bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Limit Set for Representations of Discrete Subgroups of $$\text {PU}(1,n)$$ by the Plücker Embedding
Authors: Zuñiga Haremy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLet $$\Gamma $$
Γ
be a discrete subgroup of $$\text {PU}(1,n)$$

PU
(
1
,
n
)

. In this work, we look at the induced action of $$\Gamma $$
Γ
on the projective space $$\mathbb {P}(\wedge ^{k+1}\mathbb {C}^{n+1})$$

P
(

∧

k
+
1

C

n
+
1

)

by the Plücker embedding, where $$\wedge ^{k+1}$$

∧

k
+
1

denotes the exterior power. We define a limit set for this action called the k-Chen-Greenberg limit set, which extends the classical definition of the Chen-Greenberg limit set $$L(\Gamma )$$

L
(
Γ
)

, and we show several of its properties. We prove that its Kulkarni limit set is the union taken over all $$p\in L(\Gamma )$$

p
∈
L
(
Γ
)

of the projective subspace generated by all k-planes that contain p or are contained in $$p^{\perp }$$

p
⊥

via the Plücker embedding. We also prove a duality between both limit sets.
Visual analysis of fatigue in Industry 4.0
Authors: Alfavo-Viquez David , Zamora-Hernandez Mauricio-Andres , Azorín-López Jorge , Garcia-Rodriguez Jose 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe performance of manufacturing operations relies heavily on the operators’ performance. When operators begin to exhibit signs of fatigue, both their individual performance and the overall performance of the manufacturing plant tend to decline. This research presents a methodology for analyzing fatigue in assembly operations, considering indicators such as the EAR (Eye Aspect Ratio) indicator, operator pose, and elapsed operating time. To facilitate the analysis, a dataset of assembly operations was generated and recorded from three different perspectives: frontal, lateral, and top views. The top view enables the analysis of the operator’s face and posture to identify hand positions. By labeling the actions in our dataset, we train a deep learning system to recognize the sequence of operator actions required to complete the operation. Additionally, we propose a model for determining the level of fatigue by processing multimodal information acquired from various sources, including eye blink rate, operator pose, and task duration during assembly operations.
Multi-scale color constancy based on salient varying local spatial statistics
Authors: Ulucan Oguzhan , Ulucan Diclehan , Ebner Marc 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe human visual system unconsciously determines the color of the objects by “discounting” the effects of the illumination, whereas machine vision systems have difficulty performing this task. Color constancy algorithms assist computer vision pipelines by removing the effects of the illuminant, which in the end enables these pipelines to perform better on high-level vision tasks based on the color features of the scene. Due to its benefits, numerous color constancy algorithms have been developed, and existing techniques have been improved. Combining different strategies and investigating new methods might help us design simple yet effective algorithms. Thereupon, we present a color constancy algorithm based on the outcomes of our previous works. Our algorithm is built upon the biological findings that the human visual system might be discounting the illuminant based on the highest luminance patches and space-average color. We find the illuminant estimate based on the idea that if the world is gray on average, the deviation of the brightest pixels from the achromatic value should be caused by the illuminant. Our approach utilizes multi-scale operations by only considering the salient pixels. It relies on varying surface orientations by adopting a block-based approach. We show that our strategy outperforms learning-free algorithms and provides competitive results compared to the learning-based methods. Moreover, we demonstrate that using parts of our strategy can significantly improve the performance of several learning-free methods. We also briefly present an approach to transform our global color constancy method into a multi-illuminant color constancy approach.
Endoscopic assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis using radiofrequency versus coblation
Authors: Ibrahim Anwar Abdelatty , Hamdan Ahmad Mahmoud , Elnaggar Ahmed Ali 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the outcomes of endoscopic assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis (BAVFP) using radiofrequency versus coblation.

Methods
This was a randomized prospective cohort study that carried out on 40 patients with BAVFP who were subjected to endoscopic/assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group (A) patients were operated with radiofrequency, and group (B) patients were operated with coblation. Glottic chink, grade of dyspnea, voice handicap index 10 (VHI10), and aspiration were evaluated pre-operatively and 2 weeks and 3 months post-operatively.

Results
There was a significant improvement in the glottic chink and VHI10 scores postoperatively with a non-significant difference between both groups regarding the degree of improvement. In addition, there was a significant improvement of the grade of dyspnea with a non-significant impact on the degree of aspiration in both groups post operatively. There was a lower incidence of oedema and granulation formation in the coblation group but without a statistical significance.

Conclusion
Both techniques are effective alternatives for performing posterior transverse cordotomy in cases of BAVFP.
Influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation timing on nitrate metabolism, central and peripheral blood pressure and exercise tolerance in young men
Authors: Rowland Samantha N. , James Lewis J. , O’Donnell Emma , Bailey Stephen J. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation can lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and improve exercise performance. Salivary flow rate (SFR) and pH are key determinants of oral NO3− reduction and purported to peak in the afternoon. We tested the hypotheses that NO3−-rich beetroot juice (BR) would increase plasma [nitrite] ([NO2−]), lower SBP and improve exercise performance to a greater extent in the afternoon (AFT) compared to the morning (MORN) and evening (EVE).

Method
Twelve males completed six experimental visits in a repeated-measures, crossover design. NO3−-depleted beetroot juice (PL) or BR (~ 13 mmol NO3−) were ingested in the MORN, AFT and EVE. SFR and pH, salivary and plasma [NO3−] and [NO2−], brachial SBP and central SBP were measured pre and post supplementation. A severe-intensity exercise tolerance test was completed to determine cycling time to exhaustion (TTE).

Results
There were no between-condition differences in mean SFR or salivary pH. The elevation in plasma [NO2−] after BR ingestion was not different between BR-MORN, BR-AFT and BR-EVE. Brachial SBP was unchanged following BR supplementation in all conditions. Central SBP was reduced in BR-MORN (− 3 ± 4 mmHg), BR-AFT (− 4 ± 3 mmHg), and BR-EVE (− 2 ± 3 mmHg), with no differences between timepoints. TTE was not different between BR and PL at any timepoint.

Conclusion
Acute BR supplementation was ineffective at improving TTE and brachial SBP and similarly effective at increasing plasma [NO2−] and lowering central SBP across the day, which may have implications for informing NO3− supplementation strategies.
Induction of excitatory brain state governs plastic functional changes in visual cortical topology
Authors: Eysel Ulf T. , Jancke Dirk 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAdult visual plasticity underlying local remodeling of the cortical circuitry in vivo appears to be associated with a spatiotemporal pattern of strongly increased spontaneous and evoked activity of populations of cells. Here we review and discuss pioneering work by us and others about principles of plasticity in the adult visual cortex, starting with our study which showed that a confined lesion in the cat retina causes increased excitability in the affected region in the primary visual cortex accompanied by fine-tuned restructuring of neuronal function. The underlying remodeling processes was further visualized with voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging that allowed a direct tracking of retinal lesion-induced reorganization across horizontal cortical circuitries. Nowadays, application of noninvasive stimulation methods pursues the idea further of increased cortical excitability along with decreased inhibition as key factors for the induction of adult cortical plasticity. We used high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), for the first time in combination with VSD optical imaging, and provided evidence that TMS-amplified excitability across large pools of neurons forms the basis for noninvasively targeting reorganization of orientation maps in the visual cortex. Our review has been compiled on the basis of these four own studies, which we discuss in the context of historical developments in the field of visual cortical plasticity and the current state of the literature. Overall, we suggest markers of LTP-like cortical changes at mesoscopic population level as a main driving force for the induction of visual plasticity in the adult. Elevations in excitability that predispose towards cortical plasticity are most likely a common property of all cortical modalities. Thus, interventions that increase cortical excitability are a promising starting point to drive perceptual and potentially motor learning in therapeutic applications.
Huogu injection protects against SONFH by promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and preventing osteoblast apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Ziyu , Xu Xilin , Liu Zhao , Hao Yuanyuan , Yang Fubiao , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Ning , Hou Yunlong , Zhang Xiaofeng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Huogu injection (HG) on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH), we established a SONFH model in rabbits using horse serum and dexamethasone (DEX) and applied HG locally at the hip joint. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy at 4 weeks using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-CT, and qualitative histology including H&E, Masson’s trichrome, ALP, and TUNEL staining. In vitro, we induced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and performed analysis on days 14 and 21 of cell differentiation. The findings, in vivo, including SEM, micro-CT, and H&E staining, showed that HG significantly maintained bone quality and trabecular number. ALP staining indicated that HG promoted the proliferation of bone cells. Moreover, the results of Masson’s trichrome staining demonstrated the essential role of HG in collagen synthesis. Additionally, TUNEL staining revealed that HG reduced apoptosis. ALP and ARS staining in vitro confirmed that HG enhanced osteogenic differentiation and mineralization, consistent with the WB and qRT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining verified that HG inhibited osteoblast apoptosis, in agreement with the WB and qRT-PCR analyses. Furthermore, combined with the UPLC analysis, we found that naringin enhanced the osteogenic differentiation and accelerated the deposition of calcium phosphate. Salvianolic acid B protected osteoblasts derived from BMSCs against GCs-mediated apoptosis. Thus, this study not only reveals the mechanism of HG in promoting osteogenesis and anti-apoptosis of osteoblasts but also identifies the active-related components in HG, by which we provide the evidence for the application of HG in SONFH.
Global warming could shorten the seed lifespan of pioneer tree species and thus natural regeneration window of damaged areas
Authors: Tiebel Katharina , Dahlmann Johannes , Karge Antje 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProlonged periods without precipitation in spring prevent timely and rapid germination of pioneer tree seeds and could lead to an accelerated loss of germination capacity (reduced lifespan). To get knowledge about the shortening of seed lifespan and, thus, the shortening of natural regeneration windows under climate change, an experiment was conducted. Seeds of Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Salix caprea, Larix decidua, Pinus sylvestris, and Picea abies were exposed to temperatures of 15 °C, 25 °C (past or present climate), and 40 °C (future climate) with low or high humidity for a period of 3 months. Regardless of air humidity, the initial germination percentage of Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Larix decidua, and Pinus sylvestris seeds decreased only slightly by 5–15% over the 91-day period when stored at 15 °C and 25 °C. For Populus tremula and Salix caprea, time windows of maximum 14–49 days and 42–91 days were identified, respectively.However, as climate change progresses with rising temperatures and increasing absolute air humidity values, the window of opportunity for successful germination will shorten for all studied tree species. In the moist air humidity variant of 40 °C, the germination percentage dropped to 0% after 42 days for Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, and Larix decidua. The natural regeneration window will be reduced by half from more than three months to about three weeks under climate change. The lifespan of Populus tremula and Salix caprea seeds will be shortened to 1 week. For Picea abies, the time window will shorten to a maximum of 28 days.
Distinct spatial patterns of genetic structure and diversity in the butterfly Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) inhabiting fragmented grasslands
Authors: Terzer Evelyn , Schmid Max , Bauert Barbara , Weidmann-Csencsics Daniela , Birrer Stefan , Bolliger Janine , Brodbeck Sabine , Gugerli Felix 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe adopted a landscape-scale approach to analyze the genetic patterns (diversity, structure, and differentiation) of the Marbled White (Melanargia galathea). This butterfly species is characteristic of semi-dry grasslands, which have substantially declined in Switzerland during past decades. We sampled individuals on a regular grid of the established Biodiversity Monitoring program of Switzerland over five consecutive years, obtaining 1639 genotyped individuals from 185 locations. Results showed that M. galathea populations cluster into five spatially aggregated clusters that largely coincide with the biogeographic regions of Switzerland. Genetic diversity (allelic richness) was higher in the South of the Alps, likely related to immigration dynamics that suggest recolonisation from the South after the last glaciation. Demographic history resulted in distinct isolation by distance (IBD) and by cumulative elevational difference (isolation by altitude, IBA) at large scale, while regional IBD and IBA were less pronounced. This pattern was likely induced by the barrier effect of the high mountains of the Alps impeding continuous northward migration after the last glacial maximum. A temporal analysis revealed that regional genetic diversity did not change strongly during the five sampling years. This result indicates that the genetic diversity pattern in M. galathea has not been noticeably affected by historical land-use change or that the sampling period of five years is too short to detect any changes. Our findings highlight the regionally, topography-induced distinct genetic clusters, relevant for consideration as conservation units and likely reflecting genetic structures similar to those found in other butterfly species of conservation concern.
CT imaging of Lindner tested, burnt timber
Authors: Biró András , Lublóy Éva 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe durability of fire-retardant materials used for wooden structures and wood-based products can be evaluated on small cut-out samples with the so-called Lindner test, which is a standard procedure in Hungary where 1 g of hexamethylene-tetramine is burnt under the wooden specimen and the mass loss is measured. For further spatial information about the burnt part of the samples, the specimens were CT scanned after the Lindner test. The goal was to evaluate if the charred part can be properly segmented in a CT image set and if the two measurements combined are precise enough to provide charring rate data. With the segmentation of the CT image sets, the burnt volumes could be separated properly in each case even when knots were present. Spruce sample provided the most consistent results regarding the mass loss/burnt volume. This is probably due to the uneven ring spacing and other inhomogeneities in the density of oak and ash.
Bereavement and Critical Incidents Involving Healthcare Professionals in Italy During COVID-19: The Importance of the Spiritual Dimension
Authors: Iacona Erika , Zulianello Lia , Piol Silvia , Bettoncelli Germano , Zamperini Adriano , Testoni Ines 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis exploratory research investigated the work of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the major critical aspects, including healthcare providers’ needs as well as personal, professional, and social changes brought about by the pandemic upon both living and dying. In general, for many healthcare providers, the changes imposed by COVID-19 together with their inadequate training led to an excessive emotional load that caused high levels of stress and, consequently, the risk of burnout. In the present study, we wanted to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals and to explore if and how spirituality influenced their experience. We adopted a qualitative methodological design based on interpretative phenomenological analysis. The respondents were 15 healthcare professionals (12 general practitioners, 1 physician, and 2 nurses). This research was carried out in Italy during the first lockdown, that is, between March and September 2020. Following the analysis of participants’ experiences, four main themes were created: (1) critical issues in healthcare, critical incidents, and changes in the attitudes and habits of general practitioners during the pandemic; (2) emotional experiences and primary needs during the emergency; (3) dying during the pandemic and new psychological symptoms in noninfected patients; and (4) resilience and the role of spirituality. Since healthcare professionals, and general practitioners more specifically, were extensively exposed to the dying process and to changes in the end-of-life scenario, the support offered by palliative care is desirable, in terms of both the special skills that palliative physicians can provide and the presence of psychologists as well as through death education.
Best practices, performance advantage and trade-offs: new insights from frontier analysis
Authors: Sousa Rui , Camanho Ana S. , Silva Maria Conceição , da Silveira Giovani J. C. , Arabi Behrouz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThere are still important theoretical and empirical gaps in understanding the role of best practices (BPs), such as quality management, lean and new product development, in generating firm’s performance advantage and overcoming trade-offs across distinct performance dimensions. We examine these issues through the perspective of performance frontiers, integrating in novel ways the resource-based theory with the emergent practice-based view. Hypotheses on relationships between BPs, performance advantage, and trade-offs are developed and tested with stationary and longitudinal (recall) data from a global survey of manufacturing firms. We use data envelopment analysis, which overcomes limitations of mainstream methods based on central tendency. Our findings support the view that BPs may serve as a source of enduring competitive advantage, based on their ability to lead to a heterogeneous range of dominant and difficult-to-imitate competitive positions. The study provides new insights on contemporary debates about the role of BPs in generating performance advantage and how practitioners can sustain internal support and extract benefits from them.
The operator argument and the case of timestamp semantics
Authors: Węgrecki Jakub 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe Operator Argument against eternalism holds that having non-vacuous tense operators in the language is incompatible with the claim that every proposition has its truth-value eternally. Assuming that (1) there are non-vacuous tense operators, (2) tense operators operate on propositions and (3) tense operators which operate on eternal entities are vacuous, it may be argued that eternalism is false. In this paper, I examine the Operator Argument. The goal is threefold. First, I want to present some aspects of the debate in a more elaborate way, especially those concerning formal matters. Secondly, I will argue that eternalism can escape the Operator Argument. There are two main strategies for handling the Operator Argument. The first one is based on replacing temporal operators with object-language quantifiers. The second rejects the identification of compositional semantic value with assertoric content. My third goal is to show that none of them is as good as the strategy that adopts Timestamp Semantics (Fritz in Philosl Stud 176:2933–2959, 2019 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11098-018-1158-8). I am going to argue that the quantificational treatment of tenses is compatible with temporalism and that the arguments for rejecting the identification of compositional semantic value with assertoric content provide, in fact, a motivation for the temporalist position. At the end, I will develop Timestamp Semantics by providing a novel formalization of it, and defend it against three potential counter-arguments.
Mixed lattice structures and cone projections
Authors: Jokela Jani 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProblems related to projections on closed convex cones are frequently encountered in optimization theory and related fields. To study these problems, various unifying ideas have been introduced, including asymmetric vector-valued norms and certain generalized lattice-like operations. We propose a new perspective on these studies by describing how the problem of cone projection can be formulated using an order-theoretic formalism developed in this paper. The underlying mathematical structure is a partially ordered vector space that generalizes the notion of a vector lattice by using two partial orderings and having certain lattice-type properties with respect to these orderings. In this note we introduce a generalization of these so-called mixed lattice spaces, and we show how such structures arise quite naturally in some of the applications mentioned above.
Green, green, it’s green they say: a conceptual framework for measuring greenwashing on firm level
Authors: Dorfleitner Gregor , Utz Sebastian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes a conceptual framework to determine a greenwashing indicator on firm level, based on five pillars of information that capture the key drivers of greenwashing: soft ESG data, textual self-representation, green marketing expenses, green virtue for the apparent green performance, and hard ESG data as a measure of the real green performance. The proposed framework is built on a literature review of greenwashing typology and drivers and can be applied to a broad set of firms at the same time, while most existing approaches are built on a detailed investigation of individual cases. The greenwashing indicator in our framework is based on the difference between real and apparent green performance. This approach allows the implicit calculation of the real green performance using the concept of a firm misconduct factor that helps to identify the greenwashing indicator without knowledge of the real (and often hard to measure) green performance of a firm.