bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic diversity of major tree species in the Eurasian relict forests of northern Iran
Authors: Vatanparast Mohammad , Madsen Palle , Sagheb-Talebi Khosro , Larsen Jørgen Bo , Ayan Sezgin , Hansen Ole K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe investigated population genetics of the native tree species Acer velutinum Boiss., Fagus orientalis Lipsky, and Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey. in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran and also F. orientalis populations in the Euro-Siberian and Colchic subregions of northern Türkiye. We used the double-digest RADseq method and genotyped 90 populations and 1,589 individuals across the distribution range of the species. Genome-wide SNPs from 28 populations of A. velutinum, 32 populations of F. orientalis, and 30 Q. castaneifolia revealed higher genetic differentiation among A. velutinum populations than among F. orientalis and Q. castaneifolia. The global FST value was lowest for F. orientalis populations and highest for A. velutinum populations, while the global FIS value was negative for A. velutinum. Demographic history analysis revealed a bottleneck during the last glacial period (11,500—115,000 Kya) for the A. velutinum populations with reduced effective population size (Ne). All three species show multiple bottlenecks and reduced Ne during the Quaternary. Pronounced genetic divergence among A. velutinum populations in the Hyrcanian forests compared to the other two species suggests cryptic speciation. Conversely, F. orientalis and Q. castaneifolia populations showed low levels of genetic structure, suggesting that species-specific factors, such as pollen production and pollination efficiency, may have influenced the genetic patterns within these species in similar environments. The nucleotide diversity of F. orientalis populations in Iran is negatively correlated with altitude (p = 0.046). In contrast, A. velutinum populations show a significant correlation between nucleotide diversity and longitude (p = 0.008). Furthermore, the F. orientalis populations from Türkiye showed a distinct west–east genetic structure and were highly diverged from the Iranian F. orientalis populations.
Comprehensive study on mechanical and ignition properties of newly synthesized lanthanide complexes for flame retardant paint additives
Authors: Elsenety Mohamed M. , Elgammal Walid E. , Abdou Moaz M. , Fayad Mahmoud M. , El-Wahab Hamada Abd 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study presents the synthesis and characterization of novel lanthanide complexes, specifically La (III) and Gd (III), designed as flame-retardant additives for paint formulations. The complexes were synthesized and thoroughly characterized using different spectroscopic techniques, complemented by density functional theory computational calculation insights. The resulting La (III) and Gd (III) complexes were then incorporated into paint formulations, and the physical properties of the modified coatings were systematically evaluated. Ignitability and the minimum oxygen percentage required for sustained combustion were quantified according to standardized procedures. The modified coatings demonstrated enhanced mechanical and ignition properties in comparison to blank samples. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) values were notably higher, underscoring the efficacy of the lanthanide complexes as flame retardant additives. La complex led to an ignition time of 850 s and an LOI of 40, while Gd complex resulted in the same ignition time of 850 s and LOI of 50 compared to the uncoated sample of 550 s and an LOI of 16. The mechanical properties of the painted samples, engineered with the inclusion of these prepared metal complexes, exhibited a significant improvement. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the potential application of lanthanide complexes as effective flame-retardant additives in coatings, offering a promising avenue for enhancing the safety and performance of various materials.
Benthic Processes are an Important Indicator of Eutrophication in Intermittently Open and Closed Lakes and Lagoons
Authors: Ferguson Angus , Filippini Giulia , Potts Jaimie , Bugnot Ana B. , Johnston Emma L. , Rao Shivanesh , Ruszczyk Jason , Dafforn Katherine A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntermittently open and closed lakes and lagoons (ICOLLs) are globally important estuarine systems that are separated from the ocean by a sand beach barrier or berm. The barrier may open or close naturally because of sand and sediment movement or be manually opened by estuarine managers in times of flooding. As intermittently closed systems, it is important to understand the potential for eutrophication and what are the best indicators. This study investigated water quality, sediment quality and benthic processes in four shallow ICOLLs in Sydney, Australia, that experience a range of nutrient loadings. Manly and Curl Curl Lagoons experience higher turbidity and concentrations of pelagic Chl-a compared to Dee Why and Narrabeen Lagoons. They also differ with respect to general morphology with Manly and Narrabeen deeper and more linear while Curl Curl and Dee Why are shallower and more circular. Relationships between nutrient loading and traditional water quality indicators of eutrophication such as chlorophyll-a, turbidity and dissolved oxygen appeared to be moderated by lagoon morphology and hydrology, which control the ratio of pelagic to benthic production and net accumulation of sediment organic matter. We found that all the lagoons investigated were net heterotrophic, with Narrabeen and Manly the least and the most heterotrophic respectively. Ratios of total organic carbon (TOC):benthic community respiration (CR) varied among lagoons and were likely related to the dominance of refractory organic matter in Narrabeen (~ 99%), and more labile organic matter in Manly and Curl Curl Lagoons (~ 90%). Benthic community respiration increased with nutrient loading rates across the lagoons, suggesting that benthic processes are a critical indicator of eutrophication in these shallow systems. In contrast to the generalised conceptual model of eutrophication in coastal systems whereby nutrient pollution causes a reduction in benthic primary productivity at the expense of increased pelagic primary productivity, our results suggest that benthic microalgal productivity in shallow ICOLLs plays an important role in buffering against eutrophication of the water column but may also contribute to organic enrichment of sediments.
Waste From Alwar Quartzite (A Global Heritage Stone From Rajasthan - India) As Secondary Raw Materials for Cementitious Tile Adhesives
Authors: Graziano Sossio Fabio , Marone Paolo , Trinchillo Antonio , Di Benedetto Claudia , Montesano Giovanna , Rispoli Concetta , Cappelletti Piergiulio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWaste deriving from quarrying operations of natural stone material retains almost all the mineralogical and compositional characteristics of the original material, for such reason this research aimed to test prototypes cementitious tile adhesives made up recycling the Alwar Quartzite waste, used as fine and ultra-fine aggregate. Particle size distribution analysis, along with X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence and Scanning Electron Microscopy were carried out to characterize the waste. Experimental research involved the mix-designing of three dough formulations (a regular one [N], a latex added [L] and a fast-setting [R]) tested by using different types of tiles: (i) polished metal plates, (ii) ceramic tiles and (iii) rough natural stone slabs. Fresh prepared doughs were firstly tested for thixotropy achieving high values (ranging 82–93%) and cured for normative requested time after being stuck on a concrete support as reported in European UNI standard regulations. After respective curing time, adhesives technical performances were evaluated by the Pull-Off test obtaining results for Class 1 (N and R) and Class 2 (L) adhesives with high initial tensile adhesive strength. Experimental results carried out in this research proved the possibility to use huge amounts of waste coming from Indian stone industry in cementitious tile adhesives sector without compromising technical performances, proposing itself as an alternative method to landfill disposal for this waste.
Variational Autoencoders and Generative Adversarial Networks for Multivariate Scenario Generation
Authors: Carbonera Michele , Ciavotta Michele , Messina Enza 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhen making decisions with lasting implications over a medium to long timeframe, it is essential to consider not only the most probable scenario, possibly obtained through a forecasting model, but also a range of potential outcomes. This approach allows for effective risk mitigation across a spectrum of scenarios, including less probable ones, and enhances the resilience of planning strategies. In this paper, we demonstrate the development of a generative model capable of learning the multivariate joint probability distribution of link speeds on a road network, using real sensor data. To further enhance the performance of our Generative Adversarial Network model, we employed a Variational AutoEncoder for pre-training the generator network. Experimental results, conducted on three distinct benchmark datasets, highlight the potential of the proposed model in generating new scenario samples of multivariate variables. The Wasserstein distance between the generated distribution and the real data, confirms the good performance of our model compared to state-of-the-art models, based on copulae. The proposed model has shown its ability to generate scenarios that preserve correlations among variables, while producing samples that faithfully represent the empirical marginal distributions.
Responses of soil microbial metabolism, function and soil quality to long-term addition of organic materials with different carbon sources
Authors: Dong Minghao , Zhou Hanjun , Wang Jing , Yang Jiahao , Lai Jiazheng , Chen Yulu , Sun Feng , Ye Xiefeng , Wu Yunjie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBiochar and green manure have been widely applied in agricultural production and are important means to achieve sustainable agriculture. However, there is limited research systematically and comprehensively exploring the response of soil microbiota and the changes in soil metabolomics after the addition of two different carbon source amendments to the soil, and the differential mechanisms of soil metabolomics between them remain unclear. In this study, a long-term field experiment (initiated in 2019) was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar and green manure application on soil nutrients and soil functions driven by soil microbes. Compared to the pure fertilizer treatment, biochar increased soil total carbon by 14.54% to 27.04% and soil available potassium by 4.67% to 27.46%. Ryegrass significantly increased soil available phosphorus and organic matter. Under different fertilization regimes, the ecological niches of soil microbes changed significantly. Network analysis revealed that long-term ryegrass returning reduced the complexity of soil microbial networks. Ryegrass and biochar increased dispersal limitation in fungal assemblages (reaching 93.33% and 86.67%, respectively), with biochar particularly enhancing variable selection in bacterial assemblages (accounting for 53.33%). Variation partitioning analysis based on redundancy analysis indicated that humic substances had the highest explanatory power for microbial community variation, with humic substances explaining 38.49% of bacteria and 52.19% of fungi variation. The ryegrass treatment mainly changed the abundance of carbohydrates (CH), amines (AM), c (AH), and lipids (LP), while the BC treatment mainly altered the abundance of organic acids (AC), amines (AM), and carbohydrates (CH). Meanwhile, both treatments significantly reduced the bisphenol A, one of the soil pollutants. Ryegrass incorporation significantly increased the abundance of genes related to soil C, N, P, and S cycling, especially genes involved in carbon decomposition, while biochar significantly enhanced the abundance of nitrogen fixation genes nifH and Hao in soil. Random forest model results indicated that carbohydrates, alcohols, aromatics (AR), and ester (ES) were the main categories of metabolites in soil influenced by differential microbes, and Finegoldia served as a common important metabolic driving species. In summary, this study reveals the processes of soil function, microbial community succession, and metabolism driven by ryegrass and biochar, providing important insights for optimizing soil management and improving soil quality.
Graphical Abstract
Perspektiven von Jugendlichen aus sozioökonomisch marginalisierten Lebenslagen auf Sportvereine: Erkenntnisse aus einer Interviewstudie
Authors: Bartsch Fabienne , Rulofs Bettina 
Published: September 2024

ZusammenfassungSportvereine sind nicht für alle jungen Menschen gleichermaßen offen. Insbesondere Jugendliche aus sozioökonomisch marginalisierten Familien sind dort seltener vertreten. Obwohl dieser Befund seit geraumer Zeit bekannt ist, bestehen immer noch erhebliche Wissenslücken in Bezug auf die Thematik. Es fehlen empirische Studien, die von sozialer Ungleichheit und Armut betroffene Jugendliche selbst einbeziehen und ihnen Raum geben, ihre eigenen Erfahrungen und Sichtweisen in Bezug auf Sportvereine zu schildern. An dieser Forschungslücke setzt der vorliegende Beitrag an, der Jugendliche aus sozioökonomisch weniger privilegierten Verhältnissen fokussiert und versucht, ihre Perspektive auf den Vereinssport auf Basis ungleichheitssoziologischer und klassismuskritischer Theoriebezüge zu ergründen. Die Grundlage der Analyse bilden zehn Gruppeninterviews mit Jugendlichen aus sozioökonomisch marginalisierten Verhältnissen, die noch nie Mitglied in einem Sportverein waren oder diesen verlassen haben. Insgesamt umfasst die Stichprobe 38 Jugendliche im Alter von 14 bis 19 Jahren. Die Datenanalyse orientiert sich am Verfahren des thematischen Kodierens, wobei zusätzlich Elemente der dokumentarischen Methode eingebracht werden, um die kollektiven Orientierungen der Jugendlichen herauszuarbeiten. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die befragten Jugendlichen die Strukturen und Logiken des Vereinssports als eher einschüchternd, fremd und nicht zu „ihrer Welt“ gehörend wahrnehmen. Besonders für Jugendliche ohne familiäre Bezüge zum Vereinssport scheint die Hürde, einem Sportverein beizutreten, hoch zu sein. Diejenigen, die sich aus einem Sportverein zurückgezogen haben, taten dies u. a. aufgrund von Diskriminierungen, die von Trainer*innen oder gleichaltrigen Teamkolleg*innen ausgingen. Insgesamt lässt sich schlussfolgern, dass Sportvereine von sozioökonomisch marginalisierten Jugendlichen eher als Institution privilegierter Personengruppen wahrgenommen werden. Wenn Sportvereine junge Menschen aus sozioökonomisch marginalisierten Schichten erreichen möchten, müssen sie sich aktiv um die Entwicklung einer einladenden, inklusiven und diskriminierungsfreien Kultur bemühen.
MICP treated sand: insights into the impact of particle size on mechanical parameters and pore network after biocementation
Authors: Erdmann N. , Schaefer S. , Simon T. , Becker A. , Bröckel U. , Strieth D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMicrobiologically Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) is a technology for improving soil characteristics, especially strength, that has been gaining increasing interest in literature during the last few years. Although a lot of influencing factors on the result of MICP are known, particle size and shape of the particles remain poorly understood. While destructive measuring of compressive strength or calcium carbonate content are important for the characterization of samples these methods give no insight into the internal structures and pore networks of the samples. X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) is a technique that is used to characterize the internals of rocks and to a certain degree MICP-treated soils. However, the impact of filtering and image processing of micro-CT Data depending on the type of MICP sample is poorly described in the literature. In this study, single fractions of local quarry were treated with MICP through the ureolytic microorganism Sporosarcina pasteurii to investigate the influence of particle size distribution on calcium carbonate content, unconfined compressive strength and the reduction of water permeability. Additionally, micro-CT was conducted to obtain insights into the resulting pore system. The impact of the Gauss filter und Non-local means filter on the resulting images and data on the pore network are discussed. The results show that particle size has a significant impact on the result of all tested parameters of biosandstone with lower particle size leading to higher strength and generally higher calcium carbonate content. Micro-CT data showed that the technology is feasible to gain valuable insights into the internal structures of biosandstone but the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio remain challenging, especially for samples with particle sizes smaller than 125 µm.
Once Upon a Time, “About 1.170 Results”: Exploring the Narrative Power of Search Engines
Authors: Korenhof Paulan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Search engines play a pivotal role in online ecology and can have a significant impact on people, especially in the case of a name search. The pros and cons of removing search results have been at the heart of an ongoing debate revolving around “the right ro be forgotten” (art. 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation). This article proposes to contribute the discussion by philosophically reflecting on the transformative power of search engines in relation to original content. It shows that the implications of search engines run deeper than the mere display of faulty or outdated content. In order to reveal and conceptualise the impact that search engines have on the information they present, this article operationalises Ricoeur’s notion of ‘semantic autonomy’ in a digital context. This offers a framework that is used to analyse the transformative power of search engines across several dimensions: the relation to authors, audiences, the message and the semantic value of content. The article concludes that search engines have a transformative power that may bypass human intentions on multiple levels and, to a certain degree, allows them to ‘tell a story’ on their own.
Single-atom materials boosting wearable orthogonal uric acid detection
Authors: Ding Shichao , Li Sitao , Lyu Zhaoyuan , Zhou Jiachi , Tang Selene , Fang Lingzhe , Zang Wenjie , Zhang Pengtao , Kim Sunjae , Li Tao , Pan Xiaoqing , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe , Wang Joseph 
Published: September 2024

AbstractUric acid (UA) is a vital biomarker for the diagnosis and management of various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, gout, kidney disorders, metabolic syndrome, and wound healing. Despite significant advances in wearable sensor technology, challenges persist in developing wearable sensors that are capable of maintaining high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. In this study, we present an epidermal sensing platform enhanced with single-atom materials (SAMs) designed for flexible and orthogonal electrochemical detection of UA. We designed and synthesized an SAM with Fe-N5 active sites to boost the electrochemical sensing signals, integrating it with laser-engraved graphene (LEG) to fabricate a wearable SAM-based UA patch sensor. This design provides superior UA detection performance compared to sensors based on conventional nanomaterials. In addition, we enhanced the detection accuracy and range by using an orthogonal approach that combines direct oxidation through differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) along with parallel biocatalytic amperometric detection. The resulting SAM-based UA orthogonal sensor patch demonstrated exceptional performance in wearable applications through tests measuring sweat UA levels in subjects before and after consuming a purine-rich diet.
Graphical Abstract
The stadial model of alignment formation (SMAF): Conceptualising strategic alignments between states
Authors: Korolev Alexander 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDespite being ubiquitously used, the concept of alignment remains inchoate. Existing literature offers more than 30 interpretations of the term and very few attempts to develop an objective indicators-based metric of alignment. This state of the field makes assessments of the degree to which states are aligned problematic. This article systematises the theoretical knowledge about alliances, alignments, strategic partnerships, and other forms of cooperation and draws on some empirical observations to develop a ‘stadial model of alignment formation’ (SMAF). The model conceptualises, operationalises, measures, and explains interstate alignment with greater precision and consistency. It also includes the explanatory factors in the form of the three balances – the balance of power, the balance of threat, and the balance of interest – and connections between them located along the stages of alignment formation. As such, the SMAF framework gauges the relative scale and depth of strategic alignments and can facilitate comparative analysis.
Association between protein intake, diet quality, and obesity in Australian adults: a comparison of measurement units
Authors: Arini Hesti Retno Budi , Leech Rebecca M. , Tan Sze-Yen , McNaughton Sarah A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Previous investigations on protein associations with diet quality and obesity still have inconclusive findings, possibly due to how protein intake was expressed. This study aimed to compare how different ways of expressing total protein intake may influence its relationships with diet quality and obesity. Usual protein intake was estimated from the 2011–12 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 7637 adults, ≥19 years), expressed in grams (g/d), percent energy (%EI), and grams per actual kilogram body weight (g/kgBW/d). Diet quality was assessed using the 2013 Dietary Guidelines Index, and obesity measures included Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Sex-stratified multiple linear and logistic regressions were performed and adjusted for potential confounders. Total protein (g/d) was directly associated with diet quality (males, β = 0.15 (95% CI 0.12, 0.19); females, β = 0.25 (0.22, 0.29)), and this association was consistent across units. Protein intake (g/d) was directly associated with BMI (males, β = 0.07% (0.04%, 0.11%); females, β = 0.09% (0.04%, 0.15%)), and WC (males, β = 0.04 (0.01, 0.06); females, β = 0.05 (0.00, 0.09)). While in males, protein as %EI was associated with higher WC, no association was found in females. Adults with higher protein intake (g/d) had higher odds of overweight/obesity (males, OR = 1.01 (1.00, 1.01); females, OR = 1.01 (1.00, 1.01)), and central overweight/obesity (females, OR = 1.01 (1.00, 1.01)), but no significant association with females odds of overweight/obesity when protein was expressed in %EI. In conclusion, protein intake was positively associated with diet quality and obesity, yet these associations were stronger for women. The effect sizes also varied by measurement unit due to the different scales of those units.