bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter‐basin comparison of wood flux using random forest modelling and repeated wood extractions in unmonitored catchments
Authors: Hortobágyi Borbála , Vaudor Lise , Ghaffarian Hossein , Piégay Hervé 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPredicting wood flux (i.e., wood piece number per time interval) or discharge (metre cubes of wood per second) in rivers is crucial for adequate integrated river management that balances risk assessment and ecological improvement. To enhance our understanding of the transport mechanisms of wood and assess their effects in various geographical contexts, it is necessary to conduct inter‐basin comparative studies and preliminary modelling. The wood flux of two river basins was analysed using video monitoring and random forest predictions based on hydrological drivers. The wood flux dynamics of the Ain and Allier rivers were both compared and contrasted. Although there was shared wood transport hysteresis, hourly wood flux, relative critical flow discharges of wood transport and certain hydrological factors exhibited differences between the two river basins. As a next step, the two random forest models, which were trained previously, were applied to predict wood flux and then wood discharge in a third river (the Rhône), in order to estimate a wood volume export, which can be compared with the wood volumes extracted over a series of a few monthly periods in the Génissiat reservoir. By using the random forest modelling, it is possible to estimate the volume of wood on the Rhône river. Despite the absence of any training data, there is a noticeable correlation, however, the estimated volumes were significantly overestimated. To resolve this issue, a correction factor was applied, accounting for disparities in wood recruitment dynamics between the Rhône basin and the training river basins. It was found that high flow events are underestimated, emphasizing the importance of incorporating local annotations and additional parameters in training the random forest model. Accurately predicting wood flux is important for integrated watershed management, but field observations are still lacking for validation and process‐based understanding.
On ranks and risky choices
Authors: Hamstra Melvyn R. W. , Higgins Edward Tory 
Published: June 2024

SummaryWe present a novel theoretical framework to explain the impact of rank positions on decision‐makers' choices between more risky and less risky options. We do so by providing an analysis of the motivational effects of ranks that progresses through three levels of specificity: the broad “motive” level, an intermediate “goal” level, and a low level at which tactical choices are addressed and where the complexity of rank‐driven choices considers a dynamic multiple goal perspective. In particular, we theorize on how more risky versus less risky options are chosen in light of the combined influence of (a) rank goals, (b) rank changes relative to those goals, and (c) other aligned or competing goals. Deriving from our theorizing and review of existing evidence from different fields studying various rank phenomena such as power, status, education, and performance, we articulate seven propositions that specify when rank‐ordered individuals will choose more risky or less risky options.
Addressing the climate–finance interaction in a new light: From green to brown assets disclosure in the banking industry
Authors: Relano Francesc , Paulet Elisabeth , Mavoori Hareesh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the contribution of the banking industry to the decarbonization of the economy in the aftermath of the Paris Agreement. To this end, two complementary indicators are proposed: a carbon balance and a fossil fuel to equity ratio. The main novelty of these indicators is that, beyond traditional approaches in green finance, they take into account the parallel endeavor of banks in fossil fuel financing (so‐called “brown assets”). The results of the inquiry are presented in various maps and graphs. Both elements show that the bank‐induced process of decarbonization is lagging behind that of other industries, which creates a significant risk of financial instability. Changing this banking behavior necessarily involves a climate‐driven reform of the prudential rules on capital requirements; however, given the magnitude of the problem, this might not be enough. Nor is it the most urgent concern. Above all, what this paper makes clear is that the appropriate measurement and disclosure of financed emissions (both “green” and “brown”) is the first crucial step for the correct assessment of climate‐related risk and forms the basis for subsequent policy action.
Distinct biogeographical patterns in snail gastrointestinal tract bacterial communities compared with sediment and water
Authors: Herlemann Daniel P. R. , Tammert Helen , Kivistik Carmen , Käiro Kairi , Kisand Veljo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe factors that influence the distribution of bacterial community composition are not well understood. The role of geographical patterns, which suggest limited dispersal, is still a topic of debate. Bacteria associated with hosts face unique dispersal challenges as they often rely on their hosts, which provide specific environments for their symbionts. In this study, we examined the effect of biogeographic distances on the bacterial diversity and composition of bacterial communities in the gastrointestinal tract of Ampullaceana balthica. We compared the effects on the host‐associated bacterial community to those on bacterial communities in water and sediment. This comparison was made using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. We found that the bacterial communities we sampled in Estonia, Denmark, and Northern Germany varied between water, sediment, and the gastrointestinal tract. They also varied between countries within each substrate. This indicates that the type of substrate is a dominant factor in determining bacterial community composition. We separately analyzed the turnover rates of water, sediment, and gastrointestinal bacterial communities over increasing geographic distances. We observed that the turnover rate was lower for gastrointestinal bacterial communities compared to water bacterial communities. This implies that the composition of gastrointestinal bacteria remains relatively stable over distances, while water bacterial communities exhibit greater variability. However, the gastrointestinal tract had the lowest percentage of country‐specific amplicon sequence variants, suggesting bacterial colonization from local bacterial communities. Since the overlap between the water and gastrointestinal tract was highest, it appears that the gastrointestinal bacterial community is colonized by the water bacterial community. Our study confirmed that biogeographical patterns in host‐associated communities differ from those in water and sediment bacterial communities. These host‐associated communities consist of numerous facultative symbionts derived from the water bacterial community.
Application of individual brain connectome in chronic ischemia: mapping symptoms before and after reperfusion
Authors: Lei Yu , Zhang Xin , Ni Wei , Gao Chao , Li Yanjiang , Yang Heng , Gao Xinjie , Xia Ding , Zhang Xia , Osipowicz Karol , Doyen Stephane , Sughrue Michael E. , Gu Yuxiang , Mao Ying 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHow brain functions in the distorted ischemic state before and after reperfusion is unclear. It is also uncertain whether there are any indicators within ischemic brain that could predict surgical outcomes. To alleviate these issues, we applied individual brain connectome in chronic steno‐occlusive vasculopathy (CSOV) to map both ischemic symptoms and their postbypass changes. A total of 499 bypasses in 455 CSOV patients were collected and followed up for 47.8 ± 20.5 months. Using multimodal parcellation with connectivity‐based and pathological distortion‐independent approach, areal MR features of brain connectome were generated with three measurements of functional connectivity (FC), structural connectivity, and PageRank centrality at the single‐subject level. Thirty‐three machine‐learning models were then trained with clinical and areal MR features to obtain acceptable classifiers for both ischemic symptoms and their postbypass changes, among which, 11 were deemed acceptable (AUC > 0.7). Notably, the FC feature‐based model for long‐term neurological outcomes performed very well (AUC > 0.8). Finally, a Shapley additive explanations plot was adopted to extract important individual features in acceptable models to generate “fingerprints” of brain connectome. This study not only establishes brain connectomic fingerprint databases for brain ischemia with distortion, but also provides informative insights for how brain functions before and after reperfusion.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures to Track Atrophy Progression in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in Clinical Trials
Authors: Quattrone Andrea , Franzmeier Nicolai , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Klietz Martin , Roemer Sebastian N. , Boxer Adam L. , Levin Johannes , Höglinger Günter U. ,   the AL‐108‐231 Investigators, the Tauros MRI Investigators, the PASSPORT Study Group, the DESCRIBE‐PSP Group
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeveral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures have been suggested as progression biomarkers in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and some PSP staging systems have been recently proposed.ObjectiveComparing structural MRI measures and staging systems in tracking atrophy progression in PSP and estimating the sample size to use them as endpoints in clinical trials.MethodsProgressive supranuclear palsy‐Richardson's syndrome (PSP‐RS) patients with one‐year‐follow‐up longitudinal brain MRI were selected from the placebo arms of international trials (NCT03068468, NCT01110720, NCT01049399) and the DescribePSP cohort. The discovery cohort included patients from the NCT03068468 trial; the validation cohort included patients from other sources. Multisite age‐matched healthy controls (HC) were included for comparison. Several MRI measures were compared: automated atlas‐based volumetry (44 regions), automated planimetric measures of brainstem regions, and four previously described staging systems, applied to volumetric data.ResultsOf 508 participants, 226 PSP patients including discovery (n = 121) and validation (n = 105) cohorts, and 251 HC were included. In PSP patients, the annualized percentage change of brainstem and midbrain volume, and a combined index including midbrain, frontal lobe, and third ventricle volume change, were the progression biomarkers with the highest effect size in both cohorts (discovery: >1.6; validation cohort: >1.3). These measures required the lowest sample sizes (n < 100) to detect 30% atrophy progression, compared with other volumetric/planimetric measures and staging systems.ConclusionsThis evidence may inform the selection of imaging endpoints to assess the treatment efficacy in reducing brain atrophy rate in PSP clinical trials, with automated atlas‐based volumetry requiring smaller sample size than staging systems and planimetry to observe significant treatment effects. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Diagnostic efficiency of conventional ultrasound, shear wave elastography, and superb microvascular imaging in evaluating ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
Authors: Zhang Yao , Liu Wei‐Yao , Xue Wei‐Li , Wu Han , Yuan Yan , Ma Xin‐Yuan , Wang Hong , Zhou Xian‐Li 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe current diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) relies mainly on the clinical presentation and nerve electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing, which can be uncomfortable and yield false negatives. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of conventional ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in diagnosing UNE.MethodsWe enrolled 40 patients (48 elbows) with UNE and 48 healthy volunteers (48 elbows). The patients were categorized as having mild, moderate or severe UNE based on the findings of EDX testing. The cross‐sectional area (CSA) was measured using conventional ultrasound. Ulnar nerve (UN) shear wave velocity (SWV) and SMI were performed in a longitudinal plane.ResultsBased on the EDX findings, UNE severity was graded as mild in 4, moderate in 10, and severe in 34. The patient group showed increased ulnar nerve CSA and stiffness at the site of maximal enlargement (CSA mean at the site of max enlargement [CSAmax] and SWV mean at the site of max enlargement [SWVmax]), ulnar nerve CSA ratio, and stiffness ratio (elbow‐to‐upper arm), compared with the control group (p < .001). Furthermore, the severe UNE group showed higher ulnar nerve CSAmax and SWVmax compared with the mild and moderate UNE groups (p < .001). The cutoff values for diagnosis of UNE were 9.5 mm2 for CSAmax, 3.06 m/s for SWVmax, 2.00 for CSA ratio, 1.36 for stiffness ratio, and grade 1 for SMI.DiscussionOur findings suggest that SWE and SMI are valuable diagnostic tools for the diagnosis and assessment of severity of UNE.
Compression behavior of lightweight corrugated composite Sandwich panels with smart facesheets reinforced by shape memory alloy wires: an experimental study
Authors: Rajabpour M. , Khalili S. M. R. , Eslami‐Farsani R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental examination of the compression demeanor of lightweight corrugated core composite (CCC) sandwich panel and corrugated core smart composites (CCSC) sandwich panels subjected to quasi‐static edgewise compression loading. The existence of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires and pre‐strain percentages of SMA are the indicators studied in this article. The fabrication procedure presented and the appraisement of the mechanical properties of the CCC and CCSC sandwich panels are expressed. The core geometry of samples is trapezoid corrugated made of aluminum. The facesheets are four layers of woven glass fiber/ epoxy laminated composite. For evaluation of the efficacy of the presence of SMA wires on mechanical specifications of sandwich panels, three SMA wires with various pre‐strain percentages (0%, 3%, and 6%) are embedded in each composite facesheet. Mechanical properties of all types of CCC and CCSC sandwich panels such as maximum force, critical damage force, specific strength, absorb energy, specific toughness, Young's modulus, and specific stiffness were evaluated. Results showed that the CCC sandwich panel has higher mechanical specifications than the CCSC sandwich panels with 0% and 3% pre‐strain. Also, increasing pre‐strained SMA wires improves all mechanical parameters of CCSC sandwich panels. CCSC sandwich panel with 6% pre‐strain has the highest compression properties than other sandwich panels. Maximum Force, Critical Damage Force, Specific Strength, Absorbed Energy, Specific Toughness, Young's Modulus, and Specific Stiffness of CCSC sandwich panel with 6% pre‐strain are 14.73 kN, 13.6 kN, 9.55 MPa/g, 26.61 kJ, 0.346 MJ/m3g, 4395 MPa and 0.61 kN/mm g, respectively.Highlights
Lightweight CCC sandwich panel and CCSC sandwich panel manufactured.
Compression behavior of CCC sandwich panel and CCSC sandwich panel evaluated.
Pre‐strained SMA wires improves energy absorption of CCSC sandwich panels.
Higher specific toughness was obtained with 6% pre‐strain SMA.
Presence of SMA wires with no pre‐strain cannot improve the specific strength.
Basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene to manufacture 3D printed composites
Authors: Pelaez‐Samaniego Manuel Raul , Rhodes Kyleigh , Garcia‐Perez Tsai , Chang Yu‐Chung , Zhang Jinwen , Bakri Muhammad Khusairy Bin , Yadama Vikram 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) is one of the most used polymeric materials worldwide, either as a neat material or as a matrix for composite manufacture employing a molding process. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing is an alternative process that offers the potential for manufacturing value‐added products from PP. However, using neat PP for FDM is challenging because 3D‐printed PP warps and shrinks when cooled, and the mechanical properties of PP are poor. PP‐based composites with different fillers (e.g., glass, carbon, and natural fibers) have shown improved properties using FDM processes. An alternative filler for 3D‐printed PP‐based composites is basalt fiber (BF). The objective of this work was to assess the potential and impacts of BF as a filler for BF‐PP composites using FDM processes. PP was compounded with 15, 25, 35, and 45 wt% BF to produce filaments for 3D printing without adding any compatibilizer. Results of rheology studies, morphology, and mechanical and thermal properties of the 3D printed specimens showed that BF positively impacts Young's modulus (E), thermal stability, and dimensional stability of the composite. All composites, when processed at high shear rates (i.e., above 100 1/s), show approximately similar rheological behavior. E is almost doubled in the composite with 25 wt% BF and increased fourfold in the composite with 35 and 45 wt% BF, compared to neat PP. The Izod impact resistance of the formulations containing 35 and 45 wt% BF is ~70% that of neat PP. BF process easily and adequately reinforces PP composites manufactured via FDM.Highlights
Neat PP's poor mechanical properties are improved by adding basalt fiber (BF).
Up to 45 wt% BF was used to reinforce PP‐based composites.
PP‐BF composites are easier to process via DFM compared to neat PP.
BF improves PP‐based composite's thermal and dimensional stability.
The anglophone crisis in Cameroon and sustainable development: A causal‐process tracing approach
Authors: Susan Enyang Besong , Matilda Agbortarh Besong , Epey Nyonsue Ebi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractArmed conflict is perceived to be detrimental to sustainable development while underdevelopment is seen as the cause of armed conflict. However, little is known about the cause of the ongoing armed conflict in Southern Cameroon and its effects on the pace of sustainable development in Cameroon. This study seeks to close this gap by employing a causal‐process tracing methodology and trend analysis. The empirical results obtained suggest that there is no end to the conflict any time soon due to the divide between the Anglophone political elite, lack of international support, and repression from the government. In addition, the conflict has very minimal quantitative significant impact on the pace of development in Cameroon. By empirically analyzing the case of Cameroon, the current study lends an understanding of the causes and effects of the conflict on sustainable development and further highlights the steps that are necessary to safeguard the socio‐economic well‐being of the masses.
CuO−La2O3 Nanocomposite as a Recyclable and Eco‐Friendly, Heterogeneous Catalyst for the One‐Pot Synthesis of Pyrano [2, 3‐c] Pyrazoles
Authors: Moradi Somayeh , Safari Javad , Moradian Mohsen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this work, the unique performance of binary acid‐base CuO/La2O3 nanocomposite as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst was successfully examined for the one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of pyrano [2, 3‐c] pyrazole derivatives. The strong interactions between La and Cu had a profound effect on the catalytic activity of nanocatalysts. In addition, high selectivity, easy recovery, reusability, a very reasonable price, simple preparation and eco‐friendliness are other important advantages of this nanocatalyst. The characterized nanocomposite demonstrated excellent structural and morphological properties, leading to high catalytic efficiency. Characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) confirmed crystallographic structure, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM) showed a spherical particle size of approximately 43 nm. Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the composition of La, O, and Cu elements in the nanocomposite as 86.4 %, 13.5 %, and 0.2 %, respectively. The optimal condition for the synthesis resulted in a 98 % yield of pyrano [2, 3‐c] pyrazole derivatives under reflux with 0.02 g of CuO/La2O3 catalyst in a 10‐minute reaction time.
Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Aromatic Alcohol Oxidation Using PI‐TiO2 Composite Photocatalyst
Authors: Zheng Peng , Liu Jianguo , Hu Yuzhen , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xinghua , Li Song , Chen Lungang , Ma Longlong , Chen Yubao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSynthesizing fine chemicals and valuable pharmaceutical intermediates through selective catalytic oxidation of alcohols is indispensable and crucial. However, the conventional methods of alcohol oxidation have inevitable drawbacks, including harsh reaction conditions and environmental pollution. Thus, it is imperative to develop efficient catalytic oxidation systems for alcohols. Herein, we successfully synthesized a 15 wt %PI‐TiO2 composite by a one‐step solid‐state heating polymerization technique. This catalyst exhibits excellent responsiveness to visible light and demonstrates remarkable catalytic activity. Furthermore, TEMPO was introduced as a cocatalyst to construct a PI‐TiO2/TEMPO/O2 system for the catalytic oxidation of alcohols. In comparison to the individual effects of PI or TiO2, this system showcases improved catalytic activity and broader substrate applicability. As a result, the conversion efficiency of benzyl alcohol increases by 3.44 times and 2.26 times, respectively. This research not only introduces a novel approach for preparing visible light‐active PI‐TiO2 catalysts but also indicates the significance of establishing an efficient electron transfer process in alcohol catalytic oxidation.
Stable Diamine Functionalized Graphene Supported Pd Nanoparticles Showing Excellent Catalytic Activity For Mizoroki–Heck Coupling Reactions
Authors: Rana Surjyakanta , Jonnalagadda S. B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe used a simple technique to create palladium nanoparticles on diamine functionalised graphene (Pd(0)‐AAPTMS@G) with an average particle size of 5.5 nm. Our earlier research described the Pd(0)‐AAPTMS@G material as an effective catalyst with outstanding conversion and yields for the Suzuki coupling reaction. We reported the characterisation data for Pd(0)‐AAPTMS@G catalysts previously. Here, we provide a narrative for the excellent selectivity and high yields (92–100 %) for the Mizoroki–Heck coupling product over the same Pd(0)‐AAPTMS@G catalyst. Six uses of the generated catalyst are possible without any activity loss. We also compared the catalyst characterisation for both fresh and reused catalysts.