bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex Study of the Composite Building Material Based on Flax Straw Organic Waste: Hygrothermal and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Cerny Pavel , Babenko Maryna , Bartos Petr , Kononets Yevhen , Kriz Pavel , Rabenseifer Roman , Spalek Frantisek 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe focus of this study is on the hygrothermal and mechanical properties of the elaborated insulating composite based on flax straw. Flax straw is considered as an agricultural waste of organic origin, which has a high sorption capacity and a low thermal conductivity potential due to its natural porosity. Investigations on sorption moisture, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties under laboratory conditions have allowed us to develop a perspective building material suitable for use in ‘green’ construction, especially in rural areas, due to the relative accessibility of the base component. Liquid glass is proposed as a binder. The optimal composition of the filler and binder, sorption moisture, thermal conductivity and surface mapping of the proposed material were investigated. The thermal conductivity reached a minimum value of 0.0728 W m−1 K−1 at relative humidity of 50% during desorption, which is highly competitive to the values for conventional insulation materials on an organic basis. The binder was visually distributed evenly over the surface according to the SEM analysis. Corresponding to the spectral analysis by chemical elements, Na and SiO2 in total showed 17.69% quantity volume on the composite surface of 2–5 μm in depth.
Graphical Abstract
At-Home use of App-Based Mindfulness for Children: A Randomized Active-Controlled Trial
Authors: Treves Isaac N. , Olson Halie A. , Ozernov-Palchik Ola , Li Cindy E. , Wang Kimberly L. , Arechiga Xochitl M. , Goldberg Simon B. , Gabrieli John D. E. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
School-based mindfulness interventions in children have shown benefits to child well-being. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of a remote, app-based mindfulness intervention for promoting well-being in children.

Method
We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two control groups to examine the effects of an 8-week mindfulness intervention in U.S. children ages 8–10. We compared pre-post effects between a mindfulness intervention using the Inner Explorer app, and two audiobook control interventions. The 279 children who participated in the interventions were assessed on self-report measures of anxiety and depression symptoms, perceived stress and trait mindfulness and we also collected parental reports.

Results
Over 80% of children completed the intervention in each condition. There was evidence for reduced self-perceived stress in children and reduced negative affect in children by parental reports using the mindfulness app, but no significant reduction for anxiety or depression symptoms. In general, between-group effect sizes were small (d < 0.45). Regular use, defined as at least 30 days of mindfulness practice within the study period, was associated with reduced child negative affect by parental reports, as well as reduced parental stress and child self-perceived stress.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that home use of a mindfulness app in young children can have a positive impact on children’s emotional well-being if the app is used regularly, specifically for at least 30 days in the 8-week study period. Strategies aimed at promoting regular use of the mindfulness app at home could lead to even better outcomes for children.

Preregistration
Preregistered on OSF at https://osf.io/23vax
Changes in Genotype Composition and Morphology at an Experimental Site of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Over a Quarter of a Century
Authors: Kuprina Kristina , Seeber Elke , Rudyk Anna , Wichmann Sabine , Schnittler Martin , Bog Manuela 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe cultivation of common reed (Phragmites australis) is one of the most promising practices of paludiculture on fen peatlands. This highly productive grass has a high adaptation capacity via high levels of genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity. In this study, a reed experimental site established on a degraded fen in 1996/97 with a mixture of monoclonally (meristematically propagated plantlets) and polyclonally (pre-grown seedlings) planted plots was investigated by microsatellite genotyping. All nine genotypes of the monoclonal planted plots were recovered and could be genetically characterized; invasion by other genotypes was negligible. Similarly, the polyclonal plots sustained high clonal diversity with no prevalence of a single genotype. The growth characteristics of the five quantitatively investigated genotypes significantly differed from each other (α = 0.05): dry biomass per stem 5–18 g, panicles per m2 20–60, average stem diameter 3.5–6 mm, height 170–250 cm. Similarly, the persistence of genotypes at the planted plots and their invasiveness (ability to invade neighboured plots) varied. These results show that common reed stands are extremely persistent even if established with genotypes that are likely not to be locally adapted. Their genetic structure remained stable for at least 24 years regardless of the planting density (1, 4, and 10 plants per m2). Our results indicate that farmers may be able to maintain favourable genotypes for many years, thus the selection and breeding of common reed as a versatile crop for rewetted peatlands is a promising objective for paludiculture research.
Crop-livestock synergies and by-products recycling: major factors for agroecology in West African agro-sylvo-pastoral systems
Authors: Vall Eric , Orounladji Boko Michel , Berre David , Assouma Mohamed Habibou , Dabiré Der , Sanogo Souleymane , Sib Ollo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn Western Africa, agro-sylvo-pastoral systems are dominant and food demand is booming. To meet this demand, many farmers intensify the production with industrial inputs (mineral fertilizers, feeds, pesticides, herbicides). However, the price of these inputs is rocketing. To face this issue, some farmers reconsider crops, livestock, and tree synergies and by-product recycling to increase their production sustainably at a lower cost. The study aimed to characterize the diversity of Koumbia’s farming systems and to assess farming systems’ technical performance in an agroecological perspective. We surveyed 391 farms in the county of Koumbia (Burkina Faso). Considering 15 agricultural practices (4 on by-products recycling, 4 on soil protection, 4 on industrial inputs limitation, 2 on smart use of natural resources, and 1 on cropping diversification), a multivariate analysis (PCA+HAC) combined to an agroecology (Ae) scoring system (−15 to +15) based on 15 specific indicators (one/practice), we highlighted 3 agroecological farming systems clusters. These clusters are distributed along a gradient of agroecology intensity (Ae+: high degree of Ae, Ae+/−: medium degree, and Ae−: poor degree). Ae+ farms (Ae score: +3.0) group 17% of the farms, Ae+/− (Ae score: −4.5) group 58% of the farms, and Ae− (Ae score: −10.5) group 25% of the farms. Ae+ raise more livestock and recycle a higher rate of crop-livestock by-products in fodder, organic manure, and mulch. These recycling practices are facilitated by better levels of equipment for transportation and storage and soil water and crop residue conservation measures, including maintenance of the wooded park on the cultivated fields. This set of practices, which close better the agricultural system, produces a systemic effect which has a positive impact on yields and on the whole ecosystem. Our findings outline for the first time that crop-livestock synergies and by-product recycling are major factors of agroecological transition in agro-sylvo-pastoral systems.
Effect of the air flows ratio on energy behavior and NOx emissions from a top-lit updraft biomass cookstove
Authors: Muñoz Duvan F. , Gutiérrez Jonatan , Pérez Juan F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBiomass as an energy source for three-stone cookfires is commonly used for cooking and heating rural and isolated households in developing countries; therefore, indoor air quality decreases. In this work, the effect of the air flows ratio (combustion air/gasification air, CA/GA: 2.8, 3.0, and 3.2), and the start type, cold (CS), and hot (HS), on the energy behavior and emissions from a forced-draft top-lit updraft (TLUD) cookstove, using wood pellets as fuel, is studied. Furthermore, the gasification process was thermodynamically characterized. The TLUD cookstove assessment was carried out following a modified water boiling test (WBT). The highest thermal efficiency of the cookstove was 26.74%. The lowest specific CO, NOx, and total suspended particle matter (TSPM) emissions were 1.8 g/MJd, 106 mg/MJd, and 78.32 mg/MJd, respectively; this was attributed to a proper mixture between the producer gas and the combustion air. The gasification process showed a better energy yield under the hot start due to the preheating induced in the cookstove reactor. The optimal values of the producer gas heating value (LHVpg), cold gas efficiency (CGE), and the biochar yield (Ychar) were 3.53 MJ/Nm3, 58.61%, and 12.49%, respectively. Here, an opposite effect was found for the air flows ratios assessed. The cookstove behavior improved as the mixture between CA and GA was suitable, achieving the maximum at CA/GA = 3.0. However, the NOx emissions increased with the increment of CA/GA ratios (from 2.8 to 3.2). Therefore, future works must address the NOx emission reduction without penalizing performance or permanent emissions from the TLUD cookstoves.
High-Performance Silicon-Rich Microparticle Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries Enabled by Internal Stress Mitigation
Authors: Gao Yao , Fan Lei , Zhou Rui , Du Xiaoqiong , Jiao Zengbao , Zhang Biao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSi is a promising anode material for Li ion batteries because of its high specific capacity, abundant reserve, and low cost. However, its rate performance and cycling stability are poor due to the severe particle pulverization during the lithiation/delithiation process. The high stress induced by the Li concentration gradient and anisotropic deformation is the main reason for the fracture of Si particles. Here we present a new stress mitigation strategy by uniformly distributing small amounts of Sn and Sb in Si micron-sized particles, which reduces the Li concentration gradient and realizes an isotropic lithiation/delithiation process. The Si8.5Sn0.5Sb microparticles (mean particle size: 8.22 μm) show over 6000-fold and tenfold improvements in electronic conductivity and Li diffusivity than Si particles, respectively. The discharge capacities of the Si8.5Sn0.5Sb microparticle anode after 100 cycles at 1.0 and 3.0 A g−1 are 1.62 and 1.19 Ah g−1, respectively, corresponding to a retention rate of 94.2% and 99.6%, respectively, relative to the capacity of the first cycle after activation. Multicomponent microparticle anodes containing Si, Sn, Sb, Ge and Ag prepared using the same method yields an ultra-low capacity decay rate of 0.02% per cycle for 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1, corroborating the proposed mechanism. The stress regulation mechanism enabled by the industry-compatible fabrication methods opens up enormous opportunities for low-cost and high-energy–density Li-ion batteries.
Surface Co-application of Dolomitic Lime with Either Biochar or Compost Changes the Fractionation of Cd in the Soil and Its Uptake by Cacao Seedlings
Authors: López Julián E. , Saldarriaga Juan F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the application of compost or biochar on the mobility of soil-applied dolomite lime in the soil and its impact on Cd bioavailability, as well as its uptake by cacao seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for 120 days. Dolomite lime was applied superficially without incorporation, individually or in co-application with commercial compost or corn straw-derived biochar. Soil samples were collected at four depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm). Subsequently, pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved organic carbon were measured. Bioavailable Cd and geochemical fractionation of Cd were measured at each soil depth. Root- and leaf-Cd concentrations in cacao seedlings were also determined. The results illustrate that the application of either compost or biochar has a pronounced impact on enhancing the mobility of dolomite lime within the soil (up to 40 cm). Notably, heightened alkalinity penetration was observed when dolomite lime and biochar were jointly applied. Concurrently applying biochar with dolomite lime led to a significant elevation in soil pH and a marked reduction in the concentration of bioavailable Cd. Furthermore, the concentration of leaf-Cd underwent a reduction exceeding 50% (± 2%) due to the application of dolomite lime and biochar. Potential mechanisms connected to Cd immobilization may encompass ion exchange and the formation of co-precipitates. Overall, the simultaneous use of dolomite lime and biochar was effective in decreasing Cd concentrations in cacao seedlings.
Genetic algorithm with a Bayesian approach for multiple change-point detection in time series of counting exceedances for specific thresholds
Authors: Suárez-Sierra Biviana Marcela , Coen Arrigo , Taimal Carlos Alberto 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlthough the applications of Non-Homogeneous Poisson Processes (NHPP) to model and study the threshold overshoots of interest in different time series of measurements have proven to provide good results, they needed to be complemented with an efficient and automatic diagnostic technique to establish the location of the change-points, which, when taken into account, make the estimated model fit poorly in regards of the information contained in the real one. Because of this, a new method is proposed to solve the segmentation uncertainty of the time series of measurements, where the generating distribution of exceedances of a specific threshold is the focus of investigation. One of the great contributions of the present algorithm is that all the days that trespassed are candidates to be a change-point, so all the possible configurations of overflow days under the heuristics of a genetic algorithm are the possible chromosomes, which will unite to produce new solutions. Also, such methods will be guarantee to non-local and the best possible one solution, reducing wasted machine time evaluating the least likely chromosomes to be a feasible solution. The analytical evaluation technique will be by means of the Minimum Description Length (MDL) as the objective function, which is the joint posterior distribution function of the parameters of the NHPP of each regime and the change-points that determines them and which account as well for the influence of the presence of said times. Thus, one of the practical implications of the present work comes in terms of overcoming the need of modeling the time series of measurements, where the distributions of exceedances of certain thresholds, or where the counting of certain events involving abrupt changes, is the main focus with applications in phenomena such as climate change, information security and epidemiology, to name a few.
Nitriding of hardfaced layers as a method of improving wear resistance of hot forging tools
Authors: Widomski Paweł , Kaszuba Marcin , Sokołowski Paweł , Lange Artur , Walczak Mariusz , Długozima Marcin , Gierek Mateusz , Chocyk Dariusz , Gładyszewski Grzegorz , Boryczko Bożena 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The article deals with novel hybrid layers combining hardfacing and nitriding to improve forging tool durability. It includes a study of the nitriding capabilities of hardfacings made of typical materials used to repair key groups of hot forging tools. Tests were conducted on samples and on tools in forging processes. Tests on samples included hardfacing, nitriding, microstructure, microhardness, XRF phase analysis and abrasive wear tests. Experimental tests on forging tools included operational tests and comprehensive wear analysis by scanning, macroscopic and microscopic observations by light and scanning microscopy, and analysis of wear mechanisms. Tests on the samples confirmed the positive effect of nitriding on performance properties at room and elevated temperatures. They revealed the reduced susceptibility to nitriding of some welds and the variable composition of nitrides present on the surface of the samples, which has a key effect on the observed wear mechanisms in the ball-on-disc test. Operational tests showed the effect of improved durability, which is greatest for the DO*15 (Fe–Cr–Mo–W) + nitriding layer which is due to the increased hardness of the weld itself and the increased susceptibility to nitriding.
Decoding neural reactivation of threat during fear learning, extinction, and recall in a randomized clinical trial of L-DOPA among women with PTSD
Authors: Cisler Josh M. , Dunsmoor Joseph E. , Privratsky Anthony A. , James G. Andrew 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundLaboratory paradigms are widely used to study fear learning in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent basic science models demonstrate that, during fear learning, patterns of activity in large neuronal ensembles for the conditioned stimuli (CS) begin to reinstate neural activity patterns for the unconditioned stimuli (US), suggesting a direct way of quantifying fear memory strength for the CS. Here, we translate this concept to human neuroimaging and test the impact of post-learning dopaminergic neurotransmission on fear memory strength during fear acquisition, extinction, and recall among women with PTSD in a re-analysis of previously reported data.MethodsParticipants (N = 79) completed a context-dependent fear acquisition and extinction task on day 1 and extinction recall tests 24 h later. We decoded activity patterns in large-scale functional networks for the US, then applied this decoder to activity patterns toward the CS on day 1 and day 2.ResultsUS decoder output for the CS+ increased during acquisition and decreased during extinction in networks traditionally implicated in human fear learning. The strength of US neural reactivation also predicted individuals skin conductance responses. Participants randomized to receive L-DOPA (n = 43) following extinction on day 1 demonstrated less US neural reactivation on day 2 relative to the placebo group (n = 28).ConclusionThese results support neural reactivation as a measure of memory strength between competing memories of threat and safety and further demonstrate the role of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the consolidation of fear extinction memories.
Relationship between homocysteine and chronic total coronary occlusion: a cross-sectional study from southwest China
Authors: Xiao Kaiyong , Xv Zhe , Liu Liang , Yang Bin , Cao Huili , Wang Jianping , Xv Yuling , Li Qingrui , Hou Yulin , Feng Feifei , Wang Jie , Feng Hui 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackground:Chronic total coronary occlusion is among the most complex coronary artery diseases. Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for coronary artery diseases. However, few studies have assessed the relationship between homocysteine and chronic total coronary occlusion.Methods:1295 individuals from Southwest China were enrolled in the study. Chronic total coronary occlusion was defined as complete occlusion of coronary artery for more than three months. Homocysteine was divided into quartiles according to its level. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristic curves, and subgroup analysis were applied to assess the relationship between homocysteine and chronic total coronary occlusion.Results:Subjects in the higher homocysteine quartile had a higher rate of chronic total coronary occlusion (P < 0.001). After adjustment, the odds ratio for chronic total coronary occlusion in the highest quartile of homocysteine compared with the lowest was 1.918 (95% confidence interval 1.237–2.972). Homocysteine ≥ 15.2 μmol/L was considered an independent indicator of chronic total coronary occlusion (odds ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.23; P = 0.0265). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.659 (95% confidence interval, 0.618–0.701; P < 0.001). Stronger associations were observed in elderly and in those with hypertension and diabetes.Conclusions:Elevated homocysteine is significantly associated with chronic total coronary occlusion, particularly in elderly and those with hypertension and diabetes.
Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and SMAD4 mutation in a patient with complex single ventricle heart disease
Authors: Grasty Madison A. , Mavroudis Constantine D. , DeWitt Aaron G. , Kozyak Benjamin W. , Mamula Peter , MacFarland Suzanne P. , Nuri Muhammad A.K. , Rogers Lindsay S. , Rome Jonathan J. , Gaynor J. William , Goldberg David J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe report a case of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and with subsequent aortopathy and then found to have hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia/juvenile polyposis syndrome due to a germline SMAD4 pathologic variant. The patient’s staged palliation was complicated by the development of neoaortic aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and gastrointestinal bleeding thought to be secondary to Fontan circulation, but workup revealed a SMAD4 variant consistent with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia/juvenile polyposis syndrome. This case underscores the importance of genetic modifiers in CHD, especially those with Fontan physiology.
A cross-sectional study evaluating the prevalence and predictors of malnutrition among children and adolescents visiting an urban academic hospital in Nepal
Authors: Chapagain Ram , Giri Bishnu , Bhattarai Tribhuwan , Dhungana Juna , Walters Michelle , Damasco Erika , Blanco Jessica , Ladas Kyriaki D , Antoniades Andreas , Ladas Elena 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjective:To examine the prevalence of malnutrition among children and adolescents visiting Kanti Children’s Hospital (KCH) and identify predictors associated with malnutrition. Results will guide the development of a newly established nutrition programme at KCH.Design:This cross-sectional pilot study recruited children and adolescents over a 1-month period. Nutritional anthropometrics (height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)) and socio-demographic questionnaires were administered. Clinical data were abstracted from the medical chart.Setting:KCH in Kathmandu, Nepal.Participants:370 children and adolescents.Results:Most participants were male (65·1 %); mean age was 3·9 years (±3·4 years). The prevalence of stunting was 25·9 %, wasting was 17·3 % and 24·0 % when classified by BMI-for-age Z-score or MUAC, respectively. Two percent of participants were overweight. Notably, 32·1 % of children ≥5 years were classified with wasting based on MUAC-for-age Z-score, which is higher than that observed in children <5 (20·2 %). Food insecurity was reported among 58·2 % of children with stunting and 34·0 % with wasting. Chronic medical conditions predicted stunting and wasting. The lowest level of wealth predicted stunting, while ethnicity predicted wasting. Ethnicity and education level predicted food insecurity.Conclusions:We found that the prevalence of stunting and wasting at KCH are higher than previously published studies in Nepal. Malnutrition persists beyond 5 years, and we identified several predictors of malnutrition. Increased provision of and access to clinical nutrition programmes is an essential need for KCH. Twinning programs that provide local clinicians with increased opportunities for education and mentorship of local staff remains a pressing need in Nepal.