bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of nanocrystalline TiO2 on structure and catalytic activity of CuO–ZnO in combined methanol reforming
Authors: Pinzari F. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCuO–ZnO (CZ) and CuO–ZnO/TiO2 (CZT) catalysts have been prepared by co-precipitation, characterized by X-ray diffraction, surface area measurements and chemical analysis and tested in the combined methanol reforming reaction. Catalytic tests have been performed in the temperature range 200–400 °C with a GHSV = 55.000 h−1, after H2 reducing pretreatment at 250 °C or 450 °C. It is shown that nanocrystalline TiO2 influences the CuO–ZnO nanosized structure, reducibility and reactivity. TiO2 slightly increases ZnO crystallite size of the fresh catalyst. Moreover, it causes the CuO chemical reduction to nanosized Cu2O on exhaust catalyst pretreated in hydrogen at 250 °C, this improves the reaction with higher methanol conversion and hydrogen production. On the contrary, TiO2 reduces CuO to submicron Cu0 and greatly increases ZnO crystallite size on the exhaust catalyst pretreated in hydrogen at 450 °C, this treatment weakens the reaction, with lower methanol conversion and hydrogen production. In both cases, nanocrystalline TiO2 presence is able to decrease the CO formation: independently of the hydrogen pretreatment temperature. This ability of the nanocrystalline TiO2 is ascribed to the presence of the oxygen vacancies, which act as electron donors that contribute to hinder CO2 and H2 surface adsorption for steric, electrostatic and probabilistic factors.
Evolution of gender research in the social sciences in post-Soviet countries: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kataeva Zumrad , Durrani Naureen , Izekenova Zhanna , Rakhimzhanova Aray 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWhile interest in mapping the patterns of publication and research in post-Soviet countries has been growing steadily, there is a gap in knowledge about how gender is featured in post-Soviet research and publications. Using a descriptive bibliometric approach and metadata extracted from 2822 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database for 1993–2021, this study seeks to understand the evolution of gender research in post-Soviet countries. The analysis revealed a notable increase in gender research and publications since the breakup of the Soviet Union, particularly between 2017 and 2021; however, the contribution of the post-Soviet countries to international research on gender remains insignificant. Russia, Estonia and Ukraine are at the forefront of gender research among post-Soviet states, while Caucasus and Central Asian countries, except Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, contribute to the lower degree. Although research collaboration among post-Soviet researchers is increasing, researchers tend to mainly collaborate internally with authors from the same countries and institutions, and very few authors collaborate across post-Soviet states or internationally. The topics of publications in post-Soviet gender research incorporate different subjects, with most articles published within psychology and behavioral sciences, while gender research in sociological and political economy disciplines is still evolving.
C-Type Lectin Receptor Mediated Modulation of T2 Immune Responses to Allergens
Authors: Angelina Alba , Martín-Cruz Leticia , de la Rocha-Muñoz Andrés , Lavín-Plaza Begoña , Palomares Oscar 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Allergic diseases represent a major health problem of increasing prevalence worldwide. In allergy, dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to both the pathophysiology and the induction of healthy immune responses to the allergens. Different studies have reported that some common allergens contain glycans in their structure. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) expressed by DCs recognize carbohydrate structures and are crucial in allergen uptake, presentation, and polarization of T cell responses. This review summarizes the recent literature regarding the role of CLRs in the regulation of type 2 immune responses to allergens.

Recent Findings
In this review, we highlight the capacity of CLRs to recognize carbohydrates in common allergens triggering different signaling pathways involved in the polarization of CD4+ T cells towards specific Th2 responses. Under certain conditions, specific CLRs could also promote tolerogenic responses to allergens, which might well be exploited to develop novel therapeutic approaches of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), the single treatment with potential disease-modifying capacity for allergic disease. At this regard, polymerized allergens conjugated to non-oxidized mannan (allergoid-mannan conjugated) are next-generation vaccines targeting DCs via CLRs that promote regulatory T cells, thus favoring allergen tolerance both in preclinical models and clinical trials.

Summary
A better understanding of the role of CLRs in the development of allergy and in the induction of allergen tolerance might well pave the way for the design of novel strategies for allergic diseases.
Blends of Cactus Cladode Powder with Corn Starch, Milk Proteins and Gelatin: Rheological Evaluation and Application to a Soup Model
Authors: Chaloulos Panagiotis , Vasilopoulos Nikos , Mandala Ioanna 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCactus cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a valuable source of dietary fibers. In this study, peeled cladode powder was produced by air drying at 40 °C and was characterized for its color, dietary fiber content, and rheological behavior. Cladode powder aqueous suspensions of 3% w/w were prepared and the effect of protein (gelatin, sodium caseinate, and whey protein) or salts (NaCl/CaCl2) on the blend’s viscosity was investigated. Additionally, cladode powder was incorporated in a soup model, aiming at substituting corn starch. Our powder had an appealing green color, but its deterioration was fast when it was exposed to light. A shear-thinning behavior was observed in all cladode-protein mixtures, but viscosity values depended considerably on the protein type and the pH values. Notably, gelatin addition led to higher apparent viscosity of cladode powder at pH 6, suggesting interactions with cladode mucilage, but this effect was reversed at pH 4, below gelatin isoelectric point. The Ostwald-de Waele model successfully correlated viscosity-shear rates data, whereas the Casson model presented a good fit mainly in starch containing systems. Corn starch substitution by cladode powder, in the soup model, led to lower consistency coefficient values. In soups, the logarithmic mixing law was applied at different corn starch: cladode powder ratios to highlight their possible interactions. The values obtained diverged slightly downwards from the logarithmic mixing law. When purified mucilage was added—instead of cladode powder—the samples diverged slightly upwards from the logarithmic mixing law.
Proton beam therapy for cervical lymph node metastasis in an octogenarian with melanoma of unknown primary: a case report
Authors: Nakamura Masatoshi , Ohnishi Kayoko , Uchida Fumihiko , Saito Takashi , Kitagawa Yuri , Matsuoka Ryota , Yanagawa Toru , Sakurai Hideyuki 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAn 80-year-old man with an approximately 3-cm mass in the right submandibular region presented to our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlarged lymph nodes (LNs) in the right neck, and fluorine-18-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) indicated positive FDG accumulation in the right neck LNs only. Excisional biopsy was performed for suspected malignant lymphoma, and the biopsy revealed melanoma. Close examination of the skin, nasal cavity, oral pharyngeal and laryngeal cavities, and gastrointestinal tract were performed. No primary tumor was detected by these examinations, and the patient was diagnosed with cervical LN metastasis from melanoma of unknown primary of clinical stage T0N3bM0 stage IIIC. The patient refused cervical neck dissection because of his age and comorbidity of Alzheimer’s disease and instead opted for proton beam therapy (PBT) at a total dose of 69 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) in 23 fractions. He did not receive any systemic therapy. The enlarged LNs shrunk slowly, and FDG PET/CT at 1 year after PBT showed that the right submandibular LN had shrunk from 27 to 7 mm in length, and there was no significant FDG accumulation. At 6 years and 4 months after PBT, the patient is alive without any recurrence.
What do we talk about when we talk about integration: towards a differentiated view on integration and fragmentation in coastal and marine spatial planning
Authors: Sørdahl Patrick Berg 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBob Dylan once sang that he contained multitudes. So too does integration. More integrated planning of coasts and oceans has long been hailed as a goal and is seen as a pathway towards a more legitimate, cost-effective, equitable and sustainable planning of marine space. However, a reading of the literature indicates that many integration efforts have seemingly failed to reach their potential, and there is no clear understanding of what integration means or how we should best go about achieving it.The paper claims that this uncertainty partially stems from a unnuanced and static treatment of the concept, and a lack of recognition of the multitudes of integration. The paper argues firstly that fragmentation should not uncritically be seen as the antithesis to integration and as a negative property to be avoided. Secondly, there needs to be greater recognition of both the varying degrees of integration and the contextually dependent necessity of different degrees of integration. Lastly, it is more fruitful to see the multitude of nodes in the expanding ‘network of planning’ not as fragmentation, but as differentiation. Such an approach allows us to see integration as a mean towards more sustainable planning of coastal and marine areas, not end in and of itself.
Financial inclusion and business practices of microbusiness in Colombia
Authors: Urueña-Mejía Juan Carlos , Gutierrez Luis H. , Rodríguez-Lesmes Paul 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFinancial inclusion is known to be relevant for improving the growth perspectives of microbusinesses. This research has three aims. First, to explore how adopting business practices can impact the usage of financial products and services of these firms. Second, to determine if higher levels of microbusinesses’ formalization mediate the impact. Third, to establish if there are differences according to gender and education level. A structural equation model was estimated to test these hypotheses while considering the potential endogeneity of the main variables of interest. The model includes latent variables modeled in the form of confirmatory factor analysis. Estimates are based on self-reported information collected through a survey of 1542 microentrepreneurs in 10 Colombian cities in 2019. The results show that microentrepreneurs who adopt (more) business practices have more financial inclusion. No specific category of business practices drives the results. The effect is larger for men than women and is not present for microentrepreneurs of low education levels. Furthermore, personal initiative, a psychological construct, indirectly relates to being more financially included by increasing the adoption of business practices. Finally, there is no evidence that this is driven by higher levels of formalization regardless of the specific set of requirements that are considered. Our findings support efforts to improve business skills in microentrepreneurs and call for more comprehensive public policy strategies. These findings open the door to using soft skill-based training programs that enhance business practices, to improve microbusinesses’ financial inclusion.
Dynamic Analysis of Suspension-Type Monorail Long-Span Cable-Stayed Bridge in a Wind-Vehicle-Bridge System
Authors: Zhu Bing , Zhang Chengran , Zhang Zhen , Luo Lei , Bai Xiaozu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe suspension-type monorail (STM) is a new type of rail transit, currently developing rapidly in China. Due to its short construction duration and high terrain adaptability, STM can save large land resources. In particular, by supplementing the traffic systems in large and medium-sized cities, STM can contribute to green tourism projects. However, no systematic study is devoted to the STM transit system in China, and there is still a lack of relevant knowledge and exploration, especially for the special combination system monorail bridge. In view of the real STM bridge, namely a long-span (55 + 100 + 55)-m cable-stayed bridge in this paper, and by applying wind-vehicle-bridge coupling vibration theory, ANSYS finite element method software, and Universal Mechanism multi-body dynamics software, finite element models are established for the bridge and multi-body vehicle, respectively. Furthermore, a co-simulation method is adopted to analyze vehicle-bridge coupling vibrations and ride comfort quality. According to the results, the dynamic responses of the monorail bridge and vehicle are greatly affected by the variation in wind speed, and it is necessary to take measures to decrease system vibrations, thereby ensuring ride comfort quality for vehicle passengers.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy—Does the CEO’s Personality Mitigate the Negative Effect of Financial Constraints on Employee Satisfaction?
Authors: Neumeyer Laura , Gründler Anna , Stöber Anna-Luisa 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOur study addresses whether a chief executive officer’s (CEO) personality can mitigate financial constraints’ negative effect on employee satisfaction. We draw on extant research that establishes this negative effect but add an upper echelon’s perspective by examining the potential influence of the CEO’s personality traits. Using a multi-source dataset of 1516 observations of S&P 500 firms, novel measures of employee satisfaction based on Glassdoor reviews, and a machine-learning-based linguistic tool on the Five-Factor Model’s personality traits, our study reveals that a CEO who has a high level of openness to experience and/or a low level of conscientiousness buffers the negative impact of financial constraints on employee satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effect of fine structure and pore volume in the Marimo-like carbon cathode material on the oxygen reduction reaction for the polymer electrolyte fuel cell
Authors: Shiraishi M. , Inamoto M. , Nakagawa K. , Ando T. , Nishitani-Gamo M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe measured the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) voltammetry curves of a Pt catalyst supported on Marimo-like carbon (MC) to clarify the effect of carbon nanofilaments (CNFs) morphology and fine structures consisting of MC cathode material on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity for Polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The specific surface area and pore volume of MCs are influenced by their morphology and fine structures. MCs grown with Ni–Cu bimetal catalyst (represented as Ni80Cu20MC), having an octopus-like morphology, yielded four times larger total pore volume than that measured from the MC grown with Ni catalyst (Ni100MC). In the case of Ni80Cu20MC, coin-stacked graphenes perpendicular to the filament axis formed CNFs. Ni100MC consists of cup-stacked CNFs. The difference in the graphene stacked fine structure resulted in a different number of graphene edges covering the CNF surface; however, both supported Pt particle sizes and their distributions were similar. Linear sweep voltammetry with a RRDE revealed that the Pt/Ni80Cu20MC ORR onset potential was higher than that observed from the Pt/Ni100MC. This value is suggested to be correlates with the ORR activity. The origin of the ORR difference was discussed on the basis of the structural difference in the MCs.
Interactive effects of changes in UV radiation and climate on terrestrial ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, and feedbacks to the climate system
Authors: Barnes P. W. , Robson T. M. , Zepp R. G. , Bornman J. F. , Jansen M. A. K. , Ossola R. , Wang Q.-W. , Robinson S. A. , Foereid B. , Klekociuk A. R. , Martinez-Abaigar J. , Hou W.-C. , Mackenzie R. , Paul N. D. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTerrestrial organisms and ecosystems are being exposed to new and rapidly changing combinations of solar UV radiation and other environmental factors because of ongoing changes in stratospheric ozone and climate. In this Quadrennial Assessment, we examine the interactive effects of changes in stratospheric ozone, UV radiation and climate on terrestrial ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles in the context of the Montreal Protocol. We specifically assess effects on terrestrial organisms, agriculture and food supply, biodiversity, ecosystem services and feedbacks to the climate system. Emphasis is placed on the role of extreme climate events in altering the exposure to UV radiation of organisms and ecosystems and the potential effects on biodiversity. We also address the responses of plants to increased temporal variability in solar UV radiation, the interactive effects of UV radiation and other climate change factors (e.g. drought, temperature) on crops, and the role of UV radiation in driving the breakdown of organic matter from dead plant material (i.e. litter) and biocides (pesticides and herbicides). Our assessment indicates that UV radiation and climate interact in various ways to affect the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems, and that by protecting the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol continues to play a vital role in maintaining healthy, diverse ecosystems on land that sustain life on Earth. Furthermore, the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment are mitigating some of the negative environmental consequences of climate change by limiting the emissions of greenhouse gases and protecting the carbon sequestration potential of vegetation and the terrestrial carbon pool.
Graphical abstract
Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for kinetic temperature measurement of xenon neutrals and ions in the discharge chamber of a radiofrequency ion source
Authors: Pietzonka Lukas , Eichhorn Christoph , Scholze Frank , Spemann Daniel 
Published: February 2023

AbstractApplication of single-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy for non-intrusive measurement of neutral xenon and singly charged xenon ion kinetic temperatures in the discharge chamber of a gridded radiofrequency ion source is demonstrated. A LIF spectrum analysis approach including hyperfine structure reconstruction and inverse filtering (Fourier deconvolution) is outlined. Special focus is set on optimization of post-deconvolution filtering as well as retracing of deconvolution result imperfection due to hyperfine structure parameter uncertainty, incorrect natural linewidth, and saturation of the LIF signal. The corresponding contributions to the kinetic temperature estimation error are quantified via simulation of spectral lineshapes. Deconvolution of almost unsaturated LIF spectra recorded in the center of the ion source discharge chamber reveals that the neutral xenon and xenon ion kinetic temperatures range between approximately 500 and 700 K and, respectively, 700 and 1000 K depending on the radiofrequency power supplied to the discharge.
Effects of carbonation on mechanical properties of CAC-GGBFS blended strain hardening cementitious composites
Authors: Fan Wei , Zhuge Yan , Ma Xing , Chow Christopher W. K. , Liu Yue , Huang Guangtong , Gorjian Nima 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCalcium aluminate cement (CAC)—based strain hardening cementitious composites (SHCC) has been developed and used for the rehabilitation of sewerage pipelines. In addition to well-known microbiologically induced corrosion, CO2 concentration in the sewerage environment is high, which may cause significant carbonation of pipelines. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the effects of carbonation on the mechanical performance of CAC-based SHCC. Two types of CAC-based SHCC with different strength grades and a referenced OPC-based SHCC were prepared. The accelerated carbonation test was conducted in a carbonation chamber with a 5% CO2 concentration. The compressive and tensile behaviour of SHCC was tested first, and microstructure analysis, e.g., X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, was then performed. The results showed that CAC-based SHCC specimens exhibited robust strain-hardening performance as well as large deformation capacity in tension due to the fiber-bridging effect. Also, the compressive and tensile strength was significantly improved as well as achieving a higher tensile strain capacity after carbonation when compared with OPC-based SHCC. Microstructure analysis revealed that the metastable phases in carbonated CAC-based SHCC were converted into stable phases and calcium carbonate polymorphs, densifying the binder matrix. The obtained results of this paper may provide new insight into utilizing carbonation to avoid the unstable conversion of hydrates in calcium aluminate cement.
Degradation of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) mortars under sulfate attack
Authors: Yu Cheng , Li Zhen , Liu Jiaping 
Published: February 2023

AbstractLimestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3 is a newly proposed low-carbon cement, which can effectively reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions of the traditional cement industry without changing the basic mechanical properties of cement-based materials. In this study, the degradation process of mortar samples of limestone and calcined clay cementitious material under sulfate attack is studied by both macroscopic and microscopic analysis. The results show that compared with pure Portland cement, the addition of calcined clay and limestone can significantly reduce the expansion rate, loss of dynamic modulus and mass loss of mortar specimens under sulfate attack. The addition of calcined clay and limestone will refine the pore size distribution of mortar specimens, then inhibiting the diffusion of sulfate and formation of corrosive products, therefore leading to a significant improvement of the sulfate resistance.
Multi-scale temporal characters mining for bird activities based on historical avian radar system datasets
Authors: Xu Q. , Liu J. , Su M. , Chen W.S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAvian radar systems are effective for wide-area bird detection and tracking, but application significances need further exploration. Existing radar data mining methods provide long-term functionalities, but they are problematic for bird activity modelling especially in temporal domain. This paper complements this insufficiency by introducing a temporal bird activity extraction and interpretation method. The bird behaviour is quantified as the activity degree which integrates intensity and uncertainty characters with an entropy weighing algorithm. The method is applicable in multiple temporal scales. Historical radar dataset from a system deployed in an airport is adopted for verification. Temporal characters demonstrate good consistency with understandings from local observers and ornithologists. Daily commuting and roosting characters of local birds are well reflected, evening bat activities are also extracted. Night migration activities are demonstrated clearly. Results indicate the proposed method is effective in temporal bird activity modelling and interpretation. Its integration with bird strike risk models might be more useful for airport safety management with wildlife interference.