bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P(AN-co-MMA) nanofiber membrane decorated with greenly synthesized nanoparticles for heavy metal removal: a competitive study
Authors: Syed Abeer , Da’na Enshirah , Taha Amel , El-Aassar Mohamed R , Aldughaish Adnan M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination is a serious threat to water resources as it has been associated with carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and toxicity. With the presence of heavy metals in water bodies reported from all over the globe, there is an urgent need for innovative water treatment strategies. The main goal of this study is to enhance the adsorption affinity of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl methacrylate) (P(AN-co-MMA)) nanofiber membrane for heavy metals by decorating the nanofiber membrane with greenly synthesized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirmed the uniform dispersion of 30–40 nm CoFe2O4 nanoparticles within the P(AN-co-MMA) nanofiber membrane, having an average fiber diameter of 269 nm. x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the formation of highly crystalline CoFe2O4 nanoparticles without impurities. The CoFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited type-IV isotherm, indicating the formation of mesoporous/macroporous materials with a specific surface area of 36.8 m2g−1. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that both P(AN-co-MMA) and P(AN-co-MMA)CoFe2O4 begin to decompose at around 340 °C. The competitive adsorption behavior of the CoFe2O4, P(AN-co-MMA), and P(AN-co-MMA)CoFe2O4 was studied to determine their selectivity towards Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+. The results showed a superior affinity of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles for Cd2+, with 100% removal within a concentration range of 20–80 ppm, compared to 50% removal using P(AN-co-MMA)CoFe2O4, and zero removal with P(AN-co-MMA). For Hg+, the efficiency of removal by the CoFe2O4 was the highest followed by P(AN-co-MMA), and then P(AN-co-MMA) CoFe2O4. Pb2+ showed exclusive affinity for the CoFe2O4 nanoparticles only. The presented eco-friendly nanocomposite presents a promising, efficient, and selective adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater to address water pollution.
Investigation on the stress-strain relationship of rubberized concrete under uniaxial compression
Authors: Wang Jianfan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
As urbanization progresses rapidly, addressing the disposal of waste tires has become an urgent global environmental concern. This research comprehensively examined how varying rubber proportions and particle dimensions impact the workability, axial compressive stress–strain response, splitting tensile resistance, and flexural capabilities of concrete, utilizing both experimental methods and theoretical assessments. Additionally, the energy dissipation properties of rubber-enriched concrete utilizing a toughness index and developed an analytical framework to predict the compressive stress–strain relationship in rubber-modified concrete were evaluated. When the rubber content was increased to 20%, it was observed that rubber reduced the workability and load-bearing capacity of concrete, with reductions of 44.7%, 26.9% and 30.5% in slump, peak stress and modulus of elasticity, respectively. The incorporation of rubber increased the peak strain of concrete, with the maximum increase reaching 26.2%. The ultimate deflection increased by about 8.0%. Meanwhile, the toughness index was found to increase, with an increase of about 36.8%. The established stress–strain analytical model can accurately predict the stress–strain behavior of rubberized concrete under axial compression. In summary, rubberized concrete shows significant potential in enhancing seismic performance in earthquake-prone regions, optimizing structural design, and addressing environmental issues related to waste tire disposal, aligning with sustainable development goals.
High entropy ceramics: research trends and reviewing mechanical properties using computer vision techniques
Authors: Kumar Bijendra , Bhattacharya Tapas Kumar , Modak Nipu , Mukherjee Alok , Chatterjeee Kingshuk , Haldar Partha 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
High entropy ceramics (HECs) represent a novel class of materials characterized by their unique multi-principal element compositions and exceptional properties. This study investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of high entropy ceramics through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 395 Scopus-indexed articles. Biblioshiny, VOSviewer and Gephi software are used to analyze different data linked with these articles. Data from abstracts are analyzed to identify properties like thermal conductivity, hardness, fracture toughness, etc Computer vision has been applied in data extraction and property characterization of HEC. Investigation reveals significant insights into the co-occurrence of keywords related to various mechanical properties, such as fracture toughness and compressive strength, alongside thermal characteristics like thermal conductivity. Visualizing these relationships highlights research clusters and identifies gaps in the current literature, paving the way for future exploration in this promising field.
Decolonizing language learning in digital environments through the voices of plurilingual learners in the Global South
Authors: Galante Angelica , Piccardo Enrica , Marcel Faith , Zeaiter Lana F , dela Cruz John Wayne N , Barise Aisha 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Digital pedagogies of empowerment are needed to shift discourses on marginalization, facilitate additional language learning, and sustain multilingualism. Grounded in plurilingualism and decoloniality as theoretical frameworks, this transformative mixed methods study explored the affordances of PluriDigit, a plurilingual, decolonial, and digital approach to language learning. This study was conducted with thirty six language learners enrolled in online language courses in a multilingual program in São Paulo, Brazil. We explored whether learners’ plurilingual and pluricultural identities and competence would change over time and the potential emergent contributions of PluriDigit to learner empowerment. Results from inductive and deductive analyses of three types of data indicate a shift in learners’ mindset from monolingual to plurilingual and pluricultural identity and a significant increase in plurilingual and pluricultural competence scores over time. Moreover, results show that PluriDigit offered a critical lens to plurilingualism, facilitating decolonial learning, agency, and relationality, as well as the development of voice in the target language. We argue that PluriDigit is one possibility of digital decolonial pedagogy that can empower language learners in the Global South and beyond.
Co-culture of Aspergillus niger IFM 59706 and RAW264 cells enhances the production of aurasperone A with nitric oxide inhibitory activity
Authors: Ujie Yukiko , Saito Shun , Banno Tomoya , Yaguchi Takashi , Arai Midori A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Most actinomycetes and fungi have a multitude of silent biosynthetic genes whose activation could lead to the production of new natural products. Our group recently designed and used a co-culture method to isolate new natural products, based on the idea that pathogens might produce immune suppressors to avoid attack by immune cells. Here, we searched for compounds produced by the co-culture of immune cells with pathogenic fungi isolated from clinical specimens. The production of dimeric naphtho-γ-pyrone aurasperone A (1) was enhanced by the co-culture of pathogenic fungus Aspergillus niger IFM 59706 and RAW264 mouse macrophage-like cells. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by comparison with the reported electronic circular dichroism spectrum. This is the first report of the inhibitory activity of 1 on nitric oxide production, an inflammatory mediator.
Dual-stage optimizer for systematic overestimation adjustment applied to multi-objective genetic algorithms for biomarker selection
Authors: Cattelani Luca , Fortino Vittorio 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The selection of biomarker panels in omics data, challenged by numerous molecular features and limited samples, often requires the use of machine learning methods paired with wrapper feature selection techniques, like genetic algorithms. They test various feature sets—potential biomarker solutions—to fine-tune a machine learning model’s performance for supervised tasks, such as classifying cancer subtypes. This optimization process is undertaken using validation sets to evaluate and identify the most effective feature combinations. Evaluations have performance estimation error, measurable as discrepancy between validation and test set performance, and when the selection involves many models the best ones are almost certainly overestimated. This issue is also relevant in a multi-objective feature selection process where various characteristics of the biomarker panels are optimized, such as predictive performances and feature set size. Methods have been proposed to reduce the overestimation after a model has already been selected in single-objective problems, but no algorithm existed capable of reducing the overestimation during the optimization, improving model selection, or applied in the more general multi-objective domain. We propose Dual-stage Optimizer for Systematic overestimation Adjustment in Multi-Objective problems (DOSA-MO), a novel multi-objective optimization wrapper algorithm that learns how the original estimation, its variance, and the feature set size of the solutions predict the overestimation. DOSA-MO adjusts the expectation of the performance during the optimization, improving the composition of the solution set. We verify that DOSA-MO improves the performance of a state-of-the-art genetic algorithm on left-out or external sample sets, when predicting cancer subtypes and/or patient overall survival, using three transcriptomics datasets for kidney and breast cancer.
Due Diligence in International Law: A Useful Renaissance or ‘All Things to All People’?
Authors: Lanovoy Vladyslav 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Few concepts have become as prominent in recent international law publications as ‘due diligence’. Still, its nature and content remain notably ambiguous. This essay reflects on the main takeaways from recent scholarly debates on due diligence. These takeaways are presented as five propositions that seek to capture the common findings or areas of agreement in the scholarship under review, having regard to the existing case law of international courts and tribunals. These propositions are intended to inform our understanding of the nature, content and scope of application of due diligence and are, in principle, agnostic as to the particular field of international law. With an eye to the future, this essay has also singled out certain areas in the debate where scholars disagree or where the law may not yet be settled. Those areas may benefit from further research, practice of states, clarification by international courts and tribunals and, likely, codification by the International Law Commission in the near future. These efforts will go a long way towards ensuring that due diligence remains a well-circumscribed concept and thus useful to states and other participants in the international legal order.
Parliamentary Interest in Foreign Security Policy: Insight from the Indian Lok Sabha
Authors: Ladwig Walter C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Existing scholarship argues that the effectiveness with which democracies craft foreign security policy depends on the level of engagement elected officials give the topic. Yet, there is little research on the factors driving individual parliamentarians’ interest in the topic beyond the notion that some issues have more resonance with the electorate than others. Introducing an original dataset of 10,180 parliamentary questions on foreign and defense matters in India, this study demonstrates that analysis of questions can have significant utility for the fields of international relations and foreign policy analysis by revealing the specific aspects of foreign security policy elected officials focus on, which, in this case, are at odds with the prevailing expectation that the mass political salience of an issue determines the level of attention given by elected officials. Moreover, factors such as electoral security, opposition party membership, representation of historically disadvantaged groups, and the geographic location of one’s constituency are shown to predict varying levels of attention by individual politicians operating in the same political environment.
Spatial and temporal patterns of zooplankton trophic interactions and carbon sources in the eutrophic Elbe estuary (Germany)
Authors: Biederbick Johanna , Möllmann Christian , Hauten Elena , Russnak Vanessa , Lahajnar Niko , Hansen Thomas , Dierking Jan , Koppelmann Rolf 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Zooplankton in estuaries encounter complex physical and biogeochemical processes that affect the quantity, quality, and origin of their food sources. The knowledge about how zooplankton deal with highly variable organic matter sources is sparse. Here, we investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of zooplankton trophic dynamics and carbon sources in the intensively dredged, eutrophic Elbe estuary. For this purpose, we applied elemental and stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) on particulate organic matter (POM) and dominant meso- and macrozooplankton species, including ichthyoplankton, from five stations along the entire salinity gradient of the estuary in 2022. The δ13C values of POM (−29.2 to −23.0 ‰) indicated a mixture of riverine, terrestrial, and coastal carbon sources used by most taxa for their diet. Eurytemora affinis (−34.0 to −23.3 ‰) and Mesopodopsis slabberi (−22.2 to −20.0 ‰) exhibited a broader range in δ13C than POM, suggesting selective feeding on single POM components depending on the season. In winter and autumn, under high suspended matter loads and limited availability of high-quality autochthonous phytoplankton, zooplankton showed increased tendency for carnivory (higher δ15N values). Our study revealed a high trophic plasticity of estuarine Elbe zooplankton to buffer hydrological-related alterations in their food source by dietary niche partitioning and a flexible switch in their feeding behaviour.
Antonio Cassese and The Man in a Case
Authors: Gaeta Paola , Clapham Andrew 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Tadić interlocutory appeal on jurisdiction of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, this special contribution commemorates the moment by looking at Antonio Cassese’s impact on international law, with a particular focus on his understanding of his own methodology, which could be described as ‘critical positivism’ and executed by a ‘judicious reformer’. ‘The Man in a Case’ in the title is a reference to a famous short story by Anton Chekov, a piece that Cassese particularly liked. With a wry smile, he used to say that lawyers who adhered to strict legal positivism risked becoming like the character in the story, Belikov, who lived a solitary existence and adhered strictly to a rigid set of rules and principles, building metaphorical walls around himself like a ‘man in a case’. Although Cassese recognized the safeguarding role that legal positivism can play in shielding legal discourse from ideological manipulation, he cautioned against the potential of pure positivism to put distance between lawyers and the socio-political challenges he thought we should be addressing in the real world. In his approach to law, as a scholar, a judge, and a practitioner, Cassese sought to balance methodological rigour with principled engagement. He emphasized the imperative for jurists to avoid becoming mere instruments of power and strove to maintain a delicate equilibrium between adherence to legal principles and active participation in moral and political discourse. In essence, Cassese’s approach sought to harness the protective function of legal positivism to his need to engage his moral and political commitments.
Comparing Time to Recovery Between Initial and Repeat Concussion in Athletes
Authors: Wright Brandon S. , Dykowski Sara , Bretzin Abigail C. , Roberts Mark T. , Ichesco Ingrid K. , Almeida Andrea A. , Popovich Michael J. , Lorincz Matthew T. , Eckner James T. 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
Compare time to recovery between initial and repeat concussions.

Design:
Retrospective review of electronic medical record.

Setting:
An interdisciplinary concussion clinic.

Patients:
Fifty patients (14.4 years old [±2.5]; 24 [48%] female) who sustained >1 concussion between 2016 and 2020 and were evaluated within 30 days of their concussion.

Intervention:
Injuries were divided into first, second, and/or last concussions.

Main Outcome Measures:
The primary outcome was time to recovery, as defined by clearance for return to sport. This was compared between first versus second concussion (primary analysis) and first versus last concussion (secondary analysis) using Cox regression. Multivariable models accounted for time from concussion to initial clinic visit and Sport Concussion Assessment Tool symptom severity score at initial encounter. Sensitivity analyses explored potential influences of initial encounter timing and interval between concussions.

Results:
Time to recovery did not differ between initial and repeat concussion in univariate or multivariable models (HR = 1.02, 95% CI, 0.65-1.62, P = 0.92; HR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.64-1.62, P = 0.91 for multivariable models comparing first (ref) versus second and first (ref) versus last concussion, respectively). Similar results were obtained in sensitivity analyses stratifying by time to initial visit (≤7 days vs >7 days) or time between injuries (≤1 year vs >1 year).

Conclusions:
There were no differences in time to recovery between initial and repeat concussions sustained by the same athlete. A nonsignificant trend of shorter recovery after repeat concussions was observed for patients presenting within 1 week of injury and when repeat injuries occurred within 1 year.
Targeted combination chemotherapy effective in nuclear protein in testis carcinoma of lung origin: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Li Ran , Zhang Ye , Liu Qian , Gao Aiqin , Dang Qi 
Published: December 2024

Rationale:
Nuclear protein in testis carcinoma (NC) is a rare, aggressive, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. By reviewing the entire treatment process of the patient, we aim to explore the treatment experience of NC.

Patient concerns:
We report the case of a 27-year-old female patient with NC whose initial symptoms were occasional cough and chest tightness with abdominal distension for more than half a month without any other specific discomfort.

Diagnoses:
Computed tomography showed right lung hilar and right middle and lower lobe mass, malignant, right hilar and mediastinal lymph node metastasis, and bilateral cystic solid masses in the adnexal region, malignant possibility. Pathological diagnosis showed nuclear protein in the testis (+).

Interventions:
After the failure of first-line chemotherapy with immunocombination, second-line chemotherapy was switched to bevacizumab, which resulted in a progression-free survival of 6 months.

Outcomes:
The disease then reprogressed, and she died on November 7, 2022.

Lessons:
The patient achieved survival of nearly 1 year on multiple courses of therapy, well beyond the currently reported median survival. The patient achieved a 6-month progression-free survival, suggesting that combination therapy with antivascular endothelial growth factor class-targeted agents is a potential approach.
Electrical impedance tomography-guided positive end-expiratory pressure titration for perioperative oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Lifang , Yu Kang , Yang Jiaojiao , Han Xue , Liu Lei , Li Tianzuo , Miao Huihui 
Published: December 2024

Background:
The electrical impedance tomography (EIT)-guided individual positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) approach is a noninvasive, radiation-free, and straightforward strategy. However, its validity to prevent postoperative complications remains unclear. To determine whether the EIT-guided PEEP titration in surgery has a higher oxygenation index and lower postoperative complications incidence in patients, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy. The study design is a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:
Four databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched from 2000 to November 2022 for this study. Randomized controlled trials of patients selected for general anesthesia were included. The main indicators of the study were oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary complications. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk and Bias Tool.

Results:
A total of 7 articles with 425 subjects were included and were eligible for analysis. Meta-analysis showed that patients had a higher oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) after EIT-guided individual PEEP titration compared with other modalities of PEEP titration (6 trials, 351 subjects, standardized mean check = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 0.59–1.53). For subgroup analysis, the results were still statistically significant both in adult/elder groups and normal/obese groups. No significant advantage was found for the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications between individual PEEP titration under EIT and other titration strategies (5 trials, 341 subjects, standardized mean check = 0.77, 95% confidence interval = 0.34–1.71). The same results were found in the subgroup analysis.

Conclusion:
EIT-guided individual PEEP setting significantly improved perioperative oxygenation index compared with other modalities of PEEP ventilation strategies for patients, but no significant differences were found in the incidence of the postoperative pulmonary complications.
Human albumin for adults with sepsis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bai Zhaohui , Lai Yongjie , Han Kexin , Shi Luwen , Guan Xiaodong , Xu Yang 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Sepsis affects millions of people and imposes a substantial economic and social burden worldwide. However, the role of human albumin in the management of septic patients remains unclear.

Methods:
EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials regarding the use of human albumin in septic patients were eligible. The overall mortality and the intensive care unit (ICU), in-hospital/28-day, and 90-day mortality were pooled, respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed according to target population, type and dose of human albumin, and type of control group. Risk ratios (RRs) was calculated.

Results:
Twenty-four randomized controlled trials were finally included. Meta-analysis showed that human albumin cannot decrease the overall (RR = 1.02, P = .56), ICU (RR = 1.06, P = .65), in-hospital/28-day (RR = 1.01, P = .68), and 90-day (RR = 1.01, P = .65) mortality of total patients. Subgroup analyses showed that human albumin both cannot significantly decrease the overall, ICU, in-hospital/28-day, and 90-day mortality of sepsis and septic patients. Additionally, 20% human albumin (RR = 0.89, P = .03) and high daily dose of human albumin (RR = 0.90, P = .03) might benefit for the survival of patients with septic shock.

Conclusions:
Based on the current evidence, the general use of human albumin to improve the survival of septic patients cannot be recommended.