Scaling Analysis Research Articles

Zinc Orthophosphate Can Reduce Nitrate-Induced Corrosion of Lead Solder.

Nitrate-induced spallation of lead-bearing solder particles into drinking water is not sufficiently controlled by phosphate-based inhibitors, although adding zinc can improve their performance. Studies using copper coupons coated with new lead-tin solder in water with up to 12 mg/L nitrate demonstrated that zinc orthophosphate reduced lead release by more than 90% and outperformed orthophosphate alone. Lead release and spallation from harvested pipes with decades-old lead-tin solder in a high nitrate water were improved but not eliminated with zinc orthophosphate over a period of months. When applied at a water utility with high source water nitrate, monthly in-home field sampling showed that 90th percentile lead levels dropped below the action level after dosing zinc orthophosphate at full scale for 6 months. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of pipe scales revealed that zinc and orthophosphate codeposit at the copper-solder interface and may act as a mixed inhibitor, with zinc inhibiting the cathodic reaction on the copper pipe, phosphate limiting the anodic reaction, and an added benefit of zinc orthophosphate preferentially precipitating at the galvanic interface between the anode and the cathode. Updates to corrosion control guidance for waters with higher nitrate due to seasonal runoff or source water changes are needed.

Environmental education in zoos: analysis of different scales to measure the impact of educational programs

Regular evaluation of environmental education is important for quality assurance and the self-assessment of educational institutions such as zoos. However, capacity is often lacking. Therefore, this study presents instruments that can be used to track the impact of educational programs on connection to nature, interest in species conservation, environmental concern, and attitude toward biodiversity loss. Questionnaires were used before (NT1 = 674) and after (NT2 = 619) different educational programs in nine different zoos. Factor analyses were conducted to control for how the scales performed in the zoo context and with visitors of different ages in a pre-post setting. The results showed that the adjusted instruments work well with a few adaptations. Interest in species conservation can be measured as an overall 6-item construct. Biodiversity loss attitude can be measured using a 5-item scale. Using a shortened version of the Environmental Motives Scale, environmental concern was found to be three-dimensional, as intended, and can distinguish effects on egoistic, biospheric, and altruistic concern in zoos. Hence, the scales presented can be used for evaluation purposes and are even applicable beyond zoos.

Understanding the influence of environmental factors on forest composition along the vertical gradient of Northwestern Himalaya

Temperate and alpine ecosystems are considered the most sensitive and vulnerable region towards climate change in the Indian Himalayan region. The current study investigates forest composition in relation to environmental and edaphic factors, which is critical for determining plant community patterns. The impact of climatic and soil properties was studied to better understand species diversity and composition over an elevational gradient (2500–4800 m) in Beas Valley, Northwestern Himalaya. A total of 181 species from 15 community types, representing 122 genera and 53 families (9 Trees, 13 shrubs, and 142 herbs) were recorded from the valley. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis revealed significant compositional dissimilarity (PseudoF = 10.16, R2 = 0.48, p < 0.001) among vegetation types. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results indicated that tree species diversity was significantly influenced by solar radiation (β=0.17, p = 0.001) and winter temperature (β=41.95, p = 0.017). It was observed that solar radiation and winter temperature shape the community types in high elevation temperate regions. In contrast, precipitation, solar radiation along with summer temperature determine the composition of sub-alpine communities, whereas solar radiation, winter temperature and soil pH determine the composition of alpine communities. This indicated that multiple environmental factors are responsible for this diversity. The research findings shed light on crucial factors influencing high elevation plant diversity, emphasizing the significance of understanding environmental correlations for effective conservation. This is pioneer study, which will act as a reference for future studies in Beas valley. This scientific foundation allows for prioritized conservation efforts, focusing on areas with specific environmental conditions influencing forest composition and plant diversity, ultimately contributing to better management and preservation of high elevation plant communities.

An informatics method for inferring the hardening exponent of plasticity in polycrystalline metals from surface strain measurements

The investigation of strain hardening in metals is complex, with the outcome depending on experimental conditions, that may involve microstructural history, temperature and loading rate. Hardening is commonly measured, after mechanical processing, through controlled mechanical testing, in ways that either distinguish elastic (stress) from total deformation measurements, or by identifying plastic slip contributions. In this paper, we conjecture that hardening effects can be unraveled through statistical analysis of total strain fluctuations during the evolution sequence of profiles, measured in-situ, through digital image correlation. In particular, we hypothesize that the work hardening exponent is related, through a power-law relationship, to a particular exponent arising from principal component analysis. We demonstrate a scaling analysis for synthetic data produced by widely applicable crystal plasticity models for polycrystalline solids.Graphical

Guided SEFFI and CaHA: A Retrospective Observational Study of an Innovative Protocol for Regenerative Aesthetics.

Background/Objectives: This retrospective observational study sought to determine the efficacy and safety of an innovative combined treatment protocol using guided Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection (SEFFI) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in facial rejuvenation. Methods: A total of 158 patients (149 females and 9 males) underwent the combined treatment of guided SEFFI and diluted/hyperdiluted CaHA. The study evaluated treatment outcomes at 30, 90, and 150 days post-treatment using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and three-dimensional photogrammetric analysis. Results: The combined treatment demonstrated consistent enhancement in skin quality and facial volume across temporal, malar, zygomatic, and jawline regions. At 90 days post-treatment, substantial improvements were observed, with the GAIS scores reflecting significant enhancements in both skin quality and volume, which were sustained or slightly improved by 150 days. Minor complications, predominantly ecchymosis at the injection sites, resolved within a week, confirming the treatments' safety. Conclusions: The integration of guided SEFFI and CaHA resulted in significant improvements in skin quality and facial volume with minimal complications. Further research is recommended to consolidate these findings and explore long-term outcomes.

Shortest-Path Percolation on Random Networks.

We propose a bond-percolation model intended to describe the consumption, and eventual exhaustion, of resources in transport networks. Edges forming minimum-length paths connecting demanded origin-destination nodes are removed if below a certain budget. As pairs of nodes are demanded and edges are removed, the macroscopic connected component of the graph disappears, i.e., the graph undergoes a percolation transition. Here, we study such a shortest-path-percolation transition in homogeneous random graphs where pairs of demanded origin-destination nodes are randomly generated, and fully characterize it by means of finite-size scaling analysis. If budget is finite, the transition is identical to the one of ordinary percolation, where a single giant cluster shrinks as edges are removed from the graph; for infinite budget, the transition becomes more abrupt than the one of ordinary percolation, being characterized by the sudden fragmentation of the giant connected component into a multitude of clusters of similar size.

Reliability and validity of the Personality Disorder Severity ICD-11 (PDS-ICD-11) scale and the Revised Personality Assessment Questionnaire for ICD-11 (PAQ-11R) in a Norwegian community sample.

In the ICD-11, a new model for the diagnosis of personality disorders is included, consisting of an assessment of the severity of personality impairment as well as an optional evaluation of pathological personality traits. This study aimed to examine the reliability, structural validity, and convergent and discriminant validity of the Norwegian versions of the Personality Disorder Severity ICD-11 (PDS-ICD-11) scale for the assessment of personality disorder severity and the Revised Personality Assessment Questionnaire for ICD-11 (PAQ-11R) for the assessment of the ICD-11 pathological personality traits in a Norwegian community sample. The sample consisted of 295 participants (75.9% female) with a mean age of 30.0years (SD = 10.7years). The participants answered the PDS-ICD-11, PAQ-11R, Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS-BF 2.0), and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form Plus Modified (PID5BF + M). The Norwegian PDS-ICD-11 showed good reliability. Support for a unidimensional model and a high convergent correlation with the LPFS-BF 2.0 was found. The reliability analysis of the Norwegian PAQ-11R scales yielded mixed findings with suboptimal reliability estimates for the PAQ-11R detachment, disinhibition, and dissociality scales. Analyzing the structure of the PAQ-11R items, four factors emerged (negative affectivity, detachment, disinhibition, and anankastia). The PAQ-11R scales showed good convergent and, overall, adequate discriminant validity with the PID5BF + M scales. The findings support the use of the PDS-ICD-11 for assessing severity in the ICD-11 PD model in Norway. The Norwegian PAQ-11R appears to be a useful screening tool for the ICD-11 PD trait domains.

Pengaruh Konsep Diri Terhadap Penyesuaian Diri Siswa Di SMA Negeri 3 Kota Jambi

This study aims to discribe the level of self concept, the level of self adjustment and the influenceof self concept on student self adjustment at SMA Negeri 3 Jambi City. The study used a quantitative research with expost-facto method. The population this study were phase F class student of SMA Negeri 3 Jambi City with a sample of size 59 student taken from purposive technique. The data collection tool used is questionnaire with a likert scale and data analysis used through the percentage test and simple regression test. The result showed that the level of student self concept was at low level 36%, the level of student self adjustment was at low level of 32% and showed that self concept had significant effect on student self adjustment of 26,9% which was at a fairly strong level.

Identifying and Prioritizing Factors to Improve Implementation of an Evidence-Based Program for Child Maltreatment Prevention in Rural Missouri Communities

AbstractPrevention of child abuse and maltreatment is critical in the Ozark region of Missouri where rates are higher than in other areas of the state. Community-based organizations seeking to address these issues in rural areas face significant challenges both internal and external to the organization. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), Whole Kids Outreach (WKO) utilized a modified concept mapping approach to identify strategies needed to address these challenges and more effectively implement the Healthy Families America (HFA) program in seven counties in the rural Missouri Ozark region. Semi-structured interviews were used to identify barriers and supports to the implementation of HFA. Statements were generated via in-person and telephone interviews with key stakeholders (WKO internal staff and external partners). These stakeholders then sorted statements into like piles and rated them according to importance. Concept mapping systems software, using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, was used to determine the most salient cluster solution. The resulting cluster map depicted six thematic clusters and provided a visual representation of relationships between clusters. Stakeholders were then guided through a nominal group process to prioritize key issues and begin to develop strategies to address them.

Combining Mokken Scale Analysis with Rasch measurement theory to explore differences in measurement quality between subgroups

Mokken Scale Analysis (MSA) is a nonparametric approach that offers exploratory tools for understanding the nature of item responses while emphasizing invariance requirements. MSA is often discussed as it relates to Rasch measurement theory, which also emphasizes invariance, but uses parametric models. Researchers who have compared and combined MSA and Rasch approaches have generally concluded that these approaches offer complementary perspectives. However, researchers have not considered how the two approaches may provide insight related to examinee subgroups. Using a simulation and illustrative real data analysis, we propose an exploratory approach to integrating MSA and Rasch techniques to understand item fit as it relates to differences in item characteristics between examinee subgroups. Our results suggest that integrating complete-sample and subgroup-level MSA and Rasch model item fit analyses can provide insight into differences in item quality between subgroups. In some cases, misfit at the complete sample level corresponds to subgroup-related differences. On the other hand, fit at the complete sample level does not guarantee consistent measurement properties within subgroups. When subgroups are important for scale interpretation and use, our results suggest that conducting separate analyses within groups and considering their results with respect to those from the full sample may lend useful insight.

Unlocking circularity: the interplay between institutional pressures and supply chain integration

PurposeThis paper investigates the role of institutional pressures (IPs) and supply chain integration (SCI) in driving the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices. It is hypothesised that, responding to IPs, firms might adopt higher levels of SCI in the attempt to implement CE practices.Design/methodology/approachA research model is developed and tested on a cross-sectional sample of 150 multi-national enterprises (MNEs). Textual content from corporate sustainability reports is used to measure the constructs of interest through an advanced coding approach.FindingsFindings show that IPs are driving the adoption of CE practices primarily through the mediation of SCI; the prominent roles of coercive regulatory pressures (CRPs) and normative pressures (NPs) are also highlighted. CRPs influence on CE practices is partially mediated by SCI, with NPs influence being fully mediated by it.Practical implicationsThe study shows that SCI is a key mechanism that lies in between IPs and CE practices; as such, organisations interested in implementing CE practices need to be aware of requirements for achieving higher levels of SCI.Originality/valueThis empirical study is the first large scale analysis that conceptualises how MNE-driven supply chains adopt CE practices. The study empirically validates the model and identifies research avenues in supply chain management (SCM) research to support the adoption of CE practices.

Phytoplankton Diversity, Spatial Patterns, and Photosynthetic Characteristics Under Environmental Gradients and Anthropogenic Influence in the Pearl River Estuary.

The Pearl River Estuary (PRE) is one of the world's most urbanized subtropical coastal systems. It presents a typical environmental gradient suitable for studying estuarine phytoplankton communities' dynamics and photosynthetic physiology. In September 2018, the maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of phytoplankton in different salinity habitats of PRE (oceanic, estuarine, and freshwater zones) was studied, revealing a complex correlation with the environment. Fv/Fm of phytoplankton ranged from 0.16 to 0.45, with taxa in the upper Lingdingyang found to be more stressed. Community composition and structure were analyzed using 18S rRNA, accompanied by a pigment analysis utilized as a supplementary method. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis indicated differences in the phytoplankton spatial distribution along the estuarine gradients. Specificity-occupancy plots identified different specialist taxa for each salinity habitat. Dinophyta and Haptophyta were the predominant taxa in oceanic areas, while Chlorophyta and Cryptophyta dominated freshwater. Bacillariophyta prevailed across all salinity gradients. Canonical correlation analysis and Mantel tests revealed that temperature, salinity, and elevated nutrient levels (i.e., NO3--N, PO43--P, and SiO32--Si) associated with anthropogenic activities significantly influenced the heterogeneity of community structure. The spatial distribution of phytoplankton, along with in situ photosynthetic characteristics, serves as a foundational basis to access estuarine primary productivity, as well as community function and ecosystem health.

Exploring the Role of Online Psycho-Oncology Counseling Interventions in Alleviating Distress among Cancer Patients

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Online Psycho-Oncology Counseling (OPC) in reducing distress levels among cancer patients. Methods: The research employs a paired sample t-test analysis to compare distress scores before and after the intervention. The study includes 30 solid tumor patients aged 30-59, undergoing cancer treatment. Distress levels were measured using the Distress Thermometer before and after the OPC intervention. Paired distress scores were computed for each participant, and a paired sample t-test was conducted to assess the statistical significance of the observed changes. Result: A statistically significant reduction in distress scores post-OPC intervention (t-value = 3.657, df = 29, p &lt; 0.05) was observed. The mean distress score decreased from 5.67 ± 1.093 before OPC to 4.77 ± 1.675 after OPC. Importantly, 26.6% of participants shifted from high to low distress levels. The findings suggest that the Online Psycho-Oncology Intervention is effective in alleviating distress among cancer patients. The paired sample t-test provides robust statistical evidence supporting the positive impact of OPC on psychological well-being. Additionally, semi structured interview schedule was followed to explore the feasibility and satisfaction of the OPC program. Likert scale and thematic analysis was followed to analyze the qualitative data. Conclusion: Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up periods is recommended to enhance the understanding of the long-term effectiveness of psycho-oncology interventions in the digital realm.

It’s possible to measure racism! Analysis of measures and scales of the racism construct

Purpose: This research aims to analyze the construction and validation of measures and scales of the racism construct through a systematic literature review. The purpose is to examine how these instruments are built based on statistical recommendations for scale development.Methodology: A systematic literature review followed well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected from databases available on the Portal de Periódicos Capes, covering a period up to December 2023 (with no start date limitation). After removing duplicate articles and applying the defined filters, six studies were selected for the analysis of scale construction.Findings: Three specific scales were identified to measure and evaluate the racism construct: the Modern Racism Scale, the Symbolic Racism Scale, and the Ethno-Racial Attitudes Scale. Although there is a predominance of studies on the Modern Racism Scale, other instruments were excluded from the analysis corpus due to non-compliance with inclusion criteria, especially related to article availability.Originality: Among the 82 analyzed articles, those focused on measures and scales of the racism construct do not provide an analysis of the development of these instruments. This study brings to light an analysis of the construction and validation of these measures and scales.

The Association Between Perceived Discrimination, Age and Proportion of Lifetime in the United States Among Somali Immigrants: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Discrimination is detrimental to health. Little is known about perceived discrimination among Somali immigrants. We examined whether age or proportion of lifetime in the United States was associated with perceived discrimination among Somali immigrants. Guided by Intersectionality, we described a secondary analysis of Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) survey data from the Healthy Immigrant Community study. Younger participants ( ≤40 years) experienced more discrimination than older participants ( >40 years). Higher education, being male, and earning $20,000-$39,999 was associated with more perceived discrimination. These findings suggest that Somali immigrants who are younger, more formally educated, male, and/or earn $20,000-$39,000 report more discrimination than their counterparts. Possible explanations include exposure to discrimination outside the Somali community or more awareness about racism. Alternatively, the EDS may not capture the discrimination experienced by Somali women or older adults. Further research is needed to address the discrimination experienced by Somali immigrants. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05136339, November 29,2021.

Service Oikos as a complex self-perpetuating system: a bibliometric study of service ecosystems

PurposeThis study aims to address the following research questions: (1) What are the theoretical frameworks and areas of study that influence the development of service ecosystems? and (2) To what extent does a service ecosystem align with the theoretical concepts presented in other research contexts within the study areas, thereby transforming the fundamental structure of the core concept?Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a bibliometric systematic literature review, analyzing 280 papers from a sample of 52 journals listed in the Association of Business Schools (ABS). The review covered the period between 2004 and 2022, and we utilized co-citation analysis, multi-dimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) on a total of 2,614 citations.FindingsThis study employs co-citation analysis to identify the conceptual structure of the service ecosystem based on highly cited papers. Additionally, we utilize multidimensional scaling (MDS) to uncover key approaches driving service ecosystem research. Through HCA and network analysis, we examine the research scope and its development, emphasizing theory-driven approaches. By combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, we explore the interrelationships between scope, domain and evolution. This comprehensive analysis allows us to delve deeply into the study of service ecosystems. To broaden the research scope, we propose a conceptual framework for comparing the main components of a service ecosystem. The current paper clarifies the service ecosystem's intellectual structure, including service performance, humanistic approach, sustainable innovations and service reflexivity and reformation and proposes a prospective research framework for specialists and researchers by introducing a metaverse service ecosystem.Originality/valueFor the first time, the findings of this study shed light on processes that facilitate the flow of technologies, business models and markets through social structures, ultimately contributing to social change. In service-based systems, the development and application of a more humanistic approach within and surrounding social service ecosystems are crucial as they evolve. Therefore, adopting a dynamic and multifaceted approach offers valuable insights into the drivers of value creation.

Isotropic Quantum Griffiths Singularity in Nd_{0.8}Sr_{0.2}NiO_{2} Infinite-Layer Superconducting Thin Films.

This work reports on the emergence of quantum Griffiths singularity (QGS) associated with the magnetic field induced superconductor-metal transition (SMT) in unconventional Nd_{0.8}Sr_{0.2}NiO_{2} infinite layer superconducting thin films. The system manifests isotropic SMT features under both in-plane and perpendicular magnetic fields. Importantly, after scaling analysis of the isothermal magnetoresistance curves, the obtained effective dynamic critical exponents demonstrate divergent behavior when approaching the zero-temperature critical point B_{c}^{*}, identifying the QGS characteristics. Moreover, the quantum fluctuation associated with the QGS can quantitatively explain the upturn of the upper critical field around zero temperature for both the in-plane and perpendicular magnetic fields in the phase boundary of SMT. These properties indicate that the QGS in the Nd_{0.8}Sr_{0.2}NiO_{2} superconducting thin film is isotropic. Moreover, a higher magnetic field gives rise to a metallic state with the resistance-temperature relation R(T) exhibiting lnT dependence among the 2-10K range and T^{2} dependence of resistance below 1.5K, which is significant evidence of Kondo scattering. The interplay between isotropic QGS and Kondo scattering in the unconventional Nd_{0.8}Sr_{0.2}NiO_{2} superconductor can illustrate the important role of rare region in QGS and help to uncover the exotic superconductivity mechanism in this system.

Colour pattern diversity and evolution in Oriental velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Aculeata: Mutillidae)

Abstract The Mutillidae (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) are a family of solitary ectoparasitoid wasps, famous for their sting and conspicuous coloration. The occurrence of Müllerian mimicry complexes has been demonstrated in both Africa and North America. Müllerian mimicry is the resemblance between several harmful species, advertising their defence to would-be predators by sharing a conspicuous colour pattern. Various colour patterns are known to occur in Oriental (Asian) velvet ants, but potential Müllerian mimicry complexes have not yet been inferred. We analysed the coloration of the females of 283 Oriental velvet ant species (52 genera), characterized by 12 phenotypic traits, and we identified shared colour patterns. Morphological differences between groups were tested using non-metric multidimensional scaling and permutational multivariate analysis of variance. We also inferred the geographical range of these colour patterns, and we investigated whether the shared patterns are the result of convergent evolution or common ancestry. We identified six distinct shared colour patterns, of which four can be associated with Müllerian mimicry. We also studied the position and shape of metasomal markings, and we found no association with mimicry rings. Our results improve the understanding of colour evolution in Oriental velvet ants and extend the previously described Müllerian mimicry complex to the south Asiatic landmass.

Large anomalous Nernst conductivity of L10-ordered CoPt in CoPt composition-spread thin films

We demonstrate a high-throughput experimental characterization of anomalous Nernst conductivity ( αxyA ) of L10-ordered CoPt using Co1–x Pt x composition-spread thin films on MgO(100) substrates. The compositional dependence of the anomalous Nernst effect, anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and Seebeck effect is systematically measured. As increasing the Pt concentration, the crystal structure in the composition-spread film grown at 500 °C changes from face-centered cubic (fcc) Co, A1-disordered CoPt, L10-ordered CoPt, A1-CoPt to fcc Pt. The largest αxyA of 2.52 A m–1 K–1 is obtained in L10-CoPt for Pt-rich composition of x = 70%, which is larger than that for an additionally fabricated nearly stoichiometric L10-Co48Pt52 reference uniform film. The contribution from direct conversion of a temperature gradient to a transverse charge current through αxyA is dominant to the total anomalous Nernst coefficient compared to the AHE-related contribution. From a scaling analysis of the AHE, the intrinsic contribution is found to be dominant for x = 70%. A theoretical calculation for αxyA of L10-Co50Pt50 agrees with the experimental αxyA value for the nearly stoichiometric reference film by considering on-site Coulomb interaction for Co atoms. We also point out the possible electron doping effect by the addition of Pt in L10-CoPt, which could explain the larger αxyA for the off-stoichiometric Pt-rich composition than that for the nearly stoichiometric one. Our experimental and theoretical results suggest the potential of L10-CoPt with a large αxyA originating from the intrinsic mechanism for future thermoelectric applications.

Natural regeneration in edge and interior of a forest fragment at the Catarinense Plateau

Forest fragmentation is one of the greatest challenges for forest conservation in the Catarinense Plateau region. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the edge effect on the structure and floristics of natural tree regeneration in a fragment of Mixed Ombrophylous Forest in São José do Cerrito, Santa Catarina. The natural regeneration of the tree component in the understory was sampled in four transects placed perpendicular to the edge of the fragment. Eight plots of 20 m² were installed on the edge (contact with the surrounding matrix) and inside (100 m from the edge) of the fragment, subdivided into smaller plots according to the class of regenerants. The regenerants were identified, measured in height and classified according to their successional group, conservation status, endemism and calculated the regeneration index for each class of height and total. For statistical analysis, Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis was used. The results showed a significant difference between the interior and edge of the fragment, with the regenerating community on the edge being significantly more abundant and more diverse than the interior. The species with the highest rate of total regeneration towards the interior were Myrcia hatschbachii (TNR=12.1%) and Banara tomentosa (TNR=11.1%), and towards the edge it was Myrcia oblongata (TNR=15.1%). It is concluded that the edge effect appears to have been a determining factor for the alteration in the structure and floristic composition of the regenerants.