bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applied machine learning for predicting the properties and carbon and phosphorus fate of pristine and engineered hydrochar
Authors: Xie Shiyu , Zhang Tao , You Siming , Mukherjee Santanu , Pu Mingjun , Chen Qing , Wang Yaosheng , Ali Esmat F. , Abdelrahman Hamada , Rinklebe Jörg , Lee Sang Soo , Shaheen Sabry M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Application of advanced techniques and machine learning (ML) for designing and predicting the properties of engineered hydrochar/biochar is of great agro-environmental concern. Carbon (C) stability and phosphorus (P) availability in hydrochar (HC) are among the key limitations as they cannot be accurately predicted by traditional one-factor tests and might be overcome by engineering the pristine HC. Therefore, the aims of this study were (1) to determine the optimal production conditions of engineered swine manure HC with high C stability and P availability, and (2) to develop the best ML models to predict the properties of HC derived from different feedstocks. Pristine- (HC) and FeCl3 impregnated swine manure-derived HC (HC-Fe) were produced by hydrothermal carbonization under different pH (4, 7, and 10), reaction temperature (180, 220, and 260 ℃), and residence time (60, 120, and 180 min) and characterized using thermo-gravimetric, microscopic, and spectroscopic analyses. Also, different ML algorithms were used to model and predict the hydrochar solid yield, properties, and nutrients content. FeCl3 impregnation increased Fe-phosphate content, while it reduced H/C and O/C ratios and hydroxyapatite P content, and therefore improved C stability and P availability in the HC-Fe as compared to HC, particularly under lower pH (4), temperature of 220 ℃, and at 120 min. The generalized additive ML model outperformed the other models for predicting the HC properties with a correlation coefficient of 0.86. The ML analysis showed that the most influential features on the hydrochar C stability were the H and O contents in the biomass, while P availability in HC was more dependent on the C, N and O contents in biomass. These results provided optimal production conditions for Fe-engineered manure hydrochar and identified the best performing ML model for predicting hydrochar properties. The main implication of this study is that it offers a high potential to improve the utilization of biowastes and produce biowaste-derived engineered hydrochar with high C stability and P availability on a large scale.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of European Critical Raw Material Assessments under Energy Transition Considerations: Applications and Prospects
Authors: Feichtinger Gerald , Posch Wolfgang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This article evaluates the results of the European criticality assessments for raw materials of utmost importance to successfully manage the European energy transition towards achieving net-zero. Since 2011, the European Commission has published every three years a list in which raw materials of interest are critically assessed with respect to their economic importance and supply risk. These publicly available data are used and analysed by using methods of descriptive statistics to identify potential patterns and anomalies. Furthermore, a novel attempt is made to rank all raw materials of interest using the Euclidean distance as well as other metrics such as Manhattan, Chebychev or Minkowski distance. The results show that based on the Euclidean distance particularly tungsten and manganese are the two most critical raw materials. Since 2017, all raw materials show in average an increasing trend in economic importance and in Euclidean distance, but also a decreasing trend in supply risk. Moreover, the gradients of the Euclidean distance indicate a wider variation within the raw materials of interest. Concluding remarks include future applications of distance-based metrics particularly in the area of sustainable strategy development in portfolio analysis or life cycle assessments as well as for the introduction of a new distance-based classification scheme.
Key environmental predictors as drivers of avifauna assemblages in Ghana’s coastal ecosystems
Authors: Tamekloe Samuel Etornam , Ansah-Monney Kweku , Deikumah Justus Precious 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Avian assemblages are not only influenced by spatial factors but also by temporal variations in environmental conditions, creating dynamic patterns of bird presence in a given area. This study examined environmental elements affecting bird assemblages in Ghana's coastal ecosystems. We conducted point transect sampling along a 15-km coastal stretch, analyzing bird abundance, richness, and diversity in relation to microclimate and urbanization. Humidity and wind speed had a significant negative relationship with bird abundance as well as time of day (morning) having a negative relationship. Mean bird richness, diversity, were significantly higher in natural shoreline areas compared to urbanized ones. Bird abundance and seasonality were positive related where wet season was characterized by higher bird numbers which can be attributed to the favorability of the wet season in terms of food availability and habitat suitability. Indicator Species Analysis identified nineteen species significantly associated specific habitat characterization, with eleven species linked to lagoon adjacent shorelines. These results show the relationship between environmental factors and avian assemblages in coastal ecosystems, highlighting impacts of human disturbance and climate-related factors and the importance of pristine ecosystems in biodiversity conservation.
Microencapsulation using spray drying of anthoxyanins from Lannea microcarpa (African grape) fruits juice with pyrodextrin from sweet potato starch
Authors: Tsatsop Roli Karole Tsague , Chendjou Stive Martial Sikandi , Djiobie Gertrude Eleonore Tchienou , Nkenmogne Sidonie Beatrice , Nguimbou Richard Marcel , Nguemtchouin Marie Mbouga , Ngassoum Martin Benoit 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Anthocyanins rich fruits of Lannea microcarpa (African grape) with antioxidant activity are an important food and herbal medicine in central Africa. This study sought to use response surface methodology to optimize spray drying microencapsulation of anthocyanins from L. microcarpa fruit juice, examining the influence of inlet air temperature (120—150 °C), inlet air flow rate (60—80 m3/h) and carrier agent (pyrodextrin) concentration (8 -16 g/100 g of juice), on various spray-dried powders characteristics. Moreover, the thermal stability study of L. microcarpa fruit juice powder produced at optimal process conditions was studied. The linear effect of inlet air temperature, inlet air flow rate and carrier agent concentration significantly affected the fruit powder properties (Moisture content, hygroscopicity, encapsulation efficiency) (P < 0.05), except in the case of hygroscopicity where linear effect of inlet air temperature did not. The optimum spray drying conditions to obtain the encapsulated fruit juice powder were determined as 150°C inlet air temperature, 80 m3/h inlet air flow rate and 9 g/100 g carrier agent concentration. The optimal spray dried juice powder was produced with a product yield of 72.4%, water activity of 0.281, having a poor flowability but high cohesiveness. Dynamic Vapor Sorption analysis showed sorption isotherm fitted GAB and BET models well and lower water activity (aw < 0.5) at 25 °C could be favorable for storage of L. microcarpa powders. Additionally, the stability study shown according to the degradation rate obtained that encapsulated fruit juice powder stored at 25 C exhibited greater stability with rate constant k = 0.0018 day-1 significantly lower than the same spray dried L. microcarpa juice powder stored at 35°C (k = 0.0035 day-1) (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate microencapsulation through spray drying using pyrodextrin from sweet potato was feasible for enhancing the stabilization of anthocyanins in form of powder with potential application in food and chemical industries.

Graphical Abstract
Job satisfaction and animal welfare at slaughter: A survey of Official Veterinarians in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland
Authors: O’Connor Imogen , Gouveia Kelly 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the UK and the Republic of Ireland, Official Veterinarians (OVs) are employed by the Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority, respectively, as legal authorities for both animal welfare and food safety. However, little is known about job satisfaction in this profession which has the potential to impact professionals’ well-being and performance. Moreover, despite animal welfare issues being a reality that OVs witness, we do not yet understand how OVs perceive these issues at slaughter or whether this impacts job satisfaction. We assessed OVs’ perceptions on job satisfaction and views on welfare at slaughter across the UK and ROI, through an online questionnaire with 113 participants, which included socio-demographic information of participants and questions or statements about different aspects of job satisfaction and animal welfare issues at slaughter. While most OVs committed to their work they reported issues that may compromise job satisfaction, such as often experiencing loneliness at work, threatening situations and sleep disorders. Moreover, job satisfaction was often impacted by animal welfare incidents, and conflicts with food business operators were considered one of the greatest barriers to improving welfare at slaughter. There is also the likelihood of professionals’ individual ethical values being challenged since OVs are virtually certain to witness religious slaughter yet disagree with this practice to the extent that they consider it should be banned. We reveal significant challenges associated with the role of OV that justify creation of a support network to assist and safeguard this profession, as well as animal welfare at slaughter.
Development of a digital program for training non-specialist providers to deliver a psychosocial intervention for depression: a formative study to support scaling up task-shared depression care in the United States
Authors: Naslund John A. , Carmio Natali , Taha Sarah , Amara Margaux , Wood Sheena , Patel Anushka , Romero Sara , Floyd Kyle , Meredith Brittany , Rodriguez Berta , Grajeda Kelly , Brune Rebecca , Keller Andy , Patel Vikram , Sanchez Katherine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Task-sharing holds promise for bridging gaps in access to mental healthcare; yet there remain significant challenges to scaling up task-sharing models. This formative study aimed to develop a digital platform for training non-specialist providers without prior experience in mental healthcare to deliver a brief psychosocial intervention for depression in community settings in Texas. A 5-step development approach was employed, consisting of: blueprinting, scripting, video production and digital content creation, uploading digital content to a Learning Management System and user testing. This resulted in the development of two courses, one called Foundational Skills covering the skills to become an effective counselor, and the second called Behavioral Activation covering the skills for addressing adult depression. Twenty-one participants with a range of health-related backgrounds, including 11 with prior training in mental healthcare, completed the training and joined focus group discussions offering qualitative feedback and recommendations for improving the program’s usability. Participant feedback centered around the need to make the content more interactive, to include additional engaging features, and to improve the layout and usability of the platform. The next steps will involve evaluating the training program on developing the skills of non-specialist providers and supporting its uptake and implementation.
Leading Portuguese shoes’ digital transformation: A multiple case analysis of SMEs from a cluster-based brand
Authors: Casais Beatriz , Caldas Cátia 
Published: January 2025

AbstractResearch in digital transformation has focused on the challenges, determinants, or influencing resources, tools, and capabilities that enhance successful performance, innovation, competitive advantage, and internationalization. This paper discusses the process of digital transformation in the context of the footwear industry in Portugal, which is an interesting cluster of small and medium enterprises with a reported turnaround from traditional manufacturing targeting the domestic market to an innovative industry highly focused on export. The authors analyzed five important footwear companies ‘Made in Portugal’. The results show different stages of digital transformation, different levels of digital leadership, and different digital capabilities. The heterogeneous stage of digital maturity found has implications in the desired common positioning of the clustering-based brand ‘Portuguese Shoes’. The paper offers guidance for companies to align with the digital transformation requirements and respond to the global digital challenges, which can be transferred to other clustering industries and geographies.
Additives in foods marketed to children in Uruguay, an emerging Latin American country
Authors: Alcaire Florencia , Giménez Ana , Ares Gastón 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Foods are frequently marketed to children through the inclusion of a wide range of elements on the packages. Several studies conducted in different countries around the globe have shown that products marketed to children are usually high in sugar and other nutrients associated with non-communicable diseases. The present exploratory cross-sectional study aimed at providing additional evidence on the composition of products marketed to children by analysing the disclosure of additives in such products. Data were collected at nine supermarkets in two Uruguayan cities between August and October 2021. All packaged products available in each supermarket were surveyed using a cell phone app, except for culinary ingredients. All the information from the labels was extracted. Products marketed to children were identified based on the presence of indicators of child-directed marketing on the package. The disclosure of additives was analysed based on the information available in the ingredient list. The prevalence of food additive disclosure was calculated. Of the 7,343 products included in the database, 573 (7.8%) were classified as marketed to children. Candies and cookies were the categories with the largest number of products marketed to children. The great majority of the products marketed to children disclosed at least one food additive (93.5%). These products tended to more frequently notify colourings, antioxidants, acidity regulators, raising agents, stabilisers, humectants, anticaking agents, and glazing agents compared to products not marketed to children. These findings underscore the need to expand the current scope of regulations on marketing targeted at children beyond nutrients to include additives potentially linked to adverse health effects, such as artificial colourings.
The goal-over-source asymmetry in Thai and Korean
Authors: Khammee Kultida , Rhee Seongha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Thai and Korean have large inventories of adpositional particles, including source and goal markers. As reported in many languages, Thai and Korean adpositions also prominently exhibit the ‘goal-over-source asymmetry’ at multiple levels. This article supports this hypothesis on asymmetry from these two typologically and genealogically distinct languages. In both languages, goal markers far exceed source markers in number, confirming the hypothesis. Even among the allative-ablative-(locative) syncretic forms, the proportion of use for goal marking far exceeds that for source marking, again upholding the asymmetry hypothesis. The multiplicity of forms in the two polar categories is largely due to the stacking of multiple markers of (nearly-)synonymous adpositions as a strategy to reinforce meaning or to add finer shades of meaning. The multiplicity of forms is also due to frequent innovation of new forms, especially goal markers, in an effort to enhance expressivity and to entertain the desire for creativity. This is evident in the fact that the forms being innovated tend to carry more lexical content than older, fully grammaticalized forms, and thus carry more expressive potential. Drawing upon corpus data, this paper addresses the goal-over-source asymmetry in Korean and Thai from pragmatic and grammaticalization perspectives.
When Can We Trust Regression Discontinuity Design Estimates from Close Elections? Evidence from Experimental Benchmarks
Authors: De Magalhães Leandro , Hangartner Dominik , Hirvonen Salomo , Meriläinen Jaakko , Ruiz Nelson A. , Tukiainen Janne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Regression discontinuity designs (RDD) are widely used in the social sciences to estimate causal effects from observational data. Following recent methodological advances, scholars can choose from various RDD estimators for point estimation and inference. This decision is mainly guided by theoretical results on optimality and Monte Carlo simulations because of a paucity of research on the performance of the different estimators in recovering real-world experimental benchmarks. Leveraging exact ties in personal votes in local elections in Colombia and Finland, which are resolved by a random lottery, we assess the performance of various estimators featuring different polynomial degrees, bias-correction methods, optimal bandwidths, and approaches to statistical inference. Using re-running and re-election as outcomes, we document only minor differences in the performance of the various implementation approaches when the conditional expectation function (CEF) of the outcomes in the vicinity of the discontinuity is close to linear. When approximating the curvature of the CEF is more challenging, bias-corrected and robust inference with coverage-error-rate-optimal bandwidths comes closer to the experimental benchmark than more widely used alternative implementations.
‘Integrated Tool Competency’: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Role of the Absent Tools of Musical Composition
Authors: BOYLE MICHAEL 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHow do the tools of musical composition shape the cognitive processes of composition in absentia? In exploring the role of these absent tools, can progress be made towards an extended understanding of imagination and memory? This article posits the conceptual framework of ‘Integrated Tool Competency’ as a way of reconciling the powerful insights of externalist accounts of cognition with the fact that so much of the process of musical composition can take place without directly interacting with compositional tools. Effectively, this concept extends the integration of tools into a composer’s cognition beyond the moment of their use, including both unconscious competencies such as audiation and conscious actions such as imagining using a certain tool. This article proposes the concept of Integrated Tool Competency and discusses its potential ramifications for understanding the tools of composition.
‘The Mind is not Limited by the Skin’: The Expert Piano Technician’s Experience of Working on Pianos of Professional Concert Performers
Authors: CAVETT ESTHER 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study explores the experience of concert piano technicians who work on pianos played by the top tier of concert pianists in the world. They identify as craftspeople with a strong sense of vocation, who are autonomous, skilled, yet connected. They consider their pianos to be alive, with their own personalities and agency, needing to be tamed, loved, and negotiated with. The connection between their human fingers and the body of the piano is experienced as one of sensation and vibration rather than conscious thought, leading to ‘flow’. Findings are contextualized through qualitative psychology, Actor Network, and Material Engagement Theory.
AN UPPER BOUND FOR THE GENERALISED GREATEST COMMON DIVISOR OF RATIONAL POINTS
Authors: BARRIOS BENJAMÍN 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Let X be a smooth projective variety defined over a number field K. We give an upper bound for the generalised greatest common divisor of a point

$x\in X$

with respect to an irreducible subvariety

$Y\subseteq X$

also defined over K. To prove the result, we establish a rather uniform Riemann–Roch-type inequality.
Government Credit and International Trade
Authors: Ru Hong , Yang Endong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Using transaction-level trade data from China Customs and loan data from the China Development Bank (CDB), we find that CDB credit to strategic industries at the top of supply chains leads to lower prices, higher volume, and more product varieties and destinations for exports for firms in downstream industries. These positive spillovers stem from reduced intermediate goods prices and increased trade credit from upstream to downstream firms caused by CDB loans. Notably, this surge in import activity displaces U.S. firms within the same industry but bolsters downstream U.S. firms’ business performance and employment.
Exposing the Revolving Door in Executive Branch Agencies
Authors: Emery Logan P. , Faccio Mara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We develop an extensive mapping of the revolving door phenomenon by examining the work experience of 420,153 individuals in top corporate positions at 12,869 firms. More than half of these firms have at least one such individual with prior experience in one of 187 executive branch agencies. We find that firms are more likely to receive procurement contracts following the appointment of a former regulator transitioning within 2 years of leaving the agency, a result consistent with the “knowledge” hypothesis. Less-complex contracts signed following the appointment of former regulators are more likely to be renegotiated, increasing costs for the government.
Lifecycle of an introduced Dollfustrema (Bucephalidae) trematode in the Tone River system, Japan
Authors: Saito Y. , Iwata S. , Hayashi M. , Nitta M. , Ishikawa T. , Hagiwara T. , Ikezawa H. , Mano N. , Waki T. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
During 2021 through 2023, the golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei and freshwater fishes were sampled from 28 sites in the Tone River system, Japan, and adult trematodes of Dollfustrema were found in the fishes. Molecular and morphological analyses based on 28S rDNA and the ITS1−5.8S−ITS2 region revealed the trematode as ‘Dollfustrema hefeiense’, previously reported in Mainland China and likely introduced to Japan. Given that its scientific name was considered invalid, we re-described the species as Dollfustrema invadens n. sp. Additionally, the DNA-based survey helped clarify the trematode’s life cycle in the river system. A sporocyst and metacercariae were detected in the golden mussel’s visceral mass and in the muscles of two small freshwater fish species, respectively. The channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus harboured mature trematodes in its intestine, and adult trematodes were also found in the muscles of fishes infected with metacercariae, suggesting direct metacercariae development in fish muscle. Furthermore, another introduced bucephalid trematode, Prosorhynchoides ozakii, previously reported in the river system, was detected in the mussels and fishes. Moreover, co-infection of both bucephalid trematodes was observed in certain fishes.