bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Representations and Regularity of Vector-Valued Right-Shift Invariant Operators Between Half-Line Bessel Potential Spaces
Authors: Guiver Chris , Opmeer Mark R. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRepresentation and boundedness properties of linear, right-shift invariant operators on half-line Bessel potential spaces (also known as fractional-order Sobolev spaces) as operator-valued multiplication operators in terms of the Laplace transform are considered. These objects are closely related to the input–output operators of linear, time-invariant control systems. Characterisations of when such operators map continuously between certain interpolation spaces and/or Bessel potential spaces are provided, including characterisations in terms of boundedness and integrability properties of the symbol, also known as the transfer function in this setting. The paper considers the Hilbert space case, and the theory is illustrated by a range of examples.
Deterministic Development of Soil Microbial Communities in Disturbed Soils Depends on Microbial Biomass of the Bioinoculum
Authors: Pinheiro Alves de Souza Yuri , Schloter Michael , Weisser Wolfgang , Schulz Stefanie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDespite its enormous importance for ecosystem services, factors driving microbial recolonization of soils after disturbance are still poorly understood. Here, we compared the microbial recolonization patterns of a disturbed, autoclaved soil using different amounts of the original non-disturbed soil as inoculum. By using this approach, we manipulated microbial biomass, but did not change microbial diversity of the inoculum. We followed the development of a new soil microbiome after reinoculation over a period of 4 weeks using a molecular barcoding approach as well as qPCR. Focus was given on the assessment of bacteria and archaea. We could show that 1 week after inoculation in all inoculated treatments bacterial biomass exceeded the values from the original soil as a consequence of high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in the disturbed soil resulting from the disturbance. This high biomass was persistent over the complete experimental period. In line with the high DOC concentrations, in the first 2 weeks of incubation, copiotrophic bacteria dominated the community, which derived from the inoculum used. Only in the disturbed control soils which did not receive a microbial inoculum, recolonization pattern differed. In contrast, archaeal biomass did not recover over the experimental period and recolonization was strongly triggered by amount of inoculated original soil added. Interestingly, the variability between replicates of the same inoculation density decreased with increasing biomass in the inoculum, indicating a deterministic development of soil microbiomes if higher numbers of cells are used for reinoculation.
Early and repeated screening detects children with persistent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Overgaard Kristin Romvig , Oerbeck Beate , Friis Svein , Pripp Are Hugo , Aase Heidi , Biele Guido , Ingeborgrud Christine Baalsrud , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Zeiner Pål 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPreschool screening of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been found too inaccurate to be clinically useful. This may be due to the known instability of ADHD symptoms from preschool onwards, and the use of a single screening only. We hypothesized that by identifying a group of children with persistent ADHD from preschool to school age and repeating the screening, the clinical usefulness of screening would increase. This study is part of the prospective longitudinal, population-based Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study, with a diagnostic parent interview at 3.5 years and follow-up with parent questionnaires at ages 5 and 8 years (n = 707). We identified a group classified with ADHD at all three time points (persistent ADHD). We then used the Child Behavior Checklist ADHD DSM-oriented scale at ages 3.5 and 5 years to investigate the accuracies of single- and two-stage screening at different thresholds to identify children with persistent ADHD. About 30% of the children were classified with ADHD at least once across time (at ages 3.5, 5, and/or 8 years), but only 4% (n = 30) had persistent ADHD. At all thresholds, the two-stage screening identified children with persistent ADHD more accurately than single screening, mainly due to a substantial reduction in false positives. Only a small group of children were classified with persistent ADHD from preschool to school age, underlining that future screening studies should distinguish this group from those with fluctuating symptoms when estimating screening accuracies. We recommend a two-stage screening process to reduce false positives.
Geostatistical analysis of groundwater levels in a mining area with three active mines
Authors: Pavlides A. , Varouchakis E. A. , Hristopulos D. T. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMining activities can significantly impact groundwater reservoirs in their vicinity. Different approaches have been employed, with varying success, to investigate the spatial variability of groundwater levels in mining areas. Typical problems include the small sample size, the non-Gaussian distribution of the data, and the clustering of sample locations near the mines. These conditions complicate the estimation of spatial dependence. Under sparse and irregular sampling conditions, stochastic methods, which can provide estimates of prediction uncertainty, are preferable to deterministic ones. This research focuses on the comparison of two stochastic methods, stochastic local interactions (SLI) and universal Kriging (UK), using water level data from 72 locations around three mines in Northern Greece. UK is a well-known, variogram-based geostatistical method, while SLI is a computationally efficient kernel-based method that can cope with large spatial datasets. The non-Gaussian distribution of the data is handled by means of a flexible, data-driven Gaussian anamorphosis method that uses kernel functions. The spatial prediction performance of both methods is assessed based on cross-validation. UK performs better than SLI, due to the fact that the former incorporates a linear trend function. On the other hand, a comparison of the two methods using data from a single mine that contains only 28 measurement locations shows that SLI performs slightly better than UK. The prediction uncertainties for both methods are also estimated and compared. The results suggest that SLI can provide better estimates than classical geostatistical methods for small sample sizes that do not allow reliable estimation of the variogram model.
Assisted navigation for digital architectural walkthroughs in Natural User Interface-based installations
Authors: Barneche-Naya Viviana , Hernández-Ibáñez Luis A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe architectural experience of visiting a virtual building and exploring its contents requires tools to provide visitors with accessible and pleasurable ways to conduct their stroll and facilitate the contemplation and enjoyment of the contents displayed. Natural user interfaces (NUI) are effective and engaging tools for interacting with digital content. In this paper, the authors combine their previous work in the research lines of natural user interfaces and assisted navigation, putting them together on a UX test scenario and studying their combined effect. The testbed consisted of an installation controlled using a depth camera for NUI interaction and applying an attractor-based approach of assisted navigation. The UX experiment consisted of five stages, with three test sets of increasing complexity. The system monitored and recorded the users’ movements on each test during the experiment to extract quantitative data. After each task, users filled out specific questionnaires that provided qualitative information. The study also evaluates the influence of users’ previous expertise on 3D video games in their performance taking the test. The results indicate the benefits of combining both technologies and how they enhance the virtual visit experience. Furthermore, the combined use of natural interaction and assisted navigation facilitates universal access to installations of this kind, frequently found in museums and exhibits, independently of previous user expertise in interactive 3D environments, such as video games.
Advanced adsorbents for ibuprofen removal from aquatic environments: a review
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , Ayati Ali , Farghali Mohamed , Krivoshapkin Pavel , Tanhaei Bahareh , Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Krivoshapkina Elena , Taheri Parsana , Tracey Chantal , Al-Fatesh Ahmed , Ihara Ikko , Rooney David W. , Sillanpaä Mika 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe presence of pharmaceuticals in ecosystems is a major health issue, calling for advanced methods to clean wastewater before effluents reach rivers. Here, we review advanced adsorption methods to remove ibuprofen, with a focus on ibuprofen occurrence and toxicity, adsorbents, kinetics, and adsorption isotherms. Adsorbents include carbon- and silica-based materials, metal–organic frameworks, clays, polymers, and bioadsorbents. Carbon-based adsorbents allow the highest adsorption of ibuprofen, from 10.8 to 408 mg/g for activated carbon and 2.5–1033 mg/g for biochar. Metal–organic frameworks appear promising due to their high surface areas and tunable properties and morphology. 95% of published reports reveal that adsorption kinetics follow the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the adsorption is predominantly governed by chemical adsorption. 70% of published reports disclose that the Langmuir model describes the adsorption isotherm, suggesting that adsorption involves monolayer adsorption.
I Know What to Do; I Can Do It; It Will Work: The Brief Parental Self Efficacy Scale (BPSES) for Parenting Interventions
Authors: Woolgar Matt , Humayun Sajid , Scott Stephen , Dadds Mark R. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractParental self-efficacy predicts outcomes for parenting interventions for child behaviour problems, but there is a need for a brief measure that can be repeated over treatment and applies to a wide age range. The present study describes the development of such a measure, the Brief Parental Self-Efficacy Scale (BPSES). The psychometrics of the BPSES is presented across a wide age range from preschool to late adolescent in a sample comprised of four different intervention contexts. Evidence for structural validity, internal consistency, content validity, configural measurement invariance (equivalent factor structure) and test–retest reliability is presented alongside convergent validity against measures of parental self-efficacy, child behaviour problems, as well as self-report and observed parenting styles. Finally, lower levels of BPSES at baseline predicted increased disengagement from an intensive, individualised family therapy intervention for antisocial youth, while higher baseline levels predicted increased response to a group parenting programme for primary school aged children. The BPSES shows promise as a measure that can be used across a wide age-range, for a variety of parenting interventions for disruptive behaviour problems and which is sufficiently brief to be used as a routine outcome measurement during treatment.
Synthesis, structural, optical, and dielectric properties of CuWO4/PVP/Cs bio-nanocomposites for some industrial applications
Authors: El Sayed Adel M. , Abdel Maksoud M. I. A. , Kassem Said M. , Awed A. S. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe nanocomposites of biopolymers and bimetallic oxides are exciting classes of materials. Besides the economic and environmental considerations, these materials became the best candidates for various applications in industry and medicine. In this study, CuWO4 nanoparticles (NP) with high purity were prepared by co-precipitation and loaded into poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/chitosan (PVP/Cs) films. XRD results showed that CuWO4 has a triclinic phase with an average crystallite size of 43 nm. PVP/Cs is semi-crystalline blend and its crystallinity degraded by CuWO4 incorporation. EDX analysis was used to study the chemical composition of all samples. FE-SEM showed that CuWO4 has particle sizes of 50–150 nm and that the crack-free surface of PVP/Cs became rougher and more porous after loading of CuWO4 NP. FTIR confirmed the presence of the reactive functional group of CuWO4, PVP, and Cs and that the low doping ratio of CuWO4 NP restricted the functional group’s vibrations. The UV–vis–NIR investigation showed that the films have a small absorption index and high transmittance in the range of 68–90%. The direct and indirect band gaps ($${E}_{g}^{dir}$$

E

g

dir

and $${E}_{g}^{ind}$$

E

g

ind

) of the blend were found equal to 5.0 and 4.2 eV and can be tuned by CuWO4 content. Similarly, the index of refraction and carrier concentration/electron effective mass ratio (N/m*), the dielectric constant (ε′ = 8.3–24.5), and the dielectric loss depend on the applied frequency, temperature, and CuWO4 filler content. The conductivity (σac) ranges from 1.2 × 10–6 to 9.16 × 10–4 S/m and exhibits the Arrhenius behavior. The optical and dielectric results show that the prepared PNC may suit some energy storage device,s such as supercapacitors, and organic optoelectronic devices, such as light emitting diodes and/or photovoltaic solar cells.
Systematic Approach Revealed SERPING1 Splicing-Affecting Variants to be Highly Represented in the Czech National HAE Cohort
Authors: Grombirikova Hana , Bily Viktor , Soucek Premysl , Kramarek Michal , Hakl Roman , Ballonova Lucie , Ravcukova Barbora , Ricna Dita , Kozena Karolina , Kratochvilova Lucie , Sobotkova Marta , Zachova Radana , Kuklinek Pavel , Kralickova Pavlina , Krcmova Irena , Hanzlikova Jana , Vachova Martina , Krystufkova Olga , Dankova Eva , Jesenak Milos , Novackova Martina , Svoboda Michal , Litzman Jiri , Freiberger Tomas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by recurrent localized edema. We conducted a systematic screening of SERPING1 defects in a cohort of 207 Czech patients from 85 families with C1-INH-HAE. Our workflow involved a combined strategy of sequencing extended to UTR and deep intronic regions, advanced in silico prediction tools, and mRNA-based functional assays. This approach allowed us to detect a causal variant in all families except one and to identify a total of 56 different variants, including 5 novel variants that are likely to be causal. We further investigated the functional impact of two splicing variants, namely c.550 + 3A > C and c.686-7C > G using minigene assays and RT-PCR mRNA analysis. Notably, our cohort showed a considerably higher proportion of detected splicing variants compared to other central European populations and the LOVD database. Moreover, our findings revealed a significant association between HAE type 1 missense variants and a delayed HAE onset when compared to null variants. We also observed a significant correlation between the presence of the SERPING1 variant c.-21 T > C in the trans position to causal variants and the frequency of attacks per year, disease onset, as well as Clinical severity score. Overall, our study provides new insights into the genetic landscape of C1-INH-HAE in the Czech population, including the identification of novel variants and a better understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations. Our findings also highlight the importance of comprehensive screening strategies and functional analyses in improving the C1-INH-HAE diagnosis and management.
Investigating paleoclimate and current climatic controls at Lago Argentino using sediment pixel intensity time series
Authors: Van Wyk de Vries Maximillian , Ito Emi , Shapley Mark , Romero Matias , Brignone Guido 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe quantity and characteristics of sediment deposited in lakes are affected by climate to varying extents. As sediment is deposited, it provides a record of past climatic or environmental conditions. However, determining a direct relationship between specific climatic variables and measurable sediment properties, for instance between temperature and sediment optical reflectance, is complex. In this study, we investigate the suitability of sediment reflectance, recorded as sediment pixel intensity (PxI), as a paleoclimate proxy at a large ice-contact lake in southern Patagonia, Lago Argentino. We also evaluate whether sediment PxI can be used to investigate the present-day climatic drivers of sedimentation across Lago Argentino. First, we show that sediment PxIs relate to underlying sediment composition, and are significantly correlated with XRF-derived major element composition. Secondly, we find that PxIs correlate with both austral summer temperatures and wind speeds, but not with precipitation. PxI timeseries reach the p<0.1 correlation significance threshold for use as a paleo-wind proxy in as many as 6 cores and a paleo-temperature proxy in up to 4 cores. However, high spatial variability and the non-unique relationship between PxI and both temperature and wind speed challenges the necessary assumption of stationarity at Lago Argentino. While not suitable as a paleoclimatic proxy, correlations between PxI and instrumental climate data do chronicle current climatic controls on sediment deposition at Lago Argentino: high summer temperatures enhance settling of coarse, optically dark grains across the lake basin by promoting ice melt and lake stratification, while high wind speeds reduce the settling of fine, optically bright grains in the ice-proximal regions by transporting sediment-rich waters away from the glacier fronts. The assumptions required for quantitative paleoclimatic reconstruction must be carefully evaluated in complex lacustrine environments, but records unsuitable for use as proxies might nevertheless yield valuable information about the drivers of modern sedimentary transport and deposition.
Equilibrium Spacetime Correlations of the Toda Lattice on the Hydrodynamic Scale
Authors: Mazzuca Guido , Grava Tamara , Kriecherbauer Thomas , McLaughlin Kenneth T.-R. , Mendl Christian B. , Spohn Herbert 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe report on molecular dynamics simulations of spacetime correlations of the Toda lattice in thermal equilibrium. The correlations of stretch, momentum, and energy are computed numerically over a wide range of pressure and temperature. Our numerical results are compared with the predictions from linearized generalized hydrodynamics on the Euler scale. The system size is $$N=3000,4000$$

N
=
3000
,
4000

and time $$t =600$$

t
=
600

, at which ballistic scaling is well confirmed. With no adjustable parameters, the numerically obtained scaling functions agree with the theory within a precision of less than 3.5%.
Isolation and characterization of soil cyanobacteria and microalgae and evaluation of their potential as plant biostimulants
Authors: Roque Jéssica , Brito Ângela , Rocha Mariana , Pissarra João , Nunes Telma , Bessa Márcia , Vieira Jorge , Vieira Cristina P. , Melo Paula , Tamagnini Paula 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background and Aims
Biocrusts are found on soil surface resulting from an association between soil particles and microorganisms. Photoautotrophic cyanobacteria and microalgae are pioneers on biocrusts formation, promoting soil stability, nutrients availability and water retention, leading to the development of other communities. This work aimed at isolating and characterizing cyanobacteria/microalgae from biocrusts (Central Portugal) and to assess their potential as plant biostimulants, as well as obtaining an insight into their mechanism(s) of action.

Methods
Microorganisms were isolated through successive spread plating/serial dilutions and characterized using genetical analysis/morphological traits. An initial screening was performed using exudates from each microorganism and two plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana and Lolium multiflorum. Subsequently, the selected microorganisms were tested as a consortium in hydroponic systems. Biometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated for both plant species.

Results
The consortium microorganisms belong to genera often found in soils/biocrusts: Trichocoleus, Nodosilinea, Microcoleus (filamentous cyanobacteria), Nostoc (diazotrophic heterocystous cyanobacteria), and Klebsormidium (filamentous microalga), and some of them have the capacity to produce phytohormones and/or siderophores. The consortium showed biostimulant potential in hydroponic cultures, promoting plant growth and enhancing physiological productivity related parameters. Stress related parameters revealed that the microorganisms did not lead to a stressful situation. However, a significant increase in proline was observed, endorsing a role of this molecule in this process.

Conclusion
This study contributes to the knowledge on the biodiversity of cyanobacteria and microalgae from Portuguese soils and highlights their potential as biostimulants, constituting a step forward towards understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this effect.
Intensifying Competition in Public Procurement
Authors: Tátrai Tünde , Vörösmarty Gyöngyi , Juhász Péter 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe intensity of competition is typically measured according to the number of bidders on any given public procurement market. By analysing the Tenders Electronic Daily database 2017–2020, we examine the conditions in the contract notices which have an impact on increasing competition in launching public procurement procedures. The research findings show that the longer duration of the contract, the lowest price awarding criteria, the division of the subject matter into lots and the possibility of negotiations are essential elements which can activate bidders. These are unequivocal prerequisites for creating effective and fair competition in public procurements.
A re-examination of the foundations of the cost of capital for regulatory purposes
Authors: Biggar Darryl 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn regulatory proceedings, few issues are more hotly debated than the cost of capital. This article seeks to formalise the theoretical foundation of cost of capital estimation for regulatory purposes. We find that several common regulatory practices lack a solid foundation in the theory. For example, the common practice of estimating a single cost of capital for the regulated firm suffers from a circularity problem, in that the estimate of the cost of capital depends on the regulated revenue allowance which, in turn, depends on the cost of capital. This problem is especially severe in the context of a multi-year regulatory period. We also show that, in the context of a multi-year regulatory period the cost of capital cannot be expressed as a weighted average of the cost of equity and the cost of debt. In addition, the relevant cost of debt cannot normally be estimated using the yield-to-maturity on a corporate bond. We suggest possible directions for reform of cost of capital practices in regulatory proceedings.