bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the estuarine shoreline microplastics and mesoplastics of the River Itchen, Southampton (UK) for contaminants and for their interaction with invertebrate fauna
Authors: Rose Deanna L. G. , Hudson Malcolm D. , Bray Sargent , Gaca Pawel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe presence of shoreline microplastics (1–5 mm) and mesoplastics (5–25 mm) in estuarine ecosystems is ubiquitous, but there remains little data on their composition, contamination status and ecological impacts. Chessel Bay Nature Reserve, situated in the internationally protected Itchen Estuary in Southampton, UK, has serious issues with shoreline plastic accumulation. In evaluating potentially adverse ecological impacts, the influence of quantities of shoreline microplastic (mp) and mesoplastic (MeP) material and adsorbed contaminants (PAHs and trace metals) on the biometrics and population dynamics of the burrowing supralittoral amphipod, Orchestia gammarellus, was assessed in this study. mp/MeP concentrations were variable in surface (0–42%: 0–422,640 mg/kg dry sediment) and subsurface horizons (0.001–10%: 11—97,797 mg/kg dry sediment). Secondary microplastics accounted for 77% of the total microplastic load (dominated by fragments and foams), but also comprised 23% nurdles/pellets (primary microplastics). Sorption mechanisms between contaminants and natural sediments were proposed to be the main contributor to the retention of PAHs and trace metal contaminants and less so, by mp/MeP. O. gammarellus populations showed a positive correlation with microplastic concentrations (Spearman correlation, R = 0.665, p = 0.036). Some reported toxicological thresholds were exceeded in sediments, but no impacts related to chemical contaminant concentrations were demonstrated. This study highlights a protected site with the severe plastic contamination, and the difficulty in demonstrating in situ ecotoxicological impacts.
Decarbonisation Index (DCI): an LCA-based key performance indicator for the automotive industry
Authors: Neef Mara , Dettmer Tina , Bäuml Georg , Schebek Liselotte 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Road vehicles cause considerable amounts of CO2e emissions over their life cycle. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) report CO2e emissions of past years on corporate level according to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and produce vehicle LCAs to identify GHG hotspots on the product-level. However, no approach to combine this past and future orientation of emissions modelling on fleet and product level yet exists. We demonstrate that this research gap is closed by using the “Decarbonisation Index” (DCI).

Methods
We identify the missing elements of OEMs’ absolute emissions reporting and vehicle LCAs to develop a resource-efficient, dynamic and modular key performance indicator (KPI) addressing both past and future scope 1–3 GHG emissions of OEMs. We assess in how far other existing approaches such as the Organisational LCA (O-LCA), the Organisation Environmental Footprint (OEF) and modular LCA can be used to develop these missing elements in a holistic modelling approach. After the derivation of the DCI, we provide a list of modelling options and data sources showing that the DCI can serve different means of an OEM, from a rough estimate of emissions to a basis for a detailed decarbonisation steering model involving several brands and departments.

Results and discussion
In the case study, we compute a 2015 and 2035 DCI (in t CO2e per vehicle) by using the basic DCI calculation model and publicly available data of the Volkswagen Group as well as data derived from publicly available scenarios. We demonstrate that even with this simplistic approach, the DCI delivers meaningful results indicating the core measures for an OEM’s decarbonisation programme: an electrified fleet with renewable energy sources being used throughout the supply chain and use phase. A Monte Carlo simulation of the 2015 results demonstrate the DCI’s robustness regarding the identification of core measures but also its dependency on changing (external or internal) methodological requirements.

Conclusions
The DCI can be used by OEMs regardless of their company structure, powertrain portfolio or market coverage to monitor past emissions and model future emissions. The DCI combines the product-level of the vehicle LCA with the fleet-level necessary to develop a decarbonisation strategy. Its modular approach facilitates the use of generic LCA data or supplier-specific data on component level. Incrementally incorporating supplier-specific data is crucial to calculate the effect of real-world reduction measures in relation to generic databases used so far. An adaptation of the methodology to newly available data and regulations is thus possible and necessary. By adjusting past-reported DCI values to a new methodological set, an OEM’s decarbonisation progress can be analysed albeit the constantly developing methodology.
Nutrient substitution for secondary fertilizer: Is current practice comprehensive enough? A review to reveal the LCA methodological challenges
Authors: Miao Chunyu , Zeller Vanessa , Schebek Liselotte 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
As LCA is widely applied for benchmarking and decision-making, the need to clarify the ambiguity within fundamental methodological issues is imperative. Nutrient substitution, a subcategory of substitution, where credits are given for secondary fertilizer, is one of the common means to solve multi-functionality in LCA studies. This review aims to unravel the unique challenges associated with nutrient substitution, given the increasing relevance attributed to this topic.

Methods
A systematic review of LCA studies available in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) has been conducted. Studies about the recovery of nutrients from waste streams to produce fertilizer were scrutinized. As this review focuses on nutrient substitution methodology, only studies applying substitution for secondary fertilizer were included. PRISMA checklist has been used for reporting and completeness check of the review. Results are demonstrated from system modeling and explicit substitution procedure perspectives, supplemented by an investigation on sensitivity analysis.

Results and discussion
As a general caveat, poor documentation and low transparency have been observed. Substitution has been used to model attributional (ALCA) and consequential LCA (CLCA) systems. The choice of functional unit combined with nutrient substitution in ALCA could attribute impacts to other functions than those studied. The determination of system boundary, especially the incorporation of the Use on Land (UoL) stage and avoided UoL emissions, is not always in accordance with the selected system modeling. Furthermore, there is no consensus on calculating the nutrient substitution rate. Single and aggregated factors comprising internal product quality, external-environmental, and external-societal variables have been identified. A prevalent observation among most studies is the absence of a sensitivity analysis pertaining to the nutrient substitution rate.

Conclusion
The consistency of nutrient substitution cannot be achieved without an unambiguous definition and connotation of substitution and system modeling. The exclusion of the UoL phase not only limits the scope of a study but also fails to reflect quality differences between primary and secondary products. The key lies in elevating awareness regarding the intricacies of nutrient substitution, which consequently necessitates a rigorous definition and integration of influential factors when calculating substitutability.
Body Fat Depletion: the Yin Paradigm for Treating Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhu Jingjing , Wilding John P. H. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To highlight that body fat depletion (the Yin paradigm) with glucose-lowering treatments (the Yang paradigm) are associated with metabolic benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Recent Findings
The sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-mediated sodium/glucose deprivation can directly improve glycemic control and kidney outcome in patients with T2DM. The glucose deprivation might also promote systemic fatty acid β-oxidation to deplete ectopic/visceral fat and thereby contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. As with metabolic surgery, bioengineered incretin-based medications with potent anorexigenic and insulinotropic efficacy can significantly reduce blood glucose as well as body weight (especially in the ectopic/visceral fat depots). The latter effects could be a key contributor to their cardiovascular-renal protective effects.

Summary
In addition to a healthy diet, the newer glucose-lowering medications, with body fat reduction effects, should be prioritized when treating patients with T2DM, especially for those with established cardiovascular/renal risks or diseases.
Suicide victims and alcohol-related consumption in Brazil: An observational study and a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Miziara Ivan Dieb , Miziara Carmen Silvia Molleis Galego 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Deaths due to external causes, mainly suicide, are a severe public health problem in Brazil. Evidence shows that the tendency to impulsive behavior is exacerbated after alcohol consumption. The relationship between alcohol and suicide is poorly described in the medical literature. The study aims to analyze the relationship between victims' blood alcohol levels and suicides in some municipalities in Greater São Paulo, Brazil. We reviewed the data from the medical records of 805 necropsies performed at the Medical Legal Institute of Sao Paulo in Franco da Rocha, Brazil, from 2001 to 2017. The manner of death was established based on the result of police inquiry. Deaths due to suicide (n=41) were selected for the study. Descriptive statistics and Student t-test was applied when appropriate. The variables studied were sex, age, suicide mechanism, and blood alcohol level (BAC). In all cases we could not determine how much time the deceased consumed alcohol before suicide. Of the individuals analyzed, 85.36% were male, and 14.64% were female. The most prevalent age range for males was between 18 and 23 (19.5%). For females, it was between 12 and 23 years (33.2%). Most suicides (48.78%) were due to hanging, followed by self-poisoning (22.08%) and firearms (17.1%). 38 victims (92.68%) presented a positive BAC, over 0.3 mg/dl. The higher levels were in the group of suicide by hanging (2.3 mg/ml). Thus, alcohol intoxication is common among suicide victims, and it can contribute to the fatal outcome as a risk factor. Further studies are necessary for a better comprehension of the effect of alcohol on suicide victims.
miR-23b-3p Ameliorates LPS-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting EndMT via DPP4 Inhibition
Authors: Yue Linlin , Chen Feng , Liu Xin , Wu Chaoyu , Wang Jie , Lai Jiying , Zhu Hongquan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAcute respiratory distress syndrome is a disease triggered by severe pulmonary and systemic inflammation that may lead to fibrosis and the decline of lung function. Lung capillary endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is one of the primary sources of fibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis. The role of miRNAs as molecular markers of pulmonary fibrosis, and miRNAs as nucleic acid drugs has attracted increasing attention. To mock EndMT process, Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Similarly, LPS treatment was used to generate a mouse model of LPS-induced EndMT and pulmonary fibrosis. LPS-induced EndMT in HPMECs resulted in a significant reduction of miR-23b-3p. miR-23b-3p inhibited the interstitial transition of HPMECs, and miR-23b-3p could mediate this process via inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4). Dual-luciferase assays confirmed the regulatory mechanism of miR-23b-3p. In our mouse model of LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis, miR-23b-3p and a DPP4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) individually alleviated LPS-induced EndMT progression and pulmonary fibrosis, and their combined use achieved the strongest remission effect. To sum up, miR-23b-3p alleviates EndMT in pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the expression of DPP4.
Preparation and Characterization of Nano Glass–ceramics from CeO2-doped Li2O-SiO2 System for Dental Applications
Authors: Marzouk M. A. , Elbatal H. A. , Elbatal F. H. , Azooz M. A. , Elwan R. L. , Fayad A. M. , Ouis M. A. , Helmy A. Kh. , Hamdy Y. M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGlasses based on the basic composition of lithium disilicate (Li2O.2SiO2) together with derived samples containing increasing CeO2 replacing Li2O (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1 Mol %) were prepared by melting – annealing method, samples from the prepared parent glasses were thermally heat treated through two-step regime (450° C /10 h – followed by 650° C / 6 h) to convert them to their glass – ceramics derivatives. The main purpose of this study is to find out the main properties of the prepared glass – ceramics to be applied as dental candidates. The optical, FTIR, and thermal expansion properties of the parent glasses were examined to identify the main structural groups which are defined as tetrahedral stronger SiO2 building groups. The detailed separated crystalline phases within the prepared glass–ceramics were identified together with their textural features. The Vickers microhardness data for both the parent glasses and their glass -ceramics derivatives were evaluated. SEM and EDAX measurements indicate the ability of the prepared samples to form hydroxyapatite upon immersion in SBF solution.
A global analysis of bioeconomy visions in governmental bioeconomy strategies
Authors: Proestou Maria , Schulz Nicolai , Feindt Peter H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAgainst the background of climate change and scarce non-renewable resources, transforming the fossil-based toward a bio-based economy is considered crucial for sustainable development. Numerous countries have released governmental strategies outlining their bioeconomy visions. This study examines the bioeconomy visions presented in 78 policy documents from 50 countries worldwide, building on earlier vision typologies. Through qualitative content analysis, 227 distinct policy goals were identified and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the salience of specific goals, overarching goal categories, and distinct bioeconomy visions: bioresource, biotechnology, and bioecology visions. The results reveal that goals and visions prioritize economic growth, while environmental considerations are less salient. The bioresource vision emerges as the globally dominant perspective, while the bioecology and biotechnology visions have lower salience. These findings deepen our comprehension of current bioeconomy policies and emphasize the need for critical research on bioeconomy visions and their implications for public policy.
Community Insights: Citizen Participation in Kamaishi Unosumai Decade-Long Recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Ngulube Nombulelo Kitsepile , Tatano Hirokazu , Samaddar Subhajyoti 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNumerous scholars and researchers have long advocated for citizen engagement in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction initiatives, although unique opportunities and challenges in effectively implementing citizen engagement still exist. It has been 12 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, where the government called for a citizen-centered recovery and reconstruction process, and reconstruction in most areas in the Tohoku region has almost been concluded. Using qualitative data acquired through interviews with the residents, field observations during the World Bosai Walk, and questionnaire and archival research, this study aimed to discuss the overall reconstruction of Unosumai in Iwate Prefecture, giving the residents’ perspective on the benefits and challenges they faced in participating in recovery planning and reconstruction and how the community has been able to strengthen their participation in disaster reduction initiatives since the earthquake and tsunami. This discussion is crucial as it would effectively offer lessons on engaging residents in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction after mega-disasters.
Use of Digital Health and Digital Therapeutics to Treat SUD in Criminal Justice Settings: a Review
Authors: Sawyer-Morris Ginnie , Wilde Judith A. , Molfenter Todd , Taxman Faye 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The purpose of this review is to investigate the use of digital health technologies and/or digital therapeutics (DTx) products in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) in the general population and among criminal justice–involved individuals.

Recent Findings
Despite an expanding evidence base, only three SUD DTxs have received federal regulatory approval. Across studies, DTx products have proven successful in engaging patients in SUD treatment and reducing healthcare costs and resource utilizations. Findings for emerging SUD DTx products show similar results. Still, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the use of digital health technologies and/or DTx among criminal justice populations.

Summary
DTxs have proven effective for treating multiple SUD types (e.g., nicotine and opioids) among the general population. DTx shows similar promise among justice-involved populations, but additional efficacy and implementation research is needed to address barriers such as cost, cultural resistance, and infrastructure.
Direct transfer policies for the poor
Authors: Ghatak Maitreesh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe discuss various anti-poverty policies which involve direct transfer policies for the poor, focusing on their different dimensions—namely the size and time sequence of the transfers, whether it is cash or in kind, any conditionality involved, whether they are means-tested. We argue that their pros and cons depend on what is the underlying aspect of poverty that the policy is aiming to address, namely what is the cause of it, what is the time horizon, what is the social objective, and what, if any, limitations on state capacity might be present. We illustrate the issues involved by discussing two transfer policies in detail, a rural asset transfer programme in Bangladesh and a hypothetical universal income support programme in India—and highlight the dual nature of such policies as both redistributive and potentially productive investments. We conclude by discussing the potential complementarities between different types of anti-poverty policies.
Flow chemical laboratory practice for undergraduate students: synthesis of paracetamol
Authors: Rávai Bettina , Orosz Máté János , Péterfi Orsolya , Galata Dorián László , Bálint Erika 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGenerally, chemical engineering students get well acquainted with the batch synthesis of various active pharmaceutical ingredients, however, only tiny focus is provided to undergraduates on the topic of flow chemistry. In this paper, we report that students participating in the chemical engineering BSc course at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics were encouraged to perform the flow synthesis of paracetamol, a common pain painkiller. Two different synthetic routes for the continuous production of paracetamol were investigated and compared the batch and flow methods. Thus, these experiments allowed the students to discover flow chemistry for themselves under supervision: how to set up a flow system, how to carry out a reaction continuously, and to experience the advantages of flow chemistry over batch synthesis. In addition, students also got familiar with in-line Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as one of the reactions was monitored in real-time.
Graphical Abstract
Design Strategies of Particle Dampers for Large-Scale Applications
Authors: Prasad Braj Bhushan , Duvigneau Fabian , Reinboth Tim , Juhre Daniel , Woschke Elmar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Particle dampers are dynamic vibration absorbers that can be attached or inserted into a vibrating structure for broadband vibration attenuation. The particle damping technique is widely used across various industries for vibration attenuation because of its conceptual simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for harsh environments (Gagnon et al. in J Sound Vib, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2019.114865; Lu et al. in Struct Control Health Monit, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1002/stc.2058). However, designing a particle damper for real-world applications is significantly challenging primarily due to the interaction among the numerous parameters that influence the damping effectiveness of a particle damper. Therefore, this contribution aims to experimentally investigate the particle dampers performance in the context of their designs.

Methods
We introduce three different design variants, namely thin-walled cavity (TWC), thin-walled cavity with additional sheets (TWC-AS), and ring cavity (RC). Different strategies are detailed and evaluated in the current paper. Following the comprehensive study of various design variants at the laboratory scale, several tests were conducted on a real-scale wind turbine generator, subjected to real-world loading conditions. Additionally, the effect of particle damper size and its location for the structure on vibration attenuation has been studied.

Results
Based on the experimental investigation, all these variants are effective in reducing the vibration amplitude of a structure. Furthermore, it has been found that for practical applications, particularly in the case of large-scale mechanical structures such as wind turbines, it is advisable to combine the most successful variants to design a particle damper. This approach can achieve significant vibration attenuation, and also minimize the additional mass of the granular material compared to a conventional particle damper.

Conclusion
The findings from our experimental studies offer valuable insight into the design of particle dampers for large-scale hollow mechanical structures.
Ultrafast excited-state dynamics of Luteins in the major light-harvesting complex LHCII
Authors: Pedraza-González Laura , Accomasso Davide , Cupellini Lorenzo , Granucci Giovanni , Mennucci Benedetta 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCarotenoid pigments are known to present a functional versatility when bound to light-harvesting complexes. This versatility originates from a strong correlation between a complex electronic structure and a flexible geometry that is easily tunable by the surrounding protein environment. Here, we investigated how the different L1 and L2 sites of the major trimeric light-harvesting complex (LHCII) of green plants tune the electronic structure of the two embedded luteins, and how this reflects on their ultrafast dynamics upon excitation. By combining molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations, we found that the two luteins feature a different conformation around the second dihedral angle in the lumenal side. The s-cis preference of the lutein in site L2 allows for a more planar geometry of the $$\pi$$
π
-conjugated backbone, which results in an increased degree of delocalization and a reduced excitation energy, explaining the experimentally observed red shift. Despite these remarkable differences, according to surface hopping simulations the two luteins present analogous ultrafast dynamics upon excitation: the bright $$S_2$$

S
2

state quickly decays (in $$\sim$$
∼
50 fs) to the dark intermediate $$S_x$$

S
x

, eventually ending up in the $$S_1$$

S
1

state. Furthermore, by employing two different theoretical approaches (i.e., Förster theory and an excitonic version of surface hopping), we investigated the experimentally debated energy transfer between the two luteins. With both approaches, no evident energy transfer was observed in the ultrafast timescale.
Graphical abstract