bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing growth and sustainability: The long‐run impact of financial and technological innovations on India's ecological footprint
Authors: Ursavas Ugur , Bil Erkan , Yilanci Veli
Published: June 2024

This study examines the effects of financial and technological innovations on India's ecological footprint—a comprehensive indicator of environmental degradation. Although previous research has addressed the individual impacts of these innovations, their collective influence has not been thoroughly investigated. Using data from 1973 to 2018 and employing ARDL Bounds and Bayer‐Hanck cointegration tests, we find a long‐run relationship between innovations, economic growth, energy consumption, and the ecological footprint. Notably, while the short‐term impact of innovations appears detrimental, both financial and technological innovations demonstrate a long‐term beneficial effect on the environment, which suggests that initial investments in innovation may have short‐term environmental costs, but ultimately contribute to environmental improvement. Additionally, this study confirms the harmful long‐term effects of energy consumption and economic growth on the environment. These findings underscore the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing robust environmental policies to foster sustainable development in India.
Explanation strategies in humans versus current explainable artificial intelligence: Insights from image classification
Authors: Qi Ruoxi , Zheng Yueyuan , Yang Yi , Cao Caleb Chen , Hsiao Janet H.
Published: June 2024

Explainable AI (XAI) methods provide explanations of AI models, but our understanding of how they compare with human explanations remains limited. Here, we examined human participants' attention strategies when classifying images and when explaining how they classified the images through eye‐tracking and compared their attention strategies with saliency‐based explanations from current XAI methods. We found that humans adopted more explorative attention strategies for the explanation task than the classification task itself. Two representative explanation strategies were identified through clustering: One involved focused visual scanning on foreground objects with more conceptual explanations, which contained more specific information for inferring class labels, whereas the other involved explorative scanning with more visual explanations, which were rated higher in effectiveness for early category learning. Interestingly, XAI saliency map explanations had the highest similarity to the explorative attention strategy in humans, and explanations highlighting discriminative features from invoking observable causality through perturbation had higher similarity to human strategies than those highlighting internal features associated with higher class score. Thus, humans use both visual and conceptual information during explanation, which serve different purposes, and XAI methods that highlight features informing observable causality match better with human explanations, potentially more accessible to users.
Complete phylogeny of Micrathena spiders suggests multiple dispersal events among Neotropical rainforests, islands and landmasses, and indicates that Andean orogeny promotes speciation
Authors: Magalhaes Ivan L. F. , Martins Pedro H. , Faleiro Bárbara T. , Vidigal Teofânia H. D. A. , Santos Fabrício R. , Carvalho Leonardo S. , Santos Adalberto J.
Published: June 2024

The Neotropical region is the most diverse on the planet, largely owing to its mosaic of tropical rainforests. Multiple tectonic and climatic processes have been hypothesized to contribute to generating this diversity, including Andean orogeny, the closure of the Isthmus of Panama, the GAARlandia land bridge and historical connections among currently isolated forests. Micrathena spiders are diverse and widespread in the region, and thus a complete phylogeny of this genus allows the testing of hypotheses at multiple scales. We estimated a complete, dated phylogeny using morphological data for 117 Micrathena species and molecular data of up to five genes for a subset of 79 species. Employing event‐based approaches and biogeographic stochastic mapping while considering phylogenetic uncertainty, we estimated ancestral distributions, the timing and direction of dispersal events and diversification rates among areas. The phylogeny is generally robust, with uncertainty in the position of some of the species lacking sequences. Micrathena started diversifying around 25 Ma. Andean cloud forests show the highest in‐situ speciation, while the Amazon is the major dispersal source for adjacent areas. The Dry Diagonal generated few species and is a sink of diversity. Species exchange between Central and South America involved approximately 23 dispersal events and started ~20 Ma, which is consistent with a Miocene age for the Isthmus of Panama closure. We inferred four dispersal events from Central America to the Antilles in the last 20 Myr, indicating the spiders did not reach the islands through the GAARlandia land bridge. We identified important species exchange routes among the Amazon, Andean cloud forests and Atlantic forests during the Plio‐Pleistocene. Sampling all species of the genus was fundamental to the conclusions above, especially in identifying the Andean forests as the area that generated the majority of species. This highlights the importance of complete taxonomic sampling in biogeographic studies.
Short‐term outcomes of surgical treatment for primary ileocaecal Crohn's disease: Results of the Crohn's(urg) study, a multicentre, retrospective, comparative analysis between inflammatory and complicated phenotypes
Authors: Avellaneda Nicolas , Pellino Gianluca , Maroli Annalisa , Tottrup Anders , Bislenghi Gabriele , Colpaert Jan , D'Hoore Andre , Carvello Michele , Giorgi Lorenzo , Juachon Patrizia , Harsløf Sanne , de Buck Van Overstraeten Anthony , Olivera Pablo A. , Gomez Javier , Holubar Stefan D. , Naranjo Eddy Lincango , Steele Scott R. , Merchea Amit , Shaker Andrew , Gallostra Marc Marti , Kraft Miquel , Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Maruyama Beatriz Yuki , Wexner Steven D. , Garoufalia Zoe , Chen Zhihui , Hahnloser Dieter , Rrupa Djana , Buskens Christianne , Haanappel Anouck , Warusavitarne Janindra , Williams Katherine J. , Christensen Peter , Wolthuis Albert , Potolicchio Analia , Spinelli Antonino
Published: June 2024

Aim

Recent evidence challenges the current standard of offering surgery to patients with ileocaecal Crohn's disease (CD) only when they present complications of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare short‐term results of patients who underwent primary ileocaecal resection for either inflammatory (luminal disease, earlier in the disease course) or complicated phenotypes, hypothesizing that the latter would be associated with worse postoperative outcomes.

Method

A retrospective, multicentre comparative analysis was performed including patients operated on for primary ileocaecal CD at 12 referral centres. Patients were divided into two groups according to indication of surgery for inflammatory (ICD) or complicated (CCD) phenotype. Short‐term results were compared.

Results

A total of 2013 patients were included, with 291 (14.5%) in the ICD group. No differences were found between the groups in time from diagnosis to surgery. CCD patients had higher rates of low body mass index, anaemia (40.9% vs. 27%, p < 0.001) and low albumin (11.3% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001). CCD patients had longer operations, lower rates of laparoscopic approach (84.3% vs. 93.1%, p = 0.001) and higher conversion rates (9.3% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001). CCD patients had a longer hospital stay and higher postoperative complication rates (26.1% vs. 21.3%, p = 0.083). Anastomotic leakage and reoperations were also more frequent in this group. More patients in the CCD group required an extended bowel resection (14.1% vs. 8.3%, p: 0.017). In multivariate analysis, CCD was associated with prolonged surgery (OR 3.44, p = 0.001) and the requirement for multiple intraoperative procedures (OR 8.39, p = 0.030).

Conclusion

Indication for surgery in patients who present with an inflammatory phenotype of CD was associated with better outcomes compared with patients operated on for complications of the disease. There was no difference between groups in time from diagnosis to surgery.
Artificial selection of zoophagous lines of the biological control agent Dicyphus hesperus
Authors: Dumont François , Solà Cassi Mireia , Lemay Maud , Provost Caroline
Published: June 2024

Zoophytophagous predators can be beneficial for controlling crop pests in greenhouses. Yet, they can also cause significant economic damage. More zoophagous and effective predator lines can be developed by selectively breeding highly zoophagous individuals. Hence, artificial selection based on the degree of zoophagy in zoophytophagous predators can improve their efficiency as biocontrol agents while reducing the risk of crop damage. However, artificial selection on zoophagy could cause changes in other behavioral or life history traits due to genetic correlation or pleiotropy. These changes can affect the ecological conditions in which biological control agents work. We created highly and lowly zoophagous lines of Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) using artificial selection. We tested genetic correlations between zoophagy and food patch exploitation equity in four generations of artificial selection. The results revealed that females were more zoophagous than males. The broad sense heritability (H2) of zoophagy was 0.38 in females and 0.29 in males. Artificial selection on zoophagy led to decreased food patch exploitation equity, yet the traits were not genetically correlated. Our results suggest that artificial selection can be used to develop lines of D. hesperus that enhance the benefits of biological control and modify ecological factors such as prey density and distribution.
Formalising the role of behaviour in neuroscience
Authors: Piantadosi Steven T. , Gallistel Charles R.
Published: June 2024

We develop a mathematical approach to formally proving that certain neural computations and representations exist based on patterns observed in an organism's behaviour. To illustrate, we provide a simple set of conditions under which an ant's ability to determine how far it is from its nest would logically imply neural structures isomorphic to the natural numbers
. We generalise these results to arbitrary behaviours and representations and show what mathematical characterisation of neural computation and representation is simplest while being maximally predictive of behaviour. We develop this framework in detail using a path integration example, where an organism's ability to search for its nest in the correct location implies representational structures isomorphic to two‐dimensional coordinates under addition. We also study a system for processing
strings common in comparative work. Our approach provides an objective way to determine what theory of a physical system is best, addressing a fundamental challenge in neuroscientific inference. These results motivate considering which neurobiological structures have the requisite formal structure and are otherwise physically plausible given relevant physical considerations such as generalisability, information density, thermodynamic stability and energetic cost.
Enhancement, application, and challenges of chromium–corundum high‐temperature refractories
Authors: Zhang Zhenghao , Yu Laihao , Zhang Yingyi , Cui Kunkun , Zhang Chunyin , Shen Xin
Published: June 2024

Chromium–corundum, as a common refractory material, is broadly applied in high‐temperature kilns due to its superior thermal stability and high melting point. Unfortunately, this refractory is susceptible to corrosion and destruction under extreme furnace conditions by chemical erosion, mechanical wear, and thermal shock, which significantly shortens its useful life. Accordingly, in recent years, the issue of how to improve the slag corrosion resistance, mechanical, and sintering properties of chromium–corundum refractories has aroused widespread attention. In this work, the corrosion behavior and application status of chromium–corundum refractories in Ausmelt furnace, waste incinerator, coal water slurry gasifier, and HImelt melting reduction furnace are analyzed and discussed. To improve the service life of chromium–corundum refractories, the enhancement method and mechanism of sintering performance, mechanical properties, slag corrosion resistance, and thermal shock resistance are also summarized. Finally, some suggestions and prospects are made for the enhancement and longevity of chromium–corundum refractories.
Lasers for the treatment of nail psoriasis: a systematic review
Authors: Jaalouk Dana , Algarin Yanci A. , Pulumati Anika , Humeda Jasmine , Nouri Keyvan
Published: June 2024

This systematic review assesses the evidence concerning laser treatments for nail psoriasis (NP), a prevalent condition among individuals with cutaneous psoriasis that notably affects their quality of life. Traditional treatments have limitations in terms of drug delivery and poor patient adherence, leading to interest in laser therapies for their targeted approach, extended treatment intervals, and the potential to enhance topical medication effectiveness. The MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. English‐language randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials with full‐text availability were included. Data on the laser type, treatment protocol, Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) outcomes, and adverse events were extracted, and nail bed and matrix features and patient satisfaction were assessed. The primary effect measure was a percentage reduction in NAPSI scores from baseline. Nineteen studies involving the pulse dye laser (PDL), long‐pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) were identified. Lasers, particularly those used in conjunction with topical agents, have shown favorable results. PDL effectively lowered NAPSI scores, and the Nd:YAG laser had comparable effectiveness but more discomfort. FCL also shows promise, particularly for topical drug delivery. PDL and Nd:YAG laser treatment were more effective at reducing nail bed features, whereas FCL was effective at reducing both nail bed and matrix features. Overall, lasers are promising treatment alternatives for NP, with similar NAPSI outcomes to topical therapies and intralesional injections.
Workplace and workplace leader arrogance: A conceptual framework
Authors: Mitchell Graeme , McMurray Adela J. , Manoharan Ashokkumar , Rajesh J. Irudhaya
Published: June 2024

This study aims to clarify the meaning of arrogance in the context of the workplace and leadership. Arrogance is reported to have detrimental workplace effects, yet there is no synthesis of the literature nor identification of future research directions. We systematically reviewed the literature to understand the definitions, antecedents and outcomes of workplace and workplace leader arrogance, with the aim of advancing theory and identifying potential oversights in the literature to create opportunities for future researchers. We identified 42 scholarly articles on workplace arrogance and workplace leader arrogance published between 2000 and September 2023. Arrogance, including workplace and workplace leader arrogance, is generally defined as a misplaced sense of superiority, manifested as disparaging behaviour towards others. Of the 42 studies reviewed, 18 (15 empirical and 3 non‐empirical) purposefully investigated workplace and workplace leader arrogance. Using definitions from 37 of the studies, we discerned that workplace and workplace leader arrogance comprised a sense of superiority that manifested as unacceptable behaviour towards others, usually with damaging consequences. Further, we differentiated arrogance from similar constructs such as narcissism, hubris and pride by examining the purpose and role of each, as well as points of confusion. Whereas the antecedents of workplace and workplace leader arrogance include belief and bias, conceptions of the self and the broader work environment, the outcomes include people, culture and business. Our findings advance arrogance and leadership theory by clarifying the construct of workplace and workplace leader arrogance and providing a novel framework for understanding its antecedents and outcomes.
Early arrival of spring‐spawning Atlantic herring Clupea harengus at their spawning ground in the Kiel Fjord, western Baltic, relates to increasing winter seawater temperature
Authors: Ory Nicolas C. , Gröger Joachim P. , Lehmann Andreas , Mittermayer Felix , Neuheimer Anna B. , Clemmesen Catriona
Published: June 2024

The disturbance of marine organism phenology due to climate change and the subsequent effects on recruitment success are still poorly understood, especially in migratory fish species, such as the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus; Clupeidae). Here we used the commercial catch data from a local fisher over a 50‐year period (1971–2020) to estimate western Baltic spring‐spawning (WBSS) herring mean arrival time Q50 (i.e., the week when 50% of the total fish catches had been made) at their spawning ground within the Kiel Fjord, southwest Baltic Sea, and the duration of the spawning season for each year. The relationship between the seawater temperature in the Kiel Bight and other environmental parameters (such as water salinity, North Atlantic and Atlantic multidecadal oscillations) and Q50 was evaluated using a general linear model to test the hypothesis that fish arrived earlier after warm than cold winters. We also estimated the accumulated thermal time to Q50 during gonadal development to estimate the effects of seawater temperature on the variations of Q50. The results of this study revealed a dramatic decrease in herring catches within the Kiel Fjord since the mid‐1990s, as documented for the whole southwestern Baltic Sea. Warmer winter seawater temperature was the only factor related to an earlier arrival (1 week for one January seawater temperature degree increase) of herring at their spawning ground. The relationship was found for the first time on week 52 of the year prior to spawning and was the strongest (50% of the variability explained) from the fourth week of January (8 weeks before the mean Q50 among the studied years). A thermal constant to Q50 (~316°C day) was found when temperatures were integrated from the 49th week of the year prior to spawning. These results indicate that seawater temperature enhanced the speed of gonadal maturation during the latest phases of gametogenesis, leading to an early fish arrival under warm conditions. The duration of the spawning season was elongated during warmer years, therefore potentially mitigating the effects of trophic mismatch when fish spawn early. The results of this study highlight the altering effects of climate change on the spawning activity of a migratory fish species in the Baltic Sea where fast global changes presage that in other coastal areas worldwide.
Effect of various surface treatment methods on shear bond strength between acrylic denture teeth and thermoplastic nylon denture base
Authors: Nasution Hubban , Köseoğlu Merve , Sukotjo Cortino
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of mechanical, chemical, and mechanical‐chemical surface treatment methods on shear bond strength between acrylic denture teeth and thermoplastic nylon denture base.

Materials and Methods

Maxillary central incisor teeth were treated with five different surface treatment methods: mechanical (sandblasting, T‐shape diatoric holes), chemical (5% acetic acid solution, bonding agent), and mechanical‐chemical (sandblasting + bonding agent) were embedded in thermoplastic nylon denture base (n = 10). A universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm per minute was used to test the shear bond strength. Data obtained were statistically evaluated using one‐way ANOVA and followed with Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05)

Results

T‐shaped diatoric holes exhibited significantly higher shear bond strength among the surface treatment groups, followed by sandblasting + bonding agent, sandblasting, bonding agent, and the acetic acid group (p < 0.001)

Conclusion

T‐shaped diatoric holes as a mechanical surface treatment showed higher shear bond strength than other methods.
Unrefreshing naps and sleep architecture during the multiple sleep latency test in idiopathic hypersomnia
Authors: Mombelli Samantha , Deshaies‐Rugama Anne‐Sophie , Blais Hélène , Sekerovic Zoran , Thompson Cynthia , Desautels Alex , Montplaisir Jacques , Nigam Milan , Moderie Christophe , Carrier Julie , Gosselin Nadia
Published: June 2024

Patients with idiopathic hypersomnia frequently report having unrefreshing naps. However, whether they have abnormal sleep architecture during naps that may explain their unrefreshing aspect is unknown. We compared sleep architecture during short daytime naps in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia reporting unrefreshing and refreshing naps. One‐hundred and thirty‐four patients tested with one‐night polysomnography, followed by an adapted version of the Multiple Sleep Latency Test with four naps, were included. They were asked about the refreshing aspect of their habitual naps during a clinical interview. They were classified as having objective (Multiple Sleep Latency Test ≤ 8 min) or subjective idiopathic hypersomnia (Multiple Sleep Latency Test > 8 min), and as presenting refreshing or unrefreshing naps. We tested Group differences (refreshing versus unrefreshing naps) on nap sleep architecture in the whole sample and for subjective and objective idiopathic hypersomnia subgroups separately using ANCOVAs. No Group effects were observed in the Multiple Sleep Latency Test architecture in the whole sample and in objective and subjective idiopathic hypersomnia subgroups. This study provides preliminary evidence that reporting unrefreshing naps is not associated with clinically significant findings in Multiple Sleep Latency Test sleep architecture in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia. Given that naps taken by patients with idiopathic hypersomnia are typically long, future studies should investigate longer daytime sleep episodes.
The RELAX randomized controlled trial: Stretching versus meditation for nocturnal muscle cramps
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Trivedi Hirsh , Simonetto Douglas A. , Patwardhan Vilas , Ospina Erin , Martinez Beanna , Chen Xi , Walker Susan , Nikirk Samantha
Published: June 2024

Background

Muscle cramps are common among persons with cirrhosis and are associated with poor health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Treatment options are limited. We compared stretching or meditation in a randomized‐controlled trial (RCT).

Patients

We enrolled 98 patients with a history of >4 muscle cramps in the prior month from 7/22–7/23. We randomized patients 1:1 to stretching versus meditation for 35 days. Our primary outcome was the change in cramp severity measured by the visual analogue scale for cramps (VAS‐cramps, scaled 0–10). Secondary outcomes included a patient global impression of change (PGIC), change in sleep quality and global HRQOL measured using the EQ‐5D and VAS‐global HRQOL.

Results

Overall, 48% of patients had cirrhosis, 40% had diabetes, 16% the median age was 63, most were women (67%) and 81% were college educated. Both arms experienced a reduction in cramp severity—a median of 1.44 (.58–2.29) points for stretching and 1.97 (1.01–2.93) points for meditation. These changes were significant changes from baseline (p = .001 for stretching, p < .0001 for meditation) but these changes were equivalent between arms (p = .4). The PGIC was improved: 1.33 (1.02–1.65) for stretching, 1.05 (.70–1.41) for meditation, p‐difference .2. Sleep was also improved for both. HRQOL did not change according to the Eq5D; according to the VAS, HRQOL rose for meditation by 6 (.1–11.8) points but not for stretching. More patients recommended stretching than meditation (79.2% vs. 55.3%, p = .02).

Conclusion

In a randomized trial, stretching and meditation both reduced cramp severity and improved sleep quality and global impression of change. While patients preferred stretching, there was no difference in effect between arms.
Evaluation of thickness of 3D printed versus thermoformed aligners: A prospective in vivo ageing experiment
Authors: Sayahpour Babak , Eslami Sara , Stuhlfelder Jakob , Bühling Sarah , Dahmer Iulia , Goteni Malcolm , Kopp Stefan , Nucci Ludovica
Published: June 2024

Background

To compare and investigate the effects of intraoral ageing on the thickness of one group of directly printed and two groups of thermoformed aligners on the labial surface of maxillary central incisors.

Materials and Methods

Six groups (12 samples per group) were included in this prospective in vivo experiment. Groups DP‐Clin, INV‐Clin and CA‐Clin consisted of directly printed (Tera Harz TC‐85 DAC resin), thermoformed (Invisalign, PU based polymer) and in house thermoformed (CA‐Pro, PET‐G based polymer) aligners, retrieved after 1 week of intraoral service. Groups DP‐Ctr, INV‐Ctr and CA‐Ctr included unused aligners samples. Thickness measurements were conducted using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data that underwent log‐10 transformation was analysed by multiple linear regression analysis (p < .05).

Results

Statistically significant differences were found between the materials in both Clin and Ctr categories (p < .001). Group DP had the highest thickness among the groups and the least thickness was observed in the CA group (p < .001). However, intraoral ageing did not significantly affect the aligner thickness of any groups.

Conclusions

Both thermoforming and direct printing of clear aligners led to thickness deviations in terms of increase for printed aligners and decrease for thermoformed aligners. Intraoral ageing did not affect the aligner thickness in any of the groups.
How to make up your mind
Authors: Ziff Joost
Published: June 2024

This paper develops an account of committed beliefs: beliefs we commit to through reflection and conscious reasoning. To help make sense of committed beliefs, I present a new view of conscious reasoning, one of putting yourself in a position to become phenomenally consciously aware of evidence. By doing this for different pieces of evidence, you begin to make your up mind, making conscious reasoning, as such, a voluntary activity with an involuntary conclusion. The paper then explains how we use conscious reasoning in reflection not just to form and change committed beliefs, but to become aware of existing ones. The paper concludes with an explanation of how the limitations of conscious reasoning require us to maintain committed beliefs in a system. It is our maintenance of this system that allows us to knit together individual episodes of conscious reasoning into one enduring performance as a committed systematic believer.
Genetically differentiated populations of Ceratocystis fimbriata species complex points to host specialization in Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Fernando Montezano , Azevedo Daiana Maria Queiroz , da Silva Guimarães Lúcio Mauro , Oliveira Leonardo Sarno Soares , Alfenas Rafael Ferreira , Júnior Jaime Honorato , Alfenas Acelino Couto
Published: June 2024

Ceratocystis fimbriata is an important pathogen with a wide host range that causes xylem lesions, wilt and death in different plant species. More adapted populations of C. fimbriata have probably been selected to specific hosts and high genetic and physiological variability can be found within the pathogen populations. Thus, molecular analysis and inoculation studies were performed to investigate the genetic and physiological variability of isolates of C. fimbriata complex obtained from different host species and geographic regions in Brazil. The minimum spanning tree analysis based on 14 simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) markers of C. fimbriata exhibited a clear clustering of isolates according to host, where each groups of isolates differed in at least five loci. In addition, inoculation of eight hosts with 10 isolates revealed a wide variation in aggressiveness. By assessing the length of xylem lesions caused by C. fimbriata isolates, Ficus carica was found to be the most susceptible host, followed by Mangifera indica. Only the isolates from Theobroma cacao and Carapa guianensis proved to be host specialized. Overall, the isolates tested were more aggressive to the hosts from which they were sampled.
Multistage temporal transcriptomic atlas unveils major contributor to reproductive phase in upland cotton
Authors: Nazir Mian Faisal , Wang Jingjing , Chen Baojun , Umer Muhammad Jawad , He Shoupu , Pan Zhaoe , Hu Daowu , Song Meizhen , Du Xiongming
Published: June 2024

Flowering is a major developmental transition in plants, but asynchronous flowering hinders the utilization of wild cotton relatives in breeding programs. We performed comparative transcriptomic profiling of early‐ and late‐flowering Gossypium hirsutum genotypes to elucidate genetic factors influencing reproductive timing. Shoot apices were sampled from the photoperiod‐sensitive landrace G. hirsutum purpurascens (GhP) and early‐maturing variety ZhongMianSuo (ZMS) at five time points following the emergence of sympodial nodes. RNA‐sequencing revealed extensive transcriptional differences during floral transition. Numerous flowering‐associated genes exhibited genotype‐specific expression, including FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) homologs upregulated in ZMS. FT‐interacting factors like SOC1 and CO‐like also showed higher expression in ZMS, implicating florigen pathways in early flowering. Additionally, circadian clock and light signalling components were misregulated between varieties, suggesting altered photoperiod responses in GhP. Weighted co‐expression network analysis specifically linked a module enriched for circadian‐related genes to GhP's late flowering. Through an integrated transcriptome analysis, we defined a regulatory landscape of reproductive phase change in cotton. Differentially expressed genes related to photoperiod, circadian clock, and light signalling likely contribute to delayed flowering in wild cottons. Characterization of upstream flowering regulators will enable modifying photoperiod sensitivity and expand germplasm use for cotton improvement. This study provides candidate targets for elucidating interactive mechanisms that control cotton flowering time across diverse genotypes.
Modulation of physio‐biochemical and photosynthesis parameters by overexpressing SbPIP2 gene improved abiotic stress tolerance of transgenic tobacco
Authors: Patel Jaykumar , Khatri Kusum , Khandwal Deepesh , Gupta Nirmala Kumari , Choudhary Babita , Hapani Divya , Koshiya Jignasha , Syed Saif Najam , Phillips Dylan Wyn , Jones Huw Dylan , Mishra Avinash
Published: June 2024

The present study aims to explore the potential of a plasma‐membrane localized PIP2‐type aquaporin protein sourced from the halophyte Salicornia brachiata to alleviate salinity and water deficit stress tolerance in a model plant through transgenic intervention. Transgenic plants overexpressing SbPIP2 gene showed improved physio‐biochemical parameters like increased osmolytes (proline, total sugar, and amino acids), antioxidants (polyphenols), pigments and membrane stability under salinity and drought stresses compared to control plants [wild type (WT) and vector control (VC) plants]. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that, under water and salinity stresses, osmolytes, antioxidants and pigments were correlated with SbPIP2‐overexpressing (SbPIP2‐OE) plants treated with salinity and water deficit stress, suggesting their involvement in stress tolerance. As aquaporins are also involved in CO2 transport, SbPIP2‐OE plants showed enhanced photosynthesis performance than wild type upon salinity and drought stresses. Photosynthetic gas exchange (net CO2 assimilation rate, PSII efficiency, ETR, and non‐photochemical quenching) were significantly higher in SbPIP2‐OE plants compared to control plants (wild type and vector control plants) under both unstressed and stressed conditions. The higher quantum yield for reduction of end electron acceptors at the PSI acceptor side [Φ(R0)] in SbPIP2‐OE plants compared to control plants under abiotic stresses indicates a continued PSI functioning, leading to retained electron transport rate, higher carbon assimilation, and less ROS‐mediated injuries. In conclusion, the SbPIP2 gene functionally validated in the present study could be a potential candidate for engineering abiotic stress resilience in important crops.
Heart Rate Variability in Professional and Semiprofessional Soccer: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mirto Mauro , Filipas Luca , Altini Marco , Codella Roberto , Meloni Andrea
Published: June 2024

In modern soccer, fitness and fatigue monitoring tools tend to be focused on noninvasive, time‐efficient and player‐friendly measures. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been suggested as an effective method for monitoring training response and readiness to perform. However, there is still a lack of consensus on HRV monitoring when it comes to soccer. Thus, this scoping review aims to map existing evidence on HRV in professional and semiprofessional soccer settings, and to identify knowledge gaps to inform future research directions. A search of databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) according to the PRISMA‐ScR statement was employed. Studies were screened for eligibility on inclusion criteria: (1) HRV was among the topics discussed in the article; (2) adult professional or semiprofessional soccer players were involved in the study; (3) both male and female participants; (4) no geographical area exclusion; (5) articles published in English; and (6) article full text available. The search of the selected databases revealed 8456 records. The titles and abstracts of all articles were retrieved for screening of eligibility, leaving 30 articles for further consideration. Following screening against set criteria, a total of 25 studies were included in this review, the sample size of which ranged from 6 to 124 participants. The participants in the included studies were professional and semiprofessional soccer players, interviewed clubs staff, and practitioners. Along with other monitoring strategies, morning vagally mediated HRV analysis via (ultra)short‐term orthostatic measurements may be an efficient way to assess training adaptations and readiness to perform in professional and semiprofessional soccer players. Further research is required to make definitive recommendations.
Genome‐wide association study of stem structural characteristics that extracted by a high‐throughput phenotypic analysis “LabelmeP rice” in rice
Authors: Li Jianguo , Yang Mingchong , He Dandan , Luo Zixuan , Li Bo , Huang Xiaojin , Wu Fangxi , Xie Guosheng , Fan Chuchuan , Sun Wenqiang , Yu Sibin , Wang Lingqiang
Published: June 2024

Stem is important for assimilating transport and plant strength; however, less is known about the genetic basis of its structural characteristics. In this study, a high‐throughput method, “LabelmeP rice” was developed to generate 14 traits related to stem regions and vascular bundles, which allows the establishment of a stem cross‐section phenotype dataset containing anatomical information of 1738 images from hand‐cut transections of stems collected from 387 rice germplasm accessions grown over two successive seasons. Then, the phenotypic diversity of the rice accessions was evaluated. Genome‐wide association studies identified 94, 83, and 66 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the assayed traits in 2 years and their best linear unbiased estimates, respectively. These SNPs can be integrated into 29 quantitative trait loci (QTL), and 11 of them were common in 2 years, while correlated traits shared 19. In addition, 173 candidate genes were identified, and six located at significant SNPs were repeatedly detected and annotated with a potential function in stem development. By using three introgression lines (chromosome segment substitution lines), four of the 29 QTLs were validated. LOC_Os01g70200, located on the QTL uq1.4, is detected for the area of small vascular bundles (SVB) and the rate of large vascular bundles number to SVB number. Besides, the CRISPR/Cas9 editing approach has elucidated the function of the candidate gene LOC_Os06g46340 in stem development. In conclusion, the results present a time‐ and cost‐effective method that provides convenience for extracting rice stem anatomical traits and the candidate genes/QTL, which would help improve rice.
A Modified UK Real Value/Short-Cut DCF Model for the Valuation of a Nigerian Sub-Leased Commercial Property
Authors: Ataguba Joseph Obaje
Published: June 2024

A UK real value/short-cut DCF model that addresses the valuation of geared profit rents generated by sub-let commercial investment properties especially in climes with nationalized land policy has been elusive. This study examines the modification of the extant UK real value/short-cut DCF model for the valuation of head-leased occupancy rights with fixed and non-revisable ground rents pursuant to the provisions of the Nigeria Land Use Act. The model is developed by blending the inputs of the modified rational model with that of the Crosby's real value/short-cut DCF model leading to a valuation model that appears simplified compared to the existing UK contemporary value models. The gearing effect for the hypothetical case of sub-let head-lease occupancy right in Nigeria is manifested as having a diminishing impact of fixed ground rent on profit rent calculation. For the valuation case study involving this hypothetical head-leased occupancy right in Nigeria, it was found that the modified UK real value/short-cut DCF model produced valuation that is identical to those churned out from the full DCF, modified rational, and Crosby's real value/short-cut DCF models. For the same hypothetical case study, less than 1% difference is observed between valuations from the all risks real yield (ARRY) model, which evolved in New Zealand and the valuation produced from the modified UK real value/short-cut DCF model, thereby validating all methods against each other. In consonance with the International Valuation Standards pertaining to income valuation approach, a sustained pedagogy of emerging real value models alongside the extant nominal valuation models is suggested as a way forward. Nevertheless, the modified UK real value/short-cut DCF model is recommended as an alternative to the extant variants of real value and explicit DCF techniques for the valuation of sub-let head-lease occupancy rights with fixed/non-revisable ground rents payable especially in climes with nationalized land policy.
Technological Innovations in Land Administration System (LAS): Concern on Level of Awareness in Nigeria
Authors: Fateye Tosin B. , Ibuoye Ayodele A. , Wahab Babatunde M. , Odunfa Victoria O.
Published: June 2024

The study examined the level of awareness of technological innovations in land administration among stakeholders comprising academics and officials charged with the responsibility of administering and managing land in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. The study sampled 114 land experts and employed multi-layer non-probabilistic sampling, i.e. cluster, convenience and snowballing techniques. Descriptive statistics of mean score of weighted options (5-point Likert scale), cross tabulation and Kruskal-Wallis test were deployed to analyse the data. The mean score (MS) showed a very low level of awareness of technological innovations among the respondents. The result revealed that, the respondents have a fair knowledge of Geodata Cadastral Database and Land Resource Manager. The compare mean score analysis of the level of awareness against the respondents’ background information revealed that field personnel, GIS experts, HND holders and experienced land administrators were relatively familiar with the technologies in their categories. Kruskal-Wallis was used to test if there is a significant difference in the opinions of the respondents considering variation in their background profiles. The test result showed that there is no statistical significant difference in the opinions of the land experts. The findings signaled that the operation of land administration in the country is still at a basic level, manual and labour intensive. The study therefore advocated for scaling up of sensitisation and awareness campaigns on the technological innovations, synergy between field and academic land experts, training and re-training of personnel and adoption of strong institutional framework that will enhance LAS in the country.
A Study on the Relationship between Hostel Investment and Inflation in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Nwosu Akuakanwa Eziukwu
Published: June 2024

One of the important objectives of holding an investment is to protect investors’ real currency value invested against inflationary trend and enjoy a continuous positive flow of real return. In Nigeria, majority of investors in real estate are uncertain concerning the hedging capability and existing relationship between return in real estate and inflation rates. This research paper identifies the degree of relationship between returns in hostel investment and inflation rates in Akure, Nigeria. Environs of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) were chosen as a study area because of influx of investors in hostel development in the area. Data on rental and capital income were collected from registered and practising Estate Valuation Firms in the study area through self-administered questionnaire, while rates on inflation were obtained from Central Bank and Bureau of Statistics data bank in Nigeria. 25 Estate Valuation Firms in Akure consist of the target population sourced from the NIESV (Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers) Directory. Twenty-five questionnaires were administered to Estate Valuation Firms, fifteen were retrieved. The descriptive statistics include the mean return while inferential statistics used for the analysis includes Phillip Perron unit root test and Auto regressive distributed lag. The PP unit root result; shows the data sets exhibits a different combination order in terms of the integrations. Existing degree of relationship was seen to vary between hostel and inflation rates. However, instances where some hostels show a positive relationship with inflation component exist; while others show a negative relationship with the inflation components. The findings from this study will give empirical direction to both individual and institutional investors in hostels. It was recommended among others that the Nigerian government should work towards putting in place the relevant policy mix of fiscal and monetary policies to mitigate inflation rate to a single digit so that investors will be able to earn their real return.
Ethnicity and gentrification. Exploring the real estate's perspective on the revaluation of a "dangerous" street in Leipzig (Germany)
Authors: Hübscher Marcus , Kleindienst Elisabeth , Brose Madlen
Published: June 2024

The relationship between ethnicity and gentrification is understudied. However, it is a highly relevant albeit paradoxical relationship where upgrading due to “multiculturalism” and “authenticity” might be paralleled by discrimination and displacement. This paper takes up the case of Leipzig’s Eisenbahnstrasse as an arrival space  with one of the highest shares of foreigners in East Germany. The media has labeled Eisenbahnstrasse as “Germany’s most dangerous street”. Simultaneously, considerable dynamics on the housing market are observed that add to the juxtaposition between medial perception and real estate. Our paper takes up this paradoxical situation and investigates the role of ethnicity on Leipzig’s Eisenbahnstrasse, seen from the supply side of real estate, which is an often neglected perspective. By means of qualitative interviews with local stakeholders, our aim is to understand their role in the revaluation process, and how ethnicity is linked to this process.
Our findings reveal a gap between the predominantly negative news coverage and the neighborhood’s actual values from the real estate perspective. According to the interviewees, the image of the Eisenbahnstrasse prevents families from moving to the area but attracts students and artists who cherish the international atmosphere in the area. In this context, ethnicity plays a crucial but ambiguous role in the revaluation process. This paper also reveals how discrimination on the housing market takes place, and how real estate stakeholders construct ethnicity and apply strategies to promote a revaluation, which they consider as social mixing. Therefore, we present further evidence of the ongoing processes on Leipzig’s Eisenbahnstrasse and provide insights into the complex relationship between gentrification and ethnicity.
Mixed-flow Pumps: Modeling, Simulation, and Measurements
Authors: Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Agarwal Ramesh , Shi Weidong , Zhou Ling
Published: June 2024

Learn to improve and optimize the design and operation of mixed-flow pumps.

Mixed-flow pumps have a huge range of applications in agriculture, hydroelectric power, and other industries that incorporate fluid transport. They are centrifugal pumps incorporating the characteristics of both axial and radial pumps to increase the flow rate and discharge pressure. Though essential in a variety of industries, they pose serious challenges to numerical simulation methods, challenges which are starting to be met by the application of computational fluid dynamics using high-performance computing.

Mixed-flow Pumps introduces engineers and researchers to this subject and its important applications. Incorporating all major varieties of mixed-flow pumps used in industrial applications, it employs methods from advanced computational fluid dynamics and high-precision flow field experimentation to characterize and analyze these crucial technologies. Moving from the fundamentals of the technology to its most advanced applications, it’s an essential resource for engineers and industry practitioners looking to develop their understanding of fluid transport.

Mixed-flow Pumps readers will also find:

Mixed-flow Pumps is a useful reference for mixed-flow pump design by academic researchers, including graduate students, industry practitioners, and test engineers.
Back Matter
Authors: Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Agarwal Ramesh , Shi Weidong , Zhou Ling
Published: June 2024

This back matter contains the Index.
Experimental Methods, Data, and Analysis
Authors: Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Agarwal Ramesh , Shi Weidong , Zhou Ling
Published: June 2024

The experimental measurements reported in this chapter were conducted on the closed mixed-flow pump test platform in the Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology in Jiangsu University. The closed test platform is made of the Φ250 mm stainless steel pipe. The experiments were conducted following the GB/T 18149-2000 mixed-flow pump and axial flow pump hydraulic performance test specification [1]. The test platform meets the accuracy requirement of the first class. The experimental setup and equipment used in the experiment are shown in Fig. 5.1.
Front Matter
Authors: Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Agarwal Ramesh , Shi Weidong , Zhou Ling
Published: June 2024

This frontmatter contains the Wiley-ASME Press Series, Contents, Preface, Acknowledgments, List of Acronyms and List of Symbols. It is available for access by clicking on the PDF icon below.

eBook keywords: mixed-flow pumps, agricultural applications of pumps, industrial applications of pumps, computational fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, pump performance analysis methods, fluid transport, centrifugal pumps, axial pumps, radial pumps.