bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochar-mediated bioremediation: a sustainable strategy to increase Avena sativa L. tolerance to crude oil soil contamination
Authors: Fedeli Riccardo , Celletti Silvia , Alexandrov Dmitry , Nafikova Elvira , Loppi Stefano 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe present work investigated the effects of different doses of biochar (2.5%, 5%, 10%), a by-product of the pyrolysis of woody biomass, on the growth of oat plants (Avena sativa L., cv “Danko”) grown under different crude oil concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 6%) added to the soil, evaluating both biometric (i.e. fresh weight) and biochemical (i.e., content of malondialdehyde and proline, and total antioxidant power) parameters. The findings indicate that biochar positively influences the fresh weight of oat plants across all concentrations of crude oil investigated. On the other hand, regarding oxidative stress, measured by malondialdehyde and proline content, biochar led to a significant reduction, with statistical significance observed at biochar concentrations > 2.5% and crude oil levels > 2% (malondialdehyde: ranging from -25% to -38%; proline ranging from -33% to -52%). Soil amendment with biochar increased the total antioxidant power, particularly at biochar concentrations > 2.5% and crude oil levels > 2% (ranging from + 20% to + 98%). These results suggest that biochar has a great potential in mitigating the negative effects of crude oil contamination on plant growth and oxidative stress levels, thereby highlighting its value as a conditioner in contaminated soils.
Weighting factors for LCA—a new set from a global survey
Authors: Bayazıt Subaşı Ayşe , Askham Cecilia , Sandorf Erlend Dancke , Dias Luis Cândido , Campbell Danny , Taş Elçin Filiz , Itsubo Norihiro , Nagawa Christine Betty , Kyarimpa Christine Mugumya , Djerma Mamadou , Bazie Bazoin Sylvain Raoul , Cinelli Marco 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This paper provides global weights (weighting factors) for the three endpoint impact categories (areas of protection (AoPs)) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Life Cycle Initiative’s “Global Guidance for Life Cycle Impact Assessment Indicators and Methods” (GLAM) project, namely human health, ecosystem quality, and natural resources and ecosystem services.

Methods
A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to elicit the preferences of respondents on the GLAM AoPs, and they were then used to calculate the respective weights. Responses were obtained from a subset of countries pertaining to each income level defined by the World Bank (i.e. low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high). The adimensional (between 0 and 1) weights were derived using two different approaches: econometric and multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The econometric approach obtained weights by transforming the estimated preference parameters from a multinomial logit model. The MCDA approach obtained weights representing the vectors that best reconstitute the choices of each individual, using linear programming to fit an additive value function.

Results
When considering responses from all income groups, the weights from the econometric approach are 0.42, 0.31, and 0.26 for human health, ecosystem quality, and natural resources and ecosystem services, respectively. Following the same order for the AoPs, the weights from the MCDA approach are 0.41, 0.32, and 0.27. For high-income countries, ecosystem quality has the highest weight; for upper-middle-income countries, ecosystem quality and human health have the same weights using the econometric approach, while in the MCDA approach, human health is weighted higher than ecosystem quality. For the two lower income country groups, the priority is given to human health with both approaches. Recommendations for the use of these weights are also provided, as well as a comparison with other existing weights.

Conclusion
The two methods obtained similar weights overall, although with some differences when disaggregated by income groups. The weights proposed in this paper are suitable for decision-makers or users who want to use survey-derived weights for endpoint-based LCA when using the AoPs of GLAM. These weights can be used in projects where the decision-makers do not want to or have no resources to identify a set of weights themselves, or when decision-makers are not involved.
3D printing for ultra-precision machining: current status, opportunities, and future perspectives
Authors: He Tao , Yip Wai Sze , Yan Edward Hengzhou , Tang Jiuxing , Rehan Muhammad , Teng Long , Wong Chi Ho , Sun Linhe , Zhang Baolong , Guo Feng , Zhang Shaohe , To Suet 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAdditive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by allowing the production of complex and intricate parts at a lower cost and with greater efficiency. However, 3D-printed parts frequently require post-processing or integration with other machining technologies to achieve the desired surface finish, accuracy, and mechanical properties. Ultra-precision machining (UPM) is a potential machining technology that addresses these challenges by enabling high surface quality, accuracy, and repeatability in 3D-printed components. This study provides an overview of the current state of UPM for 3D printing, including the current UPM and 3D printing stages, and the application of UPM to 3D printing. Following the presentation of current stage perspectives, this study presents a detailed discussion of the benefits of combining UPM with 3D printing and the opportunities for leveraging UPM on 3D printing or supporting each other. In particular, future opportunities focus on cutting tools manufactured via 3D printing for UPM, UPM of 3D-printed components for real-world applications, and post-machining of 3D-printed components. Finally, future prospects for integrating the two advanced manufacturing technologies into potential industries are discussed. This study concludes that UPM is a promising technology for 3D-printed components, exhibiting the potential to improve the functionality and performance of 3D-printed products in various applications. It also discusses how UPM and 3D printing can complement each other.
Artificial intelligence facilitates the potential of simulator training: An innovative laparoscopic surgical skill validation system using artificial intelligence technology
Authors: Fukuta Atsuhisa , Yamashita Shogo , Maniwa Junnosuke , Tamaki Akihiko , Kondo Takuya , Kawakubo Naonori , Nagata Kouji , Matsuura Toshiharu , Tajiri Tatsuro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The development of innovative solutions, such as simulator training and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tutoring systems, has significantly changed surgical trainees’ environments to receive the intraoperative instruction necessary for skill acquisition. In this study, we developed a new objective assessment system using AI for forceps manipulation in a surgical training simulator.

Methods
Laparoscopic exercises were recorded using an iPad®, which provided top and side views. Top-view movies were used for AI learning of forceps trajectory. Side-view movies were used as supplementary information to assess the situation. We used an AI-based posture estimation method, DeepLabCut (DLC), to recognize and positionally measure the forceps in the operating field. Tracking accuracy was quantitatively evaluated by calculating the pixel differences between the annotation points and the points predicted by the AI model. Tracking stability at specified key points was verified to assess the AI model.

Results
We selected a random sample to evaluate tracking accuracy quantitatively. This sample comprised 5% of the frames not used for AI training from the complete set of video frames. We compared the AI detection positions and correct positions and found an average pixel discrepancy of 9.2. The qualitative evaluation of the tracking stability was good at the forceps hinge; however, forceps tip tracking was unstable during rotation.

Conclusion
The AI-based forceps tracking system can visualize and evaluate laparoscopic surgical skills. Improvements in the proposed system and AI self-learning are expected to enable it to distinguish the techniques of expert and novice surgeons accurately. This system is a useful tool for surgeon training and assessment.
Solution-Free Melt-Grown CsGeI3 Polycrystals for Lead-Free Perovskite Photovoltaics: Synthesis, Characterization, and Theoretical Insights
Authors: Panjikaran Mariot Jose , Pramitha A. , Mishra Vikash , Hegde Ganesh Shridhar , Prabhu Ashwatha Narayana , Choudhari Nagabhushan Jnaneshwar , Timoumi Abdelmajid , Raviprakash Y. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInorganic lead-free metal halide perovskites are being rigorously explored as a substitute for organic lead-based materials for various energy device applications. Germanium as a replacement for lead has been proven to give exemplary results theoretically, and there have been promising results. The current work presents the investigation of CsGeI3 (CGI) polycrystals grown using a solution-free melt-growth technique with low-cost precursors. A soak-ramp profile was designed to synthesize polycrystalline powders, which were evaluated for stability. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analysis suggest the formation of CsGeI3 perovskite powders, matching the reported literature. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements showed the bandgap of the polycrystals to be around 1.6 eV. A prominent photoluminescence peak was obtained at 767 nm. The powders were examined using thermogravimetric analysis to assess the thermal degradation pathways. The as-grown inorganic perovskite polycrystals were relatively stable during storage under ambient conditions. Theoretical studies were also carried out to support the experimental data. Calculations were performed with different approximations, including local density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE) approximation, out of which the HSE approximation yielded the most accurate results that matched the experimental findings. Moreover, for the CGI device with Ag electrodes simulated using SCAPS-1D software, highest incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency was observed. The obtained optical and structural properties indicate the suitability of the synthesized CsGeI3 perovskite polycrystals for photovoltaic applications, specifically solar cells and light-emitting diodes.
Use of Legume Wastewater Extracts on the Storage Stability of Freeze-Dried Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1
Authors: Martins Gonçalo Nuno , Guerrero Sánchez María , Carboni Angela Daniela , Cenard Stéphanie , Fonseca Fernanda , Gómez-Zavaglia Andrea , Castilho Paula Cristina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Chickpeas and lentils contain prebiotic carbohydrates, including galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), that confer health benefits but can also lead to undesirable effects like bloating and flatulence. Legume processing reduces these disadvantages and usually consists of the soaking and cooking of the legume seeds. In their industrial production, the processing water is considered waste. As different carbohydrates have recognized stabilization properties on lactic acid bacteria during dehydration processes, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of GOS-containing wastewater extracts from cooking chickpeas and lentils, as well as fructo-oligosaccharides, and sucrose (used for comparative purposes), on the stability of freeze-dried Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1, by measuring biological (culturability, storage stability, acidifying activity), chemical (pH), and physical (water content) properties. The best storage stability was observed for mixtures with GOS-containing wastewater legume extracts. Protection of lactic acid bacteria strains with GOS-containing wastewater legume extracts would limit their spoilage in food production, positively impacting the environment.
Downregulation of Fidgetin-Like 2 Increases Microglial Function: The Relationship Between Microtubules, Morphology, and Activity
Authors: Smith Austin N. , Gregor Alison , Baker Lisa , Sharp David J. , Byrnes Kimberly R. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton regulates microglial morphology, motility, and effector functions. The microtubule-severing enzyme, fidgetin-like 2 (FL2), negatively regulates cell motility and nerve regeneration, making it a promising therapeutic target for central nervous system injury. Microglia perform important functions in response to inflammation and injury, but how FL2 affects microglia is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of FL2 in microglial morphology and injury responses in vitro. We first determined that the pro-inflammatory stimulus, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induced a dose- and time-dependent reduction in FL2 expression associated with reduced microglial ramification. We then administered nanoparticle-encapuslated FL2 siRNA to knockdown FL2 and assess microglial functions compared to negative control siRNA and vehicle controls. Time-lapse live-cell microscopy showed that FL2 knockdown increased the velocity of microglial motility. After incubation with fluorescently labeled IgG-opsonized beads, FL2 knockdown increased phagocytosis. Microglia were exposed to low-dose LPS after nanoparticle treatment to model injury-induced cytokine secretion. FL2 knockdown enhanced LPS-induced cytokine secretion of IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNFα. These results identify FL2 as a regulator of microglial morphology and suggest that FL2 can be targeted to increase or accelerate microglial injury responses.

Graphical Abstract
A life dedicated to research and ideal: Johannes Müller between empirical universality and idealistic vitalism mirrored in lecture notes from 1851
Authors: Zeller Ulrich , Werneburg Ingmar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUntil the mid-nineteenth century, "physiology" was a comprehensive theory of life, expounded and shaped by Johannes P. Müller (1801–1858). Biologists and medical doctors still refer to him today. In the summer term of 1851, Müller gave a lecture on the Comparative Anatomy of animals. This lecture was attended and recorded by Ernst Zeller (1830–1902), a future physician and zoologist, and has recently been published together with a German transcript. In this paper, we situate Johannes Müller within the intellectual history of his time. Through his "empirical idealism," we show how he opposed the speculative tendencies of the romantic understanding of nature, the emerging evolutionism, and the growing splits in the natural sciences. Müller focused on recognizing living nature as a whole and realizing ideal "phenomena" through his empirical research. He considered the notion of the soul of the world. Müller's lecture transcript serves as a poignant testament to German scientific culture in the mid-nineteenth century, a few years before the publication of Darwin's Origin of Species. It also provides valuable insights into the self-contained epistemological foundations of morphology.
Clinical predictive factors of the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and kinase inhibitors in advanced hepatocellular cancer
Authors: Lu Yunyun , Lu Yi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive tumor associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and kinase inhibitors has emerged as a promising strategy for liver cancer treatment in recent years. However, the clinical factors predicting the outcomes of combination therapy in patients with advanced liver cancer remain uncertain. Therefore, this study investigated the relationships between clinical predictors and the efficacy of ICI plus kinase inhibitor therapy to personalize treatment plans.

Methods
We retrospectively enrolled 98 patients who received combination treatment with ICIs and kinase inhibitors for advanced HCC. Based on blood lipid levels and other clinical factors prior to treatment, we investigated potential biomarkers that could predict treatment responses in this patient population.

Results
Mean progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in this cohort were 10.1 and 17.2 months, respectively. Via multivariate analysis, the absence of extrahepatic metastasis, the absence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) < 3.225, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) < 140.75, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) ≥ 37.25 were identified as independent predictors of improved PFS. Factors associated with better OS included PLR < 140.75 and total cholesterol (TC) < 3.46 mmol/L. Univariate analysis identified significant associations of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, Child–Pugh classification, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), TC, and the receipt of regorafenib with PFS. Additionally, ECOG PS, Child–Pugh classification, AFP, PVT, NLR, PNI, and the receipt of regorafenib were significantly associated with OS.

Conclusions
PLR and TC were potential clinical predictive factors for survival outcomes in patients with advanced HCC who received ICI/kinase inhibitor combination therapy. It is important to know the clinical characteristics of patients prior to treatment initiation to optimize outcomes.
Exploring the dynamics of virtual value co-creation in tourism: an analysis of social factors, mindful approach, and technological stress over time
Authors: Escandon-Barbosa Diana , Salas-Paramo Jairo , Caicedo Luis Fernando 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis research aims to analyze the relationship between social factors (social comparison orientation, loneliness, emotional support, and instrumental support) and the quadratic effects of the mindful approach and technological stress in co-creating virtual value for the tourism sector. Using a dynamic structural equation model, we analyzed data collected from a cohort of 400 tourists who actively participated in virtual tourism services between 2011 and 2022. Using this methodology, we investigate the long-term correlations between different elements and their impact on participants' participation in virtual value co-creation. Our research indicates a distinct correlation between the mindful approach and virtual value co-creation, exhibiting a positive quadratic effect that gradually decreases, implying the necessity of consistent mindfulness practices in the face of technological stress. Interestingly, we also find that technological stress has a positive quadratic role over time. As people become more adept at technology and accustomed to it, its favorable effects on virtual value co-creation diminish. In the current scenario characterized by collaborative innovation and interaction through digital platforms, they are of great importance for companies, especially in adapting to new social dynamics characterized by new technologies. Using the Mindful Approach in the digital context becomes necessary, emphasizing mainly conscious awareness to optimize the level of commitment, increasing the results of interactions. On the other hand, new technologies in value co-creative processes increase concern about technological stresses, especially in exposure to these new environments over time. In this way, achieving more excellent stability between digital interaction and reducing potential stressors becomes a critical business strategy for sustaining collaboration dynamics over time, thus ensuring individuals’ well-being and maximizing the concretion processes’ positive impact at both the individual and social levels.
3D Printed Metamaterials for Energy Absorption in Motorsport Applications
Authors: Tilley Rachel , Holmes David , Pickering Edmund , Woodruff Maria 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this study, various 3D printed metamaterials are investigated for application in energy absorbing structures in motorsports. Impact attenuating structures are used to decelerate vehicles and protect drivers in the event of a crash. Additive manufacturing enables complex plastic structures which can facilitate improved angular resistance and reduced weight and cost compared with traditional approaches. Metamaterials were 3D printed from PLA using commercially available equipment and include gyroid structures, a novel reinforced gyroid design and a lattice designed using finite-element analysis-based topology optimization. Compression testing was used to measure stress–strain response, compressive modulus, and energy absorption. This demonstrated gyroids and reinforced gyroids have ideal compressive behavior for high energy absorption under impact. The topology optimized metamaterial was found unsuitable for this application due to its high stiffness, revealing a weakness in traditional topology optimization approaches which are not catered to maximize energy absorption. The reinforced gyroid demonstrated the highest specific energy absorption and was used to manufacture an impact attenuator which demonstrated the potential to safely stop a hypothetical 300 kg vehicle crash. This work supports that gyroid-based structures can reduce weight, volume and cost over current materials in all motorsport categories, with improved safety from oblique crashes.
First Record of Conotrachelus quadrilineatus Champion, 1904 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae) Damaging Beans in South America
Authors: Baron-Ortiz Daniel A. , Rodriguez-Cruz Fredy A. , Santos-Amaya Oscar F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important legume used for direct human consumption in Latin America, with an increasing expansion of cultivated areas in recent years. Here, we report the first occurrence of Conotrachelus quadrilineatus Champion, 1904 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae) feeding on bean in South America. Larvae and adults of C. quadrilineatus were observed during the first half of 2022, severely affecting the plantations of 20 bean farmers in the municipality of Garcia-Rovira, Santander Colombia. It is necessary to describe and quantify the damage of C. quadrilineatus in bean crops, as well as to study its bioecology.
A Democracy-Friendly Theory of the Rule of Law
Authors: Webber Jeremy 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe dominant way of thinking about the rule of law is that it is a constraint, a limit, on government. On this view the limitation applies with full force to all forms of government, democratic and undemocratic, and to both the executive and the legislative branches. The privileged institution for enforcing those limits is the courts. Democracy and the rule of law are, in effect, portrayed as though they were in opposition to one another. That, I claim, is a mistake (a) historically (for, in the Anglo-American tradition, the rule of law developed first as a restriction on an undemocratic executive, with a less undemocratic Parliament acting in concert with the courts to institute the rule of law); (b) in principle (for there is a strong argument that democracy needs the rule of law for its fullest expression, and the rule of law needs democracy); and (c) strategically (because it hinders us from mobilizing our full resources to protect both principles; this paper began its life as a response to populist movements, many of which, wrongly, are conceded to be democratic). In this paper I make that case, especially focusing upon its most controversial claim, namely that the rule of law needs democracy. This paper forms part of a larger project on democratic constitutionalism in which I reconsider key concepts in constitutionalism in a manner that takes democratic decision-making to be fundamental to contemporary constitutionalism.