bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characteristics of biocidal oil composites enhanced with thymol and salicylic acid
Authors: Staroń Anita , Pucelik Barbara , Barzowska Agata , Pulit-Prociak Jolanta 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe research aimed to develop composite materials based on waste cooking oil containing thymol or salicylic acid and assess their antimicrobial properties against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains. The study also investigated whether the use of a binder, such as catalyzed waste cooking oil, and the performing of annealing process would affect the antimicrobial effectiveness of the natural additive. The composite materials were characterized using FT–IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were also evaluated, along with abrasion resistance and soakability. Thymol-modified materials showed higher activity against E. coli strain; while, salicylic acid-modified materials were more effective against P. aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria was generally lower than against Gram-negative bacteria. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used to visualize and quantify bacterial death induced by the composite materials. The materials showed interactions with bacterial cells, leading to cell damage and inhibition of bacterial division. The most effective biocidal composite against the suspension of P. aeruginosa bacteria was 22 T (99% inactivation), containing 4% thymol. Against E. coli, composite 41 T containing 1% thymol caused a significant decrease in the viability of these bacteria by up to 45%. Similarly, on S. aureus, composites with the addition of thymol also exhibited strong effects, reaching up to 70% reduction, as observed in 43 T with 7% thymol. Composites containing salicylic acid also demonstrated biocidal properties, resulting in a 52% reduction in E. coli (33SA containing 7% salicylic acid); 99% reduction in P. aeruginosa (15SA containing 1% salicylic acid); 20% reduction in S. aureus (41SA containing 1% salicylic acid); and approximately 25% reduction in S. epidermidis (43SA with 7% salicylic acid). Furthermore, the composite materials demonstrated low cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes, indicating their potential safe use when contacted with human skin.
Graphical Abstract
The impact of cognitive filters on strategic actions and relationships: an analysis from local environmental advocacy in the Aegean Region, Turkey
Authors: Can Ozge , Gonenc Defne 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough several internal and external factors may influence environmental non-governmental organizations’ (ENGOs) action sets and networking behaviors, their values and priorities deserve special attention. Existing research highlights the importance of mobilizing resources and utilizing political opportunities in environmental advocacy; however, there is relative silence regarding the impact of how ENGOs cognitively position themselves in a contested field. Through a quantitative analysis of survey data from 117 local ENGOs in the Aegean Region of Turkey, we examine whether and how organizational identity, scope of environmental issues, and core environmental purpose (transactional or informational) as three cognitive filters play a role in shaping grassroots ENGO activities and relationships with diverse actors. A set of regression models indicates that claiming an activist identity, pursuing a higher number of environmental issues, and having a confrontational goal significantly influences local ENGOs’ strategic actions and the type and intensity of their external ties. These findings contribute to the discussions around resource mobilization theory and the political opportunity structure framework by highlighting the importance of intangible, less visible, ideological dimensions, and of cognitive framing in mobilizing for environmental causes.
Origin of current intermediate wheatgrass germplasm being developed for Kernza grain production
Authors: Crain Jared , Wagoner Peggy , Larson Steve , DeHaan Lee 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntermediate wheatgrass (IWG, Thinopyrum intermedium [Host] Barkworth & D. R. Dewey) has been developed as a perennial grain crop for human consumption along with providing environmental benefits and ecosystem services. Grain and products derived from IWG cultivars improved for food production have been marketed under the registered trademark, Kernza. Development of IWG as a perennial grain crop began in 1980s with a phenotypic recurrent selection program as the Rodale Institute (RI) and the Big Flats Plant Material Center (BFPMC) used IWG plant introductions (PI) from the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) to improve populations of IWG. Initial selections were provided to The Land Institute (TLI) where they were subsequently improved for grain production, yet the identity of the founder material of improved, food-grade IWG has not been publicly documented. Recently recovered original documents have been used to reconstruct the early breeding program to identify the most likely 20 PIs that form the founders of modern food-grade IWG. Molecular data using genotyping-by-sequencing in current elite breeding material, and remnant seed and plant material from the initial RI selections have provided supporting evidence for the historical records. The genetic origin for food-grade IWG is focused between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea in the Stavropol region of Russia, with smaller contributions likely from collections as distant as Kazakhstan in the east to Turkey in the west. This work connects the flow of germplasm and utility of NPGS PIs to present day IWG grain cultivars being developed in multiple breeding programs around the world.
Does the Relationship between Age and Brain Structure Differ in Youth with Conduct Disorder?
Authors: Koerner Sarah , Staginnus Marlene , Cornwell Harriet , Smaragdi Areti , González-Madruga Karen , Pauli Ruth , Rogers Jack C. , Gao Yidian , Chester Sally , Townend Sophie , Bernhard Anka , Martinelli Anne , Kohls Gregor , Raschle Nora Maria , Konrad Kerstin , Stadler Christina , Freitag Christine M. , De Brito Stephane A. , Fairchild Graeme 
Published: April 2024

AbstractConduct disorder (CD) is characterised by persistent antisocial and aggressive behaviour and typically emerges in childhood or adolescence. Although several authors have proposed that CD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, very little evidence is available about brain development in this condition. Structural brain alterations have been observed in CD, and some indirect evidence for delayed brain maturation has been reported. However, no detailed analysis of age-related changes in brain structure in youth with CD has been conducted. Using cross-sectional MRI data, this study aimed to explore differences in brain maturation in youth with CD versus healthy controls to provide further understanding of the neurodevelopmental processes underlying CD. 291 CD cases (153 males) and 379 healthy controls (160 males) aged 9–18 years (Mage = 14.4) were selected from the European multisite FemNAT-CD study. Structural MRI scans were analysed using surface-based morphometry followed by application of the ENIGMA quality control protocols. An atlas-based approach was used to investigate group differences and test for group-by-age and group-by-age-by-sex interactions in cortical thickness, surface area and subcortical volumes. Relative to healthy controls, the CD group showed lower surface area across frontal, temporal and parietal regions as well as lower total surface area. No significant group-by-age or group-by-age-by-sex interactions were observed on any brain structure measure. These findings suggest that CD is associated with lower surface area across multiple cortical regions, but do not support the idea that CD is associated with delayed brain maturation, at least within the age bracket considered here.
Assessment of the influence of institutions and globalization on environmental pollution for open and closed economies
Authors: Gyamfi Bright A. , Agozie Divine Q. , Ali Ernest B. , Bekun Festus V. , Asongu Simplice A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs the environmental sustainability effectiveness of various political systems is taken into consideration, it is doubtful as to whether the presumption of the overall efficiency of democracy can be sustained in global governance architecture. The effectiveness of autocracies and democracies (i.e., governance indicators are compared in the present study) with reference to strengths and weaknesses in environmental objectives. This analysis explores the effect of autocracy, democracy, as well as the trend of globalization on CO2 emissions for open and closed economies from 1990 to 2020. Crucial indicators such as economic growth, renewable energy and non-renewable energy are controlled for while examining the roles of economic expansion on the disaggregated energy consumption portfolios for both open and closed economies. The empirical analysis revealed some insightful results. First, for the open economies, with the exception of non-renewable energy which shows a positive significant impact on emissions, all variables show a negative effect on emissions. Furthermore, the closed economies result indicate that, apart from renewable energy which has a negative relationship with emissions, all the variables including the interaction terms have a positive relation with emissions. However, an inverted U-shaped environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis was validated for both economies.
Household specialization and competition for promotion
Authors: Bastani Spencer , Dickmanns Lisa , Giebe Thomas , Gürtler Oliver 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We study how the presence of promotion competition in the labor market affects household specialization patterns. By embedding a promotion tournament model in a household setting, we show that specialization can emerge as a consequence of competitive work incentives. This specialization outcome, in which only one spouse invests heavily in his or her career, can be welfare superior to a situation in which both spouses invest equally in their careers. The reason is that household specialization reduces the intensity of competition and provides households with consumption smoothing. The specialization result is obtained in a setting where spouses are equally competitive in the labor market and there is no household production. It is also robust to several modifications of the model, such as varying the number of households, two spouses competing for promotion in the same workplace, and the inclusion of household production.
A technostress–entrepreneurship nexus in the developing world
Authors: Simba Amon , Rambe Patient , Navarrete Samuel Ribeiro , Vadillo Maria Teresa Palomo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractResearch indicates that entrepreneurs are relying on digital technology for their entrepreneurial endeavours, yet there is little knowledge on how to balance technology usage and wellbeing. Drawing on the concept of technostress and 643 observations of nascent South African entrepreneurs’ interactions with digital technology, we advance knowledge at the technostress–entrepreneurship nexus. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) results reveal how digital self-efficacy moderates their behaviour and inability to balance digital technology usage with wellbeing. These results confirm entrepreneurship passion and perceived behavioural control as predictors of technostress amongst these entrepreneurs. They also suggest that the benefits of digital technology are not a predictor of technostress in African entrepreneurship; thus, extending a conceptual overlay of digital technology, digital self-efficacy, entrepreneurial passion (EP), and behaviour to define the mechanisms underlying a technostress–entrepreneurship nexus. The results show social, policy, and research implications in today’s technology-driven environments characterised by a mixture of midrange to complete digital transformations.
Crystal structure, morphology, and electrical properties of aluminum-doped LFP materials
Authors: Zou Gongsheng , Chen Kui , Luo Xianming , Fu Quanjun , Wu Bin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe effect of doping with aluminum compounds on the crystal structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 has been investigated with aluminum stearate, alumina, aluminum sulfate, and aluminum phosphate as dopants. The contraction of unit cell observed by XRD analysis and reduced lattice spacing determined by HRTEM of the doped crystals indicate that Al3+ ions, which occupy smaller space than lithium ions, are successfully doped into the lattice of LiFePO4. Lattice doping of aluminum ions enlarges Li+ transport channels; 1%-AlP-LFP has the slowest attenuation of discharge specific capacity. After 30 cycles of charge and discharge curve test at 0.5C, the retention rate of the sample is 97.43%. Owing to the substitution of S for O sites, and SO42− has a breaking effect on the carbon layer, this accelerates the capacity decay of 1%-AlS-LFP. The discharge capacity of 1%-AlS-LFP is 132.9 mAh/g, which is lower than 139.8mAh/g of LFP. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results show that the resistance of 1%-AlP-LFP is 147.1 Ω, the resistance of LFP is 138.9Ω, and the resistance of LFP is 183.9Ω. The Li+ diffusion coefficient of 1%-AlP-LFP is partially increased; the double substitution of Al3+ and S2− slows the migration rate of Li+.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Three-Point Bending Behavior of Hybrid Adhesive-Bonded Aluminum–Wood Plates
Authors: Graf Eva , Matz Philipp , Auer Peter , Kurzböck Christian , Krenke Thomas , Painer Johannes , Gruber Lukas , Frieß Michael , Bauer Christoph , Sommitsch Christof , Domitner Josef 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHybrid components of wood-based materials offer a high potential for automotive lightweight applications. To investigate the bending behavior of hybrid aluminum-wood plates, commercial 1-mm-thick sheets of EN AW-6016-T4 aluminum alloy were adhesive-bonded with 4.2-mm-thick plates of birch wood. Orientations of the wood fibers parallel (longitudinal) as well as perpendicular (transverse) to the rolling direction of the aluminum alloy sheet and three different moisture contents of the wood plate were considered. The hybrid aluminum-wood plates were subjected to three-point bending at room temperature. Simple wood plates without aluminum alloy sheets were also tested. The bending force-bending angle curves monitored during bending, the bending angles at maximum bending force and the surface strains were evaluated. Moreover, a finite element model of the testing setup was created using the LS-Dyna software. The different moisture contents did not significantly influence the bending angle; however, moisture decreased the maximum bending force. Debonding was identified as critical failure mechanism. The FE model that considered the experimentally determined material properties was able to predict the bending behavior for different moisture conditions.
Improved Thermodynamic Descriptions of Carbides in Ni-Based Superalloys
Authors: Buerstmayr Richard , Schulz Bernd , Povoden-Karadeniz Erwin , Kozeschnik Ernst , Lison-Pick Michael , Primig Sophie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Ni-based superalloy René 41 has sparked recent interest for applications in next-generation aircraft engines due to its high-temperature strength that is superior to all similar grades. These desirable properties are achieved by careful control of the microstructure evolution during thermomechanical processing, and this is commonly informed by simulations. In particular, the grain boundary carbides M6C and M23C6 play an essential role in controlling the grain size and strength of the final product. Therefore, a solid understanding of the thermodynamic stability and thermokinetic evolution of these carbides is essential. However, thermokinetic simulations using existing thermodynamic databases have been demonstrated to have discrepancies between thermodynamic stabilities and experimental observations. Here, we collected a new experimental time–temperature–precipitation diagram. In conjunction with improved crystallographic descriptions, these experimental results are used to modify a CALPHAD database for M6C and M23C6. The modified database correctly identifies temperature regions with rapid carbide precipitation kinetics. Further, kinetic simulations and strengthening models successfully predict the hardness increase due to γ′ precipitation. The modified database has been applied to Udimet 700, Waspaloy, and Haynes 282, demonstrating improved results. These updates will facilitate more accurate simulations of the microstructure evolution during thermomechanical processing of advanced Ni-based superalloys for aerospace and other applications.
Comparative Analysis and Error Assessment of Nanoindentation Evaluation Techniques for NafionTM117
Authors: Yonkova Velislava , Utsch Nikolai , Borowec Julian , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , Hausen Florian , Scheepers Fabian , Brinckmann Steffen , Schwaiger Ruth 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAdvances in the application of polymers for electrochemical cells require an understanding of their viscous deformation mechanisms and their interaction with moisture. Nanoindentation offers a localized, microscale testing alternative to traditional tensile testing. However, the viscoelastic nature of the polymers, combined with their increased compliance, presents challenges in the analysis of nanoindentation results. In addition, the dependence on moisture results in significant scatter and low repeatability. This study combines nanoindentation and tensile testing as a verification method and compares different correction protocols for static nanoindentation to investigate the mechanical behavior of polymer electrolyte membranes. Comparisons of different indentation devices, analysis methods, and indentation protocols show a significant overestimation of Young’s modulus using the classical Oliver–Pharr method compared to values determined from tensile tests. Nanoindentation at different humidity levels revealed different mechanisms leading to a decrease in Young’s modulus and hardness with increasing humidity.
Strategies for solving multiplicative problems using a conceptual model-based problem-solving approach. A case study with a student with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bruno Alicia , Polo-Blanco Irene , Van Vaerenbergh Steven , Fernández-Cobos Raúl , González-López María José 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines the multiplicative problem-solving strategies used by a 14-year-old student with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities during an instructional process based on the Conceptual Model-based Problem Solving (COMPS) approach. The instruction aimed to enhance conceptual comprehension of problem-solving by the use of model diagrams representing mathematical relations involved in word problems. These diagrams aid in selecting the appropriate operation for each type of multiplicative problem, including equal-groups, multiplicative comparison, and combination problems. We further discuss how the instructional process promoted conceptual understanding for the three problem types, highlighting the development of strategies (modeling, counting, and operations) and the pivotal role of the COMPS methodology components in this progression. The results indicate that the student adeptly adopted the COMPS approach, facilitating the transition from informal modeling to written operations, with his choice of strategies varying depending on the type of problem. While there was a higher utilization of modeling strategies in equal-groups and combination problems, modeling was not as frequently employed in comparison problems. We speculate how this differentiated strategy preference could be associated with certain characteristics of the disorder.
The Effect of Donepezil Hydrochloride in the Twitcher Mouse Model of Krabbe Disease
Authors: Papakyriakopoulou Paraskevi , Valsami Georgia , Dev Kumlesh K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractKrabbe disease (KD) is a rare demyelinating disorder characterized by demyelination caused by mutations in the GALC gene, resulting in toxic accumulation of psychosine. Psychosine has been identified as detrimental to oligodendrocytes, leading to demyelination through diverse hypothesized pathways. Reducing demyelination is essential to maintain neurological function in KD; however, therapeutic interventions are currently limited. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEi) are commonly used for symptomatic management of Alzheimer's Disease and are suggested to have potential disease-modifying effects, including regulating myelin state. In particular, donepezil, an AChEi, has demonstrated promising effects in cellular and animal models, including promotion of the expression of myelin-related genes and reduction of glial cell reactivity. This drug also acts as an agonist for sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1R), which are implicated in demyelination diseases. In the context of drug repurposing, here, we demonstrate that administration of donepezil has protective effects in the twitcher mouse model of KD. We provide data showing that donepezil preserves myelin and reduces glial cell reactivity in the brains of twitcher mice. Moreover, donepezil also improves behavioral phenotypes and increases lifespan in twitcher animals. These findings suggest that donepezil, with its dual activity as an AChE inhibitor and Sig-1R agonist, may hold promise as a therapeutic candidate for demyelinating diseases, including KD.
Persist or Perish. The Dynamics of Irrigated Agriculture in Urbanising Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Wessels Matthijs T. , Mgana Shaaban M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDar es Salaam (Tanzania) is one of the fastest urbanising cities in sub-Saharan Africa, which has implications for its food security. Based on ethnographic research that focused on understanding how day-to-day agricultural practices are configured, we study the responses of farmers to a changing urban environment. We describe urban agriculture as an expression of active city-making; something which is uncommon since the agricultural sector is typically presented as passive and helpless in the face of urban growth. This paper shows that farmers, despite not being accounted for in urban narratives, co-shape what the city looks like and how it functions. By crafting networks of provision based on the informal access to land and water, they offer food, employment, and more for the improvement of their lives and the wider citizenry. In opposition to land pressure and water resource degradation, farmers adapt their agricultural strategies to benefit from what they can access while dealing with the uncertainties of changing realities. Based on our findings which reflect the characteristics of everyday urbanism, we discuss implications for theory and governance. With African cities risking to grow hungry, a better representation of urban farmers and their irrigated agricultural production in urban planning and governance reduces uncertainties and risks, both for farmers and the wider city.