bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the Brassica oleracea L. chitin-binding genes and response to pathogens infections
Authors: Zhu Mingzhao , Lu Shujin , Zhuang Mu , Zhang Yangyong , Lv Honghao , Ji Jialei , Hou Xilin , Fang Zhiyuan , Wang Yong , Yang Limei
Published: March 2021

Main conclusion

Chitinase family genes were involved in the response of Brassica oleracea to Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, black spot and downy mildew.

Abstract Chitinase, a category of pathogenesis-related proteins, is believed to play an important role in defending against external stress in plants. However, a comprehensive analysis of the chitin-binding gene family has not been reported to date in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), especially regarding the roles that chitinases play in response to various diseases. In this study, a total of 20 chitinase genes were identified using a genome-wide search method. Phylogenetic analysis was employed to classify these genes into two groups. The genes were distributed unevenly across six chromosomes in cabbage, and all of them contained few introns (≤ 2). The results of collinear analysis showed that the cabbage genome contained 1–5 copies of each chitinase gene (excluding Bol035470) identified in Arabidopsis. The heatmap of the chitinase gene family showed that these genes were expressed in various tissues and organs. Two genes (Bol023322 and Bol041024) were relatively highly expressed in all of the investigated tissues under normal conditions, exhibiting the expression characteristics of housekeeping genes. In addition, under four different stresses, namely, Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, black spot and downy mildew, we detected 9, 5, 8 and 8 genes with different expression levels in different treatments, respectively. Our results may help to elucidate the roles played by chitinases in the responses of host plants to various diseases.
On the correlation between human fixations, handcrafted and CNN features
Authors: Cadoni Marinella , Lagorio Andrea , Khellat-Kihel Souad , Grosso Enrico
Published: March 2021

Traditional local image descriptors such as SIFT and SURF are based on processings similar to those that take place in the early visual cortex. Nowadays, convolutional neural networks still draw inspiration from the human vision system, integrating computational elements typical of higher visual cortical areas. Deep CNN’s architectures are intrinsically hard to interpret, so much effort has been made to dissect them in order to understand which type of features they learn. However, considering the resemblance to the human vision system, no enough attention has been devoted to understand if the image features learned by deep CNNs and used for classification correlate with features that humans select when viewing images, the so-called human fixations, nor if they correlate with earlier developed handcrafted features such as SIFT and SURF. Exploring these correlations is highly meaningful since what we require from CNNs, and features in general, is to recognize and correctly classify objects or subjects relevant to humans. In this paper, we establish the correlation between three families of image interest points: human fixations, handcrafted and CNN features. We extract features from the feature maps of selected layers of several deep CNN’s architectures, from the shallowest to the deepest. All features and fixations are then compared with two types of measures, global and local, which unveil the degree of similarity of the areas of interest of the three families. From the experiments carried out on ETD human fixations database, it turns out that human fixations are positively correlated with handcrafted features and even more with deep layers of CNNs and that handcrafted features highly correlate between themselves as some CNNs do.
Incorporating grain-scale processes in macroscopic sediment transport models
Authors: Vowinckel Bernhard
Published: March 2021

Sediment transport simulations face the challenge of accounting for vastly different scales in space and time that cannot be tackled by a unifying approach. Instead, processes are subdivided into a microscale at the particle level, a mesoscale of a large finite number of particles, and a macroscale that computes the sediment motion by means of advection–diffusion equations. The different processes occurring at different scales are simulated using different computational approaches. However, modeling sediment transport at multiple scales with high fidelity requires proper closure arguments that interconnect the different processes. Ultimately, we will need efficient macroscale models that can readily be utilized for engineering practices covering, e.g., entire river reaches or even estuaries. In recent years, highly resolved simulations have become a valuable tool to provide these closure arguments for sediment transport models on the continuum scale. In this paper, we will review the most relevant approaches to simulate sediment transport at different scales and discuss the perspectives of four most promising modeling techniques that can help to improve sediment transport modeling. On the grain scale, these enhancements include the impact of mechanical properties of cohesion and biocohesion as well as the shape of non-spherical sediment grains on fluid–particle and particle–particle interactions. On larger scales, we review constitutive equations for the macroscopic rheological behavior of sediment beds that may decouple the relevant scales for fluid and sediment motion. Furthermore, we discuss machine learning strategies as an efficient means to derive scaling arguments across multiple scales.
I know a dog when I see one: dogs (Canis familiaris) recognize dogs from videos
Authors: Mongillo Paolo , Eatherington Carla , Lõoke Miina , Marinelli Lieta
Published: March 2021

Several aspects of dogs’ visual and social cognition have been explored using bi-dimensional representations of other dogs. It remains unclear, however, if dogs do recognize as dogs the stimuli depicted in such representations, especially with regard to videos. To test this, 32 pet dogs took part in a cross-modal violation of expectancy experiment, during which dogs were shown videos of either a dog and that of an unfamiliar animal, paired with either the sound of a dog barking or of an unfamiliar vocalization. While stimuli were being presented, dogs paid higher attention to the exit region of the presentation area, when the visual stimulus represented a dog than when it represented an unfamiliar species. After exposure to the stimuli, dogs’ attention to different parts of the presentation area depended on the specific combination of visual and auditory stimuli. Of relevance, dogs paid less attention to the central part of the presentation area and more to the entrance area after being exposed to the barking and dog video pair, than when either was paired with an unfamiliar stimulus. These results indicate dogs were surprised by the latter pairings, not by the former, and were interested in where the barking and dog pair came from, implying recognition of the two stimuli as belonging to a conspecific. The study represents the first demonstration that dogs can recognize other conspecifics in videos.
Projective covers over local rings
Authors: Ercolanoni Sofia , Facchini Alberto
Published: March 2021

We describe the structure of the projective cover of a module $$M_R$$

M
R

over a local ring R and its relation with minimal sets of generators of $$M_R$$

M
R

. The behaviour of local right perfect rings is completely different from the behaviour of local rings that are not right perfect.
Bespoke Turing Systems
Authors: Woolley Thomas E. , Krause Andrew L. , Gaffney Eamonn A.
Published: March 2021

Reaction–diffusion systems are an intensively studied form of partial differential equation, frequently used to produce spatially heterogeneous patterned states from homogeneous symmetry breaking via the Turing instability. Although there are many prototypical “Turing systems” available, determining their parameters, functional forms, and general appropriateness for a given application is often difficult. Here, we consider the reverse problem. Namely, suppose we know the parameter region associated with the reaction kinetics in which patterning is required—we present a constructive framework for identifying systems that will exhibit the Turing instability within this region, whilst in addition often allowing selection of desired patterning features, such as spots, or stripes. In particular, we show how to build a system of two populations governed by polynomial morphogen kinetics such that the: patterning parameter domain (in any spatial dimension), morphogen phases (in any spatial dimension), and even type of resulting pattern (in up to two spatial dimensions) can all be determined. Finally, by employing spatial and temporal heterogeneity, we demonstrate that mixed mode patterns (spots, stripes, and complex prepatterns) are also possible, allowing one to build arbitrarily complicated patterning landscapes. Such a framework can be employed pedagogically, or in a variety of contemporary applications in designing synthetic chemical and biological patterning systems. We also discuss the implications that this freedom of design has on using reaction–diffusion systems in biological modelling and suggest that stronger constraints are needed when linking theory and experiment, as many simple patterns can be easily generated given freedom to choose reaction kinetics.
New insights in online fashion retail returns from a customers’ perspective and their dynamics
Authors: Stöcker Björn , Baier Daniel , Brand Benedikt M.
Published: March 2021

Returns are an inconvenient problem in the mail-order business, not only for the merchant but also for the customer. With an estimated return rate of 50% in the fashion sector, the seller has to deal with the expense of restocking and possibly reprocessing, the buyer, who must reship the return, and the environment. We do not consider returns to be generally bad, but rather an explicit, integral part of the online business model. Therefore, we investigate potentially suitable measures to avert or avoid returns in the pre-purchase, purchase, and post-purchase phases. We look at current and technological developments in return management and the most critical drivers for fashion assortment returns. The measures we investigate deliver a holistic view of the issue and target all three purchase phases. The resulting measures were assessed via an online questionnaire with 8393 participants (customers of a German fashion online retailer) to impact customer satisfaction using Kano’s method. There are clear measures that promise high customer satisfaction (such as 360° view) and a clear hierarchy regarding monetary and non-monetary measures. By applying a new method, the segmented Kano perspective, we found different customer segments, which are different in their expectations towards returns. That allowed us to conclude dynamics regarding return management. This assessment is followed by discussing the results, conclusions, and indications for further research fields.
Decision basis for multi-directional path planning for post-processing reduction in material extrusion
Authors: Hohenstein Steffen , Bergweiler Georg , Lukas Gerret , Krömer Viktoria , Otten Tobias
Published: March 2021

Reducing support structures in Material Extrusion (ME) of Additive Manufacturing enables lowered post-processing efforts and enhanced use in industrial applications. This study provides a decision basis for multi-directional path planning strategy to print parts on multi-axis printers without the use of support structures. Research solutions for different limitations of ME systems are examined. The combination of Flat and Curved Layer Slicing, Adaptive Slicing, Load-Capable Path Planning and Multi-Axis Slicing enables printing a multi-directional demonstrator part. The part’s build structure consists of form elements (features) with varying build directions depending on the transition areas between them. A proof-of-concept on a three-axis printer shows the ability of a multi-directional printing method for multi-axis printer systems. Interfaces between features require print parameter adjustment to obtain the desired mechanical properties. Tensile tests are performed to evaluate the mechanical load capacity at connecting areas between features of standard specimens. Geometrically complex parts (3D) are printed in conventional ME systems without support and improved characteristics through the multi-feature path planning strategy. Each feature is printed according to geometrically determined requirements representing a successful proof-of-concept. Results show that further testing is required for the effects of mechanical resistance at connection areas. Adaption of the path planning strategy is needed to reduce occurring defects.
Perspectives of the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) on rare endocrine disease
Authors: Reincke Martin , Hokken-Koelega Anita
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Rare diseases affect <1 in 2000 people. Despite their rarity, they collectively affect ~30 million people across Europe. The aim of this article is to present the view of our European endocrine societies on the care of patients with rare endocrine conditions.

Methods

We evaluated the current situation of patients with rare endocrine disease and present the joint views of the European Society for Endocrinology (ESE) and the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) on how the endocrine disciplines can support and contribute to a better health of patients with rare endocrine conditions in Europe.

Results

Rare diseases pose many challenges, including early diagnosis and innovative treatment options. Rare endocrine diseases can be found among inherited disorders, cancers, and conditions associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes, calcium and bone metabolism, lipid metabolism, hypogonadism, and adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid dysfunction. According to the European Registries for Rare Endocrine conditions, there are over 440 distinct rare diseases that affect the endocrine system. Rare endocrine diseases are often chronic and life-threatening.

Conclusions

ESE and ESPE support a strategic plan to address unmet needs in the area of rare endocrine conditions. The EU should continue to evolve and expand its plans for funding European Reference Networks so that they can expand their activities.
The Rise of Data Politics: Digital China and the World
Authors: Liu Lizhi
Published: March 2021

Data has become one of the most valuable assets for governments and firms. Yet, we still have a limited understanding of how data reshapes international economic relations. This paper explores various aspects of data politics through the lens of China’s digital rise and the country’s global engagement. I start with the theoretical premise that data differs from traditional strategic assets (e.g., land, oil, and labor), in that it is nonrival and partially excludable. These characteristics have generated externality, commitment, and valuation problems, triggering three fundamental changes in China’s external economic relations. First, data’s externality problem makes it necessary for states to regulate data or even to pursue data sovereignty. However, clashes over data sovereignty can ignite conflicts between China and other countries. Second, the commitment problem in data use raises global concerns about foreign government surveillance. As data is easier to transfer across borders than physical commodities, Chinese tech companies’ investments abroad are vulnerable to national security investigations by foreign regulators. Chinese tech companies, therefore, confront a “deep versus broad” dilemma: deep ties with the Chinese government help promote their domestic business but jeopardize their international expansion. Lastly, data’s valuation problem makes traditional measures (e.g., GDP) ill-suited to measure the relative strengths of the world’s economies, which may distort perceptions of China and other states.
Introduction to emerging industrial applications of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Sorrentino Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

The Italian Law of 22 November 2016 has legalized the cultivation of hemp, which drives the development of sustainable agriculture by generating new products with high added value in the new context of circular economy. Hemp cultivation is known for its low environmental impact, as hemp grows fast, suppresses weeds and does not need pesticides. It has no specialized parasites, favors pollination and improves the physical and chemical soil fertility. Recently, many countries have increased their interest in hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.), considering it as a climate-friendly crop that can mitigate climate change and desertification. For these reasons, hemp can be a new protagonist of Italian agriculture already oriented towards the objectives of EU 2030 which predicts 40% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990. The hemp cultivation can activate a new supply chain by allowing using different parts of the plant, benefiting farmers, environment, and human health. Indeed, although a very old plant, hemp will be one of the main protagonists of the green economy in the near future. Its seeds can be used by agri-food industry to produce flour, pasta, pastry and oil, while the stem through canapulo (woody part of stem) in green building sector. Its fiber (external part of stem) will find new applications in textile industry. As for its inflorescences and roots, thanks to the extraction of bioactive molecules, they will play an important role in the pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical industry. Finally, only the medical sector with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extraction from inflorescence is not yet regulated by the aforementioned Italian Law.
Influence of material degradation on weld seam quality in hot gas butt welding of polyamides
Authors: Bialaschik Max , Schöppner Volker , Albrecht Mirko , Gehde Michael
Published: March 2021

The joining of plastics is required because component geometries are severely restricted in conventional manufacturing processes such as injection molding or extrusion. In addition to established processes such as hot plate welding, infrared welding, or vibration welding, hot gas butt welding is becoming more and more important industrially due to its advantages. The main benefits are the contactless heating process, the suitability for glass fiber reinforced, and high-temperature plastics as well as complex component geometries. However, various degradation phenomena can occur during the heating process used for economic reasons, due to the presence of oxygen in the air and to the high gas temperatures. In addition, the current patent situation suggests that welding with an oxidizing gas is not permissible depending on the material. On the other hand, however, there is experience from extrusion welding, with which long-term resistant weld seams can be produced using air. Investigations have shown that the same weld seam properties can be achieved with polypropylene using either air or nitrogen as the process gas. Experimental investigations have now been carried out on the suitability of different gases with regard to the weld seam quality when welding polyamides, which are generally regarded as more prone to oxidation. The results show that weld strengths are higher when nitrogen is used as process gas. However, equal weld strengths can be achieved with air and nitrogen when the material contains heat stabilizers.
Dietary nutrients and health risks from exposure to some heavy metals through the consumption of the farmed common carp (CYPRINUS CARPIO)
Authors: Tkachenko Halyna , Kurhaluk Natalia , Kasiyan Olha , Kamiński Piotr
Published: March 2021

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most important cultured fish species in Poland. The aims of our study were to determine the concentration of essential minerals in the muscle tissue of carp obtained from a pond culture and to compare the content of these minerals with the physiological norms of nutrition for the Polish population, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and Estimated Average Requirements (EAR). The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk by assessment of the Estimated target hazard quotients (THQ), total target hazard quotients (ΣTHQ), and carcinogenic risk were also studied. The muscle tissue of the carp was rich in macroelements. The pattern significance gradation of element concentrations was as follows: Na > K > Ca > P > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Cr > Se > Co. The concentration of toxic heavy metals in the samples was lower than the maximum allowable level of metals in food products. The risk of consumption of toxicants by an adult at a daily intake of 100 g of fish was 1.45% for Pb, 0.1% for Hg, 0.02% for Cd, and 0.02% for As, compared to the allowable daily intake for each toxicant. The value of the target hazard quotients of each metal was less than 1, indicating that the intake of a single metal through the consumption of carp meat does not pose a considerable health hazard. The total value of the target hazard quotients was also less than 1, indicating the safety of the combined effects of the chemicals. The major risk contributor was Pb with 82.9%, followed by Hg (9.38%), As (6.43%), and Cd (1.29%).
The Italian Wine Sector: Evolution, Structure, Competitiveness and Future Challenges of an Enduring Leader
Authors: Pomarici Eugenio , Corsi Alessandro , Mazzarino Simonetta , Sardone Roberta
Published: March 2021

The Italian wine supply chain has performed well in recent decades both in terms of profitability and success on the domestic and international markets. This is despite the fact that it is fragmented in terms of products, prices and consumption context, and, in particular, despite the fact that it is characterised by an organisation that hinders the full exploitation of economies of scale. This paradox has not been investigated in literature. We propose several elements in support of the hypothesis that the Italian wine sector’s success is linked to favourable elements of the Porter Diamond Model (5 out of 6) but also to the “district” nature of a large part of the sector. The presence of numerous networks, some of which are formal and others informal, gives most Italian local production systems specialising in grapes and wine the characteristics of industrial districts, due to the local social capital that is stratified there. These networks include operators such as Cooperatives and Consorzi di Tutela, upstream and downstream industries and services, tourism, research and educational bodies. Such networks can overcome the weakness represented by the low concentration and small average size of the operators. To support this hypothesis, we analyse the historical evolution of the sector and its drivers, the structural features of the different phases of the wine chain (grape growing, winemaking, bottling and distribution), the market relationships within the chain and the national and European policies favouring the sector. This analysis also underlines the differences between the Italian sector and its competitors from the Old and New World.
Properties of Solutions of Generalized Sturm–Liouville Discrete Equations
Authors: Migda Janusz , Nockowska-Rosiak Magdalena , Migda Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

We consider discrete Sturm–Liouville-type equations of the form $$\begin{aligned} \varDelta (r_n\varDelta x_n)=a_nf(x_{\sigma (n)})+b_n. \end{aligned}$$

Δ

(

r
n

Δ

x
n

)

=

a
n

f

(

x

σ
(
n
)

)

+

b
n

.

We present a theory of asymptotic properties of solutions which allows us to control the degree of approximation. Namely, we establish conditions under which for a given sequence y which solves the equation $$\varDelta (r_n\varDelta y_n)=b_n$$

Δ

(

r
n

Δ

y
n

)

=

b
n

, the above equation possesses a solution x with the property $$x_n=y_n+\mathrm {o}(u_n)$$

x
n

=

y
n

+
o

(

u
n

)

, where u is a given positive, nonincreasing sequence. The obtained results are applied to the study of asymptotically periodic solutions. Moreover, these results also allow us to obtain some nonoscillation criteria for the classical Sturm–Liouville equation.
Ist die Expression des GP88-Proteins (Progranulin) ein klinisch relevanter Prognosefaktor für Prostatakarzinompatienten?
Authors: Taubert Helge , Eckstein Markus
Published: March 2021

Progranulin (GP88), ein autokriner Wachstumsfaktor, stellt einen für zahlreiche Tumorentitäten vielversprechenden Biomarker dar. Da sich GP88 sowohl im Tumorgewebe als auch im Serum von Tumorpatienten nachweisen lässt, ist ein minimal-invasiver Test („liquid biopsy“) zum Nachweis von GP88 möglich. Im Prostatakarzinom (PCa) wurde dieser Marker bisher nur in wenigen Voruntersuchungen auf seine diagnostische Aussagekraft hin charakterisiert. In unseren eigenen Arbeiten analysierten wir die Proteinlevel von GP88 im Serum (ELISA-Test) und im Tumorgewebe (Immunhistochemie) in 2 Prostatakarzinompatientenkohorten. Dabei erwies sich der verstärkte Proteinnachweis sowohl im Serum als auch im Tumorgewebe als negativer Prognosefaktor. Interessanterweise traf dies nur auf die jüngeren PCa-Patienten zu. Es sind weitere Untersuchungen erforderlich, um diese Ergebnisse zu bestätigen bzw. eine Eignung von GP88 auch für die Diagnose und das Therapiemonitoring von PCa-Patienten einzuschätzen.
QRAS: efficient resource allocation for task scheduling in cloud computing
Authors: Singh Harvinder , Bhasin Anshu , Kaveri Parag Ravikant
Published: March 2021

Cloud resource allocation, a real-time problem can be dealt with efficaciously to reduce execution cost and improve resource utilization. Resource usability can fulfill customers’ expectations if the allocation has performed according to demand constraint. Task Scheduling is NP-hard problem where unsuitable matching leads to performance degradation and violation of service level agreement (SLA). In this research paper, the workflow scheduling problem has been conducted with objective of higher exploitation of resources. To overcome scheduling optimization problem, the proposed QoS based resource allocation and scheduling has used swarm-based ant colony optimization provide more predictable results. The experimentation of proposed algorithms has been done in a simulated cloud environment. Further, the results of the proposed algorithm have been compared with other policies, it performed better in terms of Quality of Service parameters.
Actions to align energy projects with the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Leite de Almeida Constança Martins , Bergqvist Elin , Thacker Scott , Fuso Nerini Francesco
Published: March 2021

The 2030 Agenda is an aspiring set of goals and targets that aims to prompt humanity towards a sustainable development by 2030. In order to achieve this, actions that mitigate trade-offs and enhance synergies within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) need to be identified. However, for the energy sector these actions are dispersed across the scientific literature, which is a clear barrier to encourage practitioners to have a proactive and pragmatic approach towards the SDGs. For this reason, a set of actions for energy projects was compiled. This compilation addresses the synergies and trade-offs identified in the Sustainable Development Goals Impact Assessment Framework for Energy Projects (SDG-IAE). One case of application was used to test the actions, the lighthouse Project VARGA. Subsequently, an analysis was conducted to understand how possible actions can impact different technologies, project stages, actors and SDG targets. In this way, enabling policymakers and project developers to define areas of action when evaluating policies or considering specific interventions. This article aims to be the starting point of stakeholder discussions that consistently frame energy projects within the achievement of the SDGs.
A “resistance calculator”: Simple stewardship intervention for refining empiric practices of antimicrobials in acute-care hospitals
Authors: Zilberman-Itskovich Shani , Strul Nathan , Chedid Khalil , Martin Emily T. , Shorbaje Akram , Vitkon-Barkay Itzhak , Marcus Gil , Michaeli Leah , Broide Mor , Yekutiel Matar , Zohar Yarden , Razin Hadas , Low Amitai , Strulovici Ariela , Israeli Boaz , Geva Gal , Katz David E. , Ben-Chetrit Eli , Dodin Mutaz , Dhar Sorabh , Parsons Leo Milton , Ramos-Mercado Abdiel , Kaye Keith S. , Marchaim Dror
Published: March 2021

Objective:

In the era of widespread resistance, there are 2 time points at which most empiric prescription errors occur among hospitalized adults: (1) upon admission (UA) when treating patients at risk of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and (2) during hospitalization, when treating patients at risk of extensively drug-resistant organisms (XDROs). These errors adversely influence patient outcomes and the hospital’s ecology.

Design and setting:

Retrospective cohort study, Shamir Medical Center, Israel, 2016.

Patients:

Adult patients (aged >18 years) hospitalized with sepsis.

Methods:

Logistic regressions were used to develop predictive models for (1) MDRO UA and (2) nosocomial XDRO. Their performances on the derivation data sets, and on 7 other validation data sets, were assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC).

Results:

In total, 4,114 patients were included: 2,472 patients with sepsis UA and 1,642 with nosocomial sepsis. The MDRO UA score included 10 parameters, and with a cutoff of ≥22 points, it had an ROC AUC of 0.85. The nosocomial XDRO score included 7 parameters, and with a cutoff of ≥36 points, it had an ROC AUC of 0.87. The range of ROC AUCs for the validation data sets was 0.7–0.88 for the MDRO UA score and was 0.66–0.75 for nosocomial XDRO score. We created a free web calculator (https://assafharofe.azurewebsites.net).

Conclusions:

A simple electronic calculator could aid with empiric prescription during an encounter with a septic patient. Future implementation studies are needed to evaluate its utility in improving patient outcomes and in reducing overall resistances.
Evaluating the responses of three closely related small mammal lineages to climate change across the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum
Authors: Vitek Natasha S. , Morse Paul E. , Boyer Doug M. , Strait Suzanne G. , Bloch Jonathan I.
Published: March 2021

Interpreting the impact of climate change on vertebrates in the fossil record can be complicated by the effects of potential biotic drivers on morphological patterns observed in taxa. One promising area where this impact can be assessed is a high-resolution terrestrial record from the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, that corresponds to the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), a geologically rapid (~170 kyr) interval of sustained temperature and aridity shifts about 56 Ma. The PETM has been extensively studied, but different lines of research have not yet been brought together to compare the timing of shifts in abiotic drivers that include temperature and aridity proxies and those of biotic drivers, measured through changes in floral and faunal assemblages, to the timing of morphological change within mammalian species lineages. We used a suite of morphometric tools to document morphological changes in molar crown morphology of three lineages of stem erinaceid eulipotyphlans. We then compared the timing of morphological change to that of both abiotic and other biotic records through the PETM. In all three species lineages, we failed to recover any significant changes in tooth crown shape or size within the PETM. These results contrast with those documented previously for lineages of medium-sized mammals, which show significant dwarfing within the PETM. Our results suggest that biotic drivers such as shifts in community composition may have also played an important role in shaping species-level patterns during this dynamic interval in Earth history.
Moral peace and moral pleasure in theAnalects
Authors: Li Puqun
Published: March 2021

This article examines Confucius’ ideas of moral peace (an安) and moral pleasure (le樂) in the Analects. It argues thatanandleare two correlated aspects of a self-cultivated state of being (jing-jie境界) that is grounded on practising benevolence or human-heartedness (ren仁) and on following the Way (dao道). The state ofan-leinvolves not only one's reason (i.e., knowingrenanddao) and one's will (i.e., willingrenanddao), but also one's love or ‘emotional liking’ (hào好) with respect to the practice of ren anddao. It is a state that resembles Kant's idea of intellectual contentment but,pacePhilip Ivanhoe's recent interpretation of Confucius, it is different from Aristotle's concepts of pleasure andeudaimonia.
Notes on lichenicolous species ofOpegraphas. lat. (Arthoniales) onArthoniaceaeandVerrucariaceae, with a key to British and Irish lichenicolousOpegraphaceae
Authors: Coppins Brian J. , Kondratyuk Sergey Y. , Etayo Javier , Cannon Paul F.
Published: March 2021

Three species of lichenicolousOpegraphas. lat. are newly described, all apparently host-specific at genus level.Opegrapha arthoniicolaCoppins & S. Y. Kondr. is described from western Britain and Ireland, where it grows on the thallus ofArthonia radiataonCorylusbark; it has small clustered ascomata, asci that are usually 6-spored and rather small ascospores (10.5–)12.5–14.5 μm in length.Opegrapha sawyerianaCoppins occurs on the thallus ofConiocarpon cinnabarinum, also onCorylusbark, from oceanic western parts of Scotland, Ireland and southern England; in comparison toO. arthoniicolait has smaller, often scattered ascomata with a pigmented basal layer, 8-spored asci and slightly larger ascospores 13–14.5(–16) μm in length.Opegrapha hochstetteriCoppins has been found on thalli ofVerrucaria hochstetteriandV. muralison calcareous rocks and stonework in southern England and Luxembourg; collections were formerly identified asOpegrapha rupestrisPers. but it differs from this species by narrower ascomata with a persistent narrow slit, normally 6- rather than 8-spored asci and ascospores with pigmentation in the spore wall rather than the perispore. Lifted from synonymy isOpegrapha opacaNyl., which inhabits the thallus ofVerrucaria nigrescensandV. viridulaon calcareous rocks and stonework, and is so far recorded from southern England, Luxembourg, France, northern Spain and Israel. The hosts of the European species of lichenicolousOpegraphaonVerrucarias. lat. on calcareous rocks (O. hochstetteri,O. opacaandO. rupestris) belong to different phylogenetic lineages within theVerrucariaceae. A key is also provided to the lichenicolous species ofOpegraphaceaecurrently known from Great Britain and Ireland.
Catillaria flexuosa(Catillariaceae), a new lichen species described from the Netherlands
Authors: van den Boom Pieter P. G. , Alvarado Pablo
Published: March 2021

A new lichen species is described from specimens growing onFraxinustrees north of Eindhoven (the Netherlands). Morphological and genetic studies suggest that the new species belongs in the genusCatillaria, and the nameCatillaria flexuosais proposed because of its flexuose apothecia. The new species is characterized by the relatively large apothecia (up to 0.9 mm diam.) and relatively thick, knobby to ±subsquamulose, greenish, thallus. Due to their similar morphological features,C. flexuosacan be easily confused withCatillaria chalybeia,C. fungoidesorC. nigroclavata, so it is therefore compared with these species. In addition,Arthonia epiphysciais reported being a very rare species in the Netherlands.
Making mirrors, making albums and making documentaries: the music of Gotye and negotiating Bourdieu's field of cultural production
Authors: O'Grady Pat
Published: March 2021

Recent popular music and film studies have revealed the political functions of documentaries about musicians. These studies suggest that such documentaries make powerful interventions into the field of music production as they construct the value of their subjects and their work. Owing to the expense and complexity of broadcast equipment, production companies have tended to favour documentaries about artists and work considered to be popular and historically significant. Over the past 15 years, however, new technologies have allowed musicians to make documentaries themselves, which they can release at the same time as their song or album. Using the example of Gotye and his album Making Mirrors, this article argues that these developments have led to powerful and distinct interventions into debates and themes within home music production for independent musicians. It also argues that the use of this technology on social media platforms challenges the relationships between text and process.
Culture, Identity and Actor Training: Indigeneity in New Zealand's National Drama School
Authors: ZAZZALI PETER
Published: March 2021

How can indigeneity be understood through training actors in a colonial context? Do ‘Western’ acting schools misrepresent and exploit indigenous practices and cultural traditions towards reinforcing the settler state? Or does a given school's integration of such praxis and customs demonstrate inclusivity, equity and progressivism? At what point does incorporating indigeneity in actor training become a tokenistic appropriation of marginalized cultures? Drawn from fieldwork as a 2019 Fulbright scholar at Toi Whakaari, New Zealand's National Drama School, I intersect training with culture and society. Using the Acting Program as a case study, I deploy an ethnographic methodology to address the aforementioned questions by investigating Toi Whakaari's bicultural pedagogy while positioning it as a reflection of New Zealand's national identity. I especially explore the school's implementation of Tikanga Māori, the practices and beliefs of the country's indigenous peoples. I argue that while some questions remain, Toi Whakaari integrates Māori forms in a manner that is culturally responsible and pedagogically effective, thereby providing a model from which other drama schools can learn.
The Race for Revision and Recognition: Interwar Hungarian Cultural Diplomacy in Context
Authors: Nagy Zsolt
Published: March 2021

In the wake of the First World War there was an explosion of cultural diplomatic activity and Hungary was no exception. However, as this study shows, Hungary was very much unlike its regional and Western European counterparts. Unlike the Germans, Italians, British and French, Hungarians were not trying to spread Hungarian culture per se. Hungarians employed cultural diplomacy to alter the post-war order. Considering the weakness of its economy, the frailty of its nearly non-existent military and the lack of weight that the country carried on the international political stage, the Hungarian government saw cultural diplomacy as a promising and viable alternative for changing the post-war status quo. Demonstrating the country's contribution to European and indeed to universal culture and civilisation was the fundamental message of Hungarian cultural diplomacy. However, other regional powers also aimed to portray their contributions in the very same way. In the resulting competitive climate, the Hungarian political leadership not only believed that the international community needed to be enlightened about the historical and cultural deeds of the Hungarian nation but also aimed to prove Hungary's supposed cultural supremacy over its regional counterparts. This article traces these efforts and their main themes through domestic and international festivals and gatherings, amongst them the 1930 St. Emeric's Year, the Fourth World Scout Jamboree in 1933 and the 1937 Paris World's Fair. In the end, the essay examines the real and perceived utility and limitations of small power cultural diplomacy in the age of great power politics.
The COVID-19 Crisis: The EU Recovery Fund and its Implications for European Integration – a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Luo Chih-Mei
Published: March 2021

The EU’s latest decision on adopting the recovery fund was revolutionary, both quantitatively and qualitatively. It would also dominate the EU’s economic governance of the decade of the 2020s. This article is an attempt to evaluate whether the EU’s recovery fund was the right policy answers to the post-COVID-19 EU economy or not, and explore its meanings and implications for European integration. This article argues that COVID-19 hit the EU at a time of health and social precariousness, and proved the conventional economic governance unsustainable. Necessities for game-changing in the post-COVID-19 economic governance were justified on both practical and moral grounds. Judging with these yardsticks, the EU’s recovery fund was evaluated as a welcomed paradigm shift in both the ideology and methodology of its economic governance. Beyond a contemporary economic rescue package, the recovery fund implied laying the cornerstone of completing a fiscal union in the Eurozone, for enhancing institutional functions of the European Commission, and for rediscovering the nature of European integration as the rescuer of national states, through the newly-forming consensus between Eurosceptic nationalists and pro-EU integrationists. This article reminds us that the COVID-19 crisis was a crucial opportunity for EU leadership to legitimize the EU’s existence in the post-Brexit era. If well implemented, the recovery fund could usher in a new chapter of European integration. If it fails, European integration would be at risk of further fragmentation and entrench into an ever-stronger anti-EU populism.
ON FORMAL DEGREES OF UNIPOTENT REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: Feng Yongqi , Opdam Eric , Solleveld Maarten
Published: March 2021

Let G be a reductive p-adic group which splits over an unramified extension of the ground field. Hiraga, Ichino and Ikeda [24] conjectured that the formal degree of a square-integrable G-representation

$\pi $
can be expressed in terms of the adjoint

$\gamma $
-factor of the enhanced L-parameter of

$\pi $
. A similar conjecture was posed for the Plancherel densities of tempered irreducible G-representations.

We prove these conjectures for unipotent G-representations. We also derive explicit formulas for the involved adjoint

$\gamma $
-factors.
Evaluation of Triticum durum–Aegilops tauschii derived primary synthetics as potential sources of heat stress tolerance for wheat improvement
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Chhuneja Parveen , Srivastava Puja , Singh Kuldeep , Kaur Satinder
Published: March 2021

Addressing the impact of heat stress during flowering and grain filling is critical to sustaining wheat productivity to meet a steadily increasing demand from a rapidly growing world population. Crop wild progenitor species of wheat possess a wealth of genetic diversity for several biotic and abiotic stresses, and morphological traits and can serve as valuable donors. The transfer of useful variation from the diploid progenitor, Aegilops tauschii, to hexaploid wheat can be done through the generation of synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW). The present study targeted the identification of potential primary SHWs to introduce new genetic variability for heat stress tolerance. Selected SHWs were screened for different yield-associated traits along with three advanced breeding lines and durum parents as checks for assessing terminal heat stress tolerance under timely and late sown conditions for two consecutive seasons. Heat tolerance index based on the number of productive tillers and thousand grain weight indicated that three synthetics, syn9809 (64.32, 78.80), syn14128 (50.30, 78.28) and syn14135 (58.16, 76.03), were able to endure terminal heat stress better than other SHWs as well as checks. One of these synthetics, syn14128, recorded a minimum reduction in thousand kernel weight (21%), chlorophyll content (2.56%), grain width (1.07%) despite minimum grain-filling duration (36.15 d) and has been selected as a potential candidate for introducing the terminal heat stress tolerance in wheat breeding programmes. Breeding efforts using these candidate donors will help develop lines with a higher potential to express the desired heat stress-tolerant phenotype under field conditions.
Employment preservation and textile regulation in early modern England, 1550–1640
Authors: Gendron John H.
Published: March 2021

Much agreement exists among economic historians that an institutional structure which allows for broad participation in a country's economy is conducive to growth. With respect to England's institutional structure, changes that followed the Glorious Revolution of 1688 are given pride of place in recent literature. This article contributes to this literature by highlighting and explaining regulatory change that removed barriers to entry into the country's most vital industry, textiles, in the years between 1550 and 1640. However, although economic historians have tended to explain England's growth-facilitating institutions as arising abruptly through political revolution that placed constraints on the Crown, this article will elucidate change that was protracted, accretive, peaceful, and came through royal institutions. More specifically, this article argues that restrictive regulations, which were widely supported, were removed because Crown and Council, in consultation with local officials, recognized that enforcement would come at the cost of the greater priority of employment preservation.
Fifteen Years of HFC‐134a Satellite Observations: Comparisons With SLIMCAT Calculations
Authors: Harrison Jeremy J. , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Boone Christopher D. , Dhomse Sandip S. , Bernath Peter F.
Published: March 2021

The phase out of anthropogenic ozone‐depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons under the terms of the Montreal Protocol led to the development and worldwide use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration, air conditioning, and as blowing agents and propellants. Consequently, over recent years, the atmospheric abundances of HFCs have dramatically increased. HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases and are now controlled under the terms of the 2016 Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. HFC‐134a is currently the most abundant HFC in the atmosphere, breaking the 100 ppt barrier in 2018, and can be measured in the Earth's atmosphere by the satellite remote‐sensing instrument ACE‐FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment‐Fourier Transform Spectrometer), which has been measuring since 2004. This work uses the ACE‐FTS v4.0 data product to investigate global distributions and trends of HFC‐134a. These measurements are compared with a simulation of SLIMCAT, a state‐of‐the‐art three‐dimensional chemical transport model, which is constrained by global surface HFC‐134a measurements. The agreement between observation and model is good, although in the tropical troposphere ACE‐FTS measurements are biased low by up to 10–15 ppt. The overall ACE‐FTS global trend of HFC‐134a for the altitude range 5.5–24.5 km and 2004–2018 time period is approximately linear with a value of 4.49 ± 0.02 ppt/year, slightly lower than the corresponding SLIMCAT trend of 4.66 ppt/year. Using a simple box model, we also estimate the annual global emissions and burdens of HFC‐134a from the model data, indicating that emissions of HFC‐134a have increased almost linearly, reaching 236 Gg by 2018.