bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concrete containing recycled concrete coarse aggregate and crushed glass sand: Mitigating the effect of alkali–silica reaction
Authors: Gholampour Aliakbar , Memarzadeh Armin , Nematzadeh Mahdi , Valizadeh Kiamahalleh Mohammad , Ngo Tuan D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe utilization of recycled concrete and glass aggregates in concrete production has emerged as a highly promising method to significantly increase the recycling rate of waste materials. However, the interaction between alkaline environment and silica present in concrete detrimentally impacts mechanical properties and durability of the concrete due to the significant silica content of the aggregates. This study aims to develop a high‐performance and sustainable concrete to resist alkali–silica reaction (ASR). The study focuses on the use of a blend of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) as binder materials to mitigate negative effects of the ASR on the mechanical properties and and durability of concrete made with crushed glass sand and coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Various tests, including ASR expansion, flow, slump, density, compression, three‐point bending, water absorption, and chloride attack, were conducted. Furthermore, microanalysis using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy was performed. Based on the results, it is found that the GGBS is less effective than the FA in reducing the ASR expansion of the concrete, with only 3%, 9%, and 12% decreased expansion as a result of the addition of 20%, 40%, and 70% GGBS to the concrete containing 30% FA, respectively. It is also shown that combining 20% GGBS with 30% FA in the RCA concrete containing glass sand develops similar compressive and flexural strengths and water absorption compared to that containing natural sand. This can be related to the pozzolanic reaction of the FA and GGBS, which helps to retain the alkalis for reducing the crack development and propagation in the concrete. However, further GGBS content leads to a decrease in the strengths and an increase in the water absorption of the concrete. The results of this study point to the significant potential of combining FA and GGBS at an optimum ratio to mitigate the ASR effect on RCA concretes containing crushed glass sand. This approach helps in minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants generated during cement production, thereby mitigating environmental pollution. Additionally, it helps the preservation of natural resources by reducing the depletion of natural sand and coarse aggregate.
Male reproductive output and sperm competition as indicated by gonadosomatic index in Paddlefish stocks
Authors: Scarnecchia Dennis L. , Schooley Jason D. , Slominski Aaron , Backes K. Michael , Brown Brandon , Gordon Brent D. , Lim Youngtaik 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
We investigated if large Paddlefish Polyodon spathula invest in testis weight disproportionately more than smaller males, as expressed by the gonadosomatic index (GSI). The approach was to assess the relation between testis weight F (i.e., the combined weight of both testes) and fish weight W in the expression F = aWb. The hypothesis was that sperm competition in Paddlefish would be expected (with b &gt; 1) based on observations of several male fish attending a female spawner in a past study in the Osage River, Missouri.

Methods
We used a large, three-state data set from three fisheries (Montana, North Dakota, and Oklahoma) to evaluate isometry and allometry in the power function relationship between fish weight and testis weight.

Result
All three data sets showed hyperallometric increases in testis weight with fish weight (i.e., b &gt; 1). For Montana males, hyperallometry was greatest (b = 1.56; n = 8798), followed by North Dakota (b = 1.36; n = 8209) and Oklahoma (b = 1.22; n = 9571). Paddlefish from Montana and North Dakota had much lower testis weights through age 18 and much lower fish weights through age 25 than Oklahoma Paddlefish. By ages 17–25, mean male GSI in Oklahoma declined, whereas it remained level at about 1.5 for combined Montana and North Dakota Paddlefish. Throughout their lives, at each age, Montana and North Dakota Paddlefish allocated a higher percentage of their total weight to testis weight and reached a higher asymptotic GSI (GSI∞) than did Oklahoma Paddlefish; GSI∞ was 1.50 for Montana fish, 1.44 for North Dakota fish, and 1.26 for Oklahoma fish.

Conclusion
Results provide evidence supporting the occurrence sperm competition (i.e., b &gt; 1), as would occur when two or more males compete to fertilize the eggs of a female spawning Paddlefish. Comparisons among species and stocks are made but were limited by an acute shortage of data on male testis weights and other testis characteristics (e.g., sperm size, energy content), and reproductive investment in Paddlefish and most other fishes in other localities.
Surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy: A case study on anti‐Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Nguyen Linh T. T. , Nguyen Tien A. , No Kwangsoo , Phan Tuan D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aims to improve the antibacterial effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) of Ti6Al4V alloy by employing functional Ag coating on the alloy's surface. In this study, Ag coating was prepared on Ti6Al4V surface via RF magnetron sputtering, then investigated characteristics and anti‐S. mutans properties of the modified surface's alloy before and after immersing in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for one month. Data showed that the two coatings inhibited the development of S. mutans colony‐forming units (CFU) at an incubation time until seven days. This study provides a research foundation for further development of surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy for dental implants to meet the demand of reducing peri‐implant diseases caused by bacteria.
Improving the quality assessment for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) stored at 0 °C
Authors: Tam Le Nhat , Anh Huynh Nguyen Que , Khue Doan Nhu , Uyen Phan Thuy Xuan , Thien Van Hong , Huong Nguyen Thi , Tuan Pham Minh , An Tran Thien 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe quality of Pacific white shrimp stored at 0 °C during the 10 days was evaluated by the combination of sensory, microbiological and biochemical measurements. Quality index methods (QIM) have been developed to evaluate sensory attributes of shrimp. Total visible count (TVC), K value, histamine, and pH are used to assess microbiological and biochemical indices. The results of TVC and QIM showed that shrimps showed signs of spoilage (lg cfu = 6.4; quality index (QI) = 21.37), which is unacceptable to consumers on day 9. QI quality score increased linearly with storage days. The remaining shelf life of shrimp was estimated from the linear regression equation. The results have found the linear regression equations between the QI, histamine, K value, and hypoxanthine. In addition, the results also showed that hypoxanthine could be considered as an independent quality index such as the K index. The quality of Pacific white shrimp could be classified into four grades: excellent, good, moderately acceptable, and just acceptable basing on the results of sensory and biochemical evaluation.
Transport, dispersion, and degradation of nonpoint source contaminants during flood‐managed aquifer recharge
Authors: Perzan Zach , Maher Kate 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn water‐stressed regions of the world, the inundation of working landscapes to replenish aquifers—known as flood‐managed aquifer recharge (flood‐MAR)—has become a valuable tool for sustainable groundwater management. Due to their diverse land use histories, however, many potential recharge sites host nonpoint source contaminants (such as salts, pesticides, and fertilizers) within the vadose zone that may flush to groundwater during recharge operations. To identify the controls on contaminant migration, we perform stochastic simulations of flood‐MAR through a heterogeneous alluvial aquifer and apply transient particle tracking to evaluate conservative and reactive contaminant transport over 80 years of recharge operations. With semi‐annual recharge events, the water table begins to rise 0.13–1.84 years after the first inundation event while solutes take much longer (11 to 80 years) to transit the 45‐m thick unsaturated zone. We derive a parametric expression for the ratio of celerity (or rate of pressure transmission) to velocity of the flood‐MAR wetting front and show that this simplified expression agrees with values calculated from heterogeneous model simulations. Slow solute velocities (0.25–1.75 m year−1) allow for significant contaminant removal through denitrification, but the contaminant plume experiences minimal dispersion or dilution over this time, reaching the water table as a sharp front. Our results suggest that minimizing groundwater velocity and maximizing groundwater celerity during flood‐MAR should optimize increases in water supply while limiting water quality degradation.
LEAP-ASIA-2019 Simulation Exercise: Calibration of Constitutive Models and Simulations of the Element Tests
Authors: Ueda Kyohei , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Sahare Anurag , Elgamal Ahmed , Qiu Zhijian , Wang Rui , Zhu Tong , Zhou Chuang , Zhang Jian-Min , Parra Andres Reyes , Barrero Andres , Taiebat Mahdi , Yuyama Waka , Iai Susumu , Hyodo Junichi , Ichii Koji , Elbadawy Mohamed A. , Zhou Yan-Guo , Fasano Gianluca , Chiaradonna Anna , Bilotta Emilio , Arduino Pedro , Zeghal Mourad , Manzari Majid , Tobita Tetsuo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis chapter presents a summary of the calibration exercises (i.e., element test simulations) submitted by nine numerical simulation teams that participated in the LEAP-ASIA-2019 prediction campaign. The standard sand selected for the campaign is Ottawa F-65, and researchers have developed several efforts to increase the database of laboratory tests to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of this sand (Carey TJ, Stone N, Kutter BL, Grain Size Analysis and Maximum and Minimum Dry Density of Ottawa F-65 Sand for LEAP-UCD-2017. Model tests and numerical simulations of liquefaction and lateral spreading: LEAP-UCD-2017. Springer, 2019; El Ghoraiby MA, Park H, Manzari MT. Physical and mechanical properties of Ottawa F65 sand. In: Model tests and numerical simulations of liquefaction and lateral spreading: LEAP-UCD-2017, Springer, 2019; Ueda K, Vargas RR, Uemura K, LEAP-Asia-2018: Stress-strain response of Ottawa sand in Cyclic Torsional Shear Tests, DesignSafe-CI [publisher], Dataset, https://doi.org/10.17603/DS2D40H, 2018; Vargas RR, Ueda K, Uemura K, Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 133:106111, 2020; Vargas RR, Ueda K, Uemura K, Dynamic torsional shear tests of Ottawa F-65 Sand for LEAP-ASIA-2019. Model tests and numerical simulations of liquefaction and lateral spreading: LEAP-ASIA-2019, Springer, 2023). The objective of this element test simulation exercise is to assess the performance of the constitutive models used by the simulation teams for simulating the experimental results of a series of undrained stress-controlled cyclic torsional shear tests on Ottawa F-65 sand for two different relative densities (Dr = 50% and 60%) (Ueda K, Vargas RR, Uemura K, LEAP-Asia-2018: Stress-strain response of Ottawa sand in Cyclic Torsional Shear Tests, DesignSafe-CI [publisher], Dataset, https://doi.org/10.17603/DS2D40H, 2018; Vargas RR, Ueda K, Uemura K, Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 133:106111, 2020; Vargas RR, Ueda K, Uemura K, Dynamic torsional shear tests of Ottawa F-65 sand for LEAP-ASIA-2019. Model tests and numerical simulations of liquefaction and lateral spreading: LEAP-ASIA-2019, Springer, 2023). The simulated liquefaction strength curves demonstrate that majority of the constitutive models are capable of reasonably capturing the measured liquefaction strength curves both for Dr = 50% and 60%. However, the simulated stress paths and stress-strain relationships show some differences from the corresponding laboratory tests in some cases.
Thermal energy of a charm-meson molecule in a pion gas
Authors: Braaten Eric , He Li-Ping , Ingles Kevin , Jiang Jun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The thermal corrections to the propagator of a loosely bound charm-meson molecule in a pion gas are calculated to next-to-leading order in the heavy-meson expansion using a zero-range effective field theory. Ultraviolet divergences in the charm-meson-pair self energy are canceled by corrections to the charm-meson-pair contact vertex. Terms that are singular at the charm-meson-pair threshold can be absorbed into thermal corrections to the rest energies and kinetic masses of the charm-meson constituents. The remaining terms reduce to a thermal correction to the binding momentum that is proportional to the pion number density and suppressed by the pion/charm-meson mass ratio. The correction gives a tiny decrease in the binding energy of the charm-meson molecule relative to the charm-meson-pair threshold in the pion gas and a change in its thermal width that is small compared to the thermal widths of the charm-meson constituents. These results are encouraging for the prospects of observing X(3872) and $$ {T}_{cc}^{+}(3875) $$

T
cc
+

3875

in the expanding hadron gas produced by heavy-ion collisions.
Beyond the Standard Model prospects for kaon physics at future experiments
Authors: D’Ambrosio G. , Mahmoudi F. , Neshatpour S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Rare kaon decays offer a powerful tool for investigating new physics in s → d transitions. Currently, many of the interesting decay modes are either measured with rather large uncertainties compared to their theoretical predictions or have not yet been observed. The future HIKE programme at CERN will provide unprecedented sensitivity to rare kaon decays, allowing for strong constraints on new physics scenarios with lepton flavour universality violation. We present the overall picture that emerges from a study of the different decay modes with a global analysis considering projections based on the HIKE programme, both with and without KOTO-II future measurements. We also highlight the most relevant decays and identify that in addition to the “golden channel”, $$ {K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu} $$

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν
¯

, the rare $$ {K}_L\to {\pi}^0\ell \overline{\ell} $$

K
L

→

π
0

ℓ

ℓ
¯

decay, especially in the electron sector offers strong constraints on short-distance physics.
Bounds on field range for slowly varying positive potentials
Authors: van de Heisteeg Damian , Vafa Cumrun , Wiesner Max , Wu David H. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the context of quantum gravitational systems, we place bounds on regions in field space with slowly varying positive potentials. Using the fact that $$ V<{\Lambda}_s^2 $$
V
<

Λ
s
2

, where Λs(ϕ) is the species scale, and the emergent string conjecture, we show this places a bound on the maximum diameter of such regions in field space: ∆ϕ ≤ a log(1/V) + b in Planck units, where a ≤ $$ \sqrt{\left(d-1\right)\left(d-2\right)} $$

d
−
1

d
−
2

, and b is an 𝒪(1) number and expected to be negative. The coefficient of the logarithmic term has previously been derived using TCC, providing further confirmation. For type II string flux compactifications on Calabi-Yau threefolds, using the recent results on the moduli dependence of the species scale, we can check the above relation and determine the constant b, which we verify is 𝒪(1) and negative in all the examples we studied.
Towards the full Heisenberg-Euler effective action at large N
Authors: Karbstein Felix 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We study the Heisenberg-Euler effective action in constant electromagnetic fields $$ \overline{F} $$

F
¯

for QED with N charged particle flavors of the same mass and charge e in the large N limit characterized by sending N → ∞ while keeping Ne2 ∼ $$ e\overline{F} $$
e

F
¯

∼ N0 fixed. This immediately implies that contributions that scale with inverse powers of N can be neglected and the resulting effective action scales linearly with N . Interestingly, due to the presence of one-particle reducible diagrams, even in this limit the Heisenberg-Euler effective action receives contributions of arbitrary loop order. In particular for the special cases of electric- and magnetic-like field configurations we construct an explicit expression for the associated effective Lagrangian that, upon extremization for two constant scalar coefficients, allows to evaluate its full, all-order result at arbitrarily large field strengths. We demonstrate that our manifestly nonperturbative expression correctly reproduces the known results for the Heisenberg-Euler effective action at large N , namely its all-loop strong field limit and its low-order perturbative expansion in powers of the fine-structure constant.
Observer Design for Nonlinear Descriptor Systems: A Survey on System Nonlinearities
Authors: Tripathi Meenakshi , Moysis Lazaros , Gupta Mahendra Kumar , Fragulis George F. , Volos Christos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn general, the construction of observers for nonlinear descriptor systems depends on the solvability of a linear matrix inequality involving system matrices, and it is based on the system’s nonlinearity. Therefore, the type of nonlinearity present in the system heavily affects the observer design process. There are significant developments in the literature for observer design for descriptor systems with various types of nonlinearity. Motivated by this, the current work reviews the literature on observer design for nonlinear descriptor systems with an extensive discussion on the type of nonlinearities that are considered. Here, an analysis and the comparison on the most common nonlinearities is presented, providing a roadmap to all researchers in the field. Furthermore, less common nonlinearities have been identified, presenting under-explored areas within the literature, and can open new domains for future research.
Lithium-ion batteries and fertility in Africa
Authors: Malpede Maurizio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigates how the global adoption of modern electrical batteries influenced women’s fertility choices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country rich in cobalt, an essential component of lithium-ion batteries. The findings reveal that women living in cobalt-rich villages experience higher fertility rates and a greater desire for children relative to those in non-cobalt-rich communities. I attribute this phenomenon to the use of children in cobalt mines, as opposed to other mineral mining activities, which leads to a short-term increase in household wealth and motivates parents to have more children. These results provide novel insights into our understanding of the complex relationship between economic development, natural resources, and fertility decisions in developing economies.
Generation of normal distributions revisited
Authors: Umeda Takayuki 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNormally distributed random numbers are commonly used in scientific computing in various fields. It is important to generate a set of random numbers as close to a normal distribution as possible for reducing initial fluctuations. Two types of samples from a uniform distribution are examined as source samples for inverse transform sampling methods. Three types of inverse transform sampling methods with new approximations of inverse cumulative distribution functions are also discussed for converting uniformly distributed source samples to normally distributed samples.
Combining discrete and continuous information for multi-criteria optimization problems
Authors: Teichert Katrin , Seidel Tobias , Süss Philipp 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn multi-criteria optimization problems that originate from real-world decision making tasks, we often find the following structure: There is an underlying continuous, possibly even convex model for the multiple outcome measures depending on the design variables, but these outcomes are additionally assigned to discrete categories according to their desirability for the decision maker. Multi-criteria deliberations may then take place at the level of these discrete labels, while the calculation of a specific design remains a continuous problem. In this work, we analyze this type of problem and provide theoretical results about its solution set. We prove that the discrete decision problem can be tackled by solving scalarizations of the underlying continuous model. Based on our analysis we propose multiple algorithmic approaches that are specifically suited to handle these problems. We compare the algorithms based on a set of test problems. Furthermore, we apply our methods to a real-world radiotherapy planning example.
Intracolony variability in winter feeding and migration strategies of Atlantic puffins and black-legged kittiwakes
Authors: Charrier Julie , Anker-Nilssen Tycho , Fort Jérôme , Jessopp Mark , Strøm Hallvard , Espinasse Boris 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolar ecosystems are subjected to many stressors, including climate change, that impact their overall functioning. Seabirds are good bioindicators of these systems as they readily respond to changes in environmental conditions. To quantify how environmental changes affect their life history, data on seabird diet, spatial distribution and body condition are needed to reveal the underlying mechanisms. We explored possible drivers of the winter distribution of single-colony populations of Atlantic puffinsFratercula arcticaand black-legged kittiwakesRissa tridactyla, two of the most numerous seabird species in the North Atlantic. Based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic data from feathers moulted during winter migration, we identified three groups of Atlantic puffins and two groups of black-legged kittiwakes occupying different isotopic niches. We then used geolocator tracking data for the same birds to determine if these groups reflected parallel differences in the location of moulting grounds rather than differences in their diet. We found that the isotopic niches of the three Atlantic puffin groups likely resulted from their use of different habitats during winter moult. In contrast, the isotopic niches of the two black-legged kittiwake groups were more likely a result of differences in their diet, as both groups were distributed in the same area. These findings suggest that different winter feeding and/or migration strategies may play a role in shaping the body condition of individuals for their following breeding season. We discuss the role of environmental conditions encountered by seabirds during winter migration to further elucidate such intracolony divergence in strategies. As polar ecosystems experience rapid changes in environmental conditions, the approach presented here may provide valuable information for the development of effective conservation measures (taking both intra- and intercolony variability into account), and to better predict future impacts of climate change.