bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Material properties and durability of 19th–20th century Tibetan manuscripts
Authors: Luo Yujia , Cigić Irena Kralj , Wei Quan , Marinšek Marjan , Strlič Matija 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMost currently available research into Tibetan paper focuses on the earliest books from an archaeological perspective. On the other hand, scientific studies of the 19th−20th century Tibetan paper are largely missing, specifically with respect to material properties and paper permanence. To explore these, both conventional and modified methods were applied using reference historic material collection. Material properties such as fibre morphology, paper pH, degree of polymerisation (DP), water and ash contents were investigated. The measurement methods for starch and protein content were explored—and we report on a quantification method for the determination of starch content in paper. The degradation behaviour of Tibetan paper was studied using accelerated degradation experiments at two sets of conditions (80 ˚C, 65% RH and 60 ˚C, 80% RH) for up to 84 days in order to explore the applicability of existing dose-response functions. The results demonstrate that examined 19th−20th century papers used in Tibetan books, were prepared using diverse fibres, similar to traditional Chinese paper. Most of paper sheets presented laminated structures, where starch was used as the predominant glue. The layers within one paper sheet are identical, as evidenced by similar pH and DP values among layers in one sheet. The studied collection of papers tends to have similar properties to modern Chinese paper since most of both types of papers present pH 6.5–8 and DP 1000–2000. The accelerated degradation experiment shows that papers used as writing support in Tibetan books follows the same principle of degradation as western paper has demonstrated, i.e., the rate constants of degradation depend on paper pH, temperature, and relative humidity of the environment. This research expands our understanding of this collection and inform preventive conservation of modern Tibetan manuscripts.
Spring temperature predicts upstream migration timing of invasive Sacramento pikeminnow within its introduced range
Authors: Georgakakos Philip B. , Dralle David N. , Power Mary E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRapid climate change and invasive species introductions threaten ecological communities across the globe. Freshwaters are particularly vulnerable and impacted, especially when these stresses coincide. We document the migration of an invasive piscine predator, the Sacramento pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis), within its introduced range, the South Fork Eel River, California, USA. Snorkel surveys and temperature monitoring in 2015–2019 showed that pikeminnow migrate upstream during spring and early summer, with earlier migration in warmer years. We developed a statistical temperature model to forecast the timing and extent of upstream migration by pikeminnow under varying combinations of discharge and air temperature. Modeled river temperature increased with air temperature and downstream and decreased with discharge. In years with low discharge and high air temperature, we predict pikeminnow will move upstream earlier, increasing spatial and temporal overlap in their summer range with native fishes. Managing conditions that reduce pikeminnow co-occurrence with native fishes (i.e., decreasing river temperature) could increase amount and duration of predator-free habitat for native fishes. We predict invasive pikeminnow will have larger impacts on invaded riverine communities with global warming and increasing drought severity. Knowledge of life history and phenology, for pikeminnow and other organisms, can guide effective management as conditions change and help to limit adverse impacts of introduced organisms on native species.
Seasonal assessment of selected trace elements in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) blood and their effects on the biochemistry and oxidative stress markers
Authors: Kovacik Anton , Tvrda Eva , Tomka Marian , Revesz Norbert , Arvay Julius , Fik Martin , Harangozo Lubos , Hleba Lukas , Kovacikova Eva , Jambor Tomas , Hlebova Miroslava , Andreji Jaroslav , Massanyi Peter 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEnvironmental pollution by anthropogenic activity is still a highly relevant global problem. Aquatic animals are a specifically endangered group of organisms due to their continuous direct contact with the contaminated environment. Concentrations of selected trace elements in the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) (n = 36) blood serum/clot were monitored. Possible effects of the elements on selected biochemical and oxidative markers were evaluated. The concentrations of trace elements (Al, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, and Zn) were analysed in the fish blood serum and blood clot by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). A general scheme of decreasing concentrations of trace elements in the blood serum samples was: Zn ˃ Fe ˃ Sr ˃ Ba ˃ Ni ˃ Al ˃ Cu ˃ Be ˃ Co; < LOQ (below limit of quantification): Bi, Cd, Cr, Ga, Mn, Mo, Pb, Tl; and in the case of the blood clot, the scheme was as follows: Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Sr ˃ Al ˃ Ni ˃ Ba ˃ Cu ˃ Be ˃ Co ˃ Mn; < LOQ (below limit of quantification): Bi, Cd, Cr, Ga, Mo, Pb, Tl. Significant differences among the seasons were detected. The Spearman R correlation coefficients and linear or non-linear regression were used to evaluate direct relationships between trace elements and selected blood biomarkers. The correlation analysis between biochemical parameters (Na, K, P, Mg, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, TAG, TP, urea, glucose) and trace elements (Al, Ba, Be, Cu, Fe, Ni, Sr, and Zn) concentrations confirmed statistically significant interactions in both seasons (summer and autumn). The regression analysis between oxidative stress markers (ROS, GPx, creatinine, uric acid, and bilirubin) and elements (Al, Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Sr) content confirmed statistically significant interactions. The results point to numerous connections between the observed elements and the physiological parameters of freshwater fish.
Insights into software development approaches: mining Q &A repositories
Authors: Khan Arif Ali , Khan Javed Ali , Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Zhou Peng , Fahmideh Mahdi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractContextSoftware practitioners adopt approaches like DevOps, Scrum, and Waterfall for high-quality software development. However, limited research has been conducted on exploring software development approaches concerning practitioners’ discussions on Q &A forums.ObjectiveWe conducted an empirical study to analyze developers’ discussions on Q &A forums to gain insights into software development approaches in practice.MethodWe analyzed 13,903 developers’ posts across Stack Overflow (SO), Software Engineering Stack Exchange (SESE), and Project Management Stack Exchange (PMSE) forums. A mixed method approach, consisting of the topic modeling technique (i.e., Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA)) and qualitative analysis, is used to identify frequently discussed topics of software development approaches, trends (popular, difficult topics), and the challenges faced by practitioners in adopting different software development approaches.FindingsWe identified 15 frequently mentioned software development approaches topics on Q &A sites and observed an increase in trends for the top-3 most difficult topics requiring more attention. Finally, our study identified 49 challenges faced by practitioners while deploying various software development approaches, and we subsequently created a thematic map to represent these findings.ConclusionsThe study findings serve as a useful resource for practitioners to overcome challenges, stay informed about current trends, and ultimately improve the quality of software products they develop.
A node-splitting lattice spring model coupled with a J-integral formulation as a fracture criterion
Authors: Ye Bo , Jettestuen Espen , Malthe-Sørenssen Anders 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA global energy minimization criterion based on Griffith’s theory is introduced for the node-splitting lattice spring model. The fracture criterion is computed by both direct numerical simulations of energy release rate G and through a J-integral formulation for comparison and validation. For mode I fractures, the standard implementation of J-integral formulation yields very good estimations of the energy release rate, but for mixed mode fracture the estimations deviates from the direct calculated energy release rate. The reasons for this discrepancy are elucidated and an approach to best approximate the J value is given. This method is compared with the more standard maximum tip stress threshold crack criterion, and shows a much better prediction of the energy release rate and is more robust under grid refinement.
L-Carnitine augments probenecid anti-inflammatory effect in monoiodoacetate-induced knee osteoarthritis in rats: involvement of miRNA-373/P2X7/NLRP3/NF-κB milieu
Authors: Mahfouz Rawan , H. El-Rewini Safaa , I. Ghoneim Asser , Sheta Eman , A. Ali Mennatallah , Ibrahim Sherihan Salaheldin Abdelhamid 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, whereas the underlying molecular trails involved in its pathogenesis are not fully elucidated. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the role of miRNA-373/P2X7/NLRP3/NF-κB trajectory in its pathogenesis as well as the possible anti-inflammatory effects of probenecid and l-carnitine in ameliorating osteoarthritis via modulating this pathway. In the current study, male Sprague Dawley rats were used and monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee osteoarthritis model was adopted. Probenecid and/or L-carnitine treatments for 14 days succeeded in reducing OA knee size and reestablishing motor coordination and joint mobility assessed by rotarod testing. Moreover, different treatments suppressed the elevated serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α via tackling the miRNA-373/P2X7/NLRP3/NF-κB, witnessed as reductions in protein expressions of P2X7, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 and NF-κB. These were accompanied by increases in procaspase-1 and IκB protein expression and in miRNA-373 gene expression OA knee to various extents. In addition, different regimens reversed the abnormalities observed in the H and E as well as Safranin O-Fast green OA knees stained sections. Probenecid or l-carnitine solely showed comparable results on the aforementioned parameters, whereas the combination therapy had the most prominent effect on ameliorating the aforementioned parameters. In conclusion, l-carnitine augmented the probenecid’s anti-inflammatory effect to attenuate MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rats by provoking the miRNA-373 level and inhibiting the P2X7/NLRP3/NF-κB milieu, leading to the suppression of serum inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α. These findings suggest the possibility of using probenecid and l-carnitine as a useful therapeutic option for treatment of osteoarthritis.
Graphical abstract
Unconditionally Stable and Convergent Difference Scheme for Superdiffusion with Extrapolation
Authors: Yang Jinping , Green Charles Wing Ho , Pani Amiya K. , Yan Yubin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractApproximating the Hadamard finite-part integral by the quadratic interpolation polynomials, we obtain a scheme for approximating the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative of order $$\alpha \in (1, 2)$$

α
∈
(
1
,
2
)

and the error is shown to have the asymptotic expansion $$ \big ( d_{3} \tau ^{3- \alpha } + d_{4} \tau ^{4-\alpha } + d_{5} \tau ^{5-\alpha } + \cdots \big ) + \big ( d_{2}^{*} \tau ^{4} + d_{3}^{*} \tau ^{6} + d_{4}^{*} \tau ^{8} + \cdots \big ) $$

(

d
3

τ

3
-
α

+

d
4

τ

4
-
α

+

d
5

τ

5
-
α

+
⋯

)

+

(

d

2

∗

τ
4

+

d

3

∗

τ
6

+

d

4

∗

τ
8

+
⋯

)

at any fixed time, where $$\tau $$
τ
denotes the step size and $$d_{l}, l=3, 4, \dots $$

d
l

,
l
=
3
,
4
,
⋯

and $$d_{l}^{*}, l\,=\,2, 3, \dots $$

d

l

∗

,
l

=

2
,
3
,
⋯

are some suitable constants. Applying the proposed scheme in temporal direction and the central difference scheme in spatial direction, a new finite difference method is developed for approximating the time fractional wave equation. The proposed method is unconditionally stable, convergent with order $$O (\tau ^{3- \alpha }), \alpha \in (1, 2)$$

O

(

τ

3
-
α

)

,
α
∈

(
1
,
2
)

and the error has the asymptotic expansion. Richardson extrapolation is applied to improve the accuracy of the numerical method. The convergence orders are $$O ( \tau ^{4- \alpha })$$

O
(

τ

4
-
α

)

and $$O ( \tau ^{2(3- \alpha )}), \alpha \in (1, 2)$$

O

(

τ

2
(
3
-
α
)

)

,
α
∈

(
1
,
2
)

, respectively, after first two extrapolations. Numerical examples are presented to show that the numerical results are consistent with the theoretical findings.
On the convergence of multiple Richardson extrapolation combined with explicit Runge–Kutta methods
Authors: Bayleyegn Teshome , Faragó István , Havasi Ágnes 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe order of accuracy of any convergent time integration method for systems of differential equations can be increased by using the sequence acceleration method known as Richardson extrapolation, as well as its variants (classical Richardson extrapolation and multiple Richardson extrapolation). The original (classical) version of Richardson extrapolation consists in taking a linear combination of numerical solutions obtained by two different time-steps with time-step sizes h and h/2 by the same numerical method. Multiple Richardson extrapolation is a generalization of this procedure, where the extrapolation is applied to the combination of some underlying numerical method and the classical Richardson extrapolation. This procedure increases the accuracy order of the underlying method from p to $$p+2$$

p
+
2

, and with each repetition, the order is further increased by one. In this paper we investigate the convergence of multiple Richardson extrapolation in the case where the underlying numerical method is an explicit Runge–Kutta method, and the computational efficiency is also checked.
A mathematical model for simulating photoacoustic signal generation and propagation in biological tissues
Authors: GadAllah Mohammed Tarek , Mohamed Abd El-Naser A. , Hefnawy Alaa A. , Zidan Hassan E. , El-Banby Ghada M. , Badawy Samir Mohamed 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPhotoacoustic (PA) medical imaging is a crossbred technique relying on light-induced ultrasonic waves due to the PA effect phenomenon recorded primarily in 1880 by A. G. Bell. Numerical simulation, also known as in-silico, studies assist scientists in minimizing incorrect PA experiments in both in-vitro and in-vivo. Numerical modeling techniques help to achieve a fast simulation process in contrast to pure mathematics alone. However, if a suitable facilitated mathematical model can be established prior to applying numerical modeling, it will be of great interest to the whole numeric model. Numerous mathematical equations, theorems, and propositions have been proposed to model the whole PA signal generation and propagation process in biological media. However, most of them are complicated and difficult to be understood by researchers, especially beginners. That’s why this paper was introduced. Our paper aims to simplify the understanding of the generation and propagation process of biomedical PA waves. We have developed a facilitated mathematical model for the entire process. The introduced developed mathematical model is based on three steps: (1) pulsed laser stimulation, (2) light diffusion, and (3) PA stress wave generation and propagation. The developed mathematical model has been implemented utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics, which relies on the finite element method (FEM) numerical modeling principle. The in-silico time-dependent study's results confirmed that the proposed mathematical model is a simple, efficient, accurate, and quick starting point for researchers to simulate biomedical PA signals' generation and propagation process utilizing any suitable software such as COMSOL multiphysics.
Personal exposure of PM2.5 and metabolic syndrome markers of pregnant women in South Korea: APPO study
Authors: Jeong Yeonseong , Park Sunwha , Kwon Eunjin , Hur Young Min , You Young-Ah , Kim Soo Min , Lee Gain , Lee Kyung A. , Kim Soo Jung , Cho Geum Joon , Oh Min-Jeong , Na Sung Hun , Lee Se jin , Bae Jin-Gon , Kim Yu-Hwan , Lee Soo-Jeong , Kim Young-Han , Kim Young Ju ,   The APPO study group
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe examined the association between exposure to PM2.5, focused on individual exposure level, and metabolic dysfunction during pregnancy. APPO study (Air Pollution on Pregnancy Outcome) was a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study conducted from January 2021 to March 2023. Individual PM2.5 concentrations were calculated using a time-weighted average model. Metabolic dysfunction during pregnancy was assessed based on a modified definition of metabolic syndrome and its components, accounting for pregnancy-specific criteria. Exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with worsened metabolic parameters especially glucose metabolism. In comparison to participants exposed to the low PM2.5 group, those exposed to high PM2.5 levels exhibited increased odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after adjusting for confounding variables in different adjusted models. Specifically, in model 1, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 3.117 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.234–7.870; in model 2, the aOR was 3.855 with a 95% CI of 1.255–11.844; in model 3, the aOR was 3.404 with a 95% CI of 1.206–9.607; and in model 4, the aOR was 2.741 with a 95% CI of 0.712–10.547. Exposure to higher levels of PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with a tendency to worsen metabolic dysfunction markers specifically in glucose homeostasis. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of ambient PM2.5 on metabolic dysfunction during pregnancy.
Cholesterol Hydroperoxide Co-trafficking in Testosterone-generating Leydig Cells: GPx4 Inhibition of Cytotoxic and Anti-steroidogenic Effects
Authors: Pabisz Pawel , Bazak Jerzy , Sabat Michal , Girotti Albert W. , Korytowski Witold 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTrafficking of intracellular cholesterol (Ch) to and into mitochondria of steroidogenic cells is required for steroid hormone biosynthesis. This trafficking is typically mediated by one or more proteins of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) family. Our previous studies revealed that 7-OOH, a redox-active cholesterol hydroperoxide, could be co-trafficked with Ch to/into mitochondria of MA-10 Leydig cells, thereby inducing membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) which impaired progesterone biosynthesis. These negative effects of 7-OOH were inhibited by endogenous selenoperoxidase GPx4, indicating that this enzyme could protect against 7-OOH-induced oxidative damage/dysfunction. In the present study, we advanced our Leydig focus to cultured murine TM3 cells and then to primary cells from rat testis, both of which produce testosterone. Using a fluorescent probe, we found that extensive free radical-mediated LPO occurred in mitochondria of stimulated primary Leydig cells during treatment with liposomal Ch+7-OOH, resulting in a significant decline in testosterone output relative to that with Ch alone. Strong enhancement of LPO and testosterone shortfall by RSL3 (a GPx4 inhibitor) and reversal thereof by Ebselen (a GPx4 mimetic), suggested that endogenous GPx4 was playing a key antioxidant role. 7-OOH in increasing doses was also cytotoxic to these cells, RSL3 exacerbating this in Ebselen-reversable fashion. Moreover, GPx4 knockdown increased cell sensitivity to LPO with reduced testosterone output. These findings, particularly with primary Leydigs (which best represent cells in intact testis) suggest that GPx4 plays a key protective role against peroxidative damage/dysfunction induced by 7-OOH co-trafficking with Ch.
Fate of biomass inorganic elements during hydrothermal carbonization: an experimental study on agro-food waste
Authors: Michel Julie , Rivas-Arrieta María J. , Borén Eleonora , Simonin Loïc , Kennedy Maria , Dupont Capucine 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe distribution of inorganic elements between solid and liquid phases during biomass hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a poorly investigated topic despite its importance for process optimization. To fill in this gap, the distribution of inorganic elements and their forms were determined for three agro-food waste feedstocks converted at HTC temperatures of 180, 220, and 260 °C in 12 h. Satisfactory balances were achieved, with values between 80 and 92% for C and N, and 80 and 110% for most inorganic elements. At 180 °C, over 90% of P, Mg, Ca, K, Na, and Mn were removed from hydrochars whatever feedstock. At higher temperatures, P, Mg, Ca, and Mn were partly reincorporated into hydrochars (between 7 and 53%), possibly due to the formation of insoluble precipitates, while K and Na remained in the liquid. On the opposite, some minor elements, Cu and Al, remained in the hydrochars, whatever temperature. Si showed different removal behaviors according to feedstock and temperature. These results show the possibility of optimizing the removal of inorganic elements from hydrochars using different temperatures.
Nonlinearity, Endogeneity, and Interaction: Implications for European Reform of Budgetary Rules
Authors: Bellocchi Alessandro , Travaglini Giuseppe 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEU fiscal rules have been suspended until 2024. European policymakers are considering whether to reinstate the existing fiscal rules or to define a new framework. Member States must have enough fiscal space. But the sustainability of public debt must be safeguarded. We use a nonlinear dynamic model to test if a primary balance adjustment rule can preserve debt sustainability in the presence of interactions between fiscal policy, economic growth, and interest rates. We find that a dynamic adjustment rule to changes in debt service can reduce the equilibrium debt ratio, even stabilizing the associated risk premium.