bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Gas Consumption in England and Wales: Assessing the Residential Sector Using Sequence Analysis
Authors: Ward Cameron , Robinson Caitlin , Singleton Alexander , Rowe Francisco 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe UK residential sector is energy inefficient and has an overwhelming reliance on natural gas as a heating source. For the UK to meet its 2050 net zero obligations, the sector will need to go through a process of decarbonisation. Previous studies acknowledge the spatial disparities of household energy consumption, but have neglected how consumption varies over time. This paper advances such shortcomings via a sequence and clustering analysis to identify common gas consumption trajectories within neighbourhoods in England and Wales between 2010 and 2020. Four clusters are identified: “Very High to High Consumption”; “High to Medium Consumption”; “Medium to Low Consumption” and “Low to Very Low Consumption”. The clusters were contextualised using spatial datasets representing the socio-economic and built environment. Across all clusters, the proportion of energy inefficient dwellings were high, but there was a trend of high consumption associated with lower proportions of energy efficient dwellings. The results provide useful insight to policy makers and practitioners about where best to target electrification and retrofitting measures to facilitate a cleaner and more equitable residential sector. Policy targeting of areas with continual high gas consumption will accelerate the decarbonisation process, whilst targeting areas who continually under consume will likely enhance household health and well-being.
Clinical Behavior and Molecular Insights of Secretory Carcinoma of Salivary Glands, a Single Center Experience
Authors: Bassani Sara , Fiorini Denise , Destefanis Miriam Sara , Arsie Athena Eliana , Mulone Davide , Eccher Albino , Brunelli Matteo , Marani Filippo , Monzani Daniele , Molteni Gabriele 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjective: the study aimed to characterize the novel entity referred to as secretory carcinoma of the salivary glands. Methods: we comprehensively evaluated 150 patients afflicted by malignant salivary gland tumors who had been under treatment at the University of Verona. Inclusion criteria primarily focused on the availability of paraffin block materials and adequate follow-up data. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) analysis, utilizing probes targeting NTRK-3, MALM-2, EWRS-1, HER-2, MDM-2, and NTRK1-2. Results: out of the initial cohort, 37 patients met the eligibility criteria for our study. We identified NTRK3 gene rearrangements in four patients (11%), two of whom had mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and the remaining two had acinic cell carcinoma. Notably, none of these patients had initially received a secretory carcinoma diagnosis. The primary treatment approach for all patients entailed surgical parotid gland resection. The overall survival (OS) for patients with NTRK3 rearrangements amounted to 78 months, with a corresponding progression-free survival (PFS) of 73 months. Conclusion: in summary, our case series suggests that secretory carcinomas exhibit a favorable clinical course and underscores the pivotal importance of distinguishing secretory carcinomas from other histological subtypes.
Exploring the socio-ecology of science: the case of coral reefs
Authors: Jones Elis 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper I use data from interviews conducted with coral scientists to examine the socio-ecological dimensions of science, i.e. how science shapes and is shaped by the living world around it. I use two sets of ideas in particular: niche construction and socio-ecological value frameworks. Using these I offer socio-ecological criteria by which coral scientists evaluate the activities of coral science, more specifically which living systems are intended to benefit from coral science as an activity, and the motivations behind this. The overall picture I present is one of coral science as activity primarily aimed at sustaining a diverse set of living systems, including humans, other organisms, species, and ecosystems, and the social practices associated with these. The value relations between scientists and aspects of these processes dictate how they respond to shifts in the socio-ecological context coral science is embedded in, explaining why the activities associated with coral science are changing as reef ecosystems are threatened. The implication is that natural sciences more generally are entangled with a greater number of social and ecological process than is typically considered, and that shifts in the activities undertaken by scientists may be driven by ecological as well as social and epistemic processes.
Random Graphical Model of Microbiome Interactions in Related Environments
Authors: Vinciotti Veronica , Wit Ernst C. , Richter Francisco 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe microbiome constitutes a complex microbial ecology of interacting components that regulates important pathways in the host. Most microbial communities at various body sites tend to share common substructures of interactions, while also showing diversity related to the needs of the local environment. The aim of this paper is to develop a method for inferring both the common core and the differences in such microbiota systems. The approach combines two elements: (i) a random graph model generating networks across environments, and capturing potential relatedness at the structural level, with (ii) a Gaussian copula graphical model for the inference of environment-specific networks from multivariate microbial data. We propose a Bayesian approach for the joint inference of microbiota systems from metagenomic data for a number of body sites. The analysis of human microbiome data shows how the proposed random graphical model is able to capture varying levels of structural similarity across the different body sites and how this is supported by their taxonomical classification. Beyond a stable core, the inferred microbiome systems show interesting differences between the body sites, as well as interpretable relationships between various classes of microbes.
Enhancing the sustainable protein extraction process from black cumin seed cake press for eco-friendly protein supplements
Authors: Ammas Buse , Uzuner Sibel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFinding new protein sources is essential to meet the global population’s needs. Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds and the residual cake left after oil cold pressing contain valuable nutritional compounds, including proteins, phenolics, essential amino acids, and various bioactive compounds. In the literature, the structural characteristics and functional properties of proteins from black cumin seeds have been extensively studied. However, there are limited reports on the use of emerging extraction technologies for extracting soluble proteins from black cumin seed cake press (BCSCP). Therefore, two distinct extraction techniques—microwave (MW) and ultrasonication (US)—were assessed for their effectiveness in extracting soluble proteins from BCSCP. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various operational conditions on protein extraction yield and functional properties of proteins extracted from BCSCP. The maximum protein yield (27.04%) was achieved using a 10% solid/liquid ratio (SLR) at 33 °C for a 30-min extraction time with the US extraction technique. After ultrafiltration, the protein yield increased to 33.83%, showcasing the predominance of sarcosine (17.18 g/100 g), glutamine (11.63 g/100 g), and proline (33.46 g/100 g) amino acids. The water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), foam capacity (FC), and foam stability (FS) of the BCSCP isolate were found to be 5.4 ± 0.3 g/g, 9.4 ± 0.0 g/g, 43.6 ± 6.4%, and 39.0 ± 4.7%, respectively. The study revealed that US is a suitable extraction process for obtaining soluble proteins from BCSCP with favorable functional properties. Further studies are needed to evaluate the bioavailability and health impacts of bioactive peptides in order to develop food applications.
Resistance to Varroa destructor is a trait mainly transmitted by the queen and not via worker learning
Authors: Martin Stephen J. , Grindrod Isobel , Webb Georgiana , Toft Rhona , Villalobos Ethel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHow beekeepers can propagate theVarroa-resistant traits they have in their colonies depends on how varroa resistance, i.e. the key hygienic behavioural traits, is passed onto the next generation. This study investigates if the key hygienic traits are passed between workers via learning as is known to happen in bumble bees, or are the resistant traits encoded into the queens and thus her offspring. To test this, we re-queened known mite-resistant colonies with mite-naïve (susceptible) queens in both Hawaii and the UK. We also placed resistant queens in susceptible colonies in the UK. After 5 months in Hawaii and 12 months in the UK, mite levels in adults and brood were measured. In Hawaii, mite removal and cell recapping levels were also assessed. In both locations, the mite levels in colonies headed by suspectable (mite-naïve) queens or their daughters significantly exceeded that found in colonies headed by resistant queens or their daughters. The initial presence of resistant or suspectable workers did not affect the result. Therefore, to propagate mite-resistant traits, beekeepers only need to re-queen a colony with a locally mated queen from an established resistant population, as some UK and Hawaiian beekeepers are already doing.
Exploring Systemic Sustainability in Manufacturing: Geoanthropology’s Strategic Lens Shaping Industry 6.0
Authors: Fernández-Miguel Andrés , García-Muiña Fernando E. , Settembre-Blundo Davide , Tarantino Serena Chiara , Riccardi Maria Pia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis seminal study explores systemic sustainability within the Industry 5.0 paradigm, using the strategic lens of geoanthropology to shape the emerging concept of Industry 6.0. A transdisciplinary approach is adopted, integrating geoanthropological insights into the analysis of the Italian ceramic district. Seven key factors are considered: resource consumption, production dynamics, innovation, environmental impact, social impact, market dynamics, and economic impact. Historical events such as changes in Italian industrial policy, market slowdowns, and the COVID-19 pandemic are identified as significant for the sector. A contingent analysis tailored to the unique characteristics of the ceramic district provides an in-depth understanding of its challenges and opportunities. The incorporation of geoanthropology provides a transdisciplinary perspective that allows for an in-depth examination of the complex interactions between people and their environment in an industrial setting. The study highlights the central role of innovation, digitalization, and government policies in driving positive changes in production efficiency, market dynamics, and economic impact. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including the delicate balance between environmental sustainability and resource consumption, as well as the effective management of the social impacts of digitization. To address these challenges, a systemic sustainability index derived from geoanthropological insights is proposed as a pragmatic tool to measure and guide the development of sustainability initiatives in the ceramic district. The results of this study not only pave the way for new horizons in sustainability assessment but also provide valuable insights for industrial district managers to formulate strategies that foster organizational flexibility and resilience.
Statistics of intermittent granular flow from confined tabletop experiments
Authors: Petri Alberto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIt is often said that “granular matter is ubiquitous”. Many natural components and human products look and behave like grains: stones, debris, soils, on the one hand; food, pharmaceuticals, building materials, etc., on the other. However, the physics involved is still poorly understood due to its inherent difficulties. In fact, granular materials are an example of frictional, dissipative, nonlinear, out-of-equilibrium systems. One consequence is that they exhibit, under various circumstances, large and irregular fluctuations, finite size effects, and poor reproducibility (as everyone knows from trying to slowly pour sugar or coffee powder). This article summarizes some experimental results on the response of horizontal grain beds subjected to low rate shear stress. In this case, the response is often intermittent and irregular, the so-called stick–slip regime, and can only be described statistically. Small-scale experiments are the best way to collect the necessary large amount of data and, despite the difference in scale, can provide the basis for a better understanding of larger scale phenomena such as avalanches, landslides and earthquakes.
A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Understand the Dynamics of Smartphone Attachment and Problematic Smartphone use
Authors: Holte Alex J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractProblematic smartphone use (PSU), conceptualized as the overuse of one’s smartphone, has received much attention in the empirical literature. One specific lens that has been used to study smartphone use is attachment theory. The current study evaluated the tenets of attachment to smartphones to further understand the relationship of smartphone attachment with problematic use. A total of 761 adults, who were primarily female and White, from the United States of America, completed a variety of measures. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test a theoretical model, and it was revealed that the extent someone viewed their smartphone as a refuge (i.e., secure base) predicted PSU. Moreover, refuge mediated the relations between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and PSU. The current research contributes to the literature a better understanding of the dynamics between smartphone attachment and PSU. Theoretical basis for the findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are proposed.
„Kinderrechte sind Sachen, die Kinder haben sollen, damit sie glücklich leben“: (Kinder‑)Rechtsvorstellungen von Grundschulkindern
Authors: Ertl Sonja , Gerbeshi Leonora 
Published: June 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Auseinandersetzung mit und die Kenntnis von Kinderrechten ergibt sich für Schüler:innen im Grundschulalter unter anderem aus der UN-Kinderrechtskonvention. Bislang liegen kaum Befunde über die Vorstellungen von Kindern zu ihren Rechten vor. Der vorliegende Beitrag geht den Fragen nach, über welches (Kinder)Rechtsverständnis Kinder im Grundschulalter verfügen und welche Relevanz sie (Kinder)Rechten zuweisen. Dazu wurden 59 Kinder der 3. und 4. Jahrgangsstufe in einem leitfadengestützten Interview befragt. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels qualitativer und quantitativer Inhaltsanalyse. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass bei Kindern im Grundschulalter (noch) kein etabliertes Rechtsverständnis, aber teilweise ein Kinderrechtsverständnis vorliegt und die Zuweisung der Relevanz von (Kinder‑)Rechten durch die Kinder zwar überaus unterschiedlich ausfällt, sie jedoch durchaus relevante Funktionen von Rechten und insbesondere von Kinderrechten benennen können. Insgesamt sind die Vorstellungen der Grundschulkinder zu ihren Rechten und deren Relevanz von einzelnen Kinderrechten geprägt, die sich vor allem auf Schutz- und Förderrechte beziehen. Die Ergebnisse werden diskutiert und weitere Forschungsdesiderata werden aufgezeigt.
How to Improve Neural Network Training Using Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Carvalho Pedro , Lourenço Nuno , Machado Penousal 
Published: June 2024

AbstractArtificial neural networks are a staple of modern artificial intelligence. These systems must often undergo a training procedure to learn how to solve a designated task. Properly choosing and tuning an optimizer for a problem can significantly improve training speed and quality. Research into optimizers focuses on creating solutions that are generally applicable to any task, relying on parameter tuning for specialization. While parameter tuning is successful in adapting optimizers for a specific problem, the benefits of creating specialized optimizers from scratch is still underdeveloped. We propose an evolutionary framework called AutoLR, capable of evolving optimizers for specific tasks. We use the framework to evolve optimizers for a popular image classification problem and found that evolved optimizers are competitive with human-made optimizers. Furthermore, we find that the evolved solutions remain competitive when moved to a different dataset. Analysis of the best performing optimizers reveals that the system evolved novel behavior undiscovered by humans. The results achieved in this work suggest evolutionary algorithms can improve the quality of neural network training, motivating further research into the framework and its applications.
Functionalized graphitic carbon nitride as adsorbent for the removal of arsenic and lead from groundwater
Authors: Onwudiwe Damian C. , Seheri Naledi H. , Kgabi Nnenesi A. , Sahu Dipti R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWater pollution caused by highly toxic arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) poses a serious threat to water quality. Hence, the development of materials for their effective removal from water continues to attract research attention. The present study reports functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCN) as a green and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of As and Pb from polluted water. The adsorbent was prepared through the protonation and hydroxyl and cyano functionalized graphitic carbon nitride to form H/GCN and OH/CN-GCN respectively. Characterization techniques including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were respectively used to study functional groups, structure, and morphology of the adsorbents. The adsorption study showed that modification of GCN with −OH and CN− ions in OH/CN-GCN, increased the density of negative charges on the functionalized surface, which also enhances the attraction of the positively charged ions. This may be responsible for the improved removal of As and Pb from wastewater compared to H/GCN. Isotherm studies on the adsorption behavior of OH/CN-GCN suggest that Langmuir isotherm model corroborates with the As adsorption. Therefore, indicating that the removal of As via its adsorption onto OH/CN-GCN is a surface phenomenon. However, the adsorption of Pb could be described as mainly a multilayer adsorption process, based on its R2 value. It is proposed that the −OH and CN− groups on the tri-s-triazine units of GCN nanosheets may be responsible for the adsorption process. The prepared materials are promising adsorbents that nay find useful applications in wastewater treatment plants involving advanced oxidation processes.
A Review of Additive Manufacturing in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Culbreath Clayton J. , Taylor M. Scott , McCullen Seth D. , Mefford O. Thompson 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
As layer upon layer manufacturing approaches continue to advance the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine scaffolds, more products that leverage additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing and electrospinning have been commercialized for the marketplace. This is especially true for additive manufacturing. Modifications to process parameters allow optimization of mechanical properties. This expands the applicability of currently available bioresorbable materials for tissue engineering advances. This review aims to identify these areas for potential research that would advance the field, specifically focusing on the additive manufacturing of tissue scaffolds with bioresorbable materials. To date, the terms “tissue engineering” and “additive manufacturing” have accelerated in use within research publications, and the clarity of what is required has also increased. Current reports encourage imminent successes in the field of tissue engineering with new potential for biomimicry, improved patient outcomes, and established paths for regulatory compliance. Nonetheless, there are still several challenges to overcome. As outlined in this review, a successful tissue scaffold must address and optimize six (6) critical aspects of the design and performance: biocompatibility, mechanical properties, material resorption, porosity, manufacturing, and biochemical modification. Each vital perspective of a tissue scaffold was thoroughly represented in literature. However, the totality of these aspects must be considered at the onset of a novel design poised to transition the field into an advanced future due to the interconnectivity of each criterion with each other. This is especially true when providing a new device to the clinic considering the design control focus of regulatory statutes. Bioresorbable, aliphatic polyesters hold great potential to aid this progress and mitigate a portion of the trials faced. They are proven compatible with current additive manufacturing processes and boast decades of biocompatibility established through clinical use. The development process, prioritization of processing parameters, and successful navigation through regulations have been observed with products such as Osteoplug®, Restrata®, and Biowick®. These devices exemplified the critical nature of the six aspects, and most especially the first five of them. They were specifically designed to provide environments that support bio-integration at the point of use. The native tissue provides the necessary biologics to off-the-shelf scaffold structures for successful, vascularized tissue regeneration, and ultimately, patient outcomes have been improved. This review focuses on the six critical scaffold characteristics when designing tissue scaffolds with resorbable medical-grade polymers, layer-by-layer fabrication methods, and the commercialization path for the resulting medical products.
Assessing Excess Mortality of Baby Boomers from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Taiwan Omicron-naïve Cohort
Authors: Lin Ting-Yu , Hsu Chen-Yang , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Asia’s elderly Baby Boomer demographic (born between 1946 and 1964) faced a huge problem during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased all-cause mortality. We aimed to provide a unique Taiwan situation regarding the impact of Baby Boomers on excess mortalities from all causes relative to non-Baby Boomers throughout distinct times of SARS-CoV-2 mutations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
We used the Poisson time series design with a Bayesian directed acyclic graphic approach to build the background mortality prior to the COVID-19 pandemic between 2015 and 2019. It was then used for predicting the expected all-cause deaths compared to the reported figures during the COVID-19 pandemic period based on Taiwan residents, an Omicron-naïve cohort.

Results
Baby Boomers experienced a 2% negative excess mortality in 2020 (Wuhan/D614G) and a 4% excess mortality in 2021 (Alpha/Delta) with a rising background mortality trend whereas non-Baby Boomers showed the corresponding figures of 4% negative excess and 1% excess with a stable trend. Baby Boomer and non-Baby Boomer excess mortality soared to 9% (95% CI: 7-10%) and 10% (95% CI: 9-11%), respectively, during the epidemic Omicron period from January to June 2022. Surprisingly, Baby Boomers aged 58–76 experienced the same 9% excess mortality as non-Baby Boomers aged 77 and beyond. Non-COVID-19 deaths were more prevalent among Baby Boomers than non-Baby Boomers (33% vs. 29%).

Conclusion
Baby Boomers were more likely to die from COVID-19 in early pandemic and had more non-COVID-19 deaths in late pandemic than older non-Baby Boomers demonstrated in Taiwan Omicron-naïve cohort. For this vulnerable population, adequate access to medical care and medical capacity require more consideration.