bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pinning behavior in bulk MgB2 prepared using boron powder refined via high-energy ultra-sonication
Authors: Arvapalli Sai Srikanth , Miryala Muralidhar , Jirsa Milos , Sakai Naomichi , Murakami Masato 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe successfully refined a cheap commercial boron powder by means of high-energy ultra-sonication and utilized it in synthesis of bulk MgB2. Rietveld phase analysis of X-ray diffraction pattern revealed completely formed MgB2 with a low amount of MgO. MgB2 bulk prepared of boron ultra-sonicated in ethanol for 15 min showed self-field Jc of around 300 kA/cm2 at 20 K without any compromise in Tc (~39 K). Pinning analysis based on Dew-Hughes expression showed major pinning contribution from grain-boundary pinning (~95.5%), along with a slight contribution from point pinning (4.5%). The microstructure study detected a system of large MgB2 grains (hundreds nm large) and 10–20 nm sized particles, possibly Mg-B-O, formed at MgB2 grain boundaries.
Euler–Bernoulli elastic beam models of Eringen’s differential nonlocal type revisited within a $$\mathbf{C }^{0}-$$continuous displacement framework
Authors: Pisano A. A. , Fuschi P. , Polizzotto C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA theory of the Erigen’s differential nonlocal beams of (isotropic) elastic material is prospected independent of the original integral formulation. The beam problem is addressed within a $$C^{(0)}-$$

C

(
0
)

-

continuous displacement framework admitting slope discontinuities of the deflected beam axis with the formation of bending hinges at every cross section where a transverse concentrated external force is applied, either a load or a reaction. Concepts sparsely known from the literature are in this paper used within a more general context, in which the beam is envisioned as a macro-beam whose microstructure is able to take on a size dependent initial curvature dictated by the loading and constraint conditions. Indeed, initial curvature seems to be an effective analytical tool to inject size effects into micro- and nano-beams. The proposed theory is applied to a set of benchmark beam problems showing that a softening behaviour is always predicted without the appearance of paradoxical situations. Comparisons with other theories are also presented.
Don’t drink it, bury it: comparing decomposition rates with the tea bag index is possible without prior leaching
Authors: Blume-Werry Gesche , Di Maurizio Vanessa , Beil Ilka , Lett Signe , Schwieger Sarah , Kreyling Juergen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeThe standardized ‘Tea Bag Index’ enables comparisons of litter decomposition rates, a key component of carbon cycling, across ecosystems. However, tea ‘litter’ may leach more than other plant litter, skewing comparisons of decomposition rates between sites with differing moisture conditions. Therefore, some researchers leach tea bags before field incubation. This decreases comparability between studies, and it is unclear if this modification is necessary.MethodsWe submerged green and rooibos tea bags in water, and measured their leaching losses over time (2 min – 72 h). We also compared leaching of tea to leaf and root litter from other plant species, and finally, compared mass loss of pre-leached and standard tea bags in a fully factorial incubation experiment differing in soil moisture (wet and dry) and soil types (sand and peat).ResultsBoth green and rooibos tea leached strongly, levelling-off at about 40% and 20% mass loss, respectively. Mass loss from leaching was highest in green tea followed by leaves of other plants, then rooibos tea, and finally roots of other plants. When incubated for 4 weeks, both teas showed lower mass loss when they had been pre-leached compared to standard tea bags. However, these differences between standard and pre-leached tea bags were similar in moist vs. dry soils, both in peat and in sand.ConclusionsThus, despite large leaching losses, we conclude that leaching tea bags before field or lab incubation is not necessary to compare decomposition rates between systems, ranging from as much as 5% to 25% soil moisture.
The Italian Start Up Act: a microeconometric program evaluation
Authors: Biancalani Francesco , Czarnitzki Dirk , Riccaboni Massimo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper analyzes the impact of the Italian Start Up Act which entered into force in October 2012. This public policy provides a unique bundle of benefits, such as tax incentives, public loan guarantees, and a more flexible labor law, for firms registered as “innovative startups” in Italy. This legislation has been implemented by the Italian government to increase innovativeness of small and young enterprises by facilitating access to (external) capital and (high-skilled) labor. Consequently, the goal of our evaluation is to assess the impact of the policy on equity, debt, and employment. Using various conditional difference-in-difference models, we find that the Italian innovative startup policy has met its primary objectives. The econometric results strongly suggest that Italian innovative startups are more successful in obtaining equity and debt capital and they also hire more employees because of the program participation.
An Assessment of the Effect of Relative Humidity on the Decomposition of the ZDDP Antiwear Additive
Authors: Dorgham Abdel , Azam Abdullah , Parsaeian Pourya , Wang Chun , Morina Ardian , Neville Anne 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe effect of relative humidity on the decomposition reaction of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) additive under boundary lubrication regime has been investigated using Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The ZDDP tribofilms were formed using the pin-on-disc tribometer at 30 and 90% relative humidity, which was controlled using a custom-made humid chamber. The results suggest that relative humidity does not change only the length of the phosphate chains but also their affinity towards the available cations. At low relative humidity, zinc pyrophosphate to polyphosphate chains were formed compared to predominantly shorter iron orthophosphate chains at high relative humidity. In addition, relative humidity altered the structure of the mature tribofilm. At low relative humidity, the tribofilm had a patchy structure with average thickness of 140 nm and fractal dimension of 2.17. However, at high relative humidity, the tribofilm had a thin dendritic structure with average thickness of 85 nm and fractal dimension of 2.34. This means that the structure is more complex with a larger number of nesting self-similar structures at all scales. This is significant in making the transition from descriptive towards quantitative information of the tribofilm structure.
Anthropometric and performance profile of elite Gaelic football players comparing position and role
Authors: Boyle Eoghan , Warne Joe , Collins Kieran 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThere is currently no information available on the variation in anthropometric and performance characteristics of starters and non-starters in elite Gaelic football. The aim of the current study was to determine if variations exist for elite male Gaelic football players with respect to position and playing role (starter or non-starter). One-hundred-and-sixty-two footballers from six elite teams underwent anthropometric and performance assessments. Players were categorised into six positional groups (goalkeeper, full back, half back, midfield, half forward and full forward) and two playing role groups (starter and non-starter). A significant position × role interaction was observed for Yo-YoIRT1 distance (p = 0.031, pη2 =  0.078), with starters covering a greater distance in all positions when compared to non-starters (all p < 0.05), except for half backs. Goalkeepers covered a significantly lower Yo-YoIRT1 distance compared to all other positions (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.35), while half backs completed a significantly greater distance compared to full backs (p = 0.014, pη2 = 0.35) and full forwards (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.35). Starters had a significantly greater CMJ height (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.082) and CMJ PP (p = 0.001, pη2 = 0.08) compared to non-starters. This research is the first of its kind within Gaelic football to provide anthropometric and performance values with respect to playing role. The data obtained may aid coaches to individualize training regimes to enhance role-specific preparation for competitive match-play.
Predicting performance indicators with ANNs for AI-based online scheduling in dynamically interconnected assembly systems
Authors: Göppert Amon , Mohring Leon , Schmitt Robert H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMass customization demands shorter manufacturing system response times due to frequent product changes. This increase in system dynamics imposes additional flexibility requirements especially on assembly processes, as complexity accumulates in this last step of value creation. Flexible and dynamically interconnected assembly systems can meet the increased requirements as opposed to traditional dedicated assembly line approaches. The high complexity and dynamical environment in these kinds of systems lead to the demand for real-time online control and scheduling solutions. Within the decision-making of online scheduling, the capability of predicting the consequences of available actions is crucial. In real-time environments, running extensive discrete-event simulations to evaluate how actions unfold requires too much computing time. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are a viable alternative to quickly evaluate the potential future performance value of a production state for online production planning and control. They can predict performance indicators such as the expected makespan given the current production status. Leveraging recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) game algorithms, an assembly control system based on Google DeepMind’s AlphaZero was created. Specifically, an ANN is incorporated into the approach that suggests favorable job routing decisions and predicts the value of actions. The results show that the trained network can predict favorable actions with an accuracy of over 95% and estimate the makespan with an error smaller than 3%.
Body image, self-esteem, and sense of masculinity in patients with prostate cancer: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Bowie Jessica , Brunckhorst Oliver , Stewart Robert , Dasgupta Prokar , Ahmed Kamran 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Body image, self-esteem, and masculinity are three interconnected constructs in men with prostate cancer, with profound effects on quality of life. This meta-synthesis aimed to evaluate all known qualitative studies published studying the effect of prostate cancer on these constructs.

Methods
A systematic review utilising PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases up to May 2020 was conducted in line with PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines. All qualitative studies of men’s experiences with body image, self-esteem, and masculinity whilst living with prostate cancer were included. A thematic meta-synthesis was conducted to identify emergent descriptive and analytical themes under the main study constructs.

Results
Of 2188 articles identified, 68 were included. Eight descriptive themes were identified under two analytical themes: ‘Becoming a Prostate Cancer Patient’ and ‘Becoming a Prostate Cancer Survivor’. These described the distress caused by changes to body image, sexual functioning, sense of masculinity, and self-esteem, and the subsequent discourses men engaged with to cope with and manage their disease. A key element was increased flexibility in masculinity definitions, and finding other ways to re-affirm masculinity.

Conclusions
Prostate cancer has an important effect on men’s health post-diagnosis, and we identified strong relationships between each construct evaluated. The role of hegemonic masculinity is important when considering men’s coping mechanisms and is also a key factor when addressing these constructs in counselling post-treatment.

Implications for Cancer Survivors
This meta-synthesis provides key topics that uniquely affect prostate cancer survivors, enabling these patients to be effectively counselled, and have their concerns recognised by clinicians.
Maternal Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Rats Impairs Spatial Learning and Memory in Offspring by Disrupting Balance of the TrkA/p75NTR Signal Pathway
Authors: Zhang Fan , Lin Xinyue , Liu Aihua , Chen Jian , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping , Yu Xiaohui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMaternal subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy can adversely affect the neurodevelopment of the offspring. The balance of nerve growth factor (NGF)-related tropomyosin receptor kinase A/p75 neurotrophin receptor (TrkA/p75NTR) signaling in the hippocampus is important in brain development, and whether it affects cognitive function in maternal SCH’s offspring is not clear. In this study, we found that compared with the control (CON) group, expression of proliferation-related proteins [NGF, p-TrkA, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB)] decreased in the hippocampus of the offspring in the SCH group, overt hypothyroidism (OHT) group, and the group with levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment for SCH from gestational day 17 (E17). In contrast, expression of apoptosis-related proteins [pro-NGF, p75NTR, phospho-C-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3] was increased. The two groups with treatment with L-T4for SCH from E10 and E13, respectively, showed no significant difference compared with the CON group. L-T4treatment enhanced relative expression of NGF by increasing NGF/proNGF ratio in offspring from maternal SCH rats. In conclusion, L-T4treatment for SCH from early pregnancy dramatically ameliorated cognitive impairment via TrkA/p75NTRsignaling, which involved activation of the neuronal proliferation and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis in SCH rats’ offspring.
Rajyoga Meditation Experience Induces Enhanced Positive Thoughts and Alters Gray Matter Volume of Brain Regions: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: M G Ramesh Babu , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Koteshwara Prakashini , Sathian Brijesh , Rai Kiranmai S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives
Many studies on various meditation types have reported regional gray matter volume changes using voxel-based morphometric analysis of structural MRI, but there are no studies done on structural MRI of Rajyoga meditators. The objective of the present study is to analyze and compare gray matter volume changes of brain regions in meditators and non-meditators and further study the effects of meditation experience on alterations in various brain regions. These regions were then correlated and compared to positive thought scores of participants.

Methods
Forty participants in each group (closely matched for age, gender, and handedness) were selected after obtaining their informed consent, and voxel-based morphometric analysis was carried out using their structural MRI scans.

Results
On voxel-wise comparison of the brain scans, meditators were observed to have significantly higher global gray matter volume and significant regional gray matter volume increases in the right superior frontal gyrus, left inferior orbitofrontal cortex, left inferior parietal gyrus, left posterior cerebellum, left middle temporal gyrus, bilateral precuneus, and cuneus. Additionally, long-term meditators particularly had significantly higher positive thinking scores compared to non-meditators. On multiple regression analysis, gray matter volume of the left superior parietal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus had a positive association, whereas the left posterior cerebellum had a negative association with hours of meditation experience. With the positive thoughts score, a significant relationship was found in the right superior temporal gyrus in meditators.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that Rajyoga meditation experience/practice enhances gray matter volume of specific brain regions and positive thoughts.
The Radon Inversion Problem for Holomorphic Functions in the Unit Disc
Authors: Kot P. , Pierzchała P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper deals with the so-called Radon inversion problem formulated in the following way: Given a $$p>0$$

p
>
0

and a strictly positive function H continuous on the unit circle $${\partial {\mathbb {D}}}$$

∂
D

, find a function f holomorphic in the unit disc $${\mathbb {D}}$$
D
such that $$\int _0^1|f(zt)|^pdt=H(z)$$

∫
0
1

|
f

(
z
t
)

|

p

d
t
=
H

(
z
)

for $$z \in {\partial {\mathbb {D}}}$$

z
∈

∂
D

. We prove solvability of the problem under consideration. For $$p=2$$

p
=
2

, a technical improvement of the main result related to convergence and divergence of certain series of Taylor coefficients is obtained.
How Do State Gambling Monopolies Affect Levels of Gambling Harm?
Authors: Marionneau Virve , Egerer Michael , Nikkinen Janne 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis systematic literature review evaluates the potential of gambling monopolies to affect gambling harms. It compares the occurrence of gambling harms in jurisdictions with gambling monopolies to jurisdictions with license-based regimes.Recent FindingsThe review identified 21 publications concerning three gambling-related harm indicators: problem gambling prevalence, total consumption, and the appearance of conflicts of interest. Due to the dearth of literature, concept papers and older publications were also included.SummaryResults show that there is a paucity of empirical research on the effectiveness of different regulatory regimes in affecting gambling harms. Available research demonstrates that monopolistic regimes appear to perform somewhat better in terms of problem gambling prevalence and total consumption but may also be more prone to conflicts of interest than license-based regimes. Monopolistic configurations also differ between themselves, and issues such as availability, accessibility, product range, scope of preventive work, monitoring, as well as the recognition of the public health approach may better predict the levels of harm in society than the existence of a monopoly.
Examining the validity and consistency of the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire-Español (AEBQ-Esp) and its relationship to BMI in a Mexican population
Authors: Hunot-Alexander Claudia , Arellano-Gómez Laura Patricia , Smith Andrea D. , Kaufer-Horwitz Martha , Vásquez-Garibay Edgar M. , Romero-Velarde Enrique , Fildes Alison , Croker Helen , Llewellyn Clare H. , Beeken Rebecca J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Appetitive traits in adults and their associations with weight can be measured using the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). The aim of this study was to confirm the factor structure of the Spanish AEBQ (AEBQ-Esp) in a Mexican sample and explore associations between the eight traits with body mass index (BMI).

Method
A sample of 1023 adults, mean age of 36.8 ± 12.8 years, was recruited from Guadalajara, Mexico. Researchers weighed and measured participants, and they completed the AEBQ-Esp either online or in paper format and reported sociodemographic data. To test two alternative factor structures (eight factors including Hunger; seven factors excluding Hunger), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha; test–retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients. Multivariate linear regressions were used to test for associations between the AEBQ subscales and BMI, adjusted for age, sex, format of AEBQ responses, education, marital and employment status.

Results
A seven-factor structure was the best model fit using CFA, excluding the Hunger subscale but similar to the original AEBQ. Internal reliability was good for all subscales (Cronbach’s α = 0.70–0.86), and the intra-class correlation coefficient (0.70–0.91) reflected good test–retest reliability. In the fully adjusted models, Satiety Responsiveness [β = − 0.61; (− 1.01, − 0.21)] and Slowness in Eating [β = − 0.70; (− 1.01, − 0.39)] were negatively associated with BMI, and Emotional Over-Eating [β = 0.94; (0.62, 1.27)] was positively associated with BMI.

Conclusions
The AEBQ-Esp (excluding Hunger) appears to be a valid and reliable psychometric questionnaire for measuring appetitive traits in a Mexican Spanish-speaking population. Some traits appear to be associated with BMI in adulthood and warrant further exploration.

Level of evidence
Level III evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies. Although this was just an observational study, it was well designed and provided new evidence.
Security for eHealth system: data hiding in AMBTC compressed images via gradient-based coding
Authors: Chen Yung-Yao , Hu Yu-Chen , Kao Hsiang-Yun , Lin Yu-Hsiu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVarious eHealth applications based on the Internet of Things (IoT) contain a considerable number of medical images and visual electronic health records, which are transmitted through the Internet everyday. Information forensics thus becomes a critical issue. This paper presents a data hiding algorithm for absolute moment block truncation coding (AMBTC) images, wherein secret data, or the authentication code, can be embedded in images to enhance security. Moreover, in view of the importance of transmission efficiency in IoT, image compression is widely used in Internet-based applications. To cope with this challenge, we present a novel compression method named gradient-based (GB) compression, which is compatible with AMBTC compression. Therefore, after applying the block classification scheme, GB compression and data hiding can be performed jointly for blocks with strong gradient effects, and AMBTC compression and data hiding can be performed jointly for the remaining blocks. From the experimental results, we demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods.
Span identification and technique classification of propaganda in news articles
Authors: Li Wei , Li Shiqian , Liu Chenhao , Lu Longfei , Shi Ziyu , Wen Shiping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPropaganda is a rhetorical technique designed to serve a specific topic, which is often used purposefully in news article to achieve our intended purpose because of its specific psychological effect. Therefore, it is significant to be clear where and what propaganda techniques are used in the news for people to understand its theme efficiently during our daily lives. Recently, some relevant researches are proposed for propaganda detection but unsatisfactorily. As a result, detection of propaganda techniques in news articles is badly in need of research. In this paper, we are going to introduce our systems for detection of propaganda techniques in news articles, which is split into two tasks, Span Identification and Technique Classification. For these two tasks, we design a system based on the popular pretrained BERT model, respectively. Furthermore, we adopt the over-sampling and EDA strategies, propose a sentence-level feature concatenating method in our systems. Experiments on the dataset of about 550 news articles offered by SEMEVAL show that our systems perform state-of-the-art.