bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does technological innovation impact the service time and the attraction of new customers in the financial sector? Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Reyes-Rubiano Lorena , Amaya Ingrid Y. , Mayorga David Medina , Muñoz-Villamizar Andrés , Solano-Charris Elyn 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDue to safety perceptions, Colombian banking clients prefer to visit bank branch offices instead of other channels. Thus, there are long waiting for lines at branch offices. Considering the need for more tools for strengthening and streamlining client service, the number of financial clients tends to diminish. In this context, this paper aims to measure the impact of technological innovation on the clients’ waiting time and the attraction of new customers. We propose a simulation-based methodology to analyze customer behaviors and forecast the diffusion effect on mobile app adoption. Furthermore, our study provides managerial insights and future research lines.
Exploring burnout in the Italian Armed Forces amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a clustering approach to identify psychological preventing and risk factors
Authors: Mariani Rachele , Di Monte Cinzia , Murgia Federica , Foglia Emanuele , Deiana Simone , Ravecca Fabio , Fanelli Giorgio , Cippitelli Fabio , Trabucco Aurilio Paolo , Renzi Alessia , Tambelli Renata , Sebastiani Nicola , Di Trani Michela 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Italian army played a crucial role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by supplying the country with military personnel, sanitary specialists, equipment, and infrastructure. This is the first Italian study involving the entire population of the National Armed forces with the aim of investigating the psychological factors that can protect or pose risks in effectively managing heightened distress. We explored how coping capability and the capacity to face uncertainty can contribute to predicting levels of burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 4409 Italian military personnel completed questionnaires assessing burnout, coping style, and intolerance of uncertainty. In addition to the Burnout cut-off levels, a cluster analysis was conducted, integrating the variables of Depersonalization, Emotional Exhaustion, and Personal Gratification in order to identify risk profiles and specific characteristics. Based on the Burnout cut-off levels, military personnel are experiencing higher levels of burnout in the Personal Accomplishment dimension by 23.34% compared to other factors. The application of cluster analysis methodology revealed interesting results: four distinct clusters differed in terms of working factors, intolerance to uncertainty, and coping style. According to regression analysis, the most significant predictors of burnout were emotional-oriented coping and tolerance to uncertainty. The avoidance strategy demonstrated a specific coping function within the Armed Force, distinct from other populations. This study demonstrated that the most effective strategies for preventing burnout are task-oriented coping and tolerating uncertainty. These results implied specific training focusing on the competences could prevent burnout.
International academics in national research institutes in Korea and Japan: contributions, reasons for migration, and challenges
Authors: Kim Yangson , Song Inyoung , Miyoshi Noboru 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aims to explore and compare the experiences of international academics in government-funded research institutes in Korea and Japan and focuses on their integration through primary roles and contributions, reasons to stay, and the challenges they face in their academic and daily lives. Although international academics are critical human resources in academia, their experiences in northeast Asian research institutes, instead of universities, require thorough investigation. Additionally, policy initiatives and projects in these countries tend to emphasize international academics in universities instead of those in research institutes. The study conducted semi-structured interviews between October 2020 and July 2021 with 15 international academics from government-funded research institutes in Korea and Japan. We intend to illuminate their experiences outside of universities and demonstrate that a clear academic role, a (relatively) horizontal organizational culture, and systemic support are the major reasons for their decision to stay and integrate. We also highlight the challenges they face in relation to policy, language, and family issues. International academics help create an internationalized work environment, although they frequently struggle to bridge domestic and international academia. All interviewees were male academics working in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields; thus, further studies are required to explore the experiences of female international academics and those working in other areas and to compare between the academic cultures of universities and research institutes in Korea and Japan.
Quantile Regression for Longitudinal Functional Data with Application to Feed Intake of Lactating Sows
Authors: Battagliola Maria Laura , Sørensen Helle , Tolver Anders , Staicu Ana-Maria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article focuses on the study of lactating sows, where the main interest is the influence of temperature, measured throughout the day, on the lower quantiles of the daily feed intake. We outline a model framework and estimation methodology for quantile regression in scenarios with longitudinal data and functional covariates. The quantile regression model uses a time-varying regression coefficient function to quantify the association between covariates and the quantile level of interest, and it includes subject-specific intercepts to incorporate within-subject dependence. Estimation relies on spline representations of the unknown coefficient functions and can be carried out with existing software. We introduce bootstrap procedures for bias adjustment and computation of standard errors. Analysis of the lactation data indicates, among others, that the influence of temperature increases during the lactation period.Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.
Forming-Free and Non-linear Resistive Switching in Bilayer $$\hbox {HfO}_{\textrm{x}}$$/$$\hbox {TaO}_{\textrm{x}}$$ Memory Devices by Interface-Induced Internal Resistance
Authors: Napari Mari , Stathopoulos Spyros , Prodromakis Themis , Simanjuntak Firman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Resistive switching memory devices with tantalum oxide ($$\hbox {TaO}_{\textrm{x}}$$

TaO
x

) and hafnium oxide ($$\hbox {HfO}_{\textrm{x}}$$

HfO
x

) mono- and bilayers were fabricated using atomic layer deposition. The bilayer devices with Ti and TiN electrodes show non-linear switching characteristics, and can operate without requiring an initial electroforming step. The insertion of the $$\hbox {HfO}_{\textrm{x}}$$

HfO
x

layer induces the switching behaviour on single layer $$\hbox {TaO}_{\textrm{x}}$$

TaO
x

that shows Zener diode-like characteristics, with conductivity depending on the top electrode metal. The electronic conductivity mechanism study shows Schottky emission at low voltage regime followed by tunneling at higher applied bias, both indicating interface-dominated conduction. The switching mechanism study is supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of the films that show a formation of $$\hbox {TaO}_{\textrm{x}}\hbox {N}_{\textrm{y}}$$

TaO
x

N
y

and $$\hbox {TaN}_{\textrm{x}}$$

TaN
x

species at the oxide-electrode interface. This interfacial layer serves as a high resistivity barrier layer enabling the homogeneous resistive switching behavior.

Graphical Abstract
Response surface methodology for optimizing adsorption process parameters for tadalafil removal by raw eggshell
Authors: Halici Zeynep , Demirhan Elçin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Excessive discharge of pharmaceutical wastes into the surface water causes harmful effect on environment, so its removal has aroused much attention in recent years. This study investigated the potential of raw eggshell as a low cost adsorbent on the removal of tadalafil by adsorption experiments. Characterization of adsorbent was investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). To comprehensively evaluate the independent and interacting effects of several process factors, such as pH, temperature, and amount of adsorbent, Box-Behnken design was used. According to results of variance analysis (ANOVA) it was concluded that the second-order model had strong statistical relevance and was characterized by a high coefficient of determination (R2) value. It was clear from the experimental results that as the pH level and adsorbent amount were raised, so was the removal efficiency. At pH 5, 25 °C, and 7.5 g/100 mL of adsorbent, the greatest removal efficiency of 72.9% was attained. Furthermore, the analysis of equilibrium data showed that, in comparison to the Langmuir isotherm model, the Freundlich isotherm model offered a better fit for dye removal. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetic was also evaluated and it was obtained the adsorption followed by pseudo second order model for the tadalafil removal onto eggshell.
Learning-Based Parameter Optimization for a Class of Orbital Tracking Control Laws
Authors: Bianchini Gianni , Garulli Andrea , Giannitrapani Antonio , Leomanni Mirko , Quartullo Renato 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a learning algorithm for tuning the parameters of a family of stabilizing nonlinear controllers for orbital tracking, in order to minimize a cost function which combines convergence time and fuel consumption. The main feature of the proposed approach is that it achieves performance optimization while guaranteeing closed-loop stability of the resulting controller. This property is exploited also to restrict the class of admissible controllers and hence to expedite the training process. The learning algorithm is tested on three case studies: two different orbital transfers and a rendezvous mission. Numerical simulations show that the learned control parameters lead to a significant improvement of the considered performance measure.
Standardization and micromechanistic study of tetracycline adsorption by biochar
Authors: Zhang Xiaotong , Hou Jinju , Zhang Shudong , Cai Tong , Liu Shujia , Hu Wenjin , Zhang Qiuzhuo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractModification serves as an excellent approach to enhancing the adsorption performance of biochar for tetracycline. Selective modification further allows the attainment of biochar materials that are not only more efficient but also cost-effective. However, the key structural factors influencing the adsorption of tetracycline by biochar remain unclear at present, hindering the effective guidance for modification strategies. This study established the relationship between carbonization degree and adsorption capacity, constructed a standardized microscopic model for biochar adsorption of tetracycline, and explored potential reaction mechanisms. The results indicated that with increases in the degree of carbonization, the tetracycline adsorption capacity of biochar increased from 16.08 mg L−1 to 98.35 mg L−1. The adsorption energy exhibited a strong correlation with the aromatic condensation of biochar at p ≤ 0.01, with a linear relationship (r2 ≥ 0.94). For low carbonization degrees, the adsorption of tetracycline by biochar was primarily driven by chemical bonds (69.21%) and complemented with electrostatic interactions, weak van der Waals forces or π-π interactions. For high carbonization degrees, the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and π-π interactions determined the adsorption of tetracycline on biochar (91.1%). Additionally, larger carbon clusters resulted in stronger and more stable adsorption interactions. Furthermore, carboxyl-functionalized highly carbonized biochar displayed the highest reaction energy of − 1.8370 eV for adsorption of tetracycline through electrostatic interactions. This study suggests that a high degree of aromatic condensation in the carbon structure of biochar is crucial for the efficient adsorption of tetracycline.
Graphical Abstract
Toxicity of a novel antifungal agent (ATB1651 gel) in Yucatan minipigs (Sus scrofa) following 4 weeks of daily dermal administration
Authors: Kim Hyung-Sun , Kang Goo-Hwa , Yang Mi-Jin , Joo Yun-Jeong , Lee Dong-Gi , Lee Han-Seung , Lee Jong-Seung , Hwang Jeong Ho 
Published: February 2024

AbstractATB1651 gel is an antifungal drug candidate that enhances antifungal activity through substitution of several aryl rings, alkyl chains, and methyl groups. To ensure safety of use of ATB1651 gel, assessment of its potentially toxic side effects is necessary. In this study, we examined the repeated-dose toxicity of ATB1651 gel to Yucatan minipigs (Sus scrofa) in accordance with the Good Laboratory Practice guidelines. Five doses of ATB1651 gel (0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 3.0%) were administered dermally to the left and right flanks of 38 minipigs daily for 4 weeks. Mortality, clinical symptoms, dermal scores, body weights, and physiological, biochemical, pathological, and toxicokinetic analyses were performed after the treatment period. No systemic toxicological damage was observed in either male or female minipigs regardless of dose; however, dermal application of ATB1651 gel caused some skin alterations at the application sites. Specifically, erythema and eschar formation, edema, and scabs or raise spots were observed at the application site(s) in males in the 3.0% ATB1651 gel treatment group and in females at ATB1651 gel concentrations ≥ 1.0%, with dermal scores ranging from grade 1 to 2. Additionally, histopathological assay indicated infiltration of different types of inflammatory cells and the presence of pustule/crust at the application site(s) in both males and females at ATB1651 gel concentrations ≥ 0.5%. However, these changes were reversible after a 2-week recovery period and were considered a local irritation effect of ATB1651 gel. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of ATB1651 gel was 3.0% with regard to topical and systemic toxicity in both male and female minipigs. Collectively, our results imply that ATB1651 gel is a safe candidate for clinical development as an antifungal drug with a wide therapeutic window.
Proceedings from the Third Annual Conference of the Norwegian Network for Implementation Research (NIMP)
Authors: Bjørnerud Anne Merete , Falkenberg Helle K. , Braathu Nora , Skar Ane-Marthe Solheim , Engell Thomas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe third annual conference of the Norwegian Network for Implementation Research (NIMP) was held on November 28th, 2022, in Oslo, Norway. This event drew 98 participants from diverse sectors and disciplines such as health care, welfare, education, and government, with increased interest from non-research practitioners and policymakers (32% of attendees) compared to prior NIMP conferences. The conference featured a keynote presentation from Professor Per Nilsen, two plenary presentations, eleven parallel session presentations, and five poster presentations. The majority of presentations focused on applied implementation research (72%). However, 28% were from non-research implementation practice and policy work, indicating an increased awareness and use of implementation science outside of academia. The presentations were focused on implementation determinants and strategies, the use of theories, models, and frameworks, and research-to-practice partnerships. The conference saw limited rigorous evaluation of implementation, and more robust evaluation methods with strong measures of implementation outcomes may be needed to enhance implementation evidence in Norway. To sustain engagement in the conference, NIMP should continue integrating implementation research and practice, and consider interactive cross-professional sessions to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration. The conference’s increasing influence reflects the growing awareness and relevance of implementation science in Norway, and the conference may facilitate beneficial feedback loops between implementation research and practice to advance the science and practice of implementation in Norway.
On monitorability of AI
Authors: Yampolskiy Roman V. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Artificially intelligent (AI) systems have ushered in a transformative era across various domains, yet their inherent traits of unpredictability, unexplainability, and uncontrollability have given rise to concerns surrounding AI safety. This paper aims to demonstrate the infeasibility of accurately monitoring advanced AI systems to predict the emergence of certain capabilities prior to their manifestation. Through an analysis of the intricacies of AI systems, the boundaries of human comprehension, and the elusive nature of emergent behaviors, we argue for the impossibility of reliably foreseeing some capabilities. By investigating these impossibility results, we shed light on their potential implications for AI safety research and propose potential strategies to overcome these limitations.
Genetic identification of the sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood) infesting chickens in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gharsan Fatehia Nasser 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStick-tight fleas, Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood), are major ectoparasites of domesticated chickens and can cause serious diseases and even death if left untreated. In the present study the flea samples were collected from three traditional chicken-raising farms in the Al-Baha region. The samples were examined under a stereomicroscope and identified using classification keys. After extracting DNA from the insects, the polymerase chain reaction technique was used to identify the hereditary gene, cytochrome oxidase, present in the insect biopics. The gene was purified, its nucleotide sequence was obtained, and the accession number (OR161051) has been assigned in GenBank. After determining its nucleotide sequence, it was compared with other insects in GenBank, where it was found to be identical (99.82%) to the E. gallinacea isolate from Thailand recorded in GenBank [OQ291364 and MW492259 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nucleotide/MW492259.1?report=genbank&log$=nucltop&blast_rank=1&RID=VJR9ZAEE013)]. The match was 94.33% with Echidnophaga iberica from Spain (KF479239) and 93.97% with Echidnophaga oschanini from China (KU880666). The phylogenetic tree also showed similarities between the Saudi Arabian isolates and other isolates. This genetic study of sticktight fleas is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, therefore will be valuable for assessing the prevalence and geographical distribution of this parasite.
Degradation kinetics and physiological studies of organophosphates degrading microorganisms for soil bioremediation
Authors: Kilonzi J. M. , Otieno S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOrganophosphate compounds are widely used in agricultural activities to optimize food production. Contamination of field soil by these compounds may result in detrimental effects on soil biota. The aim of the present study was to isolate microorganisms from field soils and evaluate the strains on ability to degrade organophosphates as single isolate and as a consortium. Isolated strains were identified using both biochemical and molecular techniques. Results revealed that, out of the 46 isolated strains, three isolates herein referred to as S6, S36 and S37 showed an average diazinon degradation rate of 76.4%, 76.7% and 76.8% respectively, of the initial dose (50 ppm) within 11 days of incubation in mineral medium. Notably, isolates S36 and S37 were more effective than S6 in degrading diazinon by 40% in soil aliquot after 11 days and therefore were evaluated on biochemical reactions and molecular identification. The isolates showed variable biochemical characteristics. However, both isolates possessed catalase enzyme, but lacked oxidase enzyme. Molecular characterization showed that, the closest species for S36 and S37 were Priestia megaterium and P. arybattia, respectively, based on 16S rRNA gene similarity (> 99%). Combination of the strains increased diazinon degradation ability by 45% compared to single strain treatment. Chlorpyrifos was the most highly degraded organophosphate, compared to phorate and cadusafos. Therefore it is expected that the pesticide-degrading bacteria could be a solution to soil health improvement and contribution to the production of safe agricultural products.
A Hybrid Cryptographic Mechanism for Secure Data Transmission in Edge AI Networks
Authors: Almalawi Abdulmohsen , Hassan Shabbir , Fahad Adil , Khan Asif Irshad 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs Edge AI systems become more prevalent, ensuring data privacy and security in these decentralized networks is essential. In this work, a novel hybrid cryptographic mechanism was presented by combining Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) and Diffie–Hellman-based Twofish cryptography (DHT) for secure data transmission. The developed work collects the data from the created edge AI system and processes it using the Autoencoder. The Autoencoder learns the data patterns and identifies the malicious data entry. The Diffie–Hellman (DH) key exchange generates a shared secret key for encryption, while the ALO optimizes the key exchange and improves security performance. Further, the Twofish algorithm performs the data encryption using a generated secret key, preventing security threats during transmission. The implementation results of the study show that it achieved a higher accuracy of 99.45%, lower time consumption of 2 s, minimum delay of 0.8 s, and reduced energy consumption of 3.2 mJ.
Improvement of limit of detection in primer extension-based multiplexed mutation assay using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Ando Takahiro , Yokoi Takahide , Manri Chihiro , Anazawa Takashi , Ishida Takeshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOne of the challenges in liquid biopsy for early cancer detection is ascribed to the fact that mutation DNA often represents an extremely small ratio of less than 1% compared to wild-type genes in blood. However, in conventional fragment analysis with capillary electrophoresis (CE), the detectable allele frequency could be about 5%. In this work, we developed an original reagent-based fragment analysis with single base extension (SBE) reactions for cancer-associated mutation assay using a commercially available CE device, and investigated on a possibility of improvement of limit of detection (LOD) for genetic mutation. First, after adjustment of reagent conditions for the SBE reactions, the linear relationship between gene template concentration and fluorescence intensity was obtained from 1 to 100 fmol of target genes. Next, from the results of an experiment to detect mutation EGFR L858R at abundance ratios of mutant type to wild type (100-fmol template) of 0, 1, 5, and 10%, it was shown that the target gene can be detected with LOD of 0.33%. This high sensitivity was realized in part by separating fluorescently labeled substrates into an individual tube for an each-colored SBE reaction. Moreover, mutations EGFR L858R and KRAS G12V were simultaneously detected at sensitivities equivalent to LODs of 0.57 and 0.47%, respectively. These results indicate that < 1% of mutations in multiplex gene mutations can be simultaneously detected, and that possibility suggests that the developed method can be used in clinical practice for detecting cancers.
Graphical abstract