bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of lumping heterogenous conduct problems: aggression and rule-breaking rely on distinct spontaneous brain activity
Authors: Dugré Jules Roger , Potvin Stéphane 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that aggression and rule-breaking may have distinct origins. However, grouping these heterogeneous behaviors into a single dimension labelled Conduct Problems (CP) has become the norm rather than the exception. Yet, the neurobiological features that differentiate aggression and rule-breaking remain largely unexplored. Using a large sample of children and adolescents (n = 1360, 6–18 years old), we examined the common and specific brain activity between CP, aggression, and rule-breaking behaviors. Analyses were conducted using fMRI resting-state data from a 10-minute session to explore the correlations between low frequency fluctuations and both broad and fine-grained CP dimensions. The broad CP dimension was associated with deficits in the precentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and tempo-parietal junction. However, only the superior temporal gyrus was shared between aggression and rule-breaking. Activity of the precentral gyrus was mainly associated with rule-breaking, and the temporo-parietal cortex with aggression. More importantly, voxel-wise analyses on fine-grained dimensions revealed additional specific effects that were initially obscured when using a broad CP dimension. Finally, we showed that the findings specific to aggression and rule-breaking may be related to distinct brain networks and mental functions, especially ventral attention/sensorimotor processes and default mode network/social cognitions, respectively. The current study highlights that aggression and rule-breaking may be related to distinct local and distributed neurobiological markers. Overall, using fine-grained dimensions may provide a clearer picture of the role of neurobiological correlates in CP and their invariance across measurement levels. We advocate for adopting a more thorough examination of the lumping/splitting effect across neuroimaging studies on CP.
Effects of invisible body and optic flow on experience of users voluntarily walking in a VR environment
Authors: Weerashinghe Asiri , Kobayashi Hajime , Nomura Shusaku , Kamiura Moto , Takahashi Tatsuji , Nishiyama Yuta 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStudies have demonstrated that a multi-modal virtual reality (VR) system can enhance the realism of virtual walking. However, a few studies explore the body awareness altered by visual presentation of virtual body and optic flow during locomotion in VR. This study investigated the impact of invisible body and optic flow on experience of users voluntarily walking in a camera-image VR environment. Participants wearing a head-mounted display performed six-step walking at their own timing. Three experimental conditions providing visible body and optic flow as a baseline, invisible body and optic flow, and invisible body and no flow, were conducted on three different days. We found that losing visual body per se decreased the feeling of being-there-now. However, providing continuous optic flow maintained virtual presence equivalent to the baseline in terms of immersion and natural walking, as opposed to providing discontinuous flow. We discussed these results in association with body awareness.
Adolescent pilonidal disease laser treatment (a-PiLaT): a pilot study
Authors: Romanova A. , Nissen M. , Alrefai M. , Hubertus J. , Deska T. , Senkal M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Pilonidal disease (PD) is an acquired condition related to hair-induced mechanical forces on the skin surface of the intergluteal cleft, with subsequent abscess formation with or without a concomitant draining sinus (pit). While surgical management currently is the mainstay of treatment, pilonidal disease laser treatment (PiLaT) has recently been recognized as a promising treatment option for non-inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of available data on adolescent pilonidal disease laser treatment (a-PiLaT).

Methods
We describe our preliminary experience with PiLaT performed in adolescents aged 10–17 years at our tertiary paediatric surgical hospital from 2019 to 2023. Data on perioperative characteristics and clinical outcomes at follow-up were retrospectively analysed.

Results
A total of 17 consecutive patients (n = 12 female, 71%) underwent a-PiLaT. At the time of treatment, the patients’ mean age and body mass index were 13.6 ± 1.6 years and 25.3 ± 5.6 kg m−2, respectively. The mean operative time was 21.5 ± 10.4 min, whereas the mean follow-up period was 24.5 ± 16.8 months, with a complication rate of 24% (n = 4) and recurrence rate of 18% (n = 3). With respect to postsurgical scar assessment, the mean Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores (score range 6–60, with higher scores indicating worse outcome) were 14.2 ± 6.5 (patients’ evaluation) and 11.4 ± 4.7 (observers’ evaluation).

Conclusion
The a-PiLaT represents a novel approach for managing PD in adolescents. Our preliminary data on the outcomes of a small series of patients with pilonidal sinuses after a-PiLaT indicated complication and recurrence rates comparable to those reported in the literature for adults. This new minimally invasive technique has great potential and is therefore worthy of further research on a larger population.
Gauging Airbnb review sentiments and critical key-topics by small area estimation
Authors: Frigau Luca , Contu Giulia , Ortu Marco , Carta Andrea 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn literature, several researchers have discovered that the reviews written about Airbnb accommodation tend to be extremely positive than those published on other famous platforms, consequently, many negative experiences remain untracked. Leaving negative experiences underrepresented hampers hosts’ ability to improve their services. To overcome this gap, we employ Small Area Estimation to quantify negative sentiment in Airbnb reviews and the relative critical topics that characterize them. Our methodology involves a two-step process: first, we employ sentiment analysis and topic modeling to identify negative sentiment and critical issues, followed by the application of a mixed effect random forest model to provide a granular analysis of Airbnb reviews in small sub-populations in the context of small area estimation. We focus on domains of the city of Rome defined by geographical areas and the presence of hosts and Superhosts. Our findings reveal nuanced sentiment variations and critical topic proportions that traditional methods often overlook.
The impact of design and operational parameters on the optimal performance of direct air capture units using solid sorbents
Authors: Ward Adam , Papathanasiou Maria M. , Pini Ronny 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDirect capture of CO$$_2$$

2

from ambient air is technically feasible today, with commercial units already in operation. A demonstrated technology for achieving direct air capture (DAC) is chemical separation of CO$$_2$$

2

in a steam-assisted temperature-vacuum swing adsorption (S-TVSA) process. However, the potential to develop scalable solutions remains high, requiring a detailed understanding of the impact of both process design and operation on the performance of the DAC unit. Here, we address this knowledge gap by presenting a state-of-the-art process simulation tool for the purification of CO$$_2$$

2

from ambient air by a 5-step S-TVSA process. By considering the benchmark adsorbent APDES-NFC, we conduct multi-objective productivity/energy usage optimization of the DAC unit, subject to the requirement of producing a high purity CO$$_2$$

2

product ($$\ge 95$$

≥
95

%). For the base case scenario, we find a maximum productivity of Pr$$_{\max } = 6.20$$

max

=
6.20

kg/m$$^3$$

3

/day and a minimum specific equivalent work of W$$_{\text {EQ},\min } = 1.66$$

EQ
,
min

=
1.66

MJ/kg. While in reasonable agreement with published data, our results indicate that the description of both competitive adsorption and adsorption kinetics are key factors in introducing uncertainty in process model predictions. We also demonstrate that the application of formal optimization techniques, rather than design heuristics, is central to reliably assess the process performance limits. We identity that system designs employing moderate CO$$_2$$

2

sorption kinetics and contactors with low length-to-radius ratios yield the best performance in terms of system productivity. Finally, we find that moderate-high ambient relative humidities (50–75%) offer significantly favourable performance, and that a wide range of feed temperatures (5–30 $$^\circ$$

∘

C) can be accommodated via process optimization without a significant impact on performance.
Maternal serum PlGF associates with 3D power doppler ultrasound markers of utero-placental vascular development in the first trimester: the rotterdam periconception cohort
Authors: de Vos Eline S. , Danser A. H. Jan , Koning Anton H. J. , Willemsen Sten P. , van der Meeren Lotte E. , Steegers Eric. A. P. , Steegers-Theunissen Régine P. M. , Mulders Annemarie G. M. G. J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objective (s)
Circulating angiogenic factors are used for prediction of placenta-related complications, but their associations with first-trimester placental development is unknown. This study investigates associations between maternal angiogenic factors and utero-placental vascular volume (uPVV) and utero-placental vascular skeleton (uPVS) as novel imaging markers of volumetric and morphologic (branching) development of the first-trimester utero-placental vasculature.

Methods
In 185 ongoing pregnancies from the VIRTUAL Placenta study, a subcohort of the ongoing prospective Rotterdam Periconception cohort, three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasounds of the placenta were obtained at 7–9–11 weeks gestational age (GA). The uPVV was measured as a parameter of volumetric development and reported the vascular quantity in cm3. The uPVS was generated as a parameter of morphologic (branching) development and reported the number of end-, bifurcation- crossing- or vessel points and total vascular length. At 11 weeks GA, maternal serum biomarkers suggested to reflect placental (vascular) development were assessed: placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sEng). sFlt-1/PlGF and sEng/PlGF ratios were calculated. Multivariable linear regression with adjustments was used to estimate associations between serum biomarkers and uPVV and uPVS trajectories.

Results
Serum PlGF was positively associated with uPVV and uPVS development (uPVV: β = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.15;0.64; bifurcation points: β = 4.64, 95% CI = 0.04;9.25; crossing points: β = 4.01, 95% CI = 0.65;7.37; total vascular length: β = 13.33, 95% CI = 3.09;23.58, all p-values < 0.05). sEng/PlGF ratio was negatively associated with uPVV and uPVS development. We observed no associations between sFlt-1, sEng or sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and uPVV and uPVS development.

Conclusion(s)
Higher first-trimester maternal serum PlGF concentration is associated with increased first-trimester utero-placental vascular development as reflected by uPVV and uPVS.
Clinical trial registration number Dutch Trial Register NTR6854.
Radio continuum emission from planetary nebulae in the Small Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Asher A. D. , Filipović M. D. , Bojičić I. , Alsaberi R. Z. E. , Crawford E. J. , Leverenz H. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe report 11 new radio continuum measurements of established planetary nebulae (PNe) in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) that we observed at 5.5 and 9 GHz with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). These new radio detections are PNe with catalogued names: SMP SMC 2, SMP SMC 3, SMP SMC 5, SMP SMC 8, SMP SMC 13, SMP SMC 14, SMP SMC 19, MGPN SMC 8, SMP SMC 22, SMP SMC 26 and SMP SMC 27. We supplement our data with available high-resolution radio observations from MeerKAT and construct the spectral energy distribution (SED) in the radio regime for each PN. We determine the angular diameters of four of the eleven PNe from radio flux density alone using SED modelling, which are compared to the corresponding Hubble Space Telescope (HST) optical diameters. Our results are in good agreement with the optically-derived angular diameters from independent HST observations. We plot our new diameter estimates against a larger sample of Galactic PNe and compare diameters obtained via the SED method to those found in the literature. Our sample diameters, when compared to the Galactic PNe, suggest that the angular diameter measurement methods are comparable independent of the distance.
Achieving structural heterogeneity and high multi-taxon biodiversity in managed forest ecosystems: a European review
Authors: Uhl Britta , Schall Peter , Bässler Claus 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe European Biodiversity Strategy has set the key goal to maintain and promote biodiversity. Managed forests here play a key role, as they are among the most diverse ecosystems. To create biodiversity rich managed forest landscapes, we need a deep understanding on how management affects forest structure and subsequently habitat quality on the local and landscape level. However, to date a confusingly large amount of different terms for various management systems exist and it remains unclear how forest structure and composition affected by specific management systems affect biodiversity. Here, we first aim to clarify forest management systems terminology. Second, we link existing management systems with forest structure and review at European level how these structures affect local α-, as well as landscape-scale β- and γ-biodiversity. We found that research and derived management guidelines have a strong focus on local forest stand heterogeneity and related α-diversity, while ignoring the importance of landscape-scale heterogeneity and therefore β- and γ-diversity. Instead of promoting one management system as an all-in-one-solution, a diversity of different forest management systems seems the most promising way to create biodiversity rich forest landscapes. We finally discuss how a combination of different management systems might help to create structurally rich forest habitats and landscapes, simulating different successional stages and promoting species rich communities.
Governing the Responsible Investment of Slack Resources in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Performance: How Beneficial are CSR Committees?
Authors: Heubeck Tim , Ahrens Annina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPossessing slack resources enables businesses to invest in innovative and stakeholder-focused initiatives. Therefore, we posit that higher slack resources encourage businesses to allocate these resources to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Moreover, as a central sustainability governance mechanism, we hypothesize that the corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee supports investing slack resources in ESG initiatives. Using data from Nasdaq-100 firms, we find initial support for a positive effect of slack resources for ESG. However, further analyses reveal that slack resources become detrimental to ESG after an economically relevant threshold, indicating an inverted U-shaped effect of slack resources. Additionally, despite their generally positive effect, we uncover that CSR committees cannot effectively enhance the benefits of low or moderate slack levels for ESG nor prevent the detriments of elevated slack levels for ESG. Therefore, our study significantly contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding slack resources, ESG, and the usefulness of CSR committees. These findings hold significant implications for ethical resource allocation, urging firms and their decision-makers to reconsider the dual-edged role of slack resources in the unique ESG context and support the CSR committee in realizing its potential for promoting sustainability and ethical practices within the organization.
Effect of ionic liquid [emim][OAc] on the set recovery behavior of densified wood
Authors: Zhang Shiying , Meinhard Halvar , Collins Steven , Lourencon Tainise V. , Rautkari Lauri 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWood modification techniques, like densification, can improve the mechanical performance of low-density and undervalued wood species, rendering them suitable for high-value engineering applications. Nevertheless, densified wood (DW) commonly manifests a set recovery (SR) phenomenon when exposed to water, negating the enhancements achieved through densification. Our method addresses the SR issue and the non-recyclability associated with conventionally produced DW using chemical techniques in wood densification. To mitigate SR in DW, an ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate was impregnated as a cellulose plasticizing agent prior to wood densification. This method facilitated permanent deformation within the cellulose network, resulting in negligible SR. Moreover, the DW treated with IL (DW_1w) demonstrated an increase in both modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity after water washing and subsequent redrying, in comparison to the untreated control (UC). Notably, spectroscopic (FTIR) analyses indicated that the chemical structure of DW_1w remained akin to that of UC. Additionally, the IL leached out during the DW-water washing step can be recovered. This research contributes to advancing sustainable alternatives to less ecologically friendly (chemical) pretreatment methods to reduce SR related issues in DW.
The relationship between molecular weight of bacterial cellulose and the viscosity of its copper (II) ethylenediamine solutions
Authors: Yu Huayang , Lanot Alexandra , Mao Ningtao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThere are difficulties in measuring the molecular weight (Mw) of bacterial cellulose (BC) using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analysis. Additionally, the Mark-Houwink-Sakurada equation cannot be used to predict the Mw of BC as no Mark-Houwink-Sakurada constant specific to BC is available. In this study, a systematic approach is developed to establish the relationship between the Mw of BC and the viscosity of its copper (II) ethylenediamine (CED) solutions. Impurities contained in the raw BC are examined and appropriate purification procedures are designed for their removal before the above two measurements are conducted. The Mw of BC is obtained by measuring the Degree of Polymerization of its corresponding cellulose acetate (CA), derived from degraded BC, using GPC analysis, and the viscosity of the CED solutions of the BC is measured using a BS/U Tube viscometer. In this paper, the Mark–Houwink–Sakurada constants (K=0.3752 mL/g and $$\alpha$$
α
=1.4532) specific for BC are determined to relate the Mw of BC with the intrinsic viscosity of its CED solutions. It is also found that the Mw of BC is proportional to the dynamic viscosity (i.e.,$$\eta _{BC} =0.0183Mw^{1.3069}$$

η

BC

=
0.0183
M

w

1.3069

) and the flow time (i.e., $$t_{BC} =1.3809$$

t

BC

=
1.3809

Mw$$^{1.3062}$$

1.3062

) of its CED solutions. These BC-specific relationships can help determine the Mw of BC from the rheological properties of its CED solutions.
Reconciling Tracking Error Volatility and Value-at-Risk in Active Portfolio Management: A New Frontier
Authors: Lucchetti Riccardo , Nicolau Mihaela , Palomba Giulio , Riccetti Luca 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article introduces the Risk Balancing Frontier (RBF), a new portfolio boundary in the absolute risk-total return space: the RBF arises when two risk indicators, the Tracking Error Volatility (TEV) and the Value-at-Risk (VaR), are both constrained not to exceed pre-set maximum values. By focusing on the trade-off between the joint restrictions on the two risk indicators, this frontier is the set of all portfolios characterized by the minimum VaR attainable for each TEV level. First, the RBF is defined analytically and its mathematical properties are discussed: we show its connection with the Constrained Tracking Error Volatility Frontier (Jorion in Financ Anal J, 59(5):70–82, 2003. https://doi.org/10.2469/faj.v59.n5.2565) and the Constrained Value-at-Risk Frontier (Alexander and Baptista in J Econ Dyn Control, 32(3):779–820, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jedc.2007.03.005) frontiers. Next, we explore computational issues implied with its construction, and we develop a fast and accurate algorithm to this aim. Finally, we perform an empirical example and consider its relevance in the context of applied finance: we show that the RBF provides a useful tool to investigate and solve potential agency problems.
New distance bounds for quasi-cyclic codes
Authors: Özbudak Ferruh , Özkaya Buket 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe consider the minimum weight of codewords in a quasi-cyclic code and characterize the estimate in its most general setup using their concatenated structure. The new bound we derive generalizes the Jensen and Güneri–Özbudak bounds and it holds for the more general class of multilevel concatenated codes.
Ambient lighting alters pattern electroretinogram P50 peak time and spatial sensitivity
Authors: Tucker Lisa , Marmoy Oliver R. , Handley Siân E. , Thompson Dorothy A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Our aim was to explore the effect of ambient lighting on the pattern ERG (PERG).

Methods
We compared PERGs recorded in two conditions; room lights on and room lights off. PERGs from 21 adult participants were recorded from each eye to high contrast checks of 50’ side width, reversing 3rps in a large (30°) and then standard (15°) field. This was performed first in lights-ON conditions, then 2 min after the room lights were switched off. A minimum of 2 averages of 300 trials were acquired for each condition. A subset of 10 participants had PERGs recorded to a 50’ check width with a range of stimulus contrasts (96–18%), also to a range of different check widths (100’–12’) at high contrast in both ambient lighting conditions in a 30° field.

Results
The lights-ON P50 median peak time (PT) was 3 ms earlier than the lights-OFF P50 from the 30° field (range 0–5 ms) and 15° field (range 0–6 ms). The earlier lights-ON P50 PT was evident at different stimulus contrasts, even after accounting for stimulus contrast reductions associated with stray ambient lighting in lights-ON conditions. Lights-OFF and lights-ON P50 PT were similar to different check widths; the lights-OFF P50 PT to a 50’ check width matched the lights-ON P50 PT to a 25’ check width.

Conclusion
PERG P50 PT in lights-ON ambient light conditions can be earlier than in lights-OFF ambient light conditions. The difference in P50 PT with ambient light may reflect alterations in spatial sensitivity associated with retinal adaptation. These results emphasise the clinical importance of consistent ambient lighting for PERG recording and calibration.