bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production and characterization of graphene oxide-engineered biochars and application for organic micro-pollutant adsorption from aqueous solutions
Authors: Regkouzas Panagiotis , Sygellou Labrini , Diamadopoulos Evan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, conventional and Graphene Oxide-engineered biochars were produced and thoroughly characterized, in order to investigate their potential as adsorptive materials. Two types of biomass, Rice Husks (RH) and Sewage Sludge (SS), two Graphene Oxide (GO) doses, 0.1% and 1%, and two pyrolysis temperatures, 400 °C and 600 °C were investigated. The produced biochars were characterized in physicochemical terms and the effect of biomass, GO functionalization and pyrolysis temperature on biochar properties was studied. The produced samples were then applied as adsorbents for the removal of six organic micro-pollutants from water and treated secondary wastewater. Results showed that the main factors affecting biochar structure was biomass type and pyrolysis temperature, while GO functionalization caused significant changes on biochar surface by increasing the available C- and O- based functional groups. Biochars produced at 600 °C showed higher C content and Specific Surface Area, presenting more stable graphitic structure, compared to biochars produced at 400 °C. Micro-pollutant adsorption rates were in the range of 39.9%-98.3% and 9.4%-97.5% in table water and 28.3%-97.5% and 0.0%-97.5% in treated municipal wastewater, for the Rice Husk and Sewage Sludge biochars respectively. The best biochars, in terms of structural properties and adsorption efficiency were the GO-functionalized biochars, produced from Rice Husks at 600 °C, while the most difficult pollutant to remove was 2.4-Dichlorophenol.
Exploring alternative normalization approaches for life cycle assessment
Authors: De Laurentiis Valeria , Amadei Andrea , Sanyé-Mengual Esther , Sala Serenella 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Purpose
This work investigates the use of alternative approaches to normalization in life cycle assessment (LCA) and shows the relevance of the normalization step in the interpretation of the results of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) by testing the use of five alternative normalization sets.

Methods
Five normalization sets are applied and compared. The five sets are based on the following: (i) a production-based approach at global and (ii) at EU level; (iii) a consumption-based approach at EU level based on process-based LCA; (iv) a consumption-based approach at EU level based on environmental extended input/output; and (v) a planetary boundaries-based approach. The five normalization sets are applied to the environmental impacts of 144 products, and the resulting normalized impacts are aggregated into a single score by adopting two alternative weighting sets to investigate how the adoption of different normalization and weighting sets can affect the interpretation of LCIA results. The relative contribution of each impact category to the single score is derived and the ranking of impact categories is compared for each normalization and weighting option.

Results and discussion
The relative contribution of the impact categories to the aggregated score of a product is significantly affected by the choice of the normalization set and to a lesser extent by the application of different weighting sets. The main benefits and limitations of each normalization approach presented are discussed together with their implications on the interpretation of the results deriving from the application of each set.

Conclusions
The dominating role of the normalization step on the interpretation of the results emphasizes the need to choose the most suitable normalization set according to the goal and scope of the study and to make sure that normalization references are based on comprehensive inventories of emissions and resources, well aligned with the impact assessment methods used in terms of coverage and classification, to avoid the risk of biased normalization. Future research needs for developing more robust and comprehensive normalization sets are identified.
Environmental effects of potentially toxic elements and the magnetic susceptibility distribution in the surface bottom sediments in the Vistula estuary (Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland)
Authors: Kusza Grzegorz , Kubowicz Agnieszka , Kłostowska Żaneta , Łuczak Katarzyna , Łęczyński Leszek , Hulisz Piotr 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study is aimed at analyzing the spatial distribution of magnetic susceptibility and the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface layer of bottom sediments in the Vistula estuary (Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland) in relation to local sedimentary conditions. We also assessed the usefulness of magnetic susceptibility measurements to identify changes in sediment properties caused by anthropogenic factors.

Materials and methods
Bottom sediments were collected along three transects using the Van Veen grab sampler. The following properties were determined: granulometric composition, organic matter and carbonate content, pH, electrical conductivity, and heavy metal content (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Specific (mass) magnetic susceptibility (χ) was measured using the MS2 Bartington® laboratory magnetic susceptibility meter. To characterize the conditions of the sedimentary environment in the study area, statistical analysis was performed on selected parameters of grain size distribution, such as mean grain diameter (Mz) and sorting (σ1) indices.

Results and discussion
The research showed significant differences in the sedimentary environment (erosion vs. deposition processes) along the studied transects which were controlled by the wave regime, sea currents, and river water inflow. Open-water sediments were richer in organic matter and more saline than deltaic sediments, which in turn were characterized by higher pH and higher carbonate content. The highest mean total content of Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn and the highest magnetic susceptibility (χ) were determined in open-water sediments, while the highest Fe and Cr values were obtained for deltaic sediments. Statistically significant differences between these sediments were found only for organic matter (LoI), Pb, Cu, and Cd content. Magnetic susceptibility showed a moderate correlation with Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn (rs 0.4–0.6).

Conclusion
PTE content and magnetic susceptibility of sediments showed a very high heterogeneity within the study area, depending mainly on the location (delta vs. open waters), grain size composition, and organic matter content. Our results demonstrated that magnetic susceptibility analysis is an easy method that can be used to complement the identification of technogenic changes in the marine environment.
Longitudinal analysis of home food production and food sharing behavior in Japan: multiple benefits of local food systems and the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kamiyama Chiho , Hori Keiko , Matsui Takanori , Pretty Jules , Saito Osamu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHome food production and sharing (home consumption) make up a local community-based food system that has become a custom closely tied to people’s daily life and culture across Japan. In this study, nationwide questionnaire surveys were conducted in 2015 and 2021 to investigate the status and trends of non-commercial home food consumption in Japan. We were also able to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which commenced at the beginning of 2020 in Japan. It was found that a wide variety of foods and many different species of food are part of home consumption. In addition, the amount of home production and the amount shared with close neighbors and friends via social networks is higher in agricultural areas than in urban areas. The amount of home production was slightly higher and the amount shared with others slightly lower in 2021 compared with 2015, suggesting that COVID-19 may have limited the sharing activities that also connect people. Meanwhile, the majority of respondents who were directly asked about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the survey in 2021 answered “no change”, suggesting a resilient system even under the pressures of the pandemic. Moreover, there has been an uptake in home food production and sharing amongst younger generations, men, and people living in urban areas. These customs and lifestyles are embedded in Japanese culture, helping to produce a sustainable and resilient food system. This home consumption system has the potential to contribute to various global challenges in the form of nature-based solutions which help meet the targets of the sustainable development goals, in particular a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and the promotion of health, well-being and social relations. We discuss future research challenges for a more resource-efficient, inclusive, and sustainable growth model that includes home consumption.
Growth modeling approach with the Verhulst coexistence dynamic properties for regulation purposes
Authors: Morales-Erosa A. J. , Reyes-Reyes J. , Astorga-Zaragoza C. M. , Osorio-Gordillo G. L. , García-Beltrán C. D. , Madrigal-Espinosa G. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFor this research, the properties of the logistic growth model for independent and coexisting species were used to set definitions for the possible regulation of one or two growth variables through their coupling parameters. The present analysis is done for the single-species Verhulst model without coupling, the single-species Verhulst model coupled with an exogenous signal, and the two-species Verhulst coexistence growth model which represents six different ecological regimes of interaction. The models’ parameters, such as the intrinsic growth rate and the coupling, are defined. Finally, the control results are expressed as lemmas for regulation, and they are shown using a simulation example of a fish population growing independent of human interaction (no harvesting, no fishing) and the simulation of the regulation of said population when the coupling of fish and humans is involved (harvesting, fishing).
Even if you look confident, I am not sure you are telling the truth! The role of sender confidence on truthfulness judgment of emotional narratives
Authors: Battista Fabiana , Luke Timothy J. , Curci Antonietta , Lanciano Tiziana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractJudging truthfulness and detecting deception are critical in the criminal justice system as well as in many other applied contexts (e.g., clinical and business organizations). The ability to discriminate a truth-teller from a liar might be associated with the content of deception (e.g., emotional or high-stakes lies) or with the deceiver's characteristics, such as his/her level of confidence shown in lying. The two present studies aimed to manipulate the level of the sender’s confidence and to investigate its effect in deception vs. truthfulness judgments of written narratives varying in emotional content. A pilot sample (N = 124) assessed the stimuli validity of sixteen written narratives (Study 1): 8 deceptive vs. truthful narratives x four types of content (i.e., emotional/bereavement vs. emotional/car accident vs. emotional/quarrel vs neutral/holiday) with low confidence in the recall and 8 deceptive vs. truthful narratives x four types of content (i.e., emotional/bereavement vs. emotional/car accident vs. emotional/quarrel vs neutral/holiday) high in the confidence recall. An experimental sample (N = 428) was administered the two sequences of eight written narratives and for each narrative, veracity judgment, detection accuracy, and judgment confidence were assessed (Study 2). We found that the sender’s confidence, the veracity, and the content of the narratives affected receivers’ veracity judgments and detection accuracy. High confidence made receivers prone to judge bereavements and holiday narratives as truthful and quarrels narratives as deceptive. In addition, high confidence made judgments more accurate for truthful narratives on holidays compared with others, and for deceptive narratives on car accidents and quarrels than for other narratives. The present results are discussed in light of their practical implications for the legal field.
The determinants of growing economic inequality within advanced democracies
Authors: Rochat Matthew 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBeginning with the premise that rising economic inequality is an urgent problem burdening some industrialized democratic societies more than others, this paper seeks to examine the primary factors responsible. The purpose is not to provide novel empirical analysis but rather to unite siloed academic discussions and debates under a common theme, to address a problem of mutual concern. The first section frames the puzzle of economic inequality within advanced democracies. Subsequent sections review seminal contributions in five issue areas suggested as likely determinants of growing economic inequality in advanced democracies: technology, globalization, labor institutions, taxes and transfers, and the concentration of markets. I conclude by suggesting that these factors may, in fact, be separate branches of the same tree in that they are deeply intertwined with the economic systems in which they exist. Future work on economic inequality should therefore embrace the Varieties of Capitalism framework as a useful tool for understanding economic inequality.
Compound-specific carbon isotope analysis of short-chain fatty acids from Pine tissues: characterizing paleo-fire residues and plant exudates
Authors: Jambrina-Enríquez Margarita , de Vera Caterina Rodríguez , Davara Javier , Herrera-Herrera Antonio V. , Mallol Carolina 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDifferent types of plant tissues and resin can account for the wax lipids found in sedimentary contexts and archaeological samples. Consequently, there is increasing research to characterize the fatty acid carbon isotope ratios of different plant anatomical parts and their plant exudates (resin). With the aim to explore isotopic differences between plant tissues, state of the fine organic matter, effect of thermal degradation, and to identify plant residues we measured the δ13C values of short-chain fatty acids (δ13C16:0 and δ13C18:0) in: i) dead and fresh (collected and immediately dried) pine needles and branches (Pinus canariensis) and pine resin from laboratory-controlled heating experiments and ii) sediment and charred pine tissue samples from a wild pine forest fire. Our results are compared to previously published experimental open-air fire experiments and pine-fuelled archaeological combustion features. We found that for both fatty acid types, there are differences in δ13C signatures among anatomical parts and initial moisture content. These data allow us to characterize the isotopic signature of pine tissue and the effect of degradation on isotopic biomarkers, as well as to estimate combustion temperatures in pine-fuelled anthropogenic fires.
On the performance of blockchain-based token offerings
Authors: Risius Marten , Breidbach Christoph F. , Chanson Mathieu , von Krannichfeldt Ruben , Wortmann Felix 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInitial coin offerings (ICOs) and initial exchange offerings (IEOs) are distinct blockchain-based token offerings. Following multiple frauds associated with decentralized and unregulated ICOs, IEOs are emerging as a novel pathway that relies on centralized crypto exchange platforms acting as intermediaries. However, the question as to how this shift affects fundraising processes in what has traditionally been a decentralized environment remains unresolved. We here address this issue by empirically comparing the performance of ICOs and IEOs through the lens of signaling theory, focusing specifically on the impact of social media information across 305 token offerings (ICOs and IEOs). Our work introduces IEOs and explains how and why the volume and sentiment of social media signals may serve as predictors of fundraising performance. We furthermore find that the impact of these electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) media signals is reduced in the case of IEOs—in the presence of a central cryptocurrency exchange platform mediator. We delineate implications for investors, ventures, platform providers, and regulators alike.
Accelerated 2D visualization using adaptive resolution scaling and temporal reconstruction
Authors: Becher Michael , Heinemann Moritz , Marmann Thomas , Reina Guido , Weiskopf Daniel , Ertl Thomas 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Data visualization relies on efficient rendering to allow users to interactively explore and understand their data. However, achieving interactive frame rates is often challenging, especially for high-resolution displays or large datasets. In computer graphics, several methods temporally reconstruct full-resolution images from multiple consecutive lower-resolution frames. Besides providing temporal image stability, they amortize the rendering costs over multiple frames and thus improve the minimum frame rate. We present a method that adopts this idea to accelerate 2D information visualization, without requiring any changes to the rendering itself. By exploiting properties of orthographic projection, our method significantly improves rendering performance while minimizing the loss of image quality during camera manipulation. For static scenes, it quickly converges to the full-resolution image. We discuss the characteristics and different modes of our method concerning rendering performance and image quality and the corresponding trade-offs. To improve ease of use, we provide automatic resolution scaling in our method to adapt to user-defined target frame rate. Finally, we present extensive rendering benchmarks to examine real-world performance for examples of parallel coordinates and scatterplot matrix visualizations, and discuss appropriate application scenarios and contraindications for usage.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of text-generated supply chain risks considering news and social media during disruptive events
Authors: Sadeek Soumik Nafis , Hanaoka Shinya 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInformation flow is an important task in a supply chain network. Disruptive events often impede this flow due to confounding factors, which may not be identified immediately. The objective of this study is to assess supply chain risks by detecting significant risks, examining risk variations across different time phases and establishing risk sentiment relationships utilizing textual data. We examined two disruptive events—coronavirus disease 2019 (Omicron phase) and the Ukraine–Russia war—between November 2021 and April 2022. Data sources included news media and Twitter. The Latent Dirichlet Allocation algorithm was applied to the textual data to extract potential text-generated risks in the form of “topics.” A proportion of these risks were analyzed to assess their time-varying nature. Natural language processing-based sentiment analysis was applied to these risks to infer the sentiment coming from the media using the ordered probit model. The results identify various unnoticed risks, for example: logistics tension, supply chain resiliency, ripple effect, regional supply chain, etc. that may adversely affect supply chain operations if not considered. The outcomes also indicate that textual data sources are capable of capturing risks before the events actually occur. The outcomes further suggest that text data could be valuable for strategic decision making and improving supply chain visibility.
Influences on student decisions to enrol in higher-level mathematics courses
Authors: Hine Gregory , Forlin Chris , Chivers Paola 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAddressing the participation rates in senior secondary mathematics courses in Australian schools remains a critically important issue. In this paper, the authors report on quantitative findings from a study in which all year 11 and year 12 (aged 17–18 years) Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) students in Western Australia were invited to participate. The aim was to explore the perceptions of these students regarding their enrolment in higher-level mathematics courses. Data from 1633 students were collected using a survey instrument comprised of 12, 5-point, Likert-scale items. Data were analysed by applying two statistical procedures: calculating frequencies of the 12 items in the scale and examining associations with demographic characteristics and individual items through generalised linear modelling. Analyses indicated most students agreed that other courses of study were more attractive, with almost half indicating that they did not like mathematics. In addition, approximately half of the students said that they did not need to enrol in any mathematics course for ATAR or for university entrance. Significant findings were also identified for gender, school type, and school gender. The knowledge gained from this research is valuable in understanding students’ reasons for choosing not to enrol in higher-level mathematics courses when they have the option to do so and, more broadly, to address persistently low or declining participation rates in these areas of study.
The relationship between overprotective parenting, toothbrushing practices and children's behaviour during dental treatments in 4 to 11-year-old Dutch children: a cross sectional study
Authors: de Jong-Lenters M. , Pasman B. , Duijster D. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Overprotective parenting and its impact on child development has gained increasing public attention. This study explored the association between overprotective parenting and behaviour during dental treatments and toothbrushing behaviour of 4 to 11-year-old-children.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, caregivers of 4-to-11-year-old children who visited a referral practice for dental treatment in Leiden, The Netherlands, completed a questionnaire about overprotective parenting, using the Parental Overprotection Measure (POM), and children’s toothbrushing behaviour. The dentist and dental assistant used the Venham scale to assess children’s behaviour during dental treatments. Associations between the POM and the Venham scale and toothbrushing variables, were analysed using multiple ordered logistic regression.

Results
The sample included 96 children (mean age: 7.3 ± 2.1 years, 59 boys). Overprotective parenting (higher POM scores) was significantly associated with more disruptive behaviour of children during dental treatments (higher Venham categories) (OR: 1.08 (95% CI 1.04; 1.13)) and lower caregiver self-efficacy regarding toothbrushing (OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.93; 0.99)), after adjustment for confounders. No associations between overprotective parenting and toothbrushing frequency or skipping toothbrushing were found.

Conclusions
Overprotective parenting has been associated with children’s negative behaviour during dental treatments and lower caregiver self-efficacy regarding toothbrushing in primary school children who are treated in a referral practice for paediatric dental care.