bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the gap between research and practice in human resource management (HRM): a scoping review and agenda for future research
Authors: Negt Philip , Haunschild Axel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe call for evidence-based decisions in HR has become a heated debate in recent years. An alleged research-practice gap has been identified by a number of HRM scholars, leading to recommendations for practice. To what extent the assumption of this gap is justified, theoretically or empirically, remains vague, however. Thus, building on a systematic literature search and the formulation of eligibility criteria for articles, we conducted a scoping review of the current research landscape. Our aim was to explore the constituent components, causes and consequences of the gap. Overall, it was found that research activity has so far been heterogeneous, a significant number of articles were conceptually driven, and a large proportion related to knowledge deficits of HR practitioners. A subset of consistent survey-based studies indicated little awareness of empirically supported practices in personnel selection. The qualitative, mixed-method, and content-analysis studies revealed other influences, such as research with limited practical relevance or divergent interests between scholars and practitioners (e.g., employee motivation). Based on the conceptual contributions, three thematic clusters were identified as causes for the gap: (1) communication barriers (e.g., insufficient interfaces), (2) methodological issues (e.g., rigor-relevance tensions), (3) accessibility, visibility, and dissemination of HR research (e.g., oversimplification of practical implications). There was a strong emphasis on presumed causes and their resolution, with less consideration given to the expected consequences of the gap (e.g., poorer organizational outcomes). Despite preliminary empirical indications for the existence of a research-practice gap in particular areas of HRM, many articles tend to focus on overarching recommendations for practice. We conclude that the HRM research-practice gap in itself has not yet been sufficiently empirically investigated. In view of this, we discuss implications and develop an agenda for future research.
Petroleum sludge formation and its treatment methodologies: a review
Authors: Hasan Abdulraheim M. A. , Kamal Rasha S. , Farag Reem K. , Abdel-raouf Manar E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDifferent petroleum operations produce huge amount of oil sludge annually. For instance, US EPA estimates the annual sludge production of each US refinery of 30,000 tons, while the average oily sludge produced from petrochemical industries in China is estimated about 3 million tons per year. In the last year, our center could recover about 30,206 barrels of raw oil from 32,786 barrels of tank bottom sludge (TBS) for different petroleum companies. This sludge causes huge economic losses besides its negative environmental impacts. The accumulation of sludge in the tanks results in reducing the tanks’ capacity for storing liquid crude, accelerating the corrosion of the tanks, delay in the production schedule, and disturbing the whole production operation. There are diverse treatment methodologies such as solvent treatment, addition of certain chemicals, and centrifuging. Of course, the environmental regulations and the overall cost limitations are very important in deciding the preferred applicable method(s). Although several works handled the problem of sludge deposition and treatment from different aspects, we intend to introduce a different work. First, composition, formation, types, and properties of TBS were reviewed. Then, environmental and economic problems caused by TBS were revised. At last, different methodologies applied for treatment of oily TBS to recover oil and safe disposal of hazardous remains were investigated focusing on the most straightforward and environmentally friendly protocols. It is expected that this review attracts the experts in petroleum chemistry, and other relevant fields and provides a comprehensive understanding of current sludge control and treatment research.
Graphical abstract
HW/SW co-design on embedded SoC FPGA for star tracking optimization in space applications
Authors: Panousopoulos Vasileios , Papaloukas Emmanouil , Leon Vasileios , Soudris Dimitrios , Koumandakis Emmanuel , Lentaris George 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStar trackers are crucial for satellite orientation. Improving their efficiency via reconfigurable COTS HW accommodates NewSpace missions. The current work considers SoC FPGAs to leverage both increased reprogramming and high-performance capabilities. Based on a custom sensor+FPGA system, we develop and optimize the algorithmic chain of star tracking by focusing on the acceleration of the image processing parts. We combine multiple circuit design techniques, such as low-level pipelining, word-length optimization, HW/SW co-processing, and parametric HLS+HDL coding, to fine-tune our implementation on Zynq-7020 FPGA when using real and synthetic input data. Overall, with 4-MPixel images, we achieve more than 24 FPS throughput by accelerating >95% of the computation by 8.9$$\times$$
×
, at system level, while preserving the original SW accuracy and meeting the real-time requirements of the application.
Post-traumatic Embitterment Disorder in UK Authorised Firearms Officers Following Post-incident Procedures: A Cross-Sectional Web Survey
Authors: Brennan Chloe , Cole Jon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn the United Kingdom, authorised firearms officers (AFOs) respond to the most serious threats, and in situations where a weapon is discharged may be subject to a post-incident investigation. The investigation may feel unjust and lead to post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), however, there is a lack of research on PTED in this group. The current study estimated the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of PTED in 40 UK AFOs with experience of a post-incident procedure following a firearms-related incident. An online cross-sectional survey was hosted on Qualtrics, and participants were recruited via a gatekeeper at one UK police force. PTED was assessed using the PTED self-rating scale. Potential predictors and outcomes were measured using surveys of personal and general belief in a just world (BJW), including belief in distributive justice (i.e., fair outcomes) and procedural justice (i.e., fair processes), anger, and social desirability. Participants reported whether they had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, and whether they experienced the post incident investigation as more problematic than the firearms incident. Results showed 15% of participants displayed clinically relevant levels of PTED. Having a possible post-traumatic stress disorder and/or depression diagnosis, feeling as though the post-incident procedure and subsequent treatment were more problematic than the incident itself, and a lack of belief in personal distributive justice, increased the risk of experiencing PTED and PTED predicted increased feelings of anger. Measures are needed to ensure the post-incident procedure delivers fair outcomes and that AFOs are given the right targeted support throughout the process.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Time-Limited Therapy in the First-Line Setting and Role of Minimal Residual Disease
Authors: Stumpf Janina , Al-Sawaf Othman 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
In this review, we provide an overview of different time-limited combination therapies of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and summarize the data of pivotal clinical studies. Furthermore, we discuss the relevance of MRD in clinical trials and summarize the challenges that arise in routine clinical care. Finally, we provide an outlook on studies and datasets needed to optimize the use of time-limited treatment strategies and MRD assessments in modern CLL management.

Recent Findings
In recent years, first-line treatment of CLL has undergone a considerable transformation, with targeted substances having largely replaced chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) as a time-limited strategy in the frontline setting. BTK inhibitors were the first class of targeted agents introduced in CLL, which achieved longer progression-free survival (PFS) and in some cases also overall survival (OS) than CIT. However, this required an indefinite drug intake until disease progression, while CIT is generally administered over the course of few months. In contrast to BTK inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors, another class of targeted agents, can achieve high rates of undetectable minimal residual disease (uMRD) levels and induce deep molecular remissions with the potential to stop treatment while maintaining remissions.

Summary
Combinations of BCL2 inhibitors with CD20 antibodies or with BTK inhibitors have been explored to establish time-limited treatment strategies with targeted agents. In this context, one of the strongest predictors of long-term outcomes is MRD status at the end of treatment, which has been shown to correlate closely with PFS and OS in most cases.
Senescence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: relationship between senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) mRNA expression level and clinicopathological features
Authors: Ostrowska Kamila , Niewinski Patryk , Piotrowski Igor , Ostapowicz Julia , Koczot Sabina , Suchorska Wiktoria Maria , Golusiński Paweł , Masternak Michal Mateusz , Golusiński Wojciech 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Cellular senescence is a state characterized by cell-cycle arrest and apoptotic resistance. Senescence in cancer may be induced by oncogenes or therapy. While cellular senescence might play an important role in protection against cancer development, elevated and uncontrolled senescent cells accumulation may promote carcinogenesis by secreting a collection of pro-inflammatory factors, collectively termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).

Material and methods
We determined the gene expression at mRNA level of selected cellular senescence markers (p16 and LMNB1) and SASP factors (IL-6, IL-1b, CXCL-1 and TNF-α) in 72 cancerous tissues and 64 normal tissues obtained from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and correlated this data with patients’ clinical follow-up.

Results
Our results indicate higher levels of selected SASP factors in cancerous compared to normal tissues. We presented the relationship between SASP factors expression at the transcript level and the progression of the disease. Moreover, we proposed CXCL1 as a candidate biomarker differentiating normal tissues from cancerous ones and IL1b expression as a molecular factor related to increased TNM stage.

Conclusion
Our primary study indicates that SASP expression may be associated with some clinicopathological features. However, a more detailed study is needed to present specific role of senescence-related mechanism and SASPs especially in tumor therapy response and in relation to the patient’s immune system condition.
Agroecological-based modeling of meteorological drought at 12-month time scale in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Ngwenya Mthulisi , Gidey Eskinder , Simatele Mulala Danny 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo mitigate the effects of drought in water-stressed agro-ecological zones (AEZs), it is crucial to implement efficient monitoring of drought characteristics and establish proactive water-use strategies. The Western Cape (WC) province is being confronted with an escalating threat of diminished water availability due to unsustainable human activities. The objective of this study was to assess the spatio-temporal characteristics of meteorological drought within a 12-month timescale in the WC province of South Africa spanning from 1980 to 2020. The University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit provided precipitation datasets from fifteen stations across the six AEZs of the WC province. These datasets were processed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The Mann–Kendall (M–K) test was used to analyze the precipitation trend and SPI values at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results indicated substantial negative trends in annual precipitation across all AEZs. An examination of seasonal precipitation patterns revealed a rise in summer precipitation in subtropical cool-arid regions and subtropical warm semi-arid regions, with increases of 0.4 and 0.2 mm/year, respectively. Conversely, the overall annual precipitation trend fell by -1.0 mm/year in both AEZs. The SPI values consistently fell within the range of -2 to 0 in the subtropical warm-arid, subtropical cool-arid, and subtropical cool-arid zones. Conversely, the SPI values were consistently positive in the subtropical warm-arid, subtropical cool-humid, and subtropical warm-humid zones. This finding suggests that there will be persistent drought conditions that will affect agricultural production, surface flows in rivers, and groundwater levels across the WC province.
Consumer sentiments across G7 and BRICS economies: Are they related?
Authors: Gil-Alana Luis A. , Abakah Emmanuel Joel Aikins , Carmona-González Nieves , Tiwari Aviral Kumar 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper utilizes fractional integration and cointegration techniques to investigate the stochastic properties of the bilateral linkages between the Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) of eight developed economies, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US and five emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, for the time period from 15th January 2010 to 15th July 2019. The univariate results support fractional integration with mean reverting behaviour, with many of the series displaying orders of integration in the interval (0, 1), which connotes that shocks to consumer sentiment have significant long-lasting though reverting effects. From the covariate results and testing for cointegration, we found evidence of cointegration for Australia versus Italy, and France versus Italy. For the BRICS, the only evidence of fractional cointegration is found between Russia and India. Some policy implications of the results obtained are also mentioned at the end of the article.
Insights into the oxidation resistance mechanism and tribological behaviors of multilayered TiSiN/CrVxN hard coatings
Authors: Ju Hongbo , Athmani Moussa , Luan Jing , AL-Rjoub Abbas , Cavaleiro Albano , Yaqub Talha Bin , Chala Abdelouahad , Ferreira Fabio , Fernandes Filipe 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn the last decades, vanadium alloyed coatings have been introduced as potential candidates for self-lubrication due to their perfect tribological properties. In this work, the influence of V incorporation on the wear performance and oxidation resistance of TiSiN/CrN film coatings deposited by direct current (DC) reactive magnetron sputtering is investigated. The results show that vanadium incorporation significantly decreases the oxidation resistance of the coatings. In general, two layers are formed during the oxidation process: i) Ti(V)O2 on top, followed by a protective layer, which is subdivided into two layers, Cr2O3 and Si-O. ii) The diffusion of V controls the oxidation of V-containing coatings. The addition of vanadium improves the wear resistance of coatings, and the wear rate decreases with increasing V content in the coatings; however, the friction coefficient is independent of the chemical composition of the coatings. The wear of the V-containing coatings is driven by polishing wear.
Rapid and portable mid-infrared analysis of wet sediment samples by a novel “filter-press” attenuated total reflectance method
Authors: Janik Leslie J. , Simpson Stuart L. , Farrell Mark , Mosley Luke M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMid-infrared (MIR) analysis of wet sediments or soils usually requires freezing and drying, adding considerable analysis time and cost, and promoting changes in chemical properties. A novel attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mid-infrared (MIR) method was developed to enable analysis of non-processed, aqueous sediments. Wet sediment samples from the Coorong Lagoon, South Australia, were subjected to laboratory analysis for physical and chemical properties, our new filter-press ATR method, and conventional ATR and diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) analysis of dried samples. For ATR on wet sediments, samples were pressed onto the ATR crystal with a filter-paper backing and scanned. The spectra were analyzed by principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to develop multivariate models for total organic carbon (TOC). ATR spectra of as-received wet sediments were poor due to water absorption features, but filter-pressing reduced these and greatly enhanced the solids spectral component. The filter-pressed PLSR cross-validation for TOC resulted in an R2 = 0.89 and RMSECV = 0.78%. Prediction accuracies were similar to freeze-dried ATR samples and far more accurate than testing wet samples without filter-pressing. Our findings confirmed the filter-press ATR method as proof-of-concept and showed that it has the potential to remove one of the major barriers to in-field application of MIR techniques, the high and variable amounts of moisture levels commonly present in many environmental samples. Extension of the filter-press ATR method to a wider range of analytes may enable it to rapidly acquire moist or wet sediment and soil property data while in the field.
Dynamic monitoring of vegetation growth in Engebei ecological demonstration area based on remote sensing
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yang Zhichao , Zheng Shulin , Yue Haijun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVegetation growth and the ecological environment affect each other. Understanding vegetation growth trend and their spatial pattern evolution is of great significance for ecological environment assessment and protection. The spatial trend and pattern evolution of different vegetation growth in the ecological area are included in vegetation planning, which can be used as a reference for vegetation planning and development. Based on Landsat remote sensing data, the spatial evolution trend and dynamic evolution of vegetation patterns at different levels in the Engebei Ecological Demonstration Zone from 2000 to 2021 were revealed, and the degree of ecological vulnerability was determined. The results show that: during the growing season from 2000 to 2021, the vegetation growth of the study area showed an overall improvement trend (about 63.44%), and the vegetation growth trends was mainly not significant change (about 97.12%). The improvement of vegetation growth in the southern desert region was higher than that in the northern arid steppe region. In the future, the main growth types were non-significant improvement of sustainability, non-significant improvement of anti-sustainability, non-significant degradation of anti-sustainability, and non-significant degradation, accounting for 38.84%, 23.81%, 17.30%, and 17.16%, respectively. The spatial distribution of vegetation of different grades mainly showed aggregation patterns, and the spatial distribution evolvement was more and more uniform, the distribution range was gradually expanded, and the orientation was gradually weakened. The numerical clustering degree of ecological vulnerability of vegetation was constantly declining. The results can provide a scientific basis for vegetation planning in the Engebei ecological demonstration area.
Metaphysical indeterminacy in Everettian quantum mechanics
Authors: Glick David , Le Bihan Baptiste 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe question of whether Everettian quantum mechanics (EQM) justifies the existence of metaphysical indeterminacy has recently come to the fore. Metaphysical indeterminacy has been argued to emerge from three sources: coherent superpositions, the indefinite number of branches in the quantum multiverse and the nature of these branches. This paper reviews the evidence and concludes that those arguments don’t rely on EQM alone and rest on metaphysical auxiliary assumptions that transcend the physics of EQM. We show how EQM can be ontologically interpreted without positing metaphysical indeterminacy by adopting a deflationary attitude towards branches. Two ways of developing the deflationary view are then proposed: one where branches are eliminated, and another where they are reduced to the universal quantum state.
Tracking Regulatory Mechanism of Trace Fe on Graphene Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Zhang Kaili , Liu Yuhao , Liu Yanan , Yan Yuefeng , Ma Guansheng , Zhong Bo , Che Renchao , Huang Xiaoxiao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPolarization and conductance losses are the fundamental dielectric attenuation mechanisms for graphene-based absorbers, but it is not fully understood in revealing the loss mechanism of affect graphene itself. For the first time, the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) based absorbers are developed with regulatory absorption properties and the absorption mechanism of RGO is mainly originated from the carrier injection behavior of trace metal Fe nanosheets on graphene. Accordingly, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of Fe/RGO-2 composite reaches − 53.38 dB (2.45 mm), and the effective absorption bandwidth achieves 7.52 GHz (2.62 mm) with lower filling loading of 2 wt%. Using off-axis electron hologram testing combined with simulation calculation and carrier transport property experiments, we demonstrate here the carrier injection behavior from Fe to graphene at the interface and the induced charge accumulation and rearrangement, resulting in the increased interfacial and dipole polarization and the conductance loss. This work has confirmed that regulating the dielectric property of graphene itself by adding trace metals can not only ensure good impedance matching, but also fully exploit the dielectric loss ability of graphene at low filler content, which opens up an efficient way for designing lightweight absorbers and may be extended to other types materials.
Upregulation of LmHxt1 gene is associated with reduced virulence of Leptosphaeria maculans on Brassica napus
Authors: Stehlík Daniel , Trdá Lucie , Leontovyčová Hana , Kalachova Tetiana , Burketová Lenka 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Leptosphaeria maculans is a fungal pathogen that causes heavy losses of Brassica napus crops. To develop novel means of plant protection it is necessary to understand the virulence mechanisms of pathogens. In this study we investigated a T-DNA insertion mutant of L. maculans that exhibited a hypovirulent phenotype (pHxt1ins). The mutant contains a single T-DNA insertion that affects expression of a single gene identified as a transmembrane hexose transporter (LmHxt1). This gene exhibited enhanced expression in the pHxt1ins mutant during in vitro cultivation. The excess of glucose in the cultivation medium lowered expression of LmHxt1 in the mutant line, suggesting that the gene might function as a sugar sensor. Lack of virulence of the pHxt1ins mutant in planta was observed using fluorescence microscopy in GFP labeled lines ruling out asymptomatic growth and showing inability to successfully colonize the apoplastic space of B. napus. On the other hand, in vitro growth did not differ between pHxt1ins and control lines. Interestingly, the mutant showed altered mycelium morphology and a change in conidial germination. Overall, our results suggest that the LmHxt1 gene is a novel important virulence factor for L. maculans. We also propose pHxt1ins mutant as a tool to study the role of sugar transporters in fungal metabolism and pathogenesis.