bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Your silence speaks volumes: Weak states and strategic absence in the UN General Assembly
Authors: Morse Julia C. , Coggins Bridget 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCountry participation in one-state, one-vote forums like the United Nations General Assembly often reflects underlying power asymmetries and endogenous political processes. Voting alignment is undoubtedly an important preference indicator. However, this paper contends that it is incomplete; silence is politically significant as well. Weak states use absence as a form of institutional power that shields them from geopolitical pressure and competing-principals problems. While abstention is a public signal of neutrality that undercuts voting unanimity, the ambiguous intent of absence makes it a distinct form of political expression. We examine the politics of absences at the General Assembly, highlighting how states may be strategically absent from select votes for political reasons. Building on the Bailey et al. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 61(2), 430–456, 2017 roll-call voting data, we distinguish strategic absences from other types of absence and provide evidence that such behavior is linked to US interests and competing-principals problems. Taking these non-random reasons for missingness into account provides a fuller picture of how weak states engage with international institutions and highlights how silence can be a consequence of larger political processes.
Enhanced Spatial Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm for Brain Tissue Segmentation in T1 Images
Authors: Jafrasteh Bahram , Lubián-Gutiérrez Manuel , Lubián-López Simón Pedro , Benavente-Fernández Isabel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays an important role in neurology, particularly in the precise segmentation of brain tissues. Accurate segmentation is crucial for diagnosing brain injuries and neurodegenerative conditions. We introduce an Enhanced Spatial Fuzzy C-means (esFCM) algorithm for 3D T1 MRI segmentation to three tissues, i.e. White Matter (WM), Gray Matter (GM), and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF). The esFCM employs a weighted least square algorithm utilizing the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) for polynomial bias field correction. It also takes advantage of the information from the membership function of the last iteration to compute neighborhood impact. This strategic refinement enhances the algorithm’s adaptability to complex image structures, effectively addressing challenges such as intensity irregularities and contributing to heightened segmentation accuracy. We compare the segmentation accuracy of esFCM against four variants of FCM, Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and FSL and ANTs algorithms using four various dataset, employing three measurement criteria. Comparative assessments underscore esFCM’s superior performance, particularly in scenarios involving added noise and bias fields.The obtained results emphasize the significant potential of the proposed method in the segmentation of MRI images.
Market potential: the measurement of domestic market size
Authors: Bruna Fernando 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Influenced by the concept of the strength of a force in physics, access to markets has since the 1940s been evaluated by indicators of ‘potential’, measured as a sum of a distance-weighted of population or market size of foreign or external territories. Later development of the New Economic Geography (NEG) by Paul Krugman did not solve the problem of calculating internal market size in a way that can be used to add it to calculations for external market potential. This paper analyzes the consequences of geometrical justifications in measuring internal market potential. For a sample of European regions, the paper concludes that the literature should be more explicit about historical processes of agglomeration and methods of calculating internal market size.
Extramammary Paget Disease of Oral Mucosa: Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Dababneh Melad N. , Bottalico Danielle M. , Schneider Keith M. , Moh Michelle , Stojanov Ivan J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExtramammary Paget disease (EPMD) of the oral mucosa is an unusual and extremely rare condition, with fewer than ten cases documented. Here, we report a case of EMPD extensively involving oral mucosa and underlying salivary ducts in a 72-year-old male and review published clinical, histologic, immunophenotypic, and prognostic features of this rare entity.
The roles of parent temperament and parenting styles in adolescent temperament development
Authors: Meuronen Johanna , O’Leary Mira , Nolvi Saara , Tunkkari Mari , Kiuru Noona 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examined temperament development from early to middle adolescence and the roles of parenting styles and parent temperament in this development. The sample consisted of 842 adolescents (n = 842 in Grade 6; 54% girls) and their parents (N = 707). Adolescents assessed their temperament in Grades 6 and 9 and parents assessed their temperament and parenting styles when adolescents were in Grade 6. The results showed that adolescent affiliativeness increased and effortful control decreased from early to middle adolescence. High parental warmth was related to higher adolescent affiliativeness and higher effortful control, but also to a decrease in adolescent negative affectivity. High parental behavioral control, in turn, was related to adolescents’ initially higher, but subsequently decreasing surgency. Further, high parental psychological control was related to lower adolescent effortful control. Parent temperament was also related to adolescent temperament, and parenting styles partially mediated several associations between parents’ and adolescents’ temperament. The results suggest that parents’ temperament and parenting styles are related to adolescents’ temperament development in a complex manner, even as adolescents seek to gain independence from parents. Understanding the roles of parental temperament and parenting in adolescent temperament development is important in order to support adolescents in their development towards a stable adulthood.
Hypergravity Impact on Fertility of Apis mellifera carnica Queens – Case Study
Authors: Stasiowska Dagmara , Kolasa Michał 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe launch is considered the most stressful rocket flight stage due to the hypergravity occurrences. The possibility of using honey bees (Apis mellifera) as the extraterrestrial pollinator depends on their ability to reproduce correctly after experiencing hypergravity. The described study aims to verify the impact of a launching rocket’s acceleration on honey bee queen’s egg-laying behavior. Four artificially inseminated A. mellifera carnica queens were placed in the Human Training Centrifuge and given to the acceleration pattern of the launching Soyuz rocket. Next, the data on the number of food stores, eggs, larvae, and worker and drone pupae were collected from the test and control hives using the modified Liebefeld method. The pilot study results imply that accelerated queen’s egg-laying behavior may change twofold: limiting or maximizing the number of laid eggs, with the control queen egg-laying rate remaining stable for all samples. The number of drone pupae is greater for the test sample colonies, with its earlier appearance in the hive. No impact on overwintering success was observed. Authors indicate limitations of the results and a need to continue the study to verify the occurrence of anomalies potentially related to the examined factor.
Spatial and Ontogenetic Trophic Dynamics of Co-occurring Predatory Fishes in a Northern Gulf of Mexico Estuary
Authors: Livernois Mariah C. , Rezek Ryan J. , Wells R. J. David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCo-occurring predators often exhibit ecological niche partitioning, resulting from competition over evolutionary time. However, in productive estuarine ecosystems with high resource availability, predators may occupy similar niches without conflict. Determining the degree of niche partitioning and overlap among co-occurring predators can provide insights into a food web’s function and its potential resiliency to perturbations. This study used stable isotope analysis to assess the trophic ecology of four predators in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA: spotted seatrout, black drum, bull shark, and alligator gar. Spatially distinct primary producer isotopic ratios emerged for both δ13C and δ15N following salinity regimes, which translated to similar patterns in predator tissue. The volume and overlap among species’ trophic niches also varied spatially, with species-specific expansion and contraction of niches across the freshwater-marine continuum. The observed niche patterns were likely related to movements, with implications for trophic coupling across the estuarine landscape. Using regional delineations for baseline values yielded trophic position estimates that were validated by compound-specific stable isotopes and were similar (3.77 to 3.96) for all species but black drum (3.25). Trophic position increased with body length for all species but black drum, and these relationships differed when using estuary-wide versus regionally distinct baselines. Alligator gar gut contents were examined, which primarily aligned with piscivory but also included previously unreported taxa (insect, mammal). Collectively, these results provide evidence for spatial and ontogenetic shifts in trophic ecology within this predator assemblage and highlight the importance of spatial scale when using stable isotopes to examine estuarine food webs.
“Allowing Space for Voice…All Our Voices”: Understanding Ho‘ouna Pono Implementation Through Educational Leadership Perspectives in Rural Hawai‘i Schools
Authors: Okamura Kelsie H. , Palafu Tessa , An Katlyn , Marshall Sarah Momilani , Chin Steven Keone , Stern Kelly A. , Powell Byron J. , Becker Sara J. , Mandell David S. , Okamoto Scott K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEpidemiological research over the past two decades has highlighted substance use disparities that affect Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth, and the lack of effective approaches to address such disparities (Okamoto et al. in Asian American Journal of Psychology 10(3):239–248, 2019). The Ho‘ouna Pono curriculum is a culturally grounded, teacher-implemented, video-enhanced substance use prevention program that has demonstrated efficacy in rural Hawaiʻi in a large-scale trial (Okamoto in Asian American Journal of Psychology 10(3):239–248, 2019). Despite its potential to ameliorate health disparities and address youth substance use, prevention programs such as Ho‘ouna Pono have been poorly disseminated and implemented across Hawaiʻi, raising the question: Why are effective prevention programs not used in communities that most need them? The present study used concept mapping to understand previously identified implementation barriers and develop implementation strategies for Ho‘ouna Pono. Seven Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE) educational leaders and administrators sorted Ho‘ouna Pono implementation barriers (e.g., “There is a lack of HIDOE funding to support prevention curricula”), named concepts, and rated barriers’ perceived impact and difficulty. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis yielded a five-cluster solution: (1) Kumu (Hawaiian word for teacher) Controlled, (2) School Level Buy-in, (3) Curriculum, (4) Student Attitudes + Mindsets (Family + Community), and (5) Policy. Participant ratings identified eight high-impact and low-difficulty barriers. Discussion revealed important intersections among barriers indicating the need for coordinated and cross-level implementation strategies to support Ho‘ouna Pono sustainment. Brainstormed implementation strategies using participants’ own language highlighted a need for participatory methods in school settings to bidirectionally share ways to best sustain substance use prevention programs.
Salinity distribution in agricultural land by geophysical, hydrochemical and geostatistical approaches: a pilot area located in Qelabshowah–Belqas, East Nile Delta region, Egypt
Authors: Genedi Mohamed A. , Ahmed Mohammed A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe study area is situated in the Qelabshowah–Belqas region, known for its Quaternary deposits. This research aims to demonstrate the two-dimensional (2D) variation of subsurface layers and salinity distribution using geoelectrical data, hydrochemical analysis, and geostatistical analysis. DC resistivity measurements were taken at fifteen vertical electrical sounding (VES) survey points using a Schlumberger array (AB/2 = 100 m) along three profiles. In addition, an electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey was conducted with a dipole–dipole array across one profile. Seven surface water samples were collected in the area. From the 1D and 2D inversion of VES and ERT data sets, three-to-four geoelectric layers were identified, including unconsolidated surface deposits, saturated clayey sand, saturated sand, and a salt-rich layer. The 2D inversion of VES data revealed an ancient salt-rich layer deposited in swampy conditions over a conductive wet sand layer along profile one due to salt mineral infiltration and dissolution. The 2D inversion of ERT data showed accurate lateral geometric accuracy compared to the 2D inversion of VES data, highlighting geological features, such as caves in the second layer and a buried water canal on the ground surface. Surface water samples showed high salinity levels with sodium hazards, indicating an Na–Cl composition. Geoelectric and hydrochemical data sets were geostatistically analyzed using spherical variogram supported ordinary Kriging interpolation. The analysis indicated weak to moderate spatial dependency for true resistivity parameters, while sodium content (SC) and permeability index (PI) showed strong spatial correlation. The 2D spatial distribution resistivity maps based on the 1D inversion of VES data displayed a general decrease in resistivity with depth, likely due to clay minerals or moist soil in the second layer and saline irrigation water infiltration in the third layer. The 2D spatial distribution of SC and PI showed a high concentration zone, posing a potential risk to agricultural crops regardless of soil permeability. It is recommended to use these maps when cultivating plants that can tolerate high sodium levels during the reclamation process.
Combined modelling of micro-level outstanding claim counts and individual claim frequencies in non-life insurance
Authors: Bücher Axel , Rosenstock Alexander 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUsually, the actuarial problems of predicting the number of claims incurred but not reported (IBNR) and of modelling claim frequencies are treated successively by insurance companies. New micro-level methods designed for large datasets are proposed that address the two problems simultaneously. The methods are based on an elaborated occurrence process model that includes both a claim intensity model and a claim development model. The influence of claim feature variables is modelled by suitable neural networks. Extensive simulation experiments and a case study on a large real data set from a motor legal insurance portfolio show accurate predictions at both the aggregate and individual policy level, as well as appropriate fitted models for claim frequencies. Moreover, a novel alternative approach combining data from classic triangle-based methods with a micro-level intensity model is introduced and compared to the full micro-level approach.
Effect of stearic acid modification on properties of pearl millet starch
Authors: Sultana Afreen , Punia Bangar Sneh , Whiteside William Scott 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe present study aims Pennisetum glaucum (commonly known as pearl millet) starch modification with stearic acid at various concentrations (2.4, 2.6, and 4.8%) to improve starch functionality. The interaction of stearic acid and starch was verified by X-ray diffractogram which showed peaks at 15.1°, 23.2°, and a doublet with peaks at 17.1° and 18°confirming that an A-type crystalline starch was successfully isolated from pearl millet. The crystallinity pattern of the starch-stearic acid complex was similar to native starch, but there was a slight increase in peak intensity, and an additional peak at 21.42° (SSA3) was recorded, which might be due to aggregates of stearic acid. The surface of the starch granules was slightly dented and punctured as a result of the stearic acid modification, which SEM confirmed. DSC pattern showed that compared to native starch, the starch-stearic acid complex had higher peak temperatures of 123.21 °C (SSA3), demonstrating greater thermal stability. Complex formation was also interpreted from the FTIR spectrum, which showed a small peak at 1698 cm−1 in starch-stearic acid composite samples, which might be due to the stretching vibration of C═O of stearic acid. The complexing index of the sample increased from 26.81 to 90.32% on increasing the stearic acid concentration from 2.4 to 4.8%, respectively. This characterization confirmed the reaction between the hydroxyl group of starch and stearic acid, which showed an increase in thermal stability and can also help improve hydrophobicity, which implies that this complex has the potential for usage in food packaging with improved barrier properties.
Graphical abstract
Pedagogical content knowledge about the sustainability of high school chemistry and biology teachers
Authors: Muñoz-Galván Mariana , Padilla Kira 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPedagogical content knowledge is specialised knowledge resulting from the practice and experience of the teacher in the classroom. This research aims to analyse teachers’ thinking based on the study of this knowledge and its application to sustainability in teachers who teach the subjects of chemistry and biology at the high school level in Mexico City. The methodology was a multiple case study of ten in-service high school chemistry and biology teachers. The results made it possible to analyse the teachers’ thinking about teaching sustainability in the context of biology and chemistry about the following central topics: ecological balance, natural resources, biodiversity, ecosystems, environment, energy, climate change, and pollution. It was possible to obtain information about how teachers understand teaching–learning processes for sustainability, their knowledge about the topics analysed, the strategies used, the representations and the different evaluation activities they use, and the difficulties that arise when teaching sustainability in their classes.
Career Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Türkiye: Mediating Role of Teacher İnnovativeness and İnstructional Practice
Authors: Ertaş Behiye Dağdeviren , Pekmezci Fulya Barış 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Scholarly research on teachers’ job satisfaction has recently attracted the attention of researchers. However, only few studies have focused on the factors that address teachers’ job satisfaction, as to reveal whether and to what extent teachers’ career motivations, especially social utility motivation, affect job satisfaction. Existing literature suggests that social utility motivation is likely to affect the factors such as teachers’ commitment, teaching practices, self-efficacy, and professionalism, which can be considered necessary for job satisfaction. In this context, this study aims to reveal the effect of teachers’ social utility motivation on job satisfaction and the mediating effect performed by instructional practice and teacher innovation, using data from the TALIS 2018 dataset. Based on our research questions, we used data teacher questionnaires gathered in Türkiye. After accounting for missing values, the structural equation modeling analysis 2539 teachers from Türkiye. In the study, the researchers applied a mediation analysis of structural equation modeling to test the proposed model. The results of the analysis confirm that instructional practice and teacher innovation mediate between social utility motivation and job satisfaction. This research is expected to contribute to the studies that focus on the effects of social utility motivation on job satisfaction.
Physical activity, exercise habits and health-related quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Huagang , Chau Pui Hing , Choi Edmond Pui Hang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Although exercise has the potential to yield numerous benefits for maintenance hemodialysis patients, the relationship between physical activity, exercise habits, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to characterize the physical activity, exercise habits, and HRQOL of maintenance hemodialysis patients while examining the associations between these factors.

Methods
A convenience sampling was used to recruit 827 patients from 74 dialysis units in China. The structured questionnaire included sociodemographics, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, exercise habits, and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 1.3. An independent samples t-test, multivariable logistic regression analysis, and multivariable linear regression analysis were used.

Results
The physical activity levels of 69% of participants were found to be below the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Despite 62.4% of participants reporting regular exercise, 73.8% reported light exercise intensity, and 92.6% engaged in walking or jogging. Participants’ HRQOL was higher in the low-intensity exercise group compared with the moderate-to-hard-intensity exercise group. Moderate-to-high physical activity was associated with better HRQOL in 13 of the 19 domains and regular exercise was linked to higher HRQOL in four of the 19 domains.

Conclusions
This study identified a low level of physical activity, light exercise intensity, and walking as the primary exercise type among the participants. A significant correlation was found between higher physical activity levels, regular exercise, and better HRQOL for maintenance hemodialysis patients. It is advisable to implement strategies to enhance physical activity levels and design exercise programs for maintenance hemodialysis patients based on their real-world physical activity levels and exercise habits.

Graphical abstract