bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of audit on IT governance: A study of the financial services sector in Ghana
Authors: Asmah Alexander , Kyobe Michael 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn recent years, IT governance has been a subject of discussion among academics and practitioners. The concern has been on the need to implement governance mechanisms and ensure the right balance of these mechanisms. However, the audit of IT governance mechanisms has received very little attention. This paper aims to analyse the overall impact of IT governance audits on the maturity and coherence of governance mechanisms. Guided by the configurational theory, the researchers argue that when governance mechanisms operate coherently and are regularly audited, there will be improvement in IT governance and the performance of financial institutions. In this study, seven financial services companies in Ghana were reviewed, and their IT governance maturity was assessed after seven months of auditing with a COBIT 5‐driven IT audit framework. Two surveys were conducted, one before and one after the auditing. The findings of the study confirm the claim that regular auditing improves IT governance maturity and coherence. Several governance mechanisms within the case organizations improved to one higher level of maturity on the Capability Maturity Model. This improvement was after seven months of auditing. Regular auditing also improved IT roles and responsibilities, empowered IT personnel and improved the IT budgetary control and architecture of the entities. This study has implications for practice. It emphasizes the importance of independent regular IT auditing and the need to ensure coherence among IT governance mechanisms if effective IT governance is to be achieved in financial institutions.
Engaging culturally and linguistically diverse youth in semiotic analysis for community‐based inquiry
Authors: Deroo Matthew R. , Axelrod Daryl , Kahn Jennifer 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis manuscript examines multimodal storytelling as community inquiry for an urban high school class of 30 first‐ and second‐generation bi/multilingual immigrant students, most of whom maintained transnational connections. We share how these students, in an A.P. Research class, engaged in community‐based inquiry and utilized various multimodal artifacts from a university cultural heritage collection, including a field trip to the cultural heritage archives, to analyze signs and symbols. We asked: How did students engage with semiotic resources and approaches to support inquiry about their school and neighborhood communities? Findings showed that students drew upon their linguistic and cultural experiences to analyze signs and symbols, yet in their digital storytelling presentations some student groups chose signs and symbols that reified stereotypical views of their neighborhood despite their insider status in the local community. We offer recommendations for using cultural heritage artifacts to advance multimodal meaning‐making in teaching and research.
A time‐series analysis examining implementation strategies to increase use of an early‐supported discharge hospital at home model
Authors: Sunkara Padageshwar , Nagaraj Raghava , Nguyen Hieu , Murphy Stephanie , Goslen Kevin , Barot Harsh , Hetherington Timothy , Stephens Casey , Isreal McKenzie , Kowalkowski Marc 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundEarly‐supported discharge (ESD) hospital‐at‐home (HaH) programs facilitate hospitalized patients to receive ongoing acute‐level care at home, thereby promoting patient‐centeredness while improving hospital throughput.ObjectivesThe current study aimed to test multiple implementation strategies to increase and sustain HaH ESD utilization.MethodsWe conducted interrupted time series analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of implementation strategies on weekly HaH ESD referrals and capacity utilization at five hospitals. Intervention 1 included provider‐focused education and HaH nurse navigator support (July 2021 to May 2022). Intervention 2 added provider‐level referral performance feedback and daily electronic health record‐based eligibility reports (May 2022 to December 2022). During postintervention (January 2023 to June 2023), implementation strategies were no longer supported by the study team. Clinical outcomes were assessed over time and between patient subgroups.ResultsThere were 5951 HaH ESD patients overall. After Intervention 2, we observed immediate increases in weekly HaH ESD referrals (level change mean difference [MD, 95% confidence interval]: 14.8, 5.9–23.6) and capacity utilization (level change MD: 13.9%, 6.2%–21.5%) and additional week‐to‐week increases in capacity utilization (slope change MD: 0.6%, 0.2%–0.9%), compared to Intervention 1 trends. HaH ESD referrals and capacity utilization were sustained postintervention. The proportion of provider‐initiated referrals increased over time (Intervention 1: 79.4%, Intervention 2: 90.9%, postintervention: 95.2%). As HaH ESD utilization increased, we observed shorter inpatient length of stay and fewer HaH ESD encounters per visit (p < 0.01). There were small, statistically significant differences in 30‐day mortality and readmission for residents of rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.ConclusionApplying referral‐focused provider feedback and daily eligibility reports were effective within a multicomponent approach to increase and sustain HaH ESD utilization.
Analysis of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Ding Beining , Zhang Youyu , Wu Yilin , Li Yongguo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is responsible for a spectrum of human diseases and demonstrates a considerable prevalence among various populations. Advances in molecular epidemiological research have enhanced our comprehension of EBV‐related pathologies. In this study, our objective was to examine the epidemiological profile and clinical features of EBV infection in Chongqing, China. We enrolled patients suspected of EBV‐related diseases who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between May 2013 and November 2022. Inclusion criteria were based on those who underwent EBV‐specific immunofluorescence or plasma EBV‐DNA testing. Among 13 584 inpatients, the overall seropositivity rates for EBNA‐1‐IgG, EBV‐VCA‐IgM, EBV‐EA‐IgG, EBV‐EA‐IgA, EBV‐VCA‐IgA, and EBV‐DNA were 91.89%, 7.22%, 18.00%, 16.19%, 30.78%, and 18.00%, respectively. The seropositivity rate for EBNA‐1‐IgG steadily increased with age. The seropositivity rate for VCA‐IgM, an indicator of acute EBV infection, was highest in patients aged 11–20 years at 26.41%, decreasing to 2%–6% in older patients. Additionally, among 205 outpatients, the EBV‐DNA positivity rate was 14.15%. In 3670 individuals from health check‐up centers, the seropositivity rates for EBV‐EA‐IgA and EBV‐VCA‐IgA were 11.96% and 28.09%, respectively, and the EBV‐DNA positivity rate was 11.92%, all of which were lower than those in inpatients. Among the 762 EBV‐DNA positive inpatients, adults aged 31–40 years were the least affected, with a seropositivity rate of 12.00%, which increased with age. The most common diseases associated with primary EBV infection were infectious mononucleosis (IM) (35.49%), followed by EBV infection (14.15%) and pneumonia (7.19%). The most common diseases associated with EBV reactivation were pneumonia (16.80%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) (11.02%), and autoimmune diseases (7.04%). Patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) had the highest viral load, significantly higher than those with NPC, pneumonia, and liver cirrhosis. This large‐scale retrospective study explores the epidemiological characteristics and disease spectrum of EBV infection across all age groups. The findings contribute to the improvement of diagnostic and management strategies for EBV infection.
Big data analysis reveals significant increases in complications, costs, and hospital stay in revision total knee arthroplasty compared to primary TKA
Authors: Laver Lior , Maman David , Hirschmann Michael T. , Mahamid Assil , Bar Ofek , Steinfeld Yaniv , Berkovich Yaron 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionDespite significant advancements in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), some patients require revision surgery (R‐TKA) due to complications such as infection, mechanical loosening, instability, periprosthetic fractures, and persistent pain. This study aimed to explore the specific causes leading to R‐TKA, associated complications, including infection, mechanical failure, and wound issues, as well as costs, mortality rates, and hospital length of stay (LOS) using data from a large national database.MethodsData from the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS), the largest publicly available all‐payer inpatient care database in the United States were analysed from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019. The study included 44,649 R‐TKA cases, corresponding to 223,240 patients, with exclusions for nonelective admissions. Various statistical analyses were used to assess clinical outcomes, including in‐hospital mortality, postoperative complications, LOS, and hospitalization costs.ResultsAmong 2,636,880 TKA patients, 8.4% underwent R‐TKA. R‐TKA patients had higher rates of chronic conditions, including mental disorders (36.4%) and renal disease (9.9%). Additionally, these patients often experienced instability, necessitating revision surgery. Infection (22.3%) was the primary reason for R‐TKA, followed by mechanical loosening (22.9%) and instability. Compared to primary TKA patients, R‐TKA patients exhibited higher in‐hospital mortality (0.085% vs. 0.025%), longer LOS (3.1 vs. 2.28 days), and higher total charges ($97,815 vs. $62,188). Postoperative complications, including blood transfusion (4.6% vs. 1.3%), acute kidney injury (4.4% vs. 1.8%), venous thromboembolism (0.55% vs. 0.29%), infection, and wound problems, were significantly higher in R‐TKA patients.ConclusionsThis study provides detailed insights into t LOS, costs, and complications associated with specific etiologies of revision TKA. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted preoperative optimization and patient education. This approach can help reduce the incidence and burden of R‐TKA, improve patient care, optimize resource allocation, and potentially decrease the overall rates of complications in revision surgeries.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Unveiling Phenotypic and Environmental Dynamics: Exploring Genetic Stability and Adaptability of Faba Bean Cultivars in Norwegian Climates
Authors: Mohammadi Shirin , Lillemo Morten , Ergon Åshild , Shafiee Sahameh , Zanotto Stefano , Dieseth Jon Arne , Waalen Wendy , Grieu Chloé , Uhlen Anne Kjersti 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated 22 spring‐type faba bean cultivars in the main areas for cultivation of faba bean in Norway to assess the variation of 14 faba bean traits due to cultivar (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E), and to assess their stability across environments by using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis and coefficient of variation (CV). Significant G, E, and G × E effects were found for most traits, with environment accounting for much of the variance in yield and the growing degree days (GDD) to different developmental stages. Yield was highly correlated with thousand kernel weight (TKW) and GDD to BBCH 89 (maturation). The stability of the cultivars was studied for yield, TKW, and GDD to BBCH 89. Stability analysis using the AMMI stability value, yield stability index, CV, and the average sum of ranks identified Birgit, Stella, Bobas, and Macho as the most stable high‐yielding cultivars across environments, achieving a mean yield of 6–6.4 tons ha−1. Bobas, Macho, Stella, and Yukon had the most stable TKW (612–699 g) and Bobas, Capri, Trumpet, and Vertigo were the most stable regarding GDD to BBCH 89 (1257°C days, with a base temperature of 5°C). These stable cultivars can be utilized in breeding programs to achieve high and stable faba bean yield in the main growing areas of Norway and other Nordic‐Baltic countries.
Genetic Analysis for Seed Yield and Yield‐Related Traits in Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) Under Drought‐Stress and Non‐stress Conditions
Authors: Mwale Saul Eric , Shimelis Hussein , Nkhata Wilson , Sefasi Abel , Fandika Isaac , Mashilo Jacob 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTTepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) is an under‐utilized genetic resource with significant potential for food security and stress tolerance breeding. Expanding its cultivation in southern Africa requires high‐yielding, locally adapted and drought‐tolerant varieties. This study determined the combining ability and genetic components for seed yield and related traits in tepary bean genotypes under non‐stress (NS) and drought‐stress (DS) conditions. Seven parents were selected through rigorous phenotyping and crossed using a half‐diallel design. The 7 parents and 21 F2 progenies were evaluated in 2021/2022 season at Kasinthula and Bunda sites in Malawi under NS and DS conditions using a 4 × 7 lattice design with three replications. The specific combining ability (SCA) × location interaction effect was significant (p < 0.05) for DTF, NPP, and SY, suggesting that the genetic effects of crosses were influenced by the test locations. General combining ability (GCA) and SCA mean squares were significant for the number of seeds per pod (NSP) and SY under DS conditions, indicating both additive and non‐additive gene effects. Baker's ratio (BR) > 0.50 for NPP and NSP under DS conditions suggested a preponderance of additive gene effects. G40145, G40148 and G40150 parental lines were good combiners for NPP and SY. The F2 families from crosses such as Zimbabwe landrace/G40138, Zimbabwe landrace/G40150, G40059/G40145, G40059/G40148, G40138/G40150 and G40145/G40150 were identified as best specific combiners, with enhanced SY of 1.67 t/ha under DS conditions. The study recommends advancing high‐performing early‐generation families for selection across representative environments to facilitate variety release and commercialization.
Thermochemical Corrosion of Furnace Materials in Atmospheres Containing Ammonia
Authors: Sommer Michaela , Steinbacher Matthias , Hoja Stefanie 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFurnace components are made from heat‐resistant materials that must withstand the long‐term effects of the atmospheres used during heat treatment. In a nitriding furnace, the atmosphere usually consists of various gaseous media that react not only with the treated parts but also with the furnace equipment. This leads to thermochemical corrosion, even with carefully selected heat‐resistant and stainless steels or nickel‐based alloys. The present research focuses on determining the long‐term effects of ammonia‐containing atmospheres on the metallic furnace materials AISI 309, AISI 314, Alloy 600, and Alloy 601. The materials studied were exposed to numerous nitriding or nitrocarburizing treatments for more than 10 years to investigate the long‐term effects of repeated contact with ammonia‐containing atmospheres. The surface layers of the samples were characterized by several methods to determine the microstructural changes due to nitrogen absorption. A different nitrogen absorption of the metallic furnace materials from the heat treatment atmosphere, depending on the material properties, could be proven by the investigations.
Machine Learning–Assisted Risk Assessment of Pitting Corrosion Susceptibility of AA1050 in Ethanol‐Containing Fuels
Authors: Jarren Lukas C. , Gazenbiller Eugen , Arya Visheet , Reitz Rüdiger , Oechsner Matthias , Feiler Christian , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. , Höche Daniel 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe ability to assess the risk of corrosion of metallic structures in particular environments holds considerable significance in the field of automotive industry. In recent years, machine learning has evolved into a crucial tool to evaluate the complex and multidimensional corrosion phenomena. In this paper, the special case of non‐aqueous alcoholate pitting corrosion of AA1050 in ethanol‐blended fuels with water and chloride contamination is examined via supervised machine learning techniques in order to distinguish between safe and unsafe conditions. The data space was created by conducting dedicated experiments with varying ethanol–fuel–water ratios, temperatures, and surface preparations. The classifier's performance rating of 0.87 (balanced accuracy) indicates an outstanding predictive ability and highlights the model's usefulness as decision support for subsequent experiments.
Noncircular Slip Surface Search on Slopes Based on Minimum Potential Energy Method and Improved SA Algorithm
Authors: Tang Yi , Lin Hang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe limit equilibrium method has been widely used in the study of searching the slip surface of slopes. However, the method ignores the deformation characteristics of the rock mass and assumes that the shape of the slip surface is circular, which is quite different from the actual situation of the slope. For this reason, this paper proposes a fast search method for noncircular slip surface considering the deformation characteristics of the rock mass. The method is able to calculate the compression and shear deformation energies stored in the slip surface, as well as the virtual displacement generated by the slide mass when the slope is in a critical equilibrium state. The direction of motion of the slide mass is further calculated from the magnitude of the virtual displacement. In addition, this paper improves the generation of new solutions in the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm for the structural characteristics of the slip surface of the slope, thus achieving a fast search of the slip surface. Finally, the method of this paper is compared with the test question of ACADS and the simulation results of the finite difference method (FDM) to verify the effectiveness of the method of this paper.
Mechanical, free vibration, electrical, and water absorption properties of vinyl ester composites reinforced with Phoenix sp. fibers: Influence of eco‐friendly sodium bicarbonate treatment
Authors: Rajeshkumar G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEnvironmentally sustainable and eco‐friendly natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites have become the materials of interest in replacing synthetic fibers. However, weak interfacial interaction between hydrophilic natural fibers and hydrophobic polymer matrix limits their commercial applicability. Improving the interfacial interaction using environmentally friendly chemical treatments would be beneficial for both industries and the environment. In this study, vinyl ester‐based composites were made by incorporating Phoenix sp. fibers in different content (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) and lengths (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm). To improve the interfacial interactions, the fibers were treated with eco‐friendly sodium bicarbonate solution at different durations (24, 120, and 240 h) prior to reinforcing. The fabricated composites were characterized by mechanical, free vibration, electrical resistance, and water uptake properties. The results reveal that both fiber content and fiber length have a significant effect on the above properties. Specifically, the composites incorporated with 20 wt% of 15 mm length fibers offered better properties. Further, the composites added with 120 h treated fibers have the maximum tensile strength (61.35 MPa) and modulus (4.13 GPa), flexural strength (152.63 MPa) and modulus (10.24 GPa), impact strength (24.67 kJ/m2), and natural frequency (56.72 Hz). This improvement is mainly due to the improved interfacial bonding, which was evidenced in morphological analysis. Based on the findings, the eco‐friendly treated sustainable Phoenix sp. fibers could be used as a promising reinforcement material for fabricating light weight polymer composites for various industrial applications.Highlights
Various properties of Phoenix sp. fiber/epoxy composites were investigated.
Interfacial bonding is enhanced through eco‐friendly chemical treatments.
Vibration behavior of composites improved due to high stiffness of treated fibers.
Composites with treated fibers have excellent electrical and water resistance.
Exploring the effects of fiber content and length on mechanical, free vibration, electrical, and water absorption properties of Phoenix sp. fiber‐reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Rajeshkumar G. , Vigneshwaran K. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis work addresses the experimental investigation of the mechanical, free vibration, electrical resistivity, and moisture uptake characteristics of Phoenix sp. fiber‐reinforced polyester composites (PFRPC) fabricated using the compression molding method. The polyester matrix (PM) was added with Phoenix sp. fibers (PSFs) of different content (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) and length (10, 20, and 30 mm) and studied their effect on the aforesaid properties. The results reveal that the composites having 20 wt% of 20 mm length PSFs exhibited optimum mechanical properties. At this loading, the ultimate tensile strength and modulus were 48.36 MPa and 2.86 GPa, respectively, while the flexural strength and modulus were 83.89 MPa and 2.91 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, this composite exhibits an impact strength of 22.04 kJ/m2 and an interlaminar shear strength of 41.88 MPa. The increase in PSF content and length resulted in greater stiffness and decreased mass of the composites, leading to an enhanced natural frequency. The inclusion of PSFs showed a decline in electrical resistivities due to their moisture‐absorbing capability. In contrast, the hydrophilic behavior of PSFs led to a rise in the water absorption rate of the composites due to the increase in fiber variables. Scanning electron microscopy examination shows that short fiber‐reinforced composites have more fiber pull‐outs due to the limited area of contact, whereas long fiber‐added composites possess better bonding with the PM.Highlights
Various properties of Phoenix sp. fiber/polyester composites were investigated
Increase in fiber content enhanced the mechanical performance of composites
Variation in fiber length has only minimal effect on composite properties
Phoenix sp. fiber/polyester composites exhibit better insulating property
Preparation and characterization of waterborne silicone modified epoxy resin
Authors: He Lihong , Wang Jialing , Yang Liming , Yang Fan , Ma Yuefan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSilicone modified epoxy resin was synthesized with bisphenol‐A epoxy resin (E51) and dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS), and waterborne silicone modified epoxy resin (WSER) was prepared. The WSER emulsion exhibited good stability with particle size ranging from 0.5 to 2 μm. Compared with waterborne epoxy resin (WER) cured film, the water resistance of WSER cured film was enhanced by the excellent hydrophobicity of DMDCS. Furthermore, the WSER cured film with 6% DMDCS showed better mechanical properties, and Shore hardness and tensile strength of that were greatly increased. Moreover, the corrosion resistance and ultraviolet (UV) aging resistance of WSER cured film were obviously improved compared to WER cured film.Highlights
Dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS) was employed to modify bisphenol‐A epoxy resin (E51).
Waterborne silicone modified epoxy resin (WSER) was prepared by phase inversion method.
WSER cured films did better than WER cured film in water resistance and mechanical properties.
WSER cured films showed good corrosion resistance and ultraviolet aging resistance.