bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Registration of “Melka”: Stable and High Yielding Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Variety for Highland Areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Dabi Alemu , Duga Ruth , Alemu Gadisa , Sime Berhanu , Zewdu Demeke , Geleta Negash , Solomon Tafesse , Delessa Abebe , Zegaye Habtemariam , Asnake Dawit , Asefa Bayisa , Getamesay Abebe , Bayisa Tilahun , Girma Endashaw , Mitiku Tesfaye , Badebo Ayele , Abeyo Bekele 
Published: December 2024

Food security is a major challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia, due to factors like population growth, limited food production, malnutrition, and environmental degradation. Improving wheat yields in Ethiopia is crucial, but affected by diseases and environmental stresses. To address this, continuous research is vital to develop wheat varieties that are not only highly productive but also resistant to diseases and well-adapted to the specific conditions in Ethiopia. The “Melka” variety, a high-yielding, disease-resistant bread wheat variety, was developed under multiple evaluation stages before officially released, registered, and commercialized. “Melka” is a new variety, was introduced from CIMMTY, and has a pedigree name MANKU/3/MUU/FRNCLN//FRANCOLIN #1 and selection history CMSS13B00894S-099M-099Y-28M-0WGY. “Melka” is a bread wheat variety aimed at highland areas with good agronomic characteristics and late-maturing type. “Melka”, was a recently released variety, exhibits a significant yield advantage over standard check, with an overall mean of 30.54% Boru, and local check, with an overall mean of 58.10% Danda'a. It was recorded a better thousand-kernel weight (39.90 g) than standard check Boru (37.6 g), and local check Danda’a (32.70 g) and 71.7 hl /kg. Likewise, the “Melka” variety had bold seeds than checks. It possessed a 6.12% and 10.33 % HLW advantage over the Boru and Danda’a varieties respectively. Beyond its exceptional yield, this variety's distinctive feature lies in its enriched nutritional profile, particularly its high content of iron (Fe) 33.5 ppm and zinc (Zn) 38.1 ppm, which surpasses that of other available varieties. The recently released '“Melka”' wheat variety is stable and adaptable for Ethiopian highland agro ecologies. It exceeded standard checks in grain yield and is more resistant to stem, yellow and leaf rust diseases.
Performance Evaluation of Mini-sprinkler Irrigation System Underdifferent Pressures and Spacings
Authors: Bhagwat S M , Keskar P K 
Published: December 2024

The hydraulic performance of a small sprinkler system was assessed in the current study. A small sprinkler system with a "double nozzle - full circle" sprinkler was used in the experiment to assess the hydraulic performance. It was arranged in randomized block design.The research experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm of Pravara’s Sindhutai Vikhe Patil College of Agriculture, Nashik during the year 2023-2024. The experiment involved sixteen treatment combinations with four replications. It was arranged in randomized block design with four different Pressure (P) with four levels are P1 = 1.0 kg/cm2, P2 = 1.5 kg/cm2, P3 = 2.0 kg/cm2 and P4 = 2.5 kg/cm2and Spacing (S) with four levels S1 = 6m x 6m S2 = 7 m x 7 m S3 = 8 m x 8 m and S4 = 9 m x 9 m. Although the optimum value of the index of jet break up was near 4.0 at 2.0 kg/cm2, the index of jet break up was obtained in the range of 2.24 to 4.1 for all four working pressures. The discharge rates were obtained as 235, 290, 330 and 365lph at operating pressures of 1.0 kg/cm2, 1.5 kg/cm2, 2.0 kg/cm2 and 2.5 kg/cm2 respectively. At each set up, the uniformity coefficient ranged between 94.55 % and 92.34 %. For 6 m × 6 m spacing at 1.5 kg/cm2 and 7 m x 7 m spacing at 1.5 kg/cm2, the uniformity coefficients were at par. Uniformity of distribution was discovered within the range of 65.23 % to 84.10 %. Water spread area was obtained as 58.60 m2, 126.67 m2, 163.76 m2 and 226.44 m2 at operating pressures of 1.0 kg/cm2, 1.5 kg/cm2, 2.0 kg/cm2 and 2.5 kg/cm2 respectively. Mean application rate was in the range of 4.5 mm/h to 6.5 mm/h. From the results obtained, the basis of performance systems of6 m x 6 m working at an operating pressure of 2.0 kg/cm² and 2.5 kg/cm².
The Unusual Dielectric Response of Large Area Molecular Tunnel Junctions Probed with Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Nijhuis Christian A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe dielectric behavior of organic materials at molecular dimensions can be vastly different than their bulk counterparts and therefore it is important to investigate and control the dielectric response of molecular‐scale materials for a large variety of applications. Large‐area molecular junctions are explored to study the charge transport mechanisms with unprecedented detail and to demonstrate novel functionalities. Therefore, large‐area molecular junctions are, in principle, a promising platform to study the dielectric effects at the molecular scale. This review summarizes recent progress on the measurements and understanding of the dielectric behavior of molecular systems and how they behave differently from their bulk properties. This review introduces, briefly, the concepts of impedance spectroscopy (IS) and how this technique can be applied to study the dielectric response of solid‐state large‐area molecular junctions. This analysis gives new insights in the factors that determine the dielectric constant of monolayers (including collective electrostatic effects and how the dielectric constant increases with monolayer thickness), how IS gives new insights into the role of defects, and the factors that contribute to the molecule–electrode contact resistance. This review ends with an outlook highlighting interesting future directions.
Livestock feed resources in the West African Sahel
Authors: Amole Tunde , Augustine Ayantunde , Balehegn Mulubrhan , Adesogoan Adegbola T. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLimited supply of quality feed is the most important factor limiting livestock productivity in many sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. Having a systematic inventory of available feed resources, identifying main challenges and potentials for improvement is the first step towards designing development strategies to improve feed quality and quantity. The objective of this study was to review the available feed resources and their quality in West African Sahel across different agro‐ecological zones and to identify the research gaps and strategies to improve feed resource availability. The West African Sahelian zone is home to 135 million people who herd 173 million head of ruminant livestock. The main feed resources for grazing ruminants are pastures and crop residues; commercially formulated feeds are increasingly being used in poultry and pig production, particularly in peri‐urban areas. Feed resources for livestock are diverse and vary markedly across agro‐ecological zones in the West African Sahel and across seasons in terms of type, quantity, and quality. Given that crop residues are among the most important feed resources, there is need to invest in promoting adoption of proven methods for improving their quality and preserving it. Given poorly developed feed markets in the Sahelian rural areas and cities, strengthening the feed value chain is critical for improving the feed resource base in West Africa. Additional critically important needs are to increase awareness about the importance of feed quality, to create quality‐based feed marketing systems, and to appreciate and enhance women's roles in feed production.
Expressions of “fast” and “slow” chameleon dressed states in Autler–Townes spectra of alkali‐metal atoms
Authors: Cinins Arturs , Bruvelis Martins , Dimitrijević Milan S. , Srećković Vladimir A. , Efimov Dmitriy K. , Miculis Kaspars , Bezuglov Nikolai N. , Ekers Aigars 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe have investigated the formation of laser‐dressed states in HF components of sodium atoms and their manifestations in Autler–Townes spectra. An explicit procedure is proposed for constructing a specific Morris–Shore wave function basis, within which two‐photon excitation schemes are reduced to sets of mutually orthogonal 3‐ and 2‐level excitation sequences, and single uncoupled states. It has been demonstrated that the Morris–Shore basis states correspond to bright and dark states, along with chameleon states introduced in our recent work. Numerical simulations of the Autler–Townes spectra reveal that chameleon states can be further categorized as “fast” or “slow.” Our extended classification of dressed states enables more accurate reconstruction of excited state properties in optical methods for atomic media diagnostics.
Tango of dual nanoparticles: Interplays between exosomes and nanomedicine
Authors: Wang Yabin , Wang Wenzhen , Kong Fangong , Zhang Qiu , Xiao Jiaqi , Zhang Yi , Yan Bing 
Published: November 2021

AbstractExosomes are lipid bilayer vesicles released from cells as a mechanism of intracellular communication. Containing information molecules of their parental cells and inclining to fuse with targeted cells, exosomes are valuable in disease diagnosis and drug delivery. The realization of their clinic applications still faces difficulties, such as lacking technologies for fast purification and functional reading. The advancement of nanotechnology in recent decades makes it promising to overcome these difficulties. In this article, we summarized recent progress in utilizing the physiochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance exosome purification and detection sensitivity or to derive novel technologies. We also discussed the valuable applications of exosomes in NPs‐based drug delivery. Till now most studies in these fields are still at the laboratory research stage. Translation of these bench works into clinic applications still has a long way to go.
Crystalline‐State Solvent: Metal‐Organic Frameworks as a Platform for Intercepting Aggregation‐Caused Quenching
Authors: Jia Yan‐Yuan , Yin Jia‐Cheng , Li Na , Zhang Ying‐Hui , Feng Rui , Yao Zhao‐Quan , Bu Xian‐He 
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive SummaryThe sequestration of organic luminescent molecules (OLMs) within cage‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as a dispersion platform has been developed to impede aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ). The homogenous encapsulation of distinct luminescent guests of different sizes and emissive behaviors in the cage structure of a MOF resulted in high fluorescent quantum yields of 44.8% for DAPI@NKU‐110 (DAPI = 4',6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole), 65.4% for TPPA@NKU‐110 (TPPA = tris(4‐(pyridin‐4‐ yl)phenyl)amine), 31.3% for R6G@NKU‐110 (R6G = Rhodamine 6G), and 58.3% for PY@NKU‐110 (PY = Pyronin Y), attributable to the confinement effect caused by the rigid cages of NKU‐110. More significantly, a positive correlation of the encapsulated quantity of OLMs with their concentration in the in‐situ solvothermal reaction was unveiled by spectral analysis and utilized to facilely fabricate a white‐light‐emitting crystal material TPPA+R6G@NKU‐110. This material features a large crystal size on the millimeter‐scale, broadband white emission, ideal CIE coordinates (0.33, 0.34), and a high quantum yield (49.1%) when excited at 365 nm. Moreover, such a strategy can be easily generalized to an abundance of other cage‐based MOFs and a plentiful volume of OLMs for the future development of colorful, high performance luminescent materials.
The relationship between firm complexity and corporate social responsibility: International evidence from 2010–2019
Authors: Läger Frederic , Bouzzine Yassin Denis , Lueg Rainer 
Published: November 2021

AbstractExtant research on the relationship between firm complexity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is limited to employing size variables as indicators for firm complexity. Following a contingency approach and to fit the multidimensional nature of CSR, in this study we define complexity as the structural complexity of a firm. To answer the question of whether firm complexity influences CSR, we study firms included in the major world stock indices for a 10‐year period by means of a fixed‐effects regression. Findings generally suggest a higher level of CSR in more complex firms. A more detailed analysis of complexity points toward a significant positive influence of the vertical, functional, and occupational dimensions of complexity but finds no link between spatial differentiation and CSR. This research represents the first empirical study that examines the relationship between CSR and structural complexity beyond a simplistic proxy ofsize.
Nonapoptotic role of caspase‐3 in regulating Rho1GTPase‐mediated morphogenesis of epithelial tubes of Drosophila renal system
Authors: Ojha Shainy , Tapadia Madhu G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundCells trigger caspase‐mediated apoptosis to eliminate themselves from the system when tissue needs to be sculptured, or they detect any abnormality within them, thus preventing irreparable damage to the host. However, nonapoptotic activities of caspases are also involved in many cellular functions. Interestingly, Drosophila Malpighian tubules (MTs) express apoptotic proteins, without succumbing to cell death.ResultsWe show apoptosis‐independent role of executioner caspase‐3, Drice, in MT morphogenesis. Drice is required for precise cytoskeleton organization and convergent extension, failing which morphology, size, cell number, and arrangement get affected. Furthermore, characteristic stellate cell shape transformation in MTs is also governed by Drice. Genetic interaction study shows that Drice mediates its action by regulating Rho1GTPase functionally, and localization of polarity protein Disc large. Subsequently, downregulation of Rho1GTPase in Drice mutants significantly rescues the cystic MTs phenotype. The study shows a mechanism by which Drice governs tubulogenesis via Rho1GTPase‐mediated coordinated organization of actin cytoskeleton and membrane stabilization.ConclusionCollectively our findings suggest a nonapoptotic function of caspase‐3 in fine‐tuning of cellular rearrangement during tubule development, and these results will add to the growing understanding of diverse roles of caspases during its evolution in metazoans.
Intraspecific variations in life history traits of two pecky rice bug species from Japan: Mapping emergence dates and number of annual generations
Authors: Yamasaki Kazuhisa , Tabuchi Ken , Takahashi Akihiko , Osawa Takeshi , Yoshioka Akira , Ishigooka Yasushi , Sudo Shigeto , Takada Mayura B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe mirid bugs Stenotus rubrovittatus and Trigonotylus caelestialium, which cause pecky rice, have become a threat to rice cultivation in Asia. Damage caused by these pests has rapidly become frequent since around 2000 in Japan. Their expansion pattern is not simple, and predicting their future spread remains challenging. Some insects with wide ranges have locally adapted variations in life‐history traits. We performed laboratory rearing experiments to assess the geographical scale of intraspecific variations in life‐history traits of S. rubrovittatus and T. caelestialium. The experiments were aimed at increasing the accuracy of occurrence estimates and the number of generations per year. These results were compared with previous research, and differences in development rates were observed between populations of different latitudes, but not of the same latitude. Finally, plotting the timing of adult emergence and the potential number of generations per year on maps with a 5‐km grid revealed that they differed greatly locally at the same latitude. These maps can be used for developing more efficient methods of managing mirid bugs in integrated pest management.
Enhanced performance of triple‐junction tandem organic solar cells due to the presence of plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Kamal , Das Abhijit , Kumawat Uttam Kumar , Dhawan Anuj 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA triple‐junction tandem organic solar cell (OSC) having polymer active materials, P3HT:PC70BM, Si‐PCPDTBT:PC70BM, and PMDPP3T:PC70BM is presented. These active layer materials cover a 300 nm to 1000 nm broad solar spectrum and have minimally overlapping narrow absorption bands. The performance of the triple‐junction tandem OSC was improved by introducing plasmonic nanospheres (NSs) over the top electrode of the OSC. The OSCs were modeled in finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) to optimize the performance of the NSs. Nanospheres of three plasmonic materials—gold (Au), silver (Ag), and aluminum (Al) were individually simulated over the top electrode of the OSCs. The NSs affect absorption in the active layer materials, around their respective plasmonic resonance peaks. The low‐cost Al NSs enhance light trapping in the top and middle subcells, leading to a 14% improvement in overall short circuit current density (JSC) of the triple‐junction tandem OSC in comparison with that of the reference OSC without any NSs. It is also observed that while the enhancement of the overall JSC of the triple‐junction tandem OSC due to the Al NSs is greater than that due to the Ag NSs, the presence of Au NSs leads to a decrease in the overall JSC in comparison with that of the reference OSC.
Comparing lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries for their applicability within energy storage systems
Authors: Hounjet Lindsay J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe use of nonaqueous, alkali metal‐ion batteries within energy storage systems presents considerable opportunities and obstacles. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are among the most developed and versatile electrochemical energy storage technologies currently available, but are often prohibitively expensive for large‐scale, stationary applications. As global demand for LIBs grows, dwindling supplies of cell component materials and their critical mineral precursors will likely increase future LIB costs. In this work, emerging sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) constructed from relatively inexpensive and abundant materials are examined for their viability as LIB substitutes to meet large‐scale, stationary energy storage needs. Despite the relatively underdeveloped state of SIB technology, cell material costs and performance characteristics are rapidly approaching those of some commercially successful LIB types. Advances in sustainably sourced SIB electrode materials promise to further reduce cell prices. Technoeconomic attributes of SIBs appear poised to match or exceed those of certain commercialized LIBs for large‐scale, stationary energy storage purposes. This work examines a case for use of LIBs or SIBs for seasonal, household energy storage in Canada.
Tolerance and complications of therapeutic plasma exchange by centrifugation: A single center experience
Authors: Coirier Valentin , Lesouhaitier Mathieu , Reizine Florian , Painvin Benoît , Quelven Quentin , Maamar Adel , Gacouin Arnaud , Tadié Jean‐Marc , Le Tulzo Yves , Camus Christophe 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionTherapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) constitutes an important therapy for hematological, neurological, immunological, and nephrological diseases. Most studies have focused on efficacy, whereas tolerance and complications during sessions have been less well studied and not recently.Material and methodsWe conducted a single center retrospective study of all patients who underwent TPE between 2011 and 2018. TPE sessions using the centrifugation technique were performed by dedicated trained nurses. Specific side effects were identified through surveillance forms completed contemporaneously. The primary outcome was the rate of all‐type adverse effects that occurred during the TPE sessions.ResultsIn total, 1895 TPE sessions performed on 185 patients were analyzed. At least one adverse effect was reported for 805 sessions (42.5% [29.9%‐70.1%]), corresponding to 171 patients (92.4% [87.6%‐95.8%]). Hypotension occurred during 288 sessions (15.2%), was asymptomatic in 95.8% of cases, and more frequent with the use of 4% albumin than fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (19.8 vs 8.9%, P <.0001). Hypocalcemia occurred during 370 sessions (19.6%) and was more frequent with the use of FFP than with the use of albumin alone (FFP alone: 28.0%, albumin + FFP: 26%, albumin alone: 11.7%; P <.0001). Allergic reactions occurred during 56 sessions (3%), exclusively with FFP. Severe adverse effects were reported for 0.3% of sessions and 5.4% of patients.ConclusionsTPE is a safe therapy when performed by a trained team. Adverse effects were frequent but mostly not serious. The replacement fluid was the main determinant of the occurrence of complications. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03888417).
Hospitalization for physical injury may contribute to recovery of invisible war wounds: Response to Peterson's (2021) commentary on Soumoff et al. (2021)
Authors: Soumoff Alyssa A. , Driscoll Mercedes Y. , Kim Sharon , Benedek David M. , Choi Kwang H. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPeterson's (2021) commentary on our recently published manuscript (Soumoff et al., 2021) suggests that our findings are an example of visible, physical injuries of war facilitating communication with others, which, in turn, fosters recovery from invisible war wounds. We agree that in the proper context, the retelling of one's traumatic story can be important for recovery from and, perhaps, even the prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Participants in our study cohort differed from most others who experienced combat trauma in that while they were hospitalized, they experienced nearly daily visits from a behavioral health provider to address traumatic stress–related symptoms. It is likely that individuals who sustained more severe physical injury (i.e., higher Injury Severity Score [ISS] ratings) had longer hospital stays, received more support, and had more opportunities to retell their stories than those with less severe injuries, leading to decreases in PTSD and MDD symptoms. To note support of this supposition, in Table 5 of Soumoff et al. (2021), although not significant, the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for PTSD and MDD were below 1 for service members with high (i.e., above 16) ISS ratings. The physical injury–related hospitalizations participants in our sample experienced fostered activities described by Peterson (2021) that likely contributed to the prevention and resolution of PTSD and MDD symptoms, benefits not received by most individuals who suffer only invisible wounds of war.