bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medición de la vulnerabilidad financiera en organizaciones de la Economía Social y Solidaria: el caso de las universidades chilenas
Authors: Díaz Ramos Alejandro
Published: December 2024

Mediante este estudio se han determinado cuantitativamente los niveles de vulnerabilidad financiera  que caracterizan a las universidades que conforman el sistema de educación superior chileno. La  motivación del estudio se encuentra en las implicancias sociales que conllevan tanto el deterioro  financiero como el eventual cierre de las instituciones universitarias, fenómeno que ya ha causado la clausura de algunas entidades en Chile, teniendo como resultado un fuerte impacto en el bienestar tanto de estudiantes como académicos. El trabajo se basa en la aplicación del modelo propuesto por Trussel (2002), el cual se desarrolló a partir de una regresión con variable dependiente categórica tipo “Logit”, implementado sobre información financiera de entidades no lucrativas. Para los propósitos de esta investigación, el modelo de Trussel se aplicó sobre la información contenida en los estados financieros auditados anuales de las universidades chilenas reportada entre los años 2014 al 2021. Los resultados del estudio muestran que en general las universidades han mantenido su nivel de vulnerabilidad a lo largo del tiempo, esto a pesar de que el número de entidades vulnerables ha disminuido en el periodo analizado. Particularmente, se observa que a partir del año 2016 la mayoría de las entidades disminuye la probabilidad de enfrentar vulnerabilidades financieras, hecho que coincide con la implementación de la política pública relacionada con el sistema de acceso gratuito a la educación superior.
El programa Leader ante la necesidad de impulsar una estrategia de desarrollo más compartida y participativa. Conclusiones derivadas del ejemplo vasco
Authors: Alberdi Collantes Juan Cruz
Published: December 2024

En líneas generales, los investigadores respaldan el progreso de la iniciativa Leader, incluso aquellos más críticos, reconociendo que pocos programas públicos han logrado resultados tan positivos para el desarrollo rural. Sin embargo, en el caso del País Vasco, que se caracteriza por tener un único grupo que abarca todo su territorio, se observa un programa desprovisto de una estrategia de desarrollo rural clara y supervisado por entidades públicas. A través de conversaciones con diversos actores, se constata que la estrategia promovida está fuertemente limitada por la intervención de la  administración, no aborda los desafíos que enfrenta cada territorio ni garantiza la participación de la población local en su diseño e implementación. En contraste, los grupos de acción local en el resto de España se presentan como más receptivos a la participación local y disfrutan de autonomía para definir las líneas de acción. La investigación sugiere elegir un ámbito territorial más coherente y propone el nivel provincial como el más adecuado, abogando por la creación de tres grupos de acción local en el País Vasco. Esto podría fomentar un consenso más sólido en torno a la estrategia a implementar, impulsar la colaboración entre diversos grupos que operan en cada territorio y facilitar la elaboración de una Estrategia de Desarrollo Local más participativa y accesible para la población local.
Determinantes de la integración de los productores agrarios en cooperativas agroalimentarias: El caso de la Región de Murcia
Authors: Sánchez Navarro Jorge Luis , López Becerra Erasmo Isidro , Hernández Espallardo Miguel , Arcas Lario Narciso
Published: December 2024

Las cooperativas agroalimentarias son fundamentales en la cohesión social de las zonas rurales, donde se concentran mayormente. Estas organizaciones no solo aumentan la competitividad de las explotaciones de sus socios, sino que también generan riqueza y empleo, ayudando a fijar población y combatir el despoblamiento rural. Este estudio analiza los factores que influyen en la decisión de los productores agrarios murcianos de ser o no socios de cooperativas. Para ello, se emplea un modelo de regresión Probit, basado en datos de una encuesta a 225 productores agrarios de la Región de Murcia, socios y no socios de cooperativas. Los resultados muestran que la dependencia económica del hogar en la agricultura, la preferencia por relaciones comerciales duraderas y la especialización en aceite o productos lácteos incrementan la probabilidad de pertenencia a una cooperativa. En cambio, la disponibilidad de alternativas de comercialización y una mayor aversión al riesgo la reducen. Este análisis aporta información valiosa para los gestores de cooperativas, organizaciones sectoriales y administraciones, al ofrecer un perfil de los productores agrarios que facilita el diseño de estrategias para captar socios y consolidar los existentes.
Refleksija – mācību stratēģija skolēna snieguma uzlabošanai pēc atgriezeniskās saites sniegšanas
Authors:   , Špehte Elita
Published: December 2024

Atgriezeniskās saites nodrošināšana ir neatņemama mācību procesa sastāvdaļa, kas nodrošina efektīvu mācīšanas procesu, tādēļ promocijas darba mērķis ir izstrādāt teorētiskajās atziņās pamatotu un pedagoģiskajā praksē aprobētu skolēna refleksijas mācīšanās procesa modeli pēc pedagoga atgriezeniskās saites sniegšanas mācību procesa pilnveidei. Darbā veikta atgriezeniskās saites un refleksijas teorētiskā analīze, kā arī to veidojošo elementu teorētisko aspektu analīze. Novērtējot refleksijas un atgriezeniskās saites ietekmi uz skolēnu mācīšanos un snieguma uzlabošanu, raksturoti pedagoģiskie priekšnosacījumi, kas nodrošina skolēnu refleksijas prakses izmantošanu mācību procesā, īstenota skolēna refleksijas mācīšanās procesa modeļa pēc pedagoga atgriezeniskās saites sniegšanas izstrāde un aprobācija. Darba rezultātus var izmantot gan skolās, gan augstskolās ne tikai Latvijā, bet arī citās Eiropas Savienības valstīs.
A simple approach to generate transgenic cell lines with high efficiency using CRISPR and flippase-mediated recombination
Authors: Sarma Sudipta , Kamat Rohan , Thomas Shiny C.
Published: December 2024

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) can be concocted to cleave any desired sequence in the genome. We combine its precision with the efficiency of flippase based homologous recombination (HR) to insert genes at a safe genomic locus like Adeno-associated virus integration site 1 (AAVS1) in seven different cell lines. Our approach involves the creation of an acceptor cell line tagged with flippase recognition target (FRT), which accelerates the generation of the desired transgenic cell line with a single-copy insertion at a specific locus. To create this acceptor cell line, we designed a series of guide RNAs (gRNAs) that recognize and cleave a specific sequence within the AAVS1 locus. These validated gRNAs were co-expressed with an FRT-tagging plasmid, which expresses reporter genes (fluorescence and/or antibiotic resistance) flanked by FRT-recombination and genomic sequences adjacent to the CRISPR site. This process resulted in the generation of an acceptor cell line tagged with FRT and reporter genes, using CRISPR-induced HR. Subsequently, a donor plasmid containing mCherry (our gene of interest/GOI) and reporter genes flanked by FRT was introduced into the acceptor cell line. This led to the insertion of the GOI and reporter genes in the tagged region at a neutral locus of the genome. Our strategy helps generate transgenic cell lines with precision, thereby offering a streamlined and efficient approach to genetic manipulation.
Boosting agronomic traits and enhancing water use efficiency in rice lines incorporated with qDTY3.1 and qDTY2.1
Authors: Palani Vignesh , Selvaraj Sunitha , Muthuswamy Karthika , Srinivasan Bharathkumar , Jagannathan Selvaraj , Mathanmohun Maghimaa
Published: December 2024

Continuously rising global temperature enhances drought stress in rain-fed low and upland areas by depleting the water level from the soil surface and plants by increasing the temperature of surface air. By this, seed formation is disturbed at the time of fertilization due to lack of enough water during flowering. Hence, the rate of grain yielding decreases significantly in drought susceptible rice genotypes. This study is to explore a rice variety ADT37 which is widely cultivated in the southern part of India incorporated with qDTY3.1 and qDTY2.1 linked with higher/ constant grain yield were evaluated under nonflooding conditions at field level during Rabi season of 2023–24 in Kandaswami Kandar’s College campus, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. Here, rice lines with an increased number of fertile seeds are linked with a higher growth rate of plant height, root length, flag leaf length and width, number of tillers, and total plant biomass but not with panicle length, dry weight of panicle, total number of seed, 1,000 seed weight, seed length, and width. Thus, improved rice lines showed an increased grain yield of up to 36.4% over the parental line under nonflooding conditions. It reveals that the incorporated quantitative trait locus based on the selection of rice lines with positive and higher heterosis adapted to the genome of ADT37 rice variety and it is expressed well through many agronomic traits in order to increase the grain yields under nonflooding conditions. This variety having water use efficiency would be used under water-limited conditions following further evaluation.
Ramadan as a Moral System: Analysis and Educational Implications
Authors: Kamal Zaki , Abbas Randa Khair
Published: December 2024

The world is facing crises at the personal, community and national levels, disconnection from traditional value systems and loss of a guiding moral compass. While religion is certainly not the only basis for personal and societal values, religion can provide a moral system that is sorely
needed. In Islam, great wisdom can be found in the holy month of Ramadan, its value system offering unique benefits for character development and improvement of society. This article details the moral system of Ramadan and, given that the majority of people in the Western world do not actively
practice a religion, suggests how Ramadan values might be introduced as part of a course in moral education.
Photodetachment dynamics of negative ions in a quantum well with two expanding walls
Authors: TANG Tiantian , YAO Jiangang ,   College of Intelligent Science and Engineering, Yantai Nanshan University, Yantai 265713, China,   College of Technology and Data, Yantai Nanshan University, Yantai 265713, China
Published: December 2024

This work is to investigate the photo-detachment cross-section (PCS) of anions in an expanding quantum well formed by two moving elastic walls. Through the study of the closed orbits of the detached electrons, we derive the analytical expression for the period of these closed orbits. We utilize the classical closed-orbit theory (COT) to deeply explore and derive the PCS of this system, which is a superposition of a smooth background term and an oscillatory term caused by collisions between electrons and the two elastic walls of the quantum well. The calculation results show that the oscillation amplitude of the photo-detachment cross-section is highly sensitive to the wall velocity of the extended quantum well. When the quantum well is static, the photo-detachment cross-section exhibits a regular saw-tooth structure. As the walls begin to move, this regular saw-tooth structure becomes irregular. As the wall velocity increases, the oscillation structure within the PCS becomes increasingly complex. Furthermore, the photo-detachment cross-section is closely related to the initial distance between the negative hydrogen ion and the two moving walls, known as the well width. And through calculations of two different scenarios involving extended quantum wells, we find that for an asymmetrically expanding quantum well, the effect of moving walls on anionic PCS is more significant than for a symmetrically expanding quantum well. The research findings also reveal that as the well width narrows, the localized space for electrons becomes smaller, leading to stronger quantum confinement and an increase in the oscillation amplitude across the cross-section. As the well width increases, the quantum confinement effect on the electrons weakens, resulting in a decrease in the oscillation amplitude across the cross-section. When the well width reaches a certain level, the quantum well no longer exhibits significant quantum confinement effects, and the photo-detachment cross-section tends to approach a smooth background term. Therefore, precise control of the photo-detachment cross-section of negative hydrogen ions in an expanding quantum well formed by two moving elastic walls can be achieved by adjusting the initial size of the quantum well and the expansion speed of the quantum well. The phenomena revealed in this study are quite intriguing, and the methods employed are universal, providing guidance for future studying the photo-detachment cross-sections in more complex dynamic quantum wells. The findings of this study have significant reference value in the field of surface physics, enriching our understanding of the photo-detachment dynamics of anions in moving quantum wells, and they also provide a theoretical basis and guidance for future experimental research on the photo-detachment dynamics of anions in dynamic quantum wells.
A cryo-electron tomography study of ciliary rootlet organization
Authors: van Hoorn Chris , Carter Andrew P
Published: December 2024

Ciliary rootlets are striated bundles of filaments that connect the base of cilia to internal cellular structures. Rootlets are critical for the sensory and motile functions of cilia. However, the mechanisms underlying these functions remain unknown, in part due to a lack of structural information of rootlet organization. In this study, we obtain 3D reconstructions of membrane-associated and purified rootlets from mouse retina using cryo-electron tomography. We show that flexible protrusions on the rootlet surface, which emanate from the cross-striations, connect to intracellular membranes. In purified rootlets, the striations were classified into amorphous (A)-bands, associated with accumulations on the rootlet surface, and discrete (D)-bands corresponding to punctate lines of density that run through the rootlet. These striations connect a flexible network of longitudinal filaments. Subtomogram averaging suggests the filaments consist of two intertwined coiled coils. The rootlet’s filamentous architecture, with frequent membrane-connecting cross-striations, lends itself well for anchoring large membranes in the cell.
Taurine stimulation of planarian motility: a role for the dopamine receptor pathway
Authors: Livengood Elisa J. , Fong Robyn A. M. V. , Pratt Angela M. , Alinskas Veronika O. , Van Gorder Grace , Mezzio Michael , Mulligan Margaret E. , Voura Evelyn B.
Published: December 2024

Taurine, a normal dietary component that is found in many tissues, is considered important for a number of physiological processes. It is thought to play a particular role in eye development and in the maturation of both the muscular and nervous systems, leading to its suggested use as a therapeutic for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Taurine increases metabolism and has also been touted as a weight loss aid. Due to its possible benefits to health and development, taurine is added as a supplement to a wide array of products, including infant formula and energy drinks. Despite its pervasive use as a nutritional additive and implied physiological actions, there is little consensus on how taurine functions. This is likely because, mechanistically, taurine has been demonstrated to affect multiple metabolic pathways. Simple models and straightforward assay systems are required to make headway in understanding this complexity. We chose to begin this work using the planarian because these animals have basic, well-understood muscular and nervous systems and are the subjects of many well-tested assays examining how their physiology is influenced by exposure to various environmental, nutritional, and therapeutic agents. We used a simple behavioral assay, the planarian locomotor velocity test (pLmV), to gain insight into the stimulant properties of taurine. Using this assay, we observed that taurine is a mild stimulant that is not affected by sugars or subject to withdrawal. We also provide evidence that taurine makes use of the dopamine D1 receptor to mediate this stimulant effect. Given the pervasiveness of taurine in many commercial products, our findings using the planarian system provide needed insight into the stimulant properties of taurine that should be considered when adding it to the diet.
Dimensionamento e processo de fabricação de um punção
Authors: Prince Danilo , Jesus Bruno Barillaro de , Conde Guilherme Renato Gomes , Alves Henrique Silva , Bezerra Jackson da Silva , Lacontino Leonardo Marques , Silva Victor Miranda Gomes da , Mareco Vitor Dias , Andrade Gustavo Caravita de , Costa Anderson Figueiredo da
Published: December 2024

Este trabalho aborda o dimensionamento e o processo de fabricação de um punção utilizado em processos de corte, elementos essenciais na indústria de fabricação de peças. O dimensionamento adequado de um punção é crucial para garantir a segurança e a eficiência das operações, evitando falhas estruturais e operacionais. Um punção bem projetado não só assegura a integridade do processo de corte, mas também melhora a qualidade do produto, reduzindo custos e desperdícios. A usinagem desempenha papel fundamental na fabricação do punção, garantindo que suas dimensões, tolerâncias e acabamento superficial atendam aos requisitos do projeto. Técnicas de usinagem como fresamento, torneamento e retificação são utilizados para obter a geometria desejada, enquanto parâmetros otimizados de velocidade de corte e avanço são ajustados para garantir superfícies de alta qualidade e aumentar a resistência ao desgaste do punção. O aço VND, conhecido por sua alta resistência ao desgaste e durabilidade, é utilizado no processo de fabricação, garantindo maior vida útil e melhor desempenho nas operações de corte. Esse aço é especialmente indicado para aplicações que exigem alta resistência à abrasão, tornando o punção mais robusto e eficiente para suportar as exigentes condições de trabalho no ambiente industrial. Este estudo também analisa o impacto de variáveis como as propriedades do material, o atrito entre o punção e o perfil de alumínio, e os deslocamentos durante o processo de corte, possibilitando ajustes para a criação de um punção mais eficiente e com maior vida útil.
Indian Frontier in the Samanid Period Based on a New Source
Authors: Haim Ofir
Published: December 2024

The article introduces a previously unknown Arabic source detailing the preparations for a battle between local Muslim rulers, likely vassals of the Samanids (204–395/819–1005), against the ruler of Ghaznī and his allies, the Hindushahs, near Ghaznī in the mid-fourth/tenth century. By closely reading, translating, and analyzing this manuscript fragment, I aim to shed light on the political realities of the Indian frontier of the Islamic world before the establishment of the Ghaznavid state (366–583/977–1186). The fragment provides evidence of the clashes among different actors, both Muslim and non-Muslim, in the region that makes up present-day eastern Afghanistan during the pre-Ghaznavid period, especially the fourth/tenth century. Moreover, it highlights the significance of the river valleys of Bāmiyān and Ghūrwand, along with the upper Hilmand’s course, as a frontier region where the Samanids and their vassals sought to expand the influence of Islam and Samanid suzerainty by pushing southward.
First Hundred Light Years
Authors: Bronner Yigal , Ollett Andrew
Published: December 2024

The written responses to Mammaṭa’s Light on Literature (Kāvyaprakāśa) constitute the largest corpus of works on Sanskrit poetics, with no other corpus even coming close. Yet, with a few exceptions, it is virtually unstudied. This essay focuses on the wave of responses to the Light composed during the first hundred years after its appearance, during which it attracted an unprecedented number of written responses of various types: sketchy notes, complete running commentaries, and independent treatises that were meant to replicate or compete with it. Based on a detailed study of chapter eight of Mammaṭa’s work, dedicated to poetic qualities (guṇas)—a complex topic that has been largely misunderstood— the essay identifies the main players in this period, roughly corresponding to the twelfth century. It also determines the authors’ relative chronology and their textual strategies vis-à-vis the Light, its sources, and each other. As the article shows, the early responses were layered, in the sense that each layer subsumed all previous ones, and broad, in that the discussion expanded to include participants who were not Brahmins from Kashmir. Furthermore, the essay explores some of the commentarial practices of the three early Saṅkētas on the Light, which formed the basis of all later engagements.
Intra-Regional Alliances
Authors: Stiller Maya
Published: December 2024

This article examines intra-regional Buddhist patronage networks, particularly those connected with Kŭmgangsan 金剛山. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining historical records, archaeological findings, and art-historical evidence, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the formative period of Kŭmgangsan’s patronage history. From late Unified Silla onward, Buddhist monks and nuns actively constructed an image of the mountain to establish its reputation as a site with soteriological potency, thereby securing funding for temple construction and expansion. After the Mongol invasions, Kŭmgangsan residents succeeded in attracting prominent patrons from Kaesŏng and Dadu to fund reconstruction endeavors, which ultimately resulted in the mountain’s transformation into a transregionally recognized Buddhist pilgrimage site. By examining how Buddhist monks strategically cultivated politically powerful patrons such as eunuchs and empresses, utilized Buddhist-inspired narratives to enhance the standing of their temples, and actively contributed to the prosperity of their temples, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of Buddhist patronage networks in the broader cultural and historical landscape of medieval Korea.
Watering Regimes and Their Effects on Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) Varieties
Authors: Idris Lawal, Adewale , O. J. Oyetunji , Ololade Abdazeez AbdBaasit , Alominle Alao Quam , V. S. Adesanmi
Published: December 2024

Climate change is causing a serious threat to agricultural sector as the major causes of environmental stress influencing plant growth and development. Water stress is one the major environmental stress. In order to evaluate the effects of two contrasting water stress (drought and waterlogging) on the growth and yield of soybean, a greenhouse experiment with 3 varieties of soybean and 5 watering regimes was conducted. Result showed that drought has more significant effect on soybean production than waterlogging. Water stress was observed to reduce plant height, root length, leaf area, number of leaves and number of pods produced in soybean. There is increase in chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B and proline which signify increase tolerance and resistance to water stress. Soil nitrogen fixed was reduced as water stress increases from waterlogging to drought. Findings shows that varieties of soybean were significant in all data obtained except root length. Result also concluded that watering regime of twice a week producing an average soil water content of 22.02% will be optimum for soybean production.
Colonic Volvulus: An Update on Management- Narrative Review Article
Authors: H.R Kumar
Published: December 2024

Colonic volvulus is a rare cause of large bowel obstruction, and it is commonly seen in older patients. The clinical presentation is abdominal pain and abdominal distension which is followed by absolute constipation. The diagnosis is usually obtained by performing abdominal Xray or computerized tomography. Sigmoid volvulus is the most common cause followed by cecal volvulus and transverse colon volvulus. The management of colonic volvulus is divided into endoscopic detorsion and surgical therapy which involves surgical resection. We have conducted this review article to look at the various causes of colonic volvulus and the management of this condition.
Phytochemical Profile and Bioactive Compounds in Aqueous Seed Extract of Irvingia gabonensis: A GC-MS Analysis
Authors: Amakiri Okari Karibo , Sunday Ezekwe Ahamefula , Gift Wokocha Peter
Published: December 2024

Irvingia gabonensis, commonly known as African mango, has gained significant attention for its nutritional and medicinal properties. This study investigated the phytochemical profile and identified bioactive compounds present in the aqueous seed extract of I. gabonensis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis revealed a variety of bioactive compounds, including fatty acids (e.g., palmitic acid, linoleic acid), terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. Key findings include the high peak area percentages of 2-Undecanone (31.3%) and 1,3-O-Benzylidine glyceryl-2-myric (15.4%), suggesting their significant bioactivity. The results indicate potential therapeutic applications in managing oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Further studies, including in vivo evaluations, are recommended to explore these therapeutic potentials and establish safety profiles.
Leveraging AI for Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
Authors: Kojo Nusetor Setsoﬁa , Acquaah Emmanuel Koﬁ , Bless Ahadjie , Vensu Kelvin , Safo Kwadwo , Adzo Djirackor Bernice , Essah Richard
Published: December 2024

This research paper explores the intersection of artiﬁcial intelligence (AI), computer science, and environmental sustainability. As climate change accelerates, innovative technologies offer promising avenues for mitigation and adaptation. Through a review of existing literature and case studies, this paper highlights the transformative potential of AI in monitoring ecosystems, optimizing energy systems, and enhancing conservation efforts. The ﬁndings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in harnessing these technologies for sustainable development. It concludes with recommendations for future research and policy directions.
Sustainable Use of Recycled Plastic and Coal Bottom Ash in the Development of Construction Material
Authors: Mahamadou Saley , Abdoulatif Abass Saley , Abdou Kailou djibo , Nourou Mahaman Lawali S. , Mounir Zakari Mahamadou
Published: December 2024

Mineral coal bottom ash (CBA) is a by-product of coal combustion in power plants. Its potential use in building materials has attracted interest due to its beneficial properties and environmental implications. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of using mineral coal slag from the Anou Araren coal company in Niger (Sonichar), in combination with plastic waste, in various construction applications. In this case, the focus is on compressive strength and slip potential for floor coverings. Following a technical characterization of the various elements involved in the production of the proposed material, 02 firing methods are described, with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Mixtures with varying proportions of plastic waste and bottom ash (30%/70%, 40%/70% and 50%/50%) were studied. For the mix selected, the results show that the CBA/plastic waste material has good compressive strength and low slip potential, making it suitable for use in a variety of construction applications.
Effect of Maleic Hydrazide Foliar Application on Biochemical Parameters and Phytohormonal Variations in Groundnut (cv. Dh 86)
Authors: Dasanal Kiran , Deshpande V K , Motagi B N , Bhat R S , Uppar D S
Published: December 2024

This study assessed the impact of varying concentrations of maleic hydrazide (MH) on seed biochemical parameters in groundnut. Where increasing MH concentrations resulted with least total dehydrogenase activity (0.505 OD value at A480) and electrical conductivity (200 µS cm⁻¹), and increased phenol content (3.48 mg/g) at foliar spray of MH @ 3000 ppm over the control (0.822 OD value at A480, 257 µS cm⁻¹, 2.80 mg/g) respectively. Further this study examines the impact of MH foliar spray at 3000 ppm, unsprayed control and a dormant check (Dh 8) on groundnut seed phytohormones, comparing results to an unsprayed control. Abscisic acid (ABA) levels increased from 15.6 ng/g in unsprayed control to 45.96 ng/g in MH treated seeds and 74.58 ng/g in Dh 8, promoting dormancy. Gibberellins (GA3) reduced by 98.7% in MH treated seeds (0.88 ng/g) and by 99.2% in Dh 8 (0.54 ng/g). Auxins (IAA) decreased 86.8% in MH treated seeds (1.15 ng/g) and 22.9% in Dh 8 (6.70 ng/g) relative to unsprayed control (8.71 ng/g). These shifts highlight the distinctive effects of MH and dormant cultivar Dh 8 on dormancy regulation compared to control.
Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Growth, Yield Attributes, and Economics of Wheat
Authors: Kumari Shipra , Kumar Birendra , Choudhary S. K. , Singh M.K. , Kumar Sunil , Kumari Kajal , Anand Anurag
Published: December 2024

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi2023-24 at the research farm, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar. The experiment consisted of three tillage operations in main plots and six weed management practices in sub plots laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results revealed that zero tillage with paddy residue led to higher plant height (102.97 cm), leaf area index (2.56), biomass accumulation (570.90 g m-2), no. of spikes m-2(256.45), no. of grains spike-1(49.08), grainyield (3640.86 kg ha-l), net returns (65638 ₹ ha-1) and  benefit cost ratio (1.69) which was statistically at par with zero tillage without residue among weed management practices, hand weeding treatment was found significantly superior in all crop traits but it was not economical for farmers due to higher cost of cultivation. However different herbicidal treatments, sulfosulfuron+ metsulfuron methyl (30+2) g a.i. ha-1 were found significantly superior, higher plant height (102.62 cm), leaf area index (2.42), biomass accumulation (580.48 g m-2),no. of spikes m-2(270.36), no. of grains spike-1(49.59), grainyield (3895.68 kg ha-l), net returns(70756 ₹ha-1) and  B:C ratio (1.81) which was statistically at par with mesosulfuron methyl + iodosulfuron methyl sodium (12+2.4) g a.i. ha-1.
Improving Confidence in Synthetic Infrared Image Refinement using Grad-CAM-based Explainable AI Techniques
Authors: Kim Taeho , Kim Kangsan , Bang Hyochoong
Published: December 2024

Infrared imaging is a powerful non-destructive and non-invasive technique to detect infrared radiations and capture valuable insights inaccessible through the visible spectrum. It has been widely used in the military for reconnaissance, hazard detection, night vision, guidance systems, and countermeasures. There is a huge potential for machine learning models to improve trivial infrared imaging tasks in military applications. One major roadblock is the scarcity and control over infrared imaging datasets related to military applications. One possible solution is to use synthetic infrared images to train machine learning networks. However, synthetic IR images present a domain gap and produce weak learning models that do not generalize well. We investigate adversarial networks and Explainable AI(XAI) techniques to refine synthetic infrared imaging data, enhance their realism, and synthesize refiner networks with XAI. We use a U-Net-based refiner network to refine synthetic infrared data and a PatchGAN discriminator to distinguish between the refined and real IR images. Grad-CAM XAI technique is used for network synthesis. We also analyzed the frequency domain patterns and power spectra of real and synthetic infrared images to find key attributes to distinguish real from synthetic. We tested our refined images on the realism benchmarks using frequency domain analysis.
Near‐Infrared‐Emitting Five‐Monolayer Thick Copper‐Doped CdSe Nanoplatelets
Authors: Sharma Ashma , Sharma Manoj , Gungor Kivanc , Olutas Murat , Dede Didem , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: August 2019

Doped nanocrystals are instrumental to the high‐performance luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) and the color conversion devices. Recently, copper (Cu)‐doped three and four monolayer (ML) thick CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs) have been shown superior to the existing Cu‐doped quantum dots (QDs) for their use in LSCs. However, additional improvement in the LSC performance can be achieved by further redshifting the emission into the near‐infrared (NIR) region of electromagnetic spectrum and increasing the absorbed portion of the solar irradiation. Cu‐doping into higher thicknesses of these atomically flat NPLs (e.g., ≥5 ML) can achieve these overarching goals. However, addition of the dopant ions during the nucleation stage disturbs this high‐temperature growth process and leads to multiple populations of NPLs and QDs. Here, by carefully controlling the precursor chemistry the successful doping of Cu in five ML thick NPLs by high‐temperature nucleation doping method is demonstrated. The optimized synthesis method shows nearly pure population of doped five ML thick NPLs, which possess ≈150 nm Stokes‐shifted NIR emission with high quantum yield of 65 ± 2%. Structural, elemental, and optical studies are conducted to confirm the successful doping and understand the detailed photophysics. Finally, these materials are tested experimentally and theoretically for their performance as promising LSC materials.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Spiropyrans
Authors: Zhang Lei , Deng Yawen , Tang Zhenyu , Zheng Ning , Zhang Chenghao , Xie Congxia , Wu Zhongtao
Published: August 2019

A highly efficient one‐pot synthetic strategy for the preparation of spiropyrans was developed. The method is free of special equipment and operations, and meanwhile, it is energy‐ and time‐saving compared to the reported three‐step procedures. Tolerated with various solvents, bases, aldehydes, and alkyl bromides, the commonly used “T‐type” spiropyrans (SP1 s) were synthesized in one‐pot with highly improved yields. To avoid the hydrolysis of the spiropyran moiety during the synthesis of the linear type spiropyrans (SP2 s), a strategy of the combination of pre‐alkylation of phenolic hydroxyl group of 5‐hydroxy‐indole and a one‐pot synthesis of the spiropyran moiety was also designed. With a short reaction time, simplified workups, and reduced chemical waste, this one‐pot synthetic strategy for the synthesis of spiropyran compounds would facilitate related research in the fields of biology and materials science, and would be attractive to the industrial application.
Effect of the month of birth on the height of young adult males
Authors: Douros Konstantinos , Fytanidis Grigorios , Papadimitriou Anastasios
Published: August 2019

Objective

To explore a possible association between the month of birth and the final adult height in men and see if this could be described in terms of periodicity.

Materials and Methods

We used anthropometric data of 15,109 young male conscripts of the Greek Army. The data were collected from May 2006 until May 2010 and included men who had been born over a period of 12 years (1980–1991). The data were grouped in 12 monthly periods and analyzed with the use of a sinusoidal model.

Results

There was a statistically significant month‐of‐birth effect on height variation, which was described by a sinusoidal model with period T = 12 months, amplitude 0.223 cm and, two extremes which corresponded to the end of April/beginning of May (peak) and to the end of October/beginning of November (nadir).

Discussion

Our results corroborate previous findings suggesting a seasonality in human height without, however, being able to provide a definitive explanation for this phenomenon.
Development of Zinc‐Specific iCEST MRI as an Imaging Biomarker for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yuan Yue , Wei Zhiliang , Chu Chengyan , Zhang Jia , Song Xiaolei , Walczak Piotr , Bulte Jeff W. M.
Published: August 2019

The healthy prostate contains the highest concentration of mobile zinc in the body. As this level decreases dramatically during the initial development of prostate cancer, in vivo detection of prostate zinc content may be applied for diagnosis of prostate cancer. Using 19F ion chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging (iCEST MRI) and TF‐BAPTA as a fluorinated Zn‐binding probe with micromolar sensitivity, we show that iCEST MRI is able to differentiate between normal and malignant prostate cells with a 10‐fold difference in contrast following glucose‐stimulated zinc secretion in vitro. The iCEST signal decreased in normal prostate cells upon downregulation of the ZIP1 zinc transporter. In vivo, using an orthotopic prostate cancer mouse model and a transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model, a gradual decrease of >300 % in iCEST contrast following the transition of normal prostate epithelial cells to cancer cells was detected.
Adaptive soft sensor method based on online selective ensemble of partial least squares for quality prediction of chemical process
Authors: Cang Wentao , Yang Huizhong
Published: August 2019

For accurate state prediction of chemical process characterized by connatural features of non‐linearity and time variation, a novel online selective ensemble partial least squares learning paradigm, referred to as OSE‐PLS, is proposed in this paper. First, the process states are differentiated to diverse local regions by just‐in‐time learning‐based localization method to handle process non‐linearity. Then, support vector domain description algorithm is applied to identify and remove redundant ones. Consequently, a variety of local PLS models are established for representing diverse process states. Inspired by the local outlier probability algorithm in outlier detection field, the combination weights of each PLS model are adaptively distinguished by definitely quantifying the probability that query data belong to an outlier in each local region. Finally, the prediction for query data is achieved through selective ensemble learning strategy. To effectively address the inherent time‐varying characteristics of process, the OSE‐PLS technique is equipped with adaptation mechanism of local model updating and online local model extraction, which enables OSE‐PLS to acquire the capability of addressing both gradual and abrupt changes in process simultaneously. An industrial bisphenol‐A distillation process is employed to demonstrate the superiorities of novel online selective ensemble partial least squares (OSE‐PLS) approach.
Functionality of chitosan‐halloysite nanocomposite films for sustained delivery of antibiotics: The effect of chitosan molar mass
Authors: Čalija Bojan , Milić Jela , Milašinović Nikola , Daković Aleksandra , Trifković Kata , Stojanović Jovica , Krajišnik Danina
Published: August 2019

This study was designed to investigate functionality of tetracycline‐loaded chitosan‐halloysite nanocomposite films, with focus on evaluating the influence of chitosan molar mass on films applicability for sustained local antibiotic delivery. The films were prepared by casting and solvent evaporation using low, medium, and high molar mass chitosan. SEM analysis revealed compact, nonporous and rough surface of the nanocomposite films due to the presence of halloysite agglomerates and tetracycline crystals. Increasing chitosan molar mass led to higher values of elongation at break (from 21.65 ± 2.65 to 34.48 ± 2.34%), tensile strength (from 134.8 ± 13.21 to 246.36 ± 14.69 MPa), and elastic modulus (from 633.79 ± 128.37 to 716.55 ± 60.76 MPa) of the nanocomposite films. FT‐IR, XRPD, and thermal analyses confirmed molar mass dependent chitosan‐halloysite interactions and improved thermal stability of the nanocomposite films in comparison with chitosan films. The nanocomposite films released tetracycline in a sustained manner, with the slowest release achieved from the films consisting of low molar mass chitosan. Chitosan molar mass was confirmed to be a functionality‐related characteristic of chitosan‐halloysite nanocomposite films as potential sustained‐release carriers for topical delivery of antibiotics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48406.
Population‐Specific Patterns of Epigenetic Defects in the B Cell Lineage in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Breitbach Megan E. , Ramaker Ryne C. , Roberts Kevin , Kimberly Robert P. , Absher Devin
Published: August 2019

Objective

To determine the stage of B cell development at which a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)–associated DNA methylation signature originates in African American (AA) and European American (EA) subjects, and to assess whether epigenetic defects in B cell development patterns could be predictive of SLE status in individual and mixed immune cell populations.

Methods

B cells from AA patients (n = 31) and EA patients (n = 49) with or without SLE were sorted using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting into 5 B cell subsets. DNA methylation, measured at ~460,000 CpG sites, was interrogated in each subset. Enrichment analysis of transcription factor interaction at SLE‐associated methylation sites was performed. A random forests algorithm was used to identify an epigenetic signature of SLE in the B cell subsets, which was then validated in an independent cohort of AA and EA patients and healthy controls.

Results

Regression analysis across all B cell stages resulted in identification of 60 CpGs that reached genome‐wide significance for SLE‐associated methylation differences (P ≤ 1.07 × 10−7). Interrogation of ethnicity‐specific CpGs associated with SLE revealed a hypomethylated pattern that was enriched for interferon (IFN)–regulated genes and binding of EBF1 in AA patients (each P < 0.001). AA patients with SLE could be distinguished from healthy controls when the predictive model developed with the transitional B cell subset was applied to other B cell subsets (mean receiver operating characteristic [ROC] area under the curve [AUC] 0.98), and when applied to CD19+ pan–B cells (mean ROC AUC 0.95) and CD4+ pan–T cells (mean ROC AUC 0.97) from the independent validation cohort.

Conclusion

These results indicate that SLE‐specific methylation patterns are ethnicity dependent. A pattern of epigenetic changes near IFN‐regulated genes early in B cell development is a hallmark of SLE in AA female subjects. EBF1 binding sites are highly enriched for significant methylation changes, implying that this may be a potential regulator of SLE‐associated epigenetic changes.
Using Transitional Changes on High‐Resolution Computed Tomography to Monitor the Impact of Cyclophosphamide or Mycophenolate Mofetil on Systemic Sclerosis–Related Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Kim Grace Hyun J. , Tashkin Donald P. , Lo Pechin , Brown Matthew S. , Volkmann Elizabeth R. , Gjertson David W. , Khanna Dinesh , Elashoff Robert M. , Tseng Chi‐Hong , Roth Michael D. , Goldin Jonathan G.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To examine changes in the extent of specific patterns of interstitial lung disease (ILD) as they transition from one pattern to another in response to immunosuppressive therapy in systemic sclerosis–related ILD (SSc‐ILD).

Methods

We evaluated changes in the quantitative extent of specific lung patterns of ILD using volumetric high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans obtained at baseline and after 2 years of therapy in patients treated with either cyclophosphamide (CYC) for 1 year or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for 2 years in Scleroderma Lung Study II. ILD patterns included lung fibrosis, ground glass, honeycombing, and normal lung. Net change was calculated as the difference in the probability of change from one ILD pattern to another. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to compare the changes.

Results

Forty‐seven and 50 patients had baseline and follow‐up scans in the CYC and MMF groups, respectively. Mean net improvements reflecting favorable changes from one ILD pattern to another in the whole lung in the CYC and MMF groups, respectively, were as follows: from lung fibrosis to a normal lung pattern, 21% and 19%; from a ground‐glass pattern to a normal lung pattern, 30% and 28%; and from lung fibrosis to a ground‐glass pattern, 5% and 0.5%. The mean overall improvement in transitioning from a ground‐glass pattern or lung fibrosis to a normal lung pattern was significant for both treatments (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Significantly favorable transitions from both ground‐glass and lung fibrosis ILD patterns to a normal lung pattern were observed in patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment for SSc‐ILD, suggesting the usefulness of examining these transitions for insights into the underlying pathobiology of treatment response.
A Highly Sensitive and Recyclable Ln‐MOF Luminescent Sensor for the Efficient Detection of Fe3+ and CrVI Anions
Authors: Li Xiao , Tang Jixin , Liu Han , Gao Kuan , Meng Xiangru , Wu Jie , Hou Hongwei
Published: August 2019

Two new three‐dimensional (3D) LnIII metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) were designed and successfully obtained via a solvothermal reaction between lanthanide(III) nitrates and a semi‐flexible carbazole tetracarboxylate acid linker as a high‐performance chromophore. 1 and 2 possess porous 3D networks with channels along the a axis, and more importantly, they show a highly sensitive and selective fluorescence quenching response to Fe3+ and CrVI anions. The sensing mechanism investigation revealed that the weak interactions of Fe3+ with nitrogen atoms of carbazole and deprotonated carboxylic acids protruding into the pores of MOFs quenched the luminescence of 1 and 2 effectively. In addition, the competition absorption also played an important role in the luminescence quenching detection of Fe3+ based on 1, and CrVI anions based on 1 and 2. Therefore, 1 and 2 represent an alternative example of regenerable luminescence based sensors for the quantitative detection of Fe3+ and CrVI anions.
The XylR variant (R121C and P363S) releases arabinose‐induced catabolite repression on xylose fermentation and enhances coutilization of lignocellulosic sugar mixtures
Authors: Martinez Rodrigo , Flores Andrew D. , Dufault Matthew E. , Wang Xuan
Published: August 2019

Microbial production of fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass provides a promising alternative to conventional petroleum‐derived routes. However, the heterogeneous sugar composition of lignocellulose prevents efficient microbial sugar co‐fermentation due to carbon catabolite repression, which negatively affects production metrics. We previously discovered that a mutant copy of the transcriptional regulator XylR (P363S and R121C; denoted as XylR*) in Escherichia coli has a higher DNA‐binding affinity than wild‐type XylR, leading to a stronger activation of the d‐xylose catabolic genes and a release from glucose‐induced repression on xylose fermentation. Here, we showed that XylR* also releases l‐arabinose‐induced repression on xylose fermentation through altered transcriptional control, enhancing co‐fermentation of arabinose–xylose sugar mixtures in wild‐type E. coli. Integrating xylR* into an ethanologenic E. coli resulted in the coutilization of 96% of the provided glucose–xylose–arabinose mixtures (120 g/L total sugars supplied) with an ethanol yield higher than 90% of the theoretical maximum by simple batch fermentations.