bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of innovative peat-free organic growing media and fertilizer on nutrient allocation in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings
Authors: Rotowa Odunayo James , Małek Stanisław , Jasik Michał , Staszel-Szlachta Karolina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study evaluates the effects of novel peat-free organic growing media and a novel liquid fertilizer on the biometric features and macronutrient allocation of Quercus robur and Fagus sylvatica seedlings with the view to compare biomass and nutrient allocation of plant organs in seedlings cultivated on peat growing medium against those grown on novel peat-free growing medium and fertilizer. The experimental setup involved four growing medium variants, including peat as the control (R20, R21, R22 and C). The novel growing medium and fertilizer were designed and formulated by the University of Agriculture in Kraków, Poland (UAK). Fertilization used in the state forest nurseries was represented as SR20, SR21, and SR22, while the novel fertilizer of UAK was represented as UR20, UR21, and UR22; meanwhile, SC and UC represented the control growing medium (peat) in both cases, respectively. The experiment was laid in a 2 × 2 × 4 experimental design using five seedlings per treatment. Seedlings were assessed for roots, shoots, and leaves biomass. The allocation patterns highlighted the variability of nutrient allocation within the plants, with more nutrients allocated to the root system. Interestingly, treatment UR22 yielded the highest mean root values, root biomass, and virtually all macroelement allocation. The SC solid fertilizer treatment and the UR22 liquid fertilizer treatment consistently showed superior performance across both species and different plant organs. These findings suggest that these treatments are particularly effective in enhancing the nutrient content of oak and beech seedlings, making them suitable choices for optimizing the growth and health of these species. Seedlings were assessed for roots, shoots, and leaves biomass after the nursery production cycle.
Predicting multi-parametric dynamics of an externally forced oscillator using reservoir computing and minimal data
Authors: Yadav Manish , Chauhan Swati , Shrimali Manish Dev , Stender Merten 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMechanical systems exhibit complex dynamical behavior from harmonic oscillations to chaotic motion. The dynamics undergo qualitative changes due to changes to internal system parameters like stiffness and changes to external forcing. Mapping out complete bifurcation diagrams numerically or experimentally is resource-consuming, or even infeasible. This study uses a data-driven approach to investigate how bifurcations can be learned from a few system response measurements. Particularly, the concept of reservoir computing (RC) is employed. As proof of concept, a minimal training dataset under the resource constraint problem of a Duffing oscillator with harmonic external forcing is provided as training data. Our results indicate that the RC not only learns to represent the system dynamics for the external forcing seen during training, but it also provides qualitatively accurate and robust system response predictions for completely unknown multi-parameter regimes outside the training data. Particularly, while being trained solely on regular period-2 cycle dynamics, the proposed framework correctly predicts higher-order periodic and even chaotic dynamics for out-of-distribution forcing signals.
Environmental and socio-economic determinants of fecal sludge emptying in Sub-Saharan Africa: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Tra Lou Tinan Ange-Laetitia , Dongo Kouassi , Pessoa Colombo Vitor , Singh Shirish , Chenal Jérôme 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study sought to understand the determinants of household’s choices for fecal sludge (FS) emptying to help fighting against unhygienic/unsafe practices and environmental pollution. A cross-sectional mixed study used in the municipality of Yopougon (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire), involved surveys (559 household), and 24 semi-structured interviews. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) from logistic regressions indicated the variables significantly associated with these practices while thematic content analysis helped assessing stakeholders’ perceptions. Respondents (47.6%) reported unhygienic/unsafe emptying, mainly direct FS discharge into open drains or the immediate environment via illegal toilets/pits connections (38.1% out of 47.6%). Household heads with a high monthly income (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.35–0.98; p = 0.04), house ownership (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.15–0.47; p < 0.001) and distance to a water body (aOR = 0.03; 95% CI 0.009–0.12; p < 0.001) were the main explanatory variables, significantly reducing the likelihood of unsafe emptying. This likelihood increases when the household is close (≤ 100 m) to gully/gutter (aOR = 1.73; 95% CI 0.99–3.03; p = 0.05). Our recommendations for improving sanitation in low-income settings include reducing environmental pollution caused by unhygienic/unsafe emptying practices requires, enhancing and enforcing current regulations and making implementing texts effective, raising public awareness focusing on the benefits associated to hygienic sanitation practices, and subsidizing sanitation interventions for the poor that includes homeowners.
Guidelines for the management of pulmonary nodules detected by low-dose CT lung cancer screening 6th edition: compiled by the Japanese Society of CT Screening
Authors: Ashizawa Kazuto , Maruyama Yuichiro , Kobayashi Takeshi , Kondo Tetsuro , Nakagawa Toru , Hatakeyama Masayuki , Matsusako Masaki , Hayashi Hideyuki , Subcommittee Lung Cancer Diagnostic Criteria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this special report is to describe the 6th edition of “The Guidelines for the Management of Pulmonary Nodules Detected by Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening “.

Methods
Since the 5th edition six years ago, a review of the literature and consideration of consistency with new evidence led to the revision of the 6th edition.

Results
The main revisions in the 6th edition can be summarized as follows: 1) addition of the section “Recommendations for Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening in Japan”; 2) change in the recommended solid component diameter, and follow-up interval for nodules with a total mean diameter of less than 15 mm and a solid component diameter of less than 8 mm; 3) replacement of the recommended case images; and 4) introduction of the criteria of the Accreditation Council for Lung Cancer CT Screening.

Conclusion
This guideline is gradually gaining acceptance in Japan. This guideline should be applied carefully in clinical practice, considering various factors such as the patient’s condition.
Quantitative determination of Na-luminolate by chemiluminescence method in pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Mozgova Olena , Blazheyevskiy Mykola , Moroz Valeriy , Diadchenko Vladyslav 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA procedure for the chemiluminescence determination of Na-luminolate (NaHL) was developed. It is based on the oxidation of luminol with diperoxysuccinic acid (DPSA) in an alkaline solution (pH 10.3). At concentrations of DPSA 5.8 × 10–4 mol/L and NaHL in the range from 1.5 × 10–7 to 1.02 × 10–6 mol/L at pH 10.3 (in phosphate buffer solution), Imax is proportional to c(NaHL): Imax = (2.76 ± 0.30) × 107c + (0.34 ± 1.78) (r = 0.998). LOD = 6.10 × 10–8 mol/L; LOQ = 2.03 × 10–7 mol/L. The procedures were developed, and the possibility of quantitative determination of NaHL in sublingual tablets "Galavit" 25 mg and powder for preparing a solution for injection "Galavit" 100 mg using the method of chemiluminescence by reaction with DPSA was shown. RSD ≤ 2.2%, (δ = (x̅-μ) × 100%/μ =  + 1.16%….. – 0.41%, respectively). The results of the determination of NaHL in tablets and powder for preparing a solution for injection of "Galavit" 100 mg by the proposed method agree with those obtained by the standard pharmacopeia method. The reliability of the obtained measurement results is proved by comparing the accepted reference value (μ) with the level of results of the proposed method: |(x̅-μ) × 100%/μ|< tα(0.95, n = 5) × RSD/√n.
Sustainable practices and household resilience: an empirical analysis of behavior change in times of crises
Authors: Arning Katrin , Venghaus Sandra 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUnderstanding sustainability behavior is essential in tackling the global challenge of climate change. The importance of studying sustainability practices and their dynamics grows in light of recent global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis following the Ukraine war. These events both challenge and shape individual sustainable practices, offering opportunities for fostering individual sustainable practices and enhancing societal resilience. An online survey was conducted in Germany (n = 571, May 2023) to investigate sustainable behavior dynamics (mobility, energy-saving, and shopping habits) and to identify segments reflecting behavioral shifts. We found relative stability in sustainable mobility choices compared to pre-crisis times, with a tendency towards reduction, as well as an overall increase in energy-saving and sustainable shopping habits. Factor analyses revealed that sustainable mobility behavior (SMB) and sustainable consumer practices (SCP) formed two separate domains. Cluster analyses further identified four segments within each domain, each exhibiting unique behavioral patterns compared to pre-crisis practices. Examining individual variables, adopting more sustainable mobility practices was associated with sociodemographic factors (income, education, and area of living), higher levels of environmental awareness, institutional trust, and increased risk perceptions. Sociodemographic variables had less influence on sustainable consumer practices. Here, higher levels of knowledge, climate change awareness, trust, and risk perceptions played a significant role. Our findings highlight the importance of separately considering behavioral domains in understanding crises-induced changes in sustainability practices. Moreover, it is important to consider specific individual factors and to develop tailored interventions and policies to promote sustainable practices during volatile times.
On Emergence of Spontaneous Oscillations in Kombucha and Proteinoids
Authors: Mougkogiannis Panagiotis , Nikolaidou Anna , Adamatzky Andrew 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
An important part of studying living systems is figuring out the complicated steps that lead to order from chaos. Spontaneous oscillations are a key part of self-organisation in many biological and chemical networks, including kombucha and proteinoids. This study examines the spontaneous oscillations in kombucha and proteinoids, specifically exploring their potential connection to the origin of life. As a community of bacteria and yeast work together, kombucha shows remarkable spontaneous oscillations in its biochemical parts. This system can keep a dynamic balance and organise itself thanks to metabolic processes and complex chemical reactions. Similarly, proteinoids, which may have been primitive forms of proteins, undergo spontaneous fluctuations in their structure and function periodically. Because these oscillations happen on their own, they may play a very important part in the development of early life forms. This paper highlights the fundamental principles governing the transition from chaos to order in living systems by examining the key factors that influence the frequency and characteristics of spontaneous oscillations in kombucha and proteinoids. Looking into these rhythms not only helps us understand where life came from but also shows us ways to make self-organising networks in synthetic biology and biotechnology. There is significant discussion over the emergence of biological order from chemical disorder. This article contributes to the ongoing discussion by examining at the theoretical basis, experimental proof, and implications of spontaneous oscillations. The results make it clear that random oscillations are an important part of the change from nonliving to living matter. They also give us important information about what life is all about.
Investigation of groundwater quality indices and health risk assessment of water resources of Jiroft city, Iran, by machine learning algorithms
Authors: Maleky Sobhan , Faraji Maryam , Hashemi Majid , Esfandyari Akbar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Assessing water quality is essential for acquiring a better understanding of the importance of water in human society. In this study, the quality of groundwater resources in Jiroft city, Iran, using artificial intelligence methods to estimate the groundwater quality index (GWQI) was evaluated. The analysis of hydrochemical parameters, including arsenic (As), fluoride (F), nitrate (NO3), and nitrite (NO2), in 408 samples revealed that concentrations of F, NO3, and NO2 were below the WHO standard threshold, but levels of As exceeded the permissible value. The random forest model with the highest accuracy (R
2 = 0.986) was the best prediction model, while logistic regression (R
2 = 0.98), decision tree (R
2 = 0.979), K-nearest neighbor (R
2 = 0.968), artificial neural network (R
2 = 0.955), and support vector machine (R
2 = 0.928) predicted GWQI with lower accuracy. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that children had the highest hazard quotient for oral and dermal intake, with values ranging from 0.47 to 13.53 for oral intake and 0.001 to 0.05 for dermal intake. The excess lifetime cancer risk of arsenic for children, adult females, and males was found to be from 2.5 × 10–4 to 7.2 × 10–3, 1.2 × 10–4 to 3.6 × 10–3, and 4.3 × 10–5 to 1.2 × 10–3, respectively. This study suggests that any effort to reduce the arsenic levels in the Jiroft population should take into account the health hazards associated with exposure to arsenic through drinking water.
In vitro tear replenishment system: assessing drug delivery from contact lens biomaterials through corneal epithelial monolayer and multilayer under replenishment conditions
Authors: Mohammadi Saman , Eslami Shahabedin , Jones Lyndon , Gorbet Maud 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThere is a need to develop improved in vitro ocular models for biocompatibility and drug delivery studies to assess the potential of in vivo performance of contact lenses. By using an in vitro corneal epithelial cell model combined with a tear replenishment method, this study aimed to investigate the delivery of the glaucoma drug latanoprost from contact lenses and compare the dynamic release results to no-replenishment (immersion) conditions. Corneal epithelial cells were grown as a monolayer or multilayer on curved cellulose cell culture inserts. Three contact lens materials (balafilcon A; senofilcon A; etafilcon A), soaked for 24 h in latanoprost, were placed on the curved cornea models (CCM) and drug concentration was determined on the basal (diffusion/transport) and apical (supernatant) sides after 1, 4, 8 and 12 h. The in vitro tear replenishment was achieved via intermittent flow of a tear solution over the CCM at a rate of 1 mL/hour. A zero-order kinetic was observed for basal drug concentration over the 12 h period. Similar basal and apical drug concentrations were observed with monolayer and multilayer CCM, except for the etafilcon A material. The apical release of latanoprost was significantly lower under replenishment compared to no-replenishment conditions. These results demonstrate the role that a dynamic release model will have in predicting the amount of drug that can be released from a contact lens into the tear film and the critical role of a cell monolayer in in vitro drug delivery studies.
Graphical Abstract
Exploring Physical Activity Among Mexican American Immigrants in New York City Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-Wave Panel, Mixed-Method Analysis
Authors: Derose Kathryn P. , Hwang Neil , Verdaguer Sandra , Hernández María , Gálvez Alyshia , King Aisha , Quiroz Ivonne , Flórez Karen R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic was associated with decreases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and increases in sedentary time for children and adults, and there is some evidence that Latino populations were particularly affected. This article leverages a two-wave panel, mixed-method social network dataset collected before and during the pandemic with Mexican American immigrants living in New York City to examine social networks and other factors associated with physical activity and explore participants’ perceptions about how the pandemic affected their physical activity. Participants (n = 49) completed in-person, egocentric social network interviews between January and June 2019 and virtual follow-up egocentric social network interviews between May and November 2021. Qualitative data collection with a subsample (n = 25) occurred between October and December 2022. Social network quantitative analyses found that age and female sex were negatively associated with participants’ baseline physical activity level, but the proportion of alters (important persons identified by the participant) with whom the participant did physical activity at baseline was positively associated. Baseline physical activity level was inversely related to the change in physical activity, and the change in the proportion of alters who were close to the participant was negatively associated with physical activity change at follow-up. Qualitative results supported the quantitative findings, providing rich narratives regarding the importance of social support for physical activity during the pandemic. Social networks among Mexican American immigrants in New York City provided motivation and support for physical activity but became harder to sustain during a pandemic. The findings can inform strategies to create environments that are conducive to physical activity while also protecting public health.
Carbon meets credit: enhancing corporate ratings using principal component analysis and Gaussian mixture models
Authors: Wang Dandan , Ma Zhihui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study integrates environmental factors, such as carbon emissions and climate-related risks, with traditional financial metrics to enhance corporate credit rating predictions for approximately 2,000 publicly listed Chinese firms. Utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction and Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM) for probabilistic clustering, the approach effectively addresses multicollinearity and captures nuanced financial-environmental relationships. The PCA-GMM framework not only improves predictive accuracy over traditional methods but also maintains high interpretability, making it suitable for complex risk profiles. Empirical results demonstrate that firms with lower carbon emissions and robust financial health receive higher credit ratings, providing valuable insights for investors and policymakers. This model supports sustainable economic growth in alignment with China’s dual carbon goals by highlighting the critical interplay between financial performance and environmental responsibility.
Distribution theory for dependent renewal–reward processes and their first-passage times using saddlepoint and residue expansions
Authors: Butler Ronald W. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The distribution theory for discrete-time renewal–reward processes with dependent rewards is developed through the derivation of double transforms. By dependent, we mean the more realistic setting in which the reward for an interarrival period is dependent on the duration of the associated interarrival time. The double transforms are the generating functions in time of the time-dependent reward probability-generating functions. Residue and saddlepoint approximations are used to invert such double transforms so that the reward distribution at arbitrary time n can be accurately approximated. In addition, double transforms are developed for the first-passage time distribution that the cumulative reward exceeds a fixed threshold amount. These distributions are accurately approximated by inverting the double transforms using residue and saddlepoint approximation methods. The residue methods also provide asymptotic expansions for moments and allow for the proof of central limit theorems related to these first passage times and reward amounts.
DarijaBanking: A new resource for overcoming language barriers in banking intent detection for Moroccan Arabic speakers
Authors: Skiredj Abderrahman , Azhari Ferdaous , Berrada Ismail , Ezzini Saad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Navigating the complexities of language diversity is a central challenge in developing robust natural language processing systems, especially in specialized domains like banking. The Moroccan Dialect of Arabic (Darija) serves as a common language that blends cultural complexities, historical impacts, and regional differences, which presents unique challenges for language models due to its divergence from Modern Standard Arabic and influence from French, Spanish, and Tamazight. To tackle these challenges, this paper introduces Darija Banking, a novel Darija dataset aimed at enhancing intent classification in the banking domain. DarijaBanking comprises over 1800 parallel high-quality queries in Darija, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), English, and French, organized into 24 intent classes. We experimented various intent classification methods, including full fine-tuning of monolingual and multilingual models, zero-shot learning, retrieval-based approaches, and Large Language Model prompting. Furthermore, we propose BERTouch, a BERT-based language model fine-tuned on intent detection in Darija, which outperforms state-of-the-art models, including OpenAI’s GPT-4, achieving F1 scores of 0,98 and 0,96 on both Darija and MSA, respectively. The results provide insights into enhancing Moroccan Darija banking intent detection systems, highlighting the value of domain-specific data annotation and balancing precision and cost-effectiveness.
The paleobiologic implications of modern nonmarine ecological gradients
Authors: Holland Steven M. , Orchard Cade J. , Loughney Katharine M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn modern nonmarine settings, previous studies have demonstrated the importance of elevation-correlated ecological gradients, but such studies tend to focus on relatively small areas and only one higher taxon. Here, we analyze Global Biodiversity Information Facility occurrence records from a wide variety of taxa across the southeastern U.S. coastal plain. Many taxa display ecological gradients (gradients in proportional or relative abundance) correlated with elevation, distance to the coast, and latitude. These gradients tend to be steepest within a few tens of kilometers near the coast and at elevations less than 25 m. Some taxa, notably terrestrial mammals, do not display gradients correlated with elevation and distance to the coast. The small sample sizes of these groups and their heterogeneous sampling raise concerns about whether sufficient data exist. Coupled with previous studies of these ecological gradients, their common presence over distances of tens to hundreds of kilometers and elevations of tens to hundreds of meters suggests they are likely important in the nonmarine fossil record. Because elevation and distance to the coast change predictably with cycles of accommodation and sediment flux, these ecological gradients are predicted to occur in the nonmarine stratigraphic record, especially through intervals that record transgression or regression. Such gradients will affect the local composition of species associations and occurrences, even in the absence of regional species origination, immigration, and extinction and of regional change in the structure of ecological gradients. The ordination of taxon counts in stratigraphically limited samples has great potential for establishing their existence.