bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On certain matrix algebras related to quasi-Toeplitz matrices
Authors: Bini Dario A. , Meini Beatrice 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLet $$A_\alpha $$

A
α

be the semi-infinite tridiagonal matrix having subdiagonal and superdiagonal unit entries, $$(A_\alpha )_{11}=\alpha $$

(

A
α

)

11

=
α

, where $$\alpha \in \mathbb C$$

α
∈
C

, and zero elsewhere. A basis $$\{P_0,P_1,P_2,\ldots \}$$

{

P
0

,

P
1

,

P
2

,
…
}

of the linear space $$\mathcal {P}_\alpha $$

P
α

spanned by the powers of $$A_\alpha $$

A
α

is determined, where $$P_0=I$$

P
0

=
I

, $$P_n=T_n+H_n$$

P
n

=

T
n

+

H
n

, $$T_n$$

T
n

is the symmetric Toeplitz matrix having ones in the nth super- and sub-diagonal, zeros elsewhere, and $$H_n$$

H
n

is the Hankel matrix with first row $$[\theta \alpha ^{n-2}, \theta \alpha ^{n-3}, \ldots , \theta , \alpha , 0, \ldots ]$$

[
θ

α

n
-
2

,
θ

α

n
-
3

,
…
,
θ
,
α
,
0
,
…
]

, where $$\theta =\alpha ^2-1$$

θ
=

α
2

-
1

. The set $$\mathcal {P}_\alpha $$

P
α

is an algebra, and for $$\alpha \in \{-1,0,1\}$$

α
∈
{
-
1
,
0
,
1
}

, $$H_n$$

H
n

has only one nonzero anti-diagonal. This fact is exploited to provide a better representation of symmetric quasi-Toeplitz matrices $$\mathcal{Q}\mathcal{T}_S$$

Q

T
S

, where, instead of representing a generic matrix $$A\in \mathcal{Q}\mathcal{T}_S$$

A
∈
Q

T
S

as $$A=T+K$$

A
=
T
+
K

, where T is Toeplitz and K is compact, it is represented as $$A=P+H$$

A
=
P
+
H

, where $$P\in \mathcal {P}_\alpha $$

P
∈

P
α

and H is compact. It is shown experimentally that the matrix arithmetic obtained this way is much more effective than that implemented in the toolbox of Numer. Algo. 81(2):741–769, 2019.
Teachers’ perspectives on pay incentives in England: performance evaluation in a context of high-stakes accountability
Authors: Proudfoot Kevin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article examines a national policy of performance-related pay for teachers in the educational context of England, as understood in relation to the concept of New Public Management. Using a mixed methods approach employing surveys and in-depth interviews, the article considers the perspectives of working teachers, thus engaging directly with those who might be incentivized (or disincentivized) by performance pay. Significant implications for the broader international policy context are drawn in terms of teachers’ complex and problematic attitudes towards incentivization, particularly when performance pay is located within a wider agenda of New Public Management.
The political economy of the original “Thucydides’ Trap”: a conflict economics perspective on the Peloponnesian war
Authors: Tridimas George 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The Peloponnesian War, 431–404, between democratic Athens and oligarchic Sparta was a long, destructive war ending with the total surrender of Athens. Scholars of Thucydides, the ancient historian of the conflict, have dwelt on two different explanations of the causes of the War. First, the “Thucydides’ Trap”, which argues that Sparta’s fear of the growing power of Athens rendered peace arrangements non-credible and made war inevitable. Second, the unwise leadership, which blames key political leaders for their erroneous judgments in the affairs of the state. Using the perspective of the economics of conflict the present study questions both views. It argues that the non-credibility of peace is at best an incomplete explanation of the conflict, and the unwise leadership hypothesis requires a systematic account of the factors affecting leaders to choose war. Noting that the clash between Sparta and Athens had started earlier, in 460, the study shows that its causes related to calculations of material and non-material benefits from victory, perceptions of the probability of military success, problems of domestic political accountability, and the valuation of the future. Importantly, it also shows that the role of these factors differed significantly at the different phases of the extended conflict.
Mesoporous magnetic biochar derived from common reed (Phragmites australis) for rapid and efficient removal of methylene blue from aqueous media
Authors: Mortada Wael Ibrahim , Ghaith Mahmoud Mohsen , Khedr Nada Elsayed , Ellethy Mostafa Ibrahim , Mohsen Alaa Waleed , Shafik Amira Labib 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA novel mesoporous magnetic biochar (MBC) was prepared, using a randomly growing plant, i.e., common reed, as an exporter of carbon, and applied for removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The prepared sorbent was characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, saturation magnetization, pH of point of zero charges (pHPZC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained MBC has a specific surface area of 94.2 m2 g−1and a pore radius of 4.1 nm, a pore volume of 0.252 cm3 g−1, a saturation magnetization of 0.786 emu g−1, and a pHPZCof 6.2. Batch adsorption experiments were used to study the impact of the physicochemical factors involved in the adsorption process. The findings revealed that MB removal by MBC was achieved optimally at pH 8.0, sorbent dosage of 1.0 g L−1, and contact time of 30 min. At these conditions, the maximum adsorption was 353.4 mg g−1. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherm indicated that the Langmuir pattern matched well with the experimental data, compared to the Freindlich model. The ∆Gwas − 6.7, − 7.1, and − 7.5 kJ mol−1, at 298, 308, and 318 K, respectively, indicating a spontaneous process. The values of ∆Hand ∆Swere 5.71 kJ mol−1and 41.6 J mol−1 K−1, respectively, suggesting endothermic and the interaction between MB and MBC is van der Waals type. The absorbent was regenerated and reused for four cycles after elution with 0.1 mol L−1of HCl. This study concluded that the magnetic biochar generated from common reed has tremendous promise in the practical use of removing MB from wastewater.Graphic Abstract
Soil bacterial activity and functional diversity as indicators of recultivation of alkaline settlements of a ‘Solvay’ process
Authors: Siwek Paweł , Jaźwa Małgorzata , Niklińska Maria , Klimek Beata 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Many industries continuously produce large volumes of alkaline residues. After recultivation, former landfills can be an important element providing ecosystem services in highly urbanised areas.

Materials and methods
We studied the relationship between vegetation and soil bacterial characteristics using Biolog® ECO plates on recultivated areas of the Solvay heaps, and participation of invasive species in plant community in progressive succession.

Results and discussion
Bacterial activity and functional diversity indices were correlated with soil physicochemical properties (soil organic matter content, water holding capacity, total phosphorus content, and soil pH). Plots with a higher total number of vascular plant species, including forest floor species, and a higher Shannon–Wiener index of vegetation diversity H'plant, were characterised by a higher amino acid utilisation by soil bacteria. Soil bacteria CLPP (community-level physiological profiles) were most influenced by soil physical and chemical properties, but also by the proportion of invasive species in the total number of plant species. In conclusion, soil physical and chemical properties dominate vegetation characteristics in shaping the functional diversity of soil bacteria. Invasive species may be an influential component of ecosystems during spontaneous succession of degraded soils.
Geometric Representation of Classes of Concave Functions and Duality
Authors: Ivanov Grigory , Werner Elisabeth M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing a natural representation of a 1/s-concave function on $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

as a convex set in $${\mathbb {R}}^{d+1},$$

R

d
+
1

,

we derive a simple formula for the integral of its s-polar. This leads to convexity properties of the integral of the s-polar function with respect to the center of polarity. In particular, we prove that the reciprocal of the integral of the polar function of a log-concave function is log-concave as a function of the center of polarity. Also, we define the Santaló regions for s-concave and log-concave functions and generalize the Santaló inequality for them in the case the origin is not the Santaló point.
Tracing culinary practices in the western provinces of the Roman Empire using Organic Residue Analysis
Authors: Baniou Theoni , Suryanarayan Akshyeta , Livarda Alexandra , Romaní Sala Núria , Moraleda-Cibrián Nuria , Villanueva Joan , Rodrigo Requena Esther 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aims at reconstructing foodways in the north-east (NE) of the Iberian Peninsula, focusing on lipid residue analysis of utilitarian vessels and using as case studies the sites of Puig Castellar of Biosca (180–120 BCE) and Guissona (120 BCE-third century CE). In total, fifty vessel fragments of different types and origins were analysed with techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). As some vessel fragments were recovered from waterlogged contexts, they had excellent lipid preservation, which enabled the detection of various compounds that are rarely reported in archaeological contexts in Iberia. Analyses revealed both animal and plant products in the vessels, suggested that a variety of food resources was consumed, and that vessels had multiple uses. The detection of levoglucosan in some extracts, along with other heat markers, further suggested the presence of cellulose or starchy products in contact with fire as well as the heating of animal fats. Combined with available bioarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental studies from both sites, the analyses indicated a continuity in diet across the time periods during which the sites were occupied. Some differences were also observed, including the possible use of tubers until the first century CE. The results are then contextualised and compared with other available organic residue studies from the Roman Iberian Peninsula. The study demonstrates how the combination of multiple bioarchaeological proxies and biomolecular approaches can provide a holistic means to approach Roman foodways.
Optimizing Grain Zinc Biofortification in Bread Wheat: Innovative Fertilization Strategies for Field Conditions
Authors: Akca Hanife , Taban Suleyman 
Published: June 2024

AbstractZinc deficiency in humans is of worldwide concern. The aim of this study is to enrich grains with Zn through soil application at different doses and foliar application from various sources. For this purpose, two independent field experiments have been conducted. In Experiment I, Zn (ZnSO4.7H2O) was applied through soil as basal and top dressing. The treatments were Zn0: control, Zn1: 5 kg Zn ha−1 as basal, Zn2: 2.5 kg Zn ha−1 as basal and 2.5 kg Zn ha−1 as top dressing and Zn3: 5 kg Zn ha−1 as top dressing. In Experiment II, Zn was applied as foliar from different sources (ZnSO4.7H2O, Zn-Methionine, Zn-Polyol and Zn-EDTA) at different growth stages with or without urea. In both experiments, Zn concentration in the grain and leaves of wheat and grain yield increased while phytic acid and PA/Zn molar ratio decreased due to soil or foliar Zn application. It was determined that the application of ZnSO4.7H2O in the soil at the top dressing period in Experiment I and the application of ZnSO4.7H2O and Zn-Methionine forms together with urea in Experiment II were effective methods in increasing grain yield and grain Zn concentration. The application of ZnSO4.7H2O from both soil and foliar sources, especially in combination with urea, has proven to be highly effective in the Zn biofortification of wheat grains. It is possible to assert that the use of ZnSO4.7H2O, which is cost-effective compared to other sources, could contribute significantly to enhancing zinc nutrition in humans.
Lime Hempcrete Composites Based on Unfired Binders. A Review
Authors: Haik Rotem , Peled Alva , Meir Isaac A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHempcrete has emerged as a viable and environmentally sound building material based on hemp lime mixture, whose properties render it a low Embodied Energy and Carbon (EE and EC) building material. Additionally, it allows a hempcrete building to achieve low Operational Energy and Carbon (OE and OC) by moderating indoor temperature and relative humidity fluctuations through the year with minimal auxiliary heating or cooling. Hemp shives used in hempcrete are a waste product, yet lime is an energy intensive material. This paper summarizes a research project the purpose of which was to investigate the possibility of substituting the lime in hempcrete with unfired binders, in part of whole, thus lowering the EE and EC of the mixture even further. Results of this research have shown that this is possible without compromising any of the traditional hempcrete properties, e.g., compressive strength and insulating value. A comprehensive Life Cycle Energy Analysis (LCEA) and Life Cycle Carbon Analysis (LCCA) has shown total energy requirements for a prototypical building’s lifespan (50 years) to be between ~ 50–10% of an identical building with conventional materials, and total carbon emissions to be respectively ~ 50–10%.
Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching
Authors: Zhang Hanrui , Han Ying , Lai Jianwei , Wolf Joseph , Lei Zhen , Yang Yang , Shi Feifei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWith the rapid increase in lithium consumption for electric vehicle applications, its price soared during the past decade. To secure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain, it is critical to unlock alternative lithium extraction resources beyond conventional brine. In this study, we develop an electrochemical method to directly leach lithium from α-phase spodumene. We find the H2O2 promoter can significantly reduce the leaching potential by facilitating the electron transfer and changing the reaction path. Upon leaching, β-phase spodumene shows a typical phase transformation to HAlSi2O6, while leached α-phase remains its original crystal phase with a lattice shrinkage. To demonstrate the scale-up potential of electrochemical leaching, we design a catalyst-modified high-throughput current collector for high loading of suspended spodumene, achieving a leaching current of 18 mA and a leaching efficiency of 92.2%. Electrochemical leaching will revolutionize traditional leaching and recycling processes by minimizing the environmental footprint and energy consumption.
Atom-level interaction design between amines and support for achieving efficient and stable CO2 capture
Authors: Sun Xin , Shen Xuehua , Wang Hao , Yan Feng , Hua Jiali , Li Guanghuan , Zhang Zuotai 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAmine-functionalized adsorbents offer substantial potential for CO2 capture owing to their selectivity and diverse application scenarios. However, their effectiveness is hindered by low efficiency and unstable cyclic performance. Here we introduce an amine-support system designed to achieve efficient and stable CO2 capture. Through atom-level design, each polyethyleneimine (PEI) molecule is precisely impregnated into the cage-like pore of MIL–101(Cr), forming stable composites via strong coordination with unsaturated Cr acid sites within the crystal lattice. The resulting adsorbent demonstrates a low regeneration energy (39.6 kJ/molCO2), excellent cyclic stability (0.18% decay per cycle under dry CO2 regeneration), high CO2 adsorption capacity (4.0 mmol/g), and rapid adsorption kinetics (15 min for saturation at 30 °C). These properties stem from the unique electron-level interaction between the amine and the support, effectively preventing carbamate products’ dehydration. This work presents a feasible and promising cost-effective and sustainable CO2 capture strategy.
Potential pandemic risk of circulating swine H1N2 influenza viruses
Authors: Le Sage Valerie , Rockey Nicole C. , French Andrea J. , McBride Ryan , McCarthy Kevin R. , Rigatti Lora H. , Shephard Meredith J. , Jones Jennifer E. , Walter Sydney G. , Doyle Joshua D. , Xu Lingqing , Barbeau Dominique J. , Wang Shengyang , Frizzell Sheila A. , Myerburg Michael M. , Paulson James C. , McElroy Anita K. , Anderson Tavis K. , Vincent Baker Amy L. , Lakdawala Seema S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInfluenza A viruses in swine have considerable genetic diversity and continue to pose a pandemic threat to humans due to a potential lack of population level immunity. Here we describe a pipeline to characterize and triage influenza viruses for their pandemic risk and examine the pandemic potential of two widespread swine origin viruses. Our analysis reveals that a panel of human sera collected from healthy adults in 2020 has no cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies against a α-H1 clade strain (α-swH1N2) but do against a γ-H1 clade strain. The α-swH1N2 virus replicates efficiently in human airway cultures and exhibits phenotypic signatures similar to the human H1N1 pandemic strain from 2009 (H1N1pdm09). Furthermore, α-swH1N2 is capable of efficient airborne transmission to both naïve ferrets and ferrets with prior seasonal influenza immunity. Ferrets with H1N1pdm09 pre-existing immunity show reduced α-swH1N2 viral shedding and less severe disease signs. Despite this, H1N1pdm09-immune ferrets that became infected via the air can still onward transmit α-swH1N2 with an efficiency of 50%. These results indicate that this α-swH1N2 strain has a higher pandemic potential, but a moderate level of impact since there is reduced replication fitness and pathology in animals with prior immunity.
Global impacts of marine heatwaves on coastal foundation species
Authors: Smith Kathryn E. , Aubin Margot , Burrows Michael T. , Filbee-Dexter Karen , Hobday Alistair J. , Holbrook Neil J. , King Nathan G. , Moore Pippa J. , Sen Gupta Alex , Thomsen Mads , Wernberg Thomas , Wilson Edward , Smale Dan A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWith increasingly intense marine heatwaves affecting nearshore regions, foundation species are coming under increasing stress. To better understand their impacts, we examine responses of critical, habitat-forming foundation species (macroalgae, seagrass, corals) to marine heatwaves in 1322 shallow coastal areas located across 85 marine ecoregions. We find compelling evidence that intense, summer marine heatwaves play a significant role in the decline of foundation species globally. Critically, detrimental effects increase towards species warm-range edges and over time. We also identify several ecoregions where foundation species don’t respond to marine heatwaves, suggestive of some resilience to warming events. Cumulative marine heatwave intensity, absolute temperature, and location within a species’ range are key factors mediating impacts. Our results suggest many coastal ecosystems are losing foundation species, potentially impacting associated biodiversity, ecological function, and ecosystem services provision. Understanding relationships between marine heatwaves and foundation species offers the potential to predict impacts that are critical for developing management and adaptation approaches.
Controlled switching thiocarbonylthio end-groups enables interconvertible radical and cationic single-unit monomer insertions and RAFT polymerizations
Authors: He Wei , Tao Wei , Wei Ze , Tong Guoming , Liu Xiaojuan , Tan Jiajia , Yang Sheng , Hu Jinming , Liu Guhuan , Yang Ronghua 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo emulate the ordered arrangement of monomer units found in natural macromolecules, single-unit monomer insertion (SUMI) have emerged as a potent technique for synthesizing sequence-controlled vinyl polymers. Specifically, numerous applications necessitate vinyl polymers encompassing both radically and cationically polymerizable monomers, posing a formidable challenge due to the distinct thiocarbonylthio end-groups required for efficient control over radical and cationic SUMIs. Herein, we present a breakthrough in the form of interconvertible radical and cationic SUMIs achieved through the manipulation of thiocarbonylthio end-groups. The transition from a trithiocarbonate (for radical SUMI) to a dithiocarbamate (for cationic SUMI) is successfully accomplished via a radical-promoted reaction with bis(thiocarbonyl) disulfide. Conversely, the reverse transformation utilizes the reaction between dithiocarbamate and bistrithiocarbonate disulfide under a cationic mechanism. Employing this strategy, we demonstrate a series of synthetic examples featuring discrete oligomers containing acrylate, maleimide, vinyl ether, and styrene, compositions unattainable through the SUMI of a single mechanism alone.
SLAM-family receptors promote resolution of ILC2-mediated inflammation
Authors: Wang Yuande , Quan Yuhe , He Junming , Chen Shasha , Dong Zhongjun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractType 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) initiate early allergic inflammation in the lung, but the factors that promote subsequent resolution of type 2 inflammation and prevent prolonged ILC2 activation are not fully known. Here we show that SLAM-family receptors (SFR) play essential roles in this process. We demonstrate dynamic expression of several SFRs on ILC2s during papain-induced type 2 immunity in mice. SFR deficiency exacerbates ILC2-driven eosinophil infiltration in the lung, and results in a significant increase in IL-13 production by ILC2s exclusively in mediastinal lymph nodes (MLN), leading to increased dendritic cell (DC) and TH2 cell numbers. In MLNs, we observe more frequent interaction between ILC2s and bystander T cells, with T cell-expressed SFRs (especially SLAMF3 and SLAMF5) acting as self-ligands to suppress IL-13 production by ILC2s. Mechanistically, homotypic engagement of SFRs at the interface between ILC2s and T cells delivers inhibitory signaling primarily mediated by SHIP-1. This prevents activation of NF-κB, driven by IL-7 and IL-33, two major drivers of ILC2-mediated type 2 immunity. Thus, our study shows that an ILC2-DC-TH2 regulatory axis may promote the resolution of pulmonary type 2 immune responses, and highlights SLAMF3/SLAMF5 as potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating type 2 immunity.
Natural variation in BnaA07.MKK9 confers resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot in oilseed rape
Authors: Lin Li , Zhang Xingrui , Fan Jialin , Li Jiawei , Ren Sichao , Gu Xin , Li Panpan , Xu Meiling , Xu Jingyi , Lei Wenjing , Liu Dongxiao , Sun Qinfu , Cai Guangqin , Yang Qing-Yong , Wang Youping , Wu Jian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the most devastating diseases for several major oil-producing crops. Despite its impact, the genetic basis of SSR resistance in plants remains poorly understood. Here, through a genome-wide association study, we identify a key gene, BnaA07. MKK9, that encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase that confers SSR resistance in oilseed rape. Our functional analyses reveal that BnaA07.MKK9 interacts with BnaC03.MPK3 and BnaC03.MPK6 and phosphorylates them at the TEY activation motif, triggering a signaling cascade that initiates biosynthesis of ethylene, camalexin, and indole glucosinolates, and promotes accumulation of H2O2 and the hypersensitive response, ultimately conferring resistance. Furthermore, variations in the coding sequence of BnaA07.MKK9 alter its kinase activity and improve SSR resistance by ~30% in cultivars carrying the advantageous haplotype. These findings enhance our understanding of SSR resistance and may help engineer novel diversity for future breeding of oilseed rape.