bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil water retention curve inflection point: Insight into soil structure from percolation theory
Authors: Ghanbarian Behzad , Skaggs Todd H. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractQuantifying soil structure has been a long‐standing challenge in soil physics. Among the proposed indices and parameters, slope at the inflection point of soil water retention curve has been widely used. In this short communication, we provide theoretical insights and show that under full saturation conditions, the pore‐throat radius at the inflection point (rinf) is equivalent to the critical pore‐throat radius within percolation theory. The inflection point, in fact, corresponds to a critical saturation (critical fraction of pore space) at which a sample‐spanning cluster forms and a medium starts percolating. We discuss that rinf is theoretically linked to saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), in a power‐law form within the critical path analysis framework. Using 59 soil samples from the GRIZZLY database, we show that the Ksat is correlated to the rinf, although there exists scatter in the data. Interestingly, the experimental exponent 2.219 found from the Ksat–rinf data is less than 5% greater than the estimated theoretical value 2.111 determined from the average fractal dimension of the measured soil water retention curves.
Long‐tenured independent directors and firm performance
Authors: Bonini Stefano , Deng Justin , Ferrari Mascia , John Kose , Ross David Gaddis 
Published: December 2021

AbstractResearch SummaryAgency perspectives suggest long‐tenured independent directors (LTIDs) may be cronies of the CEO, making their boards less effective, but we theorize that LTIDs may have particular expertise and motivation to improve board effectiveness and ultimately firm performance. We find strong support for this prediction using 15 years of data on the S&P 1,500 firms and an instrument based on director age at time of hire. We also find that an LTID adds more value to firms that are complex or mature, had more CEOs during the LTID's tenure, and have less entrenched management. Post hoc analyses of director deaths and shareholder class action lawsuits and activist motions provide additional evidence that LTIDs add value to the firms on whose boards they serve.Managerial SummaryWe study whether having a long‐tenured independent director (LTID) on the board has implications for firm performance. In general, we find that firms with an LTID perform better than firms without one. The performance benefits accrue primarily to firms that have complex operations, are in the mature stage of their lifecycle, and had more CEOs during the LTID's tenure. That said, firms with entrenched management do not benefit from having an LTID. We also find that firms with an LTID experience fewer class action lawsuits and shareholder activist motions and that the stock market reacts adversely to the death of an LTID. Overall, the evidence is that LTIDs offer valuable experience and stability to the firms on whose boards they serve.
Identifying Translocation Sites for a Climate Relict Population of Finescale Dace
Authors: Booher Evan C. J. , Walters Annika W. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTranslocation is a management strategy that seeks to address threats to fish and wildlife populations by establishing new populations in ecologically suitable areas. Populations of Finescale Dace Chrosomus neogaeus in the Great Plains may benefit from translocation, as they exhibit a climate relict natural history that has led to a disjunct distribution and minimal dispersal opportunities. We assessed the translocation suitability of sites for Finescale Dace in the Belle Fourche River basin, Wyoming–South Dakota, using a ranking approach for output from multiple analyses. We used multivariate analysis to evaluate dissimilarity in fish occurrence and habitat between sites with and without Finescale Dace in contemporary surveys (2018–2019; n = 68). We further evaluated the capacity for sites to support Finescale Dace under base case and future climate change scenarios using the predicted probability of occurrence (P) from species distribution models (SDMs) fitted with basinwide fish occurrence data from surveys conducted in 2008–2019 (n = 124) and spatially continuous environmental variables, including forecasted stream temperature scenarios. Sites with Finescale Dace tended to occur close to standing waterbodies, contained emergent vegetation cover, and did not exhibit large overlap in species‐space with either native or nonnative species. Predicted P of Finescale Dace exhibited nonlinear relationships with mean August stream temperature, channel slope, and base flow index. The amount of suitable habitat (i.e., high predicted P) declined with forecasted stream warming scenarios in the SDMs. This study highlights the utility of using field observations, historical data, and forecasted climate change scenarios to assess translocation site suitability and inform management of at‐risk native fish populations, and the results may be transferable to other populations with limited data or restricted distributions.
Desymmetrisation of meso‐2,4‐Dimethyl‐8‐oxabicyclo[3.2.1]‐oct‐6‐ene‐3‐ol and its Application in Natural Product Syntheses
Authors: Tadiparthi Krishnaji , Anand Pragya , Sakirolla Raghavendra , Gupta T. Prakash , Jadhav Krishna A , Kishore Das Sukant , Singh Yadav Jhillu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe compounds containing chiral centers and different functional groups serve as magnificent building blocks for the preparation of various natural products that are having immense biological activity. “Dimethyl‐8‐oxa‐bicyclo[3.2.1]oct‐6‐en‐3‐ol” is one of the wonderful synthons to construct multiple stereo centers at a time during the asymmetric synthesis. In this account, we discuss our research efforts toward the synthesis of various simple and complex natural products from the past three decades (1995–2020) by using dimethyl‐8‐oxa‐bicyclo[3.2.1]oct‐6‐en‐3‐ol as a synthon. Moreover, the synthetic utility of this starting material was investigated and well demonstrated. Further, we executed the desymmetrization of dimethyl‐8‐oxa‐bicyclo[3.2.1]oct‐6‐en‐3‐ol by hydroboration to get different chiral centers. After obtaining the stereocenters, we could manage either the fragment, formal or total synthesis of natural products, by simple protection and deprotection sequence followed by C−C bond formation steps.
Exploring the Connection between Teacher Training and Teacher Cognitions Related to L2 Pronunciation Instruction
Authors: Kochem Tim 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn recent years, research into the learning of pronunciation pedagogy and its effects on a teacher’s capacity to provide effective pronunciation instruction has been steadily growing. Nevertheless, a prominent puzzle piece still remains uncovered: the direct effect that coursework has on a trainee’s ability to deliver effective instruction. To address this gap, the current study explores the development of second language teacher cognitions and actual teaching practices in a tutoring project, which serves as the capstone assignment for a graduate course in pronunciation pedagogy. Semi‐structured interviews, stimulated recalls, written reflections, and tutoring observations were used to explore the intricate connection between training and practices. Findings suggest that controlled activities made up the majority of the trainees’ techniques. Trainees requested more in‐class practice with creating and conducting free activities, as these were viewed as the toughest technique. Also, this study found one predominant connection which the tutoring project brought to light: the trainees’ use of the communicative framework (Celce‐Murcia, Brinton, Goodwin, & Griner, 2010) as an ‘order of operations’. These results highlight the importance of training in pronunciation pedagogy which includes a hands‐on experience.
a) Switzerland: Extreme Positive Case Study (Worldwide)
Authors: García Portilla Jason 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHistorically, Switzerland’s population and cantonal system have been characterised by mixed denominational distribution (Roman Catholics and Protestants). Even if the two main denominations have not always coexisted harmoniously, and despite internal differences, Switzerland is nowadays the most competitive (prosperous) country worldwide with well-recognised political, economic, and social stability.The Swiss case explored the nexuses of prosperity and of a religiously mixed society in which the Protestant Reformation played a prominent historical role in shaping federal institutions. Following the 1848 anti-clerical Constitution, many Conservative Catholics remained in mountainous and rural areas, in an attempt to keep the ancient order. The Catholic ancient order included maintaining the pervasive influence of the Roman Church-State on virtually every moral and social aspect, including education (i.e. the “maintenance of ignorance”). In turn, liberals and Protestants mostly remained in flat areas that were subsequently industrialised. Currently, the historical Protestant cantons tend to be the most competitive, and the mountainous Roman Catholic cantons the least competitive, in the Swiss Confederation. Historically mixed confessional cantons (e.g. Thurgau and St. Gallen) perform in the middle of the cantonal ranking of competitiveness (11th and 13th, respectively, out of 26 cantons). Protestantism in Switzerland may have also contributed to prosperity via democratisation, state secularism and the creation of trust and moral standards. Yet, the influence of Protestantism owes more to its accumulated historical impact on institutions than to the proportion of current followers.
Flavored leptogenesis and neutrino mass with A4 symmetry
Authors: Datta Arghyajit , Karmakar Biswajit , Sil Arunansu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We propose a minimal A4 flavor symmetric model, assisted by Z2× Z3 symmetry, which can naturally takes care of the appropriate lepton mixing and neutrino masses via Type-I seesaw. It turns out that the framework, originated due to a specific flavor structure, favors the normal hierarchy of light neutrinos and simultaneously narrows down the range of Dirac CP violating phase. It predicts an interesting correlation between the atmospheric mixing angle and the Dirac CP phase too. While the flavor structure indicates an exact degeneracy of the right-handed neutrino masses, renormalization group running of the same from a high scale is shown to make it quasi-degenerate and a successful flavor leptogenesis takes place within the allowed parameter space obtained from neutrino phenomenology.
AdS one-loop partition functions from bulk and edge characters
Authors: Sun Zimo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We show that the one-loop partition function of any higher spin field in (d + 1)-dimensional Anti-de Sitter spacetime can be expressed as an integral transform of an SO(2, d) bulk character and an SO(2, d − 2) edge character. We apply this character integral formula to various higher-spin Vasiliev gravities and find miraculous (almost) cancellations between bulk and edge characters that lead to agreement with the predictions of HS/CFT holography. We also discuss the relation between the character integral representation and the Rindler-AdS thermal partition function.
Folding orthosymplectic quivers
Authors: Bourget Antoine , Grimminger Julius F. , Hanany Amihay , Kalveks Rudolph , Sperling Marcus , Zhong Zhenghao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Folding identical legs of a simply-laced quiver creates a quiver with a non-simply laced edge. So far, this has been explored for quivers containing unitary gauge groups. In this paper, orthosymplectic quivers are folded, giving rise to a new family of quivers. This is realised by intersecting orientifolds in the brane system. The monopole formula for these non-simply laced orthosymplectic quivers is introduced. Some of the folded quivers have Coulomb branches that are closures of minimal nilpotent orbits of exceptional algebras, thus providing a new construction of these fundamental moduli spaces. Moreover, a general family of folded orthosymplectic quivers is shown to be a new magnetic quiver realisation of Higgs branches of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theories. The Hasse (phase) diagrams of certain families are derived via quiver subtraction as well as Kraft-Procesi transitions in the brane system.
A chiral model for sterile neutrino
Authors: Liu Chun , Reyimuaji Yakefu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A model, which extends the standard model with a new chiral U(1)′ gauge symmetry sector, for the eV-mass sterile neutrino is constructed. It is basically fixed by anomaly free conditions. The lightness of the sterile neutrino has a natural explanation. As a by product, this model provides a WIMP-like dark matter candidate.
Searching for continuous phase transitions in 5D SU(2) lattice gauge theory
Authors: Florio Adrien , Lopes João M. Viana P. , Matos José , Penedones João 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We study the phase diagram of 5-dimensional SU(2) Yang-Mills theory on the lattice. We consider two extensions of the fundamental plaquette Wilson action in the search for the continuous phase transition suggested by the 4 + ϵ expansion. The extensions correspond to new terms in the action: i) a unit size plaquette in the adjoint representation or ii) a two-unit sided square plaquette in the fundamental representation. We use Monte Carlo to sample the first and second derivative of the entropy near the confinement phase transition, with lattices up to 125. While we exclude the presence of a second order phase transition in the parameter space we sampled for model i), our data is not conclusive in some regions of the parameter space of model ii).
The jumping spider Saitis barbipes lacks a red photoreceptor to see its own sexually dimorphic red coloration
Authors: Glenszczyk Mateusz , Outomuro David , Gregorič Matjaž , Kralj-Fišer Simona , Schneider Jutta M. , Nilsson Dan-Eric , Morehouse Nathan I. , Tedore Cynthia 
Published: December 2021

AbstractExamining the role of color in mate choice without testing what colors the study animal is capable of seeing can lead to ill-posed hypotheses and erroneous conclusions. Here, we test the seemingly reasonable assumption that the sexually dimorphic red coloration of the male jumping spiderSaitis barbipesis distinguishable, by females, from adjacent black color patches. Using microspectrophotometry, we find clear evidence for photoreceptor classes with maximal sensitivity in the UV (359 nm) and green (526 nm), inconclusive evidence for a photoreceptor maximally sensitive in the blue (451 nm), and no evidence for a red photoreceptor. No colored filters within the lens or retina could be found to shift green sensitivity to red. To quantify and visualize whether females may nevertheless be capable of discriminating red from black color patches, we take multispectral images of males and calculate photoreceptor excitations and color contrasts between color patches. Red patches would be, at best, barely discriminable from black, and not discriminable from a low-luminance green. Some color patches that appear achromatic to human eyes, such as beige and white, strongly absorb UV wavelengths and would appear as brighter “spider-greens” toS. barbipesthan the red color patches. Unexpectedly, we discover an iridescent UV patch that contrasts strongly with the UV-absorbing surfaces dominating the rest of the spider. We propose that red and black coloration may serve identical purposes in sexual signaling, functioning to generate strong achromatic contrast with the visual background. The potential functional significance of red coloration outside of sexual signaling is discussed.
Sorghum in dryland: morphological, physiological, and molecular responses of sorghum under drought stress
Authors: Abreha Kibrom B. , Enyew Muluken , Carlsson Anders S. , Vetukuri Ramesh R. , Feyissa Tileye , Motlhaodi Tiny , Ng’uni Dickson , Geleta Mulatu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Main conclusion
Droughts negatively affect sorghum’s productivity and nutritional quality. Across its diversity centers, however, there exist resilient genotypes that function differently under drought stress at various levels, including molecular and physiological.

Abstract
Sorghum is an economically important and a staple food crop for over half a billion people in developing countries, mostly in arid and semi-arid regions where drought stress is a major limiting factor. Although sorghum is generally considered tolerant, drought stress still significantly hampers its productivity and nutritional quality across its major cultivation areas. Hence, understanding both the effects of the stress and plant response is indispensable for improving drought tolerance of the crop. This review aimed at enhancing our understanding and provide more insights on drought tolerance in sorghum as a contribution to the development of climate resilient sorghum cultivars. We summarized findings on the effects of drought on the growth and development of sorghum including osmotic potential that impedes germination process and embryonic structures, photosynthetic rates, and imbalance in source-sink relations that in turn affect seed filling often manifested in the form of substantial reduction in grain yield and quality. Mechanisms of sorghum response to drought-stress involving morphological, physiological, and molecular alterations are presented. We highlighted the current understanding about the genetic basis of drought tolerance in sorghum, which is important for maximizing utilization of its germplasm for development of improved cultivars. Furthermore, we discussed interactions of drought with other abiotic stresses and biotic factors, which may increase the vulnerability of the crop or enhance its tolerance to drought stress. Based on the research reviewed in this article, it appears possible to develop locally adapted cultivars of sorghum that are drought tolerant and nutrient rich using modern plant breeding techniques.
Promise, premise, and reality: the case of voluntary environmental non-migration despite climate risks in coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Ahsan Md. Nasif , Khatun Fatema , Kumar Pankaj , Dasgupta Rajarshi , Johnson Brian Alan , Shaw Rajib 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Despite confronting severe climatic risks, many people prefer to remain in climate hazard-prone areas rather than migrate. Environmental non-migration behavior, however, has gained relatively little research attention in the field of migration processes. This study aims to unveil the determinants motivating voluntary environmental non-migration decisions in coastal Bangladesh, an area highly exposed to flooding and other climate-related hazards (e.g., soil salinization). Applying a systematic random sampling, we selected 556 household respondents for a questionnaire survey from 14 villages of two coastal districts: Khulna and Satkhira. Applying a mixed method (i.e., both quantitative and qualitative) approach, major empirical results of this study suggest that even though all respondents lived in a similar situation in terms of climatic hazard and exposure, 88% of the respondents reported themselves as voluntary non-migrants. Furthermore, these non-migrants enjoyed higher socioeconomic and sociopsychological advantages and availed more local support from different government and non-government organizations than involuntary non-migrants. Again, mutual assistance, connection with social groups, natural resource access, sense of secured livelihood, stable societal atmosphere, and participation in decision-making in society appeared to build their higher degree of social capital $$({\chi }^{2}\left(4\right)=57.80;p<0.000)$$

(

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2

4

=
57.80
;
p
<
0.000
)

compared to involuntary non-migrants. All these features lead to a favorable environment that ultimately drove the respondents to become voluntary non-migrants.
European Technological Sovereignty: An Emerging Framework for Policy Strategy
Authors: Crespi Francesco , Caravella Serenella , Menghini Mirko , Salvatori Chiara 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 crisis has revealed the deep technological and production dependencies of the EU on third countries in sectors deemed as particularly strategic and has thus fuelled the debate on (the lack of) European technological sovereignty in critical fields. This article argues that in the light of a renewed interest in relaunching a European industrial policy, technological sovereignty considerations must be fully incorporated into policy objectives and instruments.
Nonlinear Young’s Modulus of New Red Sandstone: Experimental Studies
Authors: Riabokon Evgenii , Poplygin Vladimir , Turbakov Mikhail , Kozhevnikov Evgenii , Kobiakov Dmitrii , Guzev Mikhail , Wiercigroch Marian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractYoung’s modulus of New Red Sandstone was investigated experimentally to gain insight into its nonlinear nature. A large experimental programme was carried out by applying a controllable quasi-static and dynamic uniaxial loading to 286 dry sandstone samples of four different sizes. The static and dynamic tests, similar to those aiming at determining the uniaxial compressive strength, were conducted using the state-of-the-art experimental facilities at the University of Aberdeen including a custom-built small experimental rig for inducing a dynamic uniaxial compressive load via a piezoelectric transducer. The obtained results have confirmed a complex nature of Young’s modulus of sandstone. Specifically, under a harmonic dynamic loading, it shows strongly nonlinear behaviour, which is hardening and softening with respect to frequency and amplitude of the dynamic loading, respectively.
Informal Supporters of Elder Abuse Victims: Who Are They and What Is Their Experience Seeking Help?
Authors: Fraga Dominguez Silvia , Storey Jennifer E. , Glorney Emily 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study examined the characteristics and experiences of informal supporters of elder abuse victims, including family members, friends, and neighbors—referred to as concerned persons. The researchers utilized secondary data from a UK national elder abuse helpline to investigate the profile and help-seeking experiences (including the impact of helping) of concerned persons reporting abuse to the helpline. The researchers focused on one year of data (2017–2018), and 1623 records met inclusion criteria. Of these, 1352 were reported by a concerned person, and descriptive statistics are provided to describe this sample. The help-seeking experience was investigated using qualitative content analysis. Concerned persons were primarily female family members, often adult children of the victim and siblings of the perpetrator. They faced barriers to helping the victim, particularly in relation to formal services. Many also reported impact as a result of knowing about the abuse or helping the victim; particularly to their mental health and their relationship with the victim. Findings indicate that concerned persons often face substantial barriers and negative impact when they support elder abuse victims. There is a need to advance research on concerned persons and identify ways of effectively supporting them, given their essential role in facilitating elder abuse victims’ access to formal services.