bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financing water investment for global sustainable development: Challenges, innovation, and governance strategies
Authors: Jiang Yong 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWater is central to sustainable development as established in the official report of the High Level Panel on Water of the United Nations and World Bank. Such strategic importance of water justifies global demand for investment from all sources in the water sector to not only provide much needed infrastructure but also enhance the capacity of management and governance necessary to cope with complex water problems and risks, particularly under changing conditions characterized by climate change, urbanization, and environmental degradation. Yet, how to finance the investment need to build a strong water sector for sustainability is a practical question that has been gaining wide attention globally. This paper synthesizes current knowledge and understanding of water investment finance. It examines and characterizes water finance and challenges, encompassing economics and practice of financing water investment needs, the commonly considered finance model, and barriers for water finance in relation to the unique features of water investment needs and the water sector. It introduces some promising practices adopted or advocated to address the financing challenges, and highlights key governance and institutional strategies to help bridge the funding gap in the water sector. Based on the synthesis, the paper offers some discussion on the water finance issue in the end. This paper hopes to connect academia and development practice to stimulate communication while informing policy and management reform to better promote financing water investment for sustainability.
Iodine‐Catalysed Synthesis of β‐Carboline Tethered α‐Amino Amidines Through Ugi‐Type Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Vaishali  , Jamra Rahul , Deepika  , Kumar Sunit , Singh Virender 
Published: September 2022

AbstractA simple and efficient iodine catalysed protocol has been unfolded for the synthesis of novel β‐carboline C1‐linked α‐amino amidines via one‐pot assembly of 1‐formyl β‐carbolines (Kumujian C analogues), anilines and isocyanides. This domino strategy proceeds through the formation of three C−N bonds in a single operation. The advantageous features of the developed methodology include one‐pot synthesis, operational simplicity, high atom economy, broad substrate scope, multicomponent character, easy purification procedure (no column chromatography) and applicability towards gram scale synthesis. The scope of strategy has been demonstrated with the construction of a library of 32 novel β‐carboline tethered α‐amino amidines having three points of diversity.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Hydrogen‐Donating Abilities ofAmines and Amides in Acetonitrile
Authors: Fu Yan‐Hua , Wang Zhen , Zhang Yanwei , Shen Guang‐Bin , Zhu Xiao‐Qing 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this article, the thermo‐kinetic parameter ΔG≠°(XH) was used to evaluate the H‐donating ability of amine and amide. The second‐order rate constants of 41 HAT reactions from amines and amides to CumO⋅ in acetonitrile at 298 K were researched. The thermo‐kinetic parameters of 28 amines and 13 amides XH were obtained by the kinetic equation as ΔG≠°(CumO⋅)=−41.63 kcal/mol was available in previous work. The scales of the H‐donating abilities of these 28 amines and 13 amides were determined by using the thermo‐kinetic parameters ΔG≠°(XH). The H‐donating abilities of amines are stronger than amides, except for two amines without α‐C−H. The influencing factors of hydrogen donation abilities and the explanation for the HAT reaction sites for amides and amines are discussed from the direction of thermodynamics and kinetics in detail.. The hydrogen donation ability is determined by the combination of thermodynamic bond dissociation free energy ΔGo(XH) and kinetic intrinsic resistance energy ΔG≠XH/X, that is the thermo‐kinetic parameter ΔG≠°(XH). The H‐donating abilities of these amines and amides were compared with four bioactive antioxidants, NADH coenzyme analogue BNAH, F420H and Vitamin C and E. The results showed that these amines and amides are all weak H‐donors.
Prognosis of compressive strength of fly‐ash‐based geopolymer‐modified sustainable concrete with ML algorithms
Authors: Kumar Aman , Arora Harish Chandra , Kapoor Nishant Raj , Kumar Krishna 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSustainable concrete is the demand of the present era to reduce carbon emissions. Fly‐ash‐based geopolymer (FLAG) concrete has been used in the construction industry for more than one and a half decades. The compressive strength (CS) of concrete plays a crucial role in the mechanical properties of concrete. Laboratory experiments take a huge amount of time and cost to estimate the CS of concrete. Although analytical methods exist to estimate the CS of concrete, but these models cannot forecast the CS of concrete with better precision due to the complexity of the design mixes. The machine learning (ML)‐based models have been helpful in estimating the CS of concrete with high accuracy and reliability. In this article, four ML algorithms (support vector machine [SVM], linear regression [LR], ensemble learning [EL], and Gaussian process regression [GPR]) and three optimized ML algorithms (EL, SVM, and GPR) have been used to estimate the CS of FLAG concrete. The R‐value of LR, EL, SVMR, GPR, optimized EL, optimized SVMR and optimized GPR models are 0.8916, 0.9172, 0.9313, 0.9529, 0.9459, 0.9348 and 0.9590, respectively. The accuracy of the optimized GPR model with an R‐value of 0.9590 and RMSE value of 1.7132 MPa outperformed all other ML models. The performances of all the developed models have been illustrated through Taylor diagram and error plot. The feature importance of the input parameters has been explained with the explainable ML technique. The developed, optimized GPR model can be reliable tool to estimate the CS with greater accuracy and also reducing time and cost.
Predicting student science achievement using post‐unit assessment performances in a coherent high school chemistry project‐based learning system
Authors: He Peng , Chen I‐Chien , Touitou Israel , Bartz Kayla , Schneider Barbara , Krajcik Joseph 
Published: September 2022

AbstractStudent science proficiency development demands sustainable and coherent learning environment support. Scholars argue that project‐based learning (PBL) is an efficient approach to promoting student science learning, compared to conventional instructions. Yet, few studies have delved into the learning process to explore how a coherent PBL system consisting of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning promotes student learning. To address the gap, this study investigated whether students' science proficiency on the three post‐unit assessments predicted their achievement on a third‐party‐designed end‐of‐year summative science test in a coherent high school chemistry PBL system aligned with the recent US science standards. The study employed a cluster randomized experimental design to test an intervention using our PBL system and only used data from the treatment group. The sample consisted of 1344 treatment students who participated in our PBL intervention and underwent the pretest and end‐of‐year summative test. Students' responses to the three post‐unit assessments were selected and rated to indicate their science proficiency. Two‐level hierarchical linear models were employed to explore the effects of students' performances of three post‐unit assessments on their end‐of‐year summative achievement, considering and controlling for student prior knowledge (i.e., pretest and prior post‐unit assessments). This study suggests two main findings. First, students' science proficiency in the three units could cumulatively and individually predict their summative science achievement. Second, students' performances on the two types of tasks (i.e., developing and using models) in the three post‐unit assessments could also be used to predict their summative science achievement. This research contributes to the field by showing that a coherent standards‐aligned PBL system can significantly and sustainably impact student science proficiency development.
Ulcerative colitis: Impact of early disease clearance on long‐term outcomes ‐ A multicenter cohort study
Authors: D’Amico Ferdinando , Fiorino Gionata , Solitano Virginia , Massarini Eugenia , Guillo Lucas , Allocca Mariangela , Furfaro Federica , Zilli Alessandra , Bonovas Stefanos , Magro Fernando , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundClinical remission and endoscopic mucosal healing are the main treatment targets in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Recently, the concept of disease clearance has been proposed as a potential target in UC.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the impact of disease clearance on long‐term outcomes in UC patients.MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Humanitas Research Hospital‐IRCCS (Italy) and at the Nancy University Hospital (France) between 2014 and 2021. Disease clearance in UC was defined as simultaneous clinical (partial‐Mayo score ≤2), endoscopic (endoscopic‐Mayo score = 0), and histological (Nancy index = 0) remission, and patients were monitored over a long‐time follow‐up (≥12 months), to compare the occurrence of negative outcomes.ResultsA total of 494 patients with UC was included in the study (269, 54.4% males). Disease clearance was present in 109 patients (22.1%) at baseline. Median follow up was 24 months. Patients with disease clearance were associated to a significantly lower risk of UC‐related hospitalization compared with the control group (5.5% vs. 23.1%; p < 0.001) at last observation. Similarly, a lower rate of surgeries was detected in patients with disease clearance at baseline compared with those without (1.8% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.003). The Kaplan Meier curves confirmed that patients with disease clearance at baseline had a lower risk of hospitalization (log‐rank p < 0.0001) and surgery (log‐rank p < 0.00095).ConclusionIn UC patients with early disease clearance are at significant lower risk for hospitalization and surgery. Disease clearance should be considered as a new composite outcome.
Entomological survey of the potential vectors of Rift Valley fever virus and absence of detection of the virus genome from the vectors in various niches in the southern half of the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Jaleta Megarsa Bedasa , Tefera Mehari , Negussie Haileleul , Mulatu Tesfaye , Berhe Tsega , Belete Fasika , Yalew Bekele , Gizaw Oda , Dabasa Golo , Abunna Fufa , Regassa Fikru , Amenu Kebede , Leta Samson 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundRift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is the cause of one of the most important mosquito‐borne emerging diseases negatively affecting the health of humans and animals, particularly in Africa. In Ethiopia, the status of RVFV and the existence of potential vectors are unknown.ObjectivesThis study aimed to survey the mosquito vectors of RVFV and the detection of the virus in selected sites (Batu, Hawassa, Arba Minch and Borana) in Ethiopia.MethodsCDC light traps baited with the sugar‐yeast solution were set up at various locations for a total of 29 trap nights. Mosquitoes identification were made morphologically using a stereomicroscope and for RVFV detection by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).ResultsAmong a total of 132 trap efforts conducted, 60 (45%) captured the mosquitoes. A total of 1576 adult mosquitoes were collected and identified. Including Aedes (n = 407; 25.8%), Anopheles (n = 493; 32.3%), Culex (n = 466; 29.6%) and Mansonia (n = 210; 13.32%). The genome material of RVFV was not detected by RT‐PCR.ConclusionsThe existence of a potential Aedes species may pose a risk for the occurrence of the RVF outbreak in Ethiopia. Based on the current study, we recommend further monitoring for potential mosquito vectors of RVFV, particularly with a view to targeting the seasons during which the mosquitoes can be abundant along with a serological survey of susceptible hosts.
Consumer Ratings and Their Role in Improving Vehicle Safety
Authors: van Ratingen Michiel R. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSafety ratings for cars, published by New Car Assessment Programmes (NCAPs) around the world, have mobilized consumers and enabled them to make a more intelligent, better-informed buying decision based on a car’s crash test performance. Consumer ratings involve comprehensive, objective, and realistic crash testing of cars, and the application of best-practice, consumer-oriented criteria and thresholds to promote safety enhancements beyond the legal requirements. Over time, the New Car Assessment Programmes have tailored their crash tests to focus on real-world priorities in the protection of car occupants and vulnerable road users. They have also successfully incorporated the assessment of new crash avoidance technologies, such as autonomous braking systems, in the ratings. All of this has made NCAP a driving force behind many improvements in the safety of vehicles throughout the world and a key instrument in reaching vision zero.
Analysis of the Future Change in Frequency of Tropical Cyclone-Related Impacts Due to Compound Extreme Events
Authors: Harr Patrick A. , Jordi Antoni , Madaus Luke 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTropical cyclone-related hazards are often comprised of compound, connected events that individually amplify the total impacts. Often, hazard risk assessments focus on one factor rather than the compound nature of multiple forcing mechanisms. It is possible that extreme event analysis in a univariate context may underestimate the probabilities and impacts of extreme events. In this study, a framework addresses multivariate analysis of risk due to compound hazards related to tropical cyclone characteristics. Combinations of observations and simulations are used to identify possible frequencies of annual chance extreme events forced via connected individual events. The framework emphasizes the statistical dependence of multiple physical variables that contribute to extreme compound events when individual events are not extreme.To make the analysis clear, specific locations are analyzed using both univariate and a joint analysis. The joint analysis is conducted using copula functions to remove the restriction that marginal distributions need come from the same family of probability functions. The primary results suggest that univariate and joint return periods for key tropical cyclone-related hazards could shorten in the future and univariate frequency analysis may underestimate the magnitude of the extreme events because the univariate analyses do not account for the dependence structure between the paired environmental factors.
Development of a Simple, Open-Source Hurricane Wind Risk Model for Bermuda with a Sensitivity Test on Decadal Variability
Authors: Loizou Pinelopi , Guishard Mark , Mayall Kevin , Vidale Pier Luigi , Hodges Kevin I. , Dierer Silke 
Published: September 2022

AbstractA hurricane-catastrophe model was developed for assessing risk associated with hurricane winds for Bermuda by combining observational knowledge with property value and exposure information. The sensitivity of hurricane wind risk to decadal variability of events was tested. The historical record of hurricanes passing within 185 km of Bermuda was created using IBTrACS. A representative exposure dataset of property values was developed by obtaining recent governmental Annual Rental Value data, while Miller et al. (Weather Forecast 28:159–174, 2013) provided a vulnerability relationship between increasing winds and damage. With a probabilistic approach, new events for 10,000 years were simulated for three different scenarios using (1) the complete record of annual TC counts; (2) two high-frequency periods and; (3) two low-frequency periods. Exceedance probability curves were constructed from event loss tables, focusing on aggregating annual losses from damaging events. Expected losses of low-frequency scenarios were less than losses of high-frequency scenarios or when the whole historical record was used. This framework suffers from uncertainties due to different assumptions and biases within IBTrACS. Small data sizes limit our ability to conduct a formal model validation and results should be interpreted in this context. In the future, sensitivity tests on the different components of the model will be performed.
The new progress in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Shimu Ajmeri Sultana , Wei Hua-xing , Li Qiangsheng , Zheng Xucai , Li Bofeng 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe cross talk between immune and non-immune cells in the tumor microenvironment leads to immunosuppression, which promotes tumor growth and survival. Immunotherapy is an advanced treatment that boosts humoral and cellular immunity rather than using chemotherapy or radiation-based strategy associated with non-specific targets and toxic effects on normal cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and T cell-based immunotherapy have already exhibited significant effects against solid tumors and leukemia. Tumor cells that escape immune surveillance create a major obstacle to acquiring an effective immune response in cancer patients. Tremendous progress had been made in recent years on a wide range of innate and adaptive immune checkpoints which play a significant role to prevent tumorigenesis, and might therefore be potential targets to suppress tumor cells growth. This review aimed to summarize the underlying molecular mechanisms of existing immunotherapy approaches including T cell and NK-derived immune checkpoint therapy, as well as other intrinsic and phagocytosis checkpoints. Together, these insights will pave the way for new innate and adaptive immunomodulatory targets for the development of highly effective new therapy in the future.
Comparison of single tree detection methods to extract support trees for cable road planning
Authors: Ramstein Laura , Bont Leo G. , Ginzler Christian , Schweier Janine 
Published: September 2022

AbstractFor the provision of various ecosystem services in steep terrain, such as protection against natural hazards, a forest must be managed, which often requires the use of cable yarders. The design of a cable road is a complex and demanding task that also includes the search for appropriate support and anchor trees. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether and with what reliability potential support trees for cable yarding can be detected using remote sensing data. The detection of potential support trees was tested using 48 method combinations on 10 test plots of the Experimental Forest Management project in cable yarder terrain in the Swiss Alps in the Canton of Grisons. The most suitable method combinations used a Gaussian filter and a local maxima algorithm. On average, they had an extraction rate of 108.9–124.5% (root mean square, RMS) and a mean commission error of 66.0–67.2% (RMS). The correctly detected trees deviated horizontally by an average of 1.8 to 1.9 m from the position of the reference trees. The difference in tree heights was 1.1 to 1.6 m. However, for the application of single tree detection to support cable road planning in steep and complex terrain, too few potential support trees were detected. Nonetheless, the accuracy of the extracted tree parameters would already be sufficient for cable road planning.
Bringing Excitement to Empirical Business Ethics Research: Thoughts on the Future of Business Ethics
Authors: Babalola Mayowa T. , Bal Matthijs , Cho Charles H. , Garcia-Lorenzo Lucia , Guedhami Omrane , Liang Hao , Shailer Greg , van Gils Suzanne 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTo commemorate 40 years since the founding of the Journal of Business Ethics, the editors-in-chief of the journal have invited the editors to provide commentaries on the future of business ethics. This essay comprises a selection of commentaries aimed at creating dialog around the theme Bringing Excitement to Empirical Business Ethics Research (inspired by the title of the commentary by Babalola and van Gils). These editors, considering the diversity of empirical approaches in business ethics, envisage a future in which quantitative business ethics research is more bold and innovative, as well as reflexive about its techniques, and dialog between quantitative and qualitative research nourishes the enrichment of both. In their commentary, Babalola and van Gils argue that leadership research has stagnated with the use of too narrow a range of perspectives and methods and too many overlapping concepts. They propose that novel insights could be achieved by investigating the lived experience of leadership (through interviews, document analysis, archival data); by focusing on topics of concern to society; by employing different personal, philosophical, or cultural perspectives; and by turning the lens on the heroic leader (through “dark-side” and follower studies). Taking a provocative stance, Bal and Garcia-Lorenzo argue that we need radical voices in current times to enable a better understanding of the psychology underlying ethical transformations. Psychology can support business ethics by not shying away from grander ideas, going beyond the margins of “unethical behaviors harming the organization” and expanding the range of lenses used to studying behavior in context. In the arena of finance and business ethics, Guedhami, Liang, and Shailer emphasize novel data sets and innovative methods. Significantly, they stress that an understanding the intersection of finance and ethics is central to business ethics; financial equality and inclusion are persistent socio-economic and political concerns that are not always framed as ethics issues, yet relevant business policies and practices manifest ethical values. Finally, Charles Cho offers his opinion on the blurry line between the “ethical” versus “social” or “critical” aspects of accounting papers. The Journal of Business Ethics provides fertile ground for innovative, even radical, approaches to quantitative methods (see Zyphur and Pierides in J Bus Ethics 143(1):1–16, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-017-3549-8, 2017), as part of a broad goal of ethically reflecting on empirical research.