bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of iron and manganese in bimetallic biochar composites for efficient persulfate activation and atrazine removal
Authors: Liang Yuan , Tao Ran , Zhao Ben , Meng Zeda , Cheng Yuanyuan , Yang Fan , Lei Huihui , Kong Lingzhao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs for Atrazine (C8H14ClN5) degradation in soil, iron (Fe)-manganese (Mn) bimetallic biochar composites were proved to be more efficient for persulfate (PS) activation than monometallic ones. The atrazine removal rates of Fe/Mn loaded biochar + PS systems were 2.17–2.89 times higher than Fe/Mn loaded biochar alone. Compared with monometallic biochar, the higher atrazine removal rates by bimetallic biochar (77.2–96.7%) were mainly attributed to the synergy degradation and adsorption due to the larger amounts of metal oxides on the biochar surface. Atrazine degradation in Fe-rich biochar systems was mainly attributed to free radicals (i.e., $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{ \cdot - }$$

SO

4

·
-

and ·OH) through oxidative routes, whereas surface-bound radicals, 1O2, and free radicals were responsible for the degradation of atrazine in Mn-rich biochar systems. Furthermore, with a higher ratio of Fe(II) and Mn(III) formed in Fe-rich bimetallic biochar, the valence state exchange between Fe and Mn contributed significantly to the more effective activation of PS and the generation of more free radicals. The pathways of atrazine degradation in the Fe-rich bimetallic biochar systems involved alkyl hydroxylation, alkyl oxidation, dealkylation, and dechlorohydroxylation. The results indicated that bimetallic biochar composites with more Fe and less Mn are more effective for the PS-based degradation of atrazine, which guides the ration design of easily available carbon materials targeted for the efficient remediation of various organic-polluted soil.
Graphical Abstract
Rapidly solidified Al-Cu-Co quasicrystalline alloy: microstructure and catalytic properties
Authors: Zięba Amelia , Stan-Głowińska Katarzyna , Duraczyńska Dorota , Lityńska-Dobrzyńska Lidia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study presents the characterisation and evaluation of the catalytic potential of an alloy with a composition referring to the quasicrystal from the Al-Cu-Co system. The material was synthesised through a melt-spinning process, providing rapid solidification conditions and a favourable material form of thin ribbons. Microstructural and chemical analyses were performed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy methods. The obtained results confirmed the presence of a major phase which was a decagonal quasicrystal in the form of globular grains and additional crystalline phases occurring along the grain boundaries. The catalytic potential of the materials was explored using phenylacetylene hydrogenation. The catalyst, obtained by pulverising the ribbons, demonstrated catalytic activity with over 40% phenylacetylene conversion and selectivity exceeding 60% for styrene production under mild reaction conditions. The recovered catalyst displayed a stable phase composition, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and unchanged morphology, indicating the possibility of catalyst reuse for subsequent reaction cycles. The presented results provide insight into the experimental verification of the catalytic properties of the developed environmentally friendly catalysts.
Urbanization impact on groundwater quality of selected rural and urban areas in Ondo State, Nigeria using Water Quality Index
Authors: Ojo Joy Toluwani , Ojo Ochuko Mary , Olabanji Taiwo Oreoluwa , Aluko Rebecca Taiwo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGroundwater is the primary source of water in Ondo state, Nigeria, the study area for the research. However, there has been a rising concern in recent times with regard to the contamination of this important water source as a result of urbanization. This study quantified 13 physicochemical parameters (Turbidity, Conductivity, pH, Mg2+ Hardness, Ca2+ Hardness, Total hardness, Alkalinity, Chloride, Nitrate, Sulphate, Phosphate, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS)) in ten groundwater samples collected from dug wells in urban and rural study areas and compared them with the WHO drinking water standards. The comparison reveals that 30.8% of the parameters had levels above the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard limits in the study areas, while 69.2% were within the recommended limits. Water Quality Index (WQI) computations were also carried out which revealed that 60% of samples from the urban study area were of good quality and 40% were poor, while in the rural, 80% of the samples were good and the remaining 20% were poor. Based on the statistical and WQI results, groundwater in the urban study area is generally of lower quality than that of the rural. Possible factors influencing this include surface sealing, seepage of domestic and industrial effluents into aquifers and over-exploitation of groundwater, which characterize urbanized areas. The study thus recommends regular monitoring of groundwater quality, integration of effective systems for safe sewage disposal and strategic city planning of urbanized zones to maximize runoffs for groundwater recharge to improve groundwater quality.
Sociocultural determinants of psychological distress and coping among South Asian individuals with chronic illness
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Zeb Hussan , Arif Ijaz , Khan Aimal , Ali Arshad , Ali Akhtar , Aziz Faisal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSociocultural determinants affect the physical and mental well-being and coping of individuals with chronic illnesses. However, no studies have examined the relationship of sociocultural determinants with psychological distress and coping. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of psychological distress and coping among individuals with chronic illness and identify sociocultural determinants affecting distress and coping. A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 384 individuals admitted to inpatient settings and attending outpatient clinics at two tertiary care hospitals. The validated Urdu-translated version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Brief COPE scales were used for data collection. The mean HADS-Depression score was (11.38 ± 2.53), and the HADS-Anxiety score was 13.42 ± 2.34), indicating high levels of depression and anxiety. The most commonly used coping strategies were problem-focused coping (15.95 ± 4.95), followed by emotion-focused coping (15.01 ± 2.33), and avoidance coping (13.89 ± 4.77). Higher levels of psychological distress in individuals with chronic illnesses underscore the importance of implementing community-based support approaches. Varied use of coping strategies was influenced by the type of chronic illness, living conditions, educational level, years of living with a chronic illness, family dynamics, and available support systems.
Two in one: contradictory Christology without gluts?
Authors: d’Agostini Franca 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe central thesis of JC Beall’s paraconsistent Christology is that Christ, being human and divine, is a contradictory being, and a rational Christology can accept it, since logic nowadays does not exclude the possibility of true contradictions. In this paper, I move from Beall’s theory and I present an alternative view. I quote seven statements of the so-called ‘Athanasian Creed’ which synthesizes the results of conciliar Christology. The aim of the Creed is to combat monophysitism by stressing the duplicity and unity of Christ: two (incompatible) natures inseparably joined in only one person. I note that the two-in-one principle, so intended, may be seen as an ancestor of what has been called ‘conjunctive paraconsistency’, whereby there could be true contradictions but contradictories cannot be separately true. I specifically oppose this view to Beall’s idea of Christ’s human divinity (or divine humanity) as a glut, showing that in the conjunctive account, true contradictions do not require any overlapping or joint ascription of truth and falsity.
Equivariant neural network force fields for magnetic materials
Authors: Yuan Zilong , Xu Zhiming , Li He , Cheng Xinle , Tao Honggeng , Tang Zechen , Zhou Zhiyuan , Duan Wenhui , Xu Yong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeural network force fields have significantly advanced ab initio atomistic simulations across diverse fields. However, their application in the realm of magnetic materials is still in its early stage due to challenges posed by the subtle magnetic energy landscape and the difficulty of obtaining training data. Here we introduce a data-efficient neural network architecture to represent density functional theory total energy, atomic forces, and magnetic forces as functions of atomic and magnetic structures. Our approach incorporates the principle of equivariance under the three-dimensional Euclidean group into the neural network model. Through systematic experiments on various systems, including monolayer magnets, curved nanotube magnets, and moiré-twisted bilayer magnets of CrI3, we showcase the method’s high efficiency and accuracy, as well as exceptional generalization ability. The work creates opportunities for exploring magnetic phenomena in large-scale materials systems.
Machine learning for persistent free radicals in biochar: dual prediction of contents and types using regression and classification models
Authors: Latif Junaid , Chen Na , Saleem Azka , Li Kai , Qin Jianjun , Yang Huiqiang , Jia Hanzhong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPersistent free radicals (PFRs) are emerging substances with diverse impacts in biochar applications, necessitating accurate prediction of their content and types prior to their optimal use and minimal adverse effects. This prediction task is challenging due to the nonlinearity and intricate variable relationships of biochar. Herein, we employed data-driven techniques to compile a dataset from peer-reviewed publications, aiming to systematically predict the PFRs by developing supervised machine learning models. Notably, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model exhibited the best predictive performance for both regression and classification tasks in predicting the PFRs, achieving a test R2 value of 0.95 for PFR content prediction, along with an Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve (AUROC) of 0.92 for PFR type prediction, respectively. Based on XGBoost model, a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to access PFRs predictions. Analysis of feature importance revealed that the biochar properties, such as metal/non-metal doping, pyrolysis temperature, carbon content, and specific surface area were identified as the four most significant factors influencing PFRs contents. Regarding the types of PFRs in biochar, specific surface area, pyrolysis temperature, carbon content, and feedstock were top-ranked influencing factors. These findings provide valuable guidance for accurately predicting both the contents and types of PFRs in biochar, and also hold significant potential for highly efficient utilization of biochar across various applications.
Graphical Abstract
Multi-criteria decision making tool for sustainable concrete production using waste polyethylene terephthalate bottle cap aggregates
Authors: Gayake Sudhir Bhaskarrao , Desai Atul K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe widespread use of concrete has raised concerns about the consumption of its raw materials. To address this issue, researchers are actively exploring alternative waste materials to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. With this objective current study aims to investigate potential use of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle cap aggregates on the characteristics of concrete, both in its fresh and hardened states. Three variations of modified waste PET aggregates (PETA): full (F), half (H), and quarter (Q), with the aim of evaluating their suitability as replacements for conventional coarse aggregates (CCA) was examined. The research assesses the effects of different PETA proportions (3%, 5%, and 8%) on concrete workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. The findings reveal that PETA-F and PETA-H adversely affect workability, primarily due to their larger surface area and difficulty in achieving homogeneous blending with other ingredients. In contrast, PETA-Q exhibits superior workability. The use of PETA-Q results in reduced compressive strength due to its smaller size and limited load-bearing capacity. Notably, PETA-H demonstrates improved compressive strength after 28 days. Interestingly, PETA-Q shows enhancements in splitting tensile and flexural strength, making it the top-performing alternative for fresh and hardened concrete properties. Overall, this research indicates that PETA-Q is most suitable for sustainable concrete production. Furthermore, the application of a multi-criteria decision-making tool validates our findings and determines that a 5% replacement of CCA with PETA is optimal, as higher replacements result in strength reduction. The utilization of PETA not only minimizes CCA consumption but also contributes to the development of eco-friendly, sustainable concrete. This study underscores the potential of environmentally conscious concrete and encourages the adoption of sustainable solutions for plastic waste management.
A multiproxy analysis of modern environmental change within a cypress swamp forest, Collier County, FL
Authors: Swick Kathryn , Johanson Erik N. , Comas Xavier 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Florida Everglades are a vast subtropical wetland that historically spanned over 1,000,000 hectares, but much of the Everglades has changed in the last 100 years due to anthropogenic activity. Collier County, situated in southwest FL and bordering the Gulf of Mexico, was subject to alteration in the form of logging, road building, and canal digging. These actions disrupted the natural sheet flow of water and had large environmental impacts on the region, impacts which are slowly being addressed by Everglades restoration efforts. The aim of this work was to observe environmental change at a cypress swamp forest in Collier County within the Big Cypress National Preserve. Using sediment core data including charcoal analysis, loss on ignition, and peat humification, as well as remote sensing techniques, this project uses a novel approach to assess local environmental conditions in the modern era for the region. While this analysis was based on a single core located at the study site, additional ground-penetrating radar profiles at the study site showed a consistent, laterally continuous distribution of subsurface interfaces, therefore suggesting that the core is representative of the conditions at this specific location. Historical records and contemporary data are used to evaluate environmental change over time, and satellite imagery is used to quantify vegetation health. Environmental change related to anthropogenic activity is noted, and evidence of progress from restoration efforts is observed from the last two decades in our study’s data.
Delegation, deregulation, and business power: a comparative analysis of health insurance in Belgium and France
Authors: Benoît Cyril 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBusiness power is thought to increase over time when private actors are involved in the provision of public goods and services. This paper argues that this is partially true—and that in certain circumstances, state actors can even swiftly regain control of sectors previously ceded to private interests. When the latter fulfill some public functions on behalf or as delegates of the state, policymakers face ever greater pressures to sustain a relationship flawed by principal-agent problems—allowing business actors to derive appreciable political benefits. However, these conditions do not hold true after deregulation—when state actors retreat from a sector and attempt to direct the newly created market through licensing, norms, and standard setting. We demonstrate that deregulation sets the stage for a more competitive environment, making it harder for private interests to cooperate. This, in turn, can allow policymakers to enhance regulatory capacities and seize opportunities to highlight the shortcomings of private provision. After establishing this argument theoretically, we illustrate its implications through the comparative historical analysis of the health insurance sector in two European countries—Belgium and France. Despite their initial similarities, they experience contrasting developments regarding the welfare state’s dependency on private insurers for the provision of crucial collective goods.
Learning from failure in ‘an Integral Part’ of EU Law: interpretation of international treaties in the CJEU
Authors: Dunbar Rupert 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Court of Justice of the European Union has been criticised increasingly for its approach to international law. While much literature focuses on reluctance to apply international law (ie refusing direct effect), this criticism also includes interpretation, arguably a more contentious area. The Court interprets international treaties through either the Vienna Convention or its own teleological method, with the latter increasingly applied. The legitimacy of applying localised methods of interpretation to international treaty law is debated in scholarship. Whether the Court’s case law applying international law is Völkerrechtsfreundlichkeit (friendliness to international law) is the focus of most contributions in this area. This Article seeks to move beyond that debate by demonstrating the Court should in all instances seek to achieve the legal imperatives of certainty and justice. It is explained that justice divides into ‘thin’ and ‘thick’ forms. Whilst ‘thin’ justice is widely accepted and amounts to treating like cases alike, substantive (‘thick’ justice) outcomes are inherently debatable. The Article proves the Court is failing to clearly distinguish cases (‘thin’ justice) and that case law is uncertain. There are also significant questions concerning ‘thick’ justice. The Court has been subject to criticism for substantive outcomes in this area, with the Commission and Council even seeking to limit its role. With case law that is uncertain and appears unjust it is argued that there is failure in this ‘integral part of EU law.’ The Court is now under increased pressure, and it is uncertain how it will respond. There are certainly cautionary lessons to be learned concerning the importance of paying proper attention to justice and certainty for EU law as a whole, and beyond.
Deep Agreements
Authors: Baumtrog Michael D. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the character and importance of the study of agreement. This paper, paralleling work on the more familiar concept of deep disagreement, will provide a first articulation of the character and implications of deep agreements, that is, agreements so deep that disagreement cannot overcome them. To do so, I start by outlining the main features of deep disagreement. I then provide a brief characterization of agreement in general to ground the discussion of the unique characteristics of deep agreements and compare them to deep disagreements. After distinguishing the concept from other more familiar ones, I then point to a few of the major social and theoretical issues the existence of deep agreements poses before concluding with some remarks pointing to valuable areas for future research.
Dialectical behaviour therapy: effect of a coordinated implementation approach on programme sustainability
Authors: Joyce M. , Kells M. , Flynn D. , Wall S. , Boylan E. , Dunne L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSustainability of DBT programmes and the factors which potentially influence this has received little attention from researchers. In this article, we review the literature reporting on sustainability of DBT programmes in outpatient settings. We also seek to advance the limited knowledge on this topic by reporting on the sustainability of DBT programmes delivered by teams that trained via a coordinated implementation approach in Ireland. As part of this perspective piece we conducted a systematic literature search which identified four studies reporting on DBT programme sustainability. All four reported on programmes delivered by teams that had received training as per the DBT Intensive Training Model. The findings of these studies are summarised and we consider the effect on DBT programme sustainability of introducing a coordinated implementation approach in Ireland.
Bamboozled by Bonferroni
Authors: Mayo-Wilson Conor 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhen many statistical hypotheses are evaluated simultaneously, statisticians often recommend adjusting (or “correcting”) standard hypothesis tests. In this article, I (1) distinguish two senses of adjustment, (2) investigate the prudential and epistemic goals that adjustment might achieve, and (3) identify conditions under which a researcher should not adjust for multiplicity in the two senses I identify. I tentatively conclude that the goals of scientists and the public may be misaligned with the decision criteria used to evaluate multiple-testing regimes.
Height growth of Mexican boys by geographic region: an evaluation based on nationally representative data of ENSANUT 2012 and 2018
Authors: Flores Luis Alberto , González-Castell Luz Dinorah , Datta Banik Sudip 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExisting research on human growth in Mexico is regionally focused, creating a gap in the understanding of growth patterns of children and adolescents at national level and regional variation. The objective of the present study was to characterize the height growth curve of the Mexican population by geographic area and to cluster the states of the Mexican Republic according to their somatic maturation characteristics, based on a national representative sample of boys. Data on age, height, socioeconomic level, and geographic area of 18,219 boys were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT) and ENSANUT 2018, carried out in 32 Mexican states. Both surveys had representative samples. Preece–Baines 1 model was applied to fit height growth curves. Biological parameters were estimated; principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed to group Mexican states based on these biological parameters. The estimated age at peak height velocity (PHV) was 12.3 years in the sample. Significant regional differences in the timing and tempo of PHV among Mexican boys were observed. Boys in the northern region experienced PHV at an earlier age and had a shorter duration of growth compared with boys in the central and southern regions. Boys in the central region had a longer duration of growth and a later age of PHV compared with the boys in the southern region. The cluster that included the southern states of the country showed estimated lower adult height and earlier somatic maturation. A lower height was found in the low and low-middle socioeconomic levels compared with the medium-high and high socioeconomic levels. Future research in Mexico should focus on longitudinal studies to analyse the timing and tempo of growth and maturation, considering the impacts of environmental and genetic factors. Public health strategies should account for geographic variations.