bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What challenges impede the adoption of agroforestry practices? A global perspective through a systematic literature review
Authors: Tranchina Margherita , Reubens Bert , Frey Marco , Mele Marcello , Mantino Alberto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDespite the extensive amount of evidence in the literature regarding the benefits of agroforestry systems including carbon sequestration, soil erosion reduction, climate change resilience, biodiversity conservation and other ecosystem services, the adoption of agroforestry practices presents several barriers for farmers and other stakeholders, thus requiring comprehensive examination from the scientific community. We performed a systematic literature review following the methodology described in the PRISMA framework, to provide a novel comprehensive and systematic overview of what is present in the literature regarding the obstacles stakeholders perceive with regards to agroforestry adoption, gathered through participatory research methods, which are methodologies that engage stakeholders in the research process. In this work, we highlighted and categorized 31 obstacles that stakeholders around the globe perceive according to the examined literature (n = 90) with regards to agroforestry adoption, pertaining to i) technical-agronomic, ii) socio-economic and iii) policy-legislative aspects. We produced a consultable database of the examined literature presenting the extracted and categorized data including 1) Region of interest; 2) Investigated agroforestry system; 3) Methodologies utilized in the papers; 4) Number, gender ratio and type of stakeholders; 5) Main relevant obstacles found in the paper. We highlighted the five most frequently encountered issues i) the availability or quality of knowledge or experience on technical and agronomic matters, or knowledge diffusion necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems ii) the perceived socio-economic issue related to the market, marketing of agroforestry products, supply chain or jobs in agroforestry; iii) issues related to the amount of labor or time necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems; iv) issues related to the upfront economic investment necessary to establish an agroforestry system and availability of capital; and v) issues related to the availability of technical support necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems.
Exact and approximation algorithms for covering timeline in temporal graphs
Authors: Dondi Riccardo , Popa Alexandru 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe consider a variant of vertex cover on temporal graphs that has been recently defined for summarization of timeline activities in temporal graphs. The problem has been proved to be NP-hard, even for several restrictions of the time domain and vertex degree. We present novel algorithmic contributions for the problem and we give an approximation algorithm of factor $$O(T \log {n})$$

O
(
T
log
n
)

, on a temporal graph of T timestamps and n vertices. We focus then on the NP-hard restriction of the problem, where at most one temporal edge is defined in each timestamp. For this restriction we present a $$4(T-1)$$

4
(
T
-
1
)

approximation algorithm and a parameterized algorithm (a reduction to kernel) for parameter the cost, called span, of the solution.
The spectral evolution of white dwarfs: where do we stand?
Authors: Bédard Antoine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhite dwarfs are the dense, burnt-out remnants of the vast majority of stars, condemned to cool over billions of years as they steadily radiate away their residual thermal energy. To first order, their atmosphere is expected to be made purely of hydrogen due to the efficient gravitational settling of heavier elements. However, observations reveal a much more complex situation, as the surface of a white dwarf (1) can be dominated by helium rather than hydrogen, (2) can be polluted by trace chemical species, and (3) can undergo significant composition changes with time. This indicates that various mechanisms of element transport effectively compete against gravitational settling in the stellar envelope. This phenomenon is known as the spectral evolution of white dwarfs and has important implications for Galactic, stellar, and planetary astrophysics. This invited review provides a comprehensive picture of our current understanding of white dwarf spectral evolution. We first describe the latest observational constraints on the variations in atmospheric composition along the cooling sequence, covering both the dominant and trace constituents. We then summarise the predictions of state-of-the-art models of element transport in white dwarfs and assess their ability to explain the observed spectral evolution. Finally, we highlight remaining open questions and suggest avenues for future work.
Sleep quality, PIU in adolescents with ADHD. Is there a relationship between sleep quality and problematic internet use in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
Authors: Çelikkol Sadiç Çağla , Kara Aziz , Gerçek Hacer Gizem , Özkan Yekta 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research aimed to compare the sleep quality and problematic internet use (PIU) of adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to the group of healthy control. There were 53 ADHD-diagnosed individuals (19 ADHD- combined type, 34 ADHD- inattentive type) in the research population, ages 12 to 18, and 53 healthy adolescents in the control group. A child psychiatrist applied the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) to each case, and sociodemographic information was collected. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were also applied to all the cases. The Turgay DSM-IV-Based Disruptive Behaviour Disorders, Child and Adolescent Evaluation and Screening Scale (T-DSM-IV-S) was completed by the parents of all the adolescents. The ADHD group's IAT and PSQI total points were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of the healthy control group (p < 0.001). The results of the covariance analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the T-DSM-IV-S subscales and the IAT mood points in the ADHD patients. The T-DSM-IV-S attention deficit points were found to be significantly higher in the ADHD children with PIU (independently of age and gender) compared to those without PIU. The results of the study showed that adolescents with ADHD had greater rates of poor sleep quality and PIU than the control group. The study results also suggested that the severity of the inattentive subtype of ADHD could play a potential role in the development of PIU in children diagnosed with ADHD. Based on this foundation, it is crucial to acknowledge and address poor sleep quality and PIU in adolescents with ADHD.
A Geometric Theory for Binary Classification of Finite Datasets by DNNs with Relu Activations
Authors: Yang Xiao-Song 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper we investigate deep neural networks for binary classification of datasets from geometric perspective in order to understand the working mechanism of deep neural networks. First, we establish a geometrical result on injectivity of finite set under a projection from Euclidean space to the real line. Then by introducing notions of alternative points and alternative number, we propose an approach to design DNNs for binary classification of finite labeled points on the real line, thus proving existence of binary classification neural net with its hidden layers of width two and the number of hidden layers not larger than the cardinality of the finite labelled set. We also demonstrate geometrically how the dataset is transformed across every hidden layers in a narrow DNN setting for binary classification task.
Multimodal brain age prediction using machine learning: combining structural MRI and 5-HT2AR PET-derived features
Authors: Dörfel Ruben P. , Arenas-Gomez Joan M. , Svarer Claus , Ganz Melanie , Knudsen Gitte M. , Svensson Jonas E. , Plavén-Sigray Pontus 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo better assess the pathology of neurodegenerative disorders and the efficacy of neuroprotective interventions, it is necessary to develop biomarkers that can accurately capture age-related biological changes in the human brain. Brain serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2AR) show a particularly profound age-related decline and are also reduced in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigates whether the decline in 5-HT2AR binding, measured in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET), can be used as a biomarker for brain aging. Specifically, we aim to (1) predict brain age using 5-HT2AR binding outcomes, (2) compare 5-HT2AR-based predictions of brain age to predictions based on gray matter (GM) volume, as determined with structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and (3) investigate whether combining 5-HT2AR and GM volume data improves prediction. We used PET and MR images from 209 healthy individuals aged between 18 and 85 years (mean = 38, std = 18) and estimated 5-HT2AR binding and GM volume for 14 cortical and subcortical regions. Different machine learning algorithms were applied to predict chronological age based on 5-HT2AR binding, GM volume, and the combined measures. The mean absolute error (MAE) and a cross-validation approach were used for evaluation and model comparison. We find that both the cerebral 5-HT2AR binding (mean MAE = 6.63 years, std = 0.74 years) and GM volume (mean MAE = 6.95 years, std = 0.83 years) predict chronological age accurately. Combining the two measures improves the prediction further (mean MAE = 5.54 years, std = 0.68). In conclusion, 5-HT2AR binding measured using PET might be useful for improving the quantification of a biomarker for brain aging.
On the Efficient and Accurate Non-linear Computational Modeling of Multilayered Bending Plates. State of the Art and a Novel Proposal: The $$2\text {D}+$$ Multiscale Approach
Authors: Wierna Pablo , Yago Daniel , Lloberas-Valls Oriol , Huespe Alfredo , Oliver Javier 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAfter conducting a comprehensive historical review of presently established methods for computational modeling of multilayered bending plates, the present work introduces a novel 2D multiscale strategy, termed the 2D+ approach. The proposed approach is based on the computational homogenization formalism and is envisaged to serve as an appealing alternative to current methodologies for modeling multilayered plates in bending-dominated situations. Such structural elements involve modern and relevant materials, such as laminated composites characterized by the heterogeneous distribution of low-aspect-ratio layers showing substantial non-linear mechanical behavior across their thickness.Within this proposed approach, the 2D plate mid-plane constitutes the macroscopic scale, while a 1D filament-like Representative Volume Element (RVE), orthogonal to the plate mid-plane and spanning the plate thickness, represents the mesoscopic scale. Such RVE, in turn, is capturing the non-linear mechanical behavior throughout the plate thickness at each integration point of the 2D plate-midplane finite element mesh. The chosen kinematics and discretization at the considered scales are particularly selected to (1) effectively capture relevant aspects of non-linear mechanical behavior in multilayered plates under bending-dominated scenarios, (2) achieve affordable computational times (computational efficiency), and (3) provide accurate stress distributions compared to the corresponding high-fidelity 3D simulations (computational accuracy).The proposed strategy aligns with the standard, first-order, hierarchical multiscale setting, involving the linearization of the macro-scale displacement field along the thickness. It employs an additional fluctuating displacement field in the RVE to capture higher-order behavior, which is computed through a local 1D finite element solution of a Boundary Value Problem (BVP) at the RVE. A notable feature of the presented 2D+ approach is the application of the Hill–Mandel principle, grounded in the well-established physical assumption imposing mechanical energy equivalence in the macro and meso scales. This links the 2D macroscopic plate and the set of 1D mesoscopic filaments, in a weakly-coupled manner, and yields remarkable computational savings in comparison with standard 3D modeling. Additionally, solving the resulting RVE problem in terms of the fluctuating displacement field allows the enforcement of an additional condition: fulfillment of linear momentum balance (equilibrium equations). This results in a physically meaningful 2D-like computational setting, in the considered structural object (multilayered plates in bending-dominated situations), which provides accurate stress distributions, typical of full 3D models, at the computational cost of 2D models.
Coping style and benefit finding among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer: a moderated mediation model of co-caregivers and caregiving capability
Authors: Lin Xiaoyuan , Chang Guangting , Xie Haidan , Zhou Xiaozhou 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBenefit finding (BF), as a positive psychological response, has the potential to alleviate caregiving stress for informal caregivers. However, the impact of coping style and caregiving capability on the perception of BF throughout the caregiving process still needs to be explored, particularly in light of the changing caregiving situation. This study aimed (1) to explore the correlation among coping style, caregiving capability, and BF; (2) to determine whether caregiving capability mediates the relationship between coping style and BF; and (3) to determine whether this mediating effect varies with the caregiving situation. A cross-sectional study was conducted. 272 participants completed the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Family Caregiver Task Inventory, and Benefit Finding Scale. Correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression were used for data analysis; Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to determine the significance of the moderated mediation analysis. The results showed that (1) Coping style and BF were positively correlated, while caregiving capability was negatively correlated with coping style and BF. (2) Caregiving capability partially mediated the relationship between coping styles and BF. (3) Co-caregivers moderated the direct path of the relationship between coping style and BF, showing a substitution relationship. Improving the caregiving capability may be a novel approach to enhancing BF. Nursing staff should start with a positive coping style and caregiving capability and consider the factors of caregiving situations (co-caregivers) to maximize the intervention effect.
Mendelian randomization reveals association of gut microbiota with Henoch–Schönlein purpura and immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Jiang Chendong , Deng Shu , Ma Xiaohan , Song Juan , Li Jinpeng , Yuan Enwu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGut microbiota have been linked to immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) in recent studies, but a cause-and-effect relationship is unclear. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess causal relationships between gut microbiota and HSP/ITP using summary statistics from the GWAS dataset of the international MiBioGen and FinnGen consortium. The IVW method was used as the main evaluation indicator. MR analysis of 196 intestinal flora and HSP/ITP/sTP phenotypes showed that 12 flora were potentially causally associated with ITP, 6 with HSP, and 9 with sTP. The genes predicted that genus Coprococcus3 (p = 0.0264, OR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.09–3.88)and genus Gordonibacter (p = 0.0073, OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.09–1.75) were linked to a higher likelihood of developing ITP. Additionally, family Actinomycetaceae (p = 0.02, OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.90) and order Actinomycetales (p = 0.0199, OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.90) linked to reduced HSP risk. Genus Ruminococcaceae UCG013 (p = 0.0426, OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.20–0.97) negatively correlated with sTP risk. Our MR analyses offer evidence of a possible cause-and-effect connection between certain gut microbiota species and the likelihood of HSP/ITP.
Child Laborers’ Exposure to Neglect in Rural Bangladesh: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Ahad Md. Abdul , Parry Yvonne Karen , Willis Eileen , Ullah Shahid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAbuse and neglect among child laborers are serious public health concerns. In particular, neglect of child laborers both at home and in the workplace exacerbates their social and health risks. Despite this, the issue continues to be overlooked by researchers and policy makers. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and factors of child labor neglect in rural Bangladesh. Using the snowball sampling method, 200 parents and employers were recruited for this cross-sectional study. We performed a multivariable linear regression analysis using SPSS 28 version. Child laborers are found to be severely neglected, primarily deprived of food and water, and are inadequately supervised. Elements of parental risk, including poor household income (β = 0.07, CI = 0.03, 0.11, p < 0.01) and a history of their own early childhood maltreatment (β = 0.22, CI = 0.07, 0.36, p < 0.01) were identified as significant predictors of neglect among child laborers. Further, child laborers working in agriculture were significantly more likely to experience neglect than those in the domestic sectors.This finding was based on their vulnerable traits, such as working with more than five co-workers (β = 0.08, CI = 0.02, 0.15, p < 0.01), working for extended hours (β = 0.14, CI = 0.01, 0.28, p = 0.04), and suffering from malnutrition (β = 0.30, CI = 0.04, 0.57, p = 0.03). The findings of this study suggest further research on outcome variables are required. Specifically, the study suggests that two intervention strategies could be implemented to alleviate child labor and neglect in Bangladesh, namely financial support programs and amendments to existing policies.
33 Jahre danach: Ostdeutsche in Führungspositionen des gesamtdeutschen Sports
Authors: Thieme Lutz 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Untersuchung ergänzt die vorliegenden Ergebnisse zur Unterrepräsentanz ostdeutsch Sozialisierter in gesamtdeutschen Führungspositionen erstmals um Daten aus dem Sport. Dafür wurde die Herkunft der Positionsinhaber in den ehrenamtlich geprägten entscheidungsstärksten Gremien im Deutschen Olympischen Sportbund (DOSB), den olympischen und paralympischen Spitzenverbänden, den Landessportbünden sowie der entsprechenden hauptamtlichen Leitungspositionen ermittelt und mit dem Anteil an der Wohnbevölkerung verglichen. Es zeigt sich auch im Sport eine Unterrepräsentanz ostdeutsch Sozialisierter und von Frauen, aber auch ein Unterrepräsentanz westdeutsch Sozialisierter in ostdeutschen LSB. Dies gilt gleichermaßen für ehrenamtliche wie für hauptamtliche Positionen. Allerdings ist die Unterrepräsentanz weniger stark ausgebildet als in anderen gesellschaftlichen Domänen. Darüber hinaus scheint der Zugang zu Spitzenämtern im Sport für ostdeutsch Sozialisierte zusätzlich erschwert (gläserne Decke). Als Ursachen für die Befunde werden Zuschreibung von angenommenen kollektiven Merkmalen zu Individuen und die Delegitimierung individueller Merkmale diskutiert, die zu Selektions- und Selbstselektionsprozessen führen.
Factors influencing adoption of organic matter management on smallholder farms in the Rwenzori region of Uganda
Authors: Ekyaligonza Deous Mary , Tibasiima Thaddeo Kahigwa , Bwambale Bosco , Kagorora John Patrick Kanahe , Freyer Bernhard 
Published: April 2024

AbstractContext specific studies on the factors influencing the adoption of organic matter management (OMM) practices on smallholder farms could be crucial for soil fertility improvement. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the adoption of OMM practices by smallholder farmers. A hybridized theoretical framework was used to map the farmers’ adoption process. This framework states: the adoption process of OMM practices can be facilitated if an individual’s characteristics and the institutional-related factors can support it; information about the OMM practices and the required inputs are available, and he/she can apply the required technology with ease. Data collection involved observations on 100 smallholder farms, interviews with 10 smallholder farmers and 18 experts, as well as two focus group discussions with 10 farmers each. The results indicated that a composite of technical, social, cultural, and economic-driven factors influence farmer adoption of OMM strategies. These factors included the farmer characteristics of age, education status, gender, culture, and knowledge about the use and application of an OMM practice; availability of labor and inputs; availability of appropriate equipment; the existence of supportive policy framework and social support. The factors cut across the adoption components of the hybridized theoretical framework: nature of technology, farmer characteristics, and input-related, information transfer-related and institutional-related adoption factors. The study findings can inform decision-makers to make investment decisions. Future studies should assess the feasibility of the hybridized theoretical framework before experts can apply it in devising strategies for the adoption of OMM practices on smallholder farms.
Facile phosphorus and oxygen heteroatom functionalization of biochar based on biomass prepared by microwave pyrolysis for adsorption process of cadmium in aqueous solution
Authors: Teğin İbrahim , Öc Sema , Saka Cafer 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, in the first stage, biochar is produced from green pistachio hulls (PGHMAC) by microwave heating method, which saves energy, time and cost. In the second step, with the activation of phosphoric acid (H3PO4), the surface properties of the biochar were modified by phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) doping (O- and P-doped PGHMAC). This adsorbent obtained was applied to remove cadmium (Cd(II)) from wastewater. FTIR, SEM, EDX, and ICP-OES analyses were used for the characterization of the samples. FTIR, EDX, and ICP-OES analysis results showed the presence of oxygen and phosphorus groups on the surface of the relevant adsorbent. The contents of C and O atoms for P- and O-doped PGHMAC were found to be 62.54% and 36.12%, respectively. Also, about 1.29% of P atoms were found with H3PO4 activation. The kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption studies were investigated. Maximum Cd(II) adsorption capacities of P- and O-doped PGHMAC at 298 K, 308 K, and 318 K temperatures were calculated as 78.74, 109.89, and 133.33 mg/g by Langmuir model, respectively. The mechanism of Cd(II) adsorption on O- and P-doped PGHMAC has been proposed.