bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting sustainable behavior: addressing user clusters through targeted incentives
Authors: Höpfl Laura , Grimlitza Maximilian , Lang Isabella , Wirzberger Maria 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGiven the urgency of climate change action and the significant climate impact of household emissions, understanding the drivers of individuals’ sustainable behavior patterns is more important than ever. Consequently, we investigate whether different clusters of individual users can be distinguished regarding sustainability-related values, attitudes, and intentions. If these diverse clusters exist, we can explore tailored approaches to promote sustainable behavior patterns among them based on their unique needs and targets. For this purpose, we employ a mixed-method approach combining qualitative interviews with a quantitative survey. The obtained insights help us identify core factors that drive sustainable behavior, develop representations of different user groups, and suggest individualized interventions for supporting sustainable behavior patterns. The qualitative part comprised interviews with ten participants, resulting in the development of qualitative personas. Emerging differences could subsequently be used to select validated psychological scales for the quantitative part to confirm the differences. Applying data-driven clustering, we identify five intention-based clusters that vary regarding factors such as belief in climate change, collaboration, or skepticism concerning sustainability. Building on both qualitative and quantitative insights, five validated personas are created for research and practical use. These personas include Socially Sustainable, Responsible Savers, Unconcerned Spenders, Comfort-Oriented, and Skeptical Consumers. Individuals corresponding to the selected persona may, for example, respond positively to sustainability benefits, while others may be more receptive to hedonistic benefits. Addressing related varying motivational factors raises the demand for individualized interventions. These could be achieved by incorporating the personas’ needs with more individualized products and services to promote sustainable behavior.
Mapping pasture dieback impact and recovery using an aerial imagery time series: a central Queensland case study
Authors: McKenna Phillip B. , Ufer Natasha , Glenn Vanessa , Dale Neil , Carins Tayla , Nguyen Trung h. , Thomson Melody B. , Young Anthony J. , Buck Stuart , Jones Paul , Erskine Peter D. 
Published: September 2024

Context Pasture dieback has emerged as a significant threat to the health and productivity of sown pastures in eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia. Aims We aimed to address knowledge gaps on spatial spread patterns, recovery trajectories and floristic changes using remote sensing and ground surveys. Methods We used a time series of high-resolution (12–25 cm) aerial imagery to quantify and compare pasture dieback spread over 7 years in three land-use areas: ungrazed pasture, grazed pasture and rehabilitation following mining. The green leaf index was applied using supervised random forest algorithms to classify areas affected between 2015 and 2021. Flora surveys were conducted to compare impacted and unimpacted areas for the three land uses and validate classifications. Key results The first emergence of pasture dieback was in ungrazed pasture, and these areas recorded the highest rate of dieback spread at 1.88 ha month−1, compared with 0.54 and 0.19 ha month−1 in rehabilitated and grazed pastures respectively. Field validation showed that dieback-impacted pastures shifted from buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), to forb-dominated communities with significantly different species mix, biomass and cover conditions. An analysis of local climate data showed that winter night-time temperatures and rainfall were notably higher than long-term means in the year preceding the first detection of pasture dieback. Conclusions High resolution aerial imagery and ground surveys can be used to monitor pasture health by employing vegetation indices and random forest classifiers. Implications Ungrazed pastures and roadside areas should be managed to protect the region from further outbreaks.
Adopting the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education in North America
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tian Ye 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This special issue delves into the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (hereinafter referred to as “Grading Standards”), the first comprehensive framework for assessing the Chinese language proficiency of international learners. It presents five empirical studies that examine the applicability and challenges of adopting these standards in North America. The first paper offers a comparative analysis of global language standards, while the subsequent papers explore various aspects of the Grading Standards’ localization in the North American context, including character teaching, vocabulary, grammar instruction, and oral proficiency. The findings and recommendations provide valuable insights for course design, curriculum development, and textbook compilation in Chinese language programs across North American universities.
Standards-based character recognition test
Authors: Hou Xiaoming 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The present study developed and implemented a character recognition test based on the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education. Using a stratified systematic sampling approach, we selected 15 characters from each level, ranging from levels 1 to 6, and 45 characters from the advanced level. This test was administered to 32 L2 Chinese learners from two universities. The results, on one hand, present an estimation of learners’ character size and revealed variations at multiple levels, including school, course, and individual levels. On the other hand, they serve as a valuable link between the Standards and teaching/learning practice, enabling a necessary reflection on the efficacy of the Standards, particularly in terms of the character component.
Light predicate raising in the Mandarin post-VP adverbial nominal constructions
Authors: Zhang Ning 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In Mandarin, a nominal may follow a string that is composed of a monomorphemic verb and its monomorphemic object. The nominal exhibits the same constraints as a preverbal PP. Also, unlike a canonical or non-canonical object, such a nominal cannot be deleted. It is argued that such a nominal is the object of a preposition; the PP is base-generated as a left adverbial of a shortest transitive VP; and after the leftward raising of the light VP and deletion of the preposition, the nominal surfaces to the right of the VP. Based on this study, the paper reports a form economy in syntactic operations.
Nadie Me Ve Como Latinx
Authors: Mendez Luis , Satterfield Teresa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Studies on how observers’ perceptions affect youth Ethnic-Racial Identity (ERI) formation focus on adolescents,
and typically fail to consider non-English language use as a salient ERI marker. The current research examines two novel
dimensions by examining employing Spanish-language mixed methods to study Midwestern heritage Spanish-speaking Latinx children,
ages 7–13. Study outcomes correlate skin tone to ERI such that children identified by observers as ‘phenotypically’ Latinx
reported higher levels of ethnic exploration compared to peers identified as ‘phenotypically’ non-Latinx. Children’s phenotypic
self-identification and ERI exploration correlated highly with level of understanding of their ethnic group, and in turn with
reported higher linguistic discrimination. Qualitative results further highlight that “white-presenting” Latinx children more
strongly affirm their Latinx identity through high Spanish language competence. Findings suggest that healthy ERI development in
Latinx children may be uniquely aided by bilingualism and biliteracy.
French writing tasks for undergraduate learners
Authors: Tigchelaar Magda , Forget Gabrielle 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study triangulated multiple data sources and methods to identify the real-world needs of undergraduate
students in a French as a second language program. Graduates (N = 130) and current students
(N = 67) rated the importance of a series of written production, interaction, and mediation tasks detailed in the
CEFR Companion Volume (Council of Europe, 2020). A subset of alumni
(N = 5) participated in focus group interviews. Results indicated that all participants placed primary importance
on writing for personal communication (i.e., correspondence, forms, creative writing, relaying information, online interaction).
Similarly, interviewees discussed the importance of non-academic writing in their work and daily lives, and highlighted challenges
associated with correspondence, writing teaching materials, and academic writing. Findings suggest a need for writing instruction
in diverse real-world genres for both personal interaction and academic writing.
Focus on form in the uptake, stability and transfer of relative clause use across tasks
Authors: Chen Liping , Lambert Craig 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study compares the effectiveness of two instructional interventions on the uptake and transfer of relative
clauses (RCs) during picture-based oral narrative tasks: (1) Focus on Form (FonF), which involves incidental focus on language
problems as they arise naturally in learners’ language during meaning-focused task-based communication, and (2) Focus on Forms
(FonFs), which involves explicit attention to specific forms felt by the teacher or materials planner to be natural, useful or
essential to the performance of a task (Long, 2015). A third treatment, focus on
meaning (FonM), which involved no form-focused instruction at all, provided a baseline to compare the relative effects of these
two instructional interventions. Thirty-six Chinese ESL learners participated in the study. The study employed a pre-test,
post-test, and delayed post-test design. Results revealed that FonM did not promote uptake or transfer of RCs, and that FonFs and
FonF had comparable effects on the uptake, stability, and transfer of RCs to novel versions of oral narrative tasks. The study
demonstrates that: (1) form-focused instruction was essential in promoting uptake and transfer of challenging task-relevant
language; and (2) FonF was at least as effective as FonFs for promoting Chinese ESL learners’ use and acquisition of task-relevant
structures. The results of the study provide support for the use of FonF in instruction as consistent with the principles of
task-based language teaching.
Free-falling motion of an elastic rigid rod towards a Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Machado Luís , Natário José , Silva Jorge Drumond 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We study the motion of an elastic rigid rod which is radially free-falling towards a Schwarzschild black hole. This is accomplished by reducing the corresponding free-boundary partial differential equation problem to a sequence of ODEs, which we integrate numerically. Starting with a rod at rest, we show that it is possible to choose its initial compression profile so that its midpoint falls substantially faster, or slower, than a free-falling particle with the same initial conditions. This seems to be a purely kinematic effect, since on average there is no net transfer of elastic energy to mechanical energy.
An exploration of temporal coherence of light through holography
Authors: Escarguel Alexandre , Martin Céline 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The coherence time τ
c of light is an important physical parameter in fundamental and applied optics and therefore, it is crucial that students understand its meaning. In this work, this notion is addressed through holography by simple experiments for bachelor and master students at Aix-Marseilles University. The coherence time of light sources used to make holograms is one of the key parameters for the success of such experiments; it must be large enough so that an optical wave train divided in two parts (reference/objects beams) interferes with itself to record the 3D shape of the object on the photosensitive medium. That is why laser sources, with much longer τ
c than other light sources, are commonly used to make holograms. We have recently worked with students on this problem; is it possible not to use a laser to make holograms? Which coherence time do we need for which hologram? After a study of the coherence time of different light sources (HeNe laser, red Light-Emitting Diode (LED) with and without 1 nm wide interference filter and high pressure mercury lamp with green filter) by emission spectroscopy and by interferometry, an extremely simple experimental setup is used to realize holograms of a coin with them. The observation of these holograms, coupled to a scan of the coin shape with an optical microscope, enables the deduction of information on the coherence length of these light sources.
Optimized generalized monogamy relations and upper bounds for N-qubit systems
Authors: Shen Zhong-Xi , Xuan Dong-Ping , Zhou Wen , Wang Zhi-Xi , Fei Shao-Ming 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We present optimized generalized monogamy relations and upper bounds derived from concurrence and concurrence of assistance. We first establish a tighter general upper bound of the αth (

0
⩽
α
⩽
2

) power of concurrence for N-qubit states. Then for N-qubit systems

A
B

C
1

…

C

N
−
2

, the optimized monogamy relations and upper bounds satisfied by the αth (

0
⩽
α
⩽
2

) power of concurrence of N-qubit pure states under the partition AB and

C
1

…

C

N
−
2

, as well as under the partition ABC
1 and

C
2

…

C

N
−
2

are established, which give rise to restrictions on the entanglement distribution and trade offs among the subsystems. Moreover, the utilization of the W-class states demonstrates that our results are tighter compared with the existing results. Similar results are also obtained for negativity.
Study of charmonium(-like) mesons under a diabatic approach*
Authors: Zhang 张 Zi-Zhao 子钊 , Li 李 Rong 荣 , Liu 刘 Bo-Chao 伯超 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this work, we study the charmonium(-like) spectrum below 4.1 GeV using the diabatic approach, which offers a unified description of conventional and unconventional heavy meson states. Compared to previous studies, we consider a more realistic

potential by including the spin-dependent interactions, which allows us to obtain more states and insights into the charmonium spectrum. Based on our calculation, we obtain the masses of the charmonium spectrum, which align well with experimental data. We also present the probabilities of finding various components, i.e.,

or meson-meson pairs, in these states. Our results support the arguments that

,

, and

have significant molecular components. In addition, our calculations show that

and

can be considered as candidates for the charmonium states

and

, respectively.
Cattle supply chain fidelity in the Brazilian Amazon: key considerations for deforestation monitoring
Authors: Skidmore Marin Elisabeth , Barrozo Marcos , Rausch Lisa , Gibbs Holly K 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Supply chain governance (SCG) is an increasingly important approach to man- age environmental protection and human rights in agricultural systems across the tropics. SCG helps relay the preferences of international consumers to producers and fills environmental policy gaps. Brazil’s Zero-Deforestation Cattle Agreements (CA) are one of the longest-standing examples of SCG but shortcomings in implementation have reduced their conservation impacts. Chief among the reasons for their limited effect is that slaughterhouses monitor only the suppliers they buy from directly. This does not account for the complex supply network upstream of the direct sale, whose dynamics are also poorly understood. We provide the first comprehensive characterization of the strength and duration of cattle supply chain relationships based on animal transaction records from across the Brazilian Amazon. Whereas direct supply relationships (from ranchers to slaughterhouses) are relatively few and long-lasting, upstream relationships between ranchers are numerous and short-lived. Expanding monitoring to include these upstream sup- pliers increases the number of monitored transactions by an order of magnitude. However, 1% of the largest direct suppliers sell nearly half of cattle to CA slaughterhouses. More comprehensive upstream monitoring of only these prolific suppliers could greatly increase coverage at a fraction of the cost. While it may be challenging to monitor the entire supply network, significant advancements are within reach.
Changes and drivers of vegetation productivity in China’s drylands under climate change
Authors: Zhou Wenxin , Li Changjia , Fu Bojie , Wang Shuai , Ren Zhuobing , Stringer Lindsay C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Increasing aridity can sharply reduce vegetation productivity in drylands, but elevated CO2 and warming can enhance vegetation growth. However, the extent to which these positive effects counteract the negative effects of heightened aridity on vegetation productivity remains uncertain. Here, we used space-for-time substitution to assess the responses of 15 ecosystem variables to aridity in China’s drylands and predicted vegetation productivity under future aridity, temperature, precipitation, nitrogen deposition, and CO2. The results showed that vegetation productivity decreased abruptly as aridity (1-precipitation/potential evapotranspiration) increased to the threshold of 0.7, which corresponds to the vegetation decline stage in the dryland ecosystem’s response to increasing aridity. Future projections suggest that 12.8% of China’s drylands will cross aridity thresholds (0.7, 0.8, and 0.95) by 2100, in which vegetation productivity will significantly increase by 40.0%. Elevated CO2 will stimulate vegetation growth, but continuously rising temperature and CO2 by 2100 will have adverse effects, particularly in regions with limited nitrogen and water. This study suggests that effective adaptation and mitigation actions should be developed for regions crossing aridity thresholds, to ensure that drylands maintain the capacity to provide essential ecosystem services required to support the increasing population.
Rapid point-of-care breath test predicts breast cancer and abnormal mammograms in symptomatic women
Authors: Phillips Michael , Bevers Therese B , Larsen Linda Hovanessian , Pappas Nadine , Pathak Sonali 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Previous studies have reported volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath as biomarkers of breast cancer. These biomarkers may be derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts, in which oxidative stress degrades polyunsaturated fatty acids to volatile alkanes and methylated alkane derivatives that are excreted in the breath. We evaluated a rapid point-of-care test for breath VOC biomarkers as predictors of breast cancer and abnormal mammograms. We studied 593 women aged

⩾

18 yr referred to three sites for mammography for a symptomatic breast-related concern (e.g. breast mass, nipple discharge). A rapid point-of-care breath testing system collected and concentrated alveolar breath VOCs on a sorbent trap and analyzed them with gas chromatography and surface acoustic wave detection in <6 min. Breath VOC chromatograms were randomly assigned to a training set or to a validation set. Monte Carlo analysis identified significant breath VOC biomarkers of breast cancer and abnormal mammograms in the training set, and these biomarkers were incorporated into a multivariate algorithm to predict disease in the validation set. Prediction of breast cancer: 50 women had biopsy-proven breast cancer (invasive cancer 41, ductal non-invasive cancer 9) Unsplit data set: breath VOCs identified breast cancer with 83% accuracy (area under curve of receiver operating characteristic), 82% sensitivity and 77.1% specificity. Split data sets: training set breath VOCs identified breast cancer with 80.3% accuracy, 84% sensitivity and 74.3% specificity. Corresponding values in the validation set were 68%% accuracy, 72.4% sensitivity and 61.5% specificity. Prediction of BIRADS 4 and 5 mammograms (versus BIRADS 1, 2 and 3): unsplit data set: breath VOCs identified abnormal mammograms with 76.2% accuracy. Split data sets: breath VOCs identified abnormal mammograms with 74.2% accuracy, 73.3% sensitivity and 60% specificity. Corresponding values in the validation set were 60.5% accuracy, 64.2% sensitivity and 51% specificity. A rapid point-of-care test for breath VOC biomarkers predicted risk of breast cancer and abnormal mammograms in women with breast-related symptoms.
ZnO nanolayer on polypropylene fabrics: a highly effective antimicrobial coating against pathogenic bioaerosols
Authors: Reyes-Carmona Lorena , Rodil Sandra E , Sepúlveda-Robles Omar A , Silva-Bérmudez Phaedra S , Ramos-Vilchis Carlos , Almaguer-Flores Argelia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Antimicrobial coatings offer a promising solution for enhancing the efficacy of materials used to fabricate protective equipment for healthcare personnel. Given the rapid spread of respiratory diseases caused by pathogenic bioaerosols, our study delves into probing the antimicrobial properties of a sputtered ZnO nanolayer deposited onto polypropylene fabrics earmarked for the production of respiratory protective gear such as facemasks. A comprehensive methodology was developed to assess the immediate antimicrobial effect of the zinc oxide nanolayer against bioaerosols laden with four DNA or RNA viral surrogates and eight aerobic and anaerobic bacterial species. Additionally, its antimicrobial efficacy was measured over time across contact durations ranging from 0.5 to 24 h. The ZnO nanolayer exhibited an immediate reduction in infectivity of approximately 40% for RNA viruses, whereas only an 11% reduction was noted for the DNA virus. Remarkably, the infectivity of RNA viruses was totally eradicated after 12 h of contact with the ZnO nanolayer. In the case of anaerobic bacteria-laden bioaerosols, inhibition ratios ranged from 58% to 97% across various anaerobic strains, while aerobic bacteria aerosols demonstrated inhibition ranging from 26% to 74%. Notably, after 24 h of direct contact between bacteria and ZnO nanolayer, a substantial viability inhibition of most strains (80%–90%) was achieved. These findings underscore the potential of ZnO nanolayer for diverse biomedical purposes, encompassing personal protective equipment and other applications such as air purification systems.