bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward a green economy: Lignin-based hybrid materials as functional additives in flame-retardant polymer coatings
Authors: Goliszek Marta , Podkościelna Beata , Rybiński Przemysław , Klapiszewska Izabela , Klepka Tomasz , Masek Anna , Klapiszewski Łukasz 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study describes the combination of unique properties of lignin with TiO2 as an innovative and effective preparation method for high-performance flame-retardant additives that may be utilized as polymer coatings. The use of lignin resulted in numerous advantages including an increased number of functional groups, satisfactory biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high carbon content. The major benefit of lignin is associated with the reduced carbon footprint of the manufactured product. Lignin can be classified as a natural flame-retardant agent owing to the high amount of char formed during combustion. In turn, TiO2 exhibits high chemical stability and low operating costs and is considered a non-toxic and environmentally friendly material. During the experiments, commercial TiO2 in anatase crystallographic form, TiO2 synthesized from titanyl sulfate hydrate, and kraft lignin as well as organic–inorganic hybrid materials composed of these materials were evaluated as functional additives in epoxy-resin-based polymer coatings (Epidian 601) and their properties were investigated in detail. The cone colorimetry test confirmed that the obtained hybrids are effective flame-retardant additives for polymer coatings, with a notable fire hazard reduction observed for samples containing a synergistic system of titanium oxide and lignin. The coating with lignin was the most effective in fire suppression processes. The conducted thermal and mechanical investigations confirmed good performance properties of the coatings indicating thermal resistance up to 360 °C and Shore D hardness in a range of 80.36–86.28°Sh, accordingly. Optical profilometry investigations show that the lignin/TiO2 hybrids exhibit a stable topological surface shape as well as good dispersion and uniformity in the polymer matrix. All the conducted tests allowed confirmation that the presence of functional additives in polymer coatings in the form of lignin and TiO2 can be a promising alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic materials which improve flame-retardant properties.
Towards designing a comprehensive composite index for social vulnerability to natural hazards in the big data era: potential challenges and partial solutions
Authors: Rabiei-Dastjerdi Hamidreza , Brereton Finbarr , O’Neill Eoin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study provides a practical definition and framework to measure social vulnerability to natural hazards, addressing gaps in the literature after three decades of Susan Cutter's Place-Based Model. The current social vulnerability index, designed based on available data such as census data, is limited in capturing all aspects of social vulnerability and spatial inequalities. This research explored and proposed a new theoretical perspective and methodological framework for designing a comprehensive index for social vulnerability to natural disasters using emerging big data, which is practical and feasible and can be applied to social vulnerability studies in general and social vulnerability to natural hazards in particular. This research first defines constructs of social vulnerability to natural hazards, including (1) socioeconomic status or conditions, (2) physical infrastructure or accessibility to facilities and services, (3) ecological-environmental conditions, (4) access to security facilities and crime rate, (5) technological inequalities, (6) health conditions of the citizens, and (7) susceptibility. Then, it proposes potential solutions for developing a comprehensive composite index under ideal conditions without (big) data limitations, using the US and the UK as case examples. These solutions are not just theoretical but also practical and feasible, instilling confidence in their implementation. This research offers valuable insights for researchers and policymakers in diverse sectors, supporting the design of effective disaster risk reduction strategies and intervention programs.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions of nonlinear discrete systems in critical cases
Authors: Grushkovskaya Victoria 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe paper is dedicated to the analysis of the asymptotic behavior of essentially nonlinear discrete systems whose linearization possesses eigenvalues on the unit circle. For these systems, the paper establishes sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability regardless of terms higher than the third order. Moreover, it derives an asymptotic stability criterium for a reduced critical subsystem. The proof incorporates a constructive approach for deriving Lyapunov functions using the center manifold reduction and normal form method. The key result of the paper asserts that, given the obtained stability conditions, the solutions of the system converge to the origin with a polynomial decay rate. The paper also introduces a method for evaluating the coefficients of the decay rate estimate. To illustrate these findings, we apply the obtained result to analyzing nonlinear business cycle and predator-pray models.
Rhizosphere effect: microbial and enzymatic dynamics in the rhizosphere of various shrub species
Authors: Kaźmierczak Marzena , Błońska Ewa , Kempf Marta , Zarek Marcin , Lasota Jarosław 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Aims
The aim of our research was to compare the properties of the rhizosphere soil of different shrub species. We assumed that the physicochemical properties and microbiome of the rhizosphere differ from bulk soil and the species of shrub is important in their formation.

Methods
The study involved determining the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in the rhizosphere, along with assessing the basic chemical properties and enzymatic activity. Samples were collected from both rhizosphere and bulk soil in pine stands with an understory of shrubs forming biogroups.

Results
The enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere was significantly higher than in bulk soil. At the same time enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere differed between the shrub species tested. Both intracellular and extracellular enzymes exhibited a positive correlation with basic biochemical parameters. The number of bacteria and fungi correlated with physicochemical and biochemical properties. The number of bacteria and fungi was notably higher in the rhizosphere of the examined shrub species compared to bulk soil, at the same time, we noted a significant influence of the shrub species on microorganisms in the rhizosphere zone. Among the bacteria in the rhizosphere of shrubs, genera Edaphobaculum, Gemmatimonas, Bdellovibrio, Jorgensenbacteria, Rhodoplanes, and Acidocella were more abundant. Regarding fungi, Mortierella longigemmata, Didymella viburnicola, Trichoderma stellatum, and Phacidium pseudophacidioides were found to be more abundant in the rhizosphere.

Conclusions
The findings from our research may have practical applications in shaping the species composition of tree stands, with potential implications for future soil health condition.
Entrepreneurs’ impatience and digital technologies
Authors: Basiglio S. , Ricci A. , Rossi M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper analyzes the impact of entrepreneurs’ preferences (impatience and risk attitudes) on firms’ propensity to invest in both general and digital technologies. Using data from the Rilevazione su Imprese e Lavoro (RIL) survey, conducted on a representative sample of Italian firms, we find that impatience significantly reduces the likelihood of adopting digital investments, even when controlling for risk preferences. To address potential endogeneity and simultaneity concerns, we implement an instrumental variable (IV) strategy, exploiting exogenous variation from exposure to earthquakes. The findings remain robust and highlight the crucial role of impatience in shaping investment decisions, particularly in digital technologies.
Evaluation of GOCE/GRACE and combined global geopotential models using GNSS/levelling data over Nigeria
Authors: Bako Michael , Elsaka Basem , Kusche Jürgen , Fenoglio-Marc Luciana 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGlobal Geopotential Models (GGMs) provide valuable information about Earth’s gravity field functionals, such as geoid heights and gravity anomalies. However, ground-based datasets are required to validate these GGMs at the regional and local scales. In this study, we validated the accuracy of GGMs by comparing them with ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/levelling data for the first time in Nigeria. We employed two validation scenarios: with and without considering spectral consistency using the spectral enhancement method (SEM) to incorporate high and very high frequencies of the gravity field spectrum from the combined global gravity field model (XGM2019e_2159) and the residual terrain model (RTM) derived from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data, respectively. The results of this evaluation confirmed that the application of SEM improved the assessment of the GGM solutions in an unbiased manner. Integrating XGM2019e_2159 and SRTM data to constrain the high-frequency component of geoid heights in Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE)-based GGMs led to an improvement of approximately 10% in reducing the standard deviation (STD) relative to when SEM was not applied. GO_CONS_GCF_2_TIM_R6 at spherical harmonics (SH) of up to degree and order 260 demonstrated the lowest STD when compared to GO_CONS_GCF_2_DIR_R6 and GO_CONS_GCF_2_SPW_R5, with a reduction from 0.380 m without SEM application to 0.342 m with SEM implementation. In addition, four transformation models, namely, linear, four-parameter, five-parameter, and seven-parameter models, were evaluated. The objective is to mitigate the reference system offsets between the GNSS/levelling data and the GGMs and to identify the particular parametric model with the smallest STD across all GGMs. This effort reduced the GGMs misfits to GNSS/levelling to 0.30 m, representing a 15.3% decrease in STD. Notably, the XGM2019e_2159 model provides this improvement.
Mordukhovich Derivatives of the Metric Projection Operator in Uniformly Convex and Uniformly Smooth Banach Spaces
Authors: Li Jinlu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the properties of the Mordukhovich derivatives of the metric projection operator onto closed balls, closed and convex cylinders and positive cones in uniformly convex and uniformly smooth Banach spaces. We find the exact expressions for Mordukhovich derivatives of the metric projection operator in these spaces.
Predicting Accumulation and Potential Edge-of-Field Loss of Phosphorus to Surface Water from Diverse Ecosystems
Authors: Rahman Arifur , Islam Khandakar R. , Ahsan Shamim , Didenko Nataliia O. , Sundermeier Alan P. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPhosphorus (P) is an important nutrient essential for agricultural production, but it is highly reactive, leading to its soil accumulation and making it susceptible to environmental impact footprints. The goal of our study was to determine the critical threshold values of both soluble reactive P (SRP) and oxalate-extracted P (Ox-P) to predict soil P accumulation and its susceptibility to edge-of-field loss. Composite soils were collected from geo-referenced ecosystems within the Lake Erie drainage basin under agriculture in northwestern Ohio, USA. Soils were analyzed for SRP, Ox-P, Fe, and Al concentrations to calculate P sorption capacity, P saturation ratio, degree of P saturation (DPS), and P storage capacity (SPSC). A threshold P saturation ratio of 0.12 (~ 24% DPS), corresponding to 2.4 mg SRP/kg (equivalent Ox-P), was determined to calculate SPSC for predicting the risk of SRP accumulation. A significant relationship between the SPSC and SRP suggested that soils under all the agroecosystems had accumulated SRP compared to the forest. Surface soils (0–10 cm depth) under tilled, chemically fertilized, and organically managed corn (Zea mays)-soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.) rotations, including those treated with chicken and dairy manure, exhibited excessive SRP accumulation, making them susceptible to edge-of-field losses. While the soils at 10–20 cm depth were acting as transitional, the deeper soils (20–30 cm depth) still acted as a net sink. When accounting for bulk density to calculate SPSC stocks, it showed that surface soils across the agroecosystems were saturated with 148 to 240 kg SRP/ha and were susceptible to edge-of-field loss to the water systems. In conclusion, we suggest that SPSC could be used as an early indicator to predict the risk of SRP accumulation and its potential edge-of-field loss to Lake Erie from agroecosystems.
Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Benzodiazepine Dependence Self-Report Questionnaire
Authors: Heeg Johanna , Stratmann Markus Wim , Dirmaier Jörg , Härter Martin , Kriston Levente , Lindemann Christina , Verthein Uwe 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo facilitate measurement and screening of benzodiazepine/Z-drug dependence, the Dutch “Benzodiazepine Dependence Self-Report Questionnaire” was translated into German (Bendep-SRQ-GV) and psychometrically evaluated. A cross-sectional online study with 343 benzodiazepine/Z-drug users was conducted. Structural validity and reliability were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, while convergent validity was evaluated through correlation and receiver operating characteristic analyses with the “Severity of Dependence Scale” (SDS). Furthermore, the use of simple sum subscale and total scale scores was reviewed. A model with four first-order factors and one second-order factor fitted the data best. The questionnaire showed good to excellent reliability. The scores correlated satisfactorily with the model-based factor scores and the SDS, indicating good convergent validity and supporting the use of simple sum scores. The study provided strong evidence for the validity and reliability of the Bendep-SRQ-GV as a measure of benzodiazepine/Z-drug dependence, which represents a significant step towards developing a multidimensional screening tool.
Effects of a Gender-Balancing Strategy on Resident Panels in a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Mannion Samantha , Halvorsen Andrew J. , Andersen Carl , Leasure Emily , Bonnes Sara 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients often prefer gender concordance when choosing a primary care practitioner. In a trainee setting, this may lead to unequal training opportunities for male and female resident physicians. Residency leadership may be interested in ways to promote balance in patient empanelment.

Objective
To assess the efficacy of an intervention to equalize imbalance in patient gender on resident primary care panels.

Design
Observational cohort study.

Participants
Categorial internal medicine residents beginning residency in 2020.

Interventions
The panels of internal medicine residents were manually rebalanced at the beginning of training for a new cohort of residents with the goal of having similar numbers of male and female patients on each resident’s panel.

Main Measures
Panel data was observed for 2 years following intervention. Number of male patients, number of female patients, and overall panel size were compared between male and female residents at baseline, 6 months, and 24 months.

Key Results
The analysis included 28 female residents and 20 male residents. After rebalancing, baseline panels had similar numbers of male patients (median of 50 on both male and female residents’ panels; average panel 54.7% male) and female patients (median of 41.5 on female residents’ panels and 41 on male residents’ panels; average panel 45.3% female). At the end of the follow-up period, a significant difference was observed in the median number of male patients (59.5 and 43.5; p < 0.001) and female patients (33.5 and 48.5; p < 0.001) between male and female residents, but no difference was observed in overall panel size.

Conclusions
A steady drift towards gender concordance was observed over 2 years following a rebalancing intervention. Program leadership overseeing primary care empanelment for resident physicians may consider periodic rebalancing of panels in addition to other interventions to ensure equal training opportunities and best prepare residents for future practice.
Partizipation und Effizienz. Demokratische Gruppendynamik bei Kurt Lewin
Authors: Binder Nora 
Published: October 2024

ZusammenfassungVorliegender Beitrag beleuchtet das Demokratieverständnis der frühen experimentellen Sozialpsychologie und der entstehenden Gruppendynamik bei Kurt Lewin (1890–1946). Ausgehend von zwei zentralen experimentellen Settings – den Demokratie Experimenten (1936–1938) sowie der Food Habits-Studie (1942) – wird aufgezeigt, dass zwei heute mitunter als getrennt verstandene Traditionslinien Lewins – auf der einen Seite sein demokratiefördernder Ansatz sowie auf der anderen Seite die Anwendung gruppendynamischer Verfahren in der Wirtschaftswelt mit dem Ziel der Effizienzsteigerung – im Schaffen Lewins gleichursprünglich waren und sich als eng miteinander verwoben erweisen: Denn angesichts der Bedrohung der Demokratie durch Faschismus und autoritäre Systeme war es von wesentlicher Bedeutung, dass diese sich ihren Feinden gegenüber auch praktisch bewähren konnte. So entwarf die Lewin’sche Gruppenpsychologie zwischen 1936 und 1946 das Programm einer Effizienten Demokratie, in der sich partizipative und aktivierende Gruppenverfahren mit der sorgsamen, indirekten Steuerung dieser Gruppen durch „demokratische“ Leitungsfiguren verbanden.
Structural, Magnetic, and Transport Properties of Ti(Fe,Re)2Sn Heusler Alloys
Authors: Assahsahi Ilhame , Popescu Bogdan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigates polycrystalline samples of TiFe2−xRexSn (with x = {0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.2}) synthesized using conventional arc-melting and spark plasma sintering. Structural and morphological analysis shows that low Re substitutions result in good phase purity with minor traces of secondary phases, while higher Re content leads to the segregation of additional phases. The magnetism and electrical resistivity of the samples are affected by inherent Fe–Ti atomic disorder, with the effects of secondary phases becoming more prominent in the samples with higher Re content. The Seebeck coefficient values increase only for TiFe1.98Re0.02Sn, while the power factor increases for x = {0, 0.02, 0.04}, reaching maximal values for x = 0.02 at ~ 300 K and x = 0.04 at ~ 325 K, i.e., (2.22 ± 0.2) × 10−4 Wm−1 K−2. The thermal conductivity of the samples increases with x, resulting in modest values of the figure of merit, with the maximum achieved for x = 0.02 at 325 K, i.e., 0.015 ± 0.002.
Air Oxidation Behavior of Sanicro-25 with Different Surface Finishes
Authors: Rao Ch. Jagadeeswara , Aishwarya M. , Kumar Avinash , Thilagavathy P. , Ningshen S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSanicro-25 is a high-temperature material used as the structural material for steam superheaters and reheaters in advanced ultra-supercritical power plants. The air oxidation behavior of Sanicro-25 with various surface roughnesses is being assessed at 650 °C for about 1000 h. Different surface-roughened samples were studied, namely polishing the sample up to diamond finish, grinding up to (80-grit finish and 600-grit finish) and grit blasted. The diamond finish sample showed more weight gain than others, and higher weight gain was observed in the initial oxidation stage. Attributed to different surface preparations leads to defects at different levels, which further alters the diffusion of various elements. The diamond finish sample showed the presence of Cr-rich oxides, and other samples showed the presence of Fe-rich oxides. Smooth surfaces promoted the formation of thick protective oxide scales.
Looking Beyond the Surface: Olutasidenib and Ivosidenib for Treatment of mIDH1 Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Watts Justin M. , Shaw Simon J. , Jonas Brian A. 
Published: October 2024

Opinion StatementMutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) are recurrent in several malignancies and prevalent in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Olutasidenib and ivosidenib are inhibitors that target mutant IDH1 (mIDH1) and are FDA approved for the treatment of patients with mIDH1 AML. Olutasidenib and ivosidenib were identified through unique molecular screens and thus are structurally very different molecules. A difference in clinical outcomes has been observed with olutasidenib, which has a longer duration of response than ivosidenib, despite similar rates of response being achieved with the two drugs, such as complete remission (CR) or CR with partial hematologic recovery (CR/CRh). In the absence of a head-to-head trial, this review examines both the extent of differences in clinical outcomes with the two drugs and provides the first comparison of the unique molecular and mechanistic features of each drug, such as molecular structure and binding kinetics, that may contribute to the observed clinical difference in outcomes. Olutasidenib is structurally smaller with a lower molecular weight than ivosidenib (FW 355 vs FW 583) and thus occupies less space in the binding pocket of IDH1 dimers, making it resistant to displacement by IDH1 second-site mutations. In biochemical studies, olutasidenib selectively inhibits mutant but not wild-type IDH1, whereas ivosidenib appears to potently block both mutant and wild-type IDH1. Although they have the same target, olutasidenib and ivosidenib have unique molecular features, which may translate to selectivity differences in their inhibitory activity against IDH1.
Assessment of a Medical Student–Run Multidisciplinary Oncology Shadowing Program
Authors: Santos Teles Marco , Shah Shrey B. , Mattes Malcolm D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractClinical exposures during the first two years of medical school (MS1-2) provide students an opportunity for early networking, mentorship and career exploration. The feasibility and perceived value of an extracurricular, student-run multidisciplinary oncology shadowing program was evaluated in this study. At a single institution, an oncology interest group collaborated with oncologists to create a shadowing program for MS1-2 students. Three radiation oncology (RO), two medical oncology (MO), and four surgical oncology (SO) faculty participated. A quarterly sign-up form was emailed to all MS1-2 students with available shadowing sessions. Electronic surveys were sent to students (after shadowing) and faculty (after 18 months of program operation) with multiple choice and 5-point Likert-type (1 = low, 5 = high) questions about their experiences. A total of 57 of the 97 participating students, and all 9 of the 9 participating faculty, responded to surveys (response rates 59% and 100%, respectively). Thirty students (53%) shadowed in RO, 23 (40%) in SO, and 4 (7%) in MO. Most students were very satisfied with their interactions with faculty (mean Likert-type rating of 4.14 ± standard deviation 0.85) and their overall experience compared to prior shadowing experiences (3.84 ± 0.85). Fifty-four students (96%) would recommend the experience to a classmate. Four faculty (44%) reported much more shadowing than before. Seven faculty (78%) felt the experience was best when residents or fellows were also present. All physicians planned to continue participating. This study demonstrated that a student-run, oncology shadowing program was feasible to implement, and viewed favorably by faculty and student participants.