bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the dynamical relationships between meteorological and hydrological drought of Wadi Mina basin, Algeria using a novel multiscale framework
Authors: Achite Mohammed , Simsek Oguz , Sankaran Adarsh , Katipoğlu Okan Mert , Caloiero Tommaso 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the relationship between hydrological and meteorological drought in drought-prone regions is critical for proper reservoir management. This study presents a novel multiscale framework for investigating the associations between hydrological and meteorological drought based on the Time-Dependent Intrinsic Correlation (TDIC) method. Firstly, the characteristics of short, medium and long term standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized runoff index (SRI) of the Wadi Mina basin (Algeria) have been analyzed based on data from 6 rainfall and hydrometric stations. Then an Improved Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) method is used to decompose the most correlated SPI and SRI series to different scales. A stronger association between the two types of droughts is evident in the low-frequency trend component regardless of the station, but their evolution pattern does not remain the same. Subsequently, a TDIC based running correlation analysis is performed between the modes to examine the SPI–SRI associations over the time domain and across the time scales. TDIC analysis has proven the dynamic behavior in the SPI–SRI associations bearing frequent alterations in nature and strength across the process scales and along the time domain. In general, at the intra-annual scales the SPI–SRI correlations are mostly weak positive with localized alterations to negative along the time domain, whereas the relationship is dominantly strong positive and long range at inter-annual scales up to 4 years. This dynamic behavior in the SPI–SRI association and the evolution pattern of trend decipher that the rainfall processes are not directly transferred to streamflow drought, but it also gets controlled by many other local meteorological processes.
Development of a novel clinimetric tool: PAtient Reported Disease Activity Index in Rheumatoid Arthritis (PARDAI-RA) by PANLAR, for the assessment of patients living with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fernández-Ávila Daniel G. , Patiño-Hernández Daniela , Moreno-Luna Socorro , Brance Lorena , Arbeláez Álvaro , Vilar Antonio Cachafeiro , Lozada Carlos , Ríos Carlos , Toro Carlos , Ramírez Claudia , Pons-Estel Guillermo , Ugarte-Gil Manuel , Narváez María , Albanese Miguel , Roa Orlando , Ruiz Oscar , Burgos Paula , Xavier Ricardo , Fuentes Yurilis , Soriano Enrique 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Clinical experience has shown that a single measure is not sufficient to assess disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Various clinimetric tools are necessary to address the many clinical situations that can arise.

Methods
In order to develop a comprehensive measurement tool, the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology searched for the most frequent measures of disease activity applied in RA by means of a semi-systematic review of the available literature.

Results
We found that the most frequently reported measures of disease activity were the 28-joint Disease Activity Score, C-reactive protein, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, followed by patient-reported measures of pain and stiffness and many other composite indices and patient-reported outcome measures. The most frequent physician-reported sign of disease was the swollen joint count, and the most frequently self-reported feature was the increase in disease activity or flares.

Conclusion
In this article, we present a new clinimetric tool developed based on expert consensus and on data retrieved from our search. Disease activity can be better assessed by combining various data sources, such as clinical, laboratory, and self-reported outcomes. These variables were included in our novel clinimetric tool.

Key Points• The goal of treatment of RA is to achieve the best possible control of inflammation, or even remission; therefore, disease management should include systematic and regular evaluation of inflammation and health status.• Clinimetric tools evaluate a series of variables (e.g., symptoms, functional capacity, disease severity, quality of life, disease progression) and can reveal substantial prognostic and therapeutic differences between patients.• Our clinimetric tool, which is based on a combination of data (e.g., clinical variables, laboratory results, PROMs), can play a relevant role in patient assessment and care.
Objective clinical registration of tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity during awake stereotactic neurosurgery: a scoping review
Authors: Smid Annemarie , Dominguez-Vega Zeus T. , van Laar Teus , Oterdoom D. L. Marinus , Absalom Anthony R. , van Egmond Martje E. , Drost Gea , van Dijk J. Marc C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity are incapacitating motor symptoms that can be suppressed with stereotactic neurosurgical treatment like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and ablative surgery (e.g., thalamotomy, pallidotomy). Traditionally, clinicians rely on clinical rating scales for intraoperative evaluation of these motor symptoms during awake stereotactic neurosurgery. However, these clinical scales have a relatively high inter-rater variability and rely on experienced raters. Therefore, objective registration (e.g., using movement sensors) is a reasonable extension for intraoperative assessment of tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. The main goal of this scoping review is to provide an overview of electronic motor measurements during awake stereotactic neurosurgery. The protocol was based on the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. After a systematic database search (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science), articles were screened for relevance. Hundred-and-three articles were subject to detailed screening. Key clinical and technical information was extracted. The inclusion criteria encompassed use of electronic motor measurements during stereotactic neurosurgery performed under local anesthesia. Twenty-three articles were included. These studies had various objectives, including correlating sensor-based outcome measures to clinical scores, identifying optimal DBS electrode positions, and translating clinical assessments to objective assessments. The studies were highly heterogeneous in device choice, sensor location, measurement protocol, design, outcome measures, and data analysis. This review shows that intraoperative quantification of motor symptoms is still limited by variable signal analysis techniques and lacking standardized measurement protocols. However, electronic motor measurements can complement visual evaluations and provide objective confirmation of correct placement of the DBS electrode and/or lesioning. On the long term, this might benefit patient outcomes and provide reliable outcome measures in scientific research.
Don’t Rock the Boat: The Social-symbolic Work to Confront Ethnic Discrimination in Branches of Professional Service Firms
Authors: Aliberti Daniela , Bissola Rita , Imperatori Barbara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn Western societies and organizations, episodes of discrimination based on individual demographic and social characteristics still occur. Relevant questions, such as why ethnic discrimination is perpetuated and how people confront it in the workplace, remain open. In this study, we adopt a social-symbolic work perspective to explore how individuals confront workplace ethnic discrimination by both upholding and challenging it. In doing so, we incorporate the perspectives of those directly experiencing, observing and neglecting discrimination. Specifically, we focus on the Italian branches of North American professional service firms (PSFs), performing a qualitative investigation of the worlds of concern among professionals regarding the topic of ethnic discrimination to explore how different backgrounds motivate social-symbolic work. We find that different forms of work are enacted to support the status quo, shape the boundaries of existing organizational practices, and balance professional identities, emotions, and careers to silence episodes of ethnic discrimination. We also highlight cases of ‘soft,’ yet increasing, work that contests the status quo. Finally, we discuss our results in light of neo-institutional and critical management research to ultimately inspire our focal firms and societies to find alternatives to the rhetoric in the established approaches to inequality.
Speeding up Explorative BPM with Lightweight IT: the Case of Machine Learning
Authors: Bojer Casper Solheim , Bygstad Bendik , Øvrelid Egil 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the modern digital age, companies need to be able to quickly explore the process innovation affordances of digital technologies. This includes exploration of Machine Learning (ML), which when embedded in processes can augment or automate decisions. BPM research suggests using lightweight IT (Bygstad, Journal of Information Technology, 32(2), 180–193 2017) for digital process innovation, but existing research provides conflicting views on whether ML is lightweight or heavyweight. We therefore address the research question “How can Lightweight IT contribute to explorative BPM for embedded ML?” by analyzing four action cases from a large Danish manufacturer. We contribute to explorative BPM by showing that lightweight ML considerably speeds up opportunity assessment and technical implementation in the exploration process thus reducing process innovation latency. We furthermore show that succesful lightweight ML requires the presence of two enabling factors: 1) loose coupling of the IT infrastructure, and 2) extensive use of building blocks to reduce custom development.
New Approaches to the Bipolar Flaking Technique: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Kinematic Perspectives
Authors: Yeşilova Görkem Cenk , Arroyo Adrián , Vergès Josep Maria , Ollé Andreu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe bipolar technique is a flaking strategy that has been identified from 3.3 Ma until the twentieth century, with no geographical or chronological homogeneous distribution. It is represented by the intentional contact of an active percussive element against a core rested on an anvil. This tool composite has been described by some researchers as a sign of low-skill of hominins, unable to perform successfully free-hand flaking or for flaking low-quality raw materials. Based on this premise, our research focused on the following question: Are there any quantitative and qualitative differences in terms of both kinematic parameters and technical skills between knappers with different levels of expertise when flaking using the bipolar technique? To get an answer, we developed a systematic experimental program with 12 volunteer participants with different levels of expertise. Then, to assess potential quantifiable differences and to understand the mechanics of bipolar technology, we did a video motion analysis based on kinematic parameters (including position, velocity, acceleration, and kinetic energy of the hammerstone). In addition, we performed a technological analysis of the experimental lithic assemblages to assess the technological differences between knappers based on their levels of expertise. In kinematic parameters, both statistical analysis and observations from the experiment clearly show that there are differences between the levels of expertise in this technique. Intermediate knappers have been observed to apply more velocity and kinetic energy than experts and novices. Also, differences were observed in the flaking strategies. Expert knappers show a longer reduction sequence, while intermediates show shorter one. Moreover, some of the novice knappers did not even obtain a single flake. The results of our experiment stress the complexity of bipolar flaking and that previous assumptions about it might be reconsidered, especially in terms of reconsidering the negative connotations attributed to this flaking technique.
Item Retention as a Feature Selection Task: Developing Abbreviated Measures Using Shapley Values
Authors: Droncheff Brian , Liu Kevin , Warren Stacie L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCreating abbreviated measures from lengthy questionnaires is important for reducing respondent burden while improving response quality. Though factor analytic strategies have been used to guide item retention for abbreviated questionnaires, item retention can be conceptualized as a feature selection task amenable to machine learning approaches. The present study tested a machine learning-guided approach to item retention, specifically item-level importance as measured by Shapley values for the prediction of total score, to create abbreviated versions of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) in a sample of 3,906 secondary school students. Results showed that Shapley values were a useful measure for determining item retention in creating abbreviated versions of the PSWQ, demonstrating concordance with the full PSWQ. As item-level importance varied based on the proportion of the worry distribution predicted (e.g., high versus low PSWQ scores), item retention is dependent on the intended purpose of the abbreviated measure. Illustrative examples are presented.
Where’s the BIPOC Blueprint for Healthy Youth Development? The Role of Scientific Omissions in Our Struggle for Science Translation and Racial Equity in the United States
Authors: Shapiro Valerie B. , Eldeeb Nehal , McCoy Henrika , Trujillo Miguel , Jones Tiffany M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrevention Science seeks to advance the prevention research and to translate scientific advances into the promotion of healthy development for all youth. Despite tremendous progress creating a robust evidence-base and set of translational tools, elaborations and expansions for equity are required. Our collective errors of omission as prevention researchers have left prevention practitioners and policy-makers without sufficient information to identify strategies that have been demonstrated to prevent behavioral health problems in young people who identify as Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color (BIPOC). We first describe the current shortcomings of available evidence, and then we call for individual and collective action to conceptualize equity-enhancing prevention, sample more inclusively, and improve analytic approaches such that we can truly promote the healthy development of all youth.
Tunneling effect between radial electric wells in a homogeneous magnetic field
Authors: Morin Léo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe establish a tunneling formula for a Schrödinger operator with symmetric double-well potential and homogeneous magnetic field, in dimension two. Each well is assumed to be radially symmetric and compactly supported. We obtain an asymptotic formula for the difference between the two first eigenvalues of this operator, that is exponentially small in the semiclassical limit.
Decidability of Well Quasi-Order and Atomicity for Equivalence Relations Under Embedding Orderings
Authors: Ironmonger V. , Ruškuc N. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe consider the posets of equivalence relations on finite sets under the standard embedding ordering and under the consecutive embedding ordering. In the latter case, the relations are also assumed to have an underlying linear order, which governs consecutive embeddings. For each poset we ask the well quasi-order and atomicity decidability questions: Given finitely many equivalence relations $$\rho _1,\dots ,\rho _k$$

ρ
1

,
⋯
,

ρ
k

, is the downward closed set $${{\,\textrm{Av}\,}}(\rho _1,\dots ,\rho _k)$$

Av

(

ρ
1

,
⋯
,

ρ
k

)

consisting of all equivalence relations which do not contain any of $$\rho _1,\dots ,\rho _k$$

ρ
1

,
⋯
,

ρ
k

: (a) well-quasi-ordered, meaning that it contains no infinite antichains? and (b) atomic, meaning that it is not a union of two proper downward closed subsets, or, equivalently, that it satisfies the joint embedding property?
The return of non-probability sample: the electoral polls at the time of internet and social media
Authors: Di Franco Giovanni 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFor the past 80 years survey researchers have used a probability sampling framework. Probability samples have a well-defined set of quality criteria that have been organized around the concept of Total Survey Error (TSE). Non-probability samples do not fit within this framework very well and some possible alternatives to TSE are explored. In recent years, electoral polls have undergone changes as a result of the dispersion of public opinion due mostly, but not only, to the development of the web and social media. From a methodological point of view, the main changes concerned sampling and data collection techniques. The aim of the article is to provide a critical contribution to the methodological debate on electoral polls with particular attention to the samples used which appear to be more similar to non-probability samples than to the traditional probability samples used for many decades in electoral polls. We will explore several new approaches that attempt to make inference possible even when a survey sample does not match the classic probability sample. We will also discuss a set of post hoc adjustments that have been suggested as ways to reduce the bias in estimates from non-probability samples; these adjustments use auxiliary data in an effort to deal with selection and other biases. Propensity score adjustment is the most well know of these techniques. The empirical section of the article analyzes a database of 1793 electoral polls conducted in Italy from January 2017 to July 2023.
The role of blockchain technology in the tourism industry: analyzing the factors affecting its adoption
Authors: Sarnacchiaro Pasquale , Luongo Simone , Sepe Fabiana , Corte Valentina Della 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBlockchain technology (BT) has attracted increasing attention in various research domains in recent years, particularly in the tourism industry where investments in blockchain-based solutions have witnessed remarkable growth. Scholars recognize BT as a disruptive innovation that has the potential to revolutionize the management of tourism processes and enhance traveler experiences. However, despite this growing interest, the literature on BT's application in the tourism sector is still in its early stages compared to other internet-related technologies. This research paper addresses the gap in understanding the challenges and opportunities of implementing and accepting BT within tourism. Specifically, it focuses on the critical aspects of security and trust, as they play pivotal roles in influencing tourists' behavioral intentions towards BT adoption. The study extends the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, incorporating security and trust as relevant antecedents, to comprehensively examine the dynamics driving BT adoption within the tourism context. The proposed model and findings contribute to filling the gaps in existing literature and offer valuable information for tourism players and policymakers to formulate strategies promoting BT acceptance in the tourism sector. By advancing understanding of BT adoption factors and end users' perspectives, this research facilitates the industry's transition towards integrated and seamless experiences for travelers, thus shaping the future of tourism through blockchain technology.
Wastewater irrigation and Trichoderma colonization in tomato plants: effects on plant traits, antioxidant activity, and performance of the insect pest Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Authors: Trotta Vincenzo , Russo Daniela , Rivelli Anna Rita , Battaglia Donatella , Bufo Sabino Aurelio , Caccavo Vittoria , Forlano Pierluigi , Lelario Filomena , Milella Luigi , Montinaro Lorenzo , Scrano Laura , Brienza Monica 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe scarcity of freshwater for agriculture in many regions has led to the application of sewage and saline water for irrigation. Irrigation with non-conventional water sources could become a non-harmful process for plant cultivation, and the effects of their use on crops should be monitored in order to develop optimal management strategies. One possibility to overcome potential barriers is to use biostimulants such asTrichodermaspp. fungi. Tomato is a crop of great economic importance in the world. This study investigated the joint effects ofTrichoderma afroharzianumT-22 on tomato plants irrigated with simulated unconventional waters. The experiment consisted of a control and three water treatments. In the control, the plants were watered with distilled water. The three water treatments were obtained by using an irrigation water added with nitrogen, a wastewater effluent, and a mixed groundwater-wastewater effluents. Potted tomato plants (variety Bobcat) were grown in a controlled growth chamber. Antioxidant activity, susceptibility to the aphidsMacrosiphum euphorbiae, and tomato plant growth parameters were estimated.Trichoderma afroharzianumT-22 had a positive effect on plant growth and antioxidant defenses when plants were irrigated with distilled water. Instead, no significant morphological effects induced byT. afroharzianumT-22 on plants were observed when unconventional water was used for irrigation. However, inoculation withT. afroharzianumT-22 activated a stress response that made the colonized plants more susceptible to aphid development and increased their fecundity and longevity. Thanks to this study, it may be possible for the first time to open a new discussion on the practical possibility of using reclaimed wastewater for crop irrigation with the addition of a growth-promoting fungal symbiont.
The target sign: a significant CT sign for predicting small-bowel ischemia and necrosis
Authors: Li Bo , Wu Zhifeng , Wang Jinjun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between changes in the thickness and density of diseased small-bowel wall and small-bowel ischemia and necrosis (SBN) on CT imaging when small-bowel obstruction (SBO) occurs.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 186 patients with SBO in our hospital from March 2020 to June 2023. The patients were divided into simple SBO (control group) and SBN (case group) groups. We used logistic regression analysis, the chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test to analyze the correlation between the changes in the thickness and density of the diseased intestinal wall and the SBN. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the accuracy of the multivariate analysis.ResultsOf the 186 patients with SBO, 98 (52.7%) had simple SBO, 88 (47.3%) had SBN, and the rate of SBN was 47.3% (88/186). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that six CT findings were significantly correlated with SBN (p < 0.05), namely, thickening of the diseased intestinal wall with the target sign (OR = 21.615), thinning of the diseased intestinal wall (OR = 48.106), increase in the diseased intestinal wall density (OR = 13.696), mesenteric effusion (OR = 21.635), decrease in the diseased intestinal wall enhancement on enhanced scanning (OR = 41.662), and increase in the diseased intestinal wall enhancement on enhanced scanning (OR = 15.488). The AUC of the multivariate analysis reached 0.987 (95% CI 0.974–0.999). Specifically, the target sign was easily recognizable on CT images and was a significant CT finding for predicting SBN.ConclusionWe identified 6 CT findings that were significantly associated with SBN, and may be helpful for clinical treatment.