bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid crystalline elastomers as artificial muscles and flexible actuators for robotics/hybrid engineered machinery
Authors: Ince Joshua , Prasad Krishnamurthy , Subhani Karamat , Duffy Alan , Salim Nisa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractReducing the weight and profile of machinery and robotics is currently a prime challenge for materials scientists and engineers alike. Solving this challenge could lead to an improvement in space travel feasibility, manufacturing capability, and the birth of new medical interventions and technologies altogether. LCEs are currently considered to hold good potential as artificial muscles due to their unique molecular structure. With the recent boom in materials science and the emergence of advanced fabrication techniques, LCE-based artificial muscles/flexible actuators are at the cusp of commercialization. LCEs can now be fabricated into several different forms (films, fibers, and 3D printed arbitrary shapes). Furthermore, LCE artificial muscles fabricated using these advanced techniques can also be functionalized so that they can controllably be triggered into actuating via stimuli such as light or electrical currents. This has led to reports of several LCE-based artificial muscles which boast impressive performance as artificial muscles. For example, recently certain Joule heating LCE fibers can directly be stimulated into actuation via the application of electrical currents and can actuate on sub-second time frames and outperform human skeletal muscles in terms of actuation stress. Given this, whilst currently there are no commercial applications of LCEs as artificial muscles in robotics, we believe that LCEs are poised to soon be directly applicable as artificial muscles in the broader field of robotics, which inspired us to author this review. This review presents an overview of the mechanisms, synthetic methods, and alignment methods for LCEs. In addition, we provide the latest achievements in fabrication techniques and means of inducing/controlling the actuation of LCEs. We do so in the aspiration that this review can bridge the gap that exists between academia and industry on the topic of LCEs.
Graphical abstract
Illustration of LCEs acting as artificial muscles in robotics.
Biomechanical Analysis of the “Cuban Motion”
Authors: Centrone Antonia , Viglialoro Rosanna M. , Di Pietro Andrea , Di Puccio Francesca 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
“Cuban Motion” (CM) is a term often used to label a basic movement of many Latin-American dances, such as salsa and bachata. It is characterized by a cyclical and rhythmic flexion and rotation of the pelvis, accompanied by ample movements of the spine and lower limbs. Since Latin dances are considered both a recreational activity and a kind of healthy gymnastics for young and older subjects, a biomechanical analysis of the CM was performed to quantitatively assess the main features of this movement, from joint kinematics to muscle activations.

Method
The study combined experimental acquisitions with a Vicon Motion Capture system and musculoskeletal analyses in OpenSim. Only one subject was considered, an instructor of Latin dances, who was equipped with 55 retro-reflective markers, according to the Full Body CGM2.5 marker set. Data were processed in OpenSim, using the ThoracoLumbar model (111 DoFs and 620 musculo-tendon actuators).

Results
The cycle of the CM and its main events were defined. Results showed a wide RoM of many joints, with correlations between hip and knee flexion angles and among list, between hip adduction and shoulder flexion. The main role of the iliopsoas and the ileus costalis muscles was observed.

Conclusions
The current study quantified the CM as a physical exercise using a biomechanical approach similar to a gait analysis. The main kinematic and kinetic features were described, also providing an estimation of the muscle activations and joint reactions, derived from simulation activity in OpenSim. The main limitation of this study is the focus on a single subject, but this step was necessary to define a context and guidelines for future investigations, where we are going to compare èlite vs. novices and male vs. female dancers.
PMVd/PPDd model for predicting thermal comfort in air-conditioned buildings in hot and humid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ze Ze Cyrille Brice , Nneme Nneme Léandre , Monkam Louis 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe model for predicting thermal comfort conditions established by Fanger remains widely used in scientific work, as a default means of in situ measurements. However, the use of Fanger data leads to dissatisfaction among users of air-conditioned buildings in humid tropical areas. This conclusion emerges from the work of Kemajou and al. (Cameroon) and Olissan and al. (Benin) in 2012, after survey studies on the judgments of thermal sensations of people occupying various air-conditioned spaces. This article develops a correction model for the Fanger model, by coupling the latter to models for predicting skin temperature and heat loss by evaporation of sweat through the skin, as well as to the skin thermal sensitivity of people active in a humid tropical climate. The model thus determined shows that the predicted optimal comfort temperatures are located in the range of 26.1 °C to 27.5 °C and better meets the expectations of the populations in this region. The respective differences with the investigations of Kemajou and al. and those of Olissan and al. are 0.40 °C and 0.55 °C. It also appears that the comfort humidity range is 30% to 80%, apart from any other safety measures.
From dreamers to doers: A personal and job resources interaction among intrapreneurial managers
Authors: Lajçi Rrezon , Berisha Gentrit , Bach Norbert 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Drawing on job-demands resources and self-consistency theories, this study investigates individual and contextual factors influencing managers’ intrapreneurial intention (INI). We focus on the role of personal resources (organization-based self-esteem and proactivity) related to INI. Further, we analyze job resources (top management support and role clarity) shaping INI, and their interaction with proactivity. Our data comprises 193 Kosovan managers employed in companies varying in size and industry. The results show that organization-based self-esteem and proactivity are positively related to INI. Additionally, proactivity serves as the underlying mechanism, mediating organization-based self-esteem-INI relationship. Furthermore, job resources – top management support and role clarity – strengthen the likelihood of INI among proactive employees, suggesting a moderated mediation model.
By jointly examining individual and contextual antecedents of INI, this study contributes to the debate of who the intrapreneur is and what nurtures his/her inclinations. Furthermore, this is among the few studies to examine INI using a managerial sample and in an emerging economy context.
Analyzing the impact of work meaningfulness on turnover intentions and job satisfaction: A self-determination theory perspective
Authors: Wandycz-Mejias Joanna , Roldán Salgueiro José Luis , Lopez-Cabrales Alvaro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
While employees actively seek out workplaces that offer meaningful work experiences, the concept of meaningful work remains notably underexplored within the turnover literature. The present study addresses this gap by examining the role of work meaningfulness among knowledge workers and its direct and indirect effects on turnover intentions and job satisfaction through the lens of self-determination theory. Our findings show significant effects on turnover intentions and job satisfaction, with work meaningfulness emerging as a stronger predictor of job satisfaction, while still contributing to reducing turnover intentions. Most extant literature focuses on sources and ways to enhance work meaningfulness. We contribute to more recent research on its relationship with its outcomes especially the link with turnover intentions, offering insight into a relationship that has produced few, but conflicting,results.
Responses to observing others caught cheating: The role of schadenfreude
Authors: Motro Daphna , Perkins Benjamin G. , Ellis Aleksander P. J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhile unethical acts are common in the business world, we know little about how employees react when they observe coworkers caught engaging in unethical behavior. This is both theoretically and practically relevant, given that many supervisors take unethical behavior in the workplace very seriously. Drawing on appraisal theory, we argue that observing a coworker caught engaging in unethical behavior elicits feelings of schadenfreude. Then, this positive feeling spills over to a separate task and enhances performance. Finally, we suggest that trait empathy can weaken this effect because individuals with high trait empathy are more likely to understand the motivations of the person caught. Across two studies, our results showed that perpetrators getting caught increased schadenfreude among observers, which then increased their subsequent task performance. However, trait empathy did not significantly affect these results. Our work contributes to the literature on unethical behavior and emotions in the workplace.
Functional morphology of the Ediacaran organism Tribrachidium heraldicum
Authors: Olaru A. , Gutarra-Diaz S. , Racicot R. A. , Dunn F. S. , Rahman I. A. , Wang Z. , Darroch S. A. F. , Gibson B. M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTribrachidium heraldicum is an Ediacaran body fossil characterized by triradial symmetry. Previous work has suggested that the anatomy of Tribrachidium was conducive to passive suspension feeding; however, these analyses used an inaccurate model and a relatively simple set of simulations. Using computational fluid dynamics, we explore the functional morphology of Tribrachidium in unprecedented detail by gauging how the presence or absence of distinctive anatomical features (e.g., apical pits and arms) affects flow patterns. Additionally, we map particle pathways, quantify deposition rates at proposed feeding sites, and assess gregarious feeding habits to more fully reconstruct the lifestyle of this enigmatic taxon. Our results provide strong support for interpreting Tribrachidium as a macroscopic suspension feeder, with the apical pits representing loci of particle collection (and possibly ingestion) and the triradial arms representing morphological adaptations for interrupting flow and inducing settling. More speculatively, we suggest that the radial grooves may represent ciliated pathways through which food particles accumulating in the wake of the organism were transported toward the apical pits. Finally, our results allow us to generate new functional hypotheses for other Ediacaran taxa with a triradial body plan. This work refines our understanding of the appearance of suspension feeding in shallow-water paleoenvironments, with implications for the radiation of Metazoa across the Ediacaran/Cambrian boundary.
Reproductive response of the predator Tenuisvalvae notata (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to temperatures outside their ideal thermal range
Authors: Carmo Enggel Beatriz S. , Silva-Torres Christian S. A. , Torres Jorge Braz 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGlobal warming has driven changes in the biology and fitness of organisms that need to adapt to temperatures outside of their optimal range to survive. This study investigated aspects of reproduction and survival of the lady beetle Tenuisvalvae notata (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) subjected to temperatures that varied from its optimal (28°C) to a gradual decrease (12, 14, 16, and 18°C) and increase (32, 34, 35, and 36°C) over time at a rate of 1°C/day. Fertility, fecundity, oviposition period, and survival were determined. There was a significant reduction in fertility and fecundity at temperatures below 18°C and above 34°C, whereas survival was reduced only above 34°C. Additionally, we evaluated that fecundity was the lowest when females were kept at low temperature, and when males were kept under high temperature. Therefore, if the T. notata remained for a long period under exposure to temperatures outside the ideal range, then the species could present different reproductive responses for each sex to high and low temperatures. This factor must be considered when releasing natural enemies into an area to understand the effect of temperature on the decline of a local population a few generations after release.
Redeeming the orphaned souls: fragments of a Mongolian translation from Khara-khoto
Authors: Galambos Imre 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn 1983 and 1984, archaeologists excavated at the ruins of Khara-khoto, Inner Mongolia, about 3,000 fragments of handwritten and printed texts from the Yuan period (1271–1368). The texts were chiefly written in Chinese and Tangut but also included a handful of other languages. Among a small group of texts in Mongolian were fragments of a woodblock-printed book with illustrations, using the Uyghur script. The content of the text, as well as the presence of a few interlinear Chinese characters, made it clear that this was a translation of a Chinese work, probably of Daoist content. Because the folios were incomplete, the narrative framework of the text could only be reconstructed partially, which is also why the source text has not been identified so far. This article locates Chinese versions of the story and identifies one of them as the closest to that used by the translator. This, in turn, helps to improve our interpretation of the Mongolian fragments and provide background information for understanding the context of the text's circulation in the Khara-khoto region. My primary aim here is to engage with the original Chinese story, rather than the translation and its place in Mongolian literature.
Cokernel statistics for walk matrices of directed and weighted random graphs
Authors: Van Werde Alexander 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe walk matrix associated to an
$n\times n$
integer matrix
$\mathbf{X}$
and an integer vector
$b$
is defined by
${\mathbf{W}} \,:\!=\, (b,{\mathbf{X}} b,\ldots, {\mathbf{X}}^{n-1}b)$
. We study limiting laws for the cokernel of
$\mathbf{W}$
in the scenario where
$\mathbf{X}$
is a random matrix with independent entries and
$b$
is deterministic. Our first main result provides a formula for the distribution of the
$p^m$
-torsion part of the cokernel, as a group, when
$\mathbf{X}$
has independent entries from a specific distribution. The second main result relaxes the distributional assumption and concerns the
${\mathbb{Z}}[x]$
-module structure.The motivation for this work arises from an open problem in spectral graph theory, which asks to show that random graphs are often determined up to isomorphism by their (generalised) spectrum. Sufficient conditions for generalised spectral determinacy can, namely, be stated in terms of the cokernel of a walk matrix. Extensions of our results could potentially be used to determine how often those conditions are satisfied. Some remaining challenges for such extensions are outlined in the paper.
The CHD severity classification system: development of a tool to assist with disease stratification for CHD research
Authors: O’Malley Bridget R. , Raja Nayem , Blue Gillian M. , Winlaw David S. , Sholler Gary F. ,   the Congenital Heart Disease Synergy Study Group
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground:Complexity stratification for CHD is an integral part of clinical research due to its heterogenous clinical presentation and outcomes. To support our ongoing research efforts into CHD requiring disease severity stratifications, a simplified CHD severity classification system was developed and verified, with potential utility for clinical researchers without specialist CHD knowledge or access to clinical/medical records.Method:A two-tiered analysis approach was undertaken. First-tier analysis included the audit of a comprehensive system based on: i) timing of intervention, ii) cardiac morphology, and iii) cardiovascular physiology using real patient data (n = 30), across 10 common CHD lesions. Second-tier analysis allowed for a simplified version of the classification system using morphology as a stand-alone predictor. Twelve clinicians of varying specialities involved in CHD care ranked 10 common lesions from least to most severe based on typical presentation and clinical course.Results:First-tier analysis identified that cardiac morphology was the principal driver of complexity. Second-tier analysis largely confirmed the ranking and classification of the lesions into the broad CHD severity groups, although some variation was noted, specifically among non-cardiac specialists. This simplified version of the classicisation system, with morphology as a stand-alone predictor of severity, allowed for effective stratification for the purposes of analysis.Conclusion:The findings presented here support this comprehensive and simple CHD severity classification system with broad utility in CHD research, particularly among clinicians and researchers with limited knowledge of CHD. The model may be applied to produce locally relevant research tools.
Left aortic arch and aberrant right subclavian artery in children: spectrum of symptoms and response to surgical intervention
Authors: Cole Lianne , Brown Jennifer , Yasuda Jessica , Ngo Peter , Staffa Steven J. , Crilley Naomi , Chiu Peter , Zendejas Benjamin , Baird Christopher 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground:Children with left aortic arch and aberrant right subclavian artery may present with either respiratory or swallowing symptoms beyond the classically described solid-food dysphagia. We describe the clinical features and outcomes of children undergoing surgical repair of an aberrant right subclavian artery.Materials and methods:This was a retrospective review of children undergoing repair of an aberrant right subclavian artery between 2017 and 2022. Primary outcome was symptom improvement. Pre- and post-operative questionnaires were used to assess dysphagia (PEDI-EAT-10) and respiratory symptoms (PEDI-TBM-7). Paired t-test and Fisher’s exact test were used to analyse symptom resolution. Secondary outcomes included perioperative outcomes, complications, and length of stay.Results:Twenty children, median age 2 years (IQR 1–11), were included. All presented with swallowing symptoms, and 14 (70%) also experienced respiratory symptoms. Statistically significant improvements in symptoms were reported for both respiratory and swallowing symptoms. Paired (pre- and post-op) PEDI-EAT-10 and PEDI-TBM-7 scores were obtained for nine patients, resulting in mean (± SD) scores decreasing (improvement in symptoms) from 19.9 (± 9.3) to 2.4 (± 2.5) p = 0.001, and 8.7 (± 4.7) to 2.8 (± 4.0) p = 0.006, respectively. Reoperation was required in one patient due to persistent dysphagia from an oesophageal stricture. Other complications included lymphatic drainage (n = 4) and transient left vocal cord hypomobility (n = 1).Conclusion:Children with a left aortic arch with aberrant right subclavian artery can present with oesophageal and respiratory symptoms beyond solid food dysphagia. A thorough multidisciplinary evaluation is imperative to identify patients who can benefit from surgical repair, which appears to be safe and effective.
Staged ventricular recruitment following single-ventricular palliation in unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect with heterotaxy syndrome
Authors: Im Somin , Kwak Jae Gun , Kim Woong-Han 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA newborn with unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect and heterotaxy syndrome underwent early surgeries for single-ventricular palliation due to a small left ventricle. Following procedures, including the modified Damus–Kaye–Stansel, there was a notable increase in left ventricular size. This progression allowed successful biventricular repair at 7 months. This case highlights potential ventricular development after palliative procedures in patients with borderline ventricular size.
The development of the Negative Mental Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ-N)
Authors: Oaie Florentina Ecaterina , Bower Joanne L. , Steel Craig 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Mental imagery plays a key role in the onset and maintenance of psychological disorders, and has become the target of psychological interventions for the treatment of several anxiety-related conditions. However, there are currently no transdiagnostic measures designed to assess the varied dimensions of mental imagery relevant to psychopathology.

Aim:
To develop and validate a new measure assessing the experiences and appraisals of negative mental imagery.

Method:
The initial item pool was generated through a comprehensive literature review and interviews with subject-matter experts. An online community sample provided data for the exploratory (n=345) and confirmatory (n=325) factor analyses.

Results:
The new 16-item Negative Mental Imagery Questionnaire demonstrated four subscales (Intrusiveness, Controllability, Beliefs about Mental Imagery, and Realness). Reliability and validity were good to excellent for both the full- and sub-scales.

Conclusions:
Appraisals of mental imagery captured by the new measure are consistent with previous research on mental imagery and psychopathology.
Food group intakes and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein among community-dwelling Japanese adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Matsunaga Takashi , Wakai Kenji , Imaeda Nahomi , Goto Chiho , Tamada Yudai , Kato Yasufumi , Kubo Yoko , Okada Rieko , Nagayoshi Mako , Tamura Takashi , Hishida Asahi , Ikezaki Hiroaki , Otonari Jun , Takashima Naoyuki , Miyagawa Naoko , Matsuo Keitaro ,   Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study Group
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Healthy dietary patterns have been linked to lower levels of chronic inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between food group intakes and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) among community-dwelling adults.

Design:
Cross-sectional.

Setting:
Three areas in Japan (Shiga, Fukuoka, or Kyushu and Okinawa).

Participants:
The present analysis included 13 648 participants (5126 males and 8522 females; age range, 35–69 years) who had been enrolled in the baseline survey of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. Food group intakes were estimated using a FFQ. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between the quartiles of each energy-adjusted food group intake and log-transformed hsCRP.

Results:
The following concentration ratios of hsCRP after comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of food group intake were significant: in males, 1·12 (95 % CI 1·02, 1·22) for processed meat, 1·13 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·24) for fish and 0·83 (95 % CI 0·76, 0·90) for nuts; in females, 0·89 (95 % CI 0·81, 0·97) for bread, 1·11 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·19) for processed meat, 0·86 (95 % CI 0·80, 0·92) for vegetables, 1·19 (95 % CI 1·11, 1·29) for fruit, 0·90 (95 % CI 0·84, 0·97) for nuts and 0·88 (95 % CI 0·82, 0·95) for green tea.

Conclusions:
Processed meat and nut intakes were associated with higher and lower hsCRP levels, respectively, in both sexes. However, for several food groups, including fish and fruit, previous findings from dietary pattern analyses were not supported by the present analyses at the food group level.