bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on elderly population well-being: evidence from European countries
Authors: Polinesi Gloria , Ciommi Mariateresa , Gigliarano Chiara 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to analyse the effect of COVID-19 on multidimensional well-being in the European population aged 50 and over by measuring changes in individual well-being before and after the pandemic outbreak. To capture the multidimensional nature of well-being, we consider different dimensions: economic well-being, health status, social connections and work status. We introduce new indices of change in individual well-being that measure non-directional, downward and upward movements. Individual indices are then aggregated by country and subgroup for comparison. The properties satisfied by the indices are also discussed. The empirical application is based on micro-data from waves 8 and 9 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), carried out for 24 European countries before the pandemic outbreak (regular survey) and in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic (June–August 2020 and June–August 2021). The findings suggest that employed and richer individuals suffered greater losses in well-being, while differences based on gender and education diverge from country to country. It also emerges that while the main driver of well-being changes in the first year of the pandemic was economics, the health dimension also strongly contributed to upward and downward well-being changes in the second year.
Maximum likelihood estimation of the Weibull distribution with reduced bias
Authors: Makalic Enes , Schmidt Daniel F. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this short note, we derive a new bias adjusted maximum likelihood estimate for the shape parameter of the Weibull distribution with complete data and type I censored data. The proposed estimate of the shape parameter is significantly less biased and more efficient than the corresponding maximum likelihood estimate, while being simple to compute using existing maximum likelihood software procedures.
Size-biased compositional impacts of small mammal herbivores in an old-field plant community
Authors: Gridzak Riley , Wylie Rebecca , Bennett Will , Schamp Brandon S. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPlant species height (mature height), which strongly correlates with other measures of size, is widely considered an important functional trait. Taller species contribute greatly to ecosystem function and are frequently identified as strong competitors. Additionally, important ecological processes like self-thinning scale with plant species size. In spite of the clear functional importance of species size, evidence for size-based plant community assembly rules has been scant. While herbivory can be species specific and there are reasons why herbivores may target larger plant species, it is unknown whether herbivory has size-biased impacts on species composition. In an old-field plant community, we compared plant species composition in herbivore exclusion (caged) and control plots over five years to test whether herbivore activity favors species at one end of the size spectrum. Across 5 years, smaller species were modestly, but consistently, underrepresented in caged plots compared to control plots. This underrepresentation of relatively smaller plant species in caged plots, where seedling herbivory was greatly diminished, was driven by lower small plant species richness and abundance in those plots; the abundance and richness of tall species did not differ across treatments. Our findings demonstrate that reducing herbivore activity in our study community modestly but consistently altered plant species composition, slightly favoring larger species. There was no evidence that larger species are preferentially targeted by herbivores. Some research suggests, although it will require further investigation, that seedling herbivory, regardless of the species eaten, produces vegetation gaps that small plant species are more successful in colonizing.
Optimal design for compliance modeling of industrial robots with bayesian inference of stiffnesses
Authors: Tepper Cornelia , Matei Alexander , Zarges Jonas , Ulbrich Stefan , Weigold Matthias 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this paper a cost and time efficient approach to setup a compliance model for industrial robots is presented. The compliance model is distinctly determined by the gear’s stiffness parameters which are tuned by an optimal design of experiments approach. The experimental setup consists of different poses of the robot’s axes together with the applied force at the tool center point (TCP). These robot poses represent together with defined forces the experimental setup where the deviation of the robot under defined force is measured. Based on measurements of the displacement of the TCP the stiffness parameters for the compliance model are estimated and afterwards validated in new experiments. The efficiency of this approach lies in the reduced amount of experiments that are needed to identify the stiffness parameters that are parameters inherent to the compliance and the less complex experimental setup.
How product complexity affects consumer adoption of new products: The role of feature heterogeneity and interrelatedness
Authors: Fürst Andreas , Pecornik Nina , Hoyer Wayne D. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRecent technological advancements allow companies to incorporate increasingly heterogeneous and interrelated features into their products, which heightens the products’ complexity. In four experimental studies conducted with two product categories, this article reveals similarities and differences in terms of how the heterogeneity and interrelatedness of product features influence consumer attitudes (i.e., expected product usability and capability) and, in turn, purchase intentions. Moreover, it shows that both neglected dimensions of product complexity affect the corresponding influence of the number of product features but do so in considerably different ways. The findings suggest that companies can foster consumer adoption by deemphasizing a product’s feature heterogeneity, thereby avoiding low expected product usability, and by emphasizing its feature interrelatedness, thereby promoting high expected product capability. This article provides insights into how companies can manage the complexity of products during both product design (i.e., before market launch) and product advertising and selling (i.e., after market launch).
Accumulation of complex oligosaccharides and CAZymes activity under acid conditions constitute the Thatcher+Lr9 defence responses to Puccinia triticina
Authors: Mafa Mpho S. , Lebusa Ninikoe , Gumani Tshililo F. , Kemp Gabre , Visser Botma , Boshoff Willem H.P. , Castelyn Howard D. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPuccinia triticina (Pt) is an important pathogen of wheat. While breeding programmes develop resistant wheat cultivars to mitigate the effects of such rust-causing pathogens, the emergence of new rust races with wider virulence mandates the implementation of other control strategies. Our study investigated whether acidic pH conditions affected selected Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes) in Pt-inoculated Thatcher + Lr9 (IR) wheat compared to those found in the Thatcher (IS) wheat. The β-glucosidase and amyloglucosidase activity levels significantly increased in IR compared to the control from 1 to 14 days post-inoculation (dpi). In contrast, activity levels of invertase did not change in the IR wheat relative to the control at 1 and 7 dpi, but were significantly reduced in the IR plants at 14 dpi. The IS had higher activity of all three hexose-producing enzymes under acidic conditions. These enzyme activities could be increased in the IS to produce hexose sugars required by Pt to develop and advance infection. The phenotypic analysis supported this view because leaf rust disease symptoms were only visible in the IS plants. For cell wall loosening-related enzymes, the IR displayed higher activity of exoglucanase, xylanase and peroxidase enzymes compared to IS. The liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed IR had higher concentrations of complex oligosaccharides compared to the IS. Thus, we concluded that the higher exoglucanase, xylanase and peroxidase activity could be involved in cell wall loosening under acidic conditions, while oligosaccharides could be building-blocks for synthesizing cell wall barriers that apprehend Pt growth in inoculated Thatcher + Lr9.
Achieving thin wall and high surface quality of magnesium alloy tubes in combined process of hollow sinking after die-less mandrel drawing
Authors: Kishimoto Takuma , Furushima Tsuyoshi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Dimensions and surface roughness of magnesium alloy tubes were evaluated to elucidate the flattening behavior of asperity on the outer surface and the optimal condition for achieving thin wall and high surface quality in the combined process of the hollow sinking after die-less mandrel drawing. ZM21 tubes were drawn using a die after die-less mandrel drawing. Dimensions and surface roughness were measured, and the stress state of the asperity during hollow sinking was evaluated using finite element and slab methods. The results indicated that in hollow sinking after die-less mandrel drawing when the speed ratio was large, both a thin wall and high inner and outer surface qualities can be achieved under low die reduction, where the outer surface roughness was the least, owing to relatively large die pressure and drawing stress. Additionally, enhancing the flattening of the asperity due to bulk plastic deformation in tension was difficult even if drawing stress increased when the speed ratio in die-less mandrel drawing was large. Therefore, when the speed ratio of the die-less mandrel drawing was large before hollow sinking, the largest outer surface flattening was achieved under low die reduction, wherein die pressure was large.
Cultural Adaptation of the teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) Program from Australia to the USA
Authors: Rosenbaum Lacey L. , Bhakta Sanjana , Wilcox Holly C. , Pas Elise T. , Girgis Karen , DeVinney Aubrey , Hart Laura M. , Murray Sarah M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstractteen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is an evidence-based program developed in Australia that teaches young people in grades 10–12 how to identify and respond to signs of mental health challenges and crises among peers. Recognizing the growing adolescent mental health crisis in the USA, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, in partnership with a Johns Hopkins University research team, used a multimethod research approach to adapt the program culturally and contextually from Australia to the USA. The goals of the study were to engage adolescents, MHFA instructors, and content area experts (N = 171) in a process to determine: how to retain the elements of the course that were evidence-based and effective while adapting the program for US students, what topics to add so US students have the essential information and skills teens needed to help a friend experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, what changes to make to curriculum materials to ensure the style and delivery resonate with US students, and what tools to include so the program is implemented safely and with fidelity in diverse US schools. This paper outlines the adaptation process, including engaging participants, identifying key recommendations for modification, and making changes to the tMHFA program. The findings demonstrate the types of adaptations that may be needed to facilitate implementation and maintenance of program effectiveness when introducing tMHFA to new populations of students in the USA. In addition, the process outlined can be replicated toward this purpose as the program continues to expand both in the USA and in other countries.
Ionic Liquids and Deep-Eutectic Solvents in Extractive Metallurgy: Mismatch Between Academic Research and Industrial Applicability
Authors: Binnemans Koen , Jones Peter Tom 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe past 10–20 years have seen numerous academic papers describing the benefits of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep-eutectic solvents (DESs) for leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning. The scientific community—including the authors of this opinion article—have frequently proclaimed these neoteric solvents as game-changers in extractive metallurgy. Despite this, there have been no commercial breakthroughs. In this paper we reflect on the reasons why ILs and DESs seem to have failed to impact on the metallurgical industry. These include: (1) issues with high viscosity; (2) limited chemical stability under the conditions of metallurgical processes; (3) difficulties with recycling and reuse; (4) a lack of demonstrated unit processes and flowsheets on the pilot scale; (5) insufficient material-property data available for engineering purposes; (6) the administrative burden of obtaining licenses and safety permits; (7) very high costs for large-scale operations; and (8) minimal added value compared to state-of-the-art hydrometallurgical processes. Our belief is that innovations in hydrometallurgy based on ILs or DESs are unlikely. Instead, we should be aiming for a deeper understanding of hydrometallurgical processes at the molecular level. This is because advances are more likely to derive from the refocused efforts of experienced IL/DES researchers investigating the speciation and chemical thermodynamics of hydrometallurgical solutions, which will then hasten the transition from linear to low-energy-input, circular hydrometallurgy.
Graphical Abstract
Utilization of sawdust composites in construction—a review
Authors: Olaiya Bamidele Charles , Lawan Mustapha Muhammad , Olonade Kolawole Adisa 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study presents the use of sawdust ash as a substitute in the production of sustainable building materials. Inappropriate dispose of wood-waste causes serious environmental problems as it results in atmospheric degradation, emissions of greenhouse gases and the destruction of aquatic and organic products. This review article combines research results from past studies into the usage of sawdust as an alternative for essential elements in construction composites. The result of this study shows that structural concrete can be manufactured with compressive strengths more than 20 MPa by replacing moderately 5–17% of the sand with sawdust or 5–15% of the cement with sawdust ash. By partially substituting sawdust that ranges between 10 and 30% of sand used in the production of blocks and bricks, sawdust blocks and bricks having compressive strengths greater than 3 MPa can be created. According to the findings of this study, sawdust has the potential to make construction composites that are strong, absorb water, and have an elastic modulus that meet international standards. The study concludes that sawdust composites are intriguing due to having hushed heat conductivity, a prominent sound absorption, as well as efficient sound wadding. From the findings, it is demonstrated that an increase in the utilization of sawdust for construction purposes will reduce the possibility of sawdust as a pollution to the environment, and will also ease the costs of disposal.
Effectiveness and Safety of Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (Follitrope™) in Inducing Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Infertile Women in Real-World Practice: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Choo Chang-Woo , Ahn Young Sun , Kim Kyu Hyun , Lee Jae Ho , Moon Kyoung Yong , Choi Bum-Chae , Kang Young Je , Kim Hye Young , Sim Chae Hee , Han Ji Eun , Kim Chung-Hoon , Jang Eun Jeong , Lee Yoojin , Moon Jei Won , Park Dong Soo , Won Hyung Jae , Kim An Na , Kim Ju-Young , Kim Kwang Rye , Ahn Ji Hyun , Lee Joong-Yeup , Gwak Heemin , Kim Ji Hyang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH [Follitrope™]) in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). To identify predictors of ovarian response that induce optimal clinical outcomes. This multicenter prospective study enrolled infertile women who were scheduled to undergo IVF after ovarian stimulation with rhFSH (Follitrope™) following the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or GnRH antagonist protocol. Predictive factors for ovarian response were identified in the GnRH antagonist group based on the number of oocytes retrieved. A total of 516 infertile women were enrolled, among whom 136 (except one who withdrew before administration) received rhFSH using the GnRH agonist protocol and 379 using the antagonist protocol. The mean number of oocytes retrieved was 13.4 in the GnRH agonist group and 13.6 in the GnRH antagonist group. The clinical pregnancy rates were 32.3% (30/93) and 39.9% (115/288) in the GnRH agonist and antagonist groups, respectively. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was 1.8% and 3.4% in the GnRH agonist and antagonist groups, respectively. No other significant safety risks associated with rhFSH administration were identified. Body mass index, basal serum FSH and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and antral follicle count were identified as predictors of ovarian response by multiple regression with backward elimination, and the final regression model accounted for 26.5% of the response variability. In real-world practice, rhFSH (Follitrope™) is safe and effective in inducing ovarian stimulation in infertile women. Patient characteristics identified as predictors can be considered to be highly related to optimal clinical outcomes.
Estimation for Human Motion Posture and Health Using Improved Deep Learning and Nano Biosensor
Authors: Xu Wenbo , Zhu Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo improve the technical level of human motion posture and health estimation, a human motion posture and health estimation algorithm based on Nano biosensor and improved deep learning is proposed. First, we use Nano biological acceleration sensor and Nano biological angular velocity sensor to obtain human motion posture and health data. Second, after the fusion processing of human motion posture and health data, we use the motion posture coordinate system conversion unit and the physiological information recognition unit to convert the coordinate system of human motion angular velocity and acceleration data and recognize the physiological information of blood pressure and heart rhythm. Finally, the convolution neural networks (CNN) in deep learning is improved to obtain the deformable CNN. The transformed angular velocity, physiological information recognition results and other human posture data are input into the deformable CNN, and the human posture estimation results are output. Experiments show that proposed algorithm can accurately obtain human posture data, can quickly and accurately estimate human posture, and has a good application effect. It has important application value in identity recognition and sports performance analysis.
Omics Views of Mechanisms for Cell Fate Determination in Early Mammalian Development
Authors: Ju Lin-Fang , Xu Heng-Ji , Yang Yun-Gui , Yang Ying 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
During mammalian preimplantation development, a totipotent zygote undergoes several cell cleavages and two rounds of cell fate determination, ultimately forming a mature blastocyst. Along with compaction, the establishment of apicobasal cell polarity breaks the symmetry of an embryo and guides subsequent cell fate choice. Although the lineage segregation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) is the first symbol of cell differentiation, several molecules have been shown to bias the early cell fate through their inter-cellular variations at much earlier stages, including the 2- and 4-cell stages. The underlying mechanisms of early cell fate determination have long been an important research topic. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during early embryogenesis, as well as the current understanding of their regulatory roles in cell fate decisions. Moreover, as powerful tools for early embryogenesis research, single-cell omics techniques have been applied to both mouse and human preimplantation embryos and have contributed to the discovery of cell fate regulators. Here, we summarize their applications in the research of preimplantation embryos, and provide new insights and perspectives on cell fate regulation.
Listening to Anohni's variously vibrating voice: studying transfeminine vocality in 21st-century popular music culture through the concept of vocal figurations
Authors: Muchitsch Veronika 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis article examines the work and reception of singer-songwriter Anohni to investigate sonic and discursive negotiations of transfeminine vocality in 21st-century popular music culture. Developing Haraway's concept of feminist figurations, it introduces the concept of vocal figurations, which articulates a performative, relational and multiply mediated understanding of voice, wherein gendered voice takes shape through processes of voicing and listening. I initially examine Anohni's reception to analyse how biologist, trans-exclusionary and othering discourses surrounding voice and gender inform emergent discourses of transfeminine voices in the first decades of the 21st century. Subsequently, I build on trans and queer theorisations of voice and listening to engage Anohni's variably vibrating voice as a vocal figuration that may challenge biologist and marginalising constructions of transfeminine vocality. I suggest that it may attune us to recognise all gendered voices as thoroughly situated yet changeable configurations of sounding voices, bodies, and subjects.
A unified modeling and trajectory planning method based on system manipulability for the operation process of the legged locomotion manipulation system
Authors: Kang Peng , Meng Haibin , Xu Wenfu 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFlexibility is one of the most significant advantages of legged robots in unstructured environments. However, quadruped robots cannot interact with environments to complete some manipulation tasks. One effective way is to load a manipulation arm. In this paper, we exhibit a quadruped locomotion manipulation system (LMS) named HITPhanT. This system comprises a quadruped locomotion platform and a six-degree-of-freedom manipulation arm. Besides, when the LMS moves to a designated position for operation, it is necessary to constrain the foot contact points to avoid sliding. Therefore, the foot contact point is regarded as a spherical hinge. So the locomotion platform can be considered as a parallel mechanism. A hybrid kinematics model is established by considering the serial robotic arms connecting this parallel mechanism. Besides, the trajectory planning method, which improves the system’s manipulability in evaluating the system balance, is also proposed. Finally, corresponding experiments verify the overall system’s stabilization and algorithm’s effectiveness.