bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of vegetative and reproductive organs of Cucurbita pepo L. Subsp pepo ‘Allegria’ exposed to aged dieldrin contamination in regards to soil concentration and plant development
Authors: Colin Félix , Cohen Grégory J. V. , Affholder Marie-Cécile , Delerue Florian , Atteia Olivier 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aims
Dieldrin is an Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) which, due to its persistence in agricultural soils, continues to be a source of contamination for crops, especially Cucurbita pepo L. subsp pepo (C. pepo L.). The latter are able to absorb dieldrin from contaminated soils and transfer it from the roots to the shoots. However, dieldrin allocation has been partially studied, especially in the shoots. This study aims at characterizing dieldrin distribution in the different plant organs according to soil contamination and plant growth.

Methods
This was achieved by growing C. pepo L. ‘Allegria’ in soil mixtures presenting 5 levels of dieldrin concentration (< 1 to 145 µg kg−1) and by harvesting them after different exposure periods (30, 90 and 140 d after transplant).

Results
The results showed (i) the predominance of the root impregnation path, (ii) that dieldrin concentration in the vegetative organs of C. pepo L. ‘Allegria’ increased with soil concentration while (iii) it stabilized for reproductive organs at soil concentrations exceeding 50 µg kg−1 DW. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for vegetative organs were classified as follows: stems (70) > roots (47) > leaves (19). Furthermore, the mass distribution of dieldrin was more dependent on variations in organ mass fraction with plant development than variations of dieldrin concentration in the different organs.

Conclusions
These results are of main importance for (i) the identification of dieldrin contaminated agricultural plots using phytoscreening methods as well as for (ii) their phytomanagement providing crucial allocation information for phytoextraction purposes.
Mother’s Instinct? Biological Essentialism and Parents’ Involvement in Work and Childcare
Authors: Gaunt Ruth , Deutsch Francine M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDespite wide public support for gender equality in work and caregiving, family responsibilities are still divided predominantly along traditional gender lines. This study examined the role of biological essentialism in the division of family roles using a nationally representative sample of British parents with young children (N = 5,605). Both mothers’ and fathers’ essentialist beliefs about men’s and women’s innate ability to care for children were associated with a more traditional division of childcare tasks, more hours of childcare provided by the mother, and fewer hours of childcare provided by the father. When gender role attitudes were considered together with biological essentialism, only essentialism was a significant predictor of involvement in childcare. Finally, the results supported our predictions that the effect of biological essentialism is mediated through parents’ work hours, and that essentialism affects mothers’ and fathers’ involvement in work and childcare in opposite directions. Taken together, the findings suggest that essentialist beliefs are a key hindrance to greater gender equality because they motivate parents to divide roles according to traditional gender norms. These findings may be of particular interest to practitioners and policy makers interested in increasing fathers’ involvement in childcare, mothers’ participation in the labor force, and overall gender equality.
Pharmacokinetic Analysis of [18F]FES PET in the Human Brain and Pituitary Gland
Authors: Ghazanfari Nafiseh , Doorduin Janine , van der Weijden Chris W. J. , Willemsen Antoon T. M. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , van Waarde Aren , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , de Vries Erik F. J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Estrogen receptors (ER) are implicated in psychiatric disorders. We assessed if ER availability in the human brain could be quantified using 16α-[18F]-fluoro-17β-estradiol ([18F]FES) positron emission tomography (PET).

Procedures
Seven post‑menopausal women underwent a dynamic [18F]FES PET scan with arterial blood sampling. A T1-weighted MRI was acquired for anatomical information. After one week, four subjects received a selective ER degrader (SERD), four hours before the PET scan. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a metabolite-corrected plasma curve as the input function. The optimal kinetic model was selected based on the Akaike information criterion and standard error of estimated parameters. Accuracy of Logan graphical analysis and standardized uptake value (SUV) was determined via correlational analyses.

Results
The reversible two-tissue compartment model (2T4k) model with fixed K1/k2 was preferred. The total volume of distribution (VT) could be more reliably estimated than the binding potential (BPND). A high correlation of VT with Logan graphical analysis was observed, but only a moderate correlation with SUV. SERD administration resulted in a reduced VT in the pituitary gland, but not in other regions.

Conclusions
The optimal quantification method for [18F]FES was the 2T4k with fixed K1/k2 or Logan graphical analysis, but specific binding was only observed in the pituitary gland.
Recent advances in transesterification for sustainable biodiesel production, challenges, and prospects: a comprehensive review
Authors: Farouk Sabah Mohamed , Tayeb Aghareed M. , Abdel-Hamid Shereen M. S. , Osman Randa M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBiodiesel, a renewable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, has garnered significant attention as a potential solution to the growing energy crisis and environmental concerns. The review commences with a thorough examination of feedstock selection and preparation, emphasizing the critical role of feedstock quality in ensuring optimal biodiesel production efficiency and quality. Next, it delves into the advancements in biodiesel applications, highlighting its versatility and potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. The heart of the review focuses on transesterification, the key process in biodiesel production. It provides an in-depth analysis of various catalysts, including homogeneous, heterogeneous, enzyme-based, and nanomaterial catalysts, exploring their distinct characteristics and behavior during transesterification. The review also sheds light on the transesterification reaction mechanism and kinetics, emphasizing the importance of kinetic modeling in process optimization. Recent developments in biodiesel production, including feedstock selection, process optimization, and sustainability, are discussed, along with the challenges related to engine performance, emissions, and compatibility that hinder wider biodiesel adoption. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for ongoing research, development, and collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers to address the challenges and pursue further research in biodiesel production. It outlines specific recommendations for future research, paving the way for the widespread adoption of biodiesel as a renewable energy source and fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future.
How to Read How to Do Things with Words: On Sbisà’s Proof by Contradiction
Authors: Wanderer Jeremy , Townsend Leo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMidway through How to Do Things With Words, J.L. Austin’s announces a “fresh start” in his efforts to characterize the ways in which speech is action, and introduces a new conceptual framework from the one he has been using up to that point. Against a common reading that portrays this move as simply abandoning the framework so far developed, Marina Sbisà contends that the text takes the argumentative form of a proof by contradiction, such that the initial framework plays an instrumental role as part of a proof in favour of the subsequent one. Despite agreeing with Sbisà’s broad instrumentalist approach, we argue that her regimentation of Austin’s narrative into a proof by contradiction ultimately fails - both as a proof and as an interpretation of Austin. Instead, we suggest that a better way of interpreting the peculiar structure of How to Do Things With Words is as a pedagogical exercise whose point is to bring a concealed alternative into view in a manner that also explains its initial concealment, and that this approach provides richer resources for supporting Sbisà’s own conventionalist understanding of illocution than that afforded by reading the text as a proof by contradiction.
Mechanochemical enhancement in electrode materials via silver-embedded reduced graphene oxide and cobalt oxide nanostructure for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Abdelfattah Aliaa , Ahmed Fatma M. , Mohamed Lamiaa Z. , Selim Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study delves into the intricate domain of mechanochemical synthesis, employing a developed approach for the fabrication of electrode materials. The method involves the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into a two-dimensional matrix of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) combined with cobalt oxide nanostructures, yielding a zero-dimensional cobalt oxide@RGO.Ag nanocomposite. A comprehensive suite of material characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, XPS, and BET, was used to investigate the synthesized materials. Concurrently, extensive electrochemical investigations, incorporating cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanic charge–discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and retention analyses, are applied to the constructed electrochemical cell. The resulting RGO.Ag@Co3O4 nanocomposite exhibits a remarkable specific capacitance of 371.2 F g−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1. In addition, energy density (Ed) and power density (Pd) values of 21.6 Wh/kg and 997 W/kg, respectively, are achieved at a current density (Cd) of 0.5 A g−1.
A new method for preventing sidewall preferential flow in the internal erosion simulation using un-resolved CFD–DEM
Authors: Liu Leilei , Chen Rui , Li Zhaofeng , Zhou Chao , Li Xiaojiao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAccurately assessing the erodibility of geomaterials is of great significance for the design of earthen structures and the prevention of the associated failure induced by seepage force. Recently, the un-resolved Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Method (CFD–DEM) has been widely used to investigate internal erosion. However, due to the use of wall boundary and the fact that the fixed CFD domain cannot be changed with the soil sample’s volume contraction during the erosion test, a larger porosity at the boundary of the CFD domain is commonly formed, resulting in sidewall preferential flow (i.e., relatively more fine particles migrate along the boundary of the DEM domain) and thereby overestimating the soil erodibility. In this study, a new method based on particle boundary is developed to tackle this problem. The newly proposed particle boundary can prevent its particles from erosion via inter-particle bonding and transfer stress from servo walls to the simulated sample. An optimal particle boundary thickness is determined by considering sample contraction and computational efficiency. The performance of the new method was compared with the conventional method and also verified using experimental results. The results show that the newly proposed method has significantly improved the uniformity of fluid velocity distribution. Furthermore, the cumulative eroded mass of fine particles in the new model is approximately 15% lower than in the conventional model. It is convincingly demonstrated that the new method can simulate internal erosion better and give a more accurate assessment of geomaterial erodibility.
Community-centred scenarios development for water–energy–food security on Zanzibar
Authors: Newman Rebecca J. S. , Capitani Claudia , Haji Tahir , Nchimbi Aziza , Enns Charis , Marchant Robert A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSmall developing islands demonstrate strong social–ecological interactions as well as a high level of exposure to climate-related effects, which can result in intense land use pressures. Scenario methodologies are useful for reflecting on how competing pressures interact when planning for a more sustainable future. In small islands, local knowledge is integral to the development of scenarios because of the close connection between people and local environments. However, local communities are often underrepresented in scenario development processes. This study provides a methodological example of how local knowledge can be used to create scenario themes. Ten community participatory workshops were hosted on Zanzibar (n = 142), where a water–energy–food framework was used to examine impacts of environmental change on resource security. Major drivers of land use and land cover change affecting water–energy–food security were identified; these include population growth, development and climate change. Solutions to observed challenges formed three coherent scenario themes, centred on adaptation, ecosystem health and sustainable settlements. Findings support the idea that communities need space to frame their resource challenges for sustainability planning to work at the appropriate scale.
Action research for transformative change
Authors: Croeser Thami , Clement Sarah , Fernandez Marta , Garrard Georgia E. , Mell Ian , Bekessy Sarah A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAs major policy actors (e.g. governments, global organisations) grapple with 'wicked’ sustainability challenges, the use of demonstration projects or ‘living labs’ has promise in showcasing potential solutions. However, these projects can struggle to realise enduring change, with initial experimental deliverables tending not to be replicated and remaining as once-offs. As well as demonstrating solutions, projects also need to overcome the considerable inertia in the complex systems of organisations and institutions that govern (or indeed generate) sustainability problems. Here we argue that demonstration projects, while initially impactful, could be more likely to realise transformative change if they were designed more thoroughly as action research projects, working with partners to not only deliver and measure demonstrations of solutions, but also demonstrate changes to organisations and institutions to remove barriers and facilitate replication. We note the important role of both engaged leadership and explicitly-stated theories of change in maximising the potential of projects designed in this way.
Titanium carbide MXene/silver nanostars composite as SERS substrate for thiram pesticide detection
Authors: Yusoff Nur Nazhifah , Nor Azmi Farah Shahadah , Abu Bakar Norhayati , Tengku Abdul Aziz Tengku Hasnan , Shapter Joseph George 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTwo-dimensional transition metal carbonitrides, Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets, have drawn much attention due to their unique optical properties. These materials have huge potential to be employed as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. Herein, to combine the benefits of metal nanoparticles and MXene as SERS substrates, we prepared composite SERS films with different volume ratios composed of Ti3C2Tx MXene with silver nanostars (AgNs) as a promising SERS substrate for detection of pesticides. These SERS films were prepared via a drop-casting technique. The SERS activities of the MXene/AgNs composites were evaluated through detection of the thiram pesticide. MXene/AgNs exhibited the highest SERS intensity compared to MXene or AgNs substrate alone. Sampling from 20 different areas and samples of the substrate gave very consistent SERS signals. The MXene/AgNs substrate shows good stability for 1 month when stored in a small transparent container with silica gel. The MXene/AgNs SERS substrate exhibits excellent sensitivity able to detect thiram concentrations as low as 10−8 M which also having low a relative standard deviation (RSD) value for reproducibility and stability over a significant period.
Nutritional Aspects to Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Billingsley Hayley E. , Heiston Emily M. , Bellissimo Moriah P. , Lavie Carl J. , Carbone Salvatore 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
In this narrative review, we discuss the current evidence related to the role of dietary interventions to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We also propose alternative therapeutic strategies other than weight loss in this population, namely, improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and its determinants.

Recent Findings
While weight loss has been consistently associated with the prevention of T2DM and improvements in glycemic control in those with established diseases, its role in preventing and treating CVD is less clear. In fact, in this setting, improvements in diet quality have provided greater benefits, suggesting that this might represent an alternative, or an even more effective strategy than energy-restriction.

Summary
Improvements in diet quality, with and without caloric restriction have been shown to improve CVD risk and to prevent the development of T2DM in individuals at risk; however, with regard to glycemic control in patients with T2DM, any dietary intervention resulting in significant weight loss may produce clinically meaningful benefits. Finally, dietary interventions with and without energy restriction that can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, even in absence of weight loss in patients with obesity, should be encouraged.
Trigeminal Postherpetic Neuralgia: From Pathophysiology to Treatment
Authors: Niemeyer Christy S. , Harlander-Locke Michael , Bubak Andrew N. , Rzasa-Lynn Rachael , Birlea Marius 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia (TG-PHN) is a neuropathic pain condition complicating herpes zoster (HZ) attributed to the trigeminal nerve. It poses significant challenges due to its persistent and debilitating nature. This review explores the clinical characteristics of TG-PHN, analyzes its pathophysiological underpinnings, and addresses existent and potential therapies.

Recent Findings
TG-PHN is one of the most common and complex PHN locations. It has distinguishing clinical and pathophysiological characteristics, starting with viral triggered injuries to the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and peripheral tissue and involving the ascending and descending brain modulation pathways. Current therapies include vaccines, oral and topical medications, and interventional approaches, like nerve blocks and neurostimulation.

Summary
This review covers TG-PHN’s clinical and physiological components, treatment options, and potential future targets for improved management. By exploring the complexities of this condition, we aim to contribute to developing more effective and targeted therapies for patients suffering from trigeminal PHN.
Simvastatin Significantly Reduced Alcohol-Induced Cardiac Damage in Adolescent Mice
Authors: Nchodu Makgotso , Efuntayo Alice , du Preez Robin , Ali Hasiena , Olateju Oladiran I. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAlcohol abuse by adolescents is becoming a serious health concern as they often progress to becoming alcoholics later in life which may lead to heart problems. Chronic alcohol use alters the cardiac function and structure, such as haemodynamic changes, weakening and loss of cardiomyocytes, myocardial fibrosis, and inflammation. Simvastatin is a commonly used drug for the treatment and management of various cardiovascular problems but information on its protective effects against alcohol-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation is lacking in the literature. Four-week-old male (n = 5) and female (n = 5) C57BL/6 J mice were assigned to each experimental group: (I) NT—no administration of alcohol or Simvastatin; (II) ALC—2.5 g/Kg/day of 20% alcohol via intraperitoneal injection (i.p.); (III) SIM—5 mg/Kg/day of Simvastatin via oral gavage; (iv) ALC + SIM5—5 mg/Kg/day of Simvastatin via oral gavage followed by 2.5 g/Kg/day of 20% alcohol via i.p.; and (v) ALC + SIM15—15 mg/Kg/day Simvastatin via oral gavage followed by 2.5 g/Kg/day of 20% alcohol via i.p. After the 28-day treatment period, the heart was removed and processed for H&E, Masson’s trichrome, or TNF-α immunolabelling. The area and diameter of cardiomyocytes were measured on the H&E-stained sections. The distribution of collagen or TNF-α expression was quantified using the deconvolution tool of ImageJ software. The results confirmed alcohol-induced toxicity on the cardiomyocytes and Simvastatin reduced alcohol-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation in both sexes. This study demonstrated that Simvastatin, an FDA approved and easily accessible drug, may be beneficial in lowering the prevalence of alcohol-induced cardiovascular diseases (especially in adolescents) which will have a huge financial implication on health systems worldwide.
Bilateral Choanal Atresia in a 42-year-old Patient: A Rare Condition Case Report
Authors: Vieira Sávio Luquetti Silva , de Fátima Amiti Fabri Cecy , Lima Gabriela Cardoso , de Oliveira Tinoco Marina Bandoli , Padín-Iruegas Maria Elena , Tinoco Paulo , e Silva França Vieira 
Published: January 2024

AbstractChoanal atresia is an uncommon condition with an incidence of 1:5,000–8,000 live births, affecting females more frequently and often associated with other malformations. This case report presents a 42-year-old female patient who was born with bilateral choanal atresia and intervened surgically for the first time at birth. However, the formed orifice was reobstructed a few months afterward, necessitating reoperation in adulthood. The purpose of this case report is to describe bilateral choanal atresia in detail, including its clinical presentation, epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and therapeutic approach. It aims to enhance understanding of this rare but significant condition.
Progress in Understanding Consciousness? Easy and Hard Problems, and Philosophical and Empirical Perspectives
Authors: Wagner-Altendorf Tobias A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDavid Chalmers has distinguished the “hard” and the “easy” problem of consciousness, arguing that progress on the “easy problem”—on pinpointing the physical/neural correlates of consciousness—will not necessarily involve progress on the hard problem—on explaining why consciousness, in the first place, emerges from physical processing. Chalmers, however, was hopeful that refined theorizing would eventually yield philosophical progress. In particular, he argued that panpsychism might be a candidate account to solve the hard problem. Here, I provide a concise stock-take on both the empirical-neuroscientific and philosophical-conceptual progress on consciousness. It turns out that, whereas empirical progress is indisputable, philosophical progress is much less pronounced. While Chalmers was right, I argue, in distinguishing distinctive types of problems of consciousness, his prediction of progress on the hard problem was overly optimistic. Empirical progress and philosophical progress are essentially uncoupled; a more skeptical perspective on progress in philosophy in general is appropriate.