bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partially non-ergodic ground motion model for the Bucaramanga seismic nest in Northern South America (NoSAm Nest GMM)
Authors: Pajaro Cesar A. , Arteta Carlos A. , Mercado Vicente , Montejo Julián , Arcila Mónica , Abrahamson Norman A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Bucaramanga seismic nest has the highest concentration in volume of intermediate depth seismic events with light and moderate magnitudes (Mb > 4.8) worldwide. Despite the nest depth (Zhypo ≥ 100 km), these events play a crucial role in the seismic hazard assessment for several cities in northern South America (NoSAm), particularly those situated close to their epicenters. Moreover, these earthquakes are widely felt across the country, even hundreds of kilometers away from the nest. This paper assesses the performance of commonly used subduction intraslab Ground Motion Models (GMMs) in predicting the updated nest database gathered and processed by the Colombian Geological Survey. This analysis confirms the necessity of a partially non-ergodic ground motion model for estimating the spectral accelerations produced by Bucaramanga nest earthquakes in northern South America. The GMM presented herein is the first model developed specifically for seismic nests in the region and is conceived as a regionalization of the recent NGA-Sub Abrahamson and Gülerce (Earthq Spectra 38(4):2638−2681, 2022) GMM. Additionally, we provide estimates of the variance components at both the earthquake and station levels and compare the developed GMM with the spectral accelerations recorded for typical earthquakes, for the highest magnitude earthquake in the database, and for a recent Bucaramanga nest earthquake having a moment magnitude over 5.
Altered biological control species interactions despite phenological synchrony along an urban–rural temperature gradient
Authors: Keller Joseph A. , Shea Katriona 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiological control programs provide simplified systems in which to investigate the influence of temperature on trophic interactions. We investigated the interaction between the invasive thistle Carduus nutans and its specialist herbivore, the biological control agent weevil Rhinocyllus conicus, along a temperature gradient spanning an urban-to-rural urbanization gradient in central Pennsylvania. As expected, more urbanized sites were warmer than rural sites. Nevertheless, C. nutans phenology was only slightly earlier at warmer sites, and the timing of observations of adult R. conicus on thistles did not shift earlier, leaving synchrony apparently unchanged. Despite unchanged phenological matching, seasonal patterns in weevil damage varied with temperature: early-appearing capitula at warmer sites were more heavily damaged than early capitula at cooler sites, yet overall a lower proportion of capitula was damaged at warmer sites. Rising temperatures may therefore reduce effectiveness of R. conicus for C. nutans control, as more capitula escape damage. Biological control systems and naturally occurring temperature gradients are useful systems in which to investigate climate change impacts, but a focus on the phenology of organisms’ presence or absence may not be sufficient; our study demonstrates that consideration of the interaction itself may be necessary.
Rewet without regret? Nutrient dynamics in fen peat exposed to different rewetting degrees
Authors: van der Laan Annick , van Dijk Jerry , Rebel Karin T. , Wassen Martin J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
All over the world, peatlands have been drained, often for agricultural purposes, resulting in CO2 emissions, soil subsidence and biodiversity loss. To combat these negative effects, drained peatlands are being rewetted, but knowledge of the effects of rewetting on peat biogeochemistry is still incomplete, especially since a variety of rewetting methods and rewetting degrees exists. We conducted a mesocosm experiment in which we exposed 100 intact agricultural fen peat cores (80 cm, 20 cm Ø) to five different water levels (0, 20, 40, 60 cm and variable—surface), two nutrient application levels to mimic continued agricultural use, and two water origins. Over an eight-month period, we harvested above-ground plant biomass five times and sampled pore water at two depths each month. Samples were analysed for nutrients. Our results show increased phosphate and ammonium availability upon fully rewetting (0 cm—surface) and less so under partially rewetted circumstances (20 cm—surface). Above-ground biomass was strongly affected by nutrient application, especially in the high water level treatments. Vegetation was primarily N-limited, and N in the vegetation decreased with increasing water levels, indicating stronger nitrogen limitation upon rewetting. We conclude that nature restoration under fully rewetted conditions will likely be challenging as a result of the large release of nutrients from the system which may also affect surrounding nature areas. Furthermore, we conclude that partial rewetting combined with low-intensity agricultural use can be a solution to slow down the adverse effects of drainage, although this will lead to decreased agricultural production.
An efficient improved exponential distribution optimizer: application to the global, engineering and combinatorial optimization problems
Authors: Houssein Essam H. , Saeed Mahmoud Khalaf , Hu Gang , Al-Sayed Mustafa M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPopulation-based meta-heuristic optimization algorithms play a vital role in addressing optimization problems. Nowadays, exponential distribution optimizer (EDO) can be considered to be one of the most recent among these algorithms. Although it has achieved many promising results, it has a set of shortcomings, for example, the decelerated convergence, and provides local optima solution as it cannot escape from local regions in addition to imbalance between diversification and intensification. Therefore, in this study, an enhanced variant of EDO called mEDO was proposed to address these shortcomings by combining two efficient search mechanisms named orthogonal learning (OL) and local escaping operator (LEO). In mEDO, the LEO has been exploited to escape local optima and improve the convergence behavior of the EDO by employing random operators to maximize the search process and to effectively discover the globally optima solution. Then the OL has been combined to keep the two phases (i.e., exploration and exploitation) balanced. To validate the effectiveness and performance of the mEDO algorithm, the proposed method has been evaluated over ten functions of the IEEE CEC’2020 test suite as well as eight real-world applications (engineering design optimization problems), Furthermore we test the applicability of the proposed algorithm by tackling 21 instance of the quadratic assignment problem (QAP). The experimental and statistical results of the proposed algorithm have been compared against seven other common metaheuristic algorithms (MAs), including the basic EDO. The results show the supremacy of the mEDO algorithm over the other algorithms and reveal the applicability and effectiveness of the mEDO algorithm compared to well-established metaheuristic algorithms. The experimental results and different statistical measures revealed the reliability and applicability of the mEDO method in solving the global, engineering design, and combinatorial optimization problems by achieving a reasonable solution in terms of scoring a global optima solutions and avoiding premature convergence by increasing the population’s diversity.
Chain-imprimitive, flag-transitive 2-designs
Authors: Amarra Carmen , Devillers Alice , Praeger Cheryl E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe consider 2-designs which admit a group of automorphisms that is flag-transitive and leaves invariant a chain of nontrivial point-partitions. We build on our recent work on 2-designs which are block-transitive but not necessarily flag-transitive. In particular we use the concept of the “array” of a point subset with respect to the chain of point-partitions; the array describes the distribution of the points in the subset among the classes of each partition. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions on the array in order for the subset to be a block of such a design. By explicit construction we show that for any $$s \ge 2$$

s
≥
2

, there are infinitely many 2-designs admitting a flag-transitive group that preserves an invariant chain of point-partitions of length s. Moreover an exhaustive computer search, using Magma, seeking designs with $$e_1e_2e_3$$

e
1

e
2

e
3

points (where each $$e_i\le 50$$

e
i

≤
50

) and a partition chain of length $$s=3$$

s
=
3

, produced 57 such flag-transitive designs, among which only three designs arise from our construction—so there is still much to learn.
Broadening the Notion of Peer-To-Peer Interactions When Young Children Engage With Digital Technology
Authors: Nolan Andrea , Moore Deborah 
Published: April 2024

AbstractYoung children engage with digital technologies from a very young age. Often this is considered detrimental to their social development as it is seen as a socially isolating experience. This paper presents the findings of an Australian Research Council funded research project that focused on what characterises infants and toddlers peer-to-peer interactions while engaging with digital technologies such as iPads. The project involved five Family Day Care educators and 23 children aged 8 to 36 months from diverse cultural backgrounds, over a three-year period from an Australian state. The data analysed consisted of researcher recorded and educator recorded videos of the children engaging in experiences involving digital technologies in their family day care programs. These experiences were chosen by the educators after attending a professional development session. A broader understanding of the notion of interactions is proposed to fully appreciate and represent the many peer-to-peer interactions observed. Through a social capital lens, there were elements of social networks, trust and reciprocity evident.
The Impact of Oral Language and Transcription Skills on Early Writing Production in Kindergarteners: Productivity and Quality
Authors: Rodríguez Cristina , Jiménez Juan E. , Balade Jennifer 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the roles of transcription skills and oral language abilities in predicting writing quality and productivity among Spanish-speaking kindergarten children (N = 159). Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study examined associations between these foundational skills and writing outcomes. The model demonstrated excellent fit, with significant relationships between observed measures and their respective latent variables. Transcription skills were found to robustly predict both writing quality and productivity, while oral language was a significant predictor only for writing quality. A notable covariance was observed between transcription and oral language constructs, emphasizing their interconnected influence on early writing development. The study’s findings contribute to the current discourse by aligning with the ‘not-so-simple’ view of writing, challenging conventional notions that prioritize transcription skills over oral language in early writing. These results have important implications for designing comprehensive early childhood literacy programs and suggest that both transcription and oral language abilities should be integrated for holistic writing development. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.
The underestimated preventive effects of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening: re-analysis and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Brenner Hermann , Heisser Thomas , Cardoso Rafael , Hoffmeister Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFlexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), which is less invasive, resource intensive and costly than colonoscopy, is among the recommended screening options for colorectal cancer (CRC). Four large randomized trials consistently reported statistically significant, albeit modest effects of screening by FS on CRC incidence. However, their effect estimates included cancers that were already prevalent at recruitment and could not have been prevented by screening. We performed a re-analysis and meta-analysis of two of the trials (including the largest one) to estimate reduction of truly incident cases by a single FS offered between 55 and 64 years of age among the “at risk study population” without prevalent CRC at recruitment. In meta-analyses of data reported after more than 15 years of follow-up, relative risk (95% CI) in intention-to-screen and per-protocol analyses were 0.71 (0.66–0.76) and 0.59 (0.55–0.65) for any CRC, and 0.52 (0.47–0.57) and 0.34 (0.30–0.39) for distal CRC, respectively. These results indicate much stronger effects than those suggested by the original reports and imply that a single screening FS can prevent approximately two out of three distal incident CRC cases within 15 + years of follow-up.
Statistical Reappraisal of the Wax and Mercury Methods for Shrinkage Limit Determinations of Fine-Grained Soils
Authors: Soltani Amin , Azimi Mahdieh , O’Kelly Brendan C. , Baghbani Abolfazl , Taheri Abbas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBecause of the hazards associated with handling mercury, most standards organizations have withdrawn the conventional mercury (displacement) method (MM) for shrinkage limit (SL) determination of fine-grained soils. Despite attempts to substantiate the wax (coating) method (WM), which is presently the only standardized MM-testing alternative, the geotechnical community remains somewhat hesitant of its adoption in routine practice. To encourage more widespread use of WM-testing, this study re-examines the level of agreement between the MM- and WM-deduced SL parameters (i.e., SLMM and SLWM, respectively). This was achieved by performing comprehensive statistical analyses on the largest and most diverse database of its kind, to date, entailing SLMM:SLWM measurements for 168 different fine-grained soils having wide ranges of plasticity characteristics (i.e., liquid limit = 31.6–362.0%, plasticity index = 8.2–318.0% and SLMM = 7.1–42.0%). Furthermore, an attempt was made to evaluate the SLWM (in lieu of the SLMM) parameter for performing preliminary soil expansivity assessments using existing SLMM-based classification approaches. It was demonstrated that the MM and WM methods do not produce identical SL values for a given fine-grained soil under similar testing conditions, with their discrepancy being systematic and hence likely arising from the differences between the materials (mercury versus wax) and methodologies involved in performing these tests. New SLWM → SLMM conversion relationships were established, allowing SLMM to be deduced as a function of SLWM with high accuracy. Hence, when inputting SLWM in SLMM-based empirical correlations to predict other geoengineering design parameters, the newly proposed conversion relationships can be employed to minimize systematic prediction errors. It was also demonstrated that plasticity-based correlations, at best, can only provide a rough approximation of SLMM. Hence, when the SL is desired, WM-testing or any other alternative method that directly and reliably measures the soil shrinkage factors should be retained. Finally, the same soil-expansivity rankings, as obtained for existing classification systems employing SLMM results, are achieved using SLWM measurements (i.e., without the need of applying SLWM → SLMM conversion equations).
Increasing outer membrane complexity: the case of the lipopolysaccharide lipid A from marine Cellulophaga pacifica
Authors: Andretta Emanuela , De Chiara Stefania , Pagliuca Chiara , Cirella Roberta , Scaglione Elena , Di Rosario Martina , Kokoulin Maxim S. , Nedashkovskaya Olga I. , Silipo Alba , Salvatore Paola , Molinaro Antonio , Di Lorenzo Flaviana 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGram-negative bacteria living in marine waters have evolved peculiar adaptation strategies to deal with the numerous stress conditions that characterize aquatic environments. Among the multiple mechanisms for efficient adaptation, these bacteria typically exhibit chemical modifications in the structure of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is a fundamental component of their outer membrane. In particular, the glycolipid anchor to the membrane of marine bacteria LPSs, i.e. the lipid A, frequently shows unusual chemical structures, which are reflected in equally singular immunological properties with potential applications as immune adjuvants or anti-sepsis drugs. In this work, we determined the chemical structure of the lipid A from Cellulophaga pacifica KMM 3664T isolated from the Sea of Japan. This bacterium showed to produce a heterogeneous mixture of lipid A molecules that mainly display five acyl chains and carry a single phosphate and a D-mannose disaccharide on the glucosamine backbone. Furthermore, we proved that C. pacifica KMM 3664T LPS acts as a weaker activator of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) compared to the prototypical enterobacterial Salmonella typhimurium LPS. Our results are relevant to the future development of novel vaccine adjuvants and immunomodulators inspired by marine LPS chemistry.
Investigating Parental Observations of Early Autism Development in Simplex and Multiplex Families
Authors: Cleary Dominique B. , Maybery Murray T. , Waddington Hannah , Macaskill Ella , Whitehouse Andrew J.O. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPast research has highlighted the importance of early identification of developmental differences to improve targeted access to early interventions or supports. As such, it is of particular importance in the context of children at elevated likelihood of autism (such as where an older sibling has a diagnosis of autism), to better understand when and which early concerns are important as predictors of which children will benefit from pre-diagnostic supports. This study explored the number and frequency of retrospective parent reported concerns within the first year of life for children diagnosed with autism, both those who had an older sibling diagnosed with autism and those who did not, as well as for undiagnosed siblings. We found that at both 0–6 and 7–12 months, the only factor related to the presence or absence of early parent reported concerns was child diagnostic status, with the presence of reported early concerns more likely for children with a diagnosis of autism. These findings suggest that for children at elevated likelihood of autism, parents’ concerns are driven primarily by developmental differences, with child’s birth order and sibling diagnostic status not impacting on parent early concerns.
Community Priorities for Outcomes Targeted During Professional Supports for Autistic Children and their Families
Authors: Sulek Rhylee , Edwards Chris , Monk Ruth , Patrick Lee , Pillar Sarah , Waddington Hannah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Professional supports play an important role in aiding autistic children’s learning, participation, and overall wellbeing. Yet, limited research exists on stakeholders’ perspectives and preferences regarding targeted outcomes for children undergoing support facilitated by professionals. This study investigated stakeholder views on the priority and appropriateness of outcomes intentionally targeted during the provision of supports to autistic children.

Method
A survey of 181 participants (including 72 autistic adults, 85 parents, and 69 professionals) from Australia and New Zealand was conducted. Participants rated the appropriateness and priority of 47 potential child and parent outcomes within the context of support.

Results
The highest priority outcome was improving child mental wellbeing, with the lowest being reducing sensory seeking or avoidant behaviours. Priority ratings for certain outcomes differed based on the child’s age. Over half of the participants rated reducing sensory seeking/avoidant behaviours and reducing focused interests as inappropriate outcomes of supports. Further, variations in the appropriateness of outcomes differed among participant groups.

Conclusion
Reflecting the growing acceptance of neurodiversity-affirming practices, these results underscore support for targeting outcomes that are meaningful to the autistic and autism communities, with less emphasis on those which reflect neurotypical behavioural standards.
The first German total diet study: Analytical techniques to identify natural radionuclides in food samples
Authors: Hofmann Peggy , Achatz Michaela , Behrend Kerstin , Berg Tanja , Busse Christel , Guttmann Annett , Hummrich Holger , Lindtner Oliver , Lucks Christian , Manteufel Laura , Rast Maximilian , Sarvan Irmela , Schmidt Beate , Schmidt Klaus , Scholtysik Clemens , Walther Diana 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBetween 2016 and 2021, Germany’s first total diet study was performed to assess the variety of substances humans are exposed to by dietary intake. On a global scale rather unique, the natural radionuclides lead-210, uranium-234, uranium-238, radium-226, and radium-228 should be investigated in over 200 different food samples within that study. This paper serves as a guide how to successfully determine these natural radionuclides in very low concentrations in a variety of samples. Two independent laboratories were involved for comparison to assure the quality of the presented sample pretreatment and analyzing techniques.
Tort Law and Contractualism
Authors: Chau Peter 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHow can tort law be justified? There are well-known difficulties with the three traditional theories of tort law dominating the literature (namely, economic theory, corrective justice theory, and civil recourse theory). Recently, some have turned to moral contractualism in search of tort law’s foundation. One of the most prominent attempts was made by Gregory Keating. Keating’s account, however, has been subjected to powerful objections. In a recent paper, John Oberdiek, through a sympathetic critique of Keating’s account, develops a new version of contractualist tort theory that is alleged to be at once superior to the three traditional theories of tort law and immune to the objections to Keating’s account. The aim of my paper is to critically assess Oberdiek’s account; I will argue that, while Oberdiek’s account does improve upon Keating’s in some important respects, it is ultimately unsatisfactory.
Optimal species composition for stand establishment in root-rot infected forest areas
Authors: Ahtikoski Anssi , Honkaniemi Juha , Holmström Eero , Peltoniemi Mikko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHeterobasidion root rot causes severe problems in the coniferous dominated forests of Northern hemisphere by decreasing timber value, reducing tree growth and making trees prone to other disturbance agents such as wind and bark beetles. According to current practices an infected stand is protected by treating fresh stumps at final cutting and generating the stand with tree species other than the host to reduce the current infection levels. However, prevailing guidelines do not provide instructions how to manage the neighbouring stands around the already infected stand. In contrast to earlier studies, we expand the analysis to an entity (a landscape) consisting of both infected and uninfected stands so that stand establishment of uninfected area is taken into account, too. The objective of the study is to optimize stand establishment of the uninfected area so that the revenue losses are simultaneously minimized when the average carbon storage is maximized within the whole landscape (infected + uninfected). Our results demonstrate the complexity of Heterobasidion root rot management: the optimum stand establishment strategy differs depending on the geographic location and interest rate (i.e., yield on capital). Further, the results implicate that for successful fight against Heterobasidion root rot the magnitude of infected area as well as the severity of the infection need to be taken into account.