bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ScenaLand: a simple methodology for developing land use and management scenarios
Authors: Pastor Amandine Valérie , Nunes Joao Pedro , Ciampalini Rossano , Bahri Haithem , Annabi Mohamed , Chikhaoui Mohamed , Crabit Armand , Follain Stéphane , Keizer Jan Jacob , Latron Jérôme , Licciardello Feliciana , Marien Laurène , Mekki Insaf , Moreno de las Heras Mariano , Molina Antonio J. , Naimi Mustapha , Sabir Mohamed , Valente Sandra , Raclot Damien 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Scenarios serve science by testing the sensitivity of a system and/or society to adapt to the future. In this study, we present a new land use scenario methodology called ScenaLand. This methodology aims to develop plausible and contrasting land use and management (LUM) scenarios, useful to explore how LUM (e.g. soil and water conservation techniques) may affect ecosystem services under global change in a wide range of environments. ScenaLand is a method for constructing narrative and spatially explicit land use scenarios that are useful for end-users and impact modellers. This method is innovative because it merges literature and expert knowledge, and its low data requirement makes it easy to be implemented in the context of inter-site comparison, including global change projections. ScenaLand was developed and tested on six different Mediterranean agroecological and socioeconomic contexts during the MASCC research project (Mediterranean agricultural soil conservation under global change). The method first highlights the socioeconomic trends of each study site including emerging trends such as new government laws, LUM techniques through a qualitative survey addressed to local experts. Then, the method includes a ranking of driving factors, a matrix about land use evolution, and soil and water conservation techniques. ScenaLand also includes a framework to develop narratives along with two priority axes (contextualized to environmental protection vs. land productivity in this study). In the context of this research project, four contrasting scenarios are proposed: S1 (business-as-usual), S2 (market-oriented), S3 (environmental protection), and S4 (sustainable). Land use maps are then built with the creation of LUM allocation rules based on agroecological zoning. ScenaLand resulted in a robust and easy method to apply with the creation of 24 contrasted scenarios. These scenarios come not only with narratives but also with spatially explicit maps that are potentially used by impact modellers and other end-users. The last part of our study discusses the way the method can be implemented including a comparison between sites and the possibilities to implement ScenaLand in other contexts.
Calcineurin Signalling in Astrocytes: From Pathology to Physiology and Control of Neuronal Functions
Authors: Lim Dmitry , Tapella Laura , Dematteis Giulia , Talmon Maria , Genazzani Armando A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractCalcineurin (CaN), a Ca2+/calmodulin-activated serine/threonine phosphatase, acts as a Ca2+-sensitive switch regulating cellular functions through protein dephosphorylation and activation of gene transcription. In astrocytes, the principal homeostatic cells in the CNS, over-activation of CaN is known to drive pathological transcriptional remodelling, associated with neuroinflammation in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and brain trauma. Recent reports suggest that, in physiological conditions, the activity of CaN in astrocytes is transcription-independent and is required for maintenance of basal protein synthesis rate and activation of astrocytic Na+/K+ pump thereby contributing to neuronal functions such as neuronal excitability and memory formation. In this contribution we overview the role of Ca2+ and CaN signalling in astroglial pathophysiology focusing on the emerging physiological role of CaN in astrocytes. We propose a model for the context-dependent switch of CaN activity from the post-transcriptional regulation of cell proteostasis in healthy astrocytes to the CaN-dependent transcriptional activation in neuroinflammation-associated diseases.
Levoketoconazole in the treatment of patients with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal study (LOGICS)
Authors: Pivonello Rosario , Zacharieva Sabina , Elenkova Atanaska , Tóth Miklós , Shimon Ilan , Stigliano Antonio , Badiu Corin , Brue Thierry , Georgescu Carmen Emanuela , Tsagarakis Stylianos , Cohen Fredric , Fleseriu Maria 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The efficacy of levoketoconazole for endogenous Cushing’s syndrome was demonstrated in a phase 3, open-label study (SONICS). This study (LOGICS) evaluated drug-specificity of cortisol normalization.

Methods
LOGICS was a phase 3, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal study with open-label titration-maintenance (14–19 weeks) followed by double-blind, randomized-withdrawal (~ 8 weeks), and restoration (~ 8 weeks) phases.

Results
79 patients received levoketoconazole during titration-maintenance; 39 patients on a stable dose (~ 4 weeks or more) proceeded to randomization. These and 5 SONICS completers who did not require dose titration were randomized to levoketoconazole (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22). All patients with loss of response (the primary endpoint) met the prespecified criterion of mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) > 1.5 × upper limit of normal. During randomized-withdrawal, 21 patients withdrawn to placebo (95.5%) lost mUFC response compared with 9 patients continuing levoketoconazole (40.9%); treatment difference: − 54.5% (95% CI − 75.7, − 27.4; P = 0.0002). At the end of randomized-withdrawal, mUFC normalization was observed among 11 (50.0%) patients receiving levoketoconazole and 1 (4.5%) receiving placebo; treatment difference: 45.5% (95% CI 19.2, 67.9; P = 0.0015). Restoration of levoketoconazole reversed loss of cortisol control in most patients who had received placebo. Adverse events were reported in 89% of patients during treatment with levoketoconazole (dose-titration, randomized-withdrawal, and restoration phases combined), most commonly nausea (29%) and hypokalemia (26%). Prespecified adverse events of special interest with levoketoconazole were liver-related (10.7%), QT interval prolongation (10.7%), and adrenal insufficiency (9.5%).

Conclusions
Levoketoconazole reversibly normalized urinary cortisol in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. No new risks of levoketoconazole treatment were identified.
Continuous monitoring of chlorophyll a fluorescence and microclimatic conditions reveals warming-induced physiological damage in biocrust-forming lichens
Authors: Raggio José , Pescador David S. , Gozalo Beatriz , Ochoa Victoria , Valencia Enrique , Sancho Leopoldo G. , Maestre Fernando T. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Biocrust communities, which are important regulators of multiple ecosystem functions in drylands, are highly sensitive to climate change. There is growing evidence of the negative impacts of warming on the performance of biocrust constituents like lichens in the field. Here, we aim to understand the physiological basis behind this pattern.

Methods
Using a unique manipulative climate change experiment, we monitored every 30 minutes and for 9 months the chlorophyll a fluorescence and microclimatic conditions (lichen surface temperature, relative moisture and photosynthetically active radiation) of Psora decipiens, a key biocrust constituent in drylands worldwide. This long-term monitoring resulted in 11,847 records at the thallus-level, which allowed us to evaluate the impacts of ~2.3 °C simulated warming treatment on the physiology of Psora at an unprecedented level of detail.

Results
Simulated warming and the associated decrease in relative moisture promoted by this treatment negatively impacted the physiology of Psora, especially during the diurnal period of the spring, when conditions are warmer and drier. These impacts were driven by a mechanism based on the reduction of the length of the periods allowing net photosynthesis, and by declines in Yield and Fv/Fm under simulated warming.

Conclusion
Our study reveals the physiological basis explaining observed negative impacts of ongoing global warming on biocrust-forming lichens in the field. The functional response observed could limit the growth and cover of biocrust-forming lichens in drylands in the long-term, negatively impacting in key soil attributes such as biogeochemical cycles, water balance, biological activity and ability of controlling erosion.
Assessing Economic Feasibility of Managed Aquifer Recharge Schemes: Evidence from Cost-benefit Analysis in Poland
Authors: Halytsia Olha , Vrachioli Maria , Janik Krzysztof , Sitek Sławomir , Wojtal Grzegorz , Imig Anne , Rein Arno , Sauer Johannes 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe accelerated growth of water demand globally calls for promising solutions in the field of water management. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems are among the solutions that are capable of increasing water supply and improving water quality through natural attenuation processes. Along with hydrogeologic considerations and institutional feasibility assessments, economic analysis is essential when evaluating MAR projects. This study is the first one to provide an economic feasibility assessment of a MAR scheme in Poland by performing a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) combined with a contingent valuation study to identify the willingness-to-pay, sensitivity analysis to address uncertainty regarding the realisation of benefits and costs together with expert assessment of socio-economic risks associated with the MAR scheme implementation. The results suggest that the total economic value of the MAR scheme’s extension (which includes both use and non-use benefits) exceeds the costs of putting this system in place and maintaining it. This paper can contribute to the existing literature as a practical example providing the base for economic assessment and policy considerations of future sustainable water management projects.
Bishop parameter $$\chi $$ from static equilibrium
Authors: Niemunis Andrzej 
Published: September 2022

AbstractFor unsaturated soils, Terzaghi’s effective stress $$\sigma = \sigma ^\mathrm{tot}- u$$

σ
=

σ
tot

-
u

has been generalized by Bishop to the form $$\sigma ^B = \sigma ^\mathrm{tot}- \chi u$$

σ
B

=

σ
tot

-
χ
u

. Factor $$\chi $$
χ
, for example $$\chi (S) \approx S$$

χ
(
S
)
≈
S

, takes into account the degree of saturation S. However, $$\sigma ^B$$

σ
B

is unable to characterize strength and deformation of soil unless applied with suction. A new stress $$\sigma ^E = \sigma ^\mathrm{tot}- \chi ^E u$$

σ
E

=

σ
tot

-

χ
E

u

with $$ \chi ^E(S,n) $$

χ
E

(
S
,
n
)

is proposed. It is likewise insufficient if applied without suction, but it has (at least) a clear physical meaning: $$\sigma ^E$$

σ
E

represents contact forces between grains in the static equilibrium in the same manner as the effective stress does in saturated soils. All grains must be entirely surrounded by free or capillary water.
A discretization method for nonlocal diffusion type equations
Authors: Mezzanotte Domenico , Occorsio Donatella , Russo Maria Grazia , Venturino Ezio 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this paper we consider a numerical scheme for the treatment of an integro-differential equation. The latter represents the formulation of a nonlocal diffusion type equation. The discretization procedure relies on the application of the line method. However, quadrature formulae are needed for the evaluation of the integral operator. They are based on generalized Bernstein polynomials. Numerical evidence shows that the proposed method is a suitable and reliable approach for the problem.
Existence result and approximation of an optimal control problem for the Perona–Malik equation
Authors: Kogut Peter , Kohut Yaroslav , Manzo Rosanna 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe discuss some optimal control problem for the evolutionary Perona–Malik equations with the Neumann boundary condition. The control variable v is taken as a distributed control. The optimal control problem is to minimize the discrepancy between a given distribution $$u_d\in L^2(\Omega )$$

u
d

∈

L
2

(
Ω
)

and the current system state. Since we cannot expect to have a solution of the original boundary value problem for each admissible control, we make use of a variant of its approximation using the model with fictitious control in coefficients of the principle elliptic operator. We introduce a special family of regularized optimization problems for linear parabolic equations and show that each of these problems is consistent, well-posed, and their solutions allow to attain (in the limit) an optimal solution of the original problem as the parameter of regularization tends to zero.
Generalisation in students with autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory study of strategies
Authors: Goñi-Cervera J. , Cañadas M. C. , Polo-Blanco I. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGeneralisation is a skill that enables learners to acquire knowledge in general, and mathematical knowledge in particular. It is a core aspect of algebraic thinking and, in particular, of functional thinking, as a type of algebraic thinking. Introducing primary school children to functional thinking fosters their ability to generalise, explain and reason with mathematical relationships. It also helps them overcome difficulties in understanding functions when they are exposed to the idea more formally in secondary education. Although more and more special education students are enrolled in mainstream schools, little is known about algebraic thinking in that community, especially in the case of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Students with ASD often exhibit deficits that interfere directly with mathematical learning. The study discussed here, which was conducted in the context of algebraic reasoning, was aimed primarily at identifying and describing the strategies and representations observed in 26 ASD primary education students when performing a task that involved a linear function, and describing the generalisations they performed. The 26 participants were enrolled in 19 mainstream Spanish schools. The tools used, a questionnaire and semi-structured interview, were designed to explore their ability to generalise in a problem involving the functionf(x) = 2x + 2. The strategies identified included: (a) bald answering; (b) modelling with manipulatives; (c) drawing; (d) counting and (e) operating. The strategy most frequently observed was operating, represented verbally or symbolically, followed by drawing. Only three students generalised but did not reach the highest level of functional thinking, namely, ‘functions as objects’. The results are compared with findings for mainstream students of similar ages. Conjectures around the possible relationships between some findings and the type of thinking characteristic of autism spectrum disorder are put forward. The results carry implications for research with and teaching of students with ASD.
Comparison of 5- and 6-membered cyclic carbonate-polyisocyanate adducts for high performance coatings
Authors: Seithümmer Julia , Knospe Philipp , Reichmann René , Gutmann Jochen S. , Hoffmann-Jacobsen Kerstin , Dornbusch Michael 
Published: September 2022

AbstractNowadays, coatings need to fulfill a variety of requirements such as having excellent mechanical, chemical, and optical properties at low baking temperatures. On a large scale, polyisocyanates, amines or melamines are used as crosslinking agents in the coatings industry. In this work, a new self-crosslinking agent based on a hydroxy functional 6-membered carbonate with high ring tension and thus presumably lower baking temperature was synthesized and the behavior as self-crosslinking agent was compared to the crosslinking agent derived from the commercially available 5-membered glycerol carbonate. The hydroxy functional 6-membered carbonate monomer was synthesized enzymatically under mild reaction conditions from commercially available substances, linked to a hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer and self-polymerized afterward. NMR- and IR-spectroscopy and GC-MS analysis were found to be suitable techniques to characterize monomers and crosslinking agents. DSC measurements were performed to evaluate appropriate reaction parameters for the attachment reaction of the 6-membered cyclic carbonate to the polyisocyanate without ring opening. The progress of self-crosslinking has been followed by characteristic changes in IR spectra as well as time and temperature-dependent changes of storage and loss modulus while oscillating rheological crosslinking. Furthermore, glass transition temperatures of the resulting coating films are determined, and sol gel analysis was performed to estimate the degree of crosslinking. After application on steel, aluminum and glass plates application tests were performed. In addition to excellent mechanical and chemical properties, the coating film showed good adhesion to the surface and was colorless. Combining these properties with relatively low baking temperatures, 6-membered cyclic carbonate crosslinking agents could represent a new technology for the coatings industry.
Understanding the Development of Self-Regulated Learning: An Intervention Study to Promote Self-Regulated Learning in Vocational Schools
Authors: Mejeh Mathias , Held Tanja 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSelf-regulated learning (SRL) provides the foundation for building sustainable knowledge and is therefore important for schools, classrooms, and lifelong learning in general. Especially in vocational education and training, the concept of SRL remains fundamental as it relates to preparing future employees. However, further research is needed on how vocational students situationally regulate their learning process and the extent to which this may be related to a dispositional change in their SRL. In this study, we analyzed longitudinal questionnaire data from 159 students who attended either SRL-conducive or regular vocational classes. We refer to Perry and colleagues' (2018) framework of an SRL-conducive learning environment, which focuses on (meta)cognitive, motivational, and emotional aspects of learning. Using multilevel analysis, we found differences in the development of (meta)cognitive components of learning, whereas no clear differences could be identified for motivational and emotional components. The results support the assumption that process analyses can be used to draw a more differentiated picture of SRL in vocational schools. Moreover, indirect approaches to promoting SRL should be designed to include all SRL-relevant aspects.
Genetic variation in FOXP3 and ROR-γ genes in pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients: correlation with associated cytokines
Authors: El-maadawy Eman A. , Bakry Rania M. , Moussa Mohamed M. , El-Naby Sobhy Hasab , Talaat Roba M. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
FOXP3 and ROR-γ genes are master regulators of the Treg and Th17 differentiation, respectively. This work was planned to investigate the impact of FOXP3 (rs3761548C/A and rs3761549C/T) and ROR-γ (rs9017A/G & rs9826A/G) gene polymorphism on the vulnerability of pediatric Egyptians to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of these genetic variations on Treg/Th17-related cytokines.

Methods
FOXP3 SNPs were genotyped using PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), while ROR-γ SNPs polymorphism were performed by PCR-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP). An Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the levels of Treg/Th17 associated cytokines on 128 ALL children and 124 healthy donors.

Results
Compared to controls, patients had a significant increase (p < 0.01/p < 0.05) in FOXP3rs3761548CC genotype and a significant decrease (p < 0.001/p < 0.01) inrs3761548CA genotype. A significant elevation (p < 0.001/p < 0.01) in ROR-γ rs9017AA genotype and a significant reduction (p < 0.01/p < 0.05) in rs9017AG genotype were detected in ALL patients versus controls. An insignificant change in FOXP3 (rs3761549C/T) and ROR-γ (rs9826A/G) genotypes was demonstrated between both groups. ROR-γ GG and GA haplotypes were significantly decreased (p < 0.05/p < 0.05; p < 0.05/p < 0.05) in ALL subjects compared to healthy ones. Relapsed patients had a significantly higher (p < 0.05/P < 0.05) frequency of FOXP3 rs3761548CA genotype than non-relapsed subjects. ROR-γ rs9017AG and rs9826GG genotypes might be associated with the increase in IL-23 plasma level.

Conclusions
Our preliminary data provided evidence for the impact ofFOXP3 (rs3761548C/A) and ROR-γ (rs9017A/G) gene polymorphisms and the occurrence of ALL in Egyptian children. Another large-scale prospective study should be conducted to validate these findings.
A multi-task learning-based generative adversarial network for red tide multivariate time series imputation
Authors: Xu Longfei , Xu Lingyu , Yu Jie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRed tide data are typical multivariate time series (MTS) and complete data help analyze red tide more conveniently. However, missing values due to artificial or accidental events hinder further analysis of red tide phenomenon. Generative adversarial network (GAN) is effective in capturing distribution of MTS while the imputation performance is far from satisfactory, especially in conditions of high missing rate. One of the remaining open challenges is that common GAN-based imputation methods usually lack the ability to excavate implicit correlations between different attributions and downstream tasks, from which advanced latent information about missing values can be mined to improve imputation performance. To deal with the problem, a novel multi-task learning-based generative adversarial imputation network (MTGAIN) is proposed by introducing the prediction task into GAN to unearth more detailed information about missing values to better model distribution of red tide MTS. Furthermore, the homoscedastic uncertainty of multiple tasks is exploited to balance the weights of losses between generation and prediction tasks. The experiments conducted on a real-world dataset demonstrate that MTGAIN outperforms existing methods in terms of imputation and post-imputation performances, especially in conditions of high missing rate.
Experimental investigation of WEDM process parameters on properties of bronze particles using the Taguchi method
Authors: Zhao Xingke , Fu Jian , Zhao Zenglei 
Published: September 2022

AbstractElectrical discharge erosion in liquid media is a simple, effective technique to generate multi-scale metallic particles. An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the main machining parameters which contribute to particle size (PS) and size distribution (SD) in WEDM of bronze. Five factors, including three-level built-in processing patterns, wire speed and dielectric medium, are selected as control parameters using an orthogonal array L16(45) Taguchi method, PS and SD of produced powders are the measure of quality. The goal is to obtain micron-scale spherical metal powder with uniform particle size. Results show that cutting-section pattern is the most significant factor, and the electrolyte is the least. The PS and SD performance of the optimized powders is significantly improved by using Taguchi method. Spherical bronze powder with particle size of d10 11.05 μm, d50 31.13 μm and d90 67.48 μm are prepared using the optimized WEDM process parameter, which is A3–B4–C3–D1–E1 including dielectric medium water, cutting class 4, cutting division 3, cutting Sect. 1 and wire speed 200 μm/s. The research confirms that WEDM can be used to produce micron-scale metallic powders, providing cheap and high-quality metallic powders for the metal additive manufacturing industry.