bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermogravimetric study on thermal degradation kinetics and polymer interactions in mixed thermoplastics
Authors: Netsch N. , Schröder L. , Zeller M. , Neugber I. , Merz D. , Klein C. O. , Tavakkol S. , Stapf D. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Potential interactions during thermal degradation of polymer blends significantly influence product yields and their composition. Therefore, chemical recycling of plastic waste requires fundamental understanding of feedstock dependency for effective process design. This study investigates the pyrolysis of polymer blends (HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, ABS, PET, PA6, PVC) through thermogravimetric experiments at different heating rates. Sample homogeneity’s impact on interactions is analyzed using particles, powder, coextruded blends, and samples in crucibles with separated compartments. A kinetic model is presented to support the experimental findings, assuming linear superposition of individual polymer kinetics. A proposed grouping of thermoplastics, reflecting their degradation behavior and potential interactions, correlates with the polymer structure. Observed interactions, particularly in blends of heteroatom-containing polymers (N, O, Cl), are accelerated reactions and coke formation. Hence, the model accurately predicts the degradation of heteroatom-free polymer mixtures but encounters challenges with more complex blends. This comprehensive study emphasizes the importance of feedstock composition for future pyrolytic polymer recycling.

Graphical abstract
Prosocial Giving to Various Targets: A Longitudinal Examination in Poland in the First Post-COVID-19 Year
Authors: Nowakowska Iwona , Rajchert Joanna 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Recently, Europe, including Poland, witnessed several events that encouraged prosocial behaviors toward various actors in social life, including people and organizations. However, are the tendencies to support others changing over the post-COVID-19 yearly period and does that change depend on the target of donations? Based on social support mobilization and deterioration theory and construal level theory, in the current study, we aimed to test the change in the willingness to give money (operationalized as fictitious coins) or time to various targets in need over time. Poles from the general population (N = 566) participated in a 2-wave longitudinal study (first wave conducted in May 2022; second in late April/May 2023). Results showed a drop in the general prosocial giving tendencies of both coins and money over time, which confirms the social support mobilization and deterioration theory. In particular, the willingness to give coins to a Ukrainian refugee and time to Ukrainian and Middle Eastern refugees, as well as a local organization operating for pro-environmental issues and a global organization operating for a better quality of life in the world decreased. Most coins and time were intended to be given to family, a friend, a neighbor, and a Ukrainian refugee, confirming the role of psychological proximity in helping intentions. We provide interpretations of the discovered patterns in the light of previous data. Our analysis may be useful in predicting prosocial giving tendencies, especially for researchers of prosociality, charity organizations, and policymakers.
How sceptics teach us to know
Authors: Klein Peter D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to show (1) that scepticism, in both its traditional forms and contemporary forms, poses no real threat to obtaining inferential empirical knowledge, even if such knowledge requires certainty and (2) that there are some significant lessons to be learned from the traditional sceptics about what constitutes a plausible argument for scepticism and how to obtain knowledge while avoiding dogmatism and (3) that contemporary scepticism is based on several serious mistakes about what is required to obtain empirical knowledge because it both conflates knowing with being dogmatic and inflates the requirements for obtaining empirical knowledge. I will focus on inferential empirical knowledge, rather than knowledge in general, in order to eliminate the necessity of defending one of the various responses to the problem of the regress of reasons. I will limit the discussion to inferential empirical knowledge because it has been the primary target of contemporary arguments for scepticism. I aim to show that we are justified in rejecting the sceptic’s arguments but that we should not be certain that the sceptic is wrong. I hope that it will become obvious that such a seemingly incoherent set of beliefs is part of the correct description of our epistemic position.
Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Flood Hazard Zones
Authors: Dysarz Tomasz , Marcinkowski Paweł , Wicher-Dysarz Joanna , Piniewski Mikołaj , Mirosław-Świątek Dorota , Kundzewicz Zbigniew W. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
There have been many destructive pluvial and fluvial floods in Poland and the projection of increasing flood hazards in the future is a reason of considerable concern. The maps of river hazard zones are changing over time, and understanding these changes is of primary importance for flood risk reduction and climate change adaptation. This article aims to assess the impact of climate change on the spatial extent and depth classes of flood hazard zones for a selected reach of the River Warta in the western part of Poland. To this end, we integrated the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model of the Warta River Basin with the 1D hydraulic model HEC-RAS of the selected reach. The climate change effect was quantified based on the coupled model simulations forced with bias-corrected projections from the EURO-CORDEX project. Flood hazard maps were developed for two townships along the River Warta (Oborniki and Wronki), three greenhouse gas concentration scenarios (one for the baseline scenario in the reference period, 1971–2000; one for RCP 4.5 and one for RCP 8.5, for the time horizon 2021–2050) and for three return periods (10-, 100- and 500-year floods). Based on the ensemble mean, the increase in the flooded area projected in the future is more pronounced for RCP8.5 than for RCP4.5. This unique combination of software and data enabled the transformation of climate change impact into the land surface part of the hydrological cycle and assessment of changes in flood hazard and opens the way to assess the potential increases in the economic losses in the future.
Comparing the effects of a specific task instruction and prompts on pre-service teachers’ noticing of classroom management situations
Authors: Gabel Sylvia , Keskin Özün , Gegenfurtner Andreas 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAttending to relevant information in complex classroom situations can be a challenging task for pre-service teachers which is why teacher education programs often use authentic classroom videos to scaffold pre-service teachers’ professional vision. However, to date, it remains unclear which instructions can guide pre-service teachers’ attention toward classroom management situations to promote the early development of teacher professional vision. This mixed-methods study (n = 85 pre-service teachers) compared effects of (a) a specific task instruction before watching a classroom video and (b) prompts during the classroom video on noticing—indicated by the number, velocity, and relevance of identified classroom management situations. Controlling for mental effort and pedagogical-psychological knowledge,t-Tests showed both types of instruction to have a similar attention-guiding effect. Qualitative analyses of retrospective interviews revealed that pre-service teachers identified verbal reactive classroom management strategies more easily than nonverbal strategies when observing experienced teachers in the classroom videos. We discuss specific task instructions as an economic alternative to the use of prompts in video-based teacher education and—based on our qualitative findings—provide directions for future research.
Electrophoretic Deposition and Physicochemical Properties of Ni- and Fe-Doped Cu–Mn Spinel Coatings Enhanced with Ce0.9Y0.1O2 Nanoparticles on Fe16Cr Ferritic Stainless Steel Interconnects for SOEC Applications
Authors: Mazur Łukasz , Brylewski Tomasz 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCu- and Mn-based spinel coatings are currently among the most promising materials for solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) interconnects due to their high electrical conductivity and ability to eliminate environmentally hazardous cobalt, which is included in the most widely used coatings. However, their properties are affected by the presence of the Cr2O3 scale and high-temperature corrosion, and to mitigate this they could be doped with elements such as Ni and Fe. In addition, the electrical properties of such steel/shell layered systems can be further improved using rare-earth element nanoparticles (Ce0.9Y0.1O2). In this work, low-chromium steel was modified using nanoparticles and/or spinel coatings and oxidized in air atmosphere at 800 °C for 2000 hours. The oxidized systems were then characterized using diffraction studies, microstructural observations and electrical measurements. Electrical studies in particular showed a significant reduction in area-specific resistance for steels modified using a combination of both nanoparticles and spinel coatings.
Development of emulsion foams based on healthier oleogels and their application as low-fat replacers for whipped cream
Authors: El-Sayed Samah M. , Hashim Ayat F. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to develop emulsion foams (I: 1:1 flaxseed oil to coconut oil; II: 1:2 flaxseed oil to coconut oil; III: 2:1 flaxseed oil to coconut oil) based on the formation of an air-in-water-in oleogel as a healthy substitute for whipped cream.The developed emulsion foamswere assessed for their physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition. They were also characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Based on the results, emulsion foamII demonstrated a higher overrun percentage (90%) thanI and III (80 and 70%, respectively).The serum leakage values for all formulations were zero after 24 h at 5 °C. While, hardness values for emulsion foams I, II, and III were 0.40 ± 0.03, 0.50 ± 0.10, and 0.30 ± 0.04 N, respectively. The emulsion foamIII had higher unsaturated fatty acids than I and II (54.67% vs. 41.50% and 28.72%). Theemulsion foamsI and II showed more packed air bubbles than the emulsion foamIII.In emulsion foams I, II, and III, the average size of air bubbles was 36, 25.09, and 15.09 μm, respectively. Moreover, the thermal stability of the emulsion foam II is enhancedby increasing the coconut oilratio.
On the Koebe Quarter Theorem for Certain Polynomials of Even Degree
Authors: Ignaciuk Szymon , Parol Maciej 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe continue research on problems similar to the Koebe Quarter Theorem for close-to-convex polynomials with all zeros of derivative in $$\mathbb T:=\{z\in \mathbb C:|z|=1\}$$

T
:
=
{
z
∈
C
:
|
z
|
=
1
}

. We found the minimal disc containing all images of $$\mathbb D:=\{z\in \mathbb C: |z|<1\}$$

D
:
=
{
z
∈
C
:
|
z
|
<
1
}

and the maximal disc contained in all images of $$\mathbb D$$
D
through polynomials of degree 6. Moreover, we determine the extremal functions for both problems. Furthermore, we state the conjecture concerning polynomials of higher even degrees.
Impact of obesity on allergic respiratory diseases and on mental and cognitive performance
Authors: Geissler Nora , Garner-Spitzer Erika , Inic-Kanada Aleksandra , Pollak Daniela D. , Wiedermann Ursula 
Published: October 2024

Summary
Background
Obesity and allergies are among the most common diseases of our civilization. Given the simultaneous rise in the prevalence of these diseases in recent years, a potential causal link between the two has been proposed. In particular, obese patients are at an increased risk of developing bronchial asthma, likely due to mechanical restrictions but also to metabolic changes that adversely affect immune function. Neuroscience studies have also shown that obesity can lead to impaired brain function and mental health. In the following review, we will take a closer look at our studies that focus on the influence of obesity on allergic diseases and cognitive performance.

Results
Both human studies and animal models (mice) have shown that obesity leads to increased allergic responses in the airways. Our studies in a mouse model of obesity confirm that an obese phenotype is associated with increased allergic sensitization and manifestation. These changes are associated with significant shifts in the composition of the gut microbial flora. The microbiome changes are further associated with allergic airway inflammation and an increased incidence of T helper 1 (Th1) type pulmonary macrophages. Interestingly, despite the changes in the microbiome, it is possible to effectively prevent allergy development by inducing oral tolerance. Furthermore, it was observed that obese mice show increased signs of anxiety and depression, as well as reduced cognitive performance.

Conclusion
Obesity is a complex metabolic disease that significantly impacts our body’s gut microbiome and immune system, resulting in an increased incidence of allergic asthma and neurological/psychological changes. Attention should be given to both the prophylactic and therapeutic measures to mitigate the impact of obesity, including oral tolerance for managing existing allergic diseases.
Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhai Keke , Zang Danyang , Yang Shuguang , Zhang Yu , Niu Siqi , Yu Xueqing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by high mortality and substantial disease burden. Early diagnosis is critical for improving patient survival and prognosis. This review aims to systematically overview the role of biomarkers in the early diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), analyze the current research issues, and propose future research directions to provide new insights and methods for the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Methods
As of June 2024, we conducted a systematic literature search in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, and selected relevant studies. We evaluated the included studies, extracted and synthesized data to summarize the current understanding of biomarkers for early diagnosis of IPF.

Results
The pathogenesis of IPF is intricate, and we primarily focused on biomarkers related to alveolar epithelial cell dysfunction [Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), Surfactant Protein (SP-A/SP-D), Mucin 5B (MUC5B), Telomere Length (TL)], extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrogenesis [S100 Calcium Binding Protein A4 (S100A4), Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), Periostin (POSTN)], as well as immune dysfunction [Serum Amyloid A (SAA), Chitinase-3-like Protein 1 (YKL-40), Chemokines]. These biomarkers hold potential for the early diagnosis of IPF, but limitations remain, such as the lack of dynamic monitoring and the low rate of clinical application.

Conclusion
Although studies on biomarkers for the early diagnosis of IPF have made some progress, numerous challenges remain. Large-scale and multi-center studies are still needed to develop and validate biomarker panels with early diagnostic utility and to promote their application in clinical practice.
Measuring Career Aspirations in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Education
Authors: Fitzgerald Michael , Salimpour Saeed , McKinnon David , Freed Rachel , Reichart Dan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
There has been a sustained interest in student perceptions about STEM fields and their choice of careers over the past few decades. Research has shown that there is a decline in students pursuing STEM careers, and this has raised global concern. Despite these issues, no unistructural, broad, parsimonious and unambiguous quantitative instrument exists to probe student career aspirations. This paper highlights the background, extension and validation of an instrument, derived from a previous science-focussed high-quality instrument that allows student career aspirations to be quantitatively characterised. Participants were 1221 undergraduate students, 1003 of whom were judged to have provided good data, from 18 tertiary institutions in the USA and Canada. The resultant instrument is a reliable 20-question survey representing five clearly demarcated domains: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Education. Each scale possesses high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.95), and high construct validity as determined by comparisons with their stated choices of career.
Transcriptomic dynamics of ABA response in Brassica napus guard cells
Authors: Villiers Florent , Suhail Yasir , Lee Jade , Hauser Felix , Hwang Jaeung , Bader Joel S. , McKay John K. , Peck Scott C. , Schroeder Julian I. , Kwak June M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDrought has a significant, negative impact on crop production; and these effects are poised to increase with climate change. Plants acclimate to drought and water stress through diverse physiological responses, primarily mediated by the hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Because plants lose the majority of their water through stomatal pores on aerial surfaces of plants, stomatal closure is one of the rapid responses mediated by ABA to reduce transpirational water loss. The dynamic changes in the transcriptome of stomatal guard cells in response to ABA have been investigated in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, guard cell transcriptomes have not been analyzed in agronomically valuable crops such as a major oilseed crop, rapeseed. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of ABA-regulated transcriptomes in stomatal guard cells of Brassica napus and conducted comparison analysis with the transcriptomes of A. thaliana. We discovered changes in gene expression indicating alterations in a host of physiological processes, including stomatal movement, metabolic reprogramming, and light responses. Our results suggest the existence of both immediate and delayed responses to ABA in Brassica guard cells. Furthermore, the transcription factors and regulatory networks mediating these responses are compared to those identified in Arabidopsis. Our results imply the continuing evolution of ABA responses in Brassica since its divergence from a common ancestor, involving both protein-coding and non-coding nucleotide sequences. Together, our results will provide a basis for developing strategies for molecular manipulation of drought tolerance in crop plants.
Physiological and biochemical responses in a cadmium accumulator of traditional Chinese medicine Ligusticum sinense cv. Chuanxiong under cadmium condition
Authors: Niu Shu-qi , Li Ting , Bao Xiu-wen , Bai Jing , Liu Lin , Liu Si-jing , Qin Wei , Li Yang , Guo Jin-lin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLigusticum sinense cv. Chuanxiong (L. Chuanxiong), one of the widely used traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), is currently facing the problem of excessive cadmium (Cd) content. This problem has significantly affected the quality and safety of L. Chuanxiong and become a vital factor restricting its clinical application and international trade development. Currently, to solve the problem of excessive Cd, it is essential to research the response mechanisms of L. Chuanxiong to Cd stress. However, there are few reports on its physiological and biochemical responses under Cd stress. In this study, we conducted the hydroponic experiment under 25 μM Cd stress, based on the Cd content of the genuine producing areas soil. The results showed that 25 μM Cd stress not only had no significant inhibitory effect on the growth of L. Chuanxiong seedlings but also significantly increased the chlorophyll a content (11.79%) and root activity (51.82%) compared with that of the control, which might be a hormesis effect. Further results showed that the absorption and assimilation of NH4+ increased in seedlings under 25 μM Cd stress, which was associated with high photosynthetic pigments. Here, we initially hypothesized and confirmed that Cd exceedance in the root system of L. Chuanxiong was due to the thickening of the root cell wall, changes in the content of the cell wall components, and chelation of Cd by GSH. There was an increase in cell wall thickness (57.64 %) and a significant increase in cellulose (25.48%) content of roots under 25 μM Cd stress. In addition, L. Chuanxiong reduced oxidative stress caused by 25 μM Cd stress mainly through the GSH/GSSG cycle. Among them, GSH-Px (48.26%) and GR (42.64%) activities were significantly increased, thereby maintaining a high GSH/GSSG ratio. This study preliminarily reveals the response of L. Chuanxiong to Cd stress and the mechanism of Cd enrichment. It provides a theoretical basis for solving the problem of Cd excessive in L. Chuanxiong.
Graphical Abstract
Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of L. Chuanxiong seedlings under Cd stress.
Advances in multifunctional metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanoplatforms for cancer starvation therapy
Authors: Cai Jinghan , Xu Yan , Liao Fei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cancer remains a significant threat to human health today. Even though starvation therapy and other treatment methods have recently advanced to a new level of rapid development in tumour treatment, their limited therapeutic effectiveness and unexpected side effects prevent them from becoming the first option in clinical treatment. With rapid advancement in nanotechnology, the utilization of nanomaterials in therapeutics offers the potential to address the shortcomings in cancer treatment. Notably, multifunctional metal-organic framework (MOF) has been widely employed in cancer therapy due to their customizable shape, adjustable diameter, high porosity, diverse compositions, large specific surface area, high degree of functionalization and strong biocompatibility. This paper reviews the current progress and success of MOF-based multifunctional nanoplatforms for cancer starvation therapy, as well as the prospects and potential barriers for the application of MOF nanoplatforms in cancer starvation therapy.
Identifying the risk factors associated with food insecurity in the UK veteran population: a nationwide survey
Authors: Johnson Amy , Serra Giuseppe , Tomietto Marco , Kiernan Matthew D. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
There has been limited focus placed on exploring food insecurity within the UK-ex-Armed Forces population. The present study aims to build on initial work by investigating the prevalence and associated factors of food insecurity within UK veterans and their families and their current health status. 881 veterans (or a family member) who previously served in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, Army and the Royal Air Force completed an online survey to explore health status, food insecurity and receipt of benefits. In total, 16.9% of survey respondents were part of food-insecure households, with 12% of these also experiencing some element of hunger. Working age, non-officer rank at the time of service discharge, not being married, living in rented accommodation, having at least one medical condition and in receipt of other benefits were significant risk factors associated with food insecurity. Understanding the specific risk factors associated with food insecurity is vital to develop personalised interventions and policies, such as income support programmes and affordable housing initiatives. However, more work is needed to further explore the factors associated with food insecurity, particularly in the long term.