bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecofriendly synthesis of Salmalia Malabarica gum stabilized palladium nanoparticles: antibacterial and catalytic properties
Authors: Seku Kondaiah , Pejjai Babu , Osman Ahmed I. , Hussaini Syed Sulaiman , Al Abri Mohammed , Kumar Nadavala Siva , Vijaya Kumar N. Satya , Reddy S. Shravan Kumar , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Al Fatesh Ahmed S. , Reddy Bhagavanth 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Effluents containing dyes, discharged by various industries, have become a significant contributor to water pollution. This study explores the use of green-synthesized palladium nanoparticle (PdNP) catalysts, which offer enhanced catalytic performance compared to traditional methods. The research focuses on the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using Salmalia Malabarica (SM) gum via a microwave-assisted process and investigates their catalytic and antibacterial properties. SEM analysis confirms the even distribution of PdNPs on the surface of SM gum. Furthermore, TEM analysis reveals a PdNPs size distribution of 10 ± 2 nm. XPS study was used to identify the chemical state of Pd in the synthesized nanoparticles. The results demonstrate that PdNPs are highly effective catalysts for the degradation of dyes such as Methylene Orange (MO), Rhodamine-B (Rh-B), and 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP), even after being reused five times. The catalytic activity of PdNPs was remarkable, achieved 99% dye degradation in four minutes. The degradation data of PdNPs on 4 -NP, MO and Rh-B dyes are followed by pseudo-first-order kinetics with 0.0087, 0.0152 and 0.0164 s− 1, respectively. Additionally, PdNPs exhibit exceptional antimicrobial activity against both bacterial and fungal strains. This synthesis process proves to be cost-effective, devoid of toxic chemicals, and remarkably rapid. The findings suggest promising applications for PdNPs in fields like nanomedicine and environmental remediation, reflecting their potential for addressing water pollution issues.
Regularity of random elliptic operators with degenerate coefficients and applications to stochastic homogenization
Authors: Bella Peter , Kniely Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe consider degenerate elliptic equations of second order in divergence form with a symmetric random coefficient field a. Extending the work of Bella et al. (Ann Appl Probab 28(3):1379–1422, 2018), who established the large-scale $$C^{1,\alpha }$$

C

1
,
α

regularity of a-harmonic functions in a degenerate situation, we provide stretched exponential moments for the minimal radius $$r_*$$

r

∗

describing the minimal scale for this $$C^{1,\alpha }$$

C

1
,
α

regularity. As an application to stochastic homogenization, we partially generalize results by Gloria et al. (Anal PDE 14(8):2497–2537, 2021) on the growth of the corrector, the decay of its gradient, and a quantitative two-scale expansion to the degenerate setting. On a technical level, we demand the ensemble of coefficient fields to be stationary and subject to a spectral gap inequality, and we impose moment bounds on a and $$a^{-1}$$

a

-
1

. We also introduce the ellipticity radius $$r_e$$

r
e

which encodes the minimal scale where these moments are close to their positive expectation value.
How Education Shapes Indigenous Health Inequalities in the USA and Mexico
Authors: León-Pérez Gabriela , Bakhtiari Elyas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIndigenous peoples around the world face significant health disparities relative to the dominant groups in their countries, yet the magnitude and patterns of health disparities vary across countries. We use data from the National Health Interview Survey and Mexican Family Life Survey to examine the health of Indigenous peoples in Mexico and American Indians and Alaska Natives in the USA and to evaluate how they fare relative to the majority populations in their countries (non-Indigenous Mexicans and non-Hispanic Whites, respectively). We assess disparities in self-rated health and activity limitations, with a focus on how Indigenous health disparities intersect with educational gradients in health. Regression analyses reveal three primary findings. First, Indigenous health disparities are larger in the USA than in Mexico. Second, differences in educational attainment account for most of the differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Mexico, but less than half in the USA. Third, in both countries, health is moderated by educational attainment such that between-group disparities are largest at the highest levels of education. However, for Indigenous Mexicans there is a “cross-over” in which Indigenous Mexicans report better health at the lowest level of education. Overall, this study finds a weak relationship between education and Indigenous health, and raises the question about the validity of using traditional measures of SES in Indigenous contexts.
A systematic overview of current advancements for chemical, material, and energy production using sewage sludge for industrial ecology and sustainability transition
Authors: Mulopo Jean 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUrbanization and population expansion have increased the demand for scarce resources such as land, water, food, and energy. Furthermore, it has heightened environmental concerns, such as pollution and waste management. The difficulties above present significant challenges to the broader goal of attaining global sustainable development. As a result, there is considerable concern about sustainable waste recycling and management solutions. Among these efforts, expanding wastewater treatment facilities has emerged as a critical tool for environmental protection. As a result of the growth of wastewater treatment facilities, there has been a significant increase in sewage sludge (SS) production. Consequently, an urgent need exists to investigate alternative treatment and value-added methods for sewage sludge. This review looks at the current state of sewage applications for energy and resource recovery to foster sustainable development and industrial ecology through sewage sludge feedstocks. Furthermore, it aims to promote additional research into improving existing sewage sludge management systems, ensuring their cost-effectiveness, public acceptance, and environmental sustainability.
Does socioeconomic status influence students’ access to residential college and ameliorate performance discrepancies among them in China?
Authors: Gui Pingping , Alam Gazi Mahabubul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEducation is one of the main prerequisites for a country making economic progress. A well-informed and well-functioning education system should be able to address most kinds of discrimination or privilege, ensuring that all people have equitable access to high quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status (SES). It is noted that it cannot prevent every discrimination-related issue that arises. Residential colleges (RCs) have evolved over time in higher education. In this era of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is crucial to assess whether RCs genuinely promote equal access and good quality education. Focusing on China, this study investigates whether RCs contribute to education equality or simply serve individuals from privileged socioeconomic contexts. Primarily, employing the quantitative research methods, including descriptive and grouped regression analysis, this study analyzes data from 397 RC students nationwide. The results reveal that RCs are accessible to students from different SES backgrounds, but enrollment disparities persist based on SES. Furthermore, SES does not dictate the role of RCs in academic performance among different social groups; RCs help to narrow the performance discrepancy between students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. These findings underscore the constructive role of RCs in advancing sustainable education and provide valuable insights for decision-makers aiming to get RCs to reduce education disparities.
Decoding Epileptic Seizures: Exploring In Vitro Approaches to Unravel Pathophysiology and Propel Future Therapeutic Breakthroughs
Authors: Heydari Yasaman , Bozzi Yuri , Pavesi Lorenzo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEpilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder associated with various symptoms, contingent upon the specific brain region involved. Unpredictable seizures characterize epilepsy, significantly influencing the quality of the patient’s life. Globally, epilepsy affects 1% of the population, with 30% of individuals developing drug resistant epilepsy despite anti-epileptic pharmacological treatment. While several anticonvulsant drugs alleviate epilepsy symptoms, there is currently no effective medication to cure this neurological disorder. Therefore, overcoming the challenges of predicting and controlling drug-resistant seizures requires further knowledge of the pathophysiology of epilepsy at the molecular and cellular levels. In this review, we delve into in vitro experiments that prove valuable in elucidating the mechanisms of drug-resistant epilepsy, as well as in the development and testing of novel therapeutic approaches prior to extensive animal-based trials. Specifically, our focus is on the utility of multi-electrode array (MEA) recording as an in vitro technique for evaluating aberrant electrical activity within neural networks. Real-time MEA recording from neuronal cultures facilitates monitoring of neurotoxicity, dose response, and the efficacy of newly-designed drugs. Additionally, when coupled with emerging techniques such as optogenetics, MEA enables the creation of closed-loop systems for seizure prediction and modulation. These integrated systems contribute to both prospective therapy and the study of intracellular pathways in drug-resistant seizures, shedding light on their impact on neuronal network activity.
Sea-level rise induced change in exposure of low-lying coastal land: implications for coastal conservation strategies
Authors: Thiéblemont Rémi , le Cozannet Gonéri , Rohmer Jérémy , Privat Adrien , Guidez Romain , Negulescu Caterina , Philippenko Xénia , Luijendijk Arjen , Calkoen Floris , Nicholls Robert J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCoastal erosion and flooding are projected to increase during the 21st century due to sea-level rise (SLR). To prevent adverse impacts of unmanaged coastal development, national organizations can apply a land protection policy, which consists of acquiring coastal land to avoid further development. Yet, these reserved areas remain exposed to flooding and erosion enhanced by SLR. Here, we quantify the exposure of the coastal land heritage portfolio of the French Conservatoire du littoral (Cdl). We find that 30% (~40%) of the Cdl lands owned (projected to be owned) are located below the contemporary highest tide level. Nearly 10% additional surface exposure is projected by 2100 under the high greenhouse gas emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5) and 2150 for the moderate scenario (SSP2-4.5). The increase in exposure is largest along the West Mediterranean coast of France. We also find that Cdl land exposure increases more rapidly for SLR in the range of 0–1 m than for SLR in the range 2–4 m. Thus, near-future uncertainty on SLR has the largest impact on Cdl land exposure evolution and related land acquisition planning. Concerning erosion, we find that nearly 1% of Cdl land could be lost in 2100 if observed historical trends continue. Adding the SLR effect could lead to more than 3% land loss. Our study confirms previous findings that Cdl needs to consider land losses due to SLR in its land acquisition strategy and start acquiring land farther from the coast.
Scope and challenges in the implementation of Time Bank in India: a qualitative study
Authors: Verma Ankita , Sridhar Sruthi , Dar Kaneez Fatima , Asthana Manish Kumar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the scope of services and challenges in implementing Time Bank in India. This community-based initiative allows people to exchange skills and services without the involvement of money. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured telephone interviews with 20 participants aged 18 to 35. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: Services, Challenges, and Limitations of Time Bank, Factors Affecting Help-Seeking Behavior, and Community and Gender Dynamics. Participants expressed interest in offering a wide range of services, from household tasks to professional services. However, challenges and limitations were also identified, such as a lack of awareness and understanding of the concept, social stigma, and concerns about trust, privacy, and safety issues. The study underscores the need to consider cultural and social factors while implementing community-based initiatives. Despite these challenges, participants believed Time Bank could be a valuable platform for building social connections and community support. The study’s implications highlight the need for further research on the impact of Time Bank on social capital and the sustainability of the initiative in different cultural contexts.
Classification of English vowels in terms of Cypriot Greek categories: The role of acoustic similarity between L1 and L2 sounds
Authors: Georgiou Georgios P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrevious evidence has suggested that acoustic similarity between first language (L1) and second language (L2) sounds is an accurate indicator of the speakers’ L2 classification patterns. This study investigates this assumption by examining how speakers of an under-researched language, namely Cypriot Greek, classify L2 English vowels in terms of their L1 categories. The experimental protocol relied on a perception and a production study. For the purpose of the production study, two linear discriminant analysis (LDA) models, one with both formants and duration (FD) and one with only formants (F) as input, were used to predict this classification; the models included data from both English and Cypriot Greek speakers. The perception study consisted of a classification task performed by adult Cypriot Greek advanced speakers of English who permanently resided in Cyprus. The results demonstrated that acoustic similarity was a relatively good predictor of speakers’ classification patterns as the majority of L2 vowels classified with the highest proportion were predicted with success by the LDA models. In addition, the F model was better than the FD model in predicting the full range of responses. This shows that duration features were less important than formant features for the prediction of L2 vowel classification.
RECONSTRUCTING THE CHRONOLOGY OF BUILDING THE SOUTHWEST CHURCH OF UMM EL-JIMAL, JORDAN BY AMS RADIOCARBON DATING OF MORTAR AND PLASTER
Authors: Al-Bashaireh Khaled 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTThe research aims to reconstruct the chronology of building the Southwest Church, Umm el-Jimal, Jordan by AMS radiocarbon dating organic inclusions uncovered from the mortars collected from the floor of the church, seat of the apse and the base of the north wall. It sheds light on the major aspects of mortar recipes at the time of their production. Samples were examined macroscopically with magnifying lenses and characterized using archaeometric techniques of optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The radiocarbon dates showed that 594–643 AD is the most probable age for flooring and plastering the church and 995–1154 AD is the earliest possible date for its final collapse. The preparatory layers of the church floor were laid on an older one, probably of a yard, and its north wall was raised on an older base, both most probably date to the late fifth–early sixth century AD. The production recipe of the mortars is made from a lime binder and inclusions mainly of organic (charcoal) and inorganic (quartz, grog, volcanics). The mortars have the same recipe regardless their bedding and jointing functions which remained unchanged during the building stages of church complex.
Egg white hydrolysate protects white adipose tissue against metabolic insult in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt rats
Authors: Rodrigues Moro Camila , Abreu Edina da Luz , Kanaan Samia Hassan Husein , Márquez Antonio , Uranga-Ocio Jose Antonio , Rossoni Luciana Venturini , Vassallo Dalton Valentim , Miguel-Castro Marta , Wiggers Giulia Alessandra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an egg white hydrolysate (EWH) to protect white adipose tissue damage from cardiometabolic changes induced by severe hypertension. Male Wistar rats were uninephrectomised and divided: SHAM (weekly subcutaneous vehicle (mineral oil + propylene glycol, 1:1)), SHAM + EWH (subcutaneous vehicle plus EWH via gavage, 1 g/kg per day), DOCA (deoxycorticosterone acetate diluted in vehicle subcutaneously weekly in subsequent doses of 20 mg/kg -1st week, 12 mg/kg - 2–3th week, and 6 mg/kg -4–8th week, respectively, plus 1 % NaCl and 0·2 % KCl in drinking water), and DOCA + EWH. Body weight gain, food and water intake, glucose and lipid metabolism were evaluated. Oxidative stress was assessed by biochemical assay and immunofluorescence for NOX-1, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and caspase-3 in retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (rtWAT). Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and 1β), CD163+ macrophage infiltration, and immunohistochemistry for TNFα and uncoupling protein-1 were evaluated, as well as histological analysis on rtWAT. Glutathione peroxidase and reductase were also determined in plasma. EWH showed hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties in the arterial hypertension DOCA-salt model. The results demonstrated the presence of functional changes in adipose tissue function by a decrease in macrophage infiltration and in the fluorescence intensity of NFκB, NOX-1, and caspase-3. A reduction of proinflammatory cytokines and restoration of antioxidant enzymatic activity and mitochondrial oxidative damage by reducing uncoupling protein-1 fluorescence intensity were also observed. EWH could be used as a potential alternative therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cardiometabolic complications associated with malignant secondary arterial hypertension.
Aortic dilation in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a single-centre study
Authors: Saedi Tahereh , Siami Rashide , Ghaffari Amir J. , Farmani Danial , Saedi Sedigheh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground:Tetralogy of Fallot is the most prevalent cyanotic CHD. With the advent of advanced surgical methods, the majority of tetralogy of Fallot patients reach adulthood. However, many need re-intervention for the residual anomalies including residual right ventricular outflow obstruction, pulmonary regurgitation, residual ventricular septal defects, and progressive aortic dilatation. Aortic dilation could lead to aortic regurgitation or dissection requiring surgical correction. In the current study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and outcomes of aortic root dilatation in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot in our tertiary care centre.Methods:In this retrospective study, 730 consecutive patients with history of repaired tetralogy of Fallot were included. Aortic diameter at the level of annulus, the sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and the ascending aorta as measured by echocardiography were evaluated. Prevalence of outcomes necessitating re-intervention including aortic regurgitation and dissection were recorded.Results:The mean size of annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular-junction, and ascending aorta in the latest available echocardiography of patients were 2.4+/-0.4 cm, 3.3+/-0.5 cm, 2.9+/-0.5cm, and 3.2+/-0.5cm, respectively. Prevalence of dilatation of sinus of Valsalva, dilation of Ascending aorta, sinotubular-junction, and aortic annulus was 28.7%, 21%, 8.3%, and 1 %, respectively. Five patients had severe aortic regurgitation (0.6%) and underwent surgical repair. One of these patients presented with acute aortic dissection.Conclusion:Aortic dilation is common in tetralogy of Fallot but prevalence of redo surgery for aortic dilation, regurgitation, and adverse events including acute dissection is low.
Heterogeneities in Regional Air Pollutant Emission Mitigation Across China During 2012–2020
Authors: Zhao Hongyan , He Wenjie , Cheng Jing , Liu Yang , Zheng Yixuan , Tian Hezhong , He Kebin , Lei Yu , Zhang Qiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe toughest‐ever clean air actions to date in China have helped to reduce national air pollutant emissions significantly in recent years. However, the heterogeneous mitigation paths and their determinated factors among regions were less concerned. To direct regional mitigation strategies more efficiently, we compiled a time‐series emission inventory of Chinese 30 provinces for SO2, NOx, primary PM2.5 and CO2 at detailed socioeconomic sectors, and then used spatial‐temporal index decomposition analysis to evaluate the driving forces for changes in regional pollutant emissions and emission intensities from 2012 to 2017 and from 2017 to 2020, separately. Our results showed that end‐of‐pipe control measures dominated the decreasing trend of China's pollutant emissions (38%–68% for SO2, NOx, and primary PM2.5), but their relative dominance diminished gradually, and the effects from energy policy emerged, even outweighing the former in southern areas during the second phase. Though driven by different factors, the chemistry, nonmetal, metal, energy and residential sectors dominated regional reduction trend and with varying degrees. Clean air action led to the convergence of regional emission intensity, while optimizing and upgrading industrial structure and improving energy efficiency is still necessary for further reduction in northern and western areas at present.
The Impact of Assimilating Cirrus‐Effected Infrared Satellite Radiance From the FY‐4A AGRI on Water Vapor Analysis and Rainstorm Forecasting
Authors: Xu Lan , Liu Juanjuan , Cheng Wei , Wang Shudong , Zhu Shujun , He Yujun , Liu Yiran , Shen Xiao , Wang Jing , Fu Jinrong , Jiao Yifeng , Ma Yuanzhe , Wang Bin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, a method for assimilating FY4A advanced geostationary radiance imager (AGRI) cirrus‐effected radiances (CER) is investigated, and the impact of this method on water vapor analysis and rainstorm forecasting is examined through observing system simulation experiments and actual case experiments. The high proportion of inverted humidity profiles in the cirrus‐effected pixels is the main reason for the negative effect of assimilation in the mid‐to‐lower troposphere. To address this, relevant constraint conditions are incorporated into the cost function. The statistical results reveal that the addition of a CER assimilation improves the analysis increment of water vapor, with pattern correlation coefficients of 0.33, 0.35, and 0.20 at 200, 300, and 400 hPa, respectively, which are greater than those of a clear‐sky radiance assimilation (0.28, 0.33, and 0.17, respectively). Moreover, the inclusion of a CER assimilation greatly improves data utilization, and has a neutral to positive effect on precipitation forecasting.