
Authors: Bartram Söhnke M. , Djuranovik Leslie , Garratt Anthony , Xu Yan
Published: December 2023

Using real-time data, we show that currency excess return predictability is in part due to mispricing. First, the risk-adjusted profitability of systematic trading strategies decreases after dissemination of the underlying academic research, suggesting that market participants learn about mispricing from publications. Moreover, the decline is greater for strategies with larger in-sample profits and lower arbitrage costs. Second, the effect of comprehensive risk adjustments on trading profits is limited, and signal ranks and alphas decay quickly. The finding that analysts’ forecasts are inconsistent with currency predictors implies that investors’ trading contributes to mispricing and suggests biased expectations as a possible explanation.
Comparative analysis of diagnostic methods and risk factors for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in brazilian cats
Authors: Fagundes-Moreira R. , Silveira E. , Baggio-Souza V. , Marques S.M.T. , Vidor S.B. , de Jezus Castro S.M. , Spanamberg A. , Henker L.C. , Pavarini S.P. , Soares J.F. , da Costa F.V.A.
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the risk factors of infection by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Brazilian cats with cough and/or radiographic changes, using as diagnostic tools the Baermann method (BM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of feces, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and cytology. Forty-three cats that were presented with cough or lung radiographic abnormalities compatible with bronchoalveolar disease were included in the study. After clinical evaluation, feces samples were collected to investigate lungworm parasitism through BM and PCR. BALF was performed to provide samples for cytology, bacteriology, and fungal culture. Stool PCR was considered the gold standard for diagnosis tests, and the other methods were evaluated by their agreement. PCR presented 74% (32/43) of positivity for A. abstrusus, while in the BM, 41% (18/43) were positive. BM showed sensitivity of 56.25% and specificity of 100% when compared with PCR. No larva was found in the cytological evaluation of 21 BALF samples. Lungworm is an important cause of bronchopulmonary disease in domestic cats in Brazil and should be included as a differential diagnosis when a cat is presented with cough or radiographic abnormalities. BM is a sensitive, non-invasive, and cheap technique to diagnose the disease, but it is not as sensitive as PCR.
Remnant Rhine delta population of Great Reed Warblers maintains high diversity in migration timing, stopping sites, and winter destinations
Authors: van der Winden Jan , van Horssen Peter W. , Deuzeman Symen , Piersma Theunis
Published: December 2023

Many Afro-Palearctic songbird migrants have declined, with conservation efforts mainly focused on the restoration of breeding habitat. However, pressures outside the breeding season might play a role. This includes the possibility that local relict populations no longer maintain the original phenotypic variation in migration patterns, with a loss of flexibility. The Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus kept stable population levels in central and eastern Europe, but was almost extinct in the western part of the breeding range. In the Rhine delta the population declined from 10,000 individuals around 1950, to fewer than 100 at present. Here we document migratory timing, routes, and destinations of members of this remnant songbird population. It turned out that the remaining adults still showed high diversity in migratory phenotypes. This is even true in each of the two last tiny subpopulations in the Netherlands (of 50 and 15 pairs). So, even very small populations maintain the possible adaptive phenotypic variation, and with hindsight this justifies the breeding habitat restoration efforts currently underway.
Magnetic-electric dipole circularly polarized antenna with unidirectional radiation pattern with improved characteristics
Authors: Banihashem Seied Ali , Mohammadi Pejman , Zehforoosh Yashar
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a compact unidirectional antenna consisting of a planar electric dipole and a shortened connecting element is introduced. This antenna is excited by a Γ-shaped feeding line. A wide impedance bandwidth in the frequency range of 1.3–3.3 GHz is observed in the output performance. Sufficient main lobe and low level back lobe have been introduced as other characteristics of the structure, based on radiation patterns. The antenna design process is evaluated step-by-step and using parametric study based on the antenna geometry. One of the main features of the desired antenna is the realization of circular polarization in a high percentage of the operational bandwidth 1.5–3.3 GHz. The radiation patterns of the orthogonal planes E-field and H-field along with the left-handed and right-handed circular polarization patterns for the desired antenna have been extracted and analyzed. A three-dimensional structure in the form of stacked stepped disks (SSD) is introduced to increase overall performance of antenna. There is an acceptable similarity between the E-field and H-field page patterns, which shows the accuracy of the design process. On the other hand, for studying the circular polarization, left-handed and right-handed patterns based on the main beam direction and orthogonal polarization level have acceptable performance. The maximum overall gain of the antenna in the designed frequency band is near to 13 dB.
HR-Analytics
Authors: Ontrup Greta , Hagemann Vera , Kluge Annette
Published: December 2023

Die Zukunft des Personalwesens ist datengestützt – so die These dieses Buches, das sich aus arbeits- und organisationspsychologischer Perspektive mit dem Einsatz von Datenanalyse und Künstlicher Intelligenz im Human Resource Management befasst. HR-Analytics (auch: People Analytics oder Workforce Analytics) umfasst hierbei alle Prozesse, bei denen Daten der Mitarbeitenden gesammelt, ausgewertet und dahingehend aufbereitet werden, dass die Analyseergebnisse als Entscheidungsgrundlage für strategische Unternehmensfragen genutzt werden können.
In diesem Buch wird aufgezeigt, wie HR-Analytics einen Beitrag zum strategischen Unternehmenserfolg leisten kann und welche Rahmenbedingungen beachtet werden müssen, um die Akzeptanz aller beteiligten Personengruppen im Unternehmen sicherzustellen. Es bietet eine Orientierungshilfe im Hinblick auf Fragen wie: Welche Personengruppen muss ich auf welche Art und Weise informieren? Welche technischen, organisationalen und rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen sind zu beachten? Wird HR-Analytics von den Beschäftigten akzeptiert? Wie kann ein erstes HR-Analytics-Projekt im Unternehmen aussehen? Was können mir Daten sagen – und was nicht?
Den Leserinnen und Lesern wird das erforderliche Grundwissen vermittelt, um Sinnhaftigkeit, Möglichkeiten und Rahmenbedingungen von datengestütztem Personalmanagement zu reflektieren und auf diese Weise zu einer verantwortungsvollen Gestaltung von HR-Analytics-Projekten beizutragen. Praktische Anwendungsbeispiele aus den Bereichen Rekrutierung, Leistungsbeurteilung, Training, Personalentwicklung, Kompetenzmanagement, Talent Management sowie Personalbindung und Personalplanung runden den Band ab. Darüber hinaus enthält das Buch einen detaillierten Leitfaden, der insbesondere in mittelständischen Unternehmen bei der erstmaligen Durchführung eines HR-Analytics-Projektes unterstützen kann, und der nach erfolgter Registrierung zusätzlich von der Hogrefe Website heruntergeladen werden kann.
Psychotherapeutic Support for Family Caregivers of People With Dementia
Authors: Wilz Gabriele
Published: December 2023

Illustrated with therapeutic dialogs from real cases
Includes downloadable intervention handouts

This handbook addresses the extremely challenging situation that family caregivers of people with dementia face and is informed by the use of evidence-based psychotherapeutic strategies to support them.
The book guides readers step-by step through effective therapeutic strategies, mainly based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, and illustrated with excerpts of dialogs between therapists and family caregivers from real sessions. Different modules address topics such as dealing with challenging behavior, self-care, perfectionism and guilt, as well as changes in the relationship with the ill person, barriers to seeking social and professional support, stress management and emotion regulation, accepting one’s own limits, and dealing with institutionalization. These modules can be put together to meet different individuals’ needs. Particular emphasis is placed on creating a positive therapeutic alliance, resource activation, and helping caregivers develop the motivation for change. Finally, multiple handouts that can be used in clinical practice are available for download.
The intervention is suitable for various settings, including face-to-face therapy or remote forms such as telephone or online therapy. This manual is ideal for clinical psychologists, gerontologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and counsellors working with people with dementia and their families.
A monomeric StayGold fluorescent protein
Authors: Ivorra-Molla Esther , Akhuli Dipayan , McAndrew Martin B. L. , Scott William , Kumar Lokesh , Palani Saravanan , Mishima Masanori , Crow Allister , Balasubramanian Mohan K.
Published: December 2023

StayGold is an exceptionally bright and stable fluorescent protein that is highly resistant to photobleaching. Despite favorable fluorescence properties, use of StayGold as a fluorescent tag is limited because it forms a natural dimer. Here we report the 1.6 Å structure of StayGold and generate a derivative, mStayGold, that retains the brightness and photostability of the original protein while being fully monomeric.
Social patterning of childhood overweight in the French national ELFE cohort
Authors: Le Gal Camille , Lecorguillé Marion , Poncet Lorraine , Cissé Aminata Hallimat , Gassama Malamine , Simeon Thierry , Lanoë Jean-Louis , Melchior Maria , Bernard Jonathan Y. , Charles Marie-Aline , Heude Barbara , Lioret Sandrine
Published: December 2023

An inverse social gradient in early childhood overweight has been consistently described in high-income countries; however, less is known about the role of migration status. We studied the social patterning of overweight in preschool children according to the mother’s socio-economic and migration background. For 9250 children of the French ELFE birth cohort with body mass index collected at age 3.5 years, we used nested logistic regression to investigate the association of overweight status in children with maternal educational level, occupation, household income and migration status. Overall, 8.3% (95%CI [7.7–9.0]) of children were classified as overweight. The odds of overweight was increased for children from immigrant mothers (OR 2.22 [95% CI 1.75–2.78]) and descendants of immigrant mothers (OR 1.35 [1.04–2.78]) versus non-immigrant mothers. The highest odds of overweight was also observed in children whose mothers had low education, were unemployed or students, or were from households in the lowest income quintile. Our findings confirm that socio-economic disadvantage and migration status are risk factors for childhood overweight. However, the social patterning of overweight did not apply uniformly to all variables. These new and comprehensive insights should inform future public health interventions aimed at tackling social inequalities in childhood overweight.
Investigation of personal data protection mechanism based on blockchain technology
Authors: Zhu Rongrong , Wang Maofeng , Zhang Xiaofang , Peng Xinyun
Published: December 2023

Blockchain technology is increasingly being used in personal data protection. Inspired by the importance of data security, this paper proposes a personal data protection mechanism based on blockchain, combined with distributed hash tables and cryptography, to enhance users' control over the data generated using web applications. This paper designs this mechanism's system model and describes the three aspects in detail: data storage mechanism, data encryption mechanism, and data trading mechanism. Among them, the data storage mechanism restricts user data to be stored only in the local storage space of the user terminal, the decentralized blockchain network, and the distributed hash table network to ensure that enterprises providing network applications cannot privately store user interaction data, the encryption mechanism is responsible for encrypting all user data recorded in the network and allows users to control the key of the data to ensure the security of the user data in the blockchain and distributed hash tables, the data transaction mechanism allows users to trade their data, and to incentivize enterprises to assist users in collecting personal data, data transaction contracts are built into the data transaction mechanism, allowing enterprises to receive a share of the revenue from user data transactions. Then, for data transactions, use the Stackelberg game to simulate the revenue sharing between users and service providers in data trading to incentivize enterprises providing web services to assist users in collecting their data. The simulation results show that when the number of users is 1000, the revenues of this scheme for service providers are 31%, 561%, and 19% higher than the existing scheme. Finally, the personal data protection platform is implemented by code to verify the feasibility of the theory proposed in this paper in personal data protection.
Papillomacular bundle defect (PMBD) in glaucoma patients with high myopia: frequency and risk factors
Authors: Huh Min Gu , Shin Young In , Jeong Yoon , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho
Published: December 2023

Little is known about the papillomacular bundle defect (PMBD) in glaucoma. As such, we investigated the frequency of PMBD in glaucoma patients with high myopia, and its risk factors. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect was analyzed in 92 glaucomatous eyes with high myopia (axial length of 26.0 mm or more or an average spherical value of − 6.0 diopters or less). After dividing them into two groups with and without PMBD, the clinical characteristics of the groups were compared and analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 52.1 ± 10.5 years, and there were 53 males and 39 females. PMBD were observed in 55 eyes (59.8%). There was no significant intergroup difference in baseline or follow-up intraocular pressure (IOP). Parapapillary atrophy (PPA)-to-disc-area ratio (OR 3.83, CI: 1.58–10.27, p = 0.010), lamina cribrosa defect (LCD; OR 2.92, CI: 1.14–8.13, p = 0.031) and central visual field defect (CVFD; OR 3.56, CI: 1.38–9.58, p = 0.010) were significantly associated with the PMBD.

.
Machine learning intelligent based hydromagnetic thermal transport under Soret and Dufour effects in convergent/divergent channels: a hybrid evolutionary numerical algorithm
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Naeem , Shaukat Nadeem , Riaz Arshad , Khan Ilyas , Niazai Shafiullah
Published: December 2023

In this research, we analyze the complex dynamics of hydro-magnetic flow and heat transport under Sorent and Dofour effects within wedge-shaped converging and diverging channels emphasizing its critical role in conventional system design, high-performance thermal equipment. We utilized artificial neural networks (ANNs) to investigation the dynamics of the problem. Our study centers on unraveling the intricacies of energy transport and entropy production arising from the pressure-driven flow of a non-Newtonian fluid within both convergent and divergent channel. The weights of ANN based fitness function ranging from − 10 to 10. To optimize the weights and biases of artificial neural networks (ANNs), employ a hybridization of advanced evolutionary optimization algorithms, specifically the artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization integrated with neural network algorithms (NNA). This approach allows us to identify and fine-tune the optimal weights within the neural network, enabling accurate prediction. We compare our results against the established different analytical and numerical methods to assess the effectiveness of our approach. The methodology undergoes a rigorous evaluation, encompassing multiple independent runs to ensure the robustness and reliability of our findings. Additionally, we conduct a comprehensive analysis that includes metrics such as mean squared error, minimum values, maximum values, average values, and standard deviation over these multiple independent runs. The minimum fitness function value is 1.32 × 10−8 computed across these multiple runs. The absolute error, between the HAM and machine learning approach addressed ranging from 3.55 × 10−7 to 1.90 × 10−8. This multifaceted evaluation ensures a thorough understanding of the performance and variability of our proposed approach, ultimately contributing to our understanding of entropy management in non-uniform channel flows, with valuable implications for diverse engineering applications.
Radiation synthesis and chemical modifications of p(AAm-co-AAc) hydrogel for improving their adsorptive removal of metal ions from polluted water
Authors: Abdel Maksoud Israa Kamal , Bassioni Ghada , Nady Norhan , Younis Sherif A. , Ghobashy Mohamed Mohamady , Abdel-Mottaleb M. S. A.
Published: December 2023

The research focuses on utilizing gamma irradiation to synthesize polyacrylic acid-co-polyacrylamide p(AAm-co-AAc) hydrogels. The effect of synthetic parameters on physicochemical features of p(AAm-co-AAc) hydrogls were examined, including acrylic acid (AAc): acrylamide (AAm) weight ratios, monomer concentration, and gamma irradiation dosage (kGy). At the optimum synthetic conditions (30 kGy and 75% AAc), different chemical modifications are explored to incorporate sulfonate, hydroxyl, carboxyl, cysteine, thiol, and amine functional groups within the bare hydrogel (Cpd 0) structure. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the success development of functionalized hydrogels (namely Cpd 1 to 6) with three-dimensional porous structures. These modified hydrogels include Cpd 1, a sulfonated hydrogel through a sulfonation reaction; Cpd 2, modified via NaOH hydrolysis; Cpd 3, modified using thionyl chloride; Cpd 4, incorporating cysteine modification through reaction with cysteine; Cpd 5, with 4-(Dimethylamino) benzaldehyde; and Cpd 6, modified with 3,4-Dimethylbenzoic acid.The effect of hydrogel composition and surface functionalities on the swelling capacity and interactions with scale-forming/heavy metal ions (e.g., Ba2+, Sr2+, and Cu2+) was investigated in saline water solution (NaCl = 1000 mg/L). Batch adsorption studies reveal that all modified hydrogels exhibited higher removal efficiency for the three metal ions than unmodified p(AAm-co-AAc) hydrogel, validating the key role of surface functionalities in tailoring hydrogel affinity for metal ions adsorption. Amongst these, NaOH-treated hydrogel (Cpd 2) outperformed all other modified ones in the removal of Cu2+, Ba2+, and Sr2+ ions, with maximum capacities of 13.67, 36.4, and 27.31 mg/g, respectively. Based on adsorption isotherm and kinetic modeling, the adsorption process of the three metal ions onto all modified hydrogels better obeyed Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetic models. Thermodynamic studies also indicated that the adsorption behavior of Sr2+ ions can exhibit both exothermic and endothermic characteristics, depending on the nature of hydrogel surface chemistry. Conversely, the adsorption process of Cu2+ and Ba2+ ions onto all modified hydrogels is endothermic, suggesting favorable chemical adsorption mechanisms. These findings reveal that the specific adsorption performance of hydrogel is dependent on the type of modification and the targeted heavy metal ions. Based on the nature of hydrogel surface functionality, surface modifications can change the charge density, hydrophilicity, and overall chemical environment of the hydrogel, offering a versatile approach to optimize the adsorption affinity/selectivity of hydrogel's in removing scale-forming/heavy metals from water solutions.
Delay discounting and family history of psychopathology in children ages 9–11
Authors: Sloan Matthew E. , Sanches Marcos , Tanabe Jody , Gowin Joshua L.
Published: December 2023

Delay discounting is a tendency to devalue delayed rewards compared to immediate rewards. Evidence suggests that steeper delay discounting is associated with psychiatric disorders across diagnostic categories, but it is unclear whether steeper delay discounting is a risk factor for these disorders. We examined whether children at higher risk for psychiatric disorders, based on family history, would demonstrate steeper delay discounting behavior using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a nationally representative sample of 11,878 children. We looked at associations between delay discounting behavior and family history of alcohol problems, drug problems, depression, mania, schizophrenia, and suicidal behavior. Correlations between family history of psychopathology and delay discounting behavior were small, ranging from ρ = − 0.02 to 0.04. In mixed effects models controlled for sociodemographic factors, family history of psychopathology was not associated with steeper delay discounting behavior. Sociodemographic factors played a larger role in predicting delay discounting behavior than family history of psychopathology. These results do not support the hypothesis that children with greater risk for psychopathology display steeper delay discounting behavior.