bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intermediate, Local and Glocal Innovation Models for MNCs Targeting Emerging Markets: The Case of a European Telco Operator in Africa and the Middle East
Authors: Ben Mahmoud-Jouini Sihem , Charue-Duboc Florence , Hadengue Marine 
Published: June 2021

In this article, we highlight an alternate model of innovation for multinational corporations from advanced markets targeting emerging markets. This model, labeled the intermediate model, is characterized by the nature of the targeted markets as well as the development process. We show that, conversely to the glocal and local models, the intermediate model mixes corporate and local resources from the early stage of the innovation process, during the development and, until the deployment and commercialization of the innovation in the successive emerging markets. We address these questions through the case of a French telco operator targeting Africa and the Middle East.
La Russie : une cyber-puissance ?
Authors: Bertran Marie-Gabrielle 
Published: June 2021

Depuis 2013 et les révélations d’Edward Snowden, la problématique de la souveraineté numérique est devenue un enjeu central en Russie. Selon ce nouveau paradigme, le gouvernement russe a lancé une politique de promotion du développement logiciel dans le pays, appuyée par les acteurs privés qui en bénéficient au premier chef. Une stratégie de russification des logiciels employés sur le territoire semble également avoir émergé, sous la forme de nouvelles normes visant à réglementer la conception, le fonctionnement et l’usage des outils informatiques. Ce passage de l’industrie numérique à une position majeure (à valeur stratégique) en Russie, dans le but d’assurer à la fois les intérêts de l’État et des entreprises russes sur le territoire, mais aussi en-dehors, peut ainsi amener à se demander si le pays compte désormais parmi les puissances internationales du numérique : la Russie est-elle devenue une cyber-puissance ?
Le vecteur asiatique : leurre ou atout de la puissance russe ?
Authors: Facon Isabelle 
Published: June 2021

D’une manière générale, l’intention affichée depuis plusieurs années par Moscou de rééquilibrer sa diplomatie et ses relations économiques extérieures au profit du « vecteur asiatique » suscite le scepticisme. Dans les pays occidentaux, ce rééquilibrage est fréquemment considéré comme étant essentiellement le produit de la crise des rapports stratégiques entre la Russie et la communauté euro-atlantique après l’annexion de la Crimée en 2014. Experts et chercheurs russes, quant à eux, semblent également perplexes. Cependant, et pour difficile qu’il soit, le « pivot asiatique » de la Russie mérite attention, car il correspond pour ce pays à des enjeux ayant trait à la fois à sa sécurité et à son statut revendiqué de grande puissance. La question est de savoir si la Russie joue au mieux les possibilités ouvertes par un contexte asiatique qui lui est apparemment un peu plus favorable.
Characterisation of secretome-based immune responses of human leukocytes infected with variousMycobacterium tuberculosislineages
Authors: Kaewseekhao Benjawan , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Yingchutrakul Yodying , Laohaviroj Marut , Salao Kanin , Faksri Kiatichai 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDifferences in immune responses against different lineages ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb), and by different types of immune cell, are still poorly understood. We aimed to compare the secretome-based immune responses among threeMtblineages and among immune-cell types. The immune responses were also investigated during infection and when the bacilli had been eliminated from the immune cells.MethodsHuman primary leukocytes were infected with strains representing three lineages ofMtb(East-Asian, Indo-Oceanic and Euro-American). Label-free GeLC MS/MS proteomic analysis of secretomes was performed. The response of each immune-cell type was compared with the appropriate interactome database for each.ResultsThe expression pattern of proteins secreted byMtb-infected leukocytes differed amongMtblineages. The ancestral lineage (IO lineage) had a greater ability to activate MMP14 (associated with leukocyte migration) than did the more recent lineages (EA and EuA). During infection, proteins secreted by macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils and B-cells were associated with cell proliferation. Following clearance ofMtb, proteins associated with interferon signaling were found in macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils: proteins associated with antigen processing were found in B-cells and regulatory T-cells. Expression of immune response-related proteins from many immune-cell types might be suppressed byMtbinfection.Our study has provided a better insight into the host-pathogen interaction and immune response against differentMtblineages.
Notes on a newly discovered population of the Pygmy Copperhead Austrelaps labialis (Jan, 1859) in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Authors: Scott Shawn , Biffin Richard 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
The Pygmy Copperhead Austrelaps labialis is South Australia’s only endemic snake, being native to the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula; with an additional allopatric population on Kangaroo Island. Within the AMLR, it inhabits stringybark forests and adjacent dense vegetation, occupying a total area of ~150 km2. Here, we document a newly discovered and seemingly isolated population at the north-eastern extent of its known mainland distribution. We visited Lobethal Bushland Park from 2013–2018 and observed snakes of varying age and size, while documenting their ecology and behaviour. In late 2019, the site was decimated by catastrophic wildfire and its persistence here remains unknown. Alongside descriptions of our observations, we suggest measures for the conservation of this vulnerable population in its remnant habitat if it has survived the impacts of wildfire.
Linear and Non-Linear Modelling of Nigerian Crude Oil Prices
Authors: Leneenadogo Wiri , U Sibeate Pius 
Published: June 2021

To model Nigeria crude oil prices, this analysis compared univariate linear models to univariate nonlinear models. The data for this analysis was gathered from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monthly Statistical Bulletin. The upward and downward movement in the series revealed by the time plot suggests that the series exhibit a regime-switching pattern: the cycle of expansion and contraction. At lag one, the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test was used to test for stationarity. For univariate linear ARIMA (p, d, q)) and univariate non-linear MS-AR, seven models were estimated for the linear model and two for the non-linear model. The best model was chosen based on the criterion of least information criterion, AIC (2.006612), SC (2.156581), and the maximum log-likelihood of (-150.5480) for the crude oil prices were used to pick MS-AR (1) for the series. In analysing crude oil prices data, the MS-AR model proposed by Hamilton outperforms the linear autoregressive models proposed by Box- Jenkins. The model was used to predict the series' values over a one-year cycle (12 months).
Morphoecological characteristics of grasses used to restore degraded semi‐arid African rangelands
Authors: Mganga Kevin Z. , Kaindi Eric , Ndathi Aphaxard J.N. , Bosma Luwieke , Kioko Theophilus , Kadenyi Nancy , Wambua Stephen M. , van Steenbergen Frank , Musimba Nashon K.R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractProgressive loss of productivity and plant diversity is a concern in global rangelands. In African rangelands, this process is partly attributed to heavy and uncontrolled grazing by livestock and wildlife, leading to land degradation. Therefore, restoring such degraded rangelands is critical for enhancing ecosystem health and securing the livelihoods of millions of people.Active restoration strategies, for example, reseeding using indigenous perennial grasses, have been identified as a viable ecological solution for restoring degraded African rangelands. Grass species indigenous to African rangelandsCenchrus ciliarisL. (African foxtail grass),Eragrostis superbaPeyr. (Maasai love grass),Enteropogon macrostachyus(Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Monro ex Benth. (Bush rye grass),Chloris roxburghianaSchult. (Horsetail grass) andChloris gayanaKunth. cv Boma (Rhodes grass) were established in a semi‐arid rangeland in Africa under natural conditions to compare their morphoecological characteristics and suitability for use in ecological restoration. Biomass dry matter yields, plant densities, basal cover, seed production, tiller densities and plant height were measured.Chloris gayanacv Boma andE. superbaproduced significantly higher dry matter biomass yields and attained higher seed production than other species. High biomass and seed production indicate their suitability to support livestock production and replenish depleted soil seed banks, respectively.Enteropogon macrostachyusandC. ciliarisdisplayed significantly higher values for components of establishment and ecological restoration success, that is, plant densities, tiller densities and basal cover. Overall,C. roxburghianaranked lowest in the measured morphoecological characteristics.Successful restoration of degraded African semi‐arid rangelands using indigenous grass reseeding can best be achieved through careful selection of grasses to take advantage of their specific morphoecological characteristics. This selection should primarily be informed by the intended use of the rangeland and the specific challenges of restoring each site.
Fundamental study on quality assurance (QA) procedures for a real‐time tumor tracking radiotherapy (RTRT) system from the viewpoint of imaging devices
Authors: Kimura Suguru , Miyamoto Naoki , Sutherland Kenneth L. , Suzuki Ryusuke , Shirato Hiroki , Ishikawa Masayori 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeThe real‐time tumor tracking radiotherapy (RTRT) system requires periodic quality assurance (QA) and quality control. The goal of this study is to propose QA procedures from the viewpoint of imaging devices in the RTRT system.MethodsTracking by the RTRT system (equips two sets of colored image intensifiers (colored I.I.s) fluoroscopy units) for the moving gold‐marker (diameter 2.0 mm) in a rotating phantom were performed under various X‐ray conditions. To analyze the relationship between fluoroscopic image quality and precision of gold marker coordinate calculation, the standard deviation of the 3D coordinate (σ3D [mm]) of the gold marker, the mean of the pattern recognition score (PRS) and the standard deviation of the distance between rays (DBR) (σDBR [mm]) were evaluated.ResultsWhen tracking with speed of 10‐60 mm/s, σDBR increased, though the mean PRS did not change significantly (p>0.05). On the contrary, the mean PRS increased depending on the integral noise equivalent quanta (∫NEQ) that is an indicator of image quality calculated from the modulation transfer function (MTF) as an indicator of spatial resolution and the noise power spectrum (NPS) as an indicator of noise characteristic.ConclusionThe indicators of NEQ, MTF, and NPS were useful for managing the tracking accuracy of the RTRT system. We propose observing the change of these indicators as additional QA procedures for each imaging device from the commissioning baseline.
What Is the Persistence to Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Does Machine Learning Outperform Hypothesis‐Based Approaches to Its Prediction?
Authors: Westerlind Helga , Maciejewski Mateusz , Frisell Thomas , Jelinsky Scott A , Ziemek Daniel , Askling Johan 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to assess the 1‐year persistence to methotrexate (MTX) initiated as the first ever conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug in new‐onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to investigate the marginal gains and robustness of the results by increasing the number and nature of covariates and by using data‐driven, instead of hypothesis‐based, methods to predict this persistence.MethodsThrough the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register, linked to other data sources, we identified a cohort of 5475 patients with new‐onset RA in 2006‐2016 who were starting MTX monotherapy as their first disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug. Data on phenotype at diagnosis and demographics were combined with increasingly detailed data on medical disease history and medication use in four increasingly complex data sets (48‐4162 covariates). We performed manual model building using logistic regression. We also performed five different machine learning (ML) methods and combined the ML results into an ensemble model. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and made calibration plots. We trained on 90% of the data, and tested the models on a holdout data set.ResultsOf the 5475 patients, 3834 (70%) remained on MTX monotherapy 1 year after treatment start. Clinical RA disease activity and baseline characteristics were most strongly associated with the outcome. The best manual model had an AUROC of 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60‐0.71). For the ML methods, Lasso regression performed best (AUROC = 0.67; 95% CI 0.62‐0.71).ConclusionApproximately two thirds of patients with early RA who start MTX remain on this therapy 1 year later. Predicting this persistence remains a challenge, whether using hypothesis‐based or ML models, and may yet require additional types of data.
Adaptive fixed‐time tracking control for stochastic pure‐feedback nonlinear systems
Authors: Liang Yanjun , Li Yuan‐Xin , Hou Zhongsheng 
Published: June 2021

SummaryThe article discusses the adaptive fixed‐time control problems for the stochastic pure‐feedback nonlinear systems. Different from the existing results, the priori information of unknown virtual control coefficients (UVCC) is no longer needed in this article, which is realized by emplying the bound estimation method and well‐defined smooth functions. A novel semi‐global practical fixed‐time stability criterion for the stochastic nonlinear systems is presented. Correspondingly, a new construction of Lyapunov function is proposed for the nonlinear stochastic system by adding the lower bounds of the UVCC. Based on the fuzzy logical system and fixed time stability theorem, a novel adaptive fuzzy fixed‐time tracking control algorithm for stochastic nonlinear system is raised firstly. By theoretical analysis, we can conclude that the whole variables of the controlled system are bounded almost surely and the output can track the desired reference signal to a very small compact set within a predefined fixed‐time interval. Finally, the raised method is illustrated by two simulation examples.
Stability analyses on a towed underwater vehicle motion control system using a high‐gain observer
Authors: Minowa Asuma , Toda Masayoshi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper presents stability analyses on a towed underwater vehicle (TUV) motion control system using movable wings. The control method utilized is an output‐feedback controller based on linear state‐feedback control and a high‐gain observer. In order to analyze the closed‐loop stability of the system, the singular perturbation method is employed. Not only the asymptotic stability of the system is proved, but also an estimate of its region of attraction is derived. To describe a region of attraction, we propose a method by employing a hyper rhombus, which is quite suitable for quadratic Lyapunov functions. Further, to obtain a less conservative estimate, a state‐space‐scaling method is devised and its efficacy is evaluated by comparing with the conventional estimation method. Then, results of regulation simulations with various initial conditions are provided, which explores the consistency and gap between the theoretical estimate and the simulation results, and the robustness of the control system. Finally, a depth‐tracking control system via switching controllers is constructed according to the results of the stability analysis which investigates configuration of multiple equilibria with different depths and their regions of attraction, and demonstration simulation results are presented to illustrate the validity of the perspective given by the stability analysis.
Ligand and Anion Co‐Leaching Induced Complete Reconstruction of Polyoxomolybdate‐Organic Complex Oxygen‐Evolving Pre‐Catalysts
Authors: Liu Xiong , Xia Fanjie , Guo Ruiting , Huang Meng , Meng Jiashen , Wu Jinsong , Mai Liqiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe coordination compounds in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have been researched extensively. However, their poor durability (mostly < 100 h) and controversial reconstruction mechanism restrict their practical applications. Herein, a new‐type polyoxomolybdate‐organic complex (POMo) via wet‐chemistry synthesis with fixed coordination between metal centers (Ni2+ and [Mo8O26]4−) and 2‐Methylimidazole ligand is introduced. After introducing iron, a series of Fe‐doped Ni‐POMo with porous and amorphous structures are fabricated. These features accelerate the diffusion‐leaching processes of ligands and anions, resulting in rapid and complete phase reconstruction during alkaline OER. As a result, nickel‐iron (oxy)hydroxides with rich vacancies and poly‐/low‐crystalline features are in situ generated through dissolution‐redeposition, and serve as the OER‐active species. The optimized Fe0.052Ni‐POMo array pre‐catalyst has excellent activity and sustains ultrastable catalysis for 545 h. The complete reconstruction of POMo enables high catalytic durability (230 h) and stable active phase under realistic conditions (30 wt% KOH, 60.9 °C). Accordingly, the completely reconstructed catalysts with unique structures and ultrastable catalysis have the potential to be applied in industry.
Enabling the Unconstrained Epidermal Pulse Wave Monitoring via Finger‐Touching
Authors: Wang Xue , Yang Jun , Meng Keyu , He Qiang , Zhang Gaoqiang , Zhou Zhihao , Tan Xulong , Feng Zhiping , Sun Chenchen , Yang Jin , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUnconstrained measurement of physiological signals including electrocardiograph, respiration, and temperature by sensors through incorporation into commonly used objects has sparked a notable revolution in healthcare monitoring. However, unconstrained precision epidermal pulse wave monitoring is rarely reported. Although the current flexible skin‐mounted sensors can capture pulse waves, they lack the capability to perceive tiny pulse pressure in an unconstrained manner. Herein, utilizing thin‐film materials and multilevel microstructure design, an ultrathin and flexible sensor (UFS) with the features of high flexibility, shape‐adaptability, and ultra‐broad‐range high pressure sensitivity is proposed for unconstrained precision pulse wave sensing. Given these compelling features, the UFS is mounted to the surfaces of commonly used objects and successfully detects the fingertip pulse wave even under an ultra‐broad‐range finger‐touching force. Key cardiovascular parameters are also extracted from the acquired fingertip pulse wave accurately. Furthermore, a proof‐of‐concept healthcare system, by combining the UFS and flexible devices (for example, flexible phones or E‐newspapers) is demonstrated, offering a great advancement in developing an all‐in‐one system for IoT‐based bio‐health monitoring at all times and places.
Ferroic Halide Perovskite Optoelectronics
Authors: Liu Yongtao , Kim Dohyung , Ievlev Anton V. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Ahmadi Mahshid , Ovchinnikova Olga S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMetal halide perovskites (MHPs) as one of the most active materials gained tremendous attention in the past decade because of their outstanding performance in optoelectronics. Owing to their perovskite structure, ferroelectricity is anticipated in this class of materials. However, whether MHPs are ferroelectric or not remains elusive. Recently, discussion regarding ferroelasticity in MHPs has been also raised. In addition, ionic motion and structural dynamics are well known in MHPs. The interplay of these phenomena including electric polarization, strain, ionic motion, and structural dynamics can have a significant impact on optoelectronics. Therefore, understanding the mechanism behind these phenomena and their interactions is critical in addressing the controversy about ferroicity of MHPs and developing functional devices. Here, the current findings about MHP's ferroicity are summarized and evaluated and a perspective for the future is provided. It is suggested that ionic motion and associated phenomena, coupled with ferroic behavior, are the main drivers behind MHPs functionality. The challenges are also discussed in probing MHPs’ ferroicity and what new measurement modalities are needed to fully understand and characterize MHP behavior. Finally, it is discussed how ferroic and strain can affect the optoelectronic performance of MHPs and how they can be used for engineering of higher performance devices.
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators, Neuromuscular Interfaces, and Foreign Body Response in Artificial Neuromuscular Prostheses: A Review of the Literature for an In Vivo Application
Authors: Bruschi Alessandro , Donati Davide Maria , Choong Peter , Lucarelli Enrico , Wallace Gordon 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe inability to replace human muscle in surgical practice is a significant challenge. An artificial muscle controlled by the nervous system is considered a potential solution for this. Here, this is defined as a neuromuscular prosthesis. Muscle loss and dysfunction related to musculoskeletal oncological impairments, neuromuscular diseases, trauma or spinal cord injuries can be treated through artificial muscle implantation. At present, the use of dielectric elastomer actuators working as capacitors appears a promising option. Acrylic or silicone elastomers with carbon nanotubes functioning as the electrode achieve mechanical performances similar to human muscle in vitro. However, mechanical, electrical, and biological issues have prevented clinical application to date. Here materials and mechatronic solutions are presented which can tackle current clinical problems associated with implanting an artificial muscle controlled by the nervous system. Progress depends on the improvement of the actuation properties of the elastomer, seamless or wireless integration between the nervous system and the artificial muscle, and on reducing the foreign body response. It is believed that by combining the mechanical, electrical, and biological solutions proposed here, an artificial neuromuscular prosthesis may be a reality in surgical practice in the near future.
Programmable Assembly of π‐Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Hicks Garion E. J. , Li Sheng , Obhi Nimrat K. , Jarrett‐Wilkins Charles N. , Seferos Dwight S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstractπ‐Conjugated polymers have numerous applications due to their advantageous optoelectronic and mechanical properties. These properties depend intrinsically on polymer ordering, including crystallinity, orientation, morphology, domain size, and π–π interactions. Programming, or deliberately controlling the composition and ordering of π‐conjugated polymers by well‐defined inputs, is a key facet in the development of organic electronics. Here, π‐conjugated programming is described at each stage of material development, stressing the links between each programming mode. Covalent programming is performed during polymer synthesis such that complex architectures can be constructed, which direct polymer assembly by governing polymer orientation, π–π interactions, and morphological length‐scales. Solution programming is performed in a solvated state as polymers dissolve, aggregate, crystallize, or react in solution. Solid‐state programming occurs in the solid state and is governed by polymer crystallization, domain segregation, or gelation. Recent progress in programming across these stages is examined, highlighting order‐dependent features and assembly techniques that are unique to π‐conjugated polymers. This should serve as a guide for delineating the many ways of directing π‐conjugated polymer assembly to control ordering, structure, and function, enabling the further development of organic electronics.