bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating biodiversity impacts into seafood life cycle assessments: pathways for improvement
Authors: Bergman Kristina , Gröndahl Fredrik , Hasselström Linus , Strand Åsa , Thomas Jean-Baptiste E , Hornborg Sara 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The decline in biodiversity caused by human activities is a major global challenge. An important driver of biodiversity loss, especially in the oceans, is seafood production. However, methods for quantifying biodiversity impacts in life cycle assessment (LCA) are currently heavily focused on terrestrial systems. This study aims to identify and evaluate methods addressing aquatic biodiversity loss relevant for LCAs of seafood and to provide recommendations to research and LCA practitioners.

Methods
The methodology comprised four key phases. First, environmental impacts from seafood production were identified and linked to biodiversity impacts. Second, it was assessed which impacts were addressed in existing seafood LCAs. Next, available biodiversity impact assessment methods were identified through a literature review. Finally, the identified assessment methods were evaluated and matched against the identified environmental impacts from seafood production to evaluate the efficacy of current LCA practices.

Results and discussion
A total of 39 environmental impacts linked to seafood production were identified. Of these impacts, 90% were categorized as causing biodiversity loss and included effects on genetic, species, and ecosystem level. Only 20% out of the impacts associated to aquatic biodiversity loss had been included in previous seafood LCAs, indicating a narrow scope in practice, as methods were available for half of the impacts. The available methods were, however, mainly focused on impact on species level and on the drivers pollution and climate change rather than the main drivers of marine biodiversity loss: exploitation and sea-use change.

Conclusions
Although many of the impacts from seafood production were related to biodiversity pressures, LCAs which are widely used to describe the environmental performance of seafood, disregard most biodiversity impacts from seafood production. The most severe limitations were the lack of methods for the pressures of exploitation and sea-use change and for effects on ecosystem and genetic biodiversity.
This study provides recommendations to practitioners on how to best account for biodiversity impacts from seafood depending on the studied system, geographic area, and dataset. Future research should progress methods for impact pathways within the drivers exploitation and sea-use change, and effects on ecosystem biodiversity and genetic biodiversity.
Public Wrongs and Human Rights: An Orderly Approach?
Authors: Malby Steven 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCriminal law is a system for societal ordering, as much as it is for protection against interpersonal harm and wrongs. Whilst such laws can engage rights to privacy and freedoms of expression and movement, international human rights rarely feature in criminal theory. Using Duff’s public wrongs theory, a normative argument is made for recognition of international human rights within the national civil order, as well as through a proposed supra-national human rights polity. This is tested through identification of human rights criminalization principles from public ordering cases in the European Court of Human Rights. International human rights offers a formal route to recognition of liberal principles, as well as adding possible new boundary conditions within criminal theory.
Why Don’t the Police Make Me Feel Safe? Using Black’s Theory of Law to Potentially Extend Current Findings on Crime Victims’ Fear
Authors: McGrath Shelly A. , Whaley Rachel , Abbott Jessica , May David C. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDespite an extensive body of literature centering around the fear of crime, victim fear, especially as it is affected by policing, remains understudied. To fill this research gap, we use National Crime Victimization (NCVS) data to analyze whether and to what extent police can influence fear of crime among violent crime victims, and whether variables inherent within propositions outlined by Black (1976) interact with police effort and actions, including whether an arrest was made in the case, to predict such fear. Findings suggest that few such variables interact with whether an arrest was made, and no variables interact with police effort in impacting victim fear. Specifically, only living in an urban area and renting rather than owning one’s home interact with an arrest being made in one’s case in predicting victim fear such that living in an urban area and having one’s case cleared with an arrest results in greater fear whereas being a renter whose case is cleared with an arrest yields decreased fear. Further, like earlier empirical work, we find that police effort itself increases victim fear while an arrest being made, in and of itself, has no significant effect on victim fear. A deeper analysis into our results and directions for future research are also discussed.
A Steep Road to Improve the Accountability of the Credit Rating Industry: the Chinese Way or the Western Way?
Authors: Bush Chunping 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRegulators in the US, EU and China embarked on several episodes of reforms to improve the accountability of credit rating agencies after the Financial Crisis 2007–2008. The US reform implemented a new civil liability provision, although the new regime remains weak, largely caused by the regulator’s inability in taking a tough liability approach on powerful credit rating agencies but giving in to the economic demands of the country. In contrast, the EU’s provision is much more balanced; however, it left too much leeway to the national laws’ interpretation. The parameters of civil liability under the Chinese law largely coincide with the Western laws, although with a unique robustness by reversing the burden of proof. The recent reforms improved the accountability of credit rating agencies to some extent, nonetheless, more work is needed to give effect to these regulatory reforms with further collaboration. This paper critically analyses the robustness of the Chinese civil liability regime with the reversed burden of proof, which arguably sits uncomfortably with the Western laws. It calls for an improvement of the current civil liability regime in the US and China by adopting the EU model, which is more feasible to balance the responsibilities of key players in the financial market.
Environmental and management determinants of blackleg crown canker disease (Leptosphaeria maculans) of canola (Brassica napus)
Authors: Bondad Jamina J. , Whish Jeremy P. M. , Sprague Susan J. , Maher Rebecca , Barry Kara M. , Harrison Matthew T. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBlackleg disease (Leptosphaeria maculans) impacts canola (Brassica napus) productivity worldwide, but the factors driving severity are not well defined. This study characterised blackleg disease progression from leaf lesion appearance to crown canker development. Leaf lesion severity at four crop growth stages and crown canker severity were empirically associated in crops planted at different times. The biotrophic growth rate of L. maculans in planta was determined at temperatures between 12 and 28 °C. Data from 24 Australian field experiments on spring B. napus cultivars were analysed to relate infection timing relative to crop growth stage and site conditions to crown canker severity at maturity. Despite variations in lesions across seasons and planting times, no significant relationship was found between lesion severity or incidence and crown canker severity. Crown canker severity increased significantly when younger plants were infected. The average in planta hyphal growth rate of L. maculans was 0.13 mm/°C-day. The analyses of biotrophic hyphal growth alongside the timing of infection were used to identify the onset of crown canker development. Simulations showed that thermal time and plant available water accounted for 61% and 36% of the variance in crown canker severity for moderately susceptible and moderately resistant genotypes, respectively. Blackleg crown canker severity is a nuanced interplay between time of infection relative to crop growth stage, genetic resistance, temperature, and moisture. Disease-crop models incorporating these factors could be used to explore how, for example, sowing time, level of host genetic resistance or extreme weather conditions affect disease infection and crop yield.
Cancer Clones Revised
Authors: Laplane Lucie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCancers are hard to treat, and this is largely because cancer cells evolve and diversify through space and time, in patients. The study of clonal evolution relies on the study of cancer cell lineages, and the cutting of these lineages into clones, each clone representing cancer cells with distinctive properties relevant to cancer development and treatment. This notion of clone implies a (set of) simplification(s) that misrepresents the reality. The simplification has been useful and productive, but I argue that maintaining a critical awareness of what is done through this simplification can also be useful and productive. I distinguish three types of simplifications and show that each can offer a panel of therapeutic alternatives that may complement our arsenal of strategies in the battle against clones. The clinical challenge of better treating cancer partly relies on better defining (delineating) clones, but also partly on the more fundamental way we conceive clones. With or without changing the definition, changes in the way we conceive of clones induce changes in the way we treat clones.
The Use of Internal Markets in Corporate Groups and Legitimising the Group Interest in Intra-group Trading
Authors: Nielsen Julie Bryske Møller 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe present article analyses internal markets in corporate groups and whether the nature of and motives behind intra-group trading warrant legalisation of group interests in intra-group trading. Firstly, it is examined why both corporate groups and internal markets in groups are formed in the first place. The article then takes a closer look at the terms used for intra-group trading, including both the advantages and challenges of using arm’s length terms as a standard. The last part of the article revolves around the potential regulation of intra-group trading. This includes both an examination of the discussions on legitimising the group interest at EU level so far, and a discussion of the interests worth legalising in intra-group trading and an outline for potential regulation. Lastly, the article examines some of the challenges and regulatory focal points that legislators may encounter if they pursue such regulation.
The k-Distance Mutual-Visibility Problem in Graphs
Authors: Cera López Martín , García-Vázquez Pedro , Valenzuela-Tripodoro Juan Carlos , Yero Ismael G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe concept of mutual visibility in graphs, introduced recently, addresses a fundamental problem in Graph Theory concerning the identification of the largest set of vertices in a graph such that any two vertices have a shortest path connecting them, excluding internal vertices of the set. Originally motivated by some challenges in Computer Science related to robot navigation, the problem seeks to ensure unobstructed communication channels between navigating entities. The mutual-visibility problem involves determining a largest mutual-visibility set in a graph. The mutual-visibility number of a graph represents the cardinality of the largest mutual-visibility set. This concept has sparked significant research interest, leading to connections with classical combinatorial problems like the Zarankiewicz problem and Turán-type problems. In this paper, we consider practical limitations in network visibility and our investigation extends the original concept to k-distance mutual-visibility. In this case, a pair of vertices is considered S-visible if a shortest path of length at most k exists, excluding internal vertices belonging to the set S. The k-distance mutual-visibility number represents the cardinality of a largest k-distance mutual-visibility set. We initiate the study of this new graph parameter. We prove that the associate decision problem belongs to the NP-complete class. We also give some properties and tight bounds, as well as, the exact value of such parameter for some particular non trivial graph classes.
Die Volkshochschule als Netzwerk: Eine Replik zur Diagnose organisationaler Disparität
Authors: Wilcke Claus , Iberer Ulrich 
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung
Dörner und Rundel (2023) untersuchten, wie Volkhochschulen in Sachsen-Anhalt in der Pandemie organisational agierten und monieren dabei die Disparität von normativen Ansprüchen und Umsetzung. Der Beitrag hinterfragt diese Kritik und erweitert die Perspektive durch organisationstheoretische Ansätze. Volkshochschulen werden demnach als komplexe Netzwerke gedeutet, die sowohl intern als auch in ihren kommunalen Verankerungen unterschiedlich agieren. Die einzelnen Einrichtungen bildeten unter Druck pragmatisch lokal-stabilisierende Verhaltensmuster aus. Zu vermuten ist, dass dazu auch Reaktionsmuster gehören, die bislang nicht im Fokus organisationspädagogischer Forschungen stehen.
High Interleukin (IL)-6 is Associated with Lower Lung Function and Increased Likelihood of Metabolic Dysfunction in Asthma
Authors: Adair Dionne , Bagheri AmirBehzad , Yosef Matheos , Khalatbari Shokoufeh , Lewis Toby , Mohan Arjun , Lugogo Njira 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Asthma is a complex condition characterized by airway inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a significant role in asthma pathogenesis through its effects on T cells and its association with pro-inflammatory responses. Both lung and circulating IL-6 levels are elevated in asthma. IL-6 is positively associated with disease severity, frequent exacerbations, and impaired lung function, all of which can be observed clinically. We developed an IL-6 cut-off model to examine the association between high IL-6, race, high body mass index (BMI), metabolic disease, and asthma severity as assessed by reduced lung function.

Methods
This study utilized the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) database, comprised of 5115 adults, to investigate the relationship between IL-6 levels, asthma, race, and metabolic dysfunction. A "healthy" subset of 427 patients was used to compute the IL-6 cut-off. IL-6 levels within detection limits (0.15–12 pg/mL) were analyzed. The IL-6 cut-off was determined using the 95th percentile of log-transformed IL-6 values for lean (BMI < 25) and healthy individuals. Specific cut-offs were established for racial groups. Statistical analyses involved comparing patient characteristics between high and low IL-6 groups, regression analyses, and assessment of factors influencing lung function changes.

Results
Using an IL-6 cut-off of 4.979 pg/mL, the cohort was divided into high and low IL-6 groups. High IL-6 correlated with Black race, higher BMI, hypertension, and markers of metabolic dysfunction, e.g., elevated HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), and reduced lung function. Multivariable analysis linked high IL-6 with male gender, high BMI, Black race, HbA1c, CRP, and inversely with lung function and total cholesterol. Obesity showed a consistent positive association with elevated IL-6, regardless of the presence or absence of asthma. Patients with asthma and high IL-6 were more likely to be Black and showed increased CRP. Lung function was lowest in non-lean, high IL-6 patients with asthma, with similar trends in non-lean (BMI ≥ 25) patients without asthma.

Conclusion
This study underscores the significant association between IL-6, asthma, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction. Elevated IL-6 correlates with asthma severity, particularly in individuals with obesity. Future research should explore anti-IL-6 therapies for specific phenotypes, such as obesity-related asthma. These findings advance our understanding of asthma and the role of IL-6 in its pathogenesis.
Metagenomic Approaches for Optimising Hydrocarbon Pollution Rhizoremediation
Authors: Idris Oladayo Amed , Erasmus Mariana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Increasing levels of pervasive harmful chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been linked to unprecedentedly high cases of several illnesses, loss of biodiversity, and environmental degradation, posing a threat to the sustainability of life. Several biodegradation procedures have been proposed for cleaning up contaminated sites, among which rhizoremediation, a type of phytoremediation, is perceived to be one of the most cost-efficient methods and has good public acceptance. To enhance the effectiveness of rhizoremediation, the use of transgenic plants has been deployed; however, many studies have demonstrated that rhizosphere microbial communities are actively involved in the degradation of hydrocarbons. The plant thus facilitates formidable microbial support and cross-communication through root exudates, a type of rhizodeposition. Unlike conventional microbiology procedures, high throughput metagenomic approaches unveil both individual and microbial community functional capacities, novel species, gene and molecular composition, allowing the alteration of the microbial community in the rhizosphere for plant growth promotion, resistance to PAHs, and the metabolism of contaminant compounds. This article presents an updated overview of the use of metagenomic approaches in modifying the rhizosphere soil microbial community for effective and enhanced rhizoremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted soil.

Graphical abstract
Study on Scanning Probe-Induced Electrochemical Deposition of Atomic and Close-to-Atomic-Scale Structures
Authors: Zhou Yangyang , Lai Min 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe probe tip of a scanning tunneling microscope can induce various processes, including conformational changes, dissociation, and chemical reactions, in individual atoms or molecules. This capability allows for the bottom-up assembly of precise atomic and close-to-atomic-scale (ACS) structures through the manipulation of atomic and molecular interactions. In this study, an electrochemical deposition process based on the probe of a scanning tunneling microscope was developed. This process enables the precise and controlled fabrication of metal ACS structures on a substrate through the application of an electric field to the scanning probe, which induces localized metal electrochemical deposition. The impact of the applied electric field on the local metal deposition behavior at the probe was investigated. The optimal parameters for probe voltage, substrate voltage, probe–substrate spacing, and deposition duration were determined. The relationship between the experimental parameters and the dimensions of the deposited copper ACS particles was investigated, and the resulting ACS structure was analyzed via in situ scanning tunneling microscopy characterization. Copper metal deposition at the ACS, with a height of 1 nm, was successfully achieved.
Reflecting on the co-production ideal through practice
Authors: Armatas Christopher A. , Hollingsworth Teresa N. , Black Caspen , Taylor Jason J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Co-production, or integrating a range of perspectives from researchers and non-researchers into the knowledge development process, is considered valuable for increasing the potential that scientific results will be applied by practitioners. While the literature around co-production often touts the benefits of such work, there is less focus on the potential costs of co-production, and discussions often lack nuance about the specific meaning of co-production in a particular context. In this perspective essay, we use an example co-production process focused on the development of a science agenda for a federal research program to consider the ideal of co-production. Specifically, we reflect on the appropriate level of non-researcher involvement throughout the full cycle of research, and position our process within the diverse range of existing co-production approaches. We suggest that the ideal of co-production is not necessarily one that integrates the maximum amount of non-research involvement throughout the full cycle of research at all costs, but one that focuses on mitigating the research-management gap while limiting the risks to those involved.
Enacting partner specificity in legume–rhizobia symbioses
Authors: Yu Xiaocheng , Zhu Hongyan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLegumes, such as peas, beans, and alfalfa, have evolved a remarkable ability to establish root nodule symbioses with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria to fulfill their nitrogen needs. This partnership is characterized by a high degree of specificity, occurring both within and between host and bacterial species. Consequently, nodulation capacity and nitrogen-fixing efficiency vary significantly among different plant–bacteria pairs. The genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating symbiotic specificity are diverse, involving a wide array of host and bacterial genes and signals with various modes of action. Understanding the genetic basis of symbiotic specificity could enable the development of strategies to enhance nodulation capacity and nitrogen fixation efficiency. This knowledge will also help overcome the host range barrier, which is a critical step toward extending root nodule symbiosis to non-leguminous plants. In this review, we provide an update on our current understanding of the genetics and evolution of recognition specificity in root nodule symbioses, providing more comprehensive insights into the molecular signaling in plant–bacterial interactions.
Driving a Circular Economy: Nudging and Innovative Strategies for Promoting Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic Home-Appliances
Authors: Neumann Nikolas , Mangold Aline , Schneider Julia , Wölfel Christian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe various social and ecological crises of our time are leading to ever louder calls for a sustainable transition towards a sustainable circular economy. As a result, the recycling of plastics is increasingly being brought to the foreground and the increased use of post-consumer recyclate (PCR) is being called for. However, the acceptance of products made from PCR plastic and how this can be increased is still largely unclear. This study uses a light switch to investigate the purchase intention and willingness to pay for household appliances made of (supposed) PCR plastic and how this can be increased with the help of nudges and guideline-based cues. In addition, the influence of a sustainability attitude is examined. An experimental study using a single-factor between-subjects study design (n = 90) with six different cues has been conducted. A light switch made of (supposed) PCR plastic was used as a stimulus. The study results indicate that the purchase intention for PCR-based household appliances can be significantly increased using specific informational cues. Of the five cues tested, only one (innovation) did not lead to a significant increase in purchase intention when compared to the baseline cue. Contrary, none of the five cues led to a significant increase in willingness to pay when compared to the baseline cue. No significant moderating effect of sustainability attitude was found in either case. Possible explanations for these results are the attitude-behavior-intention gap and the influence of perceived aesthetics.