bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A decade of breakthroughs: MOF-graphene oxide catalysts for water splitting efficiency
Authors: Tazeen Zainab , Ameer Muhammad Ehsan , Iqbal Yasir , Ahmad Naveed , Arshad Muhammad , Qamar Muhammad Azam 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Burning fossil fuels has significantly worsened environmental pollution, particularly due to the release of carbon dioxide emissions. The global efforts to promote renewable energy solutions, like electrocatalytic water splitting, have gained momentum. Scientists are focusing on the development of sustainable methods like water splitting to reduce dependence on conventional fuels. Developing affordable and effective electrocatalysts is crucial for multifunctional electrochemical water splitting (ECWS). In comparison to traditional electrocatalysts, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit favorable catalytic performance for electrochemical water decomposition because of their plentiful porosity, surface area, and topologies for enhanced production of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) gas. When combined with MOF, graphene creates a synergistic hybrid nanomaterial that is more stable, adaptable, and durable. The primary goal of this review article is to conduct an in-depth investigation of the latest advancements in MOFs and MOF-GO electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. Herein, we have covered the plausible mechanism for the overall water-splitting electrocatalytic processes and several important factors influencing their electrocatalytic response. We also discussed the recent progress in the performance and stability of MOFs and MOF-GO electrocatalysts for water-splitting reactions. Finally, the article highlights the challenges and application of MOF and MOF-GO composites and the future preference for water-splitting applications.
Factor Modeling for High-Dimensional Interval-Valued Data
Authors: Guo Yan , Zou Guchu , Wu Jianhong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The paper considers an approximate factor model for interval-valued panel data with both large numbers of cross-section units and time series observations. A ratio-type estimator is proposed for the number of interval-valued factors in the approximate factor model. A variant of the estimator is also suggested, which is robust to the case with dominant factors. Under certain conditions, the estimators can be proved to be consistent. Moreover, the estimators of interval-valued factors and the pooled loadings can be obtained by the principal component analysis method for point-valued data. Monte Carlo simulation studies show that the proposed estimators have the desired finite sample properties.
Choice Behaviors and Prefrontal-Hippocampal Coupling are Disrupted in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Rosenblum Hailey L. , Kim SuHyeong , Stout John J. , Klintsova Anna Y. , Griffin Amy L. 
Published: February 2025

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are characterized by a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Determining how temporally specific alcohol exposure (AE) affects neural circuits is crucial to understanding the FASD phenotype. Third trimester AE can be modeled in rats by administering alcohol during the first two postnatal weeks, which damages the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC), structures whose functional interactions are required for working memory and executive function. Therefore, we hypothesized that AE during this period would impair working memory, disrupt choice behaviors, and alter mPFC-HPC oscillatory synchrony. To test this hypothesis, we recorded local field potentials from the mPFC and dorsal HPC as male and female AE and sham intubated (SI) rats performed a spatial working memory task in adulthood and implemented algorithms to detect vicarious trial and errors (VTEs), behaviors associated with deliberative decision-making. We found that, compared to the SI group, the AE group performed fewer VTEs and demonstrated a disturbed relationship between VTEs and choice outcomes, while spatial working memory was unimpaired. This behavioral disruption was accompanied by alterations to mPFC and HPC oscillatory activity in the theta and beta bands, respectively, and a reduced prevalence of mPFC-HPC synchronous events. When trained on multiple behavioral variables, a machine learning algorithm could accurately predict whether rats were in the AE or SI group, thus characterizing a potential phenotype following third trimester AE. Together, these findings indicate that third trimester AE disrupts mPFC-HPC oscillatory interactions and choice behaviors.Significance statementFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) occur at an alarmingly high rate worldwide. Prenatal alcohol exposure leads to significant perturbations in brain circuitry that are accompanied by cognitive deficits, including disrupted executive functioning and working memory. These deficits stem from structural changes within several key brain regions including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. To better understand the cognitive deficits observed in FASD patients, we employed a rodent model of alcohol exposure during the third trimester, a period when these regions are especially vulnerable to alcohol-induced damage. We show that alcohol exposure disrupts choice behaviors and prefrontal-hippocampal functional connectivity during a working memory task, identifying the prefrontal-hippocampal network as a potential therapeutic target in FASD treatment.
Debt Trapped: Analysing the Impact of IMF on Economic Growth and Human Development in Highly Indebted Countries, with a Focus on Corruption
Authors: Salman Doaa M. Salman , El-Ahmar Ahmed Adel , Youssri Dina , Klose Jens 
Published: February 2025

Being indebted represents significant risks associated with global financial instability in a world where financial stability hangs precariously between debt and economic growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) casts a critical eye over countries navigating the perilous seas of fiscal responsibility, aiming to improve their economic performance. Hence, evaluating the connection between IMF loans and sustainable growth in highly indebted countries is crucial. This study aims to examine the impact of IMF loans on real GDP and human development in a panel of the 13 most indebted countries from 1997 to 2020, by using pooled OLS and fixed-effect estimators. The article contributes to the existing literature in two ways. On the one hand, a broad set of human development indicators is analysed. On the other hand, corruption is incorporated into the analysis, explicitly measuring the simultaneous effects of IMF loans and corruption. It has been found that IMF loan growth tends to lower GDP growth, human development, and mortality. IMF loans often come with conditions that may lead to austerity measures. While these measures can negatively impact economic growth in the short term, they might also redirect resources toward social programs which improve health outcomes, thereby reducing mortality rates. When corruption is considered, a reduction in corruption leads to more effective IMF loans, increased human development, and decreased mortality even further. Therefore, it is recommended that IMF loans should always be accompanied with incentives to reduce corruption.
Caracterización de competencias ciudadanas en estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual leve
Authors: Loaiza Vahoz Dayelis , Ferrel Ballestas Lucia 
Published: February 2025

Este artículo tiene como objetivo principal caracterizar las competencias ciudadanas en estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual leve en una Institución Pública de Barranquilla. El estudio tiene un enfoque cualitativo, su diseño es descriptivo; además, se seleccionó un grupo de 5 estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual leve de una Institución Pública de Barranquilla, los padres de estos y 6 docentes, a los cuales se les aplicaron los siguientes instrumentos; diario pedagógico, rúbricas y entrevistas semiestructuradas; el análisis de estos datos se hizo por medio de triangulación. En sus resultados principales, se demuestra que no hay un buen desarrollo de las competencias ciudadanas en estudiantes con Discapacidad Intelectual Leve de esa Institución Pública de Barranquilla, las principales dificultades se centran en la identificación y manejo de emociones, además de dificultades para resolver conflictos de manera constructiva. Estas características del desarrollo de competencias ciudadanas van determinadas por la estimulación y atención desde tres factores, el social, emocional pedagógico. A pesar del panorama desfavorecedor en el desarrollo de competencias ciudadanas en estos estudiantes, se proponen planes y factores determinantes para la formación en ciudadanía.
Characterization of the Cystic Phenotype Associated with Monoallelic ALG8 and ALG9 Pathogenic Variants
Authors: Jawaid Tabinda , Elbarougy Doaa E. , Lavu Sravanthi , Buia Guillaume , Senum Sarah R. , Olinger Eric , Yang Hana , McDonnell Shannon K. , Bublitz Joshua T. , Ma Jun , Audrézet Marie-Pierre , Madsen Charles D. , Schauer Rachel S. , Baker Tracy A. , Gregory Adriana V. , Orr Sarah G. , Barroso-Gil Miguel , Neatu Ruxandra , Joli Giancarlo , Dahl Neera K. , Kline Timothy L. , Gillion Valentine , Dahan Karin , Jouret Francois , Perrone Ronald D. , Steinman Theodore I. , Peters Dorien J.M. , Gitomer Berenice Y. , Watnick Terry J. , Coto Eliecer , Chebib Fouad T. , Hogan Marie C. , Olson Janet E. , Larson Nicholas B. , Ars Elisabet , Halbritter Jan , Demoulin Nathalie , Torres Vicente E. , Sayer John A. , Cornec-Le Gall Emilie , Harris Peter C. ,   on behalf of Genomics England Research Consortium, UK Biobank, HALT PKD, DIPAK, TAME PKD, Genkyst studies, Mayo Clinic Biobank, and Regeneron Genetics Center
Published: February 2025

Background:
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common, inherited nephropathy often resulting in kidney failure. It is genetically heterogeneous; along with the major genes, PKD1 and PKD2, at least 8 others have been suggested. ALG8 pathogenic variants have been associated with autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease and implicated in ADPKD, while ALG9 has been suggested as an ADPKD gene, but details of the phenotypes and penetrance are unclear.

Methods:
We screened >3900 families with cystic kidneys and/or livers using global approaches to detect ALG8 or ALG9 pathogenic variants. In addition, population cohorts with sequence data (Genomics England 100kGP (100kGP), UK Biobank (UKBB), and Mayo Clinic Biobank (MCBB)), were screened for ALG8/ALG9 pathogenic variants.

Results:
Multicenter screening of individuals with polycystic kidney and/or liver disease identified 51 (1.3%) ALG8 (7 multiplex) and 23 (0.6%) ALG9 (5 multiplex) families; frequencies that were ∼10x and ∼24x greater than non-polycystic kidney disease (PKD) controls. Analysis of individuals with PKD phenotypes in 100kGP, UKBB, and MCBB identified 9 ALG8 (0.39%) and 9 ALG9 (0.39%) families, an enriched frequency over controls. Two individuals had PKD1 and ALG8 pathogenic changes. Eighty-nine percent of individuals with ALG8 mutations with imaging in the entire MCBB had kidney cysts (56%, >10 cysts), with greater median kidney and liver cyst numbers than controls. For ALG9, 78% had kidney cysts (27%, >10 cysts). Individuals with ALG8 mutations typically had mild cystic kidneys with limited enlargement. Liver cysts were common (71%) with enlarged livers (>2L) found in 11/62 patients although surgical intervention was rare. The ALG9 kidney phenotype was also of mild cystic kidneys but enlarged livers were rare; for both genes chronic kidney disease or kidney failure were rare.

Conclusions:
ALG8 and ALG9 are defined as cystic kidney/liver genes but with limited penetrance for lower eGFR.
AN UNJUST INTERPRETATION OF SECTION 116(1) OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 68 OF 2008: THE IMPACT OF First Rand Bank Limited v Ludick GP (unreported) 2020-06-18 Case no A277/2019
Authors: Tshepiso Scott-Ngoepe  
Published: February 2025

One of the key objectives of the Consumer Protection Act (68 of 2008) (CPA) is to ensure that consumers are provided with “an accessible, consistent, harmonised, effective and efficient system of redress”. This has not been an easy feat. Some difficulties have arisen from the interpretation of a detailed, yet unclear system of redress as set out in section 69 of the CPA, particularly in relation to when the court can be approached and whether there is an implied hierarchy that applies in the dispute resolution process. In other instances, the reluctance of industry members to willingly co-operate with accredited industry ombuds has made the work of these dispute resolution agents challenging. A further aspect that has undermined a key objective of the CPA to ensure that consumers have access to redress, is the interpretation that has been afforded to section 116(1) of the CPA, following the decision of the High Court in FirstRand Bank Limited v Ludick (unreported case no: A277/2019). Section 116(1) of the CPA regulates prescription in terms of the statute. It provides that consumers ought to approach the consumer court or Tribunal within a period of three years from the date of the act or omission; or, in the case of conduct that is ongoing or continuing, the date upon which, the conduct in question ceased. Before Ludick, the Tribunal adopted a less stringent approach to this provision. Following Ludick, however, the approach of the Tribunal in CPA-related matters concerning the interpretation of section 116(1) of the CPA changed— arguably for the worst. In light of this, this note analyses the decision in Ludick and its application over the past few years to CPA prescription matters. This discussion is prefaced by a discussion of the facts and the finding of Ludick. This is followed by a critical discussion of the court’s prescription-related findings, which assesses: (i) the nature of the matters adjudicated under the NCA and the CPA respectively; (ii) the Tribunal’s powers; (iii) the adverse impact of Ludick on the Tribunal’s interpretation of section 116(1) of the CPA; and (iv) a constitutionally aligned interpretation of section 116(1) of the CPA.
TBM Performance Prediction Using Statistical and Machine Learning Algorithms: Case Study of Slurry TBM Used in Mumbai Metro Rail Tunnel Line–3 (UGC-03), India
Authors: Kullarkar Shubham D. , Thote N.R. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Estimating the performance of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) is vital for enhancing mining productivity and reducing tunnelling operations-related risks. Penetration rate (PR) is the most prominent TBM performance indicator, which majorly influences the project completion time, contractual activities, and overall cost of the project. Prediction of PR considering varying geotechnical parameters needs to be addressed. This study comprises 235 data points collected from a 3.572 km long twin-tunnel bored using two refurbished articulated single-shield slurry TBM, employed in a metro project in package-03, (UGC- 03) of Mumbai metro rail corporation line-3 (MMRCL-3), in Mumbai, India. The PR of the TBM is predicted using; uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load test (PLT (I50)), rock mass rating (RMR), rock quality designation (RQD), porosity (n), and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) as the input parameters considering two statistical approaches i.e., multivariate linear regression (MVLR) and multivariate non-linear regression (MVNLR) and five machine learning (ML) algorithms i.e., random forests (RF), K-nearest neighbour (KNN), XG-Boost, support vector regression (SVR) and artificial neural networks (ANN). A 90: 10 train: test split was used on the 235 data points. The model developed using XG-Boost regression predicted the most accurate PR with R2 = 0.7877 / RMSE = 0.2113, where RF was the second-best model and closest to XG-Boost with R2 = 0.7679 / RMSE = 0.2200. The developed models indicate a considerable relationship between the input parameters and PR, and PR can be predicted accurately.
Heavy Mineral Analysis and Characterization of Ilmenites from the Beach Sands of Central West Coast of India
Authors: Paltekar Manjunath , Hegde V.S. , Hulaji Shivani , Panda Aurovinda 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Studies on heavy minerals from the estuarine beaches of Kali and Gangavali River, Central West Coast of India were conducted to understand the abundance of heavy minerals and their characterization. Higher concentrations of heavy minerals were found during monsoon followed by pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Within the sub-environments of the studied beaches, the backshore has a higher abundance compared to berm zone. The estuarine beaches of the Gangavali River show higher heavy mineral concentrations compared to the Kali estuarine beaches. Quantitative heavy mineral studies indicated that ilmenite is the dominant mineral present in the study area and shows a large spatio-temporal variability in their concentration. Ilmenites are highly altered and show three stages of alterations viz., pseudoilmenite, pseudorutile and leucoxene which indicates a progressive alteration process in the natural sedimentary environment that is attributed to the leaching of iron along with other oxides from the ilmenite lattice. The ilmenite abundance in the beach sands and their characteristics suggest a promising source for industrial minerals and have the potential for future exploitation.
Assessing the Snow Water Equivalent Dynamics of the Brahmaputra River Basin
Authors: Rani Seema , Tiwari Purushottam , Jaiswal Harsh , Singh Jyotsna , Singh Subhash 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
The Brahmaputra River Basin holds a crucial position in South Asia’s hydrological framework, serving as a vital source of water for a substantial population. Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), a pivotal metric reflecting water availability in regions dominated by snow, assumes a significant role in shaping the hydrological cycle of the basin. Thus, this present work aims to conduct a comprehensive study of the SWE dynamics across the Brahmaputra River Basin from 1980 to 2021. The present study obtains the data of elevation, ERA5-Land and SWE and SWE maximum, snowfall, snow cover area, snow depth, and air temperature, in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Seasonal and annual trends are analyzed using the Theil-Sen slope estimator and the Mann-Kendall significance test. Correlations and linear regressions are conducted to assess the relationships among the variables. The findings unveil intricate SWE distribution patterns across the study area, with high elevations exhibiting prolonged snow cover area and substantial SWE values. Trend analysis shows a consistent decrease in SWE and SWE maximum across all seasons, ranging from -0.006 (post-monsoon) to -0.034 m (pre-monsoon) water equivalent/decade. Similarly, a declining trend (at a rate of -0.014 m water equivalent/decade) is also observed in annual SWE. The declining seasonal and annual SWE is possibly linked to escalating air temperature, diminishing snowfall, snow cover area, and snow depth during the study period. The implications of these findings underscore the significance of incorporating SWE variations into water management and the assessment of ecosystem health in the region.
Spatial Analysis and Predictive Modeling of Natural Seismic Activity: A Smoothed Seismicity Approach
Authors: S. Aswini , Lasitha S. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
The study uncovers significant disparities in seismic activity patterns between Kerala and Pondicherry. Kerala demonstrates a higher incidence of seismic events on land, particularly concentrated in central Kerala, where multiple faults and lineaments are prevalent. The reactivation of ancient faults emerges as a crucial contributor to the escalated seismicity observed in the region. In addition to ancient fault reactivation, Kerala’s seismicity is influenced by hydrological stress, particularly triggered seismicity induced by the filling of the Idukki reservoir. Regarding Pondicherry, the region displays a distinctive seismic profile characterized by both onshore and offshore seismic activity. Various studies document the reactivation of ancient faults in the area, particularly evidenced by the 2001 earthquake near Pondicherry. The NE-SW and NNE-SSW fault-bounded ridges and depressions, extending from land into the offshore sea, have contributed to the seismic activity. The region is under the influence of land-ocean tectonics (LOTs), attributing moderate seismicity to compressional stress acting on the Indian Plate. Smoothed seismicity analysis supports these observations, highlighting higher G-R parameters in Pondicherry indicative of LOTs along the Eastern continental margin of India (ECMI). Additionally, elevated earthquake probability near Mullaperiyar Dam in the Kerala region underscores the significant role of hydrology in seismic events. In short, the distinct seismic patterns observed in Kerala and Pondicherry underscore the complex relationship of geological, hydrological, and tectonic factors shaping seismic activity in these regions. Reactivated ancient faults, hydrological stress, and land-ocean tectonics stand out as primary contributors to seismic activity, underscoring the intricate nature of assessing and addressing seismic hazards in these regions.
Application of UAV-borne Magnetic Survey in Diamond Exploration: A Case Study over Kimberlite-Carbonatite Intrusion from Khaderpet, Eastern Dharwar Craton, South India
Authors: Phani Pothuri Ramesh Chandra , Joseph Cyriac , Bommu Narasimha Rao , Prabhat Singh 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Application of drone/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne magnetometer (MagArrow) survey in diamond exploration is presented as a case study over diamondiferous kimberlite pipe intruded with carbonatite at Khaderpet within the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF), south India. The kimberlite clan rock (KCR) of Kaderpet is expressed as a chloritised kimberlite- granite breccia that shows characteristics of an ultramafic lamprophyre. Owing to good response given by WKF kimberlites for magnetic surveys, a magnetic sensor is chosen in this investigation. Ten E-W traverses covering a total of 15- line km were conducted over an area admeasuring 1.8 sq. km in 35 minutes which may consume a week’s time in traditional ground magnetic survey. The acquired magnetic data revealed a strong magnetic ‘low’ of the order of -130nT in the reduced to the pole (RTP) image where carbonatite amidst granitoid- kimberlite breccia crops out. The magnetic ‘low’ anomaly of this survey matches with the KCR outline interpreted by earlier workers. The results of this survey have been verified with conventional ground magnetic survey which confirmed the presence of the anomaly (magnetic ‘low’) representing kimberlite granite breccia- carbonatite against a ‘high’ magnetic area represented by granitic/gneissic country rock in the surroundings. In this investigation, it is interpreted that the diamondiferous carbonatite hosted by granite chloritised kimberlite breccia is observed to extend to a depth of 7.3 to 41 m from the ground surface, which is consistent with the drilling results of previous exploration. This investigation showed that the drone-borne magnetic surveys can differentiate the anomaly/causative body within a background of country rock to locate anomalies corresponding to possible kimberlites and related rocks elsewhere in the cratonic terrains, provided other geological, geochemical and indicator mineral evidences also support.