bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why are some students “not into” computational thinking activities embedded within high school science units? Key takeaways from a microethnographic discourse analysis study
Authors: Aslan Umit , Horn Michael , Wilensky Uri 
Published: February 2024

AbstractScience educators are integrating more and more computational thinking (CT) activities into their curricula. Proponents of CT offer two motivations: familiarizing students with a realistic depiction of the computational nature of modern scientific practices and encouraging more students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, some studies show that increasing exposure to computing may not necessarily translate to the hypothesized gains in participation by female students and students of color. Therefore, paying close attention to students' engagement in computationally intense science activities is important to finding more impactful ways to promote equitable science education. In this paper, we present an in‐depth analysis of the interactions among a small, racially diverse group of high school students during a chemistry unit with tightly integrated CT activities. We find a salient interaction between the students' engagement with the CT activities and their social identification with publicly recognizable categories such as “enjoys coding” or “finds computing boring.” We show that CT activities in science education can lead to numerous rich interactions that could, if leveraged correctly, allow educators to facilitate more inclusive science classrooms. However, we also show that such opportunities would be missed unless teachers are attentive to them. We discuss the implications of our findings on future work to integrate CT across science curricula and teacher education.
Bio‐Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Decorated on Hydrotalcite using Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract and Its Anti‐Bacterial Effect
Authors: Dam Xuan Thang , Nguyen Xuan Thai , Nguyen Thuy Chinh , Nguyen Tien Dung , Duong Tra My , Bui Thi Diu , Thai Hoang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhenolic compounds are widely known for its well‐reduced behavior and surprisingly appeared in many leaf extracts, including Psidium guajava (P. guajava) leaf. This leaf extract has been confirmed as an efficiency reducing agent to reduce Ag(I) ions to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This work focused on the development of a “green” synthesis of nanosilver‐hydrotalcite nanoparticles (HT‐AgNPs) based on the bio‐reduction of the P. guajava leaf extract and the application of HT‐AgNPs as an antibacterial material. To assess factors affecting on synthesis process of the HT‐AgNPs, experiments have been carried out with a fixation of HT/AgNO3 precursors while varying concentration of P. guajava leaf extract as well as solvent for the extraction. The methods, including ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X‐Ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used to characterize the HT‐AgNPs. The yield of reduction process of Ag(I) ions to AgNPs on HT reached 55.12 to 90.55 % depending on the content of AgNO3 precursor. In particular, the antibacterial activity of HT‐AgNPs against to E. coli and S. aureus was also assessed and discussed.
Ammonium tetrafluoroborate: Novel Unprecedented Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones through Biginelli Reaction
Authors: Verma Aman , Chaudhary Gyanendra , Verma Deepti , Prabhakar Amit , Behera Kamalakanta 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA novel method has been developed to use ammonium tetrafluoroborate (NH4BF4) directly as catalyst in Biginelli reaction. A new paradigm of the Biginelli reaction for the synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones derivatives found the use of ammonium tetrafluoroborate as a novel, inexpensive, readily available, non‐toxic and mild catalyst in good to excellent yields. Notably, this is the first time that ammonium tetrafluoroborate is directly used as a catalyst in organic synthesis. So far, no organic reaction is available in literature where NH4BF4 is directly used as catalyst. However, some reactions are found where NH4BF4 is used with other catalysts as promoters or additives. The protocol developed has several advantages, such as highly efficient, simple, atom‐economical, environmentally friendly, easy synthetic and purification methods.
First‐Principles Study on CdS2 Monolayer as Toxic Gas Sensor or Scavenger
Authors: Wang Kuanyi , Pang Jianhua , Wei Guang , Zhong Yifei , Wei Songrui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn order to explore the possibility of
monolayers as high‐performance gas sensors, the electronic properties and gas sensing performance of
,
,
,
,
and
gas molecules adsorbed on
monolayers were investigated using a first‐principles approach. It was found that
,
and
had a weak chemisorption effect on the
monolayer, while the physisorption of
effectively altered the electronic properties and the work function of the
monolayer. Compared with other gases, the
monolayer has relatively high sensitivity to
,
and
, and the band gap of the system after adsorption changes significantly compared with the intrinsic
monolayer, and the characteristics of the work function can effectively distinguish various gases. The results indicate that the
monolayer has the ability to detect
,
and
gases with high sensitivity, especially for
, and provide a theoretical basis for the development of
monolayers for potential applications as gas sensors or scavengers for
,
and
.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose‐Curcumin‐Ag‐Se Nanocomposites having Antioxidant and Antibacterial properties for Skin Healing Applications
Authors: Dias Joephil D. , Nagar Devika N. , Bhende Prajakta P. , Dsilva Asbern J. F. , Ganguly Anasuya , Braganca Judith M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBacterial Cellulose is a polymer synthesised by some strains of bacteria thus perceived as environmentally friendly. Bacterial Cellulose (BC) was subjected to three different drying procedures; Freeze Drying, Blot drying and Oven drying. Studies on its water holding capacity, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical strength revealed that Freeze drying was the best method for retaining its pore size and water holding capacity. Silver selenium nanoparticles complexed with Curcumin (Cur‐AgSeNPs) were loaded on BC and characterised by FESEM, EDX, FTIR and XRD. The ultrastructure of the BC nanocomposite revealed a three‐dimensional network of interwoven cellulose microfibrils with the nanoparticle complex adsorbed onto the surface as well as embedded within the porous structure of the membrane. Antimicrobial analysis of the BCnanocomposite showed bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa (MTCC 741), E. coli (MTCC 2574) and S. aureus (MTCC 737) cultures. 0.5 mM Cur‐AgSeNPs loaded BC film showed a Radical Scavenging Activity of 63.92±0.76 % by ABTS assay and a cell viability of 75 % after 4 days for L929 fibroblast cells. Haemocompatibility test of the films showed <10 % haemolysis of RBCs indicating their haemocompatible nature. These results suggest that the BCnanocomposite film would open up the possibility for use as an ideal skin healing material.
DFT study on the Stereoselectivity of Asymmetric Synthesis of C, N‐Cyclic Azomethine Imines with Allyl Alkyl Ketones
Authors: Feng Guipeng , Meng Jie , Xu Shaohong , Wang Shujing , Yao Xubin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBased on the density functional theory, the stereoselectivity of the asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolinopyrazole derivatives by the cycloaddition reaction of C, N‐cyclic azomethine imines with allyl alkyl ketones which was catalyzed using a chiral primary amine is studied theoretically. The results demonstrate that the four chiral transition states (TS‐1R2R, TS‐1R2S, TS‐1S2R and TS‐1S2S) are formed by the reaction of dienamine intermediate with C, N‐cyclic azomethine imine, and the reaction barrier of TS‐1R2S is in the lowest level (ΔG=6.98 kcal/mol). The consequence reveal that the 1R2S configuration product is formed by TS‐1R2S transition state. Non‐covalent interaction and electron density topology analysis show that the stereoselectivity of the chiral product is determined through van der Waals forces and hydrogen bond interaction of the transition state molecules.
Comparison between the behaviors of fully encased cold‐formed steel joists and hot‐formed steel joists with prestressed concrete: Experimental analysis
Authors: Elkhansa Hanadi , Barraj Firas , Ahmad Samer 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the behaviors of different types of prestressed concrete beams utilizing fully encased cold‐ or hot‐formed steel joists. Twelve types divided into two sets of composite beams are assessed. Set 1 is composed of six beams utilizing cold‐formed steel (CFS) joists distinguished by the cross‐sectional steel‐to‐concrete ratios of 1%, 2%, and 3%, and the presence or absence of web openings. Set 2 has the similar composition but utilizes hot‐formed steel joists. Four‐point and three‐point bending tests were conducted at the mid‐span of the composite concrete beams. Key properties, such as strength, stiffness, flexural load capacity, ductility, energy absorption capacity, and failure modes, were used in the analysis. It was found that the specimens with CFS I‐beam joists provided better performance compared to those with hot‐formed steel joists. Also, the existence of web openings in the encased CFS beams enhances the ductility and energy absorption of the composite concrete beams.
Reconstructive surgery with an autologous bone graft in a dog with presumptive chronic non‐bacterial osteomyelitis
Authors: Jung Jae‐Hwan , Han Hyun‐Jung , Yoon Hun‐Young 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA 15‐year‐old Cocker Spaniel was referred to for the evaluation of left forelimb lameness. Radiographic and computed tomography examinations revealed osteolysis of the proximal left third, fourth and fifth metacarpal bones and pathological fractures of the proximal left fourth metacarpal bone. Histopathological examination via bone biopsy did not provide a definitive diagnosis, and the owner elected limb‐sparing surgery. The fourth metacarpal bone and digits were amputated. Subsequently, autologous bone grafts were performed on the lytic area of the third and fifth metacarpal bones. The dog showed improvement in gait 7 weeks after reconstructive surgery. Chronic non‐bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) was diagnosed by exclusion. To the best of our knowledge, CNO has not been previously reported in dogs.
The Duty to Promote Digital Minimalism in Others I: Duties of Virtue
Authors: Aylsworth Timothy , Castro Clinton 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this chapter, we introduce the duty to be an attention ecologist, one who promotes digital minimalism in others. After arguing for the existence of this duty on Kantian grounds (i.e., as following from a duty to respect humanity), we address an objection from Kant himself, who thought that we cannot be obliged to perfect others (which attention ecology seems to demand). We rebut the objection and explore one (of two) sides of attention ecology, i.e., the duty understood as a duty of virtue (in contrast to a duty of right, which we explore in Chap. 6). Here, “virtue” and “right” are Kantian terms of art, the core difference being that duties of virtue cannot be coercively enforced, whereas duties of right can. We show that attention ecology, understood as a duty of virtue, has implications for parents, teachers, friends, employers, and developers. The demands of the duty are conditioned by relationships that constitute these roles; the demands it makes of parents, for instance, are different from those it makes of employers because the relationship between parents and children is different from that of employers and workers. Much of the chapter is dedicated to exploring these differences.
Deformation and Quantisation Condition of the $$\mathcal {Q}$$-Top Recursion
Authors: Osuga Kento 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe consider a deformation of a family of hyperelliptic refined spectral curves and investigate how deformation effects appear in the hyperelliptic refined topological recursion as well as the $$\mathcal {Q}$$
Q
-top recursion. We then show a coincidence between a deformation condition and a quantisation condition in terms of the $$\mathcal {Q}$$
Q
-top recursion on a degenerate elliptic curve. We also discuss a relation to the corresponding Nekrasov–Shatashivili effective twisted superpotential.
Identification of a novel and plant height-independent QTL for coleoptile length in barley and validation of its effect using near isogenic lines
Authors: Gao Shang , Su Zhouyang , Ma Jun , Ma Jian , Liu Chunji , Li Huihui , Zheng Zhi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Key message
This study reported the identification and validation of novel QTL conferring coleoptile length in barley and predicted candidate genes underlying the largest effect QTL based on orthologous analysis and comparison of the whole genome assemblies for both parental genotypes of the mapping population.

Abstract
Coleoptile length (CL) is one of the most important agronomic traits in cereal crops due to its direct influence on the optimal depth for seed sowing which facilitates better seedling establishment. Varieties with longer coleoptiles are preferred in drought-prone areas where less moisture maintains at the top layer of the soil. Compared to wheat, genetic study on coleoptile length is limited in barley. Here, we reported a study on detecting the genomic regions associated with CL in barley by assessing a population consisting of 201 recombinant inbred lines. Four putative QTL conferring CL were consistently identified on chromosomes 1H, 5H, 6H, and 7H in each of the trials conducted. Of these QTL, the two located on chromosomes 5H and 6H (designated as Qcl.caf-5H and Qcl.caf-6H) are likely novel and Qcl.caf-5H showed the most significant effect explaining up to 30.9% of phenotypic variance with a LOD value of 15.1. To further validate the effect of this putative QTL, five pairs of near isogenic lines (NILs) were then developed and assessed. Analysis of the NILs showed an average difference of 21.0% in CL between the two isolines. Notably, none of the other assessed morphological characteristics showed consistent differences between the two isolines for each pair of the NILs. Candidate genes underlying the Qcl.caf-5H locus were also predicted by employing orthologous analysis and comparing the genome assemblies for both parental genotypes of the mapping population in the present study. Taken together, these findings expand our understanding on genetic basis of CL and will be indicative for further gene cloning and functional analysis underly this locus in barley.
Bayesian regression models in gretl: the BayTool package
Authors: Pedini Luca 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article presents the package which integrates the software functionalities, mostly concerned with frequentist approaches, with Bayesian estimation methods of commonly used econometric models. Computational efficiency is achieved by pairing an extensive use of Gibbs sampling for posterior simulation with the possibility of splitting single-threaded experiments into multiple cores or machines by means of parallelization. From the user’s perspective, the package requires only basic knowledge of scripting to fully access its functionality, while providing a point-and-click solution in the form of a graphical interface for a less experienced audience. These features, in particular, make stand out as an excellent teaching device without sacrificing more advanced or complex applications.
Stable isotopes, morphology, and body condition metrics suggest similarity in the trophic level and diversity in the carbon sources of freshwater and early marine diets of Chinook salmon
Authors: Wolf Nathan , Garcia Sabrina , Harris Bradley P. , Howard Kathrine G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFor anadromous fish entering the marine environment, we expect the probability of avoiding predation and starvation to increase with the quality and/or quantity of dietary resources consumed during the period immediately prior to, and following, ocean entry. Here, we report the results of research examining trophic history in relation to fork length, mass, and body condition in juvenile Chinook salmon captured in the southern Bering Sea using δ13C and δ15N analysis of skeletal muscle and liver samples. Our results show little inter-individual variability in δ15N, but variability in δ13C among tissues and within and among years was observed. Further, we found few relationships between δ15N and morphological or condition metrics, but strong relationships between δ13C and fork length, body mass, and Fulton’s K. We attribute the similarity in δ15N among individuals to high trophic level feeding (i.e., piscivory) associated with the prolonged duration of freshwater residency observed for juvenile Chinook salmon in our study area. Variation in δ13C, as well as relationships between δ13C, fork length, body mass, and Fulton’s K can be attributed to variability in carbon sourcing resulting from the large spatial footprint of our study area. In addition to relating these findings to Chinook salmon ecology, we offer guidance for future use of δ13C and δ15N analysis in studying early marine trophic interactions in anadromous fish.
Interactions Between Heavy Metal Exposure and Blood Biochemistry in an Urban Population of the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) in Australia
Authors: Nzabanita Damien , Mulder Raoul A. , Lettoof Damian C. , Grist Stephen , Hampton Jordan O. , Hufschmid Jasmin , Nugegoda Dayanthi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThere is growing recognition of the threat posed to wildlife by pollutants. Waterbirds are robust bioindicators of ecosystem health, and metal toxicity is a threat to these species in waterways worldwide. Urban waterbirds are likely to be at the highest risk of heavy metal exposure, but this issue has not been widely explored in Australia. Our aim was to estimate contemporary heavy metal exposure in a sedentary urban waterbird population: black swans (Cygnus atratus) inhabiting an inner-city wetland in one of Australia’s largest cities, Melbourne. To investigate the physiological implications of legacy heavy metal exposure in these birds, we quantified blood biochemistry profiles and examined their relationships with metal concentrations in feathers. We caught 15 swans in 2021 and took feather samples to measure the concentration of eight heavy metals (chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg)), and blood samples to measure the concentration of 13 plasma analytes. Multivariate regression analysis revealed few associations between heavy metals and biochemistry markers, and no differences between sexes or age classes. This study presents a baseline dataset of these contaminants and blood biochemical profiles of swans at this wetland that can be used for future monitoring and is an important step toward a better understanding of the threat posed by heavy metals to Australian urban waterbirds.
Xanthan: enzymatic degradation and novel perspectives of applications
Authors: Berezina Oksana V. , Rykov Sergey V. , Schwarz Wolfgang H. , Liebl Wolfgang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The extracellular heteropolysaccharide xanthan, synthesized by bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas, is widely used as a thickening and stabilizing agent across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Expanding the scope of its application, current efforts target the use of xanthan to develop innovative functional materials and products, such as edible films, eco-friendly oil surfactants, and biocompatible composites for tissue engineering. Xanthan-derived oligosaccharides are useful as nutritional supplements and plant defense elicitors. Development and processing of such new functional materials and products often necessitate tuning of xanthan properties through targeted structural modification. This task can be effectively carried out with the help of xanthan-specific enzymes. However, the complex molecular structure and intricate conformational behavior of xanthan create problems with its enzymatic hydrolysis or modification. This review summarizes and analyzes data concerning xanthan-degrading enzymes originating from microorganisms and microbial consortia, with a particular focus on the dependence of enzymatic activity on the structure and conformation of xanthan. Through a comparative study of xanthan-degrading pathways found within various bacterial classes, different microbial enzyme systems for xanthan utilization have been identified. The characterization of these new enzymes opens new perspectives for modifying xanthan structure and developing innovative xanthan-based applications.

Key points
• The structure and conformation of xanthan affect enzymatic degradation.
• Microorganisms use diverse multienzyme systems for xanthan degradation.
• Xanthan-specific enzymes can be used to develop xanthan variants for novel applications.
Modern low-field MRI
Authors: Pogarell Tobias , Heiss Rafael , Janka Rolf , Nagel Armin M. , Uder Michael , Roemer Frank W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis narrative review explores recent advancements and applications of modern low-field (≤ 1 Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in musculoskeletal radiology. Historically, high-field MRI systems (1.5 T and 3 T) have been the standard in clinical practice due to superior image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. However, recent technological advancements in low-field MRI offer promising avenues for musculoskeletal imaging. General principles of low-field MRI systems are being introduced, highlighting their strengths and limitations compared to high-field counterparts. Emphasis is placed on advancements in hardware design, including novel magnet configurations, gradient systems, and radiofrequency coils, which have improved image quality and reduced susceptibility artifacts particularly in musculoskeletal imaging. Different clinical applications of modern low-field MRI in musculoskeletal radiology are being discussed. The diagnostic performance of low-field MRI in diagnosing various musculoskeletal pathologies, such as ligament and tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and cartilage lesions, is being presented. Moreover, the discussion encompasses the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of low-field MRI systems, making them viable options for imaging centers with limited resources or specific patient populations. From a scientific standpoint, the amount of available data regarding musculoskeletal imaging at low-field strengths is limited and often several decades old. This review will give an insight to the existing literature and summarize our own experiences with a modern low-field MRI system over the last 3 years. In conclusion, the narrative review highlights the potential clinical utility, challenges, and future directions of modern low-field MRI, offering valuable insights for radiologists and healthcare professionals seeking to leverage these advancements in their practice.