bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultivation of Microalgae in Liquid Digestate to Remove Nutrients and Organic Contaminants
Authors: Sobolewska Ewelina , Borowski Sebastian , Nowicka-Krawczyk Paulina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe goal of this research was to assess the efficiency of the liquid digestate treatment conducted with algal, environmental isolates illuminated entirely with sunlight. The photobioreactor was exposed to natural conditions and evaluated based on the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen compounds, and soluble phosphates. Microalgal and bacterial communities growing during the treatment process were studied. A high removal rate of soluble COD (= 91%) and nutrients (= 86%) was achieved. The average concentrations of nitrogen, phosphates, and COD in the reactor effluent were 95 mgN/L, 49 mg/L, and 735 mg O2/L, respectively. The overall algae-bacteria biomass productivity of 22 mg/L/d, calculated on the total suspended solids (TSS) basis, was recorded. The microbial analysis revealed the dominance of Tetradesmus obliquus followed by Microglena sp. in the first 14 weeks of the experiment. At the end of the experimental run, Chlorella sorokiniana cells appeared as a result of illumination intensity changes. The dominating bacteria belonged to Firmicutes (26.31%), Patescibacteria (17.38%), and Actinobacteriota (14.86%) and could have been responsible for the transformation of nitrogen and oxidation of organic contaminants. The research demonstrated that natural sunlight can successfully be used for efficient liquid digestate treatment with the algae-bacterial community.
Pareto and probability distributions
Authors: Tusset Gianfranco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough familiar with the developments in probability theory of his time, Vilfredo Pareto made little use of this tool in his writings, preferring theoretical constructions based on experimentation and observation. This article attempts to reconstruct Pareto’s overall approach to probability by examining his references to the distribution of income, an economic fact that lends itself to probabilistic investigation. The result of this research shows how Pareto alludes to the application of probability to income and social groups, but leaves the task to his followers.JEL classification B31, B4, C1.
Long-term outcomes of very low birth weight infants with intraventricular hemorrhage: a nationwide population study from 2011 to 2019
Authors: Park Joonsik , Park Sook-Hyun , Kwon Yu-ra , Yoon So Jin , Lim Joo Hee , Han Jung Ho , Shin Jeong Eun , Eun Ho Seon , Park Min Soo , Lee Soon Min 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Advancements in neonatal care have increased preterm infant survival but paradoxically raised intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) rates. This study explores IVH prevalence and long-term outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in Korea over a decade.

Methods
Using Korean National Health Insurance data (NHIS, 2010–2019), we identified 3372 VLBW infants with IVH among 4,129,808 live births. Health-related claims data, encompassing diagnostic codes, diagnostic test costs, and administered procedures were sourced from the NHIS database. The results of the developmental assessments are categorized into four groups based on standard deviation (SD) scores. Neonatal characteristics and complications were compared among the groups. Logistic regression models were employed to identify significant changes in the incidence of complications and to calculate odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for each risk factor associated with mortality and morbidity in IVH. Long-term growth and development were compared between the two groups (years 2010–2013 and 2014–2017).

Results
IVH prevalence was 12% in VLBW and 16% in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Over the past decade, IVH rates increased significantly in ELBW infants (P = 0.0113), while mortality decreased (P = 0.0225). Major improvements in certain neurodevelopmental outcomes and reductions in early morbidities have been observed among VLBW infants with IVH. Ten percent of the population received surgical treatments such as external ventricular drainage (EVD) or a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, with the choice of treatment methods remaining consistent over time. The IVH with surgical intervention group exhibited higher incidences of delayed development, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and growth failure (height, weight, and head circumference) up to 72 months of age (P < 0.0001). Surgical treatments were also significantly associated with abnormal developmental screening test results.

Conclusions
The neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with IVH, especially those subjected to surgical treatments, continue to be a matter of concern. It is imperative to prioritize specialized care for patients receiving surgical treatments and closely monitor their growth and development after discharge to improve developmental prognosis.
Investigating the Impact of Friction Stir Processing on the Hydrogen Embrittlement in AA6082-T6 Heat-Treatable Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Papantoniou Ioannis G. , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Manolakos Dimitrios E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of friction stir processing (FSP) on the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) in AA6082-T6 heat-treatable aluminum alloy. The effects of different number of FSP passes and different hydrogen cathodic charging (HCC) conditions on the material’s response to HE are examined through comprehensive mechanical testing, microhardness analysis, and microstructural characterization. The results revealed that FSP leads to a decrease in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and microhardness, accompanied by an increase in energy absorption. The introduction of hydrogen through HCC significantly reduces mechanical properties, particularly in non-FSPed specimens. Notably, specimens with 8 FSP passes exhibit an interesting behavior with a slight increase in energy absorption and microhardness values after HCC. Microstructural analysis shows that FSP refines the microstructure, resulting in enhanced resistance to hydrogen-induced blistering effects. These findings contribute to the understanding of hydrogen embrittlement in FSPed aluminum alloys, providing insights for developing surface-modified materials suited for hydrogen-rich applications.
Graphical Abstract
The Impact of Raw and Composted Food Waste Anaerobic Digestates on Soil Organic Carbon Management: A Pot Study
Authors: Grigatti Marco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Ever increasing food waste production has promoted anaerobic digestion and composting for its proper management, producing a relevant amount of recycled organic waste (OW) for possible agricultural uses. However, little is known regarding soil carbon management using this type of OW.

Methods
In this study, an anaerobic digestate from the wet digestion of food waste (WETD), and one from the dry-batch process (DRYD), along with their respective composts (WETC and DRYC), were utilized in a pot test over two growing cycles (84 + 84 days), with and without mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization, and were compared with a bio-waste compost (BWC) and a chemical reference (Chem). At the end of the two growth cycles (days 84 and 168), the ryegrass dry biomass (DW) and the N uptake were assessed.

Results
The pot soil was analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC) and the potassium permanganate (KMnO4) oxidizable fraction (CL) as well as δ13C and Δ13C. At day 84, the SOC (g kg− 1) was the highest in DRYD and DRYC (8.53) > WETD and WETC (7.71) = BWC (7.86) > Chem (6.68), and performed similarly at day 168. At day 84, the carbon management index (CMI) was > 100% in all the organic treatments in comparison with Chem, except for WETD. At day 168, a + 30% CMI was registered in WETD and WETC> BWC> DRYD and DRYC> Chem.

Conclusion
This pattern was related to a generally marked δ13C depletion being confirmed by Δ13C, thus indicating the conservation of the carbon form compost, this very likely being related to the preferential lignin accumulation.
Livestock Manure Compost Mixed with Biochar: Efficient Pelleting and Pellet Production Characteristics
Authors: Furuhashi Kenichi , Ueda Kosuke , Hatagami Taiyo , Itoh Takanori , Miyazaki Takaya , Kaizu Yutaka , Imou Kenji 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiochar is difficult to make pellets on its own. The pelleting of biochar mixed with livestock manure compost could have the following advantages: (1) use compost as a binder, (2) reduce the moisture content of compost for pelleting by simply mixing without drying, and (3) promote the application of biochar for carbon sequestration by simultaneous application with agricultural machinery for chemical fertilizers while preventing dust pollution and additional work for the farmer. Fertilizer pellets need to be produced in an economical manner. Therefore, we empirically examined the productivity of pelleting using a roller die pellet mill, which is characterized by high throughput and is commonly used in the mass production of multifertilizer and wood pellets. Although a feedstock with 25% biochar mixed with cattle manure compost produced fewer pellets than a feedstock consisting of only compost, the energy input per unit of production remained the same. The results suggest that the addition of biochar may not increase GHG emissions during the production of this new material. Durability and wettability showed similar or higher values in the mixed pellets, indicating that the new material can be used as a fertilizer in the same way as cattle manure pellets.
Effects of sediment-storage dams on suspended sediment transport in the Sera Lake Watershed, northeast Turkey
Authors: Mete Betul , Bayram Adem 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, the effects of cascade sediment-storage dams (SSDs) on the suspended sediment (SS) transport in the Sera Lake Watershed (northeast Turkey) were investigated. Ten SS monitoring stations from upstream (S01) to downstream (S10) were selected for the study considering the locations of the SSDs and Sera Lake. In a gauging station, where S05 was selected, the water stage monitoring studies were also conducted, and daily discharges and SS loads were computed. The Spearman correlation coefficient between SS and discharges data was computed as 0.592. The deterioration of the naturalness of the watershed with external interventions was effective on this value. While the Sera Lake trapped 33% of the SS transport, this value varied between –25.8 and 44% for SSDs. Although the SSDs have been proportionately succeed in trapping the SS, they have been insufficient in preventing sedimentation and problems caused by sediment transport in the watershed. In addition, the annual average soil erosion amount was determined by the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) method in the watershed. According to the RUSLE method, the annual average soil loss of the watershed is 1.65 tons/ha. The SDR value of the watershed was calculated as 0.104. Integrating different environmental management tools to achieve a balanced and sustainable decision, a strategic environmental management plan should be constituted.
Application value of intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring in cerebral eloquent area glioma surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Yuankun , Zhao Songyun , Huang Jin , Zhang Pengpeng , Wang Qi , Chen Zhuwen , Zhu Lingjie , Ji Wei , Cheng Chao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Surgery for gliomas involving eloquent areas is a very challenging microsurgical procedure. Maximizing both the extent of resection (EOR) and preservation of neurological function have always been the focus of attention. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is widely used in this kind of surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of IONM in eloquent area glioma surgery.

Methods
Sixty-eight glioma patients who underwent surgical treatment from 2014 to 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study, which focused on eloquent areas. Clinical indicators and IONM data were analysed preoperatively, two weeks after surgery, and at the final follow-up. Logistic regression, Cox regression, and Kaplan‒Meier analyses were performed, and nomograms were then established for predicting prognosis. The diagnostic value of the IONM indicator was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results
IONM had no effect on the postoperative outcomes, including EOR, intraoperative bleeding volume, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and neurological function status. However, at the three-month follow-up, the percentage of patients who had deteriorated function in the monitored group was significantly lower than that in the unmonitored group (23.3% vs. 52.6%; P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that IONM was a significant factor in long-term neurological function (OR = 0.23, 95% CI (0.07–0.70). In the survival analysis, long-term neurological deterioration indicated worsened overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). A prognostic nomogram was established through Cox regression model analysis, which could predict the probability 3-year survival rate. The concordance index was 0.761 (95% CI 0.734–0.788). The sensitivity and specificity of IONM evoked potential (SSEP and TCeMEP) were 0.875 and 0.909, respectively. In the ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the SSEP and TCeMEP curves was 0.892 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
The application of IONM could improve long-term neurological function, which is closely related to prognosis and can be used as an independent prognostic factor. IONM is practical and widely available for predicting postoperative functional deficits in patients with eloquent area glioma.
The seeds of invasion: a comparison of endophytic seed bacteria of Acacia longifolia between its native and invasive ranges
Authors: Condessa Mónica , Jesus Joana G. , Máguas Cristina , Le Roux Johannes J. , Trindade Helena 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAcacia longifolia is an aggressive invader in Mediterranean-type ecosystems severely impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The species’ invasiveness has been linked to its ability to thrive in nutrient poor soils, high seed production, and quick establishment after fire. In this study, we identify and compare the bacterial endophytes of A. longifolia seeds collected from populations in the species’ native (Australia) and invasive (Portugal) ranges. For this, we characterised the morphology (length, width, and weight) of seeds from two sites in each range and isolated and cultivated bacteria from seeds. DNA fingerprinting and cluster analyses revealed slightly higher, and distinct, bacterial diversity associated with seeds collected from native range populations in comparison to those collected from invasive populations. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene identified 119 bacterial isolates from 15 genera, with Curtobacterium strains being common in both ranges. Several differences in bacterial genera were found among ranges and sites: Dermacoccus, Frigoribacterium, Kocuria, Pantoea and Phyllobacterium taxa were each unique to seeds from the native populations, while Brevundimonas, Microbacterium, Rhizobium and Sphingomonas taxa were only found in the invasive seeds. The genus Paraburkholderia occurred in all invasive-range seeds but was not isolated from the native-range. Bacillus and Paenibacillus co-occurred in seeds collected from all invaded sites, but the simultaneous presence of both taxa was not found in native-range seeds. We propose that the bacterial endophytes present in invasive-range seeds may be important players for the invasiveness of A. longifolia, due to their role as plant growth promoters, providing extra capabilities helping acacia expansion.
Removal of Staphylococcus aureus using electro-fenton, UV/H2O2, and combination of electro-fenton and UV/H2O2 processes; optimization of operational parameters
Authors: Dokhani Asiyeh , kheirkhah Babak , Kalantar-Neyestanaki Davood , Rokhbakhsh-Zamin Farokh , Dolatabadi Maryam , Ahmadzadeh Saeid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an opportunistic pathogen of the gram-positive variety, known to cause a range of severe infections including cellulitis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and sepsis. These infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates in both hospital and community settings. Therefore, it is important to remove S. aureus from the aqueous solution. The present study employed response surface methodology as an effective strategy to optimize the removal of S. aureus through the electro-Fenton (EF), UV/H2O2, and combination EF-UV/H2O2 processes. Under the optimized conditions, the maximum removal efficiency in the EF process of 48.5%, UV/H2O2 process of 36.2%, and combination EF-UV/H2O2 process of 100%. The optimum condition for removal efficiency using combination EF-UV/H2O2 process of 100% was attained at S. aureus concentration of 5 × 106 CFU mL−1, current density of 8.0 mA cm−2, H2O2 dosage of 170 µL L−1, and 2 lamps UV during 7.0 min. Both the production of •OH in the EF and UV/H2O2 process and the additive oxidation effect of UV/H2O2 are the main reasons for the better performance of combination EF-UV/H2O2 process. The results indicate that the EF-UV/H2O2 process is highly promising and environmentally sustainable method for treating wastewater samples contaminated with S. aureus.
Assessment of contamination dispersion in a porous aquifer environment using explicit and implicit methods in the MODFLOW–MODPATH model
Authors: Ghandehari Yaser , Nouri Alireza Zamani , Aminnejad Babak 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study presents a meticulously edited article that assesses the uncertainty associated with contamination dispersion in a porous aquifer environment. The article employs a conceptual model incorporating finite difference flow modeling and particle tracking methods grounded in particle movement theory within groundwater flow. The groundwater flow model utilizes an automatic calibration technique, PES, and independent verification, to minimize statistical discrepancies in the optimized parameters. The statistical summary of the model output reveals the average pollution concentration in the study area, specifically the landfill aquifer in northern Iran. The results indicate that the initial contamination value at the boundaries is zero, whereas 91,802 units are discharged into the sea. Moreover, approximately 3,317,290,003 pollution units have been extracted from pumping wells along the contamination plume over 10 years. Furthermore, the drainage network releases 1,778,680,001 pollution units, resulting in a net outflow of 5,082,740,007 units from the same drainage network. Additionally, 9,912,180,003 units were discharged from the leaky boundaries. It should be noted that these statistics can be reversed depending on the specified period. The difference between the input and output pollution values in the study area indicates a net accumulation of 8192 units. To analyze the sensitivity of contamination dispersion in the porous aquifer environment and the variations in coastal drainage patterns obtained from the finite difference simulation, the explicit and implicit methods, as well as the random walk particle tracking method, were investigated in a portion of the basin area using the South Side Implicit method. One of the main objectives of this sensitivity analysis is to evaluate the results of the uncalibrated qualitative model and examine the particle dispersion in the adjacent area of the contaminated landfill region to assess the error of the proposed model by developing a limited test. The calculated error or computational difference between the explicit and implicit methods and the applet model is considered negligible. For example, the calculated error between the explicit and backward methods and the applet model ranges from 0.086 to 0.372 units for a concentration interval of 0.512 units and 0.680 units for a time interval 0.537. Therefore, the computational differences are not significant. Furthermore, based on theoretical sensitivity analysis of contamination dispersion, the laboratory model demonstrates that the flow direction in this modeling is from west to east, as expected.
Learning Normative Behaviour Through Automated Theorem Proving
Authors: Neufeld Emery A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReinforcement learning (RL) is a powerful tool for teaching agents goal-directed behaviour in stochastic environments, and many proposed applications involve adopting societal roles which have ethical, legal, or social norms attached to them. Though multiple approaches exist for teaching RL agents norm-compliant behaviour, there are limitations on what normative systems they can accommodate. In this paper we analyse and improve the techniques proposed for use with the Normative Supervisor (Neufeld, et al., 2021)—a module which uses conclusions gleaned from a defeasible deontic logic theorem prover to restrict the behaviour of RL agents. First, we propose a supplementary technique we call violation counting to broaden the range of normative systems we can learn from, thus covering normative conflicts and contrary-to-duty norms. Additionally, we propose an algorithm for constructing a “normative filter”, a function that can be used to implement the addressed techniques without requiring the theorem prover to be run at each step during training or operation, significantly decreasing the overall computational overhead of using the normative supervisor. In order to demonstrate these contributions, we use a computer game-based case study, and thereafter discuss remaining problems to be solved in the conclusion.
Causes and consequences of tipping points in river delta social–ecological systems
Authors: Cremin Emilie , Ladd Cai J. T. , Balke Thorsten , Banerjee Sumana , Bui Ly H. , Ghosh Tuhin , Large Andy , Thi Van Le Hue , Nguyen Kien V. , Nguyen Lan X. , Nguyen Tanh T. N. , Nguyen Vinh , Pal Indrajit , Szabo Sylvia , Tran Ha , Sebesvari Zita , Khan Shah Alam , Renaud Fabrice G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe sustainability of social–ecological systems within river deltas globally is in question as rapid development and environmental change trigger “negative” or “positive” tipping points depending on actors’ perspectives, e.g. regime shift from abundant sediment deposition to sediment shortage, agricultural sustainability to agricultural collapse or shift from rural to urban land use. Using a systematic review of the literature, we show how cascading effects across anthropogenic, ecological, and geophysical processes have triggered numerous tipping points in the governance, hydrological, and land-use management of the world’s river deltas. Crossing tipping points had both positive and negative effects that generally enhanced economic development to the detriment of the environment. Assessment of deltas that featured prominently in the review revealed how outcomes of tipping points can inform the long-term trajectory of deltas towards sustainability or collapse. Management of key drivers at the delta scale can trigger positive tipping points to place social–ecological systems on a pathway towards sustainable development.