bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Hybrid Graphene Polymeric Composite and Its Potential Application in Europium Removal
Authors: Dakroury G. A. , Mekawy Zakaria A. , Sheha Reda R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA promising graphene polymeric composite was synthesized using gamma irradiation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO); itaconic acid (IA) grafted starch (St) and 16, 16-dimethylheptadecan-1-amine (PJMT). The prepared composite (HGPC) and RGO were characterized using different analytical methods such as FT-IR, SEM, DTA-TGA, XRD, particle size distribution, and pore size distribution. Then after, they were assessed as sorbents for removal of europium radionuclides from aqueous solutions at pH 3, volume-to-mass ratio 0.1 L g−1 and 25 °C. The sorption reaction reached the equilibrium after 4 h. The Qmax attained the values of 106.79 and 11.46 mg g−1 for Eu(III) sorption onto HGPC and RGO, respectively. The values of the isotherm parameters confirmed that a chemisorption mechanism controlled the sorption process. The calculated thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the sorption of Eu(III) by HGPC was a spontaneous and endothermic process. 83.53% and 84.09% of europium radionuclides were effectively eluted from loaded materials using 0.1 M EDTA and 0.1 M HCl solutions, respectively.
Correlation of local densities of states on mesoscopic energy scales in random band matrices
Authors: Louis Justine 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe are interested in the phase transition of the correlation function of local densities of states at mesoscopic scales of random band matrices of width W in dimension 2. As a result, we show that the local densities of states are alternately positively and negatively correlated in the diffusive regime $$O(\log (L/W))$$

O
(
log
(
L
/
W
)
)

times, L being the size of the system.
The influence of population aging on global climate policy
Authors: Albalate Daniel , Bel Germà , Teixidó Jordi J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe study the connection between the demographic transition to an aging population and global climate policy ambition in the outcomes from recent international agreements on climate change: We test whether the share of the elderly in a population is a significant determinant of the quantity and ambition of a country’s policy actions against climate change. We use different indicators of climate policy ambition as measured by the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of the Paris Agreement as updated in the Glasgow Climate Pact. We also use the number of climate change laws passed in a country to further test robustness of main results. We resort to instrumental variables as part of our identification strategy to account for potential endogeneity. Our econometric results indicate a negative association between the share of the elderly and both policy ambition in climate agreements and the intensity of regulatory initiatives to fight climate change. This suggests that the increasing political influence of the older population as a consequence of aging hinders climate policy ambition. Policy implications are discussed.
Petrography, Diagenesis and Hydrocarbon Source Potential of the Barail and Disang Group of Rocks in Parts of the Naga Schuppen Belt and Inner Fold Belt of Assam-Arakan Basin
Authors: Gogoi Manash Pratim , Borgohain Pradip , Gogoi Yadav Krishna , Bezbaruah Devojit 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Rock-thin section study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Rock-Eval pyrolysis have been carried out on the Barail (Oligocene) and Disang (Eocene) groups of rocks of the Naga Schuppen Belt of Assam-Arakan Basin to understand the reservoir properties and hydrocarbon source potential. Analyses show that the Barail Group sandstones are moderately well-sorted, medium-grained, sublithic arenite type, and bear good porosity (avg. 14.48%). In contrast, the Disang Group sandstones are very hard and compact, fine-grained, sublihic arenite, and lithic greywacke types and show medium porosity (avg. 11.3%). The reservoir properties of the sandstones of both groups are controlled by various diagenetic alterations like mechanical compaction, cementation, overgrowth, authigenesis of clay, fracturing, dissolution, and alteration of unstable clastic grains. However, no single diagenetic process could be considered as the main controlling parameter in the evolution of the porosity of the studied sandstones. The Rock-Eval pyrolysis indicates that the carbonaceous shales of both the Barail and Disang groups are characterized by type III and type IV kerogen. A good number of shale samples show TOC (total organic carbon) values ranging from 0.88 to 10.71 wt%, which seems quite good. In most of the samples, S2 is recorded &lt;2 mg HC/g of rock, indicating the potential to generate wet gas. The various binary plots mostly show the gas source potential of shales of both the Barail and Disang groups. Production Index (PI) values vary between 0.04-0.45 for the Barail shales and 0.04-1.0 for the Disang shales, indicating that the studied shale samples are in the last phase of catagenesis.
Time Dependent Evolution of Heat and Stress Field in Granite–clay System Representing Geological Disposal Scheme for High Level Radioactive Wastes
Authors: Kumar Binu , Bajpai R. K. , Singh T. N. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
A reference Geological Disposal System (GDS) for high level long lived heat emitting radioactive waste with dimension 20 x 10 x 6.25 m has been evaluated for time dependent heat field distribution, stress build up and possibility of micro-fracturing. The GDS comprises of three cylindrical heat sources (0.30 m diameter and 2 m length) mimicking radioactive waste loaded canisters emplaced within Jalore granite (JG) with barrier layers of Barmer bentonite (BB) clays, from Rajasthan. The methodology adopted in the study includes thermo- mechanical characterization of the granites and clays, followed by finite difference method (FDM) based numerical analysis for time dependent buildup of thermal and mechanical stresses, evolution of temperature field and micro fracturing phenomena within the studied GDS. The study reveals that three heat sources (waste filled SS canisters) of 500 watt intensity with spacing of 2.5 m and clay granite (CG) ratio of 60:40 and 70:30 produces maximum temperature of 92.42 and 94.69 °C and total stress (thermal and mechanical) of 24.77 and 24.97 MPa respectively within the system. 3.32 and 3.31 mm maximum displacement observed in the GDS for 60:40 and 70:30 CG ratio respectively which is within design limit. Analysis further establishes that clay admixture having bentonite clay and granite ratio in the range of 70:30 and 60:40 is capable of smooth dissipation of heat thorough them with resultant maximum temperature of &lt; 100 °C throughout the entire duration of the time periods analysed. Based on these results it is concluded that JG and BB clay in 60:40 and 70:30 ratio with waste canister spacing of 2.5 m have appropriate characteristics suitable for hosting geological disposal system for heat emitting high level waste canisters. The study marks first analysis of multi-canister geological disposal system in Indian context.
Sedimentary Facies and Morpho-dynamics of Sand Spit and Island Inference as Coastal River Process
Authors: Sathish S. , Kankara R.S. , Selvan S. Chenthamil , Umamaheswari M. , James R. Arthur 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the sedimentary facies and understand the morphodynamics of the study area, and their results were correlated with various analytical methods. Different analyses such as depositional environmental, statistical, shoreline change, and grain size illustrated the temporal and spatial distribution of sediments. It has previously been claimed that current research locations are locii to fluvial landforms and are affected by fluvial processes. However, there are currently no rivers in the study region. This study was done to better understand the presence of fluvial landforms and to evaluate the previous findings. The dynamic behavior of the coast was revealed through shoreline analysis, which was done using satellite images from various years. Oceanographic parameters and longshore sediment transport play a vital role in geomorphological changes in coastal zones. According to the grain size analysis results, mean values showed that the deposits predominantlyare medium grained. The outcome discussed the spatiotemporal variations in geomorphology, sedimentation, and the function of coastal and fluvial processes on the beach of an island and a sand spit. Also highlighted was the role that wave action, fluvial currents, and tidal currents had in the long-term evolution of coastal geomorphological features such as spits, beaches, open coasts, and islands. The standard deviation signifies that the sediments are very well sorted to poorly sorted. Skewness ranges from fine skewed to strongly fine skewed and the kurtosis values show that the sediments are predominately very platykurtic which implies a low-energy environment of deposition. Four sedimentary facies (Facies A, B, C, D) have been found and facies A, B, and C may be wave-influenced deposits, but facies D may be formed by fluvial processes and contain medium to sand-sized particles. The direction of the tip area is also pointing to the south and this result concluded that the tip area is continuously growing. Thus, the results of this study revealed that sediment transport and coastal geomorphology evolution may be governed by two main processes such as the present ocean hydrodynamics and paleo fluvial processes of the study regions.
Frequency Analysis of Flood Flow in Markanda Basin of Ghaggar River System in North Western India
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Pandwar Sachin , Saini Divya , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Singh Omvir 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study aims to estimate the probabilities of occurrence and return periods of peak flood discharges over the Markanda basin of Ghaggar river system in north western India. For this purpose, two most frequently employed probability distribution models, namely Gumbel Extreme Value (GEV) and Log-Pearson Type III (LP-III) have been used to estimate the future flood discharges by means of annual extreme flood series (Qmax) data from 1990 to 2013, available at eight gauge and discharge sites. Two goodness-of-fit tests, i.e., Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling have been applied to the fitted probability distributions to identify the best-fit model. The Qmax for several return periods, for example 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 years have been estimated and compared. The return period for the highest Qmax recorded at Jhansa (2670 m3/s) gauge and discharge site has been computed as 9.5 and 8.2 years using the GEV and LP-III distribution model, respectively. The analyses have shown that GEV distribution model has produced the overestimated results in comparison to LP-III distribution model. Also, flood index has been computed for flood regionalization. The flood index values have been found variable at different gauge and discharge sites with an increase in return periods. Finally, the finding of this study will be valuable for water resource engineers in designing the hydraulic structures for the management of recurrent floods.
Discrimination in a Rank Order Contest: Evidence from the NFL Draft
Authors: Gregory-Smith Ian , Bryson Alex , Gomez Rafael 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper examines discrimination in the NFL draft. The NFL is a favorable empirical setting to examine the role of skin color because franchise selectors are required to make rank-order judgements of players based on noisy signals of future productivity. Since wages are tightly related to the rank-order of the draft for the first four years of a player’s career, even if discrimination plays only a marginal role in selection, there could be a large discriminatory impact. We observe racial differences in drafting. However, much of the variation is explained by Black and White players selecting into different playing positions. Conditional upon a large set of control variables, including athletic performance at a marque selection event (the NFL combine), we do not find robust evidence of racial discrimination in NFL drafting between 2000 and 2018. However, we do find some evidence that Black players are disadvantaged relative to White players in later rounds of the draft.
The Protected Grounds of Religion and Belief: Lessons for EU Non-Discrimination Law
Authors: van den Brink Martijn 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe article draws lessons for EU non-discrimination law from the protected grounds of religion and belief through a discussion of the CJEU’s headscarf judgments. The article has two ambitions. First, the judgments are used to draw broader lessons for EU non-discrimination law, in relation to the distinction between and the justification of direct and indirect discrimination, as well as the purpose of protecting against (religious) discrimination. Second, these lessons are used to analyze the headscarf judgments and the criticism directed at them. While there is widespread agreement that the CJEU erred in these judgments, there is little agreement as to what mistakes were made. Through a discussion of these judgments, the article clarifies the difference between direct and indirect discrimination and the justification of both forms of discrimination. It is argued that the headscarf cases correctly distinguished between direct and indirect discrimination, and that the problem lies in the justificatory burden for indirect discriminatory measures, which was set too low by the CJEU.
Grasping a Proposition and Cancellation
Authors: Ghalbi Faraz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecently, Indrek Reiland proposed a new version of the act-type theory of propositions (ATT) in which predication is still committal. However, the Frege-Geach problem can be addressed without resorting to Peter Hanks's cancellation manoeuvre. In this article, I argue that if we take predication as a committal act, we will then have to tackle another problem: non-committal representational acts. I argue that Reiland still needs a notion of cancellation to deal with the latter problem. On this account, he cannot avoid the major flaw he attributes to Hanks's version.
Prevalence of cognitive impairments and strengths in the early course of psychosis and depression
Authors: Stainton Alexandra , Chisholm Katharine , Griffiths Siân Lowri , Kambeitz-Ilankovic Lana , Wenzel Julian , Bonivento Carolina , Brambilla Paolo , Iqbal Mariam , Lichtenstein Theresa K. , Rosen Marlene , Antonucci Linda A. , Maggioni Eleonora , Kambeitz Joseph , Borgwardt Stefan , Riecher-Rössler Anita , Andreou Christina , Schmidt André , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Meisenzahl Eva , Ruhrmann Stephan , Salokangas Raimo K. R. , Pantelis Christos , Lencer Rebekka , Romer Georg , Bertolino Alessandro , Upthegrove Rachel , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Allott Kelly , Wood Stephen J. ,   PRONIA Consortium
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundStudies investigating cognitive impairments in psychosis and depression have typically compared the average performance of the clinical group against healthy controls (HC), and do not report on the actual prevalence of cognitive impairments or strengths within these clinical groups. This information is essential so that clinical services can provide adequate resources to supporting cognitive functioning. Thus, we investigated this prevalence in individuals in the early course of psychosis or depression.MethodsA comprehensive cognitive test battery comprising 12 tests was completed by 1286 individuals aged 15–41 (mean age 25.07, s.d. 5.88) from the PRONIA study at baseline: HC (N = 454), clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR; N = 270), recent-onset depression (ROD; N = 267), and recent-onset psychosis (ROP; N = 295). Z-scores were calculated to estimate the prevalence of moderate or severe deficits or strengths (>2 s.d. or 1–2 s.d. below or above HC, respectively) for each cognitive test.ResultsImpairment in at least two cognitive tests was as follows: ROP (88.3% moderately, 45.1% severely impaired), CHR (71.2% moderately, 22.4% severely impaired), ROD (61.6% moderately, 16.2% severely impaired). Across clinical groups, impairments were most prevalent in tests of working memory, processing speed, and verbal learning. Above average performance (>1 s.d.) in at least two tests was present for 40.5% ROD, 36.1% CHR, 16.1% ROP, and was >2 SDs in 1.8% ROD, 1.4% CHR, and 0% ROP.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that interventions should be tailored to the individual, with working memory, processing speed, and verbal learning likely to be important transdiagnostic targets.
Study of seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Kazakhstan
Authors: Kulimbet Mukhtar , Saliev Timur , Alimbekova Gulzhan , Ospanova Dinara , Tobzhanova Kundyzay , Tanabayeva Dariga , Zhussupov Baurzhan , Fakhradiyev Ildar 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Kazakhstan. This is a cross-sectional study of adult population in Kazakhstan for the period from October 2021 to May 2022. For the study, 6 720 people aged 18 to 69 were recruited (from 17 regions). The demographic data were collected and analysed. Gender was evenly distributed (males 49.9%, females 50.1%). Women exhibited a higher seroprevalence than men (IgM 20.7% vs 17.9% and IgG 46.1% vs 41.5%). The highest prevalence of IgM was found in the age group of 30–39. However, the highest prevalence of IgG was detected in the age group of 60–69. The seroprevalence of IgG increased across all groups (from 39.7% in 18–29 age groups to 53.1% in 60–69 age groups). The odds for a positive test were significantly increased in older age groups 50–59 (p < 0.0001) and 60–69 (p < 0.0001). The odds of a positive test were 1.12 times higher in females compared to males (p = 0.0294). The odds for a positive test were significantly higher in eight regions (Astana, Akmola, Atyrau, Western Kazakhstan region, Kostanai, Turkestan, Eastern Kazakhstan region, and Shymkent) compared to Almaty city. The odds of a positive test were three times higher in Astana and the Western Kazakhstan region than in Almaty city. In urban areas, the odds of a positive test were 0.75 times lower than in rural areas (p < 0.0001). The study’s results showed an adequate level of seroprevalence (63%) that exceeds the essential minimum of herd immunity indicators in the country. There was significant geographic variability with a higher prevalence of IgG/IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in rural areas.
Automatic Differentiation in Prolog
Authors: SCHRIJVERS TOM , VAN DEN BERG BIRTHE , RIGUZZI FABRIZIO 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAutomatic differentiation (AD) is a range of algorithms to compute the numeric value of a function’s (partial) derivative, where the function is typically given as a computer program or abstract syntax tree. AD has become immensely popular as part of many learning algorithms, notably for neural networks. This paper uses Prolog to systematically derive gradient-based forward- and reverse-mode AD variants from a simple executable specification: evaluation of the symbolic derivative. Along the way we demonstrate that several Prolog features (DCGs, co-routines) contribute to the succinct formulation of the algorithm. We also discuss two applications in probabilistic programming that are enabled by our Prolog algorithms. The first is parameter learning for the Sum-Product Loop Language and the second consists of both parameter learning and variational inference for probabilistic logic programming.
Modeling Coastal Water Clarity Using Landsat‐8 and Sentinel‐2
Authors: Lang Sarah E. , Luis Kelly M. A. , Doney Scott C. , Cronin‐Golomb Olivia , Castorani Max C. N. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUnderstanding and attributing changes to water quality is essential to the study and management of coastal ecosystems and the ecological functions they sustain (e.g., primary productivity, predation, and submerged aquatic vegetation growth). However, describing patterns of water clarity—a key aspect of water quality—over meaningful scales in space and time is challenged by high spatial and temporal variability due to natural and anthropogenic processes. Regionally tuned satellite algorithms can provide a more complete understanding of coastal water clarity changes and drivers. In this study, we used open‐access satellite data and low‐cost in situ methods to improve estimates of water clarity in an optically complex coastal water body. Specifically, we created a remote sensing water clarity product by compiling Landsat‐8 and Sentinel‐2 reflectance data with long‐term Secchi depth measurements at 12 sites over 8 years in a shallow turbid coastal lagoon system in Virginia, USA. Our satellite‐based model explained ∼33% of the variation in in situ water clarity. Our approach increases the spatiotemporal coverage of in situ water clarity data and improves estimates from bio‐optical algorithms that overpredicted water clarity. This could lead to a better understanding of water clarity changes and drivers to better predict how water quality will change in the future.
Coral Paleoclimate Perspectives Support the Role of Low‐Latitude Forcing on the 4.2 ka BP Event
Authors: Chen Xuefei , Deng Wenfeng , Xiao Hangfang , Guo Huimin , Zeng Ti , Zhao Jian‐xin , Wei Gangjian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe 4.2 ka BP Event is an abrupt climate change that might have contributed to the collapse of ancient civilizations and marks the transition between the mid‐ and late‐Holocene. Despite considerable research on this event, our understanding remains primarily based on terrestrial paleoclimate reconstructions, leaving a significant gap in understanding the role of the ocean in this event. Here, we present paired sea surface temperature (SST) and seawater δ18O reconstructions based on four fossil corals from the South China Sea. Our results demonstrate that the climate during the event was cooler, and there were meridional dry‐wet patterns in East Asia, indicating a weakened summer monsoon. Furthermore, our examination of additional coral records from the Pacific and Indian Oceans suggests that low‐latitude forcing (i.e., SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific) plays a crucial role in driving hydrology shifts in East Asia over the 4.2 ka BP interval.
Wave Groups and Small Scale Variability of Wave Heights Observed by Altimeters
Authors: De Carlo Marine , Ardhuin Fabrice , Ollivier Annabelle , Nigou Adrien 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecent satellite altimeter retracking and filtering methods have considerably reduced the noise level in estimates of the significant wave height (Hs), allowing to study processes with smaller spatial scales. In particular, previous studies have shown that wave‐current interactions may explain most of the variability of Hs at scales 20–100 km. As the spatial scale of the measurement is reduced, random fluctuations emerge that should be associated to wave groups. Here we quantify the magnitude of this effect, and the contribution of wave groups to the uncertainty in Hs measurements by altimeters, with a particular focus on extreme extra‐tropical storms. We take advantage of the low orbit altitude of the China‐France Ocean Satellite (CFOSAT), and the low noise level of the nadir beam of the SWIM instrument. Our estimate of wave group effects uses directional wave spectra measured by off‐nadir beams on SWIM, and signal processing theory that gives statistical properties of the wave envelope, and thus the local wave heights, from the shape of the wave spectrum. We find that the standard deviation of Hs associated to wave groups is a function of satellite altitude, wave height and spectral peakedness. For CFOSAT these fluctuations generally account for about 25% of the variance measured over a 80 km distance. This fraction is largest in storms and in the presence of long swells. When the estimated effect of wave groups is subtracted from the variance of Hs measurements, the remaining variability is higher in regions of strong currents.