bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of selected plant growth stimulators in enhancing germinability and germination parameters of Zea mays L. under microgravity conditions simulated by a two-dimensional clinostat
Authors: Ikhajiagbe Beckley , Anoliefo Geoffrey O. , Orukpe Alexander O. , Musa Saheed I. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe earth has become increasingly overcrowded as a result of rapid urbanization and population growth, predicting that its carrying capacity could be overstretched. As a result, it is important to test the possibilities of growing plants under space exploration conditions, especially gravitational balance. Since microgravity impedes plant development, to what extent can plant growth stimulators reverse or enhance this trend? A total of 12 maize seeds were weighed and placed sideways in petri dish and inoculated with plant growth stimulators such as indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and ascorbate (AA) and the clinorotated at different rates (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 rpm), while control seeds were just placed on a table. Results showed that at 72 hrs, the maize seeds under microgravity showed reduced germination percentage with increasing clinorotation rates as against the control. But when stimulated with IAA, GA and AA, improved germination percentage was observed as against the control even under microgravity condition. The seedling dry weight, germination time and other germination parameters also showed similar improvements. Comparatively, the three growth stimulators showed no major variations in their ability to improve germination percentage under microgravitational impact. However, IAA showed more improvement on seedling vigor as against others, while GA showed more effect on the peak time and rate of germination. This research confirmed the possibilities of improving germinability of maize seeds under space exploration condition.
Genetic mapping of a bioethanol yeast strain reveals new targets for aldehyde- and thermotolerance
Authors: de Mello Fellipe da Silveira Bezerra , Coradini Alessandro Luis Venega , Carazzolle Marcelo Falsarella , Maneira da Silva Carla , Furlan Monique , Pereira Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães , Teixeira Gleidson Silva 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTCurrent technology that enables bioethanol production from agricultural biomass imposes harsh conditions for Saccharomyces cerevisiae’s metabolism. In this work, the genetic architecture of industrial bioethanol yeast strain SA-1 was evaluated. SA-1 segregant FMY097 was previously described as highly aldehyde resistant and here also as thermotolerant: two important traits for the second-generation industry. A Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) -resistant segregants of hybrid FMY097/BY4742 disclosed a region in chromosome II bearing alleles with uncommon non-synonymous (NS) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FMY097: MIX23, PKC1, SEA4, and SRO77. Allele swap to susceptible laboratory strain BY4742 revealed that SEA4FMY097 enhances robustness towards HMF, but the industrial fitness could not be fully recovered. The genetic network arising from the causative genes in the QTL window suggests that intracellular signaling TOR (Target of Rapamycin) and CWI (Cell Wall Integrity) pathways are regulators of this phenotype in FMY097. Because the QTL mapping did not result in one major allelic contribution to the evaluated trait, a background effect in FMY097’s HMF resistance is expected. Quantification of NADPH - cofactor implied in endogenous aldehyde detoxification reactions - supports the former hypothesis, given its high availability in FMY097. Regarding thermotolerance, SEA4FMY097 grants BY4742 ability to grow in temperatures as high as 38 °C in liquid, while allele PKC1FMY097 allows growth up to 40 °C in solid medium. Both SEA4FMY097 and PKC1FMY097 encode rare NS SNPs, not found in other >1,013 S. cerevisiae. Altogether, these findings point towards crucial membrane and stress mediators for yeast robustness.KEY POINTSQTL mapping of the HMF-resistant strain FMY097 reveals a region enriched with SNPs in Chr IISEA4FMY097 has rare non-synonymous mutations and improves cell growth at 10 mM HMF and 38°CPKC1FMY097 has rare non-synonymous mutations and improves cell growth at 40 °C in solid media
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Formulations in the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Inflammation Rat Model
Authors: Kocherlakota Chandrashekhar , Banda Nagaraju , Narala Arjun , Akula Srinath , Kothapalli Kumar S.D. , Brenna J.T. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMany current treatment options for lung inflammation and thrombosis come with unwanted side effects. The natural omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) are generally anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic. The O3FA are always administered orally and occasionally by intravenous (IV) infusion. The main goal of this study is to determine if O3FA administered by inhalation of a nebulized formulation mitigates LPS-induced acute lung inflammation in male Wistar rats. Inflammation was triggered by intraperitoneal injection of LPS once a day for 14 days. One hour later, rats received nebulized treatments consisting of egg lecithin emulsified O3, budesonide and Montelukast, and blends of O3 and melatonin or Montelukast or Cannabidiol; O3 was in the form of free fatty acids for all groups except one group with ethyl esters. Lung histology and cytokines were determined in n=3 rats per group at day 8 and day 15. All groups had alveolar histiocytosis severity scores half or less than that of the disease control (Cd) treated with LPS and saline only inhalation. IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-10 were attenuated in all O3 groups. IL-1β was attenuated in most but not all O3 groups. O3 administered as ethyl ester was overall most effective in mitigating LPS effects. No evidence of lipid pneumonia or other chronic distress was observed. These preclinical data suggest that O3FA formulations should be further investigated as treatments in lung inflammation and thrombosis related lung disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory distress like COVID-19.
Three heads are better than one: Cooperative learning brains wire together when a consensus is reached
Authors: Pan Yafeng , Cheng Xiaojun , Hu Yi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTheories of human learning converge on the view that individuals working together learn better than do those working alone. Little is known, however, about the neural mechanisms of learning through cooperation. We addressed this research gap by leveraging functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to record the brain activity of triad members in a group simultaneously. Triads were instructed to analyze an ancient Chinese poem either cooperatively or independently. Four main findings emerged. First, we observed significant within-group neural synchronization (GNS) in the left superior temporal cortex, supramarginal gyrus, and postcentral gyrus during cooperative learning compared to independent learning. Second, the enhancement of GNS in triads was amplified when a consensus was reached (vs. elaboration or argument) during cooperative learning. Third, GNS was predictive of learning outcome at an early stage (156-170 s after learning was initiated). Fourth, social factors such as social closeness (e.g., how much learners liked one other) were reflected in GNS and co-varied with learning engagement. These results provide neurophysiological support for Piaget’s theory of cognitive development and favor the notion that successful learning through cooperation involves dynamic consensus building, which is captured in neural patterns shared across learners in a group.Significance StatementConverging evidence has shown that cooperative learning is more effective than independent learning. An influential pedagogical theory postulates that learners benefit from cooperation through different forms of cognitive elaboration, such as providing elaborated clarifications to others. Alternatively, Piaget’s theory of cognitive development posits that cooperation encourages learners with diverse opinions to reach a consensus during the learning process. Here, we report that unlike individuals who worked alone, the brains of students who worked cooperatively with one another became synchronized. This within-group neural synchronization (GNS) was magnified when learners built mutual consensuses. These findings suggest that successful cooperative learning involves dynamic consensus building, which is reflected in the interpersonal coordination of cerebral activity.
Global non-random abundance of short tandem repeats in rodents and primates
Authors: Arabfard Masoud , Salesi Mahmood , Nourian Yazdan Hassani , Arabipour Iman , Maddi Ali Mohammad Ali , Kavousi Kaveh , Ohadi Mina 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhile of predominant abundance across vertebrate genomes and significant biological implications, the relevance of short tandem repeat (STR) abundance to speciation remains largely elusive and attributed to random coincidence for the most part. In a model study, here we collected whole-genome abundance of mono-, di-, and trinucleotide STRs in nine species, encompassing rodents and primates, including rat, mouse, olive baboon, gelada, macaque, gorilla, chimpanzee, bonobo, and human. The obtained unnormalized and normalized data were used to analyze hierarchical clustering of the STR abundances in the selected species.ResultsWe found massive differential abundances between the rodent and primate orders. In addition, while numerous STRs had random abundance across the nine selected species, the global abundance conformed to three consistent <clusters>, as follows: <rat, mouse>, <gelada, macaque, olive baboon>, <gorilla, chimpanzee, bonobo, human>, which coincided with the phylogenetic distances of the selected species (p< 4E-05). Exceptionally, in the trinucleotide STR compartment, human was significantly distant from all other species.ConclusionWe propose that the global abundance of STRs is non-random in rodents and primates, and probably had a determining impact on the speciation of the two orders. We also propose the STRs and STR lengths which specifically coincided with the phylogeny of the selected species.
The first two decades of Circular Economy in the 21st century: a bibliographic review
Authors: Anaruma João Francisco Pinto , Oliveira Jorge Henrique Caldeira de , Anaruma Filho Francisco , Freitas Wesley Ricardo de Souza , Teixeira Adriano Alves 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze and map the main areas of the Circular Economy literature of the first two decades of 21st century, offering a broad vision about the growth of the theme during these years.Design/methodology/approachThe research was divided into two stages: the first was a systematic review of literature and the second consisted on generation and analysis of bibliographic maps.FindingsThe publication indicates the prominence of China and European Union countries in the production of articles about Circular Economy. Furthermore, the topic is restricted to academic area, and that research on Circular Economy is still very focused on theory studies, even with exponential growth in the number of published articles about the theme since 2015. Finally, it also provides a collection of information as the principal authors, the most cited publications, citations, co-citations and countries that have most published beyond which are the most discussed topics.Research limitations/implicationsA possible limitation of the research is that it was performed only in the Scopus database. It may be suggested as future searches that other databases are included as well, and another suggestion is to reduce the time period between research samples due to the exponential increase in the number of publications and topics discussed lately.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper can guide future researches about the development of Circular Economy during the next decades or years and serve as a facilitator for researchers and for managers that want to know more about the topic.Originality/valueA mapping of the principal players and main discussions about Circular Economy made in the first two decades of the 21st century and an analysis about the growth and changes about the theme.
Design of ternary subtractor using multiplexers
Authors: Kolanti Tulasi Naga Jyothi , K.S. Vasundhara Patel 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design multiplexers (MUXs) based on ternary half subtractor and full subtractor using carbon nanotube field-effect transistors.

Design/methodology/approach
Conventionally, the binary logic functions are developed by using the binary decision diagram (BDD) systems. Each node in BDD is replaced by 2:1 MUX to implement the digital circuits. Similarly, in the ternary decision diagram, each node has to be replaced by 3:1 MUX. In this paper, ternary transformed BDD is used to design the ternary subtractors using 2:1 MUXs.

Findings
The performance of the proposed ternary half subtractor and full subtractor using the 2:1 MUX are compared with the 3:1 MUX-based ternary circuits. It has been observed that the delay, power and power delay product values are reduced, respectively, by 67.6%, 84.3%, 94.9% for half subtractor and 67.7%, 70.1%, 90.3% for full subtractor. From the Monte Carlo simulations, it is observed that the propagation delay and power dissipation of the proposed subtractors are increased by increasing the channel length due to process variations. The stability test is also performed and observed that the stability increases as the channel length and diameter are increased.

Originality/value
The proposed half subtractor and full subtractor show better performance over the existing subtractors.
Long-run drivers and integration in interprovincial Canadian housing price relations
Authors: Vishwakarma Vijay Kumar 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the integration of housing markets in Canada by examining housing price data (1999–2016) of six metropolitan areas in different provinces, namely, Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. The authors test for cointegration, driver cities of long-run relationships, long-run Granger causality and instantaneous causality in light of the global financial crisis (GFC) (2007–2008).

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use Johansen’s system cointegration approach with structural breaks. Moving average representation is used for common stochastic trend(s) analysis. Finally, the authors apply vector error correction model-based Granger causality and instantaneous causality.

Findings
Cities’ housing prices are in long-run equilibrium. Post-crisis Canadian housing markets became more integrated. The Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal markets drive the Canadian housing market, leading all cities toward long-run equilibrium. Strong long-run Granger causality exists, but the authors observe no instantaneous causality. Price information takes time to disseminate, and long-run price adjustments play a significant role in causation.

Practical implications
The findings of cointegration increasing after the GFC and strong lead–lag can be used by investors to arbitrage and optimize portfolios. This can also help national and local policymakers in mitigating risk. Incorporating these findings can lead to better price forecasting.

Originality/value
This study presents many novelties for the Canadian housing market: it is the first to use repeat-sales regional pricing indices to test long-run behaviors, conduct common stochastic trend analyzes and present causality relations.
Prioritizing risks with composition of probabilistic preferences and weighting of FMEA criteria for fast decision-making in complex scenarios
Authors: de Souza Fábio Henrique , Gavião Luiz Octávio , Sant'Anna Annibal Parracho , Lima Gilson B.A. 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThis study aims to develop a risk prioritization process using failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) in association with composition of probabilistic preferences (CPP) and weighting the risk analysis criteria. It seeks to develop decision-making considering the fast response necessary to achieve project objectives in complex scenarios, such as the pandemic of COrona VIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19).Design/methodology/approachAfter identifying the risks, the prioritization process was applied to a project in the oil and gas area, in which a focus group assessed these risks. This evaluation took place employing traditional FMEA, FMEA with CPP by axes considering four points of view and FMEA with CPP by weighted sum with the use of a multicriteria method to weight the criteria. These approaches were compared to understand their differences and benefits, with a flow chart being developed, consolidating the procedure.FindingsThe methodologies that showed the greatest benefits were FMEA with CPP by axes PO (progressive-optimistic) and by weighted sum. Essentially, this was mainly related to the interrelationship between risks and to the importance of prioritization.Originality/valueThis procedure can consider company's views on what is critical and the interrelationship between risks. It provides a clear segmentation of what should and should not be prioritized. It was also developed in a practical case, showing a possible alternative to support fast responses in decision-making.
Three good things in nature: a nature-based positive psychological intervention to improve mood and well-being for depression and anxiety
Authors: Keenan Rosaline , Lumber Ryan , Richardson Miles , Sheffield David 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
Visiting and connecting with nature through psychological interventions improves well-being within the general population. However, few such interventions have been conducted in clinically relevant populations. This paper aims to address this gap by investigating the effectiveness of a nature-based psychological intervention within a clinically relevant sample.

Design/methodology/approach
An experimental design using a noticing Three Good Things in Nature (TGTiN) task during a nature based or urban (control) walk was conducted with nature connectedness, well-being, positive and negative affect measured at baseline, post and six-week follow-up. Individuals living with depression and/or anxiety (n = 50; 39 having a diagnosis) were randomly allocated to 30 min walking in nature or urban environments for five consecutive days.

Findings
An ANCOVA, with age as co-variate, showed a significant effect of time by condition on all variables: nature connectedness ηp2 = 0.34; positive affect ηp2 = 0.42; negative affect ηp2 = 0.66; well-being ηp2 = 0.29. Post-hoc tests indicated a significant increase in nature connectedness and positive affect in the nature versus an urban walk at post and follow-up. Negative affect decreased in the nature walk at post intervention, while well-being was significantly greater in the nature walk at follow-up.

Originality/value
The TGTiN intervention effectively improves positive affect, and well-being in clinically relevant populations, although replication with a larger sample is warranted.
The role of reciprocity and reputation in service relationships with arts organisations
Authors: Toscani Giulio , Prendergast Gerard 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
In an arts organisation context, this paper aims to further the understanding of service relationships by developing a framework explaining how sponsored arts organisations could better manage their relationships with sponsors to facilitate mutual benefit and relationship persistence.

Design/methodology/approach
Grounded theory methodology was applied to sponsorship of arts organisations through interviews with the managers of arts organisations worldwide who had been involved in seeking and managing sponsorship relationships.

Findings
Reciprocity was found to be the key factor in successful sponsorship relationships, but emotional reference to reputation was also important. Together they link uncertainty in the complex sponsorship environment with an arts organisation’s artistic ambitions.

Practical implications
This study extends the understanding of service relationships by shedding light on the sponsorship relationship from the sponsored organisation’s point of view and in particular highlighting the role of reciprocity in managing the relationship with their sponsor.

Originality/value
Understanding the moderating roles of reciprocity and reputation in sponsorship relationships helps to explain key facets of such relationships which can partially negate sponsor benefits and threaten a sponsorship’s continuation.
Elderly smallholder farmers’ perceptions of and adaptation to climate variability and change in rural Ghana
Authors: Appiah Divine Odame , Asante Felix , Antwi-Boadi Lois , Serbeh Richard 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine elderly smallholder farmers’ perceptions of and adaptation to climate variability and change in the Offinso Municipality, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper used quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were analyzed with frequencies and chi-square tests, whereas qualitative data were thematically analyzed.

Findings
The results showed that elderly smallholder farmers’ knowledge of climate variability and climate change were based on their sex, level of formal education and experience in farming. Elderly smallholder farmers adopted both on-farm and off-farm strategies to cope with climate change and variability. The vulnerability of elderly smallholder farmers to climate change calls for social protection mechanisms such as a pension scheme that guarantees access to monthly cash transfers. Such a scheme will ease constraints to livelihood and ensure improved well-being.

Originality/value
Elderly smallholder farmers have remained invisible in discourses on perceptions and adaptation to climate change despite the surge in number of this category of farmers. This paper therefore represents an attempt to highlight the experiences of elderly smallholder farmers with climate variability and change.
Interactions between Bdellovibrio and like organisms and bacteria in biofilms: beyond predator–prey dynamics
Authors: Mookherjee Abhirup , Jurkevitch Edouard 
Published: November 2021

SummaryBdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs) prey on Gram‐negative bacteria in the planktonic phase as well as in biofilms, with the ability to reduce prey populations by orders of magnitude. During the last few years, evidence has mounted for a significant ecological role for BALOs, with important implications for our understanding of microbial community dynamics as well as for applications against pathogens, including drug‐resistant pathogens, in medicine, agriculture and aquaculture, and in industrial settings for various uses. However, our understanding of biofilm predation by BALOs is still very fragmentary, including gaps in their effect on biofilm structure, on prey resistance, and on evolutionary outcomes of both predators and prey. Furthermore, their impact on biofilms has been shown to reach beyond predation, as they are reported to reduce biofilm structures of non‐prey cells (including Gram‐positive bacteria). Here, we review the available literature on BALOs in biofilms, extending known aspects to potential mechanisms employed by the predators to grow in biofilms. Within that context, we discuss the potential ecological significance and potential future utilization of the predatory and enzymatic possibilities offered by BALOs in medical, agricultural and environmental applications.