bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On hypothesis testing in latent class and finite mixture stochastic frontier models, with application to a contaminated normal-half normal model
Authors: Stead Alexander D. , Wheat Phill , Greene William H. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractLatent class and finite mixture stochastic frontier models have been proposed as a means of allowing either for technological heterogeneity or more flexible distributions of noise and inefficiency. As in the wider literature on latent class and finite mixture models, we are interested in class enumeration, particularly testing against homogeneity. We apply a modified likelihood ratio test for homogeneity in a stochastic frontier setting, based on established results for non-Gaussian latent class and finite mixture models, and provide evidence from Monte Carlo experiments which suggest the applicability of results regarding a modified likelihood ratio test to the stochastic frontier setting. We demonstrate an application to testing a model with a contaminated normal noise term against a model with a normally distributed noise term, finding that the former is preferred, with significant implications for efficiency prediction.
Deploying Sustainability Through Employee Participation. An Action Research Proposal
Authors: García-Arca Jesús , González-Portela Garrido A. Trinidad , Prado-Prado J. Carlos 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSociety is increasingly aware of and sensitive to the deployment of sustainability. Therefore, firms must implement policies that not only have a positive effect on their sustainable behavior but also contribute to improving their competitivity. In this dual context of sustainability and competitiveness, there has been little in-depth analysis in the academic literature of the positive impact of structured employee participation systems. The main aim of this paper is to propose and apply a methodology for the joint development of sustainability and competitiveness by means of such systems. The methodology will draw on the basic principles of continuous improvement based on a literature review but also by adopting an Action Research approach, in which the researchers and companies collaborate to create useful knowledge for both parties. Likewise, this paper also illustrates its implementation at a Spanish food product manufacturer. The paper shows the potential in both the research and business spheres, as it provides a useful guide for improving sustainability and competitiveness through the deployment of structured employee participation systems. Likewise, the paper also illustrates the usefulness of researchers and practitioners collaborating shoulder to shoulder to generate and transfer knowledge.
Practical Reasoning and Practical Argumentation: A Stakeholder Commitment Approach
Authors: van Berkel Kees , Wagemans Jean H. M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the conceptual and terminological overlap between theories and models of practical deliberation developed within the fields of Practical Reasoning (PR) and Practical Argumentation (PA). It carefully delineates the volitional, epistemic, normative, and social commitments invoked and explicates various rationales for attributing the label ‘practical’ to instances of reasoning and argumentation. Based on these analyses, the paper develops a new approach to practical deliberation called the Stakeholder Commitment Approach (SCA). By distinguishing between ‘problem holder’ and ‘problem solver’, and specifying the distributions of attributable commitments among the stakeholders, the SCA introduces an extension and refinement of the grounds for assigning the label ‘practical’ that brings PR and PA closer together.
Easily Prepared Titanium Phosphate-Based Composites for the Remediation of Synthetic and Real Wastewaters
Authors: EL-Mekkawi Doaa M. , Othman Sahar A. , Abd El-Wahab Rasha M. , Selim Mohamed M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study explored the remediation of polluted synthetic and real wastewaters by titanium oxyhydroxide/titanium phosphate (TTP) and TTP/active carbon (TTPC) composites. TTP materials were synthesized in mild conditions by hydrolyzing TiCl4 in a basic medium followed by the reaction with phosphoric acid. Analyses revealed that TTP is a nano-sized low crystalline material (average diameter of TTP ~ 6 nm) composed of 38.38% TiO(OH)2 and 59.89% titanium phosphate. The maximal removal capacities of TTP were achieved in the highly basic waters. They were measured to be 10.60 and 11.55 meq/g TTP with respect to Na and K ions, respectively. The removal capacities of the individual parts of TTP are estimated to be 7.68 and 3.83 meq/g for titanium oxyhydroxide and hydrogen titanium phosphate, respectively, with respect to K ion. At high pH values, all exchangeable protons in the hydrogen titanium phosphate and titanium oxyhydroxide participated in the removal processes. Data also revealed that supporting TTP on activated carbon enhanced its removal efficiency. The exposed surface area of supported TTP sample increased against the targeted cations during the removal experiments. Finally, full analysis of withdrawn real wastewater samples was conducted before and after their treatment using TTP materials. Both TTP and TTPC showed satisfied performance toward the removal of various metal ions and even against organic pollutants.
Can frailty scores predict the incidence of cancer? Results from two large population-based studies
Authors: Mak Jonathan K. L. , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Wang Yunzhang , Hägg Sara , Jylhävä Juulia 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWhile chronological age is the single biggest risk factor for cancer, it is less clear whether frailty, an age-related state of physiological decline, may also predict cancer incidence. We assessed the associations of frailty index (FI) and frailty phenotype (FP) scores with the incidence of any cancer and five common cancers (breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, melanoma) in 453,144 UK Biobank (UKB) and 36,888 Screening Across the Lifespan Twin study (SALT) participants, who aged 38–73 years and had no cancer diagnosis at baseline. During a median follow-up of 10.9 and 10.7 years, 53,049 (11.7%) and 4,362 (11.8%) incident cancers were documented in UKB and SALT, respectively. Using multivariable-adjusted Cox models, we found a higher risk of any cancer in frail vs. non-frail UKB participants, when defined by both FI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–1.28) and FP (HR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.11–1.21). The FI in SALT similarly predicted risk of any cancer (HR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.15–1.49). Moreover, frailty was predictive of lung cancer in UKB, although this association was not observed in SALT. Adding frailty scores to models including age, sex, and traditional cancer risk factors resulted in little improvement in C-statistics for most cancers. In a within-twin-pair analysis in SALT, the association between FI and any cancer was attenuated within monozygotic but not dizygotic twins, indicating that it may partly be explained by genetic factors. Our findings suggest that frailty scores are associated with the incidence of any cancer and lung cancer, although their clinical utility for predicting cancers may be limited.
Electrochemical Investigations on the Corrosion Behavior of 904L Stainless Steel in LiBr Solutions
Authors: Kiey Sherief A. Al , Meguid E. A. Abd El , Rehim S. S. Abd El 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe pitting corrosion susceptibility of 904L stainless steel in aerated LiBr solutions was investigated. The influence of various experimental variables, including electrolyte concentrations, pH, scan rate, temperatures, and constant potential has been studied using electrochemical measurements, such as cyclic potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostatic techniques, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surface morphology of 904L stainless steel was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The rate of uniform corrosion and susceptibility toward pitting corrosion increases with an increase in LiBr concentrations and temperature. Increasing the pH of the solution decreases the rate of both uniform and pitting corrosion. An increase in the scan rate enhances the uniform corrosion, but suppresses the pitting corrosion. EIS diagrams displayed a depressed semicircles with the center under the real axis. Bode plots support the result that the uniform corrosion resistance of the alloy in LiBr solutions decreases with increasing Br− anion concentration. The observations suggest that this one time constant may actually be the overlap of two-time constants.
Stabbed to death: an osteobiography example of violence among Longobards (Povegliano Veronese, Italy, 6th-8th c CE)
Authors: Zeppilli Carlotta , Micarelli Ileana , Bernardini Sara , Profico Antonio , di Giannantonio Stefania , Giostra Caterina , Paine Robert R. , Manzi Giorgio , Tafuri Mary Anne 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHere
we report the reconstruction of the osteobiography of an adult male buried in the Longobard cemetery of Povegliano Veronese (Northern Italy, late 6th – early 8th century CE), who shows signs of interpersonal violence. The palaeopathological investigation reveals sharp force traumas on the body of the fourth lumbar vertebra and on two right ribs. The absence of signs of healing or bone remodelling indicates that the defects were perimortem. The injuries probably affected vital organs, leading to death. Further macroscopic observations of the skeleton suggest horseback-riding activity. Strontium isotope data from tooth enamel indicate a non-local origin of the individual. X-ray and CT scan acquisition and Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses were performed to investigate the bone defects. His osteobiography was interpreted and contextualised in the complex socio-political scenario of post-classical Italy. The results document that he spent his childhood outside the Povegliano Veronese area, that during his life he was likely a horseback rider active in battle, but that his violent death did not happen during warfare/battle. This multi-layered approach, supported by archaeological information, osteological investigation, biomolecular analysis, and virtual imagery, allowed for the extensive reconstruction of an individual's life history.
Exploring the impact of the reclassification of a hereditary cancer syndrome gene variant: emerging themes from a qualitative study
Authors: Wedd Laura , Gleeson Margaret , Meiser Bettina , O’Shea Rosie , Barlow-Stewart Kristine , Spurdle Amanda B. , James Paul , Fleming Jane , Nichols Cassandra , Austin Rachel , Cops Elisa , Monnik Melissa , Do Judy , Kaur Rajneesh 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe complexity of genetic variant interpretation means that a proportion of individuals who undergo genetic testing for a hereditary cancer syndrome will have their test result reclassified over time. Such a reclassification may involve a clinically significant upgrade or downgrade in pathogenicity, which may have significant implications for medical management. To date, few studies have examined the psychosocial impact of a reclassification in a hereditary cancer syndrome context. To address this gap, semi-structured telephone interviews were performed with eighteen individuals who had a BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome-related (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2) gene variant reclassified. The interviews were analysed utilising an inductive, qualitative approach and emergent themes were identified by thematic analysis. Variable levels of recall amongst participants were found. Common motivations for initial testing included a significant personal and/or family history of cancer and a desire to “find an answer”. No individual whose uncertain result was upgraded reported negative psychosocial outcomes; most reported adapting to their reclassified result and appraised their genetic testing experience positively. However, individuals whose likely pathogenic/pathogenic results were downgraded reported feelings of anger, shock and sadness post reclassification, highlighting that additional psychosocial support may be required for some. Genetic counselling issues and recommendations for clinical practice are outlined.
Plasma lipidome and risk of atrial fibrillation: results from the PREDIMED trial
Authors: Toledo Estefania , Wittenbecher Clemens , Razquin Cristina , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Clish Clary B. , Liang Liming , Alonso Alvaro , Hernández-Alonso Pablo , Becerra-Tomás Nerea , Arós-Borau Fernando , Corella Dolores , Ros Emilio , Estruch Ramón , García-Rodríguez Antonio , Fitó Montserrat , Lapetra José , Fiol Miquel , Alonso-Gomez Ángel M. , Serra-Majem Luis , Deik Amy , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Hu Frank B. , Martínez-González Miguel A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe potential role of the lipidome in atrial fibrillation (AF) development is still widely unknown. We aimed to assess the association between lipidome profiles of the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) trial participants and incidence of AF. We conducted a nested case–control study (512 incident centrally adjudicated AF cases and 735 controls matched by age, sex, and center). Baseline plasma lipids were profiled using a Nexera X2 U-HPLC system coupled to an Exactive Plus orbitrap mass spectrometer. We estimated the association between 216 individual lipids and AF using multivariable conditional logistic regression and adjusted the p values for multiple testing. We also examined the joint association of lipid clusters with AF incidence. Hitherto, we estimated the lipidomics network, used machine learning to select important network-clusters and AF-predictive lipid patterns, and summarized the joint association of these lipid patterns weighted scores. Finally, we addressed the possible interaction by the randomized dietary intervention.Forty-one individual lipids were associated with AF at the nominal level (p < 0.05), but no longer after adjustment for multiple-testing. However, the network-based score identified with a robust data-driven lipid network showed a multivariable-adjusted ORper+1SD of 1.32 (95% confidence interval: 1.16–1.51; p < 0.001). The score included PC plasmalogens and PE plasmalogens, palmitoyl-EA, cholesterol, CE 16:0, PC 36:4;O, and TG 53:3. No interaction with the dietary intervention was found. A multilipid score, primarily made up of plasmalogens, was associated with an increased risk of AF. Future studies are needed to get further insights into the lipidome role on AF.Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN35739639.
Are global influences of cascade dams affecting river water temperature and fish ecology?
Authors: Soomro Shan-e-hyder , Shi Xiaotao , Guo Jiali , Ke Senfan , Hu Caihong , Asad Muhammad , Jalbani Shaista , Zwain Haider M. , Khan Parvaiz , Boota Muhammad Waseem 
Published: April 2023

AbstractGlobal warming is affecting animal populations worldwide, through chronic temperature increases and an increase in the frequency of extreme heatwave events. Reservoirs are essential for water security. All watersheds with reservoirs are impacted by their construction. These artificial ecosystems controlled by humans change considerably the natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem and systems and their biodiversity. The rapid increase in population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are accompanied by an increase in river discharges, which increases the total amount of pollutants. HMs contamination in aquatic environments, as well as the subsequent absorption of HMs into the food chain by aquatic creatures and people, endangers public health. Multiple uses of reservoirs promote benefits in terms of economic development, income, and employment. HMs in water can be ingested directly by aquatic species like fish and can also be ingested indirectly through the food chain; thus, it is much more important and required to conduct frequent monitoring of the aquatic environment. As a result, this review summarizes knowledge about the effects of cascade dams on river water temperature and increases on the stress physiology of fishes, and adaptation to climate change is also needed to produce more fish without global warming.
Development of a solvent screening methodology for cannabinoid recovery from a wax by-product via recrystallization
Authors: Duminy Jan-Hendrik , Goosen Neill , Pott Robert , van Rensburg Eugene 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWax by-products from commercial Cannabis processing, containing between 41 and 46% (w/w) cannabinoids, are currently underutilized due to lack of research done, and significant value can be added through recovery of the cannabinoids. The cannabinoids are aimed to be recovered via a novel solvent-assisted recrystallization technology, and this study provides a robust solvent screening methodology for recovery of the cannabinoids for this technology. Solvents were screened based on their relative polarity, boiling point temperature, and safety of use. Further criteria such as reactivity toward wax compounds were implemented through evaluation of the Kamlet-Taft parameters of potential solvents. Solubility predictions of the wax in different solvents were done using the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP). The methodology was tested on a set of 73 commonly used solvents identifying five suitable solvents, which were 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 3-pentanone, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, and methyl tert-butyl ether. The identified solvents were tested for use in recrystallization and were found to be suitable, validating the use of the developed methodology.
Graphical Abstract
Canopy-applied silicon is an effective strategy for reducing sweet cherry cracking
Authors: Rombolà Adamo Domenico , Quartieri Maurizio , Rodríguez-Declet Arleen , Minnocci Antonio , Sebastiani Luca , Sorrenti Giovambattista 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFruit cracking caused by rainfall prior to harvest, a major problem in sweet cherry production, is being exacerbated by climate change. Currently, pre-harvest spraying with calcium salt solutions is the prevalent technique to reduce fruit cracking in cherry orchards not covered by plastic roofs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of canopy-applied silicon in the reduction of sweet cherry cracking under different field conditions. Four field trials were conducted on mature trees of the cultivars Van, New Star, and Emperor Francis. Treatments included water (control), calcium chloride, and sodium silicate. Multiple sprays (three) were applied weekly from fruit onset of color to approximately 1 week before harvest. The results showed that under conditions conducive to cracking, sodium silicate reduced the percentage of cracked fruits to a similar or larger extent than calcium chloride. This study highlights how canopy-applied silicon sources may effectively contribute to reducing cherry cracking, acting as an alternative technique to other preventive methods.
Higher levels of multimorbidity are associated with increased risk of readmission for older people during post-acute transitional care
Authors: Griffin Ornagh , Li Tracy , Beveridge Alexander , Ní Chróinín Danielle 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Older patients are at high risk for poor outcomes after an acute hospital admission. The Transitional Aged Care Programme (TACP) was established by the Australian government to provide a short-term care service aiming to optimise functional independence following hospital discharge. We aim to investigate the association between multimorbidity and readmission amongst patients on TACP.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study of all TACP patients over 12 months. Multimorbidity was defined using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and prolonged TACP (pTACP) as TACP ≥ 8 weeks.

Results
Amongst 227 TACP patients, the mean age was 83.3 ± 8.0 years, and 142 (62.6%) were females. The median length-of-stay on TACP was 8 weeks (IQR 5–9.67), and median CCI 7 (IQR 6–8). 21.6% were readmitted to hospital. Amongst the remainder, 26.9% remained at home independently, 49.3% remained home with supports; < 1% were transferred to a residential facility (0.9%) or died (0.9%). Hospital readmission rates increased with multimorbidity (OR 1.37 per unit increase in CCI, 95% CI 1.18–1.60, p < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, including polypharmacy, CCI, and living alone, CCI remained independently associated with 30-day readmission (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.22–1.68, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
CCI is independently associated with a 30-day hospital readmission in TACP cohort. Identifying vulnerability to readmission, such as multimorbidity, may allow future exploration of targeted interventions.
A design method for seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete frame buildings using aluminum shear panels
Authors: Ferraioli Massimiliano , Lavino Angelo , De Matteis Gianfranco 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Despite significant progress in research and development of aluminum shear panels in recent decades, their implementation for seismic retrofit of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings can still be significantly extended. Their application is limited by the general lack of relatively simple and effective design criteria and proper guidelines. This paper develops a design method for the seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete buildings using aluminum multi-stiffened shear panels as dampers. Both the nonlinearity in the structure and the dampers-structure interaction are considered to give an optimal distribution of the shear panels over the height of the building. The analytical laws refer to dissipative aluminum shear panels recently tested and analyzed by the authors. The proposed procedure has been described in detail. Its applicability has been demonstrated by analyzing two typical RC buildings having drift capacity-to-demand ratios ranging from 0.505 to 0.624. The design value of the panel-to-frame stiffness ratio has been found to range from 0.594 to 1.432 as a function of the lateral stiffness of the existing building. The verification of the proposed procedure has been carried out by checking the validity of the design assumptions. The first one (i.e., the mode shapes remain the same before and after retrofit) has been checked using the modal assurance criterion that gives values ranging from 0.992 to 0.998. The second one (i.e., uniform yield drift distribution over the building height) has been checked by comparing the yield drifts with their average value giving a standard deviation ranging from about 11 to 15%. The effectiveness of the design method has been finally validated through nonlinear time-history analysis for different seismic accelerograms and hysteresis models. The results show that the seismic retrofit design procedure is effective in significantly reducing inter-story drift (maximum inter-story drift ratio demands ranging from 1.04 to 2.07%) thus satisfying the acceptance criteria of the building, and avoiding drift concentration and consequential weak story collapse.