bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plastic and anthropogenic microfiber pollution on exposed sandy beaches in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Kelly Noreen E. , Trela Olga , Gavel Heidi , Vander Kuylen Alyssa 
Published: January 2024

Aim: To investigate the baseline abundance of microplastics on two sandy beaches along an exposed coastline in an understudied region of the Northwest Atlantic.
Methods: Sandy sediments were sampled from two beaches along the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, Canada from High, Mid, and Low intertidal positions. Density floatation using a sodium iodide (NaI) solution was used to separate particles from 100 g of sediments in each sample. Particles were characterized by size, shape, and colour, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was conducted for polymer identification.
Results: At both beaches, the majority of particles found were small (< 1.4 mm), transparent microfibers. Microplastics were polymers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or alkyds (paints). The mean concentrations at both beaches were similar, at 5.08 ± 3.20 and 5.58 ± 4.52 microplastics per 100 g of sediment. Non-plastic (i.e., natural and semi-synthetic cellulosic) microfibers were up to 19 times more abundant than microplastics, with mean concentrations of 75.9 ± 60.1 and 97.7 ± 87.9 per 100 g sediment. Mean particle counts did not differ significantly across tidal ranges due to their high variability over small spatial scales (10 s of m).
Conclusion: Using new investigative tools yielded estimates of microplastic pollution 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than earlier research conducted at these sites, and was generally lower than values reported from other beaches globally. Sources of microfibers were potentially from high recreational use at these sites. Future monitoring could target these sites for time series analysis of microplastic change on exposed sandy beaches.
Exploring EFL Students’ Speaking Challenges in Their Speaking for Social Purposes
Authors: Elisathusilawani Elisathusilawani 
Published: January 2024

Speaking is a crucial aspect when we learn English. However, speaking activities in class is a challenge for students from different educational backgrounds, such as those from remote areas in Bengkayang, West Kalimantan. This study aims to explore the speaking challenges of Bengkayang students in the Speaking for Social Purposes (SFSP) classes at the English Language Education Program, Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW). To collect the data, this study used semi-structured interviews that involved seven students from Bengkayang who had taken SFSP classes. The data analysis indicated some challenges faced by the students, such as a lack of self-confidence, pronunciation errors, and lack of vocabulary. This research also hopes to provide practical tips and tricks for students in overcoming some English speaking difficulties in similar contexts. Recommendations for future research are also discussed.
Keywords: EFL students, speaking for social purposes, speaking challenges
Refusal of prescribed drug therapy (absolute non-adherence) after acute myocardial infarction/unstable angina: data from prospective observation in the LIS-3 registry
Authors: Martsevich S. Yu. , Zolotareva N. P. , Zagrebelnyy A. V. , Kutishenko N. P. , Lukina Yu. V. , Ginzburg M. L. , Drapkina O. M. 
Published: January 2024

Aim. Within the LIS-3 register of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), to evaluate the phenomenon of complete refusal of treatment (absolute non-adherence) after discharge from the hospital of patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)/unstable angina (UA): to study the characteristics of absolutely nonadherent patients, disease outcomes after 2.5 years after first contact.Material and methods. The study was conducted within the framework of the LIS-3 register. This part of the study included patients who survived ACS and were discharged from the hospital in the first 9 months of 2014 (104 people) and patients who survived ACS and were discharged from the hospital in the first 9 months of 2018 (223 people). Of the 327 patients who survived after AMI/UA, 226 patients remained alive by the time of the first survey (on average 3 years after discharge). The created questionnaire was used, which includes questions about possible long-term outcomes, adherence to visits to medical and preventive institutions (health facilities) and adherence to drug therapy. 221 people answered questions about treatment, 11 (5%) of them did not take any drug therapy (absolutely non-adherent). On average, 29 months (2.5 years) after the initial survey, a repeat survey of completely non-adherent patients or their relatives was carried out, information was collected on the vital status of these patients, repeated cardiovascular events and on the use of recommended drug therapy, about visiting a health facility.Results. When comparing the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who were adherent and completely non-adherent to the prescribed therapy, no significant differences were noted. By the time of the repeat survey, 4 patients from among those who were completely non-adherent had died, 2 had suffered ACS. Of the 6 patients who survived, at the time of re-contact, 2 had not started taking medications, explaining that they were feeling well, 2 had resumed taking medications in full, 2 — partially, contact with 1 patient was lost.Conclusion. A certain proportion of patients who have suffered AMI/UA completely refuse the prescribed treatment, mainly because they feel well. The likelihood of death and recurrent cardiovascular events in such patients is extremely high.
Dificuldades na Profissão do Contador Público: um Mapeamento Sistemático no Ambiente Brasileiro
Authors: De Paula Wellington Monte , Bezerra Filho João Eudes 
Published: January 2024

Objetivo da pesquisa: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar, agrupar e analisar os principais fatores associados às dificuldades enfrentadas na profissão dos contadores do setor público do Poder Executivo Federal.
Enquadramento Teórico: Revisão da literatura sobre perfil, habilidades e competências dos profissionais da contabilidade e adoção das normas internacionais de contabilidade no setor público (IPSAS).
Método: Foram identificadas vinte e quatro possíveis situações de dificuldades na rotina dos contadores. Metodologicamente, utilizou-se a abordagem quantitativa, exploratória, com corte transversal e aplicação de questionário. A coleta de dados, foi realizada por meio de questionário eletrônico, cuja amostra foi representada por 169 respondentes do poder executivo federal em todos os estados do Brasil.
Resultados: Os resultados apontaram a formação ineficiente dos contadores pesquisados como sendo a principal dificuldade, diante das novas mudanças na contabilidade pública brasileira.
Originalidade: O mapeamento de vinte e quatro fatores associados às dificuldades dos contadores públicos, ante a adoção das IPSAS no Brasil, representa uma contribuição que possibilita promover ações necessárias ao aperfeiçoamento da formação dos contadores do setor público e consequentes mudanças no ambiente organizacional da administração pública brasileira.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas: Consoante a convergência com as normas internacionais de contabilidade do setor público no Brasil (IPSAS), o estudo contribui para o debate acadêmico no processo de formação e profissionalização do contador do setor público do governo federal, isto porque os resultados serão úteis para efetivação e/ou aperfeiçoamento de diretrizes técnicas, metodológicas, gerencias e organizacionais de forma a mitigar as dificuldades ora enfrentadas e identificadas na presente pesquisa.

Palavras-chave:Dificuldades dos contadores públicos, Contabilidade pública, Formação dos contadores públicos, Liderança, convergência com IPSAS.
Entangled photon pair generation in an integrated SiC platform
Authors: Ma Lijun , Wang Ruixuan , Li Jingwei , Tang Xiao , Gerrits Thomas , Li Qing , Slattery Oliver , Rahmouni Anouar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Entanglement plays a vital role in quantum information processing. Owing to its unique material properties, silicon carbide recently emerged as a promising candidate for the scalable implementation of advanced quantum information processing capabilities. To date, however, only entanglement of nuclear spins has been reported in silicon carbide, while an entangled photon source, whether it is based on bulk or chip-scale technologies, remains elusive. Here, we report the demonstration of an entangled photon source in an integrated silicon carbide platform for the first time. Specifically, strongly correlated photon pairs are efficiently generated at the telecom C-band wavelength through implementing spontaneous four-wave mixing in a compact microring resonator in the 4H-silicon-carbide-on-insulator platform. The maximum coincidence-to-accidental ratio exceeds 600 at a pump power of 0.17 mW, corresponding to a pair generation rate of 9×103 pairs/s. Energy-time entanglement is created and verified for such signal-idler photon pairs, with the two-photon interference fringes exhibiting a visibility larger than 99%. The heralded single-photon properties are also measured, with the heralded g(2)(0)on the order of 10-3, demonstrating the SiC platform as a prospective fully integrated, CMOS-compatible single-photon source for quantum applications.
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Mimic Human Collective Behaviour
Authors: He James , Wallis Felix , Gvirtz Andrés , Rathje Steve 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have been shown to mimic individual human behaviour in a wide range of psychological and economic tasks. Do groups of AI chatbots also mimic collective behaviour? If so, artificial societies of AI chatbots may aid social-scientific research by simulating human collectives. To investigate this theoretical possibility, we focus on whether AI chatbots natively mimic one commonly observed collective behaviour: homophily, or people’s tendency to form community with similar others. In a large simulated online society of AI chatbots powered by large-language models (N = 24,443), we find that communities form over time around bots using a common language. In addition, among chatbots that predominantly use English (N = 16,003), communities emerge around bots that post similar content. The findings suggest that AI chatbots mimic homophily, a key aspect of human collective behaviour. Thus, in addition to simulating individual human behaviour, AI-powered artificial societies may advance social science research by allowing researchers to simulate nuanced aspects of collective behaviour.
Pearl Farming Micro-Nanoplastics Affect Oyster Physiology and Pearl Quality
Authors: Gardon Tony , Luyer Jérémy Le , Moullac Gilles Le , Soyez Claude , Lagarde Fabienne , Dehaut Alexandre , Paul-Pont Ika , Huvet Arnaud 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pearl farming is crucial for the economy of French Polynesia. However, rearing structures contribute significantly to plastic waste, and the widespread contamination of pearl farming lagoons by microplastics has raised concerns about risks to the pearl industry. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs, 0.4–200 µm) on the pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) over a 5-month pearl production cycle by closely mimicking ecological scenarios. MNPs were produced from weathered plastic pearl farming gear and tested at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.025 and 1 µg L–1) to decipher biological and functional responses through integrative approaches. The significant findings highlighted impacts of MNPs on oyster physiology and pearl quality, even at remarkably low concentrations. Exposure to MNPs induced changes in energy metabolism, predominantly driven by reduced assimilation efficiency of microalgae, leading to alteration in gene expression patterns. A distinct gene expression module exhibited a strong correlation with physiological parameters affected by MNP conditions, identifying key genes as potential environmental indicators to nutritional-MNP stress in cultured oysters. The alteration in pearl biomineralization, evidenced by thinner aragonite crystals and the presence of abnormal biomineral concretions, known as keshi pearls, raises concerns about the potential long-term impact on the Polynesian pearl industry.
Mating behavior and oviposition of Palpita forficifera (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Scheunemann Tiago , Manica Roberta , Nornberg Sandro , Gonçalves Rafael , Bernardi Daniel , Nava Dori 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Palpita forficifera Munroe, 1959 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is considered the main pest of the olive tree (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae) in Brazil and Uruguay. The aim of this work was to study the mating and oviposition behavior of P. forficifera in the field and laboratory. In the field, the sex emitting the mating pheromone was determined and in the laboratory, the rate of emergence of males and females; the age, time and duration of mating; number of copulations and oviposition time of P. forficifera were recorded. The field results showed that the males are attracted to the females for mating, and it was possible to capture up to five males per trap in just one night. The emergence rhythm is synchronized. Copulation occurs between the seventh and twenty-third day of life and is most frequent during the third and sixth hours of scotophase. The average duration of the first copulation was 174 minutes, with 35% of couples recopulating, and there were cases of up to five copulations. Oviposition times were concentrated between 20:00 and 02:00. The results obtained provide insight into the reproductive behavior of P. forficifera and are useful for future studies aimed at identifying the sex pheromone to improve monitoring of the pest in olive orchards.
Highly Accurate, Efficient, and Fabrication Tolerance-aware Nanostructure Prediction for High-Performance Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Seo Min-Ho , Jeong Won-Kyeong , Kim Ki-Hoon , Park Chaehyun , Song Myungkwan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Despite extensive efforts to predict optimal nanostructures for enhancing optical devices, a more accurate, efficient, and practical method for nanostructure optimisation is required. In particular, fabrication tolerance is a promising avenue for significantly improving manufacturing efficiency; however, research in this area is limited. In this study, we introduce a practical approach for enhancing the performance of optoelectronic devices using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based nanostructure optimisation strategy. We optimised a support vector regression (SVR) model to capture the complex and nonlinear relationships between the transmittance and nanograting structure variables with the goal of improving optoelectronic devices. Our versatile model accurately predicted the continuous transmittance data with high precision (R2=0.995) using only 216 training data points. It can also make predictions under untrained conditions, thereby enabling the creation of a transmittance nanostructure contour map (R2=0.949). This method facilitates the design of nanostructures tailored to specific optical properties and provides valuable insights into fabrication tolerance. Through experimental validation, we identified an optimal nanograting structure with the highest transmittance in the visible-light spectrum. When integrated into optoelectronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic solar cells (OSCs), their performance is significantly improved by increasing the light transmittance. Specifically, devices using the fabricated nanograting film exhibited a 17% improvement in external quantum efficiency (EQE) for solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (SP-OLEDs) and a 10.7% improvement in power-conversion efficiency (PCE) for OSCs.
Cooperation is encouraged simply by increasing the number of participants
Authors: Tamura Kazuhiro , Morita Satoru 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Humans have occasionally exhibited cooperative behaviour, deviating from individual rationality, in experiments such as the public goods game and prisoner’s dilemma. Despite numerous experiments, the alignment between human cooperative behaviour and game theory predictions remains inconsistent. Although comprehending human cooperation through experimentation is pivotal, large-scale experiments with human subjects pose challenges, resulting in insufficient data on cooperative behaviour across diverse populations. Here, we present a new approach using Deep Q-Learning-based agents—a type of artificial intelligence—in a public goods game, revealing an intriguing trend, specifically that agents increasingly opt for cooperation as the number of participants rises. This viewpoint challenges prevailing research paradigms by underscoring the importance of group size—an aspect hitherto underexplored. Additionally, this approach mitigates experimental costs, enhancing scalability and eliminating the influence of the details of experimental design. Anticipated outcomes include demonstrating sustained cooperation even in scenarios dominated by non-cooperation in established game theory, thereby narrowing the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental observations. These findings hold potential applications, such as attracting substantial investments for large-scale public projects. Additionally, implementing a mechanism in social networking systems that integrates Deep Q-Learning agents into communities may mitigate fragmentation by promoting cooperative behaviour amongst diverse participants.
Patient satisfaction survey on portable infusion pumps for colorectal cancer chemotherapy: hard-shelled or soft-shelled?
Authors: Yamada Taku , Kikuchi Taketomo , Nagasu Sachiko , Hashimoto Kayoko , Furukawa Eri , Matsumoto Hirokazu , Tsutsumi Kazuki , Tanaka Toshimitsu , Kugishima Miho , Kawaguchi Takumi , Fujita Fumihiko , Higuchi Kyouko , Miwa Keisuke 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Elastomeric infusion pumps are widely used in colorectal cancer chemotherapy. However, no studies have yet investigated patient preferences regarding different infusion pump types.
Methods
Twenty patients with unresectable colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy were initially treated with a portable hard-shelled continuous infusion pump, followed by a soft-shelled continuous infusion pump. The respondents used a numerical rating scale (0–10) to rate their comfort when using each pump, their ease of carrying it, the pump size and shape, its weight, their ease of reading its memory, and their overall satisfaction with it. They were then asked which pump they would ultimately prefer.
Results
In terms of comfort, significantly higher user satisfaction was reported for the soft-shelled pump during the daytime and when going out (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). For pump portability, size, shape, and weight, the soft-shelled type also outperformed the hard-shelled one (P < 0.001, P = 0.0011, P < 0.001). However, the hard-shelled pump scored significantly better in terms of ease of viewing memory (P < 0.001). Overall satisfaction was significantly higher for the soft-shelled pump than the hard-shelled type (p = 0.0095). Finally, 13 patients (65%) indicated that they would prefer a soft-shelled pump for their next treatment, while only one patient (5%) preferred a hard-shelled alternative. A preference for soft-shelled pump was observed, particularly in female patients and those with body mass index of < 22 kg/m2.
Conclusion
Selection portable elastomeric infusion pumps that consider the preferences of patients with colorectal cancer may help improve their quality of life.
Nursery function of red-algal dominated reef in temperate Algoa Bay, South Africa
Authors: James Nicola Caroline , Jacobs Aidan , Gayiza Mihle , Human Lucienne , Steyn Paul-Pierre , Bernard Anthony , Rishworth Gavin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Structurally complex macroalgae within coastal seascapes are important as nursery areas for many marine fish species. This study examines the nursery role of a mosaic of red algae dominated habitats in a shallow (< 5 m), sheltered rocky cove in warm-temperate Algoa Bay, South Africa. As an indicator of nursery function within the cove we assessed and mapped macroalgal communities, the resource seascape (epiphytes and invertebrates), as well as fish assemblages (abundance, size structure and species richness) in different subtidal habitat patches. We also looked at the trophic ecology of dominant juvenile fish species within the cove. Red algae, particularly canopy forming Plocamium spp. and lower growing Laurencia spp. dominated subtidal high and low profile reef respectively, with the lower intertidal dominated by coralline turf. Algal complexity (canopy height) was negatively correlated with the biomass of resources, with the biomass of epiphytic algae highest on coralline turf and the abundance of amphipods and polychaetes highest on low growing Laurencia and corralline turf. Laurencia, epiphytes, polychaetes and amphipods were important food sources for juvenile sparids. Although results from this study indicate that lower complexity algae likely provide more food for juvenile sparids, the high abundance of juvenile sparids in Plocamium dominated high profile reef indicates that canopy-forming Plocamium likely provides more shelter from predation than lower complexity algal reef habitats. This shows that macroalgal habitats comprising several functional forms have the potential to support higher juvenile diversity and abundance through both food provision and protection.
Comparison of genetic programming and HEC-HMS as a conceptual model in simulating rainfall-runoff time series
Authors: Sepahvand Reza , Khoshoei mehrdad , Golmohammadi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Forecasting the runoff is an essential task in hydrological modeling. Since the factors and parameters affecting the rainfall-runoff process have spatial and temporal variations, they are engaged with significant uncertainty and complexity, leading to some errors in the modeling process, making it a very unwieldy task. This study uses the genetic programming (GP) model to simulate the rainfall-runoff process in Khorramabad River basin located in Iran. To validate the performance of the proposed GP method and accomplish this kind of modeling, this technique is compared to the HEC-HMS conceptual model. For this purpose, the HEC-HMS model is calibrated and employed to simulate the rainfall-runoff process at the first step, modeling four flood events in the study area. In the second step, the GP Model is run as a rainfall-runoff model in the mentioned area. Then, the performance criteria, including the root mean square error (RMSE) of the peak discharge, mean absolute error (MAE), and the observed and simulated flow volume difference, are used to compare two simulation approaches. For example, in the simulation stage of the year 2014, the values of the two mentioned criteria for the genetic programming model were 1.22 and 0.99, while for the hack model, the values were 7.28 and 9.75, respectively. The results suggested that the GP as a data-driven model performs better than the HEC-HMS model as a physics-based one to simulate the rainfall-runoff process in this basin.