bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excess secondary sludge reuse by H2O2 thermal dehydration
Authors: Udaondo Ana , Montes Vicente , Gimeno Olga , Rivas Francisco Javier 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe excess of activated sludge generated in municipal wastewater treatment plants constitutes one of the challenging problems facing modern society. The high-water content of this waste makes difficult the transport, disposal, and management of these solids. In this work, activated sludge excess from a secondary clarifier has been dehydrated by means of a combination of temperature and hydrogen peroxide treatment. Three main operating variables have been considered to affect sludge dewaterability and filterability. Temperature (120–180 °C), hydrogen peroxide dose (0.01–0.03 M), and treatment time (20–60 min) influence have been assessed by completing a 15-run Box Behnken experimental design. Different output variables (water content, resistance to filtration, sedimentation volumetric index, extracellular polymeric substances, etc.) have been monitored. Generally, temperature seems to be the most influencing parameter to obtain a dehydrated sludge with acceptable management/disposal characteristics (sludge volume reduction and filterability). In line with the concept of circular economy, an attempt has been conducted to obtain a sustainable biosorbent from the dehydrated sludge generated in the previous stage. Optimum conditions of carbonization and activation revealed that the solid obtained at 400 °C by using ammonium nitrate as activation agent was the most efficient absorbent to eliminate some model compounds from water (namely, phenol, ofloxacin, and diuron); however, a clear improvement margin in the synthesis is foreseen.
A strategic sustainability model for global luxury companies in the management of CO2 emissions
Authors: Rangel-Pérez Celia , López Belen , Fernández Manuel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLuxury brands are at the forefront of sustainability efforts and carbon emission reductions to fight climate change. The goal of this paper is to analyze such climate change challenges in terms of cost efforts within large luxury conglomerates. In doing so, financial metrics have been gathered for the top 100 companies in the luxury sector and compared against CO2 emissions metrics with regressive methods. This enables the study of relationships between sustainability and finance to explore if sustainability is expensive and if sustainability is explained by costs, sales, taxes, or investment. Such works allow the setting of conclusions on financial and managerial decisions and, moreover, set a new framework of analysis based on financial variables and the positive or negative impact on CO2 emissions, such as which financial variables generate more CO2 emissions (luxury sales, capital investment and financial cost) and which help to reduce such emissions (cost of goods sold, general expenses and taxes).
Blended Copper and Nano-Silver Screen-Printed Circuits on FTO-Coated Glass
Authors: Abbas Bahaa , Jewell Eifion , Searle Justin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUsing a mixture of micro-copper and nano-silver in the production of screen-printed circuits has the potential to reduce material costs and cost variability. The fundamental premise of this study involved dispersing silver nanoparticles among the larger copper microparticles at selected ratios and subsequently sintering in order to establish their resultant electrical and physical performance. Commercial materials were mixed, printed, and sintered at two thermal regimes on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrate. The inclusion of 25% silver provided an appreciable reduction in electrical resistance from 4.21 Ω to 0.93 Ω, with further silver additions having less impact. The thermal regime used for sintering had a secondary impact on the final electrical performance. The addition of silver reduced the adhesion to the FTO substrate, with reduced film integrity. The results show that blending inks offers the advantage of enhancing material conductivity while simultaneously reducing costs, making it a compelling area for exploration and advancement in the field of electronics manufacturing.
Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation of Cold Spray Manufactured Aluminum Alloy 6061 and Copper Samples
Authors: Indu Kumar Kishore Kumar , Patel Mann Baijukumar , Boese Samuel , Gouldstone Andrew , Champagne Victor K. , Özdemir Ozan Ç. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCold spray (CS) is a solid-state process for depositing thick layers of material via the successive high-velocity impact of powder particles onto a solid surface, which leads to high rates of deformation, interparticle bonding, and coating build-up. Although CS is finding commercial utilization in non-load-bearing repair and coating applications, clear nondestructive characterization procedures are necessary to realize its potential in load-bearing structural applications. In this study, the viability of electrical conductivity and through thickness ultrasound wave velocity measurement methods was studied to serve as a means for nondestructive quantitative measurement for quality control in CS and potentially other additive manufacturing (AM) methods. Eddy current, ultrasound, porosity, hardness, and uniaxial tensile strength tests were conducted on CS deposited layers of aluminum alloy 6061 and copper on aluminum alloy 6061 and commercially pure copper substrates, respectively. CS gas dynamic parameters were intentionally and systematically varied to result in corresponding discrete differences in mechanical properties of deposits. Ultrasound measurements of longitudinal wave velocity and eddy current electrical conductivity measurements showed good correlation with process conditions, microstructural characterization results, and destructive mechanical tests (hardness, tensile). The results of this work show that ultrasound wave velocity and electrical conductivity correlate well with increased particle impact velocity in CS deposited aluminum and copper blocks, which evidently show an incremental decrease in porosity, increase in hardness, and increase in tensile strength. The outlined ultrasound and eddy current nondestructive testing methods present effective means for quantitative assessment of cold spray deposited structures while intact with the substrate.
A Geomedical Survey: Is There an Association Between Climatic Conditions and Leishmania Species Distribution in Iran During the Years 1999–2021?
Authors: Navi Zahra , Salahi-Moghaddam Abdolreza , Habibi-Nokhandan Majid , Mohebali Mehdi , Hajjaran Homa , Fuentes Màrius V. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Iran is among the high-risk leishmaniasis regions in the world. WHO recommends the use of GIS as an ideal tool for healthcare authorities to predict the evolution of a disease, delimit the risk of outbreaks and identify critical areas. The aim of this research is to find the association between the main species of Leishmania (L. major, L. tropica, L. infantum) dispersion and climatic variables in Iran.

Methods
All molecular-based reports of leishmaniasis from Iran between 1999 and 2021 were gathered from reliable medical sources. Meteorological data (air and soil temperatures, annual rainfall and humidity) of the country along the study period were obtained from the Iranian Climatological Research Centre. The data concerning species distribution and climatic conditions during this period were moved to a base-map through raster layers using ArcGIS 10.4.1 software. The relationship between parasitological and climatic models was examined using ANOVA.

Results
High risk area maps, based on the cut-off thresholds, were generated for Leishmania major, L. tropica and L. infantum. According to the molecular-based reports, the L. major distribution was significantly related to all climatic variables, while L. tropica was merely related to rainfall and humidity, and the L. infantum distribution was significantly associated with rainfall, soil and air temperatures.

Conclusion
The association between climatic conditions and Leishmania species distribution in Iran has been confirmed. Consequently, both, the relationship between climatic conditions and the geographical distribution of Leishmania species, and the use of GIS to better understand the spatial epidemiology of leishmaniasis, have been reaffirmed.
Testing covariance structures belonging to a quadratic subspace under a doubly multivariate model
Authors: Filipiak Katarzyna , John Mateusz , Liang Yuli 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA hypothesis related to the block structure of a covariance matrix under the doubly multivariate normal model is studied. It is assumed that the block structure of the covariance matrix belongs to a quadratic subspace, and under the null hypothesis, each block of the covariance matrix also has a structure belonging to some quadratic subspace. The Rao score and the likelihood ratio test statistics are derived, and the exact distribution of the likelihood ratio test is determined. Simulation studies show the advantage of the Rao score test over the likelihood ratio test in terms of speed of convergence to the limiting chi-square distribution, while both proposed tests are competitive in terms of their power. The results are applied to both simulated and real-life example data.
Biological and physico-chemical properties of the soil in an acidified environment influenced by previous mining activities at the Šobov locality (SLOVAKIA)
Authors: Nosalj Sanja , Hrabovský Andrej , Labuda Roman , Kollár Jozef , Šimonovičová Alexandra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMore than 20 years after remedial measures were carried out, six plots (Š1 – Š6) at the Šobov locality were examined in more detail. From a pedological viewpoint, the physico-chemical differences of the soils in these areas are not the result of pedogenesis. This is the effect of extremely acidic mineralised solutions that have leaked from or are still leaking from the heap at the site. The plant community here is most often poor to weakly developed with acidophilic vegetation (Š1, Š2, Š5), without vegetation (Š4) or with dense species-rich vegetation (Š3, Š6). Saprotrophic microscopic fungi of the phylum Zygomycota are notably suppressed and their diversity is low. Species of the genera Absidia and Zygorhynchus were found most often. In contrast, the diversity of the phylum Ascomycota is notably high. The genera Penicillium (35 species), Aspergillus (7 species) and Trichoderma (5 species) are dominantly represented. Species of microscopic filamentous fungi in every soil sample that did not occur in the other samples were also recorded; i.e. they form the specific soil mycobiome of the given location. From the 15 types of keratinophilic fungi, the most commonly occurring were Purpureocillium lilacinum and Keithomyces carneus. Keratinolytic properties were recorded only in the species Trichophyton ajelloi. Soil reaction is the most important ecological factor that influences the biological properties of soils.
Set in Stone: Human–Horse Relations as Embodied in Shaped Stone Balls
Authors: Assaf Ella 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe enigmatic presence of uniquely shaped, spherical stones attracted the attention of archaeologists at Oldowan sites in Africa as early as a century ago. Shaped stone balls (SSBs) are among the oldest implements used by humans. For nearly 2 million years, they accompanied ancient humans as a stable cultural anchor throughout the Lower Paleolithic period and beyond. These tools reflect techno-cultural processes and Lower Paleolithic human perceptions of their relationships with the non-human animal world. Nonetheless, the few techno-functional studies focussing on these items have only scraped the surface of their research potential. In this paper, I will explore evidence suggesting that SSBs embody the relations of ancient humans with a particular animal—the horse—and propose that they might have played an active role in the social and cosmological realms of Lower Paleolithic (LP) ontology. Several previous studies indicate that they were shaped through a meticulous process. Traces of use and organic residues of marrow/fat associate them with bone-breaking activities. Furthermore, a comprehensive contextual analysis points to a correlation, observed at various sites, between SSBs and large herbivores, specifically horses. This correlation supports the premise that early humans relied on SSBs to extract calories from horses and points to a possible link between the simultaneous disappearance of large horses and SSBs from the Levantine landscape at the end of the LP. The role of horses in Paleolithic diet and culture is well reflected in the archaeological record. Following recent anthropological views, I advocate that SSBs played an important role in the human–horse alignment, embodying within them the world of perceptions and relationships of ancient humans with this non-human animal who shared their habitat.
Examining the Structural Inequities in the Quality of Nationwide Drinking Water Data in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Geospatial Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hobbs M. , Puente-Sierra M. , Marek L. , Broadbent J. M. , Chambers T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHigh-quality geospatial data are required to examine how the places in which we reside, work and play determine health outcomes; however, seldom is the quality of nationwide geospatial data reported. We examined the quality of geospatial data of public drinking water distribution zones (WDZ) across all territorial authorities in Aotearoa New Zealand to investigate structural inequities in data quality. In our national dataset of WDZ, we identified several differences in the quality of geospatial information that are associated with the population, area-level deprivation, ethnicity and most of all urban/rural classification. Our research highlights structural data inequity, which may undermine efforts to reduce health inequity.
Types of Discrimination as Predictors of Identity Concealment in a Sexual and Gender Minority Sample
Authors: Giraud Charlie , Leonard Michelle 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe present study examined the role of different forms of discrimination (individual-level, institutional-level, and both types of discrimination) in predicting identity concealment behaviors in a sample of sexual and gender minorities (SGM; n = 2296) living in Eastern Europe. Both the choice to engage in identity concealment at all and the frequency to which an individual concealed their identity were regressed onto each type of discrimination. Results of a logistic regression revealed that those who had experienced individual-level, institutional-level, or both types of discrimination were more likely to choose to conceal their identity than those who did not experience discrimination. Using a multivariate regression, each type of discrimination was found to have a positive association with frequency of identity concealment, with those who experienced both types of discrimination showing the strongest association. However, when controlling for country, the association between institutional-level discrimination and frequency of identity concealment was no longer significant. These findings suggest that not all forms of discrimination may have the same impact on SGM individuals and that experiencing multiple forms of discrimination may have compounding effects on one’s choice to conceal their identity and the frequency to which they engage in this behavior.
Stochastic behavior of within-host progression in primary dengue infection
Authors: Islam Md Hamidul , Masud M. A. , Kim Eunjung 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that triggers a series of intracellular events in the host immune system, which may result in an invasion of the virus into the host and cause illness with a spectrum of severity. Depending on the degree of the infection, mild to severe clinical symptoms appear when the T-cell and B-cell-initiated immune responses fail to eradicate the virus particles and subsequently become compromised. Here, we propose a mathematically tractable simple model that exhibits important biological features of dengue infection. Dynamical analysis of our model explores the factors influencing viral persistence in the body over an extended period. To investigate plausible variability in viral dynamics in different hosts, we perform stochastic simulations of our model using Gillespie’s algorithm. Our simulation results recapitulate the distribution of the intrinsic incubation period, daily viral load, and the day of peak viremia. In addition, we observe that the invasion probability of the virus into the host is correlated with the initial virus population injected by the mosquito. However, considering the biting behavior of Aedes mosquitoes, a lower initial virus injection could end up increasing the epidemic potential of the virus.
The mechanism of action and experimental verification of Gan-song Yin on renal clear cell carcinoma based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics
Authors: Jiang Wenjie , Yuan Ling , Liu Qian , Li Xiangyang , Yang Yifan , Li Jiaqing , Jiao Taiqiang , Niu Yang , Zhang Lei , Dou Hongli , Nan Yi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Gan-song Yin (GSY) is originated from the scripture “Gan-song Pills”, a medical work of the Ningxia ethnic minorities, and its treatment of kidney diseases has good results. Its method of treating Renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is still unknown, nevertheless.

Methods
Firstly, utilizing a network pharmacology strategy to screen GSY for active components and targets and looking up KIRC-related targets in GeneCards and GEO databases. Secondly, protein interaction networks were constructed and analyzed for GO and KEGG enrichment. Molecular docking was then performed and clinical and other correlations of the network pharmacology results were analyzed using bioinformatic analysis methods. Finally, we performed in vitro cellular experiments with 786-O cells and ACHN cells to validate the results of network pharmacology and bioinformatic analysis.

Results
With the help of network pharmacological analysis, six hub targets were eliminated. Bioinformatics study revealed that the hub targets has clinically significant clinical guiding importance. The results showed that GSY inhibited the proliferation of 786-O cells and ACHN cells, induced cell apoptosis, blocked cell cycle, and reduced cell colony formation ability. qRT-PCR results showed that GSY promoted the expression of ALB and CASP3 genes, and inhibited the expression of EGFR, JUN, MYC and VEGFA genes. Western blot results showed that GSY could promote the expression of ALB and CASP3 protein, and inhibit the expression of EGFR, JUN, MYC and VEGFA protein.

Conclusions
Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis showed that GSY could act on multiple targets through a variety of components to achieve the effect of treating KIRC. In this study, we confirmed that GSY inhibits KIRC by regulating the expression of core targets through in vitro cellular experiments, thus providing a reference for subsequent related studies.
Affective and Attitudinal Features of
Benevolent Heterosexism in Italy: The Italian Validation of the Multidimensional
Heterosexism Inventory
Authors: Bochicchio Vincenzo , Mezzalira Selene , Walls Eugene , Méndez Lucas Platero , López-Sáez Miguel Ángel , Bodroža Bojana , Ellul Manuel Joseph , Scandurra Cristiano 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
People who belong to a sexual and gender minority often face
prejudices that have their roots in heterosexism, a sociocultural system that
can manifest itself in different ways and sometimes in a seemingly benevolent
fashion. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the
Multidimensional Heterosexism Inventory (MHI), a scale assessing aversive,
amnestic, paternalistic, and positive stereotypic heterosexism, in an Italian
sample.

Methods
Two hundred one cisgender and heterosexual individuals (129 women
and 72 men) aged 18 to 81 years (M = 36.42,
SD = 12.56) were recruited online between
May and October 2022 and answered questions about social dominance orientation,
right-wing authoritarianism, ambivalent sexism, and attitudes toward lesbians
and gay men.

Results
Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original 4-factor model
of the scale fit the data well. Predictive and convergent validity of the
Italian version of the MHI was adequate, whereas discriminant validity was not
fully achieved due to overlap of multidimensional heterosexism with hostile and
benevolent sexism and authoritarianism. Scores were higher for aversive and
amnesic heterosexism in men than in women, but not for paternalistic and
positive stereotypic heterosexism. Finally, less educated participants, those
with no LGBTQI + friends, and religious participants were higher in all MHI
subscales than their counterparts.

Conclusions
This study provides the first evidence for the validity and
reliability of an Italian version of the MHI.

Policy Implications
Using the MHI can help to make visible not only the explicit but
also the subtle forms of heterosexism, thus recognizing the multidimensional
nature of heterosexism produced in social institutions.
Historical perspectives on forestry science and monocultures: Ideas of rationality in Sweden during the early twentieth century
Authors: Jönsson Jimmy 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aims to broaden our historical knowledge about ideas of rationalism and monocultures in forestry science and rational forest management. Empirically, it focuses on the writings of Swedish forestry scientist Henrik Hesselman, active in the early twentieth century. The texts were analyzed using the method of historical contextualization. The study indicates that monocultures historically have been subjected to debates richer than what previous research gives credit for. Besides a rationalist technology, monocultures have been conceptualized as an example of non-rational forestry failing to deliver sustainable yields. Moreover, instead of only simplifications, one-size-fits-all solutions, and top-down reforms, historical forestry science representatives have also at times understood rational forest management as a quest for complexity, site-specific solutions, and bottom-up approaches. It is argued that our understanding of forest use and society–environment relations, more generally, benefit from more historical contextualization.
Down with the politics, up with the law! Reinforcing EU law’s supervision of sport autonomy in Europe
Authors: García Borja 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe rulings of the CJEU in Superleague, Royal Antwerp and ISU endorse some of the characteristics of the European Model of Sport without explicitly referring to it. The Court recognises across the three judgments the specific nature of sport, the cultural importance of sport in Europe, the primacy of sporting merit and equal opportunities in sport competitions, and the relevance of redistribution to maintain amateur and commercial sport intertwined. The CJEU also acknowledges the legitimacy of sport governing bodies as regulators of their sport, but severely limits their autonomy to do so. The judgments are extremely critical of sport governance structures in two main areas: policy-making processes, and accountability mechanisms. The latter is severely criticised with demands for sport federations to produce thorough and convincing evidence that could demonstrate the benefits of their anticompetitive rules and regulations, so they can be granted and exemption under EU law. Furthermore, the Court criticises forced arbitration through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The judgments assert the primacy of EU law over politics in European sport regulation, whilst also reinforcing the supervised nature of sport autonomy in the European Union. The judgments can also be interpreted as a warning to the Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the EU on the limits of Article 165 TFEU in the development of a European sport policy.