bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on the Fatigue Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Using Phosphogypsum Whisker as Substitute Filler
Authors: Yin Peng , Pan Baofeng , Liu Yue 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aims to promote the resource utilization of solid waste in asphalt pavements and improve its fatigue performance. For this, phosphogypsum whisker (PSW) was used as a substitute filler to prepare asphalt mixture. Through pavement performance tests and four‐point bending test, the effects of different filler types and substitution ratios on the pavement performance and fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures were investigated. On this basis, the phenomenological method was used to further construct the fatigue performance prediction model. The results indicate that PSW can effectively enhance the high temperature performance and moisture stability of the mixtures but has an adverse effect on low temperature performance. Additionally, the enhancement effect of PSW on pavement performance is more significant than PC42.5 cement (PCC). Both PSW and PCC can enhance the fatigue performance of the mixtures, with PSW exhibiting a more pronounced effect, and the incorporation of substitute fillers helps to curb the degradation trend in fatigue performance. Comparative studies indicate that the error rate of prediction model for various mixtures is significantly below 5%, with low volatility in the prediction results. Furthermore, the variance analysis results reveal that strain has a more pronounced impact on the fatigue performance of the mixtures.
Chromosomal rearrangements associated with SMC5/6 deficiency in DNA replication
Authors: Kusano Yoshiharu , Kinugasa Yasuha , Tashiro Satoshi , Hirota Toru 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCompletion of DNA replication before chromosome segregation is essential for the stable maintenance of the genome. Under replication stress, DNA synthesis may persist beyond S phase, especially in genomic regions that are difficult to proceed with the replication processes. Incomplete replication in mitosis emerges as non‐disjoined segment in mitotic chromosomes leading to anaphase bridges. The resulting chromosome rearrangements are not well characterized, however. Here, we report that incomplete replication due to SMC5/6 deficiency impairs sister chromatid disjunction at difficult‐to‐replicate regions, including common fragile sites. These non‐disjoined regions manifest as cytologically defined symmetric gaps, causing anaphase bridges. These bridges break at the gaps, leading to telomere loss, micronucleation, and fragmentation. Subsequently, fusions between telomere‐deficient chromosomes generate complex chromosomal rearrangements, including dicentric chromosomes, suggesting the occurrence of breakage‐fusion‐bridge cycle. Additionally, chromosomes in micronuclei were pulverized, indicative of chromothripsis. Our findings suggest that incomplete replication facilitates complex chromosomal rearrangements, which may contribute to genomic instability in human cancers.
Les effets du salaire minimum sur l'effort de formation au Brésil
Authors: MARIONI Larissa da Silva 
Published: November 2024

RésuméL'autrice analyse l'impact du salaire minimum absolu et du salaire minimum relatif sur la prime à la qualification et l'effort de formation en cours d'emploi. Utilisant des données administratives relatives au secteur formel brésilien entre 2006 et 2013, elle tient compte de la variation des prix entre États et périodes pour appréhender l'impact du salaire minimum national. Elle constate que le salaire minimum absolu réduit la prime à la qualification et a, en moyenne, un effet négatif sur la formation, en particulier au bas de l'échelle des salaires. En revanche, le salaire minimum relatif augmente cette prime pour les plus diplômés et n'a pas d'effet significatif sur l'effort de formation moyen. Ses effets semblent cependant différer selon le niveau de la distribution considéré.
Response of Durum Wheat Cultivars to Climate Change in a Mediterranean Environment: Trends of Weather and Crop Variables at the Turn of 21st Century
Authors: Rossini Angelo , Ruggeri Roberto , Belocchi Andreina , Rossini Francesco 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTA better comprehension and analysis of climate impacts on crop traits allows the implementation of more appropriate adaptation strategies and, therefore, a higher resilience of the future cropping systems. The aims of this study were: (i) to assess how the climate changed in the last 32 years in a Mediterranean‐type climate, (ii) to understand how crop traits evolved over time in early and late durum wheat cultivars and (iii) to highlight which weather variables mostly affected the performances of diverse durum wheat varieties. To investigate this, a 32‐year period (i.e., 1989–2020) was analysed, detecting possible significant trends of weather variables (e.g., air temperatures, precipitations, solar radiation) and crop traits (e.g., earliness, yield, yield components and test weight) over time in Viterbo, central Italy. Eight durum wheat varieties (4 early and 4 late cultivars) were chosen from the most used in that location. A clear upward trend of the monthly maximum air temperature during the entire growing season was revealed (0.12°C–0.21°C per year), while rainfall displayed a significant trend only for February and March. Days to heading and number of spikes per unit area showed a significant downward trend moving towards 2020. Anticipation of heading date was much more pronounced in the late cultivars than in the early ones, so that the difference between the two groups was reduced from about 10 days of 1989 to less than 6 days of 2020. Grain yield stagnated around 5 t ha−1 with late varieties that proved to be as good producers as the early ones. Test weight and thousand kernel weight showed a slight increase over time. Maximum temperatures of February and March exerted a considerable influence in reducing time to heading (0.7–3.4 days for each additional°C), while the maximum temperature of May was detrimental for grain yield (−180 to −270 kg ha−1 for each additional °C). Our study identified two weak points in the current durum wheat cultivation: (i) phenology is being more and more similar among modern cultivars; (ii) the number of spikes per unit area dramatically decreased in the last 30 years. Therefore, beside greater genetic diversity, a new agronomic approach, especially from seeding to the end of the tillering stage, will be required to cope with durum cultivation in the future climate scenario of the Mediterranean. The outputs of our analysis add precious information on the comprehension of climate change effects on Mediterranean cropping systems and can guide either the decision making for the management of durum wheat or its breeding activity for the future.
Chemical Fingerprint Analysis of Volatile Components in Batocera horsfieldi Host Plants and Its Correlation With Climate Factors
Authors: Wei Xinju , Xu Danping , Liu Zhiqian , Zhuo Zhihang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBatocera horsfieldi is a major wood‐boring pest in China's timber and economic forests, belonging to the order Coleoptera and the family Cerambycidae. This study headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to analyse the volatile components of B. horsfieldi supplementary feeding host plants, and fingerprint profiles were established. The results revealed that the five plants contained 21, 18, 22, 16 and 17 volatile compounds, mostly terpenes, aldehydes and alcohols, along with trace amounts of furans, ketones and ethers. The terpene compounds were mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The results of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were consistent. Five common peaks were identified in these host plants, with (E)‐2‐hexenal, caryophyllene, (E)‐cinnamaldehyde, nonanal, and 3,7‐dimethyl‐1,6‐octadien‐3‐ol being the shared volatile components among the five plants. The mantel test, correlation analysis and grey relational analysis indicated that temperature and precipitation are important factors affecting the content of volatile components. These analytical results provide a basis for using plant volatiles as attractants to control B. horsfieldi.
Cold Plasma and Pulsed Light Inactivates Escherichia coli O157: H7 in Romaine Lettuce and Preserves Produce Quality
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sudarsan , Niemira Brendan A. , Ukuku Dike O. , Olanya Ocen M. , Boyd Glenn , Jin Zhonglin T. , Fan Xuetong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTFresh produce safety is important for consumer health. Intervention technologies that can lessen the pathogen threat and produce contamination is needed. In this research, cold plasma (CP), pulsed light (PL) and their combinations were assessed for inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Romaine lettuce. The effects of treatment on native microflora and sensory attributes of lettuce was also determined. An inoculum of multiple E. coli O157:H7 strains was employed for this study. Lettuce leaves were spot inoculated and then treated with PL (1–60 s), CP (15–60 s) or their optimized treatment combinations. A 30 s treatment with PL (fluence dose of 31.5 J/cm2), was optimum which provided 2.7 log CFU/g reduction of the pathogen, while 45 s treatment of CP was optimum, that delivered 2.1 log CFU/g log reduction. Combinations of PL and CP treatments were investigated for enhanced inactivation. For PL‐CP combination, inoculated lettuce was treated with PL for 30 s followed by 45 s of CP exposure. While for CP‐PL combination, treatments sequences were 45 s of CP treatment followed by 30 s PL treatment. Both combination treatments, PL‐CP and CP‐PL, resulted in synergistic inactivation of E. coli cells with > 5 log reductions of the pathogen. These combination treatments significantly (p < 0.05) reduced native microbiota and slowed their growth during storage. Additionally, treatment effects on lettuce quality was not adversely impacted. PL and CP are both non‐aqueous, sustainable technologies. This study demonstrated that integration of PL and CP technology can enhance microbial safety and preserve quality of Romaine lettuce.
Clostridioides difficile infection increases in‐hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital cost but not 30‐day mortality in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Jaroenlapnopparat Aunchalee , Prasitsumrit Vitchapong , Ponvilawan Ben , Waitayangkoon Palapun , Charoenngam Nipith 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and AimClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of nosocomial infection and is associated with both higher morbidity and mortality. Cirrhotic patients are more susceptible to CDI because of impaired gut immune response, use of proton pump inhibitor, and frequent hospitalization. We aim to investigate the impact of CDI on cirrhotic patients' in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality, length of stay, and hospital cost.MethodsPotentially eligible studies were identified from Embase, Medline, and Web of Sciences databases.ResultsA total of 2320 articles were identified. After reviewing, nine studies reporting in‐hospital mortality and three reporting 30‐day mortality of cirrhotic patients with CDI versus those without CDI were included. The meta‐analysis of nine studies, consisting of 7 746 126 patients, revealed a significant association between CDI and in‐hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients with the pooled OR of 1.68 (95% CI 1.29–1.85, I2 94%). Length of stay and hospital cost were also higher in the CDI group (pooled MD of 6.56 days [95% CI 5.75–7.36, I2 94%] and 27.85 (×$1000) [95% CI 10.41–45.29, I2 100%], respectively). The funnel plots for the meta‐analysis of the association between CDI and in‐hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization cost were not suggestive of publication bias. From three studies consisting of 3694 patients, we found that CDI was not associated with 30‐day mortality in cirrhotic patients (pooled OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.75–2.24, I2 74%).ConclusionCDI is associated with increased in‐hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital costs, but not with 30‐day mortality in cirrhotic patients.
An Economic and Reliable PCR Approach to Distinguish the Primary Pathogens Armillaria mellea and A. ostoyae From Other European Armillaria Species
Authors: Cornejo Carolina , Kupper Quirin , Queloz Valentin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTArmillaria is a soil‐borne genus of basidiomycetes whose species can cause stem and root rot in woody plants. The effects of plant‐pathogenic Armillaria species are well known in forests, but are underestimated in urban areas, where cases causing damage to trees and shrubs in green spaces have been steadily increasing in Switzerland since the 1980s. In this study, we present a simple, rapid, and cost‐effective protocol for high‐throughput diagnostics of the two primary pathogens A. mellea and A. ostoyae based on partial PCR amplification of the RPB2 gene. The specificity and sensitivity of the presented duplex PCR‐I and single‐plex PCR‐II were evaluated using different methods: (i) testing both PCRs on tree pathogenic or soil‐borne fungi of genera other than Armillaria, (ii) using dilution series of Armillaria‐DNA to determine a minimum detection limit, and (iii) sequencing the selected RPB2 region to verify the primer sequences and positions. The utility of PCR‐I and PCR‐II as a high‐throughput method was successfully tested on 65 DNA samples of Armillaria from Switzerland. Finally, an uninvolved person compared both classical methods, pairing test and sequencing, with PCR‐I and PCR‐II in a blind test. This study provides a reliable and alternative protocol for the rapid diagnosis of A. mellea and A. ostoyae causing root rot of woody plants.
A small antimicrobial peptide derived from a Burkholderia bacterium exhibits a broad‐spectrum and high inhibiting activities against crop diseases
Authors: Mohamed Gamarelanbia , Ji Ao , Cao Xinyu , Islam Md. Samiul , Hassan Mohamed F. , Zhao Yang , Lan Xing , Dong Wubei , Wu Hongqu , Xu Wenxing 
Published: November 2024

SummaryCrop diseases cause significant quality and yield losses to global crop products each year and are heavily controlled by chemicals along with very limited antibiotics composed of small molecules. However, these methods often result in environmental pollution and pest resistance, necessitating the development of new bio‐controlling products to mitigate these hazards. To identify effective antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) considered as potential sources of future antibiotics, AMPs were screened from five bacterial strains showing antagonism against a representative phytopathogenic fungus (Rhizoctonia Solani) through the Bacillus subtilis expression system, which has been developed for identifying bacterial AMPs by displaying autolysis morphologies. A total of 5000 colonies were screened, and five displaying autolysis morphologies showed antagonism against R. solani. A novel AMP with the strongest antagonism efficiency was determined and tentatively named HR2‐7, which is composed of 24 amino acids with an alpha‐helical structure. HR2‐7 has strong and broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity, tested against 10 g‐positive and ‐negative bacteria and four phytopathogenic fungi by contact culture in plates with minimal lethal concentrations of 4.0 μM. When applied as purified peptide or in fermented B. subtilis culture solution, HR2‐7 showed strong controlling efficiency on plants against diverse fungal and bacterial pathogens. Based on current understanding, HR2‐7 is recognized as the first AMP derived from an agricultural antagonistic bacterium. It exhibits wide‐ranging and notable antimicrobial efficacy, offering a supplementary approach for managing plant diseases, in addition to conventional chemical pesticides and antibiotics.
Determination of S‐Allele Combination in an Italian Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) Germplasm Core Collection
Authors: Alessandri Sara , De Franceschi Paolo , Alvisi Nicolò , Dondini Luca 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAn S‐RNase‐based gametophytic self‐incompatibility (GSI) system, a mechanism that forces outbreeding by preventing self‐fertilization, characterizes the genus Malus. Knowledge of the self‐incompatibility (S) genotypes of apple cultivars is crucial for choosing pollen donors for fruit production and breeding. Even though the S‐allele of most commercial apple cultivars has already been identified, limited information is available about the S‐allele diversity within local germplasm collections. In this study, 67 S‐allele combinations of local apple accessions were identified. The allele S3 was the most common among local apple accessions followed by S1 and S7. The main aim of this study is to provide new information on cultivar compatibility, and these results will be used to set up new parent selection in apple breeding programmes as well as pollinator selection for the commercial orchard.
Clerodendrum trichotomum Extract Attenuates UV‐B‐Induced Skin Impairment in Hairless Mice by Inhibiting MAPK Signaling
Authors: Kim Ki Mo , Im A‐Rang , Shim Ki‐Shuk , Lee A. Yeong , Kim Taesoo , Choi Sung‐a , Nam Kung‐Woo , Lee Sanghyun , Hyun Jin Won , Chae Sungwook 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundExposure to solar ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation significantly accelerates skin aging by inducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP‐1, leading to alterations in the extracellular matrix and consequent photoaging. Some plant components, renowned for their UV‐absorbing and antioxidative properties, show potential for mitigating photoaging by reducing UV‐B‐induced MMP levels. In this context, we explored the inhibitory effects of Clerodendrum trichotomum extract (CTE) on UV‐B‐induced skin damage.MethodsThe mechanism of CTE was predicted using network pharmacology approach. Also, antiaging efficacy was evaluated by mouse model and cellular system using human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa), including its modulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways.ResultsCTE effectively counters UV‐B‐induced skin damage, as evidenced by the suppression of MMP‐9 and MMP‐1 expression in mice. We found that each fraction and chemical constituents of CTE suppressed UV‐B‐induced MMP‐1 secretion in HEKa cells.ConclusionCTE inhibits UV‐B‐induced skin aging by partially suppressing MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 secretion via the modulation of MAPK signaling pathways.
Application and effectiveness of adaptive AI in elderly healthcare
Authors: Li Hsiao‐Hui , Liao Yuan‐Hsun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn addressing elderly healthcare issues, cognitive impairment can cause significant disruptions in daily life and may potentially develop into dementia. Thus, finding ways to delay the progression of cognitive impairment is a critical issue.MethodsThis study aims to develop an adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) mechanism that creates enjoyable and beneficial content to help delay cognitive impairment in the elderly. Utilising virtual reality (VR) and a fishing game, the design enhances reaction time and attention through interactive fishing activities. The AI personalises content based on individual performance to improve cognitive function.ResultsExperimental results showed that adaptive AI increased participant satisfaction from 86.84 to 91.05 points and future willingness from 75.26 to 85.68 points. The number of fish caught rose from 98 to 120, with the average per participant increasing from 2.64 to 2.85.ConclusionsThis is undoubtedly the trend of the future. VR allows the elderly to have a more impactful and memorable first experience, while AI dynamically adjusts the game's difficulty based on the elderly's performance, addressing the issue of reduced willingness to continue due to inappropriate game difficulty. The VR game developed in this study is designed to be relaxing and incorporates mechanisms to promote the elderly's health. It is not restricted by location or time and, more importantly, meets the health promotion needs of the elderly.
Political accountability and social equity in public budgeting: Examining the role of local institutions
Authors: Wei Wenchi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper examines how local institutions in U.S. municipalities can affect budget allocations for socially disadvantaged groups, specifically focusing on eight key institutions related to electoral rules, power dynamics, and bureaucratic authority. Additionally, we develop a composite index to assess the overall level of (de)politicization within the local institutional framework. Theoretically, local institutions can shape public officials’ political accountability and administrative discretion during policy processes, thereby influencing their decision‐making on budget allocations. Empirical analyses primarily use data from ICMA's multiround national surveys and employ the historical background of municipalities as an instrumental variable (IV) to address potential endogeneity problems associated with local institutions. We find that local institutions that strengthen politicians’ political accountability to citizens lead to greater budget allocations for redistributive social welfare, thereby fostering social equity in public budgeting. Conversely, the institutions that enhance the authority of senior bureaucrats negatively affect budget allocations for redistributive social welfare.
Cultural group diversity and team performance: The importance of international employees
Authors: Wang Guan‐Yuan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the ongoing debates regarding performance disparities between homogeneous and heterogeneous teams, we examine team dynamics within the National Basketball Association to provide insights into this issue. Utilizing Shannon entropy, we measure the cultural diversity of player nationalities within each team. Through panel data modeling with interactive and mediating effects, we empirically investigate the impact of workforce diversity on team performance. Our findings reveal that diversity influences team success through both offensive performance and defensive effort. Importantly, our results highlight a positive relationship between team heterogeneity and win percentages, underscoring the advantages of diversity in enhancing overall team performance.
T
1
-Positions of Four-Bar Linkages
Authors: Chugh Tanya , Rama Krishna K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper deals with the hitherto unexplored problem of determining the T1-positions of the first-kind of the coupler link for all types of 4R four-bar linkages. Geometrical proofs for the existence and number of T1-positions are given based on geometrical inequalities. The number of T1-positions are enumerated for each circuit and branch of all types of linkages. Analytical as well as geometric methods for the determination of the configuration of the linkage at an asymptotic configuration are also presented. T1-positions of a 3R1P four-bar linkage are also discussed.
GPU-Accelerated Full-Wheel Large-Eddy Simulations of a Transonic Fan Stage
Authors: Wang Kan , Bose Sanjeeb , Ivey Christopher 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A single-stage transonic axial-flow fan is simulated using graphic processing unit (GPU)-accelerated wall-modeled large-eddy simulations. The computational meshes are generated using Voronoi diagram-based approach. Two types of mesh are employed for grid sensitivity study. The first type uses isotropic hexagonal close-packed (HCP) seeding whereas the second combines the background HCP mesh with anisotropic boundary-layer type of mesh around the blade surfaces. The effect of the rotor tip clearance is examined using a rotor-only configuration. The sweep of the performance curve at full rotation speed is carried out for both the rotor and the stage. The computational results are compared against the experimental measurement and excellent agreement is observed when adequate near-wall resolution is employed. The code performance of the GPU-accelerated solver is compared to the CPU-based version. The high throughput of the GPU solver significantly reduces the computational cost. On a mesh with 84 million control volumes, 10 rotor revolutions can be computed within 1 day using 20 GPUs.