bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Who benefits most from language-responsive learning materials in mathematics? Investigating differential effects in heterogeneous classrooms
Authors: Lenz Katja , Obersteiner Andreas , Wittmann Gerald 
Published: April 2024

AbstractStudents’ proficiency in the language of instruction is essential for their mathematical learning. Accordingly, language-responsive instruction, which includes adapting teaching material to students’ language needs, is thought to promote mathematical learning, particularly for students with lower levels of proficiency in the language of instruction. However, empirical evidence for the effectiveness of this type of instruction in heterogeneous classrooms is scarce, and potential differential effects for learners with different learning prerequisites still need to be studied. The present study examines whether language-responsive instructional materials can promote students’ learning of fractions. We conducted a quasi-experimental intervention study with a pre- and posttest in Grade 7 (N = 211). The students were assigned to one of three instructional conditions: fraction instruction with or without additional language support or to a control group. The results showed that both intervention groups had higher learning gains than the control group. However, students with lower proficiency in the language of instruction benefited more from fraction instruction with additional language support than without it. The opposite was true for students with higher proficiency in the language of instruction. Moreover, learning gains depended on students’ levels of mathematics anxiety. Our study contributes to a more detailed understanding of the effectiveness of language-responsive instruction in heterogeneous classrooms.
Dynamic environmental quality effect of nuclear energy intensity, structural changes, and natural resources in Pakistan: testing load capacity factor hypothesis evidence
Authors: Özkan Oktay , Alola Andrew Adewale , Eluwole Kayode Kolawole 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith both electricity and clean energy cooking accessible to 40 million and over 100 million people respectively, Pakistan’s ecological challenges could persist as long as the energy-related issues remained unsolved. This is the motivation for examining the drivers of the country’s biocapacity and ecological footprint vis-a-vis load capacity factor (LCF) from the perspective of nuclear energy intensity, natural resources, structural change, and economic growth. By using the recently developed simulation of autoregressive distributed lag for dataset that covers 1971 to 2021, this investigation found that nuclear energy intensification and structural change both improves environmental quality by increasing the country’s ratio of biocapacity against its ecological footprint in the long run. Specifically, nuclear energy intensity and structural change have respective elasticities of 0.02 and 0.34 with LCF. With the country’s nuclear energy supply far below the natural gas, oil, and biofuels and waste sources, the country might as well be encouraged to increase the development of nuclear energy in tackling the persistent environmental woes. Contrarily, the investigation established that natural resources in the country is detrimental to environmental quality but only in the short run because a percent increase in natural resources is responsible for ~ 0.035 percent decline in LCF. Importantly, an inverted U-shaped relationship ensued between economic growth and LCF but only statistically significant in the long-run i.e. invalidating LCF hypothesis, thus suggesting an undesirable environmental consequence of economic prosperity. As a policy, and given the novel perspectives of nuclear energy intensity and structural change dynamics, these results incentivize Pakistan’s nuclear energy development drive and among among other environmental and economic policy initiatives.
Graphical abstract
Molecular characterization of some currants (Ribes species) from Türkiye using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers
Authors: Orhan Emine , Kara Didem 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the genetic relationships and variation levels among currant genotypes and cultivars in Türkiye. Ten currant cultivars and one hybrid Jostaberry cultivar, which are breeding products of Europe but are best known and have high commercial value in Türkiye, were used. One black-fruited currant cultivar from Türkiye was included. In addition, 14 currant genotypes naturally grown in Türkiye were used. In this study, 14 retrotransposon-based inter-primer binding site (iPBS) and 10 microsatellite-based simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used for a total of 26 currant samples. By evaluating the allele profiles obtained from PCR and capillary electrophoresis with iPBS and SSR primers, the size range, average number of alleles, total number of alleles, number of polymorphic alleles, polymorphism rate, heterozygosity, polymorphism information content, marker index and discriminating power were determined successfully. In addition, unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrograms and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were constructed and performed. The amounts of amplification product produced using iPBS and SSR markers for currant species with different fruit colours were also compared. In this study, it was proven that the level of genetic relatedness among currant cultivars and genotypes can be determined with high accuracy by iPBS markers. Moreover, the use of iPBS markers in currants was performed for the first time in this study. On the other hand, with the preferred SSR markers, the level of genetic relatedness among currants was successfully determined.
As Proficient as Adults: Distribution of Children’s Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants in an Arid Environment in Madagascar
Authors: Porcher Vincent , Li Xiaoyue , Carrière Stéphanie M. , Alvarez-Fernandez Santiago , Cresson Didie , Reyes-García Victoria , Gallois Sandrine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn drylands, where resources are scarce, wild edible plant (WEP) knowledge is crucial to overcome food scarcity. Understanding the distribution pattern of local ecological knowledge (LEK) about WEP and identifying knowledge holders are key steps to assessing the resilience and vulnerability of knowledge systems. However, little is known about how WEP knowledge is distributed across life stages and gender of people living in arid regions. Here, we study the distribution of WEP knowledge within a small-scale society from southwestern Madagascar, a region known for its dry climate and related food crises. We worked with Tanalana male and female children and adults using semi-structured interviews and free listings. Tanalana people display a sophisticated LEK adapted to the extreme environment in which they live, with a distinct distribution pattern regarding theoretical and practical knowledge across life stages and gender. While women and men cited similar WEP, children and adults cited different sets of WEP, suggesting they hold differentiated bodies of theoretical knowledge, however our results suggest similarity in practical knowledge across life-stage and gender. We argue that resource limitation and food scarcity might be so pervasive in the area that extensive sharing of knowledge on WEP could be an adaptation to the extremely dry environment.
The determinants of political selection: a citizen-candidate model with valence signaling and incumbency advantage
Authors: Peralta Susana , van Ypersele Tanguy 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe expand the theory of politician quality in electoral democracies with citizen candidates by supposing that performance while in office sends a signal to the voters about the politician’s valence. Individuals live two periods and decide to become candidates when young, trading off against type-specific private wages. The valence signal increases the reelection chances of high valence incumbents (screening mechanism of reelection), and thus their expected gain from running for office (self-selection mechanism). Since self-selection improves the average quality of challengers, voters become more demanding when evaluating the incumbent’s performance. This complementarity between the self-selection and the screening mechanisms may lead to multiple equilibria. We show that more difficult and/or less variable political jobs increase the politicians’ quality. Conversely, societies with more wage inequality have lower quality polities. We also show that incumbency advantage blurs the screening mechanism by giving incumbents an upper-hand in electoral competition and may wipe out the positive effect of the screening mechanism on the quality of the polity.
Synthesis, characterization, and FDTD simulations of Ag-enriched RGO nanosheets for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Shilpa M. P. , Shetty Shivakumar Jagadish , Surabhi Srivathsava , Jeong Jong-Ryul , Morales Daniela V. , Murari M. S. , Bhat Vighneshwar S. , Inamdar Sanjeev R. , Ravikirana  , Gurumurthy S. C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReduced graphene oxide-based nanocomposites are eminent materials having diverse applications including environmental remediation. The present work emphasizes the facile one-step co-reduction method for synthesizing silver nanoparticle (Ag NPs) decorated reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol. FDTD simulation studies justify the experimental results, and XRD studies confirmed the reduction of graphene oxide and the formation of Ag NPs with reduced graphene oxide (AgRGO) composite. Raman analysis complements the structure, crystallinity, and defects in the fabricated material. XPS analysis verifies the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) into RGO and the decoration of metallic Ag on the surface of RGO. FESEM image showed the decoration of Ag NPs on the surface of RGO. AgRGO exhibited appreciable catalytic performance for reducing 4-nitrophenol in the presence of sodium borohydride compared to GO and RGO.
Treatment with Elapegademase Restores Immunity in Infants with Adenosine Deaminase Deficient Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Authors: Hicks Elizabeth Daly , Hall Geoffrey , Hershfield Michael S. , Tarrant Teresa K. , Bali Pawan , Sleasman John W. , Buckley Rebecca H. , Mousallem Talal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Patients with adenosine deaminase 1 deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID) are initially treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with polyethylene glycol-modified (PEGylated) ADA while awaiting definitive treatment with hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) or gene therapy. Beginning in 1990, ERT was performed with PEGylated bovine intestinal ADA (ADAGEN®). In 2019, a PEGylated recombinant bovine ADA (Revcovi®) replaced ADAGEN following studies in older patients previously treated with ADAGEN for many years. There are limited longitudinal data on ERT-naïve newborns treated with Revcovi.

Methods
We report our clinical experience with Revcovi as initial bridge therapy in three newly diagnosed infants with ADA-SCID, along with comprehensive biochemical and immunologic data.

Results
Revcovi was initiated at twice weekly dosing (0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly), and monitored by following plasma ADA activity and the concentration of total deoxyadenosine nucleotides (dAXP) in erythrocytes. All patients rapidly achieved a biochemically effective level of plasma ADA activity, and red cell dAXP were eliminated within 2–3 months. Two patients reconstituted B-cells and NK-cells within the first month of ERT, followed by naive T-cells one month later. The third patient reconstituted all lymphocyte subsets within the first month of ERT. One patient experienced declining lymphocyte counts with improvement following Revcovi dose escalation. Two patients developed early, self-resolving thrombocytosis, but no thromboembolic events occurred.

Conclusion
Revcovi was safe and effective as initial therapy to restore immune function in these newly diagnosed infants with ADA-SCID, however, time course and degree of reconstitution varied. Revcovi dose may need to be optimized based on immune reconstitution, clinical status, and biochemical data.
Severe Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) in a Patient with X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia; Treatment with TBE Virus IgG Positive Plasma, Clinical Outcome and T Cell Responses
Authors: Hedin Wilhelm , Bergman Peter , Akhirunessa Mily , Söderholm Sandra , Buggert Marcus , Granberg Tobias , Gredmark-Russ Sara , Smith C. I. Edvard , Pettke Aleksandra , Wahren Borgström Emilie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
A patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) and severe tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) was treated with TBE virus (TBEV) IgG positive plasma. The patient’s clinical response, humoral and cellular immune responses were characterized pre- and post-infection.

Methods
ELISA and neutralisation assays were performed on sera and TBEV PCR assay on sera and cerebrospinal fluid. T cell assays were conducted on peripheral blood the patient and five healthy vaccinated controls.

Results
The patient was admitted to the hospital with headache and fever. He was not vaccinated against TBE but receiving subcutaneous IgG-replacement therapy (IGRT). TBEV IgG antibodies were low-level positive (due to scIGRT), but the TBEV IgM and TBEV neutralisation tests were negative. During hospitalisation his clinical condition deteriorated (Glasgow coma scale 3/15) and he was treated in the ICU with corticosteroids and external ventricular drainage. He was then treated with plasma containing TBEV IgG without apparent side effects. His symptoms improved within a few days and the TBEV neutralisation test converted to positive. Robust CD8+ T cell responses were observed at three and 18-months post-infection, in the absence of B cells. This was confirmed by tetramers specific for TBEV.

Conclusion
TBEV IgG-positive plasma given to an XLA patient with TBE without evident adverse reactions may have contributed to a positive clinical outcome. Similar approaches could offer a promising foundation for researching therapeutic options for patients with humoral immunodeficiencies. Importantly, a robust CD8+ T cell response was observed after infection despite the lack of B cells and indicates that these patients can clear acute viral infections and could benefit from future vaccination programs.
Analysis of the Microstructure and Hardness of Flake Graphite Cast Iron Using the Barkhausen Noise Method and Conventional Techniques
Authors: Makowska Katarzyna , Kowalewski Zbigniew L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe new brake disc was evaluated for microstructure and hardness by the conventional destructive tests and non-destructive Barkhausen noise method (BNM). Ten non-destructive measurements were carried out in different areas of a brake disc, which were then cut out and made into metallographic test samples. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of graphite precipitates was performed to assess their volume in material matrix, anisotropy and size. Subsequently, graphs showing the relationships between selected stereological parameters of graphite precipitates and parameters determined from the RMS envelope of Barkhausen noise were elucidated. Similar relationships between hardness and parameters coming from non-destructive tests were carried out. Magnetic parameters that specified the size of a graphite precipitate was selected. In addition, repeatability studies using BNM were carried out in the areas of the material with the smallest and largest average size of graphite precipitates. A linear relationship between amplitude of BN and length of graphite flakes was found. The paper presents the possibilities of assessing the volume and size of graphite precipitates, as well as cast iron hardness using BNM.
Detecting Bias in Traffic Searches: Examining False Searches of Innocent Drivers
Authors: Meyer Margaret A. , Gonzalez Richard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
We test current models of racial bias in policing, identify limitations, and propose a test of racial bias, that does not depend on unknown population contraband rate.

Methods
We conceptualize police officer search decisions as a 2 (search/no search) by 2 (contraband present/absent) table, with missing data (if the police did not search, the presence of contraband is unknown). We constrain the feasible problem space using properties of a 2 x 2 contingency table. Then we examine all possible feasible 2 x 2 tables to identify instances of racial differences in police officer hit and false alarm rates. To do this, we develop a new test of racial bias, the Overlapping Condition Test. We analyze state and county data across 25 United States police departments.

Results
These departments have an observable racial difference in false alarm rate regardless of the true value of missing data (under every feasible 2 x 2 table there is a racial difference). This effect is found in 10 out of 14 state police departments and 9 out of 11 local departments across the United States. That is, for every feasible real world scenario police officers have lower false alarm rates for White drivers than Black drivers.

Conclusion
We interpret this difference in false alarm rate as a threshold bias. That is, officers use different criteria for searching Black drivers than White drivers and this conclusion is not qualified by the unknown contraband rate. Future directions should explore how police officers make the decision to search drivers and develop interventions to address the racial bias in search rate.
Exponential Stability and Hypoelliptic Regularization for the Kinetic Fokker–Planck Equation with Confining Potential
Authors: Arnold Anton , Toshpulatov Gayrat 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper is concerned with a modified entropy method to establish the large-time convergence towards the (unique) steady state, for kinetic Fokker–Planck equations with non-quadratic confinement potentials in whole space. We extend previous approaches by analyzing Lyapunov functionals with non-constant weight matrices in the dissipation functional (a generalized Fisher information). We establish exponential convergence in a weighted $$H^1$$

H
1

-norm with rates that become sharp in the case of quadratic potentials. In the defective case for quadratic potentials, i.e. when the drift matrix has non-trivial Jordan blocks, the weighted $$L^2$$

L
2

-distance between a Fokker–Planck-solution and the steady state has always a sharp decay estimate of the order $$\mathcal O\big ( (1+t)e^{-t\nu /2}\big )$$

O

(

(
1
+
t
)

e

-
t
ν
/
2

)

, with $$\nu $$
ν
the friction parameter. The presented method also gives new hypoelliptic regularization results for kinetic Fokker–Planck equations (from a weighted $$L^2$$

L
2

-space to a weighted $$H^1$$

H
1

-space).
Evaluation of landscape sustainability of protected areas and identification of its correlation factors: a case study of Beijing, China
Authors: Lu Zhuo , Zhuang Youbo , Zhang Yushu , Zhang Shujie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Context
Protected areas (PAs) serve as robust safeguards for the ecological safety of urban areas, and positively affect their socioeconomic development. However, limited research that integrates both ecological and socioeconomic aspects to evaluate the role of PAs.

Objectives
In this study, we aimed to establish an evaluation framework for PAs that applies the concept of landscape sustainability and integrates ecological and socioeconomic functions to enhance understanding of the role of PAs. Additionally, we aimed to develop analytical framework for identifying the correlation elements of landscape sustainability of protected areas (PA-LS) and improving the understanding of the mechanisms underlying PAs.

Methods
This study focused on 38 PAs in Beijing, China. We established the PA-LS evaluation framework to evaluate the role of PAs by analyzing changes in their overall landscape services from 2000 to 2019, and in ecological and socioeconomic functions. Subsequently, an analytical framework was established to identify the correlation factors of PA-LS, focusing on four aspects: the fundamental characteristics of PAs, landscape patterns of PAs, impact of urban areas on PAs, and human well-being within a 5 km buffer of PAs.

Results
The landscape sustainability evaluation of Beijings’ PAs revealed that 30 PAs (78.95% of the total) were strongly sustainable, eight (21.05%) were weakly sustainable, and none unsustainable. The results revealed that there was a positive correlation between several factors and PA-LS, including the density of the road network within a 1 km buffer of the PAs and the economic income and employment rate within a 5 km buffer of the PAs. Conversely, there was a negative correlation between one factor and PA-LS, its the distance between PAs and the urban center. Other factors, such as the category, area, classification of PAs, SHDI (ecological land), ED, LPI (forest) of PAs, and population density and residents’ health within a 5 km buffer of the PAs, were unrelated to PA-LS.

Conclusions
This study established a PA-LS evaluation framework and its correlation factor analytical framework, which significantly contributes to enhancing the value cognition of PAs and enriching landscape-sustainability evaluation methods. Furthermore, the study provides valuable support and serves as a reference for the conservation and management of PAs in Beijing and similar metropolitan cities.
Assessing climate change vulnerability of coastal roads
Authors: Rocchi Lucia , Rizzo Anthony G. , Paolotti Luisa , Boggia Antonio , Attard Maria 
Published: April 2024

AbstractClimate change is a global phenomenon, which affects in several ways different regions all around the world, beyond the rise in global temperature. Among the different climate change issues, the management of transport infrastructures is crucial. Particularly, their vulnerability against changes in climatic conditions should be assessed. Vulnerability indicators are based on the IPCC concept of vulnerability and can be defined as a function of Climate Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive Capacity. These dimensions need to be addressed during the assessment making and can be modelled as a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) problem. This study proposes an integrated approach of several MCDA methods as a possible tool for ranking the climate change vulnerability of coastal roads in Malta. The application covers six coastal roads in the islands of Malta, classified by three different MCDA methods. The results indicate that the proposed approach can produce a consistent ranking of the climate change vulnerability of coastal roads. The study provides policy and decision-makers with a definition of a coastal road, an inventory of such roads, a list of climate change impacts, and a mathematical model incorporating climate change vulnerability indicators. The model can be used to prioritize investment and plan climate change adaptation strategies for infrastructural works on coastal roads.