bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polynomial Optimization Over Unions of Sets
Authors: Nie Jiawang , Zhang Linghao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper studies the polynomial optimization problem whose feasible set is a union of several basic closed semialgebraic sets. We propose a unified hierarchy of Moment-SOS relaxations to solve it globally. Under some assumptions, we prove the asymptotic or finite convergence of the unified hierarchy. Special properties for the univariate case are discussed. The application for computing (p, q)-norms of matrices is also presented.
Emergence of a novel FRI-type carbapenemase; blaFRI-12 in Enterobacter asburiae located on an IncR plasmid
Authors: Mataseje Laura F. , Doualla-Bell Florence , Fakharuddin Ken , Wong Simon , Yechouron Ariane 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCarbapenem-resistance in Enterobacter spp due to acquisition of mobile carbapenemases is of concern. An Enterobacter spp grew on ChromID CARBA medium and was positive for the mCIM carbapenemase detection assay. Susceptibility testing showed resistance to aztreonam and reduced susceptibility to imipenem. Conventional PCR using FRI primers detected a blaFRI gene. Whole genome sequencing reveled a new variant; blaFRI−12 was closest in sequence to blaFRI−5 differing by 13 amino acids and was found on a unique 110Kb IncR plasmid. Given the intrinsic nature of Enterobacter spp. to be carbapenem non-susceptible, blaFRI-types may be under reported globally.
Toward SMEs digital transformation success: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sagala Gaffar Hafiz , Őri Dóra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe core success of digital transformation among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) still needs to be clarified and comprehensively discussed. Meanwhile, SMEs cannot exploit digital advantages due to their limited strategic empirical and practical knowledge. This study aims to (1) describe the research pattern in the SME’s digitalization area; (2) identify the core success factors of SMEs' digital transformation to gain business success; (3) search for relevant business aspects that are necessary for SME digital transformation; and (4) develop further research agenda in the field of SMEs’ digital transformation. This study uses a systematic literature review and thematic analysis to determine core success factors suggested by primary studies. The literature review suggests that (1) SMEs should consider their baseline, limitation, and idiosyncratic to develop an aligned digitalization strategy; (2) SMEs should consider starting with incremental and gradually improving digitalization; and (3) SMEs should commit to investing in education and continuous learning.
Post-earthquake rapid seismic demand estimation at unmonitored locations via Bayesian networks
Authors: Mesbahi Pooria , García-Macías Enrique , Breccolotti Marco , Ubertini Filippo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPost-earthquake safety assessment of buildings and infrastructure poses significant challenges, often relying on time-consuming visual inspections. To expedite this process, safety criteria based on a demand-capacity model are utilized. However, rapid assessment frameworks require accurate estimations of intensity measures (IMs) to estimate seismic demand and assess structural health. Unfortunately, post-earthquake IM values are typically only available at monitored locations equipped with sensors or monitoring systems, limiting broader assessments. Simple spatial interpolation methods, while possible, struggle to consider crucial physical factors such as earthquake magnitude, epicentral distance, and soil type, leading to substantial estimation errors, especially in areas with insufficient or non-uniform seismic station coverage. To address these issues, a novel framework, BN-GMPE, combining a Bayesian network (BN) and a ground motion prediction equation (GMPE), is proposed. BN-GMPE enables inference and prediction under uncertainty, incorporating physical parameters in seismic wave propagation. A further novelty introduced in this work regards separating the near and far seismic fields in the updating process to attain a clearer understanding of uncertainty and more accurate IM estimation. In the proposed approach, a GMPE is employed for the estimation, and the bias and standard deviation of the prediction error are updated after any new information is entered into the network. The proposed method is benchmarked against a classic Kriging interpolator technique, considering some recent earthquake shocks in Italy. The proposed BN framework can naturally extend for estimating the probability of failure of various structures in a targeted region, which represents the ultimate aim of this research.
Ultra-Wideband PIN-PD THz Emitter with > 5.5 THz Bandwidth
Authors: Deumer Milan , Nellen Simon , Lauck Sebastian , Keyvaninia Shahram , Berrios Shaffi , Kieper Matti , Schell Martin , Kohlhaas Robert B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe present novel PIN photodiode (PD) continuous wave (cw) terahertz (THz) emitters with an increased responsivity and reduced substrate thickness compared to the state-of-the-art. Our improved devices feature up to 4 dB higher output power below 500 GHz with maximum power of -0.53 dBm at 115 GHz and strongly reduced THz absorption of the substrate for frequencies above 3 THz. The latter enables us to measure coherent cw THz spectra with a record bandwidth of 5.5 THz, for the first time, which is 1 THz (22%) more than the state-of-the-art.
Adaptive Optimization of Hyper-Parameters for Robotic Manipulation through Evolutionary Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Onori Giulio , Shahid Asad Ali , Braghin Francesco , Roveda Loris 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDeep Reinforcement Learning applications are growing due to their capability of teaching the agent any task autonomously and generalizing the learning. However, this comes at the cost of a large number of samples and interactions with the environment. Moreover, the robustness of learned policies is usually achieved by a tedious tuning of hyper-parameters and reward functions. In order to address this issue, this paper proposes an evolutionary RL algorithm for the adaptive optimization of hyper-parameters. The policy is trained using an on-policy algorithm, Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), coupled with an evolutionary algorithm. The achieved results demonstrate an improvement in the sample efficiency of the RL training on a robotic grasping task. In particular, the learning is improved with respect to the baseline case of a non-evolutionary agent. The evolutionary agent needs $$60$$

60

% fewer samples to completely learn the grasping task, enabled by the adaptive transfer of knowledge between the agents through the evolutionary algorithm. The proposed approach also demonstrates the possibility of updating reward parameters during training, potentially providing a general approach to creating reward functions.
Novel biostimulant bacterial exopolysaccharides production via solid-state fermentation as a valorisation strategy for agri-food waste
Authors: Garcia-Muchart Enric , Martínez-Avila Oscar , Mejias Laura , Gilles Eline , Bluteau Chloé , Lavergne Lucie , Ponsá Sergio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are extracellular polymer-based substances recently defined as potential plant biostimulants, as they can increase nutrient uptake, water retention, and resistance to abiotic stress. As sugar-based substances, the bacteria producing them need to grow in a sugar-rich substrate. Hence, some agri-food by-products could be used as suitable carbon sources for EPS production as a cost-effective and more sustainable alternative to conventional substrates. Thus, this study aimed to produce EPS from specific bacterial strains through solid-state fermentation (SSF) using agri-food waste as a low-cost substrate. Six residues and five bacterial strains were tested in a lab-scale SSF system. From the assessed substrate-strain combinations, Burkholderia cepacia with ginger juice waste (GJW) resulted in the most promising considering several process parameters (EPS production, cumulative oxygen consumption, biomass growth, reducing sugars consumption). Also, dynamic monitoring of the system allowed for establishing 5 days as a suitable fermentation time. Then, using response surface methodology (Box-Behnken design), the process was optimised based on airflow rate (AF), inoculum size (IS), and micronutrient concentration (MN). In this stage, the best conditions found were at 0.049 (± 0.014) L h−1 per gram of dry matter (DM) for AF, 8.4 (± 0.9) E + 09 CFU g−1 DM for IS, and 0.07 (± 0.01) mL g−1 DM for MN, reaching up to 71.1 (± 3.2) mg crude EPS g−1 DM. Results show the potential of this approach to provide a new perspective on the value chain for the agri-food industry by introducing it to a circular economy framework.
Finding my tribe: a qualitative interview study of how people living with metastatic breast cancer perceive support groups
Authors: Mackie Grace M. , Boyle Frances , Lewis Sophie , Smith Andrea L. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study explored the value of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) support groups, and factors that affect attendance, from the perspective of people with MBC.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 women with MBC (support group attendees n = 16; non-attendees n = 12) between January 2022 and July 2023. Data were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis.

Results
Three themes were generated: the value of sharing experiential knowledge, spaces for open and honest conversations, and opportunities to find connection and community. These factors were the main reasons that some participants valued, and chose to attend, an MBC support group. Stage-specificity and professional facilitation were identified as important aspects of group structure. Key reasons for non-attendance were concerns about misinformation, confronting the death of group members, and satisfaction with existing support networks.

Conclusions
MBC support groups are beneficial for some people with MBC, providing opportunities to connect with others with the same diagnosis. For others, different forms of peer support such as online forums or one-on-one support may be preferred. We argue that ensuring those with MBC have equal access to the peer support they need will be essential in supporting people to live as well as possible with MBC.

Implications for Cancer Survivors
MBC support groups, if appropriately led, can provide emotional and informational benefits for people with MBC. This research may also have relevance to other metastatic cancers where novel therapies are extending survival, resulting in an emerging cancer population with distinct supportive and survivorship needs.
The Potential of Human Monoclonal IgE Antibodies to Establish Biological Potency and Stability of Allergen Extracts
Authors: Rabin Ronald L. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Allergenic extracts are often standardized to control for potency, either by measuring concentrations of major allergens or “overall allergenicity” by competition for IgE in pooled sera from highly allergic subjects with a reference extract. Recent developments present an opportunity to use human mAb cloned from highly allergic subjects to define potency of allergenic extracts.

Recent Findings
Two recent developments present an opportunity for revising potency measurements of allergen extracts: cloning allergen specific IgE from allergic subjects and extensive epitope mapping of major allergenic proteins.

Summary
Because human IgE mAb recognize biologically relevant epitopes, they present a novel opportunity to determine the potencies of allergenic extracts and may contribute to the science base for allergen standardization.
Human–Robot Companionship: Current Trends and Future Agenda
Authors: Ahmed Eshtiak , Buruk Oğuz ‘Oz’ , Hamari Juho 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe field of robotics has grown exponentially over the years, especially the social aspect, which has enabled robots to interact with humans meaningfully. Robots are now used in many domains, such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, entertainment, rehabilitation, etc. Along with their widespread usage in many real-life environments, robots have been used as companions to humans. With the increased amount of research done on human–robot companionship (HRC), it is important to understand how this domain is developing, in which direction, and what the future might hold. There is also a need to understand the influencing factors and what kind of empirical results are in the literature. To address these questions, we conducted a systematic literature review and analyzed a final number of 134 relevant articles. The findings suggest that anthropomorphic and zoomorphic robots are more popular as human companions, while there is a lack of interest in functional and caricatured robots. Also, human-like and animal-like features are implemented more in companion robots. Studies rarely exploit the mobility available in these robots in companionship scenarios, especially in outdoor settings. In addition to that, co-existence and co-performance-based implementation with humans have been observed rarely. Based on the results, we propose a future research agenda that includes thematic, theoretical, methodological, and technological agendas. This study will help us understand the current state and usage of robotic companions which will then potentially aid in determining how HRC can be leveraged and integrated more seamlessly into human lives for better effectiveness.
Reconstructing dietary practices at Tell Kamid el-Loz (Lebanon) during the Bronze and Iron Age III / Persian to Hellenistic periods using plant micro-remains from dental calculus and stable isotope analysis of bone collagen
Authors: Gur-Arieh Shira , Eisenmann Stefanie , Henry Amanda G. , Lucas Mary , Lenz Daniela , Paxinos Ptolemaios , Weber Hélène , Morandi Lionello F. , Stone Jeffery R. , Schultz Michael , Roberts Patrick , Stockhammer Philipp W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTell Kamid el-Loz (Lebanon) was an important Bronze Age urban center that dominated one of the central crossroads of the Ancient Near East, connecting Egypt and the Levant with northern Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Syria, as well as the interior with the Mediterranean coast. However, by the early Iron Age, the site had shrunk to a small rural settlement. Later, in the Iron Age III / Persian-Hellenistic, only enigmatic pits and a large cemetery remained. In this paper, we analyzed plant micro-remains from the dental calculus of 15 individuals (3 from the Middle Bronze Age II and 12 from the Iron Age III / Persian-Hellenistic) and δ13C and δ15N stable isotope data from tbulk bone collagen of 74 individuals (10 from the Middle Bronze Age II and 64 from the Iron Age III / Persian-Hellenistic) and 13 Late Bronze Age animal bones (7 Ovis/Capra and 6 Bos). Our results indicate general stability of human diet throughout the Middle Bronze Age II and the Iron III / Persian-Hellenistic periods, with a reliance on C3 plant crops and terrestrial animals also consuming C3 plants. In the later period, the plant micro-remains indicate the consumption of C4 plants and sedges, and the stable isotope analysis indicates differences in diet between males and females.
Unraveling the spatial imprint of hominin and carnivore accumulations in Early Pleistocene African sites
Authors: Merino-Pelaz Amanda , Cobo-Sánchez Lucía , Organista Elia , Baquedano Enrique , Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel 
Published: July 2024

AbstractReconstructions of palimpsest formation and dynamics in Early Pleistocene African archaeological deposits have undergone significant advances thanks to taphonomic research. However, the spatial imprint of different agents implicated in most of these accumulations still needs to be addressed. We hypothesize that different site formation dynamics may yield diverse spatial distributions of archaeological remains, reflecting the intervention of different agents (i.e., hominins, felids, hyaenids) in palimpsests. This study aims to investigate the spatial patterns of archaeological remains in a selected sample of Early Pleistocene accumulations with the goal of understanding and characterizing their spatial dynamics. Building on previous taphonomic interpretations of twelve paradigmatic archaeological deposits from Olduvai Bed I (FLK Zinj 22 A, PTK 22 A, DS 22B, FLK N 1–2 to 5, FLK NN 3, DK 1–3) and Koobi Fora (FxJj50, FxJj20 East and FxJj20 Main), we explore the spatial patterns of remains statistically and use hierarchical clustering on principal components analysis (HCPC) to group the highest-density spots at these sites based on a number of spatial variables. The results of this approach show that despite sharing a similar inhomogeneous pattern, anthropogenic sites and assemblages where carnivores played the main role display fundamentally different spatial features. Both types of spatial distributions also show statistical differences from modern hunter-gatherer campsites. Additional taphonomic particularities and differing formation processes of the analyzed accumulations also appear reflected in the classifications. This promising approach reveals crucial distinctions in spatial imprints related to site formation and agents’ behavior, prompting further exploration of advanced spatial statistical techniques for characterizing archaeological intra-site patterns.
Symptom Monitoring and Health-Related Quality of Life in Non-metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vrancken Peeters Noelle J. M. C. , Koppert Linetta B. , Jager Agnes , Hendriks Mathijs P. , Siesling Sabine , van den Hurk Corina J. G. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review aims to investigate the effect of patient-reported symptom monitoring, defined as the process of active and systematic reporting of symptoms initiated by the patient, on the health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Recent Findings
Evidence suggests that online patient-reported symptom monitoring has the potential to positively impact the health-related quality of life of non-metastatic breast cancer patients, who are receiving systemic therapy. However, there is a lack of literature specifically addressing patient-reported symptom monitoring and HRQoL in metastatic breast cancer patients.

Summary
Additional research on symptom monitoring and HRQoL in breast cancer patients at all stages and during all phases in the disease trajectory, including its impact on personalized treatment, is needed before integration into routine care can be considered. Validated questionnaires and current implementation frameworks should be used to accelerate knowledge development about symptom monitoring for patients and their healthcare professionals, ultimately enhancing symptom self-management and the efficiency of breast cancer healthcare in the future.
Parents’ Self-Compassion as a Moderator Between Children’s Emotional Regulation Difficulties and Parents’ Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Larrucea-Iruretagoyena Maite , Orue Izaskun , Calvete Esther 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Recent studies suggest that children’s emotional difficulties may impact their parents’ psychological well-being, and certain protective factors could mitigate this association. The existing literature points to self-compassion as a potential protective factor against stress and difficulties. To this end, the present study aimed to explore the potential protective role of parents’ self-compassion in the prospective relationship between children’s emotional regulation difficulties and parents’ depressive symptoms.

Method
The initial sample consisted of 214 children (53.3% girls; Mage = 12.71, SD = 1.37) and their parents: 209 mothers (Mage = 46.74 years, SD = 4.42) and 181 fathers (Mage = 48.85 years, SD = 5.42). The participants answered self-report questionnaires in a two-wave longitudinal study conducted over one year. A multilevel analysis was performed to examine the predictive pathways of parents’ depressive symptoms from children’s emotional regulation difficulties, parents’ self-compassion, and their interaction. Gender differences were addressed in the predictive associations.

Results
Children’s emotional regulation difficulties predicted their parents’ depressive symptoms after one year, and this association was found to become attenuated as parents’ self-compassion increased. No significant gender differences were found for depressive symptoms or self-compassion, and parents’ gender did not moderate any of the longitudinal associations.

Conclusion
Children’s emotional regulation difficulties may increase risk for parental depressive symptoms, but parental self-compassion mitigates this relationship.

Preregistration
This study was not preregistered.
Characterization of cuproptosis signature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by single cell and spatial transcriptome analysis
Authors: Zou Xiaohong , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Huiting , Li Zhenhua , Zhou Chen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCuproptosis is a novel type to regulate cell death with copper-dependent manner, and has been reported to involve in the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors. However, the association between cuproptosis and the tumor microenvironment (TME) of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remained unclear. To address this question, we integrated the single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets of ccRCC across different stages, systematically examined the distinctive expression patterns of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) within the TME of ccRCC, and explored the crucial signatures using the spatial transcriptome sequencing (ST-seq) dataset. The cuproptosis activities reduced in cancer tissues along with the ccRCC development, and recovered after therapy. We identified HILPDA+ ccRCC1 subtype, characterized with hypoxia, as cuproptosis susceptible cells associated with a better prognosis. The main co-expression modules of HILPDA+ ccRCC1 subtype highlighted the role in anion transport, response to oxygen species and PD-L1-PD-1 pathway. Furthermore, the immunosuppressive cells might interact with HILPDA+ ccRCC1 subtype via HAVCR2-LGALS9, C3-C3AR1, HLA-A-CD8B and HLA-C-CD8A axises to shape the cuproptosis-related TME landscape. In summary, we anticipate that this study will offer valuable insights and potential strategies of cuproptosis for therapy of ccRCC.
Graphical Abstract
Productivity Paradox in Africa: Does Digitalization Foster Labor Productivity in African Economies?
Authors: Karacuka Mehmet , Myovella Godwin , Haucap Justus 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHow the advancement of information and communications technologies (ICT) and digitalization affect labor productivity is subject of an ongoing debate. While parts of the literature find the expected positive effects, other studies have found no effect, resulting in the so-called productiviy paradox. As most of the studies have focused on economically advanced economies such as OECD countries, evidence for less developed economies has been sparse. We use a digitalization composite index from a balanced panel of 40 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies, using data from 2006 to 2021, to assess the effect of digitalization on aggregate labor productivity in SSA economies. We employ generalized least squares (GLS) and system generalized methods of moments (GMM) methods to capture the effects of digitalization on labor productivity levels in agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our results show a weak association between digitalization and overall labor productivity. However, when sectors are analyzed separately, digitalization has a positive effect on labor productivity in agriculture and manufacturing sectors, whereas we find evidence for the productivity paradox in the service sector, with even a negative effect of digitalization on labor productivity.