bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical Reliability of 10 Years of Cyber Security User Studies
Authors: Groß Thomas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground.In recent years, cyber security user studies have been appraised in meta-research, mostly focusing on the completeness of their statistical inferences and the fidelity of their statistical reporting. However, estimates of the field’s distribution of statistical power and its publication bias have not received much attention.Aim.In this study, we aim to estimate the effect sizes and their standard errors present as well as the implications on statistical power and publication bias.Method.We built upon a published systematic literature review of 146 user studies in cyber security (2006–2016). We took into account 431 statistical inferences includingt-,$$\chi ^2$$χ2-,r-, one-wayF-tests, andZ-tests. In addition, we coded the corresponding total sample sizes, group sizes and test families. Given these data, we established the observed effect sizes and evaluated the overall publication bias. We further computed the statistical power vis-à-vis of parametrized population thresholds to gain unbiased estimates of the power distribution.Results.We obtained a distribution of effect sizes and their conversion into comparable log odds ratios together with their standard errors. We, further, gained funnel-plot estimates of the publication bias present in the sample as well as insights into the power distribution and its consequences.Conclusions.Through the lenses of power and publication bias, we shed light on the statistical reliability of the studies in the field. The upshot of this introspection is practical recommendations on conducting and evaluating studies to advance the field.
On a Polyanalytic Approach to Noncommutative de Branges–Rovnyak Spaces and Schur Analysis
Authors: Alpay Daniel , Colombo Fabrizio , Diki Kamal , Sabadini Irene 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper we begin the study of Schur analysis and of de Branges–Rovnyak spaces in the framework of Fueter hyperholomorphic functions. The difference with other approaches is that we consider the class of functions spanned by Appell-like polynomials. This approach is very efficient from various points of view, for example in operator theory, and allows us to make connections with the recently developed theory of slice polyanalytic functions. We tackle a number of problems: we describe a Hardy space, Schur multipliers and related results. We also discuss Blaschke functions, Herglotz multipliers and their associated kernels and Hilbert spaces. Finally, we consider the counterpart of the half-space case, and the corresponding Hardy space, Schur multipliers and Carathéodory multipliers.
Prävention der exzessiven Mediennutzung im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Hansen J. , Hanewinkel R. , Goecke M. , Morgenstern M. 
Published: June 2021

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Für Kinder und Jugendliche ist die Nutzung digitaler Medien ein zentraler Bestandteil der Freizeitgestaltung. Bei etwa 8 % der 12- bis 17-Jährigen ist von einer computerspiel- oder internetbezogenen Störung auszugehen.

Ziel der Arbeit
Ziel war die Überprüfung der Wirksamkeit eines schulbasierten „Peer-to-peer“-Programms zur Prävention der exzessiven Mediennutzung im Kindes- und Jugendalter („Net-Piloten“). Das primärpräventive Programm wird Schulen mit Sekundarstufe I von der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) in Zusammenarbeit mit den Landesstellen für Suchtfragen kostenfrei zugänglich gemacht.

Material und Methode
Die Wirksamkeit von „Net-Piloten“ wurde in einer kontrollierten Studie (1:1-Matching) überprüft. Die Datenerhebung erfolgte über einen Online-Fragebogen im 1. Schulhalbjahr 2019/2020, an der insgesamt 834 Kinder und Jugendliche teilnahmen (mittleres Alter: 12 Jahre). Die Interventionsgruppe nahm an einem von Peers durchgeführten Workshop zur Sensibilisierung für die Risiken von exzessiver Mediennutzung und zur Förderung der Selbstreflexion teil.

Ergebnisse
Schüler*innen der Interventionsbedingung verfügten über ein höheres Wissen über negative Konsequenzen exzessiver Mediennutzung und wiesen geringere Nutzungszeiten (Computerspieldauer F (1,832) = 6,45, p = 0,011) auf als die Vergleichsgruppe. Der Anteil an Schüler*innen mit problematischer Mediennutzung war nach „Net-Piloten“-Teilnahme geringer im Vergleich zur Kontrolle (F (1,832) = 14,76, p < 0,001).

Diskussion
Die Befunde stehen im Einklang mit früheren Studien zur Effektivität von schulbasierten Programmen zur Vermeidung der problematischen Mediennutzung. Sie deuten darauf hin, dass schulbasierte Programme einer exzessiv-dysfunktionalen Mediennutzung vorbeugen können.
When hazard avoidance is not an option: lessons learned from monitoring the postdisaster Oso landslide, USA
Authors: Reid Mark E. , Godt Jonathan W. , LaHusen Richard G. , Slaughter Stephen L. , Badger Thomas C. , Collins Brian D. , Schulz William H. , Baum Rex L. , Coe Jeffrey A. , Harp Edwin L. , Schmidt Kevin M. , Iverson Richard M. , Smith Joel B. , Haugerud Ralph A. , George David L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOn 22 March 2014, a massive, catastrophic landslide occurred near Oso, Washington, USA, sweeping more than 1 km across the adjacent valley flats and killing 43 people. For the following 5 weeks, hundreds of workers engaged in an exhaustive search, rescue, and recovery effort directly in the landslide runout path. These workers could not avoid the risks posed by additional large-scale slope collapses. In an effort to ensure worker safety, multiple agencies cooperated to swiftly deploy a monitoring and alerting system consisting of sensors, automated data processing and web-based display, along with defined communication protocols and clear calls to action for emergency management and search personnel. Guided by the principle that an accelerating landslide poses a greater threat than a steadily moving or stationary mass, the system was designed to detect ground motion and vibration using complementary monitoring techniques. Near real-time information was provided by continuous GPS, seismometers/geophones, and extensometers. This information was augmented by repeat-assessment techniques such as terrestrial and aerial laser scanning and time-lapse photography. Fortunately, no major additional landsliding occurred. However, we did detect small headscarp failures as well as slow movement of the remaining landslide mass with the monitoring system. This was an exceptional response situation and the lessons learned are applicable to other landslide disaster crises. They underscore the need for cogent landslide expertise and ready-to-deploy monitoring equipment, the value of using redundant monitoring techniques with distinct goals, the benefit of clearly defined communication protocols, and the importance of continued research into forecasting landslide behavior to allow timely warning.
Persistence and Stability for a Class of Forced Positive Nonlinear Delay-Differential Systems
Authors: Franco D. , Guiver C. , Logemann H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPersistence and stability properties are considered for a class of forced positive nonlinear delay-differential systems which arise in mathematical ecology and other applied contexts. The inclusion of forcing incorporates the effects of control actions (such as harvesting or breeding programmes in an ecological setting), disturbances induced by seasonal or environmental variation, or migration. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions under which the states of these models are semi-globally persistent, uniformly with respect to the initial conditions and forcing terms. Under mild assumptions, the model under consideration naturally admits two steady states (equilibria) when unforced: the origin and a unique non-zero steady state. We present sufficient conditions for the non-zero steady state to be stable in a sense which is reminiscent of input-to-state stability, a stability notion for forced systems developed in control theory. In the absence of forcing, our input-to-sate stability concept is identical to semi-global exponential stability.
Multi-level performance-based design optimisation of steel frames with nonlinear viscous dampers
Authors: De Domenico Dario , Hajirasouliha Iman 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a practical multi-level performance-based optimisation method of nonlinear viscous dampers (NVDs) for seismic retrofit of existing substandard steel frames. A Maxwell model is adopted to simulate the behaviour of the combined damper-supporting brace system, with a fractional power-law force–velocity relationship for the NVDs, while a distributed-plasticity fibre-based section approach is used to model the beam-column members thus incorporating the nonlinearity of the parent steel frame in the design process. The optimum height-wise distribution of the damping coefficients of NVDs satisfying given performance requirements is identified via a uniform damage distribution (UDD) design philosophy. The efficiency of the proposed multi-level performance-based design optimisation is illustrated through nonlinear time-history analysis of 3-, 7- and 12-storey steel frames under both artificial and natural spectrum-compatible earthquakes. Sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the effects of initial height-wise damping distribution, convergence factor and uncertainty in design ground-motion prediction on the optimisation strategy. The efficiency of the final optimum design solution is also investigated by using drift-based, velocity-based, and energy-based UDD approaches to identify the most efficient performance index parameter for optimisation purposes. It is found that regardless of the selected performance parameter, the optimum damping distribution identified by the proposed methodology leads to frames exhibiting lower maximum inter-storey drift, local damage (maximum plastic rotation) and global damage index compared to an equal-cost uniform damping distribution. However, using drift-based UDD approach generally results in a better seismic performance. It is shown that the proposed UDD optimisation method can be efficiently used to satisfy multiple performance objectives at different intensity levels of the earthquake excitation, in line with performance-based design recommendations of current seismic codes. The proposed method is easy to implement for practical design purposes and represents a simple yet efficient tool for optimum seismic retrofit of steel frames with NVDs.
Why Not a Sound Postulate?
Authors: Cheng Bryan , Read James 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWhat, if anything, would be wrong with replacing the light postulate in Einstein’s 1905 formulation of special relativity with a ‘sound postulate’, stating that the speed of sound is independent of the speed of the source? After reviewing the historical reasons underlying the particular focus on light in the special theory, we consider the circumstances under which such a theory of ‘sonic relativity’ would be justified on empirical grounds. We then consider the philosophical upshots of ‘sonic relativity’ for four contemporary areas of investigation in the philosophy of spacetime: (i) global versus subsystem symmetries, (ii) dynamical versus geometrical approaches to spacetime, (iii) the possibility of a preferred frame in theories of quantum gravity, and (iv) spacetime functionalism.
Polymer-metal complexes as emerging catalysts for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide
Authors: Sassone Daniele , Zeng Juqin , Fontana Marco , Sacco Adriano , Farkhondehfal M. Amin , Periolatto Monica , Pirri Candido F. , Bocchini Sergio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA class of metal-doped polyanilines (PANIs) was synthesized and investigated as electrocatalysts for the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). These materials show good affinity for the electrode substrate and allow to obtain stable binder-free electrodes, avoiding the utilization of expensive ionomer and additives. The emeraldine-base polyaniline (EB-PANI), in absence of metal dopant, shows negligible electrocatalytic activity and selectivity toward the CO2RR. Such behavior significantly improves once EB-PANI is doped with an appropriate cationic metal (Mn, Cu or Sn). In particular, the Sn-PANI outperforms other metal-doped samples, showing a good turnover frequency of 72.2 h−1 for the CO2RR at − 0.99 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode and thus satisfactory activity of metal single atoms. Moreover, the Sn-PANI also displays impressive stability with a 100% retention of the CO2RR selectivity and an enhanced current density of 4.0 mA cm−2 in a 10-h test. PANI, a relatively low-cost substrate, demonstrates to be easily complexed with different metal cations and thus shows high tailorability. Complexing metal with conductive polymer represents an emerging strategy to realize active and stable metal single-atom catalysts, allowing efficient utilization of metals, especially the raw and precious ones.
Graphic abstract
Model Completeness, Uniform Interpolants and Superposition Calculus
Authors: Calvanese Diego , Ghilardi Silvio , Gianola Alessandro , Montali Marco , Rivkin Andrey 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUniform interpolants have been largely studied in non-classical propositional logics since the nineties; a successive research line within the automated reasoning community investigated uniform quantifier-free interpolants (sometimes referred to as “covers”) in first-order theories. This further research line is motivated by the fact that uniform interpolants offer an effective solution to tackle quantifier elimination and symbol elimination problems, which are central in model checking infinite state systems. This was first pointed out in ESOP 2008 by Gulwani and Musuvathi, and then by the authors of the present contribution in the context of recent applications to the verification of data-aware processes. In this paper, we show how covers are strictly related to model completions, a well-known topic in model theory. We also investigate the computation of covers within the Superposition Calculus, by adopting a constrained version of the calculus and by defining appropriate settings and reduction strategies. In addition, we show that computing covers is computationally tractable for the fragment of the language used when tackling the verification of data-aware processes. This observation is confirmed by analyzing the preliminary results obtained using the mcmt tool to verify relevant examples of data-aware processes. These examples can be found in the last version of the tool distribution.
Residual Estimates for Post-processors in Elliptic Problems
Authors: Dedner Andreas , Giesselmann Jan , Pryer Tristan , Ryan Jennifer K 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this work we examine a posteriori error control for post-processed approximations to elliptic boundary value problems. We introduce a class of post-processing operator that “tweaks” a wide variety of existing post-processing techniques to enable efficient and reliable a posteriori bounds to be proven. This ultimately results in optimal error control for all manner of reconstruction operators, including those that superconverge. We showcase our results by applying them to two classes of very popular reconstruction operators, the Smoothness-Increasing Accuracy-Conserving filter and superconvergent patch recovery. Extensive numerical tests are conducted that confirm our analytic findings.
Factors Associated With Cannabis Use During the Reproductive Cycle: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study of Women in States With Recreational and Medical Cannabis Legalization
Authors: Taylor Danica Loralyn , Bell Janice F. , Adams Susan L. , Drake Christiana 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Passage of cannabis laws may impact cannabis use and the use of other substances. The suggested association is of particular concern in pregnant women where exposure to substances can cause harm to both the pregnant woman and fetus. The present study contributes to the minimal literature on factors associated with cannabis use during the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum periods including state legalization status, concurrent use of tobacco and e-cigarettes and adequacy of prenatal care.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using combined survey data from the 2016–2018 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) collected from 36,391 women. Logistic regression was used to estimate the impact of state-legalization, adequacy of prenatal care, and other substance use on cannabis use during the preconception, prenatal, and post-partum periods.

Results
In the preconception model, residence in a recreationally legal state (OR: 2.37; 95% CI, 2.04–2.75) or medically legal state (OR:3.32; 95% CI, 2.90–3.80) compared to a non-legal state was associated with higher odds of cannabis use. In the prenatal model, residence in a recreationally legal state was associated with higher odds of cannabis use (OR: 1.51; 95% CI, 1.29–1.79) whereas there was no association with residence in a medically legal state. Tobacco use including e-cigarettes and moderate prenatal alcohol use were also significantly associated with cannabis use.

Conclusion
Recreational cannabis legalization is associated with the use of cannabis prior to, during, and after pregnancy. Renewed clinical and policy efforts may be warranted to update prenatal substance use prevention programs, educational campaigns, and provider education as cannabis legalization evolves.
The role of Hashimoto thyroiditis in predicting radioiodine ablation efficacy and prognosis of low to intermediate risk differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Albano Domenico , Dondi Francesco , Zilioli Valentina , Panarotto Maria Beatrice , Galani Alessandro , Cappelli Carlo , Bertagna Francesco , Giubbini Raffaele , Casella Claudio 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
The baseline treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) consists of thyroidectomy followed by postoperative risk-adapted radioiodine therapy (RAIT) when indicated. The choice of most appropriate RAI activities to administer with the aim to reach an efficient remnant ablation and reduce the risk of recurrence is yet an open issue and the detection of basal factors that may predict treatment response seems fundamental. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) in predicting 1-year and 5-year treatment response after RAIT and prognosis.

Methods
We retrospectively included 314 consecutive patients (174 low-risk and 140 intermediate-risk) who received thyroidectomy plus RAIT. One-year and 5-year disease status was evaluated according to 2015 ATA categories response based upon biochemical and structural findings.

Results
HT was reported histopathologically in 120 patients (38%). DTC patients with concomitant HT received a higher number of RAITs and cumulative RAI activities. Initial RAIT reached an excellent response in 63% after one year and 84% after 5 years. The rate of excellent response one year and 5-year after first RAIT was significantly lower in HT groups, compared to not HT (p < 0.001). Instead, HT did not have a prognostic role considering PFS and OS; while stimulate thyroglobulin (sTg) at ablation was significantly related to survival.

Conclusions
HT may affect the efficacy of RAIT in low to intermediate risk DTC, particularly reducing the successful rate of excellent response after RAIT. Instead, HT did not have a prognostic impact such as stimulated sTg.
Safety Concerns Emerging from Robots Navigating in Crowded Pedestrian Areas
Authors: Salvini Pericle , Paez-Granados Diego , Billard Aude 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe slogan “robots will pervade our environment” has become a reality. Drones and ground robots are used for commercial purposes while semi-autonomous driving systems are standard accessories to traditional cars. However, while our eyes have been riveted on dangers and accidents arising from drones falling and autonomous cars’ crashing, much less attention has been ported to dangers arising from the imminent arrival of robots that share the floor with pedestrians and will mix with human crowds. These robots range from semi or autonomous mobile platforms designed for providing several kinds of service, such as assistant, patrolling, tour-guide, delivery, human transportation, etc. We highlight and discuss potential sources of injury emerging from contacts of robots with pedestrians through a set of case studies. We look specifically at dangers deriving from robots moving in dense crowds. In such situations, contact will not only be unavoidable, but may be desirable to ensure that the robot moves with the flow. As an outlook toward the future, we also offer some thoughts on the psychological risks, beyond the physical hazards, arising from the robot’s appearance and behaviour. We also advocate for new policies to regulate mobile robots traffic and enforce proper end user’s training.
Microstructure, Grain Growth and Hardness of Nanostructured Ferritic ODS Steel Powder during Annealing
Authors: Nowik Krzysztof , Oksiuta Zbigniew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNanocrystalline oxide-dispersion strengthened ferritic alloy formation and its annealing behavior were examined through modern X-ray diffraction pattern analysis and supplemented by microhardness and microscopic measurements. The basic microstructure features, with particular emphasis on evolution of domain size distribution and defect content during mechanical and thermal treatment, were quantified via the whole powder pattern modeling approach. The microstructure of the powdered alloy, formed during mechanical alloying, evolved toward nanocrystalline state consisting of narrow dispersion of very fine crystallites with substantial dislocation density, which exhibited relatively high stability against elevated temperature. It was shown that crystallite size is seriously sustained by the grain-boundary strain, therefore coarsening of grains begins only after the density of dislocations drops below certain level. Obtaining correct results for the annealing-related data at specific temperature range required the incorporation of the “double-phase” model, indicating possible bimodal domain size distribution. The dislocation density and grain size were found not to be remarkably affected after consolidation by hot isostatic pressing.
High salinity enhances the adsorption of 17α-ethinyl estradiol by polyethersulfone membrane: isotherm modelling and molecular simulation
Authors: Goh J. Y. , Goh K. S. , Yip Y. M. , Ng C. K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe increasing occurrence of steroidal hormone micropollutant in the aquatic environment and their associated consequences have caused serious environmental concerns globally. Adsorptive removal of hormonal pollutants using polymeric membranes has been suggested but information on their performance in various environmental conditions is lacking. In this study, we examined the effect of salinity on the performance of polyethersulfone (PES) membrane to remove synthetic hormone 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) from water. Our results show that an increase of salinity from 0 to 3% results in higher retention of EE2 onto PES membrane from 79.3 to 98.7%. The experimental results fit the Freundlich isotherm model better as compared to the Langmuir model. The Freundlich parameters n and Kf yielded the highest values at 3% salinity. The molecular simulation results suggest that a high salinity increases the binding energy between EE2 and PES membranes, promoting the PES-EE2 interaction through π–π interaction, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. This study provides valuable information for improving design of specialised treatment facilities (in farming, pharmaceutical industries, etc.) to allow better removal of EE2 and other low-polar organic contaminants from water via a membrane-based sorption-elution method, and we recommend the inclusion of salinity as a factor in modelling the adsorption capacity of membranes to prevent the oversaturation of membrane and minimise the release of contaminants into the environment.