bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of nitrogen loss driven by soil and water erosion in water source areas
Authors: Wang Rongjia , Zhang Jianfeng , Cai Chunju , Wang Shufeng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNitrogen (N) present in drinking water as dissolved nitrates can directly affect people’s health, making it important to control N pollution in water source areas. N pollution caused by agricultural fertilizers can be controlled by reducing the amount of fertilizer applied, but pollution caused by soil and water erosion in hilly areas can only be controlled by conservation forests. The catchment area around Fushi Reservoir was selected as a test site and mechanisms of N loss from a vertical spatial perspective through field observations were determined. The main N losses occurred from June to September, accounting for 85.9–95.9% of the annual loss, with the losses in June and July accounting for 46.0% of the total, and in August and September for 41.9%. The N leakage from the water source area was effectively reduced by 38.2% through the optimization of the stand structure of the conservation forests. Establishing well-structured forests for water conservation is crucial to ensure the security of drinking water. This preliminary research lays the foundation for revealing then loss mechanisms in water source areas and improving the control of non-point source pollution in these areas.
Epistemic virtue in higher education: testing the mechanisms of intellectual character development
Authors: Orona Gabe Avakian , Pritchard Duncan , Arum Richard , Eccles Jacqueline , Dang Quoc-Viet , Copp David , Herrmann Daniel Alexander , Rushing Bruce , Zitzmann Steffen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEpistemic virtues are character traits conducive to principled ways of thinking, leading to a life of flourishing. Recent years have witnessed an emergence of theoretical accounts describing how they develop. However, few if any studies have conducted rigorous empirical investigation into the mechanisms of intellectual virtue development. In this study, we review several significant frameworks before utilizing a randomized, pretest/posttest control trial design to understand the impacts of a novel thinking disposition intervention on intellectual virtue growth. We ascertain the direct and indirect effects of the intervention on four key intellectual virtues: curiosity, humility, integrity, and tenacity. Additionally, we test theoretical mediators of virtue learning. Clear evidence favoring a theory-inspired mediator is observed, though we observe weaker signals of direct effects, with nuances across the virtues. For instance, tenacity and curiosity variables appear to respond more to the intervention than do humility and integrity. Findings are discussed in light of contemporary theoretical perspectives.
Mathematical aspects of quasicrystals
Authors: Sbordone Carlo , Guida Margherita 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA two-dimensional model of a quasi-crystal is the Penrose tiling (1974), which is an aperiodic “disjoint” covering of the plane generated by two rhombi $$\displaystyle R_{36^{\circ }}$$

R

36
∘

and $$\displaystyle R_{72^{\circ }}$$

R

72
∘

with equal side lengths. It is crucial that the areas’ ratio is irrational $$\begin{aligned} \displaystyle \varphi = \frac{\textrm{area} \,R_{72^{\circ }}}{\textrm{area}\, R_{36^{\circ }}} = \frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}\, (\mathrm{golden\, ratio})\, (\varphi ^2 - \varphi - 1 = 0), \end{aligned}$$

φ
=

area

R

72
∘

area

R

36
∘

=

1
+

5

2

(

golden

ratio

)

(

φ
2

-
φ
-
1
=
0
)

,

which in turn reveals a local five-fold symmetry, forbidden for crystals. Recent advances on “Wang tiles”, that is square tiles that cover the plane but cannot do it in a periodic fashion, are due to Jeandel and Rao (An aperiodic set of 11 Wang tiles, Advances in Combinatorics, pp 1–37, 2021), giving a definitive answer to the problem raised by Hao Wang in 1961. Other recent applications to variational problems in Homogenization are also mentioned (Braides et al. in C R Acad Sci Paris 347(11–12):697–700, 2009).
Detecting anomalous cryptocurrency transactions: An AML/CFT application of machine learning-based forensics
Authors: Pocher Nadia , Zichichi Mirko , Merizzi Fabio , Shafiq Muhammad Zohaib , Ferretti Stefano 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn shaping the Internet of Money, the application of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) to the financial sector triggered regulatory concerns. Notably, while the user anonymity enabled in this field may safeguard privacy and data protection, the lack of identifiability hinders accountability and challenges the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation (AML/CFT). As law enforcement agencies and the private sector apply forensics to track crypto transfers across ecosystems that are socio-technical in nature, this paper focuses on the growing relevance of these techniques in a domain where their deployment impacts the traits and evolution of the sphere. In particular, this work offers contextualized insights into the application of methods of machine learning and transaction graph analysis. Namely, it analyzes a real-world dataset of Bitcoin transactions represented as a directed graph network through various techniques. The modeling of blockchain transactions as a complex network suggests that the use of graph-based data analysis methods can help classify transactions and identify illicit ones. Indeed, this work shows that the neural network types known as Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN) and Graph Attention Networks (GAT) are a promising AML/CFT solution. Notably, in this scenario GCN outperform other classic approaches and GAT are applied for the first time to detect anomalies in Bitcoin. Ultimately, the paper upholds the value of public–private synergies to devise forensic strategies conscious of the spirit of explainability and data openness.
Do the Behaviors of Early Childhood Education Teachers Promote Children's Progressive Autonomy? The Role of Interpersonal Emotional Regulation and its Consequences for Teachers' Occupational Well-Being
Authors: Etchebehere Gabriela , Crego Antonio , Martínez-Iñigo David 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDespite its centrality within the Convention on the Rights of the Child, teachers’ behaviors promoting progressive autonomy, the psychological processes involved in their implementation and their consequences for teachers’ well-being has been neglected. Two studies assess early childhood teachers’ promoting progressive autonomy behaviors and their relationship with their strategies to regulate children’s emotions and their own job well-being. Overall, results support the presence of a virtuous circle where teachers use of strategies improving children’s emotions is associated to higher levels of progressive autonomy promotion and job well-being which in turn has been related to willingness to use affect improvement strategies.
Use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as new technique to remove polystyrene from aqueous medium: modeling, optimization, and performance
Authors: Zahmatkesh Anbarani Mohaddeseh , Esmaeili Nasrabadi Afsaneh , Bonyadi Ziaeddin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMPs are widely found in various environments. PS is the second most common microplastic in sediments, freshwater, soil, and coastal ecosystems. S. cerevisiae was studied as a biocoagulant due to its advantages such as ease of use, non-toxicity, large-scale cultivability and low cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of S. cerevisiae in removing PS from aqueous solutions. BBD was used to determine the optimal removal conditions. The MPs were washed, dried, crushed, sieved, and kept in a closed container to avoid exposure to light and moisture. PS removal was measured under various parameters such as the dose of S. cerevisiae (100–300 mg/L), the concentration of PS (200–900 mg/L), and the pH (4–10). The suspension of PS and S. cerevisiae was stirred and subjected to variable speeds to disperse yeast cells and contact with PS particles. The formed clots were settled under static conditions, and the suspended MPs in the aqueous solution were measured by filtering through Whatman filter paper and recording its weight after drying. The maximum PS removal efficiency was 98.81% under optimized conditions, i.e., the PS concentration of 550 mg/L, the yeast dose of 200 mg/L, and the pH of 7. With regard to the mentioned results, it can be said that S. cerevisiae can be used as a natural and environmentally friendly biocoagulant to remove PS.
Dark Energy Cosmological Models in Lyra Geometry for Bianchi-I Space Time
Authors: Bishi Binaya Kumar , Lepse Pratik Vijay , Beesham Aroonkumar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe construct cosmological models for dark energy based on Lyra’s geometry for the Bianchi-I space-time to understand the evolution of the universe. The specific choice of the deceleration parameter $$q=-\frac{\alpha _1}{t^2}+\alpha _2-1$$

q
=
-

α
1

t
2

+

α
2

-
1

is used to determine the exact solutions of the field equations in Lyra geometry. The parameter $$\alpha _1$$

α
1

has a dimension equal to the square of time. Further, we have discussed two cosmological models depending on the parameter $$\alpha _2$$

α
2

. Several physical parameters are obtained and the results in both the models are analyzed and presented graphically for the analysis of the results.
Towards a sustainable use of shower water: Habits and explanatory factors in southern Spain
Authors: Ibáñez-Rueda Nazaret , Guardiola Jorge , López-Ruiz Samara , González-Gómez Francisco 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOne of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 is the efficient use of water resources in all sectors in order to tackle water shortages. In the home, showering is one of the main water consuming activities. How can people make more sustainable use of shower water? To answer this question, this research analyses showering habits and explanatory factors of shower use. The study is carried out with data from 945 students of the University of Granada, Spain. Significant differences are observed in shower use during the summer and winter months: the average duration is 8.8 and 11.6 min, respectively, and the frequency is greater in summer (with an average frequency of eight showers per week). Determinants of different shower water use include gender, ideology, pro-environmental actions, inherent values, and connectedness to nature, among others. Those variables relate differently to duration and frequency of showers, according to the season, thus highlighting the importance of seasonality. The results show that there is room to achieve a more sustainable use of the shower, in terms of frequency and duration, through awareness measures that are tailored to groups that make a less sustainable use of showers. The main recommendation is that awareness campaigns should be designed on the basis of the user profile as well as the season.
A cost-based multi-layer network approach for the discovery of patient phenotypes
Authors: Puga Clara , Niemann Uli , Schlee Winfried , Spiliopoulou Myra 
Published: July 2023

AbstractClinical records frequently include assessments of the characteristics of patients, which may include the completion of various questionnaires. These questionnaires provide a variety of perspectives on a patient’s current state of well-being. Not only is it critical to capture the heterogeneity given by these perspectives, but there is also a growing demand for developing cost-effective technologies for clinical phenotyping. Filling out many questionnaires may be a strain for the patients and therefore, costly. Our goal is then to provide a strategy that refrains from the more expensive questionnaires while maintaining phenotype quality. In this work, we propose COBALT—a cost-based layer selector model for detecting phenotypes using a community detection approach. Our goal is to minimize the number of features used to build these phenotypes while preserving its quality. We test our model using questionnaire data from chronic tinnitus patients and represent the data in a multi-layer network structure. The model is then evaluated by predicting post-treatment data using baseline features (age, gender, and pre-treatment data) as well as the identified phenotypes as a feature. For some post-treatment variables, prediction models using phenotypes from COBALT as features outperformed those using phenotypes detected by traditional clustering methods. Moreover, using phenotype data to predict post-treatment data proved beneficial in comparison with prediction models that were solely trained with baseline features.
An assistant algorithm model for a mobile robot to pass through a concave obstacle area
Authors: Cao Yanjie , Mohamad Nor Norzalilah , Samad Zahurin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWhen a mobile robot passes through a concave obstacle area, the limitations of the traditional control algorithm add a significant challenge to the mobile robot to move through the concave obstacle area efficiently. Improving the conventional path planning algorithm is a common choice to solve this problem. However, because various path planning algorithms adapt to the fixed scene and the algorithm steps are complex, it is difficult to popularize these algorithms. In addition, conventional path planning algorithms usually encounter difficulties when passing through recessed obstacle areas or cause robot deadlock. An auxiliary algorithm strategy is proposed to help mobile robots avoid concave obstacles quickly. The algorithm strategy plays an auxiliary role by incorporating the judgment of the starting position of the mobile robot, the building of a virtual wall to shield the concave obstacle area, and the judgment of the moving direction of the mobile robot. The advantage of this algorithm strategy is that it does not change the operation mechanism of traditional path-planning algorithms and is highly adaptable. The results of the comparison of simulation experiments with the APF (Artificial Potential Field), the ACO (Ant Colony Optimization), the RRT (Rapidly-Exploring Random Trees), the A-star algorithm, and the Dijkstra algorithm show the inclusion of the auxiliary algorithm strategy resulted in a significant increase in the efficiency of the mobile robot through the depressed obstacle zone.Article Highlights●This auxiliary algorithm strategy can avoid the self-locking caused by the mobile robot falling into the concave obstacle area.●This auxiliary algorithm strategy does not change the mechanism of the traditional path planning algorithm, and it is simple and easy to be used.●This auxiliary algorithm has wide adaptability (it can assist the mainstream path planning algorithm and adapt to various scenarios).
A Stochastic Modelling and Optimization for the Design of an LNG Refuelling System in the Piraeus Port Region
Authors: Charis Ntakolia  , Douloumpekis Michalis , Papaleonidas Christos , Tsiampa Violetta , Lyridis Dimitrios V. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPort activity is assumed to be an integral part of maritime activity. Ships are supplied with water, food, fuel, electricity, spare parts and consumables when they are berthed in ports. Therefore, the purpose of the service system is to reduce the waiting cost, from the time the ship’s arrival until its service. Delays in the system, and particularly in the queuing system, could occur due to irregularities in the ships’ arrival time causing uncertainty in time of service. On the contrary, a complex waiting system would require an increased commitment of capital for the construction and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure. As such an optimum size and operation of the port service system must be identified. To address this problem, this study presents a method for maximizing port administrator’s profit, by modelling and optimizing the waiting system based on Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Port of Piraeus is used to test the method. The case study assumes increased bunkering port calls due to the addition of a liquified natural gas (LNG) refuelling station. The results showed that a range of 3 to 5 stations generate high profit while using too many service stations could lead to deteriorations of the profit.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals hub genes and pathways in response to acetic acid stress in Kluyveromyces marxianus during high-temperature ethanol fermentation
Authors: Li Yumeng , Hou Shiqi , Ren Ziwei , Fu Shaojie , Wang Sunhaoyu , Chen Mingpeng , Dang Yan , Li Hongshen , Li Shizhong , Li Pengsong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus is known for its potential in high-temperature ethanol fermentation, yet it suffers from excess acetic acid production at elevated temperatures, which hinders ethanol production. To better understand how the yeast responds to acetic acid stress during high-temperature ethanol fermentation, this study investigated its transcriptomic changes under this condition. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched gene ontology (GO) terms and pathways under acetic acid stress. The results showed that 611 genes were differentially expressed, and GO and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that acetic acid stress promoted protein catabolism but repressed protein synthesis during high-temperature fermentation. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were also constructed based on the interactions between proteins coded by the DEGs. Hub genes and key modules in the PPI networks were identified, providing insight into the mechanisms of this yeast's response to acetic acid stress. The findings suggest that the decrease in ethanol production is caused by the imbalance between protein catabolism and protein synthesis. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of K. marxianus's response to acetic acid stress and highlights the importance of maintaining a proper balance between protein catabolism and protein synthesis for high-temperature ethanol fermentation.
Existence and Decay Estimates of Solution for a Fourth Order Quasi-Geostrophic Equation
Authors: Li Huiling , Li Jing , Zhang Jingjun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper considers a single-layer fourth order quasi-geostrophic equation in two-dimensional case. We prove the existence and uniqueness of global smooth solution to the Cauchy problem of this equation by using energy estimate. We also establish a new estimate for the nonlinear term and obtain decay estimates of the solution in $$L^{2}$$

L
2

.
Indicators of improved gestation housing of sows. Part I: Effects on behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining
Authors: Lagoda Martyna E , O’Driscoll Keelin , Galli Maria C , Marchewka Joanna , Boyle Laura A 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Commercial gestation housing systems for sows generally fail to cater fully for their needs in terms of comfort or the ability to perform highly motivated behaviours, which can lead to chronic stress and an impairment to welfare. We compared a typical gestation system (CONTROL) with an IMPROVED one as regards oral stereotypies, aggressive behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining. Sows were mixed into 12 stable groups (six groups per treatment, 20 sows per group), 29 days post-service in pens with free-access, full-length individual feeding/lying stalls. CONTROL pens had fully slatted concrete floors, with two blocks of wood and two chains suspended in the group area. IMPROVED pens were the same but with rubber mats and a length of manila rope in each feeding stall, and straw provided in three racks in the group area. Direct observations of oral stereotypical (30 instantaneous scans per sow per day) and aggressive (all-occurrence sampling, 3 h per sow per day) behaviours were conducted 72 h post-mixing, in mid and late gestation. Skin lesions were counted 24 h and three weeks post-mixing, and in late gestation. Sows’ locomotion (locomotory ability) was scored using a visual analogue scale in mid and late gestation. Right and left eye tear staining was scored in late gestation. Indications of better welfare in IMPROVED sows included performance of fewer oral stereotypies in mid and late gestation, and lower tear stain scores. These sows performed more aggression in late gestation, which was associated with access to enrichment, but skin lesion counts were not affected. Thus, the changes made in the IMPROVED treatment benefitted aspects of sow welfare.
How do innovative internet tech startups attract venture capital financing?
Authors: Zhou Yan , Park Sangmoon , Zhang Justin Zuopeng , Ferreira João J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This research uses signaling theory to combine the perspective of investment results with existing venture capital (VC) standards and reexamines the factors that influence the attractiveness of innovative internet tech startups to VC from the perspective of equal opportunity startups. Taking the financing status of 310 startups in China's sharing economy as an example and using regression analysis, we empirically test the influence of entrepreneur and firm characteristics on attracting VC. Our results show that among founder characteristics, the entrepreneur's entrepreneurial experience alone is insufficient to attract VC. Industrial experience and political background have a positive influence on attracting VC. Among firm characteristics, market-entry order and business group (BG) affiliation positively influence attracting VC. This is a new and relevant discovery. In the Chinese market, investors are more inclined to provide financial support to entrepreneurs or startups that have already gained legitimacy from the government or business groups.
God, Über-God, and Unter-God
Authors: Gordon Noah 
Published: July 2023

AbstractI examine two related arguments for the claim that if God is omnipotent, God cannot lack abilities such as the ability to do evil or to act irrationally. Both arguments concern the idea that omnipotence is inconsistent with being dominated with respect to abilities. I raise new issues in the formulation of such dominance principles about ability, and attempt to solve them. I also discuss and reject existing objections to these arguments. I conclude that these arguments are promising but not conclusive, and that important work remains to be done in formulating the relevant dominance principles.
Physical Activity and Social Interaction among Rural Older Adults in Saskatchewan during COVID-19
Authors: Schmidt Laurie , Johnson Shanthi , Rebecca Genoe M. , Jeffery Bonnie , Crawford Jennifer 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPhysical activity and social interaction among rural older adults are important, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions on physical gatherings were placed. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of rural older adults’ experience with physical activity and social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used to explore the experience of 10 older adults, 67–82 years of age, from rural communities throughout Saskatchewan. Findings revealed that many rural older adults acknowledged the health benefits of physical and social activities and experienced loneliness when COVID-19 restrictions were placed, even when living with a partner. For some, the restrictions placed on physical and social activity provided a welcome break from daily responsibilities. Rural communities, often at a disadvantage, were also perceived by participants as being protected against COVID-19. The resilience demonstrated among rural participants to persevere and adapt to their changing environment during the pandemic was evident in the findings.