bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of immersive virtual reality games or traditional physical exercise on cardiovascular and autonomic responses, enjoyment and sleep quality: a randomized crossover study
Authors: Rubio-Arias Jacobo Á. , Verdejo-Herrero Alberto , Andreu-Caravaca Luis , Ramos-Campo Domingo J.
Published: March 2024

Objectives: To assess the potential of immersive virtual reality (IVR) in achieving moderate exercise intensity, and 2) to examine the acute effects of two IVR exergame sessions (BOXVR and Beat Saber), comparing them with the impact of traditional exercise on heart rate variability (HRV), perceived effort, delayed onset muscle soreness, motivation, and sleep. Materials and methods: A crossover design was used. The participants (n = 22) randomly performed two sessions of IVR and one session of moderate intensity physical activity, each session lasting 30 min. Heart Rate (HR) and HRV, Perceived Exertion Scale, Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, sleep quality, and perceived pain, were evaluated. Results: The cardiac response to the activities was significantly higher when participants performed traditional physical activity as compared to the BOXVR and Beat Saber games. Traditional training provided a different HRV response as compared to Beat Saber (LnRMSSD, p = 0.025; SDNN, p = 0.031). Although the sessions were planned for moderate intensity, BOXVR generated a moderate intensity (49.3% HRreserve), Beat Saber (29.6% HRreserve) a light one, and the Circuit session, a vigorous one (62.9% HRreserve). In addition, traditional training reported higher perceived exertion and pain with less enjoyment. Differences were observed between the exergames. BOXVR resulted in a lower cardiac response (HRmax and HRmean), and a higher perception of exertion and pain at 72 h. The sleep variables analyzed were not altered by any of the sessions. Conclusions: BOXVR and traditional training can lead to moderate intensity physical activity. However, traditional training could result in lower adherence to physical exercise programs, as it was perceived as more intense and less enjoyable.
Surfaces with Prym-canonical hyperplane sections
Authors: Anelli Martina
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we will describe some general properties regarding surfaces with Prym-canonical hyperplane sections, determining also important conditions on the geometric genera of the possible singularities that such a surface can have. Moreover, we will construct new examples of this type of surfaces.
Resampling strategies for imbalanced regression: a survey and empirical analysis
Authors: Avelino Juscimara G. , Cavalcanti George D. C. , Cruz Rafael M. O.
Published: March 2024

Imbalanced problems can arise in different real-world situations, and to address this, certain strategies in the form of resampling or balancing algorithms are proposed. This issue has largely been studied in the context of classification, and yet, the same problem features in regression tasks, where target values are continuous. This work presents an extensive experimental study comprising various balancing and predictive models, and wich uses metrics to capture important elements for the user and to evaluate the predictive model in an imbalanced regression data context. It also proposes a taxonomy for imbalanced regression approaches based on three crucial criteria: regression model, learning process, and evaluation metrics. The study offers new insights into the use of such strategies, highlighting the advantages they bring to each model’s learning process, and indicating directions for further studies. The code, data and further information related to the experiments performed herein can be found on GitHub: https://github.com/JusciAvelino/imbalancedRegression.
Burden of female breast cancer in India: estimates of YLDs, YLLs, and DALYs at national and subnational levels based on the national cancer registry programme
Authors: Kulothungan Vaitheeswaran , Ramamoorthy Thilagavathi , Sathishkumar Krishnan , Mohan Rohith , Tomy Nifty , Miller G. J. , Mathur Prashant
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Female breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality in India, and accounted for 13.5% of new cancer cases and 10% of cancer-related deaths in 2020. This study aims to estimate and report the female BC burden in India at state level from 2012 to 2016 in terms of years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and to project the burden for the year 2025.

Methods

The cancer incidence and mortality data from 28 population-based cancer registries were analysed. The mean mortality to incidence ratio was estimated, and mortality figures were adjusted for underreporting. The burden of female BC was estimated at national and subnational levels using Census data, World Health Organisation’s lifetables, disability weights, and the DisMod-II tool. A negative binomial regression is employed to project burden for 2025.

Results

The burden of BC among Indian women in 2016 was estimated to be 515.4 DALYs per 100,000 women after age standardization. The burden metrics at state level exhibited substantial heterogeneity. Notably, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, and Delhi had a higher burden of BC than states in the eastern and north-eastern regions. The projection for 2025 indicates to a substantial increase, reaching 5.6 million DALYs.

Conclusion

The female BC burden in India was significantly high in 2016 and is expected to substantially increase. Undertaking a multidisciplinary, context-specific approach for its prevention and control can address this rising burden.
Making fibers from cellulose derivatives by pressurized gyration and electrospinning
Authors: Qosim Nanang , Majd Hamta , Ahmed Jubair , Williams Gareth , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: March 2024

Cellulose derivatives are obtained from renewable sources, making them an environmentally friendly option in many industrial applications. Manufacturing fine cellulose fibers is confronted with multifaceted challenges due to cellulose's intricate nature, such as its highly organized structure and hydrogen bonding chain. In this study, for the first time, fibers in the nanometer to micrometer scale diameter from cellulose derivatives were successfully produced without the assistance of polymer precursors using the pressurized gyration (PG) technique. The cellulose derivatives investigated in this work were ethyl cellulose (EC) and cellulose acetate (CA), representing the ether and ester cellulose derivatives, respectively. Electrospinning (ES) technique was also used to compare the fibers produced by this technique with those produced by PG. Both PG and nozzle-PG succeeded in producing EC-based fibers with diameters ranging from 488 to 825 nm, with a higher production rate than ES. In contrast, ES succeeded in producing bead-free fibers from EC and CA with a wide range of solvent systems and concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the fiber morphology, diameter distribution, and alignment. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to compare the physicochemical nature of the fibers produced by PG and ES. These tests revealed that the fibers produced from the two spinning methods had identical physicochemical structures and properties. With further research and development efforts, PG has the potential to be a promising technique for producing cellulose derivative-based fibers with a high production rate, which could be employed for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound dressing.
Harmonising cryptocurrency regulation in Europe: opportunities for preventing illicit transactions
Authors: Benson Vladlena , Adamyk Bogdan , Chinnaswamy Anitha , Adamyk Oksana
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on the analysis of cryptocurrency regulatory developments in Europe. The aim is to review national crypto-legislation in Europe and the EU's latest initiative to create designated regulatory instruments for the crypto-economy. This study assessed whether the European Union's Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) would have the intended effect. Drawing on the results of a survey of crypto experts from five European countries, this study evaluated the effectiveness of current regulation across Europe and how it can be improved to reduce financial crimes. The findings show that a unified national legal framework for regulating transactions with crypto assets does not exist in European countries. Current crypto regulations are dictated by anti-money laundering recommendations. This study provides suggestions for improving MiCA regulation. The article offers recommendations for an international regulatory standard for crypto assets and insights for increasing efficiency in regulating DeFi, NFTs, and smart contracts.
Comparison of physicochemical and bioactive contents of 36 different quince cultivars and genotypes
Authors: Göksel Zekiye
Published: March 2024

In this study, 36 cultivars and genotypes of quince fruits were harvested as materials from the collection garden of Yalova Atatürk Horticultural Central Research Institute. This study aims to determine the nutritional contents of quince cultivars and genotypes, including vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid mg/100 g), reducing sugar content (glucose mg/100 g), mineral substances (N, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, K, Ca, Mg, P; mg/100 g, Ash %), total antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, CUPRAC; µmol/100 g TE), total phenolic content (mg/100 g GAE), SSC (%), titratable total acidity (%), and pH and color values (L*, a*, b*). Based on these evaluations, quince cultivars and types with the highest nutritional content beneficial to human health were determined. This study can contribute to recommending high-nutrient cultivars and types to producers for cultivation in broder areas and promoting their widespread adoption.
Thermal Conductivity of Glycerol at Atmospheric Pressure Between 268 K and 363 K by Using a Steady-State Parallel-Plate Instrument
Authors: Bioucas Francisco E. Berger , Koller Thomas M. , Fröba Andreas P.
Published: March 2024

The present work reports experimental data for the thermal conductivity of glycerol which is an important fluid in many technical applications. Measurements were performed in an absolute way at ambient pressure using a steady-state guarded parallel-plate instrument (GPPI) with an average expanded (k = 2) measurement uncertainty of 2.3%. For data representation over a temperature range from (268.15 to 363.15) K in steps of 5 K, the thermal conductivities are averaged from measurements at three different temperature gradients for each temperature. The present results indicate an almost constant thermal conductivity of glycerol over the studied temperature range and agree with the sparse experimental data available in the literature. Based on the experimental database including the results from this work, a simple correlation for the thermal conductivity of glycerol at 0.1 MPa as a function of temperature between (268 and 413) K is suggested. The additional study on the influence of water as possible contamination up to water mass fractions of 0.02 on the thermal conductivity of glycerol reveals negligible changes. Overall, the experimental results from this work contribute to an improved data situation for the thermal conductivity of glycerol, particularly in the subcooled liquid region at temperatures below 283 K.
Investigating the Effects of Transdiagnostic Processes on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Autistic Young People: the Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation
Authors: Barnes Georgina L. , Ozsivadjian Ann , Baird Gillian , Absoud Michael , Hollocks Matthew J.
Published: March 2024

Internalising symptoms are elevated in autism compared to the general population. Few studies have investigated emotional dysregulation (ED) as a potential mediator between specific transdiagnostic processes and anxiety and depression symptoms in autistic youth. In a sample of 94 autistic young people aged 5–18 years referred to a specialist clinic for an autism evaluation, we tested the effects of ED as a mediator between cognitive inflexibility (CI), intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and alexithymia with anxiety and depression symptoms, using structural equation modelling. Effect sizes were compared to a non-autistic comparison group (n = 84). CI and alexithymia did not significantly predict depression symptoms in autistic young people, directly nor via ED. Relationships between CI/alexithymia and depression were fully mediated by ED in the non-autistic sample. There was a direct effect of CI on anxiety in the non-autistic group but not in those with a diagnosis. IU predicted depression symptoms in the autism group; and ED mediated this relationship only in those who did not receive a diagnosis. IU directly predicted anxiety in both groups and this relationship did not occur via ED. The finding of a direct pathway from IU to anxiety and depression in autistic youth is consistent with the literature. The finding that CI did not predict anxiety or depression in those with autism is novel, as was the finding that ED mediated relationships between alexithymia and anxiety/depression symptoms in both samples. The findings may have important implications for the delivery of psychological interventions for autistic youth.
Cardinality-Constrained Multi-objective Optimization: Novel Optimality Conditions and Algorithms
Authors: Lapucci Matteo , Mansueto Pierluigi
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we consider multi-objective optimization problems with a sparsity constraint on the vector of variables. For this class of problems, inspired by the homonymous necessary optimality condition for sparse single-objective optimization, we define the concept of L-stationarity and we analyze its relationships with other existing conditions and Pareto optimality concepts. We then propose two novel algorithmic approaches: the first one is an iterative hard thresholding method aiming to find a single L-stationary solution, while the second one is a two-stage algorithm designed to construct an approximation of the whole Pareto front. Both methods are characterized by theoretical properties of convergence to points satisfying necessary conditions for Pareto optimality. Moreover, we report numerical results establishing the practical effectiveness of the proposed methodologies.
Interrelatedness of thermodynamics and information: transformation of heat as a measurable information process and quantity, an overview
Authors: Hejna B. , Šesták J.
Published: March 2024

No one has yet investigated the information reach and influence of thermal analysis. Even so the heat and entropy are bound closely. The very problem of the term entropy is that it was defined specifically within the classical, equilibrium Thermodynamics like Clausius entropy, while its meaning is more general. It is usable in all areas of physics, in the communication theory and technology, and also, in social sciences, just as an universal quantitative model. The bridge to this wider world is in Boltzmann’s statistical point of view used in the Shannon’s information point of view. The difference is that the Shannon entropy is defined more generally, both for the uniform and for the not uniform probability distributions. But with renormalization and with the Boltzmann constant we can speak, using the Clausius entropy, about a certain thermodynamic system considered as a heat model of the area of our wider interests. So we will to deal with the heat and its entropy embodied to a wider consideration. In addition to the standard physical meaning, another thermodynamic realization in the form of a message is derived from Shannon’s information theory, where the sample carries a measure of Shannon’s information given by its structure or internal organization. This is also a contribution to improving the approach to thinking about the importance of observation and measurement, reflecting at the same time the costs and influence of the measurement itself and its organization on the measured object or, on its environment or, even on the environment of the measuring itself generally. Statistical sorting also carries with it the internal movement of individual elementary particles, the value of which indicates the resulting state of heat transfer and dissipation to and from the system providing a state of called equilibrium. It is statistically described by a weighted quantity called temperature, the changes of which via momentum alteration satisfy Newton’s laws of inertia allowing enumeration of the related heat information processing. The terminology used is still non-institutional.
FTUNet: A Feature-Enhanced Network for Medical Image Segmentation Based on the Combination of U-Shaped Network and Vision Transformer
Authors: Wang Yuefei , Yu Xi , Yang Yixi , Zeng Shijie , Xu Yuquan , Feng Ronghui
Published: March 2024

Semantic Segmentation has been widely used in a variety of clinical images, which greatly assists medical diagnosis and other work. To address the challenge of reduced semantic inference accuracy caused by feature weakening, a pioneering network called FTUNet (Feature-enhanced Transformer UNet) was introduced, leveraging the classical Encoder-Decoder architecture. Firstly, a dual-branch Encoder is proposed based on the U-shaped structure. In addition to employing convolution for feature extraction, a Layer Transformer structure (LTrans) is established to capture long-range dependencies and global context information. Then, an Inception structural module focusing on local features is proposed at the Bottleneck, which adopts the dilated convolution to amplify the receptive field to achieve deeper semantic mining based on the comprehensive information brought by the dual Encoder. Finally, in order to amplify feature differences, a lightweight attention mechanism of feature polarization is proposed at Skip Connection, which can strengthen or suppress feature channels by reallocating weights. The experiment is conducted on 3 different medical datasets. A comprehensive and detailed comparison was conducted with 6 non-U-shaped models, 5 U-shaped models, and 3 Transformer models in 8 categories of indicators. Meanwhile, 9 kinds of layer-by-layer ablation and 4 kinds of other embedding attempts are implemented to demonstrate the optimal structure of the current FTUNet.
Landslide and ravine distributions related to ground conditions in elevated marine deposit in Mid-Norway
Authors: Solberg Inger-Lise
Published: March 2024

The Trondheim and Gauldal areas in Mid-Norway are characterized by thick marine deposits from the ice age and deglaciation period. The following glacio-isostatic rebound has led to river incisions in the valleys and extensive landsliding and ravine erosion. This study is based on data from an upgraded Quaternary geological map of this region for the areas below the highest sea level after the last ice age, with a focus on landslide scars and ravines. The study has a multidisciplinary approach, which is important in order to get a good regional geological understanding of the ground conditions and the landscape development. This means that geological, geomorphological, geotechnical, geophysical and hydrogeological data are used. The study area is divided into six parts, based on natural topographical divisions and the distribution of landslide scars and ravines. Factors influencing the development of sensitive clay and the triggering of landslides are described for each area; these include sediment distribution, thicknesses and stratigraphy, bedrock topography, the degree of leaching of clay, groundwater conditions, the number, size and shape of landslides, and the distribution of rivers, streams and ravines. The study shows that the size, behaviour and erosional potential of the main river or stream influence the landscape development to a high degree. The erosional basis, stratigraphy and presence of bedrock are essential for leaching and the development of quick clay.
Rapid natural hazard extent estimation from twitter data: investigation for hurricane impact areas
Authors: Florath Janine , Chanussot Jocelyn , Keller Sina
Published: March 2024

Natural hazards have occurred more frequently in the past years and pose a severe risk to human life. Their extents and, thereby, the most heavily affected areas must be estimated at the earliest to limit damages or initiate rescue services. For such estimations, a widely available data source, which is comparatively responsive to short-time changes, is needed and provided by volunteered geographic information (VGI) data. Tropical cyclones are natural hazard events that can cause enormous spatially extended damage. In this study, we introduce Machine Learning approaches such as Extremely Randomized Tree (ET) and Geographically Weighted Regression for estimating hurricane-impacted regions from VGI data. In addition to the general approximate track extent estimation, we also evaluate the possibilities of temporal estimation of track development from VGI data. Different scenarios are evaluated, and we find that the results mainly depend on the choice of the geographical splits for training and test data for the underlying regression task. Suitable splits lead to $$R^2$$

R
2

of 99% in the best cases with the ET model. The estimation results are satisfying when considering the temporal aspect and represent a use-case scenario. Such a combination of Machine Learning approaches and VGI is a simple and fast approach for early natural hazard estimation.
Modelling scale effects in rating data: a Bayesian approach
Authors: Iannario Maria , Kateri Maria , Tarantola Claudia
Published: March 2024

We present a Bayesian approach for the analysis of rating data when a scaling component is taken into account, thus incorporating a specific form of heteroskedasticity. Model-based probability effect measures for comparing distributions of several groups, adjusted for explanatory variables affecting both location and scale components, are proposed. Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques are implemented to obtain parameter estimates of the fitted model and the associated effect measures. An analysis on students’ evaluation of a university curriculum counselling service is carried out to assess the performance of the method and demonstrate its valuable support for the decision-making process.
A Panel Data Analysis of Using Multiple Content Modalities during Adaptive Learning Activities
Authors: Manly Catherine A.
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the effect of offering multiple means of representing content, one aspect of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Students across the full range of the dis/ability spectrum all too often struggle to achieve course success. UDL-based course design promises to help students with disabilities (whether disclosed or not) as well as help all students, but research is needed to verify UDL’s specific benefits for student learning outcomes. This study aims to better understand the efficacy of representing course content using multiple means, which is one aspect of UDL pertaining to perception. Data were gathered from over 50 online courses in 14 subjects across the undergraduate curriculum taught with an adaptive learning system at a women’s institution. A panel data analysis with almost 200,000 cases of student learning activities investigated the effect of representing content in multiple ways (i.e., text, video, audio, interactive, or mixed content presentation format). When students used multiple modalities, a positive effect was found on student learning measures of knowledge gained within the adaptive system. The results have implications for future UDL-related research, as well as faculty development and curricular design.
Transhumanism, Society and Education: An Edusemiotic Approach
Authors: Gómez Redondo Susana , Rodríguez Higuera Claudio J. , Coca Juan R. , Olteanu Alin
Published: March 2024

We propose a semiotic framework to underpin a posthumanist philosophy of education, as contrasted to technological determinism. A recent approach to educational processes as semiotic phenomena lends itself as a philosophy to understand the current interplay between education and technology. This view is aligned with the transhumanist movement to defend techno-scientific progress as fundamental to human development. Particularly, we adopt a semiotic approach to education to tackle certain tensions in current debates on the human. Transhumanism scholars share the optimistic belief that there is no limit to how the ethical use of technology can help alleviate suffering and increase our health and wisdom. From this perspective, it appears possible to acquire capacities that require rethinking the notion of human altogether. For others, this undermining of essentialist concepts of humanity entails serious risks, especially related to ethical egalitarianism. We adopte the perspective of edusemiotics, a framework that brings together semiotics, educational theory and philosophy of education. As a theoretical-practical framework, edusemiotics affords a hermeneutic and semiotic method for our approach. Peirce’s logic of signs is used to analyze socio- educational interactions as environmental. We observe two lines of thought. On the one hand, technological transhumanism enhances Cartesian mind–body dualism. On the other hand, philosophical posthumanism seeks to overcome this dichotomy. The former proposal construes human transformation as an artifactualization derived from techno-scientific enhancements. The latter position proposes an integrative posthumanism, capable not only to include edusemiotic theory but also to rethink the concept of learning as mutual to that of human.
Assessing Intel OneAPI capabilities and cloud-performance for heterogeneous computing
Authors: Alcaraz Silvia R. , Laso Ruben , Lorenzo Oscar G. , Vilariño David L. , Pena Tomás F. , Rivera Francisco F.
Published: March 2024

This work presents a performance-oriented study of a heterogeneous application developed with Intel OneAPI to solve two well-known diffusion problems: heat diffusion and image denoising. We have explored CPU+iGPU and CPU+FPGA schemes, applying dynamic load balancing and conducting experiments on Intel DevCloud. The results demonstrate that the CPU+iGPU scheme outperforms the execution times achieved by the fastest device when the problem is sufficiently computationally demanding. We also found that the performance of the CPU+FPGA scheme is heavily affected by bandwidth limitations and specific strategies to manage memory efficiently are required. Moreover, it was demonstrated that dynamic workload balancing is crucial due to possible performance fluctuations in any of the implicated devices. In conclusion, Intel OneAPI provides a helpful tool for multi-platform development using a unique high-level language, DPC++. However, developing specific code for each platform is necessary to achieve optimal performance.
Affective Artificial Agents as sui generis Affective Artifacts
Authors: Facchin Marco , Zanotti Giacomo
Published: March 2024

AI-based technologies are increasingly pervasive in a number of contexts. Our affective and emotional life makes no exception. In this article, we analyze one way in which AI-based technologies can affect them. In particular, our investigation will focus on affective artificial agents, namely AI-powered software or robotic agents designed to interact with us in affectively salient ways. We build upon the existing literature on affective artifacts with the aim of providing an original analysis of affective artificial agents and their distinctive features. We argue that, unlike comparatively low-tech affective artifacts, affective artificial agents display a specific form of agency, which prevents them from being perceived by their users as extensions of their selves. In addition to this, we claim that their functioning crucially depends on the simulation of human-like emotion-driven behavior and requires a distinctive form of transparency—we call it emotional transparency—that might give rise to ethical and normative tensions.
How does world economic policy uncertainty influence the carbon dioxide emission reporting and performance? Study of Fortune Global 500 firms
Authors: Persakis Antonios , Fassas Athanasios , Koutoupis Andreas
Published: March 2024

This study contributes significantly to the field by utilising the World Economic Policy Uncertainty (WEPU) Index, as devised by (Ahir in Nat Bureau Econ Res 2022), to scrutinise its impact on carbon dioxide emission reporting and performance. Employing the generalised method of moments (GMM) on a substantial dataset of 604 Fortune Global 500 firms spanning from 2005 to 2020, our analysis reveals crucial insights. The research elucidates the dual influence of WEPU Index: a positive correlation with carbon dioxide emission reporting and a negative correlation aimed at mitigating adverse effects and promoting sustainable practices, thereby enhancing firm trust. Moreover, the findings shed light on how companies in emission-intensive industries tend to ramp up carbon dioxide emission reporting, potentially to bolster investor confidence, particularly during high WEPU Index periods. Furthermore, this study uncovers a compelling association between high emitters and lowered carbon dioxide emission performance, stemming from political and social pressures to integrate environmental considerations. Notably, this pressure intensifies during periods of increased WEPU Index. The empirical results presented in this study carry immediate practical implications. Specifically, they offer valuable insights for regulatory bodies and industry associations, guiding the development of enhanced environmental and social reporting regulations and guidelines, particularly concerning carbon emission reporting and performance.
Photo-thermal activation of persulfate for the efficient degradation of synthetic and real industrial wastewaters: System optimization and cost estimation
Authors: El-monem Hany Abd , Mahanna Hani , El-Halwany Mohamed , Samy Mahmoud
Published: March 2024

The photo-thermal activation of persulfate (PS) was carried out to degrade various pollutants such as reactive blue-222 (RB-222) dye, sulfamethazine, and atrazine. Optimizing the operating parameters showed that using 0.90 g/L of PS at pH 7, temperature of 90 °C, initial dye concentration of 21.60 mg/L, and reaction time of 120 min could attain a removal efficiency of 99.30%. The degradation mechanism was explored indicating that hydroxyl and sulfate radicals were the prevailing reactive species. The degradation percentages of 10 mg/L of sulfamethazine and atrazine were 83.30% and 70.60%, respectively, whereas the mineralization ratio was 63.50% in the case of real textile wastewater under the optimal conditions at a reaction time of 120 min. The treatment cost per 1 m3 of real wastewater was appraised to be 1.13 $/m3 which assured the inexpensiveness of the proposed treatment system. This study presents an effective and low-cost treatment system that can be implemented on an industrial scale.
How to improve market performance through competitive strategy and innovation in entrepreneurial SMEs
Authors: Rubio-Andrés Mercedes , Linuesa-Langreo Jorge , Gutiérrez-Broncano Santiago , Sastre-Castillo Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2024

Despite the limited resources of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), they can still manage to be competitive and survive in the current environment by implementing competitive strategies that lead to innovation and improve their market performance. The aim of this study is to examine and analyse the effect of business strategy on market performance in Spanish small and medium-sized entrepreneurial enterprises, and the mediating effect of innovation is explored as a solution to business crises. In addition, we analyse the moderating effect that the perceived risk of COVID-19 may have on this relationship, as well as whether the commercialisation capacity of SMEs exerts an impact and improves performance based on innovation. Taking 1,842 Spanish entrepreneurial firms with fewer than 250 employees as a reference and using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), our study shows that entrepreneurial SMEs that apply a competitive strategy can achieve enhanced innovation. Moreover, this innovation has a direct and positive effect on the market performance of SMEs, and this effect is greater under higher marketing capability. Our findings suggest a heterogeneous effect on the impact of the perceived risk of COVID-19 on the strategy-innovation relationship. In entrepreneurial SMEs that adopt a differentiation strategy, the perceived risk has an enhancing impact, while in entrepreneurial SMEs that follow cost strategies, the effect is negative.
Emergence of new firms: A test of the resource-based view, signaling and behavioral perspectives
Authors: Colombo Massimo G. , Lucarelli Caterina , Marinelli Nicoletta , Micozzi Alessandra
Published: March 2024

The resource-based view, signaling, and behavioral perspectives focus on different theoretical mechanisms through which human capital and the behavioral characteristics of nascent entrepreneurs, in combination with insider and outsider financing, may influence the emergence of new ventures. This work tests the relative explanatory power of these different theoretical perspectives. We estimate a mediation model to disentangle the direct effect of nascent entrepreneur personal characteristics on new firm creation from their indirect effects, mediated by the amount of insider financing committed to new ventures and access to greater outsider financing. Our empirical results are based on data from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED II) and improve our understanding of the drivers of new firm creation and their underlying mechanisms. Our findings support the resource-based view and the behavioral perspective in our sample of nascent entrepreneurs, but do not provide evidence of the signaling perspective.
Beyond a checklist for acceptance: understanding the dynamic process of community acceptance
Authors: Kluskens Nikki , Alkemade Floor , Höffken Johanna
Published: March 2024

Community acceptance is considered a prerequisite for successful energy transitions and the uptake of renewable energy technologies (RET). While policy and research often focus on acceptance as an outcome, the process of acceptance remains a black box, especially in uncontested RET implementation contexts. We study the dynamic process of community acceptance where (1) different actor groups can have (2) different roles and (3) different active and passive responses towards (4) different objects of acceptance within the RET project implementation. Results show that community acceptance occurs over time and goes beyond citizen or resident acceptance alone. By unpacking different dimensions of acceptance, we show that even in uncontested cases, acceptance is ambiguous and includes various responses toward various objects. Furthermore, we see that roles can influence and interact dynamically with responses and that preferences for roles are heterogeneous. To move beyond acceptance as a merely coincidental outcome, but a widely embraced and intentional process, this process should meet the participatory needs of different actors.
Long-term Results of Duodeno-jejunal Bypass in the Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kral Jan , Benes Marek , Lanska Vera , Macinga Peter , Drastich Pavel , Spicak Julius , Hucl Tomas
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Obesity and its related severe comorbidities are increasing rapidly. The duodenal-jejunal bypass is an endoscopically implanted device (mimicking the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) developed to support weight reduction and improve type 2 diabetes control.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective data analysis of consecutive patients undergoing duodenal-jejunal bypass (EndoBarrier®, DJB) implantation between 2013 and 2017 was performed to evaluate safety as well as short- and long-term efficacy.

Results

One hundred and twenty-one patients (mean BMI of 43.1 ± 7.2 kg/m2 and weight of 138.2 ± 28.6 kg) underwent DJB implantation. The mean dwelling time was 15.5 months, the mean total body weight loss (%TBWL) after explantation was 10.3% ± 7.9% (14.2 kg, p < 0.0001), and the mean BMI was 39.5 ± 7.3 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). There was no significant weight gain 24 months after the explantation. Seventy-seven patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a mean HbA1c before implantation of 5.6% (n = 52). The mean HbA1c after explantation was 5.1% (p = 0.0001). Significant reductions in transaminase and lipid levels before and after explantation were observed. One complication occurred during implantation and another during explantation. In 16 patients, the device had to be extracted earlier than expected (7 for severe adverse events and 9 for adverse events; 13.2%).

Conclusion

Despite an evident rate of adverse events, the DJB shows promise as a weight-loss procedure. Our results show that some patients implanted with the device maintained reduced weight even 24 months after explantation, while many improved T2DM control.

Graphical Abstract
Intraoperative robotic surgical system-related problems in robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Ogihara Akira , Omata Motoka , Shidei Hiroaki , Mitsuboshi Shota , Aoshima Hiroe , Isaka Tamami , Matsumoto Takako , Kanzaki Masato
Published: March 2024

Background

Malfunctions of robotic instruments during robotic surgery are well known to occur; however, detailed reports on the inherent problems associated with robotic instruments and robotic surgical systems are scarce. The objective of this study was to retrospectively investigate the intraoperative problems associated with robotic surgical systems and robotic instruments.

Materials and methods

This was a single-center retrospective study. Between April 2012 and December 2022, 544 patients with consecutive lung malignancies and/or mediastinal tumors underwent robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Among these, 15 cases had intraoperative problems associated with the robotic surgical system. Human error was defined as a problem caused by the incorrect operation of the robotic surgical system and human factors as problems in which the robotic surgical system stopped owing to damage to the instruments of the robotic surgical system or the self-diagnosis of the robotic surgical system. We retrospectively investigated the causes of intraoperative problems in these cases.

Results

There were 4 cases (0.7%) with problems related to the robotic surgical system, 2 of which were human errors, and 11 (2.0%) with problems related to robotic surgical instruments, 6 of these were related to instruments and 5 were related to robotic staplers. Five of these were related to human factors.

Conclusion

Teams performing robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery should be familiar with the features of robotic surgical systems and various robotic devices, be aware of reported problems during robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and be prepared for emergencies.
Legume (Fabaceae) and seed beetle (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) species of Europe: distribution and host specialization
Authors: Szentesi Árpád
Published: March 2024

The paper investigates the distributions of legumes (Fabaceae) and their associated seed beetle species (Bruchinae) across vegetation zones and regions of Europe and evaluates the host range and specialization of seed beetles. 1584 legume species/subspecies/varieties were included in the study and ca. 16% of these serve as known hosts by the 175 seed beetle species found in Europe. Both plant and seed beetle species richness increased from the Boreal to Mediterranean zones/regions. 717 legume species occurred only in single zones/regions and only 4.7% of these (34 species) were hosts for 38 bruchine species specific to a zone/region. Europe has 664 native legume species and 381 of these are Eu-endemics. There were 52 alien legume species found. Similarities in plant species composition by the Sørensen index were pronounced between the Central-European and the Mediterranean, between the Transcaucasian and Mediterranean, and between the Colchis-Caucasian and the Pontic-Caspian areas. The most species-rich genus is Astragalus L. with 334 species and 16 subspecies. Of the two major pre-dispersal seed predator genera, Bruchidius Schilsky species are sensu lato oligophagous, using a wide range of leguminous tribes as hosts, but restricted to few host species within a tribe. In contrast, members of the Bruchus L. genus are sensu stricto oligophagous species and, despite being constrained to the Fabeae tribe, most of them feed on several Lathyrus L. and Vicia L. species. The ways annual and perennial life cycles as well as chemical constituents of legumes might affect the colonization success of the seed beetles are discussed.
Advances in industry 4.0: from intelligentization to the industrial metaverse
Authors: Tantawi Khalid , Fidan Ismail , Huseynov Orkhan , Musa Yasmin , Tantawy Anwar
Published: March 2024

One of the characteristic features of the next-generation of Industry 4.0 is human-centricity, which in turn includes two technological advancements: Artificial Intelligence and the Industrial Metaverse. In this work, we assess the impact that AI played on the advancement of three technologies that emerged to be cornerstones in the fourth generation of industry: intelligent industrial robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, and additive manufacturing. Despite the significant improvement that AI and the industrial metaverse can offer, the incorporation of many AI-enabled and Metaverse-based technologies remains under the expectations. Safety continues to be a strong factor that limits the expansion of intelligent industrial robotics and drones, whilst Cybersecurity is effectively a major limiting factor for the advance of the industrial metaverse and the integration of blockchains. However, most research works agree that the lack of the skilled workforce will no-arguably be the decisive factor that limits the incorporation of these technologies in industry. Therefore, long-term planning and training programs are needed to counter the upcoming shortage in the skilled workforce.
Exact Solutions for a Class of Variable Coefficients Fractional Differential Equations Using Mellin Transform and the Invariant Subspace Method
Authors: Latif M. S. Abdel , Baleanu D. , Kader A. H. Abdel
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we propose a class of variable coefficients fractional ordinary differential equations (FODEs). Using Mellin transform (MT), we have transformed this class into a functional equation which can’t be solved in general. So, we have selected many special cases of this functional equation that can be solved exactly. After solving these special cases of the functional equation and using the inverse MT, we obtained some exact solutions for the proposed class. The obtained solutions are given in the form of $$H$$
H
-function and the Wright function. The results, as special cases, contain some special forms given in the literature. Also, the invariant subspace method (ISM) is utilized for solving a class of nonlinear fractional diffusion equations with variable coefficients. The solutions of this class of nonlinear fractional diffusion equations depend upon the solutions of the proposed class of FODEs.
Cost-Utility of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in the Management of Depressive, Anxious, and Adjustment Disorders in Mental Health Settings: Economic Evaluation Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: D’Amico Francesco , Navarrete Jaime , Montero-Marín Jesús , Cardeñosa-Valera Eugenia , Navarro-Gil Mayte , Pérez-Aranda Adrián , López-del-Hoyo Yolanda , Collado-Navarro Carlos , García-Campayo Javier , Luciano Juan V.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The main objective of this paper was to examine the cost-utility of attachment-based compassion therapy (ABCT) compared to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and treatment-as-usual (TAU) on patients with depressive and/or anxious disorder, or adjustment disorder with depressive and/or anxious symptomatology in terms of effects on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as well as healthcare costs from a public healthcare system perspective.

Method

A 6-month randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ninety Spanish patients with mental disorders (depressive, anxious, or adjustment disorders) received 8 weekly group sessions of TAU + ABCT, TAU + MBSR, or TAU alone. Data collection took place at pre- and 6-month follow-up. Cost-utility of the two treatment groups (ABCT vs MBSR vs TAU) was compared by examining treatment outcomes in terms of QALYs (obtained with the EQ-5D-3L) and healthcare costs (data about service use obtained with the Client Service Receipt Inventory).

Results

Both MBSR and ABCT were more efficient than TAU alone, although the results did not reach statistical significance. Compared to ABCT, MBSR produced an increase both in terms of costs (€53.69, 95% CI [− 571.27 to 513.14]) and effects (0.004 QALYs, 95% CI [− 0.031 to 0.049]); ICUR = €13,422.50/QALY). Both interventions significantly reduced the number of visits to general practice compared to TAU.

Conclusions

This study has contributed to the evidence base of mindfulness- and compassion-based programs and provided promising information about the cost-utility of MBSR for patients with emotional disorders. However, the small sample size and short follow-up period limit the generalizability of the findings.

Preregistration

Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT03425487.
Impact of Pressure Guidewire on Model-Based FFR Prediction
Authors: Lucca Alessia , Fraccarollo Luigi , Fossan Fredrik E. , Bråten Anders T. , Pozzi Silvia , Vergara Christian , Müller Lucas O.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is used to characterize the functional significance of coronary artery stenoses. FFR is assessed under hyperemic conditions by invasive measurements of trans-stenotic pressure thanks to the insertion of a pressure guidewire across the coronary stenosis during catheterization. In order to overcome the potential risk related to the invasive procedure and to reduce the associated high costs, three-dimensional blood flow simulations that incorporate clinical imaging and patient-specific characteristics have been proposed.

Purpose

Most CCTA-derived FFR models neglect the potential influence of the guidewire on computed flow and pressure. Here we aim to quantify the impact of taking into account the presence of the guidewire in model-based FFR prediction.

Methods

We adopt a CCTA-derived FFR model and perform simulations with and without the guidewire for 18 patients with suspected stable CAD.

Results

Presented results show that the presence of the guidewire leads to a tendency to predict a lower FFR value. The FFR reduction is prominent in cases of severe stenoses, while the influence of the guidewire is less pronounced in cases of moderate stenoses.

Conclusion

From a clinical decision-making point of view, including of the pressure guidewire is potentially relevant only for intermediate stenosis cases.