bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Privatization Versus Managerial Delegation: Revisiting Delegation in a Mixed Duopoly
Authors: Hamada Kojun , Kato Hideya 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study revisits the issue of managerial delegation in a mixed oligopoly by focusing on whether a private firm's managerial delegation can increase firm profit and social welfare. Unlike the previous research that has focused on the effect of privatization on social welfare, we examine the impact of managerial delegation by a private firm on profit and social welfare. Using a model in which the degrees of partial privatization and managerial delegation are endogenously determined in a mixed duopoly, we derive the equilibrium degrees and demonstrate the following results. First, partial privatization is always chosen instead of full privatization or nationalization and the equilibrium degree of privatization is not monotonic with the cost‐efficiency parameter. Second, profit‐maximizing behavior is never chosen as a managerial delegation strategy. When marginal cost does not rise sharply with production, the private firm's owner incentivizes its manager toward a higher production cost so that the manager chooses the firm's output level more aggressively. Third, managerial delegation necessarily increases social welfare, whereas whether it increases the private firm's profit depends on the cost‐efficiency parameter. When marginal cost does not rise sharply with production, a managerial delegation strategically implemented by a private firm not only increases private benefits but also contributes to enhancing public interest.
Prospective Multicenter Evaluation of the MDS “Suggestive of PSP” Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Quattrone Andrea , Franzmeier Nicolai , Levin Johannes , Petzold Gabor C. , Spottke Annika , Brosseron Frederic , Falkenburger Björn , Prudlo Johannes , Gasser Thomas ,   The DESCRIBE‐PSP Group, The ProPSP Group, Höglinger Günter U. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe recent Movement Disorders Society (MDS)‐progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) diagnostic criteria conceptualized three clinical diagnostic certainty levels: “suggestive of PSP” for sensitive early diagnosis based on subtle clinical signs, “possible PSP” balancing sensitivity and specificity, and “probable PSP” highly specific for PSP pathology.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to prospectively validate the criteria against long‐term clinical follow‐up and characterize the diagnostic certainty increase over time.MethodsPatients with “possible PSP” or “suggestive of PSP” diagnosis and clinical follow‐up were recruited in two German multicenter longitudinal observational studies (ProPSP and DescribePSP). The cumulative percentage of patients longitudinally increasing diagnostic certainty was assessed over up to 2.5 years of follow‐up. The sample size per arm required to detect 30% attenuated rate in diagnostic certainty increase in trials was estimated over multiple time intervals.ResultsOf 254 patients with available longitudinal data, 61 patients had low diagnostic certainty at baseline (48 suggestive of PSP, 13 possible PSP) and multiple clinical visits (median: 3, range: 2–4). The cumulative percentage of patients increasing diagnostic certainty progressed with follow‐up duration (30.4% at 6 months, 51.7% at 1 year, 80.4% at 2.5 years). The sample size required to detect 30% reduction in diagnostic certainty increase rate within 1 year was 163, slightly smaller than that required using the PSP rating scale.ConclusionsMost “suggestive of PSP” patients increased diagnostic certainty upon longitudinal follow‐up, providing the first prospective multicenter validation of MDS‐PSP diagnostic criteria. Our data support the design of trials tailored for these early‐stage patients, suggesting the PSP rating scale and the diagnostic certainty increase rate as potential endpoint measures. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Exploring the Physical Activity Counselling for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis—Perceptions of Nurses and Physiotherapists
Authors: Lehtomäki Katja , Ryhtä Iina , Peltonen Jaana , Stolt Minna 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPhysical activity is beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, little is known about how healthcare professionals counsel and support patients with RA to be physically active.AimThis study aims to explore nurses' and physiotherapists' perceptions of delivering physical activity counselling for patients with RA during routine follow‐up appointments.MethodA mixed‐methods convergent parallel design was employed, using survey and interview data from nurses and physiotherapists (n = 9) at a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Statistical and inductive content analyses were conducted. COREQ guidelines were followed.FindingsNurses and physiotherapists perceived physical activity counselling to be central in the overall RA care. They considered it partly challenging as delivering effective counselling requires understanding the specific characteristics of RA and tailoring advice to the individual patient's needs. In general, they focused on motivating patients to be physically active by demonstrating the benefits of physical activity. However, they also reported a lack of awareness regarding the content discussed during each other's appointments, highlighting issues with information sharing between professionals.ConclusionPhysical activity counselling is multidimensional, constitutes part of professional competence and requires extensive knowledge of RA and physical activity recommendations. Future interventions are needed to enhance nurses' and physiotherapists' competence in delivering physical activity counselling.
Errors Associated With Medication Administration by a Nurse During Hospitalisation: A Prospective Observational Multicentric Study
Authors: Tesar Ondrej , Dosedel Martin , Kubena Ales Antonin , Mala‐Ladova Katerina , Prokesova Radka , Brabcova Iva , Hajduchova Hana , Cerveny Martin , Chloubova Ivana , Vlcek Jiri , Tothova Valerie , Maly Josef 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimsTo explore all medication administration errors (MAEs) throughout the entire process of medication administration by nurses in the inpatient setting, to describe their prevalence, and to analyse associated factors, including deviation from the good practice standards.BackgroundWorldwide, MAEs are very common and regarded as a serious risk factor to inpatient safety. Nurses assume an essential role in the hospital setting during the administration of medications.DesignThe prospective observational study was carried out in accordance with the STROBE guidance.MethodsThis study was conducted in four regional hospitals from June to August 2021. MAEs were collected when nurses administered medications to the adult inpatients during the morning, noon, and evening medication rounds at the internal, surgical, and follow‐up care departments in each hospital over three consecutive days. Direct observation by the multidisciplinary team was employed. MAEs were classified as major MAEs (from the potentially most serious and common to all drug forms), specific MAEs (specific to a drug form), and procedural MAEs (e.g., patient identification, hygiene standards, or generic drug substitution). Predictors of either major MAE or specific MAE frequency were analysed using the generalised linear model and the decision tree model.ResultsOverall, 58 nurses administering medication to 331 inpatients at 12 departments were observed. In total, 6356 medication administrations were observed, of which 461 comprised major MAEs, 1497 specific MAEs, and 12,045 procedural MAEs. The predictors of the occurrence of major MAEs and specific MAEs were the specific hospital, the nurse's length of practice (less than 2 years), and two procedural MAEs (the unclear prescription and the wrong strength).ConclusionsNon‐adherence to the standard processes in healthcare facilities for prescribing and administering drugs increased the prevalence of severe MAEs. Determinants of MAE occurrence such as incorrect prescriptions or limited experience of nurses should be considered.Implication for the Profession and Patient CareThe identified determinants of MAE should be considered by hospital stakeholders in their support programs to reduce the level of burden for nurses during medication administration.Patient or Public ContributionNeither patients nor public was not involved in the design, data collection, or dissemination plans of this study. The researchers observed nurse care delivery at medical departments acting as passive participants.
Adaptive Neural Optimized Control for a Class of Switched Strict‐Feedback Systems With Unknown Control Gains
Authors: Wu Jian , Lu Hongwei , Wang Wei 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper develops an adaptive neural optimized control strategy for a class of switched strict‐feedback systems with unknown control gains and prescribed performances utilizing an adaptive projection method. To design the desired adaptive neural controller, we firstly utilize the actor‐critic architecture to formulate both optimized virtual and actual controllers within the backstepping framework. Secondly, this paper introduces an adaptive projection to eliminate the assumption that the unknown control coefficient cannot pass through zero. Moreover, control issues related to predefined time constraints and precision requirements can be addressed through error transformation. The proposed control strategy ensures that the tracking error converges to the predefined range within the allocated time. Additionally, all the signals of the controlled system remain bound. Finally, a set of comparative simulation experiments is discussed for three different predefined times, and the experimental results confirm the feasibility of the proposed control strategy.
Patterns of Weight Change Trajectories and Treatment Response in an Integrated Adult Primary Care Weight Management Practice
Authors: Ganti Anita , Tucker Shanna , Takyi Afua , Nahid Musarrat , Bickhart Alexa , Katz‐Feigenbaum Debra , Phillips Erica 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionGiven the significant interindividual variable responses to interventions for obesity, the early identification of factors associated with a differential in weight loss would benefit real‐world approaches in clinical practice.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the factors associated with individual variability in response to enrolling in a weight management program integrated into an academic‐based primary care practice.MethodsData were retrospectively collected and analyzed for patients referred to a primary care‐based weight management practice between 2012 and 2020. A mixed‐model, semi‐parametric group‐based modeling approach was used to identify group membership and explore weight change trajectories over 18 months, as measured by the percent of initial body weight loss and the probability of losing at least 5% of initial body weight (IBW).ResultsThree hundred ninety‐three patients were included in the study; the median age was 53 years, 84% female, 40% self‐identified as non‐Hispanic Black, and about one‐third white. Among those, 374 had sufficient follow‐up data for group‐based modeling. Four groups were identified and named: “Weight Gainers” added 1.3% of IBW; “Initial Resistors” lost 6.7% of IBW; “Early Maintainers” lost 7.1% of IBW; and “Steady Achievers” lost 15% of IBW. Weight change in all groups was over 18 months. The probability of losing 5% IBW was described by three groups: “Minimal Late Responders,” “Moderate Responders,” and “High Early Responders.” Younger age, non‐Hispanic Black race, fewer follow‐up visits, and lower proportion prescribed two or more anti‐obesity medications (AOMs) simultaneously were associated with a lower probability of achieving 5% IBW.ConclusionsCompared to the other groups, Weight Gainers and Minimal Late Responders had a distinct trajectory associated with two modifiable factors: the number of treatment visits and AOMs. Tailored interventions targeting these factors early may increase the probability of meaningful weight loss.
Characteristics of laser printed waste paper fibers filled polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) based composite films
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Huang Maocai , Chang Xing , Yang Menghao , Wu Yali , Li Xin , Gao Limin , Cao Jing , Zuo Liyuan , Ji Xingxiang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWith the advancement of office automation, the production and consumption of laser‐printed waste paper have been increasing steadily, drawing considerable attention in the industry for the high‐value utilization of this novel, high‐quality waste paper. PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) belongs to thermoplastic biodegradable polymers, offering a potential alternative to conventional plastics and addressing issues like microplastic pollution. However, the high cost of PBAT limits its widespread application. This study focuses on utilizing laser‐printed waste paper for reinforcing PBAT‐based biodegradable plastics, thereby developing a novel film material and conducting an in‐depth investigation of its properties. Results indicate that the mechanical properties of the LPWF/PBAT film composite material are optimized when the laser‐printed waste paper fiber (LPWF) content is at 20%. Furthermore, to address the poor compatibility between fibers and resin interfaces, modifications were carried out using γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane(KH560), vinyltriethoxysilane(A151), maleic anhydride grafted PBAT(PBAT‐g‐MAH), and cationic polyacrylamide(CPAM). The modified composite material exhibited improved mechanical properties, water absorption, and thermal stability. This research provides insights for the design and development of low‐cost, high‐performance PBAT composite materials.Highlights
Laser printed waste paper fibers serve in biodegradable composite films.
At 20 wt% LPWF, the film's elastic modulus reaches 369 MPa.
Adding 3 wt% PBAT‐g‐MAH increases film tensile strength by 33.6%.
Four modification methods significantly enhance the water resistance properties.
A151 modification enhances the thermal stability of composite films.
Compressive damage in super‐thick cross‐ply composites
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Yu , Lin Yung‐Kun , Kuo Wen‐Shyong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe compressive behavior of super‐thick composites was examined. The specimens were composed of 160 carbon/epoxy layers stacked in cross‐ply with 24 mm in thickness. A term “equivalent layer number (ELN)” is defined, representing the number of contiguous layers stacked in the same direction. Six specimen types were made with ELNs varying from 80 to 2. The results showed that the compressive strength consistently increases when the ELN is decreased. Compared with the ELN‐80, the ELN‐2 is 65% stronger. In all specimens, the initial damage was the formation of kink‐bands. However, the kink‐band growth was affected by the layup. In larger ELNs, the kink‐bands are developed in a zigzag form within the same axial group. In smaller ELNs, kink‐bands are aligned, crossing different axial groups. The damaged states were recorded in the entire loading course, allowing correlation between the damage state and the loading curve. In the final stages of loading, two modes become dominant: large‐scale delamination and long shear‐cuts. The ELN affects not only the strength but also the evolution of damage in the specimens. A smaller ELN is preferable, as the laminate becomes stronger, and the induced damage is more diversified.Highlights
Super‐thick composites made and tested in compression.
Smaller ELNs resulting in higher compressive strength.
Larger ELNs leading to zigzag kink‐bands and large‐scale delamination.
Smaller ELNs leading to aligned kink‐bands and shear‐cut failure.
Comparative Study of Gradient Polymer Composite and Blend Polymer Composite for Ultra‐Precision Machine Tools
Authors: Yin Jicai , Ren Chonggang , Bian Bingchuan , Guo Peng , Xie Xuehu 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTExhibiting excellent mechanical properties and exceptional vibration reduction performance, polymer composite (PC) has garnered significant research interest in various industries, particularly in ultra‐precision machining (UPM) machine tool beds. UPM machine tools have a stringent requirement on the comprehensive performance of the bed materials. Specially, the materials of machine tool bed must possess both high mechanical properties and outstanding damping characteristics. However, a major obstacle hindering the widespread adoption of PC in UPM machine tool beds is the difficulty in achieving optimal mechanical properties and vibration reduction simultaneously with the same material composition and curing process conditions. In this study, the effect of various particulates on the mechanical strength, loss factor and the average thermal expansion coefficient of PC were systematically investigated. The experimental findings revealed that the compressive strength of PC improved by the incorporation of particulates. Nevertheless, the flexural strength and tensile strength of PC display an inverse variation. Subsequently, gradient PC and compound PC were designed based on the aforementioned results to achieve the best overall properties for the machine tool bed material. The experimental results highlighted that the left and right tri‐gradients materials (L‐R‐3) exhibited the outstanding comprehensive performance. Moreover, this study provides beneficial information to improve the comprehensive properties of PC. Furthermore, it is of great significance to improve machining accuracy of UPM and increase the machining stability of UPM.
High‐throughput phenotyping of stay‐green in a sorghum breeding program using unmanned aerial vehicles and machine learning
Authors: Pugh N. Ace , Young Andrew , Emendack Yves , Sanchez Jacobo , Xin Zhanguo , Hayes Chad 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAs climate change continues to influence global weather patterns, the frequency and severity of drought conditions are expected to increase, posing a significant challenge to crop production. In sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), a key cereal crop, the stay‐green trait is of particular importance as a measure of how well a genotype can tolerate post‐anthesis drought conditions, which are critical for harvestable yield. Despite its importance, there is a pressing need for a more efficient, accurate, and precise method to phenotype stay‐green in sorghum to enhance breeding efforts. To address this need, this study explores the application of random forest and XGBoost machine learning models for phenotyping the stay‐green trait in sorghum. These models provide quantitative measurements that have the potential to enhance genomic studies and offer additional benefits. Although correlations with vegetation indices were occasionally high, they were not sufficiently reliable to be used exclusively. The machine learning models, in contrast, showed high percentages of genetic variation explained and had high repeatability. The values generated by these algorithms enable plant breeders to efficiently make selections in their stay‐green breeding programs. Further research is needed to assess the robustness of these models across different environments and genetic material. Additionally, comparing these models with other machine learning approaches will help determine if decision tree‐based models are the most effective for this application. Overall, the models presented in this study serve as a promising foundation for improving the efficiency of stay‐green breeding programs in sorghum, but they require further validation and comparison with alternative approaches.
Resistance reduction and cross‐resistance of spinosad‐resistant Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and the association between spinosad resistance and maltase activity
Authors: Wang Yi‐Chun , Chen Yun‐Chuang , Chen Chi‐Yuan , Chen Mei‐Er 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, is a serious stored‐products pest mainly controlled by insecticides. Spinosad, an environmentally friendly biological insecticide with low mammalian toxicity, is considered a suitable candidate for R. dominica management. Given the structural similarity of spinosad and maltose, both containing a neutral sugar structure, it was hypothesized that maltase may hydrolyze spinosad, rendering R. dominica resistant to spinosad. In this study, multiple spinosad‐resistant strains (RdSR) were used to test the hypothesis.RESULTSThe resistance reduction examination of a spinosad‐resistant strain RdSR‐1 showed a significant decrease in resistance level over 1 year with the LC50 decreasing from 2.996 to 0.392 mg kg−1 indicating an 86.92% reduction. Cross‐resistance investigations using the resistant strain RdSR‐2 revealed a correlation between spinosad and spinetoram, while no such cross‐resistance was observed with other insecticides. The expression levels of four maltase genes were significantly higher in the resistant strain RdSR‐1 than the susceptible one. Furthermore, 3,5‐Dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) assays suggested increased spinosad hydrolysis in the resistant strain RdSR‐3 compared to the susceptible one. The maltase inhibitor, acarbose, was applied to susceptible R. dominica, resulting in a significant increase in mortality among individuals exposed to both acarbose and spinosad. These findings imply that acarbose can synergize the efficacy of spinosad in R. dominica.CONCLUSIONThe study suggests maltase as a potential resistance mechanism in R. dominica against spinosad. This novel mechanism combined with reduction and cross‐resistance results provide valuable insights for control strategy development. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantifying the Imaginarity via Different Distance Measures
Authors: Guo Meng‐Li , Huang Si‐Yin , Li Bo , Fei Shao‐Ming 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe recently introduced resource theory of imaginarity facilitates a systematic investigation into the role of complex numbers in quantum mechanics and quantum information theory. In this work, well‐defined measures of imaginarity are proposed using various distance metrics, drawing inspiration from recent advancements in quantum entanglement and coherence. Specifically, quantitatively evaluating imaginarity is focused through measures such as Tsallis relative ‐entropy, Sandwiched Rényi relative entropy, and Tsallis relative operator entropy. Additionally, the decay rates of these measures are analyzed. These findings reveal that the Tsallis relative ‐entropy of imaginarity exhibits higher decay rate under quantum channels compared to other measures. Finally, the ordering of single‐qubit states are examined under these imaginarity measures, demonstrating that the order remains invariant under the bit‐flip channel for specific parameter ranges. This study enhances the understanding of imaginarity as a quantum resource and its potential applications in quantum information theory.