bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Holme I (Seahenge) and Holme II: ritual responses to climate change in Early Bronze Age Britain
Authors: Nance David Alexander 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHolme I and II were contemporary, adjacent Early Bronze Age (EBA) oak-timber enclosures exposed intertidally at Holme-next-the-sea, Norfolk, England, in 1998. Holme I enclosed a central upturned tree-stump, its function and intent unknown. Holme II is thought a mortuary structure. Both are proposed here best explained as independent ritual responses to reverse a period of severe climate deterioration recorded before 2049 BC when their timbers were felled. Holme I is thought erected on the summer-solstice, when the cuckoo traditionally stopped singing, departing to the ‘Otherworld’. It replicated the cuckoo’s supposed overwintering quarters: a tree-hole or the ‘bowers of the Otherworld’ represented by the tree-stump, remembered in folklore as ‘penning-the-cuckoo’ where a cuckoo is confined to keep singing and maintain summer. The cuckoo symbolised male-fertility being associated with several Indo-European goddesses of fertility that deified Venus - one previously identified in EBA Britain. Some mortal consorts of these goddesses appear to have been ritually sacrificed at Samhain. Holme II may be an enclosure for the body of one such ‘sacral king’. These hypotheses are considered, using abductive reasoning, as ‘inferences to the best explanations’ from the available evidence. They are supported with environmental data, astronomic and biological evidence, regional folklore, toponymy, and an ethnographic analogy with indigenous Late Iron Age practices that indirect evidence indicates were undertaken in EBA Britain. Cultural and religious continuity is supported by textual sources, the material record and ancient DNA (aDNA) studies.
Different roles of the Amazon-Orinoco barrier on the genetic structure of two sardine genera from the Western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ferreira-Araújo Thais , Hollanda-Carvalho Pedro , Di Dario Fabio , Mendes Liana de Figueiredo , Oliveira Claudio , Gasparini João Luiz , Rotundo Matheus Marcos , Macieira Raphael M. , Lima Sergio Maia Queiroz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThree sardine species of Harengula and one of Opisthonema (Clupeiformes, Clupeidae) are known in the Western Atlantic, where the Amazon-Orinoco plume has been recognized as a major biogeographic barrier, albeit permeable to larger and generalist species. Here we used mitochondrial cox1 gene DNA sequences to check the lineage delimitation of both genera, testing the influence of the Amazon-Orinoco barrier (AOB) and marine provinces on their phylogeographic structure. Results indicate that the two genera are differently affected by the AOB, including cryptic speciation in Harengula and population structure in Opisthonema. Harengula show a broad distribution in the Brazilian Province (BRA) distinct from H. clupeola and H. jaguana from the Greater Caribbean Region (GCR). Divergence time between Harengula from the GCR vs. BRA was estimated as about 2.4 Mya, which coincides with the period of increasing sediment and freshwater discharge of the Amazon River in the Atlantic. Results also indicate the existence of a single species of Opisthonema, albeit with population structuring related to the marine provinces. Since species of both genera are relevant to artisanal fisheries and the maintenance of oceanic ecosystems, these results may help in fisheries management of these important marine resources.
Novel alkyne chromophore of the isophorone derivatives: synthesis, electrochemical evaluation, DFT, and processable bottom contact/top-gate OFET applications
Authors: Canimkurbey Betul , Kir Merve Nur Kamsiz , Eryilmaz Serpil , Gul Melek 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFused alkyne molecules are important in organic semiconductors due to their desirable properties. Here, we report the design and synthesis of a new series of A–π–D molecules (III–VII) that can serve as mild electron acceptors to generate wide-bandgap p-type small compounds for use in organic field-effect transistors. The incorporation of donor units into fused isophorone frameworks can be used to tune the frontier molecular orbital energies. The electrochemical, optical, and thermal properties of the compounds were characterized. Compound VI, which has a fused phenyl-substituted alkyne moiety, had the highest occupied molecular orbital energy level as determined by optical and electrochemical analysis. Density functional theory calculations revealed that compounds VI and III had lower hole reorganization energy (λh) than the corresponding isophorone extended conjugated-based compounds (I–II). Conversely, compounds I and II had lower electron reorganization energy (λe) than the corresponding fused alkyne compounds. This is in line with the observed adiabatic ionization potential and electron affinity values. Consequently, devices fabricated with compound VI exhibited high mobility and low threshold voltage.
The adsorption properties of the corm tunic structure of Crocus (Iridaceae) and its use as a biomarker for the environmental concentration of uranium
Authors: Koçak Nurdan , Çoktaş Fatma , Şimşek Selçuk 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigated whether the corm tunic structure, which is the underground part of the Crocus (Iridaceae) plant, can be used for adsorption and recovery/removal of uranium from an aqueous solution. The characterization of this structure, which has not been studied for its interaction with metals before, has been elucidated by point zero charge (PZC), FTIR, and SEM analyses. Extensive investigations were conducted on the adsorption properties of the biomass used and the pH, temperature, time, adsorbent dosage, and uranyl ion concentration variables were optimized. The experimental data were interpreted using theoretical adsorption models. The Langmuir model revealed a maximum adsorption capacity of the material to be 0.286 mol kg−1. Adsorption kinetics were also described using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intra-particular diffusion models. It is shown that the adsorption pH reaches the highest adsorption at the natural pH of the uranium solution. Experimental studies showed that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. It has been shown that this biomaterial can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of uranium as well as a biomarker for determining the environmental uranium concentration.
Taking the pulse about contact tracing apps on Twitter
Authors: Tsinaraki Chrisa , Benetta Alessandro Dalla , Minghini Marco , Kotsev Alexander , Schade Sven 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSocial media allow citizens to express their opinions on all aspects of life and society, and this trend has been enhanced during the COVID-19 crisis, when more “traditional” ways of opinion expression were not possible. To get the feeling of Twitter users’ opinions on topics of importance we analysed tweets and combined them with relevant news, thus allowing for potential event detection. We showcase the prototypical framework that we have developed with our findings about European COVID-19 mobile contact tracing apps in tweets posted between 09/07/2020 and 10/07/2021. We obtained both high-level results (for example, trending twitter activity, sentiment polarisation of important hashtags, etc.) and more specific ones (such as, the spatial distribution of tweets regarding a specific app), which indicate that our approach can be applied in the future to get useful insights on topics of public interest that result in active discussions on social media platforms.
A systematic review of virtual 3D reconstructions of Cultural Heritage in immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: Rodriguez-Garcia Bruno , Guillen-Sanz Henar , Checa David , Bustillo Andres 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImmersive Virtual Reality (iVR) devices are increasingly affordable and accessible to consumers. The widespread adoption of this technology for professional training is now finding its way into various other fields. One field that is gaining significant popularity is Cultural Heritage (CH), where iVR enables the reconstruction and exploration of lost heritage. However, an up-to-date systematic review of iVR within this field will be of great benefit. Hence, the present review of 94 papers published between 2013 and 2022 that follows PRISMA methodology on virtual reconstruction of CH for iVR. The aim is to identify the key factors behind the development of these applications and their standards. To do so, a statistical analysis on the following topics was performed: (1) nationality, publication date, and article type; (2) heritage type and its current state of preservation; (3) the area of final application and the features of the reconstructions; (4) the characteristics of the iVR experience; and (5) the assessment of the iVR applications. Finally, a roadmap of best practices is outlined for the virtual reconstruction of CH using iVR and some of the most promising future research lines are outlined.
Gravity Models for Global Migration Flows: A Predictive Evaluation
Authors: Caballero Reina Juan , Crespo Cuaresma Jesus , Fenz Katharina , Zellmann Jakob , Yankov Teodor , Taha Amr 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study introduces a comprehensive econometric framework based on gravity equations and designed to forecast migrant flows between countries. The model’s theoretical underpinnings are validated through empirical data, and we show that the model has better out-of-sample predictive ability than alternative global models. We explore the quantitative effects of various socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic factors on migration and illustrate its use to obtain scenario-driven projections of bilateral migration, assessing the potential contributions of migration to population and GDP dynamics in Germany and Portugal for the period 2021–2025. Our projection results highlight the critical role of immigration in sustaining population levels and economic growth, particularly in the context of ageing populations and decreasing fertility rates across Europe.
The Gendered Division of Housework in China: Parenthood Effects and Heterogeneity Across Parenthood Stages
Authors: Chen Xueqian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractResearch documents that the gender gap in housework is substantially larger among parents compared to couples without children. Because most evidence is from developed countries, it is unclear if a similar pattern exists in China, where couples have fewer children and the gendered division of household labor is more pronounced. Based on longitudinal survey data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997–2015) and two-way person-based fixed effects models, the present study examined the effects of parenthood on spouses’ housework time and share, as well as the heterogeneity across different parenthood stages within heterosexual marriages. The findings suggest that the birth of a child widens the gendered division of housework for Chinese families by substantially increasing housework time for mothers and reducing it for fathers. This gendered division of housework is most pronounced when the youngest child is a preschooler and remains unequal in subsequent parenthood stages. Overall, the study is among the first to demonstrate that parenthood is a highly gendered process in China that widens the gender divide of housework for married couples.
Within-field extrapolation away from a soil moisture probe using freely available satellite imagery and weather data
Authors: Bramley R. G. V. , Perry E. M. , Richetti J. , Colaço A. F. , Mowat D. J. , Ratcliff C. E. M. , Lawes R. A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecognition of the importance of soil moisture information to the optimisation of water-limited dryland cereal production has led to Australian growers being encouraged to make use of soil moisture sensors. However, irrespective of the merits of different sensing technologies, only a small soil volume is sensed, raising questions as to the utility of such sensors in broadacre cropping, especially given spatial variability in soil water holding capacity. Here, using data collected from contrasting sites in South Australia and Western Australia over two seasons, during which either wheat or barley were grown, we describe a method for extrapolating soil moisture information away from the location of a probe using freely-available NDVI time series and weather data as covariates. Relationships between soil moisture probe data, cumulative NDVI (ΣNDVI), cumulative net precipitation (ΣNP) and seasonal growing degree days (GDD) were significant (P < 0.0001). In turn, these could be used to predict soil moisture status for any location within a field on any date following crop emergence. However, differences in ΣNDVI between different within-field zones did not fully explain differences in the soil moisture from multiple sensors located in these zones, resulting in different calibrations being required for each sensor or zone and a relatively low accuracy of prediction of measured soil moisture (R2adj ~ 0.4–0.7) which may not be sufficient to support targeted agronomic decision-making. The results also suggest that at any location within a field, the range of variation in soil moisture status down the soil profile on any given date will present as greater than the spatial variation in soil moisture across the field on that date. Accordingly, we conclude that, in dryland cereal cropping, the major value in soil moisture sensors arises from an enhanced ability to compare seasons and to relate similarities and differences between seasons as a guide to decision-making.
Nothing to fear: strong corporate culture and workplace safety
Authors: Haga Jesper , Huhtamäki Fredrik , Sundvik Dennis , Thor Timmy 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the link between corporate culture and workplace safety. Using a machine learning based measure of corporate culture and data on employee- and safety-related violations, we find that firms with stronger corporate culture are less likely to be penalized, incur lower regulatory fines, and have a reduced number of violations. As a potential channel, we document higher safety expenditures with stronger corporate culture. When we examine establishment-level data on actual injuries and illnesses, we find that firms with stronger corporate culture have significantly lower injury and illness rates. While shareholders have previously been found to benefit from a stronger corporate culture, we contribute with both research and practical implications on the positive effects of a strong corporate culture for employees and society at large.
Migration as Reparation for Colonialism
Authors: Goldstone Zara 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIt is commonly accepted that former European colonising states ought to make reparations for the many harmful legacies of colonialism. I defend an undertheorised case for migration as reparation for one harmful legacy of colonialism in particular, that of exploitation. Making reparations for the harmful legacy of colonial exploitation requires, among other measures, a redistribution of wealth from former colonising states to their former colonies, and for former colonising states to make symbolic reparations, acknowledging the wrong of exploitation. Often it is assumed that the reparative redistribution can occur through in situ monetary transfers, and that symbolic reparations can involve measures such as apologies. But I highlight an overlooked additional option that should be added to the reparative package: migration rights. Firstly, migration would constitute material reparations, as it is well established that migration from poorer to richer states is an effective mechanism of redistributing wealth, both to the individuals who migrate, but also to those who choose not to migrate through remittances. Secondly, offering postcolonial migrants not only the right to work in their former colonising states, but substantive rights, including immediate access to public funds, would be a powerful means of making symbolic reparations, of former colonising states acknowledging that their key institutions are funded with colonially extracted wealth.
Liquid in vitro culture system allows gradual intensification of osmotic stress in Solanum tuberosum through sorbitol
Authors: Wellpott Katharina , Herde Marco , Winkelmann Traud , Bündig Christin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Because of their shallow root system, drought stress is a major problem in potato cultivation. Due to climate change more severe drought periods are expected to occur in the vegetative growth phase of potato growth. Therefore, there is a great need for drought tolerant potato genotypes. Potato responds to drought stress in the field in various ways, including osmoregulation. Osmotic stress can be induced in vitro by adding an osmotic agent and thus lowering the osmotic potential of the medium. In this study, a new, cost-effective in vitro test system is presented, in which the osmotic agent can be gradually added after root formation to prevent an osmotic shock. This is achieved by using sieves as plant holders and liquid medium, which, allows an improved simulation of gradually drying soil. Responses to osmotic stress in four potato genotypes were analysed and an increase in proline under osmotic stress was detected. Moreover, genes of interest that were postulated to be linked to drought stress were shown by quantitative qRT-PCR to be regulated under osmotic stress. Furthermore, we showed that the content of sorbitol, which was used as osmotic agent, was 700- fold higher for ‘Eurostarch’ after seven days under osmotic stress and 1093- fold higher after 14 days, respectively, compared to control plants without sorbitol addition. Therefore, further investigations must show, whether it was taken up through the roots, is metabolised, stored or de novo synthesised by the potato plants.

Keypoints
The established novel in vitro test system for potato allows gradually increasing stress exposition of rooted plants. Sorbitol seems not an ideal osmotic agent as it is likely taken up.
Response surface methodology and artificial intelligence modeling for in vitro regeneration of Brazilian micro sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)
Authors: Ali Seyid Amjad , Aasim Muhammad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize in vitro regeneration of the Brazilian micro sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) aquatic plant, followed by data prediction and validation using machine learning algorithms. The basal salt, sucrose and Benzyaminopurine (BAP) concentrations were derived from Box-Behnken design of RSM. The response surface regression analysis revealed that 1.0 g/L MS + 0.1 mg/L BAP + 25 g/L sucrose was optimized for maximum regeneration (100%), shoot counts (63.2), and fresh weight (1.382 g). The RSM-based predicted scores were fairly similar to the actual scores, which were 100% regeneration, 63.39 shoot counts, and 1.44 g fresh weight. Pareto charts analysis illustrated the significance of MS for regeneration and fresh weight but remained insignificant. Conversely, MS × BAP was found to be the most crucial factor for the shoot counts, with MS coming in second and having a major influence. The analysis of the normal plot ascertained the negative impact of elevated MS concentration on shoot counts and enhanced shoot counts from the combination of MS × BAP. Results were further optimized by constructing contour and surface plots. The response optimizer tool demonstrated that maximum shoot counts of 63.26 and 1.454 g fresh weight can be taken from the combination of 1.0 g/L MS + 0.114 mg/L BAP + 23.94 g/L. Using three distinct performance criterias, the results of machine learning models showed that the multilayer perceptron (MLP) model performed better than the random forest (RF) model. Our findings suggest that the results may be utilized to optimize various input variables using RSM and verified via ML models.

Key message

Optimization of in vitro whole plant regeneration of Brazilian sword wood using response surface methodology

Data analysis through ANOVA, response surface regression anlaysis and machine learning

Graphical presentation of data via Pareto charts, normal plots, contour plots and surface plots for optimization

Better performance of ANN-based MLP model compared to decision tree based RF model

Graphical abstract
Epistemic Authorities and Skilled Agents: A Pluralist Account of Moral Expertise
Authors: Bina Federico , Bonicalzi Sofia , Croce Michel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the concept of moral expertise in the contemporary philosophical debate, with a focus on three accounts discussed across moral epistemology, bioethics, and virtue ethics: an epistemic authority account, a skilled agent account, and a hybrid model sharing key features of the two. It is argued that there are no convincing reasons to defend a monistic approach that reduces moral expertise to only one of these models. A pluralist view is outlined in the attempt to reorient the discussion about moral expertise.
Surgical outcomes of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate in community aging males with or without preoperative urinary retention
Authors: Hsu Tung-Shiun , Weng Shu-Chuan , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Chen Chien-Lun , Tsao Shu-Han , Tsai Han-Yu , Juang Horng-Heng , Chang Phei-Lang , Hou Chen-Pang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to investigate the surgical outcomes of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate in older males with or without preoperative urinary retention (UR).

Material and methods
We conducted a study on selected patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who underwent either thulium:YAG laser (vela XL) prostate enucleation (ThuLEP) or bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) at the geriatric urology department of our institution. The studied patients were categorized into two groups, namely the UR group and the non-UR group, on the basis of whether they experienced UR in the 1 month preceding their surgery. Their clinical outcomes following prostate endoscopic surgery were evaluated and analyzed.

Results
Our results revealed comparable outcomes for operation time, length of hospital stay, percentage of tissue removed, re-catheterization rate, and urinary tract infection rate within the 1 month between the B-TUEP and ThuLEP surgery groups, regardless of UR history. However, the non-UR B-TUEP group experienced more blood loss relative to the non-UR ThuLEP group (P = .004). Notably, patients with UR exhibited significantly greater changes in IPSS total, IPSS voiding, and prostate-specific antigen values relative to those without UR.

Conclusions
Both ThuLEP and B-TUEP were effective in treating BPH-related bladder outlet obstruction. Our study identified more pronounced changes in IPSS total, IPSS voiding, and prostate-specific antigens within the UR group. Moreover, the rate of postoperative UR in this group was not higher than that observed in the non-UR group. Our study also revealed that the presumed benefits of laser surgery in reducing blood loss were less pronounced for patients with UR.